Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does zinc uptake relate well with differential zinc efficiency of barley genotypes

To some extent, differential zinc (Zn) efficiency of cereals, particularly differences between species may be attributed to phytosiderophores (PSs) release and inorganic Zn (Zn2+) uptake; however, the discrepancies within a given species are still under discussion. Moreover, studies on the explanations of differential Zn efficiencies of barleys are limited. That is why using two barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars (Zn-efficient, Tarm-92 and -inefficient, Hamidiye-79), two short-term uptake experiments were designed with two forms of Zn, free Zn (Zn2+) or PS chelated Zn (Zn-PS) labelled with radioactive Zn (65Zn) in nutrient solution culture. Similar to earlier studies, the Zn uptake by roots and its translocation to shoots of barley supplied as either free (Zn2+) or chelated (Zn-PS) was induced under Zn deficiency. Although according to results of previous works, a close relationship between Zn2+ uptake of roots and Zn efficiencies of the same barley cultivars might have existed, the outcomes of the present research showed the opposite. Neither the uptake of Zn2+ and Zn-PS from roots nor their translocation to shoot had any compatible connection with the Zn efficiencies of barley cultivars. So the reason for differential Zn efficiency within a given cereal species remained unclear including barley as well. Key words: Barley, phytosiderophores, uptake, zinc, zinc efficiency.
Theoretical framework The multi ‐ dimensional learning tasks model and the cognitive load theory

Online learning has gained importance in education over the last 20 years, but the well-known problem of high dropout rates still persists. According to the multi-dimensional learning tasks model, the cognitive (over)load of learners is essential to attrition when dealing with five challenges (e.g. technology, user interface) of an online training (Tyler-Smith, 2006). The experienced load might depend on learner characteristics. The study explored the extent that learners dropping out from a vocational video-based online training about media design for employees of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises differ from working learners’ online learning experience, computer attitude, and computer anxiety. The data were collected from 72 of 128 registered employees who completed a questionnaire before starting the course to analyze differences between the dropout group (submitted no solutions to online training tasks; n = 19) and the active learner group (submitted at least one of 13 task solutions; n = 53). No differences were found in online learning experience, but the dropout group reported more negative attitudes towards computers and a higher level of computer anxiety than the active learner group.
TO STUDY COMPLIANCE OF ANTENATAL WOMEN IN RELATION TO IRON SUPPLEMENTATION IN ROUTINE ANTE-NATAL CLINIC AT A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE CENTRE

Background : The purpose of this study was to determine the compliance of the pregnant women and factors related to iron tablet consumption behavior among pregnant women. Response to Â iron deficiency anemiaÂ is related to the dose and schedule of a iron tablets and diet. Noncompliance reduces treatment benefits and is associated with poorer prognosis. Methods: A detailed questionnaire designed to assess the antenatal women compliance. Eight hundred Â and sixty women of 16-30wks pregancy who received iron tablets daily for 90 consecutive days in Rohtak city of Haryana state. Results: The results showed that compliance among pregnant women, regarding iron supplementation, was observed by 80.47% women, non compliance was observed by 14.42 % while over compliance was observed only by 5.11% women. Compliance was better observed in educated patients as compared to uneducated i.e.62.14% versus 37.86%. The reasons for non compliance were side effects 29.03% , suffering from pregnancy complications and taking multiple drug supplements 22.58% , long term taking of iron tablets 19.35%, not liking pharmaceutical preparations 16.94%, forgetfullness 9.68% and not liking due to poor quality of iron tablet supplied by government were 2.42%. Â Almost all the women believed that the doctor, pharmacist and nurse explained the instructions for intake of iron tablets and diet Â to them and they followed those instructions. Conclusion: This study shows that Â compliance is related to education of the pregnant women and proper explanation of instructions by doctor, pharmacist and nurses, help to improve the compliance but much can be done to improve existing iron supplementation programs in developing countries by ensuring that iron tablets of good quality are available at all levels of health care. Key Words: Compliance, Pregnant Women, Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Evaluation of The Impact of Tart Cherries Polyphenols on The Human Gut Microbiota and Phenolic Metabolites In Vitro and In Vivo

