Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fecal Glucocorticoids and Thyroid Hormone Levels of Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta) Inhabiting Limestone Forests of Southwest Guangxi, China

Environmental and physiological variables (i.e., age and sex) affect the hormone levels in primates. In this study, with non-invasive methods, we measured physiological hormones including glucocorticoids (GCs), cortisol, and thyroid hormones (THs, T3 and T4) of rhesus macaques’ ( Macaca mulatta ) fecal pellet sampled from the Longhushan Nature Reserve, Southwest Guangxi, China. The results indicated that cortisol was negatively correlated with ambient temperature and sunlight, whereas T4 was positively correlated with sunlight. Cortisol levels sampled from spring/winter were higher than those sampled from summer/fall, while levels of GCs and T3/T4 were not significantly different among seasons, indicating adult males have more intensive mating competition during the winter, rather than to the food intake and ambient temperature. The levels of T4 in adults were significantly higher than those in immature macaques, Also, T4 in males was significantly higher than those in females, indicating different energy intake/expenditure of rhesus macaques in different age and sex classes. Our findings provide a critical base of physiological information on the rhesus macaques inhabiting the Longhushan Nature Reserve, highlighting the importance of monitoring macaques’ physiological hormones and the needs for the further knowledge on assessing the effects of tourism and provision on macaques’ management and conservation.
Effect of Stress in Some Blood Parameters and Heat Shock Protein 70 of Awassi Syrian Lambs

This study aimed to look into the impact of road transportation in the dry, hot region of Erbil-Kurdistan, Iraq, on blood parameter changes and heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) expressions in lambs as welfare indicators. A total of thirty Awassi Syrian sheep 1-year-old lambs with an average live weight of 63.894±0.48kg were subjected to three pre-slaughter handling groups of ten (10) animals each one day before transportation. The first group was kept under normal farm conditions and used as a control (T1). The other two groups were loaded into an open truck and driven for 2 hours before being unloaded and then lairage for 0h (T2) 12h (T3). According to the findings, the response of biochemical parameters and heat-shock protein in kidney and liver tissues rose significantly. Cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, glucose, and lactate levels were considerably higher in T2 than in T1 and T3 lambs. According to heat shock protein 70 expressions, transit without shade was more stressful for the lambs. Therefore, it is necessary to use an appropriate resting time following road transportation pre-slaughter to prevent welfare problems.
Casimir repulsion in sphere-plate geometry

Universita¨t Leipzig, Institute for Theoretical Physics, Postfach 100920, 04009 Leipzig, Germany(Dated: February 22, 2013)The electromagnetic vacuum energy is considered in the presence of a perfectly conducting planeand a ball with dielectric permittivity e and magnetic permeability µ, µ 6= 1. The attention is focusedon the Casimir repulsion in this system caused by magnetic permeability of the sphere. In the caseof perfectly permeable sphere, µ = ∞, the vacuum energy is estimated numerically. The shortand long distance asymptotes corresponding to the repulsive force and respective low temperaturecorrections and high temperature limits are found for a wide range of µ. The constraints on theCasimir repulsion in this system are discussed.
Analysis of 31 Taiwanese EFL undergraduates’ designs and implementations of contextualized language instruction as service learning: A case study

ABSTRACT Service learning can enhance prospective teachers’ instructional practice through designing English lessons and tasks for real purposes based on the local context. This study analysed 31 Taiwanese EFL undergraduates’ lesson designs and implementations of contextualized language instruction as service learning in a language teacher education programme in Taiwan. Based on the thematic analysis of lesson plans, self-evaluations, peer-evaluations, stakeholders’ feedback, teaching videos, and interviews, this study reached the following major findings. First, through the investigation of the textbooks and local features, undergraduates designed topic-based lessons with contextualized dialogues as the features of contextualized language instruction. Secondly, the TESOL method course, instructor’s modelling, and collaborative lesson planning purposefully prepared 31 English majors for the lesson designs and implementation as service learning. Thirdly, the undergraduates’ knowledge was constructed, particularly knowledge of learners, teaching contexts, educational ends as well as content and curriculum knowledge of contextualized language instruction. Finally, participants, their peers, and stakeholders (learners and tourists) regarded these lessons relevant to their lives. Suggestions on effective integration of lesson designs and implementations of contextualized language instruction into service learning for prospective language teachers were provided.
Reasoned action approach to analyze differences in athletes' physical activity during COVID-19

The purpose of this study was to examine the reasoned action approach (RAA) in relation to the impact of COVID-19 on college athletes’ physical activity (PA). Participants were college athletes (ages 18-22 years) who were involved in university, club, and/or intramural sport. The RAA constructs were measured for the three different types of PA behaviors. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and multiple regression analyses to evaluate the RAA determinants of PA intentions. Results partially supported theoretical expectations. All RAA constructs had an impact on perceived norms indicating a dominant influence. Remote social interaction/training during isolation periods are suggested to promote sustained conditioning among college athletes.
Computation of transonic boattail flow with separation

