Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NATURAL EXTRACTS FROM PTEROSPARTUM TRIDENTATUM AT DIFFERENT VEGETATIVE STAGES: EXTRACTION YIELD, PHENOLIC CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

The aerial parts of Pterospartum tridentatum , a wild growing species in Portugal used in traditional medicine and gastronomy, were harvested at different stages (vegetative phase, flowering phase and beginning of dormancy) in two locations in Portugal (Malcata and Gardunha mountains), and the respective aqueous extracts have been studied. The influence of the seasonal variation in the extraction yield, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was evaluated. The extraction was carried out in boiling water in consecutive steps. After each step, the aqueous extract was separated and fresh water was added maintaining the same plant material. The procedure was repeated seven times, within an overall time period of 180 minutes. Higher extraction yields were achieved with plant stems collected at the vegetative phases, either from Malcata or Gardunha regions. The total phenolic content of the extracts from Malcata plants ranged from 273 mg to 400 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry matter, which was quite similar to that determined for extracts from Gardunha (245 to 394 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry matter). The antioxidant activity was determined by the radical scavenging activity method using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH). The greatest radical scavenging activity was observed in the flowers extracts, even though all extracts produced presented a good antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was not affected by the exposure of the plant material at 100oC for long periods of time (180 min). The results show that Pterospartum tridentatum has a great potential to be used as a new source of natural antioxidants for the food industry.
Pollination as an ecosystem service in Lofthus, Norway: A study on the distribution of wild and managed pollinators on apple crops and how they are affected by the surrounding landscape

Pollination is an important ecosystem service that benefits human welfare by increasing the quantity and quality of fruit and seed set of many crops. The decline in bee abundance and diversity in recent years may result in a decrease in pollination services, which could have a major impact on world food supplies. In Norway, there is a lack of studies on pollination in a farming context. Here I present a field study on the pollination service in apple orchards in Lofthus, Western Norway. I studied the distribution of managed and wild bees, factors that affect their presence, and how this affects the apple yield. The field methods used were transect walks at the farms, observations at branches, pan traps and transect in various habitat types. Transect walks at farms and observations at branches and pan traps were used for statitstical analyses, while transect walks in various habitat types were combined and used to create a species distribution model (SDM). There was a high abundance of honeybees in the apple orchards; among the wild pollinators bumblebees were more common. Honeybees were more abundant in sunny weather, while bumblebees were not as strongly affected by weather. Bumblebee abundance increased towards higher elevations on the farms in the transect walk data, while SDM showed increasing elevations (up to 240 meter) to have a positive effect on predicted presence of both honeybee and bumblebees. Distance to forest did not affect the bumblebees, but SDM showed that all of the pollinators preferred the upper, less disturbed parts of the farm areas which were closer to natural habitats. I also showed that pollinator diversity had a positive impact on the fruit set and yield. These results indicate that both honeybee and bumblebee abundance have a positive impact on the fruit set and yield of apples in Lofthus. They also indicate that to enhance the wild pollinator abundance, undisturbed, flower rich habitat is important. Table of
“What is to be a ‘Mother’?”—An Exposition of “Non-biological Mothers” in Literary Texts

This paper investigates the identity formation of “non-biological mothers” in a sample of texts which include primarily “The Caucasian Chalk Circle” by Bertolt Brecht, “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte and “Eveline” by James Joyce. Three characters are selected from the works who perform the role of “mother” at different levels for children who are “biologically” not their own. In Brecht’s play, Grusha cares for the child that is left by his own mother. In Bronte’s novel, Nelly Dean looks after both Hareton and Junior Catherine, children who have lost their “biological” mother, as well as Heathcliff who is brought to the house as an orphan. In Joyce’s short story, Eveline performs the role of mother and remains in Dublin defying her boyfriend’s attempts to take her away to possible happiness in a faraway land. In the study, these three figures and their role as “mother” are the primary focus. However, characters such as the first wife of Okonkwo in “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achabe and Anna-Maria in “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen are also be examined to understand how women who have their own children, become committed towards children who are “biologically” not their own. The study elucidates the way this role of “non-biological mother” is constructed in various literary contexts and more specifically how these “non-biological mothers” are not recognized and their love regarded as subservient to the “love” of the “biological mother”. A textual analysis of texts is used to interpret these characters in their specific literary settings. In this manner, the study promotes a re-reading of the role of “non-biological mothers” and re-interprets the socio-political implications of the role of “mother” as well as the concept of “motherhood”.
Modelling the UV spectrum of SDSS-III/BOSS galaxies: hints towards the detection of the UV upturn at high-z

