Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunnogenic aspects of stem cell therapy in regenerative medicine

Using stem cells to regenerate and repair damaged tissue has been a focus of the scientific communities and medical professionals for the last couple of decades. Translational studies in regenerative medicine research are intended to facilitate the transfer of the basic science knowledge of stem cell biology into potential therapeutic options. Stem cells have a promising potential for application in repair or regeneration of organs and tissues. However, the survival rate of the transplanted stem cells has not been optimal and varies depending on the delivery methods and type of cells. One of the mechanisms of the failed transplantations is the host’s immune reaction against the delivered stem cells. In this review, we will discuss the available data in the literature on sources of stem cells, the immunogenicity of different types of stem cells and their progeny lineages, and the potential strategies to improve the survival and the efficacy of the stem cells transplantation in regenerative medicine.
Diplomatic Strategies of Major Powers: Competing Patterns of International Relations?

This paper explores the diplomatic strategies of three major international actors – the United States (US), China and the European Union (EU) – in order to better understand current patterns of international relations. Relevant factors are identified in order to categorise strategies as “unilateral”, “bilateral”, “multilateral” or “pluralistic”. Applying an actor-centred perspective, the paper argues that the mixture of an actor’s diplomatic strategies remains rather stable over time. At the same time, the analysis shows that very different strategic considerations can lead to the same outcome, such as active participation in the multilateral framework of the United Nations. Nadia Klein Wulf Reiners Email nadia.klein@uni-koeln.de Email wulf.reiners@uni-koeln.de Chen Zhimin Jian Junbo Email zhmchen@fudan.edu. c Email jianjunbo@fudan.edu. cn Ivo Slosarcik Email islosarcik@europeum.org http://www.mercury-fp7.net
The Relationship between Learning Style and Reflection in Student Blogs

Authentic blogging allows students to develop their own thoughts and exchange ideas with their peers without activities or assessment set by an educator (Downes, 2006). Research on learning processes in higher education has found that blogging can encourage and facilitate reflection (Hall & Davison, 2007; Xie, Ke & Sharma, 2008). Reflection is associated with higher- order learning outcomes and a deep approach to learning and as such is considered desirable in higher education (Garrison & Vaughan, 2008; Moon, 1999; Ramsden, 2003). Some students find reflection difficult (Xie et al, 2008) while others may not reflect in the absence of set tasks and assessment (Mackey, 2007). A preference for e-learning tools, such as blogs, and an aptitude for reflection may relate to a student’s preferred learning style (Kolb, 1984; Kolb & Kolb, 2005; Saeed, Yang, & Sinnappan, 2009). This exploratory study investigates the extent to which undergraduate students are engaging in authentic blogging where tasks are not assigned by a lecturer, the extent to which their writing shows evidence of reflection under these conditions and the influence, if any, of their learning style on their blogging practice. The study participants were eleven final year students on an undergraduate Multimedia and Communications course in a non-traditional university-level institution in Ireland. Six of these students kept blogs over an eighteen-month period. An analysis of the ninety-two student blog posts and thirty-one comments in this study found that over one third were reflective, using discourse analysis based on Hatton and Smith (1995), while analysis of a questionnaire based on Kember and Leung (2000) found the student bloggers to be reflective learners. Most of the bloggers and all the most prolific bloggers showed a preference for Kolb’s converging learning style. Albeit with a small sample, this study suggests that authentic blogs are effective tools for engaging undergraduates in reflection. It suggests that, despite misgivings about the lack of structure and scaffolding, lecturers can encourage their students to engage in authentic blogging as a means of developing reflection.
Wind and Temperature Retrievals in the 17 May 1981 Arcadia, Oklahoma, Supercell: Ensemble Kalman Filter Experiments

Abstract The feasibility of using an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) to retrieve the wind and temperature fields in an isolated convective storm has been tested by applying the technique to observations of the 17 May 1981 Arcadia, Oklahoma, tornadic supercell. Radial-velocity and reflectivity observations from a single radar were assimilated into a nonhydrostatic, anelastic numerical model initialized with an idealized (horizontally homogeneous) base state. The assimilation results were compared to observations from another Doppler radar, the results of dual-Doppler wind syntheses, and in situ measurements from an instrumented tower. Observation errors make it more difficult to assess EnKF performance than in previous storm-scale EnKF experiments that employed synthetic observations and a perfect model; nevertheless, the comparisons in this case indicate that the locations of the main updraft and mesocyclone in the Arcadia storm were determined rather accurately, especially at midlevels. The magnitudes of v.
Impact of human leukocyte antigen polymorphisms in human immunodeficiency virus progression in a paediatric cohort infected with a mono-phyletic human immunodeficiency virus-1 strain.

