Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis of exotic and local hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes

The genetic parameters, characters association and path coefficient analysis between yield and yield components of 32 exotic and local hybrid maize genotypes were studied at Plant Breeding division, Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Rahmatpur, Barisahl during rabi 2015 to 2016, following Alpha Lattice Design with three replications. All the characters showed significant differences among the genotypes except cob length indicating their wide genetic variation. The highest genotypic co-efficient of variation (11.48) observed in yield and lowest (1.72) was found in days to maturity. All of the characters exhibited moderate to high heritability in broad sense (h2b) coupled with a wide range of genetic advance and genetic advance in percentage of mean. Heritability ranged from 19.21 to 86.79 for cob length and thousand seed weight, respectively. Yield had a significant positive correlation with cob length, cob diameter, number of seeds per cob and number of rows per cob. Days to tasseling and number of seeds per cob make highest positive contribution toward yield. While, days to silking and ear height had highest negative direct effect on yield. The results indicated that ear height, number of rows per cob, thousand seeds weight and number of seeds per cob could be considered as selection criteria in maize breeding program. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2020, 6(1): 8-15
Agricultural impact on the pelagic ecosystem of the small temporarily open/closed Seteni Estuary, South Africa

The encroachment of agriculture and human population is placing increasing levels of stress on estuarine ecosystems worldwide. The catchment of the Seteni Estuary, a small temporarily open/closed estuary in South Africa, has been under extensive sugar cultivation for over 60 years. The present study reports on the impact of agricultural practices on the structure and dynamics of its pelagic communities over a 1-year period, from April 2008 to March 2009. The physico-chemical characteristics of the system were strongly linked to seasonality, with the system exhibiting a distinct open- and closed-mouth phase in response to rainfall. Concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were exceptionally high in comparison to concentrations of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), resulting in high DIN : DIP ratios. Despite this, microalgal biomass remained relatively low, exhibiting maximum values of 91.7 mg chl a m–2 and 18.0 mg chl a m–3 for microphytobenthos and phytoplankton, respectively. Zooplankton abundance and biomass were significantly higher during the dry phase, with Pseudodiaptomus hessei dominating the zooplankton community both in terms of abundance and biomass throughout the study period. The ichthyofaunal community was dominated by Ambassis ambassis and Myxus capensis in terms of abundance and biomass, respectively. Results suggest that the system remains functional, but there is potential for deterioration, should the catchment become more nutrient-rich through poor management or land-use changes.
User Acceptance of Proactive Voice Assistant Behavior

Using Personal Assistants (PAs) via voice becomes increasingly popular and available in multiple environments, thus we aim to provide proactive PA suggestions to car drivers via speech. Since these suggestions should enhance the user experience while avoiding obtrusiveness and cognitive load, we assess these factors in a usability study. We investigate how 42 participants perceive proactive voice output in a Wizard-of-Oz study in a driving simulator. We varied traffic density during a highway drive and included six in-car-specific use cases. The latter were presented by a proactive voice assistant and in a non-proactive control condition. We assessed the users’ subjective cognitive load in a DALI questionnaire during the interaction with both PA variants. Additionally, the users rated their experiences in a SASSI questionnaire. The results show that proactive assistant behavior is rated similarly positive as non-proactive behavior. In line with previous research, the most driving-relevant use cases receive the best ratings.
Cross-National Validation of an Eight-Factor Model of Societal Risk Perception

ABSTRACT This study cross-nationally tested an eight-factor model of societal risk perception. The factors in the model were: Common individual hazards, Pollutants, Energy production and public transportation, Outdoor activities, Sex, deviance and addictions, Medical care, Weapons, and Psychotropic drugs. Using confirmatory factor analyses, the model was tested on a sample of Greek students and on a sample of French students, and was shown to satisfactorily account for the data in both samples. This model may be considered as a potentially useful tool for studying cross-national as well as individual differences (e.g., age, gender, worldviews or personality) in risk perception. Future studies are needed to determine: (a) whether this model applies to samples composed of persons of different ages or composed of persons from non-Western countries and (b) whether this model could be usefully expanded with one or more factors.
Effect of prophylactic intravenous Dexamethasone and Lidocaine on cough and sore throat after extubation in elective laminectomy surgery

