Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Beneficial Effects of Combination Therapy of Sitagliptin and β-carotene Drugs on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM), characterized by chronic hyperglycemia is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. A significant component of the risk associated with DM is thought to be because of its abnormal lipid ‘triad’ profile. All the associated complications are mainly due to imbalance between generation of free radicals and the antioxidant systems like catalase (CAT) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes. Moreover, increased level of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) are considered a consequence of hepatocyte damage. The current study was designed to investigate the antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic effects, oxidative stress and liver dysfunction indices of fixed dose combination therapy of sitagliptin [50 mg/70kg body weight (BW)] and β-carotene (5 mg/70kg BW) on streptozotocin (45 mg/kg BW) induced diabetic rats (SIDRs). The study showed that combination therapy induced a significant decrease in blood glucose level (BGL) from 19.09 ± 0.13 to 6.86 ± 0.11 mmol/l in comparison to the control group after daily treatment for three weeks. In case of dyslipidimic effect, combination therapy reduced total cholesterol (TC) (22.96%), triglycerides (TG) (17.54%) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (52.25%) levels significantly and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol level (55.98%) in comparison with respective diabetic control groups. We also observed that combination therapy lowered SGPT & SGOT level by 46.39% and 37.23%, respectively and increased SOD & CAT enzyme activity by 63.79% and 48.32%, respectively in comparison with diabetic control groups. These changes were significantly better than those of sitagliptin and β-carotene monotherapy. The suggestions of our findings of this research are that combination therapy is more potent than their individual monotherapy and may be beneficial for the treatment of diabetic patients with associated complications.
Risk, Ambiguity, and the Value of Diversification

Diversification is a basic economic principle that helps to hedge against uncertainty. It is, therefore, intuitive that both risk aversion and ambiguity aversion should positively affect the value of diversification. In this paper, we show that this intuition (1) is true for risk aversion but (2) is not necessarily true for ambiguity aversion. We derive sufficient conditions, showing that, contrary to the economic intuition, ambiguity and ambiguity aversion may actually reduce the diversification value. This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, decision analysis.
The impact of health status and human capital formation on regional performance: Empirical evidence

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of health on growth, assuming that it is a fundamental component of the human capital of a region along with education. Various measures of population health status are used, together with a health index generated by principal component analysis. Potential endogeneity between health and growth is controlled for using instrumental variable regressions and dynamic panel data. The results show a positive effect of a change in health status on regional output and a negative effect of proxy variables for health limitations on regional performance. This corroborates the importance of investing in health along with education with the aim of improving not only the well-being of individuals but the human capital and growth of a region.
Microbiological and Physicochemical Qualities of Moo Som (Traditional Thai Fermented Meat) Inoculated with Lactic Acid Bacteria Starter

Effect of different strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculation on the fermentation rate and qualities of Moo som, a traditional Thai fermented pork was evaluated. Lactobacillus plantarum KL102 (spontaneous starter) and L. plantarum TISIR543 (commercial starter) were used as starter cultures in production of Moo som. The decrease amounts of Staphylococcus aureus and coliforms in Moo som inoculated with L. plantarum KL102 was faster rate than those in Moo som inoculated with L. plantarum TISIR543. However, the final products of Moo som inoculated both LAB starters did not find S. aureus and coliforms loading. Inoculation of both LAB starters could control growth of yeast in samples during fermentation. Furthermore, both starter cultures exhibited a higher rate of fermentation than the control (without inoculum) as demonstrated by the faster rate pH drop and acid production ( p < 0.05) during fermentation, while the fermentation of all samples were completed within 3 d. Due to higher acid production rate, texture, especially hardness, gumminess and chewiness of inoculated Moo som were higher than control Moo som in the final products ( p < 0.05). From the result, the inoculation of LAB starter was more beneficial in color and overall of sensory evaluation ( p < 0.05). The overall quality was positively correlated with the color, odor and texture of Moo som ( p < 0.01). Based on microbiological and physicochemical qualities and sensory evaluation, KL102 is a potential LAB starter for Moo som production.
A wavelet artificial neural network method for medium‐term rainfall prediction in Queensland (Australia) and the comparisons with conventional methods

