Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Liraglutide Inhibits Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Attenuates Neointima Formation after Endovascular Injury in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

Hyperglycaemia causes endothelial dysfunction, which is the initial process in the development of diabetic vascular complications. Upon injury, endothelial cells undergo an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), lose their specific marker, and gain mesenchymal phenotypes. This study investigated the effect of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, on EndMT inhibition and neointima formation in diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin. The diabetic mice with a wire-induced vascular injury in the right carotid artery were treated with or without liraglutide for four weeks. The degree of neointima formation and re-endothelialisation was evaluated by histological assessments. Endothelial fate tracing revealed that endothelium-derived cells contribute to neointima formation through EndMT in vivo. In the diabetic mouse model, liraglutide attenuated wire injury-induced neointima formation and accelerated re-endothelialisation. In vitro, a high glucose condition (30 mmol/L) triggered morphological changes and mesenchymal marker expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which were attenuated by liraglutide or Activin receptor-like 5 (ALK5) inhibitor SB431542. The inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling by Compound C diminished the liraglutide-mediated inhibitory effect on EndMT. Collectively, liraglutide was found to attenuate neointima formation in diabetic mice partially through EndMT inhibition, extending the potential therapeutic role of liraglutide.
Validation of Spectrophotometric Hemoglobin Measurement with a Pulse Co-Oximeter in Cases of Massive Hemorrhage

Purpose: The accuracy of spectrophotometric hemoglobin (SpHb) measurement with a pulse co-oximeter was analyzed in cases of intraoperative massive hemorrhage and compared with Hb levels determined through blood gas analysis (LabHb) as a reference. We aimed to determine the extent to which in vivo adjustment (ADJ) for results of initial blood gas analysis would improve the accuracy of SpHb measurement. Methods: Data on LabHb and SpHb levels were collected from cases with hemorrhage of 1000 g or more. Correlations and Bland-Altman analyses were used to determine the associations between data before and after ADJ. Results: ADJ slightly improved the correlation coefficient (Pearson r) between SpHb and LabHb levels from 0.65 to 0.72. In Bland-Altman analysis, ADJ reduced the bias from 1.76 ± 1.47 g/dL to 0.64 ± 1.43 g/dL, while the 95% limits of agreement of -1.12 to 4.64 g/dL (range: 5.77 g/dL) without ADJ improved to -2.16 to 3.44 g/dL (range: 5.59 g/dL) with ADJ. In four-quadrant analysis, other than samples in the exclusion zone, the total number analyzed was 326, and the concordance rate was 82%. Conclusion: Although the accuracy of SpHb measurement improves on ADJ, SpHb measurement cannot substitute for LabHb levels, and it is necessary to determine Hb levels with blood gas analysis in the laboratory. It remains unclear which measurement is superior for determining when to initiate blood transfusion to achieve better outcomes. To comply with conventional methods, LabHb measurements may be necessary.
Development, Physiology and Productivity of the Common Bean Under Different Nitrogen Doses

Among nutrients, nitrogen is required in the greatest quantities by bean culture. The objective of this work was to evaluate growth, physiological responses and productivity of the common bean cultivar, ‘IAC Imperador’ under varying nitrogen doses in Brejo Paraibano. The experiment was carried out at Fazenda Experimental Cha-de-Jardim (Cha-de-Jardim Experimental Farm), of the Centro de Ciencias Agrarias of the Universidade Federal da Paraiba, in the municipality of Areia, state of Paraiba. The treatments comprised 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg of nitrogen ha -1 , applied in coverage at 35 days after sowing. To assess growth, plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves were evaluated. For gas exchange, photosynthesis rate, internal CO 2 concentration, transpiration, stomatal conductance, instantaneous water use efficiency and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency were evaluated. For chlorophyll “ a ” fluorescence, minimum leaf fluorescence, maximum leaf fluorescence, variable maximum fluorescence, potential quantum efficiency of PSII ( Photosystem II) and ratio (F v /F 0 ) were evaluated. For the components of primary productivity, the height of insertion of the first pod, number of pods per plant and the number of grains per pod were evaluated. Nitrogen fertilization in coverage significantly affected most of the growth, gas exchange and productivity variables, with the dose of 200 kg ha -1 being responsible for the highest values (p < 0.05). Chlorophyll fluorescence showed no significant differences among the nitrogen doses. The nitrogen doses influenced the growth, gas exchange and productivity of the common bean in the region of Brejo Paraibano.
TRAIL‐Inspired Multivalent Dextran Conjugates Efficiently Induce Apoptosis upon DR5 Receptor Clustering

