Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Synaptic and Morphological Basis of Orientation Selectivity in a Polyaxonal Amacrine Cell of the Rabbit Retina

Much of the computational power of the retina derives from the activity of amacrine cells, a large and diverse group of GABAergic and glycinergic inhibitory interneurons. Here, we identify an ON-type orientation-selective, wide-field, polyaxonal amacrine cell (PAC) in the rabbit retina and demonstrate how its orientation selectivity arises from the structure of the dendritic arbor and the pattern of excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Excitation from ON bipolar cells and inhibition arising from the OFF pathway converge to generate a quasi-linear integration of visual signals in the receptive field center. This serves to suppress responses to high spatial frequencies, thereby improving sensitivity to larger objects and enhancing orientation selectivity. Inhibition also regulates the magnitude and time course of excitatory inputs to this PAC through serial inhibitory connections onto the presynaptic terminals of ON bipolar cells. This presynaptic inhibition is driven by graded potentials within local microcircuits, similar in extent to the size of single bipolar cell receptive fields. Additional presynaptic inhibition is generated by spiking amacrine cells on a larger spatial scale covering several hundred microns. The orientation selectivity of this PAC may be a substrate for the inhibition that mediates orientation selectivity in some types of ganglion cells. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The retina comprises numerous excitatory and inhibitory circuits that encode specific features in the visual scene, such as orientation, contrast, or motion. Here, we identify a wide-field inhibitory neuron that responds to visual stimuli of a particular orientation, a feature selectivity that is primarily due to the elongated shape of the dendritic arbor. Integration of convergent excitatory and inhibitory inputs from the ON and OFF visual pathways suppress responses to small objects and fine textures, thus enhancing selectivity for larger objects. Feedback inhibition regulates the strength and speed of excitation on both local and wide-field spatial scales. This study demonstrates how different synaptic inputs are regulated to tune a neuron to respond to specific features in the visual scene.
Joint Exploration and Investment in Exhaustible Resource Exploitation

The exploration and investment decisions for a resource producing firm are largely irreversible, not now-or-never propositions, and have uncertain future payoffs. As such, we show that, for such decisions to proceed, the expected discounted future returns to these decisions must outweigh the associated total direct user costs plus their respective option values. We then analyse the changes in the firm value should it engage in any of the above decisions. The model solution will also give the activating thresholds or the optimal decision rule for choosing between decisions. Lastly we specify parameter values for the model and put the optimal decision rule into practice.
Feedback control schemes for gantry crane system incorporating payload

This paper presents theoretical investigations into the dynamic characterisation of a two dimensional gantry crane system. A dynamic model of the system is developed using Euler-Langrange formulation. Simulation exercises are performed in Matlab with three different control strategies; LQR, DFS and PD controllers and then the results are compared with uncontrolled system. To study the effects of payload weight on the response of the gantry crane system, the results are evaluated with different payload weight in the algorithm. Results achieved from simulation work are shown in time and frequency domains. Performance of the feedback controllers in minimizing the sway angle is examined in terms of time response specifications and magnitude of sway. Finally, a comparative assessment of different payload weight to the system performance is assessed and discussed.
The study of architecture students' learning styles and their relationships with gender, academic performance and duration of study in this discipline

The present paper focused on architecture students' learning styles based on Kolb's Experiential learning theory (ELT) and evaluated relationships between students' learning styles, degree of their academic achievement, gender, and duration of study in architecture. The present study aimed to see whether a dominant learning style can be outlined for architecture students in different studies on various disciplines. The present descriptive study was conducted according to a cross-sectional methodology in 2017. The statistical population included architecture students studying for BA courses at Babol Noshirvani University of Technology in Iran, among whom 85 students were selected as the sample. Kolb's learning style inventory (LSI) was used for data collection. Based on the results of this research, divergent, accommodating, assimilating and convergent styles were the architecture students' dominant learning styles, respectively. Furthermore, there was an unbalanced distribution of dispersed different learning styles as more than a half of the students' preferred divergent learning styles while divergent and accommodating styles in the half north of scatter plot generally covered more than 85% of the participants. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between the students' mean scores of learning style test at the end of the first to fourth years of study. It was found that there were significant relationships between male students' learning styles and their achievement in architecture education. Accordingly, male students with divergent learning styles had higher academic achievement in terms of their total grade point average, compared to that of assimilating and accommodating groups. Finally, there was a significant relationship between the students' academic performance and gender. In general, female students had better performance in architecture in terms of their total grade point average.
Contrasted Polymorphism Patterns in a Large Sample of Populations From the Evolutionary Genetics Model Drosophila simulans

