Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Black Grape Seed Extract Modulates Fluoxetine-Induced Oxidative Stress and Cytotoxicity in the Mouse Testis

Background: Fluoxetine (FLX), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is widely used in the treatment of neurological disorders. However, its application carries the risk of adverse reactions, including reproductive toxicities. Grape seed is highly regarded for its pharmacological activities, specifically its antioxidant properties. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate whether hydroalcoholic grape seed extract (GSE) could ameliorate FLX-evoked oxidative injuries in the mouse testis. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male mice were categorized into four groups of eight mice each. Two groups received FLX at a dose of 20 mg/kg per day over a period of six weeks by oral gavage. One of these groups received GSE at a dose of 100 mg/kg per day orally along with the FLX. An untreated control group and a GSE-only treated group were also included. Serum and testicular samples were collected 24 hours after the last treatment. Results: Biochemical analyses demonstrated that FLX caused significant decreases in testicular antioxidant capacity and serum testosterone concentrations, as well as lipid peroxidation elevations in testicular tissue. Morphometric and histopathological studies supported the biochemical findings. Concomitant administration of GSE with FLX markedly reduced testicular damage and significantly restored all of the mentioned markers to normal values. Conclusions: The findings suggested that oxidative stress-mediated testicular damage, arising as a result of FLX administration in mice, could be reversed by GSE.
An efficient algorithm for determining positions of astronomical objects in the Deep Sky Object pictures

The article presents an algorithm for digital image processing of astronomical objects in order to effectively determine the position of these objects. The proposed method has been optimized due to its effectiveness of removing noise and distortion caused by atmospheric turbulence and imperfections in long exposure photography of astronomical objects. This solution is ready for implementation in a system for automatic identification of stars in the recorded images. Such a system is designed for GoTo circuits at telescope’s drives, which can automatically point a telescope to astronomical objects. The method was verified by simulation in MATLAB program on real images of astronomical objects.
The use of comparable corpora in interpreting practice and training

Terminology research and domain knowledge acquisition constitute a substantial part of the preparation activity performed daily by professional and trainee interpreters. Corpus-based preparation can assist interpreters in investigating subject-related terminology as well as phraseology and in acquiring subject-specific knowledge. This is particularly important in light of the fact that interpreters often do not have the same level of linguistic and domain expertise as the other event participants. Since tools for corpus analysis have the potential to enhance the quality of preparation, it is reasonable to suggest that they should become an integral part of a modern interpreter’s workstation. This paper will introduce two kinds of corpora which can be used in interpreter practice and training in the context of deliberate practice. It will also describe the results of an empirical test of the resources created by a tool designed for this purpose in terms of their adequacy to be used during advance preparation.
Quiescent and flaring X-ray emission from the nearby M/T dwarf binary SCR 1845-6357

Aims. X-ray emission is an important diagnostics to study magnetic activity in very low mass stars that are presumably fully convective and have an effectively neutral photosphere. Methods. We investigate an XMM-Newton observation of SCR 1845-6357, a nearby, ultracool M 8.5 / T 5.5 dwarf binary. The binary is unresolved in the XMM detectors, but the X-ray emission is very likely from the M 8.5 dwarf. We compare its flaring emission to those of similar very low mass stars and additionally present an XMM observation of the M 8 dwarf VB 10. Results. We detect quasi-quiescent X-ray emission from SCR 1845-6357 at soft X-ray energies in the 0.2-2.0 keV band, as well as a strong flare with a count rate increase of a factor of 30 and a duration of only 10 min. The quasi-quiescent X-ray luminosity of log L X = 26.2 erg/s and the corresponding activity level of log L X /L bol = -3.8 point to a fairly active star. Coronal temperatures of up to 5 MK and frequent minor variability support this picture. During the flare, which is accompanied by a significant brightening in the near-UV, plasma temperatures of 25-30 MK are observed and an X-ray luminosity of L X = 8 × 10 27 erg/s is reached. Conclusions. The source SCR 1845-6357 is a nearby, very low mass star that emits X-rays at detectable levels in quasi-quiescence, implying the existence of a corona. The high activity level, coronal temperatures and the observed large flare point to a rather active star, despite its estimated age of a few Gyr.
Morphological characteristics of mycelia growth of two strains of the indigenous medicinal mushroom, Lentinus squarrosulus Mont. (Singer), on solid media

