Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic polymorphism of soybean genotypes with contrasting levels of phosphatidylcholine, protein, and lipoxygenase-2

For the mapping of quantitative trait loci associated with a particular trait or introgression of desirable traits into a variety from donor parent through marker-assisted backcross breeding, parental polymorphism survey is the first prerequisite. In the present study, a total of 695 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers spanning over 20 linkage groups were surveyed for parental polymorphism in 5 parental combinations comprising 7 soybean genotypes, namely NRC151, PS1476, IC275, IC574373, AVKS215, JS20-34, and JS20-98, with varying levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC), protein, and lipoxygenase-2. Five different parental combinations, namely NRC151 × IC275, PS1476 × IC275, NRC151 × IC574373, JS20-34 × AVKS215, and JS20-98 × AVKS215, exhibited 40.43%, 43.02%, 36.26%, 39.42%, and 41.29% parental polymorphisms, respectively. Polymorphic markers identified in these parental combinations can be utilized for genotyping of second filial generation (F2)/ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population generated for the identification of genomic regions associated with PC, protein content, and for the recovery of recurrent parent genome content of respective recurrent parent for development of lipoxygenase-2 free high-yielding soybean genotypes.
Foreign Aid and Development: Lessons Learnt and Directions For The Future

List of tables List of figures List of Contributors List of Acronyms and abbreviations Preface Foreign aid development: Summary and synthesis Sherman Robinson and Finn Tarp PART I: Major themes 1. The evolution of the development doctrine and the role of foreign aid, 1950-2000 Erik Thorbecke 2. The role of government in economic development Irma Adelman 3. Foreign aid in historical perspective: background and trends Peter Hjertholm and Howard White 4. Aid effectiveness disputed Henrik Hansen and Finn Tarp PART II 5. From project aid to programme assistance Paul Mosley and Marion J. Eeckhout 6. Technical co-operation Channing Arndt 7. Sector programme assistance Ole Molgard Andersen 8. Food aid as an aid instrument: past, present and future Bjorg Colding and Per Pinstrup-Andersen PART III Economic perspectives on aid design 9. Using aid to reduce poverty John Healey and Tony Killick 10. Gender equality and foreign aid Lisa Ann Richey 11. Foreign aid, development and the environment Rasmus Heltberg and Uffe Nielsen 12. Aid and failed reforms: the case of public sector management Elliot J. Berg 13. Foreign aid and private sector development Mads Vaczy Kragh, Jorgen Birk Mortensen, Henrik Schaumburg-Muller and Hans Peter Slente 14. Financial sector aid Jens Kovsted 15. Foreign aid and the macroeconomy Peter Hjertholm, Jytte Laursen and Howard White PART IV Broader issues 16. Foreign aid in the emerging global trade environment Oliver Morrissey 17, Aid and conflict Tony Addison 18. Aid, conditionality and debt in Africa Ravi Kanbur 19. Political economy of foreign aid Raymond F. Hopkins References Index
Gremlin-1 and BMP-4 Overexpressed in Osteoarthritis Drive an Osteochondral-Remodeling Program in Osteoblasts and Hypertrophic Chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a whole joint disease characterized by an important remodeling of the osteochondral junction. It includes cartilage mineralization due to chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation and bone sclerosis. Here, we investigated whether gremlin-1 (Grem-1) and its BMP partners could be involved in the remodeling events of the osteochondral junction in OA. We found that Grem-1, BMP-2, and BMP-4 immunostaining was detected in chondrocytes from the deep layer of cartilage and in subchondral bone of knee OA patients, and was positively correlated with cartilage damage. ELISA assays showed that bone released more Grem-1 and BMP-4 than cartilage, which released more BMP-2. In vitro experiments evidenced that compression stimulated the expression and the release of Grem-1 and BMP-4 by osteoblasts. Grem-1 was also overexpressed during the prehypertrophic to hypertrophic differentiation of murine articular chondrocytes. Recombinant Grem-1 stimulated Mmp-3 and Mmp-13 expression in murine chondrocytes and osteoblasts, whereas recombinant BMP-4 stimulated the expression of genes associated with angiogenesis (Angptl4 and osteoclastogenesis (Rankl and Ccl2). In conclusion, Grem-1 and BMP-4, whose expression at the osteochondral junction increased with OA progression, may favor the pathological remodeling of the osteochondral junction by inducing a catabolic and tissue remodeling program in hypertrophic chondrocytes and osteoblasts.
Reconstruction of Daylight Spectral Power Distribution Based on Correlated Color Temperature: A Comparative Study between the CIE Approach and Localized Procedures in Assessing Non-image Forming Effects

