Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Different Dietary Lipids on the Activity of Metabolic Enzymes in Brown Trout ( Salmo trutta )

The objective of this experiment was to test the effect of different dietary lipids in brown trout feeding on the activity of metabolic enzymes, such as hexokinase (HK), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD). Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic casein-gelatin based experimental diets with varying dietary sources were formulated. The sources of dietary lipid were menhaden oil (MO diet, rich in highly unsaturated fatty acids), hazelnut oil (HO diet, predominantly oleic acid), a blend of linseed oil and soybean oil (1:1) (LO+SO diet, linoleic and linolenic acids), and soybean lecithin (LE diet, phospholipids; mostly linoleic acid). Fish with an initial individual weight of ~1g were distributed randomly in three replicate 50-L glass aquaria with a total of 30 fish per tank. Each tank received one of the four diets referenced above for 6 weeks. In all cases, the activity of all metabolic enzymes significantly increased (P<0.05) in comparison to their activities in initial fish. All enzyme activities had their highest values in fish fed LO+SO and lowest in fish fed HO diet. It is very important to note that total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of the lipids is in the same order indicating that activity of these enzymes are elevated with increasing PUFA concentrations.
Comparison of molecular dynamics simulation methods for the study of grain boundary migration

In the present study, grain boundary (GB) mobility was determined by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using two different techniques: the applied strain method and the adapted interface random walk method. The first method involves a driving force while the second method does not. Nevertheless, both methods led to essentially the same values of the GB mobility. This shows that the GB mobility is independent of the nature of the driving force, provided that it is low enough that the linear velocity–driving force relationship is properly sampled. The case studied here can be viewed as a validated reference case that can be used in future studies to test new techniques to determine the GB mobility. For this purpose we provide the full information about the interatomic potential we employed and the initial atomic configurations. Finally, we use the obtained results to discuss whether any existing MD simulation data agree with experimental data on pure metals.
Phylogenetic Positions of Two Ciliates, Paranophrys magna and Mesanophrys carcini (Ciliophora: Oligohymenophorea), within the Subclass Scuticociliatia Inferred from Complete Small Subunit rRNA Gene Sequences

Summary. The complete small subunit rRNA gene sequences of two scuticociliates, Paranophrys magna Borror, 1972 and Mesanophrys carcini Groliere & Leglise, 1977, were determined. The results show that each comprises 1759 nucleotides. The phylogenetic positions of both species within the subclass Scuticociliatia were deduced using distance matrix and maximum parsimony methods. The trees indicate that the order Philasterida is probably a monophyletic group, within which Mesanophrys carcini is allied in a clade with Anophryoides haemophila that branches basally to other four species: Paranophrys magna, Uronema marinum, Pseudocohnilembus marinus and Cohnilembus verminus, while the clade including Paranophrys magna and Uronema marinum is grouped with that of Pseudocohnilembus marinus and Cohnilembus verminus.
PDE-based numerical method for a limited angle x-ray tomography

A new numerical method for x-ray tomography for a specific case of incomplete Radon data is proposed. Potential applications are in checking out bulky luggage in airports. This method is based on the analysis of the transport PDE governing the x-ray tomography rather than on the conventional integral formulation. The quasi-reversibility method is applied. Convergence analysis is performed using a new Carleman estimate. Numerical results are presented and compared with the inversion of the Radon transform using the well-known filtered back projection algorithm. In addition, it is shown how to use our method to study the inversion of the attenuated x-ray transform for the same case of incomplete data.
Contemporary pedagogy within surgical education websites: a review of the literature

Objectives: To investigate if current surgical web based education provides appropriate learning experiences, viewed through the frameworks of contemporary pedagogy. Methods: Using defined exclusion and inclusion criteria, we searched the medical literature for papers on surgical web education. We analysed the instructional designs and web utilities to uncover the pedagogical frameworks underpinning the teaching and learning experiences used. Results: Twenty five eligible studies were analysed and descriptive summary statistics were produced. Traditional teacher-centred behaviourist pedagogy underpinned 52% (n=12) of the studies. Socio-constructive pedagogy that fosters dialogue, collaboration and co-construction of knowledge was seen in 21% (n=5). A humanistic context was seen in 21% (n=5). Learner generated content was present in 9% (n=2). Examples of good web implementation of various pedagogic frameworks are described. Conclusions: Pedagogic shortcomings and underutilisation of Web 2.0 technology are revealed in current web surgical education. Educators must shift away from the traditional focus on teacher centred content delivery. The web remains impersonal. Social constructivism, collaboration and two way communications need more focus. We propose some recommendations and suggest that these should apply to any medical education website for pedagogic rigour. These highlight the exciting opportunities for future research in assessing educationally balanced web technology as a solution for consistent ‘out of operating room’ training in surgery amidst increasing service commitments.
Title: Developing nurses’ intercultural communication skills using the EXCELLence in Cultural Experiential Learning and Leadership (EXCELL) Social Interaction Maps Short Title: Developing nurses’ intercultural communication skills using Social Interaction Maps