Morphological characteristics of the mycelia growth of two wild strains of Lentinus squarrosulus Mont. (Singer), Sqw and Lsf, collected from the Volta and Greater Accra regions of Ghana respectively, were studied. Growth characteristics including mycelia growth rate and mycelia density and morphology by the 7 th and 26 th days of incubation on solid media formulated from four lignocellulosic wastes: elephant grass (EG), rice straw (RS), thatch (TH) and sawdust (SD) were classified. Tissue cultures of the fruit bodies were prepared on Malt Extract Agar (MEA). Eight-day old cultures of the subsequently prepared 1 st generation cultures were inoculated on the media and incubated at 25°C. Strain Sqw recorded lower growth rates (between 0.47 and 0.64 cm/day) on the solid media than Lsf (between 0.69 and 0.93 cm/day). The maximum growth rate of strain Sqw was 0.64 cm/day on both SD and TH whereas that of Lsf was 0.93 cm/day on EG. L. squarrosulus mycelia density is not dependent on the growth rate and vise-versa, irrespective of the strain. Although both strains generally had the longitudinally radial morphology with concentric rings, with extended incubation, the culture morphology of both strains changed, usually into thick mats. Mycelia of both strains on all the media were white at the initial stages of incubation. Cultures of strain Sqw largely remained whitish and turned brownish only on EG, whereas strain Lsf turned into different shades of brown on all media with extended incubation. These colour changes were not uniform on the entire plate, appearing in undefined sectors. Mycelia growth characteristics were seen to be substrate and strain-dependent. Futher investigations of these observations could uncover some behavior of L. squarrosulus such as changes in enzyme profile and the phenolic content, which could have applications in biotechnology.
Investor Sentiment and Momentum and Contrarian Trading Strategies: Mutual Fund Evidence

Stocks with high sentiment betas are more sensitive to investor sentiment, with more subjective valuations. We contend that sentiment beta also captures the duration of mispricing. Accordingly, stocks with high (low) sentiment betas provide opportunities for momentum (contrarian) traders. We form hypothetical zero investment portfolios of high (low) sentiment betas stocks, and show that momentum profits decompose to reveal positive (negative) serial correlation of idiosyncratic returns, that contribute to momentum (contrarian) profits. Furthermore, actual mutual funds identified as momentum (contrarian) traders hold stocks with higher (lower) sentiment betas. Additionally, funds adjust sentiment betas to enhance performance as sentiment changes.
Vegetarian children and adolescents’ anthropometric characteristics do not significantly differ from their non-vegetarian counterparts

Approximately 7% of American children and adolescents adhere to vegetarian diets. The few studies that assessed anthropometry among vegetarian children and adolescents were cross sectional, few included vegan children and a handful utilized growth charts. Available data is outdated and is limited to a handful of studies. The goal was to compare anthropometric characteristics of vegetarian with non-vegetarian children and adolescents. We hypothesized that the rate of obesity among vegetarian children and adolescents will be statistically significantly lower than the rate among their non-vegetarian counterparts and that there will be no statistically significant difference in any other anthropometric characteristics among these two groups. CDC’s growth charts were utilized to assess anthropometric data of 218 vegetarians with 308 non-vegetarian children and adolescents. There was no statistically significant difference between the rate of vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian children below the 5th percentile length-for-age (14.1% vs. 10.4% for non-vegetarian girls; Chi square=0.52, df=1, p=0.4708; and 10.2% vs. 4.7%; Chi square=1.84, df=1, p=0.175 for vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian boys). No statistically significant differences were found between the dietary groups in regard to percentages of obese children, defined as BMI-for-age ≥95th percentile, (9.5% vs. 12.7% for vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian girls; Chi-square=0.34, df=1, p=0.5598; and 14% vs. 15.9% for vegetarian vs. nonvegetarian boys; Chi-square=1.03, df=1, p=0.3102). Vegetarian children and adolescents’ anthropometric characteristics do not significantly differ from their non-vegetarian counterparts.
Genetic variation in growth and development time under two selection regimes in Leptinotarsa decemlineata

It is possible to predict the potential range of a species on the basis of its ecological characteristics and those of the invaded ecosystem. The existence of genetic variation indicates a species’ potential to respond to new environmental conditions, thus facilitating its success as an invader. Accordingly, evolutionary and ecological approaches are needed to identify the factors explaining both species’ range and their potential to invade new areas. We combined these two approaches and studied whether genetic variation in life‐history traits under abiotic (temperature) and biotic (host plant) selection pressures contributes to the potential range expansion of Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). We reared full‐sib families of L. decemlineata from the current northernmost European population at 15 °C (temperature below that in the current range) and 25 °C (optimal temperature) and on three potato varieties. We monitored development time, adult weight and larval‐to‐adult survival, and estimated the amount of heritable variance. The development time and adult weight of progenies were more variable between than within families. Thus, there was genetic variability in traits relevant to the ability to adapt to a colder environment (i.e., accelerate development and become heavier) allowing range expansion further north in Europe, even though low temperature increased beetle mortality. Temperature strongly affected all traits measured. Potato variety, in turn, did not strongly affect beetles’ performance. Beetle ability to adapt to a cool environment was further enhanced by the fact that size was not constrained by fast development. The results showed that beetle populations possess genetic variation allowing a response to temperature and thus have the evolutionary potential to adapt and spread beyond their current range.
AN APPLICATION OF UTAUT2 MODEL IN EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF QUALITY OF TECHNOLOGY ON MOBILE INTERNET

