Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Meal Effects and DPP-4 Inhibition Islet- and Incretin Hormones in Health and Type 2 Diabetes

Meal composition and size are crucial in the regulation of glycaemia and islet hormones in both healthy subjects and those with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Incretin hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, are released after meal intake. They regulate postprandial glycaemia by stimulation of insulin secretion. Incretin hormones are rapidly degraded by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). The effect of incretin hormones is reduced in T2D. DPP-4 inhibitors stimulate insulin secretion in the presence of hyperglycaemia. It has not been established whether DPP-4 inhibitors affect postprandial glycaemia or islet hormones following meal ingestion in normoglycaemic conditions is not established. The aim of the research presented in this thesis was to characterize the effect of meal composition, size and timing with or without DPP-4 inhibition on the response of plasma glucose and islet and incretin hormones in healthy and T2D subjects. The studies were single-centre studies, and included both men and women, with and without T2D. Meals of different composition and size were ingested with or without the intake of DPP-4 inhibitors. The most important findings were as follows. 1. In healthy subjects, increasing the caloric content of the meal induced adaptive stimulation of incretin hormones and beta-cell function to maintain similar plasma glucose levels. 2. The intake of a mixed meal reduced the increase in plasma glucose and stimulated beta-cell function and incretin hormone secretion in both healthy and drug naïve and well-controlled T2D subjects, compared to the intake of individual macronutrients. 3. DPP-4 inhibition reduced plasma glucose after separate macronutrient intake in healthy subjects, and after mixed meal ingestion in both healthy and drug naïve and well-controlled T2D subjects. 4. Three different DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, saxagliptin and vildagliptin) similarly elevated the level of intact incretin hormones and suppressed incretin hormone secretion throughout the day. DPP-4 inhibitors also suppressed glycaemia and stimulated beta-cell function after meal intake in metformin-treated T2D subjects throughout the day. In conclusion, new knowledge has been gained on the dynamic regulation of glucose homeostasis, islet and incretin hormone responses in healthy subjects and T2D subjects following meal ingestion with or without DPP-4 inhibition.
A FUNCTIONAL DIVIDE: SUBGROUPS AS A STIMULUS FOR TEAM LEARNING BEHAVIOR CRISTINA B. GIBSON Center for Effective Organizations

This paper examines the relationship between subgroups and team learning behavior, a set of complementary actions that teams engage in to improve their outcomes. We propose that the presence of subgroups within a team may stimulate learning behavior. Moreover, we argue that organizational design features, such as performance management by an external leader, team empowerment, and the availability of a knowledge management system, may have different effects on teams, dependent on the salience of the subgroups within them. Models using data on 156 teams in five pharmaceutical and medical products firms demonstrated that the existence of demographic subgroups in teams fostered learning behavior, provided that these subgroups were not too salient. In addition, the results indicated that both very homogeneous and very heterogeneous teams were more inclined to engage in learning behavior, yet this result was only revealed if the concurrent effect of subgroup salience was controlled for. Finally, subgroup salience moderated the impact of organizational design features on team learning behavior. Overall, this study highlights the importance of subgroups for understanding team behavior.
The case of mining companies

Despite the increase of corporate social responsibi lity (CSR) reporting worldwide, the practices still lack accountability and credibility. In the paper, the authors highlight th e issue of undervalued stakeholder involvement in t he process of improving the quality of CSR reporting. Thus, this paper aims to answer the question of how stakeholders engage in the process of CSR reporting within the mining industry, and if the mining companies use the stake hold r's feedback to improve this process? The data in he study was analyzed using content analysis of corporate social responsibility reports of coal mining enterprises. The reports we re collected from the sustainability report database of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The results indicate that stakeholder commun ication in the studied reports is more focused on providing than obtaining information fro m stakeholders. All of the studied companies declar that they engage in dialogue with stakeholders but with different groups. Feedback me chanisms are not very well developed and need more attention from reporting companies.
The Effect of Buffer Chemistry Learning Strategies Based on Investigation to Critical Thinking Skills, Metacognition, and Mastery of Concepts of Senior High School Students

