Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Moving towards more sustainable aquaculture practices: a meta‐analysis on the potential of plant‐enriched diets to improve fish growth, immunity and disease resistance

Aquatic animal diseases are one of the major limiting factors in aquaculture development, with disease emergence forecast to increase with global change. However, in order to treat increasing diseases in a context of global emergence of antimicrobial resistance and strengthening regulations on antimicrobial use, sustainable alternatives are urgently needed. The use of plant supplements to increase fish immunity and disease resistance has gained much popularity within the last decades. The use of functional supplements, such as plants, can also improve growth and feed assimilation, contributing to a better optimization of aquaculture resources (e.g. fish meal inclusion). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to identify the research gaps in the use of plant-enriched diets in fish aquaculture and estimate, for the first time, the overall efficacy of plant-enriched diets on fish growth, immunity and disease resistance as well as the effect of intrinsic parameters (fish trophic level, type of plant material, dosage, treatment duration and pathogen species) on the treatment efficacy. We found that plant-enriched diets significantly enhanced growth, immunity and disease survival of treated fish, regardless of the fish trophic level, treatment duration and type of material used. We also show that plant supplements are a versatile alternative that can benefit different aquaculture sectors (from small-scale fish farmers to intensive productions). Finally, we observed that studies need to improve the information reported about the plant material used (e.g. origin, identification, chemical composition), in order to allow the comparison of different experiments and improve their repeatability.
Morphometric Study of Supra Orbital and Frontal Exits in Skulls of Dharwad and Bijapur Area of South India

Address forc correspondence Dr. Bhat Shivaram. Dept. of Anatomy, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. E mail: bhat_shivarama@hotmail.com Introduction: The supra orbital margin of skull presents supra orbital notch or foramen for the supra orbital nerve and vessels. Similarly medial to that there is frontal notch or foramen which transmits supra trochlear nerve and vessels. Purpose:To study the characteristics and location of the supra orbital and frontal exits in south Indian skulls of Dharwad and Bijapur area and to compare these findings with other previous studies. This study may be useful for clinicians, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists and acupressure therapists. Methods:The anatomy of the supra orbital exits and frontal exits were studied in 91 number of adult skulls (46 male and 45 female skulls) which are collected from the old graveyard of Dharwad and Bijapur area of South India. These exits may occur as foramina or notches. The characteristics and location of the supra orbital exits and frontal exits were determined. Analysis was performed to compare differences between sexes and both sides. Data was then compared with those of the other previous studies. Results:Supra orbital exits were found in all 182 orbits. Among these, 70(38.5%) were foramina and 112(61.5%) were notches. Frontal foramina were found in 8 of the 182 (4.4%) orbits, 82(45%) showed notches, and 92(50.5%) had no frontal exits. The location of the supra orbital foramens showed a skewed distribution toward the medial aspect of the superior orbital rim. The mean distance between the supra orbital foramina and the nasion is 27.91mm and supra orbital notch is 24.99mm. The mean distance for frontal foramina was 20.38 mm and frontal notch is 19.1 mm. The location of the supra orbital foramen is highly variable in all studied populations. Conclusion: In a significant proportion of South Indian skulls of above mentioned geographic area, the Supra orbital foramina are more lateral in position than supra orbital notches. The location of these exits are similar in both male and female skulls. Extra care should be taken during surgical procedures around this region to avoid damage to the supra orbital nerve and vessels. The nature and location of these exits might be determined radiologically before any procedures.
Teaching of the Subject of Solids Through Problem-Based Learning Approach

The aim of the study is to investigate the attitudes of prospective science teachers towards the use of problem-based learning methods in the learning of concepts related to the subject of solids, and their opinions on its role in academic success, science process skills and the chemistry course. The study group consists of 83 prospective teachers studying in the science education undergraduate program. The experimental group and control group were determined by random sampling method. The problem-based learning method was used in the experimental group and the traditional approach was used in the control group. The experiment was carried out in a period of 5 weeks. As data collection tools; "Solid Concept Achievement Test", "Science Process Skill Test" and "The Attitude Scale toward Chemistry" were used. In the research, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), independent t-test and statistical methods with descriptions were used. The results showed that problem-based learning is more effective than the traditional approach to understanding the concepts related to solids by prospective teachers. The differences in academic achievement between the experimental and control groups in this study were parallel with the other results reported in the literature. Also, in terms of prospective teachers' development of science process skills and attitudes towards chemistry, it was seen that there was a significant difference between the groups in favor of problem-based learning.
Engineered Mouse Models of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cyclooxygenase-1 Is Overexpressed in Multiple Genetically

