Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transgenic mice expressing human alpha-synuclein in noradrenergic neurons develop locus coeruleus pathology and non-motor features of Parkinson’s disease

Degeneration of locus coeruleus (LC) neurons and dysregulation of noradrenergic signaling are ubiquitous features of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The LC is among the first brain regions affected by α-synuclein (asyn) pathology, yet how asyn affects these neurons remains unclear. LC-derived norepinephrine (NE) can stimulate neuroprotective mechanisms and modulate immune cells, while dysregulation of NE neurotransmission may exacerbate disease progression, particularly non-motor symptoms, and contribute to the chronic neuroinflammation associated with PD pathology. Although transgenic mice overexpressing asyn have previously been developed, transgene expression is usually driven by pan-neuronal promoters and thus has not been selectively targeted to LC neurons. Here we report a novel transgenic mouse expressing human wild-type asyn under control of the noradrenergic-specific dopamine β-hydroxylase promoter. These mice developed asyn aggregates in LC neurons, alterations in hippocampal and LC microglial abundance, upregulated GFAP expression, degeneration of LC fibers, decreased striatal dopamine metabolism, and age-dependent behaviors reminiscent of non-motor symptoms of PD. These mice provide novel insights into how asyn pathology affects LC neurons and how LC dysfunction may contribute to early PD pathophysiology. Significance statement α-synuclein (asyn) pathology and loss of neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) are two of the most ubiquitous neuropathologic features of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dysregulated NE neurotransmission is associated with the non-motor symptoms of PD including sleep disturbance, emotional changes such as anxiety and depression, and cognitive decline. Importantly, loss of central NE may contribute to the chronic inflammation in, and progression of, PD. We have generated a novel transgenic mouse expressing human wild-type asyn in LC neurons to investigate how increased asyn expression affects the function of the central noradrenergic transmission and associated behaviors. We report cytotoxic effects of asyn overexpression associated with astrogliosis in the LC and LC target regions, degeneration of LC fibers with disruptions in striatal dopamine (DA) metabolism, and age-dependent alterations in non-motor behaviors.
External debt and economic growth in Nigeria

External credits have been received from various sources including bilateral and multilateral arrangements but the country’s debt is a source of worry since the projects for which these loans were contracted cannot finance the credit facilities. This paper focused on the impact of external debt on economic growth in Nigeria within the period of 1980 to 2016. Thus, secondary data on gross domestic product and external debt were sourced from CBN statistical bulletin and debt management office fact book. The econometric method of Generalized Method of Moments(GMM) test was used. Priori the GMM test is the Kwiatkowski, Phillips, Schemidt and Shin, (KPSS) unit root test to ascertain the stationarity of the variables. Based on the empirical results; the KPSS stationarity test for each of the series showed that all the variables were stationary at order one as their respective LM statistics was less than the critical value at 5%. The GMM test shows that external debt and economic growth has positive and significant relationship with R2 of 54 percent. Therefore, to achieve long-term solution to the problem of external debts burden, government should stimulate domestic production to liberate the Nigerian economy from the shackles of wants and excessive dependence on external economics, which build up debt. Also, government should avoid unnecessary and unproductive borrowing that will serve as a leakage to the economy. This to a large extent will enhance the growth of the Nigerian economy.
Body condition score as an indicator of ewe survival under extensive conditions

Survival and mortality of extensive hill ewes are important commercial factors and valuable indicators of welfare, but difficult to study. Body condition scoring is a tried-and-tested management and monitoring tool which has been defined as a good predictor of fitness in ewes and is easily measured under hill farm conditions. This paper presents the results of a study on ewe survival rates in hill conditions in Scotland. Ewe performance and survival rates were measured in two contrasting hill flocks over a five-year period. Statistical analysis showed that mid-pregnancy body condition score was the most reliable indicator of subsequent ewe survival, followed closely by age of the ewe and environmental and management conditions. This study confirms that there are considerable welfare issues related to hill flocks and that improved winter nutritional management is a key component to good welfare and productivity. It also reinforces the view that body condition score is a good quantitative predictor of animal welfare and that poor mid-winter score indicates high risk of mortality, both at the flock and individual ewe level.
Ovariectomia laparoscópica em uma gata com ovários remanescentes Ovariectomy laparoscopic in a female cat with remaing ovaries

