Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential Solution to Contribute for Sugar Cane Spatial Variability Management

In Brazil, the application of site-specific management in sugar cane has been delayed for many reasons, including lack of relevant technology which could really help producers increase their competitiveness. Sugar mills usually have large cultivated areas under their control, with an average size of over 40 thousand hectares. With such huge areas, it is difficult for them to find a technology that could help in the adoption of precision agriculture (PA), which enables the producer to understand and manage more precisely the inherent spatial variability found in the field, in order to obtain higher productivity and economic returns, and reduce negative environmental impacts. Vegetation Index (VI) used as an indicator of biomass can be easily obtained either by ground sensors or by orbital and non-orbital imagery obtained using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The objective of the study was to evaluate the sugar cane biomass prediction using VI data obtained by means of a field sensor and an UAV on a field scale, and correlate the results with terrain and soil data. The experiment was conducted in a 30 ha sugar cane field planted in the north part of São Paulo state, Brazil on its first ratoon. Soil attributes were measured after harvesting, and biomass data was measured 90 and 180 days after crop emergence (DACE). The results showed that VI obtained by ground and non-orbital sensors have correlation with biomass production, but not with soil chemical attributes, which means that field spatial variability is more dependent of other factors than soil chemical attributes. These results could help justify the use of crop sensors and UAV by mills which could independently obtain high resolution imagery at low cost, and evaluate field conditions at the time when intervention is still possible.
Induction of serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐induced kinase‐1 (SGK1) by cAMP regulates increases in α‐ENaC

α‐ENaC expression and activity is regulated by a variety of hormones including β‐adrenergic agonists via the second messenger cAMP. We evaluated the early intermediate pathways involved in the up‐regulation of SGK1 by DbcAMP and whether SGK1 is a prerequisite for induction of α‐ENaC expression. Submandibular gland epithelial (SMG‐C6) cells treated with DbcAMP (1 mM) induced both SGK1 mRNA and protein expression. DbcAMP‐stimulated SGK1 mRNA expression was decreased by actinomycin D and mRNA and protein expressions were attenuated by PKA inhibitors (H‐89 and KT5720). Inhibition of PI3‐K with either LY294002 or dominant negative PI3‐K reduced DbcAMP‐stimulated SGK1 protein and mRNA levels, attenuated the phosphorylation of CREB (a cAMP‐activated transcription factor) and decreased α‐ENaC protein levels and Na+ transport. In addition, the combination of PKA inhibitors with dominant negative PI3‐K synergistically inhibited DbcAMP‐induced Na+ transport. Inhibition of SGK1 expression by siRNA decreased but did not obliterate DbcAMP‐induced α‐ENaC expression. Thus, in a cell line which endogenously exhibits minimal α‐ENaC expression, induction of SGK1 by DbcAMP occurs via the PI3‐K and PKA pathways. Increased α‐ENaC levels and function are partly dependent upon the early induction of SGK1 expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 632–642, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aalborg Universitet On formalism and stability of switched systems

In this paper, we formulate a uniform mathematical framework for studying switched systems with piecewise linear partitioned state space and state dependent switching. Based on known results from the theory of differential inclusions, we devise a Lyapunov stability theorem suitable for this class of switched systems. With this, we prove a Lyapunov stability theorem for piecewise linear switched systems by means of a concrete class of Lyapunov functions. Contrary to existing results on the subject, the stability theorems in this paper include Filippov (or relaxed) solutions and allow infinite switching in finite time. Finally, we show that for a class of piecewise linear switched systems, the inertia of the system is not sufficient to determine its stability. A number of examples are provided to illustrate the concepts discussed in this paper.
Design of Extrapolated Impulse Response FIR Filters With Residual Compensation in Subexpression Space

