Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Water Conservation Methods and Cropping Systems for Increased Productivity and Economic Resilience in Burkina Faso

Resilience of smallholder farmers in their ability to bounce-back and overcome shocks, such as drought, is critical to ensure a pathway out of hunger and poverty. Efficient water conservation methods that increase rainwater capture and reduce soil erosion such as stone lines and grass bands are two technologies that have been proposed to increase the resilience in Sudano–Sahelian farming systems. In Burkina Faso, we show that stone lines, grass bands, and crop rotation are effective resilience strategies individually and in combination. During years when rainfall is well-distributed over time, differences are minimal between fields with water conservation methods and fields without. However, when there are periods of prolonged drought, water conservation methods are effective for increasing soil water, yield, revenue, and resilience. During drought conditions, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) grain yield and revenue with stone lines and grass bands were over 50% greater than that of the control, by an average of 450 kg ha−1, which amounted to an increase of 58,500 West African CFA franc (CFA) ha−1 (i.e., 98 USD ha−1). The results also suggest that the combination of water conservation method and crop rotation additionally improves cropping system productivity and revenue. Growing cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ) in rotation with sorghum production provided more options for farmers to increase their income and access to nutrition. This study also sheds light on the limited productivity gains due to improved crop varieties. The local sorghum landrace, Nongomsoba, and the local cowpea variety in rotation resulted in the highest yields as compared to the improved varieties of Sariaso 14 sorghum and KVX 396-4-4 cowpea. Under similar low input/degraded conditions, improved crop varieties likely are not a suitable resilience strategy alone. We conclude that during erratic rainy seasons with frequent periods of drought (i.e., water stress) in rain-fed conditions in Burkina Faso, stone lines or grass bands in combination with sorghum and cowpea rotation are effective practices for increasing resilience of smallholder farmers to maintain crop productivity and revenue. With future and present increases in climate variability due to climate change, stone lines, grass bands, and crop rotation will have growing importance as resilience strategies to buffer crop productivity and revenue during periods of drought.
The Negative Impact of Cannabis Use on School Grades and Intelligence Among Adolescents

Purpose: Cannabis use among adolescents is a public health problem, one associated with intellectual and cognitive impairment. This study investigated the negative impact of cannabis use on adolescents’ school grades and intelligence. Methods: The study screened 1682 students during their university preadmission medical examination. Thirty-six students tested positive for cannabis, and 36 controls who tested negative for drugs were also included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical data, school grades, and IQ (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale) scores were collected from cases and controls. Results: Cases weremore likely to have lower final exam grades than controls in secondary and preparatory school, although they had higher grades than controls in primary school before starting cannabisuse. Caseswere more likely to have lower scores in verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, and total IQ than controls. However, the working memory and processing speed scores of both groups were equivalent. Students who started cannabis use at an earlier age (<15 y old) were more likely to have lower scores in total and all domains of IQ except verbal comprehension than students who started at a later age (>15 y old). There was an association between frequent use of cannabis and lower IQ scores (total and all domains). Conclusions: Cannabis use is associated with lower school grades and intelligence scores among adolescents, especially those who used cannabis frequently and at a young age.
Treatment Optimization in Multiple Sclerosis: Canadian MS Working Group Recommendations

Abstract: The Canadian Multiple Sclerosis Working Group has updated its treatment optimization recommendations (TORs) on the optimal use of disease-modifying therapies for patients with all forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Recommendations provide guidance on initiating effective treatment early in the course of disease, monitoring response to therapy, and modifying or switching therapies to optimize disease control. The current TORs also address the treatment of pediatric MS, progressive MS and the identification and treatment of aggressive forms of the disease. Newer therapies offer improved efficacy, but also have potential safety concerns that must be adequately balanced, notably when treatment sequencing is considered. There are added discussions regarding the management of pregnancy, the future potential of biomarkers and consideration as to when it may be prudent to stop therapy. These TORs are meant to be used and interpreted by all neurologists with a special interest in the management of MS.
Goodeve hard red spring wheat.

Le ble roux vitreux de printemps Goodeve (Triticum aestivum L.) resiste a la cecidomyie orangee du ble Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin) grâce au gene Sml situe sur le chromosome 2BS, selectionne grâce au marqueur genetique WM1. Goodeve se caracterise par un rendement grainier sensiblement plus eleve que celui des varietes temoins sauf Superb; le cultivar parvient a maturite significativement plus tot qu'AC Barrie, Laura et Superb, sa paille est sensiblement plus courte que celle de Katepwa et de Laura, et la variete est significativement moins sensible a la verse que Katepwa et Laura. Goodeve possede des epillets mutiques de couleur paille. Son grain est plus proteine, sa farine, plus claire, et sa pâte prend plus de temps a se developper au farinographe tout en absorbant plus d'eau que la moyenne des varietes temoins. Goodeve respecte les exigences qualitatives pour l'usage final de la classe Ble roux de printemps de l'Ouest canadien. La variete resiste aux races regnantes de la rouille de la tige et du charbon nu, est moderement sensible a la carie et est sensible a la brulure de l'epi causee par Fusarium.
Optimization of lovastatin in solid-state fermentation using oil palm frond