Tart cherries are polyphenol abundant stone fruits claimed to exert health benefits further of its nutritional properties. The abundant phytochemicals content in tart cherries also referred as dietary polyphenols have been considered as an effective natural antioxidant when added in daily diet. However, it has been hypothesized the intervention of gut microbiota on the overall functionality of such compounds. This thesis contains a wide-ranging literature review focused on tart cherry as a crop, current market, functional food, and several health benefits. Furthermore, the research done describes and in vitro and in vivo assays of a short-term dietary intervention of tart cherry and polyphenol isolates assessed with microbial ecology analysis and metabolomics of tart cherry concentrate polyphenols and microbial metabolites. The concentration of polyphenols (anthocyanins, flavonols and phenolic acids) were high amounts as expected. The in vitro assay showed large increase of Bacteroides in addition to a suggested Bifidobacterium increase likely due to large concentration of chlorogenic acid found in the tart cherry concentrated juice. The main microbial metabolites found in this assay was mainly 4-hydroxyphenyl propionic acid and in less amounts 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. The in vivo assay showed two initial scenarios associates with Bacteroides relative abundance: individuals with high Bacteroides increase the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus and Collinsella; on the other hand, individuals with low levels of Bacteroides responded with an increase Prevotella and Bifidobacterium and Bcteroides and decrease of Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus and Collinsella. The results confirm an intervention from the gut microbiota over the metabolism of phytochemicals which should be considered in studies linked with functional foods and potential benefits to health.
Effect of native strains of Paecilomyces sp . ( Bainier ) and Lecanicillium sp . ( Zimm ) on the control of Carmenta foraseminis Eichlin ( Lepidoptera : Sesiidae ) on cocoa ( Theobroma cacao L . ) crops

The fruit borer, Carmenta foraseminis Eichlin, is an insect that has increased up its attack in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) in recent years in northern Santander, Colombia. The objective was to evaluate the pathogenicity of two native strains Paecilomyces sp. Giav-3 and Lecanicillium sp. Giav-4, on larvae of C. foraseminis. Isolations were made from soil samples collected in the municipality of Tibú, Northern Santander, Colombia. After obtaining pure cultures, macroscopic and microscopic characterization for gender identification of the strains using taxonomic keys was done. The evaluation was conducted by immersion of larvae in suspensions of the isolates at concentrations of 0, 106, 107 and 108 conidia/ml. For both strains there was a linear trend in mortality, which was directly proportional to the concentrations of the inoculum. The LC50 and LC90 for Giav-3 were 106.95 and 108.70 conidia/ ml, and for Giav-4 was 106.6 and 108.04 conidia/ml, respectively. This indicates that Giav-4 required the lowest concentration of inoculum to remove 50 to 90% of the treated population, indicating it is more effective against larvae.
Human Cytomegalovirus: The Cause Of Glioblastoma Multiforme.

Objective: The relationship between Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is investigated. Methods: A systematic review and re-analysis of some impressive key studies was conducted aimed to answer the following question. Is there a cause-effect relationship between HCMV and GBM? The method of the conditio sine qua non relationship was used to proof the hypothesis whether the presence of HCMV guarantees the presence of GBM. In other words, without HCMV no GBM The mathematical formula of the causal relationship k was used to proof the hypothesis, whether there is a cause-effect relationship between HCMV and GBM. Significance was indicated by a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: The studies analysed were able to provide strict evidence that HCMV is a necessary condition (a conditio sine qua non) of GBM. Furthermore, the cause-effect relationship between HCMV and GBM (k = +1, p value < 0,0001) was highly significant. Conclusion: Without HCMV no GBM. HCMV is the cause of GBM. Keywords: Cytomegalovirus, Glioblastoma multiforme, Causal relationship
Biocompatibility of a new nanomaterial based on calcium silicate implanted in subcutaneous connective tissue of rats

