Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Tinospora crispa aqueous extract in regulating cholesterol metabolism in human hepatoma cancer cell line (Hep G2)

In this study, the ability of Tinospora crispa aqueous extract (TCAE) to regulate cholesterol metabolism in human hepatoma cancer cell line (Hep G2) was determined. Cytotoxic study was performed by exposing hepatoma cell (Hep G2) towards TCAE with concentration ranging from 0.002 to 20 mg/ml for 24 h at 37°C and with 5% CO2 atmosphere. Result revealed that TCAE was not toxic to the cell. The ability of TCAE to reduce cholesterol in cell culture experiment was carried out by pre-treating Hep G2 with selected concentrations of TCAE (10, 5, 2.5, 1.25 and 0.625 mg/ml) in 6-well plate before the cell was exposed to low density lipoprotein (LDL). The concentration of apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), scavenger receptor B1 (SRB1) and hepatic Lipase (HL) which involve in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway were determined from the 6-well plate medium. The direct pathway of cholesterol synthesis was performed according to the instruction provided in HMG-CoA Reductase Assay Kit manuals. The results showed that TCAE significantly increase (p<0.05) the concentration of Apo A1, LCAT, LDLR, SRB-1 and HL. The efficacy of these activities is appreciably good when compared with standard drug simvastatin. However, TCAE showed moderate effect in controlling mevalonate pathway. These findings suggested that TCAE has the potential to reduce cholesterol metabolism in Hep G2 cancer cell lines and the pathway of TCAE action possibly more on RCT. Key words: Tinospora crispa, cholesterol metabolism, reverse cholesterol transport, cytotoxic, Hep G2.
New calcareous dinoflagellates (Calciodinelloideae) from the Middle Coniacian to Upper Santonian chalks of Lägerdorf (northern Germany)

Three new calcareous dinoflagellate species from the Middle Coniacian to Upper Santonian chalks of Lägerdorf (northern Germany) are formally described: Calcicarpinum macrogranulum n. sp. , Pirumella fragilis n. sp. and Ruegenia quinqueangulata n. sp. The species show differing vertical distribution patterns which might result from local sea-level changes: P. fragilis and R. quinqueangulata are restricted to the possibly transgressive upper Mid-Coniacian to Lower Santonian interval and C. macrogranulum occurs consistently only in the probably regressive lower Mid-Coniacian and Middle to Upper Santonian intervals.
Channel flow, tectonic overpressure, and exhumation of high-pressure rocks in the Greater Himalayas

Abstract. The Himalayas are the archetype of continental collision, where a number of long-standing fundamental problems persist in the Greater Himalayan Sequence (GHS): (1) contemporaneous reverse and normal faulting, (2) inversion of metamorphic grade, (3) origin of high- (HP) and ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) rocks, (4) mode of ductile extrusion and exhumation of HP and UHP rocks close to the GHS hanging wall, (5) flow kinematics in the subduction channel, and (6) tectonic overpressure, here defined as TOP = P∕PL where P is total (dynamic) pressure and PL is lithostatic pressure. In this study we couple Himalayan geodynamics to numerical simulations to show how one single model, upward-tapering channel (UTC) flow, can be used to find a unified explanation for the evidence. The UTC simulates a flat-ramp geometry of the main underthrust faults, as proposed for many sections across the Himalayan continental subduction. Based on the current knowledge of the Himalayan subduction channel geometry and geological/geophysical data, the simulations predict that a UTC can be responsible for high TOP ( > 2). TOP increases exponentially with a decrease in UTC mouth width, and with an increase in underthrusting velocity and channel viscosity. The highest overpressure occurs at depths < −60 km, which, combined with the flow configuration in the UTC, forces HP and UHP rocks to exhume along the channel's hanging wall, as in the Himalayas. By matching the computed velocities and pressures with geological data, we constrain the GHS viscosity to be ≤ 1021 Pa s, and the effective convergence (transpression) to a value ≤ 10 %. Variations in channel dip over time may promote or inhibit exhumation (> or < 15°, respectively). Viscous deformable walls do not affect overpressure significantly enough for a viscosity contrast (viscosity walls to viscosity channel) of the order of 1000 or 100. TOP in a UTC, however, is only possible if the condition at the bottom boundary is no-outlet pressure; otherwise it behaves as a leaking boundary that cannot retain dynamic pressure. However, the cold, thick, and strong lithospheres forming the Indian and Eurasian plates are a good argument against a leaking bottom boundary in a flat-ramp geometry, and therefore it is possible for overpressure to reach high values in the GHS.
RELATIONSHIPS OF CAUSAL ATTRIBUTIONS AND ACADEMIC
ATTAINMENT AMONG COLLEGES OF EDUCATION STUDENTS
IN NORTH- WESTERN NIGERIA