Context: In spite of advancement in anesthesia and surgery, major operative procedures are accompanied by post-operative complications. Some of them are due to intra-tracheal intubation an inevitable part of anesthesia for patient protection. At the postoperative period, sore throat, cough and hoarseness are more common and distress the patient. Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of prophylactic intravenous Dexamethasone and Lidocaine on cough and post-operative sore throat after elective laminectomy surgery. Methods and Materials: In this prospective analytic study, 90 adult patients undergoing elective laminectomy surgery were randomly allocated into three groups. The patients received either intravenous 0.1 mg/kg Dexamethasone (group D, n = 30) or 1.5 mg/kg Lidocaine (group L) or normal saline (group P, n = 30) after anesthesia induction and just before intubation with appropriate size of disposable reinforced endotracheal tubes. Follow up for the prevalence of cough and sore throat and its severity was done at 30 min, 1, 6 and 24 hours after extubation. Results: There were no significant differences in demographic data in three groups. In groups D and L, the prevalence of cough and sore throat and it’s severity were significantly less than placebo group (p<0.05) . Regarding the prevalence of cough and sore throat, in comparison of group D with group L, no significant difference was seen (p>0.05). Conclusions: According to results of our study, we can conclude that both prophylactic intravenous Dexamethasone and Lidocaine can reduce the prevalence of post-operative cough, sore throat and it’s severity at the first 24 hours post-extubation period and can be used safely in selective patients.
The Enzymes of B. coli communis which are Concerned in the Decomposition of Glucose and Mannitol. Part IV.--The Fermentation of Glucose in the Presence of Formic Acid

In this series of communications the writer is endeavouring to show how, by varying the conditions of the experiment, it is possible to alter the proportion between the products which arise from the fermentation of glucoseand allied substances, and to point out how, by a consideration of the manner in which these products group themselves, conclusions may be drawn as to the order in which such products arise during the degradation of the glucose molecule. Substances which can be shown to arise in constant proportions under varying conditions of experiment may be considered as being produced by one and the same enzyme. In Parts II and III it was shown that the formation of lactic acid by B . coli communis ran a separate course to that of the other products, so that it may be regarded as being produced by a separate enzyme, but the other products of the fermentation, viz., succinic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, and alcohol, together with the gaseous products of the decomposition of formic acid, i. e . , carbon dioxide and hydrogen, all appeared to be grouped together and to form an alternative course for the decomposition of the glucose.
Verification of the Part-Composite Approach for Modeling the Multi-Layered Structure of a Rolling Truck Tire

