Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Water distribution network calibration using enhanced GGA and topological analysis

The calibration of hydraulic models of water distribution networks (WDN) is of preeminent importance for their analysis and management. It is usually achieved by solving a constrained optimization problem based on some priors on decision variables and the demand-driven simulation of the entire network, given the observations of some hydraulic status variables (i.e. typically nodal heads and sometimes pipe flows). This paper presents a framework to perform the calibration of pipe hydraulic resistances considering two main issues: (i) the enhancements of WDN simulation models allowing us to simplify network topology with respect to serial nodes/trunks and/or to account for a more realistic representation of distributed demands and (ii) a different formulation of the calibration problem itself. Depending on the available measurements, the proposed calibration strategy reduces the hydraulic simulation model size and can permit the decomposition of the network. On the one hand, such a procedure allows for numerical and computational advantages, especially for large size networks. On the other hand, it allows a prompt analysis of observability of calibration decision variables based on actual observations and might help identifying those pipes (i.e. hydraulic resistances) which are more important for the whole network behaviour.
Conflittualità genitoriale e sintomatologia da stress post-traumatico nei figli: uno studio esplorativo

In letteratura sono noti gli effetti negativi dell'esposizione al conflitto genitoriale sull'adattamento dei figli, in termini di problemi di internalizzazione ed esternalizzazione, mentre sono meno indagate le conseguenze post-traumatiche. In un gruppo normativo di 90 famiglie con bambini di età scolare, questo studio esplorativo si propone di: 1) rilevare la presenza della sintomatologia post-traumatica in bambini esposti a lievi versus intensi con-flitti genitoriali, e 2) indagare i fattori di mediazione nella relazione tra conflitto genitoriale e sintomatologia post-traumatica, prendendo come riferimento il modello Cognitivo-Contestuale e l'ipotesi della Sicurezza Emotiva. I risultati mostrano come in condizioni di conflitto intenso la minaccia percepita svolga un ruolo di mediazione sui sintomi di ansia, depressione, PTS e dissociazione, e le rappresentazioni distruttive sulla rabbia. In condizio-ni di conflitto lieve, invece, il distress emotivo svolge un ruolo di mediazione sui sintomi ansiosi e le rappresentazioni distruttive sulla rabbia.
Therapeutic targeting of tumor associated macrophages.

THERAPEUTIC TARGETING OF TUMOR ASSOCIATED MACROPHAGES Stephanie K. Watkins September 20, 2007 Previous studies on the mechanistic induction of anti-tumor responses by IL-12 cytokine therapy have focused on the adaptive immune response, specifically the activation NK cells and T cells as the primary targets of IL-12 treatment. In contrast, little attention has been given to the potential role of macrophages in the initiation of antitumor responses by IL-12 therapy despite reports that macrophages playa major role in promoting tumor growth and metastasis and in suppressing anti-tumor immune responses. Based on the functional adaptivity hypothesis, which is the concept that macrophages functionally adapt, rather than differentiate into specific mature subsets, in response to environmental stimuli, we hypothesized that tumor infiltrating (TIMs) as well as tumorassociated macrophages (TAMs) could be converted from tumor supportive activities to pro-immunogenic activities by IL-12 therapy. We examined the functional activities displayed by TIMs and TAMs after treatment with IL-12. Our data demonstrate (1) that tumor cells and tumor exosomes activate TIMs and TAMs by c:ell-contact dependent mechanisms involving ligation of CD40 and/or NKG2D, (2) that IL-12 treatment both in vivo and in vitro induces a rapid reduction of tumor supportive: activities and a concomitant increase in pro-inflammatory activities in TIMs as well as TAMs, (3) that
Patterns of Solution Behavior across Items in Low-Stakes Assessments

