Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study of serum Zinc status among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Background: Both microvascular and macrovascular complications in diabetes are related to oxidative stress. Zinc which has antioxidant property, delays diabetic complications. The present study was conducted with the objective to study the relationship between serum Zinc level and HbA1C level in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus and to compare serum Zinc level with its risk factors. Methods: The present study was a cross sectional study, conducted on 100 patients attending the outpatient department at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Madras Medical College, Chennai during the period from May 2015 to October 2015. Of them 50 were newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics and considered as diabetic group and other 50 were considered as controls, who attended the master health check-up. All patients were subjected to thorough general and systemic examination. Under strict aseptic precautions blood sample was collected from all the patients and the serum was investigated for creatinine, urea, zinc, HbA1c, cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose. The data obtained were analysed using Microsoft excel software. Correlation was found out in SPSS by using regression equation. Results: The body mass index (BMI) and mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher (p<0.001) in diabetic group as compared to controls. Serum levels of HbA1C and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were found to be significantly higher in diabetic group than in controls (p<0.001). Serum zinc levels were significantly higher in control group (p<0.001). Mean zinc value decreases with increase in HbA1c, FBG, BMI, SBP, DBP, triglycerides and cholesterol and the difference was statistically significant (p value <0.01). The relation between Pearson correlation coefficient for zinc and the above parameters were higher in diabetics than controls. Conclusions: Lower serum zinc levels were found to be responsible for the development of macrovascular complications in type-2 diabetics. Hence there is a need for zinc supplementation in diabetic patients to prevent long term complications associated with it.
Incentive Complementarity: Investment-bonding, Profit-sharing and the Performance of Firms in Rural China

Complementarity between incentive instruments is regarded as one of the central themes of theoretical research in the economics of industrial organization in recent years. However, despite its importance, empirical evidence on the existence of complementarities is limited. In this paper we identify complementarities between incentive mechanisms used by firm-owners to motivate managers. Using a multi-task principal-agent framework we consider a problem in which the owner uses two incentive instruments, profit-sharing and investment-bonding, to motivate the manager in two tasks, production and asset-maintenance. Our theoretical model yields testable hypothesis regarding the complementary and individual effects of incentives on performance. We test the hypothesis of our theoretical model against a dataset on 56 rural firms in China, observed in 1988 and 1995. Our descriptive results clearly show that the two instruments are complements. Our econometric model using a panel regression framework confirms that significant complementaries exist in terms of the impact of the two instruments on performance. In order to evaluate the robustness of our results we account for unobserved differences in firm quality using fixed effects and instrumental variables regressions. Support for the complementarity hypothesis is also found after controlling for unobserved heterogeneity.
Characterization of Al Doped ZnO Nanostructures via an Electrochemical Route

Al doped ZnO (AZO) nanostructures were produced by using an electrochemical process. The growth structures were then characterized structurally, optically, photoluminescence and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies assessed that AZO nanostructures has been successfully grown. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) image revealed the morphology with nearly uniform grains. The photoluminance (PL) spectrum shows that the ultraviolet emission band between 384 and 537 nm occurs the strong and broad green emission. The UV-vis has a strong absorption below 350 nm and performs transparent mode in the visible range. FTIR spectrum also attributes the transmittance light in visible range is higher than the near infrared range. It has been summarized that AZO nanostructure has been successfully grown by an electrochemical route.
Prevalence of obesity among preschool children and its relation with dental caries

There is increasing interest in investigating the association between dental caries and childhood obesity, particularly among preschoolers where the evidence is limited. We aimed to measure the prevalence of obesity/overweight among preschool children aged 3 to 6 years, and to determine the relationship between obesity and dental caries in the primary dentition. A cross-sectional study was carried out in eight public and private preschools using a multi-stage stratified sample of 820 children. Waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) measurements were obtained. Caries was assessed using the National Institute of Dental Research’s decayed, missed or filled score (dmft). Based on BMI, 15% of children were obese and 10% were overweight. Based on WC, 13% of children were obese. The prevalence of obesity/overweight based on BMI was significantly higher among girls (p-value=0.014) and private preschools (p-value<0.001). Based on BMI, obese and overweight children had lower dmft scores than underweight and normal children (p-value<0.001). Based on WC, obese children had lower dmft scores than non-obese children (p-value<0.001). Obesity prevalence was high, particularly among girls and private preschool children. Caries activity was lower in overweight and obese children. Longitudinal studies are essential to investigate the association between caries and obesity in preschool children. Key words: Children, obesity, overweight, dental caries, body mass index (BMI).
Effects of improved fish production technology on the output of fish farmers in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

