Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of 12 week aerobic exercise on the obestatin level in obese women

Introduction: Obestatin, an anti-hunger peptide, plays an important role in energy balance and body weight. The Aim of this study was to assess the effect of a 12 week aerobic exercise programon the obestatin level in obese women. Materials and Methods: Twenty obese volunteer women (age 35±6.81y, body mass index 35.8±3.67 Kg/m 2 , fat percent 43.98±4.02% and waist-hip ratio 1.03±0.05 (means±SD) were randomly divided into two equal groups, experience (n=10) and control (n=10). Aerobic training program was performed three sessions per week during 12 weeks using treadmill (start with 60-65% heart rate max/15-20 min, final with 80-85% heart rate max/ 45-50 min). Body composition, glucose, insulin and obestatin level were measured in the two groups before and after the intervention. Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was measured by calculating the relevant equation. For inter- group comparison, paired t-test and for between group comparison independent-t test were used (significance level P<0.05). Result: The results showed that after a 12-week treatment of aerobic exercises, weight, fat percentage, WHR, and BMI in the experimental group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). It was also revealed that insulin and insulin resistance in the experimental group was significant. The important point was that the glucose level and obestatin did not show any significant changes (P<0.05). Conclusion: The result showed that 12 week aerobic exercise did not change the plasma obestatin levels significantly; however, body composition and insulin resistance were significantly reduced. It seems that obestatin has no effect on weight loss.
EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF HEPATITIS B VACCINE IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS OF IMMUNIZED CHILDREN IN GAZA STRIP

The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of hepatitis B virus immunization program in Gaza strip on preventing hepatitis B virus"HBV" infection, and assesses its impact on the incidence of hepatitis B in children. The participants in this study were 180 children; 90 males and 90 females categorized into three age groups (2 – 5 y), (6 – 8 y) and (9 –11 y). Serum samples from each participant were tested for the quantitative determination of anti-hepatitis B virus surface antigen (anti-HBs) antibody using microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) technology as well as immunochromatographic qualitative testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The study showed that the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine was 98.3%. HBsAg was not detected in any participant. The protective level for the (2 – 5 y) and (6 – 8 y) groups were 100% while the protective level for the (9 – 11 y) group was 95% (P ≤ 0.04). The study also showed that the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine was statistically significant among the three age groups (P 0.05). We concluded that the hepatitis B vaccine efficacy is high in immunocompetent population and a booster dose is not necessary at least in the studied age groups, due to the existence of an anamnestic response.
Triple-Aspect Monism and the Ontology of Quantum Particles

An analysis of the physical implications of abstractness reveals the reality of three interconnected modes of existence: abstract, virtual and concrete. This triple-aspect monism clarifies the ontological status of subatomic quantum particles. It also provides a non-spooky solution to the weirdness of quantum physics and a new outlook for the mind-body problem. The ontological implications are profound for both physics and philosophy.
Osmoregulation at different stages of the yeast life cycle

The ability to adapt to changing and potentially harmful conditions in the surrounding environment is crucial for fitness and survival of all living cells; in particular unicellular organisms, since they are frequently exposed to stress factors such as heat, drought, nutritional starvation and toxic substances. The aim of this thesis is to determine how cells respond to osmotic and nutritional changes in the environment and how downstream targets of signalling cascades are regulated. Water is fundamental to life, and all cells must be able to adapt to fluctuations in water availability to maintain cellular water homeostasis. In bakers’ yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the High Osmolarity Glycerol (HOG) pathway is activated upon conditions of high osmolarity, and the pathway coordinates the responses needed to counteract loss of volume and turgor pressure. These actions include glycerol accumulation, ion efflux and transcriptional and translational changes. In this thesis, the osmotic stress response is characterized using a conditional osmotic system. We show that the period of Hog1 activation affects the transcriptional output in a quantitative rather than qualitative way. The analysis also sheds light on an initial adaptation process involving regain of volume through accumulation of compatible osmolytes, which precedes Hog1 nuclear accumulation and the transcriptional response. The S. cerevisiae aquaglyceroporin Fps1 plays an important role during osmotic stress as a regulator of the intracellular glycerol concentration. A decrease in external osmolarity leads to water inflow and cell swelling, and Fps1 activity is vital under this condition for rapid release of excessive glycerol to lower the cells’ turgor pressure. During a hyperosmotic shock, glycerol flux through Fps1 must be decreased; if not, the cells have great difficulties to accumulate glycerol and hence show osmosensitivity. The exact mechanisms behind Fps1 regulation are still unknown, but regulatory domains on both cytoplasmic termini have been identified. Here, the importance of the Fps1 transmembrane core in restricting glycerol flux is described, and we show that the termini alone are not sufficient to regulate channel activity. We have also studied an orthodox aquaporin that is important for freeze and thaw resistance in the yeast Pichia pastoris. The activity of this aquaporin was shown to be regulated by a combination of phosphorylation and mechanosensitivity. Finally, osmotic regulation throughout the yeast developmental pathways of sporulation and germination is briefly discussed. We have determined the transcriptional changes occurring during yeast spore germination and the analysis revealed a sequential upregulation of different subprograms that we can link to specific transcription factors. Although qualitatively similar responses, the transcriptional output of spores in response to glucose is not as pronounced as to rich growth medium, suggesting that spores can sense nutrient starvation early on in the quickening process.
NKS-164, Conducting organizational safety reviews – requirements, methods and experience

