Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective and Anti-oxidant Effects of Thymoquinone against Asthma Sensitized by Aspergillus fumigatus in Albino Rats

Thymoquinone (TQ), the main active constituent of the volatile oil extracted from Nigella sativa seeds, is used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and exhibits a variety of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory modulatory effects. The present study aims to investigate the ameliorative effect of TQ on bronchial asthma in male albino rats that sensitized by Aspergillus fumigatus spores (AFs) by evaluating the anti-oxidant activity of TQ. It was found that TQ (0.1 μ g ⁄ kg b.wt.) increased the levels of Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), GlutathioneS-Transferase (GST), Glutathione Reduced (GSH), Glutathione Reductase (GR), while, it decreased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Also, TQ alone decreased the serum total protein concentration. Considering the anti-asthmatic and antioxidant effects of TQ reported in this study, one can conclude that TQ could be of modulator potentials on bronchial asthma.
Serum uric acid levels in patients with multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background: Serum uric acid (UA), a natural scavenger of peroxynitrite, has been found to be of lower levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in some recent preliminary studies. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between serum UA levels and several clinical parameters of MS reliably. Methods: We surveyed studies on the serum UA levels and MS patients with comprehensive search and review of the references. A meta-analysis was performed to demonstrate the potential association between serum UA levels in MS patients and their clinical characteristics by random effects models. Results The serum UA levels were lower in patients with MS than in healthy controls (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0·68; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0·82 to −0·55), as well as in other inflammatory neurological diseases (OINDs) (SMD = −0·45; 95% CI: −0·60 to −0·30). Similarly, the serum UA levels decreased in MS patients with clinical activity when compared to MS with clinical inactivity (SMD = −0·29; 95% CI: −0·48 to −0·10), as well as in relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients with relapse in comparison to RRMS patients with remission (SMD = 0·64; 95% CI: 0·39 to 0·89). However, the results suggested that serum UA levels did not correlate with higher (or lower) expanded disability status scale (SMD = −0·09; 95% CI: −0·10 to 0·27) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity (SMD = −0·14; 95% CI: −0·13 to 0·41). In the subtypes of MS group, there were significant differences in serum UA levels between secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and RRMS (SMD = −0·34; 95% CI: 0·16 to 0·52), or primary progressive MS (PPMS) (SMD = −0·58; 95% CI: −0·89 to −0·27), but no significant difference between RRMS and PPMS (SMD = −0·18; 95% CI: −0·44 to 0·08). Conclusions: Our study suggests that UA is relevant to MS. Future research is needed to determine whether the administration of UA levels by inosine might be considered as a novel treatment strategy for MS.
Risk Propensity, Gambling Cognition and Gambling Behavior: The Role of Family and Peer Influences

Drawing on learning style theory (Curry, 1983), the present study examines the influence of risk propensity on gambling behavior by focusing on the mediating role of gambling cognition and the moderating role of both familial monitoring and peer gambling. Applying a survey of 207 local residents and tourists in Macau, we found that risk propensity positively related to gambling behavior through its influences on facilitating gambling cognition controlled by familial monitoring; and gambling cognition also positively linked to gambling behavior moderated by peer gambling. Moreover, the moderated path analysis suggests that familial monitoring weakened risk propensity’s direct influence on gambling cognition, and peer gambling strengthened the relationship between gambling cognition and gambling behavior. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Revisiting the Child and Adolescent Survivors of 2004 Tsunami: A Follow-up Study

82 adolescent survivors of December 26, 2004 tsunami waves were assessed for their current level of posttraumatic stress (PTS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG). The intrusive and avoidance reactions were compared against their baseline level measured in 2006. The effect of death of family members and rehabilitation experiences (stay in rehabilitation camp and receiving relief material) on the posttraumatic outcomes was examined. Further, the mediating effect of schema changes, coping, and cognitive-emotional regulation strategies on the relationship between baseline trauma and posttraumatic outcomes was also explored. The findings suggested an overall reduction in trauma level with significant decline in intrusion, avoidance, and total trauma in males. However, the intrusion level had increased in females. The findings also indicated significant sex difference with females scoring high on PTS as well as PTG. Self-blame mediated the relationship between baseline and current levels of avoidance as well as baseline avoidance and spiritual change. Reflective coping significantly mediated the relationship between baseline intrusion and relating to others and personal strength. It also mediated the relationship between baseline total trauma score and relating to others, personal strength, and spiritual change. Preventive coping mediated the relationship between intrusion and appreciation of life, whereas instrumental support seeking mediated the relationship between baseline avoidance and new possibilities and appreciation of life.
Using a WRF simulation to examine regions where convection impacts the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone

Abstract. The Asian summer monsoon is a prominent feature of the global circulation that is associated with an upper-level anticyclone (ULAC) that stands out vividly in satellite observations of trace gases. The ULAC also is an important region of troposphere-to-stratosphere transport. We ran the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model at convective-permitting scales (4 km grid spacing) between 10 and 20 August 2012 to understand the role of convection in rapidly transporting boundary layer air into the ULAC. Such high-resolution modeling of the Asian ULAC previously has not been documented in the literature. Comparison of our WRF simulation with reanalysis and satellite observations showed that WRF simulated the atmosphere sufficiently well to be used to study convective transport into the ULAC. A back-trajectory analysis based on hourly WRF output showed that > 90% of convectively influenced parcels reaching the ULAC came from the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and the southern slope (SS) of the Himalayas. A distinct diurnal cycle is seen in the convective trajectories, with a majority of them crossing the boundary layer between 1600 and 2300 local solar time. This finding highlights the role of "everyday" diurnal convection in transporting boundary layer air into the ULAC. WRF output at 15 min intervals was produced for 16 August to examine the convection in greater detail. This high-temporal output revealed that the weakest convection in the study area occurred over the TP. However, because the TP is at 3000–5000 m a.m.s.l. , its convection does not have to be as strong to reach the ULAC as in lower altitude regions. In addition, because the TP's elevated heat source is a major cause of the ULAC, we propose that convection over the TP and the neighboring SS is ideally situated geographically to impact the ULAC. The vertical mass flux of water vapor into the ULAC also was calculated. Results show that the TP and SS regions dominate other Asian regions in transporting moisture vertically into the ULAC. Because convection reaching the ULAC is more widespread over the TP than nearby, we propose that the abundant convection partially explains the TP's dominant water vapor fluxes. In addition, greater outgoing longwave radiation reaches the upper levels of the TP due to its elevated terrain. This creates a warmer ambient upper-level environment, allowing parcels with greater saturation mixing ratios to enter the ULAC. Lakes in the Tibetan Plateau are shown to provide favorable conditions for deep convection during the night.
Practise what you preach: quality of education in education on quality

The quality of teaching should be the central theme in the education on quality management (QM). Delivering bad courses about QM would reduce the legitimacy of the subject, since we do not practise what we preach. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how the quality of education can be enhanced through effective course design based on quality thinking and higher education theory. The study covers three university courses in the field of QM; an introductory course in QM, and courses in Six Sigma and Lean Production, respectively. Each course has been analysed and described in terms of factors affecting student learning and the perceived quality of the courses. The impact of course design on examination results and student evaluation has been studied and compared to historical data. The study demonstrates that course design can have a profound impact on student learning as well as course evaluation. Analysis of the three examples provided in this paper indicates that the QM principles can effectively be used in course design processes. Attention to the principles presented in this paper facilitates the design of courses that enhance learning and ensure higher student satisfaction. The application of QM principles in higher education has a long theoretical tradition. This paper provides three strong examples of how this can be done in practise.
Preparation and dielectric properties of natural ester based insulating nano-oil modified by fullerene filler

This paper is aimed at the study of preparation and dielectric properties of fullerene (C60) nano-modified natural ester based vegetable insulating oil. With the increasing demand for environmentally friendly liquid dielectrics, natural ester has applied more and more widely. However, some defects like high dielectric loss factor and low volume resistivity. C60 nanoparticles attracted tremendous attention due to its free radical scavenging capacity and electronegativity. The research prepared C60 modified vegetable insulating oil successfully, and as a comparison C60 modified mineral insulating oil was also prepared. To analyzed the dielectric properties of modified vegetable insulating oil, it confiemed that the most suitable concentration of C60 is 100 mg/L. In this concentration, dielectric loss factor, volume resistivity, AC breakdown voltage and lightning impulse breakdown voltage would be enhanced simultaneously. Meanwhile, dielectric loss factor of mineral insulating oil would be decreased clearly at 50 mg/L C60 added, and AC breakdown voltage could be increased to highest-level at 200 mg/L. However the volume resistivity was deteriorated by add C60 of mineral insulating oil. The specific mechanism of these phenomenon is not clear, but vegetable insulating oil should more suitable modified by C60 nanoparticles.
Effectiveness of intradialytic stretching exercises on prevention and reduction of muscle cramps among patients undergoing Haemodialysis at PSG Hospitals, Coimbatore