The study examined the effects of improved fish production technology on the output of fish farmers in Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 125 respondents were selected. Primary data was collected with the use of structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for the study. Mean age of respondents was 39.8 years. Also majority were male (83.2%), had tertiary education (84.0%) and kept Catfish (90.4%). The mean income earned was N 1,012,320.00. Commonly used/ adopted improved fish technologies were floating feeds (84.8%), standard feeding regimes (84.0%), improved breeds of fingerlings (80.0%) and provision of inlet and outlet devices in pond (78.4). Farmers’ perceptions were that the use of improved fish production technology saves time (mean=1.34), increases profit/improved income (mean=1.12) and conserves fish farmers’ energy (mean=1.08). This study found average increase in output: input ratio as 0.77 kg of harvest per fish fingerlings stocked due to improved fish technology when compared to that before adoption of improved technology. Most indicated constraints faced by fish farmers were inadequate capital (88.0%), high cost of feed (79.2%) and high cost of fingerlings (71.2%). Profit increase/improved income of catfish farmers via higher yield/harvest due to adoption of new technology was found to be positively correlated with age (p<0.01), gender(p<0.05), and experience (p<0.05). The study concluded that the use of fish improved technology had positively influenced harvest of catfish farmers in the study area. The study recommend the need for training, workshops and seminars for catfish farmers on how they could have easy access to land, feeds at affordable rate and sources of fund at minimal interest rate. Keywords. Catfish farmers, fish production, improved technology, socio-economics
Does Social Responsibility Deter Shares from Higher Returns? An European Empirical Study

The academic Interest in the performance of so-called Social Responsible firms has grown steadily these last years. But empirical evidences remain scarce. By studying a portfolio of firms included in the ASPI Euro zone Index, our work contributes to fill this hole. We examine the performance and risk sensitivities and try to overcome the methodological deficiencies of the some prior studies. In particular, we adopt Carhart's (1997) multifactor attribution approach and Ferson-Schadt (1996) conditional model. After controlling for market risk and others factors, we find evidences supporting the conjecture that the performance differential between firms classified as Socially Responsible and the others is insignificant.
Wara Correlating measures of Executive Processes With P 3 NoGo Components

Promising in exploring the functional significance of ERPs, ICA decomposition reveals information of what temporally independent activations compose the observed scalp recording. Exhaustive understanding of the ERP component itself still provide limited knowledge without a paralleling exhaustive understanding of the mental processes in question. The P3 NoGo is an ERP seen in NoGo trials in the Go/NoGo task, and has been related to inhibitory processes. The P3 NoGo was decomposed with ICA and correlated to measures of cognitive function. P3 NoGo did not correlate to measures of processing speed or crystallized IQ, but did correlate to the two executive processes energization and task setting.
and influx 2 + efflux and Ca + disruption : roles for K lysosome disruption but inhibited by extensive lysosome NLRP 3 inflammasome signaling

1522-1563. Visit our website at http://www.the-aps.org/. Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD 20814-3991. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society. ESSN: molecular physiology. It is published 24 times a year (twice monthly) by the American Physiological Society, 9650 is dedicated to innovative approaches to the study of cell and American Journal of Physiology Cell Physiology by gest on July 3, 2016 http://ajphysiology.org/ D ow nladed fom
Assessing the Effects of Aquatic Vegetation Composition on Waterbird Distribution and Richness in Natural Freshwater Lake of Malaysia

Aquatic vegetation structure and composition is a major driven factor which plays a significant role in waterbird foraging sites and habitat selection. Assessing the effects of aquatic vegetation composition on the distribution and richness of waterbird in a freshwater lake is a useful tool to understand the habitat requirement and preference of waterbird species for future better conservation and management. A total of 19 aquatic plants was recorded in the Paya Indah lake using 10 X 10 m quadrant method. Eleocharis variegata (13.0%), E. dulcis (12.0%), Scirpus mucronatus (11.0%), and Fimbristylis globulosa (10.0%) were the most dominant aquatic plants which cover around 46.0% of the lake area. Likewise, a total of 1492 bird individuals represnting 24 waterbird species and 8 families was recorded through direct observation using 10X50 binocular. Porphyrio porphyrio (17.02%), Amaurornis phoenicurus (15.82%), and Ardea purpurea (8.31%) were three most common waterbird species in the study area. In contrast, three waterbird species, namely Hydrophasianus chirurgus (0.8%), Tachybaptus ruficollis (0.6%), and Gallirallus striatus (0.54%) were the rarest i.e., recorded only a few individuals. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient test illustrated that aquatic vegetation species have strong positive correlationship (i.e., r = 0.9259, P > 0.05) with waterbird species distribution and richness in the lake area. This showed that higher waterbird richness could be due to the diversity of aquatic vegetation species composition. Overall, the finding of this study highlighted that Paya Indah Lake is rich in aquatic vegetation structure and composition that had attracted a wide array of waterbird to perform various activities such as food, water, habitat and reproduce.
Novel fast catadioptric objective with wide field of view

