Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analyses of Relationship between Economic Growth and Zakat Distribution: Some Comparative Studies between Indonesia and Malaysia

Zakat serves as an economic instrument within the framework of Islam and can serve as a substantial source of revenue for the state, contributing to the funding of various expenditures. In contrast to alternative revenue streams, zakat possesses explicit and comprehensive guidelines on its acquisition and allocation. The state bears the task of maximizing the efficiency of zakat institutions to effectively mobilize and allocate zakat monies as a catalyst for economic development. Indonesia utilizes a bottom-up approach for the collection of zakat, whereas Malaysia follows a top-down approach. Therefore, the present investigation focuses aims to examine the impact of zakat distribution on economic development in two selected nations. The examination focused on many variables, including GDP, Gini index, inflation, and zakat distribution. The period for the analysis spanned from 2001 to 2019, and the ARDL approach is being used for the purpose of doing data analysis. The findings suggest that the distribution of zakat did not exert a statistically significant impact on economic development, either in the short-term or long-term, within the contexts of both nations. Therefore, there is a need to promote the professional and efficient management of zakat to enhance its collection and facilitate its effective distribution.
Losartan-sensitive AII Receptors Linked to Depolarization- dependent Cortisol Secretion through a Novel Signaling Pathway (*)

In bovine adrenal zona fasciculata (AZF) cells, angiotensin II (AII) may stimulate depolarization-dependent Ca2+ entry and cortisol secretion through inhibition of a novel potassium channel (IAC), which appears to set the resting potential of these cells. Aspects of the signaling pathway, which couples AII receptors to membrane depolarization and secretion, were characterized in patch clamp and membrane potential recordings and in secretion studies. AII-mediated inhibition of IAC, membrane depolarization, and cortisol secretion were all blocked by the AII type I (AT1) receptor antagonist losartan. These responses were unaffected by the AT2 antagonist PD123319. Inhibition of IAC by AII was prevented by intracellular application of guanosine 5′-O-2-(thio)diphosphate but was not affected by pre-incubation of cells with pertussis toxin. Although mediated through an AT1 receptor, several lines of evidence indicated that AII inhibition of IAC occurred through an unusual phospholipase C (PLC)-independent pathway. Acetylcholine, which activates PLC in AZF cells, did not inhibit IAC. Neither the PLC antagonist neomycin nor PLC-generated second messengers prevented IAC expression or mimicked the inhibition of this current by AII. IAC expression and inhibition by AII were insensitive to variations in intracellular or extracellular Ca2+ concentration. AII-mediated inhibition of IAC was markedly reduced by the non-hydrolyzable ATP analog adenosine 5′-(β,γ-imino)triphosphate and by the non-selective protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine. The protein phosphatase antagonist okadaic acid reversibly inhibited IAC in whole cell recordings. These findings indicate that AII-stimulated effects on IAC current, membrane voltage, and cortisol secretion are linked through a common AT1 receptor. Inhibition of IAC in AZF cells appears to occur through a novel signaling pathway, which may include a losartan-sensitive AT1 receptor coupled through a pertussis-insensitive G protein to a staurosporine-sensitive protein kinase. Apparently, the mechanism linking AT1 receptors to IAC inhibition and Ca2+ influx in adrenocortical cells is separate from that involving inositol trisphosphate-stimulated Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. AII-stimulated cortisol secretion may occur through distinct parallel signaling pathways.
Couple stresses and the fracture of rock

An assessment is made here of the role played by the micropolar continuum theory on the cracked Brazilian disc test used for determining rock fracture toughness. By analytically solving the corresponding mixed boundary-value problems and employing singular-perturbation arguments, we provide closed-form expressions for the energy release rate and the corresponding stress-intensity factors for both mode I and mode II loading. These theoretical results are augmented by a set of fracture toughness experiments on both sandstone and marble rocks. It is further shown that the morphology of the fracturing process in our centrally pre-cracked circular samples correlates very well with discrete element simulations.
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Contracts Canine Basilar Arteries In Vitro and In Vivo: Possible Role in Pathogenesis of Cerebral Vasospasm