The relaxation procedure of South and Jameson for the full potential transonic flow equation was coupled to a modified Reshotko-Tucker integral boundary-layer technique with an empirical model for separated flow. The viscous and inviscid flows were solved iteratively until convergence was obtained. This iterative method was then applied to the subsonic and transonic flow over a series of axisymmetric circular-arc boattails with solid jet plume simulators. Comparisons of theoretical and experimental surface pressures and boattail drag are presented over a free-stream Mach numbers below 0.90. The qualitative variation of boattail drag with free-stream Mach number and boattail angle well into the region of transonic drag rise was correctly predicted; however, the absolute drag levels were significantly underpredicted. For separated flows, the empirical discriminating streamline model gives good results up to a free-stream Mach number of about 0.90 and allows reasonable predictions for shock-induced separation if the proper separation location and separation turning angle are known.
Homocysteine as a Predictor of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation-Related Events: A Scoping Review of the Literature

High levels of homocysteine (Hcy) have been linked with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as arrhythmias and stroke. In the context of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), hyperhomocysteinemia has been demonstrated to be an independent predictor of future events. The aim of this report was to address the potential value of Hcy levels in predicting future paroxysms of atrial fibrillation (AF), as well as to identify the potential mechanisms of action. We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Database on 16 January 2022. Keywords used were homocysteine or hyperhomocysteinemia paired with a total of 67 different keywords or phrases that have been implicated with the pathogenesis of AF. We included primary reports of clinical and non-clinical data in the English language, as well as systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses. We placed no time constraints on our search strategy, which yielded 3748 results. Following title review, 3293 reports were excluded and 455 reports were used for title and abstract review, after which 109 reports were finally used for full-text review. Our review indicates that Hcy levels seem to hold a predictive value in PAF. Herein, potential mechanisms of action are presented and special considerations are made for clinically relevant diagnostic procedures that could complement plasma levels in the prediction of future PAF events. Finally, gaps of evidence are identified and considerations for future clinical trial design are presented.
Infinitely many homoclinic solutions for a second‐order Hamiltonian system

In this paper, we study the homoclinic solutions of the following second‐order Hamiltonian system ü−L(t)u+∇W(t,u)=0,where t∈R,u∈RN , L:R→RN×N and W:R×RN→R . Applying the symmetric Mountain Pass Theorem, we establish a couple of sufficient conditions on the existence of infinitely many homoclinic solutions. Our results significantly generalize and improve related ones in the literature. For example, L(t) is not necessary to be uniformly positive definite or coercive; through W(t,x) is still assumed to be superquadratic near |x|=∞ , it is not assumed to be superquadratic near x=0 .
Murakami-Kasahara ID-based Key Sharing Scheme Revisited -- In Comparison With Maurer-Yacobi Scheme

In Sept. 1990, the present authors firstly discussed DLP over composite number and presented an ID-based Key Sharing Scheme referred to as MK1. In 1991, Maurer and Yacobi presented a scheme, referred to as MY, which is similar to our scheme, MK1. Unfortunately the schemes MK1 and MY are not secure. In Dec. 1990, the present authors presented a secure ID-based key sharing scheme referred to as MK2. With a rapid progress of computer power for the last 15 years, our proposed scheme would have more chance to be applied practically. Regrettably, it has not been widely known that (i) the schemes MY and MK1 are not secure, (ii) there exists a secure scheme, MK2. In this paper, we shall review MK2 and clarify the difference between MK2 and other schemes from the standpoint of security.
Media Exposure to Armed Conflict: Dispositional Optimism and Self-Mastery Moderate Distress and Post-Traumatic Symptoms among Adolescents

Background: Rapid technological developments enable the immediate transmission of armed conflict events through a variety of media channels, inducing mass anxiety, fear, and helplessness. Youth are particularly vulnerable and face new challenges as a result of this exposure. The effects of media exposure to such events on psychological distress and post-traumatic symptoms were examined. Methods: A total of 161 participants aged 13–18 years completed a questionnaire battery that included measures of media exposure to armed conflict events, previous direct exposure to armed conflict events, psychological distress, post-traumatic symptoms, dispositional optimism, and self-mastery. A structural equation model (SEM) approach was employed for data analysis. Results: The extent of media exposure to armed conflict was directly associated with psychological distress and post-traumatic symptoms. Dispositional optimism moderated the association between media exposure and psychological distress, while self-mastery moderated the association between media exposure and post-traumatic symptoms. The effects of the Internet factor of media exposure, which included social media, were particularly disturbing as neither of the resilience factors moderated negative outcomes. Conclusions: The findings suggest that clinical interventions to enhance dispositional optimism and self-mastery as well as other potential resilience factors can protect adolescents from the severe effects of media exposure to violent armed conflict events. Developmental and public health implications related to vulnerabilities and resilience during adolescence are discussed.
Polyphenol Intake in Pregnant Women on Gestational Diabetes Risk and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring: A Systematic Review

