Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of certain medicinal plant extracts for the management of late larval flacherie disease on cocoon and post cocoon parameters of Silkworm, Bombyx mori L.

The silkworm cocoon crop is majorly affected by diseases like Flacherie, Grasserie, Muscardine and Pebrine. Among these four diseases, flacherie disease is most sever resulting in cocoon crop loss and poor quality raw silk production. The study on efficacy of nine different medicinal plant extracts for the management of late larval flacherie disease of silkworm B. mori L. , on cocoon and post cocoon character showed significant results. Among the nine medicinal plant extracts, Asparagus officinalis administration to CSR2 and PM x CSR2 silkworms breeds was found effective by enhancing the cocoon quality parameters viz., cocoon weight (17.92 and 13.63 g/10 cocoons), shell weight (3.743 and 2.480 g/10 cocoon shells), pupal weight (14.32 and 11.15 g/10 pupae), shell ratio (20.92 and 18.15 %/10 cocoon shells), silk filament length (1066.33 and 752.00 m) and denier (2.61 and 2.64) in both the breeds compared to control.
Power Scalable Beam-Oriented Digital Predistortion for Compact Hybrid Massive MIMO Transmitters

This article proposes a power scalable beam-oriented digital predistortion (PSBO-DPD) architecture suitable for linearizing PAs in compact hybrid massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmitters, without the need to implement a dedicated observation path for each PA. Based on an assumption that all PAs are similar, the feedback configuration for only one PA is sufficient to acquire the nonlinear information of PAs in a given subarray, which are driven at different power levels due to amplitude beamforming. Therefore, the PSBO-DPD resolves the deficiency of current DPD techniques in hybrid beamforming array by estimating the output signal of each PA from the only captured output signal from one PA to construct the main beam signal of the subarray. The predistorter is identified based on the estimated main beam signal and the input signal driving the subarray. To estimate the outputs of each PA efficiently, a power scalable cascade PA model is proposed to reduce the computational complexity and associated overhead in terms of cost and energy consumption. Measurements on a 4-element antenna array with up to 100 MHz bandwidth signal are carried out to validate and bench mark the proposed PSBO-DPD against the existing DPD technique in hybrid massive MIMO transmitters.
Formulation and evaluation of polyherbal gel containing extracts of Azadirachta indica, Adhatoda vasica, Piper betle, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Pongamia pinnata

In the Indian system of medicine-Ayurveda, azadirachta indica, adhatoda vasica, piper betle, ocimum tenuiflorum and pongamia pinnata has been mentioned as a remedy for treatment of various infectious diseases and ailments. Based on the folkloric use, the present study was designed to formulate and evaluate polyherbal gel containing extracts of Azadirachta indica, Adhatoda vasica, Piper betle, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Pongamia pinnata. Gel formulations (Formulation A, B and C) were prepared which comprised of the ethanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica, Adhatoda vasica, Piper betle, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Pongamia pinnata in a concentration of 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 %, respectively in a base. The prepared formulations were evaluated for appearance and homogeneity, pH, viscosity and rheological studies, spreadability, skin irritation test (patch test) and washability. The formulations were also screened for their antimicrobial activity by disc plate method against S. aureus, B. subtilis, A. niger and E. coli. The results of the studies revealed that all formulations under study viz. A, B and C showed better zone of inhibition as compared with the control. However, formulation C exhibited maximum activity against the selected strains which may be attributed to its greater amount of herbal extracts as compared to formulation A and B. The polyherbal gel formulations were observed to possess antimicrobial action. The effective activity may be attributed to the synergistic action of the plants constituents present in the formulation.
Household Debt and Household Spending Behavior: Evidence from Malaysia

Using data collected from urban households in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, this study examined the impact of household debt on urban household consumption decisions. The findings revealed that household debt does not generally affect consumption decisions, except in the case of expenditure on vacation, which tends to be reduced for households facing high levels of debt. Furthermore, general financial wellness tends to be the main factor affecting consumption rather than debt. Households with poorer financial wellness make more frequent cuts to daily meals, fruit, utility, transportation, clothing, medical care, vacations, and leisure activities. Although the impact of debt on consumption is not extensive, it must be closely monitored to ensure that the risk is contained and that the wellbeing of households is not adversely affected.
Macroinvertebrates in a high Andean wetland (Chalhuanca) of southern Peru during the dry and wet season

