Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of certain Morus species

In the present work, the fruits of four Morus species, namely Morus alba (white mulberry), Morus nigra (black mulberry), Morus laevigata (large white fruit), and Morus laevigata (large black fruit), were analyzed for proximate composition, essential minerals, and antioxidant potentials. For this purpose, the ripe fruits were collected from the northern regions of Pakistan. The major nutritional components (moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, fibres, carbohydrates, and total sugar) were found to be in the suitable range along with good computed energy. Total dry weight, pH, and titratable acidity (percent citric acid) were (17.60±1.94)–(21.97±2.34) mg/100 g, (3.20±0.07)–(4.78±0.15), and (0.84±0.40)%–(2.00±0.08)%, respectively. Low riboflavin (vitamin B2) and niacin (vitamin B3) contents were recorded in all the fruits, while ascorbic acid (vitamin C) was in the range from (15.20±1.25) to (17.03±1.71) mg/100 g fresh weight (FW). The mulberry fruits were rich with regard to the total phenol and alkaloid contents, having values of (880±7.20)–(1650±12.25) mg/100 g FW and (390±3.22)–(660±5.25) mg/100 g FW, respectively. Sufficient quantities of essential macro-(K, Ca, Mg, and Na) and micro-(Fe, Zn, and Ni) elements were found in all the fruits. K was the predominant element with concentration ranging from (1270±9.36) to (1731±11.50) mg/100 g, while Ca, Na, and Mg contents were (440±3.21)–(576±7.37), (260±3.86)–(280±3.50), and (240±3.51)–(360±4.20) mg/100 g, respectivly. The decreasing order of micro-minerals was Fe>Zn>Ni. The radical scavenging activity of methanolic extract of fruits was concentration-dependent and showed a correlation with total phenolic constituents of the respective fruits. Based on the results obtained, mulberry fruits were found to serve as a potential source of food diet and natural antioxidants.
Anaesthesia for Laparoscopic General Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery minimises postoperative morbidity. Patient benefits include reduction in postoperative pain, better cosmetic result and quicker return to normal activities. Hospital stay is shortened resulting in a reduction in overall medical cost. The intraoperative requirements of laparoscopic surgery however can lead to serious physiological changes and complications. While there is a low but definite perioperative mortality rate associated with minor gynaecologic laparoscopic procedures, laparoscopic general surgical procedures are performed on older patients and patients with acute surgical conditions and are likely to be associated with a higher incidence of perioperative complications. The major problems during laparoscopic surgery are related to the cardiopulmonary effects of pneumoperitoneum, systemic carbon dioxide absorption, extraperitoneal gas insufflation, venous gas embolism and unintentional injuries to intra-abdominal structures. An appraisal of the potential problems is essential for optimal anaesthetic care of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Appropriate anaesthetic techniques and monitoring facilitate surgery and allow early detection and reduction of complications. The need for rapid recovery and short hospital stay impose additional demands on the anaesthetist for skillful practice.
Global Climate Change, Emissions Trading and Sustainable Energy Development1

Global warming and Greenhouse effects are a direct consequence of climate change, triggered mainly by emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs). Various National and International Agencies are actively involved through carefully drawn programme initiatives to progressively reduce GHG emissions. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Emissions Trading, and emerging Carbon Market aiming at Carbon Neutrality in phases are some among the major initiatives at both country and regional levels that are seemingly retarding initial momentum to comply with Kyoto Protocol commitments in recent time. IFCCC, International Financial Institutions (e.g. The World Bank, ADB etc.) have played a pivotal role to proactively help reduce emissions at Sectoral, Project level, Country and Regional level. National and International policy support towards sustainable energy development in a Mission mode is suggested in this paper as a pragmatic approach to bring in reversal of the climate change processes while ensuring energy security in one hand, health and environmental safety on the other through progressive reduction of emissions-primarily through international cooperation. Post-Kyoto and Post-Copenhagen perspectives and much needed global initiatives on Sustainable Energy Development is also highlighted in the paper.
Lobbying of the IASB: An Empirical Investigation

ABSTRACT: This paper provides evidence on how the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) generates accounting standards in the presence of lobbyists with differing preferences. I develop hypotheses regarding the associations between attributes of lobbyists and their lobbying activity, and their lobbying success. I find that lobbying success is positively related to the ability of the lobbyist to provide information to the IASB; however, this success is dependent on the credibility of the lobbyist. I also find evidence that lobbying success is associated with the impact that the lobbyists have on the viability of the IASB, measured by their financial contributions and the size of the capital market in their home country. However, this association is not present when I look only at cases where lobbyists disagree with IASB proposal drafts. This evidence is useful in evaluating the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) recent considerations regarding the adoption of IFRS by the U.S., as wel.
Strategies for growth in a macroeconomic setting