The ovary hysterectomy is a surgical procedure carried out with a higher frequency in dogs and cats and the elective sterilization is its most common indication. The remnant ovary syndrome is characterized by the presence of functional ovarian tissue inside the abdominal cavity and is described as the most common complication after elective ovary hysterecto- mies. In this study, the authors describe the case of remnant ovaries in a 2-years-old female cat, with no defined breed, 3.5 k g, with history of irregular cios after hysterectomy. The surgical treatment was carried out through laparoscopic incision. There wasn't any complication during or after surgery and the surgical procedure was considered effective.
Spatiotemporal Dynamical Analysis of Brain Activity During Mental Fatigue Process

Mental fatigue is a common phenomenon with implicit and multidimensional properties. It brings dynamic changes in functional brain networks. However, the challenging problem of false positives appears when the connectivity is estimated by electroencephalography (EEG). In this article, we propose a novel framework based on spatial clustering to explore the sources of mental fatigue and functional activity changes caused by them. To suppress false positive observations, spatial clustering is implemented in brain networks. The nodes extracted by spatial clustering are registered back to the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) source space to determine the sources of mental fatigue. The wavelet entropy of EEG in a sliding window is calculated to find the temporal features of mental fatigue. Our experimental results show that the extracted nodes correspond to the fMRI sources across different subjects and different tasks. The entropy values on the extracted nodes demonstrate clearer staged decreasing changes (deactivation). Additionally, the synchronization among the extracted nodes is stronger than that among all the nodes in the deactivation stage. The initial time of the strong synchronized deactivation is consistent with the subjective fatigue time reported by the subjects themselves. It means the synchronization and deactivation correspond to the subjective feelings of fatigue. Therefore, this functional activity pattern may be caused by sources of mental fatigue. The proposed framework is useful for a wide range of prolonged functional imaging and fatigue detection studies.
Exploring linguistic landscapes in selected South African universities: A case study of the University of Cape Town and the University of the Western Cape

This study explores issues of language policy and language practice in the linguistic landscapes (LLs) of two South African universities located in the Western Cape province, namely the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of the Western Cape (UWC). It analyses language forms or modes as they are utilised in disseminating information in the public spaces of the higher institutions of learning, in line with Kress’s (2012: 205) assertion that modes are interactive channels of communication. This article specifically examines the modes of communication used in the selected universities, the influence of cultural overtones on language use and choice, and the depiction of power relations in the LLs of these universities. An in-depth, qualitative study was conducted using the explorative case study design. Data was collected in the form of photographs, and analysed thematically using Critical Discourse Analysis and Multimodality. The findings of this study reveal some contrasts between the National Language Policy of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996–2018, and the language practice portrayed in the public spaces of the selected campuses. They unveil incongruence between the espoused policy and policy in action. We examined the mode of presentation of the observed languages with regard to the language population of the institutions, authorship, and signage approaches (bottom-up and top-down placements). These presentation modes were considered in terms of their implications for practice and the move towards achievable racial and linguistic integration in these culturally, historically, politically, and linguistically diverse institutions. The study recommends a consistent implementation of language practice that is in harmony with the institutional, and the nation’s, language policy in a bid to ensure inclusivity in South Africa’s higher institutions of learning.
ECONOMIC GROWTH IN INDIA DURING 1950–2015: NEHRUVIAN SOCIALISM TO MARKET CAPITALISM

Comparisons of pre and postreform economic growth in India are widely researched in the literature. This paper adds to this literature, but with a sectoral growth accounting perspective. We compare the proximate sources of economic growth in India during the 1950–1980 periods, the socalled Nehruvian socialist regime, with that of the post-1980 period, which includes the pro-business reforms in the 1980s and more aggressive pro-market reforms in the 1990s. We document two important features of India’s growth dynamics. First, the overriding importance of the services sector in India’s growth is not new, but it has always been the case in independent India. However, there has been a major shift in the composition of service sector growth. While the socialist regime fostered more nonmarket services, including the government sector, the market services sector flourished in the market regime, in terms of labour productivity, TFP and economic growth. Second, the economic growth in the socialist period was substantially driven by capital accumulation, except in the nonmarket services, whereas the market regime sees a combination of both productivity and capital accumulation.
Hubungan Stres dengan Kualitas Hidup Penderita Diabetes Mellitus Tipe 2

Diabetes mellitus is a diasease who will be happen on a life time. The changes in lifestyle, medication and treatment who must be followed is a cause stress the patient type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between stress and quality of life in patient type 2 diabetes mellitus. The research method used a descriptive correlation design with cross sectional approach. The research was conducted in the impatient unit Arifin Achmad Pekanbaru hospital on 30 respondents who experienced type 2 diabetes mellitus using accidental sampling technique based on the inclusion criteria. Research instrument used a questionnaire was adoption based Depression Anxiety Stress Scale to measure level of stress and WHOQOL-BREEF to measure quality of life. The analysis used univariate and bivariate analysis using Kolmogorov-Smirnov. The result showed that there is a relationship between stress and quality of life in patient type 2 diabetes mellitus with degree ρ = 0,024 < α = 0,05. This research concluded that there is a relationship between stress and quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Based on the result of this research, it is expected for nurse give provide nursing care and stress management for patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus to minimize the stress level, because the severe stress level can also decreased quality of life and aggravate the patient illness especially diabetes mellitus.
Ocriplasmin: past, present and future

