Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-esterified Fatty Acid Induce Dairy Cow Hepatocytes Apoptosis via the Mitochondria-Mediated ROS-JNK/ERK Signaling Pathway

Elevated plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels and hepatocytes damage are characteristics of ketosis in dairy cows. Oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of NEFA-induced liver damage. However, the exact mechanism by which oxidative stress mediates NEFA-induced hepatocytes apoptosis and liver injury remains poorly understood. The results of the present study demonstrated that NEFA contribute to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, resulting in an imbalance between oxidative and antioxidant species, transcriptional activation of p53, transcriptional inhibition of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), loss of mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) and release of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and cytochrome c (cyt c) into the cytosol, leading to hepatocytes apoptosis. Besides, NEFA triggered apoptosis in dairy cow hepatocytes via the regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma gene 2 (Bcl-2), caspase 9 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Pretreatment with the inhibitor SP600125 or PD98059 or the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) revealed that NEFA-ROS-JNK/ERK-mediated mitochondrial signaling pathway plays a crucial role in NEFA-induced hepatocytes apoptosis. Moreover, the results suggested that the transcription factors p53 and Nrf2 function downstream of this NEFA-ROS-JNK/ERK pathway and are involved in NEFA-induced hepatocytes apoptosis. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the NEFA-ROS-JNK/ERK-mediated mitochondrial pathway plays an important role in NEFA-induced dairy cow hepatocytes apoptosis and strongly suggests that the inhibitors SP600125 and PD98059 and the antioxidant NAC may be developed as therapeutics to prevent hyperlipidemia-induced apoptotic damage in ketotic dairy cows.
Quality of the sheep milk as a raw material in dairy industry of Macedonia.

This study is based on analyzing of chemical composition and microbiological characteristics of sheep milk that is using as a raw material in dairy industry of Macedonia. Samples were collected on dairy reception point of the IMB "Mlekara"-Bitola during 3 months from 3 collection regions, and research was carried out in the laboratory "Pelagonija-Mlekokontrol"-Bitola. The average values of chemical composition were: milk fat 7.07%, proteins 5.89%, lactose 4.37%, dry matter 18.07%, non-fat dry matter 11% and added water 0.86%. Microbiological status was very bad with average somatic cell count 723.151/ml and average number of bacteria 15.298. 763/ml. Variance analysis determined that collection regions had statistically significant effects (p<0.05) of all examined parameters with exception of the milk fat.
Multimoment Ice Bulk Microphysics Scheme with Consideration for Particle Shape and Apparent Density. Part I: Methodology and Idealized Simulation

To improve the parameterization of ice-phase microphysics in regional meteorological models, this study developed a triple-moment bulk scheme, which also tracks the variations in the shape and density of several hydrometeors. Solid-phase hydrometeors are classified into pristine ice, snow aggregates, rimed ice, and hailstones based on their physical mechanisms. The new scheme has been incorporated into the Weather Research and Forecasting Model and tested with an idealized two-dimensional simulation of a squall-line system. The simulation successfully revealed the smooth transition from the convective core to the stratiform anvil as well as the alternating pattern in the hydrometeor vertical distributions, as was similarly demonstrated in other similar studies. A few sensitivity tests were performed to reveal the importance of including shape and density variations, which strongly affect the mean particle size by up to 50% and fall speed by as much as 100% for individual hydrometeor categories. Furthermore, the inclusion of a third moment could enhance the diffusional growth rate of small crystals and reduce the ventilation effect of large particles compared with the conventional double-moment approach. These factors have a significant influence on cloud structure and precipitation amounts.
Accelerating planar Ornstein-Uhlenbeck diffusion with suitable drift

The principal aim of this paper is to construct an explicit sequence of weighted divergence free vector fields which accelerates the rate of convergence of planar Ornstein-Uhlenbeck diffusion to its equilibrium state. The rate of convergence is expressed in terms of the spectral gap of the diffusion generator. We construct an explicit sequence of vector fields which pushes the spectral gap to infinity. The acceleration of the diffusion results from the strong oscillation of the flow lines generated by the vector field.
Framework of Spatial Flood Risk Assessment for a Case Study in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam

Vietnam has been extensively affected by floods, suffering heavy losses in human life and property. While the Vietnamese government has focused on structural measures of flood defence such as levees and early warning systems, the country still lacks flood risk assessment methodologies and frameworks at local and national levels. In response to this gap, this study developed a flood risk assessment framework that uses historical flood mark data and a high-resolution digital elevation model to create an inundation map, then combined this map with exposure and vulnerability data to develop a holistic flood risk assessment map. The case study is the October 2010 flood event in Quang Binh province, which caused 74 deaths, 210 injuries, 188,628 flooded properties, 9019 ha of submerged and damaged agricultural land, and widespread damages to canals, levees, and roads. The final flood risk map showed a total inundation area of 64,348 ha, in which 8.3% area of low risk, 16.3% area of medium risk, 12.0% area of high risk, 37.1% area of very high risk, and 26.2% area of extremely high risk. The holistic flood risk assessment map of Quang Binh province is a valuable tool and source for flood preparedness activities at the local scale.
On the fundamental solutions for the strain and temperature rate-dependent generalized thermoelasticity theory

