bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Sex Steroid Receptor Agonists and Antagonists on the Expression of the FOXL2 Transcription Factor and its Target Genes AMH and CYP19A1 in the Neonatal Porcine Ovary
Authors: Witek Patrycja , Marek Natalia , Grzesiak Małgorzata , Słomczyńska Maria , Knapczyk-Stwora Katarzyna 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Recently, we have demonstrated that neonatal exposure to androgen and estrogen agonists or antagonists influenced the number of ovarian follicles in piglets. Since the FOXL2 transcription factor is required for proper ovarian follicle formation and activation, the objective of the study was to examine effects of exposure of the neonatal porcine ovary to testosterone propionate (TP; an androgen), flutamide (FLU; an antiandrogen), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP; compound with estrogenic activity), ICI 182,780 (ICI; an antiestrogen), and methoxychlor (MXC; compound with estrogenic, antiestrogenic and antiandrogenic properties) on FOXL2 expression and expression of its target genes, AMH and CYP19A1. Piglets were injected subcutaneously with TP, FLU, OP, ICI, MXC, or corn oil (control) between postnatal days 1 and 10 (n = 4/each group). Ovaries were excised from the 11-day-old piglets and the expression of FOXL2, AMH and CYP19A1 was examined using immunohistochemistry and/or real-time PCR and Western blot. FOXL2 was localized in stroma cells surrounding egg nests and in granulosa cells. TP, OP and MXC increased both FOXL2 and AMH mRNAs, while FLU and ICI decreased CYP19A1 mRNA. The increased FOXL2 protein abundance was found in all examined groups. In addition, TP, OP, ICI and MXC increased AMH protein abundance, while TP, FLU and OP decreased CYP19A1 protein abundance. In conclusion, neonatal exposure to sex steroid receptor agonists and antagonists increased FOXL2 expression at mRNA and/or protein levels and affected FOXL2 target genes in the ovaries of 11-day-old piglets. Therefore, it seems that impaired ovarian folliculogenesis induced by altered steroid milieu during the neonatal development period in pigs may, at least in part, involve FOXL2.
Immune Response and Bone Marker Enzyme Activities of Broiler Birds Fed Graded Level Taurine-Supplemented-Diets
Authors: Modupe Ogunbode S. , Adijat Bello R. , Salau A. Kayode 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Taurine, a derived amino acid has been proven to play an important biological roles in enhancing bone strength and immune activities of broiler birds. This research investigated the effect of the different concentrations of graded level dietary taurine supplement on immune response of birds against Newcastle Disease Virus (NCDV) and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV), as well as on enzymatic markers of bone metabolism and effect on mineral composition. A total of 300 unsexed day-old arbor acre broiler birds were used for this research. The birds were randomly distributed using a completely randomized design into five dietary treatment of six replicates with 10 birds per replicate. Treatment one (T1) served as the control group with 0% taurine supplement. Treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5 contained dietary taurine supplements at 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, and 0.008%. Antibody titre against NCDV and IBDV were determined according to standard procedures. The study lasted 42 days. Birds on 0.002% taurine had the highest antibody titre (128.38) against NCDV, while birds on the 0.006% taurine-supplemented-diet also portrayed a distinct (p<0.05) titre value (1029) against IBDV. Serum alkaline phosphatase and bone specific alkaline phosphatase (132.74 and 150.66) at the 42nd day were highest (p<0.05) for birds on 0.004 and 0.002% dietary taurine supplement respectively. The activity of serum tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (44.94) was notably highest (p<0.05) for birds on 0.008% taurine. Bone mineral contents showed that birds fed with 0.002% taurinesupplemented- diet had the highest percentage (p<0.05) of phosphorous (9.50), calcium (32.18) and phosphate (21.77) composition. Conclusively, inclusion of taurine as dietary supplement has proven useful not only in enhancing the birds’ immunity against NCDV an IBDV, but also in boosting bone mineral composition of meat type poultry birds.
Economic analysis of rice production by small-holder women farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Kolawole Adewuyi Adekunle , Michael Amurtiya 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study is focused on analysing the economics of rice production by the small-holder female rice-farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described female rice-farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, analysed their technical and allocative efficiencies, and also assessed their economic efficiency in the area. Primary data were collected from 180 randomly selected female rice-farmers in Adamawa State using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier function were used analysing the data collected. Findings of the study revealed that the technical in-efficiency of the farmers is influenced by farming experience, education, and access to credit facilities. Also, the allocative in-efficiency of female farmers was influenced by education, household size, and access to credits. The result showed that education and access to credit facilities were common factors affecting the technical and allocative efficiency of female rice farmers in the area. The mean economic efficiency of the female farmers was 0.6. Therefore, the study recommends that the government and other actors in the agricultural sector should facilitate women’s access to credit facilities and other agricultural information relevant to rice production.