This study investigated the relationship of causal attributions and academic attainment of Colleges of Education students in north- west geo- political zone of Nigeria. The study was based on the hypothesis that there is no significant relationship between causal attributions and academic attainment of students. The questionnaire on Academic Causal Attribution Scale (ACAS) were administered to 389 students (300 level) drawn from eight (8) Colleges o f Education. Furthermore, students’ Grade Point Average (GPA) was used as measures of academic attainment. Thus, Pearson Product Moment Correlation was employed to determine the degree of relationship of the said variables. Thus, the findings revealed that there were no significant correlations identified among the causal attribution factors and academic attainment of students except with external attribution of failure in which significant correlation was established with academic attainment. The study therefore, recommends that students should not be reprimanded when they fail examination, instead, they should be encouraged to put more efforts and they should be involved in teaching and learning activities in a bid to encourage them so that they will record success in their future academic pursuit and as well minimize shifting blame for their failure consistently to external factors.
Time to Review Shin Pad Legislation in Soccer: An Observational Cohort Study Considering the use of Lower Leg Personal Protective Equipment in Football

Time to Review Shin Pad Legislation in Soccer: An Observational Cohort Study Considering the use of Lower Leg Personal Protective Equipment in Football Ally Saetta1* 1Barts and The London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, UK *Corresponding author: Dr. Ally Saetta, Barts and The London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 35 watford road, radlett, herts, wd7 8lg, UK, Tel: 07500968618; Email: ha09098@qmul.ac. uk Received: 02-05-2015 Accepted: 05-13-2015 Published: 06-19-2015 Copyright: © 2015 Ally Cohort Study
Motivating Student Performance: The Role of Accumulated Data in Grade Attainment

Value to Marketing Educators: The findings suggest that additional partial-information motives students to escalate their performance. The presence of accumulative data eliminates speculation (i.e., overestimating performance) and motivates achievement behaviors during the semester. The current findings offer an innovative, yet very simple way to motive students to elevate their performance.
Assessing variability of literature based methane indicator traits in a large dairy cow population

