Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insecticidal Efficacy of Abamectin Against Three Stored-Product Insect Pests: Influence of Dose Rate, Temperature, Commodity, and Exposure Interval

ABSTRACT The insecticidal efficacy of abamectin against adults of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Sitophilus oryzae (L.), and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val was assessed under laboratory conditions. The efficacy of abamectin was assessed on two commodities (wheat, Triticum aestivum L. and maize, Zea mays L.) and two temperatures (25 and 31°C). The dose rates used were 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 ppm. Mortality of the exposed adults in the treated grains was measured after 7, 14 and 21 d (=days), whereas progeny production was assessed 60 d later. Increase of dose rate, exposure interval, and temperature enhanced the efficacy of abamectin. Noticeable mortality was noted for all species after 21 d of exposure, although for S. oryzae, mortality was very high even at 7 d. For dose rates higher than 0.5 ppm, the efficacy of abamectin was higher in maize than in wheat against all species tested. Finally, progeny production was measured for all three species on commodities treated with 0.01 and 0.1 ppm of abamectin.
Rational Thinking and Belief in Psychic Abilities

Previous research has shown that lay believers in psychic abilities are more prone to intuitive thinking, less inclined to rational thinking, and have an external locus of control, compared to non-believers. Psychic practitioners, however, may have different characteristics. Psychic practitioners (n = 31; M age = 42.7 yr., SD = 13.1), lay believers (n = 33; M age = 33.0 yr., SD = 10.3), and non-believers (n = 31; M age = 34.4 yr., SD = 15.4) completed questionnaires measuring thinking styles, locus of control, and psychic belief. Comparisons of lay believers with non-believers confirmed previous observations: believers had a higher propensity for intuitive thinking, lower propensity for rational thinking, and more external locus of control. In contrast, practitioners were equivalent to non-believers in rational thinking and had the highest internal locus of control. This highlights the importance of considering level of involvement with psychic practice in understanding the thinking styles of believers. Results suggested that practitioners may have rationalized their beliefs and constructed a coherent model of psychic phenomena that satisfies a propensity for rational thinking within a community of belief.
Start Later, Sleep Later: School Start Times and Adolescent Sleep in Homeschool Versus Public/Private School Students

Homeschooled students provide a naturalistic comparison group for later/flexible school start times. This study compared sleep patterns and sleep hygiene for homeschooled students and public/private school students (grades 6–12). Public/private school students (n = 245) and homeschooled students (n = 162) completed a survey about sleep patterns and sleep hygiene. Significant school group differences were found for weekday bedtime, wake time, and total sleep time, with homeschooled students waking later and obtaining more sleep. Homeschooled students had later school start times, waking at the same time that public/private school students were starting school. Public/private school students had poorer sleep hygiene practices, reporting more homework and use of technology in the hour before bed. Regardless of school type, technology in the bedroom was associated with shorter sleep duration. Later school start times may be a potential countermeasure for insufficient sleep in adolescents. Future studies should further examine the relationship between school start times and daytime outcomes, including academic performance, mood, and health.
Brightly Fluorescent Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes via an Oxygen-Excluding Surfactant Organization

Attaining high photoluminescence quantum yields for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in order to broaden their optoelectronics and sensing applications has been a challenging task. Among various nonradiative pathways, sidewall chemisorption of oxygen provides a known defect for exciton quenching through nanotube hole doping. We found that an aliphatic (dodecyl) analog of flavin mononucleotide, FC12, leads to high dispersion of SWNTs, which tend to aggregate into bundles. Unlike other surfactants, the surface organization of FC12 is sufficiently tight to exclude oxygen from the SWNT surface, which led to quantum yields as high as 20%. Toluene-dispersed, FC12-wrapped nanotubes exhibited an absorption spectrum with ultrasharp peaks (widths of 12 to 25 milli–electron volts) devoid of the characteristic background absorption of most nanotube dispersions.
E1B-55K-Mediated Regulation of RNF4 SUMO-Targeted Ubiquitin Ligase Promotes Human Adenovirus Gene Expression

