Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Laguerre Approach for Solving of the Systems of Linear Differential Equations and Residual Improvement

In this study, a collocation method based on Laguerre polynomials is presented to numerically solve systems of linear differential equations with variable coefficients of high order. The method contains the following steps. Firstly, we write the Laguerre polynomials, their derivatives and the solutions in matrix form. Secondly, the system of linear differential equations is reduced to a system of linear algebraic equations by means of matrix relations and collocation points. Then, the conditions in the problem are also written in the form of matrix of Laguerre polynomials. Hence, by using the obtained algebraic system and the matrix form of the conditions, a new system of linear algebraic equation is obtained. By solving the system of the obtained new algebraic equation, the coef- cients of the approximate solution of the problem are determined. For the problem, the residual error estimation technique is offered and approximate solutions are improved. Finally, the presented method and error estimation technique are demonstrated with the help of numerical examples. The results of the proposed method are compared with the results of other methods.
Impact of Socio-Economic Characteristics on Food Insecurity Status: Evidence from Rural Households in Sri Lanka

Recent attention has been focused on means of eliminating food insecurity and hunger worldwide. Food security includes three dimensions, viz, availability, access and utilization. In the absence of any of these conditions, it can be considered as food insecurity. The aim of this study was to identify determinants of food insecurity status of rural households in Sri Lanka, using secondary data from a nationally representative sample data-set, the household income and expenditure survey of the Department of Census and Statistics. The analysis was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, the food insecurity index was determined and in the second stage ordered logistic regression model was executed to estimate the food insecurity status of the households as a function of a set of independent variables. The food insecurity index was determined by using a proxy variable based on the percentage of each household’s total expenditures devoted to food. Descriptive statistic results indicated that the percentages of food insecure and secure households were 54% and 46% respectively. The two-sample t-test and proportion test results suggested that there were significant differences of means in human capital variables between food secure and food insecure households. The results of the ordered logistic regression model revealed that if the household head was a female and educated, it would decrease the vulnerability of household to become food insecure, and if a household has a higher number of members who completed the secondary education, higher number of workers, lower young dependents and old dependents, food insecurity status of rural households in Sri Lanka would be reduced. In conclusion, the findings of this study support the empirical literature on the importance of human capital development in food insecurity status.
Relativistic Fluids and Magneto-fluids: With Applications in Astrophysics and Plasma Physics

Preface 1. Introduction 2. Mathematical structure 3. Singular hypersurfaces in space-time 4. Propagation of weak discontinuities 5. Relativistic simple waves 6. Relativistic geometrical optics 7. Relativistic asymptotic waves 8. Relativistic shock waves 9. Propagation of relativistic shock waves 10. Stability of relativistic shock waves References Index.
BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY: A REVIEW ON ARCHITECTURE, SECURITY ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

— Data is one of the most significant resources. In this digital era, cyber security has become the worldwide issue. Since cyber criminals are getting progressively skilful in their attempts to destroy the valuable data, securing this data has become mandatory. Different procedures have been developed in the past to secure the data, but there are no bounds to security threats, resulting in theft of information from the devices. Currently Blockchain technology is the best tool to secure the data. Blockchain, originally known as Bitcoin, has become very popular technology to digitally create and manage transactions. It is a form of distributed public ledger which analyses and verifies transactions in decentralized manner and data is not under the control of any third party organization. This rapidly evolving technology can possibly change the opinion about digital transactions in various areas such as energy supply, peer-to-peer global payments, financial transactions, agriculture and industry. Regardless, this rising innovation is still in its beginning period of progression. Inspite of several opportunities offered by blockchain, it has limitations such as transaction cost, scalability, consistency security and administration issues which has not yet been addressed and investigated. In spite of the fact that there are a couple of studies on the security and privacy issues of the blockchain, they do not have an efficient assessment of the securing blockchain architectures. This paper presents a detailed architecture of blockchain technology along with systematic study of the security attacks rising in blockchain technology .
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors: current knowledge on the use of canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are considered the newest class of medication developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This class of drug reduces blood glucose levels by decreasing glucose absorption at the level of the kidneys. Through their mechanism of action, drugs within this class exhibit the ability to reduce blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and body weight. The common side effects observed with the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors include: genital mycotic infections, intravascular volume depletion and dehydration. To date, much is already known about Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and their use in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, continuous studies are currently being undertaken to further investigate the cardiovascular benefits and side effect profile of this class of drug. This review discusses sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors specifically focusing on what is currently known about the use of canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Determination of Criteria and Drought Tolerance of Prope-Legitimate Cocoa Seed Through Polyethylene Glycol Induction