Description of the subject. Dairy production is identified as a major source of methane (CH4) emissions. Selective breeding represents one method for mitigating CH4 emissions but practical and cheap ways to measure this trait are not currently available. In the present study, four CH4 indicator traits based on milk fatty acid (FA) contents were referenced from the literature. Objectives. The aim of the study was to use these literature CH4 indicators for assessing the variability of methane emissions emitted by dairy cows. Method. Literature CH4 indicator traits were originally defined based on the measurements of FA content by gas chromatography. However, these measurements were not available for all the available cows in our studied population. A sample of 602 gas chromatographic analyses was therefore used to develop a calibration equation for predicting the literature CH4 indicators based on milk mid-infrared (MIR) spectra. This spectral information was available for all the studied cows. Then, in a second step, in order to predict the literature CH4 indicator traits, the developed MIR prediction equations were applied to the 604,028 recorded spectral data collected between 2007 and 2011 for 70,872 cows in their first three lactations. Genetic parameters for these traits were then estimated using single trait test-day random regression animal models. Results. The predicted MIR literature CH4 estimates were in the expected range from 350 ± 40 to 449 ± 65 g per day. The averaged predicted MIR CH4 emission (g per day) increased from the beginning of lactation, reached the highest level at the peak of lactation and then decreased towards the end of lactation. The average daily heritability values were 0.29-. 35, 0.26-. 40, and 0.22-. 37 for the different studied CH4 indicators for the first three lactations, respectively. The largest differences between the estimated breeding values of sires that had daughters in production eructing the highest and the lowest CH4 content was 24.18, 29.33 and 27.77 kg per lactation for the first three parities. Low negative correlations were observed between CH4 indicator traits and milk yield. Positive genetic correlations were estimated between CH4 indicator traits and milk fat and protein content. Conclusions. This study showed the feasibility of using MIR spectrometry results to predict fatty acid derived CH4 indicator traits developed in the literature. Moreover, the estimated genetic parameters of these traits suggested a potential phenotypic and genetic variability of the daily quantity of CH4 eructed by Holstein dairy cows.
Quantitative characterization of five cover crop species

SUMMARY The introduction of cover crops in the intercrop period may provide a broad range of ecosystem services derived from the multiple functions they can perform, such as erosion control, recycling of nutrients or forage source. However, the achievement of these services in a particular agrosystem is not always required at the same time or to the same degree. Thus, species selection and definition of targeted objectives is critical when growing cover crops. The goal of the current work was to describe the traits that determine the suitability of five species (barley, rye, triticale, mustard and vetch) for cover cropping. A field trial was established during two seasons (October to April) in Madrid (central Spain). Ground cover and biomass were monitored at regular intervals during each growing season. A Gompertz model characterized ground cover until the decay observed after frosts, while biomass was fitted to Gompertz, logistic and linear-exponential equations. At the end of the experiment, carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and fibre (neutral detergent, acid and lignin) contents, and the N fixed by the legume were determined. The grasses reached the highest ground cover (83–99%) and biomass (1226–1928 g/m2) at the end of the experiment. With the highest C:N ratio (27–39) and dietary fibre (527–600 mg/g) and the lowest residue quality (~680 mg/g), grasses were suitable for erosion control, catch crop and fodder. The vetch presented the lowest N uptake (2·4 and 0·7 g N/m2) due to N fixation (9·8 and 1·6 g N/m2) and low biomass accumulation. The mustard presented high N uptake in the warm year and could act as a catch crop, but low fodder capability in both years. The thermal time before reaching 30% ground cover was a good indicator of early coverage species. Variable quantification allowed finding variability among the species and provided information for further decisions involving cover crop selection and management.
Medulloblastoma of the Cerebellopontine Angle in a Child: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cerebellopontine angle medulloblastoma is a very uncommon presentation of medulloblastoma, especially in children. We report such a case in a 14-year-old boy. Clinical onset by acute hearing loss and MRI features were, furthermore, unusual findings. The tumour had an homogeneous signal on T1 and FLAIR sequences a high-signal intensity on diffusion-weighted images with slightly restricted ADC value (0.85 × 10³ mm²/s) and enhanced slightly and homogeneously after contrast. A subtotal removal of the tumour, followed by entire neuroaxis irradiation and chemotherapy were achieved. MRI data of the literature reported cases were reviewed. Features on conventional MRI sequences do not allow differentiating CPA medulloblastoma from other rare tumour of this location. We point out that ADC value and Spectroscopy might be useful differentiating CPA tumours, especially from ependymoma in children.
Can organisation development principles in India's local governments improve governance?

