Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological Modulators of Sphingolipid Metabolism for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis Lung Inflammation

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterised by progressive chronic infection and inflammation of the airways. This prolonged airway inflammatory response leads to irreversible lung damage and fibrosis which is believed to be driven by two distinct, coordinated events: a) a defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) causes airway surface dehydration and increased mucus viscosity leading to chronic colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa) (Boucher, 2007); b) mutated CFTR triggers the generation of pro-inflammatory and chemotactic cytokines orchestrated by bronchial epithelial cells, independently of infection (Rubin, 2007; Elizur et al., 2008). The chemokine IL-8, abundantly expressed at sites of chronic inflammation, seems to play a major role in driving the formation of neutrophil (PMN)-rich exudates into the lung of CF patients (Khan et al., 1995; Noah et al., 1997; DiMango et al., 1998; Puchelle et al., 2001; Joseph et al., 2005; Perez et al., 2007). Therefore, reduction of the exaggerated production of IL-8 is key therapeutic target in CF. Anti-inflammatory drugs are an attractive therapeutic tool in CF aimed to decrease the rate of decline in lung function. However, the inherent complexity of the inflammatory response combined with the obvious dependency on this response to contain infection and the side effect profiles of common anti-inflammatories, have made identifying the most suitable therapy a major priority.
Prf A gene in Listeria monocytogenes isolated from food

Background: Listeria is a gram-positive bacterium and a facultative food- borne intracellular pathogen. Prf A gene regulates the expression of other genes and is important in virulence. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify Prf A gene in Listeria monocytogenes isolated from food samples. Methods: This cross - sectional study was conducted in 212 different food samples collected from different cities in 2012. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated using the cold enrichment method. The Prf A gene was identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data were analyzed using Chi- square test. Findings: Of 212 samples, 41 (%19.33) were positive for Listeria spp. Of 41, 22 (%53.6) were Listeria monocytogenes, 15 (%36.5) were L. innocua, 3 (%7.3) were L. welshimri and 1 (%2.4) was L. seeligeri. The Prf A gene was found in 28.5% of L. monocytogenes isolated from vegetable samples and in 100% L. monocytogenes isolated from other samples. Conclusion: Confirmation of the presence of L. monocytogenes in food and the Prf A gene may be helpful to prevent diseases caused by Listeria. Keywords: Listeria Monocytogenes, Prf A Protein, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Food
The Influence of Immunosuppression on Hypertension Following Cardiac Transplantation

S U M M A R Y TJie results of 488 cardiac transplants which were performed between January 1980 and December 1987 at H are field Hospital to define the factors as­ sociated with postoperative hypertension have been analyzed. Vie mean age of the recipients was 43.3 years (range 9 days to 68 years). TJie number of the male and female receipent was 413 and 75 respective­ lyThe main indications for transplantation were ischaemic heart disease and cardiomyopathy. The in­ cidence of hypertension (Bp > 150:95 mm fig) in sur­ vivors has been analyzed. Tlxe recepienls have been divided into three groups according to the immunosuppression used during the first postoperative months. Group 1: Prednisone and azathioprine (f'red + Aza); Group 2: Cyclosporin and azathioprine (CsA + Aza); Group 3: Cyclosporin, azathioprine andpiednisone. 71 te incidence of hypertension at one year in Group 1,2 and 3 were 39%, 49% and 58% respective­ ly. Hypertension was evaluated by the life table method. Patients died without developing hyperten­ sion were removed from the analysis at the time of death. There is an important incidence of hyperten­ sion in all three groups which increases %ith time after operation and a trend for an increased incidence in group 2 and 3 (p = 0.16 Breslow test statistic), ft is concluded that hypertension is an important long term problem after cardiac transplantation and its in­ cidence is likely to be influenced by the immunosup­ pression used.
An Integrated Approach Towards In vivo Control of Mushroom Weeds vis-à-vis Yield

Different competitor weed fungi Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium glabrum, Fusarium oxysporum and Coprinopsis kimurae were found to have associated with the fruit beds as constant contaminants of Pleurotus sajor-caju and Lentinula edodes . Several antagonists, plant extracts and chemicals were tested against the weed fungi to screen the most effective ones and to have an integrated combination for better management of the disease. Among the chemicals used, Baynate and Bavistin at the dose of 0.5% provided highly significant inhibition of all the competitors. Different plant extracts were treated against the weed fungi and it was found that garlic (Allium sativum ) preparation exhibited the best result followed by Cycas revoluta and Azadirachta indica . Among the antagonists, Trichoderma viride was proved to be the most efficient one. Out of the various compatible combinations, the T. viride, garlic extract and Bavistin combination was found to be the most potent integrated combination providing more than 97% growth inhibition of the weed fungi in vitro . Under in vivo condition, biological efficiency of the combination of T. viride, T. hamatum , bavistin and garlic preparation was found to be significantly higher than untreated beds of both edible mushroom species.
Cost Realism in Deploying Technologies for Development

