Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Tracheal Epithelium During 24 h After Inhalation of Mineral Water

Konradova, V. , L. Vajner, J. Uhlik, J. Zocova: Changes in the Tracheal Epithelium during 24 Hours after Inhalation of Mineral Water. Acta Vet. Brno 2001, 70: 167-172. Inhalation of aerosol of mineral water is frequently used in therapy of various respiratory disorders. Ultrastructure of the airway epithelium in rabbits and character of glycoconjugates produced by secretory cells were studied immediately and 24 h after 10-min inhalation of this aerosol. Goblet cells were overstimulated and the mechanism of mucus evacuation was accelerated. The exhausted goblet cells mostly took part in further secretory cycles, but the number of degenerated secretory elements gradually increased in the course of 24 h. Cells not entirely filled with secretory granules prevailed in the epithelium. Massive differentiation of goblet cells and development of intraepithelial mucous glands were noticed. Compared with controls, significant (α = 0.01) decrease in the acid sulphated glycoconjugates in the secretion of the goblet cells was accompanied by an increase of the acid sialylated ones immediately after inhalation. Twenty-four hours post exposure, significant (α = 0.05) decrease in total sialylated glycoconjugates was ascertained. The ciliated cells revealed only mild pathological alteration. Significant (α = 0.01) decrease in number of kinocilia/µm2 was accompanied by an increase in percentage of altered cilia. During 24 h post exposure, signs of ciliary border regeneration were noticed. Morphological signs of impaired self-cleaning ability of the airway epithelium were encountered during the whole experiment. Single 10-min inhalation of mineral water aerosol caused changes in the ultrastructure of the airway epithelium and influenced the chemical composition of the goblet cells’ secretion. These changes did not disappear completely during 24 h post exposure. Airways, ultrastructure, regeneration, lectin histochemistry, glycoconjugates, rabbit In our previous study, we demonstrated that 10-min inhalation of saline affected the ultrastructure of the airway epithelium (Konradova et al. in press). We therefore decided to study also the effect of aerosol of mineral water, frequently used in therapy of various respiratory disorders, and to follow the process of regeneration of this epithelium in the course of 24 h.
Study on the Relationship between the Selected Traits of the Gir Cattle Breeders and Their Knowledge Level about Conservational Practices

The study was conducted in Ajmer district of Rajasthan, out of 10 tehsils of Ajmer district two tehsils i.e. Bhinay and Bijainagar were selected purposively. Further, four villages from each selected tehsil were identified. From each village 20 respondents were selected randomly. Thus, the entire sample consists of 160 respondents. The field survey was conducted to collect the first hand information on the relationship between the selected traits of the Gir cattle breeders and their knowledge level about conservational practices in the study area. Majority (61.25 per cent) of the livestock owners had medium level of knowledge about conservational practices in study area. The characteristics namely education, mass media exposures, extension contact were positively and significantly correlated with knowledge, whereas, age had negative correlation and highly significant with the knowledge level of the Gir cattle breeders about Gir cattle conservational practices in study area. The variables like land holding, herd size, occupation and annual income were positively and non-significantly correlated with knowledge about Gir cattle conservational practices. Family size had negative and non-significant correlation with knowledge about Gir cattle conservational practices in study area.
Phase transitions in dense matter and the maximum mass of neutron stars

Context. The recent precise measurement of the mass of pulsar PSR J1614−2230, as well as observational indications of even more massive neutron stars, has revived the question of the composition of matter at the high densities prevailing inside neutron-star cores. Aims. We study the impact on the maximum possible neutron-star mass of an “exotic” core consisting of non-nucleonic matter. For this purpose, we study the occurrence of a first-order phase transition in nucleonic matter. Methods. Given the current lack of knowledge of non-nucleonic matter, we consider the stiffest possible equation of state subject only to the constraints of causality and thermodynamic stability. The case of a hadron-quark phase transition is discussed separately. The purely nucleonic matter is described using a set of unified equations of state that have been recently developed to permit a consistent treatment of both homogeneous and inhomogeneous phases. We then compute the mass-radius relation of cold nonaccreting neutron stars with and without exotic cores from the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations. Results. We find that even if there is a significant softening of the equation of state associated with the actual transition to an exotic phase, there can still be a stiffening at higher densities closer to the center of the star that is sufficient to increase the maximum possible mass. However, with quarks the maximum neutron-star mass is always reduced by assuming that the sound speed is limited by c/ √ 3 as suggested by QCD calculations. In particular, by invoking such a phase transition, it becomes possible to support PSR J1614−2230 with a nucleonic equation of state that is soft enough to be compatible with the kaon and pion production in heavy-ion collisions.
Facile mass production of thermally reduced graphene oxide