Organizational safety reviews are part of the safety management process of power plants. They are typically performed after major reorganizations, significant incidents or according to specified review programs. Organizational reviews can also be a part of a benchmarking between organizations that aims to improve work practices. Thus, they are important instruments in proactive safety management and safety culture. Most methods that have been used for organizational reviews are based more on practical considerations than a sound scientific theory of how various organizational or technical issues influence safety. Review practices and methods also vary considerably. The objective of this research is to promote understanding on approaches used in organizational safety reviews as well as to initiate discussion on criteria and methods of organizational assessment. The research identified a set of issues that need to be taken into account when planning and conducting organizational safety reviews. Examples of the issues are definition of appropriate criteria for evaluation, the expertise needed in the assessment and the organizational motivation for conducting the assessment. The study indicates that organizational safety assessments involve plenty of issues and situations where choices have to be made regarding what is considered valid information and a balance has to be struck between focus on various organizational phenomena. It is very important that these choices are based on a sound theoretical framework and that these choices can later be evaluated together with the assessment findings. The research concludes that at its best, the organizational safety reviews can be utilised as a source of information concerning the changing vulnerabilities and the actual safety performance of the organization. In order to do this, certain basic organizational phenomena and assessment issues have to be acknowledged and considered. The research concludes with recommendations on issues that should be considered and taken into account as far as is practically applicable in any assessment where organizational safety issues are considered. Finally, further research needs in the area of organizational factors and organizational safety assessment are outlined.
Analyzing behavior in customer relationships accounting for customer-to-customer interactions

Veel bedrijven houden zich tegenwoordig bezig met customer relationship management (CRM). Ze hebben ingezien dat klanten een waardevol bezit zijn en ook als zodanig behandeld dienen te worden. Een van de hoofddoelen van CRM is om waardevolle relaties met bestaande klanten op te bouwen. Bedrijven kunnen dit doen door middel van een klantretentiestrategie of een klantexpansiestrategie. Een retentiestrategie is erop gericht om klanten zo lang mogelijk aan het bedrijf te binden en een expansiestrategie is erop gericht de relatie met de klant uit te breiden door middel van cross-sell en up-sell. Bij cross-sell gaat het om het verkopen van extra producten en diensten en bij up-sell om het verkopen van een uitgebreidere en duurdere variant van het product of dienst. Voor het succesvol uitvoeren van CRM is het dus cruciaal om opzeg- en adoptiegedrag te kunnen verklaren en voorspellen. Dit geeft aan hoe belangrijk het modelleren van het gedrag in klantrelaties is in de marketingpraktijk. Door recente maatschappelijke ontwikkelingen is het modelleren van klantgedrag aan het veranderen. In onze maatschappij zijn sociale netwerken de laatste jaren steeds belangrijker geworden. Consumenten kunnen eenvoudig communiceren met hun sociale contacten over de hele wereld door middel van mobiele telefonie, online sociale netwerken, blogs en review websites.
Not All Body Scanning Measurements are Valid: Perspectives from Pattern Practice

To assume all body scanning measurements are valid for apparel product development is wrong. While human measurement forms the basis for product development and body scanning represents a significant development in the collection of human measurements [1], a distinction must be drawn between measurements suitable for product development (pattern cutting) and those required for the creation of sizing systems. The application of body scanning has largely focused on sizing surveys [2], the standards used in developing the technology are tailored toward surveys [3], [4] and subsequently measurements are often not defined in a manner suitable to developing products. This research began with analysis of product development practices and body scanning outputs to determine the suitability of body scanning to support existing methods of product development. Six methods of pattern development, established from previous research to represent the variation of approaches [5]–[7] were selected, the measurements required for these methods were compared to measurement outputs from both a Size Stream and [TC] body scanner. Further analysis was made regarding the development of custom measurements for each scan system, to see if extra measurements could be defined to match those required or enhance the data used to drive the draft process. Whilst there are promising developments in automated pattern creation [8], [9], there is little existing theory or clear understanding of pattern to person relationships to enable the full realization and embedding of these systems. As well as understanding the suitability of scan measurements for pattern development, this research also recommends further measurements which may improve the patterns’ ability to accord with the individual size, shape and proportion of the wearer. This research shows that there are a range of measurements used for pattern making and these are not all available from existing body scanning systems. Key landmarks and measurements are identified and this research shows how body scanning technology can be developed to support existing and developing methods of pattern development.
Assessment of the Energetic Efficiency of A Continuously Operating Plant for Hydrothermal Carbonisation of Biomass

