Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infrastructure investments and operating costs for fecal sludge and sewage treatment systems in Kampala, Uganda

ABSTRACT Like many low-income countries, Uganda is struggling to provide sanitation to its inhabitants. Meeting the Sustainable Development Goal related to sanitation (SDG6) will require major investments in sanitation. This study uses the concept of service regimes to analyze existing sanitation infrastructure and services and their respective costs. The service regimes investigated are the sewage regime and the fecal sludge (FS) regime. The results show that approximately 56% of the fecal flow in Kampala is estimated as ‘safely managed’. The results also show that the annual per capita costs for the sewage regime (USD 186) are more than 13-fold those for the FS regime (USD 14). Additionally, there are large differences in subsidies between the regimes. When allocating public funds, decision-makers are advised to consider (i) number of customers within regimes, (ii) total capital and operating costs of services, (iii) cost allocation between stakeholders, and (iv) infrastructure performance.
BETA ADRENERGIC ACTIVITY OF Laportea aestuans LEAVES EXTRACT ON THE SMOOTH MUSCLES OF THE RABBIT JEJUNUM

Laportea aestuans ethanol leaf extract (LALE) was s creened for beta adrenergic activity in vitro on isolated rabbit jejunum. Results obtained indicate that LALE at all doses administered inhibited significantly (p< 0.05) the rhythmic cont ractions of the smooth muscle preparations with the least (14.28 μg/ml) and highest (228.60 μg /ml) concentrations producing inhibitions of 38.57% and 83.00% respectively. The inhibitory e ffect of LALE compared favourably with that of noradrenaline which produced 44.39% and 65. 31% at doses 0. 014μg/ml and 0. 229μg/ml respectively. LALE had no effect on acet ylcholine induced contractions but significantly (p< 0.05) blocked that of propranolol (a non selective beta receptor blocker). The results therefore suggest that the extract may cont ai substances with potent beta adrenergic property which may be of value in the management of c nditions associated with increased motility of the gastrointestinal tract and by exten sion those caused by excessive activity of beta receptor blocking agents. This may serve as a templ ate for the development of yet another synthetic beta adrenergic agent of clinical signifi cance.
Responses of plankton and ルsh from temperate zones to UVR and temperature in a context of global change

In the last decades, both temperature and UVB (280-315 nm) radiation on the surface of the Earth increased at growing rates as a result of human activities. Many studies had evaluated the effects of temperature on aquatic ecosystems, but now the ルeld broadens as the combination and variations of temperature and radiation gains especial importance. In this work we attempt to revisit some of our knowledge about the effects of UVR and temperature on marine and freshwater plankton and ルsh from temperate regions (deルned here as latitudes between 30-60o), especially from the Patagonia area, due to the special characteristics found in these sites. UVR affects (often negatively) almost all processes, from carbon ルxation to behavior; and certainly all trophic levels in plankton, from virus to ルsh larvae. The most prominent UVR danger is probably the mutagenic action of UVB, which will affect a number of processes such as photosynthesis, growth and cell division, among many others. In metazoans, UVR may cause stress upon survival or show sublethal effects such as those in behavior and feeding. It is difルcult to extract a general pattern, even in a group of organisms, as responses to UVR appear to be species-speciルc and strongly inレuenced by local conditions (e.g., UVR penetration, PAR/UVR ratios, and acclimation). While in many cases signiルcant effects have been determined, a number of mechanisms are available to avoid and / or minimize the damage produced by UVR. However, this may not hold true for global temperature changes. In the case of ルshes for example, temperature appears as the main factor driving habitat distributions, so the biogeography must be taken into account to consider the potential outcomes of UVR and temperature changes. Even in the different scenarios predicted by climatic models (including ozone layer recovery and temperature rise over the next decades) more research combining UVR and temperature as factors will be needed to understand responses of aquatic ecosystems into the context of global change. [
The results of analyte enhancement and use of supplied urine protein standard on the CAP Urine Chemistry Survey Program.