Triggering apoptosis of tumor cells has been in focus of cancer‐inspired research since decades. As clustering of death receptor 5 (DR5), which is overexpressed on various cancer cells, leads to formation of the death‐inducing signaling cascade (DISC), DR5 has recently become a promising target for tumor treatment. Herein, we demonstrate that covalent multimerization of a death receptor targeting peptide (DR5TP) on a dextran scaffold generates potent apoptosis‐inducing conjugates (EC50=2–20 nm). A higher conformational flexibility compared to reported DR5TP multimerization approaches, introduced by the polysaccharide framework compensates the reported need for the defined ligand orientation that was considered as essential prerequisite for effective receptor clustering and apoptosis induction. Enzyme‐catalyzed ligation of a hydrophilic dextran conjugate bearing multiple DR5‐targeting sites to a human fragment crystallizable (Fc) receptor did not affect the potency (EC50=2–7 nm), providing an option for improved in vivo half‐life and prospective conjugation to an antibody of interest in view of bispecific tumor targeting.
Corporate Finance Principles and Wood Industry Growth: Empirical Evidence from Bosnia and Herzegovina

The use of fundamental corporate finance principles as well as the combination of their effects does not always contribute to the same performance effects and firms’ growth. It can considerably vary in certain periods, market turbulences and various industries. Referring to the permanent need for exploration of the individual and integrated effects of the corporate finance principles on firms’ growth in specific circumstances, on the one hand, and particular importance of wood industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), on the other, in this paper we examine the extent to which corporate finance principles support wood industry growth in B&H. Specifically, the aim of this research is to investigate the contribution of investments, financial leverage and dividend policy to the growth of firms in this particular industry. Furthermore, the compliance of the paper findings with theoretical concepts and expectations of corporate finance principles role arises as the additional research challenge. Finally, we are interested to find out if the empirical results provide a solid base to apply consistent incentives policy that may further stimulate wood industry growth in B&H. We select all wood-processing firms in B&H from 2008 to 2016. Stata 15 is applied in the empirical analyses and calculations.
Determinants of Industrial Coagglomeration and Establishment-level Productivity

This paper investigates the relationships between determinants of industrial coagglomeration and establishment-level productivity. For each pair of industries, we first construct degree of coagglomeration and indices for three factors of coagglomeration: inter-firm transactions, knowledge spillover, and labor market pooling. We then examine correlation between these three factors and degree of coagglomeration. Overall, inter-firm transactions and labor market pooling are positively correlated with the degree of coagglomeration whereas knowledge spillover has no significant relationship with coagglomeration. We also find that determinants of coagglomeration are quite different across industries. Further, we examine relationships between these factors and establishment-level productivity. In the results, we find that determinants of coagglomeration are not necessarily positively associated with productivity of establishments.
Modeling studies for adsorption of phenol and co-pollutants onto granular activated carbon prepared from olive oil industrial waste