Mass production of graphene-based materials, which have high specific surface area, is of importance for industrial applications. Herein, we report on a facile approach to produce thermally modified graphene oxide (TMG) in large quantities. We performed this experi - ment with a hot plate under environments that have relatively low temperature and no using inert gas. TMG materials showed a high specific surface area (430 m 2 g -1 ). Successful reduc- tion was confirmed by elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravi - metic analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The resulting materials might be useful for various applications such as in rechargeable batteries, as hydrogen storage materials, as nano-fillers in composites, in ultracapacitors, and in chemical/bio sensors.
Phenotypic plasticity, seasonal climate and the population biology of Bicyclus butterflies (Satyridae) in Malawi

Abstract. 1 Seasonal polyphenism is studied in a community of five African butterflies of the genus Bicyclus at the transition between a wet and a dry season from May to July. 2 Butterflies characterized by large eyespots and, especially in B.sufitza (Hewitson), a pale band (the wet season form) are replaced over this period by butterflies lacking conspicuous wing markings (the dry season form, dsf). The latter butterflies also tend to be larger, but more variable in size. Butterflies of an intermediate phenotype are recruited over a comparatively short interim period. 3 This turnover coincides with a period of declining temperature and drying of the habitat, including the grasses on which larvae feed. Butterflies are progressively more likely to rest on brown leaf litter rather than on green herbage. 4 A relationship with temperature is supported by laboratory experiments with B.saJitza and B.anynana (Butler) showing that increasingly extreme dsf butterflies develop with decreasing rearing temperature in the final larval instar. 5 Some differences in behaviour and activity were observed between the seasonal forms. Butterflies of the dsf develop ovarian dormancy and fat bodies. They can survive to reproduce at the beginning of the rains in November. 6 Capture‐recapture experiments showed that the adult butterflies have a comparatively long life expectancy and are quite sedentary. 7 The results are discussed in relation to a hypothesis linking the polyphenism to seasonal changes in resting background and selection for crypsis.
A Health Needs Assessment of the Filipino American Community in the Greater Las Vegas Area

Abstract Purpose: The number of Filipino Americans in Las Vegas, Nevada, is growing considerably, but no research to date has assessed the specific health needs of this burgeoning population. Thus, this study aims to assess health behaviors, perceived community health problems, and self-reported diseases/conditions among Filipino Americans in the Greater Las Vegas area and evaluate any difference by gender. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 Filipino American adults residing in the Greater Las Vegas area using a prevalidated instrument. Results: The self-reported prevalence of hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes was 48%, 46%, and 25%, respectively. Adverse health behaviors, in terms of insufficient exercise and diets lacking in fruits and vegetables, were noted among our participants. Approximately 67% of participants reported exercising less than the recommended 150 min of physical activity per week and <3% of the study population ate the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. On the contrary, consumption of sweet snacks and salty condiments was high. More than two-thirds of respondents indicated that the Filipino American community should address the identified health conditions. Conclusions: The high self-reported prevalence of hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes demonstrates a pressing public health problem among Filipino Americans in Las Vegas. Given that our study population comprised predominantly college-educated, middle-income, and insured individuals, the findings may be underestimated and thus the actual disease prevalence may be even higher. Results of this survey will be used to develop future interventions for the Filipino American community in Las Vegas using the principles of community-based participatory research.
A NOVEL SOFTWARE QUALITY PREDICTION SYSTEM BASED ON INCORPORATING ISO 9126 WITH MACHINE LEARNING

To begin with, this research defines Software Quality Prediction System (SQPS) as a system composed of a Classification Algorithm (CA) and a Software Quality Measurement Model (SQMM). Machine Learning applications in software quality measurement are expanding as research intensifies in two directions, the first direction focuses on improving the performance of CAs while the other direction concentrates on improving SQMMs. Despite of the increasing attention in this area, some well-designed SQPSs showed considerable false predictions, which could be explained by faults in the design of the CA, the SQMM, or the SQPS as a whole. In this context, there is a debate on which CA is better for measuring software quality, as well as there is a debate on which SQMM to follow. To start with, the research studied an original dataset of 7311 software projects. Then, the research derived quality measurements from the ISO 9126 Quality Model and developed the SQMM accordingly. Next, the research compared statistical measures of performance of four CAs, using WEKA and SPSS. Our experimental results showed that ISO 9126 is general, but flexible enough to act as a SQMM. Despite of their convergent performance, our experiments showed that Multilayer Perceptron Network (MLPN) have more balanced predictions than Naïve Bayes does. Following a rarely researched approach, the SQPS predicted five levels of software quality instead of making a binary prediction, limited with defect or non-defect software.
Developing Criteria and Variables for Evaluating the Effects of Vegetation on Single-Family Houses Alamah Misni Arising Issues in the Execution of Built Heritage Conservation Projects in Ireland: Reflection from Case Studies

