Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induced ovulation and spawning of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Bloch) using ovaprim

1 Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, AIMST University 08100 Bedong, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia 2 Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia 3 Department of Civil Engineering, Sree Sastha Institute of Engineering and Technology Chembarambakkam, Chennai 600 123, Tamil Nadu, India 4 Division of Fisheries Biotechnology & Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM University, Kattankulathur 603 203, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
A Fresh Apple or a New Barrel: Business Ethics from an Individual to Corporate Level

The moral nature of corporations has been discussed for a long time. But, since 2001, with enormous economic effects of the misconduct of some corporations this discussion gained another dimension, it moved into the public sphere, the subject became more sensitive. The anger and mistrust of the public toward business triggered legislators and corporations to take urgent action. For example, just after the collapse of Enron (2001) the American Congress passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002) that covers the responsibilities of boards of directors and requires compliance training at all levels. It also revived the old controversial arguments about the nature of business – whether the only purpose of business is to make profits, the relationship of business and ethics – whether business ethics is an oxymoron, and human nature – whether it is ‘bad apples’ or ‘bad barrels’. Yet, with new sets of regulations, in 2017, we are still witnessing the misconduct of corporations on a global scale. This article investigates the effectiveness of corporate efforts such as revisiting mission statements, polishing the codes of ethics and conducting training, by evaluating the nature of business, human nature and the understanding of ethics in the workplace. By looking through the lens of utilitarianism of ethical issues in business, I will argue that codes of ethics and ethics training are necessary but not sufficient. Within the scope of this paper I wish to pave the way to a holistic approach which is necessary and sufficient to create ethical businesses.
Glycemic and Wound Healing Effects of Aqueous Mesocarp Extract of Unripe Carica papaya (Linn) in Diabetic and Healthy Rats

This experimentally-controlled designed study investigated the wound healing and glycemic effects of aqueous mesocarp extract (AME) of unripe Carica papaya (CP) in alloxan-induced diabetic and healthy rats with the rationale of providing cost effective and accessible alternative wound phytotherapy and glycemic control. Five groups (n=6, each) of adult male Wistar albino rats were used in this study which lasted for 21 days: DC group treated with olive oil, DT group treated with AME, NC group treated with olive oil, NT group treated with AME and PC group treated with tincture of iodine. A full thickness excision wound of circular area 300 mm2 and 2mm in-depth was inflicted on all rats after light anesthesia with i.v. ketamine (120mg/kg b.w.) Diabetes was induced with alloxan monohydrate (150mg/kg, i.p). The extract was topically applied to the opened wounds at dose of 100 mg kg-1day-1 for 3 weeks. Wound areas were measured on days 1, 7, 14 and 21 using a transparent sheet and a permanent marker. Assessment of wound healing activity was made using percentage area of wound contraction, epithelization period and granulation tissue integrity. Glycemic impact of orally administered dose of 200 and 400mg/kg/day extract was assessed in all experimental groups using glucometer. Results were expressed in mean±SEM and comparison between groups was made using one way ANOVA. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Significant (p < 0.05) increase in percentage area of wound contraction was observed in DT (97%) and NT (97%) rats with well organized granulation tissues and remarkable earlier epithelization (day 14) compared with their respective control (DC - 77%; NC - 92%) with delayed epithelization (day 17-21). A significant dose-dependent hypoglycemia was observed in extract treated rats. Unripe carica papaya L. aqueous mesocarp extract induced remarkable hypoglycemic effect with effective wound healing potential in alloxan-induced diabetic and healthy rats.
INVESTIGATION OF LOCAL POLYMER (CASSAVA STARCHES) AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR IMPORTED SAMPLE IN VISCOSITY AND FLUID LOSS CONTROL OF WATER BASED DRILLING MUD