Endogenous growth theory explains long-run economic expansion by intertemporal preferences, technology, and other factors, e.g., taxes. Here the authors focus on more subtle and strategic factors in a theory of endogenous growth that follows M. F. Scott (1989) and is based on learning-by-doing and learning-by-watching. Coordination of investment in the presence of learning externalities boosts growth. Managerial discretion based on the separation between ownership and control affects growth but the magnitude of the effects depends on the way firms set labor demand. Uncertainty positively affects growth because of precautionary savings. The effect is amplified if projects with higher growth rates are more risky. Copyright 1995 by Blackwell Publishers Ltd and The Victoria University of Manchester(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
State-of-the-Science Review: Does Manganese Exposure During Welding Pose a Neurological Risk?

Recent studies report that exposure to manganese (Mn), an essential component of welding electrodes and some steels, results in neurotoxicity and/or Parkinson's disease (PD) in welders. This “state-of-the-science” review presents a critical analysis of the published studies that were conducted on a variety of Mn-exposed occupational cohorts during the last 100 yr, as well as the regulatory history of Mn and welding fumes. Welders often perform a variety of different tasks with varying degrees of duration and ventilation, and hence, to accurately assess Mn exposures that occurred in occupational settings, some specific information on the historical work patterns of welders is desirable. This review includes a discussion of the types of exposures that occur during the welding process—for which limited information relating airborne Mn levels with specific welding activities exists—and the human health studies evaluating neurological effects in welders and other Mn-exposed cohorts, including miners, millers, and battery workers. Findings and implications of studies specifically conducted to evaluate neurobehavioral effects and the prevalence of PD in welders are also discussed. Existing exposure data indicate that, in general, Mn exposures in welders are less than those associated with the reports of clinical neurotoxicity (e.g., “manganism”) in miners and smelter workers. It was also found that although manganism was observed in highly exposed workers, the scant exposure-response data available for welders do not support a conclusion that welding is associated with clinical neurotoxicity. The available data might support the development of reasonable “worst-case” exposure estimates for most welding activities, and suggest that exposure simulation studies would significantly refine such estimates. Our review ends with a discussion of the data gaps and areas for future research.
Financial System Development and Foreign Direct Investment: A Panel Data Study for BRIC Countries

Developed financial system is one of the important determinants of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The article analyzes the impact of financial system development on FDI with respect to BRIC countries for the period 1991 to 2010. Using the panel data analyses, fixed and random effect, our results conclude that FDI inflows to BRIC countries are influenced by banking sector and stock market variables, used as a proxy for financial development. FDI is positively influenced by size of banking sector and stock market capitalization. However, more domestic credit by banking sector negatively influences FDI inflows to these countries over the period of study. The study contributes to the existing literature as it analyzes the influence of financial sector development on China’s FDI too, not included in earlier cross-countries studies.
Protein Kinase C α Controls Erythropoietin Receptor Signaling*

Protein kinase C (PKC) is implied in the activation of multiple targets of erythropoietin (Epo) signaling, but its exact role in Epo receptor (EpoR) signal transduction and in the regulation of erythroid proliferation and differentiation remained elusive. We analyzed the effect of PKC inhibitors with distinct modes of action on EpoR signaling in primary human erythroblasts and in a recently established murine erythroid cell line. Active PKC appeared essential for Epo-induced phosphorylation of the Epo receptor itself, STAT5, Gab1, Erk1/2, AKT, and other downstream targets. Under the same conditions, stem cell factor-induced signal transduction was not impaired. LY294002, a specific inhibitor of phosphoinositol 3-kinase, also suppressed Epo-induced signal transduction, which could be partially relieved by activators of PKC. PKC inhibitors or LY294002 did not affect membrane expression of the EpoR, the association of JAK2 with the EpoR, or the in vitro kinase activity of JAK2. The data suggest that PKC controls EpoR signaling instead of being a downstream effector. PKC and phosphoinositol 3-kinase may act in concert to regulate association of the EpoR complex such that it is responsive to ligand stimulation. Reduced PKC-activity inhibited Epo-dependent differentiation, although it did not effect Epo-dependent “renewal divisions” induced in the presence of Epo, stem cell factor, and dexamethasone.
A compact ultrawideband MIMO antenna

A multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna having a very compact size of 40×26 mm2 is proposed for portable ultrawideband (UWB) applications. Two planar monopole antennas with microstrip-fed are used as the elements of the MIMO antenna and are placed perpendicularly to each other to achieve pattern diversity. Two stubs are etched on the ground plane to enhance isolation between the two elements and increase the impedance bandwidth of the MIMO antenna. Results show the MIMO antenna can cover the entire UWB band from 3.1-10.6 GHz with an isolation of larger than 16 dB throughout the frequency band.
Attitudes, Sentiments, and Concerns of Pre-Service Teachers after Their Included Experience.