The availability of drought tolerant rootstock becomes one of solution to obtain tolerant cocoa clone at drought condition. The production of rootstock is easier and faster by using prope-legitimate seeds as plant materials. Seed germination selection phase can accelerate the obtainment of tolerant cocoa rootstocks. The tolerance trait of prope-legitimate seeds can be determined by seed germination on media induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution. To determine the tolerant seeds, it is effective by using a specific character as selection criteria. This study aimed to obtain criteria and selection character to determine drought tolerant characteristic of prope-legitimate seed through PEG 6000 induction in the germination phase. The research was conducted at the Agronomy Laboratory of the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute, Jember, East Java, Indonesia, used split plot design with five replications as experimental design. The main plot was solution of 0% and 6% PEG 6000, while the subplot were prope-legitimate seeds of 13 cocoa clones. The result showed that germination ability and sprout fresh weight were suitable as selection criteria to determine tolerant characteristic of prope-legitimate seeds to drought stress. Based on the value of stress susceptible index and clustering analysis, the tested prope-legitimate seeds were divided into three groups. The group of tolerant genotype consisted of Sca 06, while the group of medium tolerant were ICCRI 03, Sulawesi 02, KW 641, TSH 858, KEE 02, Sulawesi 03, and KW 617. The susceptible group consisted of six genotypes, namely ICS 60, KKM 22, KW 516, Sulawesi 01, and MCC 02.
Cucurbitacin E’s Anti-Cancer Effects on HCT116 Human Colon Cancer Cells by Controlling Expression and Phosphorylation levels of Caspase-9, eIF-2α, and ATF-4

Cucurbitacin E is a pivotal member of the cucurbitacin family and has been shown to have anti-cancer effects. However, until now, the anti-cancer effect and mode of action of cucurbitacin E in human colon cancer cells remain unclear. In this study, we investigated whether cucurbitacin E inhibits the growth of HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells. Treatment of cucurbitacin E at 1 μM markedly reduced the survival of HCT116 cells. Moreover, treatment of cucurbitacin E at 1 μM caused nuclear DNA fragmentation in HCT116 cells, pointing out its apoptosis-inducing effect. Treatment of cucurbitacin E at 1 μM also led to the activation of caspase-9 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage without affecting expression of death receptor (DR)-4/5 in HCT116 cells. Furthermore, while treatment of cucurbitacin E at 1 μM had no effect on expression of Mcl-1, it largely increased expression and phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2α (eIF-2α) and activating transcription factor-4 (ATF-4) in HCT116 cells. Treatment of cucurbitacin E at 1 μM further up-regulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK-1/2), but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase1/2 (JNK-1/2), in HCT116 cells. However, treatment with PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK-1/2, that strongly blocked activation of ERK-1/2 had no effect on reduction of survival of HCT116 cells treated with cucurbitacin E at 1 μM. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that cucurbitacin E at 1 μM has strong anti-survival and pro-apoptotic effects on HCT116 cells, which are mediated through control of the expression and phosphorylation levels of caspase-9, PARP, eIF-2α, and ATF-4.
Tomato Plant Photosynthetic Activity as Related to Canopy Age and Tomato Development

Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Laura), pruned to a single-flower truss, were exposed to 90 μmol·s−1·m−2 supplemental photosynthetic lighting (0400 to 2200 hr) during the developmental period: a) anthesis to initial fruit set, b) anthesis to mature-green fruit, or c) anthesis to red-ripe fruit. The yield response was compared to plants receiving d) no supplemental photosynthetic lighting after incipient anthesis. The greatest increase in average fruit weight was produced with continued supplemental lighting during the developmental-period initial fruit set to the mature-green stage. Net photosynthetic activity, μmol CO2/min per dm2, was the greatest in the canopy during early anthesis and then steadily declined as the canopy aged. Net whole plant photosynthetic activity, μmol CO2/min per plant, increased steadily after the early anthesis stage of development to a peak rate during the rapid fruit development stage. Net whole plant photosynthetic activity then declined as the plant approached the mature-green and then finally the red-ripe stage of fruit development.
Factors influencing knowledge levels among hypertensive patients receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Basic knowledge about hypertension and its treatment can have a positive impact on high blood pressure control reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge levels and to determine the factors that influenced knowledge levels among hypertensive patients receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient hypertensive clinic of KATH between April and May 2019. Three hundred and ninety-seven (397) hypertensive patients aged 18 years and above who had been diagnosed with hypertension for at least six months and currently taking at least one antihypertensive drug completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of basic socio-demographic profile, patient-related information on hypertension and its treatment and knowledge on hypertension. The Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale (HK-L) was used to determine the level of knowledge among patients receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi. Results: Out of the 397 patients, 199 (50.1%) had high knowledge level on hypertension and its treatment. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted for hypertension knowledge level. Respondents with a junior level of education, paid for their antihypertensive drugs by themselves, had asthma as a comorbidity and took non-prescribed drugs had a significant association with knowledge level on hypertension and its treatment. Conclusion: Knowledge about hypertension in hypertensive patients is moderate and therefore much effort should be made in educating and involving them in the condition to help them gain control over the disease and improve adherence rates.
Functional Diversity of Voltage-Dependent Ca 2þ Channels in Nociception: Recent Progress in Genetic Studies