ABSTRACT The trustworthiness of low-stakes assessment results largely depends on examinee effort, which can be measured by the amount of time examinees devote to items using solution behavior (SB) indices. Because SB indices are calculated for each item, they can be used to understand how examinee motivation changes across items within a test. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used with the SB indices from three low-stakes assessments to explore patterns of solution behavior across items. Across tests, the favored models consisted of two classes, with Class 1 characterized by high and consistent solution behavior (>90% of examinees) and Class 2 by lower and less consistent solution behavior (<10% of examinees). Additional analyses provided supportive validity evidence for the two-class solution with notable differences between classes in self-reported effort, test scores, gender composition, and testing context. Although results were generally similar across the three assessments, striking differences were found in the nature of the solution behavior pattern for Class 2 and the ability of item characteristics to explain the pattern. The variability in the results suggests motivational changes across items may be unique to aspects of the testing situation (e.g., content of the assessment) for less motivated examinees.
The Role of Phosphodiesterase 4B in Inflammation after Traumatic Brain Injury

of a dissertation at the University of Miami. Dissertation supervised by Professor Coleen M. Atkins. No. of pages in text. (92) Traumatic brain injury (TBI) initiates a deleterious inflammatory response that exacerbates pathology and worsens outcome. This inflammatory response is partially mediated by a reduction in cAMP and a concomitant upregulation of cAMP-hydrolyzing phosphodiesterases (PDEs) acutely after TBI. The PDE4B subfamily, specifically PDE4B2, has been found to regulate cAMP in inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils, macrophages and microglia. Given the detrimental effects of the acute inflammatory response after TBI and the role of PDE4B in other models of inflammation, we hypothesized that acute PDE4B inhibition would reduce inflammation and improve cognitive and histopathological outcome after TBI. To test this hypothesis, adult male Sprague Dawley rats received sham surgery or moderate parasagittal fluid-percussion brain injury (2 ± 0.2 atm) and were then treated with a PDE4B selective inhibitor, A33, or vehicle for up to 3 days post-surgery. A33 treatment reduced tumor necrosis factor at 6 hrs after TBI. Treatment with A33 also reduced markers of microglial activation and neutrophil infiltration at 3 and 24 hrs after TBI, respectively. At 3 days post-injury, A33 treatment reduced cortical contusion volume. To determine whether this treatment paradigm attenuated TBI-induced behavioral deficits, animals were evaluated over a period of 6 weeks after surgery for forelimb placement asymmetry, contextual fear conditioning, water maze performance and spatial working memory. A33 treatment significantly improved contextual fear conditioning and water maze retention at 24 hrs post-training. However, this treatment did not rescue sensorimotor or working memory deficits. At 2 months after surgery, atrophy and neuronal loss were measured. A33 treatment significantly reduced neuronal loss in the pericontusional cortex and hippocampal CA3 region. This treatment paradigm also reduced cortical, but not hippocampal, atrophy. Overall, the results from this study demonstrated that early treatment with a PDE4B-selective inhibitor, A33, reduced inflammation, memory deficits, cortical contusion volume and atrophy, and neuronal loss in both the pericontusional cortex and CA3 region of the hippocampus. These results suggest that acute PDE4B inhibition may be a viable treatment to reduce inflammation, pathology and memory deficits after TBI.
EFL Writers’ Reconstruction of Writing Beliefs in a Functional Linguistics-Based Curriculum: What Does the Trajectory Look Like?

This case study explores how English-as-a-foreign language (EFL) learners reconstructed their writing beliefs when exposed to a systemic functional linguistics (SFL)–based writing curriculum. The study was conducted through qualitative content analyses of four EFL students’ interviews, journal entries, teacher/peer feedback, as well as their writing pieces collected in an argumentative writing classroom at a Chinese university. It shows that along with mediated instruction, the EFL writers overcame an array of factors in and outside of their classroom and gained more stabilized beliefs that conceptualized writing as a meaning-making process. In addition, the EFL writers gradually acted upon their new beliefs by attending to the concurrent roles of linguistic resources (e.g., grammar and vocabulary), meaning, and context when constructing writing. The study implicates that it is optimal for education administrators to promote meaning-making-based writing instruction through the tool of SFL to shape EFL writers’ beliefs and facilitate their effective construction of academic writing.
Use of the advanced micro-osmometer model 3300 for determination of a normal osmolality and evaluation of different formulas for calculated osmolarity and osmole gap in adult dogs