ABSTRACT Spectrally and spatially resolved information on daylight is critically important when planning for non-image forming (NIF) responses. Nevertheless, the availability of such data is scarce given the high initial costs and complex on-site maintenance of high-end spectral measurement devices. The CIE (Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage) reconstruction procedure allows for the derivation of the daylight spectral power distribution (SPD) from the chromaticity coordinates or the correlated color temperature ( ). However, several studies have suggested that both the daylight locus and the reconstruction procedure are erroneous, and specifically SPDs with a higher cannot be reproduced accurately. This paper studies the reconstruction accuracy of the SPD of daylight, and contextualizes the findings in relation to NIF effects. The analysis comprises a comparative study to determine the accuracy of the CIE procedure compared to two localized reconstruction procedures, and a sensitivity study to examine the impact of accuracy on the assessment of NIF responses, as represented by all five retinal photoreceptors and expressed in the α-opic efficacy of luminous radiation. The results indicated that a localized procedure, adjusting both the daylight locus and the PCA components of daylight, outperformed the CIE reconstruction method. However, improvement in the reconstruction accuracy had no effect on NIF assessment. The RSMPE for α-opic quantities did not exceed 4% for any procedure. In practical terms, this implies that cost-effective sensors and the representation of spectral properties in sky models with a single value – the correlated color temperature – can be used for NIF purposes. These findings bridge theory and practice by opening up new insights into the understanding of simplified methods used to determine NIF effects of daylight. HIGHLIGHTS Using a localized procedure to define spectral power distribution (SPD) based on correlated color temperature ( ) outperforms the CIE method. Accuracy depends on the computation procedure rather than the daylight locus location. Higher accuracy does not affect the α-opic responses used in defining non-image forming (NIF) effects. Findings confirm the applicability of simplified measuring and representation methods for daylight SPDs. can be used to represent daylight SPD in planning software to assess NIF effects.
Strategic Alliances and Performance of Firms in the Motor Vehicle Industry in Nairobi County

The current study sought to establish the effects of strategic alliances on performance of firms in the motor vehicle industry in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study specifically focused on assessing how technological alliances, marketing alliances, production alliances and logistics alliances affect performance of firms in motor vehicle industry in Nairobi County. The study was anchored on Resource Dependency Theory, Transaction Cost Theory, Knowledge Management Theory and Organizational Learning Theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted 18 firms in the automobile industry and operating in Nairobi County. The unit of observation comprised of 315 employees from the selected motor vehicle firms and occupying managerial positions. The study employed Slovenes Sampling formula in deriving a sample size of 158 respondents. Primary data was collected through a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire and analysed through both inferential and descriptive statistics. The statistics were generated by the help of SPSS and Ms Excel. The results of the analysis were presented using tables. The study established that producttion alliances and logistics alliances positively and significantly affect performances of motor vehicle industry (Beta=0.410, sig=0.000<0.05 and beta 0.301, sig=0.001<0.05). The study further established that technological alliances and marketing alliances positively but insignificantly affect performance of motor vehicle industry ((Beta=0.128, sig=0.089>0.05 and beta 0.109, sig=0.126>0.05). The results imply that enhancing increasing each of the variables with their one unit results to performance increase of the motor vehicle industry with the respective beta values. The study recommended that for there to be an enhanced performance amongst motor vehicle industry players in Nairobi County, there is a need for the firms to engage in alliances that contributed to operational effectiveness in areas of technology, marketing, production and logistics. Keywords: Technological Alliances, Marketing Alliances, Production Alliances, Logistics Alliances and Performance of Motor Vehicle Firms
BACE1 over-expression reduces SH-SY5Y cell viability through a mechanism distinct from Aβ-peptide accumulation; beta prime-mediated competitive depletion of sAβPP 