Granular activated carbon (OSAC) which was derived from olive oil industrial solid waste was chemically activated with different concentrations of phosphoric acid. OSAC-materials were evaluated for their ability to remove phenol from aqueous solution in a batch technique. Adsorption isotherms were determined and modeled with five linear Langmuir forms, namely the Freundlich, Elovich, Temkin, Kiselev and Hill-de Boer models. The experimental data for the adsorption of phenol onto OSAM-materials were fitted well with the Langmuir-1 and 2, Freundlich, Kiselev and Hill-de Boer models. Adsorption was carried out on energetically different sites as localized monolayer adsorption and was an exothermic process. The uptake of phenol onto OSAC increased in the following order: OSAC-80%> OSAC-70%> OSAC-60%; the maximum adsorption capacities of phenol were found to be 114.416, 125.628 and 262.467 mg/g onto OSAC-60%, OSAC-70% and OSAC-80%, respectively. On the other hand, OSAC-80% was used as a good adsorbent for the removal of phenol and Cd2+ as co-pollutants from waste aqueous solutions. 80.25% of phenol and 50.66% of Cd2+ can be simultaneously removed by OSAC-80%.
The Political Crisis and Bank Financial Performance: Evidence from the Middle East

The political crisis happened in the Middle East and still continues in some countries affected its economicindicators. Due to the importance of banks in every economy, this study examines the impact of political crisisand bank internal factors on financial performance of 61 banks in Bahrain, Egypt, Syria and Yemen during theperiod 2004 – 2014 using financial ratio analysis technique. The effect of political crisis on bank performance isnegative. The findings also state that financial performance of selected countries’ banks is affected positively bycapital adequacy, bank size, asset management and operating efficiency. On the other hand, the factors of creditrisk, asset quality and overheads have a negative impact on this performance. However, the ratios ofmanagement quality, capital ratio, cost to income ratio, deposits and liquidity have no significant impact onROAA.Keywords: Financial Performance, Political Crisis, Middle East, Return on Assets.
Preventing Accidental Heterocyst Development in Cyanobacteria

The filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena can form heterocysts specialized in N2 fixation, mostly through a cascade of transcriptional activation in response to the nitrogen starvation signal 2-oxoglutarate. It is reported now that a transcription repressor, CalA, acts as a safety device to prevent heterocyst development under certain conditions where the 2-oxoglutarate level may touch the threshold to trigger unnecessary initiation of heterocyst development. ABSTRACT The filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena can form heterocysts specialized in N2 fixation, mostly through a cascade of transcriptional activation in response to the nitrogen starvation signal 2-oxoglutarate. It is reported now that a transcription repressor, CalA, acts as a safety device to prevent heterocyst development under certain conditions where the 2-oxoglutarate level may touch the threshold to trigger unnecessary initiation of heterocyst development. Such a control may increase the fitness of Anabaena under a constantly changing environment.
How high potential coaching can add value – for participants and the organisation

This case study explores the value of high potential coaching as part of a leadership development programme. As empirical and participant-based research for coaching (effectiveness) in a talent management context is scarce, both participant and organisation perspectives were explored. This research shows that the coaching readiness of participants could be influenced, both by the organisation and the relationship with the coach. The findings show that both the organisation and the participants valued personal realisations, increased effectiveness and career moves, although emphasised different elements. Findings could be relevant for coaching in a talent management context or for when engagement in coaching is not voluntary.
An Investigation into Barriers that Hinder the Effective Use of ICT in Farming by Small Scale Farmers in Asuogyaman District, Ghana.

Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of developing countries. Hence, the growth of the agricultural sector is particularly important, as it constitutes the bulk of the national economy in terms of human and material resources. According to Stienen, Bruinsma & Neuman, (2007), agriculture is an important sector in most developing countries and majority of the rural population depend on it. In a study by Green et al., (2005) it was revealed that agriculture plays an important role in economic growth, food security, poverty reduction, livelihoods, rural development and the environment. In Ghana, agriculture is the mainstay of the economy where majority (70%) of the population living in the rural areas depend either directly or indirectly on it for their livelihood and survival. It is estimated that agriculture contributes about 25% to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Small holder agricultural activities predominate economic activities in rural Ghana and dependent on rainfall. According to Demiryurek et al., (2008) agricultural information is an important factor that interacts with other production factors. Productivity of these other factors, such as land, labor, capital and managerial ability, can be improved by relevant, reliable and useful information supplied by extension services, research institutions, and other agricultural organizations to helps farmers make better decisions. Agricultural information creates awareness among farmers about agricultural technologies adoption. Therefore, it is important for the existence of robust agricultural information system in every country especially the developing ones to support agricultural development.
Intercomparison of radiative forcing calculations of stratospheric water vapour and contrails

