Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute Oral Toxicity of Methanolic Seed Extract of Cassia fistula in Mice

Background and objective: Cassia fistula is widely used in traditional medicine to treat various types of ailments. The evaluation of toxic properties of C. fistula is crucial when considering public health protection because exposure to plant extracts can result in undesirable effects on consumers. Hence, in this study the acute oral toxicity of C. fistula seeds extract was investigated in mice. Results: Oral administration of crude extract at the highest dose of 5000 mg/kg resulted in no mortalities or evidence of adverse effects, implying that C. fistula in nontoxic. Throughout 14 days of the treatment no changes in behavioural pattern, clinical sign and body weight of mice in both control and treatment groups. Also there were no any significant elevations observed in the biochemical analysis of the blood serum. Further, histopathological examination revealed normal architecture and no significant adverse effects observed on the kidney, heart, liver, lung and spleen. Conclusions: Overall, the results suggest that, the oral administration of C. fistula methanolic seeds extract did not produce any significant toxic effect in mice. Hence, the extract can be utilized for pharmaceutical formulations.
New Bio-Composites Based on Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Posidonia oceanica Fibres for Applications in a Marine Environment

Bio-composites based on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and fibres of Posidonia oceanica (PO) were investigated to assess their processability by extrusion, mechanical properties, and potential biodegradability in a natural marine environment. PHAs were successfully compounded with PO fibres up to 20 wt % while, at 30 wt % of fibres, the addition of 10 wt % of polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) was necessary to improve their processability. Thermal, rheological, mechanical, and morphological characterizations of the developed composites were conducted and the degradation of composite films in a natural marine habitat was evaluated in a mesocosm by weight loss measure during an incubation period of six months. The addition of PO fibres led to an increase in stiffness of the composites with tensile modulus values about 80% higher for composites with 30 wt % fibre (2.3 GPa) compared to unfilled material (1.24 GPa). Furthermore, the impact energy markedly increased with the addition of the PO fibres, from 1.63 (unfilled material) to 3.8 kJ/m2 for the composites with 30 wt % PO. The rate of degradation was markedly influenced by seawater temperature and significantly promoted by the presence of PO fibres leading to the total degradation of the film with 30 wt % PO in less than six months. The obtained results showed that the developed composites can be suitable to manufacture items usable in marine environments, for example, in natural engineering interventions, and represent an interesting valorisation of the PO fibrous wastes accumulated in large amounts on coastal beaches.
ERK and AKT phosphorylation status in lung cancer and emphysema using nanocapillary isoelectric focusing

Background Emphysema is an independent risk factor for the development of lung cancer in smokers. Activation of oncogenic signalling proteins AKT and ERK by phosphorylation has an established role in the development of lung cancer and has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of emphysema. The aim of this study was to compare the protein level and phosphorylation status of AKT and ERK in paired lung cancer and emphysema tissue using a highly sensitive phosphoprotein analysis approach. Methods An antibody-based, nanocapillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) assay was used to determine the relative quantities and phosphorylation status of AKT and ERK in tumour and matched lung tissue from patients, with or without evidence of emphysema, undergoing curative resection for non-small cell lung cancer. Results 20 patients with adenocarcinoma (n=9) or squamous cell carcinoma (n=11) of the lung were included (mean age 67.3 years (SD 7.5, range 47–80 years)), 12 were men and all were current (n=10) or former smokers (n=10). Paired macroscopically normal lung tissue was either histologically normal (n=7) or showed emphysema (n=13). Total and phosphorylated AKT levels were fourfold (p=0.0001) and fivefold (p=0.001) higher in tumour compared with matched lung, respectively. There was no correlation with tumour histology, stage or differentiation; however, total AKT signal in tumour was significantly correlated with fluorodeoxyglucose avidity on positron emission tomography-CT scan (r=0.53, p=0.035). Total ERK was not differentially expressed, but doubly phosphorylated (activated) ERK was threefold higher in emphysema (23.5%, SD 9.2) than either matched tumour (8.8%, SD 8.6) or normal lung tissue (8.3%, SD 9.0) and correlated with the histological severity of emphysema (p=0.005). Conclusions cIEF offers opportunities for quantifying subtle shifts in the phosphorylation status of oncoproteins in nanogram amounts of lung tissue. ERK activation is a feature of emphysema.
Modifications of the BTZ black hole by a dilaton and scalar

We investigate some modifications of the static BTZ black hole solution due to a chosen asymptotically constant dilaton and scalar. New classes of static black hole solutions are obtained. One of the solutions contains the Martinez-Zanelli conformal black hole solution as a special case. Using the quasilocal formalism, we calculate their mass for a finite spatial region that contains the black hole. Their temperatures are also computed. Finally, using some of the curvature singularities as examples, we investigate whether or not a quantum particle behaves singularly.
TEVAR in Patients with Late Complications of Aortic Coarctation Repair

