Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Co-administration of amygdalin and deoxynivalenol disrupted regulatory proteins linked to proliferation of porcine ovarian cells in vitro

Deoxynivalenol (DON) represents one of the most prevalent trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, causing economic and health impacts. On the other hand, amygdalin has been demonstrated to possess both prophylactic and curative properties, thus it has been used as a traditional drug because of its wide range of medicinal benefits, including curing or preventing cancer, relieving fever, suppressing cough, and quenching thirst. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate potential effects of natural product amygdalin combined with mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) on the key regulators of cell proliferation and apoptosis in porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Ovarian granulosa cells were incubated for 24h with amygdalin (1, 10, 100, 1000, 10 000 μg.mL-1) combined with deoxynivalenol (1 μg.mL-1), while the control group remained untreated. The presence of proliferative (cyclin B1, PCNA) and apoptotic markers (caspase-3) in porcine ovarian granulosa cells after amygdalin treatment (1, 10, 100, 1000, 10 000 μg.mL-1) combined with deoxynivalneol (1 μg.mL-1) was detected by immunocytochemistry. The presence of proliferative (cyclin B1, PCNA) and apoptotic markers (caspase-3) in porcine ovarian granulosa cells was detected by immunocytochemistry. Co-administration of amygdalin plus DON significantly (p <0.05) increased the number of granulosa cells containing cyclin B1 and PCNA at all tested concetrations, when compared to control. However, percentage of granulosa cells containing major apoptotic marker caspase-3 did not differ after co-administration of amygdalin and DON. In summary, results form this in vitro study indicate that co-exposure of amygdalin and deoxynivalenol may act to stimulate proliferation-associated peptides in porcine ovarian granulosa cells, and thus alter cell proliferation and normal follicular development.
Peer tutors’ views on their role in motivating learners to learn mathematics

This qualitative article utilised pre-and post-interviews as data collection instruments. Ten of the best-performing Grade 12 learners at an ex-model C school in Gauteng province in South Africa were purposively selected to participate in the research. The findings revealed that peer tutors view their role to motivate learners to learn mathematics peculiar to seven positions, which can inform future research on intervention strategies to improve mathematics performance. This article introduces research on an adapted use of the ARCS model of motivation in motivating learners to learn mathematics, which is a novel way of bringing new perspectives to research on motivation in mathematics at secondary school level.
Digital mourning on Facebook: the case of Filipino migrant worker live-in caregivers in Israel

The practice of mourning on social media, known as digital mourning, has become a worldwide phenomenon. While scholarly attention focuses on manifestations of online grief, there is a dearth of research regarding this process among immigrants. Based on a digital ethnography on Facebook on the Filipino community in Israel, this study inquires how migrant workers construct their mourning on digital networks. Focusing on grief upon death in the host country, two different practices of digital mourning were found. When Filipino live-in caregivers announce the loss of their elderly employers, their personal pain is shared on their own Facebook wall, receiving personal condolence comments. However, when a fellow Filipino migrant worker passes away, the pain is shared in closed community groups on Facebook, which are followed by thousands of condolence comments. This practice creates a communal feeling that can be termed Communal Digital Grief, and differs from the Personal Digital Grief experienced by migrants as a result of the loss of their employer. This study sheds light on two different practices of digital mourning. One appears on the personal Facebook walls of the bereaved and has therapeutic impact, while the other appears on closed Facebook groups and contributes to community building.
A kpc-scale-resolved study of unobscured and obscured star formation activity in normal galaxies at z  = 1.5 and 2.2 from ALMA and HiZELS

We present Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) continuum observations of a sample of nine star-forming galaxies at redshifts 1.47 and 2.23 selected from the High-z Emission Line Survey (HiZELS). Four galaxies in our sample are detected at high significance by ALMA at a resolution of 0${_{. }^{\prime\prime}}$25 at rest-frame 355 μm. Together with the previously observed H α emission, from adaptive optics-assisted integral-field-unit spectroscopy (∼0${_{.}^{\prime\prime}}$15 resolution), and F606W and F140W imaging from the Hubble Space Telescope (∼0${_{.}^{\prime\prime}}$2 resolution), we study the star formation activity, stellar and dust mass in these high-redshift galaxies at ∼kpc-scale resolution. We find that ALMA detection rates are higher for more massive galaxies (M* > 1010.5 M⊙) and higher [N ii]/H α ratios (>0.25, a proxy for gas-phase metallicity). The dust extends out to a radius of 8 kpc, with a smooth structure, even for those galaxies presenting clumpy H α morphologies. The half-light radii (Rdust) derived for the detected galaxies are of the order ∼4.5 kpc, more than twice the size of submillimetre-selected galaxies at a similar redshift. Our global star formation rate estimates – from far-infrared and extinction-corrected H α luminosities – are in good agreement. However, the different morphologies of the different phases of the interstellar medium suggest complex extinction properties of the high-redshift normal galaxies.
Aspectos reprodutivos de Serrapinnus notomelas (Characiformes: Cheirodontinae) em igarapés da bacia do rio Machado, sudoeste Amazônico

