Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DIMETHOATE HEPATOTOXICITY IN MICE EXPOSED TO CHRONIC INTOXICATION

Background: Because pesticides play an important role in agriculture field, and their use has increased, the evaluation of their toxic effects is of major concern to public health. Aim: The aim of this work was to study the propensity of dimethoate (DM) to cause hepatic function disturbance in mice. Material and Methods: Dimethoate was administered orally at doses of (20mg/kg body weight) dissolved in 1 ml corn oil [1/20 of the LD50 (380mg/kg)] once daily for 14 weeks. Biochemical parameters in serum were studied: aminotransferases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total proteins and albumin. Liver will be examined by light and electron microscope to evaluate histopathological changes. Results: Our results indicated that: the levels of the ALT and AST, ALP as well as bilirubin, in the serum of treated rabbits showed highly significant (P<0.0001) increase compared to control animals, whereas either, total protein, and albumin were highly significantly decreased (P<0.0001). Light microscopic examination of the hepatic tissue in dimethoate treated group showed congested portal vein, dilated bile duct , hepatocytes with vacuolated cytoplasm and deeply stained shrunken nuclei and hemorrhage. While electron microscope of the same group showed areas of hemorrhage, apoptotic nucleus and necrotic areas. In conclusion: Our study demonstrated that administration of DM orally at doses of (20mg/kg body weight) [1/20 of the LD50] for 14 weeks induced disturbance in the liver function . It is recommended to do Further investigations to prove the implication of oxidative stress in liver function disturbance and study the role of antioxidant in its limitation
Pulsation cycles - a welfare concern?

Configurations of milking machine installations need to comply with International Standards as a minimum requirement. Thus, milking machine constructors are free to adjust milking installations to optimise milking processes. Particularly liner movements, which are controlled by pulsators, have the potential to improve milk removal and animal welfare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two pulsation cycle types differing in closing (c-phase) and closed phase (d-phase) with specific regard to hind leg activity and milk removal in dairy cows. Forty-two dairy cows were confronted randomly with two different pulsation cycle types (treatment A and B) for 12 milkings in an auto tandem milking parlour (2 ×3). Treatment A and B differed in c- and d-phases. The c-phase of the pulsation chamber vacuum in treatment B was prolonged to 130 ms and the d-phase was shortened to 270 ms in contrast to the respective phases in treatment A (reference; c-phase: 70 ms; d-phase: 330 ms). Cows tended to produce a higher total milk yield in treatment B than in treatment A. Further, the peak flow rate was significantly higher in treatment B than in treatment A. However, the treatments did not differ significantly in mean hind leg activity. Concerning milk removal, the prolonged c-phase showed to be beneficial. Restlessness during milking, regardless of the treatment, occurred only seldom, likely because of the cows` disposition and the good conditions in the milking palour. As udder quarter emptying is known to be time delayed, overmilking may cause stress. Thus, we expected that hind leg activity would increase towards the end of the milking procedure as it causes discomfort on teats. However, the results of the current research could not confirm this hypothesis.
'I'm like you not': Intergenerational mobility of working class students from a cultural-evolutionary perspective

This retrospective narrative investigation challenges aspects of structural determinism. The biographical data generated in the study revealed that the baby-boomer, male participants were not academically constrained by their working class identities. Interpersonal relationships experienced within an individual's unique communities of practice (Lave and Wenger, 1991) had greater influence on the participants' academic achievement than the implied common socialising effects of a working class habitus. The study emphasises the agency of the individual because the educational outcomes of the participants, rather than being dependent on the inferred lack of cultural proficiencies normally associated with the working class, were influenced to a much greater extent by one's attitude. The investigation offers both structuralist and evolutionary points of view in relation to understanding the social mobility of the working class males who participated in the study.
Multifractal Characterization of Soil Particle-Size Distributions

A particle-size distribution (PSD) constitutes a fundamental soil property correlated to many other soil properties. Accurate representations of PSDs are, therefore, needed for soil characterization and prediction purposes. A power-law dependence of particle mass on particle diameter has been used to model soil PSDs, and such power-law dependence has been interpreted as being the result of a fractal distribution of particle sizes characterized with a single fractal dimension. However, recent studies have shown that a single fractal dimension is not sufficient to characterize a distribution for the entire range of particle sizes. The objective of this study was to apply multifractal techniques to characterize contrasting PSDs and to identify multifracfal parameters potentially useful for classification and prediction. The multifractal spectra of 30 PSDs covering a wide range of soil textural classes were analyzed. Parameters calculated from each multifractal spectrum were: (i) the Hausdorff dimension, f(α); (ii) the singularities of strength, α; (iii) the generalized fractal dimension, D q ; and (iv) their conjugate parameter the mass exponent, τ (q), calculated in the range of moment orders (q) of between -10 and -10 taken at 0.5 lag increments. Multifractal scaling was evident by an increase in the difference between the capacity D 0 and the entropy D 1 dimensions for soils with more than 10% clay content, Soils with <10% clay content exhibited single scaling. Our results indicate that multifractal parameters are promising descriptors of PSDs. Differences in scaling properties of PSDs should be considered in future studies.
61 CHAPTER FOUR DEVELOPING ETHIOPIAN MICROBIAL BIOCONTROL AGENTS FOR CITRUS POSTHARVEST DISEASE CONTROL

