Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary evaluation of fuel oil produced from pyrolysis of waste water sachets

Potentials of waste water sachets for the production of fuel oil were evaluated. In this work, waste polyethylene (pure water sachets) was pyrolysed at different temperatures: 130 - 190oC, 200 -300oC, and 300 - 450oC using a batch reactor. Below 200oC, 78% of the waste was converted to wax, 18% to fuel oil and 3% to noncondensable gases. The wax content decreases as temperature increases . The highest quantity of fuel oil was produced between 300oC - 450oC. The pyrolysis was found to increase with temperature. 86.5% of fuel oil was recovered from waste polyethylene at a reaction time of 135 minutes by pyrolysing up to 450oC. The chromatographic analysis shows that the fuel oil produced (up to 450oC) contains paraffins, isoparaffins, olefins, naphthalenes, aromatics and polyaromatics ranging from C3 – C38. It could be refined further to produce domestic kerosene and gasoline. The physical and structural properties of the fuel oil produced compared favorably with that of Aviation fuel JP-4 (a wide-cut US Air force fuel). Presently African countries are importing aviation fuels. The fuel oil produced from the pyrolysis of waste water sachets can therefore be used in place of JP–4, providing the aviation industry with a cheaper fuel oil from a cheaper source (waste water sachets) than crude oil. The pyrolysis of these waste water sachets will also enhance proper waste management of the menace created by the usage of these waste polyethylene sachets in our society.
A High Data Rate Wireless Communication In Two-Level FH-CDMA Scheme

Frequency hopped code-division multiple access (CDMA) is mostly used for wireless communication systems as it has the flexibility to provide a variety of services to many users under different propagation conditions. With limited spectrum, an FH-CDMA wireless communication system is interference limited. Interference avoidance and interference averaging can reduce the interference of the system and increase the system capacity. Here ,we are used a “two-level” frequency hopping code-division multiple-access (FH-CDMA) scheme for wireless communication systems. The new scheme provides flexibility in the selection of modulation codes and FH patterns. By partitioning the modulation codes, our two-level scheme can be modified to support more possible users without increasing the number of FH patterns. The performance and spectral efficiency (SE) of the scheme are analyzed. Our results show that the partitioned two-level FH-CDMA scheme supports higher data rate and greater SE than Goodman’s frequency-shift-keying FH-CDMA scheme under some conditions. KeywordsCode division multiple access, code
Advanced Method for Evaluation of Gastric Cancer Risk By Serum Markers: Determination of True Low‐Risk Subjects for Gastric Neoplasm

Patients with negative anti‐Helicobacter pylori antibody titer and high pepsinogen (PG) level (group A) are regarded as having a low risk for gastric cancer. However, gastric cancer cases are occasionally observed in this group. We aimed to elucidate the clinical features of gastric neoplasm in group A patients and reviewed advanced methods for mass screening.
A Group Testing Framework for Similarity Search in High-dimensional Spaces

This paper introduces a group testing framework for detecting large similarities between high-dimensional vectors, such as descriptors used in state-of-the-art description of multimedia documents.At the crossroad of multimedia information retrieval and signal processing, we produce a set of group representations that jointly encode several vectors into a single one, in the spirit of group testing approaches. By comparing a query vector to several of these intermediate representations, we screen the large values taken by the similarities between the query and all the vectors, at a fraction of the cost of exhaustive similarity calculation. Unlike concurrent indexing methods that suffer from the curse of dimensionality, our method exploits the properties of high-dimensional spaces. It therefore complements other strategies for approximate nearest neighbor search. Our preliminary experiments demonstrate the potential of group testing for searching large databases of multimedia objects represented by vectors. We obtain a large improvement in terms of the theoretical complexity, at the cost of a small or negligible decrease of accuracy.We hope that this preliminary work will pave the way to subsequent works for multimedia retrieval with limited resources.
Carotid body chemosensory responses in mice deficient of TASK channels

