Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) on Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) in Normotensive and Preeclamptic Black South African Women

Introduction Interleukin 17A has been implicated in the pathophysiology of both human immune deficiency virus and preeclampsia. This study evaluated serum levels of IL-17A based on pregnancy type, gestational age, HIV status, and duration of HAART. Material and Methods. A sample size of 250 was analysed: normotensives (n = 150; N) and preeclamptics (n = 100; PE). Normotensives were further stratified into HIV negative (n = 90), HAART-acute (n = 30), and HAART-chronic (n = 30). The PE group was divided into early onset (n = 50; EOPE) and late onset (n = 50; LOPE). The EOPE and LOPE groups were subdivided into HIV negative (n = 30), HAART-acute (n = 10), and HAART-chronic (n = 10). Analysis of IL-17A was performed using a multiple Bio-Plex immunoassay method. Results Pregnancy type: the levels of IL-17A were increased in PE compared to N (P = 0.0014). Gestational age: the levels of IL-17A were increased in EOPE compared to N group (P = 0.0113). A significant increase in the levels of IL-17A in LOPE compared to N was observed (P = 0.0063). HIV status: the levels of IL-17A were increased in PE compared to N (P = 0.0114) and in EOPE compared to N groups (P = 0.0071). HAART duration: the concentration of IL-17A was increased in HAART-chronic PE compared to N groups (P = 0.0062). There was also an increase in the levels of IL-17A in EOPE compared to N (P = 0.0029). Conclusion The study demonstrates that IL-17A is involved in the pathophysiology of PE and that in the presence of HIV infection, chronic HAART administration predisposes women to the development of EOPE.
BIPOLAR JETS PRODUCED BY A SPECTROSCOPIC BINARY

We present evidence that the spectroscopically identified bipolar jets of the pre-main sequence binary KH 15D (P = 48.4 d, ϵ∼ 0.6, periastron separation ∼18 RA, MA = 0.6 M☉, MB = 0.7 M☉) are a common product of the whole binary system, rather than being launched from either star individually. They may be launched from the innermost part of the circumbinary disk (CBD) or may result from the merging of two outflows driven by the individual stars. This evidence is based on high-resolution Hα and [O i]λ6300 line profiles obtained during eclipse phases of this nearly edge-on system. The occultation of star A (the only currently visible star) by the disk strongly suppresses the stellar Hα and continuum emission and allows one to study the faint redshifted and blueshifted emission components of the bipolar jets. The strongest evidence for jet production by the whole binary system comes from the observed radial velocity symmetry of the two jet components relative to the systemic velocity of the binary in combination with current accretion models from the CBD onto a binary system.
Design and fabrication of compliant micromechanisms and structures with negative Poisson's ratio

This paper describes a new way to design and fabricate compliant micromechanisms and material structures with negative Poisson's ratio (NPR). The design of compliant mechanisms and material structures is accomplished in an automated way using a numerical topology optimization method. The procedure allows the user to specify the elastic properties of materials or the mechanical or geometrical advantages of compliant mechanisms and returns the optimal structures. The topologies obtained by the numerical procedure require practically no interaction by the engineer before they can be transferred to the fabrication unit. Fabrication is carried out by patterning a sputtered silicon on a PECVD-glass with a laser micromachining set-up. Subsequently the structures are etched into the underlying PECVD-glass and the glass are underetched, all in one two-step RIE process. The components are tested using a probe placed on an xy-stage. This fast prototyping allows newly developed topologies to be fabricated and tested within the same day.
Compositional analysis and characterization of lignocellulosic biomass from selected agricultural wastes

