Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of macrophages in spleen, liver and bone marrow of Trypanosoma congolense (Kaura strain) infected mice for laboratory diagnosis.

At the time of sacrifice of each of the three groups, mice infected for two weeks showed slight decreased mean body weight from 21.5±6.8 to 20.2±5.9(p<0.05). This was probably due to the severity of infection in proportion to high parasiteamia level with the trypanosome parasite competing with the body cells for nutrients. However, increased body weight in 4 weeks infected mice, 22±6.9 to 24.5±5.3(p<0.02) was probably due to lack of reduced nutrient demand as a result of absence or reduced Trypanosoma congolense parasite in the blood. The marked splenomegaly noticed could be as a result of increase cell population per unit area with concomitant decrease in interstitial space (Anosa and Kaneko, 1984), while there were no significant liver changes except for slight hepatomegaly, 9.2±1.99(p<0.001) of about only twice the weight of that of control (4.4±0.5). After the acute phase of infection, it began to return to pre-infection size. The acute phase of the infection was characterized by significant decrease in PCV, Hb concentration, thrombocyte count but increased lymphocyte, neutrophil, monocytes and eosinophil numbers in the heart blood, but this is untrue for the 4wk infected mice as the PCV was close to those of control mice,47.6±4.4 and 49±1.6 respectively showing no obvious sign of anaemia. This may imply compensated haemolytic anaemia similar to that reported in trypanotolerant deer mice infected with T. brucei (Anosa and Kaneko, 1983a). However, there was depression of leucocytes and thrombocytes at this stage, significantly below those of the two weeks infected mice. This was due to continued proliferation and activation of macrophages in the bone marrow, liver and spleen. There was a more increased phagocytic activity in spleen and liver of group A mice infected for two weeks but significantly lower in 4 weeks infected mice except in the bone marrow where phagocytic activity persisted and increased at the end of 4 weeks infection. This corresponds to the variations in sizes of the macrophages examined for phagocytosis. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that the macrophage plays a very vital role in the events in the spleen, liver and bone marrow of T. congolense infected mice, particularly with respect to cytophagia and the control of haemopoiesis, thus could be used to establish a confirmatory diagnosis for the above named strain of Trypanosoma congolense, which is gradually becoming endemic in the Niger-Delta and South-Western parts of Nigeria. ISAH-2007 Tartu, Estonia 745
Psychosocial Intervention With or Without Antipsychotic Medication for First-Episode Psychosis: A Randomized Noninferiority Clinical Trial

This triple-blind (participants, clinicians, and researchers) randomized controlled noninferiority trial examined whether intensive psychosocial intervention (cognitive-behavioral case management, CBCM) for first-episode psychosis (FEP) in 15–25 year-olds managed in a specialized early intervention for psychosis service was noninferior to usual treatment of antipsychotic medication plus CBCM delivered during the first 6 months of treatment. To maximize safety, participants were required to have low levels of suicidality and aggression, a duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) of less than 6 months, and be living in stable accommodation with social support. The primary outcome was level of functioning as assessed by the Social and Occupational Functioning Scale (SOFAS) at 6 months. Ninety young people were randomized by computer, 46 to placebo, and 44 antipsychotic medication and 33% of those who commenced trial medication completed the entire 6-month trial period. On the SOFAS, both groups improved, and group differences were small and clinically trivial, indicating that treatment with placebo medication was no less effective than conventional antipsychotic treatment (mean difference = −0.2, 2-sided 95% confidence interval = −7.5 to 7.0, t = 0.060, P = .95). Within the context of a specialized early intervention service, and with a short DUP, the immediate introduction of antipsychotic medication may not be required for all cases of FEP in order to see functional improvement. However, this finding can only be generalized to a very small proportion of FEP cases at this stage, and a larger trial is required to clarify whether antipsychotic-free treatment can be recommended for specific subgroups of those with FEP. Trial Registration: ACTRN12607000608460 (www.anzctr.org.au).
Factor Performance 2010-2019: A Lost Decade?

The factors in the widely used Fama-French model experienced a negative average return over the 2010-2019 period. Perhaps surprisingly, such a lost decade is not unprecedented in history, as factor performance in the 2010s is, in fact, remarkably similar to factor performance in the 1990s. By contrast, many other factors did deliver a positive premium over the past decade. These factors include low risk, price momentum, earnings momentum, analyst revisions, seasonals, and short-term reversal. Thus, there appears to be a clear dichotomy in recent factor performance: while generally accepted factors struggled, various factors that are considered to be inferior or redundant remained effective.
The nonlinear gestural model of speech apraxia: clinical implications and applications