Business and Economics Students’ Self-Reports on Academic Reading in English as L2: A Factor Analysis
Authors: Sladoljev-Agejev Tamara , Kolić-Vehovec Svjetlana , Jazbec Anamarija 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Adequate reading behaviour is vital for text comprehension across fields. In today’s professional environment, a well-developed reading skill is also expected in English as a second language (EL2), which happens already in college, although transition to college-level reading may be difficult even in the first language. It is therefore useful to analyse students’ use of reading strategies to facilitate their academic progress. This study investigates the reading behaviour of junior students of business/economics when reading academic texts in EL2. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (N=134) of a 45-item questionnaire about students’ awareness of reading strategies and their reading confidence (i.e. self-perceived competence in text retelling). The majority of the items were based on self-reports found in the literature (Kolić-Vehovec, Bajšanski, 2001; Mokhtari, Reichard, 2002; Taraban, Kerr, Rynearson, 2004) and several items were added to the questionnaire (e.g. questions related to note taking). Five factors were interpretable: four factors related to Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies (Repeated Reading, Monitoring/Regulation, Note Taking and Elaboration) and the fifth factor covering self-perceived competence in text retelling (Reading Confidence). Internal consistency of the factors indicated by standardized Cronbach’s alphas were 0.83 (Repeated Reading), 0.80 (Monitoring and Regulation), 0.77 (Note Taking), 0.63 (Elaboration) and 0.75 (Reading Confidence). Three strategies positively correlated with each other (Repeated Reading, Monitoring/Regulation and Elaboration), while negative correlation was found between Note Taking and Reading Confidence. The results provide valuable information on the patterns in student reading as a baseline for further analysis of L2 text comprehension in college.
Auction theory and a note on game mechanisms
Authors: Josheski Dushko , Karamazova Elena 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This paper will review important topics on the subject of auction theory and mechanism design, these include: efficiency first and foremost, also revenue comparison between different types of auctions and the issue of incentive compatibility, individual rationality with the general idea and proof that bilateral trade is inefficient. Mechanism design theory tells us that if buyers and sellers both have private information full efficiency is impossible, however Vickrey auction (single unit auction) will be efficient i.e. will put the goods in the hands of the buyers that value them most. However, the conclusion from this paper is that because of overvaluation of bidders the main result is inefficient, i.e. bids are too high. When weak and strong bidders are compared the main conclusion is that strong bidders’ expected payoff is higher in second price auction (SPA), while weak bidder prefers first price auction (FPA) bid.
Remittance in Niger: effects on economic growth and on migrants’ left behind
Authors: Oumarou Issoufou 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Remittances have long been an important source of revenue for many people in the Republic of Niger. In order to fight poverty, young people choose to migrate. In 2019, a total of 293 million U.S. dollars was sent by migrants to their relatives in Niger; that is 3% of Niger Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of remittances on economic growth in Niger and the significance of its contribution in improving the living condition of migrants’ left behind families. The study applies a three-step econometric procedure followed by a survey on the usage of the remittances in the city of Tahoua (Republic of Niger). The study also performed some tests on the residuals for the accuracy of the prediction of the model. The empirical results showed no long run relationship between remittances, economic growth and gross fixed capital formation in Niger. However, in the short-run, the study revealed the existence of causal effect between remittances and economic growth. On the other hand, the results of the conducted survey in the city of Tahoua showed that 45.7% of the received remittance is used in food expenditure, 19.3% in education expenditure, 10.36% in health expenditure and 5.4% is allocated to house rent. The survey also revealed the importance of the remittances for the left behind. It indicates that 14% of the respondent left behind wish to see another family member engage in migration.
Misselling consumer awareness study – Circumstances surrounding the occurence of misselling
Authors: Martysz Czesław Bartłomiej , Rakowski Jan Piotr 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Misselling is the sale of financial services that do not meet the needs of consumers or in the manner or the way they are sold, which is not appropriate to the nature of those services. The first aim of this article is to characterise the misselling phenomenon and present the most important circumstances surrounding its occurrence. The second aim is to examine the level of consumers’ awareness and knowledge of misselling and to show way to protect against misselling, among which the most important postulate is to increase the level of consumers’ financial education. The promotion of financial education could improve consumers’ sense of security, improve the degree of adjustment of financial services to consumer requirements, strengthen the awareness of the assistance that consumers can receive from public institutions and positively contribute to the activity of Poles on the financial market.