Lovastatin plays a role in lowering the cholesterol level in the human blood, especially the bad cholesterol or low density lipoproteins (LDL). Concurrently, lovastatin increase the good cholesterol or high density lipoproteins (HDL), to prevent the formation of plaque inside the blood vessels. The objective of this research was to experimentally optimize the lovastatin compound produced by Monascus purpureus FTC5357 under solid state fermentation (SSF) using oil palm frond (OPF). In order to identify the optimal condition to produce lovastatin, four parameters which were pH, initial moisture content, peptone and potassium, were optimized using Box-Behnken design. Based on the ANOVA analysis performed, initial moisture content, potassium and peptone contributed significantly to the lovastatin production. Meanwhile, pH had the least impact to the lovastatin production. Peptone pronounced to be the most contributed factor, as the lovastatin production increased with the increasing of peptone in the substrate. Under optimized condition (pH 5.50, moisture content at 60%, 3.40 g of potassium, and 3.30 g of peptone) maximum lovastatin yield was 45.84 μg/g. The lovastatin produced through SSF using OPF as a substrate by Monascus purpureus FTC 5357 has a great potential to be utilized as a source of lovastatin in future.
Ultrassonografia testicular em bovinos jovens da raça Nelore criados em sistema extensivo

The aim of this study was to evaluate the testicular parenchyma of young Nelore bulls through standard ultrasound, in order to establish the physiological standards, as well as differences in echogenicity between pre-pubescent and pubescent animals of the same age. Testis of 19 young Nelore bulls were evaluated by ultrasonography at 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 months old. Homogeneous and moderate testicular parenchyma echogenicity was observed in all animals. Testicular echogenicity increased with the age of the animal. There were no significant differences in testicular echogenicity between pre-pubescent and pubescent animals with the same age.
Amylose content is not affected by overexpression of the Wx-B1 gene in durum wheat

With 6 figures and 1 table Abstract The granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS), known as waxy protein, is the sole enzyme responsible for amylose synthesis, whereas amylopectin is produced by concerted action of several isoforms, including starch synthases, branching and debranching enzymes. Durum wheat contains two waxy genes, which encode the Wx-A1 and Wx-B1 proteins, respectively. In order to investigate the effect of the overexpression of the waxy genes on amylose content and starch properties, durum wheat transgenic lines overexpressing the Wx-B1 gene were produced. Amylose content of the transgenic lines did not show any increase compared to the untransformed cultivar. One of the transgenic lines was crossed with a mutant waxy genotype of durum wheat lacking all the waxy protein isoforms. The screening of F2 segregant plants permitted the identification of lines possessing various combinations of waxy genes, including the line containing only the construct used in the transformation. In this line, the normal vitreous seed phenotype, because of the presence of amylose, was restored confirming a correct functioning of the transgene.
Understanding the Use of Classroom Talk by Newly Trained Physics Teachers in Lesotho

This study explores the nature of classroom talk as a way of teaching physics implemented by newly trained teachers. Their training introduced them, among others, to sociocultural theory and the promotion of classroom talk as a deliberate teaching strategy. This study is framed by Mortimer and Scott's framework for productive classroom talk. Data were collected from three teachers through video- and audio-recording three successive lessons of each. These were complemented by follow-up interviews. Data analysis followed a discourse analysis approach. The results show that teachers implemented classroom talk through providing scientific concepts, allowing student discussion and establishing common understanding, but did encourage talk for applying scientific meaning, i.e. the final stage in Mortimer and Scott's framework. The teachers did not train their students on how to engage in productive talk and provided little authoritative guidance in meaning making through classroom talk. It is recommended that newly trained teachers be given support at least in their first year of teaching after training.
Multivariate genetic analysis of pea (Pisum sativum)

The phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were invariably higher than their corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). The higher genetic advance coupled with moderate estimates of heritability observed for the plant height and high heritability accompanied with low genetic advance for number of seeds per pod and number of pods per plant. Genetic advance as per cent of mean showed maximum value for yield per plant followed by number of pods per plant. Correlation studies showed yield per plant exhibited positive association with number of pods per plant (0.79), number of internodes (0.56) and plant height (0.54). Path analysis showed significant direct effects of number of pods per plant, days to first flower appearing and plant height towards yield per plant. Multivariate Hierarchical cluster analysis, based on average distance (between groups), average distance (within group) and Ward’s method divided 37 genotypes into 2 clusters with 10 and 27 members at first node.
Microstructure Evolution of Hydrate‐Bearing Sands During Thermal Dissociation and Ensued Impacts on the Mechanical and Seepage Characteristics