We exploit stellar population models of absorption line indices in the ultraviolet (from 2000 - 3200 Angstrom) to study the spectra of massive galaxies. Our central aim is to investigate the occurrence at high-redshift of the UV upturn, i.e. the increased UV emission due to old stars observed in massive galaxies and spiral bulges in the local Universe. We use a large (~275,000) sample of z~0.6 massive (log M*/Msun > 11.5) galaxies using both individual spectra and stacks and employ a suite of models including a UV contribution from old populations, spanning various effective temperatures, fuel consumptions and metallicities. We find that a subset of our indices, Mg I, Fe I, and BL3096, are able to differentiate between old and young UV ages. We find evidence for old stars contributing to the UV in massive galaxies, rather than star formation. The data favour models with low/medium upturn temperatures (10,000 - 25,000K) consistent with local galaxies, depending on the assumed metallicity, and with a larger fuel (f ~ 0.065 Msun). Models with one typical temperature are favoured over models with a temperature range, which would be typical of an extended horizontal branch. Old UV-bright populations are found in the whole galaxy sample (~92%), with a mass fraction peaking around 20-30%. Upturn galaxies are massive and have redder colours, in agreement with findings in the local Universe. We find that the upturn phenomenon appears at z~1 and its frequency increases towards lower redshift, as expected by stellar evolution of low mass stars. Our findings will help constrain stellar evolution in the exotic UV upturn phase.
The Impact of Rosuvastatin and Omeg-3 on the Antitumoral Activity andCardiotoxicity of Doxorubicin Compared to Captopril Effect in Experimentally-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice

Background: Despite its usefulness as an antineoplastic agent, doxorubicin (DOX) has been associated with the development of acute and chronic cardiotoxicity. Aim: The present study for the first time was undertaken to evaluate and compare the potential antitumoral effects of three drugs; (captopril, rosuvastatin and omega 3) in combination with DOX against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)- induced hepatocellular (HCC) in mice, in an attempt to achieve an improved antitumoral effect devoid of cardiotoxicity. Methods: The effect of combined treatments was evaluated by analyzing cell viability in vitro, studying tumor apoptosis (Bcl-X and Bak) and angiogenesis (VEGF) in vivo, assessing cardiac inflammation (TNF-α) and oxidative stress (MDA,GSH, SOD), and evaluating variations of heart weight/body weight ratio as a general indicator of animal health status. Histopathological assessement of liver and heart were also performed. Results: Compared to the DEN group, administration of doxorubicin (12 mg/kg ip) resulted in a significant increment in Bak expression and a significant decrease of hepatic VEGF level. Furthermore, captopril (25 mg/kg, po), rosuvastatin (20 mg/kg, po) and omega-3 (1gm/kg, po) treated groups were shown to have more pronounced reduction of hepatic VEGF measured. Marked cardioprotection was noticed with the combination regimen. Conclusion: The antitumoral, apoptotic and antiangiogenic effects demonstrated by the combined treatment with rosuvastatin, captopril or omega 3 and DOX, is further emphasized by lack of toxicity. The most promising results were obtained with rosuvastatin and captopril treatment. These data raise important issues that may impact how these drugs can best be included in chemotherapy regimens.
An enzyme in the pectinolytic pathway of Erwinia chrysanthemi: 2-keto-3-deoxygluconate oxidoreductase

