Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Germination Conditions, Grading and Storage of Teak ( Tectona grandis Linn. F.) Drupes on the Germination Parameters

The effect of raised nursery beds, root trainers using potting mixture as the medium and plastic trays using sand as the medium were studied on the germination of Teak drupes graded into 9-12 mm, 12-15 mm, and 15-18 mm size obtained from two different plantations of Nilambur Forest Division, Kerala. The effect of storage of teak drupes of different size grades for one year was also studied. Highest germination was obtained in nursery bed while the lowest was in sand under laboratory conditions. 15-18 mm drupes sown in nursery bed resulted in the highest germination percentage of 83.4 and germination value of 0.027 in Chathamparai plantation. The mean germination percentage and germination value of Cherupuzha plantation decreased from 38 and 0.039 to 3 and 0.015 respectively at the end of storage for one year. The effect of drupe size and the interaction between storage and drupe size on the storage life was not significant. The 15-18 mm size grade drupes of Cherupuzha plantation had 52% germination, which decreased with decrease in drupe size. The germination value did not vary with drupe size. The present study has shown that teak drupes germinate better in nursery bed compared to root trainers and sand medium. Storage for one year resulted in 91 per cent reduction in germination percentage. Largest germination percentage could be obtained by using 15-18 mm size grade drupes.
A Review of Content Based Image Classification using Machine Learning Approach

Image classification is vital field of research in computer vision. Increasing rate of multimedia data, remote sensing and web photo gallery need a category of different image for the proper retrieval of user. Various researchers apply different approach for image classification such as segmentation, clustering and some machine learning approach for the classification of image. Content of image such as color, texture and shape and size plays an important role in semantic image classification. but the proper selection of feature are challenging task of classification, so various authors apply some machine learning approach for image classification such as decision tree, RBF network, Markova model and support vector machine. In this paper we review of machine learning approach for image classification.
Final Report 02-ERD-033: Rapid Resolidification of Metals using Dynamic Compression

The purpose of this project is to develop a greater understanding of the kinetics involved during a liquid-solid phase transition occurring at high pressure and temperature. Kinetic limitations are known to play a large role in the dynamics of solidification at low temperatures, determining, e.g., whether a material crystallizes upon freezing or becomes an amorphous solid. The role of kinetics is not at all understood in transitions at high temperature when extreme pressures are involved. In order to investigate time scales during a dynamic compression experiment we needed to create an ability to alter the length of time spent by the sample in the transition region. Traditionally, the extreme high-pressure phase diagram is studied through a few static and dynamic techniques: static compression involving diamond anvil cells (DAC) [1], shock compression [2, 3], and quasi-isentropic compression [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. Static DAC experiments explore equilibrium material properties along an isotherm or an isobar [1]. Dynamic material properties can be explored with shock compression [2, 3], probing single states on the Hugoniot, or with quasi-isentropic compression [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. In the case of shocks, pressures variation typically occurs on a sub-nanosecond time scale ormore » faster [11]. Previous quasi-isentropic techniques have yielded pressure ramps on the 10-100 nanosecond time-scale for samples that are several hundred microns thick [4, 5, 6, 7]. In order to understand kinetic effects at high temperatures and high pressures, we need to span a large dynamic range (strain rates, relaxation times, etc.) as well as control the thermodynamic path that the material experiences. Compression rates, for instance, need to bridge those of static experiments (seconds to hours) and those of the Z-accelerator (10{sup 6} s{sup -1}) [4] or even laser ablation techniques (10{sup 6} s{sup -1} to 10{sup 8} s{sup -1}) [7]. Here, we present a new technique that both extends the compression time to several microseconds and makes accessible states beyond the principal Hugoniot and isentrope. The strain rate in these quasi-isentropic compression experiments vary from 10{sup 4} - 10{sup 6} s{sup -1}, effectively bridging the gap between static compression and previous quasi-isentropic compression techniques [4, 7]. The primary deliverable associated with this LDRD-ER is the creation a new experimental capability for the lab: the ability to control pressure and temperature loading rates in a dynamic compression experiment by using functionally graded impactors in the light gas gun facility. The new capability will enable dynamic experiments exploring a broader area of pressure and temperature phase space, ultimately enabling further experiments on the kinetics of phase transitions at high temperature and pressure. Using our unique arbitrary-density graded impactors, scientists can now investigate various aspects of the solidification phase transition including (a) time scale, (b) loading rate dependence and (c) sample size effects. « less
Lecithin-based oil-in-water microemulsions for parenteral use: pseudoternary phase diagrams, characterization and toxicity studies.