Background: The Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-associated amyloid-beta protein precursor (AβPP) can be cleaved by β-site AβPP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and the  -secretase complex to yield neurotoxic amyloid beta (Aβ)-peptides. However, AβPP can also be cleaved in a ‘non-amyloidogenic’ manner either by  -secretase to produce soluble AβPP alpha (sAβPP  ) (a fragment with neuroprotective/neurogenic functions) or through alternative BACE1-mediated ‘beta prime’ activity yielding soluble AβPP beta prime (sAβPPβ’). Objective: To determine whether sAβPP  depletion, as opposed to Aβ-peptide accumulation, contributes to cytotoxicity in AD-relevant SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell models. Methods: AβPP proteolysis was characterized by immunoblotting in mock-, wild-type AβPP (wtAβPP)-, BACE1- and Swedish mutant AβPP (SweAβPP)-transfected cells. AβPP beta prime cleavage was confirmed through secretase inhibitor studies and C-terminal fragment analysis. The roles of sAβPP  and sAβPPβ’ in cell viability were confirmed by over-expression studies. Results: Despite producing enhanced Aβ-peptide levels, wtAβPP- and SweAβPP-transfected cells did not exhibit reduced viability whereas BACE1-transfected cells did. sAβPP  generation in SH-SY5Y-BACE1 cells was virtually ablated in lieu of BACE1-mediated sAβPPβ’ production. sAβPP  over-expression in SH-SY5Y-BACE1 cells restored viability whereas sAβPPβ’ over-expression decreased viability further. The anti-AβPP 6E10 antibody was shown to cross-react with sAβPPβ’. Conclusion: sAβPP  depletion and/or sAβPPβ’ accumulation but not elevated Aβ-peptide levels represents the cytotoxic mechanism following BACE1 over-expression in SH-SY5Y cells. These questions whether previous studies assessing sAβPP  as a biomarker using this antibody should be revisited.
Effect of some postharvest treatments with edible coating materials on storability and quality of Murcott Tangor fruits during cold storage.

Murcott tangor [Citrus reticulata × Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] is a promising export mandarin variety due to its extended harvest season and fruit quality attributes. Mandarin fruit is perishable; it losts its marketability rapidly due to the growth of microbial pathogens, desiccation and softening. So, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of gum Arabic (GA), jojoba oil (JO), and chitosan (CHI) as edible materials on storability and keeping the quality of cold stored Murcott tangor fruits in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Fruits were dipped for five minutes in one of the following solutions: distilled water, GA (5, 10, and 15% W/V), JO (0, 05, 0.1, and 0.15% V/V), and CHI (1, 2 and 3% W/V), air dried, put in carton boxes and stored at 5±1C° and 95% relative humidity for 100 days. The results indicate that fruit decay and quality characteristics were affected positively by the application of the edible coating, while 10% of GA recorded the lowest fruit decay incidence and weight loss percentages in both seasons. Fruit firmness, total soluble solids, total acidity and vitamin C has been decreased gradually by progress in the storage period for all treatments while 0.15 %of JO recorded the lowest values of decreased compared to the other treatments in both seasons. It can be recommended to use 0.15 % of JO for extending the shelf life of Murcott tangor fruits while preserving the highest quality characteristics and the lowest percentage of spoilage up to 100 days at 5±1 C° and 95% relative humidity.
The intergroup sensitivity effect among racial groups in the United States

