Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Obesity-related nervous system injury: preliminary evidences in diet induced obesity (DIO) rats.

Increased food intake, reduced physical activity and altered metabolic processes are the variables that affect energy balance inducing obesity. Obesity is now considered an increasingly medical challenge. Actually, the prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically worldwide over the last decades and has now reached epidemic proportions. On the other hand, obesity is associated with the development of chronic diseases such as cerebrovascular disease promoting the cognitive decline. Caloric-dense diet induced obesity (DIO), provides a useful animal model sharing several common features with human obesity. DIO rats of 7 weeks of age are expose to high fat (45 %) diet ad libitum and after 5 weeks the obese phenotype starts to be develop. To clarify the possible relationships between obesity and nervous system changes, DIO rats were studied after 5 weeks and 17 weeks of hypercaloric diet compared to the control rats with not fat diet (Chow). Memory performance were measured using different cognitive tests. Moreover, ultrasonographic (US) and computed tomography (CT) evaluations were performed to detect adipose tissue changes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to highlight brain morphological alterations was used. Morphological changes of brain areas (frontal cortex, hippocampus) were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis. The results confirmed the developed of obesity after 5 weeks of fat diet. At long-term (17 weeks) high fat diet exposure, rats increased significantly their body weight in comparison to the control group and the youngest DIO rats. The US and CT analysis indicated an increase of deposition of both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue and evidences a decrease of hepatic attenuation in the older DIO rats.MRI images did not show vascular and morphological alterations in brain. Instead, immuhistochemical and immunochemical analysis, revealed an increase expression of glial-fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the older DIO rats compared to the age- matched Chow rats both in frontal cortex and in hippocampus. DIO rats showed a reduction of retention latency time in the emotional learning task. These preliminary findings indicate that the development of obesity, does not determined gross anatomy alteration in brain, but the occurrence of injury characterized by astrogliosis. The identification of neurodegenerative changes in DIO may represent the first insight to better characterize the neuronal involvement in obesity.
Trade Liberalization, Technology Diffusion, and Productivity

This study develops the international trade theory of technology diffusion with heterogeneous firms. Each new entrant randomly searches for and meets incumbents and then adopts their existing technology. As in previous international trade models based on firm heterogeneity, trade liberalization induces the least productive firms to exit, and then the resources can be reallocated toward more productive firms. However, we show that this resource reallocation effect is mitigated by the entry of low-productive firms. Trade liberalization facilitates the diffusion of existing low-productive technologies to new entrants, which shifts the weight in the productivity distribution from the upper tail area to the area around the least productivity. Thus, some resources can be reallocated toward low-productive firms. In addition, trade liberalization reduces domestically produced varieties. Consequently, we show the non-monotonic relationship between trade liberalization and aggregate productivity.
Has the Fluocinolon-acetonid N ointment any effect on the kidneys and the thyroid gland structure and function?

Besides the naturally occurring glucocorticoids, there are many other synthetically produced glucocorticoids: dexamethasone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide, flumetazon, methyl prednisone and methylprednisolone. Corticosteroids are administered intravenously, orally, through inhalation directly onto the inflamed organ, eye drops and by applying skin ointments. Although long term use has its undesirable effects, e.g. high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes and renal failure. Fluocinolon-acetonid N ointment is a synthetic derivate of the adrenocortical hormone, which is used for medical treatment purposes in dermatology. We also use it in our homes, mostly due to its anti-inflammatory effect, in the treatment of itching, and also in the acute keratosis. It is highly effective in serious, non contagious, dry skin inflammations, such as atopic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, dermatitis or even in allergic reactions. In prolonged usage due to its liposoluble properties, it is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, which increases the chances of having side effects. The main objective of this study is to analyze the side effects of glucocorticoid excess when treatment is done with Fluocinolonacetonid N ointment, to see if it has any effect on organs which have an important role in maintaining basal metabolism such as kidneys and thyroid gland. Our results demonstrate that fluocinolon treatment affects the structure and the function of kidneys and thyroid gland.
EFFECT OF SOME PULSING SOLUTIONS AND COLD STORAGE PERIODS ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF Rosa hybrida, L. cv. FIRST RED FLOWERS

