Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Foreign ownership and domestic cooperation for innovation during good and harsh economic times

A sample of firms active in the Spanish information and communication technology sector during 2003-2014 is analysed to assess whether foreign subsidiaries are likely to make a technological contribution to domestic innovative capabilities during expansive phases of the business cycle and during recessions. Domestic firms are used as a control group. Innovative foreign subsidiaries are more likely than non-innovative foreign subsidiaries to cooperate for innovation with local partners. However, the most advanced foreign subsidiaries seem reluctant to engage in local cooperation for innovation. Foreign subsidiaries have shown greater capability than domestic firms in increasing their collaboration with local partners during the 2008 crisis.
Characterizing seasonal fishing patterns and growth dynamics during the Middle and Late Holocene in the Strait of Magellan (Chilean Patagonia): Sclerochronological analysis of tadpole codling (Salilota australis) vertebrae

Abstract We describe sclerochronological analyses of tadpole codling (Salilota australis) vertebrae as a proxy for the seasonal timing of fishing activities at one Middle Holocene (6500 BP) and three Late–Middle Holocene (3500–2500 years BP) archaeological sites located in Seno Otway and in the central zone of the Strait of Magellan, Chile. These data provide an approximation of the population characteristics of the species in the past by estimating the relationship between size and age of the archaeological fish and comparing their growth rate to those of modern specimens captured monthly over one year. The results showed that the size at age was significantly larger in archaeological samples than in the modern reference collection. Our results indicate that fishing activities took place throughout the year at the Late Holocene sites, with a special emphasis on the cold season, while the Middle Holocene site showed a tendency to catch tadpole codling during the warm season.
Assessment of heavy metals contamination and pollution around mining sites of Anka, north-west Nigeria

Artisanal mining is a common practice in Anka communities, North-West Nigeria, and this has brought about serious environmental and health concerns in the area. This study assessed the concentration of heavy metals in the rocks, soils, sediments and plants in the mining environment of Anka. Thirty two samples were collected and analysed for K, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence. The results obtained showed the heavy metal concentration in rock > soil > sediment > plant. The evaluation of the contamination factor in soil and sediment revealed that all the samples were severely contaminated. The results of geo-accumulation index revealed that the contamination with heavy metals was generally higher in rock and soil; followed by sediment while plant samples accounted for the least contamination. The result of the contamination factor and pollution index of soil and sediment indicated severe contamination and pollution respectively. The contamination assessment was complemented with the use of contamination degree and the modified contamination degree indices. The assessment of contamination factor and potential ecological risk from heavy metal in both soil and sediment was shown to come majorly from Pb, Ni and Cu. Active mining sites found in Dareta, Daki Takwas, Dan Kamfani and the processing areas of Abare, Dan Kamfani, Dateta and Abare were identified as areas with high heavy metal pollution risk. These results generally show that artisanal mining and processing in the study area pose significant environmental risk to the local population and the environment.
Heterosis and combining ability studies in single cross hybrids synthesized with diverse inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.)

Combining ability and heterosis analysis were performed in ten lines, five testers and their fifty hybrid combinations of maize using line x tester analysis. Combining ability analysis among the sixteen traits revealed significant line x tester interaction for most of the traits studied. Variance due to sca was found to be more than gca for all the traits studied which indicated the preponderance of non-additive gene action. Among the parents, the lines viz., N67, N10-65-3, N10-153-1-2 and the tester UMI 1210 exhibited higher per se along with positive gca effects and found to be good general combiners among the parents. Standard heterosis was calculated by comparing TNAU maize hybrid CO 6 as the standard check. Considering the per se, sca and standard heterosis, single cross hybrid N10-65-3 x E. No.8 was identified as the best hybrid for grain yield and other major yield contributing traits followed by the hybrid N44 x UMI 1221.
What Drives and Mediates Organic Food Purchase Intention: An Analysis Using Bounded Rationality Theory

Abstract The prime objectives of this article are—to examine the effects of attitude, subjective norms, perceived social support and self-efficacy of organic food purchase plan. In so doing, a theoretical framework using the theory of bounded rational planned behavior (TBRPB) as its basis was established. Data (n = 335) were collected from the consumers residing in Dhaka city. The data were analyzed employing structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings show that attitude, subjective norms and perceived social support have direct effects on consumers’ intent or plan as well as mediating roles in the link between self-efficacy and organic food purchase plan.
The forecasting of COVID-19 with mortality using SIRD epidemic model for the United States, Russia, China, and the Syrian Arab Republic