In this paper, we present a simple costing model supported by three case studies to demonstrate the ways in which a technology intervention‟s ability to deliver cost savings through efficiency gains is conditional on the local economic environment. Examining a set of information collection and processing transaction tasks that are part of a microfinance institution‟s workflow, we find that technology-enabled gains depend critically on the technology‟s impact on labour productivity and variable capital costs, in the context of the local wage rate for adequately skilled labour. In certain contexts, the per-transaction gains from using capital-intensive technologies are overwhelmed by the fixed and operating resources required to generate and sustain these gains.
A VAR Analysis of the Effects of Fiscal Policy in Germany

This paper presents an analysis of the effects of fiscal policy in Germany based on a structural VAR approach. Fiscal policy shocks are identified as the structural residuals related to unexpected government expenditure and tax revenues. Impulse responses are then used to simulate the dynamic response of key macroeconomic variables to these shocks. The analysis shows a negative response of GDP to tax shocks and a positive to expenditure shocks. Moreover private consumption reacts negatively to taxation but increases in response to a shock to public expenditure. Altogether the results are consistent with Keynesian models of the business cycle.
Primary School Teachers' Conceptions of Classroom Assessment: A Qualitative Study

This article explored conceptions that primary school teachers hold about classroom assessment and how these conceptions influence their classroom assessment practices. The study was qualitative in nature and employed an instrumental case study approach. Semi-structured interviews, observations and document analyses were used. The study utilized Brown’s [4] conceptual framework on conceptions of assessment. The findings reveal that teachers’ conceptions of assessment are influenced by the social and education context in which they find themselves and that their personal experiences of assessment also influence their conceptions of assessment.
Factors Influencing Consumer Intentions to Adopt Online Banking in Malaysia

As the world gradually shifts to the technological age, the number of digital savvy consumers has been growing exponentially. Such trends would eventually translate to increased consumer demand for digital related services such as online banking. Since online banking offers a number of benefits to the banking sector, therefore, banks need to deeply understand the factors which influence consumer intentions in adopting online banking. This paper investigates some of the most significant factors influencing consumers’ intentions to adopt online banking in the Malaysian context. A survey is conducted for this purpose and a sample of 200 respondents is chosen which includes male and females in equal proportions. Self-administered questionnaire is used for data collection. Seven factors are identified to have impact on the consumer intentions in adopting online banking. Four of them are found to have significant impact on consumer intentions which are convenience, trust, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness; whereas, the rest of the factors, i.e. social influence, gender and age group, do not impact consumer intentions in adopting online banking. The study has implications for banks which provide online facilities and those who plan to go online. Further, the study has implications for policy makers who intend to promote online environment as the study reveals some of the major factors which need due consideration in this respect.
GENERALIZED SYNTHESIS OF RAT RACE RING COUPLER AND ITS APPLICATION TO CIRCUIT MINIATURIZATION

Generalized synthesis of the rat race ring coupler is developed with its four arms being allowed to have different characteristic impedances. The transmission line theory incorporated with the even-odd analysis is used to formulate the conditions for solving the circuit parameters. The solution shows that a rat race ring with a normalized area of 41.82% or 0. 97λ-circumference can be achieved. Based on the solutions, simulated bandwidths of the new ring hybrids are reported. Two experimental circuits are measured for validation check. One uses stepped-impedance sections to realize the four arms for further size reduction. This circuit occupies only 13.12% of that of a conventional hybrid ring at 1 GHz. It is believed that this implementation has the best size reduction for a microstrip ring hybrid in open literature. Measured scattering parameters show good agreement with the simulated results. Received 17 July 2010, Accepted 2 September 2010, Scheduled 9 September 2010 Corresponding author: J.-T. Kuo (jtkuo123@mail.cgu.edu.tw).
Unsustainable fuelwood extraction from South African savannas

Wood and charcoal supply the majority of sub-Saharan Africa’s rural energy needs. The long-term supply of fuelwood is in jeopardy given high consumption rates. Using airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR), we mapped and investigated savanna aboveground biomass across contrasting land uses, ranging from densely populated communal areas to highly protected areas in the Lowveld savannas of South Africa. We combined the LiDAR observations with socio-economic data, biomass production rates and fuelwood consumption rates in a supply–demand model to predict future fuelwood availability. LiDAR-based biomass maps revealed disturbance gradients around settlements up to 1.5 km, corresponding to the maximum distance walked to collect fuelwood. At current levels of fuelwood consumption (67% of households use fuelwood exclusively, with a 2% annual reduction), we calculate that biomass in the study area will be exhausted within thirteen years. We also show that it will require a 15% annual reduction in consumption for eight years to a level of 20% of households using fuelwood before the reduction in biomass appears to stabilize to sustainable levels. The severity of dwindling fuelwood reserves in African savannas underscores the importance of providing affordable energy for rural economic development.
Experimental Investigation of Biogas Production from Kitchen Waste Mixed with Chicken Manure