This paper describes the methodology used to measure the effects of surrounding vegetation, building construction and human factors on a small number of individual houses and a large number of single-family houses. The primary data were obtained from fieldwork and site measurements during a two-stage process. All supporting data for this study was sourced from various Malaysian government departments. Fieldwork in the first stage focused on five individual single-family houses. Quantitative measurements were taken to record the construction of the buildings, their surrounding vegetation, human factors, and weather data during the daytime. In this report only five houses of different ages and types of landscaping were chosen to compare the effect of landscaping on the thermal performance of the house. These five houses had used different styles and designs of tropical landscaping, which could produce different conditions of micro-climates. The air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed data were obtained from the exterior and interior of houses during similar weather conditions to ensure they could be accurately compared. This data was automatically recorded at half hour intervals by static and mobile sensors of the data loggers. The albedo data for every type of building were also measured during the day time. In the second stage, the fieldwork measurements were divided into four categories: building construction, landscaping, human factors, and weather data. The annual energy consumption for every house was also evaluated by analysing electricity consumption for different singlefamily houses ranging in age from 3 to 40 years. The target number of respondents was 50 houses. Statistical calculation and analysis was used to measure and evaluate the energy saving.
Using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to Assess Material Transfer in the Layawan Watershed, Mindanao, Philippines and Its Implications on Payment for Ecosystem Services

Soil and water are the most important resources in the watershed. The alterations on the quantity and quality of these resources do not only have on-site impacts, but are experienced by off-site communities as well. To assess the material transfer and identify critical sub-basins in the Layawan Watershed, Mindanao, Philippines; the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model was used. The model was also used to investigate changes in land use. Results show that a 4% reduction in sediment concentration and sediment yield in the critical sub-basins will be achieved if the community-based watershed management plan is implemented. On the other hand, there will be a 106% increase in sediment concentration and sediment yield if forests are cleared for utilization, primarily for agriculture, in the critical sub-basins. Modeling sediment yield and sediment concentration is important to help policy makers, environmental managers, and development agencies predict the impact of activities on soil and water quality, as well as guide them in the implementation of payments for ecosystem services (PES) schemes. The quantification of ecosystem services has been a major challenge surrounding the success of PES. In the Layawan Watershed, it is shown that land change use will not likely affect water quantity, it will, however, heavily impact water quality. Modeling provides an avenue to manage watersheds effectively and efficiently. SWAT running on open source GIS could help budget-constrained government units and development agencies to better predict the impact of programs and projects on watersheds.
Quality of wood and pulp from a clone of Eucalyptus grandis planted at three locations

Eucalyptus grandis is one of the most popular species to use as raw material for pulp production in Brazil, as it provides excellent pulping, bleaching and papermaking results. The main objective of this study is to examine the quality of wood and pulp from a clone of Eucalyptus grandis, at age 4 years approximately, planted in three different soils, two of which being low fertility and one being a superior fertility soil, and their reflections on wood quality and pulping results. Chemical analyses of the soils followed guidelines developed by Raij et al. (2001), while physical and chemical properties of the wood followed ABTCP, TAPPI and ABNT standards. Chemical analyses of the soils pointed to lower fertility in Fazenda Limeira and Fazenda Tapera Queimada as opposed to higher fertility in Fazenda Mendes Uniao. Results revealed stronger tendencies for the stand grown in the less fertile soils (Fazenda Limeira and Fazenda Tapera Queimada) in comparison to the stand grown in more fertile soil (Fazenda Mendes Uniao) as to: higher wood and bark basic density, lower height and dry matter content, higher bark content, lower extractives content and higher holocellulose content, higher total and screened yields from pulping, lower specific wood consumption/t of pulp, and higher tear and tensile indices at low refining levels.
The Maxillary Arch and Cephalometric Measurements: Comparing Ethnic Malays and Ethnic Chinese in Malaysia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare maxillary arch and head measurements between ethnic Malays and Chinese. Mean ages were 23.5 years (Malay) and 21.1 years (Chinese), and both groups were brachycephalic with the cephalic index 86.4 for Malay and 85.9 for Chinese which is not significantly different between them. Means of anterior arch width (AAW), posterior-arch-width (PAW) and arch-length were significantly different between two groups. AAW and PAW were significantly different from their corresponding indices for Malays but not for Chinese. The Pont’s and Korkhaus’ Indices could not be applied to the Malays but moderately to the Chinese.
Is Valacyclovir a Mood Stabilizer

