Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative neurotoxicity of iobitridol with iohexol by intracisternal administration in Wistar rats

Iobitridol is a tri-iodinated contrast agent, and neurotoxicologic studies of the intracisternal administration are scarce and inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to compare the neurotoxicity of iobitridol with iohexol, by intracisternal administration in Wistar rats, for a pre-clinical evaluation of its use as a myelographic agent. The animals, a total of 75, were divided into three experimental groups, iobitridol, iohexol and cerebral artificial fluid (control group), with 25 animals per group. Then, these were divided into five subgroups of five animals each, and given doses of 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg kg-1, while the control group received the equivalent volumes of contrast media tested. The animals were evaluated after 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min of intracisternal administration of these substances, for signs of depression and excitement, tactile palmar grasp, flexor, extensor, palpebral, papillary and pinna reflexes, surface righting and placing reactions, and with an auditory startle test. The evaluations were assessed daily for seven days with these parameters and their body weight, food, and water intake were also measured. There were no statistically significant differences between groups tested with respect to any of the evaluated parameters. In other words, in this animal model, the iobitridol demonstrated a low neurotoxicologic potential, comparable to that observed with iohexol. Further study with dogs and cats, as an alternative, is suggested.
Nationalism, Merit Goods and Multilateral Trade Reform

The paper extends the analysis of Pareto-improving multilateral trade reforms to the case where national policy preferences and individual preferences differ. The difference is modelled by assuming the existence of national merit goods, which is consistent also with modern theories of nationalism. The main result of the paper is that domestic policy concerns need not prevent the formation of multilateral tariff reforms (including multilateral tariff reductions) provided that international preference differentials are properly reflected in the agreements. The key to this result is that even with different national policy preferences the world shadow prices that should guide policy making are identical across countries. National trade policies should then reflect the difference between the individual country policy preferences from a "global" policy preference which is a properly weighted average of the national preferences. This result directly gives the result that a group of countries with similar national culture form a non-preferential trading club. Finally, some piecemeal multilateral trade policy reforms are characterized. It is shown that an equiproportionate reduction in tariffs in all countries with country-specific adjustment to tariffs the reflect national policy concerns can always be designed to be Pareto-improving. JEL Classification: F13, F15, H1
A Comparative Study of Male Student’s Performance in English as Second Language Classrooms in Niger State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gender streaming on the performance of senior secondary school level male students in English language in Niger State. In the course of the work, the researcher compared the performance ofmale students in the single and mixed-gender streams in English Language. The population of the study was 53,468 from 248 schools of both single and mixed gender streams. Out of this, one single-gender male class of sixty-eight and one mixed-gender class of thirty-three male students were sampled from senior secondary schools in Minna metropolis. The researcher adopted quasi-experimental research design. The instruments used for data collection were the NECO 2011 November/December past question papers that served as the test instruments, the curriculum content and prepared lesson notes used during treatment. Frequency counts and the Arithmetic means were used for descriptive analysis. The t-test statistical technique was used for inferential analysis to test the hypotheses. This study is anchored on Bandura (1986)’s social learning theory since it emphasises the importance of biological, social and cultural impacts on human behavioural development and learning especially on gender and genders specific traits and roles. The results revealed that there was a significant difference between the performance of single and mixed-gender male students in both pretest and posttest. Equally too, the single-gendered male students performed better than the mixed-gender male ones and the results of the single-gender male students were generally encouraging while that of mixed gender male students was very poor. It was therefore, concluded that the single-gender streaming was effective in enhancing better academic performance for male students especially in English language in Niger State. Consequently, the researcher recommends that the Niger State Government encouragesthe single-gender stream system through a vibrant, viable and feasible policy with workable implementation strategy.
Do Farmer Field School Graduates Retain and Share What They Learn? An Investigation in Iloilo, Philippines

The farmer field school (FFS) is a season long training of farmers involving participatory activities, hands-on analysis and decision making. Because it requires significant investments in time, trainers and other facilities, the approach can be an expensive way of diffusing new science-based knowledge and other information to farmers. However, if field school graduates themselves are able to retain and disseminate their FFS-acquired knowledge and experiences - particularly through their informal communication channels that are relatively cheap to use and maintain - then FFS can become a cost-effective and viable approach to agricultural extension on a large scale. This paper, a case study of 307 rice farmers in Iloilo, Philippines, investigates whether FFS graduates retain and diffuse the basic knowledge that they learn in a regular field school. From comparing knowledge scores on topics typically covered in a field school for different groups of FFS and non-FFS farmers, results show that while FFS graduates have generally higher knowledge scores than their non-FFS counterparts, there is very little diffusion of FFS-acquired knowledge from field school graduates to other community members. However, it appears that there are no significant differences in the knowledge scores of old and new FFS graduates, suggesting that graduates retain their field school acquired knowledge.
A robust test for homoscedasticity in nonparametric regression

