Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The transvaginal tape surgery vs. trans-obturator tape for stress urinary incontinence

Female urinary incontinence is a highly prevalent condition affecting women’s quality of life and is associated with considerable personal and societal stress. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is thought to be due to the loss of urethral support vs. a weakness of the urethra itself. Multiple treatment options exist for the SUI including conservative behavioral modifications, physical therapy, medications, and surgical options. Surgical options can be offered to patients who achieve unsatisfactory results from non-surgical options or who prefer to have surgery by choice. Numerous surgical options for SUI have been described and have evolved over time. This evolution of surgery for SUI has led to more minimally invasive surgical options. The gains in the knowledge of anatomy of the bladder and urethra has also shifted the focus of continence mechanism to be at the mid urethra and not just the bladder neck as previously thought. This has led the mid urethral sling (MUS) to be the surgical options of choice by most surgeons. Patient selection and knowledge of the anatomy associated with midurethral slings are critical as the outcomes and complications associated with surgery are the results of these factors. The retropubic [transvaginal tape (TVT)] and the transobturator [trans-obturator tape (TOT)] MUSs are the main surgical options for SUI. Between the TVT and TOT sling, there is no one sling better or worse than the other.
Embryo and cow factors affecting pregnancy per embryo transfer for multiple-service, lactating Holstein recipients

Abstract The objective was to determine whether pregnancy success after embryo transfer (ET) during heat stress in multi-service Holstein cows depends upon characteristics of the embryo or recipient. Female embryos produced in vitro were cultured with either 0.0 (control) or 1.8 mM choline chloride and transferred fresh. Fresh embryos of undetermined breed and frozen Holstein embryos were used when experimental embryos were insufficient. Embryos were transferred 8 d after the last GnRH injection of an ovulation synchronization program. Embryo type [frozen vs. fresh, choline vs. control, unknown breed vs. (control + choline)] and characteristics of recipients (average of 190 d in milk at transfer) were evaluated. Pregnancy per ET was lower for cows receiving frozen embryos (7.0%; 3/43) than for cows receiving fresh embryos (26.7%; 32/120) but there were no differences between various types of fresh embryo. Pregnancy per ET was lower for cows diagnosed with metritis in the early postpartum period (7.1%; 2/28) than for cows without metritis (24.4%; 33/135). In conclusion, the use of frozen/thawed embryos produced in vitro and recipients which had metritis in the early postpartum period reduced the success of ET in multiple-service Holstein cows.
Migration and Residual Trapping of Immiscible Fluids during Cyclic Injection: Pore-Scale Observation and Quantitative Analysis

Geological CO2 sequestration (GCS) is one of the most promising technologies for mitigating greenhouse gas emission into the atmosphere. In GCS operations, residual trapping is the most favorable form of a trapping mechanism because of its storage security and capacity. In this study, the effects of cyclic injection of CO2-water on the immiscible displacement and residual trapping in pore networks were examined. For the purpose, a series of injection experiments with five sets of drainage-imbibition cycles were performed using 2D transparent micromodels and a pair of proxy fluids, n-hexane, and deionized water. The multiphase flow and immiscible displacement phenomena during drainage and imbibition processes in pore networks were visually observed, and the temporal and spatial changes in distribution and saturation of the two immiscible fluids were quantitatively estimated at the pore scale using image analysis techniques. The results showed that the mobile region of invading fluids decreased asymptotically as the randomly diverged flow paths gradually converged into less ramified ones over multiple cycles. Such decrease was accompanied by a gradual increase of the immobile region, which consists of tiny blobs and clusters of immiscible fluids. The immobile region expanded as streams previously formed by the insertion of one fluid dispersed into numerous isolated, small-scale blobs as the other fluid was newly injected. These processes repeated until the immobile region approached the main flow channels. The observations and analyses in this study implied that the application of cyclic injection in GCS operations may be used to store large-scale CO2 volume in small-scale dispersed forms, which may significantly improve the effectiveness and security of geological CO2 sequestration.
Spatiotemporal Empirical Mode Decomposition of Resting-State fMRI Signals: Application to Global Signal Regression