The study objectives are 1) to explain the effect of learning strategies based on investigation to critical thinking skills, metacognition, and mastery of the concepts at senior high school students; 2) to empower critical thinking skills and metacognition at senior high school students; and 3) to compare the level of the concept mastery of buffer solution chemistry between students who are taught based on the investigation learning and conventional learning. The methods used are preliminary observation, preparation of learning tools, development and verification of learning tools, trial and dissemination, pre-non-test, and implementing of chemistry learning tools based on investigation learning for senior high schools. The subjects of this study were senior high school students in Makassar city and Maros district. Learning tools are used in this study are Planning of Learning Implementation on Investigation Worksheets, a book of the investigation model, and the non-test also test Instruments for the Chemistry subjects of eleven grade of Senior High School. The research used was the pretest-posttest control group design. The results showed that firstly, there is an effect of the chemistry learning strategies based on the investigation to critical thinking skills, metacognition, and the concept mastery of senior high school students. Secondary the critical thinking skills and metacognition of senior high school students are empowered which is characterized by increasing critical thinking skills and metacognition of students after the learning process, and thirdly the level of the concept mastery of buffer solution chemistry of students who are taught by investigation learning is higher than conventional learning. Keywords—chemistry learning, concept mastery, critical thinking, investigation, metacognition
Brand Image Model: Analysis of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Service Quality

DOI: 10.21276/sjhss.2017. 2.10. 17 Abstract: The object of this research at PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) unit Jakarta Bintaro Jaya 1 is a branch under the coordination of Regional V Jakarta 3 area of beautiful cottage Jakarta, consisting of 12 units of micro office with Case Study on Micro Credit Loan. This bank has a commitment to provide ease of lending as an additional business capital for Micro Entrepreneur (UM) or UMKM. More than 80 percent of business units in Indonesia are UM / UMKM. During the period of 5 years (2010-2014) the provision of credit / UMKM decreased. In addition, the number of non-performing loans (NPLs) from the UM / UMKM sector has increased significantly. The relationship quality management (CRM) index has declined over the last five years, so there needs to be an effort to improve relationship quality (CRM) and service quality. This will be able to improve the image of banking. The purpose of this research is to develop brand image with CRM and service quality. Unit of analysis of micro business credit debtors, population 558 and samples of 100 customers with slovin techniques. Analysis method with quantitative analysis. Analysis technique with Path analysis, followed by determination analysis (RSquare), Testing of partial hypothesis (t test) and simultaneous (F test) with alpha 5 percent. Before the analysis with the first path analysis in the test questionnaire research with validity and reliability test as well as classical assumptions. SPSS version 22.0 analysis tool. The research result is that Customer Relationship Management and Service Quality have an effect on Brand Image either partially, simultaneously, directly and indirectly.
Quantifying the hydrological responses to climate change in an intact forested small watershed in Southern China

Responses of hydrological processes to climate change are key components in the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) assessment. Understanding these responses is critical for developing appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies for sustainable water resources management and protection of public safety. However, these responses are not well understood and little long‐term evidence exists. Herein, we show how climate change, specifically increased air temperature and storm intensity, can affect soil moisture dynamics and hydrological variables based on both long‐term observation and model simulations using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in an intact forested watershed (the Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve) in Southern China. Our results show that, although total annual precipitation changed little from 1950 to 2009, soil moisture decreased significantly. A significant decline was also found in the monthly 7‐day low flow from 2000 to 2009. However, the maximum daily streamflow in the wet season and unconfined groundwater tables have significantly increased during the same 10‐year period. The significant decreasing trends on soil moisture and low flow variables suggest that the study watershed is moving towards drought‐like condition. Our analysis indicates that the intensification of rainfall storms and the increasing number of annual no‐rain days were responsible for the increasing chance of both droughts and floods. We conclude that climate change has indeed induced more extreme hydrological events (e.g. droughts and floods) in this watershed and perhaps other areas of Southern China. This study also demonstrated usefulness of our research methodology and its possible applications on quantifying the impacts of climate change on hydrology in any other watersheds where long‐term data are available and human disturbance is negligible.
LACK OF ST2 ENHANCES HIGH-FAT DIET-INDUCED VISCERAL ADIPOSITY AND INFLAMMATION IN BALB/c MICE

