Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of laughter yoga exercises on anxiety and sleep quality in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease

Background: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of laughter yoga exercises on anxiety and sleep quality in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Methods: In the study a semi-empirical and applied research design was used, which involved a pre-test and post-test, and appropriate control group. The study consisted of 24 patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease who were referred and admitted to Hazarate Raoul Allah Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The patients ranged in age from 55 to 75 and met the study criteria prior to entering the research study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups – control or experimental (n=12 per group). After completing exercises (laughter yoga), post-evaluation of anxiety and sleep quality of patients in both groups were conducted using questionnaires. For normalization of research data, the Mann-Whitney nonparametric test was used. Statistical analyses were conducted using the SPSS software, with the statistically significant level set at P<0.05. Results: The Mann-Whitney tests indicated that there was a significant difference between the average stress change as well as sleep quality in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease (versus control subjects) following laughter yoga exercises. Indeed, regarding sleep quality laughter yoga was only effective on the subjective quality of sleep and latency in sleeping. There was no observation of a significant effect on the duration of sleep, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping pills, or daily functions of the patients. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that laughter yoga exercises can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. As a result, laughter yoga exercises may be beneficial as a complementary therapy with standard treatment methods to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in patients with Parkinson's.
Phenotypic characterization of HIV-1 isolates recovered from patients in Riruta health centre, Nairobi

Kenya displays a wide genetic diversity of HIV -1 group M subtypes with subtype A being the most dominant followed by D, C, recombinants AJI) and the circulating recombinant forms CRF10 CD and CRF02-AG. While some information is available on Kenyan HIV -1 strains genotype, limited information is available on their biological phenotype. HIV -1 shows a variety of biological properties which may constitute an obstacle in the development of effective vaccines and antiretroviral therapy. Two distinct biological phenotypes have been described on the basis of their ability or inability to produce cytopathic effects in MT -2 cells: the syncytia inducing (SI) and non syncytia inducing (NSI) phenotypes. Previous reports demonstrated that progression to AIDS is associated with increasing viral load, deterioration of immunological status, and emergence of drug-resistant strains with more cytopathic viral phenotypes. In vitro methods to determine phenotype from HIV -1 clinical isolates are therefore of prognostic value and provide an important tool to study HIV pathogenesis. Phenotype also determines cell tropism. Macrophage (M) tropic viruses will infect cells expressing Cystein linked chemokine receptor-S (CCRS) whereas T cell line tropic and dual tropic viruses will infect cells expressing CXC chemokine receptor -4 (CXCR4). Currently new drugs based on chemokine inhibition are being developed. To evaluate their efficacy, there is need to have local virus isolates that are well characterized. The objective of this study was to obtain HIV -1 primary isolates and characterize them phenotypically. HIV-l was isolated using the traditional co-culture technique. Viral load was determined using nuclisense Easy Q assay (Biomereaux, France) and the Cluster of differentiation-4 (CD4+) count by cyflow counter (Partee, Germany). The P24 antigen enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine HIV -1 isolation success. The primary isolates obtained were used to infect MT2 cells to determine virus phenotype and coreceptor usage. Indirect immunofluorescence assay was then used to check the antigen expression on the cells and confirm infectivity. Overall isolation success rate for both drug experienced and naive patients was 30%. HIV -1 was successfully isolated from 70% (7/10) and 20% (2120) of naive and drug experienced patients respectively. A correlation between virus isolation success and viral load was established. This study showed no correlation between CD4 count and HIV -1 isolation success. Majority of the viral isolates obtained (6/9) were of SI phenotype. These means upcoming drugs which are CCRS inhibitors (Inhibitors against NSI HIV-l strains) may not work for the majority of the Kenyan HIV /AIDS patients. Once these drugs are available in Kenya, both CCRS and CXCR4 chemokine inhibitors should be included in the national HIV /AIDS management programme.
Cultural Face of E-commerce : Armenian and Dutch Online Consumers

