Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Insight into Mechanisms underlying Sleep Deprivation Induced Cognitive Dysfunction

Introduction: Sleep has been found to influence both acquisition and consolidation of memory; therefore, sleep deprivation is often linked to multiple anomalies in cognitive paradigms giving rise cognitive dysfunctions. Objective: The present study has been designed with an aim to decipher plausible mechanistic interplays involved in the induction of cognitive dysfunction as a direct consequence of sleep deprivation. Methods: Male laca mice were sleep deprived for 24-hours using grid suspended over water method on alternate days extended over the total protocol duration of 21 days. Various neurobehavioral memory evaluating parameters followed by biochemical, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, mitochondrial respiratory enzyme complex activities (I-IV) and histopathological examinations of the mice brain were monitored. Results: Sleep deprivation of 24-hours on alternate days for 21 days significantly impaired cognitive performance in both memory evaluating paradigms (Morris water maze test and elevated plus maze test) as compared to naive animals. Additionally animals subjected to sleep deprivation also demonstrated conditions of elevated oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial enzyme complex activities, increased aceytlcholineestaerase activity, as well as histopathological alterations pertaining to hippocampal and thalamo-cortical regions of mice brain as compared to naive animals. However, chronic piracetam (100 mg/kg) treatment showed significant protective effect against sleep deprivation induced cognitive dysfunction, oxidative damage, mitochondrial respiratory enzyme complex insuffeciencies, increased acetylcholinesterase activity as well as neuromorphological alterations. Conclusion: The present study suggests mechanistic interplay between oxidative stresses; mitochondrial impairment as well as acetylcholineesterase activity may influence hippocampal and cortical neuronal survival and thus lead to precipitation of sleep deprivation induced cognitive deficits.
EVALUATION OF SOUR CHERRY CULTIVARS GROWN IN LATVIA FOR PRODUCTION OF CANDIED FRUITS

Different sour cherry cultivars are grown in Latvia suitable both for fresh market and for processing. Fresh local sour cherry fruits are available for consumers only in July. Sour cherries are favourite fruits becaus e of pleasant taste, juicy flesh and attractive dark red color. F ruits are rich in natural antioxidants ‐ vitamins a nd polyphenols, but are low in calories. One of processing methods pres erving valuable nutrients in products in significan t quantities is drying. Dried cherry fruits or candied fruits can b e used as energetic delicacy and healthy goody. It is a great alternative for people liking sweets and caring for their health. A priority of dried fruits is their long keeping time, as well as their use in preparing other dishes.The aim of the study was to evaluate suitability of sou r cherry cultivars grown in Latvia for production of candied fruits. F ive sour cherry cultivars were chosen: ‘Bulatnikovs kaya’, ‘Orlica’, ‘Shokoladnica’, ‘Tamaris’ and ‘Zentenes’. To evaluate suitability of sour cherry cultivars f or drying, candied fruits and syrup, sensory estimation establ ishing the level of liking was performed and bioche mical parameters: content of soluble solids, total acids and phenolic compounds were determined. As a result of the study it was found that higher level of liking had candie d fruits and syrup made from the cultivar ‘Shokolad nica’, regardless of their higher acidity. On the other si de, the highest content of polyphenols was ascertai ned in candied fruits of the cultivar ‘Orlica’ and their by-produc t, while the highest content of soluble solids was found in candied fruits and syrup made from the cultivar ‘Bulatnikov skaya’.
The needs of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): a qualitative study

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the unmet needs and experiences of mothers of ASD children in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study employed telephone interviews with eight Saudi mothers raising a child with autism. Questions from a researcher-developed interview guide elicited responses about challenges and unmet needs. Results indicated that the majority of respondents felt they had low to no knowledge of ASD prior to and after their child's diagnosis. Six themes were identified: i) Mothers’ identification of their lack of information about their children with ASD, ii) Mother’s perceptions about their mental and physical well-being, iii) Mothers’ recognition of their constant challenges raising children with ASD,iv) Suggestions to increase public awareness about ASD, v) Mothers’ identification of their training needs, and vi) Mothers’ perceptions of their children’s educational needs . Respondents insisted that cultural issues such as lack of transportation and fathers’ involvement did add to their burden. This study recommended that professionals and academics in KSA should take into consideration the unmet needs of mothers of ASD children when designing interventions and services for children with ASD to ensure they are tailored to the cultural context and needs of mothers.
Challenges and Prospects of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems in the Newly Chartered Public Universities in Kenya