Effectiveness of intradialytic stretching exercises on prevention and reduction of muscle cramps among patients undergoing haemodialysis at psg hospitals Coimbatore. It is estimated that 33 to 86% of patients experience muscle cramps during haemodialysis, which results in early termination of haemodialysis session. Objective of the Study: 1. Evaluate the effect of intradialytic stretching exercises on muscle cramps during haemodialysis Research Methodology: The study was conducted in PSG Hospitals, Coimbatore and the research design adopted was Quasi experimental Pre test Post test with comparison group. As per the inclusion criteria, 60 samples were selected and 30 each in both intervention and comparison group. On the day of first sitting of haemodialysis, the pre test score of muscle cramps was assessed by a standardized cramp questionnaire chart and the visual analogue scale. Intradialytic stretching exercises was given to the intervention group and the post test assessment was done on the day of 4th, 7th and 10th day of sitting by using the same tool. Major Findings of the Study: The intervention group revealed a reduction in the level of muscle cramps during haemodialysis after performing the intradialytic stretching exercises. While Comparing the intradialytic stretching exercises and the routine therapy there was a significant difference in the level of muscle cramps during the post test III. The results describes there is an effectiveness in the prevention and the reduction of muscle cramps during haemodialysis after 6 days of therapy. Conclusion: This study review showed that intradialytic stretching exercises helps to prevent and reduce the muscle cramps during haemodialysis. Key words: Intradialytic; Muscle cramps; Intradialytic stretching exercises; Routine care
Expectations Hypotheses Tests at Long Horizons

Many rational expectations models state that an economic variable is determined as the present value of future variables. These restrictions have traditionally been tested on VARs where variables appear either in levels (or cointegrating relationships) or first differences. When variables are highly persistent, commonly used test statistics may lead to overrejections in small samples. Copyright Royal Economic Society 2007
ANALYSIS OF HEAVY VEHICLE TRUCK TRANSMISSION GEARBOX HOUSING MADE FROM DIFFERENT MATERIALS

Heavy vehicle truck transmission gearbox housing is subjected to load fluctuations, harmonic excitation, gear meshing excitation, gear defects, varying speed and torque conditions. Transmission errors and internal excitations are the root cause of vibration and noise. The main objective of this research work is weight calculation and modal analysis of gearbox housing. For weight calculation four different materials have been selected, apart from weight calculation the material mechanical properties influence on natural frequency and mode shape of transmission gearbox housing was also simulated using modal analysis. Grey cast iron FG260, Grey cast iron HT200, structural steel and Al alloys are the four materials used for the weight calculation process. Zero displacement constraint based boundary condition was applied for simulation. FEA based numerical simulation method was used to find the natural frequency, mode shapes and weight calculation of housing. The FEA simulation results show that the natural frequency of all materials varies (16694655) Hz. In weight calculation the weight of Al alloys housing is minimum (21.102 kg). The housing weight of Grey cast iron HT200 and FG260 is same, 54.85 kg. The density of structural steel is high, which increases the weight of housing as 59.80 kg. The modal analysis results show the lateral vibration, axial bending vibration, torsional vibration, and axial bending with torsional vibration. The vibration signature patterns for first twenty modes were studied for four different materials. Solid Edge and Pro-E software have good feature suited for complex geometric modeling. FEA based software Ansys 14.5 is used for modal analysis. The result of this research work has been verified with experimental result available in literature.
Climate-driven enrichment of pollutants in peatlands

Abstract. Peatlands play an important role for global carbon dynamics, acting as a sink or source depending on climate. Such changes imply a series of additional effects because peatlands are also an important reservoir of atmospherically derived pollutants. Using a multiproxy approach (non-pollen-palynomorphs, δ15N, C/N, Se, Br, I, Hg, Ti), we show a relationship between climate (wetter–drier) and peat decomposition, which affected element concentrations in a Spanish bog during the last 5500 years. Changes in superficial wetness played a critical role in the cycling of elements coupled to carbon dynamics. Dry phases caused increased peat mineralisation, resulting in a 2–3 times increase in concentrations of the analysed elements independent from atmospheric fluxes. Under the present trend of climate change large areas of northern peatlands are expected to be severely affected; in this context our findings indicate that the increase in carbon release, which leads to an enrichment of elements, may enhance the export of stored contaminants (Hg, organohalogens) to the aquatic systems or to the atmosphere.
A Survey to Evaluate the Awareness of Various Treatment Modalities to Replace Missing Teeth among Patients Visiting Kasturba Hospital, Manipal: A Prosthodontic Perspective