Accurate modeling of a truck tire for predicting dynamic characteristics requires an adequate representation of its composite plies. This study compares two approaches in modeling the multi-layered structure of a rolling radial-ply truck tire using LS-DYNA. In the first approach, different layers in the tire structure are modeled using individual elements; whereas, in the second, all layers are represented by a single element with layered configuration managed by the PART_COMPOSITE keyword. Hence, in this article, these tire models are named as the Individual-Element (IE) model versus the Part-Composite (PC) model. In the Individual-Element (IE) model, the carcass and belt plies are formulated using layers of isotropic solids representing rubber matrix, together with separate layers of orthotropic shells describing fiber-reinforced composite plies. In the Part-Composite (PC) model, however, the carcass and belt plies are simplified to a single layer made of shell elements with layered configuration using the PART_COMPOSITE keyword. This keyword allows to define stacks of plies with pertinent material properties, thicknesses and fiber orientations to manage the integration rule through the thickness of a composite part. The Part-Composite (PC) model was then verified to be in reasonable agreement with the Individual-Element (IE) model in predicting the load-deflection, cornering force/moment and modal characteristics of a truck tire. The validities of the tire models are also evaluated by comparing their simulation results with the reported experimental data. The Individual-Element (IE) model has the potential to be applied as a reliable virtual tool to study the influences of various operating and design parameters upon the tire dynamic characteristics. However, the large number of elements in such a detailed model makes it computationally expensive. With the Part-Composite (PC) model, the computational efficiency was remarkably improved since replacing several individual elements with one layered element reduced the total number of elements and thus the computational demand.
Pilot prospective open, single-arm multicentre study on off-label use of tocilizumab in severe patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES No agent has yet been proven to be effective for the treatment of severe patients with COVID-19. METHODS We conducted a pilot prospective open, single-arm multicentre study on off-label use of tocilizumab (TCZ) involving 63 hospitalised adult patients (56 males, age 62.6±12.5) with severe COVID-19. Clinical and laboratory parameters were prospectively collected at baseline, day 1, 2, 7 and 14. No moderate-to severe adverse events attributable to TCZ were recorded. RESULTS We observed a significant improvement in the levels of ferritin, C-reactive protein, D-dimer. The ratio of the partial pressure of oxygen (Pa02) to the fraction of inspired oxygen (Fi02) improved (mean±SD Pa02/Fi02 at admission: 152±53; at day 7: 283.73 ± 115.9, at day 14: 302.2 ± 126, p<0.05). The overall mortality was 11%; D-dimer level at baseline, but not IL-6 levels were predictors of mortality. TCZ administration within 6 days from admission in the hospital was associated with an increased likelihood of survival (HR 2.2 95%CI 1.3-6.7, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS In hospitalised adult patients with severe COVID-19, TCZ could be a safe option. An improvement in respiratory and laboratory parameters was observed. Future controlled trials in patients with severe illness are urgently needed to confirm the definite benefit with IL-6 target therapy.
Text Message Intervention for Teens with Type 1 Diabetes Preserves HbA1c: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aims: Teens with type 1 diabetes (T1D) often struggle with diabetes self-management, which may lead to suboptimal self-care and worsening hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Innovative strategies are needed to improve self-care and protect against glycemic decline, especially during adolescence. We aimed to assess the impact on HbA1c of two interventions, problem-solving and text messaging, in teens with T1D. Methods: In a two-site randomized controlled trial, teens (N = 301) 13-17 years of age with T1D were randomized to one of the four groups using a 2 × 2 factorial design: Teenwork (TW), Text Messaging (Text), TW+Text, or Usual Care. TW intervention included problem-solving aimed at improving T1D self-care for blood glucose (BG) monitoring and insulin bolus dosing. Text intervention involved text reminders to check BG. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c from baseline to 12 months. Results: At baseline, teens (51% female, 78% white, 59% pump-treated) were (mean ± SD) 15.0 ± 1.3 years, had diabetes duration of 6.5 ± 3.7 years, and HbA1c 8.5% ± 1.1%. There was no significant difference in HbA1c over time by study group. Responsiveness to text reminders by teens in the TEXT and TW+TEXT predicted glycemic benefit; TW did not. Conclusions: Despite no HbA1c difference by study group, greater response to text message reminders to check BG led to better glycemic control and no deterioration in HbA1c; the problem-solving intervention did not. Given the high penetration of mobile phones and the wide acceptance of text messaging among teens in general, it is encouraging that a text messaging intervention can preserve HbA1c, thus preventing the expected deterioration in glycemic control often seen in teens with T1D.
The Role of Postoperative Bandage Contact Lens in Patients Undergoing Fasanella-Servat Ptosis Repair.

