Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study of Iron Metabolism in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia and Malnutrition is common in developing countries and is a major pre-disposing factor in Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB). Iron metabolism which is tightly regulated in normal condition is often found to be disturbed in various pathological conditions. Both deficiency and excess of free iron compromise cellular and immune functions and also affect disease susceptibility and outcome. AIM: The aim of this work was to study iron metabolism in PTB patients in their relation to severity of disease and sputum bacterial load Material and Method: 100 adult PTB patients (both male and female) were recruited from Institute of Respiratory Disease, Jaipur and 60 age matched healthy individuals served as controls for comparison. Standard diagnostic procedure was followed for PTB patients and Sputum positivity was assessed by counting number of Acid Fast Bacilli in sputum microscopically. After written consent, serum was used for investigating routine and specific Biochemical parameters i.e. serum Iron, Total Iron binding capacity, Transferrin and Ferritin for all subjects. Ferritin was analyzed by Chemiluminescence on Immulite 2000 (Siemens Co). Iron, TIBC, Transferrin and CRP were analyzed on fully automatic Biochemistry Analyzer. CReactive Protein was determined as indicator of systemic inflammation in PTB. Result and Discussion: Serum Protein, Albumin, Iron, Transferrin and Transferrin Saturation were significantly decreased in PTB patients than controls. Protein malnutrition and Iron deficiency anemia are not just predisposing factors but also affect mortality and outcome of disease. Both Ferritin and CRP were significantly higher in PTB than Controls (p<0.001) due to their nonspecific rise in inflammation. Significant correlation of Ferritin and CRP with disease severity (r=0.49 and r=0.26 respectively) and with Sputum positivity (r=0.57 and r=0.62 respectively) suggest their potential in severity assessment. Sequestration of Iron in the form of Ferritin makes Fe non available to MTB and thus limits its growth and multiplication. Transferrin was also found to be correlated negatively and strongly to Disease severity (r=0.68). Results: It was concluded that hemostatic mechanism was altered in PTB. Fe and its metabolites especially Transferrin and ferritin correlated to disease severity and sputum positivity. In other words, these can be used as indicator of disease severity or mortality risk.
LOSS AVERSION IN DECISIONS MADE FOR OTHERS VERSUS DECISIONS MADE FOR ONESELF

Human beings display greater sensitivity towards losses than to gains on a variety of occasions. While this phenomenon, labeled as loss aversion, has been widely observed by many researchers, most of the existing studies are concerned with subjects making decisions for themselves. This study aims to examine whether loss aversion is reduced in a framework under which decisions are made by others so that the decision-maker is not bearing the consequences of his actions. A total of 131 responses from a withinsubjects experiment were analyzed, in which participants had to make decisions both for themselves and for others. Overall, while moderate loss aversion was observed in both decision stages, the magnitude of which was comparable and not significantly different from each other. The results suggest that letting others than the consequencebearer to make decisions is not effective at combatting loss aversion.
Evaluate the Chemical and Microbiological Quality of Laban Rayeb Manufactured

