Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CHARACTERISTICS OF AGRIPRENEURS IN SOUTHEAST EUROPE: GEM DATA ANALYSIS

This paper focuses on the factors that decisively influence the practice of agro-entrepreneurship in the early stages of the entrepreneur’s development (demographic, motivational and internationalization factors). The results showed that people who have left their studies are more inclined to start entrepreneurial ventures in the agro-sector than those who are employed full-time or part-time and those who are currently unemployed. It has been proven that older people are more likely to start a venture in this sector. The size of the household proved to be a statistically significant determinant, in the sense that a larger number of household members increases the chances that a person will start a venture. Motives of necessity proved to be key motives for agro-entrepreneurs in the early stages of their development. It has been confirmed that entrepreneurs in the agrosector in the early stages of development do their business predominantly within the borders of the national economy.
The Usage of Screen-Level Parameters and Microwave Brightness Temperature for Soil Moisture Analysis

Abstract This study focuses on testing two different soil moisture analysis systems based on screen-level parameters (2-m temperature T2m, 2-m relative humidity RH2m) and 1.4-GHz passive microwave brightness temperatures TB. First, a simplified extended Kalman filter (EKF) system is compared with an optimal interpolation (OI) method assimilating screen-level parameters in a single-column version of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) numerical weather prediction model. In the second part of this study, the EKF is applied to investigate whether the synergy of T2m, RH2m, and additionally TB in an assimilation framework improves the simulated soil moisture and atmospheric parameters. For a summer period (130 days) during the First International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project (ISLSCP) Field Experiment (FIFE) 1987 it is shown that the OI and EKF analysis systems give similar results. Both systems distinguish consistently between periods of atmospheric and surface-controll.
Dercum's Disease: A Rare Disease of Painful Fatty Lumps

Dercum's disease is a rare and poorly understood condition characterized by painful subcutaneous adipose tissue growth that can occur anywhere beneath the skin surface. We present the case of a 27-year-old man with no significant medical history who had been experiencing painful subcutaneous nodules for two years. Skin biopsy revealed the proliferation of mature adipocytes that were surrounded by fibrous septa. There are currently no treatments approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for Dercum's disease, and the effectiveness of treatments that have been attempted is variable.
Farmers perception on excreta reuse for peri-urban agriculture in southern Ghana

Ghana lags behind the Millennium Development Goals’ target for sanitation, despite widespread effort by the central government. Most households in peri-urban communities in Ghana lack improved sanitation facilities, and access to faecal sludge disposal sites is also problematic. This study investigates farmers’ attitude and perception toward excreta reuse for peri-urban agriculture in Shai-Osudoku district, Ghana. Data were collected on 400 randomly selected respondents using questionnaires and focus group discussions. The study found that a majority of the respondents ‘disagree’ that excreta are a waste and are willing to use excreta as fertilizer, although a majority ‘agrees’ that excreta can pose health risks. Perceptions toward excreta reuse for agricultural purpose however differ among households. There is the need for more open discussions on the benefits and risks of excreta reuse in agriculture; this could help enrich farmers’ knowledge on the appropriate use of excreta as fertilizer. Further research on the factors that influence farmers’ decision to use excreta as fertilizer and their perceptions on the health risks is recommended. Key words: Sanitation, excreta reuse, farmers’ perception, peri-urban agriculture, Ghana.
Serum metabolomics identified specific lipid compounds which may serve as markers of disease progression in patients with Alström and Bardet-Biedl syndromes