The aim of the study was to investigate rat connective tissue response to a new calcium silicate system 7, 15, 30 and 60 days after implantation. Twenty Wistar albino male rats received two tubes half-filled with a new calcium silicate system (NCSS) or MTA in subcutaneous tissue. The empty half of the tubes served as controls. Five animals were sacrificed after 7, 15, 30 and 60 days and samples of the subcutaneous tissue around implanted material were submitted to histological analysis. The intensity of inflammation was evaluated based on the number of inflammatory cells present. Statistical analysis was performed using one way ANOVA and Holm Sidak's multiple comparison tests. Mild to moderate inflammatory reaction was observed after 7, 15 and 30 days around a NCSS while mild inflammatory reaction was detected after 60 days of implantation. In the MTA group, mild to moderate inflammatory reaction was found after 7 and 15 days while mild inflammatory reaction was present after 30 and 60 days. There was no statistically significant difference in the intensity of inflammatory reactions between the tested materials and control groups in any experimental period (ANOVA p>0.05). Regarding the intensity of inflammatory reactions at different experimental periods, a statistically significant difference was observed between 7 and 30 days, 7 and 60 days and 15 to 60 days for both materials. For the controls, a statistically significant difference was found between 7 and 60 days and 15 and 60 days of the experiment (Holm Sidak < p 0.001). Subcutaneous tissue of rats showed good tolerance to a new calcium silicate system. Inflammatory reaction was similar to that caused by MTA. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 172026]
Effects of prolonged UV-B exposure in plants

Over the past few decades, there has been a depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer due to emissions of halogen-containing compounds of anthropogenic origin. This has resulted in a concomitant increase in solar ultraviolet-B radiation. High levels of UV-B radiation are responsible for multiple biologically harmful effects in both plants and animals. In plants, these effects include DNA damage, which often causes heritable mutations affecting various physiological processes, including the photosynthetic apparatus, protein destruction and signal transduction via UV-B photoreceptors. High UV-B levels introduce a number of different lesions, predominantly cyclobutane pyrimidine dimmers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidinone products [(6-4) PPs] in the genome. These could adversely affect plant growth, development and morphology, especially the productivity of sensitive crop species. This paper reviews the genetic effects of long-term UV-B exposure in plants.
Environmental Uncertainty, Performance, and the Mediating Role of Balanced Scorecard Measures Use: Evidence from Malaysia

This study empirically examines the mediating role of the balanced scorecard (BSC) measures usage on the perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU) and firm performance relationship. The management accounting and control literature has highlighted the importance of environment in the design of management accounting and control systems. Using empirical data from 120 Malaysian manufacturing firms, the results provide ample evidence on the role of multiple performance measures - conceptualized according to the BSC framework - on the relationship between perceived environmental uncertainty and firm performance.
Financial constraints and investment : an alternative empirical framework

In the empirical literature on flnancial constraints, flrms are usually assigned to distinct groups, according to whether or not they are supposed to be flnancially constrained (FC). Several recent empirical papers studying the re- lationship between flrms' cash ∞ows and investment, have found mixed results regarding whether or not more FC flrms show higher or lower sensitivity of invest- ment to cash ∞ows (CFSI). We show that these mixed results may be attributable to the use of difierent \ex-ante" sample-splitting schemes. In response to these is- sues, we develop a novel research strategy that allows for estimating flrm-speciflc investment-cash ∞ow sensitivities and identifying the whole distribution of sen- sitivities across flrms. Speciflcally, we apply entropy-based estimation methods, which outperform classical estimation methods under various general conditions. Our empirical results, based on a large panel-data set of U.S. flrms, demonstrate some of the limitations of prevailing classiflcation schemes. The approach we pro- pose ofiers new and interesting prospects for re-examining the existing empirical evidence on flnancial constraints.
Contributions to Speech Analytics based on Speech Recognition and Topic Identification

