Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COMPUTER PREDICTION AND SYNTHESIS OF NEW OXAZOLES BASED ON AN 8-THIOSUBSTITUTED 1,3,7-TRIMETHYLXANTHINE SKELETON

The synthesis of new oxazole derivatives was carried out under Davidson synthesis conditions from O-acylacyloins with an 8-thiosubstituted 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine skeleton and ammonium acetate in a 1:10 ratio in glacial acetic acid media. The starting O-acylacyloins were obtained as products from the interaction of the sodium salt of 2-(1,3,7-trimethyl-2,6-dioxo-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-purin-8-ylthio)acetic acid and a-haloketones. The structures of the new compounds were proven by microanalyses and spectral data. The PASS online web application was used to predict the biological activity spectra of the obtained derivatives and to determine the most promising biological effects for further experimental testing. Thus, it has been shown that the synthesized compounds are a promising class for the creation of substances with a wide range of biological activity. The substrate/metabolite specificity of the tested compounds was also predicted using SMP web-service. The studied compounds were considered to perform most probably with CYP2 substrate activity.
Effectiveness of price-reduced meals on purchases among university young adults

University food environments influence dietary behaviours of attending young adults (aged 18–35 years). The present study aimed to determine if price-reduced meals are associated with high purchase volumes at food outlets (n 5) in a large urban university. The university food outlet customers: university staff and students (n 244) were surveyed about their food choice determinants and their awareness of a price-reduced meal initiative called ‘Budgie Meals’. Itemised sales of ‘Budgie Meals’ and other meals across 3 years were collected. The ‘Budgie Meals’ were nutritionally analyzed. The χ2 and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to analyze quantitative survey responses. An open-ended item was thematically analyzed. Itemised sales of ‘Budgie Meals’ were measured across 3 years and were analyzed using the analysis of variance. The ‘Budgie Meals’ were nutritionally analyzed and categorised as ‘green,’ ‘amber’ or ‘red’ using the National Healthy Food and Drink Policy. Price was considered the most significant barrier to healthy food purchases. The awareness of the ‘Budgie Meal’ initiative was poor. The ‘Budgie Meal’ had higher sales volumes at each outlet than other items, but the sales showed a downward trend across the years. Nutritional analyses revealed that ‘Budgie Meals’ could be improved. The researchers suggested nutritional improvements to food retailers. Further research is required to assess the viability of implementing such nutritional improvements across food outlets. Specifically, collaboration with retailers and customers is needed to establish the economic feasibility, any potential revenue losses and testing taste acceptability of recipe alterations to these price-reduced meals.
Kinetic and Structural Properties of a Robust Bacterial L-Amino Acid Oxidase

L-Amino acid oxidase (LAAO) is a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent enzyme active on most proteinogenic L-amino acids, catalysing their conversion to α-keto acids by oxidative deamination of the substrate. For this oxidation reaction, molecular oxygen is used as the electron acceptor, generating hydrogen peroxide. LAAO can be used to detect L-amino acids, for the production of hydrogen peroxide as an oxidative agent or antimicrobial agent, and for the production of enantiopure amino acids from racemates. In this work, we characterised a previously reported LAAO from the bacterium Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea. The substrate scope and kinetic properties of the enzyme were determined, and the thermostability was evaluated. Additionally, we elucidated the crystal structure of this bacterial LAAO, enabling us to test the role of active site residues concerning their function in catalysis. The obtained insights and ease of expression of this thermostable LAAO provides a solid basis for the development of engineered LAAO variants tuned for biosensing and/or biocatalysis.
Comparing the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy on hope, resilience, and happiness of veterans with psychopathy

This study aimed to compare the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (AT) on resilience, happiness, and hope of veterans with psychopathy. The present study was applied in terms of purpose, a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up research in terms of method, and a quasi-experimental design in terms of nature. The results showed a difference between the mean scores of resilience, happiness, and hope in the three acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and control groups within pre-test, post-test, and follow-up steps. There was a difference between the effects of ACT and CBT on resilience, happiness, and hope of veterans with psychopathy living in Dezful. Moreover, ACT performed better rather than CBT in terms of resilience, happiness, and hope rate among veterans with psychopathy living in Dezful, Iran.
The Role of Metallic Iron in Low Temperature Carbothermic Reduction of MnO: Phase Chemistry and Thermodynamic Analysis

