Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Secondary plant metabolites and gut health: functional studies on porcine small intestine in vitro models

Health promotion by secondary plant metabolites Cineole and Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was investigated. The porcine cell lines IPEC-J2 and IPI-2I served as small intestine in vitro models. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry evaluated metabolization of cineole. Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing monitored cytotoxicity. Immune responses were assessed by reverse transcriptase quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. RNA interference loss-of-function studies proved molecular drug targets focusing the 67 kDa laminin receptor and TLR4-signaling. Luminometric methylation assays investigated epigenetic issues. Cineole in almost cytotoxic dosages evoked no measurable immune reactions. EGCG evoked cytokine regulations independent from predicted molecular pathways, alterations in global methylation and an anti-tumorigenic potential in synergy with regulatory small RNAs calling for follow up studies in cancer cell lines.
Nonlinear Predictability of Stock Returns? Parametric Versus Nonparametric Inference in Predictive Regressions

Abstract Nonparametric test procedures in predictive regressions have limiting null distributions under both low and high regressor persistence, but low local power compared to misspecified linear predictive regressions. We argue that IV inference is better suited (in terms of local power) for analyzing additive predictive models with uncertain predictor persistence. Then, a two-step procedure is proposed for out-of-sample predictions. For the current estimation window, one first tests for predictability; in case of a rejection, one predicts using a nonlinear regression model, otherwise the historic average of the stock returns is used. This two-step approach performs better than competitors (though not by a large margin) in a pseudo-out-of-sample prediction exercise for the S&P 500.
Meta-Analisis Model Pembelajaran Vokasi dalam Kondisi Covid-19

In the current Covid-19 transition period, an effective vocational learning model innovation is needed. The number of vocational learning models during this pandemic needs further study for a successful implementation. This study empirically verifies the vocational learning model during the Covid-19 pandemic and analyzes the factors that hinder vocational learning in the Covid-19 era. Systematic literature review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) were used as methods for conducting this research. The reviewed articles were 30 most recent articles from 2019 to 2020. All articles were classified based on author, year published, type of journal or conference, method, vocational learning model, and findings. The study reveals that the search results prove an increase in the number of articles published from 2019-2020. The results showed that e-learning is the most widely used learning model in vocational education. E-learning developed for vocational education must be able to measure competency outcomes through an e-portfolio, virtual-based, and easy to use. The obstacles that can be identified are the difficulty of teachers and students to adapt to changes in vocational learning from conventional to online learning during the COVID-19 transition; lack of working skills for vocational education students that are unobtainable during online learning; infrastructure problems; and uneven distribution of networks, especially in remote areas that have difficulty accessing the internet. Di masa transisi Covid-19 saat ini, dibutuhkan inovasi model pembelajaran vokasi yang efektif digunakan. Banyaknya model pembelajaran vokasi di masa pandemi ini perlu dikaji lebih lanjut yang tepat untuk diimplementasikan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memverifikasi secara empiris model pembelajaran vokasi di masa pandemi covid 19 serta menganalisis faktor yang menghambat pembelajaran vokasi di era Covid-19. Systematic literarature review dan Meta-Analisis (PRISMA) digunakan sebagai metode untuk melakukan penelitian ini. Artikel yang ditinjau sebanyak 30 artikel terbaru dari tahun 2019 hingga 2020. Semua artikel diklasifikasikan berdasarkan penulis, tahun terbit, jenis jurnal atau konferensi, metode, model pembelajaran vokasi, dan temuan. Hasil studi disampaikan sebagai berikut. (1) Hasil penelusuran membuktikan adanya peningkatan jumlah artikel yang diterbitkan dari tahun 2019-2020. (2) Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa model pembelajaran e-learning merupakan pembelajaran yang paling banyak digunakan pada pendidikan vokasi. (3) E-learning yang dikembangkan untuk pendidikan vokasi harus bisa mengukur hasil kompetensi melalui e-portofolio, berbasis virtual dan mudah digunakan. (4) Hambatan yang dapat diidentifikasi adalah: (a) kesulitan adaptasi pengajar dan siswa dalam perubahan pembelajaran vokasi pada masa transisi covid-19 dari konvensional ke online, (b) kurangnya keterampilan bekerja para siswa pendidikan vokasi yang tidak didapatkan selama pembelajaran online, (c) masalah infrastruktur dan pemerataan jaringan yang belum merata terutama di daerah terpencil yang kesulitan akses internet.
EVALUATION OF PRACTICES AND SELF- REPORTED TOXICITY SYMPTOMS OF PESTICIDES HANDLERS: A SURVEY OF KISUMU COUNTY, KENYA