Pseudoternary phase diagrams have been constructed to evaluate the phase behavior of systems containing water/lecithin/polysorbate 80/isopropyl myristate at different polysorbate 80:lecithin weight ratios (K(m)). Oil-in-water microemulsion regions were accurately determined and the influence of the K(m) on the area of existence of such disperse systems was also examined. Viscosity studies as well as particle size analysis by dynamic light scattering were carried out on oil-water microemulsions, and the influence of the oil phase content, the total amount of surfactants and K(m) on the rheological behavior, viscosity, and droplet size of such disperse systems was evaluated. All systems studied showed a water-rich isotrope region (oil-in-water microemulsion area), that was seen to be highly dependent upon the surfactant/cosurfactant weight ratio. Most of the microemulsions analyzed showed a non-Newtonian rheological behavior and both, droplet size, and viscosity of the disperse systems, were found to be much more influenced by the total content of oil phase and surfactants present in the microemulsion than by the K(m). The selected system underwent both stability and in vivo acute toxicity studies, and seemed to be highly stable, even at extreme conditions, and very low toxic according to the results obtained.
Noise in Schools: A Holistic Approach to the Issue

Much of the research evidence relating to the physical learning environment of schools is inconclusive, contradictory or incomplete. Nevertheless, within this confusing area, research from a number of disciplines, using a range of methodologies, points to the negative impact of noise on students’ learning. In this paper, drawing on our systematic review of learning environments we review the weight of evidence in relation to noise, considering what implications the results of these studies have for the design and use of learning spaces in schools. We make four key points. Firstly that noise over a given level does appear to have a negative impact on learning. Secondly that beneath these levels noise may or may not be problematic, depending on the social, cultural and pedagogical expectations of the students and teachers. Thirdly we argue that when noise is deemed to be a difficulty, this finding cannot simply be translated into design prescriptions. The reasons for this indeterminacy include differing understandings of the routes through which noise produces learning deficits, as well as relationships between noise and other elements of the environment, particularly the impacts of physical solutions to noise problems. Finally, we suggest that solutions to noise problems will not be produced by viewing noise in isolation, or even as part of the physical environment, but through participatory approaches to understanding and adapting the structure, organisation and use of learning spaces in schools.
A physician’s guide to talking about end-of-life care

A large majority of patients and close family members are interested in discussing end-of-life issues with their physician. Most expect their physician to initiate such dialogue. End-of-life discussions, however, must go beyond the narrow focus of resuscitation. Instead, such discussions should address the broad array of concerns shared by most dying patients and families: fears about dying, understanding prognosis, achieving important end-of-life goals, and attending to physical needs. Good communication can facilitate the development of a comprehensive treatment plan that is medically sound and concordant with the patient’s wishes and values. This paper presents a practical 4-step approach to conducting end-of-life discussions with patients and their families: (1) Initiating Discussion, (2) Clarifying Prognosis, (3) Identifying End-of-Life Goals, and (4) Developing a Treatment Plan. By following these 4 steps, communication can be enhanced, fears allayed, pain and suffering minimized, and most end-of-life issues resolved comfortably, without conflict.
Fertility Rates in Young Korean Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Chemotherapy

Purpose Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists have been used with adjuvant chemotherapy to protect ovarian function. However, there are no data on the actual pregnancy rates among young breast cancer patients receiving GnRH agonists and concurrent chemotherapy in Korea. Methods Among patients who underwent surgery from January 2002 to April 2012, premenopausal patients aged between 20 and 40 years were included in the analysis. We retrospectively reviewed clinicopathologic features (e.g., age, obstetric and menstruation history), recurrence, and survival status. The rate of resumption of menstruation was calculated in all patients. In the married group, pregnancy and delivery rates were also recorded. Results Among 101 patients, 19 were lost to follow-up and 82 were eligible for the analysis. Among them, 31 were married, 10 of 51 got married, and 41 remained unmarried through the follow-up period. Among the married patients, 15 became pregnant and gave birth to 19 babies, whereas 26 did not become pregnant. The pregnancy rate in the married group was 50.0% (15/30). Three of 15 pregnancies (20.0%) were multiparous. Most of the delivered babies were healthy and 80.0% of patients had no problems breastfeeding (12/15). More than half the patients in all groups recovered menstrual status within 12 months. Conclusion Fifty percent of young breast cancer patients who attempted pregnancy succeeded in pregnancy after adjuvant chemotherapy and GnRH agonists. Further studies that include control groups are required to confirm whether the use of GnRH agonists improves pregnancy.
Initiation of Strike‐Slip Faults, Serpentinization, and Methane: The Nootka Fault Zone, the Juan de Fuca‐Explorer Plate Boundary