Background and Purpose— Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a platelet-derived bioactive lipid that exerts a variety of biological responses, including vasocontraction. To understand the involvement of S1P in cerebral vasospasm, we investigated the effect of S1P on vasocontraction of the canine basilar artery in vitro and in vivo. Methods— We recorded isometric tension in basilar arterial rings from dogs in vitro and estimated time-course changes in the diameter of canine basilar arteries and the S1P concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by angiography and radioreceptor assays, respectively, after administering S1P into the cisterna magna. Changes in the supernatant S1P concentration during clot formation were monitored by using the in vitro subarachnoid hemorrhage model, in which blood is mixed with CSF. Results— At concentrations ranging between 100 nmol/L and 10 &mgr;mol/L, S1P induced a dose-dependent contraction of the basilar artery in vitro. This effect was significantly inhibited by Y-27632, a highly selective Rho-kinase inhibitor. The administration of S1P into the CSF induced a 60% to 70% decrease in the arterial diameter within 15 minutes, and vasocontraction continued for 2 days thereafter. The concentration of S1P in the supernatant during clot formation in vitro reached ≈300 nmol/L. Conclusions— S1P induces vasocontraction in the canine basilar artery in vitro and in vivo, possibly through a mechanism involving activation of the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway. Thus, S1P might be considered as a novel spasmogenic substance involved in cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Glycemic Control in Children With Type 1 Diabetes in Wales

OBJECTIVE To determine whether glycemic control is improving in diabetic children in Wales and to identify factors associated with improvement. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data were collected in 2001 and 2006. RESULTS Over time A1C was reduced from 9.08 ± 1.66 to 8.88 ± 1.63% (P = 0.012). There were differences among centers (P < 0.001) and differential changes over time (interaction P < 0.001). Since 2001 five centers had appointed a pediatric diabetes specialist nurse (PDSN). A1C improved in these centers from 9.59 ± 1.88 to 8.72 ± 1.61% (P < 0.001). Glycemic control was worse in children aged >10 years compared with younger patients (P < 0.001). Improvement occurred in those aged >10 years. Age (P = 0.003) and insulin dose (P < 0.001) were positively and independently associated with A1C. Thus, any influence of PDSNs was not achieved through increased insulin prescription. CONCLUSIONS Improvement in glycemic control has occurred. Worse control is associated with greater prescribed insulin dose in older children. Appointment of PDSNs was associated with improved glycemic control among adolescents.
Estimated rates of recurrence, cure, and treatment abandonment in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis treated with a four-drug fixed-dose combination regimen at a tertiary health care facility in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the rates of recurrence, cure, and treatment abandonment in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis treated with a four-drug fixed-dose combination (FDC) regimen, as well as to evaluate possible associated factors. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study involving 208 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis enrolled in the Hospital Tuberculosis Control Program at the Institute for Thoracic Diseases, located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Between January of 2007 and October of 2010, the patients were treated with the rifampin-isoniazid-pyrazinamide (RHZ) regimen, whereas, between November of 2010 and June of 2013, the patients were treated with the rifampin-isoniazid-pyrazinamide-ethambutol FDC (RHZE/FDC) regimen. Data regarding tuberculosis recurrence and mortality in the patients studied were retrieved from the Brazilian Case Registry Database and the Brazilian Mortality Database, respectively. The follow-up period comprised two years after treatment completion. Results: The rates of cure, treatment abandonment, and death were 90.4%, 4.8%, and 4.8%, respectively. There were 7 cases of recurrence during the follow-up period. No significant differences in the recurrence rate were found between the RHZ and RHZE/FDC regimen groups (p = 0.13). We identified no factors associated with the occurrence of recurrence; nor were there any statistically significant differences between the treatment groups regarding adverse effects or rates of cure, treatment abandonment, or death. Conclusions: The adoption of the RHZE/FDC regimen produced no statistically significant differences in the rates of recurrence, cure, or treatment abandonment; nor did it have any effect on the occurrence of adverse effects, in comparison with the use of the RHZ regimen.
Spectrum of Surgical Site Infection Pathogens in Chronic Infectious Spondylitis Requiring Revision Surgery: A 5-Year Cohort Study