PURPOSE To determine whether a bandage contact lens (BCL) improves patient comfort in the postoperative period in patients undergoing ptosis repair using the Fasanella-Servat technique, compared with no BCL. METHODS In this prospective, randomized, double-masked, comparison study, all patients had bilateral Fasanella-Servat surgery. A total of 30 patients were randomized to receive a BCL in one eye and no BCL in the other eye. Patient discomfort was measured as the primary outcome using the Eye Sensation Scale. Blurred vision was measured as a secondary outcome using selected questions from the Ocular Surface Disease Index. The surgeries were performed by 2 surgeons (J.T.H and R.S.A). Outcomes were measured one week following the procedure. RESULTS Patients reported significantly less discomfort in the eye receiving a BCL, with only 13.3% ranking discomfort as "moderate" or "severe," compared with the eye not receiving BCL, where 63.3% of patients rated discomfort as "moderate" or "severe" (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in patient-reported blurred vision between the 2 groups (p = 0.520). CONCLUSIONS The use of a bandage contact lens after Fasanella-Servat procedure for ptosis repair is recommended as it improves patient comfort. In addition, it has no detrimental effect on patient-reported blurring of vision.
Battling Associative Stigma in Psychiatric Nursing

Abstract Psychiatric nurses often experience associative stigma. Associative stigma may impact psychiatric nurses’ views of their professional identity which ultimately impacts the health care of individuals experiencing mental health concerns. Very little research has been conducted on associative stigma in the western Prairie Provinces, including Manitoba. The authors conducted a secondary analysis on the results of an explanatory sequential mixed methods research study to determine if psychiatric nurses in Manitoba are influenced by associative stigma. Three themes were identified through this analysis, specifically: (1) the perception that RPNs are not “Real” Nurses; (2) lack of recognition of specialized training; and (3) working with a stigmatized population. Associative stigma was intertwined in all of the participants’ narratives indicating a need to dismantle associative stigma. Strategies to enhance the public perception of psychiatric nursing and decrease associative stigma within the profession are described.
Interspecific interactions between Bemisia tabaci (Hem., Aleyrodidae) and Liriomyza sativae (Dipt., Agromyzidae)

Abstract: The study examines interspecific interactions between Bemisia tabaci (Hem., Aleyrodidae) and Liriomyza sativae (Dipt., Agromyzidae) feeding on pumpkins and cucumbers. L. sativae density on control pumpkins and cucumbers peaked 3 and 2 weeks after adults were seen, respectively. Compared with controls, L. sativae densities observed for weeks 3–6 and 2–6 in the B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants were significantly lower, respectively (F2.00 = 22.66, P < 0.01). The survival of L. sativae larvae transplanted to B. tabaci‐pre‐infested pumpkins and cucumbers was 16.06%, 10.02% and 13.09%, 9.21%, whereas those transplanted to control plants were 52.20%, 36.06% and 48.25%, 28.22% after 5 and 10 days, respectively (χ2 = 6.9, d.f. = 1, P < 0.01). Pupation rates of L. sativae feeding on control plants were 20.25% and 16.45%, whereas those feeding on the B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants only 4.08% and 4.21%, respectively (χ2 = 7.0, d.f. = 1, P < 0.01). The length and number of mines of L. sativae on the control pumpkins and cucumbers were 54.05%, 54.10% and 89.06%, 76.22% longer or higher than those on B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants, respectively. Leaf positions of L. sativae feeding on the plants were also affected by B. tabaci‐pre‐infested. These results showed that B. tabaci infestations had a significantly negative effect on L. sativae when they were feeding simultaneously on the same host plant.
RAAS blockers in hypertension posing a higher risk toward the COVID‐19

1. Mahatma Gandhi College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sitapura, Jaipur, India 2. School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India 3. Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia. 4. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Bajhol, Sultanpur, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India 5. Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 57000 6. Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia. 7. Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) & School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
Evaluation of Stability of Field Pea genotypes in response to Mycosphaerella Pinodes Infection