The Nootka fault zone is a ridge‐trench‐trench transform fault that was initiated ~4 Ma when the Explorer ridge became independent of the Juan de Fuca ridge. Multibeam data around the fault zone and a compilation of several seismic reflection surveys provide insight into initiation of strike‐slip faults. Previous interpretations assumed that the two faults seen cutting the seafloor are subparallel to shear between the Explorer and Juan de Fuca plates and formed instantaneously at 4 Ma. Increased data density shows that these faults are subparallel to seafloor magnetic anomalies and appear to have utilized extensional faults formed at the ridge. They are surrounded by numerous buried steeply dipping, small‐offset growth faults; at least some of which are likely still active. Our observations corroborate analogue models of strike‐slip fault initiation that predict formation of Riedel‐like shears within a zone of faulting and that displacement localizes over time. The existence of several long subparallel faults and a very wide zone of faulting has been predicted by models of distributed shear at depth. Along the Nootka fault zone basement has risen by several hundred meters and bright reversed‐polarity reflectors some of which are interpreted to be methane hydrate reflectors are common. Hydration, likely as serpentinization, of the upper mantle could explain both sets of observations: Serpentinization can result in a 30–50% volume expansion and methane is observed in vents driven by this process. Biogenic sources of methane are likely to be present and concentrated by currently active fluid flow in the faulted sediments.
VPPET: Virtual platform power and energy estimation tool for heterogeneous MPSoC based FPGA platforms

Using low-power symmetric multi-cores on FPGAs are becoming ubiquitous in embedded computing. This is due to the emergence of power and energy as key design metrics, as important as performance. This leads to the requirement of powerful and reliable tools, which will be used for the Design Space Exploration (DSE) based on power and energy at an early stage of the design flow. In this paper, we propose a simulation based virtual platform power and energy estimation tool for heterogeneous Multiprocessor System-on-Chip (MPSoC) based platforms. There are two steps involved in this tool development. The first step is power model generation. For the power model development, we used functional parameters to set up generic power models for different parts of the system. This is a one-time activity. In the second step, a simulation based virtual platform framework is developed to accurately grab the activities used in the related power models generated in the first step. The combination of the two steps leads to a hybrid power estimation, which gives a better trade-off between accuracy and speed. The proposed tool is automated and also scalable for exploring complex embedded multi-core architectures. The efficiency of the proposed tool is validated through multi-cores/processors designed around the FPGAs and extended to accommodate futuristic multi-processors/cores for a reliable energy based DSE. The obtained power/energy estimation results provide less than 4% of error for single core processor, 8% for dual-core processor and 9% for heterogeneous MPSoC based systems when compared to real board measurements.
Nursing home-acquired pneumonia: a 10 year single-centre experience

Background Pneumonia among nursing home (NH) residents has increased considerably in recent years, but it remains unclear whether it should be considered as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or a new category of infection. Methods 150 consecutive cases of NH-acquired pneumonia (NHAP) (from 1 February 1997 to 1 July 2007) were analysed. Results Patients (median age, 82 years; range, 77–87 years) showed numerous co-morbidities, (neurological, 55%; pulmonary, 38%; cardiac, 35%) and severe disability for daily activities (partial, 32%; total, 31%). Cases of NHAP were mainly classified as mild to moderate according to the CRB-65 score (CRB-65 classes 0–1 and 2, 41% each). In-hospital and 30-day mortality were 8.7% and 20%, respectively. Aetiology was defined in 57 cases (38%). The most common isolates were Streptococcus pneumoniae (58%), Enterobacteriaceae (Gram-negative bacteria (GNB)) (9%), atypical bacteria (7%), respiratory viruses (5%), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (5%) and Legionella pneumophila (5%). The most frequent causes of treatment inadequacy were use of β-lactams alone (25%) and lack of aspiration assessment (15%). Prognostic factors of 1-month mortality were neurological comorbidities (OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.3 to 15.7; p=0.020), septic shock (OR 6.6; 95% CI 1.3 to 34.0; p=0.025), pleural effusion (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 11.7; p=0.036) and isolation of GNB or MRSA (OR 16.4; 95% CI 2.1 to 128.9; p=0.008). Conclusions The patients show clinical characteristics (eg, age and co-morbidities) comparable with those with hospital-acquired pneumonia. However, microbiological and mortality data of patients with NHAP are more similar to the data of those with CAP. Isolation of GNB or MRSA was associated with increased mortality risk. CAP empirical antibiotic coverage is still indicated in NHAP, although specific risk factors for multidrug-resistant infections should be assessed on an individual basis.
Challenges, design and analysis of a large-scale p2p-vod system