Aims and objectives. To examine how the use of Social Interaction Maps (SIMs), a tool in the EXCELL (EXCELLence in Cultural Experiential Learning and Leadership) Program can enhance the development of nurses’ intercultural communication skills. Background: Nurses face communication challenges when interacting with others from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background. We used the EXCELL Program’s Social Interaction Maps (SIMs) tool to foster intercultural skills in nurses. SIMs describe verbal and non-verbal communication behaviours that model ways of communicating in a culturally appropriate manner. The Maps include four stages of an interaction, namely: Approach, Bridging, Communicating and Departing using the acronym ABCD. Design. Qualitative approach was used with a purposeful sample of nurses enrolled in a postgraduate course. Methods. Fifteen participants were recruited. The SIM tool was taught to participants in a workshop where they engaged in sociocultural communication activities using scenarios. Participants were asked to apply SIMs in their workplaces. Six weeks later participants completed a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire and participated in a discussion forum on their experience of using SIMs. Data were content analysed.
Estimating the saturation vapor pressures of isoprene oxidation products C5H12O6 and C5H10O6 using COSMO-RS

Abstract. We have used COSMO-RS (the conductor-like screening model for real solvents), as implemented in the COSMOtherm program, to compute the saturation vapor pressures at 298 K of two photo-oxidation products of isoprene: the dihydroxy dihydroperoxide C5H12O6, and the dihydroperoxy hydroxy aldehyde, C5H10O6. The predicted saturation vapor pressures were significantly higher (by up to a factor of 1000) than recent experimental results, very likely due to the overestimation of the effects of intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which tend to increase saturation vapor pressures by stabilizing molecules in the gas phase relative to the liquid. Modifying the hydrogen bond enthalpy parameter used by COSMOtherm can improve the agreement with experimental results – however the optimal parameter value is likely to be system-specific. Alternatively, vapor pressure predictions can be substantially improved (to within a factor of 5 of the experimental values for the two systems studied here) by selecting only conformers with a minimum number of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The computed saturation vapor pressures were very sensitive to the details of the conformational sampling approach, with the default scheme implemented in the COSMOconf program proving insufficient for the task, for example by predicting significant differences between enantiomers, which should have identical physical properties. Even after exhaustive conformational sampling, COSMOtherm predicts significant differences in saturation vapor pressures between both structural isomers and diastereomers. For C5H12O6, predicted differences in psat between structural isomers are up to 2 orders of magnitude, and differences between stereoisomers are up to a factor of 20 – though these differences are very likely exaggerated by the overestimation of the effect of intramolecular H-bonds. For C5H10O6, the maximum predicted differences between the three studied structural isomers and their diastereomer pairs are around a factor of 8 and a factor of 2, respectively, when only conformers lacking intramolecular hydrogen bonds are included in the calculations. In future studies of saturation vapor pressures of polyfunctional atmospheric oxidation products using COSMOtherm, we recommend first performing thorough conformational sampling and subsequently selecting conformers with a minimal number of intramolecular H-bonds.
Collaborative Learning among South African MBA Students

The purpose of this study was to explore how learning amongst South African MBA students could be enhanced through collaborative learning. Collaborative learning groups are established in MBA programmes to build team-working skills, which will enhance the employability of MBA graduates and foster good performance in workplace settings. However, it had been observed that not all students agreed that this outcome materialized, although schools advised that the syndicate groups created by the school were the ideal vehicle for learning, where interaction and debate could flourish. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to gather qualitative data from a purposively selected sample of 13 current MBA students from accredited business schools in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Data were analyzed through coding, classifying and mapping of transcripts. The key insight was that “learning” (i.e. “conent”) did not emerge as an objective, either overtly or covertly. Students were adamant that their goal was to submit an assignment and learn something about teams in the process. Business schools should re-evaluate their assumptions about effective group learning, and modify the assessments to maximize both team effectiveness and learning. Students need to embrace opportunities to facilitate their own group processes (including diversity management and dealing effectively with conflict) to achieve their goals.
The Social Casino Gaming-Gambling Link: Motivation for Playing Social Casino Games Determines Whether Self-Reported Gambling Increases or Decreases Among Disordered Gamblers