The last decade has witnessed major advances in speech recognition technology. Today’s commercial systems are able to recognize continuous speech from numerous speakers, with acceptable levels of error and without the need for an explicit adaptation procedure. Despite this progress, speech recognition is far from being a solved problem. Most of these systems are adjusted to a particular domain and their efficacy depends significantly, among many other aspects, on the similarity between the language model used and the task that is being addressed. This dependence is even more important in scenarios where the statistical properties of the language fluctuates throughout the time, for example, in application domains involving spontaneous and multitopic speech. Over the last years there has been an increasing effort in enhancing the speech recognition systems for such domains. This has been done, among other approaches, by means of techniques of automatic adaptation. These techniques are applied to the existing systems, specially since exporting the system to a new task or domain may be both time-consuming and expensive.
A Model of Distributed Agile Team: Agent-based Modeling approach

Due to high failure rates of traditional plan-driven software development methodologies, Agile Software Development was suggested as an alternative. Many studies suggested that Agile has many characteristics of Complex Adaptive System (CAS). Until now, most of the findings from previous studies are about discrete elements of Agile methodology or episodic events, and they provide microscopic view or theoretical background of the Agile methodology. However, Agile methodology and its development teams need to be understood as a whole in the macroscopic view. In this study, we suggest an Agent-based Model of remote Agile team as the tool for simulation of the mechanism of distributed Agile team and the effect of communication on the distributed Agile team. Through this Agent-based Model, the research on Agile team will be able to equip a macroscopic view of Agile team using bottom-up approach under controlled team conditions.
THE VARIATIONAL ITERATION METHOD WHICH SHOULD BE FOLLOWED

This paper proposes three standard variational iteration algorithms for solving differential equations, integro-differential equations, fractional differential equations, fractal differential equations, differential-difference equations and fractional/fractal differential-difference equations. The physical interpretations of the fractional calculus and the fractal derivative are given and an application to discrete lattice equations is discussed. The paper then examines the acceleration of some iteration formulae with particular emphasis being placed on the exponential Pade approximant that is suggested for solitary solutions and the sinusoidal Pade approximant that is usually used for periodic and compacton solutions. The paper points out that there may not be any physical meaning to the exact solutions of many nonlinear equations and stresses the importance of searching for approximate solutions that satisfy both the equations and the appropriate initial/boundary conditions. The variational iteration method is particularly suitable for solving this kind of problems. Approximate initial/boundary conditions and point boundary initial/conditions are also discussed, with the variational iteration method being capable of recovering the correct initial/boundary conditions and finding the solutions simultaneously.
SUPPRESSION OF HEPATIC TNF-α AND TGF-β GENE EXPRESSIONS IN RATS WITH INDUCED NONALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS

Summary The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ethyl acetate extract of Teucrium polium, with high anti-oxidant activity, on experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Male NMary rats were divided into three groups: control group was fed a normal diet, MCD group received a methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet and MCD+E group was fed a MCD diet plus ethyl acetate extract of T.polium orally (0.5 g/kg/day). After 8 weeks, all rats were sacrificed. Hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), reduced Glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and liver histopathology were examined. MCD diet led to grade 1 liver steatosis, lobular inflammation and ballooning degeneration. These factors decreased significantly among the rats of MCD+E group. Hepatic MDA level in the MCD+E group was lower than those of the MCD group. The GSH level in the MCD+E group was significantly higher than those in the MCD group. Western blot analyses and Real-Time PCR showed that the levels of hepatic TNF-α and TGF-β have markedly decreased among MCD+E group relative to MCD group. These results demonstrate that the ethyl acetate extract of T.polium has effectively prevented the progress of NASH, most probably trough its strong antioxidant capability.
Cosmological Constraints from a Combination of Galaxy Clustering and Lensing -- III. Application to SDSS Data