This study was carried out at the Ornamental Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, during the two successive seasons of 2004 and 2005 to investigate the effect of pre-storage pulsing treatments and storage periods on the physiological characteristics and chemical constituents of rose flowers (Rosa hybrida L. cv. First Red). The base of stem flowers were pulsed with (1) distilled water for 30 minutes (Control), (2) Florrisant 600 at a concentration of 10000 ppm for 4 hours, (3) Florrisant 600 solution at a concentration of 5000 ppm for 4 hours, (4) GA3 at a concentration of 20 ppm for 24 hours, (5) Kinetin at a concentration of 25 ppm + 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) at 150 ppm for 24 hours, (6) Sucrose at a concentration of 2% + AgNO3 at 1000 ppm for 30 minutes, or (7) AgNO3 at a concentration of 1000 ppm for 30 minutes. After that, the flowers were stored at a temperature of 2o C and a relative humidity (RH) of 85-90%, in cold storage rooms for periods of 7, 14, 21 or 28 days. Most of the pulsing solutions decreased the rate of fresh weight loss, respiration rate of flowers, but increased the total soluble sugars and total soluble phenols contents in petals and leaves, the anthocyanins and carotenoids contents in the petals, as well as the total chlorophylls and carotenoids contents in the leaves. Pulsing in a solution containing 25 ppm kinetin + 150 ppm 8-HQ for 24 hours gave the lowest rates of fresh weight loss and respiration, and the highest contents of total soluble sugars in the leaves, total soluble phenols in the petals and the leaves, anthocyanins and carotenoids in the petals. The rate of fresh weight loss, and the contents of total soluble phenols in the petals and leaves were increased with increasing storage period. On the other hand, respiration rate, total soluble sugars in the petals and leaves, anthocyanins and carotenoids in the petals as well as total chlorophylls and carotenoids content in the leaves were decreased with increasing storage period. A significant interaction was detected between the effects of pulsing solutions and storage periods on the rate of fresh weight loss, respiration rate, anthocyanins and carotenoids contents in the petals, as well as total chlorophylls and carotenoids contents in the leaves. Flowers pulsed with 25 ppm kinetin + 150 ppm 8-HQ for 24 hours and stored for 14 days gave an insignificantly different respiration rate compared to the lowest values, and gave total soluble sugars in the petals and leaves, total soluble phenols in the petals and leaves, anthocyanins and carotenoids in the petals insignificantly different than the highest values recorded for each characteristic. So, it can be
EFFECTS OF PUBLIC CAPITAL ON ECONOMIC GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY IN SPAIN DURING THE PERIOD 1980-2007

In line with the existing literature, the main aim of this study is to analyse the effects of public capital on growth in the Spanish regions for the period 1980-2007. The methodology used adopts a parametric approach following the recommendations intended to eliminate the effects of demand and estimate only the medium-term impacts, ultimately eliminating any possible inverse causality relationship. The estimates made put the elasticity of the productivity of labour with respect to the delays in investment in infrastructures at 0.183, while elasticity with respect to private investment stands at 0.294. This means it can be concluded that investment in public capital contributes to increasing productivity by approximately 62 per cent in the Spanish regions as a whole. Meanwhile, the analysis of the convergence of the estimated efficiency levels shows that the least efficient regions have benefited from the technology existing in the regions closest to the efficiency frontier. Finally, some reflections are compiled on the role investment in public capital can play in the context of a crisis like the current one, together with other pillars incorporated into the debate, such as fiscal consolidation and structural reforms.
Assessing value-in-use from an ethnographic perspective: An Ethnographic Case Study

Nowadays the concept of value-in-use has become increasingly important. Businesses are continuously striving to capture their customer needs in order to attract future customers, retain existing customers, and increase business performance through value delivery. In the academic world, value-in-use is an uprising concept. Although there are efforts made understanding value-in-use from an ontological point of view, there seems to be haziness around the methodological and epistemological grounds of value-in-use. Consequently, there has so far not been probed into the appropriate methods including the epistemological consequences of studying value-in-use. Therefore, an ethnographic perspective is deployed to clarify this omission by studying value-in-use in the context of amateur-level football on artificial grass pitches. Obtrusive and unobtrusive data collection methods are used in order to gather etic and emic knowledge. Patterns are identified that lead towards useful value-in-use constructs. In short, this study demonstrates how and why an ethnographic perspective can enhance and understand customer value and value-in-use.
Bacaba powder produced in spouted bed: an alternative source of bioactive compounds and energy food product

