Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Are the Characteristics of Arabinoxylan Gels

Arabinoxylan gels are commonly characterized to determine the feasibility of utilizing them in numerous applications such as drug delivery systems. The general characteristics of numerous types of arabinoxylan gels as well as their susceptibility to degradation are discussed in this manuscript. There are two main types of arabinoxylan: water-extractable and alkali-extractable. The physicochemical characteristics of the arabinoxylan determine its extractability and gelling characteristics. Gels can be created from numerous types of arabinoxylan including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.). These gels can also be developed with the addition of protein and/or β-glucan, which results in modified mechanical properties of the gels. To create a sound gel, arabinoxylan must be cross-linked, which is often done through ferulic acid. When this takes place, the gel developed is thermo-irreversible, unsusceptible to pH and electrolyte interactions, and does not undergo syneresis during storage. Despite these strengths, arabinoxylan gels can be broken down by the enzymes produced by Bifidobacterium, which is present in the human large intestine. After further development and research on these gels, they could be utilized for many purposes.
Coaching with self-determination theory in mind: Using theory to advance evidence-based coaching practice

The scholarly coaching literature has advanced considerably in the past decade. However, a review of the existing knowledge base suggests that coaching practice and research remains relatively uninformed by relevant psychological theory. In this paper it will be argued that Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985) presents as a useful theoretical framework for coaching as it can help understand coaching practice at both macro and micro levels. The utility of SDT as a theoretical framework for coaching is explored, with particular attention given to the role that coaching would appear to play in the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness. It is also argued that SDT provides a useful set of propositions that can guide empirical work and ground it in the firm foundations of a theoretically coherent, empirically valid account of human functioning and wellbeing. Suggestions are made for future directions in research informed by SDT.
Radiative Impacts of the 2011 Abrupt Drops in Water Vapor and Ozone in the Tropical Tropopause Layer

AbstractAn abrupt drop in tropical tropopause layer (TTL) water vapor, similar to that observed in 2000, recently occurred in 2011, and was concurrent with reductions in TTL temperature and ozone. Previous studies have indicated that such large water vapor variability can have significant radiative impacts. This study uses Aura Microwave Limb Sounder observations, the Stratospheric Water Vapor and Ozone Satellite Homogenized dataset, and two radiative transfer models to examine the radiative effects of the observed changes in TTL water vapor and ozone on TTL temperatures and global radiative forcing (RF). The analyses herein suggest that quasi-isentropic poleward propagation of TTL water vapor reductions results in a zonal-mean structure with “wings” of extratropical water vapor reductions, which account for about half of the 2011 abrupt drop global radiative impact. RF values associated with the mean water vapor concentrations differences between 2012/13 and 2010/11 are between −0.01 and −0.09 W m−2, dep.
Social Trust and the Growth of Schooling

The paper develops a simple model to exemplify how social trust might affect the growth of schooling through lowering transaction costs associated with employing educated individuals. In a sample of 52 countries, the paper thereafter provides empirical evidence that trust has led to faster growth of schooling in the period 1960-2000. The findings are robust to the inclusion of a set of control variables and being estimated using an instrumental variables approach.
Exploring Opportunities for Enhancing Innovation in Agriculture: The Case of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Production in Ghana

An exploratory study was conducted to identify opportunities to enhance innovation in the cocoa sector in Ghana. The specific objectives were to identify the key stakeholders in the cocoa industry, and elicit farmers and other stakeholders’ perceptions on cocoa production and marketing practices, as well as the inherent constraints and opportunities. The study involved literature review of published information and the use of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools such as focus group discussion, problem tree analysis, seasonal calendar, and ranking techniques to elicit information from the respondents and purchasing clerks in the Eastern and Western Regions of Ghana. The problem tree analysis indicated that low cocoa incomes were due to low cocoa yields which were in turn caused by high incidence of pest and diseases such as capsids/black pod/cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD), declining soil fertility and use of unapproved planting materials. The seasonal calendar analysis indicated that most cocoa farmers were financially constrained, experience high labour availability and cost from May to July during which farm activities are high. Based on the study, researchers recommend that the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) intensifies its efforts in implementing the opportunities such as crop/livelihood diversification, provision of crop insurance against risk, etc. identified to enhance farmers’ welfare and the development of the entire cocoa industry. Addressing these constraints requires collaboration among the various stakeholders in the sector, including the government, research and extension as well as smallholder farmers.
Huaier Regulates Cell Fate by the Rescue of Disrupted Transcription Control in the Hippo Signaling Pathway

