Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Examination of the Relationship Between High School Seniors and High School Seniors Participating in a Multi-Year, Looping, School-Based Mentoring Program

Researchers have indicated that secondary school students were more likely to be truant than primary school students which lead to students dropping out of school and becoming less productive citizens as adults. Researchers have also shown that participation in a school-based mentoring program can positively influence the students and help them make better life decisions. The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent a multi-year, looping, school-based mentoring program has on the attendance data, behavioral data, achievement data, and graduation rate of high school seniors at a rural high school in west Georgia. The researcher conducted a mixed methods study to analyze the relationship between a high school with a mentoring program and a high school without a mentoring program through attendance data, behavior data, test score data, and graduation percentage. For the quantitative portion, attendance data, behavior data, test score data, and graduation percentage were obtained and analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests. The overall findings were in favor of the school without the mentoring program or not statistically significant. For the qualitative portion, six individual teacher interviews were conducted at the school with the mentoring program to obtain data on their perception of the impact the mentoring program had on high school seniors. The overall findings were positive teacher perceptions of their impact on student attendance, behavior, test scores, and graduation. The mentoring program did not statistically impact student attendance, behavior, test scores, and graduation; however, the relationships and impact that the teachers had on the students could impact the students well into their futures.
Effect of the microfauna composition on fermentation pattern in the rumen of sheep

Three Polish Merino sheep fed hay and ground barley were defaunated and then refaunated consecutively w i t h only one (Eudiplodinium maggii), two (Eudiplodinium maggii and Entodinium caudatum) or three (Eudiplodinium maggii, Entodinium caudatum and Dasytricha ruminantium) ciliate species. Both the concentration and production rate o f total V F A as we l l as the proportion o f individual acids were estimated before the morning feeding and 4 h thereafter. The concentration o f V F A varied from 8.2 to 11.6 mM/100 m l o f rumen fluid and production rate from 29.1 to 34.1 juM/g rumen digesta/h in relation to the time after feeding. Mola r proportion o f acetate, propionate and butyrate in the total V F A in the rumen or produced in vitro was 65.1-74.6, 16.0-21.2 and 9.1-11.8 %, respectively. The concentration o f V F A as we l l as production rate and molar proportion o f individual acids were influenced by ciliates and composition o f the fauna. Presence o f Eudiplodinium maggii in the rumen resulted in the highest proportion o f butyrate at 4 h after feeding. Establishment o f ciliates in the rumen o f sheep was accompanied by the drop in acetate proportions. N o effect o f ciliates on p H values before feeding was found whereas increase in the acidity o f rumen f lu id after feeding was affected by the fauna composition. K E Y W O R D S : ciliates, sheep, V F A production, molar proportion
Digital Dystopia: Analyzing Facebook Data Permissions and Regulations from 2014-2018

This investigation looks to analyze Facebook’s data privacy regulations from 2014-2018; the Cambridge Analytica scandal is used as a case study to show how Facebook acted unethically in ensuring the privacy of user data. Facebook’s inability to regulate whose data was being shared and how third parties were using this data was unethical and directly resulted in third-parties, like Cambridge Analytica, misusing the data. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Science and Association for Computing Machinery joint task force ethical code for software engineers is used to judge Facebook’s malpractice. This same code, and the knowledge of Facebook’s previous failure, is used to recommend an ethical solution to prevent user data from being compromised; the proposed solution is to explicitly ask users for permission for their data to be shared. The report concludes that Facebook was unable to control how data was being used once it was shared, compromising the privacy of millions of individuals. The report also concludes that users should be actively monitoring their online presence when using Facebook as an alternative to completely abandoning the platform.
Path stability of the solution of stochastic differential equation driven by time-changed L\'evy noises

This paper studies path stabilities of the solution to stochastic differential equations (SDE) driven by time-changed L\'evy noise. The conditions for the solution of time-changed SDE to be path stable and exponentially path stable are given. Moreover, we reveal the important role of the time drift in determining the path stability properties of the solution. Related examples are provided.
Controlled reproduction in cattle and buffaloes

Introduction to controlled reproduction in cattle the bovine oestrous cycle and associated events artificial control of oestrus and ovulation pregnancy testing in cattle control calving reducing the calving interval embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization in cattle induction of twin births in cattle breeding cattle at younger ages introduction to controlled breeding in buffaloes control of oestrus, pregnancy testing and parturition control in buffaloes embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization in buffaloes.
Los saurios y anfisbénidos de Bolivia (Reptilia, Squamata): lista patrón, localidades y bibliografía