This study aims to develop a medium‐term rainfall forecast model to predict monthly rainfall 1, 3, 6, and 12 months in advance using hybrid wavelet‐artificial neural networks (WANN) for Queensland, Australia. To assess the performance of the models, seven input sets comprised of either past rainfall magnitudes, selected climate anomalies, or combinations of rainfall with different climate anomalies as independent variables were defined. The data of the years 1908–1999 and 2000–2016 from 10 weather stations in Queensland were used for training and verification of the models, respectively. The results showed that the WANN enhances the average prediction accuracy in terms of root‐mean‐square‐error (RMSE) with 90, 52, 32, and 15% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months lead time, respectively compared to of the artificial neural networks (ANN). Also, the current prediction system of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Australian Community Climate Earth‐System Simulator–Seasonal (ACCESS‐S) provided the predictions with the average RMSE values of 91.0, 102.7, and 100.3 mm for 1, 3, and 6 months lead times, respectively. In contrast, the corresponding RMSE values of 8.2, 37.6, and 52.4 mm are obtained through the WANN. Moreover, performance of the WANN method was compared with the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and multiple linear regression (MLR) models. ARIMA and MLR produced similar performances at same lead times; corresponding average RMSE values of 78.8, 82.72, 80.9, and 79.5 mm were obtained through ARIMA compared to the 75.9, 79.5, 79.0, and 78.9 mm through the MLR. The results of the current study indicate than the performance of the WANN is more accurate than the ANN, ARIMA, MLR, and ACCESS‐S forecasts.
The Effects of Competition and Entry in Multi-sided Markets

We study price competition and entry of platforms in multi-sided markets. Utilizing the simplicity of the equilibrium pricing formula in our setting with heterogeneity of customers’ membership benefits, we demonstrate that in the presence of externalities, the standard effects of competition can be reversed: as platform competition increases, prices and platform profits can go up and consumer surplus can go down. We identify economic forces that jointly determine the social inefficiency of the free-entry equilibrium and provide conditions under which free entry is socially excessive as well as an example in which free entry is socially insufficient. JEL classification: L13, L4.
Crosslinguistic influence on English and Chinese L2 speakers’ conceptualization of event series

Aims and objectives/purpose/research question: The expression of event series varies across languages in intriguing ways. One key difference is that in some linguistic systems, such as Chinese, events can be tightly sequenced using serial verb constructions (SVCs), for example, qù kāi mén ‘go open door’. Linguistic systems with this property are known as serializing, and those without it, such as English, as non-serializing. This paper explores whether second language (L2) learners with a serializing first language (L1) conceptually transfer tight L1-based event serialization patterns into their non-serializing L2, and, if L2 learners with a non-serializing L1 acquire tight SVC-modulated event serialization in the L2. Design/methodology/approach: To investigate this, a task was created to estimate temporal distances between events on a time axis. Participants were asked to circle two numbers on the axis (0 = far past, 9 = far future) based on their understanding of when two events expressed by two verbs in each stimulus sentence happen. Data and analysis: Results showed that Chinese learners of English estimated significantly shorter temporal distances between multiple events in English SVC-like sentences compared to English natives. Tighter temporal sequencing in L2 English is interpreted as L1-based conceptual transfer of event serialization patterns. In the opposite direction, English learners of Chinese marked events in Chinese SVCs as significantly further apart than did Chinese natives, also showing that their event serialization is L1-based. Originality: This study demonstrates for the first time crosslinguistic influence on the conceptual level in the domain of event serialization. Significance/implications: The reported findings inform L2 acquisition research by providing empirical support for the idea that L1-based event serialization patterns influence how L2 learners conceptualize event distances, and this holds in both directions, from a serializing to a non-serializing language as well as vice versa.
Effects of Zeolite and Biochar Addition on Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria and Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea Communities during Agricultural Waste Composting

The effects of zeolite and biochar addition on ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) communities during agricultural waste composting were determined in this study. Four treatments were conducted as follows: Treatment A as the control with no additive, Treatment B with 5% of zeolite, Treatment C with 5% of biochar, and Treatment D with 5% of zeolite and 5% biochar, respectively. The AOB and AOA amoA gene abundance as well as the ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) activity were estimated by quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The relationship between gene abundance and AMO enzyme activity was determined by regression analysis. Results indicated that the AOB was more abundant than that of AOA throughout the composting process. Addition of biochar and its integrated application with zeolite promoted the AOB community abundance and AMO enzyme activity. Significant positive relationships were obtained between AMO enzyme activity and AOB community abundance (r2 = 0.792; P < 0.01) and AOA community abundance (r2 = 0.772; P < 0.01), indicating that both bacteria and archaea played significant roles in microbial ammonia oxidation during composting. Using biochar and zeolite might promote the nitrification activity by altering the sample properties during agricultural waste composting.
Effects of suppressing bioavailability of insulin‐like growth factor on age‐associated intervertebral disc degeneration