ABSTRACT Human adenovirus (HAdV) E1B-55K is a multifunctional regulator of productive viral replication and oncogenic transformation in nonpermissive mammalian cells. These functions depend on E1B-55K's posttranslational modification with the SUMO protein and its binding to HAdV E4orf6. Both early viral proteins recruit specific host factors to form an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex that targets antiviral host substrates for proteasomal degradation. Recently, we reported that the PML-NB-associated factor Daxx represses efficient HAdV productive infection and is proteasomally degraded via a SUMO-E1B-55K-dependent, E4orf6-independent pathway, the details of which remained to be established. RNF4, a cellular SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase (STUbL), induces ubiquitinylation of specific SUMOylated proteins and plays an essential role during DNA repair. Here, we show that E1B-55K recruits RNF4 to the insoluble nuclear matrix fraction of the infected cell to support RNF4/Daxx association, promoting Daxx PTM and thus inhibiting this antiviral factor. Removing RNF4 from infected cells using RNA interference resulted in blocking the proper establishment of viral replication centers and significantly diminished viral gene expression. These results provide a model for how HAdV antagonize the antiviral host responses by exploiting the functional capacity of cellular STUbLs. Thus, RNF4 and its STUbL function represent a positive factor during lytic infection and a novel candidate for future therapeutic antiviral intervention strategies. IMPORTANCE Daxx is a PML-NB-associated transcription factor that was recently shown to repress efficient HAdV productive infection. To counteract this antiviral measurement during infection, Daxx is degraded via a novel pathway including viral E1B-55K and host proteasomes. This virus-mediated degradation is independent of the classical HAdV E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, which is essential during viral infection to target other host antiviral substrates. To maintain a productive viral life cycle, HAdV E1B-55K early viral protein inhibits the chromatin-remodeling factor Daxx in a SUMO-dependent manner. In addition, viral E1B-55K protein recruits the STUbL RNF4 and sequesters it into the insoluble fraction of the infected cell. E1B-55K promotes complex formation between RNF4- and E1B-55K-targeted Daxx protein, supporting Daxx posttranslational modification prior to functional inhibition. Hence, RNF4 represents a novel host factor that is beneficial for HAdV gene expression by supporting Daxx counteraction. In this regard, RNF4 and other STUbL proteins might represent novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
An Analysis of Spillovers Between Islamic and Conventional Stock Bank Returns: Evidence from the GCC Countries

This paper features an application of Diebold and Yilmaz's (2009) spillover index model to assess the impact of the global financial crisis on spillovers between the bank sectors in terms of both returns and volatility time series. The spillover investigation is performed on daily return data for Islamic and conventional banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for the period 2005-2015. We use a dynamic conditional multivariate GARCH to directly model the time varying spillover effects among the studied time series. This study finds a strong bidirectional returns spillover between conventional banks and a very weak spillover from Islamic banks to conventional banks, so the transmission of shocks from Islamic banks to conventional banks is reduced. It also finds that the dependence between stock returns in an Islamic bank market structure is more strongly affected by the financial crisis than in a conventional bank market. Moreover, the volatility linkage is highly affected by the crisis in an Islamic context than that in a conventional bank system. Finally, using the DCC-GARCH model this study shows a high persistence in the time series of correlation among all GCC countries, except Bahrain, indicating that a long-run average of the correlation can be pushed away by shocks for a very long period. The empirical results are expected to have potentially important implications for improving the process of selection and allocation for domestic and international portfolios.
Synthesis and Localization of Japanese Encephalitis Virus RNAs in the Infected Cells

Synthesis and localization of virus‐specific RNA in cells infected with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) were examined. To prepare specific RNA probes, we constructed four kinds of plasmids which contained DNA fragments corresponding to JEV genomic RNA. Minus probes, JT18V and JT19III, transcribed by T7 RNA polymerase were able to recognize a negative strand of JEV‐specific RNA synthesized in cells as early as 6 hr postinfection (p.i.). In the experiments using a plus‐strand probe JT19V to hybridize the 3′ end of JEV‐RNA, not only full‐length 42S(+) RNA but also 10S(+) RNA were detected in the infected cells at 24 hr p.i. The positive‐strand 42S RNA was found in much greater abundance in the membrane fraction than in the supernatant fraction of the infected cells. In contrast, larger amounts of the negative‐strand RNAs existed in the supernatant fraction. It is suggested from the data that the JEV‐specific negative‐ and positive‐strand RNAs accumulate at different sites in the infected cells.
Plasma levels and diagnostic utility of VEGF, MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in the diagnostics of breast cancer patients

Abstract Objective: We investigated plasma levels and diagnostic utility of vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in comparison to cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3). Methods: Plasma levels of tested parameters were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) while CA 15-3 with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Results: The plasma levels of VEGF, TIMP-2 showed significantly higher than CA 15-3 values of the diagnostic sensitivity, the predictive values of positive and negative test results (PPV, NPV) and the area under the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) in early stages of breast cancer (BC). The combined use of the tested parameters with CA 15-3 resulted in the increase in sensitivity, NPV and AUC, especially in the combination with VEGF (83%; 72%; 0.888) and TIMP-2 (83%; 72%; 0.894). The highest values were obtained for combination of all three parameters (93%; 85%; 0.923). Conclusions: These findings suggest the usefulness of the tested parameters in the diagnosis of BC, especially VEGF and TIMP-2 with CA 15-3 in early stages of BC, which could be a new diagnostic panel.
Oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among 11 to 12-year-old Finnish schoolchildren with different oral health behaviors

