Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infammation mediates body weight and ageing efects on psychomotor slowing

Inflammation (immune system activation) affects neuronal function and may have consequences for the efficiency and speed of functional brain processes. Indeed, unusually slow psychomotor speed, a measure predictive of behavioural performance and health outcomes, is found with obesity and ageing, two conditions also associated with chronic inflammation. Yet whether inflammation is the mediating factor remains unclear. Here, we assessed inflammation by indexing interleukin-6 level in blood and measured psychomotor speed as well as indices of selective visual attention in young (mean = 26 years) or old (mean = 71 years) adults ( N = 83) who were either lean or currently significantly overweight (mean body mass index = 22.4 and 33.8, respectively). Inflammation was positively and significantly correlated with psychomotor speed, age, and body mass index but not with attention measures. Using mediation analyses we show for the first time that inflammation fully accounts for the significant psychomotor slowing found in those with high BMI. Moreover, we further show that age-related psychomotor slowing is partially mediated by inflammation. These findings support the proposal that reducing inflammation may mitigate weight- and age-related cognitive decline and thereby improve performance on daily tasks and health outcomes more generally. Inflammation, a biological process that results from immune system activation, is a well-established character- istic of advanced age 1,2 and obesity 3 . At the cellular level, inflammation is known to cause neuronal dysfunction via alterations to microglia 4–6 , but how such alterations affect overt brain function remains less well studied. Nevertheless, emerging evidence tentatively links inflammatory states with subtle cognitive deficits, including slowed psychomotor speed, i.e., the minimum time required to make accurate, well-learned motor responses to obvious sensory stimuli 7 , slowed decision processes 8 , and memory deficits 9,10 , but see 11 ;
Educational Inequality, Skin Color and Census Ethnoracial Identification in Eight Latin American Countries

For the first time and with the region’s turn to multiculturalism, most Latin American censuses now ask respondents to identify by race or ethnicity. These new data allow researchers to systematically examine ethnoracial inequalities, which have long been ignored or denied. However, reliance on census ethnoracial categories could be problematic because of classification ambiguity in the region and because the categories themselves may hide racial heterogeneity such as that occurring among persons in the same category but of distinct skin color. To overcome this, we modeled the relation of both interviewer-rated skin color and census ethnoracial categories with educational inequality, using innovative data from the 2010 America’s Barometer from the Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) and 2010 surveys from the Project on Ethnicity and Race in Latin America (PERLA) for eight Latin American countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru). We found that darker skin color was negatively and consistently related to schooling in all countries, even after adjusting for parental occupation and other factors. Indigenous and black self-identification was also negatively and consistently related to schooling, though not always at a statistically significant level like skin color. Results for selfidentified mulattos, mestizos and whites were inconsistent and often counter to the expected racial hierarchy.
The Effect of Retention Interval on Temporal Control of Responding in Rats on the Peak Interval Procedure

THE EFFECT OF RETENTION INTERVAL ON TEMPORAL CONTROL OF RESPONDING IN RATS ON THE PEAK INTERVAL PROCEDURE by Catherine Tsiris Advisor: Professor Bruce L. Brown A considerable body of literature on time perception has investigated the effects of short intratrial retention intervals (RI) in the seconds range, on temporal performance, however there is a dearth of research examining the effects of long, intersession RIs (hours to days range) on timing. The present study examined the effect of two different RI durations (2 days and 70 days) on time estimates in subjects on the peak interval procedure. Twenty-four rats, eight per group, were exposed to one of three conditions. The experimental group was trained at 5 months and tested after a 70-day RI. One control group was trained at the same chronological age as the experimental group and tested after a 2-day RI. The second control group was trained at 7 months and tested at the same chronological age as the experimental group. Following the RI, peak time decreased in testing when compared with peak time during training for the group exposed to the 70-day RI, but not for the two groups exposed to a 2-day RI. An individual trials analysis showed that the decrement in peak time was accompanied by a decrease in stop time but no corresponding change in start time for the long RI group. Start and stop times at testing did not vary significantly from training for either of the control groups. Variability in middle, start and stop times was found to increase significantly for the experimental group but not the control groups. The current findings can be accounted for by an increase in variability of the
Low Integrated Area of Desaturation Index after Adaptive Servo-Ventilation Therapy is a Strong Indicator to Predict Fatal Cardiovascular Events in Heart Failure Patients