Assessment of Antibody Titer and Lymphoid Organs Weight Following Newcastle Disease Vaccination and Feed-Supplementation of Vitamin-C, Probiotics and Antibiotic-Growth-Promoters in Japanese Quails
Authors: Meher Mirza Mienur , Jahan Nusrat , Afrin Marya 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease. This study was conducted to determine the antibody titer in Japanese quails following vaccination against ND and feed-supplementation with vitamin-C, probiotics and antibiotic-growth-promoters. Forty Japanese quails were equally grouped in four groups (A1 to A4) and were vaccinated by LaSota, B1, F and VG/GA strains, respectively, at the age of 10 days. Another forty Japenese quails were equally grouped in four groups (B1 to B4), were vaccinated with the vaccines of the previous groups that showed a higher effect, and were fed with mesh-feed (control-B1), supplemented with vitamin-C (B2), probiotics (B3), and antibiotic growth promoter (B4). Serum samples were obtained on 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age and were subjected to a hemagglutination inhibition test. The mean antibody titer (Log2) had no significant difference between groups A1-A4. The highest titers were recorded in A4 (6.20±0.37) and A3 (6.00±0.71). The mean titer was significantly different among the groups at 4 weeks, but insignificant in the other weeks of the supplemented groups. A higher mean titer was found between 8 and 10 weeks in group B2 (7.40±0.60) and B3 (7.20±0.58). The relative weights (gm/kg) of the spleen, thymus and bursa were significantly higher in group B3 (1.947±0.109, 5.951±0.312 and 2.624±0.083, respectively). They had no significant correlation with antibody titer at 12 weeks. In conclusion, vitamin-C and probiotic supplemented feeds can boost up the antibody titer against ND in Japanese quail when given during VG/GA strain vaccination.
Time-Dependent Testicular and Epididymal Damage in Rabbit Bucks Experimentally Infected with Trypanosoma Brucei Brucei
Authors: Adeyeye Adewale Ayodeji , Alayande Musbaudeen Olayinka , Adio Monsurat Bansima , Haliru Lauratu Lawal , Abdulrafiu Aliyu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study was designed to determine the progressive pathological changes in the testis and epididymis of rabbit bucks experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei (T. brucei). Fifteen local rabbit bucks were divided into 2 groups comprising 8 bucks in group A and 7 bucks in group B. Bucks in group A were infected intraperitoneally with approximately 1.0×106 of T. brucei while bucks in group B served as the uninfected control. The bucks were closely monitored for clinical signs of trypanosomosis from the time of infection till the end of the study. One buck from each group was humanely sacrificed on days 9, 19, 29 and 38 post-infection (pi) and its testis and epididymis were examined for pathological changes. At post mortem, no gross lesions were observed in the infected bucks except for adhesion of the testis and epididymis to the scrotum on days 29 and 38 pi. There were no histological changes in the testis and epididymis of the infected buck sacrificed on day 9 pi apart from mild depletion of the epididymal sperm reserve. The buck infected on day 19 pi had moderate testicular degeneration but the epididymis was devoid of sperm reserve. Severe testicular and epididymal degeneration was observed in the buck on days 29 and 38 pi. The testis and epididymis of bucks from the control group were normal with evidence of spermatogenic activities and full epididymal sperm reserve throughout. The study shows that infected bucks were unfit for breeding from day 19 pi.
Ecumenical Bridges between Orthodox and Catholic Sides: Comparison between Fratelli Tutti of Pope Francis and For the Life of the World. Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church Signed by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Authors: Bignotti Samuele 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A large part of Christians in the world have been involved in social topics by these two pastoral documents released by the Holy See and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Both documents bear the mark of the two Church Primates, Pope Francis and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who inspired them and who had already shown interest in themes such as human life, social theology, climate and ecumenism. This essay aims to offer an ecumenical common reading of the two recent documents, Fratelli Tutti and For the Life of the World. Toward a Social Ethos of the Ortho dox Church, considering the pastoral work of the two signatory Primates as authentic ecumenical bridges within the Christian world.
Interfaith Dialogue and Today’s Orthodoxy, from Confrontation to Dialogue
Authors: Kazarian Nicolas 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Orthodoxy has a long experience of cohabitation with other religions and Christian denominations. However, this experience has not always been a peaceful and easy one, especially when molded by the rise of nationalism during the second half of the 19th century and global geopolitical forces throughout the 20th century. A series of historical events, from Russia to the Middle East, from the Balkans to Central Europe, have shaped the Orthodox relationship to religious pluralism, redefining the religious landscape through movement of populations and migrations. These many conflicts and historical events have proved the multifaceted reality of Orthodoxy, from its role as a state religion, such as in Greece, and a majority religion, such as in Russia, to a minority religion with limited rights, such as in Turkey, or, more generally speaking, in the Middle East. It is in this very complex context that interfaith relations unfold, too often in a very violent and traumatic way.