: Thirteen analytes were presented for participant analysis during the year 1979. Included were amylase, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, creatinine, osmolality, total protein, glucose, urea nitrogen, 17-ketosteroids, 17-ketogenic steroids, and vanillylmandelic acid. A urine protein standard was provided, and approximately half of participating labs used it. The severe biases demonstrated in past years between urine protein analytic methods was eliminated, and interlaboratory precision was greatly improved. Among labs not choosing to use the standard, poor interlaboratory precision and severe bias between methods persisted. Elevation of sodium and calcium concentration to levels simulating human disease resulted in significantly poorer analytic performance.
Running head: Communal and Agentic Content in Socia l Cognition Communal and Agentic Content in Social Cognition: A Dual Perspective Model

We summarize and integrate a large body of research showing that agency and communion constitute two fundamental dimensions of content in social cognition. Agentic content refers to goal-achievement and task functioning (competenc e, assertiveness, decisiveness), whereas communal content refers to the maintenance of relat ionships and social functioning (benevolence, trustworthiness, morality). We presen t a Dual Perspective Model of Agency and Communion (DPM) developed to show that the two dimensions are diff rently linked to the basic perspectives in social interaction, that is, the actor versus the observer/recipient perspectives. We review numerous research confirmin g three general hypotheses of the DPM. First, communal content is primary among the fundam ental dimensions. Second, in the observer/recipient perspective (perception of other s), communal content receives more weight than agentic content. Third, in the actor perspecti v (self-perception), agentic content receives more weight than communal content. We then discuss the complex issues of relations of agency and communion to valence as well as associat ions between agency and communion. Although they are logically independent and their i nferences are based on different cues, the two content dimensions of meaning frequently functi on as psychological alternatives in social cognition.
A Fluorimetric Method Based on an Imidazole Compound for Cu2+ Determination in Tap Water

Ion sensor properties of 4-(1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-2-methoxyphenol (L) in acetonitrile-water (1 : 1) were evaluated by fluorescence spectrometry. Pronounced quenching in the fluorescence spectra of the ligand was only observed for the Cu2+ ion among many metal ions. Linear fluorescence responses of the ligand at 360 nm as the function of the Cu2+ concentration were used for the determination of the Cu2+ ion in spiked tap water samples. Recovery values (R%) were satisfactory, and relative standard deviation (RSD%) was below 5.00 in intraday and interday measurements. Detection and quantification limits were 0.28 and 0.84 μg/L, respectively. The assay based on external calibration only took a few minutes.
The clinical analysis of pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma with epithelioid granuloma

Background Pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (PLELC) is a rare subtype of non-small cell lung cancer associated with Epstein-bar virus (EBV) infection. Epithelioid granuloma (EG) has been more scarcely reported and frequently misdiagnosed. Methods Data were collected from January 2013 to October 2019. Of 227 patients diagnosed as having PLELC, 22 patients had EG. We analyzed their clinical features, pathological characteristics and treatment and a comparison between PLELC patients complicated with or without EG was made. Results Twenty-two patients had complicated with EG (9.6%). The median age was 50 years (38–67 years). There were more females than males (1.4:1). Most patients were at early stage (68.2%) with nonspecific manifestations and lack of Rich-Lewis phenomenon. Compared with the 205 patients complicated without EG, there were no significant difference among age (t=0.938, P=0.349), gender (χ2=0.898, P=0.343), initial symptoms (χ2=2.684, P=0.443), smoking status (χ2=0.210, P=0.647), diameter of tumor(t=0.993, P=0.332) and performance status (H=0.971, P=0.615). EG was often located inside or adjacent to the tumor (71.4%). Specific staining was negative, whereas in situ hybridization staining of EBV-encoded RNA was consistently positive. Most patients complicated with EG received multimodality therapy including surgery, neo-adjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy or palliative chemotherapy and none of them received anti-TB therapy. Compared with the 205 patients complicated without EG, there were no significant difference among tumor stage, DFS (median, not reached, P=0.914), PFS (median, 12.3 months, P=0.848), OS (median, not reached, P=0.737) and treatment including anti-tumor therapy and anti-TB therapy. During follow-up duration for 14.6 months (range, 2.1–94.7 months), none of the patients had occurrence, progression or relapse of tuberculosis, regardless whether anti-tuberculosis therapy was initiated. Conclusions PLELC complicated with EG was lack of Rich-Lewis phenomenon and specific clinical characteristics compared with those without EG. EG might be caused by immunological hypersensitivity to tumor cells or EBV infection but not pulmonary tuberculosis. PLELC complicated with EG could be treated with chemotherapy and surgery. However, anti-tuberculosis therapy was unnecessary.
EFFECT OF IRRIGATION WATER QUANTITY, SOURCES AND RATES OF NITROGEN ON GROWTH AND QUALITY Of SUGAR BEET

