Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Antioxidant Enzymes and Cortisol Levels among HIV Patients on HAART

The chronic oxidative stress that HIV patients go through brought the need for assessment of the antioxidant levels into focus as an adjunct to the standard regiment of treating HIV patients. This study was on 116 HIV patients, of which 60 were receiving antiretroviral therapy and 56 were apparently healthy and age-matched individuals as control subjects. The bio-data and medical history of the subjects were obtained using questionnaire. These included duration of HIV infection and duration of antiretroviral treatment. The subjects that participated in this research gave their informed consent, did not have tuberculosis, diabetes or severe malaria; those with any of these conditions were excluded from the research. Female subjects who were pregnant were also excluded from the study. The subjects were within 20-70 years of age, and have had HIV for at least one year for the test group, while the control were HIV negative. Five millilitres of blood was collected from each subject after overnight fast, for the assay of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, cortisol, and CD4. The result revealed that the mean values of GPX and SOD levels of HIV positive patients on HAART were significantly lower than the control (p=0.0001). The mean cortisol levels of HIV patients on HAART were significantly higher than the control (p=0.0001). Similar trend was observed in male and female categories. Based on the results, it is indicative that HIV patients are constantly under oxidative stress, HIV drug therapy and increased cortisol levels have negative effects on the immune status of HIV patients. The need to incorporate antioxidant in treatment regiment is advocated.
Boron adsorption in lowland soils from Paraná State, Brazil

A adsorcao de boro (B) pelo solo e o principal fenomeno que afeta sua disponibilidade para as plantas. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito da calagem na adsorcao de B em solos de varzea do Estado do Parana, e correlacionar estes valores com os atributos quimicos e fisicos dos solos. Foram utilizadas amostras da camada superficial de 0–20 cm de tres solos [Gleissolo Haplico (GX) argisolo, Plintossolo Haplico (FX) muito argiloso e Cambissolo Haplico (CX) de textura media], com diferente material de origem e propriedades fisico-quimicas. As amostras com ou sem calagem foram incubadas durante 60 dias. A adsorcao de B foi realizada mediante agitacao de 4,0 g de solo, durante 24 h, com 20 mL de solucao de CaCl2 0,01 mol L–1 contendo diferentes concentracoes de B (0, 1, 2, 4, 8 e 16 mg L–1). A sorcao de B foi ajustada a forma nao-linear da isotermica de adsorcao de Langmuir. As isotermas de adsorcao indicaram que a adsorcao de B aumentou com o aumento da sua concentracao na solucao de equilibrio. A adsorcao maxima de B variou de 3,0 a 13,9 mg kg–1 (sem calagem) e de 14,7 a 35,7 g kg–1 (com calagem). A calagem aumentou a quantidade de B adsorvido nos solos argilosos, exceto no Cambissolo Haplico de textura media. As mais importantes propriedades do solo que afetam a adsorcao B em solos de varzea do Estado do Parana foram o pH, e os teores de Al trocavel, argila e oxidos de ferro.
Side‐wall effects on the bifurcation of the flow through a sudden expansion

Three‐dimensional computations have been performed to study the flow through a symmetric sudden expansion with an expansion ratio of 3 at low Reynolds numbers. The aspect ratio of the flow channel is allowed to vary within a wide range to examine its influence on the flow which bifurcates from a symmetric state to an asymmetric state. The results reveal that the critical Reynolds number of the symmetry‐breaking bifurcation increases while the aspect ratio is reduced. The flow behaviour near the side walls is illustrated by using limiting streamlines. The origin of the singular points identifiable on the side wall can be traced back to the recirculating flows and the relevant reattachment/separation points in the core of the channel. It is seen that the determination of the exact critical Reynolds number is not trivial because it depends on how to define asymmetric flow. Computations have also been conducted to show that a slight asymmetry in the channel geometry causes a smooth transition from symmetric to non‐symmetric states. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein and Electrophoretic Analysis of Edible Muscle of Commercially Important Crustaceans and Mollusks Species from Egyptian and Saudi Arabia Costs