To date wet lignocellulosic biomass cannot be used efficiently for energy production. By hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) wet biomass may be efficiently transformed to a solid, lignite-like fuel with good dewatering and grinding properties and a high calorific value. Energetic yields of the HTC reaction can be derived from lab scale experiments. However, for the assessment of energetic efficiencies of a HTC plant the amount of external energy consumption needs to be calculated. A model of a semi-continuously HTC plant is presented with a heat recovery system which is based on recycling of hot compressed water. Results of simulations with the program Engineering Equations Solver show that energy consumption can be significantly reduced by internal heat recovery. Efficiencies of a HTC plant model are presented based on experiments with beech wood chips as a model biomass. A sensitivity analysis of the water content of the biomass and the heat of reaction is presented.
A new form of governance? comparing the open method of co-ordination to multilateral surveillance by the IMF and the OECD

Abstract The open method of co-ordination (OMC) has received much attention in the recent EU literature. The predominant view claims that the OMC is not only a new but also an effective policy-making instrument. This paper raises doubts about both claims by offering a comparison of soft law policy co-ordination in three international organizations. More specifically, this paper compares the European Employment Strategy to the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines of the EU, the OECD Economic Surveys, and the IMF Article IV Consultations. Based on expert interviews, it seeks to demonstrate that these procedures are forms of multilateral surveillance that do not differ in kind. Such a comparative analysis of the OMC refutes claims to its novelty. Having compared the four procedures, a more general model of multilateral surveillance consisting of six elements is generated that facilitates further comparisons. This paper concludes that governments select voluntarist procedures mainly to secure their own competencies rather than to realize common goals. Effective problem-solving is therefore not necessarily the dominant objective of soft law.
Modeling stability and resilience after slashburning across a sub-boreal to subalpine forest gradient in British Columbia

Stability and resilience of conifer-dominated vegetation communities following clear-cutting and slashburning in central British Columbia, were modeled across gradients of resource availability, fire return interval (FRI), and fire se- verity. We hypothesized that high resource availability and long fire-free intervals would enhance stability, whereas high resource availability and short fire-free intervals would confer resilience. Fire weather indices and pre- and post-burn fuel loads were recorded and vegetation regrowth monitored for 5-11 years at 12 sites. Stepwise regression was used to model rates of revegetation, increases in vascular species richness, and pre- and post-burn similarity of species composition as a function of the environmental variables. Predicted stability for four sub-boreal to subalpine vegetation communities with contrasting resource availability and FRI corresponded closely to our hypotheses. Rates of revegetation were more strongly correlated with resource availability, whereas composition-based response variables were more strongly correlated with the FRI. Based on revegetation rates, all ecosystems were predicted to have equal resilience. However, based on vegetation composition, mesic sub-boreal ecosystems were predicted to be more resilient than mesic subalpine ecosystems because the degree of change in species composition was less sensitive to increasing burn severity. More slashburned sites with a broader range of burn severities are needed to verify these preliminary models.
An artificial neural network model application for the estimation of thermal comfort conditions in mountainous regions

In this research, an artificial neural network model (ANN) was applied to estimate the thermal comfort conditions in the mountainous regions of Gerania (MG) and of Nafpaktia (MN) in Greece. Air temperature and relative humidity were recorded from June to August 2007 at two selected sites for each study region. Data 172 K. Chronopoulos et al. of the aforementioned parameters were used for the calculation of the thermohygrometric index (THI), from which thermal comfort conditions were evaluated as classes. The ANN model, the multilayer perceptron (MLP) was used for the estimation of THI values at the examined high altitude level (1334 and 1338 m in MG and MN, respectively) based on the temperature and the relative humidity of the examined low altitude level (650 m in MG and 676 m in MN), taking into account the actual time of measurement (ATM). The results of the development and application of this extended MLP model indicated more accurate estimations of THI values at the two study regions during the whole day period compared to the MLP application without the use of ATM. Also, the extended model, examining the whole day, showed more accurate estimations of THI values in MG compared to MN. Similarly, this model provided better estimations separately for both daytime (09h00min-20h00min) and nighttime (21h00min-08h00min) in comparison with the respective THI estimations taking into account only the air temperature and relative humidity as input parameters. Additionally, the extended MLP model was more efficient estimating THI values during daytime hours compared to nighttime hours in both MG and MN. Also, the extended MLP model was more capable in estimating better the THI values in the “hot” class in MG as well as in the “comfortable” class in MN.
THESIS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Three-Dimensional Modelling of Bond in Reinforced Concrete