Abstract The present paper concerns with the fundamental solutions for strain and temperature rate-dependent thermoelasticity theory recently developed by Yu et al. (2018). This recently developed model is theoretically established with the aid of principles of thermodynamics and by adding the strain-rate term in temperature rate-dependent thermoelasticity theory, which was proposed by Green and Lindsay (GL)(1972). This model has attempted to remove the drawback of discontinuity in the displacement field under Green-Lindsay (GL) model. We consider this modified Green-Lindsay (MGL) model for the case of homogeneous and isotropic bodies. Two cases, namely, concentrated body force and concentrated heat source have been taken for deriving the fundamental solutions for thermoelasticity in the context of MGL model. The fundamental solutions for the distributions of displacement components and temperature are obtained by the Laplace transform method. Fundamental solutions in the physical domain are obtained by Laplace inversion and the solution of displacement and temperature is obtained for short-time approximation. Lastly, we get the fundamental solution of the system of equations in the case of steady oscillations.
Database of rocking shallow foundation performance: Dynamic shaking

Several experimental studies have shown that rocking shallow foundations have beneficial seismic performance features: recentering and energy dissipation with little damage. A new publicly available database, “FoRDy” (Foundation Rocking—Dynamic), summarizes the results of dynamic physical model tests of single-degree-of-freedom-like structures supported on rocking foundations. It contains data from five centrifuge and three 1-g shaking table test series that were conducted at experimental facilities in the United States, Greece, and Japan. The database includes 200 model “case histories” that span a wide range of model sizes, soil and structure properties, and seismic excitations. It is compiled as the first step toward building a comprehensive dynamic rocking foundation database, and it has the potential to grow in the future. To illustrate its usefulness, the data are used to show example correlations between the peak drift ratio demand and selected ground motion intensity measures. The results suggest that peak ground velocity (PGV), peak ground displacement (PGD), and the geometric mean of the linear spectral displacement over the period range of 0.2–3 times the initial natural period predict the peak drift ratio response reliably.
Effect of Ambient Temperature on COVID-19 Infection Rate

COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by WHO, and is rapidly spreading throughout the world. Scientists hypothesize that the disease is less infective as temperature rises due to related diseases like the common flu exhibiting such behavior. This white paper analyses provincial confirmed coronavirus cases in China from the 22nd of January to the 16th of February. Taking 5-day time lag of average temperature and dropping provinces with an average temperature below 5 degrees; we find that temperature is a significant explanatory variable for why cases spread faster on certain days than others. On average each additional centigrade above 5 degrees is associated with 1.2 percentage point decrease in the percentage increase in confirmed cases. Considering the average percentage increase in the sample is 12% per day, this means that an increase of an increase of 1 degree Centigrade is associated with a 10% reduction in infectiousness above 5 degree centigrade if the country in question has successful mass quarantine and social distancing methods in place. Contrary to prior evidence, we find conflicting evidence that humidity is related to infectiousness of COVID-19 with the most likely scenario being that it does not have an effect on infectiousness. These preliminary results suggest that temperature has a massive effect on how rapidly the Coronavirus spreads during certain conditions. We recommend that that southern hemisphere countries prepare for increasing caseload, and northern hemisphere countries limit air conditioning.
Is seabird light‐induced mortality explained by the visual system development?

Seabirds are impacted by coastal light pollution, leading to massive mortality events. Juveniles comprise the majority of affected individuals, while adults are only seldom grounded and reported in rescue programs. We propose a connection between visual system development of burrow nesting seabirds and the observed higher vulnerability to light pollution by a specific age group. We illustrate the need for multidisciplinary research to better understand and further mitigate light‐induced mortality.
A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship Between Internalized Racial Oppression and Health-Related Outcomes

Internalized racism represents a critical component of the system of racial oppression wherein People of Color adopt the negative beliefs about their race held by members of the White majority group. In this meta-analysis, the authors reviewed 29 studies (32 effect sizes) on the relationships between internalized racism and negative physical and mental health outcomes published between 1999 and 2015 and tested for literature-driven moderator effects using subgroup analyses. Results suggested that the direct overall relation between internalized racism and health was strongest for negative mental health outcomes (r = .26), followed by negative physical health outcomes (r = .11). Significant moderator effects were found for scale of measurement, country of sample (United States vs. international), and sampling method. Moderator effects of gender, publication type, year, and sample setting were not statistically significant. These findings are discussed and their implications for practice, advocacy, education/training, and research are described.
Towards Extending Dividend Puzzle Debate: What Motivates Distribution of Corporate Earnings in Tanzania?

