Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating tourism’s contribution to conservation area financing in Mozambique

Financial sustainability of conservation areas is one of the cornerstones for enabling effective conservation management. However, the current status of conservation area funding is widely detached from the need, and this disparity is intensified in developing countries. Therefore, identifying and valuing the revenue streams and finance needs of conservation areas is an important step in the process to become financial sustainable. This paper assesses the revenue potential of conservation areas in Mozambique national parks and reserves. The analysis describes the revenue generation of 93 conservation areas in Mozambique in 2013 to (i) the economy, (ii) the Government of Mozambique and conservation area management authorities, as well as (iii) respective communities bordering conservation areas. The analysis determined that the total annual revenue generation within the conservation area network was USD 24.4 million in 2013 from tourism-linked activities. The component of total revenue that accrued to either national Government of Mozambique or conservation area management was USD 3.33 million in 2013, and USD 606,500 of this accrued to communities surrounding conservation areas. The research has demonstrated that revenue generation of the conservation area network contributes approximately 10% to the tourism sector’s total contribution to the economy of Mozambique. In addition, this research highlights the difficulties of revenue generation from conservation areas in least developed countries and the effects of a lack of data on justifying the value of a conservation area network from an economic perspective.
Efficiency of Botswana Meat Commission: An Empirical Approach

This paper investigates the efficiency status of Botswana Meat Commission (BMC), which is a public company. It employs transcendental logarithmic Stochastic Production Frontier to estimate efficiency, and ordered Logit model to ascertain determinants of the efficiency of BMC. Estimation data for the period of study (1979 – 2009) were accessed from the Bank of Botswana, Central Statistics Office and the BMC. The findings indicate that there were inefficiency in BMC of up to around 22%, and the main reasons for this include material inputs constraints (livestock availability), and insufficient penetration into the global market owing to low exchange rate competiveness. The paper ends with some policies implications to deal with these constraints.
NLRP3 Inflammasome Deficiency Protects against Microbial Sepsis via Increased Lipoxin B4 Synthesis

Rationale: Sepsis, a life‐threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, is a major public health concern with high mortality and morbidity. Although inflammatory responses triggered by infection are crucial for host defense against invading microbes, the excessive inflammation often causes tissue damage leading to organ dysfunction. Resolution of inflammation, an active immune process mediated by endogenous lipid mediators (LMs), is important to maintain host homeostasis. Objectives: We sought to determine the role of the nucleotide‐binding domain, leucine‐rich repeat‐containing receptor, pyrin domain‐containing‐3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in polymicrobial sepsis and regulation of LM biosynthesis. Methods: We performed cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) using mice lacking NLRP3 inflammasome‐associated molecules to assess mortality. Inflammation was evaluated by using biologic fluids including plasma, bronchoalveolar, and peritoneal lavage fluid. Local acting LMs in peritoneal lavage fluid from polymicrobacterial septic mice were assessed by mass spectrometry‐based metabololipidomics. Measurements and Main Results: Genetic deficiency of NLRP3 inhibited inflammatory responses and enhanced survival of CLP‐induced septic mice. NLRP3 deficiency reduced proinflammatory LMs and increased proresolving LM, lipoxin B4 (LXB4) in septic mice, and in macrophages stimulated with LPS and ATP. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome induced caspase‐7 cleavage and pyroptosis. Caspase‐7 deficiency similarly reduced inflammation and mortality in CLP‐induced sepsis, and increased LXB4 production in vivo and in vitro. Exogenous application of LXB4 reduced inflammation, pyroptosis, and mortality of mice after CLP. Conclusions: Genetic deficiency of NLRP3 promoted resolution of inflammation in polymicrobial sepsis by relieving caspase‐7‐dependent repression of LXB4 biosynthesis, and increased survival potentially via LXB4 production and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines.
Prolonged Neural Expiratory Time Induced by Mechanical Ventilation in Infants