An alternate to chemical pesticides, microbial antagonists are used to control preand postharvest decay of fruits and vegetables. In this study, three yeast antagonists [two strains of Cryptococcus laurentii (MeJtw10-2 and TiL4-3) and one strain of Candida sake (TiL4-2)] isolated from twig and leaf surface of an orange tree controlled citrus green mould by 70-95% with higher broad spectrum activity against sour rot and anthracnose caused by Geotrichum candidum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Possible mode of action of these yeast antagonists [antibiosis, volatiles, phenolics, enzyme production assays, competition for nutrients and space] were studied. All antagonists showed no antibiosis effect against the tested pathogens. Some activity of enzyme production was exhibited by antagonist MeJtw102 (C. laurentii) unlike antagonist TiL4-2 (C. sake) and TiL4-3 (C. laurentii). All antagonists showed significant (P <0.05) inhibition of P. digitatum spore germination both in cylinder insert and direct well contact experiments. In vitro dual culture experiments exhibited 75100% control of P. digitatum spore growth by fast colonization and competition effect on solid medium. All antagonists showed the production of extracellular matrix, which enhanced their rapid colonization on fruit wound site during infection. Germination of P. digitatum conidia was significantly (P <0.05) inhibited when pathogens and antagonists were in physical contact. These results may indicate that competition for nutrients is one of the modes of action of these potential antagonists against the pathogen, P. digitatum.
APPLICATION OF JMODELICA.ORG TO TEACHING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF DYNAMICS OF FOUCAULT PENDULUM-LIKE GUIDED SYSTEMS TO ENGINEERING STUDENTS

The present educational research is focused on the solution of didactic problem of an engineering-friendly description and explanation of the dynamics and control of Foucault pendulum-like systems, which have arisen from practical problems of boom crane dynamics in lifting-and-handling machinery and transport. An educational actuality of the present research is grounded on the absence of a proper description and explanation of this topic in available textbooks and scientific articles in the fields of classical mechanics, control engineering, transport, lifting-and-handling machinery, engineering education, mechanical engineering education, and classical mechanics education. Among learning tools this article uses the following educational techniques: Modelica-assisted simulation with acausal equation-based freeware computer system JModelica.org with Optimica extension, physical simulation techniques, allegoric fairy tale analogy, didactic transposition method and a complex of individual Modelica-enhanced students’ computational assignments. The proposed educational approach provides a broadening of students’ ideas concerning the applicability of abstract physical concepts to the theory and practice of freeware-assisted mechanical engineering education of undergraduate and graduate students majoring in dynamics and control of guided lifting-and-handling machinery. Research finding, concepts and ideas of this research have found a practical educational application through the formulation of practical computational problems of term design works, planning of MSc degree students’ works, and freeware-enhanced curriculum of Donbass State Engineering Academy, Kramatorsk, Ukraine.
Salivary cortisol and nitrite concentrations in school teachers: A longitudinal pilot study

Abstract Objective. Occupational/mental stressors, which may be evaluated with measurements of salivary cortisol concentrations, affect the endothelial function and has implications on cardiovascular health. Nitric oxide (NO) is known to have an important role in cardiac function and may also be assessed in the saliva, but its participation in physiological responses to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stimulation is still not completely understood. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that salivary NO (as nitrite) and cortisol concentrations in school teachers vary throughout the academic year. Methods. Saliva samples were collected from 13 teachers distributed across five secondary schools. The samples were collected at 6:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. in the months of March, July, and December. Salivary cortisol levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and salivary NO concentration was determined by the quantification of nitrite. The area under the curve in relation to ground (AUC) was calculated to assess the cortisol and nitrite concentrations throughout the day. Results. No significant changes were observed in cortisol or nitrite concentrations across the three periods of the school year, while cortisol and nitrite levels showed a low positive and significant correlation (r=0.3455, p=0.0336). Conclusion. The results suggest that changes in salivary cortisol levels are accompanied by changes in salivary nitrite levels. This is the first time that such association has been demonstrated. These results encourage further studies aimed to confirm the importance of salivary NO measurement in relation to occupational stress and cardiovascular health.
Pedigree‐Based Prediction Models with Genotype × Environment Interaction in Multienvironment Trials of CIMMYT Wheat