We consider a nonparametric location scale model and propose a new test for homoscedasticity (constant scale function). The test is based on an estimate of a deterministic function that vanishes if and only if the hypothesis of a constant scale function is satisfied and an empirical process estimating this function is investigated. Weak convergence to a scaled Brownian bridge is established, which allows a simple calculation of critical values. The new test can detect alternatives converging to the null hypothesis at a rate n −1/2 and is robust with respect to the presence of outliers. The finite sample properties are investigated by means of a simulation study, and the test is compared with some nonrobust tests for a constant scale function, which have recently been proposed in the literature.
Improved Homology-driven Computational Validation of Protein-Protein Interactions Based on Evolutionary Gene Duplication and Divergence Hypothesis

Background: Protein-protein interaction (PPI) data sets generated by high-throughput experiments are contaminated by large numbers of erroneous PPIs. Therefore, computational methods for PPI validation are necessary to improve the quality of such data sets. Against the background of the theory that most extant PPIs arose as a consequence of gene duplication and divergence, we investigated if traditional homology-based concepts for PPI validation can be further improved by a more comprehensive search for homologs. Results: To validate a putative PPI we combine FASTA and PSI-BLAST to perform a sequence-based search for pairs of interacting homologous proteins within a large, integrated PPI database. A normalized scoring scheme that incorporates both the quality and quantity of all observed matches allows us (1) to consider also tentative paralogs and orthologs in the analysis and (2) to easily combine the search results obtained by FASTA and PSI-BLAST. ROC curves illustrate the high efficacy of this approach. Conclusions: The duplication-divergence model of PPI evolution suggests that for true PPIs many homologous PPIs exist, not only among close relatives but also among remote homologs. We demonstrated that a validation technique that consequently exploits this idea is very efficient and improves over traditional homology-based
Nusselt number evaluation for combined radiative and convective heat transfer in flow of gaseous products from combustion

Combined convection and radiation in simultaneously developing laminar flow and heat transfer is numerically considered with a discrete-direction method. Coupled heat transfer in absorbing emitting but not scattering gases is presented in some cases of practical situations such as combustion of natural gas, propane and heavy fuel. Numerical calculations are performed to evaluate the thermal radiation effects on heat transfer through combustion products flowing inside circular ducts. The radiative properties of the flowing gases are modeled by using the absorption distribution function (ADF) model. The fluid is a mixture of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen. The flow and energy balance equations are solved simultaneously with temperature dependent fluid properties. The bulk mean temperature variations and Nusselt numbers are shown for a uniform inlet temperature. Total, radiative and convective mean Nusselt numbers and their axial evolution for different gas mixtures produced by combustion with oxygen are explored.
Investigation of Some Population Parameters of Common Sole, Solea solea (L., 1758) from İskenderun Bay

Data on age, growth, reproduction, mortality and exploitation were examined for common sole collected in Iskenderun Bay from March 2000 to February 2001. The examined individuals were aged between 1 and 8 years. Total length ranged from 8.8 to 28.2 cm. The length-weight relationships for males (a = 0.0117, b = 2.998) and females (a = 0.0091, b = 3.077) showed no significant difference from isometric growth. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L\infty = 26.03 cm, k = 0.221 year-1, to = -1.31 for males and L\infty = 29.95 cm, k = 0.181 year-1, to = -1.55 for females. The reproductive activity of the common sole in the Bay of Iskenderun took place between April and May, peaking in April. First maturity lengths (Lm) were 14.8 cm for males and 15.2 cm for females. Total (Z), natural (M) and fishing (F) mortalities were Z = 1.32 year-1, M = 0.50 year-1 and F = 0.82 year-1, respectively. The exploitation ratio E = 0.62 indicates that the population is being heavily exploited.
Oscillatory magnetic flux tube slippage in the plasma sheet

Abstract. Cluster observations in the magnetotail revealed an abundance of strongly inclined current sheets. We determine the magnetic configuration of a particular subset of such phenomena: a series of sheet crossings, having significantly differing inclinations and occurring during quiet conditions. These wave-like variations appear to propagate azimuthally and their magnetic amplitude and magnetic gradient (current density) inside the sheet are proportional to their steepness (degree of inlcination). In spite of significant normal direction changes between neighboring crossings up to 150°, the magnetic field direction inside the neutral sheet remains almost constant. The wavelengths and spatial amplitudes are of the order of 2–5 RE. These observations are interpreted as crossings of a quasi-periodic dynamical structure produced by almost vertical slippage motion of the neighboring magnetic flux tubes in the high-β plasma sheet, rather than large-scale flapping of a stationary structure.
Infestation of Mangifera indica by the Mango Gall Fly, Procontarinia matteiana, (Kieffer & Cecconi) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