African populations of Drosophila simulans are thought to be ancestral in this model species and are increasingly used for testing general hypotheses in evolutionary genetics. It is often assumed that African populations are more likely to be at a neutral mutation drift equilibrium than other populations. Here we examine population structuring and the demographic profile in nine populations of D. simulans. We surveyed sequence variation in four X-linked genes (runt, sevenless, Sex-lethal, and vermilion) that have been used in a parallel study in the closely related species D. melanogaster. We found that an eastern group of populations from continental Africa and Indian Ocean islands (Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Mayotte Island) is widespread, shows little differentiation, and has probably undergone demographic expansion. The other two African populations surveyed (Cameroon and Zimbabwe) show no evidence of population expansion and are markedly differentiated from each other as well as from the populations from the eastern group. Two other populations, Europe and Antilles, are probably recent invaders to these areas. The Antilles population is probably derived from Europe through a substantial bottleneck. The history of these populations should be taken into account when drawing general conclusions from variation patterns.
Sex differences in the genetic and environmental influences on the development of antisocial behavior

The present study uses a population-based sample of 6,806 adult twins from same-sex and opposite-sex twin pairs to examine sex differences in the underlying genetic and environmental architecture of the development of antisocial behavior (AB). Retrospective reports of AB during three different developmental periods were obtained: prior to age 15 years (childhood), age 15–17 years (adolescent), and age 18 years and older (adult). Structural equation modeling analyses revealed that there was no evidence for sex-specific genetic or sex-specific shared family environmental influences on the development of AB; that is, the types of genetic and environmental influence were similar for males and females. For both sexes, a model that allowed for genetic influences on adolescent and adult AB that were not shared with childhood AB fit better than a model with a single genetic factor. In contrast, shared environmental influences on adolescent and adult AB overlapped entirely with shared environmental influences on childhood AB. Genetic factors played a larger role in variation in childhood AB among females, whereas shared environmental factors played a larger role among males. However, heritability of AB increased from childhood to adolescence and adulthood for both sexes, and the magnitude of genetic and environmental influences on adolescent and adult AB was approximately equal across sex. We speculate that sex differences in timing of puberty may account for the earlier presence of genetic effects among females.
Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections: A Four-Year Surveillance Study (2009–2012)

The aims of this study were to assess the common bacterial microorganisms causing UTI and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in Bandar Abbas (Southern Iran) during a four-year period. In this retrospective study, samples with a colony count of ≥105 CFU/mL bacteria were considered positive; for these samples, the bacteria were identified, and the profile of antibiotic susceptibility was characterized. From the 19223 samples analyzed, 1513 (7.87%) were positive for bacterial infection. UTI was more frequent in male (54.9%). E. coli was reported the most common etiological agent of UTI (65.2%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (26%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3.6%), and Staphylococcus coagulase positive (3.7%). Results of antimicrobial susceptibility analysis for E. coli to commonly used antibiotics are as follows: Amikacin (79.7%), Ofloxacin (78.3%), Gentamicin (71.6%), Ceftriaxone (41.8), Cefotaxime (41.4%), and Cefixime (27.8%). Empirical antibiotic selection should be based on awareness of the local prevalence of bacterial organisms and antibiotic sensitivities rather than on universal or even national guidelines. In this study, Amikacin and Gentamicin were shown to be the most appropriate antibiotics for empiric therapy of pyelonephritis, but empirical therapy should only be done by specialist physicians in cases where it is necessary while considering sex and age of children.
The Clermont radiometric reference rocks: a convenient tool for dosimetric purposes

Boreholes drilled in 8 different rocks situated in the vicinity of the Clermont TL laboratory have been used for testing and calibrating methods devoted to measurement of natural radioactivity. The present paper gives updated data for the nuclide contents and internal dose rates for those reference media. Two examples of applicat ion are presented. The first example shows dose rate calibration of a scintillator gamma probe using a threshold method. The second example shows a routine technique for TL dosimetry, based on the rocks for dose rate reference.
Influence of Meta-cognitive Training and Cognitive Styles on Numeracy Achievement of Nigerian Pupils’ in Computer-mediated Classrooms