Resting-state functional connectivity MRI (rs-fcMRI) is a common method for mapping functional brain networks. However, estimation of these networks is affected by the presence of a common global systemic noise, or global signal (GS). Previous studies have shown that the common preprocessing steps of removing the GS may create spurious correlations between brain regions. In this paper, we decompose fMRI signals into 5 spatial and 3 temporal intrinsic mode functions (SIMF and TIMF, respectively) by means of the empirical mode decomposition (EMD), which is an adaptive data-driven method widely used to analyze nonlinear and nonstationary phenomena. For each SIMF, brain connectivity matrices were computed by means of the Pearson correlation between TIMFs of different brain areas. Thus, instead of a single connectivity matrix, we obtained 5 × 3 = 15 functional connectivity matrices. Given the high value obtained for large-scale topological measures such as transitivity, in the low spatial maps (SIMF3, SIMF4, and SIMF5), our results suggest that these maps can be considered as spatial global signal masks. Thus, the spatiotemporal EMD of fMRI signals automatically regressed out the GS, although, interestingly, the removed noisy component was voxel-specific. We compared the performance of our method with the conventional GS regression and to the results when the GS was not removed. While the correlation pattern identified by the other methods suffers from a low level of precision, our approach demonstrated a high level of accuracy in extracting the correct correlation between different brain regions.
Novel insights into the morphology of Plesiochelys bigleri from the early Kimmeridgian of Northwestern Switzerland

Plesiochelyidae were relatively large coastal marine turtles, which inhabited the epicontinental seas of Western Europe during the Late Jurassic. Their fossil record can be tracked in Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Portugal. The Jura Mountains, in northwestern Switzerland, have been the main source for the study of this group, mostly thanks to the rich and famous historical locality of Solothurn. In the last two decades, numerous plesiochelyid remains have been collected from Kimmeridgian deposits (Lower Virgula Marls and Banné Marls) in the area of Porrentruy (Canton of Jura, Switzerland). This material was revealed by construction works of the A16 Transjurane highway between 2000 and 2011, and led to the recent description of the new species Plesiochelys bigleri. In the years 2014 and 2016, new fragmentary turtle material was collected from the Banné Marls (Reuchenette Formation, lower Kimmeridgian) near the village of Glovelier, Canton of Jura, Switzerland. The new material consists of a complete shell, additional shell elements, a few bones from the appendicular and vertebral skeleton, and a fragmentary basicranium. This material can be confidently assigned to the species P. bigleri. It supports the presence of this species in the Banné Marls, slightly extends its spatial distribution and confirms the differences with the closely related species P. etalloni. The new material reveals that the split between the cerebral and palatine branches of the internal carotid artery occurs in a vertical plane in P. bigleri. This condition could not be observed in the type material due to poor preservation. This new character clearly distinguishes P. bigleri from P. etalloni and seems to be unique among thalassochelydians.
Yield stability, canopy characteristics and seed-borne diseases of spring barley genotypes under organic management