This study contains spring wheat yield data (1st, 2nd, and 3rd WYCYTs and 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th SATYNs) from 136 international environments that were used to evaluate the predictive ability of different models in diverse environments by modeling G×E using the pedigree-derived additive relationship matrix (A matrix).
A Pooled Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Saxagliptin as Monotherapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: Saxagliptin is a once-daily, orally administered dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In 4 double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials, saxagliptin 2.5 or 5 mg significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline at 24 weeks. A pooled analysis of these clinical trials was conducted to assess the therapeutic profile of saxagliptin monotherapy. Methods: A post hoc pooled analysis of 4 saxagliptin monotherapy trials in patients with T2DM was conducted to determine the consistency of treatment effects, assessed as change from baseline in HbA1c at week 24, in patient subgroups stratified by race, sex, age, and baseline HbA1c. Secondary end points included change from baseline at week 24 in fasting plasma glucose and proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7%. Safety assessments included adverse event reports, laboratory test results, and vital sign measurements. Results: At week 24, saxagliptin 2.5 mg, saxagliptin 5 mg, and placebo decreased HbA1c from baseline by −0.66%, −0.64%, and −0.13% respectively (P<0.0001 for each saxagliptin dose vs placebo). The treatment effects of saxagliptin 2.5 5 mg on HbA1c were consistent across subgroups, and no treatment interactions were observed, with the exception of baseline HbA1c (P=0.003). The overall occurrence of adverse events was similar among groups (66.0% saxagliptin 2.5 mg; 53.0% saxagliptin 5 mg; 45.3% placebo). The incidence of hypoglycemic events was low and comparable among groups, and no cases of confirmed hypoglycemia were reported. Conclusions: Consistent with findings from individual studies, this pooled analysis showed saxagliptin to significantly improve glycemic measures compared with placebo. Outcomes confirmed saxagliptin treatment was associated with a weight-neutral effect and a low risk for hypoglycemia. Based on the overall findings, saxagliptin has a favorable benefit:risk profile and may be considered an alternative first-line therapy for patients with T2DM in whom metformin is contraindicated or not tolerated.
In a Social Capital Perspective: The Effect of Branded E-Stickers (BES) Usage on Brand Attitudes and Brand Purchase Intentions (Study on LINE Social Messenger)

Branded E-Stickers (BES) is one of the brand new and innovative tools to promote brand using an interactive way that enables social messenger users to chat more attractively with other users. To examine the effectiveness of this new marketing tool, this study investigates the effect of Branded E-Stickers (BES) usage on Brand Attitudes and Brand Purchase Intentions, in the perspective of social capital theory. Total 358 Indonesian LINE messenger users filled the questionnaire. Through multiple regression analysis, the results show that social capital plays important role in influencing users’ brand attitudes and brand purchase intentions. Referent ties, brand attitudes, and intensity of BES usage have direct significant and positive effect on brand purchase intentions while majority ties, sociability, selfdisclosure, self-presentation, and featured character-brand fit indirectly influence brand purchase intentions through brand attitudes. Since Branded E-Stickers can facilitate LINE users to develop their social capital, marketers should take this opportunity by promoting their brand through Branded E-Stickers. Type of paper: Empirical
A LibGuides presence in a Blackboard environment

Purpose – This paper aims to describe current approaches to and assess the value of placing course‐level research guides generated through LibGuides software into Blackboard learning management system (LMS) shells. It also aims to describe the specific technique of such placement in Blackboard Vista and Blackboard Learn shells.Design/methodology/approach – A link to a library assignment made with LibGuides was embedded as a button in the left‐side navigation bar of the Blackboard shell for an undergraduate communications course. A total of 57 student users responded to a survey on their perceptions of this method of accessing library resources.Findings – The paper reveals that students broadly value access to library resources from a convenient and persistently visible link within their course shell. They demonstrate a strong inclination to use the embedded library resource link first before using other information sources on the open internet.Practical implications – The study supports the placement of l.
Processing quality traits of different potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) genotypes in India

Potato is an important vegetable and has potential for use in the processing industry in India. Six potato genotypes viz. ‘Kufri Chipsona-1’, ‘Kufri Chipsona-4’, ‘Kufri Frysona’, ‘FC-3’, ‘Kufri Garima’ and ‘Lady Rosetta’ were evaluated to find out their suitability for processing into fresh fried potato chips. Significant differences in physico-chemical parameters were observed among the genotypes. ‘FC-3’, ‘K.Frysona’ and ‘Lady Rosette’ contained the highest amount of dry matter content and lowest amount of reducing sugars. While genotypes, ‘K.Garima’ and ‘K.Chipsona-4’ were found inferior for processing due to poor quality traits. Based on sensory characteristics, ‘FC-3’, ‘K.Frysona’ and ‘Lady Rosette’ were best for processing into fresh fried potato chips. Chips prepared from these cultivars had lower moisture content, oil uptake and higher yield than from other genotypes.
Process and Text: Teaching Students to Review the Literature

