Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Menthol Cigarette Smoke Induces More Severe Lung Inflammation Than Non-menthol Cigarette Smoke Does in Mice With Subchronic Exposure – Role of TRPM8

In smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more severe lung inflammation is associated with menthol cigarette smoking compared to non-menthol cigarette smoking. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Menthol is an activator of transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8), which is also sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our recent in vitro study demonstrated that the extracts of menthol cigarette smoke (M-CS) can induce greater ROS-sensitive, TRPM8-mediated, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent inflammatory responses in lung epithelial cells than the extracts of non-menthol cigarette smoke (Non-M-CS) can. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that M-CS can induce more severe lung inflammation than Non-M-CS can via the additional action of menthol in M-CS on epithelial and lung TRPM8 in mice. Compared with Non-M-CS exposure, subchronic M-CS exposure for 7 days up-regulated the epithelial and lung expression of TRPM8, induced more vigorous activation of epithelial and lung MAPKs, and caused more severe lung inflammation. The MAPK activation was evidenced by the increased expression of phosphor-extracellular signal-regulated and phosphor-c-Jun N-terminal kinases. The lung inflammation was evidenced by pathohistological findings and increases in several inflammatory indices. Moreover, treatment with a TRPM8 antagonist (N-(3-aminopropyl)-2-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}-N-(2-thienylmethyl)benzamide; AMTB) greatly suppressed the MAPK activation and lung inflammation induced by Non-M-CS and M-CS, and the residual responses to these two types of CS did not differ. Conversely, the levels of biomarkers of acute CS exposure (20 min), including carboxyhemoglobin and cotinine (a nicotine metabolite) in blood plasma, and superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (two major types of ROS) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, did not show significant differences in the mice with Non-M-CS and M-CS exposure. We concluded that M-CS could induce greater TRPM8-mediated activation of MAPKs and lung inflammation than Non-M-CS could in mice with subchronic exposure. The augmented inflammatory effects of M-CS are unlikely due to a larger total amount of CS inhaled, but may be caused by an additional stimulation of epithelial and lung TRPM8 by menthol in M-CS. A common stimulant (presumably ROS) generated by both CS types may also stimulate TRPM8, activate MAPKs, and induce lung inflammation because treatment with AMTB could reduce these responses to Non-M-CS.
Mass loss of massive stars near the Eddington luminosity by core neutrino emission shortly before their explosion

We present a novel mechanism to enhance the mass-loss rates of massive stars shortly before their explosion. The neutrino luminosities of the stellar core of massive stars become larger as they get closer to the time of the core collapse. As emitted neutrinos escape freely from the core, the core mass is significantly reduced when the neutrino luminosity is large. If a star is near the Eddington luminosity when the neutrino luminosity is large, the star can exceed the Eddington luminosity because of the core neutrino mass loss. We suggest that the stellar surface mass-loss rates due to the core neutrino emission can be higher than 1e-4 Msun/yr from ~ 1 year before the core collapse. The mass-loss rates can exceed 1e-2 Msun/yr in ~ 10 days before the core collapse. This mass-loss mechanism may be able to explain the enhanced mass loss observed in some supernova progenitors shortly before their explosion. Even if the star is not close enough to the Eddington luminosity to enhance mass loss, the star can still expand because of the reduced gravitational force. This mechanism can be activated in Wolf-Rayet stars and it can make hydrogen-poor, as well as hydrogen-rich, dense circumstellar media observed in some supernovae.
Existence of asymptotic speed of solutions to birth and spread type nonlinear partial differential equations

In this paper, we prove the existence of asymptotic speed of solutions to fully nonlinear, possibly degenerate parabolic partial differential equations in a general setting. We then give some explicit examples of equations in this setting and study further properties of the asymptotic speed for each equation. Some numerical results concerning the asymptotic speed are presented.
Engaging with the Disability Rights Movement: the experience of community-based rehabilitation in southern Africa

This paper argues that unless community-based rehabilitation CBR programmes enter into genuine consultation with the disability rights movement they are in danger of repeating the mistakes of institution-based rehabilitation. Partnership between CBR programmes, and disabled people's and parents' organisations in southern Africa has led to the development of a more consumer focused approach to CBR Where disabled adults and parents have been fully involved in the design and implementation of programmes, CBR workers have a clearer understanding of disability as a development issue. Education, employment and poverty alleviation have been given a higher priority than medical rehabilitation in these programmes. The evolving concept of CBR and its relationship with the disability rights movement has been observed and documented by The Save the Children Fund, and forms the basis of this paper.
Electroencephalograph Biofeedback: A Form of Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