The number of Bolivian lizards and amphisbaenids is increased from 79 (Fugler, 1989) to 102 in this updated and comprehensive list, which includes all new species and taxonomic changes published recently, as well as locality data. Coordinates for the localities are provided in a locality list. Three species are reported herein for the first time: Kentropyx pelviceps, Liolaemus schmidti , and Uranoscodon superciliosus .
Investigation of hallmark epigenetic changes in a cancerstem cell model

Epigenetic control of gene expression is vital for normal development and differentiation of cells, and is also important in the development of disease. In particular, there is a strong association between hallmark epigenetic changes and cancer – namely, genome wide hypomethylation, gene specific hypermethylation and characteristic histone modification. Almost all studies of cancer epigenetics to date have been conducted in malignant tissues or already transformed cell lines, and therefore do not take into account epigenetic changes occurring during the process of transformation. Our lab has developed a line of primary mesenchymal stem cells (MSC; thought to be the origin of various types of sarcoma) in which five oncogenic steps towards a fully transformed state are sequentially introduced including: human telomerase, necessary to extend the life span of MSC in culture, genes to inactivate the p53 and pRb tumour suppressor genes and genes to activate the oncogenes c-Myc and Ras. I hypothesized that hallmark epigenetic changes take place in this step-wise model of transformation, and aimed to investigate genome wide hypomethylation and the activity of the polycomb repressive 2 (PRC2) complex in this system. Utilizing the PCR based technique MethyLight, I show that transformed MSC are hypomethylated compared to parental MSC, with this decrease in methylation occurring on the introduction of oncogenic H-Ras in the final step. I also show that this hypomethylation is a gradual event following H-Ras expression, and transformation can take place in the absence of hypomethylation. I demonstrate that the three core components of the PRC2 complex are up-regulated during step-wise transformation and that PRC2 target genes are down-regulated. Finally, I show that MSC are able to be transformed when the PRC2 components EZH2 and SUZ12 are knocked down before the final oncogenic hit. These studies show that hallmark epigenetic changes occur during step-wise transformation and suggest that tumour-associated epigenetic changes occur following genetic aberrations. This model is valuable and relevant to further explore the mechanisms behind epigenetic alterations in cancer.
Testing for Structural Change under Nonstationarity

This Appendix (dated: July 2021) includes supplementary derivations related to the main limit results of the econometric framework for structural break testing in predictive regression models based on the OLS-Wald and IVX-Wald test statistics, developed by Katsouris C (2021). In particular, we derive the asymptotic distributions of the test statistics when the predictive regression model includes either mildly integrated or persistent regressors. Moreover, we consider the case in which a model intercept is included in the model vis-a-vis the case that the predictive regression model has no model intercept. In a subsequent version of this study we reexamine these particular aspects in more depth with respect to the demeaned versions of the variables of the predictive regression.
Studies on the genetic and environmental basis of endometreosis

﻿ There is now considerable evidence that endometriosis is likely to be a complex multifactorial trait, such as diabetes or asthma, in which a number of susceptibility loci interact with each other, and the environment, to produce the disease phenotype. This thesis presents studies on the genetic and environmental basis of endometriosis in both a non-human primate model and in women. The study of the autopsy records of 399 female rhesus monkeys identified 81 (20%) with spontaneous endometriosis. Age, exposure to ≥ 3 oestradiol implants (relative risk 9.7, P P = 0.006) were significant risk factors as determined by conditional logistic regression. Living descendants of the affected animals had MRI scans which suggested that 8/113 (7%) had at least one endometriotic lesion >1 cm in diameter. Segregation analysis was conducted on the resulting 12 pedigrees, which contained 64 half sib-pairs, 2 full sibpairs and 11 mother-daughter pairs. Human, affected sib-pairs and families were recruited for the OXEGENE study to conduct sib-pair analysis using microsatellite markers at 10cM resolution across the entire genome. MRI studies of the first-degree relatives of women with rAFS stage III-IV disease estimated that the relative risk (λ R ) may be as high as 14 (95% Cl 4.8 - 30.3). Candidate gene studies, comparing the frequency of the GALT N314D polymorphism, the CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism and the GSTM1 and T1 null mutations in two case groups, with either sporadic disease or a family history of endometriosis, and two control groups, did not show evidence of association. Linkage analysis using three microsatellite markers and 50 affected sib-pairs in the region to which GSTM1 maps (1p13) did not show evidence of linkage to this region. However, there was an apparent relationship between the presence of both the GSTM1 null mutation and the CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism and an increased risk of endometriosis. The initial findings of a sib-pair analysis, using 29 microsatellite markers across chromosome one in 128 affected sib-pairs, did not reveal evidence of linkage. These findings provide some insight into the aetiology of endometriosis in women.
Microbial diversity of various agricultural soil sites using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) community profiling.