Abstract Interaction of genotypes with environment for quantitative traits among them certain disease resistance makes difficult choice of proper genotypes for breeding proposes and may affects further cultivation effects. The aim of this study was assessment of stability of reaction to Mycosphaerella pinodes infection for the set of pea genotypes in four years field experiments with vary epidemic pressure. The Sheffé-Caliński mixed model and the Caliński-Kaczmarek joint regression model for genotype-environment interaction analysis was applied. Tested pea genotypes were grouped into two categories; responding stable to M. pinodes (reacting proportionally to changed environment) and unstable ones (showing significant interaction with environment). The unstable genotypes reacted irregularly to environments (not able to describe the reaction to M. pinodes by any linear regression function). Pea genotypes PI 142441, PI 142442, PI 404221, PI 413691, cv. Radley and Bohun were characterized by high negative main effects (most resistant) for disease severity and showed stable response to M. pinodes infection. Stability of mycospharealla blight reactions was not associated with the level of resistance in the cultivars tested.
Long-Term Effects of Early Adolescent Marijuana Use on Attentional and Inhibitory Control.

OBJECTIVE This study sought to examine the prospective effects of early adolescent marijuana use on late adolescent attentional and inhibitory control. Alcohol use, antisocial problems, and gender were included as statistical control variables. METHOD The community sample of 387 adolescents and a caregiver was drawn from a longitudinal study of adolescent substance use that included nine annual assessments. Adolescents were eligible if they were between ages 11 and 12 at recruitment and did not have any disabilities that would preclude them from either understanding or completing the assessment. The sample was evenly split on gender (55% female) and was predominantly non-Hispanic White (83.16%) or African American (9.07%). Attentional and inhibitory control were assessed using parent and adolescent self-reports on the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire-Revised and the Adult Temperament Questionnaire. RESULTS Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. High levels of early marijuana use at ages 12-14 significantly predicted low levels of adolescent attentional control at ages 18-21 (β = -.20, p < .05), above and beyond early attentional control, early alcohol use, and antisocial problems. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that marijuana use may adversely affect cognitive development, especially during the sensitive period of early adolescence. Results emphasize the need for further prospective work to investigate relationships between early adolescent marijuana use and the development of executive functioning.
EXAMINING CHILDREN LEARNED VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR THROUGH MASS MEDIA CONTENT: A STUDY OF OBASAJO MODEL SCHOOL, JOS. NIGERIA

Several research investigations confirmed there is relationship between violent behavior learned by adolescents and media content. It is on this premise that the study seek a different perspective to confirm the reality of violent content and media effect on adolescents’ behavior in Jos Metropolis considering the spite of deviant behaviors that does not conform to moral and legal standard in our society. Survey design was implored where a structured and standardized questionnaire was issued out randomly to adolescents, parents and teachers seeking their opinions on the spite of social vices bedevilling our society and its relationship to children exposure to certain media content. The study confirmed that violent behavior and all forms of social vices in the society is a product of an exposure to media content where these adolescents imitate and experiment the behaviour they observed. Conclusively, recommendations were made challenging media organizations, regulatory agencies and parents to as a matter of fact regulate certain content of the media from the view of adolescents where an upright society can be enhanced.
A Simple Zinc-Mediated Method for Selenium Addition to Michael Acceptors

In this work, we focused our attention on seleno-Michael type reactions. These were performed using zinc-selenolates generated in situ from diphenyl diselenide 1, 1,2-bis(3-phenylpropyl)diselenide 30, and protected selenocystine 31 via an efficient biphasic Zn/HCl-based reducing system. Alkenes with a variety of electron-withdrawing groups were investigated in order to gauge the scope and limitations of the process. Results demonstrated that the addition to acyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones, aldehydes, esters amides, and acids was effectively achieved and that alkyl substituents at the reactive β-centre can be accommodated. Similarly, cyclic enones undergo efficient Se-addition and the corresponding adducts were isolated in moderate to good yield. Vinyl sulfones, α,β-unsaturated nitriles, and chalcones are not compatible with these reaction conditions. A recycling experiment demonstrated that the unreacted Zn/HCl reducing system can be effectively reused for seven reaction cycles (91% conversion yield at the 7° recycling rounds).