In this paper, an extrapolated impulse response filter with residual compensation is proposed for the design of discrete coefficient finite-impulse response (FIR) filters using subexpression sharing. The proposed technique utilizes the quasi-periodic nature of the filter impulse response to approximate the filter coefficients. The reduced degree of freedom of filter coefficients due to the quasi-periodic approximation is perfectly restored by introducing a residual compensation technique. The resulting subexpression sharing synthesis of discrete coefficient FIR filters has lower complexities than that of the conventional synthesis techniques in terms of number of adders. To further reduce the synthesis complexity, filter coefficients and residuals may be optimized in subexpression spaces. Mixed integer linear programming is formulated for the optimization. Numerical examples show that the number of adders required by synthesizing the filters in the proposed structure is significantly reduced compared to that of the conventional synthesis schemes synthesized in direct or transposed direct form.
The influence of strategy-making types on IT alignment in SMEs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and compare the influence of three strategy‐making modes (planned, adaptive and entrepreneurial) on IT‐business strategy alignment in small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – Empirical research using a questionnaire was conducted. In total, 108 SME owners and managers participated in the study and the data were analysed using quantitative techniques.Findings – The planned mode provided better results as predicted. Each strategy‐making mode was found to influence certain specific aspects of alignment and performance. For instance the planned mode ensures better understanding of business and IT objectives and provides high growth sales. The adaptive mode encourages participation of stakeholders in planning and improves communication and staff productivity. The entrepreneurial mode can facilitate immediate revision of plans in organizations operating in dynamic and competitive environment.Research limitations/implications – Many.
Processing Body and Stress Granule Assembly Occur by Independent and Differentially Regulated Pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A variety of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules form in eukaryotic cells to regulate the translation, decay, and localization of the encapsulated messenger RNA (mRNAs). The work here examined the assembly and function of two highly conserved RNP structures, the processing body (P body) and the stress granule, in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These granules are induced by similar stress conditions and contain translationally repressed mRNAs and a partially overlapping set of protein constituents. However, despite these similarities, the data indicate that these RNP complexes are independently assembled and that this assembly is controlled by different signaling pathways. In particular, the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) was found to control P body formation under all conditions examined. In contrast, the assembly of stress granules was not affected by changes in either PKA or TORC1 signalling activity. Both of these RNP granules were also detected in stationary-phase cells, but each appears at a distinct time. P bodies were formed prior to stationary-phase arrest, and the data suggest that these foci are important for the long-term survival of these quiescent cells. Stress granules, on the other hand, were not assembled until after the cells had entered into the stationary phase of growth and their appearance could therefore serve as a specific marker for the entry into this quiescent state. In all, the results here provide a framework for understanding the assembly of these RNP complexes and suggest that these structures have distinct but important activities in quiescent cells.
Effect of thyme ( Thymus vulgaris ) or peppermint ( Mentha piperita ) on performance , digestibility and blood metabolites of fattening Sanjabi lambs

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of inclusion of dietary supplementation of peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Thymus vulgaris on growth performance, blood parameters of finishing lambs. Eighteen Sanjabi male lambs with average body weight of 21.6±1.5 (kg) (mean ± SE) in a completely randomized design were allocated to three treatments and six replications. During the finishing periods (90 days) the lambs were to weighted individually every 15 days and average daily gain and average daily feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, blood biochemical parameters, enzyme activity of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were determined. Statistical significant differences were found in daily weight gain, dry matter intake between three groups . Concentrations of cholesterol, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), blood creatinine levels were not influenced by addition of either thyme or peppermint to the diet. While triglyceride, glucose and urea were significantly lower in lambs received these plants in their diets. The results showed that addition of thyme or peppermint at a concentration of 3% on DM basis to diet or improve on nutrient digestibility and increased feed intake and average daily gain. Key word: fattening lambs, Performance, Blood metabolites, peppermint, Thyme.
M2867 - BURRONI TEXT.indd

One of the classical ways in which the social sciences have studied the emergence and consolidation of capitalism has been through the analysis of the relationships between social institutions and economic institutions. As a pioneer in this respect, Max Weber contributed two major insights. One is the importance of individual beliefs, evidenced by the eff ects of the Calvinist version of protestant ethics on entrepreneurial attitudes. The other is the relevance of associations, demonstrated by the analysis of the relationship between the development of capitalism and the presence of protestant sects in American society. Religious beliefs and religious associations for Weber constituted crucial factors that underline the deep social and institutional roots of economic development processes (Weber 1978). Karl Polanyi, building on these insights, showed that the market, often seen as the economic coordination mechanism par excellence, is only one of the mechanisms regulating economic exchanges. Other such mechanisms include redistribution, including a key role for the state, and community relations, with the community playing a fundamental regulating role also in contemporary societies (Polanyi 1957). And also Albert Hirschmann underlined how the analysis of social variables like exit and voice has important explanatory power in the study of the functioning of economic phenomena and relationships (Hirschmann 1970). The relationship between economy and society has been important also in more recent work by, for example, Mark Granovetter or Margaret Grieco, who show how the workings of the labour market and the labour market success of individuals are infl uenced by social, relational resources in the form of strong and weak social ties (Granovetter 1973; Grieco 1987). They underline that a person’s labour market position does not depend solely on his or her competencies but also, or rather, on the social networks of which he or she forms part. Others have demonstrated the
Why Do Firms Smooth Earnings?