Two field experiments were carried out at Sakha Agric. Res. Station, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt during 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 seasons, to study the effect of three irrigation water quantity (3000, 2500 and 2000m3), four nitrogen sources (Urea 46.5% N, Ammonium sulfate 20.6% N, Ammonium nitrate 33.5% N and Anhydrous ammonia 82% N) and three nitrogen rates (70, 80 and 90kg N/fed.) on growth yield and quality of sugar beet c.v. Gloriuf . The experiments were laid out in split plot design with four replications. The obtained results indicated that decreasing amount of irrigation water from 3000m3 to 2500 and 2000m3 caused reduction in root fresh weight, α amino nitrogen and potassium% . On the other hand, reducing irrigation level from 3000m3 to 2500 and 2000m3 increased root length , sodium percentage as well as purity percentage . Sugar beet plants received anhydrous ammonia gave the highest values of root length, root fresh weight , potassium and purity percentage , on the other hand, it gave the lowest values of α amino nitrogen and Sodium percentage. Sugar beet plants fertilized with nitrogen fertilizer at the rate of 90kg N/fed. gave the highest values of root length , root fresh weight , potassium percentage and α amino nitrogen percentage, while the highest values of sodium percentage and purity percentage were recorded with plants received nitrogen fertilizer at the rate of 70kg N/fed. as compared with other nitrogen fertilizer rates . At all irrigation levels nitrogen fertilizer application in the form of anhydrous ammonia gave the highest values of root length, root fresh weight, potassium% and purity%, but it gave the lowest values of α amino nitrogen% and sodium percentage . At the highest water regime (2000m3/fed.) raising nitrogen fertilizer from 70 to 90kg N/fed. increased root length , root fresh weight , α amino nitrogen% and potassium% , on the contrary the highest Na and purity% were found with 70kg N/fed. At all nitrogen fertilizer rates plants received nitrogen in the form of anhydrous ammonia gave the highest values of root length, root fresh weight and purity%, on the other hand, this treatment gave the lowest values of α amino nitrogen % percentage and sodium percentage . At the highest water regime (2000m3/fed.) plants fertilized by nitrogen fertilizer at the rate of 90kg N/fed. in the form of anhydrous ammonia gave the longest root , heaviest roots, potassium percentage and purity percentage, on the contrary it gave the lowest α amino nitrogen percentage ,sodium percentage. Generally, it could be concluded that when the shortage of irrigation water was presented, fertilizing sugar beet plants with nitrogen fertilizer in the form of anhydrous ammonia at the rate of 90kg N/fed. improved growth and root juice quality of sugar beet plants at Sakha Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate conditions.
Entry and Exit in Independent Submarkets: An Application to the Spanish Retail Banking Market

This paper is aimed at the analysis of the banks’ decisions to open or close branches in submarkets and, in particular, to test if these decisions can be considered mainly determined by what is happening in each submarket, irrespectively of what has happened in other submarkets, as the Sutton’s independent submarkets model suggests. With data on the Spanish retail banking sector for the period 1994-98, I specify and estimate a discrete choice model to examine the entry probability of potential new entrants into submarkets and the probability of incumbents to open or close one branch in their submarkets. I find that the entry decisions of potential entrants are mainly determined by submarket characteristics, as opposed to entity-specific characteristics. And that the incumbents’ decisions to open or close branches only depend on the submarket expected profit stream and the number of branches owned by each incumbent in it. These results are consistent with the assumptions of the theoretical model.
Potentials of Hydrocarbon Utilization by Wood-Digesting Bacteria isolated from the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria.

Introduction : There is a continuous search for environmental–friendly methods to address oil-polluted environments, hence this study aimed to establish the potential of using tropical estuarine bacterial strains for degradation of crude oil in polluted environment. Microbial degradation of hydrocarbons has been considered a promising, natural, less toxic and cost-effective technology. Lignocellulose-utilizing bacterial strains ( Bacillus megaterium strain NOB, Streptomyces pseudogriseolus strain EOB and Paenibacillus sp. strains ROB) were isolated from decomposing wood residues in a tropical lagoon. They were identified on the basis of morphological and biochemical characteristics, observation under scanning electron microscope and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Methods ; Microbial growth assessment coupled with biosurfactant production were performed in triplicates under aerobic batch conditions in Erlenmeyer flasks containing mineral salts medium fortified with trace elements and crude oil as the sole carbon source. Results : The generation times of strains NOB, EOB and ROB were 28.3, 44.9 and 46.8 h; with specific growth rates of 14.2, 8.9 and 8.6 h -1 , respectively on crude oil. Gas chromatographic analysis of residual hydrocarbons from the growth cultures of isolates revealed that the three strains had degraded the oil by 89.34, 86.33 and 79.37%, respectively at the end of 21 day. The cell hydrophobicity of the bacterial strains also reached 83.6, 79.4 and 69.4%, respectively. Conclusion : The results from this study suggest that wood-digesting bacterial strains from a tropical lagoon possess hydrocarbon utilization capabilities. They could therefore have potentials for deployment in the bioremediation of petrochemical spills in polluted environments.
Home-Based Physical Activity Programs for Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Summary of Empirical Research