This paper examines the effects of electroencephalograph (EEG) biofeedback as a treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It starts with a definition of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the diagnostic criteria for the disorders. The paper then discusses EEG biofeedback as a treatment of ADHD, how it developed, and examples of successful treatments. Data is presented and discussed from the pretests, middle tests, and posttests of a juvenile male, as well as a group of children, who received EEG biofeedback treatment for ADHD. Improvements in behavior resulted from the treatment sessions. Results were discussed in relation to the effectiveness of this treatment.
Accelerating the Product Development Process in a Multi-Project Environment Using Dynamic Sequencing Method

The design process is hard to accelerate due to its iterative nature which increases project cost and completion time, and is a major source of inefficient design processes. For this reason, much research intended to model iterations and to find the optimal structure of the process. However, these approaches have intrinsic limitations in that they can only be applicable to a single-project environment. In a multi-project environment, waiting time induced by resource shortage becomes more critical source of lengthy projects than iteration. In this paper, we propose dynamic sequencing method which reduces the waiting time of design process by changing the sequence of design tasks by sending waiting projects to an another idle resource. To evaluate the effect of this method, we developed a process model which is suitable for representing iterations and multi-project environment in an efficient manner and performed simulation using this model. The simulation results showed that the dynamic sequencing method is significantly better than traditional static sequencing method in terms of average duration of design projects. We also found that the improvement is more salient when projects were crowded and a design process was unbalanced which usually have negative effects on the process performance.
Between Management and Employees: Which one is More Critical in Building Value and Loyalty?

We conducted a research concerning the relationship between trust, value, and loyalty based on the model developed by Sirdeshmukh et al. (2002). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to test the model. According to the model, the authors made a distinction between trustworthiness and trust dimension in Sales Promotion People (SPP) context and Management Policies and Practices (MPP) context. By collecting primary data from 105 respondents, the result shows that in the MPP context, operational benevolence was proven to demostrate a statistically significant positive effect to trust in MPP. Both the trust in MPP and trust in SPP dimensions have statistically significant positive effect in creating value, Trust in MPP and value dimensions have statistically significant positive effect to loyalty dimension. Moreover, from the result, it can be inferred that the role of MPP, rather than SPP was more critical in building consumers value and loyalty. The authors also found no asymmetric effect in the relationship between trustworthiness and trust dimension. Keywords: Customer Services, Consumer Trust, Customer Value, Customer Loyalty, Structural Equation Modeling
Power Generation from Human Leukocytes/Lymphocytes in Mammalian Biofuel Cell

Alternative to batteries power sources is needed for the human implants of the future that tend to be less invasive and more integrated to human biology and physiology. Human metabolism could be exploited for the generation of power, but mammalian cells protect their energy production apparatus from external electrochemical scavengers. We report here evidence that, in the case of white blood cells, chemical energy can be harvested directly on an electrode as electricity in fuel cells whose stability is roughly parallel to the viability of cells in vitro. Electrochemical activity of human leukocytes immobilized on modified carbon mesh electrodes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Oxidation peaks at 0.33 V versus Ag/AgCl were observed. An open-circuit potential of 0.44 V was recorded between anode and cathode compartments where the biofuel cell potential operating under an external load of 5 kΩ was below 0.35 V. Average power outputs of 10 μW ( μW/cell) were increased to 15 μW by the activation of white blood cells. Power densities of 1.5 μW cm−2 for lower than physiological cell concentrations are low for most of today’s implants, but possibility of cell immobilization allows a positive outlook for the future utility of the reported findings.
Impact of Export on Economic Growth in Vietnam: Empirical Research and Recommendations

This paper analyzes the impact of export on economic growth in Vietnam. Our findings based on regression analysis of Vietnam data in the period 1990-2015 confirm a significant and positive relationship between export and Vietnam economic growth. Export plays an important role in the Vietnam economic development by accelerating the industrialization and modernization process in this country. Particularly, the export has a positive impact on GDP growth of the current year and also the one in two years later (2 years of delayed entry). On the basis of results obtained, we propose some recommendations for local government and export firm in order to promote export and its impact by contributing to sustainable economic development of commodity-exporting emerging and developing countries.
A proposal for the maximum use of recycled concrete sand in masonry mortar design