ent Topics in Membranes, Volume 57 1063-58 yright 2006, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/S1063-5823 II. In troduction III. V DCC Family A . L ‐Type Ca2þ Channels in Nociception B . N ‐Type Ca2þ Channels C . P /Q‐Type Ca2þ Channels in Nociception D . R ‐Type Ca2þ Channels in Antinociception E . T ‐Type Ca2þ Channels F . A uxiliary Subunits of Voltage‐Dependent Ca2þ Channels IV. C onclusions R eferences
THE IMPLICATIONS OF FEAR ECOLOGY FOR INTERACTIONS AMONG PREDATORS, PREY AND MESOPREDATORS

Wildlife, as well as human beings, are prone to be affected by fear. Large predators and mesopredators usually produce this fear in animals. This effect is recognised in the form of various behavioural changes and adaptations, which, in turn, affects the whole ecosystem. However, we often overlook the role of large predators and mesopredators in the sustenance of our ecosystem by such non-lethal effects, because fear is often seen as a psychological effect rather than something that can be found through explicit scientific means. Indeed, the fear that predators trigger inside their prey may play a significant role in the maintenance of the natural environment. This paper aims to analyse this hypothesis by reviewing the function of the ecology of fear based on the interaction among predators, prey, and mesopredators. We consider the factors involved in the effective functionality of the ecology of fear, including habitat landscape, season, weather, and predation risk. We also assess the extent of influence of large predators on behaviour and distribution of prey and mesopredators in terms of predation cues and prey grouping as responses to predation risk. Finally, we discuss the implications of fear ecology for wildlife conservation and management and new challenges.
CETACEAN STRANDINGS BETWEEN 2010-2016 AT THE COAST OF ROMANIA

Stranded cetaceans have long intrigued naturalists because their causation has escaped singular explanations. Regardless of cause, strandings also represent a sample of the living community, although their fidelity has rarely been quantified. The present study, conducted over a period of 6 years, between May 2010 and December 2016, in the frame of Mare Nostrum NGO program Monitoring and Conservation of Black Sea Cetaceans. Program that developed a Stranding Monitoring Network and conducted an active pathological examination activity in order to assess the cause of death shows the irregular trend of stranding events at the Romanian coast (245 Km). The highest pick was registered in 2012 when 177 cases were recorded, more than double of the average events/year. The paper presents a summary of the 585 cetacean strandings involving all the 3 species from the Black Sea (Delphinus delphis ponticus, Tursiops truncatus ponticus and Phocoena phocoena relicta), as well as 134 strandings not included in the previous correlation by Paiu (2016). Average number of events per year was 83.57 and the most common species was the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta) with 80%. Stranding events occurred throughout the year, with the lowest frequency occurring in the winter (December–February). Key-Words: Romanian Black Sea shore; Harbour porpoise; Bottlenose dolphin; Common dolphin; cetacean stranding; distribution; monitoring network.
MBSR-Interventions in Teacher Education Programs

There is broad consensus in the fact that teaching is a highly stressful profession. The goal of the present pilot study is to examine the possible stress-reducing effects of a MBSR-course applied to Physical Education students. 38 Physical Education students participated in our study (21 in the experimental group and 17 in the control group). We conducted a pre-test (before the first MBSRcourse), a post-test (after the last MBSR-course) and a follow-up (four weeks after the last MBSRcourse). Data were collected with five tests: Life-Orientation-Test-Revised (LOT-R), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and Self-Efficacy (SWE). The results show an increase for the control group at the negative PANAS scale from preto posttest. Furthermore, our results give a hint that especially students with low pre-test scores might profit more from mindfulness trainings. Zusammenfassung Lehrerinnen und Lehrer arbeiten in einem stressauslösenden Arbeitsumfeld. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Pilotstudie ist es, mögliche stressreduzierende Effekte eines MBSR Kurses bei angehende Sportlehrerinnen und -lehrern zu untersuchen. 38 Lehramtsstudierende mit Unterrichtsfach Sport nahmen an unserer Studie teil (21 in der Experimentalgruppe und 17 in der Kontrollgruppe). Wir führten einen Pre-Test (vor dem ersten MBSR Kurstermin), einen Post-Test (nach dem letzten MBSR Kurstermin) und ein Follow-Up (vier Wochen nach dem letzten MBSR Kurstermin) durch. Die Daten wurden mit fünf Testverfahren erhoben: Life-Orientation-Test-Revised (LOT-R), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and Self-Efficacy (SWE). Die Ergebnisse zeigten nur auf der negativen PANAS Skala eine Zunahme bei der Kontrollgruppe vom Präzum Posttest. Darüber hinaus können unsere Ergebnisse als Hinweis gesehen werden, dass besonders die Studierenden mit niedrigen Pre-Test Werten signifikant von Achtsamkeitstrainings profitieren könnten.
Comparative study of AC and DC fields on wound healing

