Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence on Diagnostic Aid of Leprosy: A Systematic Literature Review

Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease that can cause physical injury and mental disability. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, but can be inconclusive due to the absence of initial symptoms and similarity to other dermatological diseases. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have been used in dermatology, assisting clinical procedures and diagnostics. In particular, AI-supported solutions have been proposed in the literature to aid in the diagnosis of leprosy, and this Systematic Literature Review (SLR) aims to characterize the state of the art. This SLR followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework and was conducted in the following databases: ACM Digital Library, IEEE Digital Library, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Potentially relevant research articles were retrieved. The researchers applied criteria to select the studies, assess their quality, and perform the data extraction process. Moreover, 1659 studies were retrieved, of which 21 were included in the review after selection. Most of the studies used images of skin lesions, classical machine learning algorithms, and multi-class classification tasks to develop models to diagnose dermatological diseases. Most of the reviewed articles did not target leprosy as the study’s primary objective but rather the classification of different skin diseases (among them, leprosy). Although AI-supported leprosy diagnosis is constantly evolving, research in this area is still in its early stage, then studies are required to make AI solutions mature enough to be transformed into clinical practice. Expanding research efforts on leprosy diagnosis, coupled with the advocacy of open science in leveraging AI for diagnostic support, can yield robust and influential outcomes.
Simulation study on optimal currents and winds for the spaceborne SAR mapping of sea bottom topography

A simulation model for the radar backscattering cross section of the sea surface has been developed based on the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging mechanism of the sea bottom topography. The relationship between tidal currents, sea surface winds and the SAR mapping of the sea bottom topography has been analyzed using the results of the simulation. It is shown that the sea bottom topography can be observed by spaceborne SAR more easily at high current speeds. The optimal direction of the currents for mapping the sea bottom topography is the direction perpendicular to the bathymetric features while the direction parallel to the bathymetric features is the worst. The optimal range of wind speeds for mapping the sea bottom topography is between 3 and 9 m/s. The wind directions between 30? and 89? are preferred although the effect of the wind direction on SAR mapping of bottom topography is complicated.
Determining factors for successful adoption of dogs from an animal shelter.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether certain characteristics of dogs offered for adoption are associated with successful adoption. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS 1,468 relinquished dogs offered for adoption at a local humane society. PROCEDURE Data regarding dogs offered for adoption were obtained from surveys completed by previous owners. Data were analyzed by use of bivariate statistics and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of dogs offered for adoption, 1,073 were successfully adopted, 239 were not adopted, and 157 were returned to the shelter after adoption. Terrier, hound, toy, and nonsporting breeds were found to be significantly associated with successful adoption (P < 0.05, chi 2 analysis). Certain coat colors (gold, gray, and white), small size, and history of an indoor environment were also significant predictors of successful adoption. The correlation coefficient (0.048) indicated that only a small percentage of variance in adoption success could be explained by the multiple logistic regression model. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Animal shelter managers with limited kennel capacity may wish to periodically use surveys to determine whether the type of dog being offered to the public reflects the type of dog the public will adopt.
Biochemical changes in soybean leaves infected by Corynespora cassiicola