Suppression of the insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) signaling pathway reduces age‐related disorders and increases lifespan across species, making the IGF‐1 pathway a key regulator of aging. Previous in vitro intervertebral disc cell studies have reported the pro‐anabolic effect of exogenously adding IGF‐1 on matrix production. However, the overall effects of suppressing IGF‐1 signaling on age‐related intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is not known. Here, the effects of suppressing IGF‐1 signaling on age‐related IDD in vivo were examined using PAPPA−/− mice. These are animals with targeted deletion of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPPA), the major protease that cleaves inhibitory IGF binding proteins that control bioavailability of IGF‐1 for cell signaling. Compared to age‐matched wild‐type (Wt) littermates, reduced levels of matrix proteoglycan (PG) and aggrecan were seen in discs of 23‐month old PAPPA−/− mice. Decreased aggrecanolysis and expression of two key catabolic markers, matrix metalloproteinase‐3 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs‐4, were also observed in discs of old PAPPA−/− mice compared to Wt littermates. Suppressing IGF‐1 signaling has been implicated to shift cellular metabolism toward maintenance rather than growth and decreasing cellular senescence. Along this line, discs of old PAPPA−/− mice also exhibited lower cellular senescence, assessed by p53 and lamin B1 markers. Collectively, the data reveal complex regulation of disc matrix homeostasis by PAPPA/IGF‐1 signaling during chronologic aging, that is, reduced IGF‐1 bioavailability confers the benefit of decreasing disc cellular senescence and matrix catabolism but also the disadvantage of decreasing disc PG matrix anabolism. This pathway requires further mechanistic elucidation before IGF‐1 could be considered as a therapeutic growth factor for treating IDD.
Effect of acute melatonin administration on physiological response to prolonged exercise

ABSTRACT Exogenous melatonin supplementation may enhance endurance performance because of its pre-cooling effect. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of acute melatonin ingestion on rectal temperature (Tre) response to submaximal exercise performed in moderate temperature. Eight students moderately trained aged between 20–23 years completed two experimental sessions in a randomized order. The subjects ran on a treadmill for 45 minutes at 60% of their maximal aerobic speed (MAS) after either melatonin-(6mg) or placebo ingestion. Tre, heart rate (HR), thermal sensation (TS) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Blood samples were taken before and after exercise to measure the hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) concentrations. Melatonin decreased resting Tre by ≈ 0.2°C, but it did not attenuate the increase in core temperature during exercise. At the end of the exercise, HR was significantly attenuated in melatonin condition compared with placebo condition. High dose of melatonin (>5 mg) is not recommended to attenuate the increase of core temperature during continuous exercise.
Perspectives on UK university employment from autistic researchers and lecturers

Abstract This small-scale unfunded work considers what universities might do better in relation to the employment of autistic researchers and/or lecturers. It is informed by questionnaire responses from twelve UK-based autistic academics. Autistic colleagues were involved in the development of this paper, but it is authored by a non-autistic neurodivergent academic ally. Allyship is demonstrated in working alongside, rather than taking over from, autistic scholars with a view to contributing to improving their working conditions. Information was gathered in 2019 before the global pandemic. Thematic analysis of first-hand testimony underpinned by information from published sources revealed overarching themes. These point to obstacles to secure employment in higher education at every stage, from financing doctoral study, to recruitment practices, to navigating bureaucracy. Structures that are notionally designed to help appear somewhat impenetrable. Attitudinal barriers compound practical difficulties, whereas supportive cultures and practices reduce obstacles. Autistic scholars are networking through grassroots organisations such as PARC but have limited power to affect changes which would move the sector closer to compliance with the Equality Act (2010). Points of interest Autistic scholars with doctorates, peer reviewed publications and research skills reported difficulties in securing and maintaining UK university employment which is a good match with their proven abilities. Practical, structural and attitudinal obstacles to flourishing in the academy were evident in the accounts of autistic academics. The term ‘ableism’ can be applied to systems rooted in the idea that there is a way of ‘performing’ employment and any variance is somehow less acceptable. Autistic scholars have much to offer academia and ableism can get in their way. Autistic-led initiatives such as the (unfunded) Participatory Autism Research Collective (PARC) provide some sort of grassroots supportive infrastructure for autistic academics. A supportive Universal Design (UD) informed approach to employment nurtures diversity. Universal Design is in keeping with expectations around non-discriminatory employment placed on universities by the Equality Act 2010 and has the potential to benefit a wide range of marginalised scholars.
Community–Police Dialogues: Evaluating the Effects on Adult, Youth, and Police Participants