Objective: HLA polymorphisms within the peptide binding pocket have been associated with rapid and slowprogression to AIDS, suggesting that the capability to present efficiently HIV-1 epitopes is crucial for the infection control. To minimize the effects of genetic background due to population coming from different geographic area and viral strain variability in the cohort, an analysis of all the polymorphisms associated with the HLA-A, -B and -DR alleles has been performed in a cohort of children with a monophyletic HIV-1 infection (CRF02_AG) during an outbreak in Libya. Methods: High-resolution HLA-typing has been performed in 58 children infected with a monophyletic strain of HIV-1: 26 Long-Term Non-Progressors (LTNP), 9 Slow-Progressors (SP) and 23 Fast-Progressors (FP). HLA amino acid polymorphism frequency has been compared in the in FP respect to LTNP. Results: HLA-B resulted the most interesting locus of the study; 10 positions located in B- and F-pocket for peptidebinding have been found significant after Bonferroni’s correction: 11S (LTNP=7.69% FP=34.78% OR=0.156 P<0.05), 74D (LTNP=15.38%, FP=52.17%, OR=0.167; p<0.015) and 94T (LTNP=15.38%, FP=52.17%, OR=0.045; p<0.001), resulted associated with AIDS progression; 66N (LTNP=42.31% FP=8.7% OR=7.7; p<0.02), 80I (LTNP=80.77%, FP=34.78%, OR=7.86; p<0.036), 81A (LTNP=84.61%, FP=47.83%, OR=6; p<0.015), 82L (LTNP=88.46%, FP=47.83%, OR=7.86; p<0.006) and 83R (LTNP=88.46%, FP=47.83%, OR=7.86; p<0.006), has been associated with non-progression. Further, carrying Bw4-epitope resulted associated with LTNP (phenotype-frequency: LTNP=88.46%, FP=47.83%, OR=8.36; p<0.006), with homozygosis for Bw4 (LTNP=30.8%, FP=8.7%, p<0.05) associated with delayed progression and homozygosis for Bw6 (LTNP=11.5%, FP=52.1%, p<0.05) associated with fast progression to AIDS. Conclusion: The progression to AIDS might be in part determined by the binding capability of B-pocket and F-pocket of HLA-B and in part by the interaction of NK’s inhibitory receptor with HLA-B Bw4-epitope which regulate innate immune response and might have important implications for a better disease control.
Induction of resistance in Safflower plant against root rot and wilt diseases by certain inducers

The ability of thiamine (vitamin B1) and ascorbic acid to induce resistance against root rot and wilt disease in safflower cultivar Giza1 infected with Fusarium verticillioides was studied under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Infection with F. verticillioides caused clear reduction in growth parameters (fresh and dry weight of plants, total photosynthetic pigments), soluble sugars and free amino acids comparing with healthy plants. In addition, it induced the highest accumulation of proline content. On the other side, soaking with two levels of thiamine and ascorbic acid caused reduction in the infected safflower plants and increased dry and fresh weight contents especially in shoots than roots comparing with the infected plants with F. verticillioides . Thiamine concentrations (1,3mM) induced the highest stimulating effect on total pigments. The induction of resistance by ascorbic acid and thiamine was associated with some biochemical changes in safflower cultivar by reduction of proline content, enhancement of soluble sugars and free amino acids, this may be relate to reduce the disease and increase plant growth.
The Impact of Game Assessment on Enhancing Student’s Performance

There are various ways to assess students, but what differs is the validity of assessment and its impact on students’ life-long learning. This study will discuss the way assessment were applied in the past (traditional assessment) and the negative effect it exerts on students. In addition to that, the study aims to prove the worth of authentic assessment, specially the game-assessment, and its importance on students’ learning and performance since it improves intellectual and cognitive development that 21st century students need. Moreover, students achieve better results in playing a game since it reduces anxiety and engages them in the learning process.
Relation between Secondary School Administrators' Transformational and Transactional Leadership Style and Skills to Diversity Management in the School.