One of the restrictions of online shopping is that buyers cannot actually see, taste and try the product. This increases the importance of availability of product information in a web shop. This study investigated cultural differences and the effect of product information on online shopping. The assumption was that consumers of collectivistic (high-context) cultures prefer experiential and explicit information, whereas members of individualistic cultures (low-context) prefer factual and implicit information. Armenian and Dutch consumers were representatives of collectivistic and individualistic cultures respectively. In an online survey 444 respondents (out of which 234 were Armenians and 210 were Dutch) reported their attitude and purchase intention towards a camera in a web shop. The information provided for the camera was manipulated in six conditions (factual/experiential (information in general and reviews), implicit/explicit). The results indicated no significant differences in the effect of different types of product information on the online purchase intention between the two cultures. The implications for developing an effective (local/global) marketing strategy are discussed.
Homology classes of real algebraic sets

Il existe un vaste programme de recherche portant sur la comparaison entre categories topologiques et algebriques, dont l'origine remonte a 1952 avec les travaux celebres de J. Nash sur les varietes algebriques reelles lisses. Ce papier est une contribution a ce programme. Il contient l'etude des classes d'homologie et de cohomologie representees par des ensembles algebriques reels. En particulier, de telles classes sont etudiees dans les modeles algebriques de varietes lisses.
A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF THE ALKALI REACTIVITY OF CRUSHED AGGREGATES FROM GLACIAL DEPOSITS IN NORTHERN POLAND WSTÊPNA OCENA

wystêpuje du¿e nagromadzenie kruszyw ¿wirowo-piaskowych pochodzenia polodowcowego. Szczególnie dobre parametry jakoœciowe posiadaj1 polodowcowe kruszywa grysowe uzyskiwane z przekruszenia otoczaków. Obecnie brak jest dok3adnego rozpoznania kruszyw pod wzglêdem mo¿liwoœci wyst1pienia reakcji alkalia-kruszywo. Pierwszym sposobem oceny reaktywnoœci kruszyw jest przeprowadzenie szczegó3owej oceny petrograficznej, która umo¿liwia identyfikacjê reaktywnych form krzemionki. W artykule przedstawiono wybrane wyniki badañ grysów polodowcowych oraz podano petrograficzn1 charakterystykê tych kruszyw, ze szczególnym uwzglêdnieniem obecnoœci tych minera3ów, które mog1 wejœæ w reakcje z wodorotlenkami sodu i potasu.
New electronic apex locator Romiapex A-15 presented accuracy for working length determination in permanent teeth

Purpose : The present study aims to evaluate, ex vivo, the accuracy of electronic apex locators Root ZX II and Romiapex-15, for working length (WL) determination in permanent teeth. Materials and Methods : Fourteen single-rooted teeth (incisors and canines), with their apices fully formed were used. The dental crowns were removed. The anatomic length of the tooth (real measurement) was visually determined through the insertion of a size 10 K-file until the tip of the instrument could be observed in the apical foramen under a microscope (20X). Teeth were fixed in a model of resin and adapted into alginate soaked with saline solution, which was used as an electrical conductor. Using a K-file, root canals were measured electronically using both devices. The results obtained for each apex locator were compared to the real measurements. The accuracy between the devices was statistically analyzed using the Bland-Altman graph, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and Student’s t-test. Results : The mean difference between the measurements using the Root ZX II was 0.277mm greater than the real measurement, while the measurements from the Romiapex-15 were 0.308mm higher on average. The comparison between Root ZX II and Romiapex-15 had no significant difference (p= 0.868). Conclusion : It was concluded that Root ZX II and Romiapex-15 had similar accuracy. Romiapex-15 could be an option for WL determination in permanent teeth.
R&D-Based Earnings Management and Accounting Performance Motivation