Pesticides use in modern agriculture has significantly increased productivity and quality of yield but has also brought negative effects on human health and the environment. Exposures to these chemicals occur through inhalation of vapour, ingestion/oral and dermal/contact. Their effects to human differ depending on the degree and duration of exposure. This study was conducted to evaluate pesticides handlers’ practices and self-reported toxicity symptoms among 80 stockists and 384 farmers. Results indicate that the majority 378 (82%) handlers changed clothing before and after pesticide exposure, 67 (14%) did it occasionally while 19 (4%) never changed their clothes. There was significant association between changing of clothing before and after pesticides exposure and the level of education (χ2 = 14.682; p 1). Skin diseases resulting from itching and respiratory diseases as a result of coughing and throat irritation can be reduced by 63%, 57% and 79% if exposure to pesticides is reduced by use of appropriate PPEs. Handlers should be trained on effective PPE use and their provision by employers made mandatory. In addition, training on alternative pest control methods such as Integrated Pest Management should be promoted to minimize pesticide use and eventually minimize exposure to pesticides.
Prediction of the quasi‐biennial oscillation with a multi‐model ensemble of QBO‐resolving models

A multi‐model study is carried out to investigate the ability of models to predict the evolution of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) up to 12 months in advance. All models are initialised from common reanalysis data, and forecasts run for a common set of 30 start dates over 15 years. All models have high skill in predicting the phase evolution of the QBO at 20–30 hPa, with slightly more variable results at higher and lower levels. Other aspects of the predicted QBO are of variable quality, and in some cases are consistently poor. QBO easterlies are too weak in all models at 20–50 hPa, while westerlies can be either too strong or too weak. This results in both a reduced amplitude of the QBO and a westerly bias in zonal‐mean winds, notably at 30 hPa. At 70 hPa models tend to have reduced QBO amplitude and an easterly bias. Despite these failings, a multi‐model ensemble of bias‐ and variance‐corrected forecasts can be used to give accurate and reliable QBO forecasts up to at least a year ahead. Analysis of the zonal momentum budget during the first month of the forecast shows that large‐scale forcing from Eliassen–Palm flux divergence and vertical advection are handled fairly well by the models, although vertical advection terms tend to be weaker than reanalysis estimates. Total tendencies show common errors, suggesting common failings in gravity‐wave drag treatments. Teleconnections from the QBO to Northern Hemisphere winter circulation are also examined, and do not appear to be realistic beyond the first month. Analysis of initialised forecasts is a powerful tool for diagnosing the accuracy of model processes driving the QBO.
Length-weight relationship in two marine portunid crabs, Portunus (Portunus) sanguinolentus (Herbst) and Portunus (Portunus) pelagicus (Linnaeus) from the Karnataka coast

The carapace width/carapace length-body weight relationship in two marine Portunid crabs, Portunus (portunus) sanguinolentus and Portunus (Portunus) pelagicus from Karnataka waters was studied. In P.(P.) sanguinolentus, the relationships between carapace width/ carapace length and body weight were W=00000511 L 3.02612 and W=0.0005552 L 3.07468 for juveniles, W=0.0000362 L 3.09969 and W= 0.0003974 L 3.17157 for adult males and.W= 0.0000658 L 2.96044 and W=0.0008287 L 2.95317 for adult females. In P. (P.) pelagicus, the relationships were W=0.00009 L 2.87333 and W=0.0004709 L 3.10602 for juveniles, W=0.0000032 L 3.61676 and W =0.0003521 L 3.178655 for adult males and W= 0.0000163 L 3.25274 and W =0.0008874 L 2.93117 for adult females. Analysis of covariance of carapace width-weight data in these crabs suggested that between the regression equations in males and females no significant difference (P <0.05) was observed in the former species, whereas, significant difference (P <0.05) was observed between the slopes in the latter species. The present results indicated that males are heavier than females at any given length in these crabs.
Revision of Sigaloeista Shea & Griffiths, 2010 (Helicarionidae: Gastropoda: Stylommatophora) from eastern Australia