Background: The disabilities associated with oral health; like missing teeth, are many. The management of these disabilities is of utmost importance to any dental practitioner. Materials and methods:This study was conducted at the outpatient department (OPD) of Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, located in Udupi district of South-West Karnataka, with a population of 11.7lakh of whom 305 patients (146 femalesand 159 males) took part in the study to assess their awareness to various treatment options available to replace missing teeth. The subjects filled out a close-ended questionnaire of 11 questions; clinical examination of the oral cavity then followed. They all had at least 1 missing tooth (3rd molars excluded). The data were analyzed using SPSS Version 2.0, with a Chi-square test significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Of the 305 patients who participated, 69.2% of males and females wanted to get their teeth replaced. The remaining 15.2% males and 12.6% females who did not want to get their teeth replaced stated that the lack of time prevented them from doing so. A total of 5% of females and a 1.4% of males said that previous traumatic dental experience prevented them from getting treatment. Majority of both men and women were aware of the removable partial prosthesis as a treatment option (71.9% males and 74.9% females). A small portion of the study group, 21.9% males and 25.2% of females were aware of dental implants. The most preferred treatment option, chosen by 53.5% females and 49.3% male was the fixed partial prosthesis (tooth supported). These findings indicate that 56% of women were more inclined to avail treatment for missing teeth, and only 44% of men felt the need to avail treatment. A total of 76.7% males and 76.1% females felt that their masticatory functions were affected. Conclusion: The findings indicate that awareness regarding implants is lacking, and that motivation brought about by outreach programs has not yet reached most sections of the Indian society.
Relationships between followers’ behaviors and job satisfaction in a sample of nurses

The study investigated two followership behaviors, followers’ active engagement and followers’ independent critical thinking, and their relationship with job satisfaction in a sample of nurses. In addition, the study also considered a number of control variables and classical job demands and job resources—workload and emotional dissonance for job demands, and meaningful work for job resources—which have an impact on well-being at work. A paper-and-pencil questionnaire was administered to 425 nurses in an Italian hospital, and a hierarchical multiple regression was used to test the hypotheses. In addition to the job demands and job resources considered, followers’ active engagement had a significant impact on job satisfaction. Moreover, it showed a significant linear and curvilinear relationship with the outcome variable. Followers’ independent critical thinking has a non significant relationship with job satisfaction, confirming the mixed results obtained in the past for this dimension. These findings bore out the importance of analyzing followers’ behaviors as potential resources that people can use on the job to increase their own well-being. Looking at followers not just as passive recipients but as active and proactive employees can also benefit the organization.
Assessment of p16 expression and HPV infection in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland

Purpose Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) in the lacrimal gland is a rare malignancy. P16 is encoded by the CDKN2A gene, which is recognized as a tumor suppressor due to its inactivation in many types of tumors. However, p16 overexpression is also linked to adverse tumor parameters. These contradictory observations have also been confirmed in ACCs in the salivary glands. Furthermore, evidence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is found in a proportion of ACCs in the salivary glands. P16 is often overexpressed in HPV-related squamous cell carcinoma in parallel. To our knowledge, the role of p16 and HPV in ACCs in the lacrimal gland is still unknown. Methods Twenty-one ACCs in the lacrimal gland and ten matched healthy lacrimal glands were studied. P16 was detected with immunohistochemistry (IHC), and HPV was detected with in situ hybridization (ISH) and PCR in all cases. Other cell cycle proteins were also detected with IHC, including cyclin D1 and Ki67. The methylation status of the p16 promoter was detected with methylation-specific PCR (MSP) to further investigate the regulation of p16 expression. Results The expression rates of p16 (47.6%, 10/21), cyclin D1 (100%, 21/21), and Ki67 (52.4%, 11/21) were increased in ACCs compared to healthy lacrimal glands (negative). The results showed p16 expression was limited to the inner ductal epithelial cells in the majority of the tubular and cribriform patterns. In solid ACCs, p16 was uniformly positive. HPV was negative in all 21 cases with ISH and PCR. P16 overexpression was associated with cyclin D1 overexpression (p=0.013). Only 13 cases were tested successfully with MSP. The expression rate of p16 methylation was 23.1% (3/13) of the ACCs. Compared with primary ACCs, recurrent ACCs showed higher p16, cyclin D1, and Ki67 expression (p=0.011, p=0.026, p=0.049, respectively). Conclusions In summary, p16 overexpression was cell-type dependent in ACCs in the lacrimal gland, while HPV infection was negative. P16 overexpression was unrelated to HPV infection. The mechanism of p16 overexpression needs to be further investigated in ACCs in the lacrimal gland.
Non-invasive monitoring of lipofuscin: an imaging technique predictive for age-related macular degeneration

v TABLE OF CONTENTS . vi LIST OF TABLES . vii LIST OF FIGURES . viii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . ix INTRODUCTION . 1 SPECIFIC AIMS AND OBJECTIVES . 2 THESIS RESEARCH ANALYSIS . 19 WORKS CITED . 36 CURRICULUM VITAE . 51