The aim of this study was to explore oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among 11 to 12-year-old schoolchildren with favorable, moderate, or poor behavior related to oral health. The data were gathered by questionnaire. Recommendations commonly used in Finland in oral health education were chosen as the criteria for selection of groups of children with favorable, moderate, and poor oral health behavior. Differences between groups were analyzed using cross-tabulations and factors related to unfavorable behavior using logistic regression analysis. The percentage of children with appropriate knowledge was higher in the good behavior group (GB) than in the other groups. The groups differed most in the children's knowledge of the recommendation to use fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. Most children in the GB group considered it important to brush their teeth for the fresh feeling this gave. The majority of children in all groups considered it important to brush their teeth when going to the dentist. The majority also considered brushing important for avoiding tooth decay and tooth discoloration as well as for having fresh breath. Unfavorable knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behavior tended to accumulate in the same children. Factors associated with unfavorable behavior were male sex, mother's low skill occupation level, and child's poor knowledge of oral health-related facts.
The aftermath of CEO succession via hierarchical jumps on firm performance and agency cost: Evidence from Chinese firms

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes the effect of CEO succession via overall hierarchical jumps on Chinese firm performance and agency cost. It categorizes hierarchical jumps into low, medium and high level. The study reveals through panel regression analysis that the CEOs appointed via medium hierarchical jumps substantially enhance firm performance. Conversely, the successors appointed through low and high hierarchical jumps have relatively no effect on firm profitability. Conclusively, this research evaluates that the aged CEOs should be preferred among the CEOs successors via high hierarchical jumps, which have mitigated the agency problem decisively.
Vitamin A capsule distribution to control vitamin A deficiency in Indonesia: effect of supplementation in pre-school children and compliance with the programme

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a widespread vitamin A supplementation programme and to describe indicators of compliance with the programme in Indonesia. Design: Prospective cohort study. Children's anthropometric data were gathered at baseline (June 2000) and 4 months later (2 months after supplementation in August 2000). Serum retinol, haemoglobin, ferritin, α1-acid glycoprotein and C-reactive protein were measured at baseline and at follow-up. Caregivers of the children were interviewed using a questionnaire. Setting: Semi-urban and rural areas of Semarang district, Central Java, Indonesia. Subjects: Children (n = 400) aged 1–5 years. Results: After the supplementation, the proportion of children with a low concentration of retinol decreased in recipients from 18.8 to 14.5%. However, in non-recipients, the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency increased from 31.9 to 37.5%, this prevalence being significantly higher than in recipients. A significant decrease occurred in the proportion of recipients with low ferritin (26.5 to 16.2%) and haemoglobin (25.7 to 15.3%), whereas the proportions did not show a significant change after supplementation for non-recipients. Modest linear growth was detected in recipients after supplementation but there was no effect on ponderal growth. The coverage rate of the supplementation in the study areas was 60%. There was an association between compliance of the caregivers and their knowledge about the potential benefit of vitamin A supplementation, the place where sick children were taken and age of the children. Conclusions: The vitamin A supplementation programme marginally decreased the proportion of vitamin A deficiency and had a marginal effect on the nutritional status of recipients. More than one micronutrient intervention is needed to increase the effectiveness of the supplementation programme. To increase compliance and coverage in the supplementation programme, nutrition communication and private healthcare practices need to be included in the programme.
Training in Goal-Oriented Attention Self-Regulation Improves Executive Functioning in Veterans with Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury.

