Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Psychological Stress on Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ) in Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, with itching predominant symptom, which usually develope in infancy and associated with an increase in serum IgE and history of atopies, such as allergic rhinitis or bronchial asthma. The etiology of AD remains unclear. However, there are many predisposing factors, such as genetic, immunological disorders, infections, foods, irritants, and psychological stress. Many research has conclude that stress is one of the risk factor for AD, but the current understanding for the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Recent research shows that stress can suppress interferon gamma (IFN-γ), which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. This study aims to determine the role of stress and serum levels of IFN-γ to AD. Study design using a case-control study with a sample consisting of 31 cases and 28 controls. Stress indexes were measured using Holmes & Rahe Stress Scale and serum IFN-γ levels were examined. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the differences between the mean stress index and serum IFN-γ level between cases and controls, the magnitude of psychological stress as a risk factor for AD, and the correlation between psychological stress and serum IFN-γ level against the severity of AD. This study concluded that stress is a risk factor for AD with an odds ratio of 5.3, and the stress index is positively correlated with the severity of AD. Serum IFN-γ levels were significantly lower in cases group. There was a strong negative correlation between IFN-γ with the severity of AD (r = -0.905; p <0.05). Current study conclude that psychological stress is a risk factor for AD and stress can suppress serum IFN-γ levels.
Grafting Information in Scenario Trees - Application to Option Prices

The high level of sophistication in portfolio management modeling techniques often goes along with very large output sensitivity to parameter choices. As a potential solution to this problem, this paper proposes a consistent and flexible methodology to represent the distribution of future values of a portfolio through scenario trees. This methodology relies on the information contained in current option prices in order to generate the probability density function of future returns. This density function can be used, in turn, to generate scenario trees . As an illustration, a tree of scenarios based on S&P500 options is built and then used to compute arbitrage-free option prices. The approach preserves information embedded in options prices and is able to provide very accurate values for out-of-sample options. The high level of numerical accuracy of the framework is reproduced on different samples. The scenario tree approach also provides stable pricing results when confronted with the passage of time. The results derived from our model are comparable to those obtained from Rubinstein’s [1994] methodology, although both models fulfill different objectives.
A MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF CONSUMERS’ BELIEFS, ATTITUDES, AND BEHAVIORS ASSOCIATED WITH LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD AND FARMERS’ MARKET PATRONAGE

OF THESIS A MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF BELIEFS, ATTITUDES, AND BEHAVIORS ASSOCIATED WITH LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD AND FARMERS’ MARKET PATRONAGE While farmers’ market vendors rely on loyal and frequent patrons to purchase their products, it is unclear how the intrinsic differences among farmers’ market shoppers serve as indicators of potential shopping frequency at farmers’ markets. The objectives of this thesis are to identify consumers’ intrinsic values associated with characteristics of local foods, examine how these values are reflected in consumption behaviors among farmers' market shoppers, and explore the relationship between consumption activities and shopping frequency at farmers' markets. Results suggest that the differences between frequent and infrequent farmers’ market shoppers could be explained by the individual’s levels of high and low involvement in consumption activities that reflect intrinsic values associated with benefits of locally produced foods. Market patrons who generally exhibit higher levels of involvement in these activities are more likely to be frequent farmers’ market shoppers; this is particularly true for those who are drawn to activities associated with public life or group settings. This information can be used by farmers’ market managers and vendors to develop targeted marketing strategies for retention of frequent market shoppers and also for increasing market patronage for less frequent market shoppers.
Assessing the strategic benefits of distributed generation ownership for DNOs