We explain why a firm may smooth reported earnings. Greater earnings volatility leads to a bigger informational advantage for informed investors over uninformed investors. If sufficiently many current shareholders are uninformed and may need to trade in the future for liquidity reasons, an increase in the volatility of reported earnings will magnify these shareholders' trading losses. They will, therefore, want the manager to smooth reported earnings as much as possible. Empirical implications are drawn out that link earnings smoothing to managerial compensation contracts, uncertainty about the volatility of earnings, and ownership structure.
Aspects of Authorship , Coauthorship , and Productivity in School Library Research 1998 – 2012

The purpose of this study is to examine authorship and coauthorship characteristics in the approved and published articles in School Library Research, formerly known as School Library Media Research. The original paper, written to fulfill the requirements to receive the MLIS degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, has been updated to include fifteen (15) volumes spanning fifteen (15) years. The study was conducted to provide information about the scholarly communication that is taking place in a professional journal whose focus is school librarianship. It identifies major contributors to school library literature, publication patterns and communication trends that have and are currently taking place, and encourages future research. The findings support studies that report a general trend by scholars to engage in collaborative efforts that appear to increase coauthorship activity and findings support previous studies that found (1) little or no contributions by school librarians in preeminent journals in library and information science literature and (2) library science faculty among the heaviest contributors to library and information science literature. Unlike previous studies, this study indicates that female authors’ contributed and coauthored more articles than their male counterparts.
Lectin-reactive &agr;-Fetoprotein in Patients with Tyrosinemia Type I and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Despite the introduction of 2-(2-nitro-4-trifluormethyl-benzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexandion into the treatment of hereditary tyrosinemia type I (HT1), patients remain at risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Serial total &agr;-fetoprotein (AFP) levels are used to monitor the individual patient. Lectin-reactive &agr;-fetoprotein (L3-AFP) is an AFP isoform that is expressed by malignant liver tumors. We investigated whether the analysis of L3-AFP could lead to earlier detection of HCC in HT1 compared with judgement based on total AFP alone. AFP electrophoresis using lectin-containing agarose gel identifies L3-AFP by the affinity of its specific carbohydrate chain to lectin. We report the retrospective analysis of sequential serum samples of 12 patients with HT1 and histologically proven HCC. AFP isoforms could be identified in all 12 patients. In 6 patients, the L3-AFP increased before the total AFP. In 3 patients, the rise in L3-AFP was parallel to the rise of total AFP; and in 3 patients, the L3-AFP was raised after the total AFP or did not increase at all. We were able to identify 6 of 12 patients with an early increase in the new tumor marker. Lectin-affinity electrophoresis may have a role in discriminating benign liver disease from HCC in HT1. We suggest the further evaluation of L3-AFP in HT1.
The system-matched hold and the intermittent control separation principle

An intermittent controller is a form of hybrid controller which adds a generalised sample and hold mechanism to an underlying continuous-time feedback control system. The sampling may be non-uniform or event driven. One particular form of the hold, termed the system-matched hold (SMH) mimics the behaviour of the closed-loop feedback control signal during the intermittent intervals. It is shown in this article that this choice of hold leads to an intermittent separation principle. In particular, this simple analytical result ensures that when using the SMH, the separation properties of the underlying state-estimate feedback control system carry over to the intermittent control system. This separation principle for the SMH has the important consequence that, unlike the zero-order hold case, the stability of the closed-loop system in the fixed sampling case is not dependent on sample interval. It is therefore suggested that the SMH should replace the conventional zero-order hold in circumstances where the sample interval is unknown, time-varying or determined by events.
The Burden of HPV and Cervical Lesions In Ghanaian Communities View project Severity of malaria in relation to a complement receptor 1 polymorphism : a case control study

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative urease-producing bacterium causally linked with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric adenocarcinoma. Infection is more frequent and acquired at an earlier age in developing countries compared to European populations. The incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in dyspeptic Ghanaian patients was 75.4 %. However, epidemiological factors associated with infection vary across populations. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design to consecutively sample dyspeptic patients at the Endoscopy Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra between 2010 and 2012. The study questionnaire elicited their epidemiological clinical characteristics. Helicobacter pylori infection was confirmed by rapid-urease examination of antral biopsies at upper Gastro-intestinal endoscopy. Results: The sample population of dyspeptic patients attending the Endoscopy Unit for upper GI endoscopy yielded 242 patients of which 47.5 % were females. The age distribution of H. pylori-infection was even across most age – groups, ranging from 69.2% (61 – 70) years to 80% (21 – 30) years. Helicobacter pylori prevalence decreased across areas mapping to the three residential classes in accordance with increasing affluence with rural areas having the highest prevalence. The unemployed and patients in farming had relatively high Helicobacter pylori infection rates of 92.3 % and 91.7 % respectively. Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori is endemic in Ghana but the persistently high prevalence across age groups despite significant community anti-microbial use suggests likely re-crudescence or re-infection from multiple sources in a developing country. Socio-cultural factors such as residential class and farming may be facilitating factors for its continued prevalence. Pan African Medical Journal. 2015; 20:178 doi:10.11604/pamj.2015. 20.178. 5024 This article is available online at: http://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/20/178/full/ © Timothy Nii Akushe Archampong et al. The Pan African Medical Journal ISSN 1937-8688. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Pan African Medical Journal – ISSN: 19378688 (www.panafrican-med-journal.com) Published in partnership with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET). (www.afenet.net) Research Open Access
Heterogeneity of L- and T-Channels in the Vasculature: Rationale for the Efficacy of Combined L- and T-Blockade