We simultaneously constrain cosmology and galaxy bias using measurements of galaxy abundances, galaxy clustering and galaxy-galaxy lensing taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We use the conditional luminosity function (which describes the halo occupation statistics as function of galaxy luminosity) combined with the halo model (which describes the non-linear matter field in terms of its halo building blocks) to describe the galaxy-dark matter connection. We explicitly account for residual redshift space distortions in the projected galaxy-galaxy correlation functions, and marginalize over uncertainties in the scale dependence of the halo bias and the detailed structure of
Diversity of Lactobacillus Strains in Iranian Traditional Wheat Sourdough

Background: Lactic acid bacteria play a key role in sourdough fermentation. Lactobacilli are the most important group of lactic acid bacteria in sourdough. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify Lactobacillus strains in Iranian traditional wheat sourdoughs as a basis for further studies on the technological applications in the production of typical breads. Methods: Fourteen traditional sourdough samples were collected from the Southern regions in East-Azarbaijan province of Iran. In all sourdough samples, pH and Total Titratable Acidity (TTA) values were determined, and then isolation and identification of Lactobacillus isolates were carried out. Results: Most sourdough samples had the pH value of 3.64 to 3.90 and the TTA varied from 16.8 to 19.2 ml of 0.1 N NaOH/10 g sourdough. Isolates were divided into two main groups (group A and group B) using phenotypic characteristics, group B subdivided into eight groups. Overall, 38% of the isolates, which clustered together in group A, were closely related to Lactobacillus paralimentarius, while 27% and 20% of the isolates were closely related to Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus curvatus, respectively. A few isolates were also identified as Lactobacillus agilis and Lactobacillus hilgardii. Conclusion: Lactobacillus paralimentarius, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus curvatus, and the rare presence of Lactobacillus agilis and Lactobacillus hilgardii were identified in Iranian traditional sourdough. These lactobacilli may have potential to be used as starter cultures in the manufacture of sourdough breads with perfect and good quality.
Effects of Some Heavy Metal Pollutants On Glutathione Production In Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) In An In Situ Bio-Assay In River Galma, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Pollution of the aquatic media poses a lot of problems to the living biota within them and other organisms dependent on them for survival. Pollution from heavy metals are particularly deleterious as they are persistent within the ecosystem and have the tendency to bio-accumulate especially in higher vertebrates that depend directly or indirectly on them. Fishes possess different defensive mechanisms to counteract the impact of toxicants. This research focuses on the effects of some heavy metals on production of glutathione in Clarias gariepinus in an in situ bioassay in River Galma.120 samples (40 per exposure) of 20-45g size range of juveniles were exposed to the river environment for fourteen days in a cage system at five different locations along the river course for three different periods of the year. Glutathione were assayed for after the 7th and 14th day of exposure. Heavy metal (Pb, Cr, Cd, Zn and Mn) contents were also tested for in digested pooled samples of water, livers and gills of the fish. The results indicate significant difference in the levels of glutathione production in the gills in September at P<0.05 level of significance but not in the livers and kidneys. Glutathione production levels were highly significant in the gills and kidneys, and significant in the livers amongst the sites. Glutathione production levels were highly significant in the kidneys in all the months of exposures and locations. Highest mean values were obtained in all the organs of fish and in all the exposures from Kakeyi site. There were significant differences in the Chromium concentration in the gills and livers of the fish in all the exposures. There were strong positive correlation in glutathione production levels and Pb, Cr and Zn concentrations. Also, there was significant difference (P < 0.05) amongst the fish organs, water samples and Lead (Pb) concentrations. This research also established the presence of heavy metals examined in varying degrees of concentrations in water samples as well as in fish organs with the exception of Cadmium which was below detectable limit in fish organs. Glutathione can therefore, be used as biomarkers of pollution in River Galma to give early warning on environmental pollution to the community and policy makers. Keywords: Oxidative stress, Glutathione, Reactive Oxygen Species, Heavy Metals, Biomarkers