Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AN ANALYSIS OF FOOD SECURITY SITUATION AMONG NIGERIAN URBAN HOUSEHOLDS: EVIDENCE FROM LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA.

This paper presented the food security situation among urban households in Nigeria. Primary data were used in this study and these were obtained with a structured questionnaire. The households were randomly selected from 7 locations with the number selected proportionate to the size of each location. The analytical tools used include tables, percentages and food security incidence. The food insecurity incidence for the study area is 0.49. Food insecurity incidence increases with increase in age of household heads. It is highest when household heads are within the range of 61 – 70 years at 0.58 and least within range 21 –30 years at 0.30. Food insecurity incidence is higher in femaleheaded households at 0.49 than in male-headed households at 0.38. Food insecurity incidence decreases with increase in level of education. Food insecurity incidence is relatively low for those engaged in professional occupation and highest for traders. Food insecurity incidence is highest at 0.48 and lowest at 0.33 for the traders and unemployed respectively. Food insecurity incidence increases with increase in household size. This ranges between 0.27 and 1.00 for those households made up of 1-4 and greater than 12 members respectively. There is a decline in food insecurity incidence as income increases from 0.41 for the low-income group to 0.20 for the high-income group. On the basis of dependence ratio, food insecurity incidence increases with increase in dependency ratio. This increases from 0.30 for households with no dependence to 0.50 for households with greater than 1 dependency ratio.
Interactive geometry remeshing

We present a novel technique, both flexible and efficient, for interactive remeshing of irregular geometry. First, the original (arbitrary genus) mesh is substituted by a series of 2D maps in parameter space. Using these maps, our algorithm is then able to take advantage of established signal processing and halftoning tools that offer real-time interaction and intricate control. The user can easily combine these maps to create a control map --- a map which controls the sampling density over the surface patch. This map is then sampled at interactive rates allowing the user to easily design a tailored resampling. Once this sampling is complete, a Delaunay triangulation and fast optimization are performed to perfect the final mesh.As a result, our remeshing technique is extremely versatile and general, being able to produce arbitrarily complex meshes with a variety of properties including: uniformity, regularity, semi-regularity, curvature sensitive resampling, and feature preservation. We provide a high level of control over the sampling distribution allowing the user to interactively custom design the mesh based on their requirements thereby increasing their productivity in creating a wide variety of meshes.
Synchronization of Kuramoto Oscillators with Adaptive Couplings

We study the synchronization of Kuramoto oscillators with adaptive coupling in interacting networks. Network dynamics preserves the sum of all incoming pairwise coupling strengths and is designed to adaptively interact with system dynamics. For adaptive couplings, we use two adaptive coupling laws for the pairwise coupling strength. Kuramoto oscillators are assumed to be on the nodes of the networks. We present frameworks that guarantee the emergence of synchronization for various coupling feedback laws. Our results generalize earlier work on the synchronization of Kuramoto oscillators in fixed and symmetric networks.
Micropropagation of Stevia rebaudiana in temporary immersion systems as an alternative horticultural production method

Stevia rebaudiana, known as sweetleaf, produces a sweetener in its leaves due to the presence of steviol glycosides (stevioside and rebaudioside); however, its seed has germination problems, which is why various temporary immersion systems (TIS) have been studied for its production. The objectives of this study were to scale up the in vitro production of two S. rebaudiana cultivars using RITA®, BIT® and SETIS®, and to evaluate the production of biomass in the field. The studied cultivars were ‘Morita II’ and ‘Silvestre’. The production stages of both cultivars were: in vitro, liquid medium (with three TIS: RITA®, BIT® and SETIS®), greenhouse and finally they were taken to the field. In each TIS, five different media were evaluated, varying in each one the concentrations of sucrose, calcium pantothenate and gibberellic acid. The treatments produced vigorous plants, a greater number of leaves and shoots, and a higher multiplication rate. Both cultivars had greater stem length in BIT. Under this same system ‘Morita II’ produced eight shoots per plant, while in SETIS only three. ‘Silvestre’ had two shoots per plant with the two TIS. In both cultivars, regardless of the TIS, greenhouse survival and foliage production in the field were very similar. Therefore, the selection of the material should be based on the content of steviosides and the adaptation of the cultivar to the planting site. All TIS evaluated allowed scaling-up plant production, and both materials are promising for planting.
The Causal Foundations of Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract : The role of causality in SEM research is widely perceived to be, on the one hand, of pivotal methodological importance and, on the other hand, confusing, enigmatic and controversial. The confusion is vividly portrayed, for example, in the influential report of Wilkinson and Task Force s (1999) on Statistical Methods in Psychology Journals: Guidelines and Explanations. In discussing SEM, the report starts with the usual warning: It is sometimes thought that correlation does not prove causation but causal modeling does. [Wrong! There are] dangers in this practice. But then ends with a startling conclusion: The use of complicated causal-modeling software [read SEM] rarely yields any results that have any interpretation as causal effects. The implication being that the entire enterprise of causal modeling, from Sewell Wright (1921) to Blalock (1964) and Duncan (1975), the entire literature in econometric research, including modern advances in graphical and nonparametric structural models have all been misguided, for they have been chasing parameters that have no causal interpretation.
Introduction to automata theory, languages, and computation, 2nd edition