Background K+ channels of the TASK family are believed to participate in sensory transduction by chemoreceptor (glomus) cells of the carotid body (CB). However, studies on the systemic CB-mediated ventilatory response to hypoxia and hypercapnia in TASK1- and/or TASK3-deficient mice have yielded conflicting results. We have characterized the glomus cell phenotype of TASK-null mice and studied the responses of individual cells to hypoxia and other chemical stimuli. CB morphology and glomus cell size were normal in wild-type as well as in TASK1−/− or double TASK1/3−/− mice. Patch-clamped TASK1/3-null glomus cells had significantly higher membrane resistance and less hyperpolarized resting potential than their wild-type counterpart. These electrical parameters were practically normal in TASK1−/− cells. Sensitivity of background currents to changes of extracellular pH was drastically diminished in TASK1/3-null cells. In contrast with these observations, responsiveness to hypoxia or hypercapnia of either TASK1−/− or double TASK1/3−/− cells, as estimated by the amperometric measurement of catecholamine release, was apparently normal. TASK1/3 knockout cells showed an enhanced secretory rate in basal (normoxic) conditions compatible with their increased excitability. Responsiveness to hypoxia of TASK1/3-null cells was maintained after pharmacological blockade of maxi-K+ channels. These data in the TASK-null mouse model indicate that TASK3 channels contribute to the background K+ current in glomus cells and to their sensitivity to external pH. They also suggest that, although TASK1 channels might be dispensable for O2/CO2 sensing in mouse CB cells, TASK3 channels (or TASK1/3 heteromers) could mediate hypoxic depolarization of normal glomus cells. The ability of TASK1/3−/− glomus cells to maintain a powerful response to hypoxia even after blockade of maxi-K+ channels, suggests the existence of multiple sensor and/or effector mechanisms, which could confer upon the cells a high adaptability to maintain their chemosensory function.
Radar backscattering modeling of oil slicks at Sea based on the model of local balance

This paper aims at presenting a refined electromagnetic modeling based on a physical hydrodynamic model of surface damping by the presence of oil films, the model of local balance (MLB). It focuses on the case of one-dimensional (1D) surfaces, corresponding to two-dimensional problems, for a more thorough study which makes it possible to use a numerical reference method (PILE method), based on the Method of Moments. In this context, for an effective modeling of the complex double-layer problem (air/oil and oil/sea surfaces), two simplifying asymptotic approaches are presented and tested: the so-called “thin-layer” and “classical” approaches, which make it possible to treat this problem as a much more simple single-layer problem, just like the clean sea surface case. Then, the validity of the two approaches is studied by comparison with the PILE method. The main conclusion of this study is that, for the typical thicknesses studied here, the “thin-layer” approach is the most reliable for near-nadir incidence configurations and can then be used for altimeter applications, whereas the “classical” approach is the most reliable for moderate incidence angles and can be successfully used for satellite applications.
European neonatal intensive care nursing research priorities: an e-Delphi study

Objective This study aimed to identify and prioritise neonatal intensive care nursing research topics across Europe using an e-Delphi technique. Design An e-Delphi technique with three questionnaire rounds was performed. Qualitative responses of round one were analysed by content analysis and research statements were generated to be ranged on importance on a scale of 1–6 (not important to most important). Setting Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in 17 European countries. Population NICU clinical nurses, managers, educators and researchers (n=75). Intervention None. Main outcome measures A list of 43 research statements in eight domains. Results The six highest ranking statements (≥5.0 mean score) were related to prevention and reduction of pain (mean 5.49; SD 1.07), medication errors (mean 5.20; SD 1.13), end-of-life care (mean 5.05; SD 1.18), needs of parents and family (mean 5.04; SD 1.23), implementing evidence into nursing practice (mean 5.02; SD 1.03), and pain assessment (mean 5.02; SD 1.11). The research domains were prioritised and ranked: (1) pain and stress; (2) family centred care; (3) clinical nursing care practices; (4) quality and safety; (5) ethics; (6) respiratory and ventilation; (7) infection and inflammation; and (8) professional issues in neonatal intensive care nursing. Conclusions The results of this study might support developing a nursing research strategy for the nursing section of the European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care. In addition, this may promote more European researcher collaboratives for neonatal nursing research.
Using the Gravity Equation to Differentiate Among Alternative Theories of Trade" Canadian Journal of

Amplifier apparatus for providing output motion correlated to condition change motion or deflection of a condition responsive element. The amplifier in a preferred embodiment is mounted onto the condition responsive element for floating conjoint movement therewith. A remotely connected actuator, extending into the motion path, defines a pivot axis for a hinged gear sector arm of the amplifier. In pivoting about the actuator axis, the sector arm operably drives a rotatable output shaft supporting a pointer or the like.
Synchronization Clusters of Interictal Activity in the Lateral Temporal Cortex of Epileptic Patients: Intraoperative Electrocorticographic Analysis

Objective: Drug‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) can be treated by tailored surgery guided by electrocorticography (ECoG). Although its value is still controversial, ECoG activity can provide continuous information on intracortical interactions that may be useful to understand the pathophysiology of TLE. The goal of this study is to characterize local interactions in multichannel ECoG recordings of the lateral cortex of TLE patients using three synchronization measures and to link this information with surgical outcome.
The microtubule-binding fragment of microtubule-associated protein-2: location of the protease-accessible site and identification of an assembly-promoting peptide