This paper investigates the determinants of dividend policy in Tanzania. The study employed a panel data of non-financial firms listed on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) for the period 2008–2017. The paper reports profitability, liquidity, firm size, leverage, firm growth, previous dividend, and GDP as the major determinants of corporate dividend policy. According to the results, leverage, firm growth, and GDP are negatively related to dividend payout ratio while firm size, profitability, liquidity, and lagged dividend are positively related to dividend policy. More specifically, large-sized firms, highly profitable firms, and firms who paid dividend in previous years are more likely to consider paying dividend. However, payment of dividend will all depend on whether the firm is liquid enough to afford that. On the other hand, high-growth and leveraged firms would not probably consider paying dividend, and will, therefore, opt saving money to finance their expansion and honor their debt obligations. Following these results, corporate managers are advised to consider preferences of investors towards developing corporate dividend policy; to strive paying dividend whenever economically viable (as it signals the firm’s reputation), and to limit excessive borrowing to protect firms from getting into financial meltdown (although borrowing is considered a control tool for agency-related problems).
The adult body size variation of Dryas iulia (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae) in different populations is more influenced by temperature variation than by host‐plant availability during the seasons

The body size of insects is affected by environmental conditions during development and can present considerable intraspecific variations, which can be seen as an ultimate consequence/adaptation to environmental conditions. This paper evaluated whether the body size of the butterfly Dryas iulia from subtropical populations was influenced by changing climate conditions and food source availability during the seasons. The likely reasons behind body size variation were also investigated. First, field data on body size variation, host‐plant availability and climate fluctuation throughout the seasons were recorded. Then, the effects of host‐plant species and temperature on body size were analyzed by controlled experiments. Field data revealed that body size and host‐plant availability varied significantly through the seasons. Populations had the smallest body size during the spring and the biggest size during summer, whereas host‐plant availability was lower during winter and higher during spring. The controlled experiments revealed that both temperature and host‐plant had significant effect on the plasticity of body size. Larvae subjected to winter temperature treatment led to smaller butterflies when compared to immatures reared under summer temperature treatment, and larvae fed with Passiflora misera produced bigger adults when compared to larvae reared on Passiflora suberosa. The combination of data gathered in the field and in the laboratory suggests that seasonal body size variation in D. iulia is related mainly to differences in the temperatures to which larvae are subjected during development, while host‐plant shifts caused by differential availability of food through the seasons had slightly effects on the variation observed.
Future Impact of Land Use/Land Cover Changes on Ecosystem Services in the Lower Meghna River Estuary, Bangladesh

Assessing the effects of different land use scenarios on subsequent changes in ecosystem service has great implications for sustainable land management. Here, we designed four land use/land cover (LULC) scenarios, such as business-as-usual development (BAUD), economic development priority (EDP), ecological protection priority (EPP), and afforestation development priority (ADP), through a Cellular Automata-Markov (CA-Markov) model, and their effects on ecosystem service values (ESVs) were predicted, using historical LULC maps and ESV coefficients of the Lower Meghna River Estuary, Bangladesh. Findings revealed that agricultural and mangrove forest lands experienced the greatest decreases, while rural and urban settlement land had the greatest increases, leading to a total ESV decrease of US$105.34 million during 1988-2018. The scenario analysis indicated that ESV in 2038 would also decrease by US$41.37 million and US$16.38 million under the BAUD and EDP scenarios, respectively, while ESV will increase by US$60.61 million and US$130.95 million under the EPP and ADP scenarios, respectively. However, all the future land use scenarios will lead to 1.65%, 10.21%, 7.58%, and 6.75% gaps in total food requirements, respectively. Hence, from the perspective of maximizing ESVs and minimizing the trade-offs in food gaps, the ADP scenario could be the optimal land management policy for the studied landscape.
Low-Quality ‎Water and Water Movement in Flooded Rice Soil