The intergroup sensitivity effect (ISE) refers to individuals responding more negatively to criticism directed toward their ingroup if the criticism is delivered by someone outside the group. The ISE has never been examined for groups defined by race. In light of ongoing racial tensions in America, the purpose of the current research was to examine whether the ISE replicates among racial groups. Study 1 replicated the ISE among African American, European American, and Latinx American university students and, unexpectedly, found that European American participants responded more positively to praise delivered by a racial outgroup member. Study 2 replicated these results in a nonstudent sample and identified motivation to respond without prejudice as a moderator of the praise effect. In both studies, the ISE was mediated by perceptions of comment legitimacy/constructiveness but was not moderated by feelings toward the outgroup. Future directions and explanations for the praise effect are discussed.
Risk analysis in research environment

Available risk analysis techniques are well adapted to industry since they were developed for its purpose. All hazards met in industry are also present in research/academia (although quantities of some hazardous substances are smaller). Still, because of its characteristics (high turnover of collaborators, rapid reorientation of research programs, freedom of research, equipment often in development stage, difficulty to obtain accidents statistics, not well-established processes, etc.), research/academia is an environment whose risks are difficult to analyze by conventional techniques. In this paper, we discuss various risk analysis methods in the light of their adequacy for an academic environment. Finally, we propose the bases for the development of a new risk analysis methodology for complex areas such as academia/research. This method should be fast, intuitive, semi quantitative, and easy to use. It should lead to risk-ranking providing the identification of critical areas and prioritization of safety actions. It is suggested to estimate this ranking as a combination of severity, probability of accident, hazard detectability, and worsening factors (where academia/research specificities are considered). The formula, in which risk is a nonlinear function of the constituting elements, will have a general form allowing getting a risk index for all hazard categories in the same manner.
Evaluation of a Generative Adversarial Network to Improve Image Quality and Reduce Radiation-Dose during Digital Breast Tomosynthesis

In this study, we evaluated the improvement of image quality in digital breast tomosynthesis under low-radiation dose conditions of pre-reconstruction processing using conditional generative adversarial networks [cGAN (pix2pix)]. Pix2pix pre-reconstruction processing with filtered back projection (FBP) was compared with and without multiscale bilateral filtering (MSBF) during pre-reconstruction processing. Noise reduction and preserve contrast rates were compared using full width at half-maximum (FWHM), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity (SSIM) in the in-focus plane using a BR3D phantom at various radiation doses [reference-dose (automatic exposure control reference dose: AECrd), 50% and 75% reduction of AECrd] and phantom thicknesses (40 mm, 50 mm, and 60 mm). The overall performance of pix2pix pre-reconstruction processing was effective in terms of FWHM, PSNR, and SSIM. At ~50% radiation-dose reduction, FWHM yielded good results independently of the microcalcification size used in the BR3D phantom, and good noise reduction and preserved contrast. PSNR results showed that pix2pix pre-reconstruction processing represented the minimum in the error with reference FBP images at an approximately 50% reduction in radiation-dose. SSIM analysis indicated that pix2pix pre-reconstruction processing yielded superior similarity when compared with and without MSBF pre-reconstruction processing at ~50% radiation-dose reduction, with features most similar to the reference FBP images. Thus, pix2pix pre-reconstruction processing is promising for reducing noise with preserve contrast and radiation-dose reduction in clinical practice.
Minimally Invasive Endoscopic and Surgical Management of Rectal Neoplasia

Simple Summary Rectal cancer accounts for one-third of colorectal cancer cases annually. It is preventable with early screening and appropriate management of precancerous lesions. Advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are ongoing and have contributed to improving patient outcomes. In this review, we summarize the available minimally invasive endoscopic and surgical management options of rectal neoplasia. Abstract Rectal cancer demonstrates a characteristic natural history in which benign rectal neoplasia precedes malignancy. The worldwide burden of rectal cancer is significant, with rectal cancer accounting for one-third of colorectal cancer cases annually. The importance of early detection and successful management is essential in decreasing its clinical burden. Minimally invasive treatment of rectal neoplasia has evolved over the past several decades, which has led to reduced local recurrence rates and improved survival outcomes. The approach to diagnosis, staging, and selection of appropriate treatment modalities is a multidisciplinary effort combining interventional endoscopy, surgery, and radiology tools. This review examines the currently available minimally invasive endoscopic and surgical management options of rectal neoplasia.
Arsenic Induces Continuous Inflammation and Regulates Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg Balance in Liver and Kidney In Vivo