ABSTRACT Sigaloeista Shea & Griffiths, 2010 is a genus of small, litter-dwelling helicarionid snails that occurs in the rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest of northeastern New South Wales and southern Queensland. This group currently comprises three species known only from their shell morphology. We revise the taxonomy of this group using a comparison of key morphological features and mitochondrial genes COI and 16S, and describe four new species: Sigaloeista gracilis n. sp. ; S. cavanbah n. sp. ; S. dorrigo n. sp. ; and S. ramula n. sp. Sigaloeista is unified by shared morphological characters including a small, glossy, discoidal shell of about 4.5 whorls, a body with a pronounced caudal horn and large, leaf-shaped shell lappets, and a reproductive system with a short vagina, absent epiphallic caecum, flagellum with internal cryptae and spermatophore with accessory spines. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5D5D7603-06B2-4662-91BB-343E3BB5C4E8
In-vitro study of monocytic THP-1 leukemia cell membrane elasticity with a single-cell microfluidic-assisted optical trapping system.

We studied the elastic profile of monocytic THP-1 leukemia cells using a microfluidic-assisted optical trap. A 2-µm fused silica bead was optically trapped to mechanically dent an immobilized single THP-1 monocyte sieved on a 15-µm microfluidic capture chamber. Cells treated with Zeocin and untreated cells underwent RT-qPCR analysis to determine cell apoptosis through gene expression in relation to each cell's deformation profile. Results showed that untreated cells with 43.05 ± 6.68 Pa are more elastic compared to the treated cells with 15.81 ± 2.94 Pa. THP-1 monocyte's elastic modulus is indicative of cell apoptosis shown by upregulated genes after Zeocin treatment. This study clearly showed that the developed technique can be used to distinguish between cells undergoing apoptosis and cells not undergoing apoptosis and which may apply to the study of other cells and other cell states as well.
Flipped microlecture classes: satisfied learners and higher performance?

ABSTRACT Multimedia in blended learning provides the ability to enhance students’ performance and satisfaction. Microlectures are one type of multimedia that comprise of short modular videos that introduce basic theoretical concepts. Literature provides limited insight into how this specific format supports engineering classrooms. This study, therefore, explored what the benefit of flipped microlecture classes is for students in a course with mainly traditional face-to-face lectures. To this end, we allocated ten students to a flipped microlecture and twelve to a traditional lecture setting; conducted pre and post-tests; and, organised a focus group. Results show a positive effect of the flipped microlecture class on the test performance. Students’ qualitative evaluations also indicate their satisfaction with increased control over learning, reduced discomfort of traditional lecture settings, enhanced classroom interaction, and better knowledge retention. These findings resonate with blended learning and multimedia literature and support future decision making about microlectures in engineering education.
The facilitation of the native bluegill sunfish by the invasive bighead carp