Agricultural wastes have been identified as a potential lignocellulosic biomass for bioethanol production. An accurate biomass characterization is needed to evaluate the new potential lignocelluloses biosource for biofuel production. This study evaluates the compositional analysis and characterization of three agricultural wastes (melon husk, moringa pod and mango endocarp). The samples were collected locally in Sheda Village, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria. The lignocellulose biomass composition of the samples was determined by using a proven economically viable gravimetric method and the samples were further characterized using the FTIR. The results showed that a significant amount of hemicelluloses content was found, from 19.38% to 27.74% and the highest amount was present in melon musk. The amount of cellulose ranging from 22.49% to 45.84% was found where the highest amount was found in mango endocarp. Lignin content was in the range of 22.62% to 29.87% and melon husk was shown to have the highest amount. The FTIR spectroscopic analysis showed a broad band at 3422.99 cm-1, 3422.66 cm-1, 3422.85 cm-1 (for mango endocarp, melon husk and moringa pod respectively) representing bonded –OH groups. The peak around 1637 cm-1 corresponds to C=C stretching of conjugated carboxylic acids. The aliphatic chains, -CH2- and –CH3, which form the basic structure of cellulose material, were seen at 1205.72, 1204.50 and 1206.24 cm-1. The signals at 1056.15, 1035.80 and 1055.86 cm-1 correspond to C-O-R (alcohols or esters) vibration. The results show that the samples contain significant quantity of lignocellulosic biomass. Thus, the agricultural wastes could be of valuable use in biofuel production.
Removing of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) compounds from aqueous solutions by shale waste rocks

Shale is a sedimentary rock often occurring in gangue that accompanies coal and other minerals. It is extracted with them and often treated as waste rock. In the paper, the shale was tested for sorption of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions. The samples were taken from three different Polish mines. The structural and surface properties of the shales were determined via nitrogen adsorption/ desorption. The specific surface area of the shales ranges from 10.3 to 12.3 m2/g. In sorption tests, the effect of pH was tested. The initial concentrations of chromium ions fell in range 1–500 mg/L for Cr(III) and 1–100 mg/L for Cr(VI). Several adsorption models were considered. The adsorption follows the Langmuir isotherm. The sorption capacity in the Langmuir model is 7.67–9.85 mg/g for Cr(III), whereas only 0.56–4.66 mg/g for Cr(VI). The sorption percentage equals 75%–90% for low concentrations of chromium ions, and drops with an increase in the initial concentration. There is a significant difference between the tested shales in chromium sorption, especially for Cr(VI). One of the tested shales turned out to have best performance for both Cr(III) and Cr(VI).
A review of trail-related fragmentation, unauthorized trails, and other aspects of recreation ecology in protected areas

Expanding levels of authorized and unauthorized non-consumptive recreation increasingly threaten sensitive biological resources in areas protected primarily or solely to conserve them. The majority of the documented effects on wildlife from non-consumptive recreation are negative. From a review of 84 papers in the recreation ecology literature about the effects of recreation on wildlife, the following topics emerged as warranting full consideration: trail-related internal fragmentation and expansion of the effect zone; the proliferation and use of unauthorized trails; disturbance thresholds; population-level effects; distinguishing facets of mountain biking; interpretation of observed behavioral responses by wildlife to recreation; magnitude and duration of responses; comparisons of effects among types of recreation and of results among studies; cumulative and synergistic effects; habituation; and the complexity of recreation ecology. Knowledge of these topics must inform efforts to cease the extant recreationrelated exploitation of protected areas and to prevent it in the future. These efforts include: securing urgently needed perpetual monitoring, management, and enforcement commensurate with recreational pressure in dual-role protected areas to ensure the perpetuation of viable populations of focal sensitive species; preventing further use and proliferation of unauthorized trails; restoring areas damaged by inappropriate trails (i.e., unauthorized trails, unnecessarily redundant designated trails, and trails to be decommissioned); using science-based disturbance thresholds to develop management measures for recreation; using the best available science to guide all policy and decision-making about (1) the siting, design, and alignment of trails, and (2) the types, levels, and timing of recreation under consideration; and, planning separate protected areas and recreational areas in the future.
Association Between Brain Gym And Cognitive Function In Postmenopausal Women