R&D treatment could be influenced by earnings management purposes due to the flexibility allowed in the R&D accounting standards. This paper attempts to determine whether discretionary R&D treatments are motivated by financial performance or can be constrained by board independence. The study is conducted on a sample of 410 firm-year French companies investing heavily in R&D in the period 2007-2011 and accounting data are collected from the Worldscope database. Using two logistic regression models, results show that the French companies do not tend to capitalize the R&D expenditures in order to smoothen the results but rather tend to cut the R&D expenditures in order to achieve earnings targets. However, the hypothesis that independent directors reduce R&D manipulation is not supported.
Documenting and Disseminating Agricultural Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Food Security: The Efforts of Agricultural Research Libraries in Nigeria

Abstract Developing the agricultural sector remains a critical factor towards the achievement of sustainable food production and, indeed, global food security. While indigenous agricultural knowledge is of immense value in improving food production, its documentation and dissemination remain a big challenge confronting librarians and other information professionals, particularly in Africa where traditional practices are prevalent. This study, therefore, investigated the efforts of agricultural research libraries in Nigeria in documenting and disseminating agricultural indigenous knowledge towards achieving sustainable food security in the country. It also determined the agricultural indigenous practices that have been documented as well as the obstacles to the documentation of agricultural indigenous knowledge. Librarians in selected agricultural research libraries in Nigeria constituted the target population of the study, and a questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations have been made aimed at improving the documentation and dissemination of agricultural indigenous knowledge in order to enhance food security in Nigeria.
Evaluating neoclassical tearing mode detection with ECE for control on ITER

Neoclassical tearing mode (NTM) control on ITER requires detection of the mode location to be accurate and with low latency. This paper presents a systematic way to evaluate mode detection algorithms for ITER using numerical simulations of electron cyclotron emission (ECE), taking into account the radial asymmetry in the temperature perturbation by a rotating magnetic island. Simulated ECE is detected using a synthetic radiometer, in the ITER equatorial port plug, and processed by two detection algorithms for the 2/1 and 3/2 NTMs for a burning H-mode ITER plasma. One of the algorithms also incorporates simulated Mirnov data. The video bandwidth is set at 2 kHz. This allows for intermediate frequency bandwidths of BIF = 400 MHz and BIF = 300 MHz for the two algorithms, respectively. The intermediate frequency bandwidth provides a trade-off between radial accuracy (low bandwidth) and low noise/latency (large bandwidth). 2/1 and 3/2 NTMs, seeded with widths up to 9 and 11 cm, are detectable with the required accuracy within 250 ms. With appropriate settings for the radiometer, the NTM detection using ECE is accurate and with low latency. The algorithm that incorporates both ECE and Mirnov data showed the lowest detection latencies.
Investigation of the Transition Voltage Spectra of Molecular Junctions Considering Frontier Molecular Orbitals and the Asymmetric Coupling Effect

This study experimentally and theoretically investigated the characteristics of transition voltage spectroscopy (TVS) with different asymmetric coupling in molecular junctions that were formed by several alkyl- and oligoacene-based molecules. On the basis of the analysis of a statistically significant number of device data (a total of ∼300 devices and ∼880 TVS data), we confirmed that the minimum point appearing in the Fowler–Nordheim (F–N) plot of the current–voltage characteristics depended linearly on the energy offset between the Fermi energy of the electrodes and the highest-occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level of the molecular channel. We also observed that the slope of the log(I)–log(V) plot in molecular junctions changed sequentially. In addition, we extended a coherent molecular model by considering both the HOMO and the lowest-unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels of molecules and developed more comprehensive explanations for the TVS characteristics that are influenced by the asym.
Modelling of a single currency for Australia and New Zealand