Communities of organisms are shaped by a complex suite of positive and negative species interactions. Ecological phenomena like biological invasions typically evoke notions of negative effects on native communities. Yet, negative effects within specific food-web components can also have positive feedbacks that manifest elsewhere within the food web. We designed an experiment to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of invasive bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis: Cyprinidae) on planktonic and benthic invertebrates and the growth and survival of juvenile bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus: Centrarchidae). Our experiment indicated that the presence of bighead carp indirectly facilitated bluegill growth and survival. The underlying processes driving predator–predator facilitation stemmed from a combination of indirect interactions occurring through invertebrates in planktonic and vegetated habitats. Individual bluegill consumed more cladocerans and predatory macroinvertebrates in the presence of bighead carp. The presence of bighead carp appears to have indirectly influenced interactions among cladocerans, invertebrate predators, and bluegill. Understanding the cumulative direct and indirect effects of bigheaded carp on aquatic ecosystems requires the documentation of both negative and positive effects. Although one taxon benefitted from the presence of an invader, our findings demonstrate that this response occurred because bigheaded carp caused imbalances within the food web. We urge that future studies consider a priori how positive and negative interspecific interactions shape the structure of food webs.
Haematological indices and carcass yield of Kampong chickens administrated with turmeric (Curcuma domestica)

The study aim was to investigate the effect of turmeric (Curcuma domestica) administration on the blood profile, serum biochemical parameters and carcass yield of the Kampong chickens. A total of 200 day-old Kampong chickens were used in the study according to a completely randomized design with five treatments and five replications (containing eight chickens in each). The chicks were provided with the basal ration containing of 22% crude protein. The treatment groups included T0 (chicks provided with basal ration, without turmeric), T1 (chicks provided with turmeric filtrate in drinking water 1:3), T2 (chicks provided with turmeric powder 0.5% in ration), T3 (chicks provided with fermented turmeric residue 0.5% in ration) and T4 (chicks provided with turmeric residue 0.5% in ration). The results showed that turmeric administration increased (P<0.05) the serum total protein concentration and carcass weight of the Kampong chickens at day 32. However, the treatment did not affect the growth performance and feed efficiency of the Kampong chickens measured at days 32 and 45. It could be concluded that the administration of turmeric both through diet and drinking water had minor impact on the haematological indices but increased carcass yield of the Kampong chickens especially during the starter period.
Morphometric analysis of the Australian freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni)

Abstract. We conducted a morphometric analysis of 279 Crocodylus johnstoni, using specimens from the McKinlay River (n = 265) and Arnhem Land (n = 14), to meet the management need for predicting body size of C. johnstoni from isolated body parts. The results also allow reconstruction of C. johnstoni dimensions for comparison with other crocodilian species. We detected sexual dimorphism in some body measurements from the McKinlay River, and geographic variation in the morphology of McKinlay River and Arnhem Land populations, but differences were slight. There is pronounced allometric growth in C. johnstoni in the immediate post-hatching phase, largely due to elongation of the snout after exiting the confines of the egg. We compared the size, shape and relative growth of C. johnstoni with that of other crocodilian species for which equivalent data are available, but particularly the other Australian crocodile, Crocodylus porosus. C. porosus has a proportionately longer tail and a shorter but wider snout than C. johnstoni, and we discuss possible ecological correlates of these and other differences.
Teachers’ perspectives on homework: manifestations of culturally situated common sense

ABSTRACT This paper presents an exploratory study of English and Swedish teachers’ perspectives on the role of homework in year-one children’s learning of number. In order to ensure cultural integrity, data were analysed independently by two colleagues in each context. Analyses yielded three broad but cross-culturally common themes reflecting culturally situated notions of common sense. These concerned the existence of homework, the purpose of homework and the role of parents in homework’s completion. While homework was unproblematic for all English teachers, half the Swedish cohort spoke against it, arguing that variation in home background would compromise principles of equity. All teachers who set homework, whether English or Swedish, spoke of homework as a means of supporting children at risk of falling behind their peers, a process by which children practice routine skills. English teachers’ homework-related justifications were located in a discourse of target setting that was invisible in the Swedish.
THE IMPACT OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION ON ECONOMIC GROWTH: THE CASE OF CHINA

Energy resources are important sources used in production. The consumption of energy resources is closely linked to the economic development and the environmental quality. In this paper, empirical analyses are conducted to reveal how energy consumption can affect economic growth (GDP) directly and indirectly through its impact on environmental quality. The study is focused on China, an economy that is highly energy intensive and the second largest economy in the World. Applying linear and threshold cointegration tests, our results reveal significant long-run relationship in the model with GDP as dependent factor and the regressors of energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Our estimation results show that energy consumption has direct positive effect on economic growth but it may have larger negative effect on economic growth indirectly through higher carbon dioxide emissions.
Phytochemical constituents and nutritional evaluation of three selected edible flowers in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