Natural sand mining from rivers and seashores is causing serious environmental problems in many parts of the world, whereas the fine fraction from recycling concrete waste is underutilized as a construction material. The aim of this paper is to determine the maximum replacement level of natural sand by recycled sand in the manufacturing of masonry mortar (M-10). For this purpose, five replacement levels were tested: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% by volume. The mixes were made using cement CEM II/BL 32.5 N in a volumetric proportion of cement-to-aggregate of 1:5. A commercial admixture was used at a constant content. The amount of water was variable to achieve a consistency of 175±10 mm. The short- and long-term mortar properties were evaluated. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA. In conclusion, a maximum percentage of 50% recycled concrete sand can be used in an indoor environment.
Supporting the UN SDGs transition: methodology for sustainability assessment and current worldwide ranking

Abstract This analysis lies in the stream of research related to the quantitative assessment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations at the end of September 2015. We assemble a composite multi-dimensional index and a worldwide ranking of current sustainability. This makes it possible to assess the strengths and weaknesses of today’s socio-economic development, as well as environmental criticalities worldwide. The methodology goes through the following steps: screening of indicators capable of addressing the UN’s SDGs; data collection from relevant sources; organization into three pillars of sustainability (economy, society, and environment); normalization to a common metrics; aggregation of the 26 indicators into composite indices by pillars as well as in a multi-dimensional index. The final ranking includes 139 countries. Sweden, Norway and Switzerland are at the top of the ranking.
The Impact of CSR, Word of Mouth in Brand Image Effectiveness at PTPTN Agency.

Due to the increasing cost of higher education continues to grow from year to year and the numbers of students in Malaysia are eligible to enter the public universities and private colleges increasingly favorable. The Malaysian government is always alert and attentive to produce many scholars and knowledgeable people together to achieve vision 2020. On awareness and obligation rulers of a country that is currently leading developed countries and further studies have been made by the government as well. One agency was set up under the supervision of the Ministry of education has been given the name as the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN). This agency was established under the 566 Act, National Higher Education Fund Corporation.With the establishment of PTPTN showed the Malaysia government's very committed helping the less fortunate to extend their studies to a higher level. The Malaysia government provides a number of provisions by PTPTN with borrowed funds amounting to RM23 billion of the total funds allocated, namely RM35 billion since from 1997 to present. Fact from Ministry of Education , Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) is established in advance on March 1, 1966 under the Parliament Act . The main function of MARA is offering various types of loans and purposes specialty to help all Bumiputera and no interest rates education loan. Beside PTPTN and MARA, Malaysia also have education funds from every states like example Johor Educational Foundation, Selangor Educational Foundation, Pahang Educational Foundation and so on
Impact of Firm Performance, Size, and Acquisition on Executive Compensation

Prior economic literature has long debated on the determinants of managerial remuneration. This paper examines the impact of corporate performance, size, and acquisition on CEO’s cash compensation of 315 firms listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange during 2001-07. The analysis adopts multiple approaches including OLS cross-sectional study on period growth, panel analysis on levels through the within approach, and dynamic model with the most advanced methods of difference and system GMM. We find that performance is more important than growth in determining pay changes, but size-related heterogeneity is crucial. Acquisition direct impact on pay is generally undetected. JEL classification: G34
Self-Esteem, Social Comparison, and Facebook Use

Facebook use is very popular among young people, but many open issues remain regarding the individual traits that are antecedents of different behaviours enacted online. This study aimed to investigate whether the relationship between self-esteem and the amount of time on Facebook could be mediated by a tendency towards social comparison. Moreover, three different modalities of Facebook use were distinguished, i.e., social interaction, simulation, and search for relations. Because of gender differences in technology use and social comparison, the mediation models were tested separately for males and females. Data were collected by means of a self-report questionnaire with a sample of 250 undergraduate and graduate Italian students (mean age: 22.18 years). The relations were examined empirically by means of four structural equation models. The results revealed the role of orientation to social comparison in mediating the relations between low self-esteem and some indicators of Facebook use, i.e., daily hours on Facebook and the use of Facebook for simulation. For females, the use of Facebook for social interaction was directly influenced by high self-esteem and indirectly influenced by low self-esteem. Globally, the dimension of social comparison on Facebook emerged as more important for females than for males.
Publics at the technology table: The consensus conference in Denmark, Canada, and Australia:

One model for direct citizen participation in science-based policy issues is the consensus conference. This article presents a cross-national comparative analysis of three consensus conferences on food biotechnology (in Denmark, Canada, and Australia) held in March 1999. We conclude that the consensus conference model "travels well" (works in multiple national and socio-cultural contexts), being useful beyond its origins in northern Europe. We also provide more detailed conclusions about the food biotechnology issue.
Do CSR Practices Of Banks In Mauritius Lead To Satisfaction And Loyalty?