PCR-DGGE was applied in this project to compare the diversity of the bacterial populations in two different plots, Tuscany and Basilicata. Tuscany consists of forest and agricultural site while Basilicata consists of biological agricultural and conventional agricultural site. The soil sample from each plot was extracted for the DNA using the combination protocols of conventional method. The DNA was then amplified for the target 16S rRNA genes using the universal primer of P1 (forward) and P2 (reverse) for 35 cycles using the hot start technique. The PCR product was then run on 10% (w/v) of polyacrylamide gel on the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to observe the diversity profile with the gradient ranging from 40% to 75%. From the dendogram image, the PCR-DGGE bands in Tuscany showed that there were different soil microbial communities dominant for each site although there was no major difference in banding pattern between the biological agricultural and conventional plots or disturbed and undisturbed forest. In Basilicata, the soil from this site can be categorized as a heterogeneous soil. The correlation analysis indicated that when the aridity index increased and water content decreased, the bacterial number increased although no impact on microbial diversity was observed. Keywords: DGGE; DNA; microbial diversity; biological agricultural; conventional agricultural
Performance of Dacryodes edulis mycorrhized layers under different cropping conditions in Makenene, Cameroon

Dacryodes edulis, with its potential dietary and medicinal uses, is an aging member of the agroforestry system and is classified among the priority species for domestication in Central Africa. Reliable techniques for producing quality planting materials other than seeds are urgently needed. The aims of this study were to produce D. edulis layers and integrate them into the cropping system. To promote rooting and the survival rates of layers, 4 treatments were used. The layers produced were inoculated with mycorrhiza and introduced into cropping systems for the evaluation of morphobiochemical parameters. The results show that 67.91% of D. edulis trees are planted in cocoa plantations and 32.09% in other cropping systems in Makenene. In addition, 12% of the plants are produced from technical improvement, and 88% from seeds. The use of honey significantly increased layer survival and rooting rates after 2 months. The mycorrhized layers grow better in fallow fields than among food crops or in cocoa-based agroforests. High levels of chlorophylls a and b, total proteins, total amino acids, and peroxidase activity supported higher growth rates of mycorrhized layers. The results show the potential of producing plant materials through layering.
Patients' perspectives on taking insulin in diabetes - Perspectives of convergence

The purpose of this study was to explore the cultural perspectives and experiences relating to insulin therapy among the diabetes. The authors conducted four semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews with 19 adults with type 1 and 2 diabetes, focusing on the personal experiences and thoughts regarding insulin therapy. Patients’ perspectives and experiences relating to taking insulin formed three categories of themes: preoccupations about insulin, barriers to taking insulin, and benefits to taking insulin. The theme for preoccupations about insulin was “vague fear,” while the theme of barriers to taking insulin were “worrisome insulin-related issues”, “ambivalent feelings (trust/mistrust) about healthcare providers,” “dependent life,” “feeling about supporters(family, friends, and religion),” “inconvenience,” “regret about the past,” and “embarrassment. ” The theme of benefits to taking insulin were “recognition” and “physical recovery and confidence in regulating blood glucose”. Based on this study, patients’ feelings about their insulin should be respected by healthcare providers.
Optimization of PCR Conditions to Amplify SSR Markers in Sweet Cherry Cultivars

In all Romanian national fruit collections, all accessions holding a phenotypic, biochemical and genetic evaluation, but less a molecular level assessment of theirâ€¦. For introduction of this material (accessions) into the breeding programs is necessary and important to know the level of characterization. Considering this fact, in the present study was optimization of the PCR protocol, specially annealing temperature of fifteen SSR primer pairs to characterize and study the genetic similarity and to determine the polymorphism between 36 sweet cherry accessions from I.C. D.P. Iasi, Romania. In the optimization process of annealing temperature for primers, was started with 5oC less them the temperature recommendated by the manufacturer, gradually ascending with 1-2oC/PCR cycle, up to 10-11oC, above the recommended value. For every primers pairs it was 6-7 steps for optimization of annealing temperature, obtaining satisfactory results to the following primers pairs: UCDCH17, UDP96-001 and PceGA25 at 65oC, UCDCH21: 64oC, UCDCH31: 66oC,:UPD97-402: 60oC, PMS3: 68oC. The primer pairs UDP96-008 obtained at 65oC, monomorphic bands, so it was excluded from the analysis. The other reagents used in PCR and temperature regimes (denaturation and extension temperature) were kept constant. From these results we conclude the transferability and applicability of SSR markers for genotyping and phylogenetic studies in the genus Prunus.
Invertebrate Conservation: A Case of Suboptimal Effort?