Mango gall fly (Procontarinia matteiana Kieffer & Cecconi, 1906) is an orchard pest that infests flush leaves of mango, forming wart-like structures on the leaves. Serious outbreaks may result in reduced fruit yield. A natural parasite (Chrysonotomyia pulcherimma Kerrich, 1970) of the gall fly lays its eggs inside the gall and the larvae feed on the gall fly. Mango cultivars present varying susceptibilities to gall fly infestation, with cultivars ranging from completely resistant, highly susceptible to intermediate stages where pseudo-galls are formed. The latter cultivars are ovipositioned by the gall fly, but secondary metabolites within the leaves possibly halt the development, thereby preventing the development of true galls. Microscopy was used to identify characteristic features of the gall fly and its parasite inside the gall, to study the development of the insects and to distinguish them. Evidence was obtained that the use of insecticides curbs the development of the larvae. Tissue development within true and pseudo-galls was studied to provide insights into the role of secondary plant metabolites in arresting true gall formation. This study will contribute to a more holistic approach to pest management of mango.
Sex Differences in Everyday Risk-Taking Behavior in Humans

Sexual selection theory predicts that males will tend to behave in ways that are more risky than females. We explored this in humans by studying two everyday situations (catching a bus and crossing a busy road). We show that humans are competent optimizers on such tasks, adjusting their arrival times at a bus stop so as to minimize waiting time. Nonetheless, single males pursue a more risky strategy than single females by cutting waiting times much finer. Males are also more likely than females to cross busy roads when it is risky to do so. More importantly, males are more likely to initiate a crossing in high risk conditions when there are females present in the immediate vicinity, but females do not show a comparable effect in relation to the number of males present. These results support the suggestion that risk-taking is a form of “showing off” used as mate advertisement.
Theoretical DFT(B3LYP)/6-31+G(d) study on the prediction of the preferred interaction site of 3-methyl-4-pyrimidone with different proton donors

Theoretical calculations were carried out using the DFT/B3LYP/6-31+G(d) methodology in an attempt to predict the preferred interaction site of a polyfunctional heterocyclic base 3-methyl-4- pyrimidone molecule with a series of proton donors of different acidic strength, i.e. water, methanol, phenol, 1-naphtol, 2,4,5 trichlorophenol, pentachlorophenol, picric acid and hydrogen chlordide. Computed H-bond interaction energies (ΔEc), internuclear and intermolecular distances r(O…H) and r(O…O), infrared frequency shifts Δv(C=O) and (Δv(OH) are proved to be reliable parameters for predicting the preferred interaction site of 3-methyl-4-pyrimidone. These computational data suggest that the O-H…O=C complex is preferred with water, methanol, phenol, 1-naphtol, 2,4,5 trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol. However, for H-bonding with stronger acids such as picric acid or hydrochloric acid, the computational data suggest that the H-bonding occurs at the N1 ring atom of 3-methyl-4-pyrimidone. In the O-H…O=C com- plex, where the H-bond at the carbonyl O-atom can be oriented “anti” (Ha) and “syn” (Hb) with respect to the N3 atom, the same computational data suggest a higher stability of the “anti-O” compared to the “syn-O” orientation.
The Relation of Anxiety, Depression, and Happiness with Binge Eating Disorder among Binge Eating Applicants of Weight-Loss

This paper should be cited as: Safi S, Razmpoosh E, Haghani M, Nadjarzadeh A, Abolghasemi SH. The Relation of Anxiety, Depression, and Happiness with Binge Eating Disorder among Binge Eating Applicants of Weight-Loss. Journal of Nutrition and Food Security (JNFS), 2017; 2 (2): 141-148. The Relation of Anxiety, Depression, and Happiness with Binge Eating Disorder among Binge Eating Applicants of Weight-Loss
ONLINE SHOPPING: AN ANALYSIS OF TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL OF JORDANIAN CUSTOMERS

Previous studies have attempted to determine the various factors which affect online shopping behavior based on different theories. The issue is the difficulty of identifying significant factors that influence customer behavior. Existing studies concentrated on online shopping in developed countries. For instance, in Jordan, online shopping remains in the early stage of development. Little is known about the acceptance of online shopping and the factors which influence this behavior throughout this country. The results indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have a direct effect on customers’ attitudes towards online shopping and attitude determine the behavioral intentions of online shopping. Limitations, implications and future research are discussed.
Do Employers Prefer Overqualified Graduates? A Field Experiment