ABSTRACT Obesity and obesity related disorders are strongly associated with chronic low-grade inflammation originating from growing visceral adipose tissue during nutrient excess. Although interleukin (IL)-33 may have protective role in obesity and atherosclerosis, the impact of IL-33/ST2 axis in metabolic disorders needs to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of IL-33/ST2 pathway in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity using ST2-deficient (ST2 -/- ) and wild type mice on BALB/c background. The deletion of ST2 enhanced systemic and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation and was associated with significantly higher weight gain and amount of total VAT in ST2 -/- mice fed with HFD for 18 weeks. More numerous classically activated M1 macrophages and markedly decreased alternatively activated M2 macrophages were observed in VAT of HFD-fed ST2 -/- mice. Additionally, VAT of ST2 -/- mice fed with HFD had increased percentage of CD3 + T cells with lower incidence of CD4 + CD25 + FoxP3 + T regulatory cells in comparison with low-fat diet fed controls. The incidence of CD3 + IL-17 + and IL-5 positive VAT-derived mononuclear cells was significantly lower in HFD-fed ST2 -/- mice. Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IFN-γ were increased in HFD-fed ST2 -/- mice, while the levels of IL-6 and CRP did not differ among groups. Importantly, the levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and IL-13 were significantly lower in the sera of ST2 -/- mice compared with wild-type controls. Our findings suggest that protective role of IL33/ST2 signaling in high-fat diet-induced adipose tissue inflammation. ST2 deficiency related to nutrient excess is associated with polarization of macrophages toward M1 phenotype and the induction Th1-mediated immune response. Key words: ST2, obesity, high-fat diet, visceral adipose tissue, inflammation
High-resolution continuous-flow analysis setup for water isotopic measurement from ice cores using laser spectroscopy

Abstract. Here we present an experimental setup for water stable isotope (δ18O and δD) continuous-flow measurements and provide metrics defining the performance of the setup during a major ice core measurement campaign (Roosevelt Island Climate Evolution; RICE). We also use the metrics to compare alternate systems. Our setup is the first continuous-flow laser spectroscopy system that is using off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy (OA-ICOS; analyzer manufactured by Los Gatos Research, LGR) in combination with an evaporation unit to continuously analyze water samples from an ice core. A Water Vapor Isotope Standard Source (WVISS) calibration unit, manufactured by LGR, was modified to (1) enable measurements on several water standards, (2) increase the temporal resolution by reducing the response time and (3) reduce the influence from memory effects. While this setup was designed for the continuous-flow analysis (CFA) of ice cores, it can also continuously analyze other liquid or vapor sources. The custom setups provide a shorter response time (~ 54 and 18 s for 2013 and 2014 setup, respectively) compared to the original WVISS unit (~ 62 s), which is an improvement in measurement resolution. Another improvement compared to the original WVISS is that the custom setups have a reduced memory effect. Stability tests comparing the custom and WVISS setups were performed and Allan deviations (σAllan) were calculated to determine precision at different averaging times. For the custom 2013 setup the precision after integration times of 103 s is 0.060 and 0.070 ‰ for δ18O and δD, respectively. The corresponding σAllan values for the custom 2014 setup are 0.030, 0.060 and 0.043 ‰ for δ18O, δD and δ17O, respectively. For the WVISS setup the precision is 0.035, 0.070 and 0.042 ‰ after 103 s for δ18O, δD and δ17O, respectively. Both the custom setups and WVISS setup are influenced by instrumental drift with δ18O being more drift sensitive than δD. The σAllan values for δ18O are 0.30 and 0.18 ‰ for the custom 2013 and WVISS setup, respectively, after averaging times of 104 s (2.78 h). Using response time tests and stability tests, we show that the custom setups are more responsive (shorter response time), whereas the University of Copenhagen (UC) setup is more stable. More broadly, comparisons of different setups address the challenge of integrating vaporizer/spectrometer isotope measurement systems into a CFA campaign with many other analytical instruments.
ANNUAL AND DAILY VARIATION IN BODY-MASS AND FAT OF STARLINGS STURNUS-VULGARIS