SUMMARY: 2-Keto-3-deoxygluconate : NAD 5-oxidoreductase (EC 1.1.1.127) is an enzyme used in pectinolysis by some phytopathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Erwinia. It converts 2,5-diketo-3-deoxygluconate (DKII) into 2-keto-3-deoxygluconate (KDG) with a concomitant oxidation of NADH. The reaction is reversible in the presence of NAD. The oxidoreductase isolated from Erwinia chrysanthemi was purified 40-fold by protamine treatment, (NH4)2SO4 fractionation, chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex and filtration on Sephadex G-200. The enzyme appeared relatively stable. There was no effect of EDTA or of added ions except Ag+. This ion and the thiol reagent p-chloromercuribenzoate inhibited the enzyme. Other uronic acids, sugars and organic acids tested were neither substrates nor inhibitors of its activity. The optimum pH was 10 for the oxidation of KDG and 7.5 for the reduction of DKII. Both oxidation and reduction reactions showed saturation kinetics with apparent K m values of 7.7 × 10-3 M for KDG and 4 × 10-4 M for NAD (at 37 °C, pH 8.6), and of 3.4 × 10-4 M for DKII and 0.3 × 10-4 M for NADH (at 37 °C and pH 7.0). The enzyme reaction was strongly inhibited by NADH at concentrations higher than 2 × 10-4 M.
Analysis of consumer behaviour in the UK footwear market

During the past couple of years, the UK footwear market has gone through a considerable transformation. Demand has significantly changed, thus has consumer behaviour. Therefore, the aim of this study was set to analyse the main aspects of consumer behaviour currently prevailing in the market. Furthermore, the major research was focused on exploring gender and generational differences in purchasing behaviour and consequently examining the current state of brand loyalty in the UK footwear market. The research was based on a questionnaire, which has been distributed to fashion and footwear associations and several universities in the UK. The questionnaire was sent via a social network and the network of the University of Huddersfield. Due to an insufficient number of responses, further research was carried out on a Huddersfield University campus. Results of the questionnaire showed very noticeable differences between women's and men's attitudes toward shoe shopping. Although a vast majority of women stated a strong positive relation toward footwear, men showed a significantly more moderate attitude. The results also indicated that nowadays, young consumers purchase rationally and carefully. The research has also revealed markedly low brand loyalty, which suggests that footwear brands/retailers may need to adjust their current offer, which has been found unsatisfactory.
Studies on Intestinal Helminthes infection in Rumde Nursery and Primary School Pupils, in Jimeta, Adamawa State, Nigeria

A study on prevalence of intestinal helminthes among nursery and primary school pupils was conducted in Rumde, Jimeta, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study was aimed at determining the intestinal helminthes in relation to sex, age, parent occupation and socio-economic factors among the pupils. A crosssectional study involving 144 pupils were involved where questionnaire was given to assess the socio-economic factors. Stool specimens were examined using the formal ether concentration technique. Chi-square was used for the data analysis at (p<0.05) level of significance. Out of the total sample population, 26(18.1%) were helminth infected. Six helminthes parasite species were encountered during the study. Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence rate of 42.3% closely followed by Hookworm, 32.7%, while Schistosoma mansoni, 1.9% had the lowest. Pupils between age group 0-6 years had the highest infection rate of 40.0% and the lowest infection was observed among those within age bracket 13-15 years, 31.2%, while others were 7-9 years, 33.3%, 10-12 years, 37.9%. The study showed a significant relationship between infection and parents occupation, as 59.0% was recorded among traders as the highest occurrence and 42.3% among Civil servant as the lowest cases recorded with statistical significant different at p<0.05. Table 4. Showed that, pupils using bush had 50.0% infection rate as the highest cases, while those using water closet and bush had 0.0% infection rate with statistical significant difference at p<0.05.
Secular Trends of Adiposity and Motor Abilities in Preschool Children