Objectives: Alström syndrome (ALMS) and Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) are among the so-called ciliopathies and are associated with the development of multiple systemic abnormalities, including early childhood obesity and progressive neurodegeneration. Given the progressive deterioration of patients’ quality of life, in the absence of defined causal treatment, it seems reasonable to identify the metabolic background of these diseases and search for their progression markers. The aim of this study was to find metabolites characteristic to ALMS and BBS, correlating with clinical course parameters, and related to the diseases progression. Methods: Untargeted metabolomics of serum samples obtained from ALMS and BBS patients (study group; n = 21) and obese/healthy participants (control group; each of 35 participants; n = 70) was performed using LC-QTOF-MS method at the study onset and after 4 years of follow-up. Results: Significant differences in such metabolites as valine, acylcarnitines, sphingomyelins, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylcholines, as well as lysophosphatidylethanolamines and lysophosphatidylcholines were observed when the study group was compared to both control groups. After a follow-up of the study group, mainly changes in the levels of lysophospholipids and phospholipids (including oxidized phospholipids) were noted. In addition, in case of ALMS/BBS patients, correlations were observed between selected phospholipids and glucose metabolism parameters. We also found correlations of several LPEs with patients’ age (p < 0.05), but the level of only one of them (hexacosanoic acid) correlated negatively with age in the ALMS/BBS group, but positively in the other groups. Conclusion: Patients with ALMS/BBS have altered lipid metabolism compared to controls or obese subjects. As the disease progresses, they show elevated levels of lipid oxidation products, which may suggest increased oxidative stress. Selected lipid metabolites may be considered as potential markers of progression of ALMS and BBS syndromes.
Rehydroxylation (RHX) dating of archaeological pottery

We show that the rehydroxylation (RHX) method can be used to date archaeological pottery, and give the first RHX dates for three disparate items of excavated material. These are in agreement with independently assigned dates. We define precisely the mass components of the ceramic material before, during and after dehydroxylation. These include the masses of three types of water present in the sample: capillary water, weakly chemisorbed molecular water and chemically combined RHX water. We describe the main steps of the RHX dating process: sample preparation, drying, conditioning, reheating and measurement of RHX mass gain. We propose a statistical criterion for isolating the RHX component of the measured mass gain data after reheating and demonstrate how to calculate the RHX age. An effective lifetime temperature (ELT) is defined, and we show how this is related to the temperature history of a sample. The ELT is used to adjust the RHX rate constant obtained at the measurement temperature to the effective lifetime value used in the RHX age calculation. Our results suggest that RHX has the potential to be a reliable and technically straightforward method of dating archaeological pottery, thus filling a long-standing gap in dating methods.
Effect of black jelly mushroom (Auricularia polytricha) and olive oil as fat
replacers on the physicochemical and microstructural properties of chicken
meat emulsion

Black jelly mushroom (BJM) is particularly low in fat, high in fibre, and packed with many antioxidants, antimicrobials and minerals while having unique soaking characteristics and a gel-like texture, while olive oil (OO) contains high monounsaturated fatty acids where both have the potential to be used as fat replacers in meat products. This study evaluated the effect of the replacement of chicken skin (CS) at various percentages (0%, 25%, 50% and 100%) of black jelly mushroom and olive oil on the physicochemical and microstructural properties of chicken meat emulsion. Emulsions with 100% CS (Control), 50% CS + 50% OO, 50% CS + 50% BJM, 50% CS + 25% OO + 25% BJM, 100% OO and 100% BJM were developed. The pH value, cooking loss, protein content, carbohydrate content, textural properties and shear force of all fat-replaced samples were comparable to the control. The most positive results were demonstrated in the emulsion with 100% BJM, which had lower fat content (1.31±0.84%) and better emulsion stability (%TEF:7.97±4.16%, %EFAT:12.97±6.53%), water-holding capacity (86.67±3.06%), and moisture content (76.69±2.13%). The colour profiles of the BJM-incorporated samples had higher redness and the OO-incorporated sample had higher lightness and yellowness. The micrographs revealed a harmonious distribution of fat droplets and mushroom particles in all samples' protein matrices. In conclusion, the black jelly mushroom is capable to be used as a fat replacer in producing low-fat meat emulsion, and its incorporation at 100% level has the highest potential.
Determination of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) and Antibacterial Activities of Commercially Available Tanzanian Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