Seasonal and daily variation in body mass and fat was monitored in Starlings Sturnus vulgaris and related to the different phases of the annual cycle, to changes in temperature and daylength, and to Lehikoinen's (1987) models for body mass regulation of wintering birds. Lean mass and fat were estimated using total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) and a combined fatscore index for the abdominal and furcular visible fat-depots. With the fatscore, lean mass and fat were estimated better (R2 = 0.89 and 0.92, respectively) than with Walsberg's (1988) interspecific TOBEC (R2 = 0.56 and 0.75), or our intraspecific Starling TOBEC (R2 = 0.56 and 0.82). Lean mass for both sexes decreased over the breeding season, increased again during the first half of moult, and remained constant for the rest of the year (males 75 g and females 71 g). Seasonal changes in reserves and absolute amounts of fat were similar in males and females (8 g in winter and 2 g during moult). In early spring, female lean mass and fat increased by 7 g and 4 g, respectively, so that early in the breeding season females were 5 g heavier than males. Outside the breeding season, females were 4 g lighter than males. Evening body mass and fat were negatively correlated with the mean temperature of the preceding two to four weeks. During the whole year, nightly mass loss fluctuated between 5 and 6 g. Of the two conditions of the ''true winter fattening model'' (Lehikoinen 1987), namely an increase of dawn body mass and of the amplitude of the daily mass cycle, only the first one was supported.
The nitrogen economy of winter wheat

SUMMARY In a field experiment with 47 wheat genotypes, plant samples were taken at anthesis and maturity and analysed for nitrogen. Taking means over all genotypes, the plants contained at anthesis 83 % of the total present at maturity, while at maturity 68 % of the plant nitrogen was present in the grain. There was significant genetic variation in most of the component attributes determining nitrogen uptake. At anthesis, the heaviest plants contained most nitrogen. Because the nitrogen concentration in the leaves (average 2·8%) was much greater than in the stems and ears (average O8 %) and the leaves comprised, on average, 37 % of the plant weight at anthesis, variation in leanness was the main cause of variation in the nitrogen content of plants of a given weight. During grain filling, plants which lost the most dry weight from their stems and leaves took up the least nitrogen. It is suggested that the strong positive correlation between the accumulation of dry matter and of nitrogen, both until anthesis and during grain filling, occurred because both carbon assimilation and nitrate reduction depend on energy made available from chloroplasts. In addition, assimilate is required to sustain the growth of roots which is necessary for continued nitrate uptake. The results show that it should be easier for breeders to select for high nitrogen uptake from among heavy than from among light genotypes. However, although dwarf genotypes tended to be light, none of the correlations found was strong enough to render it impossible to produce dwarf genotypes capable of giving high yields of high-protein grain.
Agrobotanical Features and Oil Content of Wild and Cultivated Forms of Caraway (Carum carvi L.)

ABSTRACT Twenty-four wild and 19 cultivated caraway (Carum carvi L.) populations/cultivars were cultivated at Mikkeli, Finland (61°44'N, 27°18'E) during 1990-1991. Twenty-eight of the populations studied were of Northern European origin and 15 were of Central European origin. Clear agrobotanical differences were observed between the wild and cultivated populations. The cultivated populations were characterized by a 10-14 days longer growing period, differences in rosette growth habit, size and weight of seeds (fruit) and a higher and more constant germination capacity of the seeds. The oil content of both groups of caraway seeds showed great variations (2.3–7.6%). The average oil content of the wild and the cultivated forms were 5.0% and 5.1% respectively. The highest oil contents (7.6% and 7.5%) were found in a cultivated Swiss and a wild Finnish population. The oil content of the wild Finnish populations was significantly higher (5.3%, n=13), than those of the Finnish cultivated forms (4.8%, n=6). The m.
Relação entre medidas ultra-sônicas e espessura de gordura subcutânea ou área de olho de lombo na carcaça em bovinos de corte