Manganese ore reduction is quite complex at intermediate reaction temperatures of 1100 –1400 °C due to the formation of liquid oxide and/or alloy phases in varying phase proportions and distributions. Evidence in the literature shows that MnO reduction rates are higher for manganese ores of higher iron mineral content. This is due to a lowering of the manganese activity in the presence of iron and carbon in the alloy. Consequently, the minimum required temperature for carbothermic reduction of MnO is lowered. The simplification of the complex ore reduction system is achieved by reacting pure MnO with carbon instead of using gangue-containing ore. The effect of variation in the %C in the alloy product has not been well quantified in previous works. Here the complete alloy phase analyses are used to clarify the role of metallic iron added to MnO-Fe-C compressed pellets reacted at 1100 and 1200 °C. The phase chemistry analyses show that the alloy compositions follow a polynomial curve in %Mn vs. %C plots, with alloy phase compositions formed internal to the MnO particles containing lower %Mn (<50%) and lower %C (<6%) vs. alloy phase compositions formed external to the MnO particles at 60–71% Mn and 6–10% C. Most of the Mn-Fe-C alloy areas internal to the MnO particles are liquid at 1200 °C. Thermodynamic analysis shows that the low-temperature reduction (1200 °C) of MnO in the presence of metallic iron is possibly due to lowered Mn activity in the product alloy Mn-Fe-C alloy and reduction via CO.
Union Activism and the Baseball Hall of Fame Voting Process: Labor-Management Conflict and Media Bias

Media bias is well documented in the industrial relations domain. This paper extends this research by exploring whether union participation among former professional baseball players affects the likelihood of moving through two stages of the selection process for the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame (HOF), a selection process controlled by sports media. At the HOF ballot inclusion stage, union activism increased position players’ and pitchers’ likelihoods of inclusion, regardless of time period. Conversely, at the HOF voting stage, position players who were union representatives during labor-management conflict (i.e., strikes and lockouts) received significantly less votes than non-activists, while position players who were representatives during labor-management cooperation received significantly more votes. Union activism did not affect pitchers at this stage. We conclude that union activists can be subject to negative media bias during labor-management conflict that, in turn, negatively affects post-employment outcomes.
The Perceived Importance and Intended Purchasing Patterns of Sustainable Foods in Australian University Students

Although there has been considerable research on consumers’ opinions about sustainable foods and purchasing behaviors, the experience of university students remains unclear. This study aims to characterize university students’ perceptions of the importance of sustainable foods and determine the relationship between perceptions and the frequency of purchasing sustainable foods. In a non-random sample of university students, a cross-sectional, online survey determined students’ perceptions of the importance of locally grown food and sustainable foods, and the self-reported frequency of purchasing sustainable foods. Multivariate binary logistic regression was conducted. Survey respondents (n = 1858; 71% female; 80% domestic enrolled; 43% aged 18–24 years; 38% food insecure) perceived locally grown food (77%) and sustainable food (84%) as important, and 68% reported buying sustainable foods frequently. Students who purchased sustainable foods frequently were more likely to be female, older and food insecure, and also were significantly more likely to perceive sustainable foods as important (OR: 7.317; 95% CI: 5.538–9.667; SE: 0.142; p < 0.001). Our results demonstrate that university students perceive sustainable foods as important and a relationship between perceptions and actions for purchasing sustainable foods is evident. Our results should inform the development of strategies within universities aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including improving access to locally grown and sustainable foods on campus to reflect student preferences, particularly for food insecure students.
Brotherhood beyond the Ummah: Theological and socio-cultural perspectives to potential of coexistence

When we look at a single example in the comparison of the West and the East, the ban on minarets in Switzerland or the absence of any churches in Saudi Arabia leads to incorrect conclusions. Such ideological selectivity hinders the model of coexistence. In this research study, we mentioned the possibilities, needs and minimum requirements of a coexistence model beyond the Ummah. We perform firstly (1) the description or diagnosis of the given situation, namely the determination of the problem: the political or historical, theological and cultural sources, and origin of the problem; (2) the expansion of the given situation to the paradigm from the history, the spirit of the times, theological sources and principles; and (3) solution: updating the theological, political and cultural displacements and applying them in the current context.Contribution: This is the thesis of this paper: humans have enough theological, political, cultural and educational possibilities for a new global Convivencia for being able to realise ‘together and common living’. Humans have the theological, political and cultural opportunities to realise a new global Convivencia ‘living together even if not in unison’ for the future.
Compositional changes in human gut microbiota reveal a putative role of intestinal mycobiota in metabolic and biological decline during aging