This paper examines the application of organisation development principles to rural local self-government bodies in Karnataka, India with the objective of developing their organisational capacity and improving their efficiency. The premise is that strong gram panchayats (village councils) can address issues hindering service delivery and governance at the grass roots. The paper illustrates the methodology used in the development of an innovative framework called Gram Panchayat Organisation Development (GPOD) and its implementation in action research mode in two village councils since 2011. It further explores the wider applicability of this framework, which has been extended to over 50 gram panchayats (GPs) since 2014. GPOD works towards strengthening the panchayat as an organisation in its entirety, rather than by tackling stand-alone components. It includes building a shared vision in the panchayat, mapping and re-engineering key processes, developing accountability and incentive structures, and supporting the village body in developing and implementing its annual plans. The approach has evolved to its present form based on real-time change management initiatives in GPs in which politically elected members participated in decision-making and implementation. We argue that by following the principles of organisation development and aligning the panchayat’s organisational components, marked improvements in local governance and service delivery were achieved. Impact is captured in terms of systemic outputs such as annual plans, accountability structures and activation of defunct committees, as well as improvements in services such as health, sanitation, drinking water, etc. The paper also includes a critique of the challenges faced as GPOD was scaled up to include new areas.
Spar genetic analysis of two invasive species of Cichla (Tucunaré) (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in the Paraná river basin.

The introduction of exotic species in lake ecosystems has been greatly highlighted in the literature worldwide. Since introduction may threaten diversity of native fish, the issue turns up to be of paramount importance. Ecological effects may be predation, competition, parasitism or genetic, that is, changes in the genetic pool of populations owing to the occurrence of hybrids. Although the Tucunare fish (Cichla) is native to the Amazon region, it can be found in other hydrographic basins in which it has been introduced. RAPD molecular marker research showed that there are two species (Cichla kelberi and C. piquiti) belonging to the genus Cichla in the rivers of the Parana basin. Different morphotypes in the region may also be due to hybridization. Current research used SPAR molecular markers to confirm the presence of hybrids and the rupture of isolation mechanisms. Seventy-two specimens collected in several sites of the river Parana and Amazon basins were analyzed. Since exclusive SPAR molecular markers were obtained for Cichla kelberi and C. piquiti populations, the introduction of the two species in the region has been confirmed. Identification of the markers in specimens of the Parana river basin confirmed hybridization between these exotic species.
What is the effect of size on the use of the EFQM excellence model

Purpose By contrasting a contingency with a universal approach to business excellence models (BEMs), the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of size on the use of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model by organizations that were officially “Recognized for Excellence” in Spain. It considers the potential differences between large organizations and SMEs on the level of adoption of EFQM criteria and on the impact that enablers-criteria may have on key performance measures. Design/methodology/approach This study uses actual sub-criteria and criteria scores attained by organizations in their assessment for EFQM recognition. Scores of a population of 216 organizations are analyzed via analysis of variance, factor and structural equations models. Findings Although there are some criteria in the EFQM model that appear to be universally adopted irrespective of size, the empirical analyses indicate that size may shape the adoption of other criteria and the impact that enablers can have on results, thus supporting a contingency perspective. Moreover, the findings call for the revision of the relationships embedded in the EFQM model. Originality/value In contrast to most previous research, which relied on surveys of managers’ perceptions, this study uses the actual scores achieved by organizations in their assessment for EFQM recognition. It addresses the effect of size on the whole model, which so far has been neglected in the literature. All in all this study contributes to the literature on contingency approaches to best practices, and more specifically to BEMs. To the practitioner, it provides guidelines for addressing perceived performance gaps in their pursuit of recognition for excellence.
Causes of Rework in California Hospital Design and Permitting: Augmenting an Existing Taxonomy

