Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression profile of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGFR-1) gene and the localisation of IGF-1 protein in granulosa cells of malabari goats

The study was conducted to investigate the expression profile of IGF-1 and IGFR-1 in granulosa cells and its relation with size of goat ovarian follicles, to detect the IGF-1 protein localization in granulosa cells and also to assess the gonadal steroid status in the follicular fluid. The ovaries of healthy cycling Malabari goats were collected and preserved. The follicular fluid from selected follicles of two groups; group I (medium-3-5mm) and group II (large->5mm) was separately aspirated. Follicular fluid (FF) pooled from seven follicles of same size were considered as one sample and six such samples of each group was used for the study. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in the expression levels of IGF-1 and IGFR-1 between granulosa cells from group-I and group-II follicles. The follicular fluid progesterone and oestrogen concentrations were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in the larger follicles. The immunohistochemistry of ovarian sections showed a positive immunoreaction for IGF-1 protein in granulosa cells of antral follicles. In the present study an increase in the expression of IGF-1 and IGFR-1 along with the increase in follicular fluid oestrogen concentration with the progression of follicular size indicate the role of IGF-1 and oestrogen in follicular development in caprines.
Integration of Educational and Entrepreneurial Insight: A Concept Towards to Develop Human Resources

The aim of this study to describe a concept of integration of educational and entrepreneurial insight for college students. There are several stages for developing a model, such as literature review, conceptual model, and model validation. In this study, we use the literature review and empirical analysis to identify relevant theories and models used as a reference for educational, entrepreneurship, and human resources. The results show a concept of combination integration of educational and entrepreneurial insights to responses to the requirement of industries and be a good entrepreneur.
High-level Action Planning for Marine Vessels using Reinforcement Learning

Autonomous marine vessels have been the subject of much research in the past few years. The motivation behind this is the potential financial gain from the shipping industry, the environmental gain and an increase in safety. This thesis aims to investigate the added value of reinforcement learning (RL) when applied to marine vessels control to increase autonomy. A Deep Q-Network (DQN) agent is tasked with selecting optimal actions, from a predefined action set, to guide a vessel from outside a port to a designated docking space. The agent should also be able to make intelligent decisions and avoid dynamic obstacles like traffic. The DQN agent could act as a high-level decision support system for the vessel, where the actions are either sent to a captain for approval, or directly control the lower level controllers. The action set takes the vessel dynamics into account in the final implementation, and the agent is tested on several scenarios in a simulated environment provided by DNV GL. The agent will only be afforded information that could potentially be gathered locally from a physical vessel. Examples of such information would be position and heading for all vessels in the area and also map information. This information could be collected via GPS, AIS data, satellite images or onboard sensors. The results show that the DQN agent is fully capable of learning the environment, guiding the vessel and avoiding traffic. It therefore has the potential to increase autonomy as it goes beyond what can be accomplished using classical control theory and path-finding algorithms. The final result of this thesis is a practical implementation strategy for a DQN agent as a high-level decision support system.
Discourse deixis and anaphora in L2 writing

This study investigates the use of it, this, and that by L1 Turkish learners of English in academic writings from two perspectives: Rhetorical Structure Theory (Marcu, 2000) and Relevance Theory (Sperber & Wilson, 1986/95). The study examines the expressions as interface phenomena concerning the attentional state and the intentional structure of discourse and shows deictics contribute different higher-level explicatures to relations between discourse units. The L2 data analyses reveal (1) it is used as a discourse deictic at lower levels of proficiency; (2) this is the default demonstrative for reference establishment and maintenance; (3) learners tend to use demonstratives in rhetorical relations that are atypical of written academic discourse; and (4) learners demonstrate non-optimal processing of pointing acts. In addition, to implications of results, suggestions for further research and instruction are proposed.
INVESTIGATION OF STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF CLAY IN LAKES OF LATGALE FOR PRACTICAL USE

Sedimentary clay of three Latvia region of Latgale lakes – Zeiļi, Pauguļi and Plusons – was investigated. Mineral composition was determined by X-ray diffraction, the average size and size distribution of particles by dynamic light scattering method, specific surface by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, and adsorption characteristics after methylene blue: adsorption capacity and adsorption isotherms. The samples contained typical clay crystalline phases – illite, kaolinite – and rock forming minerals – quartz, dolomite, calcite, plagioclase, albite, and enstatite. The granulometric content of samples is mostly characterised by silt (2 – 63 µm) and clay (< 2 µm) fractions. Specific surface area varied from 9.45 to 20.68 m2/g. The adsorption capacity of lake clay was in the range of 25.8 – 45.8 mg/g. Clay adsorption isotherms were represented by the second and fifth type curves according to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) classification, indicating the presence of micro- and macroporous space in samples and strong intermolecular interactions. The difference between properties of clay in different lakes and at different depths and their influencing factors have been clarified. The information obtained enables to predict the areas of use of clay in cosmetics and medical treatment.
Mycorrhiza Regulates Signal Substance Levels and Pathogen Defense Gene Expression to Resist Citrus Canker