ABSTRACT Rationale: In the approach presented here, adult apraxia of speech (AoS) is understood as a disorder affecting the language-specific motor patterns a speaker acquires during childhood and adolescence. The phonological factors that influence articulatory accuracy in AoS reflect the relative vulnerability of their accompanying motor planning variables to apraxic impairment, depending on the extent to which they have been consolidated in speech motor learning. Since these factors interact strongly, the Nonlinear Gestural (NLG) model combines them into an integrative computational framework. We thereby aim at explaining word production accuracy in AOS from a word’s structural properties across multiple hierarchical layers, – from articulatory gestures to metrical patterns. The NLG model: In a review of earlier articles, the NLG-model is first introduced by describing five core principles underlying its design, whereupon the computational and empirical underpinnings of the model are explained. Finally, the model shape is delineated by specifying its empirically derived coefficients, with a focus on clinical implications. Clinical applications: A web-based NLG calculator is described that allows clinicians to compute NLG scores for German words or pseudowords and create displays of their gestural scores, as a prerequisite of incorporating the NLG approach in their diagnostic and therapeutic work. Furthermore, we describe how the structural properties of words, as represented by their NLG scores, can be linked to other clinically relevant lexical variables. Potential applications of these tools involve (i) the design of assessment and treatment materials following a hierarchy of articulatory difficulty, (ii) the interpretation of error patterns following the NLG hierarchy as a signature of the apraxic pathomechanism, with possible differential diagnostic applications, and (iii) computation of a distance metric to describe the relationship between target words and their realisations by patients with AoS. Expansions to other types of speech sound impairment in adults and children are discussed.
Design, Optimization and Simulation of III-Nitride Power Heterostructure Field Effect Transistor

: An enhanced design for a GaN/AlGaN HFET is proposed in this study, the proposed design is the multi-layered metal stack design of a HFET using the metals and thicknesses of Ti (250Å)-Al (750Å)-Ti (100Å)-Al (750Å)-Ti (100Å)-Au (250Å). This novel design has been proposed before and is an enhancement of the traditional Ti-Al-Ti-Au. The aim of the prosed design was to obtain better ohmic contact performance with the Ti-Al and multi-layering being the difference between the two. The two HFETs are expected to perform differently with the proposed design showing better ohmic metalization, consistent with past results and which have been proven using MATLAB simulation of its performance. The Ti-Al multi-layer metal stack returned a resistance value of 3.23 Ω mm while the traditional model had values of 3.40 Ω mm. The proposed Ti-Al multi-layer model also had better performance in terms of current densities with a value of 0.12 Amm G 1 compared to the traditional design that had 0.08 Amm G 1 . Al mole fraction was observed to have a direct effect on leakage performance, leakage being an important performance factor. The MATLAB results showed convergence, falling within the 1×10 G 10 and 1×10 G 6 . The results were also comparable to those from past research.
A Meta-Analysis of Transactional Leadership and Follower Performance: Double-Edged Effects of LMX and Empowerment

Although transactional leadership is known to be the most common style of leadership in organizations, meta-analytic work has yet to fully uncover the relationship between transactional leadership and one of the most focal leadership outcomes: follower performance. Moreover, little is known about the mechanisms that explain why transactional leadership predicts follower performance. To address these gaps, the current article meta-analytically tests a model based on social exchange theory and self-determination theory in which transactional leadership is theorized to affect follower performance sequentially through leader–member exchange (LMX) and psychological empowerment. Specifically, we argue that although some leadership behaviors (e.g., contingent reward) may benefit performance via positive contributions to the leader–follower social exchange, some leadership behaviors (e.g., contingent reward) may simultaneously exhibit negative effects on performance via reduced empowerment. Our results demonstrate that transactional leadership displays both positive and negative indirect effects on follower performance. Furthermore, the pattern of these effects generalizes to two types of performance: task performance and contextual performance. These findings suggest that transactional leadership is a “double-edged sword” when predicting follower performance (e.g., contingent reward fosters LMX but hinders empowerment, whereas management by exception fosters empowerment but hinders LMX). We discuss how leaders can benefit from these findings, including modifying one’s delivery of transactional leadership approaches.
Transcriptome Sequencing and Differential Expression Analysis Reveal Molecular Mechanisms for Starch Accumulation in Chestnut