BACKGROUND: Age-related alterations in the composition and function of gut microbiota may influence human health and disease mechanisms. However, connections between compositional changes in gut bacterial and fungal communities, and their role in the aging process, remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: Compare the gut microbiota and mycobiota composition in different age groups and evaluate the functionality. METHODS: In this study, we performed 16S rRNA and ITS2 gene-based microbial profiling analysis and shotgun metagenomics using the NextSeq platform. RESULTS: We observed a shift in compositional changes of human gut microbiota with age. Older individuals revealed a significantly different gut microbiota profile compared to younger individuals. For example, gut microbiota composition of the older individuals showed increase in genera Bacteroides, Blautia, Ruminococcaceae, and Escherichia coli. Additionally, older individuals had significant reduction in fungi belonging to saccharomyces cerevisiae and candida albicans in comparison to their younger counterparts. Moreover, metagenomics functional profiling analysis using shotgun metagenomics sequencing data showed substantial differences in the enrichment of 48 pathways between the young and older age groups. Metabolic pathways such as amino acid biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, cell structure biosynthesis and vitamin biosynthesis were declined in the older age group, in comparison with the younger individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The identified differences provide a new insight to enrich our understanding of age-related changes in gut microbiota, their metabolic capabilities, and potential impact on health and disease conditions.
The Impact of Bacillus subtilis PB6 and Chromium Propionate on the Performance, Egg Quality and Nutrient Metabolizability of Layer Breeders

Simple Summary Environmental conditions can generate heat stress in poultry production. Feed additives have been supplemented in diets for layers and broilers to improve their health status, immune system and nutrition, as well as productive performance. This paper shows the effects of probiotic Bacillus subtilis PB6 and chromium propionate diet supplementation on productive parameters, egg and eggshell quality, excreta moisture, cortisol and serum biochemistry of laying breeder hens. Diets supplemented with Bacillus subtilis PB6, chromium propionate or a combination of the two resulted in improved egg production, feed conversion ratio, eggshell quality and nutrient metabolizability, without modifying the main serum biochemical parameters of hens from 55 to 70 weeks of age. Highlighted improvements in hen performance and eggshell quality were observed when hens were fed diets supplemented with a combination of the probiotic and chromium. This study expands our understanding concerning the combined supplementation of probiotics and organic chromium for poultry. Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Bacillus subtillis PB6, chromium propionate or a combination of the two on the performance, egg and eggshell quality, nutrient metabolizability and serum biochemistry of layer breeders. White Plymouth Rock and Red Rhodes Island breeder hens at 55 weeks of age were allocated in individual cages using a completely randomized block design with 16 replicates. Hens were fed control, control + probiotic (500 g/ton of Bacillus subtilis PB6), control + CrProp (50 g/ton of chromium propionate) and control + probiotic + CrProp diets from 55 to 70 weeks of age. Productive parameters and eggshell quality as well as cortisol and blood biochemistry were grouped each 28 d as well as for the overall period. The metabolizability of nutrients and energy was determined at 70 weeks of age. In the overall period, hens fed the control + probiotic or control + probiotic + CrProp diets had significantly higher egg production, egg mass, shell percentage, thickness and shell strength. The metabolizability of dry matter, nitrogen and energy increased in hens that were fed the control + probiotic + CrProp diet. In conclusion, diets supplemented with Bacillus subtillis PB6 and chromium propionate resulted in improved productive performance, eggshell quality and nutrient metabolizability of layer breeders, without modifying serum cortisol, albumin and triglycerides.
Mixed participating and unit-linked life insurance contracts: design, pricing and optimal strategy

In many countries, the decline in interest rates has reduced the interest in traditional participating life insurance contracts with investment guarantees and has led to a shift to unit-linked policies without guarantees. We design a novel mixed insurance contract splitting premium payments between a participating and a unit-linked fund. An additional guarantee fee is applied on the unit-linked return in order to increase the investment guarantee of the participating fund. In a utility-based framework, using power utility and prospect theory as preference functions, we show that the mixed product is usually perceived more attractive than a full investment in either the unit-linked or the participating contract. The guarantee fee is beneficial for conservative investors interested in stronger protection against losses. This is also interesting from a marketing perspective: By the increase of the guarantee in the participating product, zero or negative guaranteed rates can be avoided.
Adopting social media for learning among university students: a developing country perspective