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ocriplasmin is the first pharmacologic treatment approved for vitreomacular adhesion/traction. Much is still unknown about this new enzymatic vitreolysis treatment and this review article explores the clinical trial data available on this drug. Areas covered: All clinical trials involving ocriplasmin which were available on ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed search (as of May 15th 2016) are discussed. Expert commentary: Ophthalmologists now have multiple options for treating patients with vitreomacular traction, however, careful patient selection is important in order to enhance the therapeutic potential of this drug. With the advent of Optical Coherence Tomography, there is a greater awareness of the importance of the vitreoretinal interface in the causality of symptoms for patients. Vitreomacular adhesion and traction have become increasingly diagnosed and can lead to troublesome symptoms. Ocriplasmin is the only approved drug for helping with these conditions. Ocriplasmin has been under development for over a decade, and much more is known about its efficacy and safety profile now and with the advent of further post-marketing studies we may possibly be in the position of potentially tailoring this treatment to the needs of individual patients.
Integrating Interactive E-Learning Tools in Teaching ESL

This paper presents the findings of contemporary investigations that sought to examine the effectiveness of e-learning English tools, disadvantages of digital learning applications, and the perceptions of ESL students/teachers who have incorporated these web-based resources to facilitate language learning proficiency. This literature review discusses in detail language-learning applications including the WebCT (Web Course Tools), Elluminate, MOODLE, Blackboard (Wimba), and Voki tools, with the primary goal of understanding particular functionalities and how they can be modified to suit the context of language learning. The study confirms that most of these resources allowed students to record their voice messages, receive synchronous feedbacks from tutors, hold online peer discussions, and privately consult the tutors. In the conclusion, it was revealed that these language-learning applications significantly improved language study outcomes for international or ESL students. The study implication is identified as the need to conduct an exploration that examines ESL students’ perceptions regarding the benefits of Voki, Wimba, MOODLE, Elluminate, and WebCT.
Current treatment strategies for submacular hemorrhage

ABSTRACT Introduction: While uncommon, submacular hemorrhage (SMH) is caused by many etiologies and can result in severe vision loss, especially if untreated. Currently there are no accepted guidelines for the treatment of SMH. The current literature was reviewed to provide a better understanding and analyze results of the current treatments for the most common etiologies of SMH. Areas covered: The authors researched human/animal studies related to SMH treatment, articles describing etiologies of SMH and review articles of the entire subject to compose this manuscript. Literature search was conducted through pubmed using keywords submacular hemorrhage and the corresponding treatments. Expert commentary: Treating SMH using the most common techniques can result in varying outcomes. In office pneumatic displacement may be convenient however it may not completely displace the hemorrhage. Vitrectomy with tissue plasminogen activator and air-fluid exchange is a more aggressive approach and often results in near complete displacement, however VA may not improve due to macular scarring. Anti-VEGF monotherapy, or the combination of anti-VEGF with vitrectomy and pneumatic displacement, has resulted in very good visual outcomes for patients with SMH associated with choroidal neovascularization. Additional studies are needed to determine the most effective treatment.
Shari’ah supervisory board’s size impact on performance in the Islamic banking industry: An empirical investigation of the optimal board size across jurisdictions

Abstract Purpose – This study aims to empirically examine whether there is any optimal Shari’ah supervisory board’s (SSB) size that maximizes performance of Islamic banks (IBs). Apparently, IBs adopt different SSB size based on their different regulations across jurisdictions, and then it is still questionable whether there is any optimal SSB size that can fit all and be recommended to IBs. Design/methodology/approach – The paper investigates the impact of different SSB size on IBs performance using a sample of 113 banks over 23 countries for the period 2007-2015 based on the generalized method of moments estimator. Findings – The empirical evidence documented in this study strongly highlights the importance of small SSB size in enhancing the performance of IBs as compared to the large board size. The findings confirm that the SSB size of IBs should neither be lesser than three nor greater than six. More specifically, it is found that the optimal SSB size seems to be five. Research limitations/implications – First, the study does not investigate whether the findings are constant during crisis and non-crisis periods. Second, the optimal SSB size in IBs should be confirmed from the risk-taking perspective besides performance. Practical implications – For both the IBs and the regulators, they should give due importance to small SSB size as an important element for improving the IBs performance. It is strongly recommended for the IBs to have a SSB size between three and six, and five is the most recommended. The Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions also should revise their existing standards that only suggest the minimumSSB size of three to include the maximum size of six and the optimal size of five. Originality/value – Despite the SSB size plays an important role in affecting the performance of IBs, it seems there are no empirical studies attempting to address whether there is any optimal SSB size that can enhance the IBs performance so far. Keywords Performance, Islamic banks, Shari’ah governance, Shari’ah supervisory board, Optimal board size Paper type Research paper
The impact of biomass burning and aqueous-phase processing on air quality: a multi-year source apportionment study in the Po Valley, Italy