The potential for distributed generation (DG) to act as an alternative distribution planning option is now well-recognised by academia and industry, and could play a significant role in electricity distribution utility operation and design. However, the unbundling requirements of European Directive 2003/54/EC, coupled with traditional network planning approaches adopted by European distribution network operators (DNOs), appear to be hindering development of DG and its deployment for distribution network ancillary services. The incentives - or otherwise - that arise from alternative models of DG ownership by bundled and unbundled distribution utilities are examined here. The preference for the siting and sizing of DG installations by DNOs is simulated using a multi-year multi-period optimal power flow. Broadly based on the recent UK regulatory framework, the DG ownership issue and its potential to influence DG penetration are explored.
Anthropometric Study of Ocular Dimensions in Adult Ijaws of Nigeria

The study was carried to determine the normal mean values of interpupillary distance, nasal limbus to temporal limbus, inner-outer intercanthal distance, inner intercanthal distance outer intercanthal distance, length of palpebral fissure and canthal index of Ijaw adults. A total of one thousand (1000) subjects comprising of five hundred (500) males and five hundred (500) females randomly selected from the Ijaw ethnic group of Bayelsa State, Nigeria with age ranging from 18-65 years were recruited for the study. The results showed that males and females had mean Interpupillary distance of 6.98cm and 6.65cm, mean Nasal limbus to temporal limbus of 7.05cm and 6.68cm, mean Inner-outer Intercanthal distance of 7.18cm and 6.83cm, mean Inner intercanthal distance of 3.89cm and 3.7 cm, mean outer Intercanthal distance of 10.77cm and 10.46cm,mean Length of palpebral fissure distance of 3.8cm and 3.60cm and mean canthal Index 35.92 and35.59 respectively. The results obtained indicate a sexual dimorphism with a significantly higher values of all the parameters in males compared to females (p<0.05) using Z-test. This study will be useful in anthropometric studies, forensic investigations and ophthalmology.
A deep spectroscopic study of the filamentary nebulosity in NGC 4696, the brightest cluster galaxy in the Centaurus cluster

We present results of deep integral-field spectroscopy observations using high-resolution optical (4150–7200 A) VLT VIsible MultiObject Spectrograph spectra of NGC 4696, the dominant galaxy in the Centaurus cluster (Abell 3526). After the Virgo cluster, this is the second nearest (z = 0.0104) example of a cool-core cluster. NGC 4696 is surrounded by a vast, luminous Hα emission-line nebula (LHα = 2.2 × 10 40 erg s −1 ). We explore the origin and excitation of the emission-line filaments and find their origin consistent with being drawn out, under rising radio bubbles, into the intracluster medium as in other similar systems. Contrary to previous observations, we do not observe evidence for shock excitation of the outer filaments. Our optical spectra are consistent with the recent particle heating excitation mechanism of Ferland et al.
EFFECT OF CYP19 GENE ON POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME PHENOTYPE IN IRAQI WOMEN

Background Ovarian androgen overproduction is the key physiopathologic feature of polycystic ovary syndrome and the bulk of evidence points to the ovary being the source of excess androgens, which appears to result from an abnormal regulation (dysregulation) of steroidogenesis. Aromatase is an enzyme complex responsible for a key step in the biosynthesis of estrogen. It is encoded by CYP19. Objective To examine whether the rs2414096 of CYP19 gene contributes to genetic susceptibility to the polycystic ovary syndrome hyperandrogenism in Iraqi women. Methods A Case control study was conducted in the High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Al-Nahrain University and Al-Nahrain Forensic DNA Unit, Baghdad, Iraq for the period from February 2012 to February 2013. Sixty-five healthy women serves as the control group and eighty-four infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome, divided into two subgroups depending on the body mass index (< and ≥30 kg/m2) were studied. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was performed to determine the genotypes of rs2414096 of CYP19. Clinical, anthropometric, hormonal and biochemical parameters were also estimated. Results Genotypic distribution of rs2414096 of CYP19 was significantly different in polycystic ovary syndrome patients from that of control women. The frequency of GG genotype was higher in the patients, while AA genotype was higher in control women. Those with GG genotype have lower estradiol, estradiol/testosterone and higher testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicular stimulating hormone than those with AA genotype. Conclusion The present data suggests that single-nucleotide polymorphisms rs2414096 in the CYP19 gene is associated with susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome hyperandrogenism in Iraqi women.
The effect of inulin on broiler chicken intestinal microflora, gut morphology, and performance