ABSTRACT This article investigates the reasons that trigger students to access social media, the challenges faced and what needs to be done to ensure that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can adopt the use of social media in learning. This study uses a narrative cross-sectional survey conducted using qualitative data collection techniques based on interviews with students and lecturers from Makerere University. Results suggest that students access social media to get updates around the world, carry out research, entertainment, carry out business, peer pressure, keep up with friends and avoid bad habits. Also, our study identified challenges such as unnecessary information, expensive data, delays in giving feedback, limited skills, slow internet connections, miss conduct of users, inability to own gadgets and negative attitude hindering effective adoption of social media for learning. Results further suggest various measures on how social media can be integrated in learning. This study indicates that more research is needed into the methods and implications of increased social media learning in Uganda.
Histone Modification in NSCLC: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in both genders, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for about 85% of all lung cancers. At the time of diagnosis, the tumour is usually locally advanced or metastatic, shaping a poor disease outcome. NSCLC includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell lung carcinoma. Searching for novel therapeutic targets is mandated due to the modest effect of platinum-based therapy as well as the targeted therapies developed in the last decade. The latter is mainly due to the lack of mutation detection in around half of all NSCLC cases. New therapeutic modalities are also required to enhance the effect of immunotherapy in NSCLC. Identifying the molecular signature of NSCLC subtypes, including genetics and epigenetic variation, is crucial for selecting the appropriate therapy or combination of therapies. Epigenetic dysregulation has a key role in the tumourigenicity, tumour heterogeneity, and tumour resistance to conventional anti-cancer therapy. Epigenomic modulation is a potential therapeutic strategy in NSCLC that was suggested a long time ago and recently starting to attract further attention. Histone acetylation and deacetylation are the most frequently studied patterns of epigenetic modification. Several histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDIs), such as vorinostat and panobinostat, have shown promise in preclinical and clinical investigations on NSCLC. However, further research on HDIs in NSCLC is needed to assess their anti-tumour impact. Another modification, histone methylation, is one of the most well recognized patterns of histone modification. It can either promote or inhibit transcription at different gene loci, thus playing a rather complex role in lung cancer. Some histone methylation modifiers have demonstrated altered activities, suggesting their oncogenic or tumour-suppressive roles. In this review, patterns of histone modifications in NSCLC will be discussed, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic modifications in tumour progression and metastasis, as well as in developing drug resistance. Then, we will explore the therapeutic targets emerging from studying the NSCLC epigenome, referring to the completed and ongoing clinical trials on those medications.
Dysregulation of Caveolin-1 Phosphorylation and Nuclear Translocation Is Associated with Senescence Onset

We recently reported that the inability of osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes to repair oxidative stress (OS) induced DNA damage is linked to Cav-1 overexpression/improper localization. We speculated that the senescent status of OA cells was responsible for this Cav-1 dysregulation. Here, to further investigate this hypothesis, we used Wharton Jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) and investigated Cav-1 function as cells reached replicative senescence or upon stress induced senescence (SIPS). We showed that Cav-1 is upregulated, phosphorylated and translocated to the nucleus in young WJ-MSCs upon acute exogenous OS, and that it returns back to basal/nonphosphorylated levels and exports the nucleus in the recovery phase. However, as cells reach senescence, this regulation is lost. OS did not induce any Cav-1-mediated response, which is concomitant with the inability of older cells to restore DNA damage. Furthermore, downregulation of Cav-1 resulted in persistent OS-induced DNA damage and subsequent onset of senescence. We also report that the establishment of senescence is mediated by autophagy stimulation, since downregulation of autophagy key molecule Atg5, simultaneously with Cav-1 downregulation, was found to inhibit SIPS. Basically, we propose that Cav-1 involvement in DNA damage response can lead to senescence, either because the damage is extensive or because Cav-1 is absent/unable to perform its homeostatic role.
The giant pill-millipede genus Zephronia Gray, 1832 from Thailand, with a redescription of Z.siamensis Hirst, 1907 and descriptions of three new species (Diplopoda, Sphaerotheriida, Zephroniidae)

Abstract Material of the giant pill-millipede genus Zephronia Gray, 1832 recently collected from Thailand contains three new species: Zephroniaenghoffisp. nov., Zephroniagolovatchisp. nov., and Zephroniapanhaisp. nov. The first Zephronia species recorded for Thailand, Z.siamensis Hirst, 1907, is also redescribed based on new specimens collected both from the type locality in Chonburi Province and from neighboring areas. Morphological characters of all new species, Z.phrain Likhitrakarn & Golovatch, 2021, and Z.siamensis are illustrated, and a distribution map of the confirmed Zephronia species occurring in Thailand is also provided.
Motor Games Effects on Learning to Spell Numbers in 5 to 6-Year-Old Pupils

The writing skills, which are crucial for learning in school, develop as the child gets older. They can be enhanced through various approaches. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of motor games, which is a didactic approach, on learning how to spell Arabic numbers. Fifty-one pupils aged between 5 and 6 years old (age = 6.17 ± 0.33 years) took part in this study. They were divided into 3 different learning groups: 1) a control group that followed a classical learning (CG: n = 17) using visual and auditory modalities; 2) a second group that followed a multisensory learning modality (MSG: n = 17); and 3) a third group that followed a motor learning modality (MLG: n = 17). The digits spelling performances (from 0 to 9 in random orders) were assessed before and after 10 learning sessions. The retained parameters from the spelling test were the direction of the digits, the number of correct digits out of 10, and the number of non-mirrored digits out of 8. The results showed that the spelling test performance improved for all groups after the three learning modalities. However, the MLG showed the highest gains in plotting numbers performance (7.06 ± 1.25) compared to the CG (0.65 ± 2.32) and MSG (2.41 ± 2.15) (P < 0.05). In addition, the other performance parameters displayed similar gains. These results suggest that the motor learning method is the most effective for improving numbers spelling, particularly for the digits spelling direction, compared to other learning methods.