Using the Simultaneous Multiple Surface method in 2D (SMS2D), we present a fast catadioptric objective with a wide field of view (125°×96°) designed for a microbolometer detector with 640×480 pixels and 25 microns pixel pitch Keywords: Infrared lens design, thermal imaging, Schwarzschild configuration, SMS2D, wide field of view, driving cameras, panoramic systems
How do local unions strategize against multinational corporations’ restructuring threats? Some insights from France

This article explores local trade union strategies in the context of multinational corporations’ (MNCs) restructuring in French auto suppliers. From a theoretical standpoint, this study proposes a multidimensional analytic framework confronting three different, yet complementary, approaches: (1) the relative power of unions and how this power manifests itself in the social relations between actors; (2) the national institutions and opportunity structures that constrain actor choices; and (3) the contingencies relating to the structures of multinational firms and their production sites. From a methodological standpoint, the article compares two different local cases (France-1, France-2) that have experienced restructuring threats from their parent MNCs. The core data of this research are based on semi-structured interviews with elected union representatives from both sites, as well as expert witnesses at various levels within the sector. This article argues that unions’ strategies are best understood as a function of power resources and capabilities, social relationships at different levels, and types of MNC governance. In particular, the article argues that local trade unions should develop ‘cognitive’ power, a strategic capability, in order to impact decision-making in multinational corporations.
Ultrastructure of Antoonops, a New, Ant-Mimicking Genus of Afrotropical Oonopidae (Araneae) with Complex Internal Genitalia

Abstract Antoonops, a new genus of the spider family Oonopidae, is described from West Africa. The genus contains four new species, all known from both sexes: A. corbulo (type species), A. bouaflensis, A. iita, and A. nebula. All species mimic ants and exhibit a pronounced sexual dimorphism. Several new ultrastructural features are reported, including putative gland pores associated with the coxal insertions, specialized cheliceral setae, and peculiarly modified male endites. The potential of these and other traits as phylogenetically informative characters is discussed. SEM investigation of the internal female genitalia of A. corbulo reveals the presence of two peculiarly shaped sclerites embedded in the walls of the uterus externus and a reproductive tract with an apparent flow-through design.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NURSING AND ELDERLY CARE STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS AGEISM

Background: Perceptions of individuals and society about the elderly are reflected in the services provided to them. These reflections might be revealed in various fields such as health care services and sufficient job opportunities, or they could be revealed in the issue of discrimination against the elderly, which is a problem emerging in advanced ages. Objective : This study aims to identify the relationship between nursing and elderly care program students’ attitudes towards ageism. Methods: This study, which is descriptive and relational method, was conducted between November and December, 2016. The participants were 220 students. The data were collected through a questionnaire, and the Ageism Attitude Scale, and were analyzed using t-test, two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings : Results show that the students generally had positive attitudes towards ageism. Nursing department students received significantly higher scores in the Limiting the Elderly Person’s Life sub-dimension and Ageism Attitude Scale in comparison to Elderly Care Program students. 3 rd year nursing department students had higher scores in the Ageism Attitudes Scale in comparison to 1 st and 2 nd year nursing department students and students in the Elderly Care Program. “Positive Discrimination towards the Elderly” sub-dimension and the “Ageism Attitudes Scale” total scores were found to be significantly higher in nursing department students according to the variable of desire to work in a geriatric service in the future. (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study found that students had positive attitudes towards ageism, and nursing students’ Ageism Attitudes Scale mean scores were higher than those of elderly care program students. More comprehensive studies are needed in order to improve students’ attitudes towards elderly people.
Climate Change and Poverty -- an Analytical Framework

Climate change and climate policies will affect poverty reduction efforts through direct and immediate impacts on the poor and by affecting factors that condition poverty reduction, such as economic growth. This paper explores this relation between climate change and policies and poverty outcomes by examining three questions: the (static) impact on poor people's livelihood and well-being; the impact on the risk for non-poor individuals to fall into poverty; and the impact on the ability of poor people to escape poverty. The paper proposes four channels that determine household consumption and through which households may escape or fall into poverty (prices, assets, productivity, and opportunities). It then discusses whether and how these channels are affected by climate change and climate policies, focusing on the exposure, vulnerability, and ability to adapt of the poor (and those vulnerable to poverty). It reviews the existing literature and offers three major conclusions. First, climate change is likely to represent a major obstacle to a sustained eradication of poverty. Second, climate policies are compatible with poverty reduction provided that (i) poverty concerns are carefully taken into account in their design and (ii) they are accompanied by the appropriate set of social policies. Third, climate change does not modify how poverty policies should be designed, but it creates greater needs and more urgency. The scale issue is explained by the fact that climate will cause more frequent and more severe shocks; the urgency, by the need to exploit the window of opportunity given to us before climate impacts are likely to substantially increase.
Combined evaluation of MPI‐ESM land surface water and energy fluxes