1 Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Instituto de Investigación de Ciencia y Gestión Ambiental (ICIGA-UNSA), Calle San Agustín 108, Arequipa, AR, Perú 2 Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Departamento Académico de Biología, Av. Alcides Carrión s/n, Arequipa, AR, Perú 3 Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Escuela Profesional de Biología, Av. Alcides Carrión s/n, Arequipa, AR, Perú
Base pairing interactions between substrate RNA and H/ACA guide RNA modulate the kinetics of pseudouridylation, but not the affinity of substrate binding by H/ACA small nucleolar Ribonucleoproteins

H/ACA small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins (snoRNPs) pseudouridylate RNA in eukaryotes and archaea. They target many RNAs site-specifically through base-pairing interactions between H/ACA guide and substrate RNA. Besides ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and small nuclear RNA (snRNA), H/ACA snoRNPs are thought to also modify messenger RNA (mRNA) with potential impacts on gene expression. However, the base-pairing between known target RNAs and H/ACA guide RNAs varies widely in nature, and therefore the rules governing substrate RNA selection are still not fully understood. To provide quantitative insight into substrate RNA recognition, we systematically altered the sequence of a substrate RNA target by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae H/ACA guide RNA snR34. Time courses measuring pseudouridine formation revealed a gradual decrease in the initial velocity of pseudouridylation upon reducing the number of base pairs between substrate and guide RNA. Changing or inserting nucleotides close to the target uridine severely impairs pseudouridine formation. Interestingly, filter binding experiments show that all substrate RNA variants bind to H/ACA snoRNPs with nanomolar affinity. Next, we showed that binding of inactive, near-cognate RNAs to H/ACA snoRNPs does not inhibit their activity for cognate RNAs, presumably because near-cognate RNAs dissociate rapidly. We discuss that the modulation of initial velocities by the base pairing strength might affect the order and efficiency of pseudouridylation in rRNA during ribosome biogenesis. Moreover, the binding of H/ACA snoRNPs to near-cognate RNAs may be a mechanism to search for cognate target sites. Together, our data provide critical information to aid in the prediction of productive H/ACA guide – substrate RNA pairs.
Trends in bone mineral density among nutritional status categories of Vojvodina elderly population

Introduction/Objective. Low bone mineral density (BMD) is commonly associated with alterations of nutritional status. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence of low BMD and its associated nutritional risk factors in Vojvodina population and to use linear regression equations to predict the BMD by using a simple marker of nutritional status, body mass index (BMI). Methods: In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, the study population was subjects who were undergoing assessment of BMD between January to December 2017 and met the study inclusion criteria. A total of 1974 patients (1866 women and 108 men) were included in this analysis of nutritional status according to anthropometry and BMI index, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measurements of BMD of the femoral neck and lumbar spine. The relationship between BMI and BMD was analysed by linear regression equation. Results: Median age was 63 (56-70) years. Considering nutritional status category, there were 40% overweight, 31% obese and 29% normal weight subjects. In most of the sample, subject had low BMD, 37% had osteopenia and 25% had osteoporosis. In both bone areas we observed trends of lowering BMD as the subjects BMI decrease. Subjects with osteoporosis are more prone to BMI depended BMD changes, in regard to subjects with osteopenia and normal BMD. Also, normal weight subjects compared to overweight and obese, had highest prediction coefficients of BMI depended changes on BMD. Conclusion: High prevalence of low BMD coexists with overweight and obesity in the elderly age category of females in Vojvodina. Prediction equations for the calculation of BMD can be used to evaluate the effect of BMI changes on BMD in clinical settings. [Projects of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. ON 174026 and Grant no. III 044006]
Heterotrophic microbes upgrade food value of a terrestrial carbon resource for Daphnia magna