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to identify stable and high-yielding genotypes grown in organically managed fields in Latvia and Estonia and to determine their canopy parameters and susceptibility to seed-borne diseases. Field trials with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were conducted using 26 varieties and breeding lines including 20 covered and six hulless genotypes at three locations over three growing seasons. Estonian breeding line 4533.4. 3.6 yielded significantly above the average (3.99 t ha–1; LSD = 0.230 t ha–1) and showed wide adaptability as indicated by the coefficient of regression (bi = 1.05), relatively small deviation from regression (s2d = 0.04) and one of the lowest value of ecovalence (Wi = 1.41%). There were significant differences between genotypes according to the canopy parameters measured, such as growth type, early vigour, crop ground cover and canopy height. High-yielding barley genotypes were characterized by more planophile growth habit and shorter canopy height, thus providing good ground cover in the early stages of plant growth. Rasa was the only variety found to have no plants infected with loose smut or leaf stripe, in either of the locations.
Student’s Responses on Learning in the Early COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic forced many universities to apply online learning. The purpose of this study was to break down the online learning process in the early pandemic as well as effective and optimal online learning. The design of this research is descriptive qualitative research. The data were collected through observation, questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. Interestingly, this study found online learning using the WhatsApp Group to be the most effective in the early COVID-19 pandemic. WhatsApp is easy, simple, and does not require a large data quota package. Through WhatsApp accounts, learning took place optimally because students and lecturers could communicate and share PowerPoint files, Microsoft Word files, JPGs, Voice Notes, Videos, and other learning resource links. The study recommends that other researchers uncover the solution to obstacles experienced by students in online learning and the development of other media to implement effective online lectures.
Entrepreneurial leadership measurement: a multi-dimensional construct

The purpose of this paper is to refine our understanding of entrepreneurial leadership by developing a multi-dimensional measure for the construct through a comprehensive approach based on the skills and competencies of entrepreneurial leaders as well as their behaviour and roles. ,Following the evidence collected across two cultural and economic contexts namely Iran and Scotland and prior theoretical conceptualisations, this study designed an entrepreneurial leadership scale. Questionnaires were the mode of data collection, and data was triangulated via participants and literature. ,From the study a detailed conceptualisation of entrepreneurial leadership was formed, which in turn provides the basis for an empirical-based construct of this phenomenon and its measurement from a cross-cultural perspective. Specifically, this study identifies the items that best describe each dimension of entrepreneurial leadership. By these findings, this study provides the skills, competencies and specific behaviour of entrepreneurial leaders. ,The findings of this study have implications the theory and practice. By highlighting the dimensions of entrepreneurial leadership, this study assists the development of theories on how entrepreneurial leadership influence the process of innovation and opportunity recognition. This study is one of the first to examine the validity and reliability of the measure developed for the construct across two countries having different cultural and economic contexts, namely Iran and Scotland. In practice, the findings of this study serve as a useful reference for practitioners of the skills, behaviours and competencies expected of entrepreneurial leaders.
Myxomycete communities occurring in fragmented forest patches in two municipalities of Laguna, Philippines

In spite of the increasing number of myxomycete studies in the tropical Southeast Asia over the last decades, many forest patches are still left unexplored for the region, in particular in the Philippine archipelago. Thus, an assessment of myxomycete diversity, occurrence, and composition was carried out in forest fragments from two municipalities of the province of Laguna, Philippines. From the 12 established 5 m × 5 m plots, a total of 240 moist chamber cultures were prepared for this study and yielded 42 myxomycete species belonging to 14 genera. Rarefaction curves and several heterogeneity indices revealed higher species diversity in Los Banos than in Calauan. Moreover, the taxonomic diversity index also showed that the taxonomic diversity of myxomycete in Los Banos is more intuitively diverse than in Calauan. In terms of community analysis between the two municipalities, it showed that myxomycete communities clustered between different microhabitats. High values of coefficient of community and percentage similarity indices possibly implicates that spore dispersal in forest fragments in closer proximities may cause high number of shared species (60%). With an addition of Cribraria lepida as a new record for the country, this study now updates the myxomycete profile for Laguna, Philippines.
Investigation on harmonic spur characteristics of hybrid integrated LDMOS and AlGaN/GaN power amplifiers at different temperatures

The harmonic spur characteristics of a hybrid integrated S‐band power amplifier (PA), consisting of both stages of LDMOSFET and AlGaN/GaN HEMT, are studied at different temperatures. The PA offers a peak output power of 50 dBm (100 W) with power added efficiency higher than 50%, and adjacent channel power ratio performance is less than −30 dBc. A temperature test chamber is employed for measuring the harmonic spur of PA from 233 to 393 K, and its linear response to temperature is captured at high output power level.
IL-23 generates pathogenic Th17 cells by triggering T cell-intrinsic prostaglandin E2-EP2/EP4 signaling