Objective: To determine a reference interval of whole blood and plasma osmolalities for dogs using the Advanced Micro Osmometer Model 3300, to compare calculated osmolarity to measured osmolality, to determine a reference osmole gap, and to determine the best formula for calculated osmolaity. Design: Prospective, observational. Setting: Tertiary referral and teaching hospital. Animals: One hundred healthy adult dogs. Interventions: None. Measurements: Serum and whole blood biochemistry and osmolality assessments. Results: The mean and median of the measured whole blood osmolality were 323 and 320 mOsm/kg, respectively, with a standard deviation of 13.2 mOsm/kg. The mean and median of the measured plasma osmolality were 313 and 310 mOsm/kg, respectively, with a standard deviation of 13.2 mOsm/kg. The formula that was closest to predicting the measured whole blood and plasma osmolality was ((1.86(Na+K))+(BUN/2.8)+(Glucose/18))/0.93 followed closely by the traditional formula of (2(Na+K))+(BUN/2.8)+(Glucose/18). The mean calculated osmolarities using these formulas were 314.1 and 313.25 mOsm/L, respectively. The mean osmole gap using these formulas was 3.49 and 4.41 mOsm, respectively, for whole blood and −2.01 and −1.1 mOsm, respectively, for plasma. Conclusion: The Advanced Micro Osmometer Model 3300 was successful in measuring the osmolality in relative agreement with the current published reference intervals for osmolality. Measured osmolality correlated well with traditional calculated osmolarity.
Integrative medicine review

Integrative Medicine is a growing branch of medicine which integrates the best aspects of conventional (allopathic) and complementary and alternative medicines. This kind of medicine recognizes that the mechanistic, fragmentary and linear view of science, i.e. reductionism, has many limitations, particularly in biological and medical sciences. Moreover, Integrative Medicine provides a particular care to each patient, orienting its practices towards healing and emphasizing the therapeutic relationship. Its principles harmonize with the proposals of Systemic Biology which acknowledges the complexity, integrality and holistic nature of living beings. Based on the aforementioned postulates integrate our Five-Spheres Model for patient care.
PERBEDAAN PENDAPATAN USAHA BUDIDAYA IKAN BANDENG (Chanos chanos) INTENSIF DAN NON INTENSIF DI KECAMATAN MANYAK PAYED KABUPATEN ACEH TAMIANG

Tujuan penelitian untuk menganalisis perbedaan pendapatan usaha budidaya ikan bandeng (Chanos chanos) di Kecamatan Manyak Payed Kabupaten Aceh Tamiang. Di bawah bimbingan Muhammad Jamil dan Siti Balqies Indra. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Kecamatan Mayak Payed Kabupaten Aceh Tamiang. Penentuan lokasi penelitian dilakukan dengan sengaja (purposive), dengan pertimbangan bahwa di Kecamatan Manyak Payed Kabupaten Aceh Tamiang terdapat usaha budidaya ikan bandeng secara intensif dan non intensif. Penelitian menggunakan metode survey. Objek penelitian ini adalah pengusaha tambak usaha budidaya ikan bandeng secara intensif dan non intensif di Kecamatan Manyak Payed. Ruang lingkup penelitian ini hanya mengkaji pendapatan pengusaha usaha budidaya ikan bandeng secara intensif dan non intensif. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Februari 2016 sampai bulan Maret 2016. pengusaha budidaya ikan bandeng intensif sebanyak 21 orang semuannya dijadikan sampel penelitian. Sedangan pengusaha budidaya ikan bandeng non intensif populasinya sebanyak 502 orang sebanyak 30 orang dijadikan sampel penelitian. Rata-rata pengunaan tenaga kerja usaha budidaya ikan bandeng non intensif yaitu sebesar 34,07 HKP/Periode dengan rincian 21,07 HKP/Periode dan intensif yaitu sebesar 85,25 HKP/UT/Periode. Rata-rata biaya produksi usaha budidaya ikan bandeng non intensif di Kecamatan Manyak Payed yaitu sebesar Rp. 3.879. 017,86,- perUT/Periode dan intensif yaitu sebesar Rp. 7.536. 591,53- perUT/Periode. Rata-rata produksi ikan bandeng usaha budidaya non intensif sebesar 484,42 Kg/UT/Periode dan 351,66 Kg/Ha/Periode dan intensif yaitu sebesar 728,19 Kg/UT/Periode dan 521,91 Kg/Ha/Periode. Rata-rata nilai produksi usaha budidaya ikan bandeng non intensif di Kecamatan Manyak Payed yaitu sebesar Rp. 9.688. 333,33,- /Usaha/Periode dan Rp. 7.033. 272,84,-/Ha/Periode dan intensif yaitu sebesar Rp. 16.020. 190,48,-/Usaha dan Rp. 11.482. 047,78,-/Ha/Periode. Rata-rata pendapatan bersih usaha budidaya ikan bandeng non intensif di Kecamatan Manyak Payed yaitu sebesar Rp. 5.809. 315,48 perUT/Periode dan Rp. 4.338. 971,21 per Ha/Periode dan intensif yaitu sebesar Rp. 8.483. 598,94- per UT/Periode dan Rp. 6.042. 300,43,- per Ha/Periode. Dari hasil perhitungan tersebut diperoleh t cari = 13,101 sedangkan t tabel pada tingkat keyakinan 95% (I±=0.05) sebesar 1,665 dan pada tingkat keyakinan 99% (I±=0.01) sebesar 2,405. Ini berarti t cari > t tabel baik pada tingkat keyakinan 95% maupun 99%. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan terima Ha dan tolak Ho. Artinya ada perbedaan yang sangat nyata antara pendapatan bersih usaha budidaya ikan bandeng non intensif dan intensif.
The practice of new oral language structures by learners in the teaching of the English language curriculum in the primary school education in Kenya