Numerous studies on arsenic-induced hepatonephric toxicity including cancer have been reported. Given that chronic inflammatory response and immune imbalance are associated with oncogenesis, we investigated whether arsenic could influence the hepatic and nephritic expression of inflammatory factors and the differentiation of T cells. Mice were exposed to NaAsO2 (0, 25, and 50 mg/L) for 1 and 3 months. Our data showed the destruction of the structure and inflammatory infiltration in the liver. The arsenic markedly increased the activity of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities increased in the liver at 25 and 50 mg/L arsenic for 3 months as well as in the kidney at both 1 and 3 months. An increased expression of inflammatory indicators (IL-1β, IL-12, and TNF-α) at 25 and 50 mg/L arsenic for 1 and 3 months in the liver and kidney, as well as IL-1β in the liver for 3 months and in the kidney at 50 mg/L for 1 and 3 months were demonstrated in our experiments. Besides, a definite tendency toward Th1/Th17 cytokines in the liver while Th2/Th17 cytokines in kidney was also observed by arsenic. Moreover, arsenic enhanced the expression of MAPK/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling molecules. In conclusion, the results of the study suggested that arsenic induces continuous immune-inflammatory responses in the liver and kidney.
Evaluation of Antifertility Effects of Sperm Immobilization Factor from Escherichia coli on Male Mice

Earlier in our laboratory, sperm immobilization factor (SIF) isolated from Escherichia coli has shown admirable contraceptive efficacy in female mice and thus generated interest in evaluating the same as a potential candidate for male contraception. Keeping this in mind, the present study was aimed at exploitation of SIF as contraceptive agent in male mouse model after intra testis administration. For this, Balb/c mice were administered with different concentrations (10, 50, 100, 200, or 400µg) of SIF and sacrificed on days 3,7,14,21,30,45,60, and 90. After sacrifice, results in terms of change in body weight, tissue somatic indices, seminal parameters, histology, hematological parameters, lipid peroxidation, testosterone level, and cytokines level were evaluated. The weight profile and TSI of all experimental groups showed no significant change. In case of seminal parameters, 400μg of SIF led to azoospermia up to 90 days and tissue histology also revealed hypo-spermatogenesis. No significant change was observed in haematological parameters after SIF (400µg) administration however, a significant decrease was observed in testosterone levels. The oxidative status and cytokines profile was also affected after SIF (400µg) inoculation. Thus, when administered via intra testis route, SIF can lead to azoospermia and poses to be a potent and safe antifertility agent.
A hazai pénzügyi kultúra fejlesztésének aktuális feladatai

Tanulmányunk aktualitását az új típusú koronavírus-járvány hatására megváltozott környezet és a páneurópai Money Week idei programja adja. A Money Week magyarországi programsorozata, a PÉNZ7 2015. évi indulása óta mára közprogrammá vált, hiszen az iskolák és diákok többségéhez eljutott. Az elmúlt hét évben a bankszektor, a kormányzati szervek, az oktatási intézmények és civil szervezetek összefogásának hatására a rendezvény európai szinten is átütő sikere bizonyíték arra, hogy közösségi alapon is lehet sikeres pénzügyikultúra-oktatást, -fejlesztést indítani. A megváltozott környezet szükségesség teszi a pénzügyi kultúrát érintő képzés aktualizálását, új súlypontok kijelölését, aminek egyik lényeges eleme a pénzügyi digitalizációs folyamat eredményességét nagyban segítő technológiai háttér megismerése lehet.