This paper presents the results of the antibacterial activity of green tea extract (Camellia sinensis) against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 708903). Quantitative and qualitative measurements of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have also been reported. The analysis by High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) revealed the presence of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in the green tea extracts ranging from 13.16 to 18.64 mg/g. Crude extracts GT 01–GT 03 inhibited a greater number of microorganisms and presented the lowest values of MIC against Staphylococcus aureus (0.625 mg/mL), Escherichia coli (0.625 mg/mL), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (1.25 mg/mL). Crude extract GT 04 presented the highest values of MIC against Staphylococcus aureus (1.25 mg/mL), Escherichia coli (1.25 mg/mL), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (2.5 mg/mL). This study demonstrates that the popular use of green tea can be an effective and sustainable alternative for the prevention and treatment of various bacterial infections. Keywords: Camellia sinensis, Antibacterial, Epigallocatechin gallate, HPTLC
Study on water use efficiency of spring corn under film hole furrow irrigation

Based on the characteristics of film hole irrigation,by making use of the results of orthogonal experiment,this paper analyzed water use efficiency and water consumption rule of spring corn under film hole furrow irrigation,and educed water consumption coefficients of film-mulched spring corn in different growing periods,so as to provide theoretical and technical basis to the widespread application of film hole furrow irrigation.
Pupil’s Decision-making Ability in the Context of Sustainable Development: Construction of a Typology of Decision-making Processes

Shaping one’s own everyday life in the sense of sustainable development (SD) and participating in corresponding social processes call for the ability to make decisions in terms of SD. To promote this ability, this article focuses on the question of how pupils make decisions in the context of SD and which types of decision-making processes (DMP) can be identified. To this end, 27 pupils from various Swiss German schools were interviewed in this study using the thinking-aloud method. The data were analysed according to the method of empirically grounded type construction by Kelle and Kluge. This resulted in five types of DMP. Differences were particularly evident in the formulation and consideration of several options for action as well as in weighing them up. The heterogeneity of DMP suggests that pupils’ decision-making ability can be optimally promoted and expanded through peer learning in the classroom.
Seasonal variations in the chemical and functional properties of starches from local and improved cassava varieties in high rainfall region of Nigeria

The aim was to investigate the chemical and functional properties of starches produced from 39 different cassava varieties (36 varieties resistant to cassava mosaic disease and three checks TMS 30572, 4(2) 1425 and 82/00058) in two planting seasons at the experimental farm of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Onne, Rivers State, Nigeria. Varieties screened showed significant seasonal and varietal differences (p<0.05) in all the properties over two harvesting seasons. Amylose content ranged from 19.25 to 25.08% in Year 1 and from 16.19 to 20.29% in Year 2; amylopectin ranged from 77.88 to 79.71% in Year 1 and from 80.75 to 83.71% in Year 2. Protein content ranged from 0.7 to 1.06% in Year 1 and from 0.06 to 0.34% in Year 2. Sugar content ranged from 0.39 to 1.45% in Year 1 and from 0.52 to 1.13 % in Year 2. Starch damage ranged from 0.81 to 1.67% in Year 1 and from 0.58 to 0.89% in Year 2. pH ranged from 3.73 to 6.88 in Year 1 and from 5.25 to 9.30 in Year 2. Moisture content ranged from 7.47 to 14.55% in Year 1 and from 7.51 to 15.52% in Year 2. Ash content ranged from 0.05 to 0.36% in Year 1 and from 0.03 to 0.77% in Year 2. Starch content ranged from 61.36 to 91.78% in Year 1 and from 64.67 to 84.21% for Year 2. Dispersibility ranged from 79.50 to 87% in Year 1 and from 79.50 to 85.50% in Year 2. Swelling power ranged from 10.91 to 17.47% in Year 1 and 8.57 to 14.28% in Year 2. Solubility index ranged from 4.68 to 26.36% in Year 1 and from 2.07 to 14.36% in Year 2. Color ranged from 85.05 to 94.49% in Year 1 and from 90.27 to 92.96% in Year 2. The study therefore showed significant genotypic and seasonal variations in the chemical and functional properties of native starches from cassava.
CROP WATER USE AND PRODUCTIVITY FOR PEPPER ( Capsicum frutescens ) PRODUCTION IN THE BONTANGA IRRIGATION SCHEME OF NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Pepper is one of the most important vegetable crops cultivate d in the Bontanga Irrigation Scheme during the dry season. The crop performance is sensitive to i rrigation practices; however, there is no adequate information on water productivity for the crops cultivat ed by the Scheme. The study was therefore conducted to determine the crop water use and p roductivity of pepper cultivated during the dry season. Historic dry season yields of pepper and crop manageme nt practice information were obtained from the Scheme whiles climatic data were obtained from the Meteorological Agency of Tamale for the determination of crop water requirement and crop water productivity. The results indicated that, pepper requires 545.5 mm of water for its growth , development and maturity and the average yield of fresh pepper fruits was 7.3 t/ha while the aver age water productivity was 1.33 kg/m 3 in the Scheme. Efficient water application with proper irri gation schedule would bring about improve yield.
Chemistry and Mineralogy of Earth’s Mantle. Evidence for multiple diamondite-forming events in the mantle