ABSTRACT - One hundred sixty-two animals were used during a 2-year period to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound measurementsto estimate carcass subcutaneous fat thickness (CFAT) and area of Longissimus muscle located between the 12 th and 13 th ribs (CLMA ) . Twenty-four hours before slaughter animals were ultrasonically measured to determine subcutaneous fat thickness (UFAT) and area of Longissimus muscle (ULMA). The correlation coefficients between ultrasound measurements and CFAT and CLMA were 0.95 and 0.97,respectively. Differences between ultrasonic and carcass measurements were expressed in actual (FDIFF and RDIFF) and absolute ( FDEVand RDEV) basis. Means of FDIFF and RDIFF in both years indicated that ultrasound overestimated CFAT by 0,16 mm andunderestimated CLMA by 0.26 cm². Overall means of FDEV and RDEV were 0,34 mm and 1.28 cm², respectively. Analysis of year effectsshowed that FDIFF was greater in year 1 while RDIFF was higher in year 2. FDIFF indicated that ultrasound measurements overestimatedCFAT in animals with 4 mm CFAT. Similarly, animals with CLMA 50 cm² were underestimated. Standard errors of prediction adjusted for bias of ultras oundmeasurements were of 0.40 mm for standard error prediction of subcutaneous fat thickness and 1.66 cm
Effect of tillage, clipping and climate on grass phytomass in a Zambian savanna

The effect of tillage, clipping, precipitation and temperature on above-ground grass production was investigated in permanent plots at a Zambian savanna site for 5 y (1996^2001) by the harvest method. Mean species richness was 4.6 species m-2 with a total of 15 species at the study site. Mean end-of-season grass phytomass was 464 g m-2 with no statistically significant differences among years in control quadrats. Grass phytomass recovered within two wet seasons after tillage and a similar trend was observed after cessation of a 2-y monthly harvesting regime. However, in experimental quadrats, plot, treatment and year had significant effects on grass production. Previous- and current-season precipitation had no significant effect on end-of-wet-season grass phytomass but phytomass of the previous season explained 27-53% of the variation in end-of-wet-season phytomass. Grass production peaked in the wet season and declined sharply as the dry season progressed. The interaction between precipitation, temperature, harvesting and duration of the dry season explained 81-91% of the variation in daily grass production but the significance of the interactions varied with season and duration of harvesting. Precipitation-use efficiency (PUE) of grasses declined from 2.25 g m-2 mm-1 at the start of the wet season in December to 0.25 g m-2 mm-1 at the end of the season in March. Monthly harvesting for 1 y reduced PUE to less than 25%. The results indicate very complex relationships between above-ground grass production (dependent variable) and climate and land-use (independent) factors that makes the prediction of grass production in central southern African savannas difficult.
Effects of Ramadan on the diurnal variations of physical performance and perceived exertion in adolescent soccer players

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Ramadan on the diurnal variations of physical performance and perceived exertion in adolescent soccer players. Twelve young male soccer players (age 13.3 ± 0.4 yrs; height 164.8 ± 2.9 cm; body mass 60.9 ± 6.5 kg) completed vertical jump tests and the multistage 20-m shuttle run test one week before Ramadan (BR) and during the fourth week of Ramadan (R4) in the morning and in the afternoon. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores were obtained after the shuttle test. The results showed that squat jump and countermovement jump performances and predicted VO2max were higher in the afternoon than the morning only BR (p < 0.001). Moreover, the afternoon values were lower during R4 than BR (p < 0.001). Furthermore, RPE scores were higher in the afternoon compared with the morning during R4 (p < 0.001), and during R4 compared with BR in the afternoon (p < 0.001). In conclusion, Ramadan leads to impairment in adolescent soccer players’ performances in the afternoon and affects their diurnal pattern observed BR.