We test whether employers prefer overqualified to adequately qualified job candidates. To this end, duos of fictitious applications by bachelor's and master's graduates are sent to real job openings with a bachelor's degree as a minimum requirement. For the overall sample, we find that overqualified master's graduates are 19 percent more likely to be directly invited for a job interview and 11 percent more likely to get any positive reaction. This relative advantage for overqualified workers is found to be higher for bottleneck occupations. Relative preferences also differ across employers within laborâ€ market segments.
THE IMPACT OF MANUFACTURING CONCENTRATION ON REGIONAL INEQUALITY: A CASE OF REGENCY IN JAVA REGION, INDONESIA

Concentration of manufacturing is an interesting topic in location of economic activity since manufacturing was the leading sector in the Indonesian economy. The previous studies demonstrated that firms were localized in major metropolitan areas as well as a set of emerging regions. The paper aim to complement the findings of the previous studies related to geographical concentration of manufacturing industry by exploring the impact of manufacturing concentration on regional inequality in the regency in Java during the 1998-2007. The Theil index and the location quotient index are employed in order to analysis the inequality and the location of manufacturing industry in Java region. The study found that the Theil index shows an increasing trend implying that the inequality of the manufacturing industry within regencies has increase. While, the inequality between regency shows a decreasing trend over the period of observation implying that the manufacturing industry in Java spreads only in several regencies. The location quotient index shows an increasing trend that reveals the economy of some regencies are more dependent in manufacturing industry and at the same time it shows that several new manufacturing areas has emerged in Java. Keywords: concentration, inequality, manufacturing, Java region
Building Swift Clan Control In Complex IT Projects

Clan control is often essential in complex multi-stakeholder projects for project success. Furthermore, clan control is especially important during requirements analysis which occurs at project inception. How can controllers quickly institute clan control in complex IT projects? Through the case analysis of a large IT project, we observed that clan control can be accelerated by the purposeful application of formal controls to build social capital. Our findings corroborate the notion that, properly structured, clan control can emerge quickly in a multi-stakeholder project to improve the likelihood of IT implementation success.
Shoulder and elbow injuries in NCAA football players, 2009–2010 through 2013–2014

ABSTRACT Background: Although football is one of the most popular collegiate sports, the epidemiology of and risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries in this population not been recently described. We aimed to characterize this incidence in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football players, determine risk factors, and establish outcomes after injury. Methods: All shoulder and elbow injuries in men’s football occurring during the 2009–2010 through 2013–2014 academic years were retrospectively identified in the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program database. The injury incidence per 10,000 athletic exposures (AEs) was calculated overall, and by different risk factors. In addition to descriptive statistics, risk factors were compared using injury risk-ratios, and outcomes were compared using injury proportion ratios. Results: NCAA football players sustained 1,187 shoulder and elbow injuries in 899,225 AEs (incidence: 13.20/10,000 AE), most commonly acromioclavicular separation (29.9%), anterior shoulder subluxation (9.0%), shoulder contusion (9.0%), and rotator cuff tear/sprain (8.0%). Together, shoulder instability comprised 28.1% of injuries. Injuries were split evenly between offense (43.5%) and defense (45.9%), and a tackling mechanism caused 37.7%, with 30.3% coming from blocking. The incidence was eight times higher in competition than practice (62.9/10,000 vs 7.9/10,000AE, p < 0.001). Surgery was performed for 9.9% of injuries, and most commonly for all types of shoulder instability (56.8% of surgeries). Injuries were season-ending in 5.2% of players. The likelihood of an injury being season-ending was 2.9 times greater for recurrent injuries than a new injury (p < 0.001); 86.1% of all injuries were new. Conclusions: Shoulder and elbow injuries to NCAA football players can be severe. Competition had an eight times higher incidence than did practice. Tackling and blocking were the most common mechanisms, while AC separation and shoulder instability were the most common injuries. This epidemiology may help players, coaches, trainers, and governing bodies target injury-prevention programs and assess improvement over time.
CO J=2-1 Line Observations Toward the Supernova Remnant G54.1+0.3

We present 12 CO J = 2–1 line observations of G54.1+0.3, a composite supernova remnant with a mid-infrared (MIR) loop surrounding the central pulsar wind nebula (PWN). We map an area of 12 0 ×9 0 around the PWN and its associated MIR loop. We confirm two velocity components that have been proposed to be possibly interacting with the PWN/MIR-loop; the +53 km s −1 cloud, which appears in contact with the eastern boundary of the PWN and the +23 km s −1 cloud, which has CO emission coincident with the MIR loop. However, we have not found a direct evidence for the interaction in either of these clouds. Instead, we detected an 5 0 -long arc-like cloud at +15–+23 km s −1 with a systematic velocity gradient of �3 km s −1 arcmin −1 and broad-line emitting CO gas with widths (FWHM) of < � 7 km s −1 in the western interior of the supernova remnant. We discuss their association with the supernova remnant.