Abstract. The Po Valley (Italy) is a well-known air quality hotspot characterized by particulate matter (PM) levels well above the limit set by the European Air Quality Directive and by the World Health Organization, especially during the colder season. In the framework of Emilia-Romagna regional project “Supersito”, the southern Po Valley submicron aerosol chemical composition was characterized by means of high-resolution aerosol mass spectroscopy (HR-AMS) with the specific aim of organic aerosol (OA) characterization and source apportionment. Eight intensive observation periods (IOPs) were carried out over 4 years (from 2011 to 2014) at two different sites (Bologna, BO, urban background, and San Pietro Capofiume, SPC, rural background), to characterize the spatial variability and seasonality of the OA sources, with a special focus on the cold season. On the multi-year basis of the study, the AMS observations show that OA accounts for averages of 45±8 % (ranging from 33 % to 58 %) and 46±7 % (ranging from 36 % to 50 %) of the total non-refractory submicron particle mass (PM 1 -NR) at the urban and rural sites, respectively. Primary organic aerosol (POA) comprises biomass burning ( 23±13 % of OA) and fossil fuel ( 12±7 %) contributions with a marked seasonality in concentration. As expected, the biomass burning contribution to POA is more significant at the rural site (urban / rural concentration ratio of 0.67), but it is also an important source of POA at the urban site during the cold season, with contributions ranging from 14 % to 38 % of the total OA mass. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) contributes to OA mass to a much larger extent than POA at both sites throughout the year ( 69±16 % and 83±16 % at the urban and rural sites, respectively), with important implications for public health. Within the secondary fraction of OA, the measurements highlight the importance of biomass burning aging products during the cold season, even at the urban background site. This biomass burning SOA fraction represents 14 %–44 % of the total OA mass in the cold season, indicating that in this region a major contribution of combustion sources to PM mass is mediated by environmental conditions and atmospheric reactivity. Among the environmental factors controlling the formation of SOA in the Po Valley, the availability of liquid water in the aerosol was shown to play a key role in the cold season. We estimate that the organic fraction originating from aqueous reactions of biomass burning products (“bb-aqSOA”) represents 21 % (14 %–28 %) and 25 % (14 %–35 %) of the total OA mass and 44 % (32 %–56 %) and 61 % (21 %–100 %) of the SOA mass at the urban and rural sites, respectively.
Validation of a Model for Knowledge Management in the Cocoa Producing Peasant Organizations of Vinces Using Neutrosophic Iadov Technique

The work departs with a model for knowledge management in the country productive organizations of cocoa of Vinces, in Ecuador. A model that is developed for the need to boost the correct management of knowledge and development of this type of entrepreneurship. The objective of the present work is to validate the qualitative aspects of the model using neutrosophy and the Iadov technique, due to that these techniques are appropriate for validating knowledge in different areas in the presence of uncertainty and indeterminacy. A final result is obtained that facilitates to calculate the index group satisfaction of the proposed model. The index of group satisfaction (GSI), in this case, is GSI =0.85. Results are positive, which validate the satisfaction with the model. Paper ends with conclusions and future works proposals.
Exposure of Nurses in the PACU to Waste Anesthetic Gas - A Pilot Study

Volatile anesthetics are a common method of providing surgical anesthesia, with the process of exhalation being critical to removal of the anesthetic from the patient. NIOSH recommends that workers should not be exposed to halogenated agents at concentrations of greater than 2 ppm over a sampling period not to exceed one hour. The authors utilized a MIRAN 1B SapphIRe Portable Ambient Analyzer to study waste anesthetic gas levels by simulating the practice activity of a nurse in the PACU. Exposure to waste anesthetic gases was found to be 50 % higher than published in national guidelines. PACU nurses may have exposure to waste anesthesia gases that supercede NIOSH guidelines. Further investigation is warrented.