Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional characterization of Littorina littorea (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia) blood cells

The main functional characteristics of haemocytes from the common periwinkle Littorina littorea (phagocytic ability, acid phosphatase activity, cytotoxic properties and generation of reactive oxygen intermediates) were investigated. The blood cells of L. littorea demonstrated phagocytic activity for zymozan particles in both plasma and seawater. However, the level of phagocytosis in plasma was higher than in seawater, suggesting the presence of some soluble factors with opsonizing activity for yeast cell walls in the snail haemolymph. Acid phosphatase was detected in haemocytes following phagocytosis of zymosan. Zymosan particles as well as soluble inducers of respiratory burst (mannan, phorbol-myristate acetate, lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli) were shown to trigger superoxide anion production in L. littorea blood cells as evidenced by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction. Haemocytes exposed simultaneously to both inducer and the superoxide scavenger enzyme—superoxide dismutase demonstrated a lower ability to reduce nitrobluetetrazolium. Periwinkle blood cells showed plasma-independent cytotoxic activity for human erythrocytes which may be due to the release of superoxide intermediates into the extracellular environment. These results, together with previously obtained data, suggest that haemocytes are the main effectors in the internal defence system of L. littorea, with humoral factors playing an accessory role in recognition and elimination of pathogens.
Copolymerization of 4-Acetylphenyl Methacrylate with Ethyl Methacrylate: Synthesis, Characterization, Monomer Reactivity Ratios, and Thermal Properties

Methacrylates have high glass transition temperature () values and high thermal stability. A new methacrylate copolymer, poly(4-acetylphenyl methacrylate-co-ethyl methacrylate) (APMA-co-EMA), was synthesized. The thermal behaviors of copolymers were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. They behaved as new single polymers with single ’s and the thermal stability of the copolymers increased with increasing 4-acetylphenyl methacrylate (APMA) fraction, leading to the manufacture of copolymers with desired values. Structure and composition of copolymers for a wide range of monomer feed ratios were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopic techniques. Copolymerization reactions were continued up to 40% conversions. The monomer reactivity ratios for copolymer system were determined by the Kelen-Tudos (; ) and extended Kelen-Tudos (; ) methods and a nonlinear least squares (; ) method.
AN ELLIPTIC-FUNCTION LOW-PASS FILTER WITH A RING-RESONATOR

This paper proposed a new elliptic-function low-pass filter (LPF). This LPF includes a ring resonator in order to create a transmission zero just above its cut-off frequency, and can eliminate coupled-lines in conventional elliptic-function LPFs, resulting in a more simplified design and fabrication of the elliptic-function LPF. The LPF can realize a sharp frequency selectivity which is especially useful for reduction of spurious spectra in feeding networks for antennas.
Instantons and cosmologies in string theory

This thesis deals with problems in two subdomains of string theory that are a priori unrelated, and in the last chapter, links are established between those two. The first topic of research is that of D-instantons. These are mathematical objects that allow one to compute physical effects that are missed by the standard perturbation theory approach to string theory, and quantum field theory in general. In this thesis, three families of D-instantons are studied, and are shown to be mathematically related to electrically charged black holes. The second topic of this thesis is cosmology in string theory. In recent years, new hope has arisen that string theory might be able to explain two important cosmological events in our universe: inflation and present day acceleration. In this thesis, toy models are studied with the goal of determining whether string theory is at all capable of providing viable scenarios for these. The results show that string theory can certainly generate present day acceleration, however, a realistic scenario for inflation is yet to be found. In the final chapter of this thesis, two mathematical correspondences between D-instantons and cosmologies in string theory are shown. Although both correspondences are technical in nature and no physical consequences can be directly attributed to them, there is hope that the second of these two might help resolve the Big Bang singularity. The standard theory of general relativity does not describe what happened at the time of the Big Bang reliably, as it predicts a singularity in spacetime at that moment. The result in this thesis hypothetically might be hinting at a possible resolution of this, by painting a picture where the universe would have gone through a contraction, and then through a re-expansion that we now call Big Bang, as opposed to the current picture of a universe that "starts" at the Big Bang.
Isozoanthus primnoidus, a new species of zoanthid (Cnidaria: Zoantharia) associated with the gorgonian Callogorgia verticillata (Cnidaria: Alcyonacea)