Chestnuts are popular edible nuts that are rich in starch. In order to enhance the transcriptomic resources and further understand starch and sucrose metabolism in maturing chestnuts, a comparative transcriptomic study of Chinese chestnut kernels was conducted at three ripening stages (70, 82, and 94 DAF). At 82 and 94 days after flowering (DAF), starch continued to accumulate, and the amylopectin/amylose ratio increased. Transcriptomic profiling of kernels at 70 (stage I), 82 (stage II), and 94 DAF (stage III) indicated that soluble starch synthase and α-1,4-glucan branching enzyme genes are actively expressed at 82 and 94 DAF. The starch degradation enzymes amylase, phosphoglucan phosphatase DSP4, and maltose exporter did not show differential gene expression, while glycogen phosphorylase-encoding unigenes were significantly down-regulated at 94 DAF. In addition to starch and sucrose metabolism, RNA transport, RNA degradation, pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, plant–pathogen interactions, and glycerophospholipid metabolism were found to be significantly enriched in all comparisons included in the study. As Chinese chestnut matured, the unique enriched pathways switched from ribosomal biogenesis and RNA polymerase of eukaryotes to endocytosis and spliceosomes. These genomic resources and findings are valuable for further understanding starch and sucrose metabolism in the Chinese chestnut.
Analysis on the influential factors of transformation resistance of small and medium enterprise managers

The majority of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Taiwan are original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or original design manufacturers (ODMs). Given the growing intensity of global competition, transformation from OEM or ODM to a branded enterprise is a key concern for SMEs. SMEs’ branding processes are subject to numerous problems and among them, resistance by organization members is considered the most critical. Previous studies have largely focused on factors contributing to branding success or resistance by an organization’s employees, and few have addressed the implications of SMEs managers’ resistance to branding. To address the research gap, this study constructs a cognitive model for managers’ resistant behavior while drawing on the theory of planned behavior. Then, applying structural equation modeling, this study confirms that four exogenous variables, perceived belief, changes in job characteristics, organizational inertia, and social factors, directly influence two endogenous variables, managers’ attitude toward resistant behavior and the subjective norms of resistant behavior. Using demographic variables as independent variables, this study conducts a logistic regression analysis to predict companies resistant to branding on the basis of their background characteristics. The results highlight that the three factors with the highest predictive powers are organizational inertia, job position, and capitalization.
Outcome in Stroke Patients Is Associated with Age and Fractional Anisotropy in the Cerebral Peduncles: A Multivariate Regression Study

ABSTRACT Objectives: Diffusion tensor fractional anisotropy (FA) in the corticospinal tracts has been used to assess the long-term outcome in stroke patients. Patient age and the type of stroke may also affect outcomes. In this study, we investigated the associations of age, type of stroke, and FA in the ipsilesional and contralesional cerebral peduncles with stroke outcomes. Methods: This study involved 80 patients with stroke (40 hemorrhagic, 40 ischemic) that we had investigated previously. Diffusion tensor FA images were obtained between 14 and 21 days post-stroke. FA values in the ipsilesional and contralesional cerebral peduncles were extracted and their ratio (rFA) was calculated. Outcome was assessed using the Brunnstrom stage, the motor component of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor) at discharge, and the length of stay until discharge from rehabilitation. Using forward stepwise multivariate regression, we assessed the associations of rFA, contralesional FA, age, and type of stroke with outcome measures. Results: rFA and contralesional FA were included in the final model for the Brunnstrom stage in the upper limbs. There was a strong association between hemorrhagic stroke and poorer lower extremity function. rFA, contralesional FA, and age were included in the final model for FIM-motor and length of stay. The effect of rFA on all outcome measures was stronger than that of contralesional FA. The effect of age on FIM-motor was as strong as that of rFA. Conclusions: Neural damage in the corticospinal tracts (indicated by rFA) had the strongest effect on outcome measures, whereas the level of disability (measured by FIM-motor) was associated with a broader range of factors, including age.
Behind the SCREEN: identifying school refusal themes and sub-themes

ABSTRACT School refusal is heterogeneous in aetiology and presentation. The heterogeneity in its presentation, the focus of this study, complicates the conceptualisation and assessment of school refusal. The present study documents the development of a descriptive model of school refusal that was used to inform the development of a questionnaire for identifying manifestations of school refusal (the SChool REfusal EvaluatioN – SCREEN). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 42 participants: adolescents who display school refusal and those who do not, middle school professionals, and care professionals working with adolescents displaying school refusal. Analysis of interview data led to the organisation of school refusal manifestations according to four main themes comprising ten categories. The four themes were: School, Daily and Family Life, Health, and Socialisation Outside Home and Family. These themes correspond to the various contexts in which school refusal may be manifest. Results support the common notion that school refusal manifestations are not limited to absence from the school context, and are likely to occur outside this environment. This study represents the first empirical analysis of the manifestations of school refusal among French youth displaying school refusal.
In-vivo Analgesic and In-vitro Cytoprotective Potential of Various Leaf Extracts of Bitter Apple