Background: Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) has been used to treat heart failure (HF) with sleep-disordered breathing. However, there are no polysomnographic data correlated with HF prognosis. Therefore, the present study aimed to establish whether integrated area of desaturation (IAD) index, immediately after ASV therapy, was effective in predicting the incidence of fatal cardiovascular events in patients with HF, over a five-year follow-up period. Methods: Fifty-seven patients with HF were enrolled for ASV treatment. Patients were categorised into 4 groups based on IAD index before (pre-IAD index) and after (post-IAD index) ASV therapy: Group A, pre-IAD index ≥ 50% sec/min and post-IAD index < 15% sec/min (n = 5); Group B, pre-IAD index ≥ 50% sec/min and post-IAD index ≥ 15% sec/min (n = 22); Group C, pre-IAD index < 50% sec/min, post-IAD index < 15% sec/min (n = 15) and Group D, pre-IAD index < 50% sec/min, post-IAD index ≥ 15% sec/min (n = 15). We observed patients over a five-year follow-up period, and noted fatal cardiovascular events (death from progressive HF, cardioembolic stroke or fatal cardiac arrhythmias). Results: Incidence of fatal cardiovascular events significantly decreased in low post-IAD index groups compared with high post-IAD index groups (Group A and C versus Group B and D; P = 0.034). Conclusions: Results of the present study suggest that low IAD index after ASV therapy may be a useful parameter to assess the efficacy of ASV therapy in HF patients. Citation: Atsushi Umeyama. , et al. “Low Integrated Area of Desaturation Index after Adaptive Servo-Ventilation Therapy is a Strong Indicator to Predict Fatal Cardiovascular Events in Heart Failure Patients”. Therapeutic Advances in Cardiology 2.1 (2018): 219-226. Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 2018 Page 219 to 226
ScreenPlay: A topic-theory-inspired interactive system

ScreenPlay is a unique interactive computer music system (ICMS) that draws upon various computational styles from within the field of human–computer interaction (HCI) in music, allowing it to transcend the socially contextual boundaries that separate different approaches to ICMS design and implementation, as well as the overarching spheres of experimental/academic and popular electronic musics. A key aspect of ScreenPlay’s design in achieving this is the novel inclusion of topic theory, which also enables ScreenPlay to bridge a gap spanning both time and genre between Classical/Romantic era music and contemporary electronic music; providing new and creative insights into the subject of topic theory and its potential for reappropriation within the sonic arts.
Tool for analysis of extraordinary states in complex traffic networks

Intelligent traffic system holds a significant role in field of traffic. The quality of traffic management significantly affects our everyday lives. Many densely populated areas are equipped with sufficient amount of strategic and intersections traffic detectors. The system manages traffic streams by traffic lights, variable message signs and by other devices. An absenting part inside of the current telematic systems is inadequate system for evaluation of collected traffic data for global traffic model covering the managed network. Operators in traffic surveillance centers are evaluating situation based on visual survey by CCTV or using simple mechanism for searching locations with too low speed. This paper describes mathematically supported algorithm of traffic quality estimation, based on combination of two methods: Current state of traffic situation based on detectors outputs in discrete time slices is conceived as point in a State Space (SS) which shall represent quality of traffic, known as Level of Service (LOS); Transformation of each data set in the discrete time into 3D space is carried by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) Output of the above described system composed of PCA and SS approaches is a state vector in new dimension. Quality of traffic can be classified into categories according position TOOL FOR ANALYSIS OF EXTRAORDINARY STATES IN COMPLEX TRAFFIC NETWORKS
LAPS CSR: felhő alapú nyílt elérhetőségű beszédfelismerő rendszer

This paper describes a cloud speech recognition service based on Julius decoder running in server mode. The system was set up to recognize speech in Brazilian Portuguese. The support to the language was developed by the authors with FalaBrasil research group tools, which are free and available on the group's site. Julius uses the FalaBrasil cloud to provide online and distributed speech recognition via Internet. The client side was built on the Android 2.2 platform. The application can record and send audio, detect the end of the user speech and listen to the decoder result. To test the system efficiency, recognition time and accuracy rate were estimated by comparing it to SpeechRecognizer API provided by Google.
Effects of fig seed flour on some quality parameters of cookies

In presented study it was aimed to develop cookies with fig seed flour (FSF) and to determine their chemical, physical, textural and sensory parameters. FSF was replaced with wheat flour at 0%, 10% 20% and 30% levels in cookie formulation. FSF usage was increased protein and ash content of cookies while it was provided with a considerable increment in total dietary fibre content (from 1.93% to 11.06% at 30% usage level of FSF). Increase at the diameter and spread ratio of cookies were observed and they were showed lower instrumental hardness by adding 10, 15 and 30% FSF (4362.3 kg to 3328.7 kg) when compared to control cookie (6394.8 kg). Usage of FSF was led to cookies become darker and redder. On the other hand, their yellowness value was decreased in proportion to rising FSF level. The developed cookies were found a high potential for acceptance and commercialisation. It is noteworthy that as the level of FSF in cookie formulations increased, purchasing score was also increased. It was concluded that the use of FSF in cookie production would be improve dietary fibre, protein and mineral content, without affecting their technological quality or sensory acceptance.
The Effects of Maximum Aerobic Capacity and Ratings of Perceived Exertion on Muscular Strength and Endurance