In the Azores, Northeast Atlantic, an undescribed epizoan zoanthid is often found in association with the cold-water gorgonian Callogorgia verticillata at 110 – 800 m depth. This zoanthid was identified as a new species, Isozoanthus primnoidus sp. nov., based on morphological and anatomical characters of the polyps and type of cnidae. The distinguishing features of I. primnoidus are coenenchyme, column, and oral disc light brown, with short, translucent tentacles. Contracted polyps have column diameter up to 3 mm and height up to 2 mm. Ectoderm and outer mesogloea are densely encrusted with mineral particles and gorgonian sclerites. Capitulum bears a maximum of 14 distinctive ridges. Isozoanthus primnoidus was associated with 17% of C . v erticillata colonies studied, and covered 14+ 5% of the gorgonian colony. There was strong evidence of a parasitic relationship whereby I. primoidus progressively eliminates gorgonian tissue and uses the gorgonian axis for structure and support, and sclerites for protection.
Newly developed hybrid assistive limb for pediatric patients with cerebral palsy: a case report

[Purpose] The effect of fitness training on improving walking ability in cerebral palsy is controversial. However, gait training with a wearable robot (hybrid assistive limb) has been reported to improve gait ability in patients with cerebral palsy. For pediatric patients, a smaller, lighter-weight hybrid assistive limb has been newly developed. We describe the immediate effect of this newly developed smaller hybrid assistive limb on the gait ability of a pediatric patient with cerebral palsy and examine its safety and feasibility. [Participant and Methods] An 11-year-old male with spastic cerebral palsy (height, 130 cm; weight, 29.0 kg) who could ambulate using an elbow crutch participated in this study. A single session of hybrid assistive limb training comprising pre-exercise of the hip and knee joints and walking for 20 minutes was conducted. [Results] The intervention immediately improved his gait speed, stride length, and cadence according to the 10-m walking test. Co-contraction of agonist/antagonist muscles during walking improved, and the flexion angle of the right hip during the swing phase increased, which resulted in symmetry of movement of both legs. [Conclusion] Gait training using the new, smaller hybrid assistive limb for a pediatric patient was safe and feasible, and the newly developed hybrid assistive limb has the potential to immediately improve walking ability even among young children with cerebral palsy.
Opening Black Boxes Is Not Enough – Data-based Surveillance In Discipline and Punish And Today

Discipline and Punish analyzes the role of collecting, managing, and operationalizing data in disciplinary institutions. Foucault’s discussion is compared to contemporary forms of surveillance and security practices using algorithmic data processing. The article highlights important similarities and differences regarding the way data processing plays a part in subjectivation. This is also compared to Deleuzian accounts and Foucault’s later discussion in Security, Territory, Population . Using these results, the article argues that the prevailing focus on transparency and accountability in the discussion of algorithmic applications needs to be amended with a perspective on different forms of subjectivity and ensuing power relations.
Evaluation of Nanocomposites as Lightweight Electronic Enclosures for Satellites' Applications

Abstract : The United States military is exploring the use of nanocomposite materials for satellite structural applications. Current composite spacecraft structures are nonconductive and must have expensive shielding materials applied in order to protect the spacecraft from catastrophic damage that can be caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) and/or electrostatic discharge (ESD) which are characteristics of the space environment. Conductive nanocomposites are being developed for spacecraft structures that will provide ESD and EMI shielding protection without the need for expensive secondary shielding materials. This thesis studied one such material consisting of M55J/RS-3 composite combined with nickel nanostrandsTM. Four different configurations were tested for their ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and EMI shielding properties before and after exposure to the space environment. The four configurations tested were a baseline panel consisting of M55J/RS-3 and three configurations with different layers of nickel nanostrandsTM added to the control specimen: exterior, interlaminar, and mid-plane. These four were further tested for their EMI and resistivity properties before, during and after monotonic tension tests of increasing loads up to fracture. This study found that the UTS and Young's modulus (E) do not change after exposure to the space environment, EMI shielding of the exterior specimen is 25% better than the control specimen, sheet resistance measurements show that exterior specimens are 11% better at ESD protection than the control, and failure mechanisms are the same regardless of composite configuration: The 90 plies failed first, causing delamination in the 0/90 plies leading to transverse matrix cracking and delamination in the 45 plies resulting in ultimate failure, and in all configurations the nanostrand layers were not damaged.
Catamenial Haemothorax Masquerading Pulmonary Tuberculosis? A Case Report of a 28 Year Old Woman who Presented with Recurrent Haemothorax and Empyema Thoracis

