Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative Effect of Probiotic Strains, Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Lactobacillus Bulgaricus against Acetic Acid-Induced Inflammation in the Mouse Colon

Probiotic bacteria with anti-inflammatory properties have the potential to be of therapeutic benefit in inflammatory bowel diseases. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of feeding low-fat probiotic yogurt containing L. acidophilus and L. bulgaricus on acetic acid-induced inflammation in mouse colon. Inflammatory model that mimics various features of IBDs was induced by a single application of 100µl of 4.5% acetic acid in Swiss Albino mice. Mice were pretreated orally by 200µl yogurt containing both L. acidophilus and L. bulgaricus for 3 days before induction of inflammation and 200µl yogurt was given orally for a period of 7 days after acetic-acid induction. The body weight, food and water intakes, serum biomarkers, macroscopic and histopathological studies of colon tissues were performed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect. Combined administration of both strains prevented the damages of villous and crypts in colon epithelial cells and thus provides unique mucosal protective effects in experimental colitis. In conclusion, feeding low-fat probiotic yogurt containing L. acidophilus and L. bulgaricus prevented or ameliorated the inflammatory conditions that can be beneficial to prevent or lower risks of IBDs and its complications.
Comparativo de Prognósticos da Velocidade do Vento Utilizando Modelo WRF e Rede Neural Artificial

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho é melhorar a previsão da velocidade do vento usando o modelo atmosférico de mesoescala Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) e Rede Neural Artificial (RNA) não linear auto regressiva com entrada externa (NARX), sem entrada externa (NAR). A acurácia dos prognósticos foi aferida com dados observados (OBS) mensurados a cada 10 min, em uma torre anemométrica de 50 m de altura, localizada em Craíbas região Agreste de Alagoas. A estatística univariada indicou que os prognósticos representaram bem a evolução temporal do vento no período estudado (abril de 2015). As velocidades médias, máximas e mínimas de OBS foram de 5,26 m.s−1, 12,29 m.s−1 e 0,01 m.s−1, nesta mesma sequência, os prognósticos variaram entre (5,18 m.s−1 a 5,41 m.s−1), (11,58 m.s−1 a 13,92 m.s−1) e (0,01 m.s−1 a 0,36 m.s−1). Na análise bivariada as métricas estatísticas utilizadas para averiguar a acurácia das previsões resultaram no seguinte: Desvio médio (-0,31 a 0,04 m.s−1); Raiz do desvio quadrático médio (1,14 a 1,27 m.s−1); Desvio percentual absoluto médio (22 a 23%); E coeficiente de correlação (0,63 a 0,72). Esses resultados, apesar de considerar um período curto de dados, indicam o potencial de aplicação da RNA e WRF na previsão da velocidade do vento.
Adsorption of p-Nitrophenol on Activated Carbon Prepared from Phosphoric Acid-treated Apricot Stone Shells

The effect of temperature on the adsorption of p-nitrophenol (PNP) from aqueous solution has been determined at various initial phenol concentrations. Eight activated carbons were tested, being laboratory-prepared from apricot stone shells impregnated with H3PO4 and carbonized at 300–500°C. The adsorption capacity increased as a function of the percentage of activating acid added as well as the temperature of carbonization. The PNP surface areas evaluated were generally lower than the nitrogen BET surface areas due to restricted adsorption inside certain pores. Enthalpies of adsorption of 20–24 kJ/mol were estimated in all cases, except for one carbon which exhibited 'activated', diffusion-controlled adsorption. Greater than 90% desorption was observed at 100 ppm levels of PNP, but this decreased considerably at higher phenol levels.
Principal Component Analysis in Rabi Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] for Yield Attributing Traits

Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal crop world-wide and it is grown for food and feed. Sorghum is the dietary staple for most of the developing countries. It is well adapted to the range of environmental conditions with high variability. Sorghum bicolor contains both cultivated and wild relative races, and it provides a substantial amount of genetic diversity for traits of agronomic importance to develop the crops different variety of interest for plant breeders.
Parametric study of a silica gel-water adsorption refrigeration cycle -- The influence of thermal capacitance and heat exchanger UA-values on cooling capacity, power density, and COP

