Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Engaging the Periphery: Farmer Facilitators as an Alternative Approach for Constructive Collaboration with Small Farmers in Trinidad, WI

Public sector extension in developing countries is under financial pressure and facing concerns about accountability, efficiency, effectiveness (Riviera and Zijp, 2002) and its impact on small farmers, especially those at the periphery. There have been calls for reform. This paper responds to such calls, from a unique perspective. In an analysis of this issue the very notion of “extension” and the derived approaches, based on a source to recipient relationship, are reviewed. An alternative approach based on the concept of “engagement” is presented. Theoretical arguments and results from current research are used to explore how the concepts of “extension” and “engagement” are reflected in relationships with farmers and to evaluate a farmer-suggested approach of using “Farmer Facilitator(s)”. Investigations were carried out in three peripheral farming communities in Trinidad, WI using qualitative research methods, including participatory fieldwork, focus group discussions and several PRA tools and techniques. Results confirmed a high level of dissatisfaction with the present system of extension delivery in all three communities and zeal to forge a new approach in which farmers have more participation. Farmers indicated that the “Farmer–Facilitator” approach can provide unique opportunities for engagement not only with government agencies but also with NGO’s, CBO’s and the many other organizations that seem to place special emphasis on communities at the periphery. Community driven interventions in the areas of training, policy formation, and land acquisition were identified as opportunities for engagement. The research also identified several issues that needed to be resolved before such an approach could be utilized. These centered on the structure and placement of the facilitator within the community, the need for human capacity building, and financial sustainability. However, the approach is flexible enough to allow for adaptation to the context of a specific community. The issues addressed in this paper have relevance for other developing countries struggling to fashion an extension delivery system that is contextually appropriate, cost effective and efficient. As such, the findings point to the urgent need for continued examination of the proposed approach.
Empirical Relationship Between Energy Infrastructure, Project Finance and other Conventional Sources of Financing Using Generalized Method of Moments to Explain the Variations in Energy Projects in Developing Nations (Nigerian Energy Sector)

Empirical Relationship Between Energy Infrastructure, Project Finance and Other Conventional Sources of Financing Using Generalised Method of Moments to Explain the Variations in Energy Projects in Developing Nations (Nigerian Energy Sector). Nasir Kolade (Research Student), School of Business and Enterprise, University of West of Scotland, nasir.kolade@uws.ac. uk, +447474030232. 1.
Size Effect of Mechanical Properties of Coal Measures Sandstone under High Strain Rate

Scale rate is one of the main factors affecting the mechanical properties of rock materials. There are great differences in mechanical properties of rock specimens of different sizes. The research on rock size effect can be traced back to the research work of Griffth [1] in 1921. In this paper, the size effect is introduced into rock mechanics for the first time, and the discontinuity or gap of the material itself is eliminated by the size effect. Later Bunting studied the relationship between strength and aspect ratio of anthracite, and found that the compressive strength of anthracite decreases rapidly when the aspect ratio is greater than 1, and the strength is almost unchanged when the aspect ratio is further increased. Hudson J a et al [2] . Studied the uniaxial compression tests of marble with different aspect ratios, and found that the relationship between the strength of marble and aspect ratio is very obvious. Bazant Z P [3] through the research obtained the macroscopic size may coupled with other mechanical or physical characteristics into a unit dimension quantity. J C Jaeger et al. [4] carried out a large number of experimental studies on rock, and obtained the relationship between the average strength and size of rock samples. The relationship between strength and size of rock samples was determined by Obert L [5] . Su Chengdong [6] studied the influence of the size of marble sample on the impact tendency. It is concluded that the aspect ratio not only affects the bearing capacity of the rock, but also affects the deformation after the peak value of the sample. Du Jing [7] studied the effect of different aspect ratios on rock impact compression at the same strain rate. It was found that the deformation modulus of rock increased with the increase of aspect ratio. Yin Xiaotao et al. [8] used PFC software to simulate uniaxial compression test and triaxial compression test of rock specimens with aspect ratios of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, respectively. The effects of aspect ratio on failure process, failure mode, stress-strain curve and energy transfer during failure process were analyzed.
Antidepressant use in Poland in the years 2010-2018

Antidepressants are used in the treatment of both depressive and anxiety disorders. According to the latest data, the quantity of antidepressants and mood stabilizers used has almost doubled over the last eight years. These numbers are still growing, but the highest increase in the number of patients using this group of drugs was recorded in 2013 (12%) and 2014 (13.1%). The most commonly used group of antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (63% of prescribed antidepressants). SSRIs are considered firstchoice drugs in the treatment of depressive disorders and chronic anxiety. The number of SSRIs used by patients has more than doubled over the last 8 years. Among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, sertraline (38.5% of all prescriptions) was the most commonly used active substance in Poland in 2018. The most frequently prescribed substance belonging to the group of antidepressants with a different mechanism of action was opipramol (23.8% of all prescriptions), followed by trazodone (19.1% of all prescriptions) and mianserin (15.4% of all prescriptions). Out of the two drugs from the group of serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) available in Poland, many more patients use venlafaxine (84.2%) than duloxetine (15.8%).
Inverse limits of simplicial complexes