Catamenial haemothorax is a clinical manifestation of endometriosis of the pleural cavity. This is a case report of a 28 year old woman who presented with recurrent catamenial haemothorax who had histological confirmation of pelvic endometriosis and uterine leiomyoma. A presumptive diagnosis of catamenial haemothorax was made as it was not possible to get a histological confirmation of endometriosis of the pleural cavity. She was treated effectively with gonadotropin-releasing hormone GnRH agonist-leuprorelin. Antituberculosis treatment was however added when she developed empyema thoracis instead of haemothorax at a time she was experiencing amenorrhoea. Pulmonary tuberculosis being an endemic disease remained the main differential diagnosis but was never confirmed at any stage by investigations conducted. She has since not experienced any recurrence in eighteen months of follow-up after treatment was completed. Conclusion: Pulmonary or thoracic endometriosis though rare; should be considered seriously in women of reproductive age who present with recurrent catamenial haemothorax. Due to obscured locations of the endometriosis lesions in the thoracic cavity; the diagnosis may be difficult to confirm since access to investigative tools is limited in developing countries.
Control Model Based on the Connecting Multi-Small-World-Network

Based on the propagation mechanism of the rumor control, this study proposes a mode of propagation found on the information content to describe the dissemination of two opposite rumors on the same subject among crowds and sets up public opinion control model on the basis of this mode. Two opposite rumors on the same subject in our mode of propagation can respectively represent rumor and truth, so we investigate their interactions during the dissemination among crowd and simulate it in the connecting multi-small-world-network. Finally, by adjusting the factors which can affect the control effect of the model, we propose a corresponding rumor immunization strategy. Based on that, we conduct the analogy analysis of interactions of many opposite rumors on the same subject when they spread among crowds.
A level-set method for artificial compressibility with pressure-based residual smoothing

Understanding the dynamics of the free surface flows is a key feature in practical applications, such as erosion and sedimentation occurred in the surf zone of a breaking wave. To gain insight about these phenomena, is important to have accurate and robust numerical models that are capable to track the movement of the free surface and the dynamic of fluid flows. In this work we develop an explicit, conservative, generalized curvilinear coordinates, finite volume numerical model that incorporate the level-set approach to simulate incompressible two-phase flows. Different to other methods, we use an artificial compressibility (AC) framework extended to variable density and viscosity in which, the time is advanced in a dual-time stepping methodology. To incorporate non-uniform properties in the method we take advantage of the AC pressure-based residual smoothing formulation in which the diagonal-block algorithm, used to solve the system of equations, is natural and slightly modified. We demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the model developed by simulating benchmark cases of free surface flows, such as sloshing of a tank, a progressive linear wave and the breaking dam problem. In the future, we expect to apply the model developed in the surf zone of a breaking wave where important biological processes occurred.
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Habitat Heterogeneity Between Tide-Restricted and Tide-Open Areas in the New Jersey Meadowlands *

The restriction of tidal flow by roads, rail beds, dikes, and tide gates can significantly alter the integrity, spatial configuration, and ultimately the biodiversity of salt marshes. In our study we evaluated the effects of tide restriction on marsh habitat heterogeneity using hyperspectral remote sensing. Field-collected reflectance spectra of marsh surfaces and advanced image-classification techniques were applied to derive a thematic map of marsh surface types in the New Jersey Meadowlands from hyperspectral images captured by an airborne imaging spectroradiometer (AISA). Forty sampling sites were randomly selected in tide-restricted and tide-open areas and used to identify several landscape metrics for spatial pattern analysis. The results of this analysis showed significant differences in landscape metrics between tide-restricted and tide-open sites; open sites had a greater number, and a more even distribution, of landscape patch types. We found that the number of patches and the total edge were the best metrics for differentiating between tide-restricted and tide-open areas, and these may be used as surrogates for salt marsh biodiversity. The study indicated that hyperspectral images might be used on their own to
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MARKET ORIENTATION, NON-TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AT SMALL AND MEDIUM INDUSTRIES (SMI)

This study aimed to examine the relationship between market orientation and business performance and mediated by non-technological innovation. This study uses a survey involving 71 companies producing automotive components. All companies are located in the district of Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Data were analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling. The results showed that the orientation of the market is very important to improve the performance of the business and non-technological innovation capability. This study highlights the importance of the mediating role of non-technological innovation when examining the relationship between market orientation and business performance. The results imply that the company producing automotive components need to encourage them to increase the market orientation of non-technological innovation and business performance.
The Effects of Thin and Heavy Media Images on Overweight and Underweight Consumers: Social Comparison Processes and Behavioral Implications

This study examines how advertisements containing thin or heavy models influence the self-esteem of overweight, normal, and underweight consumers. Previous research has mainly examined the influences of variations of the comparison standard on self-evaluative outcomes, whereas we examine how the relative position of the self on the comparison dimension may moderate these effects. Three studies manipulated the size (thin vs. heavy) and extremity of the size (moderate vs. extreme) of advertising models and exposed these images to individuals differing in Body Mass Index (BMI) levels. Our findings indicate that social comparison processes and subsequent self-evaluative and behavioral outcomes are different for individuals differing in their BMI. (c) 2009 by JOURNAL OF CONSUMER RESEARCH, Inc.
EFFECTS OF FEED RESTRICTION AND ASCORBIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION ON CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS , BREAST MEAT CHOLESTEROL AND TRIGLYCERIDES OF MARSHALL BROILER CHICKENS