Laban rayeb manufactured under a good sanitation and hygiene conditions from lactic acid bacteria isolated, from Laban Rayeb Produced by small dairy plant in Assuit city, Cow’s milk heat treated at 73 ° C and cooled to 37 ° C were inoculated by either isolated Lactobacillus sp or Streptococci sp culture or mixture of them at 1: 1 by weight, to produce a Laban Rayeb in sterile laboratory conditions. The produced Laban Rayeb analyzed as fresh and during period stored for 15 days at 5 ± 2 ° C. The mean acidity, total solids, total nitrogen and soluble nitrogen content ​​in control Laban Rayeb were of 0.7, 11.36 ,0.44, and 0.112 % on the first day of storage which increased to 0.76, 11.52 ,0.49 and 0.169 % after 15 days of storage respectively . While the mean acidity, total solids, total nitrogen, and soluble nitrogen in the samples of Laban Rayeb made by Streptococci sp were of 0.74, 11.33, 0.44 and 0.114 % on the first day of storage which increased with storage to 0.95, 12.22, 0.61 and 0.160 % after 15 days. While these Acidity, Total solid, total nitrogen and soluble nitrogen values of Laban Rayeb inoculated by Lactobacillus sp were 0.76, 11.16, 0.45 and 0.103 %, at first day of storage, which increased to 0.96, 11.75, 0.59, and 146% after 15 days of storage respectively. The Laban Rayeb produced using Lactobacillus sp and Streptococci sp gave the following values 0.84, 11.36, 0.42 and 0.123% ​​ respectively and by increasing the storage period these values acidity, total solids, total nitrogen and soluble nitrogen values were increased to reach 1.2, 11.9, 0.55 and 0.192% after 15 days of storage respectively. The total bacterial count values ​​in control Laban Rayeb, Laban Rayeb made by single Streptococci sp, by single Lactobacilli sp and by mixed Lactobacillus sp and Streptococci sp respectively were of 5.12, 6.21, 6.27, 6.29 log (cfu/ml) on the first day of storage and increased to 8.87, 9.13, 9.20 , 8.64 log (cfu/ml) after 15 days of storage. While The mean Logarithm of lactic acid bacteria of Lactobacilli sp. count values ​​in control Laban Rayeb, Laban Rayeb produced by Streptococci sp, Lactobacilli sp and Lactobacillus sp and Streptococci sp were of 5.22, 5.46, 7.14, 7.15 log (cfu/ml) on the first day of storage and increased to 7.73, 8.13, 9.22, 9.46 log (cfu/ml) after 15 days of storage , The mean Logarithm of Streptococci sp. values ​​in control Laban Rayeb, Laban Rayeb produced by Streptococci sp, Lactobacilli sp and Lactobacillus sp mixed with Streptococci sp were of 4.86, 6.93, 4.12, 7.15 log (cfu/ml) on the first day of storage and increased to 7.42, 9.98, 8.17, 8.76 log (cfu/ml) after 15 days of storage ,The mean Logarithm count of lactic acid bacteria of proteolytic bacteria values ​​in control Laban Rayeb, Laban Rayeb made by Streptococci sp, Lactobacilli sp and mixed of Lactobacillus sp and Streptococci sp were 1.61, 3.54, 3.18, 3.32 log (cfu/ml) on the first day of storage which increased to 5.34, 6.45, 6.56, 6.75 log (cfu/ml) after 15 days of storage . Molds and yeasts and coliform bacteria were not detected.
Cosmic noise absorption signature of particle precipitation during ICME sheaths and ejecta

Abstract. We study here energetic (E > 30 keV) electron precipitation using cosmic noise absorption (CNA) during the sheath and ejecta structures of 61 interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) observed in the near-Earth solar wind between 1997 and 2012. The data comes from the Finnish riometer chain from stations extending from auroral (IVA, 65.2 geomagnetic latitude, MLAT) to subauroral (JYV, 59.0 MLAT) latitudes. We find that sheaths and ejecta lead frequently to enhanced CNA (> 0.5 dB) both at auroral and subauroral latitudes, although the CNA magnitudes stay relatively low (medians around 1 dB). Due to their longer duration, ejecta typically lead to more sustained enhanced CNA periods (on average 6–7 hours), but the sheaths and ejecta were found to be equally effective in inducing enhanced CNA when relative occurrence frequency and CNA magnitude were considered. Only at the lowest MLAT station JYV ejecta were more effective in causing enhanced CNA. Some clear magnetic local time (MLT) trends and differences between the ejecta and sheath were found. The occurrence frequency and magnitude of CNA activity was lowest close to midnight, while it peaked for the sheaths in the morning and afternoon/evening sectors and for the ejecta in the morning and noon sectors. These differences may reflect differences in typical MLT distributions of wave modes that precipitate substorm-injected and trapped radiation belt electrons during the sheath and ejecta. Our study also emphasizes the importance of substorms and magnetospheric ULF waves for enhanced CNA.
To cook, or not to cook

Despite significant progress in increasing female participation in national politics, Tanzanian households are still predominately run by men. Gender norms which define women as houseworkers and men as providers continue to pervade widespread notions that put a heavy burden on the backs of women and hinder an equal division of household labor, regardless of women’s employment situation. Although often disfavored in this patriarchal structure, research has found that women sometimes desire men to adapt to a role that further establishes these norms. This study examined how women and men in Babati town construct masculinities and the male role in romantic relationships, and how officially contested gender roles persist. Primary data was collected through qualitative interviews and focus groups with primarily highly educated married women and men in Babati town. The data was analyzed using a theoretical framework based on masculinities in gender relations and African notions of feminism. Moreover, explanations and rationalizations of gender inequality were deconstructed and categorized in a content-oriented analysis to explicate the resilience of dominant ideologies. The study found that men are expected to have a job and to make sure that the basic needs of the family are met. Most men did not construct ideal masculinity as mutually exclusive to cooking and cleaning, and neither did any woman. However, men often exempted themselves from household labor by arguing that African culture does not allow men to cook and clean unless the wife is sick or otherwise incapacitated.
Circuit-Specific Dendritic Development in the Piriform Cortex