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Accurate prediction of facts using logical rules

According to the first rule, if somebody is married and has a child, then her spouse is also a parent of this child. While this rule holds quite often, it will err if a person has children from different marriages. Thus, rules are assigned a confidence score that measures the ratio of cases for which the rule draws correct conclusions. In AMIE we propose the confidence under the Partial Completeness Assumption (PCA). Unlike the Closed World Assumption, the PCA admits that missing facts in KBs are not necessarily false. For instance, if the second rule in our example concludes the nationality of a person for whom the KB does not know the nationality, the standard CWA confidence counts this as a miss, whereas the PCA confidence does not. On the hand, if the KB knows the nationality of the person and rule predicts a different nationality, both the PCA and the standard confidence penalize the rule. Our example suggests that under the PCA, the gaps in the data become a smaller impediment for rule mining. We have shown already the applicability of such rules in automatic data engineering tasks [3, 2], even though our original motivation was to apply the rules for data inference, i.e., to predict facts beyond the KB. Such facts could, for example, be added to the KB or suggested as likely answers to queries. To investigate the potential of our mining model for data inference, we conducted a naive experiment that shows the suitability of the PCA confidence for ranking logical rules as an alternative to the standard CWA confidence. We ran AMIE on YAGO2 and took the top 30 most confident rules according to the standard and the PCA confidence. We then use the rules to infer statements that were not in the YAGO2. Our results show that the PCA confidence identifies rules that produce many true predictions. Nevertheless, our precision was in the range 30-45% at 300K unique predictions. This result clearly suggests that if we want to use logical rules for effective data inference, we should not naively produce predictions as we did. Notice also that our experimental setup disregards the fact that a prediction can be inferred by multiple rules,
Vermicompost Impacts on Sustainable Agriculture: A Review

Earthworms are well known for solid waste management as they can turn organic waste into gold through the process of vermicomposting. Vermicompost is an ecofriendly product of worm activity that is enriched with the mineral nutrients and Plant growth regulators, hence proved to be a potent biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture. It acts as good substitute for chemical fertilizer, improves soil qualities and reduces the requirement of growth regulators. Vermicomposting technology serves as boon for less-developed agricultural areas with low capital investment and can generates employment opportunities. This review paper highlights the effects of vermicompost on plant growth and development for sustainable agriculture.
Self-report measure as a useful tool to identify prenatal substance use and predict adverse birth outcomes

Objectives The purpose of the current study was to examine whether a self-report measure identifies prenatal substance use and predicts resulting adverse birth outcomes in a large cohort using electronic medical records. Methods Pregnant patients who were admitted between 2014 and 2015 at Christiana Care Health System and delivered singleton birth were included in the analyses (N = 11,020). Participant demographic information, pregnancy comorbidities, self-reported substance use, and birth outcomes were retrieved from electronic medical records. Detailed descriptive analyses of prenatal substance use were conducted, and logistic models were evaluated for the associations between substance use and each birth outcome (preterm birth, low birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit admission). Results The average maternal age was 30 years (standard deviation: 6), 37% receiving Medicaid. Over 58% were White, 26% were Black, and 13% were Hispanic. Cigarette smoking only showed the highest prevalence among substance users (53%). Self-reported cigarette smoking and illicit drug use other than marijuana significantly predicted all three adverse birth outcomes (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] range: 1.33 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.08–1.64)–3.09 (95% CI: 2.03–4.67)). Nonresponders to the cigarette smoking question also significantly predicted two adverse birth outcomes of preterm birth delivery (AOR: 4.16; 95% CI: 1.27–14.71) and having low birth weight babies (AOR: 3.50; 95% CI: 1.04–12.61). Conclusions/Importance: Prenatal cigarette smoking only had the highest prevalence, and co-use with illicit drugs was also high, leading to significant associations with adverse birth outcomes. The study findings indicate that the self-report measurement is a useful tool to identify prenatal substance use and predict resulting adverse birth outcomes.
Outdoor Sculptures and Public History at the City of Thessaloniki (Greece): An Educational Action for Primary School Students

