Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lost in translation: from the university’s quality assurance system to student evaluation practice

ABSTRACT Student course evaluation is a mandatory part of quality assurance systems in Norwegian higher education, aiming to enhance educational quality. However, several studies report that student course evaluation mainly is used for quality assurance and not for quality enhancement. Drawing upon translation theory, this paper analyses how the quality assurance system (QAS) that regulates evaluation, the actors and the arenas of translation at a Norwegian university affect student evaluation practice and its uses. Academic leaders were interviewed and evaluation documents analysed. Results show that the leaders were not familiar with the university’s established guidelines for an ideal evaluation practice in QAS. The academics described an evaluation practice that seems to be more internal-driven rooted in their values, previous experiences, local cultures and traditions rather than on regulations like QAS. Their translation of evaluation can be regarded as modified translation. The academics’ approach to evaluation seems to be based upon a logic of appropriateness. The different actors involved in evaluation processes seem to base their actions on contradicting logics. This can help understand why a de-coupling from evaluation described in QAS occurred. These findings and the academics’ perspectives should be taken into consideration when future evaluation systems are created.
Is Coulomb Stress the Best Choice for Aftershock Forecasting?

The Coulomb failure stress (CFS) criterion is the most commonly used method for predicting spatial distributions of aftershocks following large earthquakes. However, large uncertainties are always associated with the calculation of Coulomb stress change. The uncertainties mainly arise due to nonunique slip inversions and unknown receiver faults; especially for the latter, results are highly dependent on the choice of the assumed receiver mechanism. Based on binary tests (aftershocks yes/no), recent studies suggest that alternative stress quantities, a distance‐slip probabilistic model as well as deep neural network (DNN) approaches, all are superior to CFS with predefined receiver mechanism. To challenge this conclusion, which might have large implications, we use 289 slip inversions from SRCMOD database to calculate more realistic CFS values for a layered half‐space and variable receiver mechanisms. We also analyze the effect of the magnitude cutoff, grid size variation, and aftershock duration to verify the use of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for the ranking of stress metrics. The observations suggest that introducing a layered half‐space does not improve the stress maps and ROC curves. However, results significantly improve for larger aftershocks and shorter time periods but without changing the ranking. We also go beyond binary testing and apply alternative statistics to test the ability to estimate aftershock numbers, which confirm that simple stress metrics perform better than the classic Coulomb failure stress calculations and are also better than the distance‐slip probabilistic model.
Seismic response calculation method and shaking table test of horizontal storage tanks under lateral excitation

This article aims to propose analytical solutions to calculate the seismic response of horizontal storage tanks under lateral excitation. First, based on the potential fluid theory and appropriate boundary conditions, analytical solutions for seismic response calculations were derived. This method can calculate the dynamic response time series of fluid pressure, fluid sloshing, base shear, and bending moment. Based on this, this study further derived the stress expressions of the tank wall and saddle. Subsequently, we performed a shaking table test of the horizontal storage tank under lateral seismic excitation. The results showed that the analytical solutions were in good agreement with the experimental results. The maximum percentage difference did not exceed 15%, thereby verifying the reliability of the analytical solutions.
The genus Abrawayaomys Cunha and Cruz, 1979 (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae): geographic variation and species definition

Abrawayaomys is a genus endemic to the Atlantic Forest with unique craniodental attributes within the radiation of sigmodontine rodents. Recent data hypothesized the existence of 2 species of Abrawayaomys, namely A. ruschii (from the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo) and A. chebezi (from the Argentinean province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Paraná), as well as a possible undescribed species (from the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais). Herein, based on a large series of recently collected specimens, we assessed the congruence between morphologic and molecular characters to search for discontinuities on these features across geography to delimit species within the genus, testing the aforementioned hypothesis. Morphological analyses, both qualitative and quantitative, showed that all characters are polymorphic throughout the geographic range of the genus. Results from phylogenetic analyses of cytochrome b (Cytb) data showed the topology (Misiones (Minas Gerais (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro))), which is better explained as geographic rather than taxonomic variation, based on low values of genetic divergence observed between all specimens. Therefore, we reject the hypothesis of a polytypic Abrawayaomys, synonymizing A. chebezi to A. ruschii, and do not recognize specimens from Minas Gerais state as representing a distinct species.
Investigations into bovine luteolytic mechanisms utilizing a long-term cell culture system