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of inulin on the intestinal microflora, gut morphology, and performance of broiler chickens. After sex identification, 168 male Ross 308 broilers were randomly allotted to 3 treatment groups with 4 replicates and fed for 42 days. Experimental treatments including 0%, 0.5%, or 1% inulin were used. The experimental diets were formulated based on maize-soyabean meal. The results showed that livability and body weight gain were better for broilers fed diets supplemented with inulin, but livability did not vary significantly among groups and the control. Live body weight on d 42 was significantly increased when the diets were supplemented with 1% inulin. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected in birds fed diets with supplements in comparison with the control group. Inulin inclusion had no effect on Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli and E. coli counts in ileal contents, but significantly increased Bifidobacteria counts and decreased E. coli counts in caecal contents. With the exception of significantly increased villus height in the ileum, the morphological measurements of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum showed no response to dietary levels of inulin as compared with the control diet. In conclusion, the results from the current study suggest that feeding inulin may have a beneficial effect on intestinal microflora and morphology, and on the performance of broiler chickens.
Reduced‐Fat Mayonnaise Formulated with Gelatinized Rice Starch and Xanthan Gum

ABSTRACT Reduced fat (RF) mayonnaise was formulated by replacing part of the oil with gelatinized rice starch and xanthan gum, and the effect of their inclusion on the rheological properties was investigated. In the RF mayonnaise preparation, oil or fat was partially replaced by modified waxy rice starch paste at levels of 10, 30 (SP30), and 50% (SP50) of total oil used. Xanthan gum was added to SP30 and SP50 at the level of 0.2% each, designated SP30G and SP50G. Excellent emulsion stability was maintained until 30% of oil was replaced. The flow behavior of the RF mayonnaises was thixotropic, which indicates a decrease in viscosity with increased shear rate. Both yield stress and consistency index decreased with increasing starch paste content. The addition of xanthan gum increased the yield stress and consistency index. The elastic modulus (G′) of the RF mayonnaises was always greater than the loss modulus and decreased with increasing starch paste content. The SP30G sample exhibited a higher G′ value de.
Cold gas dynamics in Hydra-A: evidence for a rotating disc

We present multifrequency observations of the radio galaxy Hydra-A (3C218) located in the core of a massive, X-ray luminous galaxy cluster. Integral field unit spectroscopy is used to trace the kinematics of the ionized and warm molecular hydrogen which are consistent with an ∼5 kpc rotating disc. Broad, double-peaked lines of CO(2–1), [C II] 157µm and [O I ]6 3µ ma re detected. We estimate the mass of the cold gas within the disc to beMgas = 2.3 ± 0.3 × 10 9 M� . These observations demonstrate that the complex line profiles found in the cold atomic and molecular gas are related to the rotating disc or ring of gas. Finally, a Hubble Space Telescope image of the galaxy shows that this gas disc contains a substantial mass of dust. The large gas mass, star formation rate and kinematics are consistent with the levels of gas cooling from the intracluster medium (ICM). We conclude that the cold gas originates from the continual quiescent accumulation of cooled ICM gas. The rotation is in a plane perpendicular to the projected orientation of the radio jets and ICM cavities hinting at a possible connection between the kpc-scale cooling gas and the accretion of material on to the black hole. We discuss the implications of these observations for models of cold accretion, AGN feedback and cooling flows.
THE IDEA MODEL: DESIGNING EARTHQUAKE EARLY WARNING MESSAGES USING INSTRUCTIONAL RISK COMMUNICATION