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have been the most popular business management systems in the 21st century, providing benefits of real-time capabilities, enhancing organizational competencies and seamless communication for business in both small and large organizations. Today, most universities have begun replacing their legacy systems with ERP initiatives to improve management and administration. Though they are credited with major prospects of re-engineering the work processes, these initiatives present some challenges to the management of these universities. This study focused on the challenges and prospects of ERP systems in the newly chartered public universities in Kenya. A review of previous studies on the challenges and prospects of putting in place this framework in public sector including universities was done. A descriptive survey research design was used to select the staff in all the 24 newly chartered universities in Kenya, while simple random sampling method was used in choosing 120 respondents who were heads of departments. A five point Likert scale questionnaire was used for data collection. A reliability estimate of 0.69 was realized for the instrument using Cronbach reliability coefficient. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and charts. The study established that management support is vital for any organization to be able to successfully implement and use ERP systems effectively. In addition, inadequate preparation by the universities to manage change, failure to involve end-users during the implementation stage, failure by the system vendors to modify the system to conform to the requirements of these universities, failure by the institutions to re-engineer their business processes to match ERP requirements and lack of effective end-user training were also cited as the challenges facing the success of the ERP systems in the newly chartered universities. The findings further indicated successful implementation of the system will eliminate redundant tasks and lead to an overall reduction of operational cost. It will also lead to easier access to reliable data and information, improved customer relationship and the ability to produce better reports and information are some of the prospects that majority of the respondents believe the ERP system will provide. This study may be useful to public universities management by helping them gain better understanding on how to utilize information technologies. It also provides information that will assist them in making informed decisions on the best ERP implementation strategies to be employed. Lastly, the study will creates a forum for discussions on ways of solving ERP challenges currently being faced by the newly chartered public universities in Kenya.
Screening of Indonesian Streptomyces sp. Capable of Secreting Transglutaminase (Mtgase) and Optimization of Mtgase Production Using Different Growth Media

Transglutaminase (TGase), an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of inter- and intra-molecular e-(l-glutamyl) lysine (GL) crosslinks, plays an important role in surimi-based products production. The development and the diversification of surimi-based products have recently been getting popular in Indonesia. These surimi-based products can be made from various types of fish. These products generally exhibit good gel strength properties, depending on the fish type and the processing method used. Transglutaminase plays an important role in generating such properties. Fish’s endogenous TGase reduces quickly after it is caught and is almost completely destroyed by freezing it, applying exogenous TGase may improve fish’s gel forming ability. Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) can potentially be used to increase gel properties. In this research, a total of 228 Streptomyces strains from marine and terrestrial environments were screened and selected based on their ability to produce MTGase. Strain TTA 02 SDS 14 exhibited the highest activity; and therefore, it was selected for further study. The 16S-rRNA gene analysis showed that it shared 99% similarity to S. thioluteus. In order to optimize MTGase activity, enzyme production was carried out using six different formulas media, designated as media A, B, C, D, E, and F. The result shows that the highest MTGase activity was observed in medium B that contains pepton (1.5%), MgSO4.7H20 (0.1%), KH2PO4 (0.5%), Na2HPO4 (0.5%), soybean powder (2%), potato starch (2%), and glucose (1.5%). The MTGase activity reached the highest level (1.45 U/ml) after 4 days of incubation
Kefir: composition and evaluation of in situ antagonistic activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether produced kefir meets the identity and quality standards for fermented milks, to check the possibility of assigning a nutrition declaration, and to evaluate the antagonistic activity of the fermented milk against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Two different formulations of kefir (Kefir 1 and Kefir 2) were prepared to determine the percentage composition, minerals, pH, total lactic acid bacteria, and antagonistic activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results of the physicochemical evaluation indicated a statistically significant difference between the formulations, except for the percentage of lipids, Ca, K, Mg and Na. The formulations met the parameters of identity and quality in the fermented milks under evaluation. Possible nutrition declarations for Kefir 1 are ‘source of proteins’ and ‘reduced calorie’, and for Kefir 2, ‘high protein content’ and ‘high zinc content’. The fermented milks showed significant antagonistic activity against the tested microorganisms (> 24 h), with no activity seen after this period. Further studies involving kefir are suggested, exploring its potential as a probiotic food, and its inclusion in the diet of the population.
Identification of the degree of knowledge of doctors about the use of vasoconstrictor in cardiac patients

Introduction: There is a clear lack of knowledge among professionals about the use of local anesthesia during dental treatment in cardiac patients, coming to delay emergency care or to indicate the use of vasopressors erroneously since its use brings benefi ts to the patient and the professional. Objective: To evaluate professionals’ perception of the use of local anesthetics with vasoconstrictors to perform dental procedures in patients with heart disease. Methods: This study was conducted by the application of a questionnaire that contained 12 questions which 100 professionals answered from January to September 2014. Results: 61% of professionals recommend that the use of local anesthesia associated with a vasoconstrictor to dental treatment for a cardiac patient. Half of them did not know to answer, “What is the concentration of vasoconstrictor recommended for use in a cardiac patient? ” 81 professionals choose the lidocaine as the best anesthesia. Conclusion: The professionals demonstrate to know about the use of vasoconstrictors associated with local anesthetics in dental procedures; however, the total amount and concentration of the vasoconstrictors are unknown.
Correlation between the task orientation and achievement of athletes of futsal clubs in national futsal championship 2016

