Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ethics of embryonic stem cell research according to Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic, and Islamic religions: perspective from Malaysia

Abstract Background: The use of embryos in embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) has elicited ethical controversies as it entails the destruction of 5-day old human embryos to harvest stem cells. Objective: To explore the ethical positions of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Catholicism concerning the use of (1) left-over embryos from in vitro fertilization (IVF) also known as ‘surplus’ embryos and (2) ‘research embryos’ which are created by scientists to conduct research using embryonic stem cells. Methods: The opinions of religious leaders of Buddhist, Hindu, and Catholic faiths in Malaysia pertaining to ESCR were examined via in-depth, semi-structured interviews while Islamic responses are collected from local writings related to the derivation of fatwa on this issue. Participants’ responses on the ethics of human stem cell research are presented as a reflection of various scriptural texts of these four religions. These are presented and supported with the help of international bioethics literature and focus on the use of ‘surplus’ embryos and ‘research’ embryos. Results: Islamic ethics deviate from Hindu and Buddhist teachings regarding saving of research embryos that have been created specifically for research and are considered as human lives only after 120 days fertilization. Hindu and Buddhists also underscore the sanctity of human life, but give priority to the alleviation of suffering in living adult humans. They generally encourage ESCR. Research is a knowledge-seeking endeavor considered noble by Islam. This is also a concept within Hindu and Buddhist philosophy; in particular, when potentially beneficial research goals are the basis. Catholicism also emphasizes sanctity of human life, but stresses also the inviolability of embryos from the moment of conception. Conclusion: Embryonic stem cell research is permissible and encouraged according to Hindu and Buddhist perspectives in view of the potential benefits of such research to society, with some reservations. This is similar to Islamic views on the ethics of ESCR. However, Catholicism differs from all the other three religions; it appears to discourage research in this field because of the likely violation of a sacred principle in Catholic teachings.
Incidence of Oxacillin-Susceptible mecA-Positive Staphylococcus aureus (OS-MRSA) Isolates and TSST-1 Virulence Factor Among High School Students in Tabriz, Northwest of Iran

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is often the cause of a wide broad of infections ranging from minor skin infections to serious infections such as toxic shock syndrome (TSS) in hospital and community settings. Toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) superantigen is the main cause of TSS. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the frequency of MRSA carriage and TSST-1 virulence factor among high school students. Methods: A total of 400 nasal swab samples were randomly collected from male and female students of six different high schools in Tabriz, Iran. After confirmation of S. aureus strains by standard biochemical tests, the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolates was determined by the disk diffusion method. The presence of mecA and TSST-1 genes was examined by PCR. Results: From 400 students, 15% (n = 60) were positive for S. aureus. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using 12 antibiotic disks. Based on the results, 100% of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin while all of them were sensitive to vancomycin. Moreover, 18.34% of the S. aureus isolates were resistant to cefoxitin and 11.67% were resistant to oxacillin. The presence of the mecA gene was confirmed in 54.54% of the cases. These results indicated oxacillin-susceptible mecA-positive S. aureus (OS-MRSA) colonization among students. Based on the PCR results, only one of the MRSA isolates belonging to a female student was positive for the TSST-1 gene. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the spread of OS-MRSA among the healthy population in Tabriz, Northwest of Iran. Nevertheless, a combination of genetic and phenotypic tests is needed to accurately detect MRSA.
Molecular characterization of G2P[4] and G9P[8] rotaviruses strains isolated from Moroccan children fully vaccinated with Rotarix™ between 2013 and 2014

ABSTRACT Background: Here, we describe the characterization of the VP7 and VP4 genes of rotavirus group A (RVA) strains isolated from Moroccan infants with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) after receiving the Rotarix. Methods: Stool samples were collected from seven infants suffering with AGE. Vesikari 20-point was used while collecting the AGE information. RT-PCR followed by sequencing was employed to determine partial sequences from VP7 and VP4 encoding genes. RVA genotypes were determined using the RotaC online classification tool.The Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic tree was performed in the MEGA 6.06 software as well as the amino acid (aa) alignments of VP7 and VP8* antigenic epitopes. Results: Five children had gastroenteritis episodes defined as severe on the Vesikari scale. Analysis of VP7 gene sequences revealed five G2 and two G9 genotypes. These genotypes were associated with P[4] and P[8], respectively. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that G2 and G9 sequences grouped together with Italian strain belonging to lineage II and III respectively. Their P[4] sequences showed only 65-73% identity and grouped into two separate sub-clusters. The Moroccan P[8] isolates did not display this correlation and segregate to lineage III. The VP8* aa of P[8] when compared with that of the Rotarix vaccine, has a six aa differences. Conclusion: Although, this study does not reveal prevalence rates of RVA in infants after the vaccine introduction, it reports the detection and genetic characteristics of the G2P[4] and G9P[8] RVA types in vaccinated children in Morocco. The findings are suggestive of continuous surveillance program on rotavirus evolution in the vaccinated population.
Influence of white cabbage cultivars on oviposition preference of the Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