Based on the premise that healthcare facility design and construction costs are escalating due to rework in (1) upfront planning, (2) programming, (3) design, and (4) permitting phases, a group of healthcare facility owners, architects, designers, contractors and state permitting personnel conducted a study to understand where the waste occurs. This study identified 158 process waste items. In this paper we categorize these 158 waste items using an existing taxonomy of rework and extending it as needed. The existing taxonomy of rework contains five categories: (1) human resource capability, (2) leadership and communication, (3) engineering and reviews, (4) construction, planning, and scheduling, and (5) material and equipment supply. The extension places waste items into three new categories: (1) planning, programming, and budgeting, (2) design planning and scheduling, and (3) design review. This research identifies what causes of rework are within the California healthcare facility design and permitting phases. Understanding these waste items provides a foundation on which to build new practices that avoid costly design and permitting delays.
EXPONENTIAL DISSIPATIVITY OF DIFFUSION PROCESSES WITH MARKOVIAN SWITCHING AND ROBUST SIMULTANEOUSSTABILIZATION

where xt ∈ R is the state vector, ut ∈ R is the input vector, zt ∈ R is the output vector, rt is a homogenous Markov chain whose state space is a set of integers N = {1, 2, . , ν} and transition matrix P (τ) = [Pij(τ)]1 = [Prob{r(t + τ) = j | r(t) = i}]1 = exp(Πτ), 0 ≤ t ≤ t + τ, Π = [πij ]1 with πij ≥ 0, j 6= i, πii = − ∑ν j 6=i πij , wt = [w1tw2t . wNt] is standard Wiener process defined on the complete probability space (Ω,F ,P) with the natural filtration Ft, t ≥ t0 generated by w up to time t; the initial conditions xt0 = x0 and rt0 = i0 are deterministic, wt and rt are independent and ut is Ft-adapted. Denote φ(xt, rt, ut) = a(xt, rt) + B(xt, rt)ut, Ψ(xt, rt, ut) = [f1(xt, rt) + G1(xt, rt)ut . fN (xt, rt) + GN (xt, rt)ut]. To ensure the existence and uniqueness of the solution of (1.1) and the existence of a trivial solution we assume that for all i ∈ N, φ(0, i, 0) ≡ 0, Ψ(0, i, 0) ≡ 0, φ and Ψ are continuous in u, locally Lipschitz and have linear growth [1]. Let C(R ×N;R) denote the set of non-negative functions V : R ×N→ R which are continuously twice differentiable in x and consider an operator L on C2(Rn×N;R), which for V ∈ C2(Rn×N;R) and for Ft-measurable u defines LuV : R × N→ R by
Dolomitization and sedimentary cyclicity of the Ordovician, Silurian, and Devonian rocks in South Estonia

The distribution and composition of dolomitized rocks and stoichiometry of dolomite in southern Estonia in the Ordovician, Silurian, and Devonian were studied on the background of the facies, sedimentary cyclicity (nine shallowing-up cycles), and evolution of the palaeobasins. The composition of rocks and lattice parameters of dolomite were investigated using the X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, titration and gravimetric analyses, and porosity measurements. The formation of dolostones is directly determined by the cyclic evolution of palaeobasins. Dolomitized rocks belong to the shallow-water inner shelf or tidal/lagoonal facies belt of regressive phases of sedimentary cycles. Sediments of the deep shelf/transitional environment and transgressive phases are not dolomitized. The most stoichiometric is secondary replacive dolomite of Silurian and upper Ordovician dolostones, formed during the early diagenesis of normal-marine (saline) shallow-shelf calcitic sediments. The content of insoluble residue does not affect the stoichiometry. The changes in lattice parameters are induced by the Ca/Mg ratio in the dolomite lattice. The dolomite of the dolostones contacting limestone or containing calcite has an expanded lattice. The primary (syngenetic) dolostone of the lagoonal or tidal flat belt has also an expanded lattice. No dolomitizing effect of the waters of the Devonian palaeobasin on the underlying rocks was revealed. The whole data set of the studied dolostones is consistent with the marine water environment in the palaeobasin at the corresponding time and shows no sign of the inflow of external fluids. It suggests that the microbial model of dolomite formation may characterize the Ordovician, Silurian, and Devonian in southern Estonia. The occurrence of dolostones between undolomitized rocks limits the time of dolomitization to the early diagenetic stage.