Background: Spectrum monitoring of the pathogen in spondylitis patients plays a key role in preventing infectious complications of spinal reconstructions in chronic spondylitis (CS) and in the treatment of surgical site infection (SSI). The aim of this study is to characterize the spectrum of SSI pathogens in CS requiring revision surgery. Methods: The primary cohort encompassed 569 surgical patients with infectious CS. In 99 patients (61 men and 38 women) requiring revision surgical interventions due to SSI, continuous microbiological monitoring of the pathogens was conducted. The average age of the patients was 63 ± 14 years. The vast majority of the patients underwent surgery on a set of multilevel (two or more spinal–motor segments) lesions. Lesions of the lumbar spine were more often noted, and lesions of the thoracic, thoracolumbar, and cervical spine sections were less often noted. This study included all patients operated on within the scope of revision spinal reconstructions in connection with the development of infection of the surgical area over the period from January 2018 to December 2022. Inclusion criteria were etiologically verified spondylitis, age of 18 years or older, and follow-up of 6 months or more. Results: The average rate of revision surgery due to SSI was 17.4%. Germ detection from the material of vertebral localization was noted in 48.3% and pathogen strains were isolated in urine in 60.8%, in decubital ulcers in 23.9%, and in hemoculture in 15.2% of all study patients. Aseptic, deep SSI was detected in 10.1%. Gram-positive, multidrug-resistant, and Gram-negative bacteria with extreme resistance prevailed in the microbiological landscape of late SSI, early, and delayed Gram-positive strains without drug resistance. Conclusions: Infectious etiology of spondylitis is associated with a significantly higher frequency of SSI. In the absence of a positive result from bacteriological examination of the vertebral localization material, it is advisable to conduct blood, decubital ulcer discharge, and urine sampling.
Arsenic trioxide is effective in the treatment of multiple myeloma in SCID mice

Objectives : Pharmacological concentrations of arsenic trioxide (ATO) and organic arsenic melarsoprol induce apoptosis in malignant plasma cells. In an attempt to further document the interest of the arsenic in vivo, we treated severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice transplanted with human myeloma cells by ATO or melarsoprol.
Neonatal pain and COMT Val158Met genotype in relation to serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) promoter methylation in very preterm children at school age

Children born very preterm are exposed to repeated neonatal procedures that induce pain and stress during hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The COMT Val158Met genotype is involved with pain sensitivity, and early life stress is implicated in altered expression of methylation of the serotonin transporter. We examined: (1) whether methylation of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) promoter differs between very preterm children and full-term controls at school age, (2) relationships with child behavior problems, and (3) whether the extent of neonatal pain exposure interacts with the COMT Val158Met genotype to predict SLC6A4 methylation at 7 years in the very preterm children. We examined the associations between the COMT genotypes, neonatal pain exposure (adjusted for neonatal clinical confounders), SLC6A4 methylation and behavior problems. Very preterm children had significantly higher methylation at 7/10 CpG sites in the SLC6A4 promoter compared to full-term controls at 7 years. Neonatal pain (adjusted for clinical confounders) was significantly associated with total child behavior problems on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) questionnaire (adjusted for concurrent stressors and 5HTTLPR genotype) (p = 0.035). CBCL Total Problems was significantly associated with greater SLC6A4 methylation in very preterm children (p = 0.01). Neonatal pain (adjusted for clinical confounders) and COMT Met/Met genotype were associated with SLC6A4 promoter methylation in very preterm children at 7 years (p = 0.001). These findings provide evidence that both genetic predisposition and early environment need to be considered in understanding susceptibility for developing behavioral problems in this vulnerable population.
Identification of the P2Y(12) receptor: a novel member of the P2Y family of receptors activated by extracellular nucleotides.