Background: Among historical nature remedies in Eastern Asia, Huaier (Trametes robiniophila murr) has long been reported for its significant efficacy on longevity and health maintenance, and more importantly, on cancer. The target cancers of Huaier show the almost complete overlap with those strongly influenced by the Hippo pathway function, which is also well known as a tumor suppressor mechanism. Objective: We have initiated the present study in order to prove the hypothesis that the Hippo signaling pathway is a main molecular mechanism of Huaier effects on cancer and on multiple physiological disorders. Methods: We performed in vivo study using Drosophila flies genetically disrupted transcriptional control in the Hippo pathway with overexpressing non-phosphorylatable Yorkie (Yki:V5S168A) as a cancer model. In addition, metabolome analysis was performed using those cancer-model mutants with a comparison to healthy controls. Results: The administration of Huaier clearly resulted in the recovery of rough eye formation of the mutants, indicating the rescue of tumor suppressor mechanism disrupted by the genetically inoculated overabundant transcriptional activators. These improvements occurred in a dose-dependent manner, just as shown in clinical observations. Simultaneously, the GC/MS-based metabolome analysis revealed that Huaier uptake lead the metabolic profile of the mutant flies strongly shifted to that of the early developmental stage. Conclusion: The present study emphasizes that a broad spectrum of Huaier effects was based on the rescue of the disrupted Hippo signaling pathway control, especially on the recovery in transcriptional dysregulation. The metabolome profile shift would explain the molecular basis of the tissue recovery after a long course of Huaier treatment, by the potential to modulate the cell fate through the embryogenesis and subsequent normal specification of the cells in the damaged tissues.
Herbage production and quality of shrub indigofera treated by different concentration of foliar fertilizer

A field experiment on fodder legume Indigofera sp. was conducted to investigate the effects of foliar fertilizer concentration on forage yield and quality, and to identify optimum concentrations among the fertilizer treatments on herbage yield, chemical composition (CP, NDF, ADF, minerals), and in vitro dry matter (IVDMD) as wll as organic matter (IVOMD) digestibility in goat's rumen. Randomized block design was used for the six concentration of fertilizer treatments; control, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g/10 l with 3 replicates. Leaves were sprayed with foliar fertilizer at 30, 34, 38, and 42 days after harvest. Samples were collected at 2 harvest times with 60 days cutting interval. Application of the foliar fertilizer up to 30 g/10 l significantly increased herbage DM yield, twig numbers, tannin, saponin, Ca and P content, as well as herbage digestibility (IVDMD and IVOMD). The lower and higher concentration of foliar fertilizer resulted in lower value of those parameters, but NDF and ADF contents had the opposite patterns. The optimum level of foliar fertilizer that resulted the highest herbage yield and quality was 30 g/10 l, and the highest in vitro digestibility and Ca concentration was 20 g/10 l.
Temperature-dependent growth rate and photosynthetic performance of Antarctic symbiotic alga Trebouxia sp. cultivated in a bioreactor