Height, weight, BMI and triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfold thicknesses and of motor performance (20 m run, broad jump from the spot, and ball throw by right hand) were repeatedly measured over six decades in several age groups of Czech preschool children (4-6 years). The first study compared results of the measurements in the 1950s (n=268) and in 2009 (n=188), and then further measurements of height, weight, and skinfolds were conducted in two kindergartens with different physical activity programs in the 1970s (n=151) and in 2011 (n=79). When comparing the last century’s results and recent measurements, the average height and weight increased slightly in both studies, and BMI values fluctuated insignificantly around the 50th percentile of the present Czech growth grids for BMI. A significant increase of the values of skinfold thickness was mostly found; along with that results of the broad jump and ball throw (abilities which need some experience and adaptation) decreased significantly, and performance in the 20 m run did not change. The increase of adiposity was lower in the kindergarten with a program of increased physical activity. Gender differences in preschoolers were always found at the occasion of all measurements: adiposity in girls was slightly higher, and motor performance was always lower. A secular change of lifestyle with prevailing sedentarism worsened motor abilities along with increasing adiposity, and a positive effect of increased physical activity had a significant impact on adiposity already during the preschool age. What is already known about this subject: The prevalence of obesity has been increasing in the industrially developed and transitional countries, and also in selected groups of developing countries since the middle of the last century resulting, inter alia, from increasing sedentarism. Adiposity has been enhanced in the general population of school children and adolescents, along with a decreasing level of physical fitness and motor abilities. What this study adds: This study adds original information on secular changes during the last sixty years on adiposity and motor abilities in preschool children; this age group has been less studied up to the present, as more difficult to be followed up by complex programs of adiposity and motor abilities measurements.
Patients characteristics associated with better glycemic response to teneligliptin and metformin therapy in type 2 diabetes: a retrospective study

Background: Teneligliptin was recently approved for type 2 diabetes (T2D) management in India and is used as monotherapy or in combination with different antidiabetic drugs. The aim of this study was to identify patients’ characteristics associated with better glycemic response to teneligliptin and metformin. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data was performed in patients of T2D with HbA1c above 7% who were treated with teneligliptin 20 mg/d as add on to metformin (500-100 mg/d) and whose follow-up data at 12-weeks was available. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and post-prandial blood sugar (PPBS) changes were analysed. Results: Among 66 patients included in analysis, mean age was 61.0±9.8 years and 53% were females. Median duration of diabetes was 2 years. At 12-weeks, a significant reduction PPBS was observed (mean change: -14.3 mg/dL, p=0.009) but not in FBS (mean change: -2.4 mg/dL, p=0.353). Among different patients’ characteristics, age ≤60 years (p=0.006), duration of ≤1 year (p=0.023), body-mass index ≥25 kg/m2 (p=0.009), presence of dyslipidemia (p=0.05) and absence of complications (p=0.012) were associated with significant reduction in PPBS but not in FBS. Conclusions: A younger, newly-diagnosed, obese T2D patients with dyslipidemia without any complications of diabetes can derive better therapeutic effectiveness from teneligliptin added to metformin. These findings need to be confirmed in large, prospective, long duration study.
An Investigation of Quality Changes in Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus, L. 1758) Stored at Different Temperatures