Aging results in cognitive decline in memory and intelligence of the elderly, but this may be delayed or maintained by brain exercises. Studies on increasing cognitive functioning, e.g. by brain gym and physical exercise did not clearly demonstrate an association of brain gym and physical activity with cognitive functioning. Therefore the present study aimed to find any relationship between brain gym and cognitive functioning in postmenopausal women. This analytical study was conducted for three months on healthy postmenopausal women aged 60 years and older at the Mampang Public Health Center in South Jakarta. Excluded were patients with psychosis, neurological abnormalities, patients on antidepressant or antipsychotic medications, patients with malignancies or diabetes mellitus, or subjects not completing the study. The selected subjects underwent the MoCA-INA and walking tests. Subjects passing both tests were assigned to the brain gym intervention group and the others to the control group without brain gym. The intervention group performed brain gym three times weekly for 3 months, after which both groups underwent a repeat MoCA-INA test. Mean age of control (n=12) and intervention groups (n=14) was 64.58 ±3.42 years and 64.86 ± 4.94 years, respectively. Baseline mean MoCA-Ina scores in control and intervention groups were 19.07 ± 2.12 and 20.50 ±1.56, respectively (p=0.067). After brain gym for 3 months, mean MoCA-INA scores in control and intervention groups were 22.33 ± 2.05 and 20.42 ± 1.69, respectively (p= 0.016). Cognitive functioning of postmenopausal women increased after performing brain gym. Postmenopausal women are recommended to perform brain gym to prevent or retard reduction in cognitive functioning.
INTERNATIONALIZATION OF COMPANIES AND PRIVATE SOCIA L INVESTMENTS: AN INVERSE RELATION?

This paper has investigated the relationship betwee n th degree of internationalization of Brazilian companies and the disclosure on private social investments. This research was motivated by the ass umption that the lower was the involvement with the local consumer market, the les s the corporate social investment in the community. The sample was formed by 30 Brazilia n companies more internationalized. Data on social investments were surveyed in the annual reports, web pages and social balance of the respective companie s based on year 2007. The rate of internationalization followed the criteria defined by UNCTAD, which considers three variables of operations in the foreign market: tota l revenue, value of assets and number of employees. The data were correlated and the resu lts howed a significant negative relationship, suggesting that there was a minor int erest of the most internationalized in evidence of possible social actions aimed at local community, compared to less internationalized companies.
Foliar Spraying with Compound Amino Acid-Iron Fertilizer Increases Leaf Fresh Weight, Photosynthesis, and Fe-S Cluster Gene Expression in Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch)

As one of the most important micronutrients, iron (Fe) plays a critical role in various metabolic processes during plant growth and development. However, the molecular mechanisms towards Fe metabolism and nutrition in fruit trees are largely unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of amino acid-Fe compound fertilizer spraying on leaf development in peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) at different developmental stages. Foliar spraying with amino acid-Fe compound fertilizer did not cause any significant changes in leaf morphology but remarkably increased leaf fresh weights. Fe concentration, photosynthetic parameter, and Fe-S protein analyses revealed that Fe accumulation, total chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate (PN), and stomatal conductance (gs), as well as nitrite reductase (NIR) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities, were significantly higher in the leaves sprayed with amino acid-Fe compound fertilizer than in the control leaves sprayed with distilled water. Further quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses demonstrated that Fe-S cluster biosynthesis genes were differentially expressed in the leaves at different developmental stages. Foliar spraying with amino acid-Fe compound fertilizer significantly increased the expression of the most tested Fe-S cluster biosynthesis genes. Our findings provide new insights into the understanding of effects of Fe fertilization application on leaf development in perennial woody fruit trees.
The Effects of Virtual Reality Training on Improving Hand Function and Activities of Daily Living in Patients Living Post-Stroke: A Pilot Study

