Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Absolute stability of a heterogeneous semilinear dissipative parabolic PDE

We analyze absolute stability of the equilibrium solution of a semilinear dissipative parabolic PDE with a spatially varying nonlinearity that satisfies a given sector condition. Stability is shown based on Lyapunov analysis of the infinite-dimensional dynamics. The pertinent linear operators are expressed in terms of their infinite-dimensional matrix representations, some of which have a Toeplitz structure due to the spatial heterogeneity of the nonlinearity. The time derivative of the Lyapunov function is expressed as a sum of finite-dimensional expressions. The analysis is described in terms of finite-dimensional linear matrix inequalities (LMI). Sufficient conditions, in terms of a finite set of finite-dimensional LMI, are given to establish absolute stability. Numerical simulations are presented for a system with Dirichlet boundary conditions with spatially varying saturation nonlinearities.
Effects of stride frequency on mechanical power and energy expenditure of walking.

The energetics and mechanics of walking were investigated at different speeds, both at the freely chosen stride frequency (FCSF) and at imposed ones (up to +/- 40% of FCSF). Metabolic energy expenditure was minimized at FCSF for each speed. Motion analysis allowed to calculate: the mechanical internal work rate (Wint), needed to move the segments with respect to the body center of mass (bcm); the external work rate (Wext), necessary to move bcm in the environment; and the total work rate (Wtot), equal to Wint+Wext. Wtot explains the metabolic optimization only at high speeds, while Wext, differently from previously reported, displays minima which better predict FCSF at all speeds (exception made for 1.39 m.s-1). This is probably caused by an overestimation of Wint due to a more ballistic movement of the limbs at low speeds (and low frequencies). The tendency of Wext to increase at high frequencies is due to a persistent minimal vertical excursion of bcm (about 0.02 m, the "locomotory dead space"). While the match between mechanics and energetics (at FCSF and imposed frequencies) occurs to a certain extent, it could be improved by removing the methodological assumptions about the energy transfer between segments and by the possibility to account for the coactivation of antagonist muscles.
The Perception and Implementation of Challenging Instruction by Middle School Teachers

Current education policy and reform advocate for increasing the level of challenge in K–12 classrooms in order to maximize students’ learning and academic success. This study examined middle school teachers’ views about implementing challenging instruction while participating in a whole-school professional development initiative. A grounded theory analysis revealed teachers’ feelings about challenge, the pressures that affected their decision to implement challenging instruction, and teachers’ use of instructional practices to challenge students. Classroom observations were also analyzed to explore whether teachers’ comments were related to differences in their use of challenging instruction. Teachers perceived 19 different pressures related to implementing challenging instruction, with pressures from students the most common across all subject areas. Some teachers were able to resolve pressures from students by having conversations with students about challenge, providing emotional and motivational support, scaffolding students’ thinking, and increasing student autonomy. Implications for teachers’ practice and professional development are discussed.
Superconductivity in Hydrides Doped with Main Group Elements Under Pressure

Abstract A priori crystal structure prediction techniques have been used to explore the phase diagrams of hydrides of main group elements under pressure. A number of novel phases with the chemical formulas MHn, n > 1 and M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs; MHn, n > 2 and M= Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba; HnI with n > 1 and PH, PH2, PH3 have been predicted to be stable at pressures achievable in diamond anvil cells. The hydrogenic lattices within these phases display a number of structural motifs including H2δ− , H−, H−3 , as well as one-dimensional and three-dimensional extended structures. A wide range of superconducting critical temperatures, Tcs, are predicted for these hydrides. The mechanism of metallization and the propensity for superconductivity are dependent upon the structural motifs present in these phases, and in particular on their hydrogenic sublattices. Phases that are thermodynamically unstable, but dynamically stable, are accessible experimentally. The observed trends provide insight on how to design hydrides that are superconducting at high temperatures.
Epidemiology of Parvovirus and Corona Virus Infections in Dogs in Assam *

The canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine corona virus (CCV) infections were detected in faecal samples of 178 diarrhoeic dogs from Kamrup district of Assam by using sandwich ELISA. The prevalence rate of CPV and CCV infections were recorded as 25.25 and 19.28 percent, respectively with a mixed infection of 4.49 percent. Higher incidence of CPV and CCV infections were recorded in the age group of 4-6 months (41.86%) (signi cant, P<0.05) and 0-3 months (26.67%), respectively. Occurrence of CPV was recorded highest (signi cant, P<0.05) in pre monsoon (43.18%) followed by winter (34.62%). Breed wise variation of CPV was found signi cantly higher (P<0.05) in German spitz (45.95%) than other breeds. The season and breed wise variation of CCV infection was statistically non-signi cant. Similarly, sex wise variations of CPV and CCV were statistically non-signi cant. The CPV infection was recorded as 9.52 percent in vaccinated and 30.15 percent in unvaccinated dogs with case fatality rate of 17.78 percent.
Limits on the performance of RF-over-fiber links and their impact on device design