Conversion as Transformation of the Heart: Guardini’s Existential Interpretation of Augustine’s Confessions
Authors: Ofm Jan Dominik Bogataj 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This paper studies Guardini’s perception of Augustine, especially in his two widely unknown books on Confessions: Die Bekehrung des heiligen Aurelius Augustinus (1935), and Anfang (1944), which are contrasted by the recently published Guardini lectures: Ewigkeit und Geschichte (1955/56 and 1961/62). The author discusses Guardini’s emphasis and fascination with Augustine’s conversion (cf. Conf. VIII), as it was relevant for his existential theology. Additionally, the text explores the Augustinian perception of the phenomenon of conversion by studying the passage from In evangelium Ioannis tractatus 53 (John 12:40), where Augustine delivers a beautiful synthesis about the conversion of the heart through grace: “Conversio gratia est” (Aug., In Io. tr. 53.11). It is hoped this study will evaluate Guardini’s doctrine about the conversion of the heart using the concrete example of Augustine and also replenish and enrich his interpretation by contrasting it to the broader Augustinian corpus.
Excessive Screen Media Exposure and Language Delay in the Development of Infants and Toddlers - Three Case Reports
Authors: Simonović Senka , Hinić Darko 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Early exposure to digital media has become an integral part of everyday life, which is frequently being reported as one of potential risk factors for a number of developmental disorders, including language development in infants and toddlers. The current article represents introduction to a research study which will be dealing with a potential link between the risk of language delay and excessive screen media time in children. With this in mind, we will present three case reports involving young children who experienced a language delay, but did not have any health problems diagnosed, nor did they have any of the physical high-risk factors for language and other developmental disorders detected. What these three children have in common is the fact that they were all excessively exposed to digital media during the first two years of life. The existing empirical findings suggest that different forms of digital content may be overstimulating for the developing brain, which is true both for active and background screen viewing. Moreover, screen time may be seen as a distraction from other more developmentally important activities. Keeping parents informed about a potential negative influence of prolonged media exposure can prompt parents to make informed decisions about whether and to what extent they will expose their children to digital media in the earliest period of their development.
An Empirical Investigation of the Relationship between Financial Development and Merchandise Trade in Nigeria
Authors: Adeboje Oluwafemi Mathew , Raifu Isiaka Akande , Ogbeide Frank I. , Orija Olusegun Abiola 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study examines the empirical relationship between financial development and merchandise trade in Nigeria using annual data from 1981 to 2014. The empirical analysis is also carried out on the disaggregated components of the trade, that is, merchandise export and import, for robust analysis. Estimation results based on error correction model show that there exists significant long run positive relationship between financial development and export in Nigeria over the period under study. There is need for government to therefore provide enabling environment for financial sector to thrive through sound macroeconomic policies for effective economic diversification through export.
Bank-Specific Variables and Banks’ Financial Soundness: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Salami Abdulai Agbaje , Uthman Ahmad Bukola , Sanni Mubaraq 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study examines the explanatory power of capital adequacy, asset quality, management soundness, earnings quality, liquidity and sensitivity to market risk (CAMELS) framework as well as a number of other variables on the financial soundness (measured by regulatory capital adequacy ratios) of banks in Nigeria. The findings, using ordinary least squared (OLS) regression subsequent to the establishment of no panel effects among the sampled banks, reveal the significant explanatory potentials of these bank-specific variables though some give a reversal of their prior expectations. Apart from reawakening the investors’ and depositors’ interest, the findings further have policy implications on the regulation and operation of these financial institutions. The study breaks new grounds in the measurement of capital adequacy using gross revenue ratio and leverage ratio, asset quality using income statement impairment charges for loan losses, and in the inclusion of the sensitivity to market risk most especially in the Nigerian context.
Identifying Higher Order Thinking Activation in English Textbook Mandated in Indonesian Senior High School
Authors: Misdi Misdi , Syukur Anton Muzaeni 
Published: June 2021

This paper aims at investigating factual phenomenon of higher order thinking as it reflected in the reading activities of “Bahasa Inggris SMA/MA XI”. Using theory of Bloom’s taxonomy, this study used the content analysis method to identify reading features specifically for their essay questions and exercises and tasks of the English textbook. The data of essay reading questions were collected by using coding checklist . Three categories of higher order thinking (analyze, evaluate, and create) are discovered while the distribution of the higher order thinking level is higher than the lower order thinking level. The findings reveals higher order thinking activation and activities in the reading exercises and tasks is unequal. It do, especially the create skills which pursued lower distribution es not provide treatment properly of the higher order thinking than the analyze skill and the evaluate skill Rather, this makes emphasis on the evaluate skills.