Clinical studies suggest that T-type Ca2+ channel blockade may have incremental benefits over conventional L-channel blockade, particularly in microvascular disorders. This study examined functional vasomotor differences in L- and T-channel blockade between large and small vessels and compared the abundance of the L- and T-type channels in these vessels. The inhibition of endothelin-1 and potassium-induced vascular contractile responses by L-channel blockers (verapamil and nifedipine) was compared with combined L- and T-channel blockers (mibefradil and efonidipine) in large (rat aorta) and small (rat mesenteric and human subcutaneous) vessels using wire myography. All 4 of the Ca2+ channel blockers inhibited contractile responses to a similar extent in large rat vessels; however, in rat microvessels, the combined L- and T-channel blockers produced significantly greater inhibition of contraction than L-channel blockers alone. The significance of this differential T-channel effect in microvessels was further supported by the following: (1) a greater abundance of T-channels compared with L-channels in microvessels but not in large vessels; (2) demonstration of divergent Ca2+ channel blocker responses in human microvessels; (3) incremental inhibition of constrictor responses with combined L- and T-Ca2+ channel blockers despite maximal L-channel blockade; (4) the use of structurally diverse Ca2+ channel blockers with varied affinity for L- and T-channels; (5) the use of pharmacodynamically and therapeutically appropriate Ca2+ channel blocker concentrations; (6) confirmation of contractile agonist independent responses; and (7) exclusion of an endothelium-dependent mechanism. We propose that T-type channels play an important role in regulating contractile responses in the microvasculature and, therefore, are a potential therapeutic target.
Light and Light Sources for Pdt Direct Tumor Damage Mechanisms of Photodynamic Therapy

The wavelengths used in PDT are in the red or infrared range of electromagnetic wave. For a photobiological reaction to occur light must be absorbed by the photosensitizer. This is possible when the wavelength of light matches the electron absorption spectrum of the photosensitizer (Hsi et al., 1999). For clinical use the activating light is usually between 600 and 900 nm. This is because endog-enous dyes, mainly hemoglobin, strongly absorb light below 600 nm and longer wavelengths are energetically insufficient to produce 1 O 2 , which is the most important although not the only cytotoxic ef-fector of PDT. A critical parameter for consideration in discussing the efficacy of PDT is the depth of light penetration through tissues, which is dependent Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved and rapidly developing cancer treatment regimen. It is a minimally invasive two-stage procedure that requires administration of a photo-sensitizing agent followed by illumination of the tumor with visible light usually generated by laser sources. A third component of PDT is molecular oxygen which is required for the most effective antitumor effects. In the presence of the laĴer, light of an appropriate wavelength excites the photosensitizer thereby producing cytotoxic intermediates that damage cellular structures. PDT has been approved in many countries for the treatment of lung, esophageal, bladder, skin and head and neck cancers. The antitumor effects of this treatment result from the combination of direct tumor cell photodamage, destruction of tumor vasculature and activation of an immune response. The mechanisms of the direct photodamage of tumor cells, the signaling pathways that lead to apoptosis or survival of sublethaly damaged cells, and potential novel strategies of improving the antitumor efficacy of PDT are discussed. Photodynamic therapy is a minimally inva-sive therapeutic modality approved for the treatment of neoplastic and vascular diseases. It consists of three elements: a photosensitizer that is applied topically or administered systemically; light usually in the visible range, commonly generated by laser sources, and molecular oxygen, which in the pho-todynamic reaction generates singlet oxygen (1 O 2) and reactive oxygen species. AĞer a period necessary for efficient accumulation of the photosensitiz-er in the tumor, a light of appropriate wavelength is precisely delivered to the target tissue. Since light used in PDT is of low power there is no tissue heating and connective tissues containing collagen and elastin fibers are not damaged. Excellent cosmetic results in the treatment of skin cancers …