This paper is divided into two major parts. Following a brief introduction that establishes some definitions and assumptions, Section II updates our earlier study on the limits of the RF performance of optical links. Section III reviews progress since our 1997 review paper in the development of devices enabling link performance closer to these limits, including (but not limited to): 1) cascade lasers that permit broad-band direct modulation links with gain >0 dB; 2) injection-locked edge- and surface-emitting lasers at 1300 and 1550 nm with modulation frequency responses as great as 40 GHz; 3) modulators with improved performance, especially electroabsorption modulators that now have switching voltages as low as 0.36 V, or handle optical powers as great as 60 mW, or have bandwidths as great as 50 GHz (but not all three of these in one device yet); and 4) high-speed photodetectors with high saturation currents, e.g., a 20-GHz device with a saturation current of 90 mA and a 55-GHz device with saturation at 50 mA. We conclude in Section IV by summarizing the component developments necessary for higher performance RF-over-fiber links, i.e.: 1) semiconductor lasers (for direct modulation) that have higher slope efficiency and bandwidth and lower relative intensity noise (RIN) at reasonable bias current levels; 2) continuous wave (CW) lasers (for external modulation) with higher fiber-coupled power and lower RIN; 3) higher frequency lower loss external modulators with more linear transfer functions and lower V/sub /spl pi// that can withstand larger CW optical powers; and 4) photodetectors with higher responsivity and bandwidth that respond linearly even when illuminated by greater average optical powers.
Neonatal Mortality and Long-Term Outcome of Infants Born between 27 and 32 Weeks of Gestational Age in Breech Presentation: The EPIPAGE Cohort Study

Objective To determine whether breech presentation is an independent risk factor for neonatal morbidity, mortality, or long-term neurologic morbidity in very preterm infants. Design Prospective population-based cohort. Population Singletons infants without congenital malformations born from 27 to 32 completed weeks of gestation enrolled in France in 1997 in the EPIPAGE cohort. Methods The neonatal and long-term follow-up outcomes of preterm infants were compared between those in breech presentation and those in vertex presentation. The relation of fetal presentation with neonatal mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes was assessed using multiple logistic regression models. Results Among the 1518 infants alive at onset of labor included in this analysis (351 in breech presentation), 1392 were alive at discharge. Among those eligible to follow up and alive at 8 years, follow-up data were available for 1188 children. Neonatal mortality was significantly higher among breech than vertex infants (10.8% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.05). However the differences were not significant after controlling for potential confounders. Neonatal morbidity did not differ significantly according to fetal presentation. Severe cerebral palsy was less frequent in the group born in breech compared to vertex presentation but there was no difference after adjustment. There was no difference according to fetal presentation in cognitive deficiencies/learning disabilities or overall deficiencies. Conclusion Our data suggest that breech presentation is not an independent risk factor for neonatal mortality or long-term neurologic deficiencies among very preterm infants.
The GC Skew Index: A Measure of Genomic Compositional Asymmetry and the Degree of Replicational Selection

Circular bacterial chromosomes have highly polarized nucleotide composition in the two replichores, and this genomic strand asymmetry can be visualized using GC skew graphs. Here we propose and discuss the GC skew index (GCSI) for the quantification of genomic compositional skew, which combines a normalized measure of fast Fourier transform to capture the shape of the skew graph and Euclidean distance between the two vertices in a cumulative skew graph to represent the degree of skew. We calculated GCSI for all available bacterial genomes, and GCSI correlated well with the visibility of GC skew. This novel index is useful for estimating confidence levels for the prediction of replication origin and terminus by methods based on GC skew and for measuring the strength of replicational selection in a genome.
Delayed Cell Cycle Progression and Apoptosis Induced by Hemicellulase-Treated Agaricus blazei

We examined the effects of hemicellulase-treated Agaricus blazei (AB fraction H, ABH) on growth of several tumor cell lines. ABH inhibited the proliferation of some cell lines without cytotoxic effects. It markedly prolonged the S phase of the cell cycle. ABH also induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in different cell lines. However, it had no impact on the growth of other cell lines. ABH induced strong activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the cells in which it evoked apoptosis. On the other hand, ABH showed only a weak p38 activation effect in those cell lines in which it delayed cell cycle progression with little induction of apoptosis. However, p38 MAPK-specific inhibitor inhibited both ABH-induced effects, and ABH also caused apoptosis in the latter cells under conditions of high p38 MAPK activity induced by combined treatment with TNF-α. These results indicate that the responsiveness of p38 MAPK to ABH, which differs between cell lines, determines subsequent cellular responses on cell growth.
Interventional Radiology in the Management of Visceral Artery Pseudoaneurysms: A Review of Techniques and Embolic Materials

Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms occur mostly as a result of inflammation and trauma. Owing to high risk of rupture, they require early treatment to prevent lethal complications. Knowledge of the various approaches of embolization of pseudoaneurysms and different embolic materials used in the management of visceral artery pseudoaneurysms is essential for successful and safe embolization. We review and illustrate the endovascular, percutaneous and endoscopic ultrasound techniques used in the treatment of visceral artery pseudoaneurysm and briefly discuss the embolic materials and their benefits and risks.
Creativity in Men and Women: Threat, Other-Interest, and Self-Assessment

Previous research into gender and creativity has provided little evidence for consistent differences between men and women in creative performance. This research revisits this topic by proposing a person × situation approach, arguing that gender differences in creative performance only occur in certain contexts, but not others. Based on the assumption that men and women tend to differ in self versus other orientation, experimental instructions varied whether our participants’ (n = 169) creative efforts benefit the self or others, and whether creativity occurred under conditions of threat or not. In the absence of threat, women outperformed men in the originality of their creative efforts when the task was beneficial to others. This effect was eliminated in the presence of competitive threat. In contrast to some previous work, threat also increased creative performance under some circumstances. Results also revealed gender differences in self-assessment of creativity such that women seemed to be somewhat more attuned to the objective level of the originality of their creative performance than men. The discussion focuses on implications for research on gender differences in creativity, arguing that researchers must appreciate that gender differences in creativity, so far as they exist, are likely embedded in specific situational contexts.
A survey of image classification methods and techniques

In this paper, we review the current activity of image classification methodologies and techniques. Image classification is a complex process which depends upon various factors. Here, we discuss about the current techniques, problems as well as prospects of image classification. The main focus will be on advanced classification techniques which are used for improving classification accuracy. Additionally, some important issues relating to classification performance are also discussed.
EFFECTS OF HEMODIALYSIS DOSE ON ANEMIA, HYPERTENSION, AND NUTRITION

There is good evidence that by improving dialysis adequacy, morbidity, and mortality of hemodialysis (HD) patients decrease. Dialysis adequacy has also been related to the better control of arterial blood pressure (BP), anemia and improvement of patients' nutritional status. This is a self-control study of 34 HD patients, (23 males, 11 females), aged 52.6 ± 15.5 years, HD duration 55.9 ± 61.2 months, referring to the effect of increasing delivered dialysis dose, over a two-year period, on their clinical and laboratory parameters. Delivered HD dose increased statistically significantly: Urea reduction ratio (URR) increased from 52 ± 8 to 71 ± 7% and Kt/V from 0.93 ± 0.19 to 1.55 ± 0.29 (p<0.001). Hb increased statistically significantly from 10.4 ± 1.7 to 11.0 ± 1.3 g/dL (p<0.05) while no difference has been noticed in weekly EPO dose. Both systolic and diastolic BP decreased statistically significantly (from 147 ± 24 to 133 ± 25 mmHg and from 73 ± 12 to 66 ± 13 mmHg respectively, p = 0.001). Serum albumin increased from 4.3 ± 0.4 to 4.6 ± 0.3 g/dL (p = 0.002) and nPCR from 0.93 ± 0.16 to 1.20 ± 0.17 (p<0.001). We conclude that increasing dialysis dose results in both clinical and laboratory improvement regarding hypertension, nutritional status and control of HD patients' anemia.
A ten year statistical follow‐up of 1142 consecutive cases of cholesteatoma: The closed vs. The open technique

Cholesteatoma has long been a formidable adversary to the otologic surgeon. The surgical treatment has been basically by two methods, open and closed. It was felt that a study should be undertaken to compare the results obtained over a long period of time, utilizing these two methods. A need for this study existed as the same number of new cases of cholestentoma was presenting each year.
A Computational Trust Model for E-Commerce Systems: Concepts, Definitions and Evaluation Method

Trust is a complex and multidimensional concept, which plays a key role in the success of electronic commerce. Assessing trust, specifically in the beginning of a commercial relation and the formulation of trust in general is a complex and difficult task. The researchers are often focused on a specific context for trust formulation and the relevant literature does not clearly distinguish between the factors involving in trust decision making process. With the aim of providing a basis for computational trust models and by consolidating a large body of studied contexts in the trust literature, this paper first tries to present a conceptual trust model for electronic commerce. Four types of trust that are used in the conceptual trust model are as follows: (1) institutional trust, (2) technological trust, (3) trading party trust, and (4) propensity trust. Then, a computational trust model is proposed in which the agents involved in a commercial transaction can consult with a trust manager agent (TMA), which is considered in a distributed fashion in the network. The proposed model is capable of evaluating a broad range of trust contexts and has two main features: (1) trust is evaluated dynamically (i.e., a change in any of the trust’s parameters will result in the re-calculation of trust values) and (2) the proposed model is capable of making partial studies for the trust contexts presented in the conceptual model of trust. Finally, the proposed model is evaluated and the results are presented in this paper.
Physical Activity in Non-Frail and Frail Older Adults