Crustaceans and mollusks are important components of the aquatic fauna. Furthermore, crustaceans and mollusks consumption have been increasing worldwide during the past decades. So, therefore, the present study was investigated the variation between total protein content and protein electrophoretic pattern in edible muscle of commercially important crustaceans (Erugosquilla massavensis, Peaneus semisulcatus, Metapenaeus monoceros and Portunus pelagicus) and mollusks (Sepia spp., Cardium edule) as an attempt to rank them as an alternative rich animal protein source for human. The recorded data declare that the highest protein percentage was observed in males E. massavensis followed by Sepia spp then P. pelagicus and shrimps. On the other hand, females E. massavensis and bivalve mollusks (C. edule) had less total protein contents in their muscles, additionally, the recorded data showed a variation in band numbers and estimated molecular weight of muscle protein between sexes of each species and among the studied species. The results of the present work clearly indicate that there are differences in the protein structure of the muscles in different species of crustaceans and mollusks with reference to the protein fractions and their molecular weights.
12 HRM and Distributed Work: Managing People Across Distances

The phenomenon of managing work that is distributed over geographical distance is not new but is increasing in both frequency and intentionality as a function of globalization and knowledge-centric strategies. I review the literature on geographically distributed work, both that which highlights liabilities of loss of proximity and more recent research that emphasizes “virtual teams” as an intentional organizing device. I explore the adaptations, remedies, and countervailing strategies deployed to support such teams, contrasting those that minimize distance with those that increase individual and group capacity for coping with distance. I also emphasize that other dimensions of distance—cultural, administrative, and economic—affect the organization of work, the experiences of those doing the work, and individual and organizational outcomes. Here I highlight the “blended workforce” in which standard (traditional employees) and nonstandard (temporary and contract) workers are organized to accomplis.
Evaluation of the effect of IL-36γ expression on chronic periodontitis by enhancing the MAPK and TLR4 signaling pathways: A basic research

Background. Periodontitis is an infectious and inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the tooth caused by specific microorganisms or a group of microorganisms and, if not treated, leads to progressive degradation of the supporting tissues and subsequent loss of the teeth affected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of IL-36γ on periodontitis by enhancing the TLR4 and MAPK signaling pathways. Methods. In this pilot study, 50 patients with generalized moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis and 50 individuals with healthy periodontium, who were candidates for crown lengthening (CL), were selected based on inclusion criteria. The tissue samples were taken during pocket depth surgery (for the test group) and CL surgery (for the control group). The macrophage cells of the inflammatory tissues were extracted and stimulated by TLR4 proteins in a time-dependent manner; then IL-36γ levels in macrophages were investigated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means ± standard deviations and frequency percentages). Repeat measurement test was used to compare IL36γ expression in MAPK and TLR4 pathways at different time intervals. ANCOVA was used to compare IL36γ expression at different time intervals between the two pathways. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17 at a significance level of P<0.05. Results. The results of the current study showed a significant relation between TLR4 and IL-36γ (P<0.001); in tissues with generalized moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis, there was a significant relation between the condition and IL-36γ (P<0.0001). This study also showed that TLR4 and MAPK levels increased in the presence of IL-36γ. Conclusion. According to the present study, it was concluded that IL-36γ concentrations increased in periodontitis, which could trigger MAPK and TLR4 pathways.
Past Dominations, Current Institutions and the Italian Regional Economic Performance

We study the connection between economic performance and the quality of government institutions for the sample of 103 Italian NUTS3 regions, including new measures of institutional performance calculated using data on the provision of different areas of public services. In order to address likely endogeneity problems, we use the histories of the different foreign dominations that ruled Italian regions between the 16th and 17th century and over seven hundred years before the creation of the unified Italian State. Our results suggest that past historical institutions play a significant role on the current public administration quality and show that the latter makes a difference to the economic performance of regions. Overall, our analysis confirms that the quality of institutions matters for development, and that history can be used to find suitable instruments.
Neural network modelling for mean velocity and turbulence intensities of steep channel flows