OF DISSERTATION THE IDEA MODEL: DESIGNING EARTHQUAKE EARLY WARNING MESSAGES USING INSTRUCTIONAL RISK COMMUNICATION The goal of risk communication is to inform people about the risks they face and to encourage them to take appropriate action in response to that threat. To achieve this goal, risk communication scholars continuously examine the messages surrounding crises and disasters, and engage in message-testing to evaluate theory-driven message designs. Recent communication scholarship recommends that messages should including instructing information (Coombs, 2012), and should take into consideration established pedagogy based on instructional communication research (Sellnow & Sellnow, 2010). This dissertation continues to build on research which applies instructional communication scholarship to risk communication messaging. Using message-testing, this dissertation examined the utility of the IDEA model a message design for earthquake early warnings.
Phenotypic Detection of Metallo-B-lactamase Enzyme in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria

Pathogenic microorganisms producing metallo-B-lactamases are an emerging public health problem as they have unique ability to hydrolyze and confer resistance to the carbapenems which are the most potent drugs used for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug resistant bacteria including those that produce extended spectrum B-lactamases (ESBLs). The irrational use of the carbapenems is believed to have facilitated the emergence and spread of metallo-B-lactamases in both the community and hospital environment. Ninety nine (99) non-duplicate clinical isolates of Escherichia coli (n=40), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=39) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=20) were identified and tested for susceptibility to various antibiotics by disk diffusion method. Metallo-B-lactamase production was detected phenotypically by Disk Potentiation test and Re-Modified Hodges test.The resistance of test bacteria to different antibiotics was evaluated by multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI). Metallo-B-lactamase was detected in 12.5 % E. coli, 15.4 % K.pneumoniae and 10 % P.aeruginosa isolates by the Disk Potentiation test while Re-Modified Hodges test detected MBL in 12.5 % E. coli, 7.7 % K. pneumoniae and 15 % P.aeruginosa. Themultiple antibiotic resistance index results showed that E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa had multiple antibiotic resistance indexes of 0.2-0.6, 0.2-1.7 and 0.1-0.4 respectively. These findings clearly showed that pathogenic bacteria in this region are multiply resistant and produce metallo-B-lactamase enzymes in substantial proportions. There is need for proper and regular monitoring of antimicrobial resistancein order to avert their degrading effects on already available drugs. Further molecular studies are required to characterize the types of metallo-B-lactamases present in this environment.
RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY AS CULTURAL CAPITAL: The Hybrid PV-Wind-Diesel Case in the Village of Oeledo

This paper has three main parts. The first discusses the concept of cultural capital and its relationship to the hardware-software-orgware concept of renewable energy technology. The second presents a case study of a hybrid photovoltaic-wind-diesel system that was deployed by the E7; then E8 and now Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership, in the village of Oeledo, Rote Island, Indonesia. The third analyses the case study focusing on the transmission of the objectified, embodied and institutionalized cultural capital (hardware, software and orgware) of the hybrid system from the E7 to the Oeledo community. Findings from the fieldwork suggested that for off-grid communities with no prior knowledge of renewable energy technology, all stakeholders should jointly invest in both time and resources, with a focus on orgware and software, to ensure a successful renewable energy project.
SCREENING OF SOLVENT EXTRACTS OF CYCAS REVOLUTA FOR ISOLATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOUND

In the present investigation, the chloroformic and hydro-alcoholic extracts of leaves and female cones of Cycas revoluta were screened for its antimicrobial potential and in urge for isolation and characterization of the potent molecule responsible for antimicrobial potential against pathogenic and drug resistant strains. The results showed that both the leaves and female cones of Cycas revoluta are potent antimicrobial agents. It was found that chloroformic extracts of the cones was having potent antimicrobial activity in comparison to the chloroformic extracts of leaves. The studies report the isolation and characterization of a novel molecule, 2, 3-dihydro-4′-O-methyl-amentoflavone from the chloroformic extracts of leaves and female cones of the plant. The molecule was found to be promising antimicrobial agent against Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), E. coli, Salmonella abony, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and other pathogens reported in the study. The results hereby concluded that the extracts or the molecule can be utilized in formulating new antimicrobials which can be utilized in treating several infections caused by drug resistant pathogens. However further studies are however needed to study and evaluate its broad spectrum profile and to screen other different pharmacological activities.
Education, Decision Making, and Economic Rationality