In this paper, we apply an algorithm for simulating the susceptible-infected-recovered-dead pandemic model for demonstrating the forecasting and the spreading of the new coronavirus disease. For this purpose, we apply an implicit analytical solution for parts of the model, in addition to applying the finite difference methods for other parts of the model. Based on the collected data of the number of infected cases, recovered cases, and deceased cases of the new coronavirus pandemic as of 30 May 2020, we find the values of the coefficient of infection, the coefficient of recovery, and the coefficient of mortality of the new coronavirus pandemic for four different countries, namely, China, the United States, Russia, and the Syrian Arab Republic. Besides, we find the ratio of the average rate of recovery to the average rate of death of the new coronavirus pandemic for the same four countries. For the following months, we predict the number of the infected cases, the recovered cases, and the deceased cases of the pandemic for the United States, Russia, and the Syrian Arab Republic using the methods normally used for the epidemic model. We find that the number of infected cases of the new coronavirus disease may increase to about two million cases in the United States, about eight hundred thousand cases in Russia, and about three hundred cases in the Syrian Arab Republic. We believe that the algorithm we use for simulating the spreading and the forecasting of the new coronavirus disease can be applied for finding other related coefficients of the pandemic such as the basic reproduction numbers with a certain population.
Understanding dynamic tissue organization by studying the human body one cell at a time: the human cell atlas (HCA) project

describe and define the complete cellular landscape of the human body By to the Human the HCA aims to map cells of the human body integrating single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, moving well beyond purely descriptive features and guiding functional studies towards the identification of previously unrecognized subtleties in disease. With a col-legial and synergizing approach, the HCA recognizes that its success depends on a global effort, because of the complexity and size of the project. A globally concerted effort will enable the replication and coordination of technologies in independent laboratories and, importantly, a to the human cell atlas
An alarm pheromone in the venom gland of Vespa velutina: evidence revisited from the european invasive population

Alarm pheromones are major communication signals in animals and major semiochemicals in the colony organisation of social insects. We investigated the composition of venom in Vespa velutina, an invasive hornet species accidentally introduced into Europe a decade ago. Crushed venom glands were applied to seven wild V. velutina nests and induced aggressive responses of workers in all the colonies tested. Then, solvent extracts or headspace Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) were analysed and quantified by gas chromatography coupled with either flame ionization detector or a mass spectrometer, and checked retention times to Kovats indices and Linear retention indices (LRI). We compared our results to those obtained in the same species from its native area in a previous study. Nonan-2-one and the 4, 8-dimethylnon-7-en-2-one were found in large amount in the venom gland. Five other molecules including the heptan-2-one, non-8-en-2-one, undecan-2-one and two unknown molecules were also found. Similar compounds were globally found, however, one unknown compound was present in our European population but absent in native area ones and should be identify. Although pheromones are thought to be species-specific, our results suggest that their composition may vary within species due to population history, thus questioning its value as a taxonomic tool. Although our results are preliminary, we also recommend carefully considering the origin of the Vespa velutina individuals chosen to develop pheromone-based methods (attractants or mating disruption) for pest management.
Hematological dynamics following the co-administration of Resveratrol and Cisplatin in Sprague–Dawley rats.

Background: Cisplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapy agent, is used in the effective treatment of a wide range of malignant cancers. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic plant-derived compound, has been shown to have several biological effects including protecting the body against several forms of damages. Objective: This study assessed the effects of cisplatin and supplementation with resveratrol on some hematological parameters in Sprague-Dawley rats. Material and Methods: Forty-five adult female Sprague–Dawley rats, grouped into 9, were used for this experimental study. Group 1 served as the control group and received distilled water only. Groups 2 and 9 received Cisplatin only while groups 3, 4, and 5 received different doses of Resveratrol after a single dose of Cisplatin. Groups 6, 7, and 8 received Resveratrol before Cisplatin. Results: At the end of administration, blood samples were collected and different hematological parameters were accessed. Groups 2 and 5 showed a significantly higher Total WBC when compared to the control group (p<0.05). Group 7 showed a significantly higher (p<0.05) neutrophil count compared to both the control group and group 2, but a significant decrease in the lymphocyte count compared to the same groups (p<0.05). Groups 6 and 7 showed a significant reduction in monocyte when compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the eosinophil count of all treatment groups when compared to the control group and cisplatin groups (p<0.05). Basophil increased significantly in group 7 when compared to the control group and group 2 (p<0.05). More so, a significant decrease in the Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV) and Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) level were observed when to 9 (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that cisplatin-induced alteration in some hematological parameters is reversible by treatment with resveratrol. More so, resveratrol supplementation should be incorporated as part of dietary nutrients for patients on cisplatin during chemotherapy.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GENE EXPRESSION PROFILES AMONG CONTRASTING MULBERRY VARIETIES UNDER COLD STRESS CONDITION