The influence of heat exchanger UA-values (adsorber/desorber, evaporator, and condenser) is investigated for an adsorption chiller, with consideration given to the thermal capacitance of the adsorber/desorber by means of a lumped-parameter cycle simulation model developed by the authors and co-workers for the single-stage silica gel-water adsorption chiller. The closed-cycle-type chiller, for use in air conditioning, is driven by low-grade waste heat (85 C [185 F]) and cooled by water at 31 C (88 F) and operates on relatively short cycle times (420 seconds adsorption/desorption; 30 second adsorber/desorber sensible cooling and heating). The results showed cycle performance to be considerably affected by the thermal capacitance and UA-value of the adsorber/desorber, which is attributed to the severe sensible cooling/heating requirements resulting from batched cycle operation. The model is also sensitive to the evaporator UA-value--but to a lesser extent. The condenser UA-value is the least sensitive parameter due to the working pair adsorption behavior in the temperature range defined for desorption and condensation.
Case Study for Artificial Photosynthesis: Noncovalent Interactions between C60-Dipyridyl and Zinc Porphyrin Dimer

In this study, a new modified C60 derivative with an oPE/oPPV conjugated bridge bearing two pyridyl groups has been used in combination with a flexible porphyrin dimer (ZnP2) to construct an electron donor/acceptor hybrid (C60-dipyr·ZnP2). This hybrid is based on metal to ligand coordination between the zinc centers of the porphyrin dimer and the two pyridyl groups that oPE/oPPV linker bears. In order to investigate the interactions between the electron donor and acceptor entities, both in the ground state and in the excited states, comprehensive photophysical assays have been carried out. In particular, both absorption and fluorescence titrations provided evidence for strong interactions between the electron donor and the electron acceptor within the hybrid. A binding constant (Kass) in the order of 5.0 × 105 M–1 has been derived. Furthermore, transient absorption measurements revealed intramolecular electron-transfer from the photoexcited porphyrin dimer (ZnP2) to the fullerene derivative (C60-dipyr), l.
Retrieving absorption coefficients of multiple phytoplankton pigments from hyperspectral remote sensing reflectance measured over cyanobacteria bloom waters

Light absorption by phytoplankton pigments plays an important role not only in photosynthesis but also in modulating the appearance of water color. Some pigments are markers of phytoplankton classes or species. To better characterize phytoplankton, an inversion model is developed to retrieve the absorption coefficients of multiple pigments from hyperspectral remote sensing reflectance. In the model, the Gaussian functions proposed by Hoepffner and Sathyendranath ( ) were refined and implemented for the estimation of the absorption coefficients of multiple pigments. Application of the inversion model to remote sensing measurements made in cyanobacteria bloom waters resulted in the absorption coefficients of chlorophylls a, b, and c, carotenoid, phycoerythrin, and phycocyanin with the mean absolute relative error under 32% for wavelengths between 400 nm and 700 nm. The results indicate that it is feasible to retrieve the absorption coefficients of multiple pigments from hyperspectral remote sensing reflectance as long as the pigments make adequate contributions to the total absorption coefficient.
Digital transformation in companies: Strategic analysis, drivers and models

The article provides terminology for processes of digitalization and digital transformation. For structuring digital transformation processes, the authors offer a modification of the strategic scorecard and distinguish technologies as an additional perspective. Using business cases, the authors analyzed approaches to digital transformation, revealed principal digital transformation models, and described them. The interrelations between targets, models, and strategies of digital transformation are demonstrated. The authors argue that digital transformation has to be considered to be a part of corporate strategy rather than isolated processes, with common strategizing tools and metrics applied. External and internal environment elements for digital transformation are structured. It is shown that the internal digital environment can be evaluated with the companies’ digital maturity models. The external environment has a complex structure that can be described by the digital economy and society development in a country, a region, and a city; digital intensity level in an industry; and a digital ecosystem potential. All the authors’ contributions and conclusions are based on research papers, public statistical data, and analysis of Russian and foreign companies.
Alterações comportamentais e envolvimento do estresse oxidativo provocadas por diferentes tratamentos com ketamina em camundongos