Mechanical ventilation may interfere with the spontaneous breathing pattern in infants because they have strong reflexes that play a large role in the control of breathing. This study aimed to answer the following questions: does a ventilator-assisted breath 1) reduce neural inspiratory time, 2) reduce the amplitude of the diaphragm electrical activity, and 3) prolong neural expiration, within the delivered breath? In 14 infants recovering from acute respiratory failure (mean age and weight were 2.3 ± 1.3 mo and 3.95 ± 0.82 kg, respectively), we measured 1) the electrical activity of the diaphragm with a multiple-array esophageal electrode, and 2) airway opening pressure, while patients breathed on synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (mean rate, 11.2 ± 6.5 breaths/min). We compared neural inspiratory and expiratory times for the mandatory breaths and for the spontaneous breaths immediately preceding and following the mandatory breath. Although neural inspiratory time was not different between mandatory and spontaneous breaths, neural expiratory time was significantly increased (p < 0.001) for the mandatory breaths (953 ± 449 ms) compared with the premandatory and postmandatory spontaneous breaths (607 ± 268 ms and 560 ± 227 ms, respectively). Delivery of the mandatory breath resulted in a reduction in neural respiratory frequency by 28.6 ± 6.4% from the spontaneous premandatory frequency. The magnitude of inspiratory electrical activity of the diaphragm was similar for all three breath conditions. For the mandatory breaths, ventilatory assist persisted for 507 ± 169 ms after the end of neural inspiratory time. Infant–ventilator asynchrony (both inspiratory and expiratory asynchrony) was present in every mandatory breath and constituted 53.4 ± 26.2% of the total breath duration.
Evaluation of the effects of inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme with enalapril in dogs with induced chronic renal insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril would lower systemic arterial and glomerular capillary pressure and reduce the magnitude of renal injury in a canine model of renal insufficiency. ANIMALS 18 adult dogs that had renal mass reduced by partial nephrectomy. PROCEDURE After surgical reduction of renal mass and baseline measurements, dogs in 2 equal groups received either placebo (group 1) or enalapril (0.5 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h; group 2) for 6 months. RESULTS Values for systemic mean arterial blood pressure determined by indirect and direct measurement after 3 and 6 months of treatment, respectively, were significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1. During treatment, monthly urine protein-to-creatinine ratios were consistently lower in group 2 than in group 1, although values were significantly different only at 3 months. At 6 months, significant reduction in glomerular capillary pressure in group 2 was detected, compared with group 1, but glomerular filtration rate in group 2 was not compromised. Glomerular hypertrophy, assessed by measurement of planar surface area of glomeruli, was similar in both groups. Glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions were significantly less in group 2, compared with group 1. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Data suggest that inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme was effective in modulating progressive renal injury, which was associated with reduction of glomerular and systemic hypertension and proteinuria but not glomerular hypertrophy. Inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme may be effective for modulating progression of renal disease in dogs.
Characteristics of palatal instability in Thoroughbred racehorses and their association with the development of dorsal displacement of the soft palate.

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY Two forms of dynamic upper respiratory tract obstruction affecting racehorses that involve the soft palate have been described: palatal instability (PI) and dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Observation of DDSP is straightforward in that it is an all or nothing event, whereas observation of PI is subjective and interpretation may vary between clinicians. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to attempt to characterise PI and to investigate endoscopic features that precede DDSP. METHODS A retrospective study on the endoscopic observations of Thoroughbred racehorses referred for high-speed treadmill endoscopy was performed. Endoscopic observations were reviewed during the last 10 s of the exercise test or the last 10 s prior to DDSP. The degree of axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (ADAF), the conformation of the epiglottis, the conformation of the soft palate and the amount of obstruction of the rima glottidis by the soft palate (i.e. soft palate stability) were assessed. RESULTS A total of 72 horses were included in this study, of which 7 showed no evidence of PI. Of the 65 horses with PI, 30 (46%) developed DDSP. There were significant associations between the stability of the soft palate, epiglottic conformation and ADAF. Furthermore, development of DDSP was associated with increased severity of PI and ADAF and with changes in epiglottic conformation. CONCLUSIONS This study has characterised the endoscopic features associated with PI and identified certain characteristics that precede DDSP. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE These observations may assist veterinary surgeons in recognising PI and the prodromal signs of DDSP.
Family Assets and Liabilities in the Innovation Process

Innovation in family firms is often driven by family assets, valuable resources that are particularly prevalent in family firms. For example, they have particularly strong networks that can be deployed in an innovation context. These family assets can over time atrophy and stifle rather than stimulate innovation performance. However, family firms can fight this process by institutionalizing innovation within the family and the firm by means of family and corporate governance and through incentivizing key individuals in the innovation process.
Numerical modeling of three-phase busbar systems: Calculation of the thermal field and electrodynamic forces

The paper presents numerical models obtained in QuickField software for analysis of the three-phase systems of rectangular busbar, of low or medium voltage, in steady-state and in short-circuit regime. Using a magnetic harmonic model coupled with a steady-state thermal model, the distribution of the thermal field for rated current is determined. By coupling the thermal steady-state model for the rated current and the magnetic model for short circuit current with a thermal model in transient regime, can be determined the time evolution of the temperature distribution in the short circuit regime (undeveloped in this paper). For determining the electrodynamic forces, a transient magnetic model is used. Different types of busbar systems are analyzed, with one or more conductors per phase in aligned arrangement.
The effects of free amino acids, nucleic compounds, and volatile constituents of funazushi (fermented sushi of crucian carp (Cyprinus auratus)) on preference