Citrus canker is a quarantined disease, severely harming citrus plants. Soil beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can provide a biological control pathway to resist pathogens. This work was to test changes of signal substances including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), calmodulin (CaM), salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) and the pathogen defense gene expression in roots of AMF (Paraglomus occultum) and non-AMF trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings after infected by a expressions citrus canker pathogen (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Citri, Xac). AMF inoculation significantly improved plant height, stem diameter and leaf number. Xac infection dramatically decreased root H2O2, NO, and SA levels, but increased root CaM and JA concentrations in non-AMF seedlings. There were higher H2O2 and CaM levels and lower JA levels in Xac-infected seedlings than in non-Xac-infected seedlings under mycorrhization. Under non-Xac infection, mycorrhizal treatment reduced root H2O2, NO, and SA but increased CaM and JA levels. However, under Xac infection, mycorrhizal inoculation distinctly accelerated root H2O2, NO, CaM, and SA accumulation, accompanied with up-regulated expression levels of root PtEPS1 (enhance pseudomonas susceptibility 1) and PtPR4 (pathogenesis related gene 4), indicating that Xac stimulated mycorrhizal roles in enhancing resistance of citrus canker. Such results imply that citrus plants with preinoculated AMF had stronger resistance to Xac infection through increasing signal substrate accumulation and pathogen defense gene expressions.
Fully Homomorphic Encryption and k-Nearest Neighbour Classification

The advent of cloud computing has enabled users to outsource costly data stor-age and computations to the cloud. However, much of the data we work with, such as medical and financial data, is sensitive and must be secured to avoid legal and business ramifications. This requires encryption prior to outsourcing, but it is costly to encrypt data, outsource it, then localise and decrypt it to per-form useful computations. Developments in homomorphic cryptography make it possible for computations to be performed on encrypted data, allowing the cloud architecture to securely store and process sensitive data. Moreover, current interest in machine learning techniques have provided methods of processing and interpreting large amounts of data, making it suitable for use with in the cloud architecture. As a result, interest in encrypted machine learning and encrypted cloud computing has arisen [5, 12, 14, 13, 4, 8]. This paper will implement the k-Nearest-Neighbour (kNN) classification technique, due to its relative simplicity. Previous implementations of encrypted kNN have used partially or somewhat homomorphic encryption, or other privacy preserving techniques, whereas our implementation aims for a fully homomorphically encrypted scheme [5, 12, 14, 13, 4]. Whilst previous techniques have been successful, this implementation serves to demonstrate that fully homomorphic methods have become fast enough for handling more complex computations, and that further research should consider what other algorithms which cannotbe implemented yet may be possible in this space.
Combination of thalidomide and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the response rate,DCR,1-and 2-year survival rate in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma,who were treated with thalidomide plus TACE or TACE alone and to compare the levels of serum VEGF of the patients before and after the treatment.METHODS: From December 1,2004 to December 31,2007,100 patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma were randomized into combination(TACE plus thalidomide) group and TACE group.Combination group received oral administration of thalidomide(200 mg/d) for at least 3 months.Both groups underwent TACE at least twice.Before and after the treatment,the enzyme linked immunosorbentassay(ELISA) was used to examine the change of VEGF.RESULTS: Of 100 assessable patients,overall response rate was 56.0% in combined group and 42.0% in TACE group respectively(P0.05). The disease control rate was 80.0% in combined group and 56.0% in TACE group(P0.05). The 1-and 2-year survival rates were 64.0%,28.0% respectively in combined group and 62.0%,24.0% respectively in TACE group(P0.05). The levels of serum VEGF in combined group were significantly decreased after treatment in effective cases(P0.05). There was no significant difference between the levels of serum VEGF before and after treatment in TACE group(P0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of thalidomide and TACE results in a more effective disease control rate than in TACE alone group with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.Thalidomide plus TACE can cut down the levels of serum VEGF in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.Thalidomide plus TACE can probably prolong the survival and the overall response rate of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Sequence Variations and Molecular Phylogeny of some Red Sea Parrotfishes (Scaridae) Using Mitochondrial Gene Sequences