Cyclooxygenases-1 and -2 (Cox-1 and Cox-2) are two distinct isoforms that catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The role of Cox-2 in a variety of cancers is well recognized, but the contribution of Cox-1 remains much less explored. We have previously shown that human epithelial ovarian tumors have increased levels of Cox-1, but not Cox-2. We also observed that Cox-1 is highly expressed in a mouse model of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), which lacks p53 but overexpresses c-myc and K-ras or c-myc and Akt . More importantly, a Cox-1-selective inhibitor, SC-560, attenuates EOC growth. In the present investigation, we used various genetically engineered mouse models of EOC to determine whether Cox-1 overexpression is unique to specific genetic and oncogenic alterations or is widespread. These models include: (a) deletion of both p53 and Rb , (b) induction of the transforming region of SV40 under the control of Mullerian inhibitory substance type II receptor, or (c) activation of K-Ras in the absence of Pten locally in the ovarian surface epithelium. We found that these three models, which produce spontaneous EOC, also show up-regulated expression of Cox-1, but not Cox-2. The results provide further evidence that Cox-1 overexpression is common in various models of EOC. Thus, Cox-1 serves as a potential marker of EOC and is a possible target for the prevention and/or treatment of this deadly disease. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(5): 2527-31)
OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF LISTED OIL AND GAS COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

The study examined the effect of ownership structure on the financial performance of listed oil and gas companies in Nigeria for the period of 2006-2015. Secondary data were used, extracted from the financial reports and accounts of the companies that made the sample of the study. The study employed robust OLS as the best estimator of the regression model. One of the findings revealed Managerial ownership has a significant impact on the financial performance of oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The study recommends that, Managers should not be given the majority of shareholding in the ownership structure of the listed downstream oil and gas companies in Nigeria but rather they should be given a small portion of the shareholding of the listed oil and gas companies in Nigeria, this will motive and encourage them to perform better in other to achieve the desired company goals and objectives as well as comply with the laid down guide lines of the companies which will increase their financial performance and their integrity.
Protein crystallographic studies of A-TIM—structure based development of new enzymes

Enzymes are potentially superior as catalysts for many industrial chemical processes because of their high specificity, selectivity, minimum energy requirement and environmental friendliness. However, many challenges remain in order to exploit fully the potential of industrial enzymes. The qualities which are needed are catalytic proficiency, availability in high quantities, low price, low product inhibition, and high activity and stability under process conditions. Directed evolution and rational design are the most common strategies to produce enzymes with the desired properties. The TIM barrel is the most frequent and most versatile fold among naturally occurring enzymes. In all known TIM barrel enzymes, the catalytically active residues are located at one end of the barrel structure, while residues maintaining the stability of the fold are found on the opposite end of the barrel. This special architecture of the TIM barrel proteins makes it possible to change catalytic activity of the protein without compromising its stability, which is a perfect start for protein engineering studies. In this research project, a monomeric triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) variant with an engineered binding groove (A-TIM) was created by using a rational design approach. The major aims of this work were (i) to find novel binders and (ii) characterize the new, bigger binding groove using X-ray crystallographic methods. These studies have discovered that monomeric A-TIM can bind compounds completely different from the natural substrate. Studies on three different classes of binder molecules are reported: (i) true substrate analogues of wild type TIM, (ii) substrate analogues that have an extended hydrophobic tail, and (iii) more extended, phosphate containing substrate analogues. In addition to this, the A-TIM active site was shown to be competent. In general these studies illustrate the importance of protein crystallography for characterizing the binding properties of enzyme variants being studied in enzyme discovery projects.
Clinical relevance of 18F-FDG-PET/CT incidental findings.

INTRODUCTION The use of positron emission tomography with 2-deoxy-2-18F-fluoro-D-glucose integrated with CT (18F-FDG-PET/CT) in oncology is common. Unexpected incidental findings are occasionally recognised and can represent clinically relevant lesions or conditions. This study aims to assess the occurrence, clinical significance and economic impact of incidental 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings. METHODS PET/CT of 670 cancer patients was evaluated in consensus by two experienced specialists within nuclear medicine and radiology. Foci with an abnormally increased 18F-FDG uptake and/or CT changes not related to the patients` disease were reported. Thirty-five foci in 29 patients were assessed and their cost and impact on patient management were analysed with up to 32 months of follow-up. A supplementary literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science and the results were compared with ours. RESULTS A total of 28 foci (80%) were clinically relevant and elicited management or follow-up including four malignancies and 18 premalignant and six benign lesions. Seven foci were without pathology. The estimated additional cost was 1,984 US$ per focus. In the literature review, 642 of 1,090 foci (59%) were relevant, distributed as 270 malignancies, 166 premalignant and 206 benign lesions, whereas 448 foci were without pathology. CONCLUSIONS Incidental 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings should be investigated despite the occurrence of false-positive findings, additional time consumption and cost as they may represent obscure malignancies and premalignant or benign conditions needing treatment. FUNDING none. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.
Ethnozoological study of wild vertebrates of the Bonifacio Garcia community, Morelos, Mexico