Since 1 January 1983, Australia (AU) and New Zealand (NZ) have been firmly committed to strong economic relations through reducing the regulatory burden on businesses, increasing competition and encouraging greater economic cooperation. Our study looking beyond 30 years of close economic ties between AU and NZ would be benefited if they go for further integration through a trans-Tasman monetary union. Therefore, we propose a single currency (SINCUR) model based on the AU, NZ and USA monthly inflation adjustment. To examine the validity of the model, the regression analysis is conducted where the SINCUR is regressed on the one month Australian dollar (AUD) and New Zealand dollar (NZD) future spot rate against U.S. dollar (USD). The regression results strongly support the appropriateness of our model to use as single currency for AUD and NZD. It is a simple model and, unlike the single currency Euro, in which a number of factors (long-term interest rate, fiscal deficit and government debt) in addition to nominal inflation are considered. The findings of this study imply that other currencies can use our model for their monetary union if they have a close economic relationship, similar to that of the trans-Tasman union.
Synthesis of a Series of Highly Substituted Cyclohexanols via Michael Addition in an Aqueous Medium

The Michael addition of active methylene compounds or nitromethane to chalcones in an aqueous medium and catalysed by tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) to afford highly substituted cyclohexanols is described. The protocol provides an efficient route for the synthesis of highly substituted cyclohexanols, with short reaction time, and a range of different substrates in the absence of toxic organic solvents.
Parameterization of Spatio-temporal Patterns of Volcanic Aerosol Induced Stratospheric Optical Depth and its Climate Radiative Forcing

Explosive volcanism is known to have a large impact on climate. Thus, in order to understand past climate variability, volcanic forcing has to be considered. For the most recent explosive volcanic eruptions instrumental data of stratospheric aerosol optical depth are available. For early eruptions only index values with no or only crude spatial and seasonal resolution do exist. To estimate the spatio-temporal patterns of aerosol induced optical depth of the atmosphere due to any known strong volcanic eruption, we introduce a stratospheric aerosol distribution parameterization using recent information about stratospheric transport phenomena as well as date, location, and strength of an eruption. Using this parameterization, observed time series of stratospheric aerosol optical depth can be reproduced with reasonable accuracy. To investigate volcanic climate forcing, we introduce a radiation transfer parameterization which takes into account the undisturbed seasonal and latitudinal pattern of radiation uptake as well as the extension of a ray path in a spherical layer. Thus, spatio-temporal patterns of volcanic climate forcing for any known volcanic eruption can be estimated, too.
Determinants of technical efficiency in smallholder soybean production in Bomet District, Kenya

Increased soybean productivity has great potential for alleviating the perpetual problems of food and nutrition insecurity, poverty and unemployment among the rural households in Kenya. This study analyses the determinants of technical efficiency in smallholder soybean production in a rural farm setting in Bomet District, Kenya. Technical efficiency in this case is the ability of the smallholder farmer to maximize soybean output from a given level of inputs including seed, fertilizer, crop protection chemicals and labour. The primary data used was collected from a field survey using a multistage random sampling design, with the sampling being done at division, location, sub-location and household levels. A structured questionnaire administered in a face to face interview on a proportionate sample of hundred soybean farmers was used. Stochastic Cobb- Douglas frontier model was used to estimate technical efficiency levels while an inefficiency model was used to examine inefficiency variables. Education level, occupation, age and gender affected technical inefficiency. Education level and occupation had negative effects while age and gender had positive effects on inefficiency. Hence, policies targeting promotion of farmer education and farming professionalism would lead to significant increase in the level of technical efficiency in smallholder soybean production. Key words: Determinants, Stochastic Cobb-Douglas frontier model, technical efficiency, small-holder, soybean, Kenya.
SMALL CANNED POTATOES ( SOLANUM TUBEROSUM ) CONSERVED IN LACTIC ACID CONSERVA DE BATATAS ( SOLANUM TUBEROSUM )

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an important food source contributing to the social stability in rural areas in developing countries. This research aims the study of secure canned potatoes production using small potatoes with no significant importance to market due its size. Three final products were evaluated: (pH 4.0, 3.5, 3.0) by adding acid lactic and salt solution at 4% (w/w). Potatoes used in this study presented medium values of 15.4 g, 35.2 mm and 27.2 mm for mass, length and width respectively. Fresh potatoes pH was 5.34 and titratable acidity, (expressed in lactic acid) was 1.186 g kg -1 of raw potato. All canned potatoes stabilized below the limit of pH 4.5 established by Brazilian Regulation for low acid products. The canned potatoes reached pH equilibrium in 34 to 40 days after processing. The conserve presented good appearance, demonstrating potential to be safely produced and consumed in small scale and thus help to increase own from small family farmers. Key-words: product; development; safety.
Growth of Catenaria anguillulae on different substrates for its mass culture