This study investigates the relation between secondary school administrators' transformational and transac- tional leadership style and skills to diversity management in the school, based on branch teachers' perceptions. The relational survey method was used in the study. The sample for the study was comprised of teachers 735 public school teachers from 34 different schools in the city of Siirt during the academic year of 2010-2011. In the research, "Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire" scale was used to determine the leadership styles of school administrators and "Questionnaire for Diversity Management" scale was used to indicate the degree of behavior related to diversity management. In the result of research it was determined that there was a positive and mod- erate relationship between school administrators' transformational leadership style and skills to management diversity. This study it was found that there was a positive and moderate relationship between all dimensions of transformational leadership and contingent reward sub-dimension of transactional leadership and admin- istrative practices and policies sub-dimension of diversity management, and between intellectual stimulation and individual support sub-dimensions of transformational leadership and contingent reward sub-dimension of transactional leadership and individual attitudes and behaviors, organizational values and norms dimensions of diversity management. It was also found that there was a negative and weak relationship between manage- ment by exception (passive) and laissez-faire leadership dimensions of transactional leadership and individual attitudes and behaviors, administrative practices and policies sub-dimensions of diversity management, and between management by exception of transactional leadership (passive) and organizational values and norms sub-dimension of diversity management. Findings of study reveals that practices, such as individual attitudes and behaviors, managerial practices and politics associated with individualized consideration, dimension of transformational leaders and contingent, dimension of transactional leadership were significantly predictors of management skills diversity in schools. Furthermore practices of dimensions of transformational leadership, individualized consideration, idealized stimulation and of dimensions of transactional leadership, contingent re- ward significantly predictor dimensions of management diversity in schools in respect to organizational values and norms.
Comparison of L-FABP concentration in obese and lean men after one bout intensive aerobic exercise

Introduction: Liver fatty acid binding protein (L-AFBP) is a novel biomarker of liver disease. Liver enzymes levels are higher in the obese than the lean people; however the effect of intensive aerobic exercise (IAE) on liver enzymes in the obese and the lean people not well known. Thus the aim of the present study was to comparison of L-FABP concentration in the obese and lean men after one bout IAE. Material & Methods: Nine sedentary obese men (BMI: 33.7 ± 2.1 kg/m2; ± SD) and nine sedentary lean men (BMI: 17.6 ± 1.6 kg/m2; ± SD) volunteered to participate in this study. All the subjects were performed the Bruce test as the intensive aerobic exercise. Blood samples were taken before and immediately after the IAE. Results: The results showed that alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was higher in obese group than the lean group at the baseline (P<0.05). L-AFBP decreased and ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased after the IAE in the both groups (P<0.05). By comparison, the results indicated that the increase of ALT was higher in the obese group than the lean group (P<0.05); however, for L-AFBP and AST no significant differences were observed between two groups. Conclusions: One bout IAE increases AST and ALT and decreases L-AFBP in the obese men same as lean men.
Listening between the Lines: Social Assumptions around Foreign Accents.

This paper investigates the effect of listener attitudes on the ability to understand a foreign (non-Australian) accent. The research focuses on individual listener characteristics, such as attitude and frequency of contact with accented speakers, rather than speech production. Data was collected through a web-based survey and analysis employed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Correlation was found between a negative attitude toward other ethnicities and ability to correctly transcribe foreign-accented speech, with a stronger correlation between a negative attitude and comprehensibility. Qualitative analysis of participant comments highlighted discrepancies in attitude testing methods and indicated that an accent can inspire many assumptions, the most common being that foreign-accented speakers have a lower level of education than Australian-accented speakers. The results suggest that future research in this area should always try to account for individual participant characteristics.
Recent developments of high power converters for industry and traction applications

The introduction of new high power devices like integrated gate commutated thyristors (IGCTs) and high voltage insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) accelerates the broad use of pulse width modulation (PWM) voltage source converters in industrial and traction applications. This paper summarizes the state-of-the-art of power semiconductors. The characteristics of IGCTs and high voltage IGBTs are described in detail. Both the design and loss simulations of a two level 1.14 MVA voltage source inverter and a 6 MVA three-level neutral point clamped voltage source converter with active front end enable a detailed comparison of both power semiconductors for high power PWM converters. The design and the characteristics of a commercially available IGCT neutral point clamped PWM voltage source converter for medium voltage drives are discussed. Recent developments and trends of traction converters at DC mains and AC mains are summarized.
A CFD and Experimental Investigation of the Mixing Process in Compartment Fires

The mixing of reactants, hot fuel-rich gas and cold air, by a gravity wave, is a complex hydrodynamic process essential in the initiation of hazardous conditions in an under-ventilated compartment fire. The mixing process is first studied by carrying out experiments on a specific enclosure, characterizing the gravity wave by means of particle image velocimetry measurements and fast tomography visualizations. The results are then used to calibrate and validate numerical and CFD models of these experiments. Both numerical and experimental methods permit to determine complex hydrodynamic processes such as Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities and Van Karman vortices, and to quantify the mixing level in a fire compartment.
Indwelling Urinary Catheter Management: Effect of an Interactive Workshop on Nurses' practice and Perception