In this study, a microfocus X‐ray computed tomography‐based triaxial testing apparatus was used to observe and quantify the microstructure evolution of hydrate‐bearing sands during thermal dissociation of hydrate. Three triaxial shear tests with X‐ray computed tomography were conducted to study the influence of hydrate dissociation on the mechanical behavior of hydrate‐bearing sands. The results show that hydrate covering the sand particle surface dissociates first and then at the menisci between sand particles. The secondary hydrate formation mainly occurs on the menisci between sand particles and the surfaces of the hydrate shells where hydrates already exist. Hydrate dissociation could cause fabric changes in hydrate‐bearing sands, resulting in a more isotropic orientation distribution of sand particles. The failure behavior of the hydrate‐free sand specimen is similar to that of the specimen after hydrate dissociation, which shows an obvious drum‐shaped failure pattern with X‐shaped shear bands. However, the hydrate‐bearing sand specimen exhibits a shear band with a determined thickness and inclination angle. Hydrate dissociation could cause a significant loss of supporting cementation, resulting in a decline in the stiffness and failure strength. The failure strength of hydrate‐free sand specimen is slightly higher than that of the specimen after hydrate dissociation; this may due to that the homogeneous orientation frequency distribution can enhance the stability of the force chain between sand particles. The secondary hydrate formation causes sediment deformation resulting in a decrease in absolute permeability due to pore blockage.
Comparing welfare indicators in dairy cattle under different loose housing systems (deep litter vs cubicle barns) using recycled manure solids for bedding

Aim of study: Dairy farmers in Southern Spain are continuously investing in the modernization of their facilities and frequently ask technicians about the type of housing they should choose for their farms. Although some studies have analysed the economic impact of different housing systems, there are no reports evaluating the impact of these systems on animal wellbeing. To remedy this deficit, a study was carried out to analyse animal welfare status in two types of loose housing conditions: deep litter (DL) and cubicle (CU) barns.Area of study: This study was conducted in Cordoba (Spain). Material and methods: A total of 1,597 cows from nineteen commercial dairy farms were involved in this study, of which twelve had CU barns and seven had DL barns. Welfare Quality assessment was used to evaluate animal wellbeing, inn order to compare both housing systems.Main results: The study found some weaknesses for feeding and health indicators of animal welfare in both types of housing systems. The overall welfare assessment based on feeding, housing and health indicators showed no differences between farms with DL or CU barns.Research highlights: A good welfare status could be reached under any type of housing system.
Earnings Management: A New Paradigm of Corporate Social Responsibility

The study adopted a systematic review approach to review the existing studies on the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and Earnings Management (EM). The aim of this study is to determine whether CSR is an effective tool to promote healthy relationships with stakeholders or CSR is used as an effective strategy by firm's mangers to hide out their involvement in (EM) practices. Results revealed that prior research on the CSR‐EM relationship is limited. The majority of the studies found an inverse relationship between CSR and EM. Moreover, mixed results were reported because of the lack of sufficient theoretical support, inappropriate research designs, and varying approaches to measure CSR and EM. This study also synthesizes the various consistencies and inconsistencies in the existing literature of CSR‐EM and future research agenda. Policymakers should reward organizations that pursue CSR purely for social and environmental concerns and at the same time they should be vigilant for those which use CSR for shielding their EM practices.
Operational sex ratio and paternal age sway mating and reproductive performance in Menochilus sexmaculatus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract Operational sex ratio and paternal age are known to independently affect mating behaviour and reproductive performance. We conducted experiments to assess the effects of operational sex ratio and paternal age on mating, reproduction, and total development duration of Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Three male-biased sex ratios, no (1:1), modest (1:2), and extreme (1:5) competition treatments, were formed using young, middle-aged, and old males. The reproductive performance of M. sexmaculatus at all ages under extreme competition (1:5) surpassed the other two treatments. More competition among males decreased the time of commencement of mating and increased the duration of copulation. Females laid a greater number of eggs in extreme competition treatments. The operational sex ratio (irrespective of age) had no significant effect on the total developmental duration of offspring. Among different age groups, older males took more time to commence mating and mated for longer durations in all the sex ratio treatments. The number of eggs in the first clutch was lowest when females were mated with older males with increased offspring development duration. Thus, it can be concluded that male-biased sex ratio elevates the performance of M. sexmaculatus. Among different age groups, older males were poor performers than young and middle-aged males.
Home and away: cross-contextual consistency in tourists’ pro-environmental behavior