The study examined the bioactive phytochemical and nutritional compositions of Hibiscus rosasinensis , Moringa oleifera and Musa paradisiaca flowers collected from Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Various researches suggest that some flowers are eaten by man since ancient times and have therapeutic properties as well as nutritional value. Fresh flowers were collected, washed, dried and ground into powder for analysis. The results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Flavonoids, Tannins, Saponins, Phenols, Terpenoids, Phlobatannins, Cardiac glycosides, Anthraquinones and Steroids in M. oleifera and M. paradisiaca flowers while Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Tannins, Phenols and Terpernoids were absent in H. rosasinensis . Quantitatively, M. oleifera and M. paradisiaca contained (mg/100g) Tannins 54.61 and 48.93, Saponins 46.51 and 25.42, and Phenols 44.37 and 36.09 respectively. H. rosasinensis contained 63.03mg/100g saponins while the estimated quantity of flavonoids in M. paradisiaca was 17.98mg/100g. The percentage estimation of the proximate composition of the three flowers revealed carbohydrate values ranging from 49.01 to 61.11, crude protein 1.90 - 3.07, crude fiber 17.27 - 29.00, ash 1.89 - 3.34, crude fat 3.36 - 5.60 and moisture content 12.37 - 13.66. All the flowers showed high level of mineral elements in order of Na>K>Ca >Cu>Fe>Mn>Mg and Zn while Pb and Ni found in M. oleifera and M. paradisiaca were below the permissible level and considered safe for human consumption. The presence of phytochemical in the flowers suggests possible preventive and curative property of the flowers. Also, the flowers are rich in carbohydrate, fiber and minerals hence can be fortified as supplementary food for man and livestock feeds. Keywords: Ekiti State, Flower, Nutritional composition, Phytochemical, Supplementary food
Biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural disease: an integrative review

Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is deemed an uncommon tumor, resistant to chemotherapy with little chance of radical surgery and low survival rates. This review summarizes the latest advances in biomarker selection for diagnosis and drug treatment, based on search in Medline database carried out in the period between 1992 and 2020. The main prognostic and predictive biomarker is the histological subtype. The epithelioid neoplastic form is less aggressive than the sarcomatoid subtype and has a high sensitivity to chemotherapy, resulting in longer survival than sarcomatoid or biphasic subtypes of PM. Several biomarkers have been identified for the diagnosis of mesothelioma, but no mesothelial marker has a sensitivity of 100%. Therefore, panels of different biomarkers are needed, with positive and negative predictive value. New biomarkers emerging from the literature may be useful in differentiating reactive pleural processes from malignant ones and PMs from other neoplastic forms. In particular, the role of loss of expression of BAP1, MTAP and CDKN2A must be highlighted. The presence of frequent inactivating homozygous mutations of the BAP1 locus and the CDKN2A gene has been demonstrated by parallel massive sequencing in approximately 60% and 62% of cases respectively If simultaneous loss of BAP1 expression and homozygous deletion of CDKN2A or loss of expression of BAP1 and MTAP are present, sensitivity is much higher (92–100%). The new perspectives on therapy derive from studies conducted on BAP1 and other homologous recombination genes and from trials conducted on patients treated with immunotherapy. The inactivation of BAP1 could be used therapeutically, similarly to what has been shown in clinical studies conducted on patients with ovarian and prostate cancer with mutations in the DNA repair genes. In ongoing clinical trials, the recruitment of MPM patients will allow to assess the relationship between BAP1 genotype status and response to PARP inhibitors such as olaparib and niraparib. In addition, mesothelial cancer cells can express PDL1 especially in the epithelioid form and this expression is associated with a worse prognosis. PDL1 has also been evaluated in other tumor forms as an indicator of immunotherapy efficacy and seems to allow the best selection of patients affected by mesothelioma.