Comparative study of local polymer (cassava) with an imported type in controlling viscosity and fluid loss in water-based mud was investigated in this study. Five different cassava starches were tested as viscosifiers and fluid loss control additives in water based mud and compared with Barazan D, an imported sample. Experimental results indicated that at same concentration, the imported sample had higher rheological properties compared with the local samples. However, some of the newly developed local starch products (with high amylose content and high water absorption capacity) have similar or better filtration control properties than the imported sample. Although the viscosity of the drilling fluid produced from the local starches were lower than that of the imported type, with proper quality control efforts of the local samples, they could be used as a substitute for imported grade for exploration and exploitation of oil and gas in Nigeria. It is also hoped that this work will open new market for non-food use of starches from cassava and thus expected to provide economic benefit to Nigerian farmers and a way forward to actualize vision 20-2020 agenda.
Towards van der Laan's Plastic Number in the Plane

In 1960 D.H. van der Laan, architect and member of the Benedic- tine order, introduced what he calls the "Plastic Number" , as an ideal ratio for a geometric scale of spatial objects. It is the real solution of the cubic equation x 3 −x − 1 = 0. This equation may be seen as example of a family of trinomials x n −x −1 = 0, n = 2,3,. Considering the real positive roots of these equations we define these roots as members of a "Plastic Numbers Family" (PNF) com- prising the well known Golden Mean � = 1,618. , the most prominent member of the Metallic Means Family (12) and van der Laan's Number = 1,324. Similar to the occurrence ofin art and nature one can use for defining special 2D- and 3D-objects (rectangles, trapezoids, ellipses, ovals, ovoids, spirals and even 3D-boxes) and look for natural representations of this special number. Laan's Number and the Golden Numberare the only "Morphic Numbers" in the sense of Aarts et al. (1), who define such a number as the common solution of two somehow dual trinomials. We can show that these two numbers are also dis- tinguished by a property of log-spirals. Laan's Number cannot be constructed by using ruler and compass only. We present a planar graphic construction of a segment of length using a dynamical graphics software as well as a computer- independent solution by intersecting a circle with an equilateral hyperbola. This allows to deduce and analyse "Laan-Number figures" like -rectangles with side length ratio 1 : and a -pentagons with sides of ratio 1 : : 2 : 3 : 4 . To
Fatty acid composition of Longissimus dorsi and Semimembranosus muscles during storage in lambs reared indoors and on pasture

The changes of the fatty acid profile during frozen storage of Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles were studied in ram lambs according to the rearing systems (indoors and on pasture) and breed (Northeastern Bulgarian Fine Wool Breed and cross of this breed with Ile de France). Both muscles in the pastured lambs had higher content of C18:3 and total CLA while the content of C20:5 was significantly higher in the SM (P<0.05). The crossbred lambs displayed higher content of oleic acid and total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the LD (P<0.05) as well as higher content of C16:0 in the SM (P<0.05). Both muscles of the lambs of the cross had lower content of C18:2 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The duration of frozen storage led to lower total content of saturated fatty acids (P<0.05) and higher amount of MUFA and PUFA through the course of the storage as the influence was stronger in the SM.
Incomplete Specialization and Offshoring Across Europe

Recent empirical studies have been searching for evidence on and driving forces for offshoring. Frequently, this has been done by analyzing gross trade flows related to offshore activities using gravity equations augmented by ad hoc measures of supply-side country differences. This paper suggests that gravity formulations of this sort are mis-specified, due to theoretically unmotivated attempts to allow for both complete and incomplete specialization influences on gross trade flows within the same gravity framework. We suggest an alternative specification rooted in incomplete specialization that views bilateral gravity equations as statistical relationships constrained on countries’ multilateral specialization patterns. This view reveals that countries’ multilateral specialization incentives drive bilateral trade, corresponding to and competing with the role of multilateral trade resistance. Our results support evidence for offshoring activities across Europe, driven by countries’ multilateral specialization incentives, as expressed by supply-side country differences relative to the rest of the world.
High temperature indentation creep tests on anhydrite – a promising first look