The purpose of this paper is to explore the adoption of mobile Internet in a developing country. This paper presents an application of the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model. The model was adapted with a construct Quality of Technology (QT) represented by four variables. The aim of this study was to find out what impact QT has on the use of mobile Internet moderated by Gender, Age and Experience. The research was conducted in two phases: a pilot study and a quantitative survey. The pilot study aimed to test the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The sample for the pilot study consisted of 80 respondents. The sample of 562 respondents was used for the quantitative survey. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) that includes confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, partial least squares analysis and modelling latent variables was used for the analysis. The results confirmed that QT has a significant impact on the use of mobile Internet. The analysis showed that older users are more sensitive to the use of mobile Internet. Furthermore, the research confirmed that gender does not have a significant impact on the relation between QT and the use of mobile Internet. The impact of QT on the use of mobile Internet is higher for more experienced users. This paper confirmed that the adapted UTAUT2 model extended with QT can be used for exploring the adoption of mobile Internet in a country in transition. It recommends the application of this extended model in other developing countries with the purpose of testing its relevance. The research will fill a gap in the theory of user acceptance of technology due to the fact that UTAUT2 has not been applied in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that the models of user acceptance of technology have not so far treated QT.
A combinatorial approach for studying local operations and classical communication transformations of multipartite states

We develop graph theoretic methods for analyzing maximally entangled pure states distributed between a number of different parties. We introduce a technique called bicolored merging, based on the monotonicity feature of entanglement measures, for determining combinatorial conditions that must be satisfied for any two distinct multiparticle states to be comparable under local operations and classical communication. We present several results based on the possibility or impossibility of comparability of pure multipartite states. We show that there are exponentially many such entangled multipartite states among n agents. Further, we discuss a new graph theoretic metric on a class of multipartite states, and its implications.
Welfare assessment of fatal methaemoglobinaemia in adult rats ( Rattus norvegicus )

This study aimed to assess the welfare of rats poisoned with a lethal dose of a methaemoglobin (MetHb) inducing compound. Twenty rats were dosed orally with either the active compound (treated) or the vehicle only (control). Blood samples were collected post mortem for analysis of MetHb%. Female and male rats received a mean dose of 263 (SD 6) and 199 (SD 13) mg/kg respectively. Mean time to death was 67 (SD 36) and 354 (SD 158) minutes for female and male rats respectively. Control animals did not show any signs of intoxication. The time to death from methaemoglobinaemia in rats was significantly shorter than that previously reported for anticoagulants with no obvious signs of distress or pain.
Coastal oceanographic processes influence the growth and size of a key estuarine species, the Olympia oyster

Here we empirically demonstrate that a tidal exchange gradient in a central California estuary leads to inversely related spatial gradients in upwelled nutrients and water residence times. As a result, seasonal phytoplankton blooms (summer‐fall) occur in the middle of the bay, where nutrient levels and water residence times are intermediate, while seasonal temperature maximums occur in the inner bay, where water residence times are highest and nutrient levels are lowest. By experimentally out‐planting juvenile Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) throughout the estuary, we found that the growth and size of juvenile oysters are better explained by the spatial pattern of phytoplankton concentrations than by that of water temperature. Furthermore, this benthic‐pelagic link helps explain the distribution of adult oyster sizes throughout the estuary. Because a phytoplankton maximum can be maintained by a physical interaction between intensive upwelling and a seasonal low‐inflow estuary, benthic invertebrates within protected embayments of upwelling regions may not conform to the regional generalization that their growth and size are negatively correlated with upwelling intensity.
How Do Banks and Households Manage Interest Rate Risk? Evidence from the Swiss Mortgage Market

We exploit a unique data set that features both un-intermediated mortgage requests and independent offers from multiple banks for each request. We show that households typically are not prudent risk managers but prioritize the minimization of current mortgage payments over the risk of possible hikes in future mortgage payments. We also provide evidence that banks do influence the contracted mortgage rate fixation periods, trading off their own exposure to interest rate risk against the borrowers’ affordability and credit risk. Our results challenge the implicit assumption of the existing mortgage choice literature whereby fixation periods are determined entirely by households.
Managing Macular Holes in a Developing Economy