Examiners of dissertations regularly have to endure “literature reviews” that consist of extended lists of mini-summaries of books. Indeed, quite often “dissertations” amount to little more than a list of book-summaries masquerading as an argument. While there are excellent courses on qualitative and quantitative methods, most students have learnt how to conduct literature reviews exclusively through the method of learning by doing. Ultimately, there is no alternative to this age-old method. However, this essay is premised on the belief that a brief attempt to understand the general function of a literature review in political science should make learning by doing easier and more productive.
Growth-promoting activity of indigenous Trichoderma isolates on wheat seed germination, seedling growth and yield

Apart from their biocontrol potential, Trichoderma rhizosphere-competent strains stimulate plants growth via several direct mechanisms that affect various growth parameters. In this study, effect of five indigenous isolates (T. harzianum T 969, T. harzianum T 447, T. hamatum T 614, Trichoderma sp. isolate T and Gliocladium virens G525.) on wheat (variety Moghan 3) seed germination, seedling vigor and plant growth was examined through seeds treatment by the conidia and culture filtrate of the isolates. In the field experiments various growth parameters including rootlet and shoot length, stem height and weight, root length and weight, total leaf area, head and tiller number and 1000 grain weight as well as the plant total chlorophyll content and stomata conductance response were evaluated. In overall, seed germination rate was increased. The highest seed germination rate (95.8%) was observed for T. harzianum T969 non-sterilized cultural filtrate treatment and after 96 hours. The isolate G. virens G525 spore treatment decreased the rate by 54.5%. Although all isolates colonized on rootlets but no significant effect on the seedlings growth was observed. Isolate T. hamatum T614 caused necrotic reaction on rootlets, revealing its parasitic rather than symbiotic activity. In the field experiments, the isolates had significant effect on parameters such as stomata conductance, 1000 grain weight, ear fresh and dry weights, ear length and stem and root dry weight but they showed no significant effect on other evaluated parameters. Some isolates improved the affected parameters and some had negative effects which are discussed.
Influence of Plastic Waste Fibers on the Strength of Lime-Rice Husk Ash Stabilized Clay Soil

A study has been undertaken to investigate the strength of stabilized clay-soil reinforced with randomly distributed discrete plastic waste fibers by carrying out unconfined compressive strength and tensile-split strength test. In this study, the clay soil was stabilized with lime and rice husk ash mixtures. The effect of the fiber length and content on the compressive and split tensile strength was investigated. The laboratory investigation results show that inclusion of the plastic waste fiber increased significantly both the unconfined compressive strength and tensile-split strength of the stabilized clay soil. The fiber length plays a significant contribution in increasing the soil strength. To contribute for any significant improvement on compression as well as tensile strength, the fiber length should be in range of 20 mm to 40 mm. Fiber reinforcements also reduced soil brittleness by providing smaller loss of post-peak strength.
Lack of genetic divergence found with microsatellite DNA markers in the tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus

Abstract Three classes of molecular markers are commonly employed during population genetic studies of marine taxa: allozymes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and microsatellite DNA. These markers differ in their levels of polymorphism, and the ease and cost of their application. Nemadactylus macropterus is a commercially important marine fish from New Zealand and southern Australia that has been the subject of genetic (allozyme, mtDNA) and non‐genetic (otolith microchemistry, larval advection) studies of stock structure. We collected microsatellite DNA data from this species to compare the utility of these molecular markers with those genetic methods previously applied to N. macropterus. Microsatellites did not indicate significant divergence among Australian samples, or between Australian and New Zealand samples. The latter is incongruent with the allozyme and mtDNA studies, and it is suggested that allelic homoplasy has hindered the resolution of population structure when using microsatellites.
Additional morphological information on young female Caligus kuwaitensis (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida) from Egyptian marine water fish (Pagrus pagrus).

In the present study additional morphological features for Caligus kuwaitensis (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida). infesting marine water fishes, (Pagrus pagrus), in Egypt was described with scanning electron microscopy. These morphological features include, sub orbicular cephalothoraxes' shield, with ridged inner wall of lunules. The arc-like structure "rugose" area, have been observed on the median surface. In the 1st pair of legs; 1st exopod bears a number of fine setules on the basal segment and has a distal spine like bristle at distal. The 2nd exopodal segment is bearing four terminal optical stout setae each two setae are nearly equal in its length. In addition, Exopod of the 2nd leg bearing two unequal setae and with large plumose seta on posterior edge. Distinct attached spermatophores in the genital complex of young female. These additional morphological features were considered to be important and significant in accurate identifications of this Caligus species.