The intake of foods containing polyphenols can have a protective role to avoid comorbidities during pregnancy and, at the same time, promote transgenerational health. This review aims to describe the effect of polyphenol intake through supplements or polyphenol-rich foods during pregnancy on the incidence and evolution of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), as well as the link with the neurodevelopment of the fetus. Using PRISMA procedures, a systematic review was conducted by searching in biomedical databases (PubMed, Cinahl and Scopus) from January to June 2022. Full articles were screened (n = 419) and critically appraised. Fourteen studies were selected and were divided into two different thematic blocks considering (i) the effect of polyphenols in GDM and (ii) the effect of GDM to mental disorders in the offspring. A positive relationship was observed between the intake of polyphenols and the prevention and control of cardiometabolic complications during pregnancy, such as GDM, which could be related to thwarted inflammatory and oxidative processes, as well as neuronal factors. GDM is related to a greater risk of suffering from diseases related to neurodevelopment, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and learning disorder. Further clinical research on the molecule protective mechanism of polyphenols on pregnant women is required to understand the transgenerational impact on fetal neurodevelopment.
Polarization-resolved sensing with tilted fiber Bragg gratings: theory and limits of detection

Polarization based sensing with tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) sensors is analysed theoretically by two alternative approaches. The first method is based on tracking the grating transmission for two orthogonal states of linear polarized light that are extracted from the measured Jones matrix or Stokes vectors of the TFBG transmission spectra. The second method is based on the measurements along the system principle axes and polarization dependent loss (PDL) parameter, also calculated from measured data. It is shown that the frequent crossing of the Jones matrix eigenvalues as a function of wavelength leads to a non-physical interchange of the calculated principal axes; a method to remove this unwanted mathematical artefact and to restore the order of the system eigenvalues and the corresponding principal axes is provided. A comparison of the two approaches reveals that the PDL method provides a smaller standard deviation and therefore lower limit of detection in refractometric sensing. Furthermore, the polarization analysis of the measured spectra allows for the identification of the principal states of polarization of the sensor system and consequentially for the calculation of the transmission spectrum for any incident polarization state. The stability of the orientation of the system principal axes is also investigated as a function of wavelength.
Depletion of VGLL4 Causes Perinatal Lethality without Affecting Myocardial Development

Congenital heart disease is one of the leading causes of pediatric morbidity and mortality, thus highlighting the importance of deciphering the molecular mechanisms that control heart development. As the terminal transcriptional effectors of the Hippo–YAP pathway, YAP and TEAD1 form a transcriptional complex that regulates the target gene expression and depletes either of these two genes in cardiomyocytes, thus resulting in cardiac hypoplasia. Vestigial-like 4 (VGLL4) is a transcriptional co-factor that interacts with TEAD and suppresses the YAP/TEAD complex by competing against YAP for TEAD binding. To understand the VGLL4 function in the heart, we generated two VGLL4 loss-of-function mouse lines: a germline Vgll4 depletion allele and a cardiomyocyte-specific Vgll4 depletion allele. The whole-body deletion of Vgll4 caused defective embryo development and perinatal lethality. The analysis of the embryos at day 16.5 revealed that Vgll4 knockout embryos had reduced body size, malformed tricuspid valves, and normal myocardium. Few whole-body Vgll4 knockout pups could survive up to 10 days, and none of them showed body weight gain. In contrast to the whole-body Vgll4 knockout mutants, cardiomyocyte-specific Vgll4 knockout mice had no noticeable heart growth defects and had normal heart function. In summary, our data suggest that VGLL4 is required for embryo development but dispensable for myocardial growth.
Testing Research Hypotheses with the General Linear Model

Because the technique of multiple linear regression has been accepted by the research community since 1975, Keith McNeil, Isadore Newman, and Francis J. Kelly devote little space to defending the equivalence of correlational and ANOVA procedures with multiple linear regression. Instead, they show how the multiple linear regression technique frees the researcher from wondering if an analysis can be done and refocuses him or her back to the central concern: the research question itself.The first three sections of chapter 1 provide a conceptual, research, and statistical orientation to the entire text. The remainder of chapter 1 furnishes the rationale for the utility of a conceptual model of behavior, along with one such model that can be used to identify predictor variables. The authors strongly suggest that readers familiar with the general linear model read these three sections before delving into the more advanced material. Readers who are relatively unfamiliar with the general linear model should read the first eight chapters before branching off into topics that are of immediate interest.Examples are provided throughout the text, all using the same data in the same widely available statistical analysis package. Although the technique can be taught with matrix algebra, the authors use the simpler approach of vector algebra, an approach more in line with the way data are conceptualized and entered into the computer.All of the correlational statistical techniques are shown to be subsets of the general linear model. Of more importance, however, researchers are encouraged to think beyond these limitations and to ask the research questions they are interested in. Thus, the common researcher is freed from the shackles of the "right" statistical procedure and its associated "right" computer analysis.
Preparing Students for Successful Online Intercultural Communication and Collaboration in Virtual Exchange