Background: Over the past several years, catheter management has been evaluated to the best practice technique for providing effective catheter care and minimizing the catheter-associated infections and complications. Aim: Evaluate the effect of an interactive workshop on nurses' practice and perception for managing indwelling urinary catheter Design: A quasi- experimental. Setting: The study was conducted at the National Training Institute affiliated to the Ministry of Health. Subject: A convenience sample consisted of 40 female nurses selected from different specialties. Tools of data collection: three tools were used: 1-Nurses'self- administered questionnaire: It was used pre/post tests and one month after the workshop and consisted of 2 parts: -demographic data - nurses' knowledge assessment sheet. 2-Nurses 'observational checklist: to evaluate level of nurse's practice (pre/post workshop & after one month) 3- Nurses' perception assessment sheet: It was used pre/posttests to assess nurses' perception regarding expected urinary catheter complications, ability to solve those problems through proper decision making. Results: The mean age of the studied nurses was 30.0±8.5. The majority of nurses (80.0%) had satisfactory level of knowledge post the workshop. Also, 92.5% of the nurses had satisfactory level of practice post the workshop. The nurses' percentage of satisfactory level of perception about expected urinary catheter complications, problem solving and potential solution was increased post workshop. As well, nurses' attitude toward urinary catheter management was improved post workshop. Conclusion: There was a highly significant difference between nurses' knowledge and practice pre/post and one month later after implementing the interactive workshop. As well, nurses' perception regarding expected urinary catheter complications and ability of them to solve problem through correct potential solution in each situation were significantly increased post workshop. Furthermore, a positive improvement was noticed as regards their attitude towards urinary catheter practices post workshop. Recommendations: Implement this developed interactive workshop on other groups of nurses in order to improve their knowledge, practice and perception of managing indwelling urinary catheters. Consider results of this study as a valuable baseline for further researches for evidence of results and generalization.
Measuring the biosphere-atmosphere exchange of total reactive nitrogen by eddy covariance

Abstract. The (net) exchange of reactive nitrogen (Nr) with the atmosphere is an important driver for ecosystem productivity and greenhouse gas exchange. The exchange of airborne Nr includes various trace compounds that usually require different specific measurement techniques, and up to now fast response instruments suitable for eddy covariance measurements are only available for few of these compounds. Here we present eddy covariance flux measurements with a recently introduced converter (TRANC) for the sum of all Nr compounds (∑Nr). Measurements were performed over a managed grassland field with phases of net emission and net deposition of ∑Nr and alternating dominance of oxidized (NOX) and reduced species (NH3). Spectral analysis of the eddy covariance data exhibited the existence of covariance function peaks at a reasonable time lag related to the sampling tube residence time under stationary conditions. Using ogive analysis, the high-frequency damping was quantified to 19%–26% for a low measurement height of 1.2 m and to about 10% for 4.8 m measurement height. ∑Nr concentrations and fluxes were compared to parallel NO and NO2 measurements by dynamic chambers and NH3 measurements by the aerodynamic gradient technique. The average concentration results indicate that the main compounds NO2 and NH3 were converted by the TRANC system with an efficiency of near 100%. With an optimised sample inlet also the fluxes of these compounds were recovered reasonably well including net deposition and net emission phases. The study shows that the TRANC system is suitable for fast response measurements of oxidized and reduced nitrogen compounds and can be used for continuous eddy covariance flux measurements of total reactive nitrogen.
A Study on Surgical Site Infections Caused by Staphylococcus Aureus with a Special Search for Methicillin-Resistant Isolates in Oral & Maxillofacial infections

With the Objective, to study the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in surgical site infections (SSIs) at the Dental hospital in Kolkata. This study was conducted on 66 patients who underwent surgery in the department of Oral & Maxillofacial, Gurunanak Institute of Dental science & Research, Kolkata. Pus samples were collected with two sterile swabs and processed in the Microbiology department. Result of the 66 pus samples, the most common organism which was isolated was Staphylococcus aureus, with 34(51.5%) isolates. Of these, 14 (41.2%) were Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). All MRSA isolates showed multiple drug resistance (MDR), except linezolid. Indian clinicians and infectious disease specialists are facing formidable challenges from Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Despite the best surgical practices, nearly a tenth of all the SSIs cases could be caused by MRSA. Routine screening for these multidrug resistant organisms in the hospital staff, especially in the surgical departments and pre-surgical screening of the patients could help in reducing the incidence of MRSA.
Transport coefficients for electrolytes in arbitrarily shaped nano- and microfluidic channels

We consider laminar flow of incompressible electrolytes in long, straight channels driven by pressure and electro-osmosis. We use a Hilbert space eigenfunction expansion to address the general problem of an arbitrary cross-section and obtain general results in linear-response theory for the hydraulic and electrical transport coefficients which satisfy Onsager relations. In the limit of non-overlapping Debye layers, the transport coefficients are simply expressed in terms of parameters of the electrolyte as well as the geometrical correction factor for the Hagen–Poiseuille part of the problem. In particular, we consider the limits of thin non-overlapping as well as strongly overlapping Debye layers, respectively, and calculate the corrections to the hydraulic resistance due to electro-hydrodynamic interactions.