In order for educators to effectively include more students with exceptional learning needs in general education classrooms, the international community of educators must overcome barriers toward inclusion including existing attitudes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an INCLUDED Experience on the attitudes, sentiments and concerns of pre-service teachers toward students with exceptional learning needs after 12 weeks of student teaching in secondary education classrooms. The INCLUDED Experience is an eight step performance based reflective child study of pre-service teachers’ attitude, concerns, knowledge, and skills during their inclusion in the classroom. The sample consisted of 85 education majors seeking secondary teaching certification across the content areas. Results provided evidence that after completing an INCLUDED Experience, pre-service teachers had positive attitudes and decreased concerns toward inclusion. The overall findings suggest that the INCLUDED Experience shows promise as a model that pre-service teachers should follow to support, teach and engage students with exceptional learning needs in general education classrooms.
The Determinants of International Production

and as vehicles for the transference of new skills and technologies, they are no less pertinent to the theory of economic development. The sharing of the costs and benefits of their activities between the countries in which they operate raises complex and fascinating issues for the welfare economist. The geographical flexibility of their procurement, production, and marketing strategies adds a new dimension to the theories of industrial relations and collective bargaining; while their operations are not only influenced by, but help to fashion, a whole range of monetary and fiscal policies used by national governments to advance economic and social goals. I make these observations by way of introduction, because, in interpreting the various explanations of the origin and growth of international business, one is very conscious of the particular interests of the researcher. This is shown both in the type of questions asked, and the approach and techniques used to answer them. The questions 'why do firms invest overseas? ', 'where do firms locate their foreign operations? ' and 'what determines the amount and composition of international production? ' pose similar, but not identical issues. Each is concerned with the behaviour of firms, but while the first draws on the techniques of micro-investment theory, the second is of interest to the location theorist, and the third needs a knowledge of international trade and industrial organization theory. Moreover, each of the questions may be tackled from a positive or a normative viewpoint; and with sectoral, national, or cosmopolitan interests in mind.
Modeling basal ganglia circuits with mass model equations

In order to understand the cognitive processes, motor actions and the behavioral deficits and neurological disorders rising due to malfunctioning of the related neuronal structures, models at different levels are proposed in computational neuroscience. Models developed considering the nonlinear and distributed working principles of neural structures help to reconstruct the processes but are far away from giving an explicit understanding of the phenomena due to their complexity. However, it is not possible to understand these processes thoroughly with very simple models. To build a relation between these different levels of models and to build a mechanism for understanding these processes, in this work linear model approach is considered. Basal ganglia circuits which are effective in motor action initiation, decision making and action selection is considered and in order to guide through more complex computational models and to understand the working principle, a linear system approach is considered. Though the model proposed is very simple, it gives enough insight to understand the role of basal ganglia circuits and the model is able to show the role of dopamine on modulating the inputs from cortex.
Capital Gains, Homeownership and Economic Inequality

The paper examines the distribution of capital gains and the net benefits of homeownership in terms of the debate between Marxists and Weberians on how homeownership modifies class inequality. Capital gains and net benefits are measured using unit record data from valuation records of the 1980s and a survey carried out by the Australian Institute of Family Studies in 1991 of over 2500 families in Sydney and Melbourne. Higher socio-economic groups generally had significantly larger dollar gains than groups below them and, by this measure, homeownership adds to inequalities generated through the labour market. However, because they had commenced purchase with smaller deposits, the low socio-economic groups did as well or better than other groups when capital gains are expressed as a percentage return on deposits. Capital gains are one of the variables included in a measure of net housing benefits; an attempt to quantify all the major benefits and costs involved in purchase rather than renting. The net housing benefits accruing to different socio-economic groups since deregulation of finance markets are compared using survey data relating to the 1980s property boom, and estimates using the much lower rates of interest and capital gains in housing markets of the 1990s. Again, there is a strong association found between dollar benefits and socio-economic status. The paper concludes that, measured in dollar terms, the distribution of net housing benefits in Sydney and Melbourne has had a substantial class bias since deregulation, tending to create a more unequal society.
Proteinuria is Associated With Neurocognitive Impairment in Antiretroviral Therapy Treated HIV-Infected Individuals