The increasing awareness of inflated extinction rates has led to conservation efforts to mitigate losses. Conservation effort however is not evenly allocated across taxa. Studies have shown that charismatic factors play a significant role in predicting where effort is focussed. Invertebrates are widely regarded as non-charismatic and are typically poorly researched while recovery effort is under-funded. A bias against invertebrates can be justified if this optimises the level of biodiversity preserved. Optimisation requires that a particular conservation strategy minimises biodiversity losses for a given set of constraints. Conservation optimisation problems however are typically unsolvable at an explicit level. This research employs dynamic optimisation to generate a theoretical model. This allows deducing which species' traits are desirable in conservation programmes. Invertebrates encompass many of these traits, indicating that current efforts to conserve such species are sub-optimal.
What can palm evolution in time and space say about the historical assembly of diversity in the Caribbean and Central America

Tropical America is the most biodiverse region on Earth. Studies aiming to understand the origin and drivers of such diversity have mainly focused on South American ecosystems, while the Caribbean and Central America remain poorly studied. However, their megadiversity, their intercontinental location and their dynamic geologic history, provide a rich framework to analyse the processes of biotic dispersal, local diversification and extinction. Here, the evolution of Caribbean and Central American floras in time and space was reconstructed, and the relative roles of those processes in shaping extant diversity was assessed. Based on DNA data obtained using Sanger and NGS sequencing, the dated phylogenies of different palm (Arecaceae) clades were reconstructed and used to estimate biogeographic and diversification patterns. The results showed that although dispersal and extinction were in action, local diversification played the most significant role in generating the outstanding diversity of the Caribbean and Central American floras.
Natural levels of polyandry: Differential sperm storage and temporal changes in sperm competition intensity in wild yellow dung flies

Summary 1. Polyandry is common in insects. Nevertheless, the evolutionary causes and consequences of this phenomenon remain contentious, in part because of a lack of information about natural mating rates and the fact that most post-copulatory processes are hidden from view within female reproductive tracts. 2. We captured wild female yellow dung flies (Scathophaga stercoraria) over the whole spring season and genotyped the sperm from their spermathecae to obtain information on sperm transfer, sperm storage and natural levels of polyandry for this model species of post-copulatory sexual selection research. 3. On average, females stored sperm from a minimum of 2·47 males (based on the most conservative estimate). Incorporating knowledge of population allele frequencies yielded a slightly higher estimate of 3·33 mates per female. 4. Sperm storage and therefore sperm competition intensity showed high temporal variation. The proportion of multiply mated females (i.e. females with sperm from ≥2 males within their sperm stores) and the absolute number of ejaculates detected within females increased strongly over the spring season before sharply decreasing as midsummer approached. 5. Interestingly, we detected a positive relationship between the number of stored ejaculates and females’ wing injuries, suggesting that mating not only causes measurable cumulative damage to wild females but also provides a potential mechanism by which males may be able to assess the intensity of sperm competition within a female. 6. Our study found no evidence for intraejaculate sperm sorting, but importantly, the number of ejaculates in storage differed amongst the three sperm storage organs (spermathecae) of female yellow dung flies. Different sperm mixtures across the spermathecae could enable females to bias paternity towards certain males if females can selectively use sperm from a certain spermatheca at the time of fertilization.
Natural Populations of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in the Pampean Region of Argentina

A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes was conducted in the Pampean region of Argentina. The objective was to identify wild isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes that are virulent to native insect pests. A total of 310 soil samples from 14 localities were tested for the presence of steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes by baiting with Galleria mellonella larvae. Additionally, 264 insects collected during the survey were examined for the presence of entomopathogenic nematodes. Entomopathogenic nematodes were recovered from 41 samples, 65.9% were steinernematids (Steinernema feltiae, S. carpocapsae and S. scapterisci) and 34.1% were heterorhabditids (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and H. argentinensis). Loam soils yielded nematode populations on 19 occasions, and sandy loam soils on 22 occasions. No nematodes were found in clay soils. Entomopathogenic nematodes belonging to the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae were found in 27 of the 264 insects collected in the s
The Clostridia and biotechnology

History and Future Potential of the Clostridia in Biotechnology Biochemistry and Regulation of Acid and Solvent Production in Clostridia Properties of Acid and Solvent-Forming Enzymes of Clostridia Mutagenesis and its Application in Biotechnology Development and Exploitation of Conjugative Gene Transfer Clostridia Cloning Vectors Transformation/Electroporation of the Clostridia Cloning Structure and Expression of Acid and Solvent Pathway Genes of Clostridia Molecular Analysis and Expression of Electron Transfer and Nitrogen Metabolism Genes of Clostrida Transposons in Clostridia Heat Shock Response and the Onset of Solvent Formation in Clostridia acetobutylicum The Molecular Biology and Genetics of Substrate Utilization in Clostridia Xylan and Cellulose Utilization by the Clostridia and Process Technology Molecular Biology of Nitrogen Fixation in the Clostridia Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the Thermophilic Clostridia.