Abstract This paper studies the causal effect of education on decision making. In 1972, England raised its minimum school-leaving age from 15 to 16 for students born after September 1, 1957. An online survey was conducted with 2,700 individuals born in a 36-month window on either side of this date. Participants made 25 incentivized risk choices that allow us to measure multiple dimensions of decision making. Despite the policy having effects on education, educational qualifications, and income, we find no effects of the policy on decision making or decision-making quality.
Next-generation sequencing approaches for improvement of lactic acid bacteria-fermented plant-based beverages

Plant-based beverages and milk alternatives produced from cereals and legumes have grown in popularity in recent years due to a range of consumer concerns over dairy products. These plant-based products can often have undesirable physiochemical properties related to flavour, texture, and nutrient availability and/or deficiencies. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation offers potential remediation for many of these issues, and allows consumers to retain their perception of the resultant products as natural and additive-free. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) or omics approaches to characterize LAB isolates to find those that will improve properties of plant-based beverages is the most direct way to product improvement. Although NGS/omics approaches have been extensively used for selection of LAB for use in the dairy industry, a comparable effort has not occurred for selecting LAB for fermenting plant raw substrates, save those used in producing wine and certain types of beer. Here we review the few and recent applications of NGS/omics to profile and improve LAB fermentation of various plant-based substrates for beverage production. We also identify specific issues in the production of various LAB fermented plant-based beverages that such NGS/omics applications have the power to resolve.
Comparative Anti-microbial activity and brine shrimp lethality bioassay of different parts of the plant Moringa oleifera lam

Lam. Disc diffusion method and brine shrimp lethality bioassay were used for antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic activity respectively. Chloroform fractions of leaf and fruit part have shown moderate antimicrobial activity with zone of inhibition (ZOI) ranging from 9-28 mm against all the experimental microbes. Ethyl acetate fraction of bark and fruit found to have highest antimicrobial activity with zone of inhibition (ZOI) 36 mm against
Levels of household food insecurity in rural areas of Guraghe zone, Southern Ethiopia

Food insecurity has been an issue for a long time, but it began to make a serious impact and became a prominent issue on the development debate recently. Emblematic to this problem is Ethiopia, in which about half of the population is categorized as food insecure. In light of understanding the incidence and severity of food insecurity at household level, this study was undertaken in the Mareko woreda, Guraghe zone. The data came mainly from 150 rural households’ in five different kebeles which were under the Productive Safety Net Program. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect the information. The survey result showed that the calorie intake approach of the absolute head count index, the normalized calorie deficiency gap index and the square calorie deficiency gap were about 60%, 5.8% and 1.8%, respectively. The Gini coefficient for the households was also estimated to be 0.212. These figures called for proper identifying tools to reach to those in acute food insecurity condition; and the inequality measurement (Gini coefficient) indicated relative homogeneity of calorie consumption.
The Structure and Mode of Life of the Pyramidellidae, Parasitic Opisthobranchs

The family Pyramidellidae contains a number of species of gastropod molluscs of similar structure and mode of life. The shell is calcareous and spirally wound and may be closed by an operculum. The foot bears a transverse fold anteriorly, the mentum (Fig. 1, MT), separating the opening of the penial sheath (PO) below from the mouth (M) above. It has a lateral glandular streak on each side (Fig. 2), presumably sensory. The head has ear-shaped tentacles (Fig. 1, T), richly innervated and with cilia setting up a strong water current, so that they constitute a powerful sensory mechanism. The eyes (E) lie between the tentacles.