Catenaria anguillulae has been reported to cause disease of nematodes and may be a potential biocontrol agent. Brans of wheat, rice, pea, pigeonpea, lentil and chickpea; meals of maize, soyabean and chickpea; straws of mustard, linseed, wheat and rice; and saw dust, farmyard manure and molasses were tested to identify a substrate that is most suitable for mass culture of C. anguillulae. Only six substrates supported the growth of the fungus, with maximum growth on wheat bran agar medium followed byfarmyard manure agar. Different concentrations of wheat bran were tested and a concentration of 6% supported maximum growth of the fungus. Wheat bran and sand along with 0.5% linseed oil-cake were tested in different ratios 3:97, 6:94, 12:88, 18:82, 24:76, 30:70, 50:50 and 75:25 for the mass culture of C. anguillulae. Wheat bran and sand (w:w) 12:88 showed very good growth of the fungus. Farmyard manure, pea bran and maize meal were also tested for mass culture and compared with wheat bran in the aboveratio (12:88). Wheat bran was superior to other substrates for mass culture of C. anguillulae.
Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products to Household Food Security among Rural Women in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

The study examined the contribution of non-timber forest products gathering on household food security among rural women in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was adopted in the selection of respondents for the study, while structured interview schedule was used to obtained relevant information from the sample of one hundred and thirty (130) rural women in the area. Data collected were analyzed with appropriate statistical tools. The respondents sampled are aware of availability of different NTFPs in the study area and they are involved in NTFPs gathering at different levels. The NTFPs gathered by rural women include: vegetables, mango fruit/orange fruits, firewood and herbs.Result further revealed that the rural women derived a variety of benefits from gathering of NTFPs and it has helped to improve their household food security level of the respondents in the study area. Majority (76.1%) of the respondents were food secure. The study found significant relationship between some selected socio-economic characteristic variables such as education ( X 2 = 6.240, p< 0.05), household size ( X 2 = 10.296, p<0.05), Marital status ( X 2 = 5.126, p< 0.05), income ( X 2 = 7.088, p< 0.05) and level of involvement of respondents in gathering of NTFPs. Also positive and significant relationship exists between level of household food security of the respondents and their level of involvement in gathering of NTFPs. The study therefore recommended that, there is need to encourage rural women in the gathering of NTFPs as part of the means of livelihood in the rural area of Nigeria due to varieties of benefits attached to it, which could assist to curb the menace of food insecurity in the Nigeria. Keyword s: Contribution, Non-Timber, Rural , Women, Forest, Food Security, Nigeria
Safety and Tolerability of the Hexadecapeptide AOD 9604 in Humans

Background: The human growth hormone (hGH) has properties making it a potential candidate to treat obesity, however safety issues limit its long-term use. AOD9604 is a peptide fragment of the C-terminus of hGH (Tyr-hGH177-191), which harbors the fat reducing activity of hGH, without its negative effects. In this paper the safety data of AOD9604 obtained in clinical trials are summarized. Methods: Six randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were performed with AOD9604. Special focus was given to undesired effects associated with hGH treatment: increases in IGF-1 levels, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose tolerance. Blood samples were analyzed for presence of anti-AOD9604 antibodies to exclude immunogenicity. Results: AOD9604 had no effect on serum IGF-1 levels, which confirms the hypothesis that AOD9604 does not act via IGF-1. Results of oral glucose tolerance test demonstrated that, in contrast with hGH, AOD9604 has no negative effect on carbohydrate metabolism. There were no anti-AOD9604 antibodies detected in any of the patients selected for antibody assay. In none of the studies did a withdrawal or serious adverse event occur related to intake