In this study, the researcher presented the measurement results of task orientation of athletes participating in Vietnam Futsal National Championship 2016. The research tool employed in this study is TEOSQ. This questionnaire was administered to a total of 95 male futsal players, aged M = 22.86, SD = 2.16. Athletes had 6.40 ± 2.39 years of sport experience. For data analysis, SPSS statistical packet program was used for descriptive statistics (M and SD) were calculated for all scales, and independent t-tests. The results showed that those who have high task and ego orientation had better performance. The study suggested that task orientation is prerequisite element for an athlete to participate in a tournament.
On the relationship of implied, realized and historical volatility: evidence from NSE equity index options

This study examines the information content of implied volatility, using the options of the underlying S&P CNX Nifty index. In this study, implied, historical and realized volatilities are calculated using non-overlapping monthly at-the-money samples. The study covers the period from introduction of options on the derivative segment of NSE, June 2001 to May 2011. The results reveal that call and put implied volatility of S&P CNX Nifty index option does contain information about future realized return volatility. This study accounts for the problem of error-in-variable and controls for it by using the instrumental variable technique. In the 2SLS estimation, the Hausman H -statistic shows that call implied volatility is measured with error. Hence, 2SLS coefficients are more consistent than the OLS estimates. Results of this study might prove to be helpful to the volatility traders in volatility forecasting and option pricing.
The Microfoundations of the Keynesian Wage-Price Spiral

We derive the backward-looking Keynesian wage-price spiral from micro-foundations. The optimal price Phillips curve features one lag of price inflation, the lag of the labour share, excess demand pressure, speed-limit effects and supply shocks. The wage Phillips curve features current and lagged price inflation, excess demand pressure up to the second lag, and the lag of nominal wage inflation. We estimate this model for six developed and emerging market economies and find that the model fits the data well. In general, nominal wages are more flexible than prices with respect to demand pressure. The baseline model rejects the inclusion of supply shocks and indexation of wages in developed economies and some emerging markets.
Perceived Organisational Support, Work Engagement and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour of Nurses at Victoria Hospital

Abstract This study explored the relationship between perceived organisational support, work engagement and organisational citizenship behaviour amongst nurses at the Victoria hospital in Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Simple random sampling was used to draw a sample of n=106. The study tested the relationship between perceived organisational support, the extent to which employees feel valued and nurtured by their employers, and organisational citizenship behaviour, positive discretionary behaviour employees embark upon. This relationship was found to be a positive one (r=0.23, p.01). The study also found that work engagement was highly significantly and positively correlated with organisational citizenship behavior (r=0.41, p.001). Finally, the study explored the relationship between perceived organisational support and work engagement. The findings of the study demonstrated that there is also a significant moderate correlation between perceived organisational support and work engagement (r=0.31 p.001). These findings suggest that hospital administrators should find ways to improve nurses’ perceptions of organisational support in order to enhance engagement and organisational citizenship behaviour. Perceived organisational support is not the only precondition for work engagement and organisational citizenship behaviour, as evidenced by the weak correlation. Nurses who perceive that they are supported by their employers will be more likely to display organisational citizenship behaviour than those who are not supported and do not feel engaged in work.
SYSTEMATICS OF THE ORDOVICIAN TRILOBITES ISCHYROTOMA AND DIMEROPYGIELLA, WITH SPECIES FROM THE TYPE IBEXIAN AREA, WESTERN U.S.A

Abstract Lower Ordovician sections in the type Ibexian area of western Utah contain a considerably more diverse trilobite fauna than has previously been reported. Reinvestigation of these faunas, based on new field sampling, allows a reassessment of the dimeropygid genera Ischyrotoma Raymond, 1925, and Dimeropygiella Ross, 1951. These taxa have been considered synonyms, but parsimony analysis indicates each is a well supported clade, and they are best recognized as sister genera. The number of species known from Ibex has been doubled, from four to eight, and morphological information is now available for most parts of the exoskeleton. New species include Ischyrotoma juabensis (Juab Formation), I. wahwahensis (Wah Wah Formation), Dimeropygiella fillmorensis (Fillmore Formation), and D. mccormicki (Fillmore Formation). The previously named species Dimeropygiella caudanodosa, D. blanda, and D. ovata are fully revised on the basis of abundant new material. Pseudohystricurus is a paraphyletic group, with species distributed as a basal grade of the Ischyrotoma/Dimeropygiella group.
Neural stem cell transplantation in mouse model of juvenile neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis