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential of simulating the profiles of the mean velocity and turbulence intensities for the steep open channel flows over a smooth boundary using artificial neural networks. In a laboratory flume, turbulent flow conditions were measured using a fibre‐optic laser doppler velocimeter (FLDV). One thousand and sixty‐four data sets were collected for different slopes and aspect ratios at different locations. These data sets were randomly split into two subsets, i.e. training and validation sets. The multi‐layer functional link network (MFLN) was used to construct the simulation model based on the training data. The constructed MFLN models can almost perfectly simulate the velocity profile and turbulence intensity. The values of correlation coefficient (γ) are close to one and the values of root mean square error (RMSE) are close to zero in all conditions. The results demonstrate that the MFLN can precisely simulate the velocity profiles, while the log law and Reynolds stress model (RSM) are less effective when used to simulate the velocity profiles close to the side wall. The simulated longitudinal turbulence intensities yielded by the MFLN were also fairly consistent with the measured data, while the simulated vertical turbulence intensities by the RSM were not consistent with the measured data. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
KOF Working Papers

We study the impact of the interaction between fiscal and monetary policy on the low-frequency relationship between the fiscal stance and inflation using cross-country data from 1965 to 1999. In a first step, we contrast the monetary-fiscal narrative for Germany, the U.S. and Italy with evidence obtained from simple regression models and a time-varying VAR. We find that the low-frequency relationship between the fiscal stance and inflation is low during periods of an independent central bank and responsible fiscal policy and more pronounced in times of high fiscal budget deficits and accommodative monetary authorities. In a second step, we use an estimated DSGE model to interpret the low-frequency measure structurally and to illustrate the mechanisms through which fiscal actions affect inflation in the long run. The findings from the DSGE model suggest that switches in the monetary-fiscal policy interaction and accompanying variations in the propagation of structural shocks can well account for changes in the low-frequency relationship between the fiscal stance and inflation. JEL classification: E42, E58, E61
Resting energy expenditure in children with cerebral palsy : Accuracy of available prediction formulae and development of a population-speci fi c formula

Resting energy expenditure in children with cerebral palsy: Accuracy of available prediction formulae and development of a population-specific formula Francesca Penagini a, , Barbara Borsani , Alessandra Bosetti , Chiara Mameli , Dario Dilillo , Giulia Ramponi , Francesco Motta , Giorgio Bedogni , Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti a a Department of Pediatrics, “V. Buzzi” Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Via Castelvetro 32, 20154 Milan, Italy b Pediatric Nutrition Unit, “V. Buzzi” Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Via Castelvetro 32, 20154 Milan, Italy c Pediatric Orthopedic Unit, “V. Buzzi” Children's Hospital, Via Castelvetro 32, 20154 Milan, Italy d Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Liver Research Center, Building Q, AREA Science Park, Strada Statale 14 km 163.5, 34012, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
Effect of Menopause on Handgrip Strength in Middle-Aged Women of Amritsar , Punjab , India