A field experiment was conducted in the experimental station, Fac. Agric. , Mansoura Univ., Egypt, on rice crop (Oryza sativa L.) to evaluate the ability of soil degradation resist as a result of low water quality and farmyard manure application. The experiment involved nine treatments, three irrigation waters quality (tap water, saline sodic water and saline water) and three rates of farmyard manure (0, 5 and 10 ton fed). The experiment was designed in split plot design. The results illustrated that the highest fresh and dry weight was recorded with the soil ‎irrigated by tap water followed by saline water and amended ‎with ‎FYM rates 10 and 5 ton fed. These results may be attributed to the ‎increase in soil physical properties i.e. saturated ‎hydraulic ‎conductivity (Ks), mean pore ‎diameter (MPD), bulk density (BD) and pore size ‎distribution (PSD). Furthermore, the addition of ‎FYM ‎increased the ‎soil content of organic carbon (SOC) which considered the main ‎reason ‎in improving the soil physical properties in combination with the good ‎chemical ‎composition of irrigation water (Ca more than Na). ‎
Assessment of minor psychiatric morbidity, stressors, and barriers of seeking help among medical students at the University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan

Introduction Medical education can be stressful and a source of psychiatric morbidity for medical students with the potential of causing serious professional and personal negative consequences. With the limited studies investigating this issue in Sudan, this study aimed at assessing psychiatric morbidity, determine stressors, evaluate mental health care seeking behavior and barriers to seeking help among medical students in Khartoum, Sudan. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with data collection for a period of one month, during the survey. Following ethical clearance and administrative approval, 644 students who gave consent were selected randomly from the university of Khartoum’s faculty of medicine. The “12-General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12)” was used as a tool to assess prevalence of psychiatric morbidity, determine stressors and evaluate barriers to seeking mental health care among students for a period of a month. Results The overall prevalence of psychiatric morbidity was 56% (n = 356). The mean score of the GHQ12 was 6.7. There was a statistically significant association between GHQ12-score and level of study (in medical school), age, student’s income (student financial allowance). Stressors mostly experienced by students were fear of academic failure, dissatisfaction with academic performance and examination stress. The most frequent barriers to seeking mental health care elicited by participants were fear of stigmatization 63% (n = 401), preference for dealing with the problem alone 60% (n = 379), fear of the unknown 59% (n = 365) and failure to recognize symptoms 58% (n = 366). Conclusion Psychiatric morbidity is commonly experienced by students in medical school as can be seen from the high prevalence (56%). The reported high figures of psychiatric morbidity among medical school students points to the urgency for interventions to address this problem with potential for negative sequelae (personal and professional). Our findings suggest that interventions to improve the social and economic conditions of students in medical school as well as addressing stigma related to mental health and educating students to recognize signs and symptoms of psychiatric morbidity while making help accessible might go a long way to address this challenge.
Indirect effects of prey coloration on predation risk: pygmy grasshoppers versus lizards

Because body temperature influences the physiology, behaviour and performance of ectothermic organisms, thermal conditions might influence the frequency and outcome of predator–prey interactions. Furthermore, differences in colour pattern among prey individuals may indirectly influence predation risk, through effects of coloration on body temperature. We performed staged encounters between lizards (Psammodromus algirus) and grasshoppers (Tetrix subulata). We painted the dorsal surface of grasshoppers either black or grey to manipulate their body temperature and behaviour, and exposed them to predation under two different thermal conditions (sun and shade). Grasshoppers were less active in the presence of a lizard, suggesting that they modified their behaviour to avoid detection. Lizards were more active and attacked the grasshoppers more frequently in the sun than in the shade. However, the proportion of unsuccessful attacks did not differ between sun and shade, suggesting that thermal environment did not influence the relative performance of predators and prey. In the sun, black grasshoppers were more active and tended to be attacked more frequently than grey ones, albeit not significantly so. However, mortality did not differ between black and grey individuals. This suggests that an elevated activity need not translate into increased predation if accompanied by enhanced escape performance. Conversely, individuals may compensate for a poor escape performance associated with low body temperatures by reducing activity. Our findings suggest that selection imposed by predators may favour certain combinations of prey coloration and behaviour, and that colour polymorphism in ectotherms may be influenced also by indirect effects of coloration on predation risk. Counter to intuition, the existence of such indirect effects raises the possibility that the evolution of prey coloration may be governed by selection imposed also by colour-blind or even totally blind predators.
Service Quality Expectations in the Fitness Center Context: A Validation of the Expectations Component of the SERVQUAL Scale in Greece

Abstract Considering the importance of identifying customers’ expectations and delivering the desired level of service quality, this study aims at examining the reliability and validity of the expectations component of the SERVQUAL scale in the context of Greek fitness-centers. Having collected data from 216 users, the results reveal that SERVQUAL is a highly valid and reliable scale to measure service quality expectations, yet the five dimensions originally proposed have not been confirmed. More specifically, the “Responsiveness” dimension failed to be extracted and instead, a four-factor solution was deemed more appropriate in the Greek context. The study contributes to the SERVQUAL scale criticism and it is among the first efforts to adapt the SERVQUAL scale in a fitness-center context.