Improving the relationship between the police and the public is a major focus of American police agencies. Community–police dialogues represent a potential avenue to facilitate positive interactions and promote the four pillars of procedural justice (voice, neutrality, respect, and impartiality). Recent funding has allowed one agency to host six community–police dialogues (three with adult community members and three with youth community members). These events allow citizens to participate in a community building circle with police to build community and discuss various concerns relevant to their city. Using pre- and post-test data from dialogue participants, the current study seeks to determine the effects of the community–police dialogue on community perceptions of voice, trust, respect, and empathy towards their police department. Following participation, community members reported a greater willingness to work with police to improve relationships, greater trust and respect towards police officers, and a greater awareness of the challenges faced by police officers. Some key differences emerged depending on the age group of the participant. Similarly, police officers reported higher levels of respect for and trust in the community and greater feelings of respect from residents. These findings highlight the potential for dialogue events to promote procedural justice and enhance community partnerships, especially for youth community members.
A cross sectional study of the perceptions of first year medical students regarding Post graduate preferences

Introduction: Growing appreciation of issues related to post graduate preferences among undergraduate medical students in recent years assumes great importance in health care delivery of the country. This study was carried out to determine the factors affecting the career choices of medical students. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted to find out the preferences of students regarding the choice of post-graduation and factors affecting their choice. Materials and Method: A cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted among 130 medical students belonging to 2015-16 batch. Results: The data compiled revealed 57.14%of male students preferring surgery and allied sciences followed by 42.85% of males preferring medicine and allied subjects as their choice. 60% of the female respondents prefer medicine and allied subjects as their choice followed by 31.66% preferring surgery and allied subjects and 8.33% preferred pre or para-clinical subjects as their career preference. The major factors influencing the choice of specialty were interest/ aptitude, ease of job availability, family and role models followed by challenging nature of specialty. Conclusion: Post graduation preferences among undergraduate students and factors affecting their choice needs to be considered in order to address the inequality of specialists especially in Pre and Para clinical courses is nullified. Keywords: Medical, Post-graduation
Evaluation of the perceived social impacts of the Formula E Grand Prix of Santiago de Chile

The aim of this study is to analyse residents' perception of the social impact of the Formula E Grand Prix of Santiago de Chile. A sample of 414 residents was collected through a questionnaire made up of 46 items regarding possible positive and negative impacts. Descriptive analysis, confirmatory factorial analysis and cluster analysis were performed. The results showed two groups with different perceptions of this sporting event: realistic (n=152) and favourable (n=162). Sociodemographic variables referring to education level, civil status, income level, location of the family residence and political orientation contribute to significantly differentiating the clusters. The variables related to interest in the event, support for the celebration, attendance, participation and frequency of contact also contributed to significantly differentiating the groups. Citizens’ high degree of support for holding the sporting event could be identified by a positive social representation of the event.
Combining Internal- and External-Training-Loads to Predict Non-Contact Injuries in Soccer

The large amount of features recorded from GPS and inertial sensors (external load) and well-being questionnaires (internal load) can be used together in a multi-dimensional non-linear machine learning based model for a better prediction of non-contact injuries. In this study we put forward the main hypothesis that the use of such models would be able to inform better about injury risks by considering the evolution of both internal and external loads over two horizons (one week and one month). Predictive models were trained with data collected by both GPS and subjective questionnaires and injury data from 40 elite male soccer players over one season. Various classification machine-learning algorithms that performed best on external and internal loads features were compared using standard performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve. In particular, tree-based algorithms based on non-linear models with an important interpretation aspect were privileged as they can help to understand internal and external load features impact on injury risk. For 1-week injury prediction, internal load features data were more accurate than external load features while for 1-month injury prediction, the best performances of classifiers were reached by combining internal and external load features.
Observational analysis and simulations of a severe hailstorm in northeastern Italy

Hailstorms are relatively frequent in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, northeastern Italy and, for that reason, a network of manual hailpads has been set up there since the late 1980s. On July 4, 2007, a record number of hailpads in the network were impacted by hail (115 out of about 360 total stations). To the best of the authors' knowledge, no other single hailstorm case‐study has information coming from such a large number of hailpads impacted by hail. These hailpads are analysed using automatic software, able to interpret each hail dent as an ellipse. From these data, the distribution of hailstone diameters, areal hailstone density on the pads and total kinetic energy flux are computed and analysed in the present study. A parallel analysis of radar maximum reflectivity and cloud‐to‐ground lightning shows that the evolution of the hailstorm can be divided into three different phases, the first being the most severe in terms of lightning and hail. Finally, numerical simulations performed with a non‐hydrostatic mesoscale model, implementing a prognostic module for the explicit simulation of hail (WRF‐HAILCAST), show that the simulation system provides useful information on the severity of the event in terms of maximum hailstone diameter and reflectivity shape.