Abstract Domestic and tourism pro-environment behaviors (PEBs) are often found to be related. While pro-environmental behavior in the domestic context is well-studied, virtually no research has examined consistency in PEBs across domestic and tourism contexts. Here, we examined potential consistency and spillover effects between PEBs in domestic and tourism contexts using at 717-participant questionnaire study dataset, analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation modeling (PLS-SEM). We also considered potential mediators and moderators of these relationships. The results show significant positive relationships between domestic PEBs and tourism PEBs, with environmental attachment and pro-environmental identity positively related, and moral licensing beliefs negatively related, to consistency between PEBs in both contexts. Pro-environmental identity and moral licensing beliefs were found to partly mediate the association between PEBs in both contexts, whereas environmental attachment had a positive moderating effect. We discuss the implications of these results for strengthening positive relationships between domestic and tourism PEBs, and thus fostering cross-contextual spillover.
Dosing of Antimicrobials in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background: We sought to compare meropenem and fluconazole dosing in the neonatal intensive care unit with recommendations based on published pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in infants. Methods: We performed an observational cohort study of infants <90 days postnatal age who received a course of meropenem or fluconazole who were treated in neonatal intensive care units managed by the Pediatrix Medical Group (1997–2016). We defined any dose amount from 80% to 120% of the published recommendation to constitute an appropriate dose of either antimicrobial. We calculated the percentage of appropriately dosed courses overall and by discharge year. We then evaluated the change in appropriate dosing over time using a nonparametric test of trend to evaluate the proportion of appropriately dosed courses of each antimicrobial by discharge year. Results: A total of 3608 infants were administered 2025 courses of meropenem and 1201 courses of fluconazole. Of all meropenem courses, 32% were dosed appropriately (increased significantly over time; P = 0.01), while 17% of fluconazole courses were dosed appropriately (increased significantly over time; P = 0.01). Median dosing for both meropenem and fluconazole was at or below recommendations; therefore, under-dosing was more common. Conclusions: There was marked discordance between actual fluconazole and meropenem dosing and dosing recommendation in PK publications, yet adherence to PK-based doses showed improvement over time.
FUNGI, CER A TOCYSTIS FAGACEARUM AND FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM

Vegetative nuclei of fungi Ceratocystis fagacearum and Fusarium oxysporum were studied both in the living condition with phase-contrast microscopy and after fixation and staining by HCI-Giemsa, aceto-orcein, and acid fuchsin techniques. Nucleoli, chromosomes, centrioles, spindles, and nuclear envelopes were seen in living hyphae of both fungi. The entire division process occurred within an intact nuclear envelope. Spindles were produced between separating daughter centrioles. At metaphase the chromosomes became attached to the spindle at different points. In F. oxysporum the metaphase chromosomes were clear enough to allow counts to be made, and longitudinal splitting of the chromosomes into chromatids was observed. Anaphase was characterized in both fungi by separation of chromosomes to poles established by the centrioles, and in F. oxysporum anaphase separation of chromosomes was observed in vivo. Continued elongation of the spindles further separated the daughter nuclei. Maturing daughter nuclei of both fungi were quite motile; and in C. fagacearum the centriole preceded the bulk of the nucleus during migration. The above observations on living cells were corroborated by observations on fixed and stained material.
Structure, function, and regulation of multidrug export proteins among the RND superfamily in Gram-negative bacteria

vi CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 DISSERTATION ORGANIZATION 1 RESEARCH AIMS AND SIGNIFICANCE 3 Aim 1: Understanding the structure and molecular mechanism of the multidrug transport protein AcrD. 5 Aim 2: Providing insights to how MDR pumps are locally regulated by the TetR family of proteins. 5 FIGURES AND TABLES 7 REFERENCES 8 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW: RND TRANSPORTERS 1
The influence of work group size and space sharing on the perceived productivity, overall comfort and health of occupants in commercial and academic buildings

The influence of work groups (the number of occupants sharing an office) on occupant satisfaction with workplace environments was compared between commercial buildings and academic buildings. Using the Building Use Studies (BUS) methodology, a sample of 5000 surveys was collected over a 12-year period from 67 buildings around the world. In both academic and commercial buildings, solo offices (single occupant) obtained the best scores regarding productivity, overall comfort and health. Academics most disliked middle-sized open-plan offices (shared by 6 to 9 occupants), while in commercial buildings, office occupants most disliked large open-plan offices (shared by over 9 occupants). Occupants had higher productivity and perceived health in commercial buildings than those in academic buildings in all work groups. Productivity decreased as the number of occupants in the office increased in both academic and commercial buildings for all work groups except for middle-sized open-plan offices. Age had a significant influence on occupant perception in different work groups, when comparing commercial and academic buildings. Trivial differences regarding the effect of gender on occupant perception in commercial and academic buildings were also identified. The findings of this study points to the significance of office sharing in influencing high-performance working environments, especially in relation to open-plan layouts.