Abstract. Indentation creep tests are established in materials engineering, providing information on rheology, deformation mechanisms, and related microstructures of materials. Here we explore the potential of this method on natural, polycrystalline anhydrite. The tests are run at atmospheric pressure, temperatures between 700 and 920 °C, and reference stresses between 7 and 30 MPa. An activation energy Q of 338 kJ mol−1 and a stress exponent n of 3.9 are derived. Deformation is localized into shear zones bounding a less deformed approximately conical plug underneath the indenter. Shear zone microstructures reveal inhomogeneous crystal–plastic deformation, subgrains, and extensive strain-induced grain boundary migration, while mechanical twinning appears not to be activated. Microstructure and mechanical data are consistent with deformation by dislocation creep.
THINKK again: getting the facts straight on kangaroo harvesting and conservation

A recent publication from the Think Tank for Kangaroos (THINKK) in the Institute of Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney evaluates the idea that eating wild harvested kangaroo meat is environmentally beneficial, compared to other meats produced on rangelands (Ben-Ami et al. 2010). It finds in the negative. The report purports to be a reasoned and objective analysis based on the science surrounding kangaroo harvesting. Here we examine this document with reference to available literature, and demonstrate that it is neither well-reasoned nor accurate. It contains multiple errors of fact, inaccurately represents published research, and makes several invalid and seriously misleading comparisons. In our view, this report makes an inaccurate and potentially misleading contribution to the scientific, legal and social debate on kangaroo management. In the light of these findings we discuss the challenges to academic objectivity and rigour posed by funding of university research by interest groups.
The Significance of the Distribution of the Megapodiidae

An analysis of the zoogeography of the Megapodiidae and Phasianidae shows these families to have a mutually exclusive and complementary distribution. This probably results from the ability of the Phasianidae to displace megapodes while being unable to cross water barriers. Megapodes, on the other hand, are excellent overwater colonizers and persist in areas inaccessible to phasianids. , Despite their great differences in morphology and behaviour, the distributional pattern of megapodes and phastanids seems to indicate that they interact as ecological counterparts.
Field evaluation of boat-mounted acoustic Doppler instruments used to measure streamflow

The use of. instruments based on the Doppler principle for measuring water velocity and computing discharge is common within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The instruments and software have changed appreciably during the last 5 years; therefore, the USGS has begun field validation or the instruments used to make discharge measurements from a moving boat. Instruments manufactured by SonTek/YSI and RD Instruments, Inc. were used to collect discharge data at five different sites. One or more traditional discharge measurements were made using a Price AA current meter and standard USGS procedures concurrent with the acoustic instruments at each site. Discharges measured with the acoustic instruments were compared with discharges measured with Price AA current meters and the USGS stage-discharge rating for each site. The mean discharges measured by each acoustic instrument were within 5 percent of the Price AA-based measurement and (or) discharge from the stage-discharge rating.
Synovial Fluid MMP-2 and MMP-9 Levels in Internal or External Fixation for Intra-Articular Fractures / Poziom MMP-2 i MMP-9 w mazi stawowej przy wewnętrznym i zewnętrznym zespoleniu po złamaniach wewnątrzstawowych