Luteal regression in the cow occurs every cycle in which pregnancy does not occur. The agent which induces luteolysis is a uterine prostaglandin, PGF$\sb{2\alpha}$, although the mechanism of its action remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mode of action of PGF$\sb{2\alpha}$ in a longterm, serum-free culture system of bovine luteal cells. Experiment I investigated the influence of LH and PGF$\sb{2\alpha}$ on 3$\beta$-HSD presence in cultured luteal cells. Total numbers of cells dropped slightly throughout the 8 day culture. Numbers of 3$\beta$-positive cells also dropped in all treatment groups. 3$\beta$-HSD was best maintained in the presence of LH. PGF$\sb{2\alpha}$ treatment had no influence on numbers of 3$\beta$-positive cells. Experiment II investigated the role of Ca$\sp{++}$ and calmodulin in the regulation of P$\sb4$ steroidogenesis. The presence of extracellular Ca$\sp{++}$ is mandatory for LH stimulation of P$\sb4$ as is seen in EGTA treated medium. Ca$\sp{++}$-enriched medium (A23187) increased LH-stimulated P$\sb4$ production. P$\sb4$ in the PGF$\sb{2\alpha}$ treatment was not altered in either the presence or absence of elevated Ca$\sp{++}$. The production of endogenous PGF$\sb{2\alpha}$ was not influenced by Ca$\sp{++}$ environment. Ca$\sp{++}$ antagonists TMB-8 and CCCP had no effects on basal P$\sb4$ production but did inhibit LH-stimulated P$\sb4$. Calmodulin antagonists, TFP and W-7, were only able to slightly inhibit LH-stimulated P$\sb4$ and had no effect on basal P$\sb4$. Experiment III investigated the influence of E$\sb2$ and phenol red, a weak E$\sb2$, on luteal P$\sb4$ steroidogenesis. E$\sb2$ was shown to suppress LH-stimulated P$\sb4$ in phenol-containing medium but had no effect on basal or PGF$\sb{2\alpha}$-induced P$\sb4$. The use of phenol-free medium resulted in higher absolute P$\sb4$ levels for control and LH treatments. E$\sb2$ suppressed LH-stimulated P$\sb4$ early in the culture but was unable to cause an effect on day 8 and 10. No statistically significant cooperative effects of E$\sb2$ + PGF$\sb{2\alpha}$ were found but trends suggest lowered P$\sb4$ in the presence of both of these luteolytic agents. In conclusion, the presence of low levels of LH is suggested to maintain the number of steroidogenically active cells. PGF$\sb{2\alpha}$ does not mediate its action through a reduction in 3$\beta$-HSD. LH-stimulated P$\sb4$ production requires free, intracellular and extracellular Ca$\sp{++}$ whereas, the role of Ca$\sp{++}$ in PGF$\sb{2\alpha}$ action remains unknown. Also, free Ca$\sp{++}$ appears to be a more important regulator of luteal steroidogenesis than calmodulin-bound Ca$\sp{++}$. Estrogen appears to have a direct effect on LH-stimulated P$\sb4$ production. Phenol red appears to influence basal and LH-stimulated P$\sb4$ production. The complete mechanism of PGF$\sb{2\alpha}$ action remains to be elucidated.
Annual Earnings Guidance and the Smoothing of Analysts’ Multi-Period Forecasts