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 3 Introduction・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 5 Results・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 8 Discussion ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 16 Material and Methods ・・・・・・・・・・・・ 20 References ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 27 Acknowledgements ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 38 Figures ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 39
Taxonomic diversity of macrandrous species of Oedogonium Link ex Hirn (Chlorophyceae: Oedogoniales) with emphasis on ecology from Hooghly, West Bengal

The present paper includes detail taxonomic features of nine taxa of Oedogonium Link ex Hirn (Chlorophyceae: Oedogoniales) collected from Hooghly district, West Bengal, India. These taxa are Oedogonium bharuchae N.D. Kamat, Oedogonium cardiacum f. pulchellum Hirn, Oedogonium crispum var. pyriforme (Wittr. ex Hirn) A.K. M.N. Islam et P. Sarma, Oedogonium gunnii Wittr. ex Hirn, Oedogonium khannae f. minus Gonzalves et S.C. Jain, Oedogonium nanum Wittr. ex Hirn, Oedogonium pratense Trans., Oedogonium rivulare A. Br. ex Hirn and Oedogonium vaucheri A. Br. ex Hirn. All those taxa were found to grow epiphytically on the leaves and stems of submerged hydrophytes as filaments in quiet lentic freshwater bodies after the end of rainy season. Twelve limnological parameters like temperature, pH, DO, BOD, COD, NO3-N, PO43-, Cl, free CO2, TDS, total hardness and turbidity of algal habitats were analyzed and found conducive for their occurrence and growth up to maturity (formation of fertile structures). The result of limnological study also indicated that all these species preferred to grow alkaline pH, less turbid and hard water. Studied limnological parameters recorded as water temperature: 17.5°C-20°C, pH range from 7.1-7.6, high dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration 6.4-7.2 mg.L-1, BOD values < 20.0 mg.L-1, moderate COD values and lower nutrient levels with other parameters like Cl-, free CO2, TDS, turbidity as 6.8-9.0 NTU and also hard nature of water ranged from 120-204 mg.L-1.
Soil resistance and bulk density under different tillage system

A stationary field experiment of a reduced soil tillage was implemented at a Hypogley (Hypogleyic soils A–Gso–Gr soil horizon sequence) soil type of Eastern Croatia during three seasons and set up as a split-plot randomized block design in four repetitions. The tillage systems (TS) were as follows: 1) conventional tillage, i.e., plowing at 30 cm (CT), 2) disking up 10-12 cm (DT), 3) soil loosening up to 35 cm (LT), 4) no-tillage (NT). The experiment was designed to compare the penetration resistance (PR), soil moisture (SM), and bulk density (BD) at different TSs and soil depths. A cone penetrometer was used to measure the PR with 10 prods per TS, accompanied with a measurement of SM with a soil auger on every 10 cm, with four samples up to a 40-cm depth. The BD was determined by metal cylinders on every 10 cm up to a 30-cm depth, being weighed and dried thereafter to obtain an absolutely dry sample, and then calculated using absolutely a dry soil sample mass (m_s) and the soil volume (V). The PR and SM were significantly influenced by the TS and soil depth. The CT had the significantly lowest PR at all depths, while the DT has manifested a significantly higher PR at a soil depth amounting to 10 to 20 cm. The PR on NT were significantly diverse from the CT at all soil depths. The BD varied significantly concerning the TS and the soil depth. Subsequent to the three years, the CT had a significantly smaller BD at a depth amounting from 0 to 10 cm, and a significantly higher BD at 20- to 30-cm depth, compared to reduce the TS.
Closing the strategic planning and implementation gap through excellence in the public sector: empirical investigation using SEM