Abstract This study evaluated Bacaba powder produced in a spouted bed as a source of bioactive compounds and high energy value. The conditions influencing the drying process parameters (yield, moisture level, phenolic and anthocyanin retention) as well as simultaneous optimization (optimal conditions) of production were also considered. Drying was most efficient at 75 °C using maltodextrin concentrations above 20.0% (w/w). Higher anthocyanin retention (92.52%) at 65 °C (p = 0.0003), and a maltodextrin concentration of 20.0% (w/w) resulted in high retention of phenolics (95.38%). Accordingly, the operations tested under the desirability function (68 °C, maltodextrin concentration of 21.7% w/w, and air velocity of 1.3 × minimum spouting velocity (Vjm) m s-1) resulted in a process yield of 55.04% and the dry basis (d.b.) composition results were: total phenolics (376.43 mg GAE 100 g-1), energetic value (612.64 kcal 100 g-1), lipids (47.74 g 100 g-1), carbohydrates (27.79 g 100 g-1), protein (15.10 g 100 g-1), and dietetic fiber (8.45 g 100 g-1). The high solubility (92%), flowability (14%), energy, and bioactive characteristics of Bacaba powder suggest the potential for many applications, such as development of dietary supplements, high-energy drinks, milk-based and instant products, and bakery products.
Effect of storage temperature on physico-chemical and sensory evaluation of Kinnow Mandarin juice blends.

The present investigation comprises 20 treatment combinations having five different combinations of Kinnow juice blends, two processing temperature (75°C and 85°C) and two levels of potassium meta-bi-sulphite (500 ppm and 750 ppm). The juice blend combinations thus prepared were stored for six months in 200 ml glass bottles at refrigerated storage temperature (4 ± 1°C) and at ambient temperature (28 ± 4°C). Juice blending ratio (Kinnow juice 87: Pomegranate juice 10: Ginger juice 3) with processing temperature (75°C for 15 minutes) and potassium meta-bi-sulphite (750 ppm) showed better qualitative characteristics i.e. T.S. S. , acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars, NEB, limonin, flavour, colour and bitterness during storage (up to six months) under refrigeration and ambient temperature. However, the post storage studies also revealed that all these characteristics were superior under refrigerated condition than ambient storage conditions. There was minimum increase in TSS (11.88 to 13.21°Brix), total sugar (7.88% to 9.60%), limonin (0.116 mg ml-1 to 0.138 mg ml-1), NEB (0.065 to 0.081) and the lowest decrease was observed in acidity (0.70% to 0.63%) and ascorbic acid (20 mg 100 ml-1 juice to 17.15 mg 100 ml-1 juice) after six months of storage in refrigerated condition. From economic point of view maximum B.C. ratio (1.5:1) was obtained by making squash from the juice blend (Kinnow juice 87: Pomegranate juice 10: ginger juice3) + processed at 75°C + KMS (750 ppm) and stored under refrigerated temperature
Purification and expansion of stem cells from equine peripheral blood, with clinical applications

Equine peripheral blood (ePB) can be used as a source of stem cells (SCs) in horses, both for research and for practical purposes. A relatively low volume of ePB is sufficient for the purification and expansion of the SCs. The identification of the SCs is performed by demonstrating the presence (CD34, CD90, CD105 and CD117) or absence (CD14) of specific markers on the cell surface by means of fluorescent staining, followed by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) for sorting out the desired population of SCs. The entire process of SC isolation and enrichment from ePB typically takes three days, after which the enriched SC sample can be sent back to the patient for clinical application. The two most common clinical applications of SCs from ePB will be demonstrated with two field cases. The first case presents a lesion of the body of the suspensory ligament in a 13-year-old warmblood mare and the second case describes a bacterial ulcerative keratitis in a 20-yearold warmblood gelding.
Centralized embedding hypersphere feature learning for person re-identification

ABSTRACT Deep metric learning has become a general method for person re-identification (ReID) recently. Existing methods train ReID model with various loss functions to learn feature representation and identify pedestrian. However, the interaction between person features and classification vectors in the training process is rarely concerned. Distribution of pedestrian features will greatly affect convergence of the model and the pedestrian similarity computing in the test phase. In this paper, we formulate improved softmax function to learn pedestrian features and classification vectors. Our method applies pedestrian feature representation to be scattered across the coordinate space and embedding hypersphere to solve the classification problem. Then, we propose an end-to-end convolutional neural network (CNN) framework with improved softmax function to improve the performance of pedestrian features. Finally, experiments are performed on four challenging datasets. The results demonstrate that our work is competitive compared to the state-of-the-art.
INFLUENCE OF DEMOGRAPHIC AND OCCUPATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WORKERS ON THE PERCEPTION OF JOB SATISFACTION IN NIGERIA