ALESSANDRO, Alessandro Antônio, D. Sc. , Universidade Federal de Viçosa, July, 2014. Biochemical changes in soybean leaves infected by Corynespora cassiicola. Adviser: Fabrício de Ávila Rodrigues. Co-adviser: Luís Cláudio Viera da Cunha. Soybean target spot, caused by the fungus Corynespora cassiicola , has become an important disease on soybean fields in Midwest Brazil nowadays, causing yield losses from 20 to 40%. However, information regarding how soybean plants responds to C. cassiicola infection, especially considering the antioxidant defence system and the induction of basal defence, is still incipient. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate at the biochemical responses soybean plants from two cultivars (TMG 132 and FUNDACEP 59) to C. cassiicola. In the first study, it was measured the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and lipoxigenase (LOX) activities as well as the concentrations of ascorbate (AsA), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H 2O2) and superoxide (O 2). The disease was significantly reduced in leafleats from cv. FUNDACEP 59 compared to cv. TMG 132. In general, upon infection SOD, CAT, POX, APX, GPX, GR and GST activities were significantly higher, regardless of cultivar, in comparison to the control plants. However, LOX activity in soybean plants was lower upon infection regardless of cultivar. The concentration of AsA increased in both cultivars in response to C. cassiicola. The cultivars presented similarities regarding the biochemical responses studied during pathogenesis. However, SOD, APX, GPX and GR activities in inoculated plants from cv. FUNDACEP 59 and as well as the concentration of AsA were increased compared to the same plants from cv. TMG 132. There were observed significant increases in the concentrations of MDA, H 2O2 and O2, especially in diseased plants from cv. TMG 132. The results in the present study indicate that a more efficient antioxidant system in soybean plants, especially for cv. FUNDACEP 59, limited the damage caused by ROS in leave tissues. In the second study, it was determined the ß-1-3-glucanase (GLU), chitinase (CHI), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POX), polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activities as well as the concentration of total soluble phenolics (TSP) and lignin-thioglycolic acid (LTGA) derivatives. As observed in the first study, the disease was significantly reduced in the cv. FUNDACEP 59 compared to cv. TMG 132. GLU, CHI, PAL, POX and PPO activities as well as the concentration of LTGA derivatives significantly increased for the inoculated plants, regardless of cultivar, in comparison to the non-inoculated upon
Polymorphisms in CLEC5A and CLEC7A genes modify risk for inflammatory bowel disease

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) seems to arise from an interplay between genetic and environmental factors. CLEC5A and CLEC7A genes code for 2 members of the C-type lectin receptor superfamily, which participate in the immune response against various pathogens, mediating inflammatory signaling. CLEC5A polymorphisms have been linked to the risk of Crohn’s disease (CD), whereas CLEC7A has been implicated in fungal dysbiosis, chemically induced colitis in mice and undertreated ulcerative colitis (UC) in humans. This study aimed to explore how specific CLEC5A and CLEC7A polymorphisms contribute to the development of CD and UC. Methods One hundred twelve CD patients, 94 UC patients and 164 sex- and age- matched healthy individuals were genotyped for the single nucleotide polymorphisms rs2078178 and rs16910631 of the CLEC7A gene, and rs1285933 of the CLEC5A gene. Results The CLEC7A rs2078178 AA genotype was more frequent in UC patients compared to healthy individuals, The CLEC7A rs16910631 CT genotype was significantly associated with UC risk compared to healthy individuals, while there was no statistical correlation with CD. The CLEC5A rs1285933 GA genotype was found to be protective against UC and CD, and the AA genotype against CD. Carriers of the rs1285933 A allele appeared to have reduced susceptibility to CD, implying that the presence of the A allele could be protective against CD development. Conclusions This is the first study to correlate the CLEC5A rs1285933 polymorphism with the risk for UC. The rs2078178 AA genotype and the CLEC7A rs16910631 CT could be promising biomarkers for UC susceptibility.
Influence of folic acid knowledge on effective folic acid intake in Chinese pregnant women: a cross-sectional study

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the current status of effective folic acid intake and the level of folic acid knowledge of Chinese pregnant women and to analyze the relationship between effective folic acid intake and folic acid knowledge. Methods From November 2021 to May 2022, 140 pregnant women at Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital in the Chinese province of Shandong, answered questions about their general characteristics, folic acid intake, and folic acid knowledge. The data were analyzed using the t-test, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis, and were presented with frequency with percentage or mean±standard deviation. Results Only 16.4% of the pregnant women (n=23) took folic acid effectively, using the following four criteria. Of all pregnant women who took folic acid, 72.2% took folic acid starting 1 month before pregnancy, 70.8% took folic acid up to 3 months after pregnancy, 36.8% took 400 μg every time, and 78.6% took folic acid more than 24 days every month. The score for folic acid knowledge was relatively high (5.61±2.18 on a scale of 0–9). A higher folic acid knowledge score correlated with more effective folic acid intake (t=4.10, p<.001). Conclusion Our study shows that the current recommendations to prevent neural tube defects through effective folic acid intake supplementation are not being fully implemented in China. Furthermore, folic acid knowledge was positively correlated with the effectiveness of its intake. Future education related to effective folic acid intake should emphasize the four methods of effective folic acid intake, especially regarding the recommended dose of 400 μg every time.
Neoadjuvant sintilimab plus chemotherapy for locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective, single-arm, phase II clinical trial (CY-NICE)

