Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Considering Alternate Pathways of Drinking-Water Contamination: Evidence of Risk Substitution from Arsenic Mitigation Programs in Rural Bangladesh

Deep tubewells are a key component of arsenic mitigation programs in rural Bangladesh. Compared to widely prevalent shallow tubewells, deep tubewells reduce ground-water arsenic exposure and provide better microbial water quality at source. However, the benefits of clean drinking-water at these more distant sources may be abated by higher levels of microbial contamination at point-of-use. One such potential pathway is the use of contaminated surface water for washing drinking-water storage containers. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of surface water use for washing drinking-water storage containers among deep and shallow tubewell users in a cohort of 499 rural residents in Matlab, Bangladesh. We employ a multi-level logistic regression model to measure the effect of tubewell type and ownership status on the odds of washing storage containers with surface water. Results show that deep tubewell users who do not own their drinking-water tubewell, have 6.53 times the odds [95% CI: 3.56, 12.00] of using surface water for cleaning storage containers compared to shallow tubewell users, who own their drinking-water source. Even deep tubewell users who own a private well within walking distance have 2.53 [95% CI: 1.36, 4.71] times the odds of using surface water compared to their shallow tubewell counterparts. These results highlight the need for interventions to limit risk substitution, particularly the increased use of contaminated surface water when access to drinking water is reduced. Increasing ownership of and proximity to deep tubewells, although crucial, is insufficient to achieve equity in safe drinking-water access across rural Bangladesh.
Thermal and Fire Behavior of a Bio-Based Epoxy/Silica Hybrid Cured with Methyl Nadic Anhydride

Thermosetting polymers have been widely used in many industrial applications as adhesives, coatings and laminated materials, among others. Recently, bisphenol A (BPA) has been banned as raw material for polymeric products, due to its harmful impact on human health. On the other hand, the use of aromatic amines as curing agents confers excellent thermal, mechanical and flame retardant properties to the final product, although they are toxic and subject to governmental restrictions. In this context, sugar-derived diepoxy monomers and anhydrides represent a sustainable greener alternative to BPA and aromatic amines. Herein, we report an “in-situ” sol–gel synthesis, using as precursors tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTS) to obtain bio-based epoxy/silica composites; in a first step, the APTS was left to react with 2,5-bis[(oxyran-2-ylmethoxy)methyl]furan (BOMF) or diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)monomers, and silica particles were generated in the epoxy in a second step; both systems were cured with methyl nadic anhydride (MNA). Morphological investigation of the composites through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that the hybrid strategy allows a very fine distribution of silica nanoparticles (at nanometric level) to be achieved within a hybrid network structure for both the diepoxy monomers. Concerning the fire behavior, as assessed in vertical flame spread tests, the use of anhydride curing agent prevented melt dripping phenomena and provided high char-forming character to the bio-based epoxy systems and their phenyl analog. In addition, forced combustion tests showed that the use of anhydride hardener instead of aliphatic polyamine results in a remarkable decrease of heat release rate. An overall decrease of the smoke parameters, which is highly desirable in a context of greater fire safety was observed in the case of BOMF/MNA system. The experimental results suggest that the effect of silica nanoparticles on fire behavior appears to be related to their dispersion degree.
Crop Growth, Development and Yield in Semi-arid Conditions in Botswana. I. The Effects of Population Density and Row Spacing on Sorghum Bicolor

SUMMARY A series of population density and row spacing trials were carried out with sorghum in conditions of increasingly severe water stress from 1980 to 1984. In conditions of reasonable water availability, increasing density resulted in increased leaf area indices, dry weight production and grain yields. In conditions of severely limiting water availability, increasing density resulted in developmental delays, density-dependent mortality and reduced plant dry weights, with little increase in dry weight production per hectare. In these conditions grain yields were reduced by increasing density. The proportion of dry weight allocated to grain declined with increasing density and decreasing plant size, a consequence of the requirement for a minimum plant size to support grain production. When plant size was reduced below a critical range, disproportionately large reductions in grain yield resulted. Optimum densities for grain production varied from below 10 000 plants ha−1 in dry conditions to over 120 000 plants ha−1 in moist conditions. Medium density treatments produced the largest grain yields on a long term basis, but the low density treatment showed a reduced risk of crop failure and greater yield stability.
Dry Eyes, Ocular Lubricants, and Use of Systemic Medications Known or Suspected to Cause Dry Eyes in Residents of Aged Care Services