This research examined the influence of some demographic and occupational characteristics (organisational affiliation, gender and length of service) of workers on the perception of job satisfaction. The survey method was used in which a Job Satisfaction Survey developed by Spector (1994) and validated in Nigeria by Ogunkuade and Ojiji (2018) was administered on 312 participants (207 males and 105 females) drawn through simple random sampling technique from the population of workers of some public and private electronic media organisations in Abuja, Nigeria. Parametric statistical tests (one-way analysis of variance and independent ‘t’ test) used to analyse the data, showed that gender had no statistically significant influence on the overall perception of job satisfaction: t (310) = 0.56, NS, but on the “nature of job” component of job satisfaction. It was however found that organisational affiliation had a statistically significant influence on the overall perception of job satisfaction: t (310) = 2.42, p<0.02, but not on the six components: pay, promotion, supervision, fringe benefits and co-workers. Furthermore, length of service had no statistically significant influence on the overall perception of job satisfaction: F (2, 309) = . 96, NS, but it had on the “pay” and “fringe benefits” components. The findings were discussed in terms of the prospects of the study of demographic and occupational characteristics of workers as variables in enhancing knowledge of job satisfaction in Nigeria organisations.
How Access to Irrigation Influences Poverty and Livelihoods: A Case Study from Sri Lanka

Abstract This study combines a livelihoods approach with a regression approach to quantify the effectiveness of irrigation infrastructure investment on improving people’s livelihood strategies. Using a unique dataset based on households in southern Sri Lanka, and a natural experimental setting, we estimate from a two-stage income regression model to show that irrigation access has a positive effect on income through livelihood choices. We also show through qualitative approaches that factors not linked to irrigation infrastructure may contribute to changes in livelihood portfolios. In addition, we highlight factors that result in certain households being unable to move out of poverty despite access to the improved irrigation infrastructure.
Nutrient contents and growth of corn fertigated with human urine and cassava wastewater

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the contents of macronutrients (NPK and S) and the growth of ‘Potiguar’ corn fertigated with human urine, cassava wastewater and their associations with NPK. The experiment was set up in greenhouse located on Campus I of Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. A completely randomized experimental design was used, consisting of eight treatments, corresponding to fertigation with mineral fertilizer NPK formula; organic, composed of yellow water, cassava wastewater and human urine associated with cassava wastewater; organomineral, composed of human urine associated with phosphorus and potassium, cassava wastewater associated with nitrogen and phosphorus and human urine associated with cassava wastewater and phosphorus, with five repetitions. At 50 days after sowing (DAS), plants were evaluated for the leaf NPK and S concentrations and growth variables: number of leaves, plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, fresh and dry mass of leaves, mass of stem and shoots. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and the growth variables number of leaves, plant height, fresh and dry mass of leaves, mass of stem and of shoot were influenced by fertigation with human urine, cassava wastewater concentrations and their associations with NPK. In the leaves of corn cultivar Potiguar the accumulated concentrations of N, P and K, at 50 DAS, varied in the sequence N > K > P. Human urine has potential as source of N in fertigation of corn and cassava wastewater can be used if associated with other sources of nutrients.
The Relationship Between Employee Satisfaction and Loyalty: A Cross-Sectional Study in Oil and Natural Gas Industry

The global drop in oil and natural gas industry have had a significant impact on the Malaysian market and have potentially redirected Malaysia under a negative global spotlight. The layoff rate in oil and natural gas organizations have risen dramatically, this situation may affect the satisfaction level among employees and their loyalty in the respective oil and natural gas industry. The present study is aimed to determine the relationship between employee satisfaction and employee loyalty in Oil and Natural Gas Industry. Using simple random sampling technique 100 employees working in Oil and Natural Gas Industry were selected as respondents. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Results obtained showed that there is positive correlation between different components of employee satisfaction and employee loyalty. A notable variable that emerged in the analysis was compensation and benefits, while career development was least important that predisposed loyalty. Keywords: Employee satisfaction; employee loyalty; career development; compensation and benefits; job security COGNITIVE
Chronic Wounds in Children: Prevalence, Aetiological Types and Predilection Sites in a Rural Setting in an Emerging Economy

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, aetiological types and predilection sites of chronic wounds in children. This study was a cross sectional study conducted on children aged 0-15 years. Through cluster sampling technique, children with wounds were recruited and evaluated. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize variables and Chi-squared test was used to achieve comparison between age groups and sexes. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. The results show that one thousand and ten children were screened for wounds out of which 107 children with 115 wounds were found. 16.5% of these wounds were chronic with a prevalence rate of 2.0%. Chronic wound prevalences in the school aged (47.4%) and adolescent (52.6%) children were 0.9% and 1.0% respectively (x 2 = 0.821; p = 0.359 Yates’ corrected, Fisher’s exact test 2-sided) and statistically insignificant. 57.9% were caused by trauma and majority (89.5%) occurred in the lower limbs (x 2 =0.000; p=1.000 Yates’ corrected, Fisher’s exact test 2-sided) without any statistical significance. Prevalence of chronic wounds in the children population was very low. The commonest aetiological type was inadequately treated traumatic wounds which progressively healed on institution of appropriate wound treatment.