The present study investigated the potential of different leaf extracts of Bitter Apple (Citrullus colocynthis) as an analgesic agent and In-vitro cytoprotective ameliorative effects of the various extracts in thiomethoxam-induced toxicity in MDBK cell lines. Different leaf extracts of Citrullus colocynthis i.e. alcoholic, acetone and chloroform were investigated for analgesic activity at the dose rate of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg in Wistar rats. For the assessment of analgesic activity, tail flick method was used. In-vitro cytoprotective activity of various leaf extracts (at concentrations of 5% and 10%) was evaluated in ATCC acquired MDBK cell lines and for this study, cytotoxicity was induced by thiomethoxam. For cytoprotective study, oxidative stress parameters- catalase, LPO, SOD and GPx were determined. Study on analgesic activity revealed the presence of dose dependent effect in all extracts with highest effect in alcoholic extract of Bitter Apple. It is believe that triterpene alkaloids and steroidal principles present in the plant products might be responsible for the analgesic effect.
Productivity and nutrition of fertigated açaí palms according to boron fertilization

Abstract Due to the increasing national and international demand, the cultivation of açaí palm trees (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) has expanded to upland areas in Brazil. Most of these areas present low natural soil fertility, in which boron (B) is one of the most limiting nutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the productivity of fresh fruits of fertigated açaí trees submitted to doses of B. The study was carried out in Tomé-Açu, northeastern Pará, Brazil. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with four treatments: control and addition of 20, 40 and 60 g of B clump-1. After 17 months, bunches of fresh fruits were collected and the production per hectare was estimated. An economic analysis was carried out considering the costs of fertilization and fruit production. The productivities obtained in the treatments were considered above the average of the municipality of Tomé-Açu. The estimated content of leaf B that provided the highest productivity was 14.9 mg kg-1, for a yield of 5479 kg ha-1 year-1¸ while the critical content corresponded to 13.2 mg kg-1. The highest productivity of fresh açaí fruits was achieved with the dose of 20 g of B clump-1, which provided a net gain of 42%.
Pengaruh Karakteristik Pemerintah Daerah, Opini Audit, dan Rasio Kemandirian terhadap Pengungkapan Laporan Keuangan Pemerintah Daerah

This study aims to provide evidence of the effect of local government characteristics which consist of population, Human Development Index, audit opinion, and independence ratio on the mandatory disclosure of financial statements of local governments. The sample was local governments in Indonesia in 2017 that meets the criteria. The results of the analysis of 458 local governments in Indonesia showed the average of local governments financial statements disclosure is 60.42%. Furthermore, the results also show that the population and Human Development Index variables affect positively on the disclosure of local government financial statements. Meanwhile, the disclosure of local government financial statements is not affected by audit opinion and independence ratio. Penelitian ini bertujuan memberikan bukti pengaruh karakteristik pemda yang terdiri dari populasi, indeks pembangunan manusia (IPM), opini audit, dan rasio kemandirian pada pengungkapan wajib dalam laporan keuangan pemda. Sampel penelitian yaitu pemerintah kabupaten/ kota di Indonesia pada tahun 2017 yang memenuhi kriteria. Hasil analisis pada 458 pemda menunjukkan rerata pengungkapan pada laporan keuangan pemda sebesar 60,42%. Lebih lanjut, hasil analisis juga menunjukkan variabel populasi dan IPM berpengaruh positif pada pengungkapan laporan keuangan pemda, sedangkan variabel opini audit dan rasio kemandirian daerah tidak memengaruhi pengungkapan laporan keuangan pemda.
‘Too gay to teach’: dismissals of lesbian teachers in select North American Catholic schools

ABSTRACT This research examines media accounts of teachers in Canada and the United States who were fired or forced from their Catholic schools because they identified as lesbian, highlighting the reality of discrimination in Catholic schools, particularly egregious in their contradiction of non-discrimination legislation. Caught between the religious edicts of the Vatican and the secular laws of the state, Catholic schools in Canada and the United States respond to non-heterosexual students and teachers in contradictory and inconsistent ways, including expulsion, firing, or more subtle forms of exclusion. This study suggests that the issue is not within a country’s legal or policy protections but in the consistent prioritization of Catholic Canonical law through provision of religious exemptions over the rights of staff.
Silos experimentais para avaliao da silagem de trs gentipos de girassol (Helianthus annuus L.)

A completely randomized design in a 3×3 factorial scheme was used to evaluate the effect of three genotypes and three types of silos on sunflower silage. The silos were: A- silo with Bunsen valve; B- silo with effluent-collecting equipment; and C- silo with both Bunsen valve and effluent-collecting equipment. The parameters evaluated were: dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3/T-N), pH, soluble carbohydrates (CHO), organic acids, cell wall constituents, ether extract and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The silage from silos B and C had higher values of DM and lower levels of N-NH3/T-N. The pH value was the same for all silos, while the CHO was the same for silos B and C. Sunflower silage from silos with effluent-collecting equipment showed higher values of lactic acid. For fibrous fractions, EE and IVDMD, no effect of silo type was found. The Bunsen valve had no effect on the measured parameters. However, the effluent-collecting equipment affected both the quality and nutritive value of sunflower silage.