Abstract This study aims to determine how CSR activities of banks in Mauritius impact on customers’ satisfaction and loyalty towards banks. A stakeholder approach to CSR and Carroll’s (1991) four part definition was adopted, which included economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic corporate social responsibilities. A three- section questionnaire was used for data collection. 384 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 352 were returned. The results indicate that philanthropic CSR, economic CSR and ethical CSR, in their order of descending importance, are significant predictors of customer satisfaction and loyalty. The study shows that legal responsibilities however did not influence customer satisfaction and loyalty. The study concludes that philanthropic, economic and ethical CSR could be areas to further investigate with a view to benefit from competitive advantage in the banking sector. The study purports to contribute to existing literature by providing evidence that Carroll’s model may not be applicable in non-western context, more particularly so, in small economies. The study also advocates future research avenues.
Detection and distribution of sweetpotato feathery mottle virus in sweetpotato using membrane immunobinding assay

The serological technique called membrane immunobinding assay (MIBA) was used for the detection and distribution of sweetpotato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) in clones of sweetpotato from China. The immuno-fingerprinting technique on nitrocellulose membrane is based on specific recognition between the viral antigens and a polyclonal antibody against them. The reaction on the membrane allows the observation of spots, which intensity depends on the viral concentration of the tested sample. These spots can be conserved for very long periods. With the dosage of the virus present in the tested leaf samples of clone Guangshu 62, the evolution as well as the distribution of the feathery mottle virus was followed. Thus, the individuals tested have a high viral concentration which, not only was age dependent, but also progressed toward the apex. Since the high multiplication of the feathery mottle virus in clone Guangshu 62 did not had an effect on the tubers' yield, the relationship between this clone and the virus is a tolerant one. The implications of this relationship are discussed by taking into account the cultural context and the yield component in rural area. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (7), pp. 717-723, 2005
Awareness and utilization of cervical cancer and Pap smear services among market women in north-central Nigeria

Aims: Cervical cancer is the most common female genital tract carcinoma worldwide. Studies in Nigeria consistently show late presentation of cases with poor prognosis. This study aimed to determine awareness of market women about cervical cancer and their utilization of Pap smear test. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in selected markets. Multi stage sampling technique was used for recruiting study participants. The SPSS statistical software was used for data entry, editing and analysis. Results: Respondents’ were aged between 18 and 60 years with mean age 40.34±10.09 years. Most respondents (89.9%) were married and about two-thirds (62.8%) had no formal education. Only 18.1% of respondents had ever heard about cervical cancer, one-third (35.3%) of those were informed by their friends and only 1.1% had done a screening test previously. Conclusion: Awareness about cervical cancer was poor and utilization of its screening services was worse. There is a need to create awareness about cervical cancer and demand for its screening services among the women populace. Godwin Jiya Gana1, Mansur Oche Oche1,2, Jessica Timane Ango1, Aminu Umar Kaoje1,2, Nneka Christiana Okafoagu1, Ismail Raji1, Remi Oladigbolu1 Affiliations: 1Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria; 2Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria. Corresponding Author: Godwin Jiya Gana, Department of Community Health, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto Nigeria; Email: gojigan2001@gmail. com Received: 15 March 2017 Accepted: 25 July 2017 Published: 16 August 2017
SELECTION OF THE NUMBER OF FACTORS IN PRESENCE OF STRUCTURAL INSTABILITY: A MONTE CARLO STUDY*

In this paper we study the selection of the number of primitive shocks in exact and approximate factor models in the presence of structural instability. The empirical analysis shows that the estimated number of factors varies substantially across several selection methods and over the last 30 years in standard large macroeconomic and financial panels. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we suggest that the structural instability, expressed as time-varying factor loadings, can alter the estimation of the number of factors and therefore provides an explanation for the empirical findings.