Abstract A collection of 35 diamondite samples (polycrystalline diamond aggregates, sometimes referred to as framesites), assumed to be from southern Africa, have been studied to investigate their infrared (IR) spectroscopic characteristics. Due to the abundance of sub-micrometer, interlocking diamonds (polycrystalline) with mineral and fluid inclusions within the diamond material affecting their transparency, only fragments from 10 of the samples provided high-quality data. The IR spectra showed a wide range of generally high-nitrogen concentrations (386-2677 ppm), with a full range of nitrogen aggregation states, from pure IaA to pure IaB. Platelet characteristics were interpreted as being regular (i.e., not having been affected by deformation and/or heating events), meaning the nitrogen aggregation data could be interpreted with confidence. Surprisingly, the platelet data showed a positive correlation between their intensity (integrated area) and peak position. The primary hydrogen band (at 3107 cm-1) and secondary band (at 1405 cm) are both often present in the samples’ spectra, but show no correlation with any other characteristic. There is also no correlation between the samples’ paragenesis (as defined by their garnet chemistry) and any of the IR characteristics. While we have no independent determination of the samples mantle residence age, nor the temperature they resided at, we infer that diamondite formation has occurred episodically over a large time frame in single and distinct growth events (as opposed to over a short time frame but over a large depth/temperature range). This idea is more in keeping with the theory that C-O-H diamond- (and diamondite-) forming fluids are the result of localized small volume processes. Interestingly, one sample contained fluid inclusions that exhibited a water:carbonate molar ratio (~0.8), similar to the saline and silicic end-members of the monocrystalline diamond-forming fluid chemical spectrum.
Trends and Variability in Sea Ice and Icebergs off the Canadian East Coast

ABSTRACT Seasonal time series of sea-ice area or extent in several regions along the east coast of Canada were compiled from several sources for the period 1901 to 2013 and compared with an index of ice extent off southwest Greenland, iceberg season length south of 48°N, air temperature, and other climate indices. Trends in winter ice area and iceberg season length are significant over the past 100 years and 30 years. Variability of winter ice area and iceberg season length is associated with a combination of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) indices superimposed on a negative trend. Thus, large declines in ice area and iceberg season length in the 1920s and 1990s can be attributed to a decreasing NAO index and a shift to the positive phase of the AMO at the end of these decades. Ice extent in southern areas such as the Scotian Shelf is more strongly correlated with the Western Atlantic index than with the NAO. Ice area trends (in percent per decade) are larger in magnitude and account for twice as much of the variance in ice area for summer than for winter, with summer trends significant over 30-, 60- and 100-year periods. Sea-ice variability is generally consistent with air temperature variability in the various regions; in the 1930s, during the early twentieth-century warming period, ice anomalies were higher and temperature anomalies were lower along the coast of eastern Canada than along the coast of southwestern Greenland.
Using a Silica Substrate to Monitor the Effectiveness of Radiocarbon Pretreatment