P2P file downloading and streaming have already become very popular Internet applications. These systems dramatically reduce the server loading, and provide a platform for scalable content distribution, as long as there is interest for the content. P2P-based video-on-demand (P2P-VoD) is a new challenge for the P2P technology. Unlike streaming live content, P2P-VoD has less synchrony in the users sharing video content, therefore it is much more difficult to alleviate the server loading and at the same time maintaining the streaming performance. To compensate, a small storage is contributed by every peer, and new mechanisms for coordinating content replication, content discovery, and peer scheduling are carefully designed. In this paper, we describe and discuss the challenges and the architectural design issues of a large-scale P2P-VoD system based on the experiences of a real system deployed by PPLive. The system is also designed and instrumented with monitoring capability to measure both system and component specific performance metrics (for design improvements) as well as user satisfaction. After analyzing a large amount of collected data, we present a number of results on user behavior, various system performance metrics, including user satisfaction, and discuss what we observe based on the system design. The study of a real life system provides valuable insights for the future development of P2P-VoD technology.
AtPV42a and AtPV42b Redundantly Regulate Reproductive Development in Arabidopsis thaliana

Background The conserved SNF1/AMPK/SnRK1 complexes are global regulators of metabolic responses in eukaryotes and play a key role in the control of energy balance. Although α-type subunits of the SnRK1 complex have been characterized in several plant species, the biological function of β-type and γ-type subunits remains largely unknown. Here, we characterized AtPV42a and AtPV42b, the two homologous genes in Arabidopsis, which encode cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) domain-containing proteins that belong to the PV42 class of γ-type subunits of the plant SnRK1 complexes. Methodology/Principal Findings Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the expression of AtPV42a and AtPV42b in various tissues. Transgenic plants that expressed artificial microRNAs targeting these two genes were created. Reproductive organ development and fertilization in these plants were examined by various approaches, including histological analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and phenotypic analyses of reciprocal crosses between wild-type and transgenic plants. We found that AtPV42a and AtPV42b were expressed in various tissues during different developmental stages. Transgenic plants where AtPV42a and AtPV42b were simultaneously silenced developed shorter siliques and reduced seed sets. Such low fertility phenotype resulted from deregulation of late stamen development and impairment of pollen tube attraction conferred by the female gametophyte. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that AtPV42a and AtPV42b play redundant roles in regulating male gametogenesis and pollen tube guidance, indicating that the Arabidopsis SnRK1 complexes might be involved in the control of reproductive development.
An Analysis of Participation Structure in Conversation Based on Interaction Corpus of Ubiquitous Sensor Data

We propose the application of ubiquitous sensor technology to analyze dynamic structure transitions and the exchange of non-verbal information in multi-party human-to-human conversational interactions in open situations. We present an analysis of conversational interactions that took place in an open interaction space of poster presentation sessions and were collected as an Interaction Corpus. Based on a model of conversational participation structure, we hypothesized that the audience diversity in conversations can be understood by observing the role of each person standing in front of a poster and an exhibitor. We argue that the conversational interactions observed in the Interaction Corpus can effectively be captured by the differences in the patterns of transition of the roles each participant plays in the conversational participation structure.
Mycoparasitism of sclerotia of Sclerotium cepivorum

Four fungal species were recorded in vitro as potential mycoparasites of sclerotia of Sclerotium cepivorum, the causal agent of onion white rot. Parasitised sclerotia appeared shrunken and decayed and failed to germinate. Light and scanning electron microscopy revealed colonisation of the internal structure of the sclerotium by the mycoparasites. The medullary region was progressively destroyed but the rind cells remained relatively intact. The surface of parasitised sclerotia was extensively covered by spores or fruiting bodies of the mycoparasites. The results indicate that the four test fungi show potential for biological control of the disease.
An Ecological Study of the Association between Area-Level Green Space and Adult Mortality in Hong Kong

There is evidence that access to green spaces have positive effects on health, possibly through beneficial effects on exercise, air quality, urban heat islands, and stress. Few previous studies have examined the associations between green space and mortality, and they have given inconsistent results. This ecological study relates green space to mortality in Hong Kong from 2006 to 2011. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a measure of green space coverage, was measured for 199 small geographic areas in Hong Kong. Negative Binomial Regression Models were fit for mortality outcomes with NDVI, age, gender, population density, and area-level socio-economic variables as predictors, with Generalized Estimating Equations used to control for within-cluster correlation. An interquartile range (0.44 units) higher NDVI was significantly associated with lower cardiovascular (relative risk (RR) = 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.80, 0.98) and diabetes (RR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.60, 0.92) mortality, and non-significantly associated with lower chronic respiratory mortality (RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.79, 1.02). Associations were stronger for males and low-income area residents. Lung cancer mortality had no significant association with green space. Better provision of urban green space, particularly in low-income areas, appears to have potential to reduce mortality in densely-populated Asian cities.