In the preface from the 1979 predecessor to thOR book, Hopcroft and U11man marveled at the fact that the subject of automata had exploded, compared with its state at the time they wrote their first book, in 1969. Truly, the 1979 book contained many topics not found in the earlier work and was about twice its size. If you compare this book with the 1979 book, you will find that, like the automobiles of the 1970's, this book is "larger on the outside, but smaller on the inside. " That sounds like a retrograde step, but we are happy with the changes for several reasons. First, in 1979, automata and language theory was still an area of active research. A purpose of that book was to encourage mathematically inclined students to make new contributions to the field. Today, there is little direct research in automata theory (as opposed to its applications), and thus little motivation for us to ret~n the succinct, highly mathematical tone of the 1979 book. Second, the role of automata and language theory has changed over the past two decades. In 1979, automata was largely a graduate-level subject, and we imagined our reader was an advanced graduate student, especially those using the later chapters of the book. Today, the subject is a staple of the undergraduate curriculum. As such, the content of the book must assllme less in the way of prerequisites from the student, and therefore must provide more of the background and details of arg~lments than did the earlier book. A third change in the environment is that Computer Science has grown to an xlmost uvimagin-able degree in the past two decades. While in 1979 it was often a challenge to 61] up a curriculum with material that we felt would survive the next wave of technology, today very many subdisci-plines compete for the limited amount of space in the undergraduate curriculum. Fourthly, CS has become a more vocational subject, and there is a severe pragmatism among many of its students. We continue to believe that aspects of automata theory are essential tools in a variety of new disciplines, and we believe that the theoretical, mind-expanding exercises embodied in the typical automata course retain their value, no matter how much the student prefers to learn ouly the most imrn_ ediately monetizable technology. However, to assure a continued place for the subject on the menu of topics …
A gcss model intercomparison for a tropical squall line observed during toga‐coare. I: Cloud‐resolving models

Results from eight cloud‐resolving models are compared for the first time for the case of an oceanic tropical squall line observed during the Tropical Ocean/Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean‐Atmosphere Response Experiment. There is broad agreement between all the models in describing the overall structure and propagation of the squall line and some quantitative agreement in the evolution of rainfall. There is also a more qualitative agreement between the models in describing the vertical structure of the apparent heat and moisture sources.
Hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica in normal and diabetic rats

Background: Trichosanthes dioica is used to treat diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, alopecia, and skin disease in folklore medicine. The leaf extract of the plant is used in diabetes mellitus but there have been no scientific studies reported. Aims: To study the effect of Trichosanthes dioica on serum glucose level in glucose loaded, normal and hyperglycemic rats. Settings: Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India. Design: Experimental. Materials and Methods: The aqueous extract of leaves of Trichosanthes dioica are compared with glibeclamide for their influence on fasting blood sugar in glucose loaded, normoglycemic and streptozotocin induced (45 mg/kg ip) hyperglycemic rats. Statistical Analysis: The data was analyzed by one way ANOVA followed by Scheffe's post hoc test. Results: In glucose loaded rats, normal rats and hyperglycemic rats the aqueous extract at both the doses (800 mg/kg/p.o and 1600 mg/kg/p.o) reduced blood glucose significantly when compared to control but it was not as effective as glibenclamide. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica has antihyperglycemic action.
A Comparative Analysis of Media Lengua and Quichua Vowel Production

Abstract This study presents a comparative analysis of F1 and F2 vowel frequencies from Pijal Media Lengua (PML) and Imbabura Quichua. Mixed-effects models are used to test Spanish-derived high and low vowels against their Quichua-derived counterparts for statistical significance. Spanish-derived and Quichua-derived high vowels are also tested against Spanish-derived mid vowels. This analysis suggests that PML may be manipulating as many as eight vowels where Spanishderived high and low vowels coexist as near-mergers with their Quichua-derived counterparts, while high and mid vowels coexist with partial overlap. Quichua, traditionally viewed as a three-vowel system, shows similar results and may be manipulating as many as six vowels.
Predictors of non-condom use intentions by university students in Britain and Greece: The impact of attitudes, time perspective, relationship status, and habit