ogas produced from solid kitchen waste (KW) mixed with chicken manure (M) at different mass ratios was investigated. The effect of the ratio of the amount of water to the mixed solid waste on the amount of biogas produced was studied. The results showed that at a fixed ratio of water-to-solid waste, the amount of biogas increased as the amount of chicken M increased. At a fixed M-to-KW ratio, the amount of biogas produced increased as the solid content increased and then decreased, reaching its maximum value at a solid waste-to-water ratio of 1:1. The pH of the bioreactor containing the KW-M mixture dropped with time, resulting in a decrease in the amount of biogas produced. Controlling the pH value by titrating with NaOH solution improved the production of biogas. Investigating biogas produced from sludge showed that the pH of the reactor slightly decreased and then increased slightly. The results also showed that the amount of biogas produced from sludge containing 3% solid waste was larger than the amount produced from sludge containing 6% solid waste.
Adaptive Control of Pitch Angle of Wind Turbine using a Novel Strategy for Management of Mechanical Energy Generated by Turbine in Different Wind Velocities

Control of pitch angle of turbine blades is among the controlling methods in the wind turbines; this measure is taken for managing mechanical power generated by wind turbine in different wind velocities. Taking into account the high significance of the power generated by wind turbine and due to the fact that better performance of pitch angle is followed by better quality of turbine-generated power, it is therefore crucially important to optimize the performance of this controller. In the current paper, a PI controller is primarily used to control the pitch angle, and then another controller is designed and replaces PI controller through applying a new strategy i.e. alternating two ADALINE neural networks. According to simulation results, performance of controlling system improves in terms of response speed, response ripple, and ultimately, steady tracing error. The highly significant feature of the proposed intelligent controller is the considerable stability against variations of wind velocity and system parameters.
Is Billiards Considered A Sport?

Understanding the differences between games and sports can be done when we can identify the two terms as two different words. A sport is a physical activity carried out under fixed set of rules, with competition or self-enjoyment or a combination of both. A game is a recreational activity involving one or more players, defined by a goal that the players try to reach, and some set of rules to play it. Most of the people is confused between Sport and game because the word game has several meanings. Actually we can play a game of sports, but we can't sport a game. Olympics they are called the OLYMPIC GAMES and all the competitions are in specific Sports. Cue sports are a wide variety of games of skill generally played with a cue stick which is used to strike billiard balls, moving them around a cloth-covered billiards table surrounded by rubber cushions. Billiards is a sport, and you can play different games within the sport: eightball, nineball, three ball, one pocket and bank pool. Pocket Billiards has been declared a Sport by the Olympic Committee. Billiards category including pool, snooker and carom was presented in the 2005 World Games, held in Duisburg, Germany, and the 2006 Asian Games as a cue sports category. Thus, definitely billiards should be announced as a sport.
EFFECT OF PEPPER-GARLIC INTERCROPPING SYSTEM ON SOIL MICROBIAL AND BIO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

The effects of pepper-garlic intercropping system on soil microorganisms i.e. bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes; soil enzymes such as invertase, alkaline phosphatase, urease and catalase; soil chemical properties such as pH and electrical conductivity were investigated under plastic tunnel cultivation. Two intercropping models in which pepper were intercropped in standing normal garlic (sowing clove of cv. G026 for harvesting of scape and bulb) and green garlic (sowing bulb of cv. G064 for harvesting of green garlic). Intercropping, in which pepper was planted on each side of garlic row plantation were compared to mono-culture cultivation of pepper. Results showed that bacteria population significantly increased in the pepper plot intercropped with normal garlic, while actinomycetes were significantly enhanced in pepper plot intercropped with green garlic. Populations of fungi were significantly inhibited in pepper-green garlic intercropped plot. Intercropping of green garlic significantly increased the activities of invertase, alkaline phosphatase and catalase, while urease was promisingly higher in pepper plot intercropped with normal garlic. Soil pH was affected by intercropping and low level was measured in plot intercropped with normal garlic. Furthermore, soil EC was significantly higher in pepper plot intercropped with normal garlic. It is concluded that intercropping pepper with green garlic improved soil microbial and biochemical properties as compared to monocropping.
Control predictivo Min-Max Multimodelo con Restricciones, validado sobre una Planta de Laboratorio