Background Adding immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to the chemotherapy has shown significant clinical benefits in neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Sintilimab is one such ICI used for treatment. Herein, we designed a trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sintilimab combined with paclitaxel and platinum for locally advanced resectable ESCC. Methods Patients with locally advanced resectable (stage II–III) ESCC were enrolled and received at least two cycles of neoadjuvant therapy with sintilimab (200 mg on day 1) plus platinum-based chemotherapy in each 3-week cycle followed by esophagectomy. The primary endpoint of the trial was the pathological complete response (pCR) rate. The secondary endpoints were the major pathological response (MPR) rate, the objective response rate (ORR), the treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), the immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and quality of life (QOL). Besides, relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) were exploratory endpoints. Forty-three cases were needed to be enrolled in this trial. It was assumed the regimen of the neoadjuvant sintilimab plus chemotherapy would achieve a pCR rate of 30.5%. Results Between March 2021 and January 2023, a total of 43 patients (41 men and 2 women) were enrolled, including 11 cases (25.6%) of clinical stage II and 32 cases (74.4%) of clinical stage III at baseline. All the 43 patients completed two cycles of neoadjuvant therapy, and 32 patients received McKeown radical resection for esophageal cancer. The pCR rate was 28.1% (9/32), which was below the 30.5% reference cutoff value, and the MPR rate was 37.5% (12/32). According to RECIST 1.1, four patients (4/43, 9.3%) had a complete response (CR), 21 patients (21/43, 48.8%) had a partial response (PR), ORR was 58.1% (25/43). The incidence of ≥ grade 3 TRAEs was 23.3% (10/43) and there were no ≥ grade 4 TRAEs. Conclusions Sintilimab plus platinum-based chemotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy is safe, feasible and effective in locally advanced resectable ESCC, suggesting a supportive rationale for its further evaluation in randomized clinical trials. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR2200056558.
Feature - Factors Influencing Maize Farmers’ Adoption And Use Intensity of Hermetic Storage Bags In Dormaa, Ghana

Abstract ABSTRACT ABSTRACT Maize is a key staple in Ghana with a high production rate. With the growing development of the poultry and livestock sector, there is a need to boost maize production to meet the growing demand. The unfortunate thing is a significant amount of maize produced is lost during storage. The hermetic storage bag is an innovation proven to reduce maize storage loss. This study ascertains factors influencing smallholder maize farmers' adoption and use intensity of hermetic storage bags in Dormaa, Ghana. We used a multi-stage sampling technique and collected data from 217 maize smallholder farmers from four communities where maize production is the main economic activity in Dormaa Municipality, Ghana. The analytical framework incorporates descriptive statistics, the Probit model, and the Ordinary Least Square Estimation (OLS) technique. The probit results reveal that age, marital status, membership in a professional association, and training have a positive and significant influence on the adoption of hermetic storage bags. Based on the intensity of use of hermetic bags, our study finds that farm size, length of storage, and quantity of maize farmers sold each season had a positive and significant influence on the number of hermetic bags used by farmers to store maize each season. This study provides us with factors development agencies, the Ministry of Food and Agricultural Organization (MoFA) in Ghana, Extension, and other stakeholders should consider disseminating hermetic bags in Dormaa, Ghana to enhance the adoption of hermetic storage bags by smallholder farmers.
Yield and quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) depending on variety and type of nitrogen fertilizer