Terrestrial carbon resources are generally regarded as inferior‐quality food for zooplankton due to a lack of essential biomolecules (e.g., polyunsaturated fatty acids). However, recent stable isotopic studies have suggested terrestrial carbon to be substantial resource for zooplankton, though the mechanisms of assimilation are not well understood. Here, we consider the possibility that heterotrophic microbes can upgrade the nutritional value of terrestrial carbon and thereby support the somatic growth and reproduction of zooplankton. To test this hypothesis, a simplified experimental food chain was established. Aquatic microbes were raised under dark laboratory conditions on a terrestrial carbon source, decaying corn straw (Zea mays L.), and the resulting degradation products were supplied as food to Daphnia magna. Significant increases in microbial abundance and concomitant increases in polyunsaturated fatty acid were observed during the degradation of corn straw. Furthermore, experiments indicated that the somatic growth and reproduction of D. magna was supported exclusively by the products of corn straw decay. Our results indicate a pathway for the assimilation of terrestrial carbon by zooplankton, in which heterotrophic microbes serve as trophic links.
Assessment of women's knowledge, performance and attitude towards Pap smear test in Sabzevar, Iran (2015)

1Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran 2Department of General Courses, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences 3Ph.D in Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran 4PhD in Biostatistics, Iranian Research Center on Health Aging, School of Public Health, 5Public Health graduate, School of Public Health, Student Research Committee, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
The Practice of Palliative Care amongst Nurses in Selected Hospitals in Eastern Nigeria

In recent times, palliative care nursing has caught the attention of nurse researchers in Africa as more individuals are being diagnosed with chronic diseases of the aged like cancer, cardiac and cerebrovascular conditions. This study examined the influence of knowledge and attitude on the practice of palliative care among practicing nurses in eastern part of Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The population of the study is all registered, licensed and practicing nurses working in the named public and private hospitals where palliative care is supposedly well established. Proportionate sampling technique was used to select 289 respondents. Three commercial instruments that were modified were used for data collection. Level of significance was set at 5%. The study was conducted from October 2018 to June 2019. Results revealed that 52.7% of the respondents had satisfactory practice of palliative care, 73.7% of the respondents had adequate knowledge of palliative care (mean 2.64 (1.06) and 77.5% of the respondents had positive attitude towards palliative care (Mean 2.81 (1.14)). There was also a significant weak positive association between nurses’ educational level and their knowledge of palliative care with an effect size of 21.9% (P = 0.003). There was also a significant association between nurses’ years of experience and their attitude to palliative care with an effect size of 35.6% (P P = 0.343). Recommendations were made on how to improve the practice of palliative care among professional nurses.
What Drives Engagement in Professional Associations? A National Survey of Occupational Therapy Students

Exploring the factors that influence occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students to join and participate in professional associations is critical to determine how to extend engagement after graduation. Previous research on health care student participation in professional associations has not included OT or OTA students. The researchers conducted an online quantitative national pilot survey to explore the perceptions of OT/OTA students and to identify supports and challenges for membership. The purposive sampling of currently enrolled students took place over three months in 2017, resulting in 251 responses representing all geographic regions in the United States. The researcher-developed survey evaluated student perceptions of professional membership challenges and supports at both the state and national levels. There was a statistically significant relationship between students participating in an organized student association and reporting membership in their state and national associations. Students sought out professional association memberships, even when their academic institutions did not provide support. A majority of students indicated that they planned to be American Occupational Therapy Association members after graduation. Students suggested that more economical membership, conference registration, and academic support could encourage active participation and engagement in their professional associations, extending beyond graduation. This study adds the OT student voice to the discussion about professional membership and engagement to the existing literature.
Antioxidant and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of Albizia zygia (DC) J.F. mebr and the evaluation of its phytochemical constituents

Medicinal plants are promising sources of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents and are readily available for ameliorating the increasing burden of diseases related to oxidative damage and inflammation. In the present study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of methanol extract of Albizia zygia, which is used traditionally as a therapeutic agent, was investigated. The antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH scavenging, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied in vitro as the inhibition of proteinase and protein denaturation. The functional groups in the plant extract were identified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the bioactive compounds were determined using Gas Chromatography and Mass spectroscopy (GCMS). The plant extracts demonstrated a positive concentration-dependent antioxidant with IC50 of 152 µg for DPPH, and anti-inflammatory effects with IC 50 of about 48 µg for DPPH for protein denaturation. The results of FTIR confirmed the presence of relevant functional groups, and the GCMS revealed the presence of various compounds like docosanoic acid, methyl stearate, and squalene, which are known to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In conclusion, these results showed that the extracts of Albizia zygia could protect against oxidative stress due to the presence of docosanoic acid, methyl stearate, and squalene present in the leaves.
Effect of Location and Parity in Milk Production, Service per Conception and Growth in Iraqi Buffaloes