Low temperature/ cold stress is a major abiotic stress affecting mulberry plant growth and productivity in temperate climatic conditions. Mulberry leaf is a sole food source for the economically important insect, Bombyx mori . Cold stress severely damages buds and young leaves and affecting growth and leaf productivity. Therefore, it is required to identify genes which are responsive and impart cold tolerance and utilize them to develop improved mulberry varieties, which can withstand cold stress without compromising its leaf production. In the present study, candidate cold tolerant gene sequences of WRKY46, Spermidine synthase, early response to dehydration10 (ERD10), TIFY10, Cysteine proteinase Inhibitor (CPI), Cold regulated 413 plasma membrane protein 2 (COR413) were retrieved from the mulberry database through NCBI and bioinformatics tools. Comparative gene expression analysis was performed in temperate mulberry varieties, Gosherami, Leh 2 (saspole) and Gurez using tropical variety, G4 as a reference in cold stress condition. Results depicted that WRKY46, Spermidine synthase, ERD10, TIFY10, CPI, COR413 genes showed significant up-regulation under cold stress condition. Gurez genotype displayed significant up-regulation of these selected cold tolerant genes under both laboratory and field conditions compared to other mulberry genotypes. stress condition. Present study was carried out with an aim to observe the expression pattern of these genes under cold stress condition for their utilization in mulberry improvement.
Short-hairpin RNA-guided single gene knockdown reverses triple-negative breast cancer

Background The origin of breast cancer remains poorly understood. Here, we testify a putative mechanism of “breast cancer origin from inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activation and oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) inactivation”, which are classified as the essential outcomes of chronic inflammatory responses. Methods To reverse breast cancer status, iNOS was downregulated by short-hairpin RNA (shRNA)-guided NOS2 knockdown from human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. To re-enact breast cancer origin, ERα was downregulated by shRNA-directed ESR1 knockdown in human mammary epithelial cells. Results Upon NOS2 knockdown from HCC1937 cells, the specific TNBC transcription factor genes, RUNX1 and BCL11A, were downregulated, hypoxia was compromised, Warburg effects were attenuated, and tumourigenic proliferation was halted, accompanied by an increase in the tumour marker cyclin D1 (CD1) and a decrease in the tumour suppressor cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI). In contrast, ESR1 knockdown from MCF-10A cells led to upregulated BCL11A and RUNX1 expression, augmented hypoxic responses, pronounced Warburg effects, and enhanced PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling, together with low levels of CD1 and high levels of CKI induction. Conclusions Breast cancer should originate from inflammatory signalling, during which iNOS activation and ERα inactivation elicit hypoxia, oxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and breast cancer-like hyperplasia, demonstrating that iNOS inhibitors and ERα activators represent promising candidate prodrugs enabling breast cancer prevention in the early stage.
Use of computed radiology as a screening test for the identification of congenital heart disease in dogs

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of thoracic radiology as a screening test for congenital heart diseases in dogs, to identify the main contributions and limitations of this modality, and to verify the reproducibility of the evaluations by three observers with different levels of training. An interobserver, observational, retrospective and prospective study was carried out, including ninety dogs: thirty healthy animals, thirty with acquired heart diseases and thirty with congenital heart diseases, which all had thoracic radiographs and a confirmed echocardiographic diagnosis. The cases were separated and randomized by a mediator who did not participate in the reading of the radiographic examinations, and no evaluator had access to the patients' data. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of each observer were calculated in relation to the correct classification of dogs to groups of normal or acquired and congenital heart diseases, as well as identification of enlargement of the cardiac silhouette and large vessels of dogs with congenital heart diseases. Finally, the Kappa coefficient was obtained between the observers to verify the reproducibility of the radiological evaluations performed. In general, sensitivity, PPV and accuracy were unsatisfactory ( 70%), and the agreement ranged from poor to reasonable (between 0 and 0.39). Although greater accuracy was achieved in the differentiation of healthy dogs from those with acquired and congenital heart diseases by thoracic radiography, when compared to the other studies, the modality was able only to identify healthy patients, and could not differentiate the individuals with different forms of heart disease or define the cardiac malformations. In addition, there was low reproducibility between observers, therefore, this technique should not be used as a sole screening method in dogs with suspected congenital heart diseases.
ROLE OF BLUEBERRY POLYPHENOLS ON MARKERS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS, INFLAMMATION AND HEPATIC LIPID ACCUMULATION