Engagement with social casino games (i.e., free online casino-like games available on social networking sites) has been found to be a risk factor for increased gambling behaviours ( Kim, Wohl, Salmon, Gupta, & Derevensky, 2015 ). However, this may not be true for all social casino gamers. In the current research, we tested the idea that motivation to play social casino games will predict changes in self-reported gambling behaviours among disordered gamblers. Results showed that disordered gamblers ( N = 140) who were motivated to play social casino games for the social connection it provides or for skill building reported an increase in their gambling. Conversely, playing in order to cope with negative life events or for excitement was not predictive of gambling. However, gamblers who reported playing social casino games to reduce cravings to gamble reported an overall decrease in gambling. The implications of social casino games as a potential harm reduction strategy for some disordered gamblers are discussed.
Monitoring and pest control of Fruit flies in Thailand

Fruit flies (Tephritidae) are serious pests that cause enormous losses for farmers in many countries. The frequent use of insecticides in controlling fruit flies in fruits and vegetable has not resulted in sustainable management of the pest. Problems associated with this complete reliance on chemical control are many residues of insecticides in crops, health problems for farmers, contamination of water and soil, insecticide resistance development and decrease in natural enemy populations. The implementation of control measures that do not imply an added burden to the environment and/or the farmers is urgent. More knowledge about the ecology of fruit flies is the basis for finding new and better ways to control this pest. This study aimed at 1) develop and testing of a modified Steiner trap constructed from used water bottles, 2) investigating the diurnal activity of adult males of Bactrocera cucurbitae and Bactrocera dorsalis, 3) monitoring for resistance to commonly used insecticides in B. cucurbitae and 4) conducting a survey among farmers with a focus on management of fruit flies. The research was carried out in Kamphaeng Saen, northwestern part Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand from July to August 2009. We constructed an efficient trap from recycled bottles at the cost of 30 US cents (2.06 SEK) that can be used for monitoring and possibly also pest control. The results from the diurnal activity experiment suggest that B. cucurbitae and B. dorsalis are active in the morning. B. dorsalis showed an activity peak between 7 and 8 am. The activity for both species was low before noon and during the first hours of the afternoon. The bioassay gave no indications of development of resistance to the insecticides tested. Results from farmer surveys revealed that most of farmers have problems with fruit flies. The amount of insecticides used in the fields is great and the flora of the compounds is much diversified. We found also that the farmers spray their fields very frequently during a growing period until approximately one week before harvest and the spraying was carried out in a big degree during the cool hours of the day. The results also show that more than 50% of the farmers used protective equipment. I conclude that since the situation about the control of these pests is unsustainable the need for further and more intensive studies in this topic is urgent to carry out. But first of all is of priority to work together with farmers in the issue of the use of environmental friendly control methods to go away from the dependence of insecticides.
Factors Differentiating Green Power Electricity User/Non-User Status in Australia

This study aims to identify factors differentiating users and non-users of GPE (Green Power Electricity) in Australia. The internet-based survey reached audience across Australia. The results show that consumers’ environmental concern and ecologically conscious behaviour are key drivers of GPE purchase. Younger consumers are also more likely to be GPE users. Findings of this study bear significant implications for both government policymakers and GPE distributors and/or resellers. This study calls for increased effort in public education especially of younger people – and in marketing campaigns to raise consumers’ awareness of and concern for the environment. Further, it recommends that in order to maximize the adoption of GPE, and promotional campaign of GPE should be combined with other activities to educate the consumers of the benefits and the availability of GPE products and to promote ecologically friendly behaviors.
Magnetic Fields in the Galactic Halo Restrict Fountain-driven Recycling and Accretion

The Galactic halo contains a complex ecosystem of multiphase intermediate-velocity and high-velocity gas clouds whose origin has defied clear explanation. They are generally believed to be involved in a Galaxy-wide recycling process, either through an accretion flow or a large-scale fountain flow, or both. We examine the evolution of these clouds in light of recent claims that they may trigger condensation of gas from the Galactic corona as they move through it. We measure condensation along a cloud’s wake, with and without the presence of an ambient magnetic field, using two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D), high-resolution simulations. We find that 3D simulations are essential to correctly capture the condensation in all cases. Magnetic fields significantly inhibit condensation in the wake of clouds at t ≳ 25 Myr, preventing the sharp upturn in cold gas mass seen in previous non-magnetic studies. The magnetic field suppresses the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability responsible for the ablation and consequent mixing of a cloud with halo gas which drives the condensation. This effect is universal across different cloud properties (density, metallicity, velocity) and magnetic field properties (strength and orientation). Simple convergence tests demonstrate that resolving the gas on progressively smaller scales leads to even less condensation. While condensation still occurs in all cases, our results show that an ambient magnetic field drastically lowers the efficiency of fountain-driven accretion and likely also accretion from condensation around high-velocity clouds. These lower specific accretion rates are in better agreement with observational constraints compared to 3D, non-magnetic simulations.
Epidemiological studies of the incidence of pathogenic Campylobacter spp. amongst animals in Lagos metropolis