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether internal fixation or external skeletal fixation (ESF) results in better “joint health” following traumatic injury to the stifle by assessing lameness and measuring matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2 and MMP-9. Dogs with skin grafts and transarticular ESFs were included in group A. Dogs with intra-articular fractures of the distal femur were randomly divided into groups B and C, and treated with either internal or ESF, respectively. Dogs in group D had diaphyseal tibial fractures treated with ESF. Synovial fluid samples were collected pre-operatively and again 7 days and 30 days postoperatively to measure MMP-2 and -9 levels via zymography. Preoperative MMP-9 levels were higher in groups B and C than A and D. Over time, MMP-2 levels increased in groups A-C, and MMP-9 levels significantly decreased in groups B and C by 30 days postoperatively. ESF appears superior to internal fixation for repair of intra-articular fractures of the distal femur, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 could serve as markers of either fracture healing or overall joint health, particularly in the setting of PTOA. Streszczenie Celem badań było stwierdzenie - poprzez ocenę kulawizny i oznaczenie poziomu metaloproteinaz macierzy międzykomórkowej (MMP-2 i MMP-9) - jaki rodzaj zespolenia (wewnętrzne czy zewnętrzne) zapewnia lepsze „zdrowie stawów” po urazowym uszkodzeniu stawu kolanowego. Psy z przeszczepem skóry i zewnętrznym zespoleniem przezstawowym stanowiły grupę A. Psy z wewnątrzstawowym złamaniem dystalnej części kości udowej, poddane zespoleniu wewnętrznemu i zewnętrznemu, przydzielono losowo odpowiednio do grup B i C. U psów z grupy D, u których stwierdzono złamanie trzonu kości piszczelowej, zastosowano zespolenie zewnętrzne. Próbki mazi stawowej pobierano przed operacją oraz ponownie 7 i 30 dni po operacji celem zymograficznego określenia poziomu MMP-2 i MMP-9. Przedoperacyjny poziom MMP-9 był wyższy w grupach B i C w porównaniu do grup A i D. Z upływem czasu poziom MMP-2 wzrastał w grupach A-C, natomiast poziom MMP-9 zmniejszył się istotnie w grupach B i C w 30 dniu po operacji. Stwierdzono wyższość zespolenia zewnętrznego nad wewnętrznym w przypadku naprawy wewnątrzstawowych złamań dystalnej części kości udowej, natomiast MMP-2 i MMP-9 mogą służyć jako wskaźniki gojenia się złamań lub ogólnego zdrowia stawów, szczególnie w odniesieniu do pourazowego zapalenia kości i stawów.
Potentiality of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for discrimination and identification of dairy Lactic acid bacteria

The potentiality of FTIR spectroscopy for the identification of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) used in the dairy industry was tested. For this purpose, spectra of different strains were recorded using standardized conditions. These strains were species of Lactobacillus (12 species, 3 sub- species), Lactococcus (4 species, 3 subspecies), Leuconostoc (3 species, 3 subspecies), Weissella (1 species) and Streptococcus (2 species) involved in the soft cheese industry . Spectral libraries were then established by statistical analysis. Reference strains were then tested on these libraries, and 100% of correct identifications were obtained at the genus and species level, 86% at the subspecies level. Well-identified strains were included in libraries. Wild isolates ( n = 48) previously identified by biochemical tests and RAPD method were then tested. We obtained 100% at the genus level and 69% at the species level of correlation between FTIR and other methods. Finally, spectra of reference strains performed in other laboratories were tested with the same method, and the results tallied with official identification in 100% of the cases at the genus level and in 41% of the cases at the species level. These results concerning a few strains allow us to plan the development of a more complete database for rapid identification of LAB.
Properties of Polymer Electrolyte Membranes Prepared by Blending Sulfonated Polystyrene with Lignosulfonate

A polymer electrolyte membrane widely used in PEMFCs and DMFCs is a perfluorosulfonated membrane (the Nafion membrane). This perfluorosulfonated membrane material exhibits good chemical stability and proton conductivity, but it is very expensive and difficult to recycle. There is a high methanol crossover in DMFCs that causes a decrease in efficiency and performance of the fuel cell, so that a polymer electrolyte membrane with a low methanol crossover is needed as a substitute for the Nafion membrane. One of the materials that can be used as a polymer electrolyte membrane is the polyblends from sulfonated polystyrene-lignosulfonate (SPS-LS). Such polyblends were prepared by casting a polymer solution and characterized as polyelectrolyte membrane for DMFCs. The SPS was prepared by sulfonation of polystyrene with acetyl sulfate as the sulfonating agent. The membranes of the SPS-LS were characterized by analysis of functional groups, mechanical properties and methanol permeability. The maximum mechanical properties of the SPS-LS membrane were observed at an LS ratio of 7.5%. However, the methanol permeability of the membrane increased with the increase of the LS ratio in the SPS-LS membranes. The properties of the membranes, especially their mechanical properties and methanol permeability, were close to that of Nafion® 117 membrane, so SPS-LS membranes have high potential for use as polymer electrolyte membrane for direct methanol fuel cells.
The Effect of Electronic Dialogue Journaling on Jordanian Basic Stage EFL Students' Writing Performance