Strategic planning and strategy implementation are proposed to impact overall performance. However, the purpose of this study is to empirically examine the mediating effect of organisational excellence on the relationship between strategic planning, strategy implementation and organisational performance (OP). ,Hypotheses have been developed for testing using primary data obtained through a survey questionnaire. The data were gathered from the Dubai police organisation. Out of a total of 500 questionnaires, only 244 questionnaires were returned. For measurement and structural models, the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was used to analyse the data. ,All proposed hypotheses were supported and confirmed the positive and significant relationships between strategic planning, strategy implementation, organisational excellence and OP. Statistical findings using SEM-partial least square also confirmed the mediating role of organisational excellence as a mechanism between strategic planning, strategy implementation and OP. ,Results discussed many valuable implications. The outcomes will help managers, decision-makers and practitioners to consider organisational excellence strategy when implementing strategic planning process to achieve the best performance. ,The current study is one of the most important empirical studies to analyse and examine the relationships between strategic planning, strategy implementation organisational excellence and business performance. In addition, this study is one the rare studies that involve excellence as a practice when implementing strategic planning process.
Granulometria e processamento em dietas para leitões dos 23 aos 71 dias de idade

Objetivando-se avaliar o efeito de dietas com diferentes granulometrias e processamentos sobre o desempenho e viabilidade econômica de leitões, foram utilizados 120 animais com peso inicial de 6,65±0,20 Kg dos 23 aos 71 dias de idade, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado sob arranjo fatorial 2x2 sendo duas formas físicas (farelada e peletizada) e duas granulometrias (1.2mm e 2.5mm) totalizando quatro tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de dietas FM (farelada finamente moída a 1.2mm), CM (farelada grosseiramente moída a 2.5mm), FP (peletizada moída finamente a 1.2mm) e CP (peletizada grosseiramente moída a 2.5mm). O processamento promoveu efeitos significativos (P0,05) nos demais parâmetros. O tamanho de partícula (1.2mm x 2.5mm), bem como sua interação com o processamento não afetaram os parâmetros de desempenho em nenhum dos períodos avaliados. O custo/kg de animal produzido no período de 23 a 37 dias sofreu influência (P0.05) sobre os demais períodos, sendo encontrado um custo médio de R$2.46, R$1.41 e R$1.89 por kg de animal produzido nos períodos de 37 a 51 dias, 51 a 71 dias e 23 a 71 dias, respectivamente. Conclui-se que as dietas processadas obtiveram melhores resultados de desempenho até 51 dias de idade, independente da granulometria. O processamento permitiu redução no custo/Kg de animal produzido apenas na primeira fase.
Long-distance dispersal, ice sheet dynamics, and mountaintop isolation underlie the genetic structure of glacier ice worms

Disentangling the contemporary and historical factors underlying the spatial distributions of species is a central goal of biogeography. For species with broad distributions but little capacity to actively disperse, disconnected geographic distributions highlight the potential influence of passive, long-distance dispersal (LDD) on their evolutionary histories. However, dispersal alone cannot completely account for the biogeography of any species, and other factors–e.g., habitat suitability, life history–must also be considered. North American ice worms (Mesenchytraeus solifugus) are glacier-obligate annelids that inhabit coastal North American glaciers from Oregon to Alaska. Previous studies identified a complex biogeographic history for ice worms, with evidence for genetic isolation, unexpectedly close relationships among geographically disjunct lineages, and evidence for contemporary migration across large (>1,500 km) areas of unsuitable habitat. In this study, we collected genome-scale sequence data for most of the known ice worm range. We found support for a deep divergence between populations along the Pacific Coast and the inland flanks of the Coast Mountains (mean FST = 0.60) as well as support for LDD from Alaska to Vancouver Island, perhaps mediated by migrating birds. Our results highlight the power of genomic data for disentangling complex biogeographic patterns, including the presence of LDD.