Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exosomal Shuttle RNA

Exosomes are small membrane nanovesicles of endocytic origin that can be released by many different cells to the extracellular environment. Exosomes have been found in a number of body fluids such as blood plasma, breast milk, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and urine, indicating relevance in vivo . Exosomes have been suggested to have a number of different functions and are believed to take part in the communication between cells. Previously, exosomes were believed to consist of a lipid bilayer and proteins, but no nucleic acids. The aim of this thesis was to assess the composition and functions of mast cell exosomes, with focus on the content of nucleic acids and cell to cell communication. We utilized exosomes released from two mast cell lines as well as mouse primary bone marrow derived mast cells. Exosomes were isolated and detected as small 40-80 nm membrane vesicles, which were positive for the tetraspanins CD9, CD63 and CD81 as assessed by electron microscopy and flow cytometry. We showed for the first time that mast cell exosomes contain RNA but no DNA. The exosomal RNA differs from the donor cell RNA. Exosomes contain very little or no ribosomal RNA but a substantial amount of small RNA. We further characterized the RNA using Affymetrix DNA microarray and microRNA array analysis, which revealed that exosomes contain a selection of both microRNA and mRNA. Interestingly, a number of mRNAs were detected in the exosomes but not in their donor cells. Transfer experiments revealed that the exosomal RNA is shuttled to other mast cells and to CD34 positive progenitor cells. Exosomal RNA is functional, as shown by in vitro translation and the translation of mouse exosomal RNA to mouse protein after transfer to a human mast cell. In summary, mast cell exosomes contain mRNAs and microRNAs, which can be delivered to another cell. Exosomal RNA shuttle may be a powerful mode of communication between cells, either in the microenvironment or over a distance. We propose that this RNA be called “exosomal shuttle RNA” (esRNA).
Unionid bivalves of the Pilica river catchment area

The 1995–1998 studies on the unionid fauna of the Pilica catchment area (C Poland) included 103 localities in the river, tributaries, floodplain water bodies and the dam reservoir on the river. As a result of qualitative and quantitative sampling six unionid species (one represented by two forms) were recorded: Unio crassus Philipsson, U. tumidus Philipsson, U. pictorum (Linnaeus), Anodonta cygnea f. cygnea (Linnaeus), A. cygnea f. cellensis (Schroter), A. anatina (Linnaeus) and Pseudanodonta complanata (Rossmassler). Three of them: U. crassus, A. cygnea f. cygnea and P. complanata were found to be rare. Dominance structure and density of unionids are discussed. Spatial distribution and abundance are analysed on the background of such ecological factors as character of bottom sediments, bottom configuration, vegetation, distance from shore, seston content as well as physico-chemical, hydrobiological and bacteriological water pollution. Ecological preferences of each species are described. Selected populations are characterised with respect to their age structure. Species which were abundantly represented are characterised with respect to their metric characters and sexual dimorphism, as well as effect of zebra mussel on their growth and condition.
Stagnation-point flow past a shrinking sheet in a nanofluid

In this paper, the stagnation-point flow and heat transfer towards a shrinking sheet in a nanofluid is considered. The nonlinear system of coupled partial differential equations was transformed and reduced to a nonlinear system of coupled ordinary differential equations, which was solved numerically using the shooting method. Numerical results were obtained for the skin friction coefficient, the local Nusselt number as well as the velocity and temperature profiles for some values of the governing parameters, namely the nanoparticle volume fraction φ, the shrinking parameter λand the Prandtl number Pr. Three different types of nanoparticles are considered, namely Cu, Al2O3 and TiO2. It was found that nanoparticles of low thermal conductivity, TiO2, have better enhancement on heat transfer compared to nanoparticles Al2O3 and Cu. For a particular nanoparticle, increasing the volume fraction φ results in an increase of the skin friction coefficient and the heat transfer rate at the surface. It is also found that solutions do not exist for larger shrinking rates and dual solutions exist when λ < −1.0.
The autotelic involvement of attention induced by EEG neurofeedback training improves the performance of an athlete’s mind

Summary immediate feedback concerning brain activity on autotelic engagement attention and the performance of athletes’ minds. Material and methods: the experimental group (25 subjects) underwent twenty neurofeedback-EEG training sessions (in the relaxation armchair) and athletic training for four months (every 7 days). The control group (25 subjects) underwent athletic training sessions. Before and after the four months of neurofeedback-EEG training sessions, the athletes were evaluated using an involvement questionnaire and Kraepelin’s work curve test. Results: the results of the analysis showed that changes in autotelic engagement were observed with an improvement in the performance of the mind (p < 0.01), which points to increased speed and mental work speed and efficiency. Among three measures of performance, we observed a significant correlation between the total number of addition operations in the test with autotelic experience (r = 0.769). Conclusions: neurofeedback-EEG training opens up new opportunities for improvement in the performance of athletes’ minds.
The Comparison of Perinatal Outcomes in Early Delivery Versus Postdate Labor