In the field of public historiography, we present the open-air public sculptures that were placed from the late 19th century until now in the city parks and the streets of Thessaloniki. The research question concerns public sculpture as a channel of aesthetic, urban and historical "mythology", but also as a historical and public discourse aiming at its educational utilization. The collection of material is in the field of on-site historical research and digitization of the material. The dynamic introduction of new technologies and digital media, their widespread use and the opportunities they provide are the starting points for new discussions and searches for their better use in the field of public sculpture teaching. We recommend teaching digital tools (webpage, smart phone & tablet application) so that educators, teachers and animators can "present" with public sculptures.
Optical properties of iron doped ZnO thin films

The optical band gap enhancement of ZnO from 3.25 to 3.32 eV is obtained using 4at. % Fe doping. Undoped and doped ZnO films are deposited by dip coating method.XRD shows polycrystalline nature with particle size less than 7nm for both samples. SEM micrographs of Zn1-xFexO thin films show rod-like structures spread throughout the surface for x=0 and for x=0.03 the grain density becomes higher and appear in clusters on the surface.
The Effect of Orlistat and Metformin Treatment on Body Weight, Liver Steatsis, Leptin and Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Rats Fed High Fat Diet

The anti-obesity drugs are indicated for obesity management when used in conjunction with reduced calorie diet, some researches hesitate to use the medical treatment for NAFLD. The aim of the research is to study the short term effect of orlistat and metformin on body weight and liver histology in obese rats feeding high fat diet. The obesity was induced by feeding wistar female rats with high fat diet (HF 45%) for 12 weeks with a control group low fat diet (LF 10%), the obese rats divided to three subgroups: the first group treated with orlista, the second group treated with metformin, the third group without treatment (placebo) for 4 weeks with feeding high fat diet. The food intake and body weight were recorded. At the end of experimental period, the animals were sacrificed, blood samples were collected for biochemical and hormonal measurements with liver histological study. Treatment obese rats for 4 weeks with orlistat and metformin reduced significantly (p<0.05) food and energy intake (65.473±0.767 gm/week, 68.11±0.363gm/week; 309.69±3.632 kcal/week, 321.04±3.602 kcal/week), body weight (320.54±2.291 gm, 319.347±2.518 gm), BMI (0.655±0.009, 0.653±0.013), LOI (0.309±0.001, 0.309±0.002) and AI (8.43±0.560, 8.26±0.852), in addition to modulate plasma Leptin and Insulin concentrations (3.50±0.437, 3.02±0.682ng/ml ; 0.770±0.094, 0.651±0.129 ng/ml) and improve Insulin sensitivity by reducing fasting plasma glucose and HOMI (12.62±0.321mmol/L, 12.25±0.500mmol/L; 9.17±0.867, 7.75±0.596). The two drugs had favorable effects on fasting plasma lipids and lipoprotein concentrations. Liver steatosis was decreased in both drugs and decreased levels of liver ALT, AST(131.375±0.929, 167.751±0.350; 115.600 ±0.620, 157.497 ±0.306 IU/L). Treated obese rats with orlistat or metformin can correct obesity, Leptin and Insulin resistance in high fat fed obese rats and have anti atherogenic properties in addition to improve liver function and histological response in NAFLD. [Sanaa Jameel Thamer. The Effect of Orlistat and Metformin Treatment on Body Weight, Liver Steatsis, Leptin and Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Rats Fed High Fat Diet. J Am Sci 2014;10(4):107-114]. (ISSN: 15451003). http://www.jofamericanscience. org. 14
In-vitro Anti-cancer Activity of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Ziziphus mauritiana in Cervical Cancer Cell Line

Aim: The fungal crude extract of Trichoderma viride isolated from the medicinal plant of Ziziphus mauritiana was investigated for anti-cancer activity against HeLa cell line. Place and Duration of Study: The entire research work was done in the Department of Biotechnology, Mohammed Sathak College of Arts and Science, Chennai, India and Stellixir Biotech Pvt Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, between April 2019 to June 2019. Methodology: In MTT assay, cells were seeded in 96 well plates with concentrations of 2.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 μl/ml of fungal bioactive compound and the absorbance was measured at 570 nm. Apoptosis was carried out via flow cytometry using control Camptothecin and fungal extract concentration. Subsequently, cell cycle arrest was determined by 400 μl PI/RNAse staining buffer and further analyzed using PI solutions by flow cytometry. Finally, the damage of the nucleus observed under a Fluorescent microscope using DAPI staining. Results: MTT assay revealed an obtained fungal compound showed IC50 concentration against the HeLa cells at 23.57 μg/ml. Apoptosis analysis suggested under the M1 population the viable cells are low in mean Annexin V-FITC while M2 is the apoptotic cells have taken up the Annexin V-FITC and high in mean Annexin V-FITC fluorescence intensity. The cell cycle arrest has been noted by decreasing the percentage of arrest in the G0/G1 phase and increased in S and G2/M phase compared to controls. In the course of DAPI staining, it has been understood that IC50 23.57 μg/ml has an efficient nuclear dent after the treatment. Conclusion: In-vitro studies revealed that Trichoderma viride has promising cytotoxicity effect against the HeLa cell line. Hence the bioactive compounds of 3-beta-hydroxy urs-12-en-28-oic acid which is responsible for the treatment of cervical cancer. However in-vivo experiments need to be conceded out for further studies.
UHI Research Database pdf download summary A Method for Approximating Surface Elevation from a Shore Mounted X-Band Radar with a Low Grazing Angle Greenwood,

