Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Detection from X-Ray Images using Convoluted Neural Networks: A Literature Review

This paper reviews a host of other peer-reviewed articles related to the detection of COVID-19 infection from X-ray images using Convoluted Neural Network (CNN) approaches. It stems from a background of a pandemic that has hit the world and negatively affected all spheres of life. The currently available testing mechanisms are invasive, expensive, time-consuming, and not everywhere. The paper considered 33 main articles supported by several other articles. The measurement metrics considered in this review are accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and specificity. The inclusion criteria for studies was that the article should have been written after the pandemic began, deliberates on CNN, and attempts to detect the disease from X-ray images. Findings suggest that transfer learning, support vector machines, long short-term memory, and other CNN approaches are highly effective in predicting the likelihood of the disease from X-rays. However, multi-class predictions seemed to score lowly on the accuracy score relative to their binary counterparts. Also, data augmentation significantly improved the performance of the models. Hence, the paper concluded that all reviewed approaches are effective. Recommendations are that analysts should integrate transfer learning procedures in the model formulation process, engage in data augmentation practices, and focus on classifying data based on binary classes.
The Impact of Inter-provincial Migration on the Labor Market Outcomes in Two Developed Provinces in South Africa

This study used the South African Census 2011 data to examine the impact of interprovincial migration on the labor market outcomes in the Western Cape and Gauteng, the two most developed and popular inter-provincial migration destination provinces in South Africa. In both provinces, the residents were divided into four groups: permanent residents, intra-provincial migrants, long-term inter-provincial migrants and short-term inter-provincial migrants. The descriptive statistics indicated that both short- and long-term inter-provincial migrants into the two provinces were likely to be young people aged 15-34 years, unmarried African urban residents with 11-12 educational years on average, coming from households with three members. These interprovincial migrants enjoyed lower unemployment rates than the permanent residents, but the intra-provincial migrants remained the best-performing group with the lowest unemployment rate and highest share of employed persons involved in formal sector activities. The study also conducted a multivariate econometric analysis with probit regressions on labor force participation likelihood, and Heckprobit regressions on employment likelihood (conditional on labor force participation). After controlling for differences in other characteristics (or ceteris paribus), compared to the permanent residents, it was evident that both short- and long-term inter-provincial migrants into Western Cape and Gauteng were about 3% significantly more likely to be employed. After examining migrants from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape and migrants from Limpopo to Gauteng, the study found that both groups enjoyed a much higher labor force participation rate (above 70%) and lower unemployment rate (30%), compared to individuals who remained in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo (labor force participation rate: 45%; unemployment rate: 38%).
Folic Acid Treatment Directly Influences the Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation along with the Associated Cellular Maintenance Processes of HT-29 and SW480 Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines

Simple Summary Folic acid (FA) participates in DNA synthesis and in DNA methylation; hence, it has a dual role in established neoplasms. We aimed to observe this phenomenon on FA-treated colorectal cancer cell lines (HT-29, SW480). Our results demonstrated that the maintenance processes, namely cell proliferation, cell viability, and DNA repair, were altered in HT-29 cells for short-term FA supplementation, while genetic and epigenetic regulations of SW480 cells were also affected. Despite the fact that FA is a precursor molecule in methyl donor formation, DNA methylation alterations were observed in both directions, primarily influencing the pathways of carcinogenesis. Moreover, behind the great number of differentially expressed genes, other FA-related effects than promoter methylation were suspected. All of our results point beyond the attributes related to FA so far. The different response of the two cell lines is worth considering in clinical practice to facilitate the effectiveness of therapy in the case of tumor heterogeneity. Abstract Folic acid (FA) is a synthetic form of vitamin B9, generally used as a nutritional supplement and an adjunctive medication in cancer therapy. FA is involved in genetic and epigenetic regulation; therefore, it has a dual modulatory role in established neoplasms. We aimed to investigate the effect of short-term (72 h) FA supplementation on colorectal cancer; hence, HT-29 and SW480 cells were exposed to different FA concentrations (0, 100, 10,000 ng/mL). HT-29 cell proliferation and viability levels elevated after 100 ng/mL but decreased for 10,000 ng/mL FA. Additionally, a significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvement of genomic stability was detected in HT-29 cells with micronucleus scoring and comet assay. Conversely, the FA treatment did not alter these parameters in SW480 samples. RRBS results highlighted that DNA methylation changes were bidirectional in both cells, mainly affecting carcinogenesis-related pathways. Based on the microarray analysis, promoter methylation status was in accordance with FA-induced expression alterations of 27 genes. Our study demonstrates that the FA effect was highly dependent on the cell type, which can be attributed to the distinct molecular background and the different expression of proliferation- and DNA-repair-associated genes (YWHAZ, HES1, STAT3, CCL2). Moreover, new aspects of FA-regulated DNA methylation and consecutive gene expression were revealed.
Psychiatric Comorbidities among University Students with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been reported to be associated with psychological manifestations like depression, anxiety, and depression. Its presence in university students may impact their academic performance. As the relapsing-remitting type (RRMS) is the commonest MS type, we conducted this study to evaluate the prevalence and severity of the previous psychological manifestations in University students diagnosed with RRMS. The impact of MS on their academic performance was also assessed. Patients and Methods: This case-control study included 65 students diagnosed with RRMS in addition to the same number of healthy controls. Psychological manifestations were evaluated via the Arabic form of DASS (depression, anxiety, and stress score), while academic performance was assessed via the GPA (grade point average). Results: Patient criteria, including age and gender, were statistically comparable between the two groups. The three components of DASS expressed significantly higher values in cases compared to controls, indicating increased prevalence and severity of psychological issues in association with RRMS. MS was associated with a significant decline in the student’s academic performance as had median values of 1 and 3 in cases and controls, respectively. Conclusion: MS is associated with a significant increase in both prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and depression compared to the normal healthy population. MS also has a significant negative impact on the academic performance of these students.
Associations between landscape values, self-reported knowledge, and land-use: a public participation GIS assessment