Se presenta el desarrollo e implementacion de un Control Predictivo Min-max sobre una planta de laboratorio. Para conseguir su aplicacion a sistemas reales, es necesario modificar la formulacion original del Control Predictivo Min-max con el fin de reducir su coste computacional e introducir los parametros de sintonia habituales. Con el controlador propuesto se consigue incluir el efecto de la incertidumbre dentro de una estructura de Control Predictivo, utilizando una formulacion eficiente desde el punto de vista numerico al estar basada en Programacion Lineal, con parametros de sintonia sencillos. Esta tecnica se ha validado sobre una planta de laboratorio (dos tanques acoplados), comprobandose experimentalmente la estabilidad, robustez y buen rendimiento del controlador propuesto.
Safety Zones Based Robustly Feasible Model Predictive Control for Nonlinear Network Systems

Abstract The paper considers design of Robustly Feasible Model Predictive Controller which achieves recursive robust feasibility of the generated control actions when applied to nonlinear network systems with state constraint under bounded disturbances. The optimizing control algorithm with safety zones modifying the model based state constraints is derived to achieve recursive robust feasibility. Its performance is illustrated by application to optimizing control of hydraulics in Drinking Water Distribution System example. Copyright © 2011 IFAC
Social Networks in Comparative Perspective

In a sense, the study of comparative politics is the study of the role that context plays in structuring behavior. Institutional contexts, such as the nature of the electoral system or the existence of an independent judiciary, drive differences in electoral outcomes or human rights across nations. Individual-level contextual factors such as norms, culture, or ethnic or religious identity can be determinative in understanding when social movements will likely flourish and which cleavages will lead to political parties or ethnic strife. Variation in context leads to variation in political outcomes and behavior across both peoples and nations, and provides comparative politics with its richness.
SEASONAL PANTANAL FLOOD PULSE: IMPLICATIONS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION - A REVIEW

The Pantanal is fed by tributaries of the Upper Paraguay River in the center of South America, mainly in Brazil. The landscape is marked by contrasts between the seasonally floodplain (Pantanal) and the surrounding highland (Planalto). The floodplain regulates highland riverine discharge by temporarily storing water during flood season and can enhance water loss by evapotranspiration and infiltration. The flood level gradient creates a range of major habitats in a complex mosaic of annual and pluri-annual seasonal patterns. The Pantanal ecosystem is characterized by recurrent shallow water flooding near the surface of the substrate, due to the slow drainage of the vast plain inundated for longer, with variable conditions regarding to physical, chemical, and biological traits. Water discharge, geomorphology, type of soil and biodiversity are the main ecosystem components of the Pantanal. The complex vegetation cover and the seasonal productivity support a diverse and abundant fauna. Many endangered species still occur in health population conditions, including jaguar (Panthera onca). Waterfowl are exceptionally abundant during the dry season. Deforestation with the loss of natural habitats and their associated biodiversity in the Pantanal has been drastic during the last decades, particularly in the upland region of the Cerrado plateaus surrounding the flooding plain. Another threat is unsustainable agricultural and cattle ranching practices, which convert the natural vegetation into pastures and plantation crops such as soybean, especially on the surrounding plateaus where the river springs are located. Fires caused by humans are severe and have become part of the annual productivity cycle for cattle ranch owners. Recently there has been river flow modification due to implantation of small hydroelectric plants on the upland plateaus. The aim of this study is to put together a comprehensive report on the role of the flood pulse on the biodiversity using our research experience in the region and also reviewing published information.
THE ORGANIZATION OF AN EFFECTIVE ASPECT-BASED OPPINION MINING SYSTEM

Social platforms are currently used as independent tools where people exchange information about their personal life and share common interests. On the other hand, these people use the Web to browse and find other information, e.g. an interesting destination for holidays, a doctor, a movie, a mobile phone, etc. Even with the emergence of the Web 2.0 - where a user can benefit from other users’ experience on the Web, users are still constrained to combine and synthesize themselves information issued from social platforms: read through all of the reviews, check if a user can be trusted or not etc. In this work, we investigate how to build a system that can help reducing the effort needed to synthetize opinions about an item and present it in a user friendly way with new visual metaphors. We focus on the general approach and describe the main steps for building such a framework.
Theoretical and experimental nonlinear dynamics of a clamped-clamped beam MEMS resonator

Microelectromechanical resonators feature nonlinear dynamic responses. A first-principles based modeling approach is proposed for a clamped-clamped beam resonator. Starting from the partial differential equation for the beam including geometric and electrostatic nonlinear effects, a reduced-order model is derived. The model captures the experimentally observed nonlinear dynamic behaviour of the resonator and allows for fast simulation and prediction of its response.
R\'edei symbols and arithmetical mild pro-2-groups

Generalizing results of Morishita and Vogel, an explicit description of the triple Massey product for the Galois group GS(2) of the maximal 2-extension of Q unramified outside a finite set of prime numbers S containing 2 is given in terms of Rédei symbols. We show that certain mild pro-2-groups with Zassenhaus invariant 3 occur as Galois groups of the form GS(2). Furthermore, a non-analytic mild fab pro-2-group having only 3 generators is constructed.