Optimum growth temperature of Trebouxia sp. (re-classified as Asterochloris sp. recently), a symbiotic lichenized alga was evaluated using a batch culture cultivated in a bioreactor. The algae were isolated from lichen thalli of Usnea antarctica collected at the James Ross Island, Antarctica in February 2012. The algae were isolated under laboratory conditions and then cultivated on agar medium at 5 C. When sufficiently developed, the algae were suspended in a BBM liquid medium and cultivated in a photobioreactor for 33 days at either 15, or 10 C. During cultivation, optical density (OD) characterizing culture growth, and effective quantum yield of photosystem II characterizing photosynthetic performance were measured simultaneously. Thanks to highter FiII values, faster growth was achieved at 10C than 15C indicating that Trebouxia sp. might be ranked among psychrotolerant species. Such conclusion is supported also by a higher specific growth rate found during exponential phase of culture growth. The results are discussed and compared to available data on temperature-dependent growth of polar microalgae.
Cost efficacy of using Juxta CURES TM and UCS TM debridement cloths

Venous leg ulcers make up a large part of a district nurse’s caseload, with the application of compression bandaging requiring competent and skilled practitioners. At Central and North West London Foundation Trust (CNWL) Camden Integrated Primary Care (IPC) Service recruiting and retaining community nurses is a challenge, a situation which is shared across all London boroughs. In particular, it is difficult to maintain consistent standards for wound cleansing and compression bandaging, resulting in the responsibility for a large caseload falling to a small number of practitioners. Following a review of innovative products on show at the European Wound Management Association (EWMA) conference in May 2014, an alternative to traditional compression bandaging was identified as a possible solution to this problem; namely, UCS™ for effective debridement and Juxta CURES™ as an alternative to compression bandaging (both medi UK Ltd, Hereford). A total of 26 patients evaluated the products, which were found to be more clinically effective than previous regimens and also resulted in substantial cost savings.
Greenland Ice Sheet Elevation Change in Winter and Influence of Atmospheric Teleconnections in the Northern Hemisphere

Abstract The relationship between the variability of the surface elevation of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) in winter and sea level pressure is identified through analysis of data from satellite-borne radar altimeters, together with meteorological data fields during 1993–2005. We found that both the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the two major teleconnection patterns of the atmospheric surface pressure fields in the Northern Hemisphere, significantly influence the GIS winter elevation change. Further, it is suggested that the NPO may affect the GIS accumulation by influencing the NAO, particularly by changing the intensity and location of the Icelandic Low.
DECLARATION BY CANDIDATE FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER IN THE FACULTY OF HUMANITIES

5 Chapter 1 – Introduction . 7 1.1 Background . 8 1.2 Research question . 11 1.3 Methodology . 12 Chapter 2 – The ABC . 15 2.1 The ABC as individual behaviours . 15 2.2 The ABC as a packaged message . 18 2.3 The ABC as a strategy . 19 2.2 Conceptual concerns . 20 2.2.1 Gender and power . 20 2.2.2 Rank order and inaccuracy . 22 2.2.3 Social meaning of ‘faithfulness’ . 23 2.2. 4 Targeting and risk groups . 24 2.2. 5 Stigma . 25 Chapter 3 – The case of Uganda: a decline in prevalence? 27 3.1 Antenatal data (prevalence) . 28 3.2 Cohort studies (prevalence and incidence) . 31 3.3 Other studies: blood donors, military conscripts (prevalence) . 34 Un ive rsi ty Of C ap e T ow n
High-resolution remote-sensing data in amphibian studies: identification of breeding sites and contribution to habitat models

Remote sensing can provide an alternative to field data sampling in many species-habitat studies. However, its usefulness may depend on the species, habitat studied, spatial resolution and extent. We used a high spatial and spectral remote-sensing image to locate and delineate small amphibian breeding sites in a Mediterranean ecosystem (Donana National Park). We also evaluated its usefulness in detecting habitat heterogeneity (number and evenness of different radiometric zones) within ponds and its relationship to amphibian species richness. Furthermore, Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were used to evaluate the usefulness of high-resolution remote-sensing data to model amphibian distribution at species level (presence/absence data), both when used alone or as a complement to field data. Amphibian species richness correlated positively with habitat heterogeneity when we discriminated a low number of potential different zones within ponds (four vs nine). For most species, remote-sensing data improved on amphibian distribution models built from field data but were of limited utility when used alone. In consequence, although remote-sensing data could be used for the preliminary identification of ponds supporting high species richness, we recommend initial assessment of its utility for identifying species-specific breeding sites before conducting survey programmes based on it.
Intercultural dimensions of education

