Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thin and intermittent ultralow-velocity zones

[1] An area of the core-mantle boundary to the east of Australia is investigated for the existence of ultralow-velocity zones (ULVZs). High-frequency recordings of deep Vanuatu and Tonga-Fiji earthquakes are studied from the small-aperture Warramunga Seismic Array in central Australia. The Tonga-Fiji data were used in a previous ULVZ study, while earthquakes from the Vanuatu subduction zone were newly collected for this study. Core-reflected ScP waves were analyzed, which possess observable precursory and postcursory arrivals in the presence of ULVZ structure. We apply a total variation deconvolution algorithm to our data, which significantly sharpens observed signals, hence, increasing our vertical resolution and therefore allowing us to detect thinner ULVZs than previously possible. The minimum ULVZ thickness detection threshold is approximately 2–3 km with this method. This data set samples a spot at the boundary of the large low shear velocity province beneath the Pacific. The new analysis provides evidence for a 5–6 km thick ULVZ to the north of a previously detected 8.5 km thick ULVZ. A second sampled region shows evidence for an even thinner ULVZ structure, with thicknesses of ∼3 km. These findings are largely consistent with the hypothesis that ULVZs are most likely to be found along the inside margin of large low shear velocity regions that have been attributed to dense, chemically distinct material.
Double-Blind Study of the Effects of an Oral Supplement Intended to Support Joint Health in Horses with Tarsal Degenerative Joint Disease

In recent years, the use of oral supplements that are intended to support joint health has become very popular for relief of the symptoms of degenerative joint disease (DJD) in people and animals. There is considerable anecdotal evidence to support the use of these products, together with experimental evidence of their efficacy in treating DJD in horses. DJD is the most common form of joint disease in horses. Therapy is directed towards providing analgesia, controlling inflammation (if present), limiting damage to articular tissues, and promoting healing of damaged cartilage. Medical treatment is usually based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or corticosteroids to relieve pain, reduce lameness, and suppress inflammation. Long-term use of these medications, however, may suppress chondrocyte metabolism and inhibit normal collagen and proteoglycan synthesis, leading to further degradation of the cartilage matrix. Disease-modifying drugs, which include polysulphated glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronan, also have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Oral supplements designed to support joint health may also be disease-modifying, although there have been limited studies to support or refute their efficacy in treating DJD. Traditionally, lameness is evaluated subjectively and graded on a five-point scale. Gait analysis is an objective tool for measuring gait. It uses kinematic variables to describe the movements (angulations) of the segments and joints and kinetic variables to describe the forces associated with locomotion. Ground reaction forces, which are usually resolved into vertical and horizontal (shear) components, measure the forces between the hoof and the ground. Summation of the ground reaction force throughout the stance phase is the impulse. Kinematic and force variables are used to calculate the torque (turning force) around each joint and the bursts of mechanical energy absorption and generation. Energy absorption is indicative of the function of the joint in absorbing concussion; energy
Towards Neuromorphic Learning Machines Using Emerging Memory Devices with Brain-Like Energy Efficiency

The ongoing revolution in Deep Learning is redefining the nature of computing that is driven by the increasing amount of pattern classification and cognitive tasks. Specialized digital hardware for deep learning still holds its predominance due to the flexibility offered by the software implementation and maturity of algorithms. However, it is being increasingly desired that cognitive computing occurs at the edge, i.e., on hand-held devices that are energy constrained, which is energy prohibitive when employing digital von Neumann architectures. Recent explorations in digital neuromorphic hardware have shown promise, but offer low neurosynaptic density needed for scaling to applications such as intelligent cognitive assistants (ICA). Large-scale integration of nanoscale emerging memory devices with Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) mixed-signal integrated circuits can herald a new generation of Neuromorphic computers that will transcend the von Neumann bottleneck for cognitive computing tasks. Such hybrid Neuromorphic System-on-a-chip (NeuSoC) architectures promise machine learning capability at chip-scale form factor, and several orders of magnitude improvement in energy efficiency. Practical demonstration of such architectures has been limited as performance of emerging memory devices falls short of the expected behavior from the idealized memristor-based analog synapses, or weights, and novel machine learning algorithms are needed to take advantage of the device behavior. In this article, we review the challenges involved and present a pathway to realize large-scale mixed-signal NeuSoCs, from device arrays and circuits to spike-based deep learning algorithms with ‘brain-like’ energy-efficiency.
Gaia FGK benchmark stars: Effective temperatures and surface gravities