A ketamina e usada principalmente como anestesico, produzindo um tipo de anestesia, denominada anestesia dissociativa que se caracteriza por um estado cataleptico. Entretanto, o uso da ketamina nao tem sido restrito a pratica clinica e pesquisa, uma vez que, atualmente, tem sido utilizada como droga de abuso, visto produzir efeitos tanto alucinogenos quanto estimulantes. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar alteracoes comportamentais tais como ansiedade e depressao em camundongos submetidos a diferentes tratamentos com ketamina (agudo, subcronico e abstinencia de 24h), bem como investigar o envolvimento do estresse oxidativo em cortex pre-frontal de camundongos apos tratamento agudo com ketamina. Trata-se de um estudo experimental, onde para avaliar as alteracoes comportamentais (ansiedade e depressao) os camundongos foram tratados com ketamina agudamente ou subcronicamente (7 dias consecutivos), sendo realizados os modelos experimentais de Campo Aberto (TCA), Labirinto de Cruz Elevado (LCE), Nado Forcado (TNF) e Suspensao da Cauda (TSC). Os animais tambem foram expostos a abstinencia de 24h apos o tratamento subcronico e submetidos aos modelos experimentais supracitados. Para investigar o envolvimento do estresse oxidativo, os animais foram tratados agudamente com ketamina e utilizado o cortex pre-frontal para avaliar atividade da catalase, niveis de glutationa, malonialdeido e nitrito. Os resultados mostraram que no TCA houve aumento da atividade locomotora espontânea em todos os tipos de tratamento e em todas as doses utilizadas. No LCE o tratamento agudo, subcronico e abstinencia de 24h com ketamina reduziu alguns parâmetros nos bracos abertos. No TNF e TSC, o tratamento agudo e subcronico reduziu o tempo de imobilidade em todas as doses utilizadas. Enquanto na abstinencia de 24h houve aumento do tempo de imobilidade nas doses de 10 e 20 mg/kg. Quanto ao envolvimento do estresse oxidativo apos o tratamento agudo com ketamina em cortex pre-frontal de camundongos notou-se um aumento significativo da atividade da catalase, dos niveis de malonildialdeido e nitrito. Enquanto nos niveis de glutationa reduzida (GSH) observou-se uma diminuicao significativa. Conclui-se com o trabalho que o tratamento agudo e subcronico causou efeito ansiogenico e antidepressivo. Enquanto que a abstinencia de 24h apos o tratamento subcronico evidenciou um efeito ansiogenico e depressor. Alem das alteracoes comportamentais, constata-se que o tratamento agudo com ketamina causa aumento do estresse oxidativo, indicando a ocorrencia de possiveis lesoes neurais em consequencia dessas alteracoes.
Probing chemical structures and physical processes with nanopores

This thesis develops and applies the nanopore tool to probe chemical structures and physical processes at the single-molecule level: from single ions to DNA molecules. Nanopore experiments electrically measure the ionic transport through the pore and its modulation from the local environment which can be caused by translocations of an analyte such as objects like DNA molecules or change of the physical conditions such as surface charge. Its precision relies on the physical dimension of the nanopore probe. In this thesis, the atom by atom engineering of single-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanopores was achieved using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or controlled electrochemical reaction (ECR), which further enabled the following investigations. On the translational side, the key driver of the application of nanopores is single molecule DNA sequencing. The sequence of DNA can be extracted based on the modulation of ionic current through the pore by individual nucleotides. To this end, we realized for the first time with solid-state nanopores, identification of all four types of nucleotides by introducing an ionic liquid based viscosity gradient system to control the translocation dynamics. This method provides a potential route for sequencing with solid-state nanopores. On the fundamental side, nanopore experiments could probe physics of single ion transport and with subnanometer pores, we discovered Coulomb blockade for the first time in ionic transport, as the counterpart of quantum dots, and proposed a new mesoscopic understanding for biological ion channel transport. From an engineering perspective, measurement with a single nanopore can avoid averaging over many pores and allow accurately identifying individual parameters for membrane-based processes. With single-layer MoS2 nanopores, we realized the first exploration of a two-dimensional (2D) membrane for osmotic power generation. This thesis demonstrates that nanoscopic, atomically thin pores allow for the exploration of applications in DNA sequencing and investigations of fundamental ion transport for biological ion channels and membrane-based processes.
Design and preparation of Ag/AgCl/NH2-MIL-101 (Fe) ternary composite photocatalysts with visible light application prospects

