Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elevation and elevation change of Greenland and Antarctica derived from CryoSat-2

This study focuses on the present-day surface elevation of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Based on 3 years of CryoSat-2 data acquisition we derived new elevation models (DEMs) as well as elevation change maps and volume change estimates for both ice sheets. Here we present the new DEMs and their corresponding error maps. The accuracy of the derived DEMs for Greenland and Antarctica is similar to those of previous DEMs obtained by satellite-based laser and radar altimeters. Comparisons with ICESat data show that 80% of the CryoSat-2 DEMs have an uncertainty of less than 3 m ± 15 m. The surface elevation change rates between January 2011 and January 2014 are presented for both ice sheets. We compared our results to elevation change rates obtained from ICESat data covering the time period from 2003 to 2009. The comparison reveals that in West Antarctica the volume loss has increased by a factor of 3. It also shows an anomalous thickening in Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica which represents a known large-scale accumulation event. This anomaly partly compensates for the observed increased volume loss of the Antarctic Peninsula and West Antarctica. For Greenland we find a volume loss increased by a factor of 2.5 compared to the ICESat period with large negative elevation changes concentrated at the west and southeast coasts. The combined volume change of Greenland and Antarctica for the observation period is estimated to be −503 ± 107 km 3 yr −1 . Greenland contributes nearly 75% to the total volume change with −375 ± 24 km 3 yr −1 .
Readability Assessment of Nigerian Company Income Tax Act (Penilaian Kebolehbacaan Akta Cukai Pendapatan Syarikat di Nigeria)

This study was undertaken to examine the readability of the Nigerian Company Income Tax Act 2007 (CITA 2007), which is the main reference for taxpayers who have intention to comply. For that purpose, the researchers employed readability formulae namely Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (F-KGL), Average Sentence Length (ASL) and Percentage of Passive Voice (PPV). FRES measures the readability of technical writing and rates texts on a 0-100-point scale, while F-KGL translates the 0-100 raw FRES into the number of years of education generally required to understand the materials. On the other hand, ASL and PPV deal with average length and percentage of passive voice, respectively. All these measures were calculated using Microsoft Word 2000. The study found that CITA 2007 has low level of readability which made the Act very difficult to understand. Further, the results indicate that CITA 2007 can only be understood by those with tertiary education. The study recommends that tax simplification policy in Nigeria should include language simplification to enable taxpayers to understand the Act correctly which subsequently motivate them to comply voluntarily; and consequently result in more tax revenue to boost the economy of the nation.
On a Mixed Problem for Hyperbolic Equations with Discontinuous Boundary Conditions

nas shown the existence of a weak solution for mixed problems under discontinuous boundary conditions. He has imposed the assumption that the space domain is a half space and the equation is the wave equation. His method is the Fourier-Laplace transformation. In this note we consider a mixed problem under discontinuous boundary conditions of Dirichlet or Neumann type. We proceed mainly along the lines of Q3] and
Evaluation of Biological Assessment Data and Protocols for TMDL Reports