Ocular issues are common, burdensome, and under-researched among residents of aged care services. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of dry eyes or use of ocular lubricants among residents, and the possible association with systemic medications known or suspected to cause dry eyes. A cross-sectional study of 383 residents of six aged care services in South Australia was conducted. Data were extracted from participants’ medical histories, medication charts, and validated assessments. The main exposure was systemic medications known to cause, contribute to, or aggravate dry eyes. The primary outcome was documented dry eyes or regular administration of ocular lubricants. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between systemic medications and dry eyes/use of ocular lubricants. Dry eyes were documented for 53 (13.8%) residents and 98 (25.6%) residents were administered ocular lubricants. Overall, 116 (30.3%) residents had documented dry eyes/used ocular lubricants. Of these, half (n = 58) were taking a medication known to cause, contribute to, or aggravate dry eyes. Taking one or more medications listed as known to cause dry eyes was associated with having dry eyes/use of ocular lubricants (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.15–2.94). In sub-analyses, no individual medication was associated with dry eyes/use of ocular lubricants. Dry eyes and use of ocular lubricants are common in residential aged care. Our hypothesis generating findings suggest the need for further research into the clinical significance of systemic medications as a possible cause of dry eyes.
Adjacent pastoral areas support higher densities of wild ungulates during the wet season than the Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda

The small size of many African protected areas makes adjacent rangelands potentially important in the local survival of wild animals. In order to assess the importance of pastoral areas to wild ungulates, we studied density and habitat choice of wild ungulates and cattle in Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda, the adjacent exclusively pastoral Nshara Dairy Ranch and on private land consisting of a mixture of ranching and subsistence farms. Transects, in the three land-use zones, were walked during the wet season and the data were analysed by DISTANCE sampling technique. We found significantly higher total density of wild ungulates on the dairy ranch compared with the National Park and private land. There was no significant difference in total wild animal density between the National Park and private land. Impala (Aepyceros melampus), zebra (Equus quagga), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) had significantly higher densities on the dairy ranch compared to the National Park. Only eland (Taurotragus oryx) density was higher in the National Park compared to private land. Wild ungulates and cattle showed a high degree of habitat overlap, generally preferring open grassland. Our study shows that high densities of wild ungulates are not necessarily associated with protected areas. Pastoral areas may be important for populations of wild herbivores during the growing season despite a pronounced presence of livestock.
An investigation of self-care practice and social support of patients with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia

Background: The prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is increasing globally, and the number of people with T2DM has increased particularly dramatically in Saudi Arabia in recent years. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has indicated that Saudi Arabia has a higher prevalence of diabetes than most other countries, with a prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes of 20.5% of the population in 2014. Adherence to self-care activities is the cornerstone of T2DM management, along with adopting a healthy lifestyle. This study thus aims to investigate the extent to which healthcare professionals and social support act as determinants of self-care among adults diagnosed with T2DM in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study uses a concurrent triangulation design that combines quantitative and qualitative methods in a convenience sample of adults (N=388) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were recruited from two separate hospitals. Each participant completed a set of questionnaires and a Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA). Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 10 male and 10 female participants (n=20) and 12 healthcare professionals. Results: Five themes emerged from the qualitative data analysis. The quantitative findings were then integrated to provide further explanations and context for these themes. The study indicated that poor adherence to diabetes self-care activities may lead to heightened incidence of uncontrolled T2DM among patients in Saudi Arabia. Culture and Religion, Gender, Stigma, Social Support, and Healthcare Environment all influenced adult diabetes adherence to self-care activities in Saudi Arabia. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the successful management of T2DM is dependent on support from family, spouses, friends, and healthcare professionals. The findings of this study therefore have implications for the creation and implementation of healthcare policy and practice in Saudi Arabia. These findings contribute to expanding existing knowledge by enabling healthcare providers to tailor diabetes self-care management educational programmes to best fit the psycho-social and cultural needs of adults in Saudi Arabia. It is particularly necessary for healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia to recognise the roles played by gender, culture, religion and stigma, and to integrate these into any educational programmes.
Seaweed Phenolics: From Extraction to Applications

Seaweeds have attracted high interest in recent years due to their chemical and bioactive properties to find new molecules with valuable applications for humankind. Phenolic compounds are the group of metabolites with the most structural variation and the highest content in seaweeds. The most researched seaweed polyphenol class is the phlorotannins, which are specifically synthesized by brown seaweeds, but there are other polyphenolic compounds, such as bromophenols, flavonoids, phenolic terpenoids, and mycosporine-like amino acids. The compounds already discovered and characterized demonstrate a full range of bioactivities and potential future applications in various industrial sectors. This review focuses on the extraction, purification, and future applications of seaweed phenolic compounds based on the bioactive properties described in the literature. It also intends to provide a comprehensive insight into the phenolic compounds in seaweed.
Development of Theophylline Microbeads Using Pregelatinized Breadfruit Starch (Artocarpus altilis) as a Novel Co-polymer for Controlled Release