ABSTRACT While previous socio-ecological systems research has shown relationships between local knowledge and the assignment of landscape values, the relationships between value assignment and more nuanced forms of local knowledge remain less understood. This study makes use of public participation geographic information systems (PPGIS), a method for identifying and mapping landscape attributes important to local communities. We use this method to assess the spatial associations between three landscape attributes often overlooked in the PPGIS literature: landscape values, self-reported knowledge about different types of landscape management practices and land-use types. We analyzed responses from residents of Mjölby kommun, Sweden (n = 301) using Monte Carlo simulations and density-based clustering. Overall, we found stronger spatial associations between landscape values and land-use types compared with landscape values and self-reported knowledge about landscape management. For example, significant positive associations were found between aesthetic and recreation values and certain land-use types, but there was no association between these values and self-reported knowledge. The land-use type to which a landscape value is assigned is sometimes supported by self-reported knowledge (especially for underrepresented landscape values), while self-reported knowledge did not provide a conclusive pattern about value assignment on its own. We discuss the implications of using PPGIS in integrated landscape management for building multifunctionality in landscape management by addressing the values of different land-use stakeholders, and the potential benefits of increased inclusivity in forms of local knowledge.
Advanced Glycation End Products and Diabetes Mellitus: Mechanisms and Perspectives

Persistent hyperglycemic state in type 2 diabetes mellitus leads to the initiation and progression of non-enzymatic glycation reaction with proteins and lipids and nucleic acids. Glycation reaction leads to the generation of a heterogeneous group of chemical moieties known as advanced glycated end products (AGEs), which play a central role in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications. The engagement of AGEs with its chief cellular receptor, RAGE, activates a myriad of signaling pathways such as MAPK/ERK, TGF-β, JNK, and NF-κB, leading to enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation. The downstream consequences of the AGEs/RAGE axis involve compromised insulin signaling, perturbation of metabolic homeostasis, RAGE-induced pancreatic beta cell toxicity, and epigenetic modifications. The AGEs/RAGE signaling instigated modulation of gene transcription is profoundly associated with the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus and pathogenesis of diabetic complications. In this review, we will summarize the exogenous and endogenous sources of AGEs, their role in metabolic dysfunction, and current understandings of AGEs/RAGE signaling cascade. The focus of this review is to recapitulate the role of the AGEs/RAGE axis in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Furthermore, we present an overview of future perspectives to offer new therapeutic interventions to intervene with the AGEs/RAGE signaling pathway and to slow down the progression of diabetes-related complications.
Moose in our neighborhood: Does perceived hunting risk have cascading effects on tree performance in vicinity of roads and houses?