Thrombin cleavage of bovine brain microtubule-associated protein (MAP- 2) yields two stable limit polypeptide fragments (28,000 and 240,000 Mr). The smaller cleavage product contains the microtubule-binding domain and is derived from the carboxyl terminus of MAP-2 while the 240,000 Mr fragment is derived from the amino terminus. The amino terminal sequence of the smaller cleavage product is homologous with the microtubule-binding fragment of tau in sequence and in a similar location relative to three imperfect octadecapeptide repeats implicated in microtubule binding. Peptides corresponding to the cleavage site and the three repeats of MAP-2 were synthesized. Only the second octadecapeptide repeat (VTSKCGSLKNIRHRPGGG) was capable of stimulating microtubule nucleation and elongation. Microtubules formed in the presence of this peptide displayed normal morphology and retained the inhibition properties of calcium ion, podophyllotoxin, and colchicine. Our result indicates that a region comprising only approximately 1% of the MAP-2 sequence can promote microtubule assembly.
SDN on ACIDs

Software-defined networks (SDN) do not guarantee coherent network operations, when uncoordinated SDN applications concurrently update the network forwarding state. As this problem has not so far received considerable attention, in this paper, we introduce transactional network-wide update support in SDN. We notably design and implement a new SDN service complementing state of the art proposals to achieve atomicity, isolation and durability of network updates in any typical SDN setup. The experiments with our implementation of the ACID service in FloodLight and OpenVSwitch demonstrate the practical feasibility of our proposal and good scalability to different network loads and sizes.
The omnipotence of voices: testing the validity of a cognitive model

Background. A preliminary report by the authors suggested that the range of affect generated by voices (anger, fear, elation) was linked not to the form, content or topography of voice activity, but to the beliefs patients held about them, in particular their supposed power and authority. We argued that this conformed to a cognitive model; that is, voice beliefs represent an attempt to understand the experience of voices, and cannot be understood by reference to the form/content of voices alone. This study puts this cognitive model to empirical test. Methods. Sixty-two voice hearers conforming to ICD-10 schizophrenia or schizoaffective diagnoses were interviewed and completed standardized measures of voice activity; beliefs about voices and supporting evidence, coping behaviour; affect and depression. Results. Beliefs about the power and meaning of voices showed a close relationship with coping behaviour and affect (malevolent voices were associated with fear and anger and were resisted; benevolent voices were associated with positive effect and were engaged) and accounted for the high rate of depression in the sample (53%). Measures of voice form and topography did not show any link with behaviour or affect and in only one-quarter of cases did neutral observers rate voice beliefs as ‘following directly’ from voice content. Conclusion. The study found support for our cognitive model and therapeutic approach. Factors governing the genesis of these key beliefs remain unknown. A number of hypotheses are discussed, which centre around the possibility that voice beliefs develop as part of an adaptive process to the experience of voices, and are underpinned by core beliefs about the individuals self-worth and interpersonal schemata.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in VA Services Utilization as a Partial Pathway to Mortality Differentials among Veterans Diagnosed with TBI

Objective: Primary: To examine Veterans Administration (VA) utilization and other potential mediators between racial/ethnic differentials and mortality in veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design: A national cohort of veterans clinically diagnosed with TBI in 2006 was followed from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2009 or until date of death. Utilization was tracked for 12 months. Differences in survival and potential mediators by race were examined via K-Wallis and chi-square tests. Potential mediation of utilization in the association between mortality and race/ethnicity was studied by fitting Cox models with and without adjustment for demographics and co-morbidities. Poisson regression was used to study the association of race/ethnicity with utilization of specialty services potentially important in the management of TBI. Setting: United States (US) Veterans Administration (VA) Hospitals and Clinics. Participants: 14, 690 US veterans clinically diagnosed with TBI in 2006. Interventions: Not Applicable. The study is a secondary data analysis. Main Outcome Measures: Mortality, Utilization. Results: Hispanic veterans were found to have significantly higher unadjusted mortality (6.69%) than Non-Hispanic White veterans (2.93%). Hispanic veterans relative to Non-Hispanic White were found to have significantly lower utilization of all services examined, except imaging. Neurology was found to be the utilization mediator with the highest percent of excess risk (3.40%) while age was the non utilization confounder with the highest percent of excess risk (31.49%). In fully adjusted models for demographics and co-morbidities, Hispanic veterans relative to Non-Hispanic Whites were found to have less total visits (IRR 0.89), TBI clinic (IRR 0.43), neurology (IRR 0.35), rehabilitation (IRR 0.37), and other visits (IRR 0.85) with only higher mental health visits (IRR 1.53). Conclusions: We found evidence that utilization is a partial mediator between race/ethnicity and mortality, especially neurology utilization. We also found that Hispanic veterans receive significantly less TBI clinic, neurology, rehabilitation and other types of utilization. The use of innovative system factors (decision aids, information tools, patient activation, and adherence support interventions) could be valuable in enhancing utilization of specific TBI related services, especially among ethnic minorities.
Blood pressure changes during clozapine or olanzapine treatment in Korean schizophrenic patients