Purpose: To review the use of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for late pseudoaneurysm formation after surgical repair of aortic coarctation. Methods: From May 2001 to May 2005, 8 patients (5 men; mean age 47.6 years, range 18–73) with a history of aortic coarctation repairs 17 to 40 years prior were referred to our institution for an anastomotic thoracic pseudoaneurysm. TEVAR was performed successfully in 7 patients; 1 died of suspected aneurysm rupture before the scheduled procedure. A carotid-subclavian bypass was performed in 3 patients. Results: All the procedures were immediately successful. No type I endoleaks were seen on the final control angiogram, but 2 of the patients with carotid-subclavian bypasses required additional left subclavian artery embolization due to type II endoleak. One of these patients died before embolotherapy on the 5th postoperative day from presumed aneurysm rupture (14% 30-day mortality rate). Over a follow-up period ranging from 15 to 72 months (mean 37), all the false aneurysms have remained thrombosed and the mean diameter has decreased from 44 to 23 mm. No endograft-related complications have occurred, and no further interventions have so far been necessary. Conclusion: TEVAR is a feasible alternative treatment for patients who have already undergone surgical repair of aortic coarctation. Technical issues regarding the endovascular strategy should be discussed with a multidisciplinary team to define the correct interventional plan.
Analogue quantum gravity phenomenology from a two-component Bose–Einstein condensate

We present an analogue-emergent spacetime that reproduces the salient features of the most common ansätze used for quantum gravity phenomenology. We do this by investigating a system of two-coupled Bose–Einstein condensates. This system can be tuned to have two ‘phonon’ modes (one massive, one massless) which share the same limiting speed in the hydrodynamic approximation. The system nevertheless possesses (possibly non-universal) Lorentz violating terms once ‘quantum pressure’ becomes important. We investigate the physical interpretation of the relevant fine-tuning conditions, and discuss the possible lessons and hints that this analogue spacetime could provide for the phenomenology of real physical quantum gravity. In particular we show that the effective field theory of quasi-particles in such an emergent spacetime does not exhibit the so-called ‘naturalness problem’.
Free-Riding, Fairness, and Firewalls in P2P File-Sharing

Peer-to-peer file-sharing networks depend on peers uploading data to each other. Some peers, called free-riders, will not upload data unless there is an incentive to do so. Algorithms designed to prevent free-riding typically assume that connectivity is not a problem. However, on the Internet, a large fraction of the peers resides behind a firewall or NAT, making them unable to accept incoming connections. In this paper, we will prove that it is impossible to prevent free-riding when more than half of the peers are firewalled, and we will provide bounds on the sharing ratios (defined as the number of bytes uploaded divided by the number of bytes downloaded) of both firewalled and non-firewalled peers. Firewall puncturing techniques are complex but can be used to connect two firewalled peers; we will provide a bound on their required effectiveness in order to achieve fairness.We confirm our theory by simulating individual BitTorrent swarms (sets of peers that download the same file), and show that the theoretical bounds can be met in systems with many firewalled peers. We have also collected statistics covering thousands of BitTorrent swarms in several communities, both open and closed; the latter ban peers if their sharing ratios drop below a certain treshhold. We found 45% of the peers to be firewalled in the closed communities, as opposed to 66% in the open communities, which correlates with our theory that to obtain fair sharing ratios for all peers, at most half of them can be behind firewalls.
On the Number of Perfect Matchings and Hamilton Cycles in e-Regular Non-bipartite Graphs

A graph $G=(V,E)$ on $n$ vertices is super $\epsilon$-regular if (i) all vertices have degree in the range $[(d-\epsilon)n,(d+\epsilon)n]$, $dn$ being the average degree, and (ii) for every pair of disjoint sets $S,T\subseteq V,\,|S|,|T|\geq \epsilon n$, $e(S,T)$ is in the range $[(d-\epsilon)|S||T|,(d+\epsilon)|S||T|]$. We show that the number of perfect matchings lies in the range $$[((d-2\epsilon)^\nu {{n! }\over {\nu ! 2^\nu}},(d+2\epsilon)^\nu {{n! }\over {\nu ! 2^\nu}}],$$ where $\nu ={{n}\over {2}}$, and the number of Hamilton cycles lies in the range $[(d-2\epsilon)^nn! ,(d+2\epsilon)^nn! ]$.
Parietal Cortical Neuronal Activity Is Selective for Express Saccades