The objective of radiocarbon pretreatment is to eliminate any contaminant carbon from the sample material. Solvent washes and acid-base-acid (ABA) procedures are widely used for this purpose. However, quantitatively analyzing their effectiveness is surprisingly problematic, as it often requires large numbers of 14C measurements or high-precision compositional analysis. The technique presented here involves monitoring the impact of different forms of contamination by measuring their adherence to a non-carbonaceous substrate called Chromosorb®. Firstly, the substrate was used in place of a 14C sample in order to monitor the accrual of carbon contamination during a standard solvent wash and ABA pretreatment. This produced a contamination profile against which modifications to the pretreatment procedure could be compared. Secondly, stocks were prepared of Chromosorb that had been infused with environmental contaminants and with common glues, adhesives, and preservatives. By monitoring the elimination of carbon from these stocks, the effectiveness of different pretreatment procedures could be evaluated and the most problematic of the contaminants for 14C dating could be identified.
Radiocarbon, Soil, and Artifact Chronologies for An Early Southern Oregon Coastal Site

Radiocarbon dates together with geoarchaeological, soil, and lithic analyses are presented to describe archaeological site 35-CS-9 in Bandon Ocean Wayside State Park, Oregon, northwestern USA. One of the few Oregon middle-Holocene coastal sites that includes sediments and artifacts dating to the early Holocene and possibly to the late Pleistocene, it was recorded in 1951 and surface surveyed by archaeologists in 1975, 1986, and 1991, but its depth and antiquity were not tested. In February 2002, we studied the site's stratigraphy and sediments and described 8 strata from the aeolian surface to bedrock at 350 cm depth. Soil samples taken from a cut bank for texture classification, particle size analysis, pH, carbon content, and chemical analysis suggested that the site represented a complete history of Holocene deposits. Excavation of 2 test units in August 2002 uncovered substantial lithic and charcoal remains that confirm a protracted middle-Holocene occupation and suggest that human occupation began in the early Holocene. Charcoal recovered at 235–245 cm dated to 11,000 14C BP, and the deepest lithic artifact was recovered in a level at 215–225 cm. Whether the human occupation was continuous throughout the Holocene, and whether it began in the early Holocene or in the late Pleistocene, can only be determined with further excavations.
Bisphosphonates and Their Connection to Dental Procedures: Exploring Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws

Simple Summary We delve into the intricate relationship between bisphosphonates, commonly used for treating osteoporosis and tumors, and their potential side effect: bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) after dental procedures. We explore how bisphosphonates affect bone density and resorption, emphasizing their impact on dental treatments. Dental patients on bisphosphonates face a heightened risk of BRONJ, especially post-invasive dental procedures. Although topical applications enhance dental implant success and aid in periodontal treatment, systemic administration significantly raises BRONJ risk. Preventive measures involve maintaining oral health and considering alternative treatments. This review underscores the need for further research to refine protocols and ensure the safety of dental procedures for bisphosphonate-treated patients. Abstract Bisphosphonates are widely used to treat osteoporosis and malignant tumors due to their effectiveness in increasing bone density and inhibiting bone resorption. However, their association with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) following invasive dental procedures poses a significant challenge. This review explores the functions, mechanisms, and side effects of bisphosphonates, emphasizing their impact on dental procedures. Dental patients receiving bisphosphonate treatment are at higher risk of BRONJ, necessitating dentists’ awareness of these risks. Topical bisphosphonate applications enhance dental implant success, by promoting osseointegration and preventing osteoclast apoptosis, and is effective in periodontal treatment. Yet, systemic administration (intravenous or intraoral) significantly increases the risk of BRONJ following dental procedures, particularly in inflamed conditions. Prevention and management of BRONJ involve maintaining oral health, considering alternative treatments, and careful pre-operative and post-operative follow-ups. Future research could focus on finding bisphosphonate alternatives with fewer side effects or developing combinations that reduce BRONJ risk. This review underscores the need for further exploration of bisphosphonates and their implications in dental procedures.