The bond mechanism between deformed bars and concrete is known to be influenced by multiple parameters, such as the strength of the surrounding structure, the occurrence of splitting cracks in the concrete and the yielding of the reinforcement. However, when reinforced concrete structures are analysed using the finite element method, it is quite common to assume that the bond stress depends solely on the slip. A new theoretical model which is especially suited for detailed three-dimensional analyses was developed. In the new model, the splitting stresses of the bond action are included; furthermore, the bond stress depends not only on the slip, but also on the radial deformation between the reinforcement bar and the concrete. In addition, this model includes the simulation of cyclic loading. Steel-encased pull-out tests subjected to reversed cyclic loading were carried out. The tangential strain in the steel tubes was measured to investigate how the splitting stresses are affected by cyclic loading. Based on the results of these tests, several improvements of the model were made. Bar pull-out tests with differing geometries and with both monotonic and cyclic loading were analysed, using the new model for the bond action, and non-linear fracture mechanics for the concrete. The results show that the model is capable of dealing with a variety of failure modes, such as pull-out failure, splitting failure, and the loss of bond when the reinforcement is yielding, as well as dealing with cyclic loading in a physically reasonable way. The new model was used in detailed three-dimensional analyses of frame corners. Until recently, splicing of the reinforcement in frame corners had not been allowed by the Swedish Road Administration. Since this had led to reinforcement detailing that was hard to realise on site, it was of interest to examine how splicing of the reinforcement affects the behaviour of the structure. Tests on frame corners subjected to closing moments were also carried out. It was found that the analyses could describe the test performance in a reasonable way. The tests and analyses showed that splicing the reinforcement in the middle of the corner has advantages over splices placed outside the bend of the reinforcement. They also indicated, in agreement with previous work, that provided the splice length is as long as required in the codes, there are no disadvantages in splicing the reinforcement within the corner of a frame subjected to closing moment.
Dielectric and Spectroscopic Investigations of Amorphous Captopril

Captopril, an orally active dipeptide analogue was introduced in 1977 and used for the treatment of hypertension and in patients having ischaemic heart disease. Since the bioavailability of the drug is low, an alternative method to increase its bioavailability and solubility is by changing the drug in to amorphous form. We used Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) for studying the glass forming ability of the drug. The sample was found to be a very good glass former. Based on the DSC analysis we have used broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) for studying the drug in the super cooled and glassy state. BDS is an effective tool to probe the molecular dynamics in the super cooled and glassy state. Molecular mobility is found to be present even in the glassy state of this active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) which is responsible for the instability. The sample is highly unstable in the amorphous state and our aim is to study the factors responsible for instability of this API. Our FTIR study showed that hydrogen bonding is stronger in the amorphous state than that of crystalline state of this API. Abbreviations. API Active pharmaceutical ingredient; BDS Broadband dielectric spectroscopy; ACE angiotensinconverting enzyme; DSC Differential scanning calorimetry; FTIR fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; VFTH VogelFulcher-Tamman-Hesse. XRPD X-Ray Powder diffraction.
Accuracy of force repeatability in relation to its value and the subjects’ sex

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of force value and sex on force generation repeatability. Methods. The total of 17 female and 24 male students performed 3 maximal voluntary contractions for maximal force (Fmax) calculation and 10 isometric contractions with targeted forces of 49 N, 98 N, 147 N by arms: elbow extension (EE), elbow flexion (EF) and legs: knee extensions (KE). Variation in repeatedly generated forces is expressed as a coefficient of variation. Results. The force generation repeatability rose with the increase of triggered force in both sexes; between force target 49 N vs. 98 N and 147 N (p < 0.00) for EE and EF in females, between 49 N vs. 147 N for all measurements (p < 0.00) except the right elbow extension in males. We noticed minor sex influence on force generation repeatability for EE, EF, and KE in absolute measured values and relatively to Fmax. Conclusions. The influence of force value and a minor influence of sex on accuracy in generated forces might suggest that the control of muscle force by the central nervous system is similar in both sexes and the sex differences in muscle force generations are rather of muscle mass and structure.