Dendritic geometry is largely determined during postnatal development and has a substantial impact on neural function. In sensory processing, postnatal development of the dendritic tree is affected by two dominant circuit motifs, ascending sensory feedforward inputs and descending and local recurrent connections. In the three-layered anterior piriform cortex, neurons in the sublayers 2a and 2b display vertical segregation of these two circuit motifs. Here, we combined electrophysiology, detailed morphometry and Ca2+ imaging in acute mouse brain slices and modeling to study circuit specific aspects of dendritic development. We observed that determination of branching complexity, dendritic length increases and pruning occurred in distinct developmental phases. Layer 2a and layer 2b neurons displayed developmental phase specific differences between their apical and basal dendritic trees related to differences in circuit incorporation. We further identified functional candidate mechanisms for circuit-specific differences in postnatal dendritic growth in sublayers 2a and 2b at the meso- and microscale level. Already in the first postnatal week, functional connectivity of layer 2a and layer 2b neurons during early spontaneous network activity scales with differences in basal dendritic growth. During the early critical period of sensory plasticity in the piriform cortex, our data is consistent with a model that proposes a role for dendritic NMDA-spikes in selecting branches for survival during developmental pruning in apical dendrites. The different stages of the morphological and functional developmental pattern differences between layer 2a and layer 2b neurons demonstrate the complex interplay between dendritic development and circuit specificity. Significance Statement Sensory cortices are composed of ascending sensory circuits that relay sensory information from the periphery and recurrent intracortical circuits. Dendritic trees of neurons are shaped during development and determine which circuits contribute to the neuronal input space. To date, circuit-specific aspects of dendritic development and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we investigate dendritic development in layer 2 of the piriform cortex, a three-layered palaeocortex that displays a clear vertical segregation of sensory and recurrent circuits. Our results suggest that dendritic development occurs in distinct developmental phases with different circuit-specific properties. We further identify candidate mechanisms for neuronal activity patterns that could determine differences in circuit-specific dendritic development.
Effect of glycerol, n, n-dimethylformamide and n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone on rabbit sperm stored at 4 °C and 16 °C

Abstract Artificial insemination with cooled semen is the most common practice in rabbit farms and any improvement on it helps to increase the efficiency and productivity of rabbit meat farms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether different cryoprotectant agents (CPA) as glycerol, N, N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) and N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) can improve cooled rabbit sperm quality stored at 4ºC and 16ºC. Sperm samples were diluted with INRA 96® (Extender A), INRA 96® with 6% glycerol (Extender B) or 6% DMF (Extender C) or 6% NMP (Extender D) respectively and stored at 4ºC and 16ºC. Samples were then analysed at 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours after refrigeration by integrated sperm analysis system (ISAS®), eosin-nigrosin stain (vitality), hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS test) and acrosome integrity test. Extender C showed higher percentage of motility, vitality and HOS test than extender B and D (p<0.05). Whereas sperm quality decreased over time (p<0.05), data showed that the addition of DMF kept the motility and sperm plasma membrane integrity after 24 hours of storage better than other diluents. These results suggest that the addition of DMF to INRA 96® exerts a protective effect on the membrane of spermatozoa improving seminal quality.
Preprint of imaging empathy and prosocial emotions

Empathy is a multi-faceted construct with important implications for social behavior. Based on a selective review of the neuroscientific evidence collected in humans, the present paper discusses the neural representations underlying affect sharing, its relation to mentalizing, the importance of self-other distinction, the distinction between empathy, sympathy and compassion, and how these phenomena are linked to prosocial behavior. Apart from reviewing the literature, we also highlight open questions and how they might be addressed by a research approach that tries to integrate across these diverse constructs.
Running head: PERSONALITY AND INTERVENTIONS FOR COGNITIVE AGEING

The personal and societal impact of age-related cognitive decline supports the development of effective interventions. While some strategies, such as cognitive training, exercise or socio-intellectual engagement appear beneficial, few studies have examined the association between personality and intervention efficacy. A systematic review was therefore conducted to summarise and synthesise the literature regarding the influence of personality traits on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for cognitive ageing. A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science was carried out. Of the 2100 papers identified by the search strategy, 10 studies were retained that met the relevant criteria (e.g., intervention studies with one or more cognitive outcomes and a measure of personality). Of these, two studies reported that higher levels of Openness to Experience were associated with greater improvement in memory performance after cognitive training interventions. Another found a positive association between Openness and improvement in divergent thinking following a novel group-based problem solving programme. One social intervention study reported positive moderating effects of Conscientiousness and Agreeableness, and mixed effects of Extraversion. Mixed evidence was also found regarding Need for Cognition, with one study reporting a positive association with memory improvement and another reporting less improvement in divergent thinking. Others found no evidence of personality influencing intervention outcomes. Due to the relatively small and heterogeneous sample of studies identified, any conclusions should currently be considered preliminary. These findings highlight the need for further research exploring the role of personality in intervention efficacy, so that interventions might be better tailored to individuals.
Interpreting Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Call Behavior in the Context of Environmental Conditions