Deficits in executive control functions are some of the most common and disabling consequences of both military and civilian brain injury. However, effective interventions are scant. The goal of this study was to assess whether cognitive rehabilitation training that was successfully applied in chronic civilian brain injury would be effective for military veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI). In a prior study, participants with chronic acquired brain injury significantly improved after training in Goal-Oriented Attentional Self-Regulation (GOALS) on measures of attention/executive function, functional task performance, and goal-directed control over neural processing on functional magnetic resonance imaging. The objective of this study was to assess effects of GOALS training in veterans with chronic TBI. A total of 33 veterans with chronic TBI and executive difficulties in their daily life completed either 5 weeks of manualized GOALS training or Brain-Health Education (BHE) matched by time and intensity. Evaluator-blinded assessments at baseline and post-training included neuropsychological and complex functional task performance and self-report measures of emotional regulation. After GOALS, but not BHE training, participants significantly improved from baseline on primary outcome measures of Overall Complex Attention/Executive Function composite neuropsychological performance score (F = 7.10, p = 0.01; partial η2 = 0.19), and on overall complex functional task performance (Goal Processing Scale Overall Performance; F = 6.92, p = 0.01, partial η2 = 0.20). Additionally, post-GOALS participants indicated significant improvement on emotional regulation self-report measures (Profile of Mood States Confusion Score; F = 6.05, p = 0.02, partialη2 = 0.20). Training in attentional self-regulation applied to participant-defined goals may improve cognitive functioning in veterans with chronic TBI. Attention regulation training may not only impact executive control functioning in real-world complex tasks, but also may improve emotional regulation and functioning. Implications for treatment of veterans with TBI are discussed.
Natural disasters in Zimbabwe: The primer for social work intervention

Around the globe, social workers have been increasingly called to work in disaster settings and collaborate with many actors including faith-based humanitarian organisations. Unfortunately, in Zimbabwe, social work practice still perpetuates the values and ideals of neo-liberalism; without careful consideration of the consequences of natural disasters on vulnerable populations. This study was conducted in Tsholotsho, paying attention to the victims of Cyclone Dineo. Using mixed methodology, the study established that natural disasters have undermined the social functioning of vulnerable groups of people; children, women, elderly and persons with disabilities in Zimbabwe. The paper also unravels the role of social work in disaster management; before, during and post disaster phases. Using Cyclone Dineo as a case study, the study found out that social work interventions were limited before and during the disaster phases. The profession was reactive and participated in the aftermath of the disaster. It was therefore recommended that social work’s role in disaster settings can be improved through; advocacy, inter-professional collaboration and extensive research in disaster issues. The paper concluded that social work values and principles assign the profession to respond timeously to the contemporary challenges facing the society. Key terms : Natural disasters; social work; relevance; Zimbabwe
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation over the Parietal Cortex Improves Approximate Numerical Averaging

The parietal cortex has been implicated in a variety of numerosity and numerical cognition tasks and was proposed to encompass dedicated neural populations that are tuned for analogue magnitudes as well as for symbolic numerals. Nonetheless, it remains unknown whether the parietal cortex plays a role in approximate numerical averaging (rapid, yet coarse computation of numbers' mean)—a process that is fundamental to preference formation and decision-making. To causally investigate the role of the parietal cortex in numerical averaging, we have conducted a transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) study, in which participants were presented with rapid sequences of numbers and asked to convey their intuitive estimation of each sequence's average. During the task, the participants underwent anodal (excitatory) tDCS (or sham), applied either on a parietal or a frontal region. We found that, although participants exhibit above-chance accuracy in estimating the average of numerical sequences, they did so with higher precision under parietal stimulation. In a second experiment, we have replicated this finding and confirmed that the effect is number-specific rather than domain-general or attentional. We present a neurocomputational model postulating population-coding underlying rapid numerical averaging to account for our findings. According to this model, stimulation of the parietal cortex elevates neural activity in number-tuned dedicated detectors, leading to increase in the system's signal-to-noise level and thus resulting in more precise estimations.
A randomized comparison of psychological (cognitive behavior therapy), medical (fluoxetine) and combined treatment for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder

This study examines the relative effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) (ten sessions), fluoxetine (20 mg daily) and combined therapy (CBT plus fluoxetine) in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This was a randomized pragmatic treatment trial with three treatment cells. Treatment lasted for 6 months; a naturalistic follow-up was undertaken 1 year post-treatment. One hundred and eight women, satisfying the DSM-IV criteria for PMDD with 2 months' prospective confirmation were recruited into the study; sixty of these had completed 6 months of treatment and all measures before and after treatment. The main outcome measures were premenstrual scores on the Calendar of Premenstrual Experiences (COPE) and percentage of PMDD cases (DSM-IV diagnostic criteria). Significant improvement occurred in all three treatment-groups after 6 months' treatment, assessed by the COPE. Fluoxetine was associated with a more rapid improvement. There were no group differences in the percentage of DSM cases of PMDD post teatment, but at follow-up CBT was associated with better maintenance of treatment effects compared with fluoxetine. In conclusion, CBT and fluoxetine are equally effective treatments for PMDD, but the treatments have some differential effects that can be considered in treatment decisions. There appears to be no additional benefit of combining the treatments.