In this work, Ag/AgCl/NH2-MIL-101 (Fe) composite photocatalysts were designed and constructed by an in-situ UV reduction method. Simultaneously, the characterization of the sample mainly included X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The sample displayed excellent performance and stability of water, air and ultraviolet light in the preparation process. The formation mechanism was proposed based on the cooperation of the reaction between Ag+ and Cl- in NH2-MIL-101 (Fe) and vluraviolet reduction. The Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) results demonstrated that the main active oxygen species were •OH and •O2 - in the photocatalytic process. This work would provide a novel strategy for synthesizing highly efficient photocatalysts in the visible light field.
The Effect of Sleep Duration And Habits on Academic Performance of Pharmacy Students

It is necessary to promote optimal health and well-being by having more than 7 hours of sleep a day for adults. In modern society, sleep deprivation is a big concern. Students at colleges experience at least twice as many sleep disorders as the general public due to their engagement in many social-, work-, and academic-related activities. The study aims to assess sleep behaviors and the degree of daytime sleepiness and examine the connection between pharmacy students' sleep period and academic success. This cross-sectional research was carried out at the Duhok University pharmacy college on 169 students from first-year to fifth-year. For a given course, students filled out a questionnaire involving demographic variables, sleep habits, sleep length during the regular school week and at night before the test, daytime sleep frequency, and the final score. The results revealed that most pharmacy students had under-optimal sleep durations, described as less than 7 hours. Early sleep and sufficient sleep the night before the test were favorably correlated with student grades and academic success.
Analisis Dampak Kepercayaan Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Online: Perspektif Marketing MIX

Perkembangan teknologi informasi telah membawa dampak positif dalam dunia bisnis dan pemasaran. Hadirnya platform digital marketing dapat memberikan keuntungan baik bagi pemasar maupun bagi konsumen. Tujuan penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui dampak kualitas produk, promosi, harga, tempat, dan kepercayaan terhadap keputusan pembelian online. Populasi dalam penelitian ini yaitu Mahasiswa Fakultas Ekonomi Dan Bisnis Universitas Muhammadiyah Palopo berjumlah 402 Mahasiswa. Penentuan jumlah sampel yaitu menggunakan rumus Slovin pada tingkat presisi 5% diperoleh sebanyak 200 sampel. Metode analisis yang digunakan yaitu analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian diperoleh informasi bahwa kualitas produk, harga, tempat, dan kepercayaan berpengaruh positif tidak signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian onlien, sedangkan promosi memiliki dampak positif signifikan pada keputusan pembelian online.
Remittances through formal and alternative channels and its effect on financial inclusion in Kenya

In the current dynamic world, those with no or little access to key financial products and services suffer a great deal of disservice. This study examines the effect of remittance channels (commercial banks and alternative sources) have on financial inclusion and then check the moderating effect of money remittance regulation on the relationship between the remittance channels and financial inclusion in Kenya. It uses the World Bank and Central Bank of Kenya’s dataset on remittances and financial inclusion covering the period from 2009 to 2018. We estimate our model using the Ordinary Least Square assumptions to find the association. We find that remittances from alternative channels other than commercial banks influence financial inclusion in Kenya. We further notice that the money remittance regulations have no moderating effect on the relationship between remittance channels and financial inclusion in Kenya. Our results suggest that commercial banks are not able to appropriately sell their products and services to remittance-receiving households while fintech and other internet remitting service providers seem to roll on products and services that enhance the use of savings and credit facilities. We suggest that more avenues and policies should be enacted to foster the use of alternative sources while improving structures within commercial banks to empower financial inclusion in Kenya
Small Ruminant Production: Contributions, Management Practices and Challenges at Traditional Level in Rural Areas of Sierra Leone