Faecal specimens were collected from different animal species (puppies, Guinea fowl, chicken and pigs) at different farm locations in Lagos (Inner City - Central urban area; peripheral City – rural/farming houses; Rural - a farming and agricultural zone, where people raised their own domestic animals). In all, 200 animals were sampled out of which twenty (14%) were positive for Campylobacter, seventeen (17) of these (60.7) were positive for animals from peripheral zone, nine (9)(32.1%) were found positive for animals from the rural zone and two (2)(7.1%) were positive for animals obtained from the inner zone of Lagos metropolis. The trend of infection by Campylobacter as exemplified in this study was pig, two samples (7.1%); chicken, 7 samples (25%); sheep, two samples (7.1%); puppies, 0 (0.0%), and guinea fowl, 17 samples (60.7). The peripheral zone had more incidence of Campylobacter with an incidence rate in the order peripheral zone (8.5%» rural zone (4.5%) > inner zone (1.0%). The results of biochemical tests reveal that three (3) samples were positive for Campylobacter coli biotype II, seventeen (17) samples were positive for Campylobacter coli biotype I and one (1) sample for Campylobacter jejuni biotype I. These results are indicative that the epidemic of Campylobacter infection is possible amongst handlers of these farm animals.
The Robustness of the Conditional CAPM with Human Capital

An empirical evaluation is provided of the robustness of the conditional capital asset pricing model (CAPM) with human capital to explain the cross-sectional variability of security returns. This model has been evaluated in the literature using the growth rate in per capita labor income. This article looks at richer measures of human capital returns. It develops measures that incorporate the costs and benefits of educational investment, skill premiums, worker experience, and other relevant features of human capital markets. It also considers variables that help to forecast future human capital returns. We find that some of these richer measures help improve substantially the performance of the model.
DIVIDEND PAY-OUT POLICY AND FIRM FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIAN LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS

Determination of the correct mix of dividend and retained earnings and its effect on profitability has been a subject of controversy in financial management literature. This paper seeks to contribute to the on-going debate by examining the relationship between dividend pay-out policy and financial performance of 25 non-financial firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange between 2004-2013. Panel data methodology was employed and pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) was used to estimate the coefficients of explanatory and control variables. The Return on Assets (ROA) served as surrogate for the dependent variable, profitability, while Dividend Pay-out ratio proxied for dividend policy and was the only explanatory variable. Control variables include firm size, asset tangibility and leverage. Regression result reveals a positive and significant relationship between dividend pay-out policy (DPO) and firm performance (ROA). It is recommended that companies should endeavour to put in place robust dividend pay-out policy that would encourage investment in projects that give positive Net Present Value. The finding of this study is consistent with some prior empirical studies and provides evidence in support of both Signaling and Bird - in- hand hypotheses of dividend policy theory.
Ethnic differences in smoking behaviour: The situation of Roma in Eastern Europe

Aim: To investigate ethnic differences in smoking between Roma and non-Roma and their determinants, including how discrimination faced by Roma may influence smoking decisions. Methods: We analysed data from the Roma Regional Survey 2011 implemented in twelve countries of Central and South-East Europe with random samples of approximately 750 households in Roma settlements and 350 households in nearby non-Roma communities in each country. The overall sample comprises 11,373 individuals (8,234 Roma) with a proportion of women of 57% and an average age of 36 years. Statistical methods include marginal effects from Probit and zero-truncated negative binomial estimates to explain cigarette consumption. Results: We found that Roma have a higher probability of smoking and are heavier smokers compared to otherwise comparable non-Roma. These differences in smoking behaviour cannot purely be explained by the lower socio-economic situation of Roma since the ethnic gap remains substantial once individual characteristics are controlled for. The probability of smoking is positively correlated with the degree of ethnic discrimination experienced by Roma, especially when it is related to private or public health services. Conclusions: By providing evidence on smoking behaviour between Roma and non-Roma in a large number of countries, our findings support the need to understand smoking behaviour of Roma from a comparative perspective, and may ultimately contribute to more effective anti-smoking messages for Roma. However, if the health disadvantage faced by Roma is to be addressed adequately, this group must be involved more effectively in the policy and public health process.