This article examines the use of annual earnings guidance as a mechanism used by managers to reduce the volatility of analyst earnings forecasts and allow them to report smooth earnings without missing quarterly analyst forecasts. Facing the pressure to meet or beat analyst forecasts and driven by the perceived capital market benefits of reporting a smooth earnings path, managers attempting to influence investors’ earnings expectations over a longer horizon can issue annual guidance to smooth the time-series path of analyst forecasts, a strategy we term as “expectation smoothing. ” Our empirical results suggest that annual guidance reduces the volatility of analysts’ multi-period forecasts, which in turn contributes to a smoother actual earnings and higher likelihood of meeting analysts’ quarterly forecasts. We also find that issuing quarterly guidance does not affect the smoothness of analysts’ earnings expectations and that managers with longer horizons are more likely to issue annual guidance, consistent with the unique long-term effects of annual earnings guidance.
Morphological and Molecular Analyses of Hynobius dunni Reveal a New Species from Shikoku, Japan

Abstract We describe a new species of lentic salamander of the genus Hynobius. From our examination of specimens from the Kyushu and Shikoku populations of Hynobius dunni, individuals of each population have distinct morphological and molecular traits. On this basis, we describe the Shikoku population as a new species. Morphological comparisons revealed that most individuals of H. dunni possessed distinct black spots on the dorsum, but that the new species lacks these spots. Furthermore, the mean snout–vent length was smaller for the new species than for the Kyushu population of H. dunni. Phylogenetic analyses with the use of fragments of the 16S rRNA and cytochrome b genes also distinguish the new species from individuals in the Kyushu population. The new species has been found in only seven artificial ponds, with approximately 80 clutches of eggs found each year. This endangered species might have the smallest distribution of all those in the genus Hynobius.
Self-Reported Food Safety Behaviors in Independent Chinese and Mexican Restaurants in Kansas

Research has shown that food served in ethnic restaurants is frequently associated with foodborne outbreaks. Few studies have used the Social Cognitive Theory to predict food safety behaviors, especially in independent ethnic restaurants. This study aimed to determine whether self-efficacy, self-regulation, outcome expectations, and environmental determinants are predictive of self-reported food safety behaviors through examining the behavioral intentions of food handlers in independent Chinese and Mexican restaurants. A questionnaire was developed and self-administered. It was translated to Chinese and Spanish and backtranslated to English to ensure accuracy. A multistage random sampling technique was utilized to collect data onsite, targeting a minimum of 250 food handlers from independent Mexican and Chinese restaurants. A total of 204 food handlers responded; 201 responses were usable, for a response rate of 80.4%. Multiple regression and mediation analyses were used to analyze the data. Only self-regulation, environmental determinants, and outcome expectations were statistically significant predictors of food safety behavioral intentions. Behavioral intentions were a significant mediator of the relationships between all predictors and self-reported food safety behaviors. The findings suggest that self-regulation, outcome expectations, and environmental factors in the form of equipment and supplies can promote positive food safety behaviors through behavioral intentions. INTRODUCTION Ethnic restaurants are defined as those that serve food from countries other than the traditional cuisine of the host country (18). Ethnic restaurants, especially Chinese, Italian, and Mexican have gained popularity and have become mainstream in the diet of most Americans (3, 47, 51). The ethnic food market continues to grow, with Mexican food having 62% of the market share (45). The increased interest in ethnic food in the United States has been driven by the diverse population, the growing number of immigrants who seek their traditional food, and young people who like to try new and different foods (57, 64).
In Vitro Germination of Different Date Palm (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) Pollen Sources from Southern Tunisia under the Effect of Three Storage Temperatures

ABSTRACT Date palm pollen storage is becoming more and more necessary due to the asynchronous maturation of male and female flowers that, frequently, occurs, during the last years in Tunisia. However, little information is available on the pollen viability and favorable storage conditions. The present study aims to compare date palm pollen storage at three temperatures (25 ± 2°C, 4°C and −20°C) and to evaluate the aptitude of pollens from different geographical origins to conserve their in vitro germinative potency. Results revealed that, after the fresh pollen, the overall pollen in vitro germinations were significantly improved with storage at −20°C (41.04 ± 23.84%) and 4°C (20.07 ± 22.19%) compared with storage at 25 ± 2°C (4.27 ± 4.39%). For each used temperature, the in vitro germination was not affected by the pollen origins. In fact, almost similar reactions were observed for fresh and stored pollen at 25 ± 2°C and 4°C. On the other hand, pollen stored at −20°C had reacted independently from the origin. However, the aptitude of pollens from similar origins to preserve their in vitro germination potencies under the three storage temperatures reveals some similarities. Physiologic characteristics of pollens were not related to the geographic origins and did not significantly affect their aptitude for storage
Landscape context and plant population size affect morph frequencies in heterostylous Primula veris—Results of a nationwide citizen‐science campaign