The paper discusses the development and the conceptualization of intercultural education, particularly within the Central-European pedagogical tradition. The author defends the thesis that intercultural education needs to be developed within the tradition of critical pedagogy, and linked to the main topicalities of pedagogical research, namely that of general theory of education and didactics. Intercultural education should therefore address the power inequalities of the education system itself, which primarily involves implementing a multi-perspective and anti-bias curriculum and creating a democratic, pluralistic, inclusive school ethos. Moreover, intercultural education is not defined as a specific pedagogical discipline, but as a pedagogical principle which guides the processes of planning, implementing, and evaluating education at the systemic, curricular, school, and classroom levels to enable recognition and empowerment of all minority groups. The paper concludes with a brief discussion on pedagogical measures to support intercultural education, including the role of the teachers.
Comparative Study on the Effect of Bentonite or Feldspar Filled Low-Density Polyethylene/Thermoplastic Sago Starch/Kenaf Core Fiber Composites

The present work evaluated the potential of the addition of bentonite and feldspar as fillers on the mechanical and physical properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/thermoplastic sago starch (TPSS)/kenaf core fiber (KCF) composites. For this purpose, 3 to15 phr of fillers were incorporated into LDPE/TPSS/KCF composites that were fabricated via a melt-mixing molding system. Results showed that the tensile strength and modulus were improved significantly with the addition of bentonite in comparison with feldspar. Thermal studies confirmed the improvement in thermal stability of composites filled with bentonite as well as feldspar. An increased percentage of water absorption was also observed in these composites compared with the control (LDPE/TPSS/KCF composites) system.
Performance Analysis and Optimization of an Adaptive Admission Control Scheme in Cognitive Radio Networks

In cognitive radio networks, if all the secondary user (SU) packets join the system without any restrictions, the average latency of the SU packets will be greater, especially when the traffic load of the system is higher. For this, we propose an adaptive admission control scheme with a system access probability for the SU packets in this paper. We suppose the system access probability is inversely proportional to the total number of packets in the system and introduce an Adaptive Factor to adjust the system access probability. Accordingly, we build a discrete-time preemptive queueing model with adjustable joining rate. In order to obtain the steady-state distribution of the queueing model exactly, we construct a two-dimensional Markov chain. Moreover, we derive the formulas for the blocking rate, the throughput, and the average latency of the SU packets. Afterwards, we provide numerical results to investigate the influence of the Adaptive Factor on different performance measures. We also give the individually optimal strategy and the socially optimal strategy from the standpoints of the SU packets. Finally, we provide a pricing mechanism to coordinate the two optimal strategies.
Catch per unit efforts and impacts of gears on fish abundance in an oxbow lake ecosystem in Eastern India

Background: Oxbow lakes are abundant in indigenous fishes, but they are subject to unsustainable fishing practices, potential overexploitation, and indiscriminate use of fine-meshed fishing gear. To quantify the catch per unit effort (CPUE) and impact of fishing gears on fish abundance, a survey was carried out in an oxbow lake in eastern India. Methods: The gear-wise CPUE for fish caught in per unit hour of operation was calculated by dividing the total sampling gear catch in biomass, which is the observed value of fish caught by a particular gear, by the total sampling effort hours. A value of P < 0.05 was accepted as statistical significance. Results: Average annual values of the CPUE of triangular push nets, gill nets, long lines, seine nets, drag nets, stationary dip nets, cone-framed cast nets, and line and hook were calculated as 328.34, 4.12, 36.71, 572.92, 3928.57, 237.78, 235.80, and 0.44 grams of fish per hour of operation, respectively. All the 8 different gears exhibited lower CPUE during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons than in the premonsoon season. The line and hook was dominant (>71%). Cone-framed cast net hauled the maximum catch in biomass (31.51%), and gill nets contributed the maximum number of fish (64.92%). The lower CPUE values of line and hook, gill net, cone-framed cast net and long lines identified them as the most harmful among all gears. Conclusion: Indiscriminate use of gear, particularly line and hook, gill nets, cone-framed cast nets, and long lines, demands regulations and preventions concerning such gear to obtain higher fish abundance.
Interleukin-21: A New Class of Thymopoietin for Immune Rejuvenation