Background: Macular holes are the common cause of visual impairment especially in the elderly and have a variety of etiological factors. The advances in the management of macular holes are encouraging and are now available in developing countries although scarce, where hitherto; patients seek attention outside their country. The need to understand this disease has therefore become pertinent in all retina clinics. Objective: To evaluate the pattern of presentation of macular holes and its management in a retina clinic in South South Nigeria. Methods: A 5 year retrospective, non comparative review of 24 consecutive cases presenting to a retinal clinic was carried out. Relevant information was extracted from the medical records and analyzed. Results: Three hundred and sixty four cases were seen between January 2009 and December 2013. Twenty four cases had macular holes and ten (41.7%) had bilateral presentation with a total of 34 eyes. The incidence of macular holes was 6.6%. The mean age was 46 years (SD ± 13.42) with a female preponderance, 5:1. Idiopathic holes formed the bulk of the cases 14(58.3%); others were trauma 4(16.7%), posterior uveitis 2, (8.3%), chemotherapy 2 (8.3%), Solar retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa 1 (4.2%). Nineteen (55.9%) of the 34 eyes were visually impaired (BCVA <6/18). Nineteen eyes had full thickness holes (55.9%) requiring surgery, however only 3(12.5%) of these could afford to have surgery with one reoperation. Four patients (16.7%) had complications in form of retinal detachments at presentation. Conclusion: This study has shown that the incidence of macular holes in the developing world is significant and resources to manage these cases are grossly lacking. Specialist training, with government subsidizing costs will alleviate these difficulties and reduce visual loss from macular holes.
Screen reading habits among university students

Among the numerous areas of education which have been impacted by technology, the growth of reading texts from computer screens is one of the most widespread. This trend is perhaps most evident at universities with academic journal articles increasing being stored and accessed in this format. As with any technological changes, the spread of screen reading presents educators and students with a range of challenges and opportunities. This paper seeks to examine the general preferences and habits of university students when reading academic articles, specifically their use of annotations and other means of interacting with a text. An on-line survey was conducted and the views of 630 students analyzed. The data reveals several tensions in the preferences and habits of these students and suggests that a knowledge gap may exist which could hamper their ability to interact with digital texts. The article ends with teaching implications and opportunities as well as suggestions for further research in the area.
Land Use Rights, Market Transitions, and Labour Policy Change in China (1980-84)

This paper provides a systematic analysis of the way shifts in property utilization rights in China induced another sequence of institutional changes that led to the rise of rural-urban labor migration from 1980 to 1984, a critical period in the country's market transition. I show that the 1980s' Household Responsibility System (HRS), which brought family farming back from the communal system, endowed rural households not only with land use rights, but also with de facto labor allocation rights. These shifts in property relations promoted a growth in agricultural market size as well as the emergence of intraprovincial non-hukou rural-urban migration, which may have made labor retention policies such as the small township strategy ineffective, and may have given the government an incentive to deregulate its subsequent labor market policy.
Luminosities and mass-loss rates of Local Group AGB stars and Red Supergiants

We aim to investigate mass loss and luminosity in a large sample of evolved stars in several Local Group galaxies with a variety of metalliticies and star-formation histories: the Small and Large Magellanic Cloud, and the Fornax, Carina, and Sculptor dwarf spheroidal galaxies. Dust radiative transfer models are presented for 225 carbon stars and 171 oxygen-rich evolved stars for which spectra from the Infrared Spectrograph on Spitzer are available. The spectra are complemented with available optical and infrared photometry to construct spectral energy distributions. A minimization procedure was used to determine luminosity and mass-loss rate (MLR). Pulsation periods were derived for a large fraction of the sample based on a re-analysis of existing data. New deep K-band photometry from the VMC survey and multi-epoch data from IRAC and AllWISE/NEOWISE have allowed us to derive pulsation periods longer than 1000 days for some of the most heavily obscured and reddened objects. We derive (dust) MLRs and luminosities for the entire sample. The estimated MLRs can differ significantly from estimates for the same objects in the literature due to differences in adopted optical constants (up to factors of several) and details in the radiative transfer modelling. Updated parameters for the super-AGB candidate MSX SMC 055 (IRAS 00483-7347) are presented. Its current mass is estimated to be 8.5 +- 1.6 \msol, suggesting an initial mass well above 8~\msol. Using synthetic photometry, we present and discuss colour-colour and colour-magnitude diagrams which can be expected from the James Webb Space Telescope.