Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ANTISTEATOTIC AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF THYMBRA SPICATA EXTRACTS IN HEPATIC AND ENDOTHELIAL CELLS AS IN VITRO MODELS OF

Purpose. Thymbra spicata, a plant of traditional medicine in Lebanon, is rich in polyphenols. Our aim was to verify if T. spicata extracts may represent possible nutraceuticals for treatment of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common liver disease for whom no ideal pharmacological treatments are available. Methods. Two different extracts from T. spicata aerial parts were prepared using water (TW) or ethanol (TE) as solvent. Both extracts were tested for their lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects on cultured hepatic and endothelial cells treated to mimic in vitro the NAFLD. Different parameters were evaluated being related to lipid accumulation, and oxidative stress. Results. Both the total phenolic and the total flavonoid contents were higher in the ethanolic extract. Rosmarinic acid was the most abundant polyphenol in TW, while TE was richer in monoterpenic phenols and flavonoids, carvacrol especially. Our findings demonstrate that both extracts ameliorated lipid accumulation, oxidative stress and inflammation in these models. However, the aqueous extract was more effective to reduce hepatic steatosis and to accelerate the wound repair, while the ethanolic extract had higher anti-oxidant potential. Conclusions. T. spicata extracts could be a promising natural product for improving hepatic fat mobilization and preventing endothelium damages in NAFLD.
Parasites and Macroinvertebrates as Indicators of Environmental Stress: The Case of Mindu Catchment Area

A total of 42 fish belonging to ten different species were sampled from the Mindu Dam and analysed for parasites. Oreochromis urolepis were infected by four parasite species, while Brycinus lateralis was infected by one parasite species. The macroinvertebrates were sampled from four sites in the Mindu catchment area, sorted and classified into three ecological categories; 19 families of macroinvertebrates were classified as pollution tolerant and most of these species were collected from the tail race of the dam. 15 families were intermediate in terms of pollution tolerability and three families belonged to a pollution sensitive group. Most of the metallic ions were detected from the sediments. Zink, Chromium and Lead were detected in all the samples from all the sampling localities except in Ngerengere river (Zn- water sample) and the dam’s tail race (Cr-water sample). Mindu dam is under strong anthropogenic pressure due the increase in human settlements around its catchment area. In addition people cultivate in the nearby surroundings and use pesticides and fertilizers to nourish their crops, the residues of which are constantly being washed into the dam. All these contribute to undermine the health of Mindu as a habitat and as such disturb biological diversity in the dam. Key words: Parasites, Macroinvertebrates, Environment, Pollution, Biodiversity
Measuring Global Macroeconomic Uncertainty ∗

We adopt a rich global dataset to extend the conventional forecast-error-based uncertainty measure to the international context, and construct a proxy of global uncertainty. Our proxy displays significant independent variations from popular regional or country-specific uncertainty measures, and can serve as an alternative to the global economic policy uncertainty (EPU) index when one needs to identify uncertainty shocks at the aggregate global level. We revisit the dynamic effects of uncertainty shocks on macroeconomic variables in a global perspective, and provide two applications of our global uncertainty proxy by linking it to the price formation mechanism of oil and by identifying international uncertainty spillover effects. We show that the well-documented relation between uncertainty and real activities is not only a regional issue, but also a global phenomenon. Global uncertainty, which works as aggregate demand shocks, also plays a key role in determining commodity prices, as well as driving business cycle fluctuations in a particular economy.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Herbivore benefits from vectoring plant virus through reduction of period of vulnerability to predation

Herbivores can profit from vectoring plant pathogens because the induced defence of plants against pathogens sometimes interferes with the induced defence of plants against herbivores. Plants can also defend themselves indirectly by the action of the natural enemies of the herbivores. It is unknown whether the defence against pathogens induced in the plant also interferes with the indirect defence against herbivores mediated via the third trophic level. We previously showed that infection of plants with Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) increased the developmental rate of and juvenile survival of its vector, the thrips Frankliniella occidentalis. Here, we present the results of a study on the effects of TSWV infections of plants on the effectiveness of three species of natural enemies of F. occidentalis: the predatory mites Neoseiulus cucumeris and Iphiseius degenerans, and the predatory bug Orius laevigatus. The growth rate of thrips larvae was positively affected by the presence of virus in the host plant. Because large larvae are invulnerable to predation by the two species of predatory mites, this resulted in a shorter period of vulnerability to predation for thrips that developed on plants with virus than thrips developing on uninfected plants (4.4 vs. 7.9 days, respectively). Because large thrips larvae are not invulnerable to predation by the predatory bug Orius laevigatus, infection of the plant did not affect the predation risk of thrips larvae from this predator. This is the first demonstration of a negative effect of a plant pathogen on the predation risk of its vector.
Albanian Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery AJTES Official Publication of the Albanian Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery -ASTES Chairman of the editorial board:

Introduction: Anemia is a recognized predictor of adverse postoperative outcomes in patients during abdominal major surgery. the management of perioperative anemia involves many strategies. Pre-operative anemia has adverse outcomes in major surgery and is called the fourth factor. Anemia was then classified into mild, moderate, and severe depending on hemoglobin level. It is present almost in 40% of patients that performed elective major surgery. Patients with preoperative anemia are associated with an increased rate of blood transfusion together with a risk for high morbidity and mortality. the most usual cause of preoperative anemia is iron deficiency, which can be treated with oral/intravenous iron depending on the time scheduled for surgery. A review concluded that anemia recovery earlier with preoperative intravenous iron than with oral iron supplement. A perioperative erythropoietin injection is also a reasonable approach for patients with hemoglobin between 10 and 13 g/dl and if autologous blood donation is performed. the protocol requires a baseline complete blood count and iron studies and all patients should receive iron supplementation during erythropoietin therapy. the next strategy is stabilized macro/ microcirculation to optimize the patient ́s tolerance to bleeding. Recent recommendation, in general, suggests no bridging therapy consider it only if high thrombotic risk. Finally, targeted surgery should be used to reduce intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. we recommend a restrictive transfusion strategy. Allogeneic blood transfusion is associated with an increased incidence of nosocomial infections. Postoperative anemia must be treated with the use of intravenous iron. We ought to know fresh frozen plasma used in deficit in factor V, XI, in dose 15-30ml/kg and be aware of its complications as immunomodulation, acute lung injury, and cardiac overload. Conclusion: Our goal is to improve patients ́ clinical outcomes.
Comparison of the effect of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in the treatment of end-stage renal disease

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) in the treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Methods: Clinical data of ESRD patients who received HD (n=74) and PD (n=77) for more than 12 months in the First People’s Hospital of Tonglu County from October 2020 to November 2021 were retrospectively selected. Renal function indexes, blood pressure, and complication rates in the two groups before the first dialysis and at the end of the observation period were compared. Results: After the dialysis, the urea nitrogen (BUN) levels decreased in both groups, and were significantly lower in the PD group compared to the HD group. Urea clearance index (Kt/V) increased, and were significantly higher in the PD group compared to the HD group (P<0.05). After the dialysis, albumin (ALB) and cardiac ejection fraction (EF) levels significantly increased, and ALB levels were significantly higher in the HD group while EF levels were significantly higher in the PD group (P<0.05). Levels of whole parathyroid hormone (iPTH), systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure indicators in both groups decreased compared to before the dialysis, and were significantly lower in the PD group compared to the HD group of patients (P<0.05). PD was associated with significantly lower total incidence of complications compared to HD (P<0.05). Conclusions: Peritoneal dialysis is more effective in maintaining the hemodynamic stability for ESRD patients, reducing blood pressure level, improving the clearance rate of molecular substances, and protecting the renal function of patients compared to hemodialysis.
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONING ASPECTS OF WOMEN UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY AND MASTECTOMYWITH VARIED TIME ELAPSES FROM TREATMENT COMPLETION

The aim of the study was a comparison of two groups of women who suffered from breast cancer in the past, selected on the basis of the time elapsed since treatment completion (<7 and >7 years). The specific areas of interest were the quality of life, sense of control, and level of depression.Results from 37 women were analysed. The average age in the research sample was 57. The study was conducted with the use of EORTC QLQ-C30, MHLC, and Depression Assessment Questionnaire.Women in whose case the time elapsed since the completion of anticancer treatment is no more than 7 years have a more negative assessment of the quality of life aspects, that is physical and social functioning, in comparison to persons in whose case the adaptation time to changes, following cancer and treatment, is longer (more than 7 years). The studied persons with a shorter period elapsed since the completion of anticancer therapy hold stronger beliefs concerning their own influence on their health in comparison to women who have not undergone oncological treatment for at least 7 years. The author’s own research highlights the trend pertaining to the differences in the intensity of experiencing guilt and anxiety between the groups. However, it requires further research involving a larger group of studied patients.Despite the progress in the diagnostics and treatment of breast cancer, patients with this type of cancer still experience long-term subjective difficulties in areas making up their physical, mental, and social well-being. The research proves the differences in functioning of women depending on the time that has elapsed since the completion of anticancer treatment.
Effect of sowing date and seed rate on crop development and grain production of winter wheat