Heterostyly is a genetically determined floral polymorphism of style length promoting outcrossing between individuals of different morphs, which usually coexist within populations at equal frequencies. Loss in the area and connectivity of suitable habitats may cause deviations from the expected equal morph frequencies. However, there is a need to evaluate the generality of this pattern at larger spatial extents and to identify possible underlying mechanisms. A citizen‐science approach was used to study morph frequencies in populations of the heterostylous grassland plant Primula veris across Estonia. We developed an online platform to facilitate an easy upload of the data. We examined the effect of the following variables in the surroundings of the study populations reflecting the landscape context on the deviation of morph ratios: (a) semi‐natural grasslands, (b) forests and shrubs, (c) human population density and (d) a proxy for plant population size. The citizen‐science approach provided unprecedented density of data from 1,700 localities. Nearly half of these observations, which were maintained for further analysis after data filtering, included over 62,000 short‐styled morphs and about 54,000 long‐styled morphs. Small populations were characterized by higher overall deviation of morph ratios from isoplethy (equal morph ratio). Deviation increased in semi‐natural grasslands located in regions with high human population density. The significant effect of human population density and plant population size on deviations of morph frequencies suggests the role of stochastic demographic effects of habitat fragmentation on morph ratios. Overall lower proportion of long‐styled morphs indicates that partial intra‐morph compatibility shown in long‐styled morphs may lead to higher inbreeding and related decline in fitness and abundance. Synthesis. Citizen‐science data about the morph type of Primula veris across Estonia obtained with the help of thousands of people demonstrates that in addition to plant population size, landscape context may affect plant reproductive traits, such as heterostyly. Larger population size of P. veris can help to buffer against random fluctuations in this trait. Increasing impact of human activities may have a negative impact on both small and large populations. The exact underlying mechanisms of the prevalence of one morph over the other, however, pose novel questions for further research.
Effect of Organic Acids and Probiotic on broiler Performance, Some Blood Parameters and Control of E. coli.

One hundred, one-day old broiler chicks were divided into four equal groups (25 each). The 1st group kept as control, non infected,, chicks in 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups were experimentally infected with E coli (0.3 ml via nasal route of cultural suspension of E. coli O78 contain 3X107viable organism/ml) at 20 day of age. Chicks in 2nd, group infected with E coli only. Chicks in 3rd and 4th groups supplemented with 1ml formic acid, 1ml probiotic/ liter drinking water respectively from 1st to 35th day of age and infected with E coli . At 1st day post supplementation 5 chicks in all groups were weighted individually for calculation weight gain and feed conversion rate. Swabes from cloaca and trachea were collected from all chicks for reisolation of E coli . Study the effect of organic acids and probiotic in mortality rate. Blood samples were collected at 1st &7th day post supplementation for hemato-biochemical analysis Broiler chicks infected with E coli showed typical clinical signs of colibacelosis and mortality rate 24%, A significant reduction in body weight, lymphocytes, monocyts, eosinophils, basophils, serum total protein, albumin, total, a & g globulin and a significant rise in feed conversion rate, leukocytic count, heterophils b globulin, AST, ALT, ALP, uric acid and creatinine levels. Also, beside insignificant reduction in phagocytosis, killing%, IgG, IGA and IgM were recorded. E. coli was reisolated from all infected chicks Chicks infected with E coli and supplemented with organic acid or probiotic show less clinical signs, mortality rate was 4% coupled with reduction in reisolation of E. coli associated with significant elevation in weight gain, phagocytosis, killing %, IgG, IGA, IgM, total protein, albumin, a, b and g globulin beside significant reduction in feed conversion rate and insignificant increase in leukocytic count, heterophils, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophils, basophils, A/G ratio, AST, ALT, ALP, uric acid and creatinine. It could be concluded that the use of organic acid and probiotic reduced E. coli in digestive tract of broilers and improve body performance, immune response and some biochemical parameters.
Landscape Indicators of the Success of Protected Areas on Habitat Recovery for the Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia)