In the mid-1960s, it was recognized that physical and chemical monitoring of water do not adequately describe the adverse effects of water contamination on aquatic life (Jackson & Brungs, 1966). John Cairns, a pioneer in aquatic biology, suggested that biological monitoring could be a useful supplement to (but not a substitute for) physical and chemical monitoring of water (Cairns et al., 1973). The focus of this paper is on the use of benthic macroinvertebrates as a bioassessment tool and their relevance to establishing water impairments and total maximum daily load (TMDL) reports. Bioassessments are used to describe the benthic condition of a surface waterbody compared to an undisturbed condition. If a waterbody is classified as impaired because of its benthic condition, it is included in the “303(d) list,” and a TMDL plan is required for the listed segment. State agency scientists have used the tool to implement mandates of the Clean Water Act since its inception in 1972 (Barbour & Burton, 2002).
The Effect of an Eight Week Combined Exercise Training on Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation in Postmenopausal Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction: The basic levels of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation is higher than normal in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, due to the positive effects of exercise training (especially combined exercise training) on oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in healthy people, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an 8 week combined exercise training (Aerobic and Resistance) on oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 27 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (age 55.30±4.1 years old, BMI 26.47±3.08 kg/m 2 ) from Yazd city were purposefully selected and randomly divided into experimental (n=13) and control (n=14) groups. The experimental group participated in an eight week combined exercise training (three session per week), but during this period, the control group did not participate in any exercise training program. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), fasting blood sugar (FBS) and body fat percent were measured before and after the eight-week combined exercise training. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Serum SOD and CAT levels significantly increased (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001 respectively) and the MDA levels decreased (P = 0.036) in the experimental group after 8 weeks of combined exercise training. Also, FBS (P=0.000) and body fat percent (P=0.005) decreased in the experimental group compared with the control group. Conclusions : It seems that oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation status in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes in the experimental group improve after eight weeks of combined exercise training, compared with the control group.
Saphenofemoral Complex: Anatomical Variations and Clinical Significance

Varicosities of great saphenous vein (gsv) or its tributaries are a common medical condition present in up to 25% of adults. The gsv and its tributaries are located in a fascial compartment on the front of the thigh. There are great anatomical variations of these veins. However, the relation between these veins and the fascia lata on the front of thigh is even more variable and carries greater clinical importance. Forty cadaveric lower limbs were dissected to examine anatomical variations of these veins and describe their relation to the deep fascia of the thigh. Fascia lata of the front of the thigh split into superficial saphenous fascia and deep fascia lata proper. This fascial splitting formed the saphenous compartment. There were 3 types of saphenous compartment. Type 1 (30%), there was a triangular saphenous compartment containing the gsv and its tributaries. Type 2 (30%), there was a fascial canal containing the gsv. Type 3 (40%), there was a small fascial saphenous compartment with variable boundaries that contained the gsv and 1 or 2 of its tributaries. The number of superficial tributaries in the front of the thigh ranged from 3-7 with a mean of 5.12 ±1.95. The length of the gsv in the saphenous compartment ranged from 5-8.5 cm with a mean of 6.43±1.65 cm. The length of tributaries in the saphenous compartment ranged from 2-6 cm with a mean of 3.82±2.74cm. The external pudendal artery (epa) was intimately related to saphenofemoral junction (sfj) in 30% of cases. The cutaneous branches of the femoral nerve were related to the gsv, its tributaries and sfj in 52.5% of cases. Precise identification of the location of the gsv, its tributaries in relation to deep fascia of the thigh, epa and cutaneous nerves is crucial for planning appropriate surgical technique in case of varicosities.
Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles-Loaded Poly(ź-caprolactone) Nanofiber as Substrate for ARPE-19 Cells

Bioactive glass nanoparticles-loaded poly(? -caprolactone) nanofibers (BIOG PCL nanofibers) were synthesized and evaluated as substrates for ocular cells (ARPE-19). BIOG PCL nanofibers were characterized using SEM, FTIR, and DSC, and the in vitro degradation profile was also investigated. The in vitro ocular biocompatibility of nanofibers was exploited in Muller glial cells (MIO-M1 cells) and in chorioallantoic membrane (CAM); and the proliferative capacity, cytotoxicity, and functionality were evaluated. Finally, ARPE-19 cells were seeded onto BIOG PCL nanofibers and they were investigated as supports for in vitro cell adhesion and proliferation. SEM images revealed the incorporation of BIOG nanoparticles into PCL nanofibers. Nanoparticles did not induce modifications in the chemical structure and semicrystalline nature of PCL in the nanofiber, as shown by FTIR and DSC. MIO-M1 cells exposed to BIOG PCL nanofibers showed viability, and they were able to proliferate and to express GFAP, indicating cellular functionality. Moreover, nanofibers were well tolerated by CAM. These findings suggested the in vitro ocular biocompatibility and absence of toxicity of these nanofibers. Finally, the BIOG nanoparticles modulated the protein adsorption, and, subsequently, ARPE-19 cells adhered and proliferated onto the nanostructured supports, establishing cell-substrate interactions. In conclusion, the biodegradable and biocompatible BIOG PCL nanofibers supported the ARPE-19 cells.
An analysis of the dynamics of efficiency of mutual funds