The present study was conducted with an objective to observe the wound healing capacity under the influence of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) fields. To fulfil the aim of the study rats and rabbits were taken as experimental animals. These animals were divided into two groups i.e. experimental and control. Equal strength of animals were taken in each of the groups. During the study period It was observed that the surface area of the DC stimulated wound healed faster in comparison to AC stimulated wound. It was also found that the volume of AC stimulated wound healed faster than DC stimulated wound. Eventually, it was observed that stimulated wound healed rapidly in experimental animals in comparison to control group.
A cross-biome comparison for net ecosystem productivity using satellite images and climate data

Micrometeorological and mass flux measurements at eddy covariance flux towers can be used to estimate net ecosystem productivity (NEP) of CO2 between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystem. The network of flux tower sites that includes a wide range of biomes offers the opportunity to investigate the relationship of site-specific climate data and the biophysical performance of vegetation indices. Satellite remote sensing provides consistent and systematic observations of vegetation and ecosystems, and plays an important role to scale-up CO2 fluxes from flux tower sites to regional and global scales. In this study, we combined analyses of satellite images from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard the Terra satellite with climate data from flux tower sites. Flux tower sites include a tropical rain forest site (Bukit Soeharto, Indonesia), a tropical seasonal deciduous forest site (Mae Klong, Thailand), a tropical seasonal evergreen forest site (Sakaerat, Thailand), and a cool-temperate deciduous forest site (Takayama, Japan), and these four sites are part of the AsiaFlux network. Micrometeorological flux measurements were conducted from 2001 to 2003. Availability of CO2 flux data made it possible to assess satellite-based models that estimate the seasonal dynamics of NEP of forest. Our result supported inclusion of parameters for cloudiness and the phenological status of the vegetation, as well as use of biome-specific parameterization.
Biofilm Forming Potential of Escherichia coli from Various Sources

Majority of bacterial communities exist as biofilms and these contribute to the survival of the bacteria. Biofilm development has been associated with protection from adverse environmental conditions and resistance to harmful agents. Generally, however data on biofilm-forming potential of bacteria in Nigeria is sparse. This study was therefore aimed at analyzing variations in biofilm-forming potential of Escherichia coli from various sources in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Previously characterized clinical (30) and non-clinical (30) E. coli isolates were assessed for their biofilm-forming potential using the Congo Red agar method and variations in this potential determined as weak, moderate or strong. Majority of isolates (67%) had the potential to form biofilms but only 40% of isolates exhibiting biofilm-forming potential were from clinical sources. Isolates exhibited variable degrees of biofilm-forming potential, with only non-clinical isolates exhibiting strong potential. Majority of both clinical and non-clinical isolates (68.7% and 88% respectively) exhibited moderate biofilm-forming potential. The higher occurrence of E. coli exhibiting biofilm-forming potential among non-clinical isolates possibly reflects the essential role biofilms play in the survival of bacteria in nature, but not in infection cases. This study reports on a high level association between the isolates and biofilm production and highlights differences in the abilities of biofilm production between clinical and non-clinical isolates.
Relationship of Glucose Variability and Daily Lifestyle by Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

Authors and collaborators have continued diabetic practice and research on low carbohydrate diet (LCD), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and so on. The case is a 64-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI). When his HbA1c was 8.2% before, he changed to take tofu instead of rice and bread. HbA1c decreased to 7.1% and 4kg of weight reduction in 2 months. Tofu is a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans, which is a suitable LCD with Protein:Fat:Carbohydrate (PFC) ratio=40:45:15 in this case. His HbA1c is recently unstable, then glucose variability was investigated by CGM using FreeStyle Libre. The glucose pattern was different due to his lifestyle, including working day, off day, playing golf, respectively. The average glucose was 143-167 mg/dL and the estimated HbA1c was 7.1%, whereas HbA1c in outclinic was 8.1%, respectively. This report will hopefully become reference data for future research.