The aim of this study was to analyze the ethnozoological knowledge that the inhabitants of the Bonifacio García community, Morelos, Mexico, conserve about wild vertebrate. Semi-structured interviews were applied to 30 key informants, through participant observation and guided tours, traces such as footprints, excreta, burrows and pelts and in vivo observation were researched for the identification of the mentioned species and the following indexes were calculated: value of diversity of use for each species (VDS) and of medicinal uses (DVM), as well as the diversity index of the treated diseases (DITD). The study recorded a total of 42 wild vertebrate species, of these 28 are used: mammals 39.3%, birds 32%, reptiles 18%, fish 7.1% and amphibia 3.6%. The main use values were alimentary (0.54), medicinal (0.46) and ornamental (0.43). The white-tailed deer, the black iguana and the rattlesnake registered 0.57 of VDS and a DVM of 0.19. The main diseases treated are cancer, respiratory and skin diseases and rheumatism with an DITD of 0.17. The animals are obtained by means of subsistence hunting in the fields (50%), croplands (43%) and backyards (7%), using most frequently shotguns as arms for capture. We conclude that the appropriation of vertebrates complements basic needs for food and health; therefore, ethnozoological knowledge must be integrated into public policies that enable the conservation and management of wild fauna in the community. Palabras clave: Apropiación; cacería de subsistencia; conocimiento tradicional; fauna silvestre; valores de uso.
Sex Preference Of Offspring, Induced Abortion / Menstrual Regulation (MR) And Legal Issue In Bangladesh

Sex preference of offspring is very strong in Bangladesh associated with socioeconomic and cultural reasons and as a result, parents desperately want to get firstborn boy. Many couples are distressed, if they are unable to produce the first male offspring. Under the circumstances, if they detect the first child is girl at the embryonic stage, in many cases, the parents are interested to terminate the pregnancy through induced abortion in the shade of menstrual regulation (MR). The focus of this paper is to examine to what extent the pregnant women terminate their fetus through induced abortion under the shade of Menstrual Regulation (MR) in avoiding the girl child.
The Web-Based Usability Heuristic Survey Supports User Satisfaction

Competition between companies is now getting stronger strongly related to the company's mechanism in providing the services provided. Companies can build ways that can maintain customer loyalty. The approach can be done with web-based Usability Testing adopting an application user acceptance model, a usability aspect analysis that acts as a customer who enjoys a company's products and services. At present, there are already many theories of user acceptance models for an application. One of them is the user satisfaction model (User Satisfaction). This review specifically also identifies that content content has a significant positive effect on website visitor satisfaction.
Distributed Approach for implementation of A3C on TORCS

—The performance of a reinforcement learning agent depends on its exploration by interacting with the environment. A popular approach to increase the exploration is to implement Asynchronous advantage actor critic algorithm, but it requires a multi-core high-performance CPU which can multi-thread environment processes. We propose a simple scalable distributed framework to implement the Asynchronous advantage actor-critic reinforcement algorithm on multiple single or dual core systems. This framework was experimented on the open source car racing simulator-TORCS. Based on the results obtained, we conclude that a distributed approach with a high number of agents gives more exploration to the agent and reduces the training time than a single agent running on a single system. Furthermore, the proposed framework can be experimented with other deep reinforcement learning algorithms.
Metformin reverses the drug resistance of cisplatin in irradiated CNE-1 human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through PECAM-1 mediated MRPs down-regulation

Objective: To explore a way to reverse the drug resistance for irradiated CNE-1 human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and try to develop a new high efficacy with low toxicity therapeutic approach. Methods: 300 Gy irradiated the CNE-1 human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, and then treated with single-agent cisplatin or metformin, or combination of both drugs. MTT assay and FCM were applied to detect cell viability and apoptosis. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to characterize the protein and mRNA expression after various drug administrations. Results: The results presented single-agent metformin was capable of arresting the tumor growth and inducing apoptosis in irradiated CNE-1 cells and also demonstrated a synergy effect with cisplatin. Furthermore, metformin down-regulates the PECAM-1 expression, which could regulate Multi-drug Resistance-associate Proteins (MRPs) expression leading to cisplatin resistance of irradiated CNE-1 cells. A pan-MRP inhibitor, probenecid, can resecure cisplatin resistance leading by radiation. Conclusions: Metformin, due to its independent effects on PECAM-1, had a unique anti-proliferative effect on irradiated CNE-1 cells. It would be a new therapeutic option to conquer cisplatin resistance for advanced NPC patients after radiotherapy.
Best environmental predictors of breeding phenology differ with elevation in a common woodland bird species