The virtual reality training has been suggested as an intervention to improve physical function. But, the effects of virtual reality training focused on improving ADL in patients with acute stroke are unclear. Purpose of this study was to examine the effect of virtual reality training on hand function and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with acute stroke. Sixteen patients with acute stroke were included in this study. The experimental group (VRA group) received 30 minutes of virtual reality training focused on ADL for each session, while the control group received 30 minutes of conventional virtual reality training. To examine the hand function and ADL of the subjects, the study used Jebsen-Tylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) and Korean Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), respectively. Both groups showed significant improvements in hand function of affected and unaffected sides, and in K-MBI total score before and after the intervention. The experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in the self-care domain of K-MBI after intervention than the control group. These findings suggest that the virtual reality training focused on ADL may have a better effect on self-care than conventional virtual reality training in patients with acute stroke.
OPEN INNOVATION STRATEGY – OPTIMIZING R&D COOPERATION QUANTITY AND INTENSITY

This paper analyses the scale of Russian companies’ innovation strategies from closed to open innovation and the role of R&D cooperation with external partners within the open innovation framework. The results of the survey of 206 companies show that the cooperation with external partners clearly depends on the degree of openness of innovation strategy and the proximity of the partner – both in sense of importance and intensity of cooperation. The importance of cooperation with external partners is high for all companies. However, the companies with closed innovation strategy consider the cooperation least important, the increase of importance and intensity of cooperation is observed for companies with internal R&D, in-bound open innovation and out-bound open innovation. However, the most significant effect of cooperation is recorded for companies with full range of open innovation strategies – both inbound and out-bound. The importance of cooperation with partners on the domestic market is higher than cooperation with foreign partners.
“Trans-Haiti: Crustal-scale geodynamics of the Hispaniola plate boundary in the Caribbean” (April 2013- June 2014)

SEIS-UK provided a loan of 23 broadband seismic systems (11 40TD and 12 6TD) for deployment in Haiti, from April 2013 until June 2014. The University Paris VI provided an additional 4 Reftek40T broadband seismic stations deployed for the same period of time. These systems recorded continuously at 100 samples per second, with relatively minor data losses due to equipment problems. The dataset collected has been archived via SEIS-UK with IRIS (Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology). Records of teleseisms have been processed and receiver functions have been computed to reveal the structure of the crust as part of a PhD study in Paris VI University by Jordane Corbeau. Further processing for surface wave tomography using fast anisotropy directions obtained from SKS wave arrivals to reveal the signature of lithospheric deformation will be performed during a NERC oil and gas cdt funded PhD at the University of Southampton. Local earthquakes were also recorded during the TRANS-HAITI project and the location of the microseismicity is still in progress. In addition, SEIS-UK provided a loan of 10 geophones in November 2013 for a short active source experiment. Background Following the destructive 2010 Mw 7.0 Haiti earthquake, an international effort was initiated to investigate the corresponding active fault system and to better understand the crustal and upper mantle structure beneath Haiti. The Caribbean plate is currently moving eastward relative to North America and the plate motion is accommodated along a complex, 200 km-wide deformed zone, the Northern Caribbean plate Boundary. The Northern Caribbean plate Boundary is a seismogenic zone extending over 3000 km along the northern edge of the Caribbean Sea and a deforming region that includes two large strike-slip fault systems, the Septentrional-Oriente fault zone (SOFZ) in the north and the Enriquillo-Plantain-Garden fault zone (EPGFZ) in the south (Mann et al., 1995; Fig. 1). Despite the importance of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, we know relatively little about the structure and large-scale geodynamics of this transpressional fault zone. The goals of the TRANS-HAITI project are to use both local earthquake and teleseismic techniques to image the variation in fault architecture and lithospheric structure across the plate boundary in Haiti. Survey procedure The 23 seismometers loaned from SEIS-UK and the 4 French stations were deployed for a year in Haiti from April 2013 until June 2014. 19 stations were deployed along a roughly north-south profile in Haiti (in red in Fig. 2), with the objective of investigating the structure of the crust and the lithosphere. 7 stations were deployed outside this profile (in blue in Fig. 2) to complement the station distribution in order to record the seismicity with magnitude of approximately 3 and above.
Corporate Social Responsibility In NTPC: Initiatives And Impact