Purpose: The aim of this study was to prepare formulations of theophylline microbeads using pregelatinized breadfruit starch (Artocarpus altilis, family Moraceae) in combination with sodium alginate and chitosan at various polymer: drug ratios. Microbead formulations for controlled delivery of theophylline would be better alternatives to conventional dosage forms for optimized drug therapy. Methods: The native and pregelatinized starches were characterized for morphology (scanning electron microscope), crystallinity (Fourier transform intra-red spectroscopy, FTIR and X-ray diffractometer, XRD), thermal flow (differential scanning colorimeter), density and flow properties. Theophylline microbeads were prepared by ionic gelation and characterized using size, swelling index, entrapment efficiency and time required for 15% and 50% drug release (t15 and t50 respectively). Results: FTIR and XRD spectra revealed the orderly arrangement of granules of the semi-crystalline breadfruit starch was disrupted on gelatinization. The viscosity and flow of pregelatinized starch were enhanced. Theophylline microbeads were near spherical in shape with size range 1.09 ± 0.672 to 1.58 ± 0.54 mm. FTIR and XRD spectra confirmed there was no drug-polymer interaction. Microsphere size, swelling increased while entrapment and dissolution time (t50) reduced with polymer: drug ratio. The entrapment efficiency ranged from 30.99 ± 1.32 to 78.50 ± 2.37%. Optimized formulation, starch: alginate ratio 3:1 at polymer: drug ratio of 2:1, gave a prolonged dissolution time (t50 = 8.40 ± 1.20 h). Conclusion: Breadfruit starch was suitable as a copolymer for the controlled delivery of theophylline in microbeads which could serve as a substitute to synthetic polymers in drug delivery.
Phospholipid Signaling Is a Component of the Salicylic Acid Response in Plant Cell Suspension Cultures

Salicylic acid (SA) is an important signaling molecule involved in plant defense. While many proteins play essential roles in SA signaling, increasing evidence shows that responses to SA appear to involve and require lipid signals. The phospholipid-generated signal transduction involves a family of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis or phosphorylation of phospholipids in membranes to generate signaling molecules, which are important in the plant cellular response. In this review, we focus first, the role of SA as a mitigator in biotic/abiotic stress. Later, we describe the experimental evidence supporting the phospholipid–SA connection in plant cells, emphasizing the roles of the secondary lipid messengers (phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidic acid (PA)) and related enzymes (phospholipase D (PLD) and phospholipase C (PLC)). By placing these recent finding in context of phospholipids and SA in plant cells, we highlight the role of phospholipids as modulators in the early steps of SA triggered transduction in plant cells.
Predators can influence the host‐parasite dynamics of their prey via nonconsumptive effects

Abstract Ecological communities are partly structured by indirect interactions, where one species can indirectly affect another by altering its interactions with a third species. In the absence of direct predation, nonconsumptive effects of predators on prey have important implications for subsequent community interactions. To better understand these interactions, we used a Daphnia‐parasite‐predator cue system to evaluate if predation risk affects Daphnia responses to a parasite. We investigated the effects of predator cues on two aspects of host–parasite interactions (susceptibility to infection and infection intensity), and whether or not these effects differed between sexes. Our results show that changes in response to predator cues caused an increase in the prevalence and intensity of parasite infections in female predator‐exposed Daphnia. Importantly, the magnitude of infection risk depended on how long Daphnia were exposed to the cues. Additionally, heavily infected Daphnia that were constantly exposed to cues produced relatively more offspring. While males were ~5× less likely to become infected compared to females, we were unable to detect effects of predator cues on male Daphnia–parasite interactions. In sum, predators, prey, and their parasites can form complex subnetworks in food webs, necessitating a nuanced understanding of how nonconsumptive effects may mediate these interactions.
SIMILARITY DISTANCE MEASURE AND PRIORITIZATION ALGORITHM FOR TEST CASE PRIORITIZATION IN SOFTWARE PRODUCT LINE TESTING

To achieve the goal of creating products for a specific market segment, implementation of Software Product Line (SPL) is required to fulfill specific needs of customers by managing a set of common features and exploiting the variabilities between the products. Testing product-by-product is not feasible in SPL due to the combinatorial explosion of product number, thus, Test Case Prioritization (TCP) is needed to select a few test cases which could yield high number of faults. Among the most promising TCP techniques is similarity-based TCP technique which consists of similarity distance measure and prioritization algorithm. The goal of this paper is to propose an enhanced string distance and prioritization algorithm which could reorder the test cases resulting to higher rate of fault detection. Comparative study has been done between different string distance measures and prioritization algorithms to select the best techniques for similarity-based test case prioritization. Identified enhancements have been implemented to both techniques for a better adoption of prioritizing SPL test cases. Experiment has been done in order to identify the effectiveness of enhancements done for combination of both techniques. Result shows the effectiveness of the combination where it achieved highest average fault detection rate, attained fastest execution time for highest number of test cases and accomplished 41.25% average rate of fault detection. The result proves that the combination of both techniques improve SPL testing effectiveness compared to other existing techniques.
Application of Machine Learning on Drug Target Discovery.