Language is very important in our lives as it is the means by which people communicate. Effectiveness in language learning can greatly be achieved through the practice of new language structures. This paper is a report on a study that investigated the practice of new language structures by learners in the teaching of the English language curriculum. The study was undertaken in Nandi North district, Kenya in the year 2009. The study adopted Vygotsky’s [4] theory of social interaction. It utilized a qualitative research approach with a heuristic methodology. An exploratory research design was used. The research population consisted of primary school teachers teaching English in upper primary classes and standard six pupils. The data was collected using structured and focused group interviews and observations. This paper is a discussion of the findings, conclusions and recommendations of this study. Original Research Article Syomwene et al.; JSRR, 7(5): 377-385, 2015; Article no.JSRR. 2015.219 378
Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Antibodies for Remission Maintenance Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises chronic inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and indeterminate colitis. The etiopathogenesis of IBD remains unknown and is probably multifactorial. A key pro-inflammatory cytokine in IBD is tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). The goals of the medical treatment of IBD include inducing a clinical response, maintaining clinical remission, mucosal healing, minimizing the use of corticosteroids, improvement of quality of life, and prevention of colorectal cancer. A huge advance in the therapy of inflammatory bowel disease has been the introduction of biological therapies with antiTNF-α antibodies (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab) already administrated in clinical practice (Adv Clin Exp Med 2010, 19, 2, 143–150).
Learning And Interacting in Noisy Classrooms: Teacher Perceptions of The Challenges For Students Who Are Hard of Hearing

The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the impact of background noise on the daily school experiences of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children in elementary school. Through observations in 11 elementary classrooms in a western Canadian city, students and teachers were found to participate in four types of classroom activities (seatwork, direct teacher instruction, small group activities, and transitions). Unstructured activities, large classroom space, and high levels of background noise caused the most challenge for DHH students in terms of learning and peer interactions. Sixteen classroom and specialist teachers of the DHH were interviewed to learn their perceptions of their 11 DHH students’ experience learning and interacting in noisy classrooms, and all interviews were analyzed through a content analysis approach. The teachers perceived that the students experienced serious negative impacts from background noise both academically and socially. Implications for theory, practice, and policy are discussed.
Breakfast habits and snacks consumed at school among Qatari schoolchildren aged 9‐10 years