Saccadic eye movements are central to primate behavior and serve to move the eyes to visual objects of interest. Express saccades, unlike regular saccades, occur with very short reaction times, a behavior necessary for speeded reactions in goal-directed behavior. Previous studies have shown that introduction of a blank interval (gap) between the fixation point offset and the saccadic target onset leads to an increase in the number of express saccades and that the superior colliculus plays a crucial role in the generation of express saccades. A longstanding hypothesis asserted that express saccades are mediated largely by a subcortical circuit, circumventing extrastriate visual cortex. An alternative “posterior pathway” hypothesis proposed the involvement of posterior parietal cortex. In the present study, using a gap saccade task, we investigated the role of nonhuman primate's lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP) in generation of express saccades. We show that roughly half of recorded LIP neurons were modulated during the gap interval. Moreover, a group of neurons with persistent activity in a memory-guided saccade task enhanced their activity during express saccades relative to that during regular saccades. After reducing the target's certainty by increasing the potential target locations, neuronal activity remained in the similar level during express saccades but markedly reduced during regular saccades that correlated with the increase of saccadic reaction time in the regular saccade. Our results suggest that area LIP is directly involved in generating saccades in express mode.
Multi-scale Collaborative Searching through Swarming

This paper presents a multi-scale searching and target-locating algorithm for a group of agents moving in a swarm and sensing potential targets. The aim of the algorithm is to use these agents to efficiently search for and locate targets with a finite sensing radius in some bounded area. We present an algorithm that both controls agent movement and analyzes sensor signals to determine where targets are located. We use computer simulations to determine the effectiveness of this collaborative searching. We derive some physical scaling properties of the system and compare the results to the data from the simulations.
Analyzing Temporal Dynamics of Dyadic Synchrony in Affective Interactions

Human communication is a dynamical and interactive process that naturally induces an active flow of interpersonal coordination, and synchrony, along various behavioral dimensions. Assessing and characterizing the temporal dynamics of synchrony during an interaction is essential for fully understanding the human communication mechanisms. In this work, we focus on uncovering the temporal variability patterns of synchrony in visual gesture and vocal behavior in affectively rich interactions. We propose a statistical scheme to robustly quantify the turnwise interpersonal synchrony. The analysis of the synchrony dynamics measure relies heavily on functional data analysis techniques. Our analysis results reveal that: 1) the dynamical patterns of interpersonal synchrony differ depending on the global emotions of an interaction dyad; 2) there generally exists a tight dynamical emotion-synchrony coupling over the interaction. These observations corroborate that interpersonal behavioral synchrony is a critical manifestation of the underlying affective processes, shedding light toward improved affective interaction modeling and automatic emotion recognition.
Semantic-based crossmodal processing during visual suppression

To reveal the mechanisms underpinning the influence of auditory input on visual awareness, we examine, (1) whether purely semantic-based multisensory integration facilitates the access to visual awareness for familiar visual events, and (2) whether crossmodal semantic priming is the mechanism responsible for the semantic auditory influence on visual awareness. Using continuous flash suppression, we rendered dynamic and familiar visual events (e.g., a video clip of an approaching train) inaccessible to visual awareness. We manipulated the semantic auditory context of the videos by concurrently pairing them with a semantically matching soundtrack (congruent audiovisual condition), a semantically non-matching soundtrack (incongruent audiovisual condition), or with no soundtrack (neutral video-only condition). We found that participants identified the suppressed visual events significantly faster (an earlier breakup of suppression) in the congruent audiovisual condition compared to the incongruent audiovisual condition and video-only condition. However, this facilitatory influence of semantic auditory input was only observed when audiovisual stimulation co-occurred. Our results suggest that the enhanced visual processing with a semantically congruent auditory input occurs due to audiovisual crossmodal processing rather than semantic priming, which may occur even when visual information is not available to visual awareness.
Game action based power management for multiplayer online game

Current mobile devices embrace a wide range of functionalities including high speed network support, hardware accelerated 3D graphics, and multimedia capabilities. These capabilities have boosted the interest for enabling multiplayer online games (MOG) support on such devices. However, the lack of similar growth in battery technology limits the usability of these devices for MOGs. In this paper, we present energy conservation techniques for highly interactive MOGs. These are games, such as first-person shooters, where crisp user interaction is paramount to the overall game experience. Hence, conserving energy while preserving crisp user interaction becomes a critical consideration in this domain. We first present three obvious power management approaches and highlight their limitations. We then discuss two application-assisted approaches for power management that manage to save power while preserving the required user experience. Our results demonstrate that these application-assisted approaches are very promising.
A 7-Level Single DC Source Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter with a Modified DTC Scheme for Induction Motor-Based Electric Vehicle Propulsion