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estrategia reprodutiva de Serrapinnus notomelas em igarapes da bacia do rio Machado, sudoeste da Amazonia. As coletas foram realizadas no periodo de abril de 2015 a marco de 2016 em dois igarapes, utilizando rede de cerco e redes de mao ao longo de um trecho de 50 m do igarape. Foram coletados 122 individuos, sendo 38 machos e 84 femeas (proporcao-sexual; 2 femeas: 1 macho). O tamanho dos individuos variou de 1,7 a 4,0 cm, nao havendo diferencas entre o comprimento medio de machos e femeas (U = 1406,5; df = 121; p = 0,29). O tamanho da primeira reproducao para femeas foi de 2,6 cm e dos machos, 3,6 cm. A desova foi caracterizada como sendo do tipo total e a estacao reprodutiva da especie ocorreu no periodo chuvoso. Esses resultados preenchem lacunas cientificas referentes a biologia de especies de pequeno porte de igarapes amazonicos.
Survey of Eccentric-Based Strength and Conditioning Practices in Sport.

McNeill, C, Beaven, CM, McMaster, DT, and Gill, N. Survey of eccentric-based strength and conditioning practices in sport. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-Eccentric-based training (ECC) has been shown to be an effective training strategy in athletes; however, despite the theoretical benefits, the uptake by practitioners is currently unknown. This study investigated the current ECC strength and conditioning practices that are implemented in the training of athletes. Two hundred twenty-four practitioners were electronically surveyed anonymously with 98 responses available for analysis. Nearly all respondents (96%) had prescribed ECC in the last 24 months. Sport performance (64%), injury prevention (24%), and rehabilitation (8%) were the top-ranked reasons to include ECC. Respondents programmed ECC for strength (35%), hypertrophy (19%), and power (18%). A majority of respondents did not monitor ECC load (58%) or use eccentric-specific testing (75%). Seventeen respondents commented that high-intensity training such as sprinting and change of direction, were avoided during ECC blocks. Eccentric-based training intensity was prescribed as percentage of 1 repetition maximum (34%), rate of perceived exertion (20%), or velocity (16%). Respondents indicated muscle soreness and concurrent high-intensity activities were concerns during ECC but reported not using eccentric monitoring or testing. The efficacy of ECC is well supported, yet there seems to be a lack of defined protocol for integrating ECC research into practice. A greater understanding of eccentric contribution to sport performance and injury prevention may help define testing and monitoring procedures for the prescription of ECC interventions. Practitioners should consider factors such as periodization, soreness, and monitoring when designing ECC programs. The findings of this survey indicate that no uniform strategies exist for the prescription of ECC among experienced practitioners.
What Influences Parenting Behaviour? The Role of Parent Self-Concept

Abstract Parenting has a strong influence on child development. However, there is minimal empirical evidence on why some parents use beneficial techniques, while others use harmful behaviours. Thus, there is a significant gap in the knowledge needed to address problematic parenting. Theories suggest that parental self-concept has a large influence on parenting behaviours. The aim of this study was to examine the relation between parent self-cognitions and parenting behaviours. One-hundred and four mothers of Grade 7 students completed questionnaires measuring their self-esteem, self-criticism, domain-specific self-concept, and parenting behaviours (support, behavioural control, and psychological control). Regression analyses demonstrated that self-cognitions largely predicted psychological control but support or behavioural control did not. These findings suggest that psychologically controlling behaviour in parents may be due to poor self-worth. With psychological control known to deeply damage children, these findings have major implications for interventions targeting harmful parenting.
Impacts of productive and recurrent public expenditure on economic growth in South Africa: An analysis using the autoregressive distributed lag – error correction model