In 1974, 1975 and 1976 the influence of sowing date and seed rate on grain yield was studied with winter wheat in field experiments. In the 1975 experiment a de­ tailed study was carried out into the pattern of grain production. Delaying the sowing date decreased grain yield. This decrease was caused by a smaller number of grains per ear and a lower grain weight. Seed rate had a positive influence on the number of ears, but a negative effect on the number of grains per ear and the grain weight. With early sowing, seed rate was found to have no effect on grain yield, due to mutual compensation of changes in yield components. With late sowing, a higher seed rate increased the number of ears so much that a higher grain yield was achieved. The grain yield per ear depended on the age of the tiller. Tillers that emerged earlier produced more and heavier ears. The number of grains per ear and the grain weight could be related to the rate of development of the ear-bearing shoot. The pattern of tillering was affected by the time of sowing. With early sowing, most tillers emerged in autumn and winter, whereas the late-sown wheat tillered in spring. Also, the early-sown wheat crop consisted largely of ears from early tillers, whereas the late-sown wheat had many ears from late-formed tillers.
Wheat stem sawfly parasitism in varying field sizes and tillage systems in dryland wheat in Montana

The wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton, is a major pest of wheat in the northern Great Plains. Sawfly-infested plants have lower yields and usually lodge, reducing the amount of grain that can be harvested. In 1995 and 1996, annual losses because of sawfly infestations were estimated to exceed $25 million in Montana alone. Two parasitoids, Brecon cephi (Gahan) and B. Iissogaster Muesebeck, attack the wheat stem sawfly in wheat, but provide satisfactory control only in isolated cases. The effects of selected conventional dryland wheat production practices on sawfly parasitism were examined. Sawfly parasitism levels in tilled vs untilled, and block vs strip fields were compared. The effect of sawfly parasitism on kernel weight was investigated. In general, little difference was found in sawfly parasitism between tilled and untilled fields. However, parasitism was significantly lower in intensively tilled fields. No difference was found in sawfly parasitism between strip fields and block fields. Sawfly parasitism was uniform across block fields, even though sawfly infestation levels were often lower in the middle of blocks. Intensive tillage prevents successful biological control of the wheat stem sawfly by reducing the total number of sawfly parasitoids. Replacing intensive tillage with minimum tillage or chemical fallow will better conserve sawfly parasitoids and result in a cumulative increase in sawfly parasitism over time. Planting block fields instead of strips should have little effect on sawfly parasitism and should decrease sawfly infestations. Kernels of stems containing parasitized sawflies were generally heavier than those containing unparasitized sawflies, indicating that parasitism may provide some protection against yield loss caused by sawfly feeding.
Self-Care Assistance Approach to Dorothea Orem Theory on Activity Daily Living Capabilities of Schzophrenic Patients at Atma Husada Mahakam Psychiatric Hospital, Samarinda

Schizophrenia is a neurological disease that affects the patient's perception, thought processes, language, emotions, and social behavior. The clinical manifestation that often appears in schizophrenic patients is self-care deficit (DPD). One of the efforts that nurses can make is to provide nursing care based on the theoretical framework developed by Orem. It is called the self-care theory, which has a complete explanation of the concept of self-care, self-care deficits, and nursing actions to overcome problems that arise so that the patient can be independent as optimally as possible, including the independence of the caregiver (caregiver) when the patient is at home. This study used a purposive sampling technique, a quasi-experimental pre-post test without a control design. The sample used was schizophrenic patients at Atma Husada Mahakam Psychiatric Hospital Samarinda, with 30 respondents. Bivariate analysis using the Wilcoxon test. Based on the results of the Wilcoxon test, the t-value is 0.000, and the probability value (Sig.) is 0.05, so H0 is rejected. Thus, it can be concluded that self-care rehabilitation therapy by providing group activity therapy can increase the independence of schizophrenic patients. The average value of the patient's ADL ability after being given group activity therapy was 16.77, which was higher than the average value before the patient was given therapy, which was 12.27.
Le cœur alcalin du complexe du Messum, Namibie : description pétrologique, interprétation de l’évolution minéralogique et relations roches sous- et sur-saturées en silice