Objective: This study investigated the impact of socio-cognitive factors (attitudes and norms), time perspective (TP), relationship status (RS), and past sexual behaviour on intended non-condom use in 104 Greek and 93 British university undergraduates. Method: Data were obtained by a self-report questionnaire. Data analysis included correlation, regression and ANOVA procedures. Results: Attitudes were the strongest predictors of non-condom use intentions for participants who had casual relationships or were single (i.e. unstable relationship context), and past behaviour was the strongest predictor of non-condom use intentions for those who perceived themselves to be in an exclusive relationship (i.e. stable relationship context). Past behaviour was the strongest predictorof intended non-condom use in relation to all the variables of this study. TP managed to predict non-condom use intentions and moderate the attitudes-intentions relationship. In terms of temporal influences, participants high in fatalistic TP were strongly inclined not to use condoms, irrespective of their attitudes, but TP did not differ as a function of culture. Conclusions: Our data revealed the value of considering the combined effects of relationship status, habit and attitudes, when investigating undergraduate non-condom use intentions and designing interventions. The construct of TP was introduced as a meaningful addition to sexual risk research.
Cardiovascular Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa

“I speak of Africa and golden joys. ” — —Shakespeare, Henry IV part 2 “The wind of change is blowing through this continent. ” — —Harold McMillan, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Open your eyes to Africa. It is big, complex and confounding,” says the British Medical Journal of October 1, 2005.1 It has some of world’s richest natural resources in minerals and oil. Yet 34 of the world’s 41 indebted poor countries are in Africa, and only 37% of Africa’s children attend secondary school. Africa, with one sixth of the world’s population, accounts for one fiftieth of the global trade. We also read of wars, civil disturbances, and devastating chronic diseases such as malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The problems seem insuperable. “Who takes responsibility for Zimbabwe? ” asked The Lancet in despair in a recent editorial.2 Why is the focus of the present series of articles on Africa in this issue of Circulation on sub-Saharan Africa? Linguistic maps of Africa show that the Sahara divides northern peri-Mediterranean Africa and some adjoining areas from sub-Saharan Africa. The language of the north is Hamito-Semitic and Arab, whereas the sub-Saharan is covered almost entirely by the Niger-Congo Bantu languages, with 2 exceptions: the Khoisan language in the Kalahari desert, lying in what is now Namibia and Botswana, and parts of South Africa in which the Indo-European languages are prominent. Thus, Sub-Saharan Africa differs linguistically and culturally from Northern Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa is also the putative cradle of humankind (Figure). Linguistic map of Africa, showing the marked division between the northern and sub-Saharan areas. Upward arrows indicate possible evolution of humankind, from the sites in South Africa and elsewhere as hominids about 3 million years ago, then from the East African site as Homo sapiens about 160 000 years ago. The …
Stiffness to Weight Ratio of Various Mechanical and Thermal Loaded Hyper Composite Plate Structures

In this study, several models of the rocket fins were made of hyper composite materials (with two or more reinforced materials) with different volume fractions of components used to produce isotropic composite plate structures. The reinforcement of polyester resin material was done in two ways, with fibre reinforcement and powder reinforcement. The types of fibresthat used were chopped glass fibre and chopped carbon fibre, and the type of powder used was carbon powder. A concentrated load was applied to the models in the form of a cantilever plate. The effect of adding carbon powder on the stiffness to weight ratio and the effect of temperature on this stiffness to weight ratio were studied and discussed. It was observed that hybridization improves the properties of composite materials at certainspecific volume fractions of carbon powder. The best percentage of improvement of the value of stiffness was69.87% in a specimenmade of 50% polyester, 30% glass fibres, and 20% carbon powderin terms of models reinforced with glass fibres, while for models reinforced with carbon fibres, it was 79.94% in the model made of 60% polyester, 30% carbon fibre, and 10% carbon powder. In addition, the results showed that an increase in temperature leads to a decrease in the stiffness to weight ratio for all models. The smallest effect of temperature on the stiffness to weight ratio was shown in the sample composed of 50% polyester, 30% glass fibres, and 20% carbon powder, at 45.83% for the models reinforced with chopped glass fibres, and in the model made of 60% polyester, 20% carbon fibres, and 20% carbon powder at 57.54% for models reinforced with carbon fibres.
VALVULAR AND STRUCTURAL HEART DISEASES Original Studies Predictors of an Optimal Clinical Outcome with Alcohol Septal Ablation for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Background: Alcohol septal ablation has emerged as a therapy for patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, there are limited data on the predictors of success with the procedure. Methods: We examined patient characteristics and cardiac morphology as well as procedural data on 166 HCM patients (mean age, 63 years; 43% men), who underwent ablation at Mayo Clinic. Patients were contacted to determine vital status and symptoms to assess the primary endpoint of survival free of death and severe symptoms (New York Heart Association, class III or IV dyspnea). Results: The strongest patient characteristics that predicted clinical success were older age, less severe left ventricular outflow tract gradient, lesser ventricular septal hypertrophy, and a smaller left anterior descending (LAD) diameter. Mitral valve geometry or ventricular septal morphology did not predict outcome. Patients with 3 characteristics (age 65 years, gradient <100 mmHg, septal hypertrophy 18 mm, LAD diameter <4.0 mm) had superior 4-year survival free of death and severe symptoms (90.4%) in comparison to those with two characteristics (81.6%) and 1 characteristic (57.5%). Case volume with >50 patients was an independent predictor of survival free of severe symptoms. The volume of alcohol injected, number of arteries injected, or size of septal perforator artery were not predictive of clinical success. Conclusions: Greater case volume and selection for key patient and anatomic characteristics are associated with superior outcomes with alcohol septal ablation. VC 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Requirement of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors for amyloid beta protein‐induced depression of hippocampal long‐term potentiation in CA1 region of rats in vivo