Targeted DNA fragments were isolated from four scarids species; Scarus collana Ruppell 1835; Scarus frenatus Lacepede 1802; Scarus (Chlorurus) sordidus Forsskal 1775 and Scarus niger Forsskal 1775 using mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene-specific primers. Analysis of obtained partial 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences showed a high level of nucleotide identity in the studied regions. This reflects a close genetic relationship and shared ancestry among studied parrotfishes. Nucleotide compositions of partial 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequence biased towards adenine and similar preference towards thymine, cytocine, and guanine. Also, base constitutions revealed preference towards higher DNA conservations. Phylogenetic analysis displayed patterns of assembly for studied species, and other included related taxa, which reflect their similar genetic makeup and their tendency to have similar niches. The phylogenetic trees revealed two evolutionary lineages splitting Scaridae and Wrasses which assumed that Scaridae should maintain the family status. Obtained data could be beneficial for parootfishes classification, conservation, and their needed environments. Therefore, the acquisition of nucleotide sequences from other parrotfishes using the developed mt16S rRNA gene-specific primers utilized here would contribute in the future to the phylogenetic
Charge transfer dynamics and photoconductive properties of ZnO nanowires functionalized with carbon dots

We report on the surface functionalization of ZnO nanowire (NW) arrays by attachment of carbon nanodots (C-dots) stabilized by polyethylenimine. The photoconductive properties of the ZnO NWs / C-dots devices were investigated under photoexcitation with photon energies below and above the ZnO bandgap. The results indicate an increased photoresponse of the functionalized devices in the visible spectral range, as well as enhanced UV photoconductivity. This is attributed to the fast injection of photoexcited electrons from the C-dots into the conduction band of the ZnO NWs, and the subsequent slower desorption of molecular species from the NW surface, which reduces the surface depletion region in the NWs. The surface functionalization
Numerical Investigation of Electrospray Working Performance on Ethanol

Electrospray as an alternative method to fabricate thin film is studied. High voltage is required by the electrospray system. The requirement of high voltage is different for various liquid depending on the surface tension property. Ethanol was used to resemble the solvent used in thin film deposition. From the experimental work, jetting performance did not occur despite of the high applied voltage which is around 1 KV. In this work, numerical calculation is carried out to find the reason behind of unsuccessful jetting at 1 KV applied voltage. The percentage of Rayleigh limit is around 0.4. Electrospray performance at walking distance 5 mm using ethanol is predicted to be stable when the applied high voltage is approximately 1.1 KV. The numerical investigation indicates that the jetting performance will occur if the applied voltage is more than 1.1 KV.
Intercultural Learning: A Promising Pedagogy in the New Millennium

In a multicultural context, most of the common problem among individuals is that people hold an ethnocentric perspective, as they tend to idealize their own culture and ignore cultural difference. In this regard, interculturalism has come into play as it encourages ethno-relative perspective in that it stresses the importance of openness to and acceptance of different beliefs, values and customs (e.g., Coulby, 2006; Lentin & Titley, 2011; O’Cinneide, 2012; Jokikokko & Karikoski, 2016). This intercultural trend has led to the emergence of a new language pedagogy called “Intercultural Learning” that aims at promoting intercultural competence in EFL classrooms and prepare EFL learners to meet the challenges of such a globalized world. The thrust of the argument in this paper is that culture courses should not be a place where learners are exposed only to the target culture; it should rather be a place where learners can experience cross-cultural situations, reflect on their experience, and act as intercultural speakers/mediators with the ability to communicate and interact appropriately and effectively in different intercultural situations. It offers insights into the challenges that lead to the emergence of intercultural learning. It also gives an account of the importance of culture in language learning. The paper discusses intercultural learning pedagogy, as it defines the notion of intercultural learning, discusses its principles and explains the key element of intercultural learning “experiential learning” and how it is implemented. It also provides implications for teachers at the university level.
The influence of open innovation practices on business performance in Mexican family and non-family SMEs

Open innovation has emerged as a topic of great importance due to the recognized benefits that it brings to the company's business performance; however, it has been sparsely addressed in SMEs from developing countries. Therefore, this study aims to analyze and discuss the relationship between open innovation and business performance in family and non-family SMEs in Mexico. A survey-based study was carried out on a sample of 308 firms. Following this, the data was analyzed through a structural equation model. The results show that for these companies, the outflow and especially the inflow of external knowledge exert a positive influence on business performance.
Aerodynamic Performance Characterization and Static Structural Analysis of Slotted Propeller: Part A Effect of Position