Abstract Temperatures in mountain areas are increasing at a higher rate than the Northern Hemisphere land average, but how fauna may respond, in particular in terms of phenology, remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess how elevation could modify the relationships between climate variability (air temperature and snow melt‐out date), the timing of plant phenology and egg‐laying date of the coal tit (Periparus ater). We collected 9 years (2011–2019) of data on egg‐laying date, spring air temperature, snow melt‐out date, and larch budburst date at two elevations (~1,300 m and ~1,900 m asl) on a slope located in the Mont‐Blanc Massif in the French Alps. We found that at low elevation, larch budburst date had a direct influence on egg‐laying date, while at high‐altitude snow melt‐out date was the limiting factor. At both elevations, air temperature had a similar effect on egg‐laying date, but was a poorer predictor than larch budburst or snowmelt date. Our results shed light on proximate drivers of breeding phenology responses to interannual climate variability in mountain areas and suggest that factors directly influencing species phenology vary at different elevations. Predicting the future responses of species in a climate change context will require testing the transferability of models and accounting for nonstationary relationships between environmental predictors and the timing of phenological events.
Can a Self-care Educational Mobile Application Improve the Quality of Life of Victims With Hand Burns? A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesHand burns are among the most destructive types of burns, imposing significant limitations on the performance and occupation of individuals. Accordingly, this injury induces many negative effects on the quality of life (QOL) of patients. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to assess the effect of a self-care educational mobile application on the QOL of victim patients with hand burns.Materials and MethodsThe present randomized controlled trial included 60 burn victims admitted to the Burn Center of Imam Reza hospital, Mashhad, Iran. The intervention group used the hand burn self-care application upon their admission up to 2 months after their hospital discharge while the controls only received the ordinary training presented in the burn center. All patients completed the Burn-Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) questionnaire before and 2 months after the intervention. Finally, data were analyzed using an independent t test, along with chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests in SPSS 21.ResultsTwo months after using the hand burn self-care application, the total mean score for the QOL of burn victims increased from 80.4±17.9 to 182.5±15.6 and 74.8±15.3 to 122.4±19.7 in the intervention and control groups, respectively (P<0.001). ConclusionsAccording to our results, using the self-care burn mobile application can improve the QOL of burn victims. Consequently, the use of this tool can be proposed as part of the treatment and rehabilitation procedures for these patients.
Relating Customer Satisfaction to Stock Returns Risk

Over the past decade, several studies have argued that customer satisfaction has high relevance for financial markets because it has a significant impact on stock returns. However, little attention has been given to understanding the impact of customer satisfaction on the risk of stock returns. The finance literature suggests that investors that judge performance only in terms of returns place more resources than warranted in risky opportunities, forgo profitable opportunities, and apply misguided performance evaluations. Accordingly, this study develops, tests, and finds empirical support for the hypotheses that positive changes (i.e., improvement) in customer satisfaction result in negative changes (i.e., reduction) in overall and downside systematic and idiosyncratic risk. Using a panel data sample of publicly traded U.S. firms and satisfaction data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index, the study demonstrates that investments in customer satisfaction insulate a firm’s stock returns from market movements (overall and downside systematic risk) and lower the volatility of its stock returns (overall and downside idiosyncratic risk). The results are robust to alternative measures of risk, model specifications, and concerns related to sample composition criteria raised in some recent studies. Therefore, the results indicate that customer satisfaction is a metric that provides valuable information to financial markets. The robust impact of customer satisfaction on stock returns risk indicates that it would be useful for firms to disclose their customer satisfaction scores in their annual report to shareholders.
Genetic variability in banana cultivars under Assam conditions

An investigation was laid out to assess growth and yield performance of twenty banana cultivars and also to study the extent of genetic variation under Assam conditions. The performance study revealed that local cultivars of Assam viz., Bhutmanohar, Bharatmoni and Kachkal exhibited superiority in terms of growth parameters, while commercial cultivar Barjahaji was found most promising in terms of yield and yield attributing parameters. The highest GCV and corresponding PCV were observed in leaf area among growth parameters and in finger weight among yield attributing parameters indicating vast potential for genetic improvement of these two traits. Additive genetic control for the characters leaf area, LAI and pulp: peel ratio was recorded as these parameters registered higher GA, heritability and GCV. This indicates the suitability of these parameters for simple directional selection.