ABSTRACT Since 1974, conservation efforts to protect an endangered species, the Golden Lion Tamarin (GLT), have led to the creation of the first strict nature reserve in Brazil ‒ the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve (REBIO) ‒ and the subsequent creation of the Environmental Protection Area of the Sao Joao River Basin, for sustainable use. This paper assesses the influence of Protected Areas (PA) creation and conservation programs on GLT habitat. Landscape metrics based on aerial photographs taken from three different periods are used to assess habitat conditions for this species through time. We analyzed the availability and potential quality of habitat in the years following the creation of the REBIO, comparing with its buffer zone and population rates correlations. We observed different trends in landscape dynamics between the REBIO, where most of the forest recovery occurred, and its buffer zone, where habitat loss was recorded. In general, the results showed an increase of continuous forest patches. The conservation/regeneration processes in the buffer zone have intensified in recent years. Comparisons over time, especially with respect to forest core areas and large patches, are valuable tools to assess landscape suitability for GLT survival at different spatial scales.
Exploring Mechanisms of Inhibition of Amyloid Seeding of Transthyretin

Amyloid deposition of the hormone transporter transthyretin causes familial and sporadic amyloidoses. The current treatment for familial cases is gene-therapy by liver transplantation. However, this procedure is often insufficient to stop subsequent cardiac deposition. Our recent work has shown that preformed amyloid fibrils present in the heart by the time of surgery can template or seed further polymerization of native transthyretin. No drugs have been approved to stop or slow this seeding process; the only treatment option is heart transplantation. Here we explore two potential inhibitory mechanisms. Of clinical significance, we found that tetramer stabilization does not hinder amyloid seeding. In contrast, binding of the peptide inhibitor TabFH2 to ex-vivo fibrils efficiently inhibits amyloid seeding in a tissue-independent manner. Our findings point to inhibition of amyloid seeding by peptide inhibitors as a potential therapeutic approach to be further explored.
Effects of dietary supplementation of red ginseng root powder on performance, immune system, cecal microbial population and some blood parameters in broilers

The aim of the research was to determine the effects of red ginseng root powder on performance, immune system, caecal microbial population and some blood parameters in broilers. A total of 224 daily Ross 308 male broiler chicks were divided into one control group and three experimental groups each containing 56 chicks. Red ginseng root powder was added to the diets of groups at the level of 0, 75, 150 and 225 mg/kg, respectively. The experimental period was 38 days. There were no differences in growth performance. Addition of 225 mg/kg of the red ginseng root powder increased the relative weight percentages of spleen and gizzard (P<0.05). Ginseng root powder supplementation didn’t affect biochemical parameters and antibody titers in blood serum. The values of haemoglobin, leukocytes, red blood cell distribution width and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration in group fed diet supplemented with 225 mg/kg ginseng were increased significantly (P<0.001). The count of Lactobacillus spp. in the caecum (P<0.05) was increased with 75 mg/kg ginseng root powder addition. As a result, improvements were provided in immune organ and some hematological parameters with the addition of 225 mg/kg and in Lactobacillus spp. count in caecum with the addition of 75 mg/kg red ginseng root powder to the diets in broilers. Further studies are required to evaluate the bioavailability of the active compounds of red ginseng root powder and to determine the effects of its various doses on performance, immunity, antioxidant potential and intestinal microflora under various stress conditions in poultry.