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), in recent years has evoked genuine interest in the business community the world over. However the conceptualization of the term CSR comes in various shades for academics as well as the corporate practitioners. Some corporates stress upon CSR rooted into their cultural moorings while many others take a more rationalist approach hinging around sustainability and equitable distribution of pay-offs. Even across the sectors the connotations differ. The public sector, especially in a country like India, adopt CSR initiatives to craft an image of a good corporate citizen while the private sector is more driven by the urge to establish as a business operating in a moral capitalistic frame operating much beyond the regulatory and the legal requirements of the land. Some practitioners view CSR activities as random add-on that delivers desired benefits to the people and community around while others view it as a systematic approach intertwined into the main business model that furthers the prospects of the company on long term basis. Business today may be operating with varied connotations of CSR but undoubtedly it has travelled a long distance since the times of Milton Friedman. Though CSR has been explained by numerous researchers and practitioners in their own way and convenience the fulcrum of the practice of CSR in organizations extends corporate obligations to include multiple stakeholders such as stockholders, workers, the community, and the natural environment and the outcomes of policies and programs directed toward those relationships (Clarkson, 1995; Donaldson and Preston, 1995). Against this backdrop, this empirical paper attempts to understand the approaches taken by NTPC, a public sector Maharatna Energy Undertaking. It is expected that this study will offer some meaningful insights into the way CSR is being understood and acted upon by the Indian companies specially in the public sector. Abstract: There is no single definition for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Also it is called differently by different players. Some of the other names are Corporate Responsibility, Corporate Responsiveness, Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Social Relationship. Different practitioners view CSR differently. Some view these activities as random add-on that delivers desired benefits to the people and community around while others view it as a systematic approach intertwined into the main business model that furthers the prospects of the company on long term basis. Business today may be operating with varied connotations of CSR but undoubtedly it has travelled a long distance since the times of Milton Friedman. Against this backdrop, this empirical paper attempts to understand the approaches taken by NTPC, a public sector Maharatna Energy Undertaking. It is expected that this study will offer some meaningful insights into the way CSR is being understood and acted upon by the Indian companies specially in the public sector.
Global Prevalence of Periodontal Disease and Lack of Its Surveillance

Background Periodontal disease is a public health problem and is strongly associated with systemic diseases; however, its worldwide distribution is not fully understood. Objective To evaluate global data of periodontal disease: (1) among adolescents, adults, and older population and (2) in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Methods This ecological study included data of periodontal disease from the World Health Organization's data bank which are based on the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN code: 0 = no disease; 1 = bleeding on probing; 2 = calculus; 3 = periodontal pocket (PD) 4-5 mm; 4 = PD (6+ mm). Age- and income-related periodontal disease inequalities were evaluated across the globe. Results Compared with 9.3% of adults and 9.7% of older persons, 21.2% of adolescents had no periodontal disease (P = 0.005). Nearly 18.8% of adolescents compared with 8.9% of adults and 5% of older persons had bleeding on probing (P ≤ 0.001). Similarly, 50.3% of adolescents, 44.6% of adults, and 31.9% older persons demonstrated the occurrence of calculus (P = 0.01). On the other hand, older persons had the highest prevalence of PD 4-5 mm and PD 6+ mm than adults and adolescents (P ≤ 0.001). The distribution of periodontitis (CPITN code 3 + 4) in adults differed significantly in low- (28.7%), lower-middle- (10%), upper-middle- (42.5%), and high-income countries (43.7%) (P = 0.04). However, no significant differences in periodontitis (CPITN code 3 + 4) were observed in adolescents and older persons in low- to high-income countries. Conclusions Within the limitations of data, this study found that the distribution of periodontal disease increases with age. Periodontitis was the most common in older persons and in population from high-income countries.