Context. In the era of large Galactic stellar surveys, carefully calibrating and validating the data sets has become an important and integral part of the data analysis. Moreover, new generations of stellar atmosphere models and spectral line formation computations need to be subjected to benchmark tests to assess any progress in predicting stellar properties. Aims: We focus on cool stars and aim at establishing a sample of 34 Gaia FGK benchmark stars with a range of different metallicities. The goal was to determine the effective temperature and the surface gravity independently of spectroscopy and atmospheric models as far as possible. Most of the selected stars have been subjected to frequent spectroscopic investigations in the past, and almost all of them have previously been used as reference, calibration, or test objects. Methods: Fundamental determinations of Teff and log g were obtained in a systematic way from a compilation of angular diameter measurements and bolometric fluxes and from a homogeneous mass determination based on stellar evolution models. The derived parameters were compared to recent spectroscopic and photometric determinations and to gravity estimates based on seismic data. Results: Most of the adopted diameter measurements have formal uncertainties around 1%, which translate into uncertainties in effective temperature of 0.5%. The measurements of bolometric flux seem to be accurate to 5% or better, which contributes about 1% or less to the uncertainties in effective temperature. The comparisons of parameter determinations with the literature in general show good agreements with a few exceptions, most notably for the coolest stars and for metal-poor stars. Conclusions: The sample consists of 29 FGK-type stars and 5 M giants. Among the FGK stars, 21 have reliable parameters suitable for testing, validation, or calibration purposes. For four stars, future adjustments of the fundamental Teff are required, and for five stars the log g determination needs to be improved. Future extensions of the sample of Gaia FGK benchmark stars are required to fill gaps in parameter space, and we include a list of suggested candidates.
Market-focused strategic flexibility: Conceptual advances and an integrative model

This article develops the concept of market-focused strategic flexibility. It begins with a review of the historical perspectives of strategic flexibility. To support the conceptualization, the authors offer a theoretical schema that considers market-focused strategic flexibility as conceptually rooted in capabilities theory, resource-based views of the firm, and options. With the conceptualization in place, the authors propose an integrative model that explicates the mediating role of market-focused strategic flexibility in marketing strategy frameworks. Propositions are developed relating market-driven and driving orientations to market-focused strategic flexibility with consideration for how turbulent macro environments modify the relationship. In addition, the authors offer propositions regarding outcomes of market-focused strategic flexibility under conditions of macro environmental turbulence.
Predictors of Unmet Need for Contraception among Urban and Rural Women in Anambra State, Nigeria: A Mixed Method Survey

Aims: To assess the levels of unmet need for contraception and the various factors that influence these levels among rural and urban populations of currently married women of reproductive age in Anambra State, Nigeria. Study Design: Mixed method survey. Place and Duration of Study: Anambra State in South-Eastern Nigeria. The study was carried out from March 2017 to July 2017. Methodology: The study participants were currently married women of reproductive age (15-49 years) who had resided in the Local Government Areas of interest for at least one year prior to the Original Research Article Iloghalu et al.; IJTDH, 29(4): 1-20, 2018; Article no.IJTDH. 39886 2 survey and who consented to the study. Excluded from the study were women who were homeless, living in institutional homes or were too sick to participate in the survey. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 208 urban and 210 rural participants and quantitative data obtained using pre-tested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Qualitative data were obtained from focus group discussions (FGD) among current non-users of contraception and key informant interviews (KII) among Primary Health Care staff in selected Local Government Areas. Binary logistic regression was done for quantitative data analysis using SPSS software and content analysis of qualitative data was done using the Atlas.ti software. Results: Response rate was 96.8%. There was a significantly higher level of awareness of at least 3 modern methods of contraception among urban (52.5%) compared to rural women (47.5%) (P ˂ 0.001). The overall contraceptive prevalence among participants was 44.5% (29.7% for modern methods and 14.8% for traditional methods). The overall level of unmet need for contraception was very high (26.3%), but much higher was the unmet need for modern contraception (41%). The independent predictors of unmet need for contraception among urban women were health insurance and cost of contraceptives; while that among rural women was perceived the risk of pregnancy. Only 2 rural participants had a form of health insurance. The commonest reasons for contraceptive non-use were side effects-related for urban women and opposition to use for rural women. Conclusion: The level of unmet need for contraception remains very high and its predictors vary between urban and rural women in Anambra State, Nigeria.
CFD prediction of scalar transport in thin channels for reverse electrodialysis

AbstractReverse electrodialysis (RED) is a very promising technology allowing the electrochemical potential difference of a salinity gradient to be directly converted into electric energy. The fluid dynamics optimization of the thin channels used in RED is still an open problem. The present preliminary work focuses on the computational fluid dynamics simulation of the flow and concentration fields in these channels. In particular, three different configurations were investigated: a channel unprovided with a spacer (empty channel) and two channels filled with spacers, one made of overlapped filaments and the other of woven filaments. The transport of two passive scalars, representative of the ions present in the solution, was simulated in order to evaluate concentration polarization phenomena. Computational domain effects were also addressed. Results show that: (i) the adoption of a computational domain limited to a single unit cell along with periodic boundary conditions provides results very close to tho.
Circadian blood pressure profile and comparison with clinic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension on treatment; experience from a Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka

Background and Objectives: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is more reflective of an individual’s Blood Pressure (BP) profile and its control, eliminating several confounding and contributory factors. The present study was intended to look at the circadian pattern of BP variation, the prognostication of patients with nocturnal BP fluctuations and to compare the clinic BP measurements over ambulatory readings in patients with essential hypertension, who are on treatment. Methods: A Prospective study was conducted at Teaching Hospital Kandy from August 2015 to October 2015 with recruitment of 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria. It included patients who were above 18 years with stage I to III hypertension with normal renal functions and having no previous history of coronary or cerebro-vascular events. All patients underwent electrocardiograms, 2D echocardiography assessment, manual BP as well as 24-hour ABPM. Results: There were 100 subjects with female preponderance and mean age of 61 ± 9 years. One third had uncontrolled BP according to office BP readings whereas 60% had uncontrolled BP according to ABPM. The agreement between the office BP and ABPM in diagnosing control or uncontrolled BP was low (58%, Kappa = 0.23). Significant statistical difference (p Conclusion: ABPM is more reflective of an individual’s naive BP pattern and its response to treatment. It captures the different types of diurnal variation of BP thus guiding the physician to treat the patient optimally. Moreover, its non-invasive and portable nature allows it to be used with ease and will gather more widespread recognition and acceptance as a more reliable diagnostic and prognostic tool in the future.
Effect of substituting groundnut cake for different levels of rice bran on growth and wool production of German Angora rabbits.

An experiment was conducted on 72 German Angora rabbits (42 youngs and 30 adults) divided into three groups to assess the effect of three experimental diets (T1, T2 and T3) with different levels of groundnut cake replaced by rice bran on their growth performance, wool yield, quality, and digestibility of nutrients. The inclusion rate of groundnut cake was decreased from 20 to 15 to 10% and that of rice bran increased from 13 to 18 to 23% in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The same diets presented 16.1, 15.1 and 14.0% DM of crude protein and 11.3, 11.1 and 10.9 MJ/kg DM of digestible energy, respectively. All animals were kept under similar housing and management conditions and the experiment was continued for a period of 225 days (3 shearings). No significant effects of the experimental diets on body weight gain, wool yield and wool attributes were observed in young and adult rabbits. However, the wool yield at the 2nd shearing was higher in the T1 group (P<0.05) indicating the positive effect of a diet higher in protein and energy on the wool production at an early stage of growth. Voluntary intake both of concentrates and roughages were not affected by the dietary treatment. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter and crude fibre were increased both in young and adult rabbits with the reduction of groundnut cake, while those of crude protein and ether extract were decreased in young rabbits only. From this experiment it can be concluded that groundnut cake can be safely replaced with rice bran in adult feeds at rates of up to 10% of the total content, while in young rabbits it may not be advantageous to go above a 5% level of replacement to avoid a substantial reduction in protein concentration, and the impairment of growth and wool production.
Tweet as a Tool for Election Forecast : UK 2015 General Election as an Example DRAFT ∗

In this essay we explore the utility of using Twitter conversations to explain election outcomes. Our efforts are based on a large corpus of Tweets collected during the six-month period approaching the 2015 UK election. Our analysis includes the geo-location of tweets, sentiment analysis, and issue/topic modelling. The analysis focuses on England and Scotland. The interpretation of the Twitter landscape of Scotland is straightforward: the Scottish National Party dominated the Twitter conversation on all aspects including the number of tweets, general sentiment, and the evaluation of key issues. In contrast, the results of England are more nuanced: Generally speaking, the Labour Party was the slight favorite; however, the Conservative Party had a slight edge over Labour on certain issues that may have been critical in the ultimate Tory victory. We suspect this poor performance of EnglishTweets in explaining election outcomes is the consequences of the population of Twitter users being unrepresentative of the country’s population. We discuss the strategy to remove the biases through collecting and analysing demographic information of Twitter users. ∗Paper prepared for Presentation at the Third Annual Meeting of the Asian Political Methodology Society in Beijing January, 2016
CERVICAL HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION IN SERBIA: RISK FACTORS, PREVALENCE AND GENOTYPE DISTRIBUTION IN WOMEN WITH NORMAL CERVICAL CYTOLOGY