Introduction Physical activity (PA) is important for healthy ageing. Better insight into objectively measured PA levels in older adults is needed, since most previous studies employed self-report measures for PA assessment, which are associated with overestimation of PA. Aim This study aimed to provide insight in objectively measured indoor and outdoor PA of older adults, and in PA differences by frailty levels. Methods Data were collected among non-frail (N = 74) and frail (N = 10) subjects, aged 65 to 89 years. PA, measured for seven days with accelerometers and GPS-devices, was categorized into three levels of intensity (sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous PA). Results Older adults spent most time in sedentary and light PA. Subjects spent 84.7%, 15.1% and 0.2% per day in sedentary, light and moderate-to-vigorous PA respectively. On average, older adults spent 9.8 (SD 23.7) minutes per week in moderate-to-vigorous activity, and 747.0 (SD 389.6) minutes per week in light activity. None of the subjects met the WHO recommendations of 150 weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA. Age-, sex- and health status-adjusted results revealed no differences in PA between non-frail and frail older adults. Subjects spent significantly more sedentary time at home, than not at home. Non-frail subjects spent significantly more time not at home during moderate-to-vigorous activities, than at home. Conclusions Objective assessment of PA in older adults revealed that most PA was of light intensity, and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA was very low. None of the older adults met the World Health Organization recommendations for PA. These levels of MVPA are much lower than generally reported based on self-reported PA. Future studies should employ objective methods, and age specific thresholds for healthy PA levels in older adults are needed. These results emphasize the need for effective strategies for healthy PA levels for the growing proportion of older adults.
Simultaneous Imaging and Functional Assessment of Cytoskeletal Protein Connections in Passively Loaded Single Muscle Cells

We describe a novel system that permits simultaneous confocal imaging of protein interactions and measurement of cell mechanical properties during passive loading. A mechanical apparatus was designed to replace the stage of a confocal microscope, enabling cell manipulation, force transduction, and imaging. In addition, image processing algorithms were developed to quantify the degree of connectivity between subcellular structures. Using this system, we examined the interactions among three cellular structures thought to be linked by the muscle's intermediate filament system: Z-disks, nuclei, and the costamere protein complexes located at the muscle cell surface. Fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) and autocorrelations (ACs) were implemented to quantify image periodicity and relative phase shifts among structures. We demonstrated in sample wild-type muscle cells that there was significant connectivity among Z-disks in the same fiber at various sarcomere lengths, as well as between Z-disks and the costamere complexes. This approach can be applied to any cell system in which structural periodicity and mechanical connectivity are of interest.
Sero-Prevalence Of Brucellosis In Goats And Community Awareness In Liban District Of Guji Zone, Oromia Regional State, Southern Ethiopia

Brucellosis is a contagious disease caused by bacteria of genus Brucella. In livestock, it is mainly a reproductive disease of the sexually mature animals with predilection site of placenta, fetal fluids and testes of male animals Wadood 2009. It has been recognized as a global problem of wild and domestic animals, especially cattle, sheep and goats Rijpens [1]. The disease is primarily an occupational risk in exposed professions, i.e. veterinarians, farmers, laboratory technicians, abattoir workers, and others who work with animals and their products. The primary source is the animal and infection is contracted either by direct or indirect contact through the skin or mucous membranes or ingestion of contaminated products, especially fresh dairy products. Pastoralists, especially women have direct contact while milking and helping ewes when deliver even with cases like aborted fetus of ewes and retained placenta which could increase the chance of infection with brucellosis Muhammed [2].
A generalized predictive analysis tool for multigrid methods

Multigrid and related multilevel methods are the approaches of choice for solving linear systems that result from discretization of a wide class of PDEs. A large gap, however, exists between the theoretical analysis of these algorithms and their actual performance. This paper focuses on the extension of the well‐known local mode (often local Fourier) analysis approach to a wider class of problems. The semi‐algebraic mode analysis (SAMA) proposed here couples standard local Fourier analysis approaches with algebraic computation to enable analysis of a wider class of problems, including those with strong advective character. The predictive nature of SAMA is demonstrated by applying it to the parabolic diffusion equation in one and two space dimensions, elliptic diffusion in layered media, as well as a two‐dimensional convection‐diffusion problem. These examples show that accounting for boundary conditions and heterogeneity enables accurate predictions of the short‐term and asymptotic convergence behavior for multigrid and related multilevel methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.