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of the application of different types of nitrogen fertilizer in five different varieties of lettuce on yield. The experiment was performed in the open field, in the spring cycle of growing during 2018 and 2019. The size of the base plot was 3 m2, and the trial was set up in a random block system. The trial covered the application of various forms of nitrogen fertilizers: ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate and urea. The applied nitrogen dose is 100 kg/ha (May 10th 2018 and May 8th 2019). Samples for the analysis of vitamin C and nitrate content, as well as yield determination, were carried out at the stage of the technological maturity of lettuce (60-62 days after seedling). The average weight of lettuce, depending on the variety, varied in the range of 211.3 g to 258.7 g. The use of ammonium nitrate resulted in the highest average weight of lettuce head (246.7 g), followed by the use of urea (238.9 g) and the lowest by the use of ammonium sulphate (221.0 g). The nutritional value of lettuce (vitamin C content) shows that depending on the applied form of nitrogen in the fertilizer, the highest content of vitamin C was determined by urea (10.86 mg/100 g), then ammonium sulphate (9.61 mg/100 g), and the lowest by ammonium nitrate (7.38mg/100g). The lower content of vitamin C was found in varieties of lettuce with red leaves compared to varieties with green leaves. The accumulation of nitrate in lettuce leaves directly depends on the variety and the applied fertilizer. The highest nitrate content was with ammonium nitrate (2355.6 mg/kg). The accumulation of nitrate in lettuce varieties with red leaves was higher compared to varieties with green leaves. Keywords: Lettuce, Nitrate, Vitamin C, Yield, Open field
Hydrogen Peroxide Inhibits Hepatitis C Virus Replication by Downregulating Hepatitis C Virus Core Levels through E6-Associated Protein-Mediated Proteasomal Degradation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is constantly exposed to considerable oxidative stress, characterized by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), during acute and chronic infection in the hepatocytes of patients. However, the effect of oxidative stress on HCV replication is largely unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that H2O2 downregulated HCV Core levels to inhibit HCV replication. For this purpose, H2O2 upregulated p53 levels, resulting in the downregulation of both the protein and enzyme activity levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), DNMT3a, and DNMT3b, and activated the expression of E6-associated protein (E6AP) through promoter hypomethylation in the presence of HCV Core. E6AP, an E3 ligase, induced the ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation of HCV Core in a p53-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of H2O2 on HCV replication was almost completely nullified either by treatment with a representative antioxidant, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, or by knockdown of p53 or E6AP using a specific short hairpin RNA, confirming the roles of p53 and E6AP in the inhibition of HCV replication by H2O2. This study provides insights into the mechanisms that regulate HCV replication under conditions of oxidative stress in patients.
Plants Response to the Application of Vermicompost: A Review

Organic fertilizer has long been recognized in agriculture for maintaining soil fertility and used for maximizing plant growth and yield of plants. Vermicompost: organic fertilizer is now becoming an interesting approach and proven to be effective means of improving soil structure, enhancing soil fertility and increase crop yield. Plants growth is highly stimulated by vermicompost; because it contains the nutrients and other essential nutrients like phosphorus and potassium.Vermicompost can increase growth, flowering and yields of vegetable and ornamental crops, even in a small rate. The effects of vermicompost on plants are not solely attributed to the quality of mineral nutrition is provided but also to its other growth regulating components such as plant growth hormones and humic acids. Keywords : Vermicompost, soil fertility, plant growth DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-3-06
Intense Testing and Use of Vitamin D Supplements Leads to Slow Improvement in Vitamin D Adequacy Rates: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Real-World Data