Purpose – The objective of this study is to assess breakfast habits and foods mostly consumed as snacks during the school day among fourth grade Qatari schoolchildren.Design/methodology/approach – A cross‐sectional survey on a random sample of fourth grade students was carried out using a questionnaire on food frequency, food habits and types of foods consumed in breakfast and during the school day. The study included 259 students, 124 (47.9 per cent) girls and 135 (52.1 per cent) boys aged 9‐10 years.Findings – Results of the study revealed that 91.1 per cent of the boys and 89.5 per cent of the girls ate breakfast daily. Bread and breakfast cereals consumption at breakfast was significantly higher (p = 0.04) among girls (86.3 per cent) compared with boys (76.3 per cent). Cheese and eggs were consumed by 90.7 per cent of the children at breakfast. Sweets and chocolates consumption was significantly higher (p < 0.001) among girls (56.5 per cent) than boys (28.2 per cent). Consumption of bakery items was s.
EFFECT OF PHYSICAL TRAINING ON LUNG FUNCTION IN HEALTHY YOUNG ADULTS

BACKGROUND: Constant and consistent exercise will improve the efficiency of a vital organ, our lungs, and that all people, even young subjects, need to work this organ along with the rest of their body for a healthier life. Hence the present study was under taken to show that consistent aerobic activity, would exhibit a significantly greater lung capacity. OBJECTIVES: To compare the lung volumes and pulmonary functions of young trained men with those of healthy sedentary age-matched controls, to determine whether physical activity (Exercise) and lifestyle effects the pulmonary function and delays decline of lung function. MATERIAL & METHODS: A total of 100 subjects comprising physically active men who exercised for 90minutes every day from one year and sedentary men were assessed for pulmonary function test. The parameters used as determinants of lung function were FVC, FEV1, PEF 50% and FEV1% were recorded as per standard procedure using Medspiror. RESULTS: Pulmonary Function Profile was analyzed and compared between the two groups. In our study the physically active group were having higher mean of FVC 4.98+0.15 FEV1 of 4.077+0.115, PEF 50% of 4.462+0.108 and FEV1% of 82.48+0.441 as compared to sedentary group. CONCLUSION: The FVC, FEV1, PEF 50% and FEV1% were higher in physically active young men than in the normal sedentary control individuals. This study proves that a physically active lifestyle improves the lung functions and probably delays the decline in the lung functioning as well.
FDI-pollution Nexus: The Role of Corruption

This study aims to re-investigate the Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH) by analyzing the role of corruption. We argue that the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on pollution in the host country is contingent on the level of corruption of the host country. By using a sample of 70 developing countries, the findings reveal that FDI do not directly influence carbon dioxide (CO2) emission. However, further investigation using threshold regression analysis uncovers that PHH only exist in countries with high level of corruption. In other words, corrupted countries absorb“dirty” FDI and therefore generate more pollution than less corrupted countries.
INCIDENCE OF CATARACT IN DOGS : A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Retrospective data on the incidence of status of cataract were obtained for a period of two years from October 2009 to September 2011 after scrutinizing the hospital record at ophthalmology unit, Department of Veterinary Sur gery and Radiology, Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital. A higher incidence of cataract was observed in the breed Spitz aged between 7-15 years.
Impact of work-family conflict on job performance of nurses working for hopitals in Ho Chi Minh City

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of Work-Family Conflict on job performance of nurses working for hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). The study conducts survey with 221 nurses working for hospitals in HCMC by questionnaires. The data was analyzed by techniques: Descriptive statistics, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and regression analysis. The findings indicate that four factors driving job performance (from strongest to weakest) are Strain-based Family Interference with Work (SFIW), Strain-based Work Interference with Family (SWIF), Time-based Work Interference with Family (TWIF), Time- based Family Interference with Work(TFIW).
Radiometric calibration of space remote sensing camera

Radiometric calibration is an important part for space remote sensing camera to obtain an accurate radiation value of ground target. The main significance of radiometric calibration is to reduce the influence by external scene and internal parameters of camera and to recover the real radiation property of objects. In order to break the limitation of line array imaging sensor, we propose a radiometric calibration method based on camera state matrix for area array camera. According to camera response characteristics, calculate and fit a functional relationship between the input radiance energy and the output digital number. Meanwhile, analyse and describe the procedure of radiometric calibration in detail. Experimental results indicates that the calibration method can provide high accuracy linear fitting parameters and can be widely applied to a large variety digital imaging systems.