This study aimed at investigating the effect of electronic dialogue journaling on Jordanian upper basic stage EFL students' writing performance. The study utilized a pretest-posttest control group experimental design. The subjects of the study consisted of fifty students enrolled in the Islamic Educational School during the first semester of the academic year 2007-2008. These subjects wererandomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group. Both groups were pre-tested before conducting the experiment. During the experiment, the experimental group wrote dialogue journals to their instructor via email whereas the control group wrote on paper about the same topics at the same rate. The experiment lasted for four months. After the experiment, both groups were post-tested using the same test. The obtained data were analyzed using the t-test. The findings revealed that there was no significant difference in EFL writing performance between the two groups on the pre-test. However, the findings showed that there was a statistically significant difference in EFL writing performance on the post-test in favor of the experimental group. These findings suggest that electronic dialogue journaling is an effective method for developing EFL students' writing performance. Therefore, EFL teachers should incorporate it into their writing instruction and future researchers need to investigate its effect on EFL students' reading and speaking skills. Appended are: (1) El-Koumy's Scale for Marking EFL Students' Writing; and (2) Topic List.
Optimal Design and Operation of a PEMFC-based CHP System Connected to Grid

This paper is focused on the optimal design and operation of a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system based on Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) connected to grid, whose aim is to supply the energy requirements of the Educational Complex of the Engineering School of Eibar University of the Basque Country (UPV / EHU). To achieve the optimal design and operation of the system, the PEMFC-based CHP system has been simulated on the base of each of the proposed schemes and operation strategies, and a detailed analysis of the results obtained has been conducted, which has allowed to choose as optimal, the design that has better maximized the economic-energetic efficiency of the whole system, and has been adjusted better to the viability criteria established.
In vitro Assessments of Cytotoxic and Cytostatic Effects of Asparagus aphyllus, Crataegus aronia, and Ephedra alata in Monocultures and Co-Cultures of Hepg2 and THP-1-Derived Macrophages

Introduction: Herbal-based medicines are widely used for the prevention and treatments of diverse diseases especially in growing countries as well as many developed countries. Although some of herbal-based medicines have promising therapeutic properties, many of them remain untested and their safety and efficacy were not scientifically assessed. Based on knowledge from traditional Greco-Arab herbal medicine, this in vitro study aims to evaluate cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of three traditionally used anti-diabetic and anti-cancer medicinal plants. Out of the traditional medicinal plants, Asparagus aphyllus, Crataegus aronia, and Ephedra alata are widely used in many Mediterranean countries as natural remedies. Methods: Human THP-1- derived macrophages, HepG2 cells and their co-cultures were used in this in vitro study. Cells were treated for 24h (cytotoxic effects) and 72h (cytostatic effects) with increasing concentrations (0-1000 μg/ml) of water/ethanol extracts from Asparagus aphyllous (AA-extract), Crataegus aronia (CA-extract) and Ephedra alata (EA-extract). Cytotoxic and cytostatic effects were assessed using MTT assay and LDH assay. Results: No significant cytotoxic effects were seen with the three extracts up to concentration of 500 μg/ml. A slight cytotoxic effect was observed with CA-extractin HepG2 monocultures at concentrations higher than 500 μg/ml. Significant cytostatic effects were measured with CA-extract and EA-extract in monocultures and cocultures. The cytostatic activity of the extracts was more potent in co-cultures reaching IC50 of 178 μg/mL and 380 μg/mL for CA-extract and EA-extract, respectively. Conclusion: These results indicate that the traditionally known anti-cancer effects of CA-extract and EA-extract might be mediated in part through cytostatic effects.