In the context of Virtual Exchange (VE) it is often assumed that participants will be naturally prepared to interact online successfully with their international partners. However, there is ample evidence in the literature to suggest that VE participants are usually unaware of effective communicative strategies in synchronous and asynchronous online communicative contexts. Through action research, this article investigates how teachers can provide scaffolding for both these communicative modalities in online intercultural environments. It reports on a qualitative content analysis of conversational and self-reported data from a corpus of three VEs that were collected and triangulated in order to identify when, in what areas, and in what ways students could benefit from pedagogical mentoring. The article then presents key mentoring stages and strategies that were identified and provides insight into the type of scaffolding that VE teachers can provide their students to help them achieve successful (a)synchronous online intercultural interaction.
Bovine Herpesvirus-1 Glycoprotein M Mediates the Translocation to the Golgi Apparatus and Packaging of VP8

VP8, the most abundant tegument protein of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1), plays an important role in viral replication. According to our previous studies, VP8 localizes to the Golgi apparatus of BoHV-1-infected cells where it can be packaged into the virus; however, Golgi localization of VP8 does not occur outside of the context of infection. The goal of this study was to identify the viral factor(s) involved in the tropism of VP8 towards the Golgi. VP8 was found to interact with glycoprotein M (gM), and the VP8 and gM domains that are essential for this interaction were identified. VP8 and gM colocalized to the Golgi apparatus in BoHV-1-infected cells. In cells co-transfected with VP8- and gM-encoding plasmids, VP8 was also found to be localized to the Golgi, suggesting gM to be sufficient. The localization of VP8 to the Golgi was lost in cells infected with a gM deletion mutant, and the amount of VP8 incorporated into mature virus was significantly reduced. However, with the restoration of gM in a revertant virus, the localization to the Golgi and the amount of VP8 incorporated in the virions were restored. These results indicate that gM plays a critical role in VP8 subcellular localization to the Golgi and packaging into mature virions.
Quantitative method to measure void fraction of two-phase flow using electronic imaging with neutrons

A quantitative method of image processing coupled with the neutron radiography technique is proposed to accurately measure the void fraction of a two-phase flow in a metallic duct. The spatial distribution of the dark current component is experimentally shown to be smooth, and the temporal variation cannot be ignored. Since the neutrons scattered in an object can be smoothed and reduced by setting the test section at a large distance from the converter, it is clarified that the corrections for the dark current and scattered neutrons can be represented by an offset. The offset value can be determined by using the total macroscopic cross section of the object ({Sigma}-scaling method). By comparing the calculated void fractions with the measured ones obtained by simulating the known void profile using a standard test section, the void fraction can be measured by this method within 2% error. The measurement error is estimated to be up to {approximately}10% when no correction for scattered neutrons is made or arbitrary offset values are used.
Theoretical status of epsilon'/epsilon

The present theoretical status of the parameter for direct CP violation epsilon'/epsilon in the Standard Model is reviewed and compared with most recent experimental measurements of the same quantity. After collecting the basic expressions for epsilon'/epsilon, the situation of hadronic matrix element calculations is summarised. The matrix elements constitute the dominant source of uncertainty for theoretical determinations of epsilon'/epsilon. For central values of the input parameters, the numerical analysis then yields results which are generally below the experimental data. Possible reasons for these findings are discussed.
Segmentation of mammogram images using level set with Cuckoo search optimisation

ABSTRACT Breast cancer is alone accounted for 30% of all new cancer diagnoses for women. Early identification of breast cancer is a key stage in the process of diagnosis and treatment. Segmenting of low contrast mammograms is not an easy task due to irregular mass form, speculated margins and variation in intensity levels. Most of the region-based technique works well for homogenous images but fails for intensity inhomogeneity. Multiphase level set segmentation is optimised by the cuckoo search approach for energy minimisation. The proposed multiphase level set with the cuckoo optimisation method performs well in segmenting homogeneous as well as inhomogeneous regions. The Chan Vese (CV) and the proposed method are applied to the Mammographic Image Analysis Society (MIAS) database to obtain the accurate contour of the masses. To validate the proposed approach using quantitative performance measures such as Jaccard coefficient (JC), dice coefficient (DC), Hausdorff distance (Hd), sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were used for the MIAS data set. The results indicate that the suggested method can successfully segment the breast mass in mammograms and more robust than the classical CV method.