Orientation: The weak economic growth experienced by South Africa in the face of increased government spending is a concern. Research purpose: Investigating different components of government spending helps to observe their relationships with economic growth and conclude whether or not government spending contributes to the lower economic growth. Motivation for the study: Earlier studies in South Africa considered the effects of total government spending on economic growth; however, estimating this effect does not depict reality. Research approach/design and method: This study used annual data from 1976 to 2017 to observe this relationship. The autoregressive distributed lag bounds-test approach to cointegration and the ARDL-based error correction method were adopted. Main findings: The results showed that the two components of government spending positively affect economic growth in the short and long run. Government investment spending has a greater effect on economic growth in the long run than in the short run. The results showed that government consumption expenditure outweighs government investment expenditure, with the latter having lesser effect on economic growth. Practical/managerial implications: This shows that increased government spending is not to be blamed for the slow growth in South Africa, supporting theory. Contribution/value-add: Some studies did not disaggregate government spending into government investment and consumption spending in South Africa; and observed how each component affects economic growth; and other studies used econometric techniques that are different from the one used in the current study. This study therefore contributes to the ongoing discussion of the effect of government spending on economic growth.
Flexural behaviour evaluation on foamed bitumen stabilised pavement beams using fibre optic sensors

ABSTRACT The paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of both distributed fibre optics sensors (DFOs), and fibre Bragg grating sensors (FBGs) to acquire an accurate measurement of the flexural strain of foamed bitumen stabilised (FBS) beams and to assess the material behaviour under both static and dynamic loading conditions. The beams were equipped with DFOs, FBGs and a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) to perform the static and dynamic flexural tests using a four-point bending apparatus. The initial plastic flexural strain progression of both top and bottom faces of the beam specimen under different test conditions, including different load pulse shapes and rest periods were evaluated. The results revealed that both haversine-upward and haversine-downward pulse shapes lead to a significant amount of plastic flexural strain compared to that evolved through sinusoidal pulse shapes. However, the plastic flexural strain under haversine pulse shapes can be minimised by introducing a rest period at certain cycle intervals. Further, the flexural strain profile captured by DFOs during the static and dynamic flexural tests indicated the capacity of DFOs to detect cracks initiation and propagation.
Glioblastoma surgery related emotion recognition deficits are associated with right cerebral hemisphere tract changes

Abstract Patients with glioblastoma face abysmal overall survival, cognitive deficits, poor quality of life and limitations to social participation; partly attributable to surgery. Emotion recognition deficits mediated by pathophysiological mechanisms in the right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus and right inferior longitudinal fasciculus have been demonstrated in traumatic brain injury and dementia, with negative associations for social participation. We hypothesize similar mechanisms occur in patients undergoing resection surgery for glioblastoma. Here, we apply tract-based spatial statistics using a combination of automated image registration methods alongside cognitive testing before and after surgery. In this prospective, longitudinal, observational study of 15 patients, surgery is associated with an increase in emotion recognition deficits (P = 0.009) and this is correlated with decreases in fractional anisotropy in the inferior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, anterior thalamic radiation and uncinate fasciculus; all in the right hemisphere (P = 0.014). Methodologically, the combination of registration steps used demonstrate that tract-based spatial statistics can be applied in the context of large, scan distorting lesions such as glioblastoma. These results can inform clinical consultations with patients undergoing surgery, support consideration for social cognition rehabilitation and are consistent with theoretical mechanisms that implicate these tracts in emotion recognition deficits across different diseases.
Promoting Bank Usage Habits in Africa’s Savings Mobilization Programs: A Strategic Marketing Perspective

Despite widespread liberalization of savings mobilization marketing systems in African economies, consumers continue to rely more heavily on informal financial services than formal financial services, within these systems. The authors draw on habit theory and the strategic marketing framework to develop a rural, customer-centric marketing (CCM) model for promoting rural savings programs in the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) context. Results based on data from Ghana’s savings mobilization program show that under the current, liberalized policy regime, formal financial institutions generate a more significant relative advantage than informal financial arrangements. Of the four customer-centric marketing activities (i.e., service affordability, accessibility, acceptability, and awareness), consumers only viewed service affordability as generating a relative disadvantage. Relatedly, only service affordability positively influenced savings likelihood, while service accessibility negatively influenced the bank usage habit. The results confirm that the customer-centric marketing approach effectively identifies which service inducements promote the bank usage habit in Africa’s savings mobilization programs.
Morphometrics of adults and juvenile stages of three longidorid nematodes (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) from Vojvodina province, northern Serbia