The research was conducted in two locations for breeding Buffaloes (the first is the Taji district / 20 km north of Baghdad and the second is the Hashemia district in Babil 90 km south of Baghdad) for the period from 1/2/2019 to 31/1/2020 on 50 female Iraqi buffalo. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of location and the parity on the body dimensions of animals, daily milk production and milk composition, as well as the service per conception. The effect of location was observed to be highly significant (P <0.01) in the characteristics represented by daily milk production, glucose percentage, the solid material percentage in milk, as well as the service per conception and significantly (P <0.05) in protein and chest circumference. The results of the current study also showed that the effect of parity highly significant (P <0.01) on chest circumference, also it was significant (P <0.05), in both, height at the front, body length, daily milk production rate, glucose percentage and the service per conception. Finally, it can be concluded from this study that the majority of economic parameters were statistically affected by the location of study and parity and that productive and reproductive performance was the best in the sample of buffaloes of the Hashemia district.
Locations, Programs, and Content of Graduate Education in Business
 Communication

Objectives: This study explored locations, programs, and content of graduate education in business communication to provide guidance for prospective graduate students interested in becoming business communication faculty. Methods: The researchers conducted a survey of business communication scholars, drawing on the backgrounds and knowledge of those who currently teach and research business communication. Results: Findings indicate that 93 universities offer programs supporting graduate business communication education. This number dwarfs the 12 previously documented programs. These 93 programs are rarely called “business communication. ” More respondents received training in business communication practice in master’s programs than in doctoral programs, while more respondents received training in pedagogy and methods during doctoral work than master’s work. The majority of respondents reported being employed by business schools despite receiving their degrees from colleges of arts and sciences, communication, or education. Conclusions: Graduate students can use the list of 93 universities to investigate possible graduate programs in business communication. Students will likely need to pursue graduate education outside of business schools, because the majority of respondents did not receive their graduate degrees from business schools. Earning a doctorate will likely give students methodological knowledge that a master’s program may not provide. To bolster their experience with the context of business communication, graduate students may need to gain some experience in the practice of business communication via internship or elective business school coursework.
Comparative Analysis of Small Non-Coding RNA and Messenger RNA Expression in Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer and In Vitro-Fertilized Bovine Embryos During Early Development Through the Maternal-to-Embryonic Transition

Profiling of sncRNA and mapping transcriptional changes in bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos during early development through the maternal-to-embryonic transition by Jocelyn M. Cuthbert, Doctor of Philosophy Utah State University, 2020 Major Professor: Dr. Abby Benninghoff and Dr. Kenneth White Department: Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences The efficiency of embryo production by somatic cell nuclear transfer (scNT) is far below that of in vitro fertilized embryos (IVF), likely due to the accumulation of errors in genome reprogramming, which may encompass the coding genes for small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs). While sncRNAs have been reported to be important in mammalian embryo development, their potential functions have not been assessed through the critical maternal-to-embryonic transition (MET) in cattle embryos. The objectives of this study were to examine changes in expression of sncRNA during the MET in bovine IVF embryos, to assess the dysregulation of sncRNA and transcriptome profiles in scNT bovine embryos compared to IVF embryos, and to correlate transcript expression profiles with micro-RNA expression profiles. First, RNA sequencing was utilized to profile sncRNAs in bovine IVF oocytes and 8-celland blastocyst-staged bovine embryos. The analyses revealed a strong dynamic shift in relative abundance of differentially expressed sncRNAs, suggesting important roles for sncRNAs during the MET. Next, small and large RNA fractions were isolated from the same samples of cattle embryos produced via IVF or scNT at the 2-cell, 8-cell, morula and blastocyst developmental stages, and from MII oocytes, donor cell fibroblasts and either IVF or scNT blastocyst-derived cells (BDCs). RNA sequencing
Mate-copying for a costly variant in Drosophila melanogaster females

Mate-copying is a form of social learning in which witnessing sexual interactions between conspecifics biases an observer female's future mate-choice. We show in the fruit fly that females of either the Curly-wing (Cy) or the wild-type (WT) phenotype, after observing another female preferring to copulate with a fitness-lowering Cy male over a WT male, increased their preference for the usually nonpreferred Cy phenotype. Thus, mate-copying also exists for costly variants in invertebrates.