This paper studies the efficiency of a sample of mutual funds that invest in the United States. Estimating a production function using Bayesian stochastic frontier analysis, we find evidence that the underlying technology presents economies of scale both at the fund and firm level. We also find evidence that informational asymmetries affect efficiency. Funds that invest domestically are likely to be more efficient than foreign funds investing in the US. Moreover, an inspection at the distribution process shows that funds sold directly to investors rather than by financial intermediaries are more efficient. The level of inefficiency persistence is overall high.Persistency of inefficiency is particularly higher for ethical funds, funds oriented to large firm sand lower in funds oriented to growth firms. The analysis done in two separate periods also shows that the efficiency of the funds changes. In particular, funds oriented to non-ethical, small and growth firms become more efficient over the period. Finally, funds' efficiency decreases during global financial crisis, but at the end of the sample period some funds recover and their efficiency levels are higher than those registered before the financial crisis. Our results have implications for investors' decisions in mutual funds.
Protective Effect of Naringin against Pylorus Ligation-induced Esophagitis in Male Wistar Rats

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of naringin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, on experimental esophagitis in Wistar rats. Animals divided into six groups and received carboxymethyl cellulose (0.25%, 3 ml/kg, sham control), standard pantoprazole (30 mg/kg) and naringin (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) for 7 d orally and subjected to pylorus and forestomach ligation. All animals were sacrificed after 8 h and evaluated for various physiological parameters like total acidity, free acidity, gastric pH, volume of gastric juices and esophagitis index. Esophagitis regions were further subjected to estimation of various oxidative stress parameters including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Later, histopathology and scanning electron microscopy of esophagitis regions were also performed to evaluate protective action of naringin. Results revealed that treatment with pantoprazole and naringin significantly inhibited the gastric secretion, total acidity and esophagitis index. Various oxidative stress parameters were restored to normal level in the treatment groups. Histopathology and scanning electron microscopy analyses demonstrated the protective action of naringin as evidenced by normal tissue architecture of esophagitis regions. These findings indicate the potential of naringin against esophagitis.
UK Sugar Beet Farm Productivity Under Different Reform Scenarios: A Farm Level Analysis

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect that the imminent reform in the European Union (EU) sugar regime may have on farm productivity in the United Kingdom (UK). We perform the analysis on a sample of sugar beet farms representative of all the UK sugar beet regions. To estimate the changes in productivity, we estimate a multi-output cost function representing the cropping part of the farm, which is the component that would be mostly affected by the sugar beet reform. We use this cost function to compute the new allocation of outputs and inputs after the changes in the sugar beet quota and price support. This are subsequently used to compute measures of total factor productivity. Our results show slight decreases in the productivity at the individual farm level under both quota and price support reduction. However, when considering the aggregate level, the reduction in the price support shows significant increases in productivity, in contrast to the results obtained from a reduction in quota.
Mathematical Modeling of the Flow of Diesel-CNG Fuel Mixture in a Pipe under the Influence of a Magnetic Field