Le complexe anorogenique annulaire du Messum, associe a la province basaltique de l’Etendeka (Namibie), montre la coexistence de roches sous- et sur-saturees en silice. Une etude petrologique detaillee est necessaire pour comprendre l’evolution mineralogique de ces deux ensembles de roches. Dans le premier, l’ensemble des observations a permis de proposer une route de cristallisation mettant en jeu des lignes (ou surfaces) peritectiques et expliquant le developpement de la nepheline tardivement aux depens des phases precoces (olivine, plagioclase, clinopyroxene alumineux) et la signification intermediaire de la pargasite. Des mineraux significatifs non encore signales sont decrits : spinelles dans les roches basiques, wohlerite et hiortdahlite dans les syenites les plus evoluees, ainsi que des pyrochlores consideres comme des indices potentiels de la presence de materiaux a affinites carbonatitique. Les syenites a quartz apparaissent comme un ensemble composite avec plusieurs venues differemment evoluees. Les parageneses sont plus ou moins peralcalines, avec fayalite, hedenbergite acmitique, et developpement tardif de riebeckite. La chevkinite, titano-silicate rare, y est decrit en quantite relativement abondante comme un mineral magmatique. Aucun lien mineralogique entre ces deux ensembles ne peut etre etabli ce qui rend peut credible l’hypothese du passage de l’un a l’autre par contamination crustale.
Living radiolarian fauna of late autumn (November 13, 2008) in surface-subsurface waters of the Japan Sea off Tassha, Sado Island, central Japan

The radiolarian fauna on November 13, 2008 is documented from surface-subsurface waters (< 100 m depth) in the Japan Sea off Tassha, Sado City, Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture, central Japan. The sea-water temperature of the water mass from the surface to 100 m depth ranged from 19.4 to 17.1 . The temperature at 100 m depth (17.1 ) was the highest value in the year-round record from March 2008 to February 2009. Seventeen spumellarian and 20 nassellarian species were identified from 1711 shells. The fauna is characterized by abundant warm-water species, including Tetrapyle octacantha, Spongosphaera streptacantha, Pseudocubus obeliscus, and Didymocyrtis tetrathalamus, along with Acanthodesmia vinculata, Acanthosphaera circopora, and Dictyocoryne profunda group. Given the abundance of T. octacantha and S. streptacantha, the species composition of the November fauna in 2008 is similar to that of September faunas recorded in our previous studies off Sado Island. This finding indicates that the radiolarian fauna inflowing within the Tsushima Warm Current around Sado Island in 2008 was under the influence of the same water current system from September to November, probably the Taiwan-Tsushima Warm Current System. In addition, the common occurrence of warm-water species dwelling in tropical to subtropical surface waters (e.g., D. tetrathalamus) demonstrates the influence of warm waters of the Kuroshio.
: Contextualizing psychological

Research on psychological contracts has made significant contributions to theoretically advancing our understanding of the employee-employer exchange relationship and its implications for organizational practice. However, the predominant emphasis of this empirical research has been on the individual level of analysis and in the process does not give sufficient attention to contextual influences. Teams have become a common feature in organizations today and provide a proximal context through which to understand how teams affect individuals’ evaluation of their psychological contract. Based on the macrosociological perspective of social exchange theory as well as theories on the role of social influence in psychological contract evaluations, we examine how shared individual psychological contract fulfilment (PCF) shapes the relationship between individual PCF and outcomes (employee’s own contributions and contextual performance) at the individual level as well as the predictors (group POS) and consequences (average employee contributions and average contextual performance) of shared individual PCF at the team level. Our findings from three studies, representing a total sample of 995 employees and 170 teams, provide support for the study hypotheses. This paper contributes to the psychological contract literature by conceptually and empirically addressing the role of team context (shared individual PCF) and its impact on individual-and team-level relationships.
On the Type-I Half-logistic Distribution and Related Contributions: A Review

The half-logistic (HL) distribution is a widely considered statistical model for studying lifetime phenomena arising in science, engineering, finance, and biomedical sciences. One of its weaknesses is that it has a decreasing probability density function and an increasing hazard rate function only. Due to that, researchers have been modifying the HL distribution to have more functional ability. This article provides an extensive overview of the HL distribution and its generalization (or extensions). The recent advancements regarding the HL distribution have led to numerous results in modern theory and statistical computing techniques across science and engineering. This work extended the body of literature in a summarized way to clarify some of the states of knowledge, potentials, and important roles played by the HL distribution and related models in probability theory and statistical studies in various areas and applications. In particular, at least sixty-seven flexible extensions of the HL distribution have been proposed in the past few years. We give a brief introduction to these distributions, emphasizing model parameters, properties derived, and the estimation method. Conclusively, there is no doubt that this summary could create a consensus between various related results in both theory and applications of the HL-related models to develop an interest in future studies.
The Political Economy of Corporate Governance

The paper analyzes the political decision that determines the degree of investor protection. We show that entrepreneurs and workers can strike a political agreement by which low investor protection is exchanged for high employment protection. This “corporatist” agreement is feasible if the political system favors the formation of coalition governments. In contrast, “non-corporatist” countries will feature high investor protection and low employment protection. The model also shows that the more diffused is share ownership, the higher the chosen degree of shareholder protection. Finally, the model predicts the frequency of mergers and acquisitions to be negatively correlated with employment protection. These predictions are shown to be consistent with OECD evidence. JEL classification: G34, K22, K42.