A seven-year time series of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) acoustic detections in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean was examined in combination with regional environmental parameters to better understand fin whale seasonal distribution and behavioral ecology in a traditionally undersampled ocean region. Ecological modeling of environmental variables related to fin whale vocal presence indicated that median sound pressure spectral density level in the 5 to 115 Hz band, chlorophyll concentration, and sea surface temperature (SST) were the strongest predictors of fin whale presence. Fin whale vocal presence increased with increasing median sound level and decreased with increasing SST. Variation in seasonal fin whale call density and estimated animal density varied annually with one of the largest estimates occurring in the only year of the study when both the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation were in a positive phase. This work illustrates the feasibility and value of applying knowledge of call detection bearings and received levels from long-term, sparse array recordings to estimate animal density of marine mammals in the context of regional environmental conditions.
A step forward with Kolmogorov

We consider a doubly stochastic Markov chain, where the transition intensities are modelled as diffusion processes. Here we present a forward partial integro-differential equation for the transition probabilities. This is a generalisation of Kolmogorov’s forward differential equation. In this setup, we define forward transition rates, generalising the concept of forward rates, e.g. the forward mortality rate. These models are applicable in e.g. life insurance mathematics, which is treated in the paper. The results presented follow from the general forward partial integrodifferential equation for stochastic processes, of which the Fokker-Planck differential equation and Kolmogorov’s forward differential equation are the two most known special cases. We end the paper by considering the semi-Markov case, which relates to our results.
The Impact of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Deficiency in a Paraquat Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease

The cause of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unknown. Environmental toxicants such as paraquat have been linked to the characteristic dopaminergic (DA) neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra (SN); nutrition may also play a role. A common polymorphism (677C>T) in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), a folic acid metabolism enzyme, is associated with increased PD incidence. Using a mouse model that mimics this polymorphism, this study aimed to determine whether MTHFR deficiency leads to enhanced degeneration in a paraquat PD model. Male 3-month-old Mthfr+/+ and Mthfr+/- mice received paraquat or saline injections. Mthfr+/- mice demonstrated motor and a trend for memory impairment compared to Mthfr+/+ mice. No differences in SN DA neuron numbers or antioxidant activity were seen, however, increased oxidative stress and antioxidant activity were observed within the dorsal striatum of Mthfr+/- mice. These results suggest potential enhanced vulnerability to paraquat due to MTHFR deficiency through changes in such processes within this region.
Teaching efficacy beliefs of Ghanaian basic school teachers and their subject specializations

This study explores personal teaching efficacy beliefs of basic school teachers in Ghana undergoing recertification to upgrade their qualification. The study examines whether the personal teaching efficacy of the teachers is affected by their subject specialisation. A descriptive survey design was employed for the study. Data for the study was obtained from a total of 185 in-service teachers selected randomly from a group of teachers who were undergoing recertification from diploma to bachelor degree in basic education in a teacher education university in Ghana. Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) was adapted and used to measure in-service teachers’ personal teaching efficacy beliefs. The findings of the study showed that in-service teachers have a high sense of personal teaching efficacy. The study also revealed that in-service teachers’ level of self-efficacy was not affected by their subject specialization.
Foreign Capital, GDP and Effects Affairs of Macedonia

This paper focuses on Southeast Europe and analyzes foreign capital movements, gross domestic product and possible effects, through a case study of Macedonia. There are many respectable sources of data, especially macro data and firm-level data that are used in this research. What we are interested in are the movements of foreign direct investment i.e. foreign capital, gross domestic product and effects of such changes, and possible contributions to the development of domestic firms and the overall economy. Foreign direct investment is usually defined as dominant or controlling ownership of a company in one country, by an entity based in another country. As of the beginning of the transition process, foreign direct investments remain priority, as essential pillar, that moves forward the society towards developed market economy. Further, we are interested in the possibility that these two indicators have positive and upward climb to facilitate this developing economy.
Spiders of the United Arab Emirates : An Introductory Catalogue by

The spider fauna of the UAE has been little studied to date. A selection of more than 85 common and/or distinctive spiders found in the UAE, representing more than 55 genera in 24 families, is indexed, described and illustrated here in order to stimulate appreciation and further attention. Basic habitat and behavioural data are included for most entries. Taxonomic determinations are in many cases provisional and indicative, not definitive. The catalogue entries include many spiders that are cosmopolitan or regionally widespread as well as others that are so far known only from the UAE and/or adjacent countries. Several entries represent first published records for the UAE, but that is not surprising given the current state of our knowledge. Additional UAE spider records contained in a number of recent publications, covering eight families and 53 species, are included in the index as a convenience, since together the catalogue and those records constitute the vast majority of UAE spider records to date. T23 1-11_Layout 1 31/01/2016 10:23 AM Page 4