The action of extracellular nucleotides, specifically the ability of adenine nucleotides to induce coronary vasodilation and bradycardia, was first described more than 70 years ago ([Drury and Szent-Gyorgyi, 1929][1]). Nearly 30 years later, ADP was shown to promote platelet aggregation ([Gaarder
WHERE ARE THE GATES IN GAP JUNCTION CHANNELS?

1. In the formation and function of gap junction channels two types of gates ought to be discriminated: the docking gate and the channel gates proper. The docking gate is involved in the transformation of a closed hemichannel to a patent gap junction channel. By definition the trigger mechanism for this gate and maybe even the gate itself is contained within the extracellular loops of the gap junction proteins, the connexins. The channel gates proper determine the open and closed states of the complete gap junction channels.
Anthropometry and athletic performance with Zybek sports in elite American taekwondo athletes

Introduction: The relationship between anthropometric characteristics and athletic performance in taekwondo athletes is a topic of growing interest in the field of sports science and physical preparation. Objective: To determine the relationship between athletic performance in Zybek Sport tests and anthropometry in elite American taekwondo athletes. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational quasi-experimental cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of (n = 470) taekwondo athletes. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, and BMI. Athletic performance was assessed using Zybek Sports Performance Standardized Athletic Testing (SAT®). Results: Negative and statistically significant relationships were identified between the 10 and 20-yard sprints and height (p < .000) and (p < .000), weight (p < .000) and (p < .000), and BMI (p < .016) and (p < .000). The pro Agility test only showed a significant negative relationship with weight (p < .000) and height (p < .000). As for the 40-yard dash, horizontal jump, and vertical jump, which showed positive and significant relationships, it was identified that performance in these tests is influenced by greater height (p < .000), (p < .000), (p < .000), weight (p < .000), (p < .000), (p < .000), and BMI (p < .000), (p < .003) respectively. Except for the vertical jump, which did not show a significant correlation with BMI (p < .542). Conclusion: In conclusion, despite the heterogeneity of the relationships, lower weight, height, and BMI were found to improve performance in the 10 and 20-yard sprints as well as in the pro agility test. In the case of the 40-yard dash, horizontal jump, and vertical jump, greater weight, height, and BMI were related to better performance in these tests, with the exception of the vertical jump, which did not show a significant correlation with BMI.
Scambaiter: Understanding Targeted Nigerian Scams on Craigslist

Advance fee fraud scams, also known as Nigerian scams have evolved from simple untargeted email messages to more sophisticated scams targeted at users of classifieds, dating and other websites. Even though such scams are observed frequently, the community’s understanding of targeted Nigerian scam is limited since the scammers operate “underground”. In this paper, we focus on fake payment scams targeting users on Craigslist. To better understand this type of scam and associated scammers, we built an automated data collection system. The system relied on what we term magnetic honeypot advertisements. These are advertisements that are designed to attract scammers but repel legitimate users – similar to how a magnet attracts one side of a magnet but repels the other. Using advertisements of this type, we offered goods for sale on Craigslist, gathered scam emails and interacted with scammers. We use this measurement platform to gather three months of data and perform an in-depth analysis. Our analysis provides us with a better understanding of scammers’ action patterns, automation tools, scammers’ email account usage and distribution of scammers’ geolocation. From our analysis of this dataset, we find that around 10 groups of scammers were responsible for nearly half of the over 13,000 total scam attempts we received. These groups use shipping address and phone numbers in both Nigeria and the U.S. We also identify potential methods of deterring these targeted scams based on patterns in the scammer’s messages and usage of email accounts that might enable improved filter of their initial messages by content and email address.
Correlation of myc expression with the growth‐arrested and transformed phenotypes in hybrids between A T lymphoma and an antigen‐responsive T‐cell line