Drug target discovery is a critical step in drug development. It is the basis of modern drug development to deter-mine the target molecules related to specific diseases in advance. Predicting the drug target by computational methods saves a lot of financial and material resources than in vitro experiments, thereby a number of computational methods are designed for drug target discovery. Recently, machine learning (ML) methods have developed rapidly in biomedicine. In this paper, we present an overview of drug target discovery methods based on machine learning. Due to some machine learning meth-ods integratenetwork analysis to predict drug targets, network-based methods are also introduced in this article. Finally, the challenges and future outlook of drug target discovery are discussed.
Deterrence of herbivory by zinc hyperaccumulation in Thlaspi caerulescens (Brassicaceae)

SUMMARY Plants known as hyperaccumulators take up and sequester high concentrations of potentially toxic elements from metalliferous soils. We tested the hypothesis that zinc hyperaccumulation benefits plants by deterring herbivory. In laboratory feeding trials, three species of herbivores were allowed to choose between Thlaspi caerulescens (Brassicaceae) plants grown in low-Zn and Zn-amended culture solution. Locusts (Schistocerca gregaria), slugs (Deroceras caruanae), and caterpillars (Pieris brassicae) all showed significant preferences for plants with lower foliar Zn concentrations. Such differential feeding could result in selection pressures favouring the evolution of hyperaccumulation. The findings are also relevant to current proposals to exploit hyperaccumulation as a means of remediating metal-contaminated soils.
Microtubules provide guidance cues for myofibril and sarcomere assembly and growth

Muscle myofibrils and sarcomeres present exceptional examples of highly ordered cytoskeletal filament arrays, whose distinct spatial organization is an essential aspect of muscle cell functionality. We utilized ultra‐structural analysis to investigate the assembly of myofibrils and sarcomeres within developing myotubes of the indirect flight musculature of Drosophila.
Analysis Use of Academics Information System by Undiksha New Student

The objectives of the research are to predict and explain use of Academic Information System (SIAk) by Undiksha new students with TAM as the basic of theory. Researcher used pick up survey and collected 271 Undiksha new students as respondents processed it by Partial Least Squares (PLS). The results show that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitudes, subjective norms, are determinants of behavior intention and actual use. Perceived ease of use be main determinant in this study. In addition, TAM which was added by subjective norms construct was proven to be able to predict and explain use of behavior which is considered as mandatory
Haematological Parameters of Fayoumi, Assil and Local Chickens Reared in Sylhet Region in Bangladesh

2 Abstract: An experiment was conducted to study the hematological parameters in Fayoumi, Assil and Local Chickens of different ages reared in Sylhet region. 250 chickens of three breeds (100 Fayoumi, 50 Assil and 100 Local) were tested at different ages (1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) to observe the hematological parameters: i) Total erythrocyte Count (TEC) ii) Packed Cell Volume (PCV) iii) Determination of Hemoglobin (Hb) iv) Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) v) Differential Leukocyte Count (DLC) vi) Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) vii) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) viii) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). Erythrocyte numbers, hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume increased with the advancement of age in all three breeds. The TEC was higher in Fayoumi. The hemoglobin concentration was high in Assil. The PCV was slightly different or similar in all three breeds. ESR was inversely related to the age. Higher ESR in early age and lower in the advancement of age. The Fayoumi showed the higher ESR compared to other two breeds. The ESR of last two groups (9 and 12 months) of Assil and all groups of Local Chickens were negligible. Lymphocytes and heterophils were two principal leukocytes, which exert their dominance on other leukocytes. Among three breeds Local chickens possess the higher lymphocyte percentage. The heterophils were higher in Fayoumi breed. Monocyte was lower in Assil and Local chickens. Eosinophils were higher in number in local and Assil compared to Fayoumi. Higher MCV was recorded in Local chickens followed by Assil and Fayoumi chickens. MCH values were near about similar in Assil and local chicken but lower in Fayoumi breeds. The MCHC values of all three breeds were almost nearer to each other. The above study has highlighted some of the normal hematological parameters of chicken mostly reared in Sylhe t region. However, more detailed study could be conducted in this regards.