Background: Prenatal mortality and morbidity increase after 40 weeks of gestation. The current study aimed at comparing maternal and neonatal outcomes between term and postterm pregnancies. Methods: The current prospective cohort study was performed on 1180 singleton, cephalic fetus, and uncomplicated pregnancy cases admitted for labor. Pregnant mothers were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 included 750 cases in 38 to 40 weeks, group 2 included 250 cases in 40 to 41 weeks, and group 3 included 180 cases in over 41 weeks of gestation. Prenatal outcomes were recorded as: fetal distress, meconium passage, meconium aspiration, fetal weight ≥ 4 kg, Apgar score in 1 and 5 minutes, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, maternal infection, postpartum hemorrhage, and the rate of cesarean section. Results: There were significant differences in the rate of fetal distress (P < 0.001), meconium passage (P = 0.001), meconium aspiration syndrome (P < 0.001), Apgar score≤ 3 at 1 (P = 0.025) and 5 minutes (P < 0.001), admission to NICU (P < 0.001), rate of cesarean section (P < 0.001), and maternal infection (P = 0.001) among the groups. The frequency of fetal distress was lower in group1 compared with group 2 (1.6% versus 4.4%; P = 0.011). Also fetal distress was significantly lower in group 1 than group 3 (1.6% versus 10.9%; P < 0.001). The meconium passage and meconium aspiration syndrome were statistically lower in group 1 compared with group 2 (1.6% versus 8%; P < 0.001 for meconium passage, and 0.9% versus 5.6%; P < 0.001 for meconium aspiration syndrome). Also meconium passage and meconium aspiration syndrome were significantly lower in group 1 compared with group 3 (1.6% versus 13.9%; P < 0.001 for meconium passage, and 0.9% versus 10%; P < 0.001 for meconium aspiration syndrome). The cesarean section was more frequent in group 2 compared with group 1 (24.8% versus 13.6%; P < 0.001) and in group 3 compared with group 1 (33.3% versus 13.6%, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean fetal weight, fetal weight ≥ 4 kg, and postpartum hemorrhage in females between the 3 groups. Conclusions: Late-term and postterm births are associated with higher rates of fetal and neonatal morbidity and maternal risks compared to pregnancy termination before 40 weeks of gestation, and earlier birth induction is recommended in such cases.
Effect of Planting Geometry on Microclimate, Growth and Yield of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

An attempt was made to investigate the effect of planting geometry on the microclimate, growth and yield of mungbean. The study revealed that soil temperature was slightly higher in the crop grown in NS direction as compared to the E-W sown crop. However, heat use efficiency was at par in the canopy of both row direction of sowing/the crop sown in the last week of July exhibited 4 % more PAR as compared to the crop sown in first week of August. Radiation interception was 10 per cent more in the crop sown in N-S direction as compared to E-W sown crop. The yield and yield attribute were found in the higher proportion in end July sown crop with 45 cm spacing in NS direction.
Masters Thesis: Social Media Aided Stock Market Predictions by Sparsity Induced Regression

Prediction of the stock market has been a research topic for decades. Recently, data from social media like Google and Twitter are included in prediction models. This data serves as an indicator of sentiments that are potentially useful for prediction. Interpretation of current prediction methods is cumbersome. Beforehand it is not known which data is relevant for the prediction and hence which data should be added to the model. To improve interpretability and thereby credibility of the results, this thesis uses sparse regression methods that automatically discard data that is not useful for the prediction. Current methods induce sparsity via `1-regularization such as the LASSO. In contrast to traditional applications, this thesis assumes that a sparse, time-varying regression vector is estimated from time series data that arrives sequentially over time. Data can thus not be treated in batch form where constant behavior over a window is assumed and hence performance of current sparse regression methods is limited. Therefore, a new Weighted Sparse Kalman Filter (Weighted-SKF) is proposed that induces sparsity in the KF equations. The KF is able to track time-varying behavior, while the sparsity ensures that interpretable results are obtained. Simulations demonstrate that the WeightedSKF outperforms current regression methods in identifying the time-varying support and regression vector. Moreover, the time-varying usefulness of social media data is demonstrated: the Weighted-SKF includes social media data in its prediction model only during large declines in the stock market. Master of Science Thesis T.R. Burki
THE PROCESS OF PARTICIPATORY ERGONOMICS SIMULATION IN HOSPITAL WORK SYSTEM DESIGN