BACKGROUND:Funazushi is a fermented sushi containing n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, the functionality of lactic acid fermentation foods has come to be expected. Funazushi is therefore worthy of study. Funazushi has a specific flavor which is either strongly liked or strongly disliked. We examined the components of funazushi and investigated their relation to preference. RESULTS: Many free amino acids with sweetness and/or umami were present in funazushi, but nucleic compounds were scarce as taste elements. Twelve kinds of volatile elements were detected in all samples, which were thought to form the basis of the flavor of funazushi, although a total of 30 or more kinds of volatile elements were detected from each sample. The smell greatly influenced the overall evaluation. Panelists who had not eaten funazushi before, or only rarely, showed a tendency to prefer the same sample, from which ketones, aldehydes, or acids did not volatilize so much. On the other hand, individual variation was large among panels who commonly ate funazushi. CONCLUSION: The smell and sourness of funazushi greatly influenced preference, especially in persons who had little experience of eating funazushi. Funazushi containing low ketone, aldehyde, or acid levels is suitable for the first eating experience. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
What Patients Want in a Smartphone App That Supports Colonoscopy Preparation: Qualitative Study to Inform a User-Centered Smartphone App

Background The preparation for colonoscopy is elaborate and complex. In the context of colorectal cancer screening, up to 11% of patients do not keep their colonoscopy appointments and up to 33% of those attending their appointments have inadequately cleansed bowels that can delay cancer diagnosis and treatment. A smartphone app may be an acceptable and wide-reaching tool to improve patient adherence to colonoscopy. Objective The aim of this qualitative study was to employ a user-centered approach to design the content and features of a smartphone app called colonAPPscopy to support individuals preparing for their colonoscopy appointments. Methods We conducted 2 focus group discussions (FGDs) with gastroenterology patients treated at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Canada. Patients were aged 50 to 75 years, were English- or French-speaking, and had undergone outpatient colonoscopy in the previous 3 months; they did not have inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer. FGDs were 75 to 90 min, conducted by a trained facilitator, and audiotaped. Participants discussed the electronic health support tools they might use to help them prepare for the colonoscopy, the content needed for colonoscopy preparation, and the features that would make the smartphone app useful. Recordings of FGDs were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key user-defined content and features to inform the design of colonAPPscopy. Results A total of 9 patients (7 male and 2 female) participated in one of 2 FGDs. Main content areas focused on bowel preparation instructions, medication restrictions, appointment logistics, communication, and postcolonoscopy expectations. Design features to make the app useful and engaging included minimization of data input, reminders and alerts for up to 7 days precolonoscopy, and visual aids. Participants wanted a smartphone app that comes from a trusted source, sends timely and tailored messages, provides reassurance, provides clear instructions, and is simple to use. Conclusions Participants identified the need for postcolonoscopy information as well as reminders and alerts in the week before colonoscopy, novel content, and features that had not been included in previous smartphone-based strategies for colonoscopy preparation. The ability to tailor instructions made the smartphone app preferable to other modes of delivery. Study findings recognize the importance of including potential users in the development phase of building a smartphone app.
Interaction of low-frequency electric and magnetic fields with the human body

Interactions of electric and magnetic fields at power line frequencies (50 and 60 Hz) in humans have been the subject of intensive scientific inquiry and considerable public concern during the last two decades. As a part of the scientific effort, extensive evaluations of induced electric field and current density in the human body have been performed. Realistic, heterogeneous, high-resolution models of the body have been analyzed using various numerical methods. Exposures to uniform and nonuniform electric and magnetic fields are considered, thus accounting for typical environmental and occupational scenarios. Numerical values of the average and maximum induced electric field and current density are given for various organs and tissues. Effects on the dosimetric measures of changes in the tissue conductivity, model resolution and organ modeling in situ, and isolation are discussed. It is shown that results from various laboratories agree reasonably well. It is also shown how the macroscopic numerical evaluation of induced fields can be further extended to model more refined cellular systems. This is demonstrated for gap junction connected cells.
Significance of detecting anti‐HBc among Egyptian male blood donors negative for HBsAg *

Background: Screening for hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) reduces the risk of transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection. However, the absence of HBsAg in the blood of apparently healthy individuals may not be sufficient to ensure the lack of circulating HBV. Blood containing anti‐hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) without detectable presence of HBsAg might be infectious; therefore, screening for anti‐HBc has been implemented in some countries resulting in a decrease in the risk of post‐transfusion HBV infection.
Climate Compared: Public Opinion on Climate Change in the United States & Canada