To determine the effects of feed restriction and ascorbic acid supplementation on carcass characteristics, breast meat cholesterol and triglycerides of broiler chickens, 252 two-week old Marshall broiler chickens were used in a 4 x 3 factorial experiment. The birds were weighed and randomly distributed into 12 treatments with 3 replicates of 7 birds each, subjected to four feed restriction levels: full feeding (AD), skip a day feeding (SAD), skip two days feeding (S2D) and skip three days feeding every week (S3D) for 24 hours from days 15 to 35 and three levels of ascorbic acid supplementation (0, 150, 300 mg/kg feed). Feed was provided ad libitum to all the birds from days 36 to 56. Birds on full feeding regime containing 0 mg/kg ascorbic acid had the highest (P<0.05) live weight, dressing percentage, plucked weight, eviscerated weight, thigh, back, wings and heart. Breast was highest (P<0.05) in birds on full feeding regime containing 150 mg/kg ascorbic acid. Birds on skip two days feeding regime containing 300 mg/kg had the lowest breast meat cholesterol and triglycerides though not statistically (p>0.05) different from other treatments. In conclusion, feed restriction regimes and ascorbic acid supplementation did not improve carcass characteristics in the feed-restricted birds; however, 150 mg/kg ascorbic supplementation improved the breast weight of the fully fed Marshall broiler chickens.
Zataria multiflora extract reverses lipopolysaccharide-induced anxiety and depression behaviors in rats

Objective: Stressors have an important role in sickness behaviors. We checked the effect of Zataria multiflora (ZM) extract against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced anxiety and depression behaviors in rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were distributed in the following groups (n=10): Control, LPS (1 mg/kg), LPS-ZM50, LPS-ZM100 and LPS-ZM200. LPS was syringed intraperitoneally (ip) 2 hr before performing behavioral tests. LPS-ZM groups were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg (ip) of ZM extract 30 min before LPS administration. Open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swimming (FS) tests were done. White blood cell (WBC) was counted in all groups. Results: In OF, pretreatment with ZM extract augmented the number of lines crossed and traveled distance in central and peripheral areas. The rats treated with ZM extract spent more time in the central zone and less time in the peripheral area compared to the LPS group. In EPM, the number of entries into the open and closed arms and stop time in the open arms in LPS-ZM groups were higher than the LPS group. The stop time in the closed arms of ZM-LPS groups was less than the LPS group. In FS test, swimming and climbing time in groups treated with ZM extract was more than the LPS group while their immobility time was less. WBC count in the LPS-ZM100 and LPS-ZM200 was lower than that of the LPS group. Conclusion: Based on the results, pretreatment with ZM extract restituted anxiety and depression caused by LPS in rats. This effect of ZM was associated with amelioration of LPS-promoted inflammation.
MOLECULAR DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SALMONELLA SPP. ISOLATED FROM FRESH FISHES SOLD IN SELECTED UPAZILA MARKETS OF BANGLADESH

Aquatic environments are the major reservoirs of Salmonella . Therefore, fishery products have been recognized as a major carrier of food-borne organism. Fish is known to harbor bacteria of public health significance. Aquatic environments are known to influence the bacterial loads in the harvested fish. The present work was undertaken for molecular detection and characterization of Salmonella species isolated from fresh fishes sold in different markets of Jamalpur,Tangail, Kishorganj and Netrokona districts of Bangladesh. The isolates were identified by their morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics with standard reference organisms, and molecular methods. Out of 20 pangas fish ( Pangasius spp.) samples the number of samples found to be positive for Salmonella spp was 14 (70%); of 20 koi fish ( Anabas spp.) samples this number was 17 (85%); and of 20 tilapia fish ( Oreochromis spp.) samples it was 15 (75%). All the isolates of Salmonella were confirmed by targeting genus specific histidine transport operon gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed to know the susceptibility and resistance patterns of the isolates to different antimicrobial agents. Results of antimicrobial susceptibility test shows that 40 (86.95%) isolates were found to be resistant to azithromycin, 42 (91.30%) were resistant to erythromycin. On the other hand all isolates were 100% susceptible to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin, 38 (82.62%) were susceptible to norfloxacin, 40 (86.95%) were susceptible to streptomycin.