Horizontal bubbly flow is encountered in various gas and oil facilities and industrial systems. Bubbly flow is characterized by the ability to provide large interfacial areas for heat and mass transfer. Nonetheless, horizontal bubbly flow orientation has received less attention when compared to vertical bubbly flow. This paper presents development of mathematical model and discusses the results obtained from the simulation of hydro-magnetic flow of Diesel-CNG fuel mixture in a horizontal pipe, as predicted by the developed model. The fundamental equations of unsteady, two-phase liquid-gas under an imposed magnetic field were derived and presented. Derivation procedure of the velocity distribution of the liquid and gas phases and the inverse Stokes’ number of a bubbly flow are presented. These governing nonlinear partial-differential equations have been solved numerically using a Fourier–Bessel series. Results obtained from the model solution show that the axial velocities of liquid and gas, in laminar flow, have decreased and the slip ratio has increased with the increase of the magnetic field intensity. While, the magnetic field parameter, Ha increased the probability of decreasing the bubbles radii and increasing the bubbles number (n.Rb).
Comparison between multislice and cone-beam computed tomography for the identification of simulated bone lesions using 3D reconstruction

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare, by means of three-dimensional reconstructed images, the validity of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the diagnosis of simulated mandibular lesions. Methods: Fifteen dry mandibles were perforated using a round bur (diameter of the tip: 1mm) and a high-speed handpiece. The lesions, which differed in dimension, shape and locularity, were produced either in the buccal or lingual cortical bone of the mandibular body. In some cases, the bur just touched the cortical bone, whereas in others, it perforated the medullary bone. Specimens were submitted to CBCT and MSCT. The images were analyzed independently by two experienced examiners using commercially available software (Vitrea®, version 3.4.5; Vital Images Inc., Plymouth, MN, USA) at different sessions according to two protocols: 3D reconstruction of MSCT scans (3D-MSCT) and 3D reconstruction of CBCT scans (3D-CBCT). Results: There were no significant differences between the two protocols regarding the identification of medullary bone involvement or the number of lesions detected. Conclusion: The validity of 3D-CBCT for the identification of the number of lesions and of medullary bone destruction was similar to that of 3D-MSCT.
Effect of incidence angle varying from 0 rad to Π/2 rad and intensity of radio waves on the performance of a silicon solar cell

In this work, a one dimensional approach is presented for modelling the effect of the incidence angle, varying from 0 rad to π/2 rad, and the intensity of radio waves on the performance of a polycrystalline silicon solar cell under constant multispectral illumination. By solving the continuity equation in steady state, we derived the expression of the density of excess minority carriers, the photocurrent density, the photovoltage, the electric power and their dependence on the incidence angle and the intensity of the electromagnetic field is analyzed. Using the electric power curves versus junction dynamic velocity we determined the electric power lost at the junction, the maximum electric power and we calculated the conversion efficiency for various incidence angle and intensity of the electromagnetic field. The leakage photocurrent density, deduced from the photocurrent density curves versus junction dynamic velocity, and the electric power lost at the junction allowed us to calculate the shunt resistance of the solar cell according to the incidence angle and the intensity of the electromagnetic field. The numerical data show the negative effect of radios waves on the performance of a silicon solar cell.
PREFERENCIAS POR LAS DECISIONES COMPARTIDAS EN PACIENTES

This study analyzed the role of psychological processes predicting depressed patients’ preferences in clinical decision-making about psychiatric treatment. 462 patients diagnosed with depressive disorders, acute or recurrent, participated in a crosssectional survey. Most participants preferred collaborative-passive or totally passive roles. Results showed no significant differences between acute and recurrent patients in their preference of participation in decision-making, but longer treatment duration was associated with a more passive style. MANCOVA, controlling age, educational level and treatment duration variables, showed that collaborative and passive patients had a greater locus of control focused on their psychiatrist than active patients. Gender differences were found. Men showed greater internal locus of control and psychological reactance, while women showed greater external locus of control focused on chance. Regression analysis indicated that, for men, passive preferred role was explained by external locus centered on their psychiatrist. However, age registered the highest weight for women’ passive decision-making, followed by the locus focused on chance, locus focused on the psychiatrist and lower self-efficacy. Our findings suggest the need to study shared decision-making from a differential perspective that involves psychological processes and the impact of these processes in adherence to medical treatments.
Phorid Flies Parasitizing Leaf-Cutting Ants: Their Occurrence, Parasitism Rates, Biology and the First Account of Multiparasitism