The study examined the effect of meta-cognitive training on field-dependent and field-independent primary schoolpupils’ knowledge of numeracy concepts. It also investigated the moderating effects of sex on meta-cognitivetraining of the two categories of learners on performance in numeracy. In addition, it investigated the moderatingeffects of sex on the outcome of meta-cognitive training of the two categories of learners’ in a computer-mediatedclassroom on retention of learned numeracy concept. These were with a view to providing information on howmeta-cognitive training affected numeracy achievement of Nigerian pupils' in computer-mediated classrooms. Thestudy adopted the pretest, posttest, control group experimental design. The study population comprised primaryschool pupils and the sample comprised 39 primary three pupils from two schools in two educational zones. Theschools were purposely selected because of availability of computer facilities in their schools. Three researchinstruments were used for this study namely: Meta-cognitive Training Manual (MCTM), Pupils’ Achievement Teston Numeracy (PATON) (response instrument) and One treatment instrument which is Computer NumeracyInstructional Package for Primary School Children (CNIP2SC) (stimulus instrument). Data obtained were analyzedusing descriptive and inferential statistics of Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results showed thatmeta-cognitive training had significant effect on performance of learned numeracy concepts of field-dependent andfield-independent learners’ (F = 11.16; p<0.05), sex had no significant effect on performance in numeracy betweenthe groups of learners (F = 0.14; p>0.05). It was also obtained that there was no moderating effect of sex on retentionof numeracy performance of the two categories of learners (F = 0.22; p >0.05).
Multilayered membrane-controlled microcapsules for controlled delivery of isoniazid

Background and the purpose of the study Layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition of polyelectrolytes (PEs) has received a great attention in the area of drug delivery due to its simplicity and versatility. This research was aimed to develop multilayered microcapsules through LbL deposition of chitosan (CHI) and sodium alginate (NaALG) and utilize them as vehicle for controlled delivery of isoniazid (INH). Methods CaCO3 particles, prepared by colloidal crystallization of CaCl2 and Na2CO3 solutions, were used as micro-templates for LbL deposition of CHI and NaALG. Subsequent to the deposition, templates were decomposed to obtain hollow microcapsules. Prepared microcapsules were subjected to physicochemical evaluations, drug release and stability studies. Results and major conclusion Though CaCO3 particles possessed a rough and irregular surface, prepared hollow microcapsules were spherical in shape, having smooth surface and regular thickness. Following deposition of each layer, alternating values of zeta potential were observed, indicating the formation of multilayered films. Microcapsules with 5 bilayers, i.e. (CHI/NaALG)5 provided 39% entrapment efficiency and exhibited a controlled release behavior, lasting up to 24 hrs. An improvement in drug release rate and stability profile of the formulation was observed by increasing the number of deposition steps and performing the crosslinking of polyelectrolytes. This study showed that the prepared formulation could promisingly be utilized as controlled delivery vehicle for INH.
Analyzing the Prospective Opportunities of Entrepreneurship Development for Youths Empowerment

Unemployment among youths, most especially graduates has reached an alarming rate in most of the developing countries including Nigeria. This is aside the fact that world economy is witnessing a downward trend in terms of job creation. It is for this reason that this paper addresses the issue of youth empowerment by examining the prospects of entrepreneurship development towards youth’s empowerment as a way of exposing Nigerian youths towards identifying entrepreneurial opportunities available to them most especially after completing University education. It is not an hidden fact that the available job opportunity is not enough for the continuously growing number of graduates from our tertiary institutions, hence the need to emphasise entrepreneurial skills serves as a better alternative forgone to get a sustainable job instead of chasing the shadow of applying for non-existing jobs. The paper therefore x-rayed the key elements that are crucial towards entrepreneurship drive for sustainable development especially in areas of youth empowerment. Doing this, the paper offers two way flow of exploring the prospective opportunities in Entrepreneurial opportunity discovery and creation as well as providing a model on how these entrepreneurial opportunities could be effectively and efficiently utilize for youth empowerment.
Reporting and Quoting: Functional Analyses of Logico-Semantic Relations of Clause Complex Citations

Citations are significant academically for establishing research backgrounds and justifying a research problem. In spite of the increasing studies on citations, limited studies have employed the Systemic Functional Linguistics in analysing citations. Therefore, this study explores the logico-semantic relations in citations with clause complexes, employing the ideational metafunction of the Functional Theory. The study adopted a purposeful sampling in selecting the literature review chapters of 20 PhD theses by EFL postgraduates in a public Malaysian university in two disciplines: Information Technology and Applied Linguistics. The findings revealed that citations were structured to realise two logico-semantic relations, mainly Expansion and Projection with several subcategories for each. A combination of Projection and Expansion was also used, which resulted in reclassifying the logico-semantic relations. The findings could present comprehensive descriptions of citations that could be pedagogically utilised for academic purposes. Keywords: academic writing; citations; expansion; projection; Systemic Functional Linguistics
AN EMPRICAL STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF OCCUPATIONAL STRESS AND ITâ€™S FFECT ON PERFORMANCE AT THE WORKPLACE OF SUPERMARKETS IN HYDERABAD