Seven groups have participated in an intercomparison study of calculations of radiative forcing (RF) due to stratospheric water vapour (SWV) and contrails. A combination of detailed radiative transfer schemes and codes for global-scale calculations have been used, as well as a combination of idealized simulations and more realistic global-scale changes in stratospheric water vapour and contrails. Detailed line-by-line codes agree within about 15 % for longwave (LW) and shortwave (SW) RF, except in one case where the difference is 30 %. Since the LW and SW RF due to contrails and SWV changes are of opposite sign, the differences between the models seen in the individual LW and SW components can be either compensated or strengthened in the net RF, and thus in relative terms uncertainties are much larger for the net RF. Some of the models used for global-scale simulations of changes in SWV and contrails differ substantially in RF from the more detailed radiative transfer schemes. For the global-scale calculations we use a method of weighting the results to calculate a best estimate based on their performance compared to the more detailed radiative transfer schemes in the idealized simulations.
Ultrastructure of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle fibers of alloxan-diabetic rats

The diabetic effects of alloxan (type I diabetes mellitus) were investigated in 40 Wistar albino rats (18 controls and 22 diabetics). Alloxan in sterile physiological saline was injected into the animals intravenously. The ultrastructure of type IIa, type IIb and type I fibers in extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle of normal and alloxan diabetic rats was studied. In diabetic animals, the mitochondria of type IIa and type I fibers showed a loss of cristae. There was also an increased number of lipid droplets. The shape of the nuclei was highly irregular in these fibers. The type IIb fibers showed some disorientation of the T-tubuler system. It is concluded that alloxan-diabetes has differential effect on the fine structure of the three fiber types in rat skeletal muscle. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, skeletal muscle, alloxan, ultrastructure.
Lactobacillus helveticus SBT2171 upregulates the expression of β‐defensin and ameliorates periodontal disease caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis

Antimicrobial peptides play important roles in the innate immune system of various organisms, and they may also be considered to prevent the organisms from infections. In particular, β‐defensins, mainly produced in epithelial cells, are recognized as one of the major antimicrobial peptides in mammals, including humans. In this study, we showed that Lactobacillus helveticus SBT2171 (LH2171), one of the several species of lactic acid bacteria, upregulates the production of β‐defensins in oral epithelial cells in vitro. Moreover, LH2171 reduced the increase of proinflammatory cytokine expression, induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis stimulation, in gingival epithelial cells. These data suggested that LH2171 suppresses P. gingivalis‐induced inflammation by upregulating the expression of β‐defensins in gingival epithelial cells. We subsequently investigated the effects of LH2171 in vivo and revealed that β‐defensin expression was increased in the oral cavities of LH2171‐fed mice. Furthermore, LH2171 decreased alveolar bone loss, gingival inflammation, and amounts of P. gingivalis‐specific 16S ribosomal RNA in the gingiva of P. gingivalis‐inoculated mice. Taken together, our results showed that LH2171 upregulates the expression of β‐defensins in oral cavity, thereby decreasing the number of P. gingivalis consequently ameliorating the experimental periodontal disease.
Improving Marital Harmony for Husband-Wife of Different Cultures in the Early Marriage Years