Quality changes in anchovy caught at different times during storage at ambient and refrigerated temperatures were investigated in 3 different batches. Sampling was carried out each day during storage. The results showed no significant differences among the anchovy batches except for bacteriological counts and trimethylamine (TMA) values at refrigerated temperatures. Storage time and temperature had a significant effect (P < 0.001, P < 0.05) on sensory, bacteriological and chemical values. Bacteriological counts and chemical values increased significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.001) depending on time, while sensory results decreased (P < 0.05). According to sensory results, samples were acceptable for 1 day at ambient temperatures and for 2 days refrigerated. This study showed that refrigeration did not extend the shelf-life of fresh anchovies by more than a day compare to ambient temperature. Ozet: Hamsinin oda s›cakl›¤› ve buzdolab› koflullar›nda depolanmas› esnas›ndaki kalite deiflimleri farkl› zamanda avlanan uc grup ornekle incelendi. Depolama esnas›nda gunluk ornekleme yap›ld›. Araflt›rma sonuclar› uc grup aras›nda, buzdolab› koflullar›nda depolanan orneklerde bakteriyolojik ve TMA deerleri haricinde onemli bir farkl›l›k bulunmad›¤›n› gosterdi. Ancak, tum orneklerde elde edilen duyusal, bakteriyolojik ve kimyasal deerlerde depolama s›cakl›¤› ve zaman›na ba¤›ml› olarak onemli olcude deiflim olduu saptand› (P < 0.001, P < 0.05). Bakteri say›s› ve kimyasal deerler zamana ba¤›ml› olarak art›fl gosterirken (P < 0.05, P < 0.001), duyusal deerlerde onemli derecede azalma gozlendi (P < 0.05). Duyusal analizlere gore hamsinin raf omru oda s›cakl›¤›nda bir gun, buzdolab›nda ise iki gun olmufltur. Boylece, buzdolab› koflullar›nda urunun raf omrunun oda s›cakl›¤›na gore sadece bir gun uzat›labildii tespit edilmifltir.
Thermal expansion of CaIrO 3 determined by X-ray powder diffraction

The thermal expansion of CaIrO3, the archetype phase of the “post-perovskite” polymorph of MgSiO3, has been determined by X-ray powder diffraction from 113 to 1173 K. For temperatures above 298 K, the volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion, α(T), can be represented by α(T )= a0 +a 1(T), with a0 = 2.42(3) × 10 −5 K −1 and a1 = 0.73(4) × 10 −8 K −2 . The data for the full range of
APPLICATION OF TiO2 FOR SELF CLEANING IN WATER BASED PAINT WITH POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (PEG) AS DISPERSANT

TiO2 anatase and rutile having composition of 1%, 1.5%, and 2 % have been applied as a self-cleaning in water based paint containing dispersant polyethylene glycol (PEG) with molecular weight of 6000. Anatase TiO2 is used for self-cleaning and rutile TiO2 for ultraviolet protection. Mud and dye were used as pollutant for self cleaning test. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was employed for evaluating TiO2distribution. Image J was used to calculate area of pollutant and distribution of TiO2. The results show that 2% TiO2 with ratio of anatase : rutile 90:10 has the minimum pollutant area indicating the best self cleaning properties. FTIR characterizations show absorbance peak at 1080 cm-1 wave numbers indicating characteristic peaks of PEG. The increase of peaks at around that wave number indicates maximum TiO2 aggregation. It was found that 2% TiO2 with ratio of anatase : rutile 90:10 has the minimum peak at that particular wave number. The AFM image for this composition shows that aggregate distribution of TiO2 in the film paints are more homogenous compare with other samples leading to an improved self cleaning properties.
Discretionary Loan Loss Provisions And Earnings Management For The Banking Industry

The purpose of the study is to investigate the relation between discretionary loan loss provisions and 6 indicators of bank operating performance for the period 1999-2004 under controlling the type of bank, ownership status and asset size. Besides, we investigate whether bank managers intend to use discretionary loan loss provisions as a means for earnings management. Based on the empirical results from the Taiwan Economic Journal (TEJ) database, the study finds: (1) the two earnings-related variables, namely earnings before loan loss provisions and one-year-ahead earnings, are significantly related to discretionary loan loss provision; (2) non-performing loans is significantly related to discretionary loan loss provisions, but non-performing loans ratio and bad debts coverage ratio are not found to be significantly linked to discretionary loan loss provisions; (3) capital adequacy ratio is not significantly related to discretionary loan loss provisions. Finally, our findings indicate that bank managers may use discretionary loan loss provisions to engage in earnings management when the earnings before loan loss provisions or non-performing loans are at a high level.