Background:Proteinuria is a marker of vascular dysfunction that predicted increased cardiovascular mortality and is associated with neurocognitive impairment (NCI) in population-based studies. We examined associations between proteinuria and HIV-associated NCI. Methods:Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between NCI at the first neurocognitive assessment (baseline) and simultaneous, clinically significant proteinuria [as random spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratios (UP/Cr) ≥200 mg/g] in a prospective multicenter observational cohort study. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine associations between baseline proteinuria and subsequent NCI among subjects without NCI at baseline. NCI was defined as a Z-score, derived from the combination of normalized scores from the Trailmaking A and B and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Digit Symbol tests. Results:A total of 1972 subjects were included in this analysis. Baseline proteinuria was associated with increased odds of NCI [odds ratio (OR): 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08 to 1.85; P = 0.01] and with subsequent NCI among subjects without NCI at baseline (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.93; P = 0.046) in multivariable models adjusted for risk factors and potential confounders. Similar associations were evident when these analyses were limited to visits at which time study subjects maintained plasma HIV RNA levels <200 copies per milliliter. Conclusions:The association between proteinuria and NCI observed in this study adds to a growing body of evidence implicating contributions by vascular disease to NCI in antiretroviral treated individuals. Studies examining interventions that improve vascular function are warranted.
Régime de Tarification de l'Input dans un modèle avec Innovation de Produit en Amont et en Aval

In this paper, we analyze the incentives for improving-quality R&D in a two-tier marketstructure where the quality of a differentiated good depends on the specific R&D of a downstream oligopoly and the R&D of an upstream monopoly. We show that input pricing is determining for the incentives for innovation in upstream and downstream industry. Fixed price agreements promote innovation in downstream and upstream industry by eliminating the opportunistic behaviour of the input supplier and are welfare enhancing. Theses agreements are all the more effective as the weight of the quality of the input in the consumer’s perception of the total quality of the final good is significant and as the goods are strongly differentiated.
Factors associated with the appearance of gingival papillae.

AIM The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with the fill of inter-dental spaces by gingival papillae. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-six adult subjects were evaluated. Papilla score (PS), tooth form/shape, interproximal contact length and gingival thickness were recorded for 672 maxillary anterior and first pre-molar interproximal sites. Statistical analyses included a non-parametric chi(2) test, anova, the Mixed Procedure for SAS and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). RESULTS Papilla deficiency was more frequent in older subjects (p<0.05), as papilla height decreased 0.012 mm with each year of increasing age (p<0.05). Competent papillae (complete fill inter-dentally) were associated with: (1) crown width: length >or=0.87; (2) proximal contact length >or=2.8 mm; (3) bone crest-contact point <or=5 mm; and (4) interproximal gingival tissue thickness >or=1.5 mm. Gingival thickness correlated negatively with PS (r=-0.37 to -0.54) and positively with tissue height (r=0.23-0.43). Tooth form (i.e. crown width to length ratio) correlated negatively with PS (r=-0.37 to -0.61). Other parameters failed to show any significant effects. CONCLUSIONS Gingival papilla appearance was associated significantly with subject age, tooth form/shape, proximal contact length, crestal bone height and interproximal gingival thickness.
Anatomical variants of coronary venous system on cardiac computed tomography.

BACKGROUND In a few studies, huge anatomical variability of coronary venous system (CVS) has been documented without analysis of its variants. The aim of the present study was to evaluate anatomical variants of CVS in multislice computed tomography (MSCT). METHODS AND RESULTS In 199 patients (114 males, age 56.6±11.5 years), a 64-slice computed tomography (Aquilion 64) was performed due to coronary artery disease suspicion. A scan with electrocardiogram-gating was performed using a slice thickness of 0.5mm during a breath-hold. In each case, 3D volume rendering and 2D multi-planar reformatting reconstructions of CVS were created (Vitrea 2). As target veins for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), the posterolateral, lateral and anterolateral veins were recognized. Coronary sinus was well visualized in all cases. A total of 27 anatomical variants of CVS were identified, 9 of them are most common (in 148/199 cases; 74.4%). In 4 out of these 9 variants, a single coronary vein in the target area for CRT appeared, 2 target veins in 3 variants and 3 veins in 2 variants occurred. In 6 cases (2 seldom variants-3.0%) no veins in the target area were identified. CONCLUSIONS In the majority of the examined patients, at least one vein in the target area for CRT was observed. Anatomical variability of CVS strengthen the potential role of MSCT in CVS visualization before CRT implantation.