Populations of Longidorus distinctus, L. euonymus and Xiphinema italiae from Vojvodina Province, Northern Serbia are briefly described. Morphometries and illustrations of females and juvenile stages are provided. Males of L. euonymus and X. italiae are reported for the first time. Further research on taxonomy and biology of X. italiae is suggested because of its high morphometric variability and existence of populations with either four or three juvenile stages.
Clinical evaluation of xylazine, lidocaine and ketamine intravenous infusion to reduce isoflurane requirement in Thai native cross-bred ponies

Balanced anesthesia in equine could reduce anesthetic-related fatalities. Sedative, anesthetic and analgesic agents currently available in Thailand such as xylazine, ketamine, isoflurane and lidocaine are extensively used in equine practice, but their combination has not been reported. The present study aimed to determine the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane and clinical parameters in Thai native cross-bred ponies under general anesthesia. Six Thai native cross-bred ponies were examined by a random crossover method. They were categorized into 4 groups according to the maintenance of anesthesia which were isoflurane group (I), isoflurane and lidocaine group (IL), isoflurane, xylazine and ketamine group (IXK) and isoflurane, xylazine, lidocaine and ketamine group (IXKL). Tranquilization was performed with acepromazine (0.04 mg/kg IV), and sedation was performed with xylazine (0.8 mg/kg IV). Anesthesia was induced with ketamine (2 mg/kg IV) and diazepam (0.1 mg/kg IV), and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and a constant rate infusion (CRI) of injectable drugs. Measurement parameters were heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), blood gases variables (pH, PaO2, PaCO2), end-tidal isoflurane concentration (ET-iso), end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (ET-CO2), MAC and recovery scores. The MAC of isoflurane (mean±SD) in groups I, IL, IXK and IXKL were 0.74±0.2%, 0.67±0.2%, 0.45±0.2% and 0.16±0.1%, respectively. A significant (p<0.05) reduction of 78% was found when compared between groups I and IXKL. There was no significant difference in the blood gases variables and recovery scores in all groups. In conclusion, the loading dose of xylazine 0.8 mg/kg followed by infusion of 0.5 mg/kg/h, ketamine 2 mg/kg followed by infusion of 1 mg/kg/h, and lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg within 15 minutes followed by 50 μg/kg/min, combined with isoflurane could reduce isoflurane requirement in Thai native cross-bred ponies with good recovery quality.
Smart Solution for STSP Semantic Traveling Salesman Problem via Hybrid Ant Colony System with Genetic Algorithm

: Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) is one of the main and famous problems in finding the shortest path. But life is not ideal, so in this paper, we proposed design a Semantic Travelling Salesman Problems (STSP). The STSP enhances nodes by suitable Ontologies according to a real problem to be more flexible. Also, we proposed a hybrid model (ACSGA) combining the ant colony system (ACS) with the genetic algorithm (GA). That is to speed-up convergence and finds an effective path of a Semantic Travelling Salesman Problem STSP. The performance of the proposed hybrid model ACSGA was faster by 66% than other standard algorithms. And the distance decreases by 0.72%. We apply the proposed solution to the real problem with challenges as traffic overcrowding and weather changeable. So, the proposed STSP in this paper used traffics and weather Ontology as a case study. The proposed method modified the results according to time which decreases by 2.3%.
Morphometric differentiation of five biotypes of Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) in Iran

Morphometric analyses were carried out on five biotypes of Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) associated with five host aphid species, Aphis craccivora Koch, Aphis fabae Scopoli, Aphis gossypii Glover, Brachyunguis zygophylli (Nevsky) and Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner). Sixteen morphological characters were measured on female specimens of L. fabarum. Two multivariate discriminant analyses, discriminant function analysis and Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean cluster analysis, were employed to discriminate among L. fabarum biotypes on a morphological basis. Both discriminant function analysis and cluster analysis revealed significant morphological differences. Specimens of L. fabarum reared on Melanaphis sacchari/ Sorghum halepense association showed clear differentiation from other L. fabarum biotypes. A stepwise discriminant function analysis selected Distance between R1-R2 junction and outer margin of wing, Metacarpus length, Width of first tergit, Basal vein length and Femur length that showed the highest contribution to the separation of host-adapted biotypes. A dendrogram of the cluster analysis based on data of squared Euclidean distances classified biotypes in different groups. This study demonstrates that morphometric analysis of morphological characters can efficiently discriminate among host-associated groups based on size variation and clearly separate biotypes of L. fabarum. We concluded that L. fabarum biotypes are not homogeneous morphological entities, and represent different host-associated forms.