This paper presents a new hybrid cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter motor drive DTC scheme for electric vehicles where each phase of the inverter can be implemented using a single DC source. Traditionally, each phase of the inverter requires DC source for output voltage levels. In this paper, a scheme is proposed that allows the use of a single DC source as the first DC source which would be available from batteries or fuel cells, with the remaining () DC sources being capacitors. This scheme can simultaneously maintain the capacitors of DC voltage level and produce a nearly sinusoidal output voltage due to its high number of output levels. In this context, high performances and efficient torque and flux control are obtained, enabling a DTC solution for hybrid multilevel inverter powered induction motor drives intended for electric vehicle propulsion. Simulations and experiments show that the proposed multilevel inverter and control scheme are effective and very attractive for embedded systems such as automotive applications.
A General Attraction Model and Sales-Based Linear Program for Network Revenue Management Under Customer Choice

This paper addresses two concerns with the state of the art in network revenue management with dependent demands. The first concern is that the basic attraction model BAM, of which the multinomial logit MNL model is a special case, tends to overestimate demand recapture in practice. The second concern is that the choice-based deterministic linear program, currently in use to derive heuristics for the stochastic network revenue management problem, has an exponential number of variables. We introduce a generalized attraction model GAM that allows for partial demand dependencies ranging from the BAM to the independent demand model IDM. We also provide an axiomatic justification for the GAM and a method to estimate its parameters. As a choice model, the GAM is of practical interest because of its flexibility to adjust product-specific recapture. Our second contribution is a new formulation called the sales-based linear program SBLP that works for the GAM. This formulation avoids the exponential number of variables in the earlier choice-based network RM revenue management approaches and is essentially the same size as the well-known LP formulation for the IDM. The SBLP should be of interest to revenue managers because it makes choice-based network RM problems tractable to solve. In addition, the SBLP formulation yields new insights into the assortment problem that arises when capacities are infinite. Together these contributions move forward the state of the art for network revenue management under customer choice and competition.
Biochemical characterization of a factor X activator protein purified from Walterinnesia aegyptia venom

Factor X of blood coagulation cascade can be activated by both intrinsic and extrinsic activating complex, trypsin and some kind of snake venom. A factor X activator protein is reported in Elapidae snake venom. The aim of this study was to evaluate biochemical properties of factor X activator protein because of its prospective application in biochemical research and therapeutics. Crude venom was fractionated on a HPLC system Gold 126/1667 using a combination of Protein PAK 125 and Protein PAK 60 Columns. Molecular weight was determined using SDS-PAGE. Walterinnesia aegyptia venom was fractionated into several protein peaks, but procoagulant and factor X activation activity coexisted into peak no.6. It appeared as single band on native PAGE and molecular weight was 60 000 ± 3. Purified up to 37-fold over crude venom. It shortened recalcification time, effect was dose-dependent and strictly Ca2++-dependent. Factor X activator seems to be able to activate factor X specifically because it showed no activation activity on human prothrombin, plasminogen, or protein C. It did not hydrolyze factor Xa substrate S-2222, thrombin substrate S-2238, plasmin substrate S-2251 or S-2302 and kalikrein substrate S-2266. It did not hydrolyze synthetic ester benzoyl arginine ethyl ester. Procoagulant activity was completely inhibited by irreversible serine protease inhibitors phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride and N-p-tosylphenylalanine chloromethyl ketone. This study illustrates that factor X activator from W. aegyptia is though different in many aspects from factor X activators of Viperidae and Crotalidae venoms, but shows several properties identical to factor X activators from Elapidae venoms.
THE EFFECTS OF MONETARY AND NON-MONETARY REWARDS ON THE EMPLOYEES ' PERFORMANCE IN MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN RIVERS STATE , NIGERIA

The study investigated the motivational implications of monetary and nonmonetary rewards in the performance of manufacturing organizations in Rivers State of Nigeria. The study was conducted using cross sectional design. The target population of the study was the employees of the Nigerian Engineering Works (NEW) Plc, Rivers Vegetable Oil Company (RIVOC) Limited and West African Glass Industry (WAGI) Plc which were selected through systematic sampling from thirty-two registered companies with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Rivers State. A sample of 312 respondents was drawn from the population through proportionate stratified sampling to ensure fair representation of research subjects selected from the various firms and each stratum of Senior and junior staff categories. Primary data were collected through the administration of questionnaire. Questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection and was designed in a 5-point Likert scale ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. The data collected were presented and analysed with frequency distribution and percentage while the corresponding hypotheses were tested with Chi-square statistic at 0.05 alpha level. The study found that monetary and non monetary reward had significant positive effect on employees’ performance. The study observed that employees selected from the three firms placed great value on different rewards given to them and this promoted their level of performance. Thus, it was concluded that monetary and non-monetary rewards should be provided in manufacturing settings to stimulate an employee and sub unit workforce behaviour for performance at the individual and organizational levels.