Growing evidence indicates the role of viral agents in neuropsychiatric conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Alzheimer’s disease, and possibly autism. This case report describes a patient who was afflicted with treatment-resistant childhood bipolar disorder, who also had features associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. After failing multiple regimens for mood stabilization (anticonvulsants, lithium, neuroleptics), a trial of valacyclovir was initiated. The decision to use an antiviral agent was based on the patient’s laboratory data and the marked treatment response of the patient’s sibling, who manifested symptoms of depression and CFS. The patient in this report showed a dramatic improvement in his volatile mood, irritability, concentration, social reciprocity, and overall personality. He was maintained on valacyclovir at 1000 mg BID, while the doses of the mood stabilizing agents and stimulants were reduced by as much as 50%. After 37 months of ongoing valacyclovir treatment, the patient continues to make improvements and is being mainstreamed in school. The case illustrates a potential role of viruses in neuropsychiatric and psychiatric disorders and the potential benefit of antiviral therapy in treatment-refractory cases.
Ameliorative effect of Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. leaves extract against anti-tuberculosis drugs induced liver injury in rats

Objective: To evaluate therapeutic potential of hydroethanolic extract of Pergularia daemia (P. daemia) against anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATDs) induced liver injury. Methods: Wistar albino rats were divided into seven groups of six animal in each. The ATDs and P. daemia extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) were conjointly administered for 8 weeks and various biochemical, histoarchitectural, ultrastructural studies were performed. Results: Administration of ATDs significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, cholesterol, bilirubin and decreased glucose and albumin level. Increased lipid peroxidation and reduction in glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were found after ATDs exposure. Administration of P. daemia extract maintained serum biochemical indices as well as antioxidant status similar to control and diminished oxidative stress in dose dependent manner. Histological and ultra-structural observations substantiated biochemical findings. Conclusions: P. daemia has therapeutic potential against ATDs induced liver injury and may be of clinical significance after extensive studies.
Haematological alteration in European rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linn.)exposed to ethereal

Different hematological parameters and its indices were evaluated in the study. After exposure hemoglobin (Hb), total RBC, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Mean Corpuscle Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Mean Carpuscle Volume (MCH) and platelets values exhibited significantly decreased whereas increased in total WBC count, Reticulocytes, Mean Carpuscle Haemoglobin (MCV), neutrophils (N) and lymphocytes (L) were recorded. While eosinophils (E), monocytes (M) and basophiles (B) were not elevated or depleted. The present study indicated the toxic effect of ethephon on hematological parameters of rabbit
Mapping Strategies for Musical Performance

Human beings have been making music with musical instruments for thousands of years. It is therefore perhaps surprising that many computer-based musical tasks are undertaken via interfaces which have only been developed over the last few decades (and often designed for office tasks). The richness of physical control required for performance with traditional acoustic musical instruments takes time to learn. In many computer interfaces this is often replaced by sets of choices that the user must continuously think about [Hunt, Kirk 1999]. This article begins by explaining the difference between two modes of thought analytical and holistic. It then defines an explorative mode of interaction, termed Performance Mode, which is more suitable to real-time control than the many "choice-based" approaches. An experiment is described which compares three interfaces, using different mapping strategies, for a real-time musical performance task. The interface designs are explained, and the results of the experiments given along with the qualitative comments from the test subjects. Finally the implications for Performance Mode are considered for the designers of realtime musical interfaces1.
Hematological and clinical chemistry changes induced by acute stress during handling and capture of catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Objetivo. Evaluar los efectos del estres agudo debido al manejo y captura sobre los parametros hematologicos y bioquimicos en bagre de canal (Ictalurus punctatus) bajo cultivo. Materiales y metodos. Los peces (200 g promedio) fueron mantenidos en tanques de cultivo y divididos en dos tratamientos, por duplicado, (n= 15 x 2 x 2 = 60 peces). Treinta bagres fueron expuestos por 5 min a estres agudo (TE) por manejo y captura, mientras que otro grupo no (grupo control, TnE). Diez peces de cada tratamiento fueron colectados a las 0, 6, y 24 h post-estres para la extraccion de sangre, los bagres del TnE fueron anestesiados durante su manejo y captura. Se evaluo el hemograma (metodo manual) y bioquimica sanguinea (espectrofotometria). Los resultados fueron analizados mediante la prueba de t student. Resultados. El contenido de eritrocitos, hematocrito, hemoglobina y glucosa de los animales TE fue significativamente mayor (p<0.05) a las 6 h post-estres en comparacion de TnE. Las celulas inmune en peces TE disminuyeron a las 6 y 24 h post-estres, siendo leucocitos y linfocitos significativamente menores en el TnE (p<0.05) a las 24 h post-estres. Otros parametros evaluados no presentaron diferencias significativas en lo largo del estudio. Conclusiones. Los resultados sugieren que varios indicadores hematologicos y bioquimica sanguinea en los peces son alterados por el estres agudo ocasionado por manejo y captura.