The aim of the present study was to determine the oviposition preference of Small White (Pieris rapae L.) on five different white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba) cultivars. The experiment showed that in first year butterflies preferred late-matured cultivar 'Krautkaizer' as the site for oviposition; 35.8% of eggs counted during the observation period were gathered from this plant. The next choice was mid-season cultivar 'Lennox' by 21.6%. In second year the preferred cultivars were late-matured 'Turquoise' (26%), 'Lennox' (22.1 %) and 'Krautkaizer' (20%). The egg laying activity was high during whole test period in both years of those variants.
An Overview of Tuberculosis-Designated Hospitals in China, 2009-2015: A Longitudinal Analysis of National Survey Data

Design A national tuberculosis- (TB-) designated hospital survey was conducted in 2015 to identify significant changes since 2009 in implementation of TB-testing services within hospitals of various types and administrative levels in various regions in China. Methods In 2015, all TB-designated hospitals were required to complete questionnaires designed by the National Clinical Center for TB. Community hospitals also completed simplified questionnaires as part of the study. Results Overall, in 2015 there were 1685 TB-designated hospitals in China, consisting of 1335 (79.2%) county-level hospitals and 350 (20.8%) hospitals at the prefecture level and above. The percentage of counties with TB-designated hospitals in the western region (57.4%) was significantly lower than corresponding percentages for eastern and middle regions (70.3% and 96.5, respectively). Based on data recorded on hospital surveys in both 2009 and 2015, significant differences were noted between years in proportions of general hospitals with TB wards and of specialized infectious disease hospitals (P < 0.01). Of 1256 county-level laboratories conducting smear microscopy, only 979 (79%) performed external quality control evaluations of test results in 2015. For prefecture-level hospitals, 70% (234/334), 76% (155/203), and 67% (66/98) of hospitals obtained external quality control validations of smear microscopy, phenotypic DST, and molecular test results, respectively. Conclusions Although China's health reform efforts have resulted in improved TB patient access to quality health care, more attention should be paid to balancing the distribution of medical facilities across different regions. In addition, laboratory capabilities and quality control systems should be strengthened to ensure delivery of high-quality laboratory services by TB-designated hospitals throughout China.
A New Approach to Measuring the Correlation of Organizational Alignment and Performance

This paper focuses on measuring the alignment of organizational elements. Although several authors have analyzed this topic, there are few papers in which they propose a concept for measuring the alignment of key elements of the organization. In previous research, the concept of alignment is usually defined through categorical variables and different organizational configurations are suggested. Thus, this paper aims to propose a new approach to measuring organizational elements and their alignment. Based on the literature review we determined the organizational model for conducting the research in companies listed on the top 300 companies in Serbia. On the sample of 57 respondents theresults confirmed the defined hypothesis by which the alignment of the organizational elements has the positive correlation with the organizational performance. In order to measure the organizational elements we defined the 7-level scale which enables measuring the alignment of organizational elements. The research results confirm that it is necessary to look at the solutions based on some organizational elements simultaneously. However, in order to confirm the validity and reliability of the results, it is necessary to conduct a research on a larger sampling frame, since the sample from this research is relatively small in comparison to the total population. The defined scale can be used as a control tool for checking the proposed organizational design solutions in practice. Also, the rules of alignment of organizational elements can be applied at different hierarchical levels in the organization, which will be the subject of future research of the authors.
Visual and instrumental assessments of color differences in automotive coatings

The authors thank the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for the coordinated project “New developments in visual optics, vision and color technology” (DPI2011-30090-C02). Francisco Javier Burgos also thanks the Autonomous Government of Catalonia for his predoctoral fellowship grant and Omar Gomez to the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for his predoctoral fellowship (FPI BES-2012-053080).
The Sarbanes—Oxley Act

Based on a survey of a representative sample of nonprofit organizations, this article explores the impact of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act (SOX) on the nonprofit sector. The study addresses two questions: What is the level of SOX adoption by nonprofit organizations? and How do we explain variations in the adoption level of SOX? Using Poisson regression models, our study finds that the level of SOX adoption in nonprofit organizations is determined to a large extent by nonprofit organizations’ accountability and transparency structure prior to SOX. When this factor is taken into account, contrary to previous studies, the level of SOX adoption by nonprofits is modest. In addition to the existing accountability structure, important variables in the statistical explanation of SOX adoption include CEOs’ familiarity with SOX, attitudes of nonprofit CEOs toward SOX, and organization size.
Disposition effect and mutual fund performance