Background and Aims: This thesis investigates the suitability of neural stem cell transplantation in a mouse model of juvenile neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis (JNCL). JNCL is a childhood neurodegenerative disease leading to premature death in young adolescence. This hereditary disease has unfortunately no cure. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are under vigorous research for they have proven to be beneficial in many animal models of human disorders. This has been seen also in many lysosomal storage diseases, a group to which JNCL belongs. The aims of the thesis were to observe the survival, migration, and differentiation of NSC graft in the mouse model of JNCL. Methods: GFP-expressing mouse neural stem cells were transplanted into 24 adult diseased mice and 24 wild type mice of the same strain. The cells were injected either into the cortex or the hippocampus and let to survive there for either one or four months. Control injections of PBS were performed on 48 mice. The differentiation capacity of the neural stem cells was analyzed by immunohistochemical stainings in vitro. Extensive microscopical analyses using endogenous fluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Prussian blue stainings were performed to the brain sections. Relevant statistical analyses were done for the results. Results: The survival rate of the transplanted cells was low in both diseased and wild type mice, ranging from 0 to 3 %. The transplanted cells were, however, able to survive for four months in the recipient brain with no statistical differences between the diseased mice and the wild type mice. The migration seemed not to be active, and the distribution of the cells was most prominent in the corpus callosum. The cells had the capability to produce neuron-like processes in vivo but did not show a clear differentiation profile. Conclusions: The environment in the JNCL mouse model did not set limitations for the survival of the neural stem cells, and the cells were able to stay alive there for several months. However, a lot of optimization for the transplantation procedure needs to be done to accomplish better survival of the cells. With diminishing the early hostile reaction in the brain, the migration and differentiation of the cells will most likely become more active. As a conclusion, no reason is seen to avoid further testing of NSC transplantation in animal models of JNCL.
Rooting and hardening of in vitro plantlets of Garcinia indica Chois

In the present paper, a procedure for rooting and acclimatization of in vitro plantlets raised from immature seed cultures of Garcinia indica is described. Pulse treatment of 9800μM IBA was preferred for rooting of in vitro shoots. Nearly 100% rooting (in vitro) was obtained with half strength MS with 2% sucrose and 0.6 % agar. Rooted plantlets of about 2-4 cm height (2-3 nodes) were subsequently transferred to different media for acclimatization: 1. Cocopeat + Sand + Soil (1:2:1); 2. Cocopeat + Sand (1:1); 3. Cocopeat. Plants grown in cocopeat showed 76% of survival followed by cocopeat and sand (1:1) with 75% of survival. The in vitro elongated shoots could also be rooted ex vitro by treating with synthetic hormones like Keradix, Rootex-1, and Rootex-3. However, the success of rooting was low (20 to 55 %). The hardened plantlets were successfully acclimatized in the greenhouse and transferred to open field conditions.
Molecular cloning and characterisation of an acyl carrier protein thioesterase gene (CocoFatB1) expressed in the endosperm of coconut (Cocos nucifera) and its heterologous expression in Nicotiana tabacum to engineer the accumulation of different fatty acids.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) contains large amounts of medium chain fatty acids, which mostly recognise acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterases that hydrolyse acyl-ACP into free fatty acids to terminate acyl chain elongation during fatty acid biosynthesis. A full-length cDNA of an acyl-ACP thioesterase, designated CocoFatB1, was isolated from cDNA libraries prepared from coconut endosperm during fruit development. The gene contained an open reading frame of 1254 bp, encoding a 417-amino acid protein. The amino acid sequence of the CocoFatB1 protein showed 100% and 95% sequence similarity to CnFatB1 and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) acyl-ACP thioesterases, respectively. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR analysis indicated that the CocoFatB1 transcript was most abundant in the endosperm from 8-month-old coconuts; the leaves and endosperm from 15-month-old coconuts had ~80% and ~10% of this level. The CocoFatB1 coding region was overexpressed in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) under the control of the seed-specific napin promoter following Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. CocoFatB1 transcript expression varied 20-fold between different transgenic plants, with 21 plants exhibiting detectable levels of CocoFatB1 expression. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of transgenic tobacco seeds showed that the levels of myristic acid (14 : 0), palmitic acid (16 : 0) and stearic acid (18 : 0) were increased by 25%, 34% and 17%, respectively, compared with untransformed plants. These results indicated that CocoFatB1 acts specifically on 14 : 0-ACP, 16 : 0-ACP and 18 : 0-ACP, and can increase medium chain saturated fatty acids. The gene may valuable for engineering fatty acid metabolism in crop improvement programmes.