The high density of senile plaques with amyloid beta protein (Aβ) and the loss of cholinergic neurons in the brain are the dominated pathological characteristics of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the active center of Aβ, especially the cholinergic mechanism underlying the Aβ neurotoxicity, is mostly unknown. This study examined the effects of different Aβ fragments on hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) and investigated its probable α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mechanism. The results show that: (1) intracerebroventicular injection of Aβ25–35 or Aβ31–35 significantly and similarly suppressed hippocampal LTP in CA1 region in rats; (2) choline, a selective α7 nAChR agonist, did not affect the LTP induction but enhanced LTP suppression induced by Aβ31–35; and (3) methyllycaconitine, a specific α7 nAChR antagonist, slightly suppressed hippocamal LTP but effectively prevented against Aβ31–35‐induced LTP depression in the presence of Aβ31–35. These results indicate that: (1) the amino acid sequence 31–35 of the Aβ peptide might be a shorter active sequence in the full length molecule; (2) α7 nAChRs are required for the Aβ‐induced suppression of hippocampal LTP. Thus, this study not only provides a new insight into the mechanism by which Aβ impairs synaptic plasticity but also strongly suggests that sequence 31–35 in Aβ molecule and α7 nAChRs in the brain might be potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of AD. Synapse 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long term variability of Cygnus X-1 - III. Radio–X-ray correlations

Long time scale radio-X-ray correlations in black holes during the hard state have been found in many sources and there seems to emerge a universal underlying relationship which quantitatively describes this behavior. Although it would appear only natural to detect short term emission patterns in the X-ray and - with a certain time lag - in the radio, there has been little evidence for this up to now. The most prominent source for radio-X-ray correlations on short time scales (minutes) so far remains GRS 1915+105 where a single mass ejection could be detected successively in X-ray, IR, and radio wavebands. We analyze a database of more than 4 years of simultaneous radio-X-ray data for Cygnus X-1 from the Ryle Telescope and RXTE PCA/HEXTE. We confirm the existence of a radio-X-ray correlation on long time scales, especially at hard energies. We show that apparent correlations on short time scales in the lightcurves of Cygnus X-1 are most likely the coincidental outcome of white noise statistics. Interpreting this result as a breakdown of radio-X-ray correlations on shorter time scales, this sets a limit to the speed of the jet.
Heat treatment of electron beam melted (EBM) Ti-6Al-4V: microstructure to mechanical property correlations

Purpose The paper presents a wide range of post processing heat treatment cycles performed to Electron Beam Melted (EBM) Ti6Al4V alloy and establishes correlations of heat treat process to microstructure and mechanical property (microhardness). The research also identifies the optimal heat treatment to obtain the best microstructure and mechanical properties (hardness and tensile). Design/methodology/approach Rectangular bars fabricated using EBM was used to study the different heat treatment cycles. A variety of heat treatments from sub s-transus, super s-transus, near s-transus and solution aircool plus ageing were designed. After the heat treatment process, the samples were analysed for, α lath width, prior s grain size, microhardness and nanohardness. Tensile tests were done for the heat treated samples showing most refined α lath structure with uniform globular grains. Findings A clear correlation was observed between α lath width and the microhardness values. The solution aircooled plus aged samples exhibited the best refinement in α-s morphology with uniform equiaxed grains. The tensile properties of the solution aircooled plus aged samples were comparable to that of the EBM printed samples and better than ASTMF1472 specifications. Originality/value There is hardly any prior work related to post processing heat treatment of EBM built Ti6Al4V other than HIP treatments. The variety of heat treatment cycles and its influence in microstructure and properties, studied in this research, gives a clear understanding on how to tailor final microstructures and select the optimal heat treatment process.