Participatory ergonomics simulation (PES) is a method to involve workers in simulation and design of their own future work system. Understanding of the process of PES is crucial in order to plan and facilitate the process towards creating an ergonomics work system design supporting both human well-being and overall system performance. With outset in two cases of PES in hospital work system design, this study investigates the elements of the PES process and their interrelations. The aim is to develop a framework describing the PES process in hospital work system design.
Pricing as a Risky Choice: Uncertainty and Survival in a Monopoly Market

Abstract Roy (Safety First and the Holding of Assets, 1952) argues that decisions under uncertainty motivate firms to avoid bankruptcy. In this paper, the authors ask about the behaviour of a monopolist who pre-commits to price when she has only probabilistic knowledge about demand. They argue that pricing in order to maximise the likelihood of survival explains anomalies such as inelastic pricing, why the firm takes on more risk as gains become less likely, and asymmetric responses to demand and cost changes. When demand is a linear demand, the monopolist’s response to an increase in the marginal cost is similar to the response when mark-up pricing is used. That is, there is a one-to-one relationship between an increase of the marginal cost and an increase in price.
Abundance of Gulf Sturgeon in the Apalachicola River, Florida

Abstract Gulf sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi a subspecies of Atlantic sturgeon A. oxyrinchus were once abundant in coastal rivers of the eastern Gulf of Mexico but have declined substantially due to habitat loss and overexploitation. Because relatively little is known about their population status in the Apalachicola River, Florida, we used capture–recapture data collected during 1982–1991 to assess the population of Gulf sturgeon at the Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam, which limits upstream migration. We estimated that about 100 fish greater than 45 cm total length were present below the dam, although the estimates were biased to an unknown degree because of violations of capture–recapture model assumptions. To obtain a less biased estimate, we conducted an intensive 10-week capture–recapture experiment in 1993 that accounted for most of the assumption violations. We also used radiotelemetry to test the assumption that the population remained closed to immigration and emigration during sampling. The 199.
Reduction or deflection? The effect of asylum policy on interconnected asylum flows

We study the effects of asylum policy on asylum flows. The policy changes are examined both with regard to their direct effect on the flows to the country that made the changes, and with regard to their impact on the inflows to other countries. Finally, we analyse the effect of policy on the total outflow from the sending countries. The findings clearly suggest that both a direct effect and a deflection effect are at work. The results also indicate that stricter asylum policies in the destination clusters reduce the total outflow of asylum seekers.
Crushing Behaviour of Composite Square Honeycomb Structure: A Finite Element Analysis

This paper investigates the compression properties of square honeycomb core materials based on glass fibre reinforced plastic. The objective of this project is to determine the failure strength and energy absorption of the square honeycomb structure and compare both crushing behaviours between the experimental and finite element simulations. Control specimen made from GFRP is prepared by using traditional hand lay-up technique and the mechanical properties are determined from the INSTRON Tensile Machine. In this study, the numerical simulation of the square honeycomb structure is analysed with the commercial software. In this simulation, the result obtained for maximum stress is 28.24MPa which is located at node 110451. Besides that, the energy absorption for finite element result and experimental result are 310.86 kJ and 282.17 kJ, respectively. The percentage of error is 9.23% which can be considered a good agreement between numerical simulation and experimental result. Lastly, the crushing behaviour between the finite element model and experimental model is slightly different to each other since the model in simulation is assumed to be the preferred structure, whereas the experimental model is imperfect in the geometric model.
Benthic disturbance affects intertidal food-web dynamics: implications for investigations of ecosystem functioning

Analysis of biological traits within assemblages is increasingly used as a proxy for ecological functioning. However, taxa often show plasticity in the expression of traits and can potentially change trait expression depending on local conditions. While many forms of distur- bance will lead to changes in the species composition of the assemblage, small-scale disturbances can trigger alterations in the behaviour of taxa and hence the ecological roles they are delivering. Such changes would not be detected by biological traits analysis (BTA) alone. BTA therefore has the potential to misinform as to the contribution of assemblages to ecological processes. To assess the potential for taxa to change their expression of traits, the feeding modes of 8 taxa from 2 inter- tidal assemblages in north-west England, UK, were investigated using stable isotope analyses fol- lowing experimental sediment disturbance and removal of cockles Cerastoderma edule. Two of the 8 taxa exhibited significant changes to their isotopic composition within disturbed plots. Short- term plastic changes to food web dynamics following changes in environmental conditions have implications for the suitability of BTA as a tool for investigating ecosystem function. Although BTA provides much insight into the ecological roles of taxa within systems and can be extremely effec- tive at identifying changes associated with different assemblage compositions, it is conceivable that changes to ecological functioning may be undetected by BTA alone, and hence there is the need for this approach to be supported by experimental observation.
Status and management of captive Asian elephants in northern West Bengal, northeastern India