Fusion of the YACUT lymphoma cell line with the Mls‐Ia‐antigen‐specific non‐tumorigenic T‐cell line G4 produced growth‐arrested hybrids that could be induced to proliferate in the presence of Mls‐Ia antigen. Prolonged growth of such hybrids by repeated antigenic stimulation resulted in the appearance of autonomously growing hybrid lines. Of the 4 antigen‐independent hybrid clones, I was weakly tumorigenic (25% incidence) while the other 3 were highly tumorigenic (100% incidence). In the growth‐arrested hybrids the de‐regulated c‐myc expression characteristic of the YACUT cells was suppressed. In the autonomously growing clones, however, c‐myc expression had reverted to the levels of the lymphoma parent and 1 to 2 extra copies of chromosome 15 were consistently present. These results indicate that repeated antigenic stimulation somehow abrogated the down‐regulation of c‐myc in the growth‐arrested hybrid lines. The increase in the number of copies of chromosome 15, however, suggests that genes located on this chromosome may abolish the effect of the negative regulatory functions of the non‐malignant parent in a gene‐dosage‐dependent manner.
Blockchain in internet of things: Challenges and Solutions

The Internet of Things IoT is experiencing exponential growth in research and industry, but it still suffers from privacy and security vulnerabilities. Conventional security and privacy approaches tend to be inapplicable for IoT, mainly due to its decentralized topology and the resource-constraints of the majority of its devices. BlockChain BC that underpin the crypto-currency Bitcoin have been recently used to provide security and privacy in peer-to-peer networks with similar topologies to IoT. However, BCs are computationally expensive and involve high bandwidth overhead and delays, which are not suitable for IoT devices. This position paper proposes a new secure, private, and lightweight architecture for IoT, based on BC technology that eliminates the overhead of BC while maintaining most of its security and privacy benefits. The described method is investigated on a smart home application as a representative case study for broader IoT applications. The proposed architecture is hierarchical, and consists of smart homes, an overlay network and cloud storages coordinating data transactions with BC to provide privacy and security. Our design uses different types of BCs depending on where in the network hierarchy a transaction occurs, and uses distributed trust methods to ensure a decentralized topology. Qualitative evaluation of the architecture under common threat models highlights its effectiveness in providing security and privacy for IoT applications.
Contrast, contours and the confusion effect in dazzle camouflage

‘Motion dazzle camouflage’ is the name for the putative effects of highly conspicuous, often repetitive or complex, patterns on parameters important in prey capture, such as the perception of speed, direction and identity. Research into motion dazzle camouflage is increasing our understanding of the interactions between visual tracking, the confusion effect and defensive coloration. However, there is a paucity of research into the effects of contrast on motion dazzle camouflage: is maximal contrast a prerequisite for effectiveness? If not, this has important implications for our recognition of the phenotype and understanding of the function and mechanisms of potential motion dazzle camouflage patterns. Here we tested human participants' ability to track one moving target among many identical distractors with surface patterns designed to test the influence of these factors. In line with previous evidence, we found that targets with stripes parallel to the object direction of motion were hardest to track. However, reduction in contrast did not significantly influence this result. This finding may bring into question the utility of current definitions of motion dazzle camouflage, and means that some animal patterns, such as aposematic or mimetic stripes, may have previously unrecognized multiple functions.
catena-Poly[[copper(II)-bis[μ-bis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) selenide]] bis(perchlorate)]

In the title compound, {[Cu(C10H14N4Se)2](ClO4)2}n, the CuII ion is located on a twofold rotation axis and has a tetragonally distorted square-planar geometry constituted by four N atoms. A pair of bis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) selenide (L) ligands bridges the copper centers into a polymeric chain extending along [001]. The perchlorate anions are involved in intermolecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bonding, which links the chains into layers parallel to the bc plane.