5 Role of Blueberry Polyphenols on Markers of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Hepatic Lipid Accumulation . 5 RIASSUNTO . 7 Ruolo dei polifenoli del mirtillo sui marker di stress ossidativo, infiammazione e accumulo epatico di lipidi . 7 ABBREVIATIONS . 9 0. PREFACE . 13 0.1 REFERENCES . 14 1. STATE OF THE ART . 15 1.1 Blueberry varieties and characteristics . 15 1.2 Blueberries Polyphenols . 16 1.2. 1 Chemical structure and classification . 16 1.2. 2 Anthocyanins . 17 1.2. 3 Phenolic acids . 18 1.2. 4 Bioavailability (absorption, metabolism and bioactivity) . 19 1.2. 5 Biological properties . 22 1.3 REFERENCES . 29 2. AIM OF THE PhD THESIS . 40 3. HUMAN DIETARY INTERVENTION STUDY: EFFECT OF A SINGLE PORTION OF BLUEBERRY IN THE MODULATION OF MARKERS OF ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSE SYSTEM AND INFLAMMATION IN YOUNG SMOKERS VOLUNTEERS . 41 3.1 AIM OF THE STUDY . 42 3.2 MATERIAL AND METHODS . 43 3.2. 1 Subject recruitment . 43 3.2. 2 Experimental design . 43 3.2. 3 Preparation of blueberry and control treatment . 44 3.2. 4 Variables under study . 45
Growth and yield variability of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars infected with cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus disease

Groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea ) is a major legume crop with diverse uses in Nigeria. Its productivity is however threatened by Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) in most groundnut producing areas, resulting in huge losses. This study was conducted to determine the resistance of some commercial groundnut cultivars under CABMV disease. The experiment was conducted in Minna, Southern Guinea Savanna agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. Twenty groundnut cultivars were evaluated separately as healthy and CABMV infected trials. The experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design with three replications. Seedlings were infected with the virus by mechanical inoculation at 10 days after sowing. The plants were observed for disease incidence, growth and yield attributes. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance, principal component and cluster analyses at p≤0.05. One hundred percent infection was found regardless of the cultivar. The healthy plants exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher morphological and yield parameters than infected plants. Principal component analysis revealed that 100-seed weight accounted for the greatest variability in healthy (eigen vector = 0.6239) and CABMV infected (eigen vector = 0.6005) plants. Cluster analysis showed that 18 (90 %) cultivars formed cluster 1, whereas one cultivar each was found in cluster 2 and 3. The top three cultivars for 100-seed weight: “SAMNUT 23” (56.0 g), “SAMNUT 25” (50.5 g) and “SAMNUT 26” (50.9 g) were the most tolerant to CABMV, whereas “ICG-92267” was identified as the best cultivar for dry matter production (24.0 g/plant). Planting of these tolerant cultivars is recommended in order to mitigate the stresses imposed by CABMV. Keywords: disease incidence, principal components, clusters, groundnut
Genetic Study of Certain Quantitative Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops of India. It is a member of grass family, poaceae (gramineae) has 2n = 2x = 20 chromosomes. It originated in Mexico and Central America. It possesses over 32,000 genes on ten chromosomes with a genome size of 2.3 gigabase (Hossain et al., 2016). It has assumed greater significance due to its demand for food, feed and industrial utilization. It is the third most important cereal crop of India after rice and wheat.
Carbon mineralization dynamics of tropical peats in relation to peat characteristics

Saidy AR, Mariana ZT, Adji FA, Nusantara RW, Fitria I, Syahrinudin. 2018. Carbon mineralization dynamics of tropical peats in relation to peat characteristics. Biodiversitas 19: 1413-1421. Understanding the dynamics of carbon mineralization of peats in the tropical areas is of essential significance in controlling carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emission rates. An incubation study of tropical peats sampled from 3 different sites of the Barito Basin on the Borneo Island, Indonesia (uncultivated, used for paddy cultivation for £ 5 years and 5-10 years) was carried out to investigate a relationship between CO2 production and peat characteristics. Results of study revealed that land use change from uncultivated peats to paddy fields resulted in significant changes in the chemical structure of peat organic carbon. Carbohydrate contents of the peat decreased significantly as a consequence of the conversion of natural peats to paddy fields. However, the paddy peats contained higher lignin than uncultivated peats. Changes in the chemical structure of the tropical peats resulted in changes in carbon mineralization. Carbon mineralization of uncultivated peats ranged from 2925-5310 mg CO2-C kg-1 peat, while carbon mineralization of 1065-2678 mg CO2-C kg-1 C peat was observed for paddy peats. Moreover, carbon mineralization data obtained from the experiment fitted properly to a two-pool C mineralization model. The developed carbon mineralization model showed that slowly and rapidly decomposable pools have a close relation with rubbed fiber and carbohydrate content data. Thus, results of this study suggested that carbon mineralization of peats could be estimated appropriately using rubbed fiber and carbohydrate content data.