Abstract Like large carnivores, hunters both kill and scare ungulates, and thus might indirectly affect plant performance through trophic cascades. In this study, we hypothesized that intensive hunting and enduring fear of humans have caused moose and other forest ungulates to partly avoid areas near human infrastructure (perceived hunting risk), with positive cascading effects on recruitment of trees. Using data from the Norwegian forest inventory, we found decreasing browsing pressure and increasing tree recruitment in areas close to roads and houses, where ungulates are more likely to encounter humans. However, although browsing and recruitment were negatively related, reduced browsing was only responsible for a small proportion of the higher tree recruitment near human infrastructure. We suggest that the apparently weak cascading effect occurs because the recorded browsing pressure only partly reflects the long‐term browsing intensity close to humans. Accordingly, tree recruitment was also related to the density of small trees 5–10 years earlier, which was higher close to human infrastructure. Hence, if small tree density is a product of the browsing pressure in the past, the cascading effect is probably stronger than our estimates suggest. Reduced browsing near roads and houses is most in line with risk avoidance driven by fear of humans (behaviorally mediated), and not because of excessive hunting and local reduction in ungulate density (density mediated).
Pleurotus cultivation: a sustainable way to utilize agrowaste

In the present study two species of Pleurotus namely Pleurotus florida (Mont.) Singer and Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P.Kumm. were cultivated using three different agro waste substrates such as paddy straw, sugarcane bagasse, banana leaves and its mixture in equal proportion. The fastest colonization and maximum numbers of heads were produced on paddy straw substrate. Banana leaves and paddy straw substrates reported the highest yield of mushroom fruitbodies, biological efficiency and biomass loss in P. florida and P. ostreatus. It was noticed that the growth and development of fruitbodies on sugarcane bagasse was minimum and development of competitor moulds was observed on it. In the selected substrates banana leaves posses the highest percentage of nitrogen, carbon and cellulose. The results showed the possibility of utilizing different agrowaste for cultivation of oyster mushroom, which will boost the income of farmers.
On the Slip Correction Factor for Simple Gas Molecules Diffusing in Air

We examine the functional form of the slip correction factor C (cid:1) Π (cid:3) , where Π is a dimensionless group to be determined,forsimple(monoatomic,diatomic,andtriatomic)gasmoleculesdiffusinginairatnormalconditions.We express C (cid:1) Π (cid:3) in terms of the molecular Reynolds number, Re m i (cid:4) (cid:1) u i d k i ∕ 2 ν j , where (cid:1) u i and d k i are the Maxwell – Boltzmann mean molecular speed and the kinetic diameter of the diffusing gas molecules, and ν j is the kinematic viscosityofthebackgroundgas(dryair). Weshowthattheslipcorrectionisgivensimplyby C (cid:1) Re m i (cid:3) (cid:4) Re m i ∕ Re j; ns , where Re j; ns is a reference no-slip Reynolds number that depends only on the thermodynamic state and viscosity of the background gas j . For dry air at 300 K and 1 atm, Re j; ns (cid:4) 1 . 36 × 10 − 5 , so that C (cid:1) Re m i (cid:3) (cid:4) 7 . 35 × 10 4 Re m i . The approachpresentedherecanbeeasilygeneralizedtoothergasmediaandleadstoaremarkablysimplecorrelationforestimationofSchmidtnumbersandbinarydiffusioncoefficientsforbothstableandunstabletracegasesinair.While thiscorrelationdependsonlyonthemolecularweight M i andthenumberofatomsinthemoleculeofthediffusinggas, it performs competitively against more complex models.
Sexual Dimorphism in Dementia and Alzheimer Diseases- A Neuropsychiatric Hospital Based Study

Introduction: Dementia which is a highly neglected syndrome in Nigeria is an umbrella of term that houses a group of diseases and illnesses that affect your thinking, memory, reasoning, personality, mood and behavior.Alzheimer’s disease which is the leading cause of dementia disproportionately affects women than men. The objective of the study is to investigate gender and age differences in dementia and AD. Method: This study retrospectively analyzed eighty-two (82) consecutive patients’ folder who had been diagnosed with dementia and AD in Rivers State Neuropsychiatric Hospital Rumuigbo, Port-Harcourt from the year 2014 to 2020. Result: The result obtained showed that the mean age for dementia and AD for males and females were 68.44±8.96 and 70.74±12.98 respectively. Discussion: It was observed that the females are likely to develop dementia and AD the males, with the prevalence rate of 59 (72.0%) for females while 23 (28.0%) were males respectively. The analysis of comorbidities showed that hypertension and depression were major risk factors in males while depression was a major risk factor in females. There was high risk of association between smoking and dementia in males while Alcohol was a high-risk factor for dementia in females. Conclusion: Early detection plays a major role in the management of dementia and AD, this study therefore advocates for campaign to educate people about the danger of this sickness and set plan for proper management which will go along way reducing the stigmatization that comes with dementia.
Returns to Wheat Research, Varietal Adoption and Turnover Rates and Wheat Production Risks in Kenya