X-band radar provides a spatial backscatter results over a large area. This shows wave features to be clearly visible over a large area providing an advantage over standard in situ measurements. This paper suggests a new method of quantifying surface elevation in an almost real-time method by applying a second order Stokes waves in shadow regions (troughs). The initial results show the artificial wave trough method having an improvement in phase and magnitude when compared to independent in situ measurements. This method provides a better representation of the surface elevation. Once refined, the real time surface elevation can be used as boundary conditions for a short-term wave-forecasting model.
Corporate Risk, Firm Size and Financial Distress: Evidence from Non-Financial Firms Listed In Kenya

Financial distress (FD) is a common precursor to corporate failure that subjects investors to financial loss. In Kenya, FD has been rampant among several private and public commercial entities. This signifies presence of deep-seated corporate snags that hamper sustainability. Earlier studies have focused more on FD modeling while others provide conflicting findings pertaining to risk exposure and financial health. This study therefore examines the influence of corporate risk on FD. Additionally, the moderation effect of firm size on the relationship between corporate risk and FD was tested. This study is premised on Modigliani and Miller’s first proposition and signaling theory. Aquantitative research design with a correlational approachwas adopted targeting all non-financial firms listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) from year 2006 to 2015. The study collected secondary data from audited financial statements, daily stock prices and stock market indices. Data analysis involved hierarchical panel regression analysis. The results show that corporate risk significantly and positively influences FD. Unsystematic risk in terms of business and financial risk has a positive significant influence on FD in contrast to systematic risk proxied by market risk that has an insignificant positive effect. Interaction terms; corporate risk*firm size and unsystematic risk*firm size have a positive insignificant effect on FD while interaction term market risk*firm size relates negatively and insignificantly with FD. Large firms can accommodate more market risk without experiencing FD as opposed to unsystematic riskthat is more disastrous. This study recommends continuous proactive risk management practices that go beyond mere risk assessment so as to integrate risk exposures and incidents more so those that are internal.
Analysis of C-Kit Exon 9, Exon 11 and BRAFV600E Mutations Using Sangers Sequencing in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours

Background Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The mutation of C-KIT is considered to be the crucial step in the tumorigenesis. Targeted therapies are being developed focusing these mutations. Various exon mutations of GIST responded in varied patterns to this targeted therapy. This study was carried out to evaluate the C-KIT exon 11, exon 9 and BRAF V600E mutations among GIST specimens. Methods This retrospective study was carried out among 20 DNA extracted specimens from paraffin blocks of GIST received in our tertiary teaching institution for a period of three years. DNA sequencing was carried out for mutational analyses on C-KIT exon 9, C-KIT exon 11 and BRAF V600E genes using Sanger sequencing. Results Histologically, majority of the tumors had spindle cell morphology. About 19 cases were positive for CD117. The analysis of type of mutations showed that three cases carried Exon 11 and three cases carried Exon 9 mutations. BRAF V600E mutation was seen in one case. Conclusion It is essential to conduct molecular studies on GISTs in order to get a clear understanding of the pathogenesis and behavior pattern. This will also help in designing targeted therapies and assessing recurrence. With the advent of rapidly evolving personalized therapy, the evaluation of genetic mutations is essential for diagnosis and prognostic value.
Promoting Convenience Store Marketing in Bauchi metropolis: A Survey on Consumers’ Perception

The convenience stores have proven to be high standard from the consumer shopping experience as they show the strongest growth in all the channels of retail businesses. Therefore, this study focuses on the perception of consumers within Bauchi metropolis in convenience store marketing. The study adopted the five dimensions of convenience. A total number of 248 respondents from both physical and online method of data collection were used in the study. The result from linear regression revealed the statistically significance of Time Dimension, Place Dimension, Acquisition Dimension and Execution Dimension while Use Dimension was insignificant in measuring the outcome. The study recognized the social media and broadcast media as the platform to encourage or create awareness on the convenience store marketing
War trauma and self-help

We suggest that the level of abstraction of his drawings indicates the depth of trauma and decreases with the return to mental health and ability to verbalize experiences. We think that enhancing patients to express their traumatic experiences in the form of drawings with comments can be a useful tool of diagnosis and therapy. It can be also a helpful way of autotherapy when the possibility of professionals’ assistance is limited.