The leaf-cutting ants Atta sexdens (Linnaeus) and Atta laevigata (Smith) were parasitized by the following phorid flies: Apocephalus attophilus Borgmeier, Apocephalus vicosae Disney, Myrmosicarius grandicornis Borgmeier and species of Eibesfeldtphora Disney. It is also related here that the area of occurrence of phorids parasitizing A. sexdens was extended to include Central Brazil. The rate of parasitism on A. sexdens was three times lower than the rate found on A. laevigata ; most common flies were, respectively, M. grandicornis in A. sexdens and A. attophilus in A. laevigata . This last phorid showed the shortest life span but the higher percentage of emergence. Multiparasitism on workers of A. sexdens and of A. laevigata involving three combinations of four phorid species was rare and is here related for the first time for leaf-cutting ants.
Expressing Modality by Recycling Clitics

This paper tries to interpret the role of certain clitics attached to functional categories located over AgrS. They seem to be in charge of the expression of the modal orientation of the sentence. We show that while certain languages have elements specifically designed for this purpose, other languages resort to a recycling strategy which enables morphologically accusative clitics to do the job. In clear contrast with all these languages, Catalan is an example of a language in which modal clitics seem to be completely absent from the clitic paradigm.
A pragmatic approach to addressing needs of dairy and crop productionsystem in the peri-urban area of Bengaluru, India

Increase in the urban population leads to increase in demand for quality food and milk in India. Moreover, the future urbanizing India is greatly depending upon the farming in the fringes of towns and cities to meet its increasing food demand. This has many advantages to the peri-urban dairy and crop farmers. However number of constraints limits the production potential of dairy and crop farming in peri-urban areas. So, the present study was undertaken in peri-urban area of Bengaluru, Karnataka. The identified advantages and constraints pertaining to crop and dairy production system along with suitable strategies were described for further encouragement of peri-urban farming. Findings indicate that additional source of income, remunerative price for milk, high demand for fresh milk were found to be the major advantages of peri-urban dairy production system. In crop production system, easy market access to farm produce, less cost in transportation of farm produce and huge demand for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers were the major advantages in peri-urban crop production. Major constraints in practicing peri-urban dairy farming were; increase in frequency of disease incidence in dairy animals, non-availability of fodder in time and insufficient land availability for fodder production. Non-availability of irrigation water, non-availability of labour for farm work and increase in labour cost in peri-urban region were reported as serious constraints in peri-urban area of Bengaluru region.
Coliphage as an indicator of fecal contamination in hydroponic cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) greenhouses

A preliminary study has been performed to evaluate the utility of somatic and F + -specific coliphage as quality indicators of irrigation water used in hydroponic cucumber greenhouse operations. Samples of incoming water, waste hydroponic solution, cucumber fruit and plant roots derived from two greenhouses were screened for bacterial fecal indicators (generic Escherichia coli, fecal coliforms, total coliforms and Clostridium perfringens) and coliphage. Bacterial fecal indicators were present in incoming water and in spent hydroponic solution with coliphage only being sporadically recovered. However, both somatic and F + -specific coliphage were consistently recovered from the roots of cucumber plants along with bacterial fecal indicators. Despite the heavy contamination of plant roots, the cucumber fruits were within acceptable microbiological limits. F + -specific coliphage was recovered from 1 out of 25 cucumbers tested along with generic Ec oli. In contrast, no somatic coliphage was recovered from cucumbers despite coliforms being present on 15 out of 25 units. In conclusion, coliphage represents a poor index of hydroponic irrigation water quality but presence on cucumber fruit and roots can be used to highlight the presence of fecal indicator bacteria within greenhouse operations.  2005 Society of Chemical Industry