To assess the robustness of projected changes of the hydrological cycle simulated by an Earth system model (ESM), it is fundamental to validate the ESM and to characterize its major deficits. As the hydrological cycle is closely coupled to the energy cycle, a common large‐scale evaluation of these fundamental components of the Earth system is highly beneficial, even though this has been rarely done up to now. Consequently, the purpose of the present study is the combined evaluation of land surface water and energy fluxes from the newest ESM version of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI‐ESM), which was used to produce an ensemble of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) simulations. With regard to energy fluxes, we especially make use of recent satellite data sets. Additionally, MPI‐ESM results are compared with CMIP3 results from the predecessor of MPI‐ESM, ECHAM5/MPIOM, as well as to results from the atmosphere/land part of MPI‐ESM (ECHAM6/JSBACH) forced by observed sea surface temperature (SST). Analyses focus on regions where notable differences occur between the two ESM versions as well as between the fully coupled and the uncoupled SST‐driven simulations. In general, our results show a considerable improvement of MPI‐ESM in simulating surface shortwave radiation fluxes. The precipitation of the fully coupled simulations notably differs from those of the SST‐forced simulations over a few river catchments. Over the Amazon catchment, the coupling to the ocean leads to a large negative precipitation bias, while for the Ganges/Brahmaputra, the coupling significantly improves the simulated precipitation.
Ergonomic aspects and productivity of different pruning tools for a first pruning lift of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden

For the substitution of wood from tropical rainforests pruning of Eucalyptus for producing valuable hardwoods in short rotation plantations has become important. Existing tools and ergonomic aspects of pruning were not yet well analysed under these conditions. The objective of the study is to evaluate the productivity and ergonomics of three different pruning tools in a pruning lift up to 3 m in height. The trees used in the study came from an 18-month-old clonal Eucalyptus grandis stand planted in a 5.0 x 2.8 m spacing. Two manual pruning tools and an electric shear were tested for productivity by using time studies. Ergonomic aspects were evaluated by two test persons using pulse meter equipment. The highest productivity could be shown for the electric shear (236 trees per working day), followed by the manual shear (196 trees/day) and the handsaw (180 trees/day). The heartbeat rate of the two test persons ranged from a level of “very hard work” for the manual tools to “middle hard” and “hard work” for the electric shear. The workload level to achieve the productivity currently reached in practice using purely manual tools is extremely high, exceeding the permanent working capacity of the operators and leading to physical degradation on the long run.
Age and race differences on career adaptability and employee engagement amongst employees in an insurance company

The objective of the study was to determine whether age and race groups differ significantly regarding career adaptability (measured by Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS) and employee engagement measured by Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). A quantitative survey was conducted with a convenience sample (N = 131) of employees in an insurance company within South Africa. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to achieve the objective of the study. The results showed significant differences between age and race groups in relation to the constructs. Organisations need to recognise biographical differences with regards to career adaptability and employee engagement with reference to engagement interventions and the career counselling setting.
Updated global distribution of the threatened marine limpet Patella ferruginea (Gastropoda: Patellidae): an example of biodiversity loss in the Mediterranean

Abstract Patella ferruginea is the most threatened macroinvertebrate in the western Mediterranean, where it is at serious risk of extinction. There is little information on the status of the various populations and most data were published more than 25 years ago. This study provides updated information on the global status of this species, and implications for management and conservation, and tests the hypothesis that population structure can be influenced by collection by people and by the type of substrate. Fifty-five localities were surveyed in Corsica, Sardinia, Tuscany and Sicily, on the islands of Egadi and Pantelleria, and on the Zembra archipelago and Tunisian coasts. The species is extinct on mainland Italy and Sicily but isolated individuals can be found on Egadi and Pantelleria. Populations on Corsica and Sardinia have declined dramatically during the last 25 years. The population in the Zembra archipelago is well preserved, although more widely on Tunisian coasts the species is highly threatened. The information provided here, combined with information from the literature, indicates a strong decline and/or extinction of many populations throughout the western Mediterranean and the presence of healthy populations only in some locations along the north African coast. The species exhibits an increase in density and mean size in areas free of human pressure but the type of substrate (natural or artificial) has no strong influence.