Small ruminant production is an important animal husbandry practices practiced in developing countries including Sierra Leone. This current study was conducted in the Southern Part of Sierra Leone (Moyamba District) to investigate Small Ruminant Production (SRP) at the free-range management system concerning household contributions, practices, and challenges. Data were collected from 192 respondents using a well-structured pretested questionnaire. This was administered randomly to 6 selected chiefdoms in the Moyamba District. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics for mean, frequencies, and percentages. The results of the study showed that 60.4% of the respondents were male whilst 39.6% were females. 80.7% were married, 49.0% were illiterate and 74.0% were unemployed. Household demands were reported as the main purpose for keeping goat and sheep followed by traditional practices, income generation, religious ceremonies, and manure for vegetable production. 67.7% and 89.1% provided supplementary feed and water for their animals respectively. The majority of the respondents (81.8%) built separate shelters whilst the remaining farmers either shared dwelling houses with their animals (25.7%) or did not confine them (18.2%). Disease outbreaks such as [mange, Peste des Petit Ruminant (PPR), diarrhea, respiratory infections, foot rot, and bloat]; uncontrolled theft; poor market facility; damage; and inadequate animal healthcare services among others were the major constraints reported by farmers. It was concluded that production management practices were mainly done at the traditional level using traditional knowledge and skills with little or no modern input hence low-output. The study therefore recommended that government and non-governmental organizations should implement multi-sectorial interventions to provide the pre-requisite assistant to the farmers which can help to combat the multiple challenges affecting small production in the study area.
Sustainability Pedagogy: Effects and Impacts on High School Students’ Knowledge, Behaviour Intention and Actual Behaviour about Sustainability

The sustainability pedagogy has been considered a central framework for projects in Education for Sustainability due to its importance of equipping people with knowledge, values, skills, attitudes, and behaviors compatible with sustainability. Despite its theoretical-practical importance, there is still a gap in works that demonstrate its actual effectiveness. This work presents the outcomes of the Education for Sustainability Project (EfS) (2010-2016) developed by high school teachers and students in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The EfS considered a particular sustainability pedagogy as a guide for its activities and interventions in the school through active learning methodologies and multi-stakeholder social learning. Its effects and impacts on participant students’ knowledge, actual behavior, and behavior intention were assessed quali-quantitatively by open-ended questions pre and post-tests. The participant students presented marked changes in knowledge and behaviors (compared to a control group) considering the adopted sustainability pedagogy, evidencing its effectiveness as a framework for different projects aiming at the formation of more sustainable individuals and societies.
INMIGRACIÓN INTERNACIONAL Y TURISMO EN ESPACIOS RURALES. EL CASO DE LOS “MICROPUEBLOS” DE CATALUÑA

El artículo relaciona la inmigración internacional con el turismo en municipios de menos de 500 habitantes de Cataluña, los denominados micropueblos. Primero, se analizan a nivel de Cataluña datos agregados sobre turismo e inmigración internacional en estos lugares. Posteriormente, se estudia a partir de entrevistas las relaciones entre tipos de turismo e inmigración en la comarca de L’Alt Empordà, focalizando en emprendedores turísticos de origen extranjero. Como conclusión, se destaca que en variadas ocasiones estos negocios responden más a estrategias vitales que a pautas de rendimiento económico. This article relates international immigration and tourism in municipalities with fewer than 500 inhabitants in Catalonia, i.e. small villages. Firstly, aggregate data on tourism and international immigration in small villages are analyzed at Catalan level. Posteriorly, the relations between different types of tourism and immigration in L’Alt Empordà county are explored thanks to interview analysis, focusing on tourism entrepreneurs of foreign origin. The conclusions under line that these businesses respond more to lifestyle strategies of these immigrants rather than a strict economic rationale.