This is the key findings report for the National Survey of American Public Opinion on Climate Change and the National Survey of Canadian Public Opinion on Climate Change. The report summarizes results drawn from national level surveys in the United States and Canada that examine public perceptions regarding various aspects of climate change. Since 2008, the National Survey of American Public Opinion on Climate Change (NSAPOCC) has examined the perceptions and preferences of residents of the United States regarding their views on the existence of climate change and potential policy approaches to address global warming. In order to gain comparative perspective on climate change matters in Canada, the National Survey of Canadian Public Opinion on Climate Change (NSCPOCC) accompanied the most recent version of the NSAPOCC. This report provides insight into the evolution of American public opinion regarding climate matters while producing direct comparisons between the views of the American and Canadian public on matters pertaining to climate change and its mitigation.
Enzyme specific activity in functionalized nanoporous supports

Here we reveal that enzyme specific activity can be increased substantially by changing the protein loading density (PLD) in functionalized nanoporous supports so that the enzyme immobilization efficiency (Ie, defined as the ratio of the specific activity of the immobilized enzyme to the specific activity of the free enzyme in solution) can be much higher than 100%. A net negatively charged glucose oxidase (GOX) and a net positively charged organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) were entrapped spontaneously in NH2- and HOOC-functionalized mesoporous silica (300 Å, FMS) respectively. The specific activity of GOX entrapped in FMS increased with decreasing PLD. With decreasing PLD, Ie of GOX in FMS increased from<35% to>150%. Unlike GOX, OPH in HOOC-FMS showed increased specific activity with increasing PLD. With increasing PLD, the corresponding Ie of OPH in FMS increased from 100% to>200%. A protein structure-based analysis of the protein surface charges directing the electrostatic interaction-based orientation of the protein molecules in FMS demonstrates that substrate access to GOX molecules in FMS is limited at high PLD, consequently lowering the GOX specific activity. In contrast, substrate access to OPH molecules in FMS remains open at high PLD and may promote a more favorable confinement environment that enhances the OPH activity.
The interleukin-1 receptor in normal and osteoarthritic human articular chondrocytes. Identification as the type I receptor and analysis of binding kinetics and biologic function.

OBJECTIVE To identify and investigate the kinetic binding properties of interleukin-1 receptors (IL-1R), and examine the abilities of the 2 IL-1 isoforms to stimulate metalloprotease synthesis, in normal and osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes. METHODS Receptor affinity and density were determined using radioligand binding experiments and flow cytometry. Immunocytochemical analysis and affinity cross-linking studies were performed for characterization of IL-1R. RESULTS While no difference in receptor affinity between normal and OA chondrocytes was noted in binding studies (Kd approximately 30 pM), a 2-fold increase in receptor density was found in OA chondrocytes as compared with normal chondrocytes (mean 4,069 sites/cell versus 2,315 sites/cell). Flow cytometry experiments also showed a significant increase in receptor density in OA cells, as well as an enhancement in the percentage of positive cells in diseased cartilage compared with normal. Binding data for both IL-1 isoforms revealed a single class of binding sites and receptor specificity. Factors such as IL-2, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and bovine insulin did not compete with IL-1 beta. By covalent ligand cross-linking and electrophoretic analysis, only type I IL-1R, a protein of 80 kd, was detected on chondrocytes. By immunocytochemical analysis, IL-1R was identified at the cell membrane level, in both normal and OA chondrocytes. The presence of nuclear staining was also observed, but only in OA chondrocytes. Recombinant human IL-1 (alpha and beta) induced the secretion of stromelysin and collagenase in a dose-dependent manner. The IL-1 concentration required for half-maximal metalloprotease stimulation was 3-4 times lower in OA chondrocytes than in normal cells. CONCLUSION These results indicate that OA chondrocytes have a higher sensitivity to the stimulation of metalloprotease synthesis by IL-1 than do normal cells. This could be related to the increased levels of IL-1R expressed in the OA cells. The implications of these findings with regard to the possible roles of IL-1 and IL-1R in the pathogenesis of OA are discussed.
Patients with brain metastases from colorectal cancer are not condemned.

BACKGROUND Brain metastases (BMs) from colorectal cancer are rare (2-3%). They usually occur in advanced stages of the disease and their prognosis is poor. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of surgical resection of BMs from colorectal cancer in terms of overall survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective bi-centric study included all patients with resected BMs from primary colorectal adenocarcinoma from 1998 to 2009. RESULTS Twenty-eight patients [13 males, median: 62 (range: 44-86) years old) were included. Fifteen patients presented with other metastatic sites (lung, liver). BMs were metachronous in 16/28 (57%) of patients [median: 19 months (range: 7-97)]. Median overall survival reached 12 months. Brain recurrences occurred in 32% of patients and were treated by curative intent in 5/9 cases. CONCLUSION When indicated, an aggressive management based on surgical resection of BMs from colorectal cancer, must be performed, in order to improve overall survival to at least 12 months.