A lot of public funds have been used for investment in wheat research in Kenya. The concern is whether it is worthwhile to continue investing. The problem is there is no information on what returns to investments have been achieved to guide the continued allocation of resources to wheat research. To address this problem, this paper seeks to estimate returns to wheat research investments in Kenya, and the wheat varietal adoption and turnover rates that influence it. The Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) model was applied to estimate the returns to wheat research, in terms of three indicators: Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Adoption index was used to estimate wheat varietal adoption rates (VAR). The area-weighted average variety age (WAVA) was used to estimate the varietal turnover rate (VTR). The Five-Point Likert scale model was used in assessing production risks. A field survey was used for data collection in selected wheat-producing Counties of Kenya. The results generated were a BCR of 1.47, an NPV of 23.31 million Kenya Shillings, an IRR of 41%. The VAR was 42% and VTR was 15.65 years. The main wheat production risks were output price fluctuations, seed availability, pests, and diseases in that order of ranking. In conclusion, return on investments in wheat research is positive, though relatively low compared to other countries, largely due to low varietal adoption and turnover rates and prevalence of high production risks. The recommendation is that to improve returns to wheat research in Kenya, varietal adoption and turnover rates should be improved and production risks should be minimized or eliminated.
ELECTRIC FIELD INDUCED BY CURRENT IN OVERHEAD CONDUCTOR

Summary. The paper presents a theoretical study of the calculation of electric field induced in vicinity of an overhead current carrying conductor. Exact method of the determination of the induced electric field bases on the Fourier transform technique, whereas a simplified method uses the concept of complex ground return plane. As an example the induced electric field under a power line conductor is calculated.
Risk Factors for Worsening of Bone Loss in Patients Newly Diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background Bone loss is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic bone disease in patients newly diagnosed with IBD and to identify the risk factors for bone loss over time. Methods We performed a retrospective, both cross-sectional and longitudinal, study to extract the risk factors of bone loss (including osteopenia and osteoporosis) in patients newly diagnosed with IBD, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results A total of 639 patients newly diagnosed with IBD that had at least one DXA were included in the cross-sectional study. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were diagnosed in 24.6% and 5.4% of patients, respectively. Age at diagnosis, body mass index, and serum phosphorus were identified as independent factors associated with bone loss at baseline. A total of 380 of the 639 IBD patients (including 212 CD patients and 168 UC patients) with at least a second DXA scan were included in the longitudinal study. 42.6% of the patients presented a worsening of bone loss in the follow-up study. Menopause, albumin, and use of corticosteroids were identified as independent factors associated with worsening of bone loss. Conclusions Metabolic bone disease is common in IBD patients, and there is a significant increase in prevalence of bone loss over time. Postmenopausal female, malnourished patients, and those requiring corticosteroid treatment are at risk for persistent bone loss. Therefore, BMD measurements and early intervention with supplementation of calcium and vitamin D are recommended in IBD patients with high-risk factors.
The influence of caffeinated and non-caffeinated multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements on resistance exercise performance and subjective outcomes

ABSTRACT Background There is substantial consumer and practitioner interest in an emerging supplement class known as multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS), largely due to their prevalence in resistance training communities as well as research findings demonstrating the ergogenic impact of caffeine on muscular performance. However, limited research has examined the potential efficacy of non-caffeinated MIPS, despite their growing popularity among those who are caffeine-sensitive or who train later in the day. Methods Twenty-four resistance-trained college-aged males (n = 12) and females (n = 12) completed three visits in which they ingested either a caffeinated MIPS (C), an otherwise identical non-caffeinated MIPS (NC), or placebo in a double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover fashion. Squat isometric peak force (PFiso), rate of force development (RFD), and isokinetic performance were assessed. Upper and lower body maximal muscular strength and endurance were evaluated using the bench press and leg press, respectively. Visual analog scales for energy, focus, and fatigue were completed five times throughout the testing protocol. The effects of supplementation and biological sex on all variables were examined using linear mixed effects models. Results Significantly greater PFiso was observed in both C (b: 0.36 transformed units [0.09, 0.62]) and NC (b: 0.32 transformed units [95% CI: 0.05, 0.58]) conditions, relative to placebo. Early RFD (RFD50) may have been higher with supplementation, particularly in females, with no effects for late RFD (RFD200) or peak RFD. In addition, increases in subjective energy after supplement ingestion were noted for C, but not NC. No effects of supplementation on traditional resistance exercise performance or isokinetic squat performance were observed, other than a lower leg press one-repetition maximum for males in the NC condition. Conclusions These data indicate that acute ingestion of either a caffeinated or non-caffeinated pre-workout formulation improved maximal force production during an isometric squat test but did not provide additional benefit to leg press, bench press, or isokinetic squat performance over placebo, within the context of a laboratory environment. The consumption of a caffeinated, but not non-caffeinated, MIPS increased subjective ratings of energy over placebo when assessed as part of a testing battery.