More than two billion people will reach the age of 65 by 2050. Therefore, infectious disease/cancer-related morbidity and mortality of aged subjects is expected to rise. Several factors including impaired functions of body barriers and changes in microbial colonization contribute in increasing elderly susceptibility to infections and cancer. However, thymic involution, a hallmark of immunosenescence, is undoubtedly the principal component of this prominent problem. Although the thymus remains functional at older age, its pronounced diminished T-cell export rate is insufficient to sustain a competent naive peripheral T-cell pool. Consequently, gradual dwindling in T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire diversity takes place. As a result, the capacity of the elderly immune system to confer protection against cancer, acute/chronic infections or to respond to vaccination erodes. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of novel strategies aimed at: i) providing superior control of infectious diseases and cancer, and ii) improving responsiveness to all forms of immunotherapies.
Phase Collaborative Network for Multi-Phase Medical Imaging Segmentation

Integrating multi-phase information is an effective way of boosting visual recognition. In this paper, we investigate this problem from the perspective of medical imaging analysis, in which two phases in CT scans known as arterial and venous are combined towards higher segmentation accuracy. To this end, we propose Phase Collaborative Network (PCN), an end-to-end network which contains both generative and discriminative modules to formulate phase-to-phase relations and data-to-label relations, respectively. Experiments are performed on several CT image segmentation datasets. PCN achieves superior performance with either two phases or only one phase available. Moreover, we empirically verify that the accuracy gain comes from the collaboration between phases.
BIOFACQUIM: A Mexican Compound Database of Natural Products

Compound databases of natural products have a major impact on drug discovery projects and other areas of research. The number of databases in the public domain with compounds with natural origins is increasing. Several countries, Brazil, France, Panama and, recently, Vietnam, have initiatives in place to construct and maintain compound databases that are representative of their diversity. In this proof-of-concept study, we discuss the first version of BIOFACQUIM, a novel compound database with natural products isolated and characterized in Mexico. We discuss its construction, curation, and a complete chemoinformatic characterization of the content and coverage in chemical space. The profile of physicochemical properties, scaffold content, and diversity, as well as structural diversity based on molecular fingerprints is reported. BIOFACQUIM is available for free.
The Effect of Picloram Concentrations and Explants Types on the Induction of Somatic Embryo on North Aceh Cocoa Genotype

The effect of picloram concentrations and three explants types on cacao somatic embryogenesis was studied. The objective of this work was to evaluate a procedure for somatic embryogenesis of cacao ( Theobroma cacao L.) Aceh clones. Somatic embryogenesis was induced using floral tissue explants (petal, staminode, and anther) on North Aceh cacao genotype. No growth was observed on petal types of explants on low concentrations of picloram. Depending on the explants, the percentage of explants producing one or more embryos ranged from 3% to 75%, 5% to 80%, and 10% to 90% on media containing 3 mg/l, 4 mg/l, and 5 mg/l picloram respectively. Staminode explants produced 3 to 10 times more somatic embryos than petals, while anthers produced 2 to 5 times. Secondary embryos were induced from the floral explants of the North Aceh cacao genotype that exhibited efficient primary embryogenesis. Percentage embryogenesis generally increased with culture time