This article finds strong evidence for the presence of the disposition effect among US mutual fund managers. The analysis can establish a link between the disposition effect and mutual fund characteristics as well as changes in the macroeconomic environment. Managers with a lower disposition effect are found to invest in larger equities with a higher trade volume, a higher past performance, lower idiosyncratic risk, and a higher risk-adjusted performance. However, fund characteristics and the economic environment can only explain a limited amount of the variation in the disposition effect across mutual funds. Using a new methodology to reduce the disposition effect exhibited by mutual fund investments, we find no increase in their profitability. Although statistically significant, the disposition effect has only a minor economic effect on fund performance.
PATHWAY CONNECTIVITY IN AN EPIGENETIC FLUVIOKARST SYSTEM: INSIGHT FROM A NUMERICAL MODELLING STUDY IN KENTUCKY USA

OF THESIS PATHWAY CONNECTIVITY IN AN EPIGENETIC FLUVIOKARST SYSTEM: INSIGHT FROM A NUMERICAL MODELLING STUDY IN KENTUCKY USA Fluviokarst landscapes are dominated by both fluvial and karst features. Interpreting hydrologic pathways of fluviokarst can be confounded by the unknown connectivity of the various flow regimes. A combined discrete-continuum (CDC) hybrid numeric model for simulating the surface and subsurface hydrology and hydraulics in fluviokarst basins was formulated to investigate fluviokarst pathways. This model was applied to the Cane Run Royal Springs basin in Kentucky USA. A priori constraints on parameterization were avoided via multi-stage optimization utilizing Sobol sequencing and high performance computing. Modelling results provide evidence of hydrologic pathways dominated by fracture flow, epikarst transfer and runoff. Fractures in karst basins with high fracturematrix permeability ratios may influence both springflow and streamflow. Swallet features can be as important as spring features as they are sink features in streamflow during hydrologic events. Inflections in spring hydrographs represent shifts in the surfacesubsurface connectivity via the fractures, as opposed to shifts in dominant storage zones. Existing methods of dualand triunal hydrograph separation of karst springflow may not be directly transferrable to fluviokarst springs. The numerical model herein has advantages of suggesting dominant pathways in complex terrane and highlighting unforeseen surfacesubsurface connectivity. However, disadvantages include computational expense and previous site studies.
Bomb Carbon as a Tracer of Dietary Carbon Sources in Omnivorous Mammals

We have isolated amino acid groups from modern bone hydrolysates and compared their relative Δ14C value to assess the carbon contribution of diet to the overall radiocarbon signal in bone. We find that both essential and non-essential amino acids may produce widely varying 14C, relative to other amino acid groups in the hydrolysate and to the original whole bone protein. We hypothesize that the 14C variations in non-essential amino acids may be due to metabolic effects that utilize essential amino acid carbon skeletons in the creation of non-essential amino acids.
High latitude magnetospheric topology and magnetospheric substorm

Abstract. This study is focused on the problem of the localization of substorm expansion onset. In this context, the high latitude topology of transverse magnetospheric currents has been analyzed. This study has included the radial distribution of plasma pressure near noon, obtained using the THEMIS-B satellite data, the daytime compression of magnetic field lines and the existence of magnetic field minima far from the equatorial plane, given by all geomagnetic field models. As a result, the dayside integral transverse currents at the geocentric distances 7–10 RE has been estimated. It is suggested, that nightside transverse currents at geocentric distances ~7–10 RE are closed inside the magnetosphere and with dayside transverse currents form surrounding the Earth current system (cut ring current or CRC) which topologically is the high latitude continuation of ordinary ring current. A possibility of localization of substorm expansion onset at the nighside CRC region is analyzed using the experimental evidences that the onset is localized at geocentric distances
Effect of Testosterone on Antler Growth in Male Sambar Deer (Rusaunicolor unicolor) in Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka

This study establishes the relationship between testosterone concentration with the different antler phases in male sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) inhabiting the Horton plains National Park, Sri Lanka (HPNP). Antler growth of sambar was categorized into seven phases; Cast (C), Growing single spike (GS), Growing into a Y as first tine appears (GIY), Growing Velvet begins to harden as third appears(GVT), Growth completed - velvet shedding begins (VS), Hard antler (HA), Casting (CT) based on phenotypic observations. The fecal samples were collected from 10 male sambar deer in each different phases of the antler growth cycle. Fecal testosterone level was estimated using radioimmunoassay (RIA). The results disclose that the dry feces of sambar deer in hard antler phase have a highest mean testosterone concentration of 18.52± 01.87 ng g−1. In the GVT phase the mean testosterone concentration was 09.50±2.01ng g −1, while in the VS phase the mean testosterone concentration increased to 14 ± 01.89 ng g−1. The study also reveals a declination of the testosterone concentration (06.80± 01.20 ng g-1) in CS phase. The C phase had a mean testosterone concentration of 05.52± 0.84 ng g−1. The fecal testosterone levels of the male sambar deer in HPNP changes according to the phase of the antler cycle. SUMMARY STATEMENT Testosterone concentration in fecal pellets of antler phases of male sambar deer in Horton plains National park, Sri Lanka evaluated by Radioimmunoassay kit. The results obtained in this study were agreement with identical research work carried out in other deer species with temperate ancestry.
Fungal cellulases and complexed cellulosomal enzymes exhibit synergistic mechanisms in cellulose deconstruction