Despite the well-documented health benefits of regular physical activity, a substantial number of middle-aged and older adults remain sedentary. As many older adults prefer to engage in physical activity on their own, rather than in a group or faci lity, home-based physical activity represents a promising modality for improving the health of the public at large. This paper reviews the empirical research on home-based physical activity programs designed for middle-aged and older adults. Results of aerobic and strength training home-based physical activity studies are summarized for both middle-aged and older community-residing adult and patient populations. Research gaps in the home-based physical activity literature are delineated, along with some of the barriers to filling those gaps. Finally, recommendations are offered for future research on and development of home-based physical activity programs.
Field-based estimation and modelling of distributed groundwater recharge in a Mediterranean karst catchment, Wadi Natuf, West Bank

Abstract. While groundwater recharge is one of the most prominently covered subjects in hydrogeology, the spatial distribution of recharge has been given relatively little attention, especially in semi-arid, karstic aquifers. Under conditions of highly diverse geology, relief, vegetation and land use, the complexity and variability of spatially distributed hydrological processes remains a challenge in many regions around the world. This is particularly true for hitherto ungauged basins, such as Wadi Natuf, a 103 km2 large karstic Eastern Mediterranean watershed in the Palestinian upstream mountain and recharge area of the Western Aquifer Basin (WAB), which is shared with Israel in the coastal plain. In this first in a series of two papers, distributed recharge is estimated and represented, based on 7 years of extensive field observations and measurements and based conceptually on observable physical landscape features such as geology, land use and land cover (LU/LC) and especially soil conditions. For the first time in the WAB, a forward calculated soil moisture and percolation model (SMSP) was set up with parameters directly gained from field observations. The model was parameterised in a strictly parsimonious manner, as a one-dimensional model (a.k.a. “tank”, bucket or box model). This is based on dominant hydrological processes, in particular saturation excess in the soil column, and identifying patterns of linkage between different landscape features. Average soil thickness was encountered at the range of decimetres, rarely above one metre. Both soil thickness and LU/LC features, such as terraced olive groves or forests as well as grassland or barren rock outcrops, were found to be highly formation specific. This linkage allowed us to further simplify the model and its requirements in a realistic manner for eight soil moisture stations, chosen at six different geological formations with typical soil and LU/LC representations. The main result of the model was the determination of formation-specific recharge coefficients, spatially ranging between 0 % and almost 60 % of annual rainfall or up to 300 mm a−1 in Wadi Natuf's climate. The karstified main aquifers showed recharge coefficients (RC) above 40 % and even the less prominent slightly aquitardal local aquifers reached RC values above 30 %. The model was separately tested on two conceptual levels: on the level of basin form (soil moisture) and basin response (signatures of peak recharge and local spring discharge events) under well-controlled conditions in isolated sub-catchments. In principle, our approach is applicable in many of the scarcely gauged karstic groundwater basins around the world with a highly diverse landscape and geology.
Farm Households Food Demand and Its Determinants in Nigeria

Aims: The study examined the farming households’ food demand in Nigeria by, identifying the socio-economic characteristics of the farming households, assessing the monthly expenditure share of various categories of food in the total households’ food budget, analyzing the expenditure elasticities of the food classes and examining the factors influencing food demand. Methodology: A questionnaire was used as research instrument to elicit primary data from 120 farming households randomly selected through a multi-stage sampling method. The data analyses were done through the use of descriptive statistics and Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) model. Results: The results show that 61.7 percent of the household heads were men while the mean age was 45.7 years. Most (92.5%) of the household heads were educated with mean household size of 7 persons and mean monthly income of N19, 435.20. The analysis of average monthly expenditure share of various food classes demanded for by the households reveals that roots and tubers food class had the largest (48%) share of households’ total food expenditure while flesh foods and dairy Original Research Article Oluwatusin et al.; ARRB, 34(4): 1-9, 2019; Article no.ARRB. 54844 2 products came last with just 2 percent. In addition, expenditure elasticities of the six classes of food considered indicate that demand for roots and tubers, starchy food, fruits and vegetables and fats and oil food classes were inelastic while that of Flesh foods and dairy products and protein grains were elastic. Also it was revealed that farm households with small household sizes consume more proteinous foods. The determinants that had the expected sign and cut across all food classes were the price of individual food category and household income. Conclusion: The study analysed the farming households’ food demand and its determinants and in order to improve the farm households’ demand for food, it is recommended that policies to prevent upward or downward swings in the prices of foods in the economy should be put in place.