The status and management of captive elephants maintained by the Forest Department at Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal, India, were assessed in 2004. The sanctuary managed 48 captive elephants kept at thirteen locations. The overall male to female ratio of these animals was 1:2; the Forest Department favoured females as they are easier to manage as compared to the males. Adults (38%) and sub-adults (35%) were almost equal in number. Although there were no calves (<1 yr old) in 2004, juveniles (1-5 yr old) constituted a significant (27%) proportion of the population. The reproductive status of 16 adult females showed that most of them were breeding regularly with the exception of three cows aged 45, 48 and 49 years that had never calved. Among the breeding females, age at first calving was between 13 and 28 years (mean 19.5 yr). Females born in captivity, calved at a relatively younger age (17.2 yr) compared to females brought or caught from the wild (21.7 yr). No instance of twin births was observed. Sex ratio of 48 calves born in captivity showed a male-biased sex ratio (1.7:1). Middle-aged mothers (25-35 yr) produced more male calves than female calves compared to younger or older mothers. Although calves were born throughout the year, a distinct seasonality in calving was observed between November and March. An inter-calving interval of 4.8 years was estimated from 33 instances (ranging from 2.4-15.0 years). This is thus a healthy, breeding population. Behavioural data of calves showed that on average calves suckled 0.85 times/hr and the mean suckling duration was 93 sec/hr with a mean bout time of 42 sec/bout. The suckling behaviour in terms of frequency of suckling and bout decreased with increase in age of calves. Mothers were the nearest neighbours of calves more often (68%) than allomothers (24%) while feeding in the grassland. At the tethering site, however, where mothers and allomothers were restrained with chains, calves spent more time with other young calves. Allomother care increased with increase in age of calves. The captive elephants, both adults and sub-adults, were mostly used for patrolling the sanctuary and for tourism. The work period was restricted to 2-3 hours/day, with alternate shifts in the morning and evening on consecutive days. Adult females in advanced stage of pregnancy or with calves, and adult males in musth were not used for these activities. The elephants were allowed to forage in the forest during the day and were provided with cut fodder during the night, apart from supplementary diet (twice a day) of rice and pulses. We make some recommendations for the management of these captive elephants.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BANK PERFORMANCE: DOES OWNERSHIP MATTER? EVIDENCE FROM THE KENYAN BANKING SECTOR

This paper provides an empirical analysis of banks performance in Kenya. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the association between ownership structure characteristics and bank performance. Data utilised in the study is collected from the Financial Institutions Department of the Central Bank of Kenya, both on-site inspection reports and off-site surveillance records. Empirical results indicate that ownership structure of banks significantly influence their financial performance. In particular, board and government ownership are significantly and negatively associated with bank performance, whereas foreign ownership is strongly positively associated with bank performance, and institutional shareholders have no impact on the performance of financial institutions in Kenya. The study makes a significant contribution to financial research by extending examination of banks performance to a developing country context beyond the usual confines of the developed western economies, and adds to the small number of similar studies in the African context. The results are consistent with prior research findings, and more importantly, presents statistical justification for pursuing further corporate governance reforms with respect to banks’ ownership structure to enhance the financial stability of the sector.
Assessment of density-dependent feeding damage by the cotton dusky bug, Oxycarenus laetus Kirby (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae), in cotton

The dusky cotton bug, Oxycarenus laetus Kirby (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae), is a serious threat to cotton due to early cultivation of Bt cotton. These studies were carried out under laboratory and field conditions to estimate the feeding damage caused by O. laetus to seed weight, seed germination, and lint quality of cotton cultivar Bt-121 at 6 bug densities (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 adult pairs). The results revealed that seed germination and seed weight decreased, whereas percent reduction in seed germination and seed weight over control increased with increasing bug density. Bug density in the range of 5-25 pairs caused approximately 9.3%-40.7% reduction in seed germination and 7.5%-29.5% reduction in 100-seed weight over control in both laboratory and field trails. The color of lint changed from pure-white to white when bolls were exposed to 10 and 15 pairs of bugs, while it changed to light-yellow and slightly yellow when bolls were exposed to 20 and 25 pairs of bugs, respectively. Bug density had a high negative correlation with percent seed germination and 100-seed weight, while it had a high positive correlation with reduction in seed germination, reduction in 100-seed weight, and lint quality, under both laboratory and field conditions. Bug density explained more than 95% of total variability in seed germination, reduction in seed germination, 100-seed weight, and reduction in 100-seed weight under both laboratory and field conditions; it explained less than 95% (93.2%) of total variability in lint staining under field conditions. These results indicate that reductions in seed weight, seed germination, and lint quality depend upon bug density. Hence, appropriate control measures should be adopted to check consistent increases in the dusky cotton bug population to avoid seed germination and lint quality losses.