Introduction: Women may experience a decline in physical function during menopause due to decreased physical strength. The objectives of the present study were to estimate the handgrip strength of preand post-menopausal women of Amritsar, India, and to search its correlations with selected anthropometric variables studied. Materials and Methods: A total of 802 purposively selected middleaged women (403 pre-menopausal, age group 35-45 years and 399 post-menopausal, age group 46-55 years) were considered as samples. To serve these purposes, dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength and three anthropometric variables, viz. height, weight and body mass index (BMI) were measured on all the subjects. Age of the subjects was estimated from their date of birth from urban areas. But in case of rural areas where birth records were not available, the age of the subjects was assessed with the association with some notable events such as age at marriage, age of the first child, any important festival, etc. Results: Pre-menopausal women had higher mean values in dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength and height, and lesser mean values in age weight and BMI then their postmenopausal counterparts, showing statistically significant differences (p≤0.01-0.001) in dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength, age and height. Significant positive correlations (p ≤ 0.017-0.001) of dominant handgrip strength were found with non-dominant handgrip strength and height both in preand post-menopausal women. Conclusion: In conclusion, it could be stated that the postmenopausal women had lower handgrip strength than their pre-menopausal counterparts.
Effect of School-based Wellness Intervention in 7th Graders on Stage of Changefor Lifestyle Behaviors: The MATCH Program

Objective: For the MATCH intervention, assess concurrent validity of a single item Stage of Change (SOC) measure and association with effectiveness. Methods: Observational pre, post intervention study in 17 schools in North and South Carolina. Subjects included 908 youth with all measures (908/1,468=62%) who participated in an interdisciplinary seventh grade wellness program called Motivating Adolescents with Technology to Choose Health (MATCH). Measures included: Pre and Post-MATCH self-reported SOC, frequency of fruit and vegetable intake (F/V) and Physical Activity (PA) and measured Body Mass Index z-score (zBMI). Concurrent validity was assessed using Wilcoxon rank tests (pre-action vs. action SOC category for F/V and PA at pre- and post-MATCH) and Spearman correlations (between change in SOC, F/V and PA). Change in SOC category distribution was assessed with McNemar’s test; association between change in SOC and change in zBMI was investigated with multiple regression. Results: Both PA and F/V were found to be statistically significantly higher for students in the action SOC category (p<0.0001). Greater increase in SOC was weakly associated with a greater increase in PA (correlation 0.1069, p=0.0013). Participation demonstrated a shift in SOC post-MATCH (% in “action” SOC 47% pre, 53% post; p=0.003). ZBMI decreased significantly from pre- to post-MATCH (p<0.0001). A significant association existed between baseline SOC and change in zBMI: students with higher baseline SOC tended to have more decrease/less increase in zBMI (all overweight subgroup, b=-0.040, p=0.0108). Limitations: lack of a control group, survey questions not validated for individual behavior change. Conclusion: The SOC measure appears to be valid. Participation in MATCH may improve SOC and baseline SOC may predict increased effectiveness; however this result must be considered cautiously in this observational study.
The Returns to College Choice: Loans, Scholarships and Labor Outcomes

To estimate causal eff ects of college choice, we exploit eligibility rules for student loans in a regression discontinuity design. Loan programs induce students to pursue college degrees that are more expensive and prolonged relative to technical education. Although higher education is profi table, the marginal return of college is identical to that of technical education when students are about 30 years old. The college premium seems to increase over time, possibly off setting the initial experience gap and covering cost diff erences under moderate discount rates. We study the eff ects of debt burden on college choice using a similar cutoff rule for scholarships.
GAMA/H-ATLAS : linking the properties of submm detected and undetected early-type galaxies - I. z <= 0.06 sample

We present two large, nearby (0.013 ≤ z ≤ 0.06) samples of early-type galaxies (ETGs): a visually classified sample of 220 ETGs, created using source-matched data from the Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA) data base with far-infrared/submm detections from HerschelAstrophysical Terahertz Large Area Survey (H-ATLAS); and a visually classified sample of 551 ETGs which are undetected with H-ATLAS. Active galactic nuclei are removed from our samples using optical emission-line diagnostics. These samples are scrutinized to determine characteristics of submm detected versus undetected ETGs. We find similarities in the stellar mass distributions of the two ETG samples but testing other properties uncovers significant differences. The submm detected sample is shown to have lower concentration and S´
Electronic Coupling for Charge Transfer and Transport in DNA