The purpose of this research is to create a model program to improve the marital conjugal harmony of different cultures (Flores husband - Javanese wife) with an age range of 1-10 years of marriage which is the age range of marriage prone to divorce. Participants in this study were members of Flobamora who married women from the Javanese, so the participants are married couples of different cultures to the age of 1-10 years of marriage. This study was an experimental study-kuasi Locally-particular. The experimental group will receive treatment Enneagram Modified Program in each weekend (Saturday-Sunday) for approximately 6 weeks, while the control group remained participate week-end program, but not given treatment Enneagram Modified Program. Data analysis technique used is the Mixed-Anova or Anava A mix B.
Design of a Broadband Right-Angled Bend Using Transformation Optics

A right-angled waveguide bend using conformal transformation optics is proposed which guides the input electromagnetic wave smoothly through the waveguide, reduces the reflections and broadens the bandwidth of the device significantly. The isotropic material parameters are obtained through solving Laplace's equations with Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. It is shown that the performance of the proposed bend is mainly determined by refractive indices lower than one. Utilizing this, the approximated resulting medium is implemented by drilling hole arrays in a dielectric background. In order to take advantage of planar technology, it can be implemented in a substrate integrated waveguide.
Socioeconomic status, achieving occupational aspirations and sickness absence: A population based longitudinal study of Norwegian youths

This paper examines whether the degree of convergence between occupational aspirations and actual occupational achievement can elucidate the relationship between socioeconomic status and sickness absence. The analyses draw on survey data from a longitudinal study following 1,552 respondents from adolescence through young adulthood linked to register data on sickness absence. Occupational aspirations in adolescence were contrasted with actual occupational achievement in young adulthood and used to predict sickness absence. In accordance with existing research, socioeconomic status significantly predicted sickness absence, even after controlling for several relevant variables. Including aspiration achievement in the analysis reduced the relationship between socioeconomic status and sickness absence, while aspiration achievement was significantly related to sickness absence. The findings indicate that aspiration achievement mediates the relationship between socioeconomic status and sickness absence
Green Supply Chain Management and Environmental Performance among Tea Processing Firms in Kericho County- Kenya

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) on Environmental Performance among tea processing firms in Kericho County. The study adopted a correlation study design. Data was collected from all the 32 tea processing firms in the County and analyzed using SPSS. Multiple regression model was developed and used to establish the effect of GSCM on Environmental Performance. ANOVA test was used to determine the statistical significance of the relationship between the variables. The results were presented using tables. The study established that GSCM has positive effect on environmental performance. The study therefore recommends that managements of tea processing firms and other manufacturing firms adopt GSCM practices in their supply chain operations. The study suggests that further studies should be conducted in processing firms other than tea processing firms. Further studies should also be conducted to relate GSCM with individual aspects of performance such as Economic, Environmental and Social Performance.
Mothers' experiences with complementary feeding: Conventional and baby-led approaches.

AIM Lifelong eating behaviours are shaped in infancy with the introduction of solid foods (complementary feeding). A conventional approach to complementary feeding, encompassing spoon feeding of pureed foods, has long been the standard. Baby-led weaning is a contemporary approach whereby the infant is encouraged to choose what and how much they eat. Mothers navigate decisions about what and how to introduce foods to their infant in diverse ways. This study set out to explore the complementary feeding approaches of women. METHODS A qualitative study utilising photovoice and focus groups generated data that provided insight into women's lived experiences of complementary feeding. Thirteen women were purposively sampled and data were analysed in line with descriptive phenomenology. RESULTS Three recurrent themes emerged from the data. Women's approaches to complementary feeding were mediated by "trust," "convenience" and making decisions that were "value based versus practical based. " Trust manifested in various forms including trusting the infant, trusting women's own instincts and the tension between social pressures and trust of self. CONCLUSIONS Differences between women following a conventional vs baby-led approach were also seen in perceptions of convenience, and the decision-making process. This study provides insight into how and why women choose certain feeding practices and can be used to better equip health professionals to work with new mothers in providing realistic and nuanced feeding support.