Grip and pinch strength are the most important factors affecting the hand’s performance. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship among maximum aerobic capacity (Vo2max) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) with grip and pinch strength and endurance and their impact on these factors. This cross-sectional study was performed among 83 male students and office workers by means of simple random sampling. To assess the Vo2max, RPE, grip and pinch strength and endurance the Step Test, Borg scale, dynamometer and pinch gauge were used, respectively. The findings of the study indicate that there is a direct relationship between the Vo2max with grip strength and endurance, pinch strength and endurance and BMI. On the other hand, there is an indirect relationship between RPE with grip and pinch strength and Vo2max. Moreover, there was no relationship between RPE with grip and pinch endurance. It was also found that there is a direct relationship between the BMI with grip and pinch strength, pinch endurance, and Vo2max. Finally, no relationship was observed between BMI and grip endurance. Moreover, the Vo2max was found to have no influence on the grip and pinch strength and pinch endurance, but it has an influence on the grip endurance. In jobs that require high grip and pinch strength and endurance employed those with high Vo2max so that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) would be prevented.
The Effects of Blog Cooperative Learning on Industry-Oriented Competency: A Case Study of the Global Logistics Management Curriculum

The research aimed at exploring the influence of cooperative learning combined with Global Logistics Management curiculum through “Blog” on enhancing technological students’ industry-oriented competency. In addition, how student’s self-feeling about generic skills/knowledge (competence), professional competence and workforce competence through the use of Blogs was also investigated. The research adopted a quasi-experiment of unequal controlling group design. The researchers selected two classes of senior students in a technological university in Taiwan as subjects. One class was assigned as the control group, and the other was experimental group. Twenty two students were assigned to the experimental group with blog-cooperative learning treatment that took two periods per week during nine weeks, while twenty eight students were in the control group with traditional teaching activities. The researcher adapted the Scale of Graduate’s Industrial Oriented Competence (SGIOC) to collect experimental data on business and management majored university students. Data collected were subsequently analyzed by the independent t-test, and paired samples t-test. The results indicated that the experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group on the total score of items: using computers, communication, language skills, problem-analysis and problem-solving, production and operation management, customer relationship management, E-commerce applications, team work, self-learning, leadership, and work ethics. The results can provide instrumental guidelines to improve the future technological education.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF GLICLAZIDE NANOSPONGES

Objective: The objective of the present study was to develop and characterize an optimal stable nanosponges of Gliclazide (GLZ) by using the emulsion solvent diffusion method and aimed to increase its bioavailability and release the drug in sustained and controlled manner. Methods: The GLZ nanosponge was prepared by emulsion solvent diffusion method using different drug-polymer ratios (1:1 to 1:5) Eudragit S100 is used as a polymer. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) estimated the compatibility of GLZ with polymer. All formulations evaluated for production yield, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stability studies. Results: The DSC and FTIR Studies revealed that no interaction between drug and polymer. The Production yield of all batches in the range of 73.8±0.30 to 85.6±0.32. Batch F3 showed the highest production yield, the entrapment efficiency of batch F3 70.6±0.77. The average particle size ranges from 303±2.36 to 680±2.50 nm. By the end of 10th hour F3 formulation shown highest drug release was found to be 94.40±1.12%. The release kinetics of the optimized formulation shows zero-order drug release. The stability study indicates no significant change in the in vitro dissolution profile of optimized formulation. Conclusion: The results of various evaluation parameters, revealed that GLZ nanosponges would be possible alternative delivery systems to conventional formulation to improve its bioavailability, the emulsion solvent diffusion method is best method for preparation of nanosponges and release the drug in sustained and controlled manner.
Large Oil Spills and Capital Investments

This paper examines the effect of the shock of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the offshore oil drilling firms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and their capital investments by examining four dimensions of capital investments: disposition of assets, capital expenditure, fleet size, and fleet riskiness. This study finds that the effect of the shock of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, on average, was slightly positive but close to zero. In addition, it provides evidence that the offshore oil drilling firms, on average, increased their capital investments in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Author: L. El Kanfaoui Student number: 386789
Operating performance and manipulation of accruals