We calculated electronic matrix elements for hole transfer between adjacent nucleobases in DNA. Calculations of the matrix elements for intrastrand and interstrand transfer were performed at the Hartree−Fock level employing the 6-31G* and 6-311G** basis sets. The matrix elements for intrastrand hole transfer, for which a wealth of experimental solution data is available, are almost independent of the basis set and exhibit an exponential interbase distance dependence, sensitivity to the donor−acceptor geometry, and dependence on 5‘ → 3‘ direction base sequence. The calculated intrastrand hole transfer matrix elements between adjacent thymines, v+(T,T) = 0.16 eV, is in good agreement with the experimental estimate, v+(T,T) = 0.18 eV, inferred from hole hopping in G+(T)mGGG (m = 1−3). The features of the nucleobase bridge specificity for superexchange-induced hole hopping between guanines in G+XY.G (X,Y = T or A) were elucidated, with the prediction of enhanced efficiency of thymine relative to adenine as .
A library of near-infrared integral field spectra of young M–L dwarfs

We present a library of near-infrared (1.1-2.45 microns) medium-resolution (R~1500-2000) integral field spectra of 15 young M6-L0 dwarfs, composed of companions with known ages and of isolated objects. We use it to (re)derive the NIR spectral types, luminosities and physical parameters of the targets, and to test (BT-SETTL, DRIFT-PHOENIX) atmospheric models. We derive infrared spectral types L0+-1, L0+-1, M9.5+-0.5, M9.5+-0.5, M9.25+-0.25, M8+0.5-0.75, and M8.5+-0.5 for AB Pic b, Cha J110913-773444, USco CTIO 108B, GSC 08047-00232 B, DH Tau B, CT Cha b, and HR7329B, respectively. BT-SETTL and DRIFT-PHOENIX models yield close Teff and log g estimates for each sources. The models seem to evidence a 600-300+600 K drop of the effective temperature at the M-L transition. Assuming the former temperatures are correct, we derive new mass estimates which confirm that DH Tau B, USco CTIO 108B, AB Pic b, KPNO Tau 4, OTS 44, and Cha1109 lay inside or at the boundary of the planetary mass range. We combine the empirical luminosities of the M9.5-L0 sources to the Teff to derive semi-empirical radii estimates that do not match "hot-start" evolutionary models predictions at 1-3 Myr. We use complementary data to demonstrate that atmospheric models are able to reproduce the combined optical and infrared spectral energy distribution, together with the near-infrared spectra of these sources simultaneously. But the models still fail to represent the dominant features in the optical. This issue casts doubts on the ability of these models to predict correct effective temperatures from near-infrared spectra alone. We advocate the use of photometric and spectroscopic data covering a broad range of wavelengths to study the properties of very low mass young companions to be detected with the planet imagers (Subaru/SCExAO, LBT/LMIRCam, Gemini/GPI, VLT/SPHERE).
SOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF FREQUENCY OF FISH PURCHASING AMONG TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO SHOPPERS: A BINARY LOGIT ANALYSIS

As the Caribbean continues to succumb to the pressure of Non-Communicable Diseases innovative strategies are being sought to rectify the problem. Increasing the purchase and consumption of fish/seafood has great potential in this regard; however, very little empirical research appears to have been undertaken on food marketing in general and for fish in particular in the Caribbean. This study analyzed the factors that affect the frequency of fish purchasing in Trinidad and Tobago. The results of the analysis indicated that 63% of the sample are occasional purchasers of fish (purchased fish less frequently than once per week). The binary logit analysis showed that of the eight socioeconomic variables analyzed, only three were statistically significant – age, educational level attained and religion. The results suggested that persons over 35 years, more educated (tertiary level trained) and non-Christians are more probable to be regular purchasers of fish than younger, primary and secondary level educated Christians. It is hoped that marketers trying to develop strategies to gain market share in the highly competitive food market, nutritionists and others attempting to reduce the health care costs of Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries through the increased consumption of fish/seafood find these results informative.