Received: 9 September 2019 Accepted: 10 December 2019 In this paper, novel slotted propeller blade design performance is presented in terms of thrust coefficient, power coefficient and efficiency by utilizing ANSYS Fluent. The effects of slotted positions were discussed with respect to baseline APC Slow Flyer 10’ x 7’ configurations. Seven slot locations with respect to chord length, 12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, 50%, 62.5%, 75% and 87.5% were tested. The result shows that introduction of slot along the propeller blade increases the thrust coefficient, with range of 0.1% to 4.74% for low advance ratio. However, increase in thrust coefficient also causes increase in power coefficient, ranging from 10.38% to 44.59% compared to baseline design, hence reducing propeller efficiency. In addition, structural integrity of the blade was tested. Pressure distribution of the propeller blade demonstrated higher pressure on the back section, and lower pressure at the front section which produces thrust. In addition, the result shows that pressure distribution are highly influenced by changes of advance ratio. The analysis shows that the propeller design managed to withstand stress and strain breaking point when operated at high advance ratio.
Co-existence of Quorum Sensing and Quorum Sensing Inhibitory Compounds in Marine Sponge Sarcotragus spinosulus

Marine sponges, a well documented prolific source of natural products, harbors numerous microbial communities believed to possess N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) mediated Quorum sensing (QS) as one of the mechanisms of interaction. Bacteria and eukaryotic organisms are known to produce molecules that can interfere with QS signaling, thus affecting microbial genetic regulation and function. In the present study, we established the potential for production of both QS signal molecules as well as QS interfering molecules (QSI) in the same sponge species Sarcotragus spinosulus. A total of eighteen saturated acyl chain AHLs were identified along with six putative unsaturated acyl chain AHLs. Bioassay guided purification led to the isolation of two brominated metabolites with QS-interfering activity. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by comparative spectral analysis of 1HNMR and HR-MS data and was identified as 3-Br-N-methyltyramine (1) and 5,6-dibromo-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (2). The QSI activity of compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated using reporter gene assays for longand short-chain signals (E. coli pSB1075 and E. coli pSB401) and was confirmed by measuring dose dependent inhibition of proteolytic activity and pyocyanin production in P. aeruginosa PAO1. The obtained results showed the co-existence of QS and QSI in S. spinosulus, a complex network which may mediate the orchestrated function of the microbiome within the sponge holobiont.
The Effectiveness of SETS Learning Tools in Improving Student’s Higher-Order Thinking Skills

This research aims to determine the effectiveness of learning tools based on the SETS approach in training student’s high order thinking skills (HOTS) of seventh-grade junior high school science subjects on waste management sub-point. Problems that occur in the community will be brought into the classroom to find the solutions by using SETS education that combines components of science, environment, technology, and society reciprocally. The research method in this research uses one pretest-posttest design group. The assessment instrument uses test instruments. HOTS indicators include C4 (analyze), C5 (evaluate), and C6 (create). The Data was obtained from high-level thinking skills tests and analyzed by n-gain calculations. The results of this research showed that 1). There is an increase in student's test scores at n-gain = 0.66, and 2) There is an average increase of high order thinking skills indicators at n-gain = 0.68. This result showed that the learning tools based on the SETS approach effective in training the high order thinking skills of junior high school students. Similar research can be done by applying other waste treatment methods, by identifying other environmental problems or developing learning devices which focused on one of the HOTS indicators.
Improving the Performance of Building Construction Firms through Addressing the Gap of Building Production Management: A New Production Model Approach

Abstract Gap of building production management (BPM) is a serious issue that influences project success and building construction firms’ (BCFs) performance. Hence, the call for BCFs performance improvement using a new production model approach is a necessity. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of the new production model concept as a method for enhancing the performance of BCFs through addressing the gap of BPM in Nigeria. To attain this aim, a research procedure was designed to achieve two objectives which include: (i) exploring the nature of Nigerian construction industry, gap of BPM and new production model concept; (ii) investigating the awareness and application of the new production model concept as a method for enhancing the performance of BCFs in the study area. To accomplish the aforementioned aim, a research method comprised of a literature review and questionnaire surveys was designed to address the objectives. The study identified unproductive/ineffective BPM, lack of buildability and maintainability analysis, professionalism mismatch, and unauthorized practices as the gap of BPM. This study revealed that the gap of BPM is the main reason behind building failures/collapses, bad debts, low productivity, low level of clients satisfaction, high labour turnovers, and barriers to economic fortune. The study also revealed poor cash flow, lack of experience in the construction field, unprofessionalism and a high number of unskilled employees in a company, lack of co-operation from subcontractors and suppliers and poor labour relations, as the top five causes of BPM gap. BCFs in Nigeria have adopted several approaches to arrest these issues, but the challenges still occur. Thus, the new production model concept that has not been well adopted by construction firms in Nigeria, and which emphasizes on-site production, and aims at enhancing production management is a key to tackling these issues. Based on the survey findings, the study recommended that the issue of the gap of BPM must be correctly identified and clearly understood so as to enable BCFs to bridge the production management gap which will influence their performance positively.