Sexual behavioral and other risk factors and the prevalence of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are very important for the monitoring of HPV infection and cervical cancer prevention strategies. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors, prevalence of cervical HPV infection and genotype distribution among asymptomatic young women with normal cytology in Serbia. A total of 204 consenting young women were enrolled in this study and interviewed about risk factors. The presence of HPV DNA was assessed using the PCR method. HPV genotypes were identified by direct sequencing. Cervical HPV infection was detected in 19.1% of women. Out of nine identified HPV genotypes, types 16 and 52 were the most frequent. A significant association was found only between the number of sexual partners and HPV positivity (p<0.05). The obtained results showed the high prevalence of high-risk HPV types among young women in Serbia. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 175073]
Heavy Ion Strippers

Stripping of high current heavy ion beams is a key technology for future accelerators as FAIR (Germany) [1] and FRIB (USA) [2] and current ones as RIBF (RIKEN, Japan) [3]. A small change in the peak charge state produced at the stripper could require a significant expense in additional accelerating stages to obtain the required final energy. The main challenges are the thermal effects due to the high power deposition (~ 50 kW/mm^3) and the radiation damage due to the high energy deposition. The effects of heavy ion beams are quite different from proton beams because of the much shorter range in matter. We present an overview considering charge stripping devices like carbon foils and gas cells used worldwide as well as the current research efforts on plasma stripping, liquid metal strippers, etc. The advantages and disadvantages of the different options will be presented.
Statistical optimization of medium constituents and conditions for improved antimicrobial compound production by marine Streptomyces sp. JRG-04

A recently isolated Streptomyces sp. JRG-04 from a mangrove estuary was identified as a producer of a broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound against various pathogens, including multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens, with no cytotoxic effect on H9C2 cells. In this study, the concentrations of various nutrient factors and culture conditions were optimized by both classical and statistical methods for an improved titer of the antimicrobial compound production. Among nutrient factors, carbon and nitrogen sources such as maltose and yeast extract stimulated the production of the antimicrobial compound with the highest titer. The production medium, with a pH 7.5 at 28°C, promoted increased antimicrobial compound production. All non-statistically optimized nutrients and environmental conditions were used for subsequent statistical optimization using a Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Maltose, yeast extract and the inorganic salt NH 4 Cl were found to be significant components for antimicrobial compound production by the PBD method. Interactions between important variables were evaluated using central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology. The final optimized medium (L -1 ) contained: 10 g maltose, 2.9 g Na 2 HPO 4 , 2.3 g KH 2 PO 4 , 1 g NH 4 Cl, 0.5 g MgSO 4 ×7H 2 O, 0.002 g FeSO 4 , 0.5 g CaCO 3 , 5.25 g yeast extract and trace elements in 5.0 mL salt solution (0.1 g ZnSO 4 ×7H 2 O, 0.3 g H 3 BO 3 , 0.2 g COCl 2 ×6H 2 O, 0.03 g MnCl 2 4H 2 O, 0.03 g Na 2 MO 4 ×2H 2 O, 0.02 g NiCl 2 ×6H 2 O, 0.01 g CuCl 2 ×2H 2 O). The medium provided an overall 42.8% increase in antibiotic activity when compared to the unoptimized medium, from 140.57±0.80 to 210.33±0.57 U/mL. https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS170224019G Received: February 24, 2017; Revised: April 12, 2017; Accepted: May 17, 2017; Published online: June 22; 2017 How to cite this article: Ganesan G, Velayudhan SS, Solomon Robinson David J. Statistical optimization of medium constituents and conditions for improved antimicrobial compound production by marine Streptomyces sp. JRG-04. Arch Biol Sci. 2017;69(4):723-31.
Exploring triggers for arousing interest in the online learning

Teachers and educators in different domains and educational levels attempt to motivate and engage students through learning and interaction. Teachers and educators often think that students either have interest or not, but they might not recognize that interest can be aroused by features of environments, by designing an array of teaching and learning and by different activities. The aim of this research is to explore the significant triggers among higher education students (n=74) in a sociodigital environment. The data consists of students’ online discussion posts (N=68), group discussion syntheses (N=10), and essays (N=21). The content analysis identified significant triggers, and categories were clustered. The results show that the most significant triggers are collaboration, topic, and feedback. The results reveal a new understanding for a collaborative learning framework. Findings from the present study suggest that teachers and educators in different domains and levels need to pay more attention to triggers in collaborative learning, particularly in socio-digital contexts.
Tissue Enzymes as Markers of Cardiac Damage during Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense Infection of Sheep

: This study was done to determine markers of cardiac and CNS involvement during HAT using sheep where eight sheep were intravenously inoculated with 1 × 10 4 T. b. rhodesiense. Two were uninfected. Jugular blood vein samples were used for parasitological analyses and determination of serum concentrations of total protein, LDH and CK and their isoenzymes. There was an increase in total protein, total LDH and total CK activities in both serum and CSF. A flip over pattern LDH1:LDH2 ratio was observed. It was concluded that serum LDH1/LDH2 ratio, has a potential diagnostic value in determination of cardiac damage.