Background: Vitamin D testing (VDT) and supplement use (VDS) are on the rise, but most patients remain deficient (<30 ng/mL-VDD). We designed the present real-world study to assess this paradox. Methods: We reviewed data from all patients visiting our clinics between 2014 and 2022. We estimated the rate of patients with vitamin D adequacy (≥30 ng/mL) (VDA) by year and month of testing, the dose of VDS (low (≤1200 IU/day), medium (1201–3000 I/day) and high dose (>3000 IU/day)), intake duration (short-term (<12 months) and long-term use (≥12 months)), and timing of use (current use, former use, no use). Results: We enrolled n = 6912 subjects with vitamin D measurements: n = 5195 females (75.2%), age 44.0 ± 16.8 years, BMI 27.9 ± 6.5 kg/m2; never users: n = 5553 (80.3%), former users: n = 533 (7.7%), current users: n = 826 (12.0%). Current use of VDS was higher in females. VDT rose from 42.1% in 2014 to 92.7% in 2022, and VDA rose from 14.8% to 25.5% for the same time. VDA was found overall in n = 1511 (21.9%); Never users: n = 864 (15.6%), Former users: n = 123 (23.2%); and Current users: n = 370 (44.8%). The maximal VDA (67.9%) was found in subjects using high-dose VDS in the long term. Conclusions: Despite the significant rise in VDT and VDS use, VDA was found in a minority of patients. Prolonged use of high-dose supplements produces modest improvements in VDA.
Determinants of employee performance at public hospitals in Indonesia: Examining the moderating role of organizational culture

Performance refers to the outcome or overall degree of achievement exhibited by an individual within a specified timeframe in executing duties about a range of potential outcomes, including conventional work outputs, goals, objectives, or mutually established benchmarks. With a moderated organizational culture, this study aims to analyze the effect of good corporate governance, organizational commitment, and internal controls on employees’ performance at public hospitals in North Sumatra, Indonesia. The paper employs an associative approach to the quantitative data type. The sample consists of 102 public hospital employees in North Sumatra, Indonesia. This study used a questionnaire to collect the data and SEM-PLS to analyze the data. The research results show that good corporate governance, organizational commitment, and internal control affect employee performance at public hospitals in North Sumatra, Indonesia (p &lt; 0.05). Good corporate governance affects employee performance moderated by organizational culture (p &lt; 0.05). Organizational commitment affects employee performance moderated by organizational culture (p &lt; 0.05). Internal control affects employee performance moderated by the organizational culture at public hospitals in North Sumatra, Indonesia (p &lt; 0.05). The implication is that organizational culture has a role attached to the individual level of an employee and as a strategy to improve employee performance.
EFFECT OF GONADOTROPHIN RELEASING HORMONE ON FOLLICULAR DYNAMICS, LUTEINISING HORMONE, AND PROGESTERONE LEVELS IN BUNAJI COWS

This study evaluated the ovarian and hormonal responses of Bunaji cows to ovsynch protocol initiated at random oestrus cycle stages. Fifteen animals were arranged into three groups and treated as follows: control (n=5), 2mL normal saline; group A (n=5), 50mg Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) on day 0 and day 9 followed by 500mg of Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2a) on day 7; and group B (n=5) 100mg of GnRH on day 0 and day 9 followed by 500mg PGF2a on day 7. Ultrasound examination of the ovaries was carried out daily from d 1 to d 9 and, thereafter every 12h until ovulation was detected. Blood sampling was carried out at 30 min intervals for 6 h following the GnRH administration for determination of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and once daily for 12 days after the injection of the first GnRH to determine plasma progesterone concentration. The ovarian response of the treated groups showed no significant difference between the two dosages of ovsynch protocol but differed significantly between the treated and the control groups. Peak values of serum LH obtained on day 0 and day 9 of GnRH administration differed significantly (P<0.05). Plasma progesterone increased among treated groups following injection of GnRH reaching a peak on day 7 compared to control, but did not differ among treated groups. In conclusion, GnRH at 50 mg and 100 mg was able to elicit adequate LH and progesterone responses that caused the disappearance of dominant follicles and, subsequent ovulation thereby increasing the reproductive efficiency of Bunaji cows.