Background. Numerous reports have linked atypical antipsychotics, especially clozapine and olanzapine, to the development of cardiovascular risk factors. In this retrospective chart review study, we investigated the blood pressure changes in Korean schizophrenic inpatients treated with clozapine or olanzapine. Method. We reviewed the medical record of schizophrenic patients treated with clozapine or olanzapine for 8 weeks. A total of 167 patients were included in the study; 70 patients in clozapine group and 97 patients in olanzapine group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures prior to medication and at post-treatment (8-week) were assessed, and changes in blood pressure were analyzed. The prevalence of hypertension at the time of study period was assessed and compared between the two groups. Results. There was a significant difference in hypertension prevalence in comparisons between the clozapine and olanzapine group. The systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the clozapine group were significantly increased after treatment, but systolic and diastolic blood pressures in olanzapine group did not change significantly. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that clozapine treatment may be associated with increased blood pressure and higher prevalence of hypertension, which may have a significant impact on medical morbidity and mortality.
Membrane physical properties influence transmembrane helix formation

The pHLIP peptide has three states: (I) soluble in aqueous buffer, (II) bound to the bilayer surface at neutral pH, and (III) inserted as a transmembrane (TM) helix at acidic pH. The membrane insertion of pHLIP at low pH can be used to target the acidic tissues characteristic of different diseases, such as cancer. We find that the α-helix content of state II depends on lipid acyl chain length but not cholesterol, suggesting the helicity of the bound state may be controlled by the bilayer elastic bending modulus. Experiments with the P20G variant show the proline residue in pHLIP reduces the α-helix content of both states II and III. We also observe that the membrane insertion pKa is influenced by membrane physical properties, following a biphasic pattern similar to the membrane thickness optima observed for the function of eukaryotic membrane proteins. Because tumor cells exhibit altered membrane fluidity, we suggest this might influence pHLIP tumor targeting. We used a cell insertion assay to determine the pKa in live cells, observing that the properties in liposomes held in the more complex plasma membrane. Our results show that the formation of a TM helix is modulated by both the conformational propensities of the peptide and the physical properties of the bilayer. These results suggest a physical role for helix-membrane interactions in optimizing the function of more complex TM proteins.
Stress Intensity Factors for Anisotropic Fracture Test Specimens of Several Geometries

Stress intensity factors have been obtained for single-edge-notched, double-edge-notched, and double cantilever beam fracture toughness test specimens using a two-dimensional hybrid stress model finite element analysis. The degree of anisotropy is shown to have a significant effect on the stress intensity factor in some cases, with differing effects for different specimen shapes; however, effects of anisotropy are relatively constant for varying crack lengths of a given shape. An experimental K-calilbration for the double cantilever beam specimen is in good agreement with the analytical prediction, and the effect of geometry on the applied load to cause crack propagation is accurately predicted by the analysis.
Framework for dynamic optimization of district heating systems using Optimica Compiler Toolkit

Recent studies show that district heating infrastructures should play an important role in future sustainable energy systems. Tools for dynamic optimization are required to increase the efficiency of existing systems and design new ones. This paper presents a novel framework to represent, simplify, simulate and optimize district heating systems. The framework is implemented in Python and is based on Optimica Compiler Toolkit as well as Modelon’s Thermal Power Library. The high-level description of optimization problems using Optimica allows flexible optimization formulations including constraints on physically relevant variables such as supply temperature, flow rate and pressures. The benefit of new algorithms for symbolic elimination in Optimica Compiler Toolkit is also investigated. The framework is applied on a test case, which is based on a planned city district located in Graz, Austria. The results demonstrate the generality of the representation as well as the accuracy of the simplification for dynamic optimization of temperature supply and pressure control.
Membrane analysis and load-deflection behaviour of isotropic simply supported reinforced concrete circular slabs

Load-deflection relation of Isotropic simply supported reinforced concrete circular slabs subjected to distributed load has been determmed taking into account the effect of membrane action for loads greater than the yield-line load. The analysis includes the effect of deflections occuring up to Yield-line load Results are compared with those of tests conducted in the laboratory.