Nature has evolved multiple enzymatic strategies for the degradation of plant cell wall polysaccharides, which are central to carbon flux in the biosphere and an integral part of renewable biofuels production. Many biomass-degrading organisms secrete synergistic cocktails of individual enzymes with one or several catalytic domains per enzyme, whereas a few bacteria synthesize large multi-enzyme complexes, termed cellulosomes, which contain multiple catalytic units per complex. Both enzyme systems employ similar catalytic chemistries; however, the physical mechanisms by which these enzyme systems degrade polysaccharides are still unclear. Here we examine a prominent example of each type, namely a free-enzyme cocktail expressed by the fungus Hypocrea jecorina and a cellulosome preparation secreted from the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium thermocellum. We observe striking differences in cellulose saccharification exhibited by these systems at the same protein loading. Free enzymes are more active on pretreated biomass and in contrast cellulosomes are much more active on purified cellulose. When combined, these systems display dramatic synergistic enzyme activity on cellulose. To gain further insights, we imaged free enzyme- and cellulosome-digested cellulose and biomass by transmission electron microscopy, which revealed evidence for different mechanisms of cellulose deconstruction by free enzymes and cellulosomes. Specifically, the free enzymes employ an ablative, fibril-sharpening mechanism, whereas cellulosomes physically separate individual cellulose microfibrils from larger particles resulting in enhanced access to cellulose surfaces. Interestingly, when the two enzyme systems are combined, we observe changes to the substrate that suggests mechanisms of synergistic deconstruction. Insight into the different mechanisms underlying these two polysaccharide deconstruction paradigms will eventually enable new strategies for enzyme engineering to overcome biomass recalcitrance.
Leaching of Potentially Toxic Metals (PTMs) from Two Nigerian Clays and Related Clay Pottery Used Locally as Foodwares

There is presently lack of data on composition of potentially toxic metals and their leaching from clay based foodwares into food. Therefore, in present study we evaluated the leaching of cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc from raw clays and traditional clay pots from two locations, Ara-Ekiti, Ekiti State and Kono-Boue, Rivers State in Nigeria. Samples were digested with aqua regia and analysed using atomic absorption spectrometry and also with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Tap water set at different temperatures (27°C and 100°C) and pH values (4.2 and 9.2) were used to leach the pots. The pH of the raw clays ranges from 2.08-6.50. The order of concentrations is Fe>Mn>Pb>Zn>Ni>Cr>Cu>Cd for both clays and this was consistent with the XRF data. The results from this study indicate that Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb were not in leachable forms in clay pots. The clay pots indicated varying leachability for Fe and Mn. The concentration ranges of Fe and Mn leached were 0.16-8.37 ppm and 0.08-10.00 ppm, respectively. In all cases the Kono-Boue pots indicated more leached concentrations of metals than Ara-Ekiti pots. It is essential to assess traditional clay pots for leachability of xenobiotics.
Thaksin’s Legacy: Thaksinomics and Its Impact on Thailand’s National Innovation System and Industrial Upgrading

Thaksin Shinawatra was one of the most powerful prime ministers of Thailand. Undergirded by a set of new policies termed Thaksinomics, great political power, his CEO style of management, and his intention to make Thailand a developed country, his administration could have been a formidable force in transforming Thailand’s weak and fragmented innovation system into a stronger and more coherent one and in laying a long-lasting foundation for the country’s technological and industrial upgrading, as experienced in Japan and the East Asian NIEs. Thaksin’s administration paid much attention to the neglected meso and micro foundations of Thailand’s competiveness. For the first time, Thailand had explicit vertical industrial policies that were tailored to specific sectors and geographical clusters. These policies pushed existing central and regional government agencies to adjust themselves accordingly. Thaksin’s government also induced changes in the roles and behaviours of other actors in the country’s national innovation system. Nonetheless the government, to a large extent, failed to make an enduring impact on industrial and technology upgrading. There are two key factors underlying this failure: (a) deficiencies of Thaksin’s policies and implementation of those policies themselves and (b) resistance to changes by other actors in the national innovation system.