Article history: Received: September 15, 2019 Received in revised format: November 9 2019 Accepted: November 9, 2019 Available online: November 9, 2019 Taking the developing Egyptian market as its focal point, the aim of this research is to contribute to the earnings management literature. Due to the limited data available for the Egyptian market, this research examines earnings management based on the entire operating performance of companies. In particular, the question of whether ineffectively performing Egyptian companies engage in upward earnings management by devising and applying income-increasing policies was investigated. For the purpose of testing for income-increasing accruals, we examine whether discretionary accruals are greater for ineffectively performing firms than for effectively performing firms. The results show that ineffectively performing Egyptian companies are characterized by positive and considerably greater discretionary accruals when comparatively examined against effectively performing companies. A reasonable interpretation of these results is that ineffectively performing companies engage in earnings management practices, with the most likely mechanism being an opportunistic increase in their reported earnings. Overall, the findings of this study show that operating performance is a critical determinant of earnings management. In terms of the implications of these findings, it is necessary for officials within the Egyptian government to enhance the country’s corporate governance processes, especially in view of the limitations surrounding law enforcement and investor safeguards. © 2020 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada
FORMULATION, OPTIMIZATION, AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF POLYMERIC NANOSUSPENSION OF FLURBIPROFEN

Objective: At present, more than 40% of drugs are poorly water-soluble that leads to reduced bioavailability. The objective of the present investigation was to overcome the issue of poor aqueous solubility of drug; therefore, stable flurbiprofen (FBF) nanosuspensions were developed by nanoprecipitation method. Materials and Methods: Based on particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency, the polymeric system of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E15 and poloxamer 188 was used effectively. The prepared formulations were evaluated for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, saturation solubility, entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, dissolution profile, and stability. Results: The resultant FBF nanosuspensions depicted particles in size range of 200–400 nm and were physically stable. After nanonization, the crystallinity of FBF was slightly reduced in the presence of excipients. The aqueous solubility and dissolution rate of all FBF nanosuspensions were significantly increased as compared with FBF powder. Conclusion: This investigation demonstrated that nanoprecipitation is a promising method to develop stable polymeric nanosuspension of FBF with significant increase in its aqueous solubility.
Changes of the Rumination Characteristics in Dairy Cows After Change TMR Composition

Rumination behavior in cattle is important for health and reproduction management of herd. The aim of presented paper was to evaluate change in rumination behavior in dairy cattle after changing total mixed ration (TMR) composition. Twenty-eight multiparous Red Holstein dairy cows were observed during rumination in first month after calving and in fourth month after calving. Cows were fed different total mixed ratio at beginning of lactation in first month after calving (TMR1) and in mid of lactation period in fourth month after calving (TMR2). TMR2 has higher content of roughage. Length of the single rumination period and number of jaw movements during rumination one bolus were recorded. Frequency of jaw movement per minute was calculated from recorded rumination characteristics. Rumination of one bolus TMR2 was longer (TMR1 = 53.97 ±8.241 sec, TMR2 = 57.57 ±6.290 sec) and cow perform more jaw movements (TMR1 = 61.0 ±10.674, TMR2 = 65.99 ±9.682) than ruminating bolus TMR1. Difference in duration of rumination one bolus as well as number of jaw movement was significant (P < 0.001). Frequency of jaw movement was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) and seem to be intra-individual stable. Rumination evaluated by correlation of rumination characteristics for TMR1 and TMR2 was intra-individual stable despite of changes in times of jaw movement and duration of one bolus rumination.
Turbulence Generation in Inhomogeneous Magnetized Plasma Pertaining to Damping Effects on Wave Propagation

The damping phenomenon is studied due to the collisions of ions and neutral particles and Landau approach on the turbulent spectra of kinetic Alfvén wave (KAW) in magnetized plasma which is inhomogeneous as well. The localization of waves is largely affected by inhomogeneities in plasma which are taken in transverse as well as parallel directions to the ambient magnetic field. There is significant effect of damping on the wave localization and turbulent spectra. Numerical solu-tions of the equations governing kinetic Alfvén waves in the linear regime give the importance of wave damping phenomena while retaining the effects of Landau (collisionless) damping and ion-neutral collisional damping. A comparative study of the two damping effects reveals that the Landau damping effect is more profound under similar plasma conditions.
ePubWU Institutional Repository

Although research and practice agree that visions are essential for organizations, the process of vision development remains elusive in academic literature. Presenting the “theory wave“, this paper proposes a knowledge-based theory for developing sustainable visions to guide the creation of measures and actions in the future. Central to the theory wave, we suggest three features that characterize the development of sustainable visions; (1) learning from an envisioned future, (2) need orientation and (3) a wavelike process combining top-down and bottom-up approaches. Furthermore, by enhancing the creation of different kinds of knowledge, the theory-wave entails aspects of research on knowledge creation and thereby, it provides a new perspective on the field of vision development.