The research study reports the results on causes of occupational stress and its effect on the employee performance at the workplace of Supermarkets in Hyderabad. A survey of 200 employees consisting of 120 men and 80 women from the Supermarkets in around Hyderabad carried out to assess the nine independent stress causing factors Work Overload, Floor Manager, Role Ambiguity, Role Overload, Co-workers, Customer Behaviour and Satisfaction, Stock Handling, Shift System, Physiologicalfactors and its effect on employeesâ€™ Performance a dependent factor. The descriptive analysis, correlation techniques and parametric statistics like t-test carried out to arrive at the conclusions. To measure the reliability of the scale used in this study, and internal consistencies of the survey questionnaire, the reliability statistics Cronbachâ€™s alpha (C-Alpha) and Spearman-Brown Split-Half reliability were estimated. The overall C-Alpha value is 0.84 whereas the Spearman-Brown Split-Half static is 0.92. The C-Alpha values ranged from 0.70 to 0.82, for all the 9 independent and one dependent factor. The results of the study indicate that the medium level occupational stress exist at the workplace in general, effecting the performance moderately. Health-wise, some supermarkets employees developed musculoskeletal disorders, chronic neck and back pain, an effect of long sitting hours at work and some employee developed chronic leg pains due to mild varicose vein disorders may be because of long standings and women employees of the supermarkets are more prone towards the occupational stress than men and employees experience more stress during the first ten days of the month because of heavy purchasing. The authors believe there are very few studies reported on occupational stress in the area of supermarkets.
Selective Injection System into Hippocampus CA1 via Monitored Theta Oscillation

Methods of cell biology and electrophysiology using dissociated primary cultured neurons allow in vitro study of molecular functions; however, analysis of intact neuronal circuitry is often preferable. To investigate exogenous genes, viral vectors are most commonly injected using a pipette that is inserted from the top of the cortex. Although there are few reports that describe the success rate of injection in detail, it is sometimes difficult to locate the pipette tip accurately within the CA1 pyramidal cell layer because the pyramidal layer is only 0.1 mm thick. In the present study, we have developed a system to inject viral vectors accurately into the mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell layer using a stereotaxic injection system with simultaneous electrophysiological monitoring of theta oscillation. The pipette tip was positioned reliably based on integrated values of the theta oscillation in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell layer. This approach allows accurate injection of solutions and provides an efficient method of gene transfer using viral vectors into the hippocampus, which can be a useful tool for studies involving the molecular mechanisms of neuronal functions.
Building Models by Using Tableaux Extended by Equational Problems

The problem of model construction is known to be a very important one. An extension of semantic tableaux (that can also be applied to the matings and to the connection method) allowing the building of models in a systematic way is presented. This approach is diierent from the usual one in semantic tableaux, in which model construction is a by-product of refutation failures (and this only in very particular cases). In fact, we incorporate in the object level, reasoning usually done in an ad hoc manner in the meta-level. Some of the rules introduced by this extension are essentially new. The impossibility of simulating them by the standard tableaux rules and their necessity in extending the class of captured models is shown. These rules and the modiied classical ones are based on the use of equational problems. Equational problems are formulae containing only equalities and inequalities, connected by \and", \or" and quantiied in a particular way. The method preserves the refutational completeness of semantic tableaux. It subsumes in a simpler and more powerful framework other enhancements such as the incorporation of uniication. An algorithm for simultaneous search of refutations and models with extended semantic tableaux is given. One non trivial example is treated in detail. A model is built for an example in which resolution-based procedures (i. e. resolution with ordering strategies) fails to detect satissability. It is also shown that in some cases our method is able to decide satissable formulae with only innnite models. Finally, a natural extension to some modal logics is presented.
Using reinforcement learning for controlling an elastic web application hosting platform

In this paper, we propose and implement a control mechanism that interfaces with Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) or cloud providers to provision resources and manage instances of web applications in response to volatile and complex request patterns. We use reinforcement learning to orchestrate control actions such as provisioning servers and application placement to meet performance requirements and minimize ongoing costs. The mechanism is incorporated in a distributed, elastic hosting architecture that is evaluated using actual web applications running on resources from Amazon EC2.