Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing the impact of environmental conditions and microphysics on the forecast uncertainty of deep convective clouds and hail

Abstract. Severe hailstorms have the potential to damage buildings and crops. However, important processes for the prediction of hailstorms are insufficiently represented in operational weather forecast models. Therefore, our goal is to identify model input parameters describing environmental conditions and cloud microphysics, such as the vertical wind shear and strength of ice multiplication, which lead to large uncertainties in the prediction of deep convective clouds and precipitation. We conduct a comprehensive sensitivity analysis simulating deep convective clouds in an idealized setup of a cloud-resolving model. We use statistical emulation and variance-based sensitivity analysis to enable a Monte Carlo sampling of the model outputs across the multi-dimensional parameter space. The results show that the model dynamical and microphysical properties are sensitive to both the environmental and microphysical uncertainties in the model. The microphysical parameters lead to larger uncertainties in the output of integrated hydrometeor mass contents and precipitation variables. In particular, the uncertainty in the fall velocities of graupel and hail account for more than 65 % of the variance of all considered precipitation variables and for 30 %–90 % of the variance of the integrated hydrometeor mass contents. In contrast, variations in the environmental parameters – the range of which is limited to represent model uncertainty – mainly affect the vertical profiles of the diabatic heating rates.
Energy-Aware Motion and Disparity Estimation System for 3D-HEVC With Run-Time Adaptive Memory Hierarchy

The popularization of multimedia services has pushed forward the development of 2D/3D video-capable embedded mobile devices. Such devices require efficient energy/memory-management strategies to deal with severe memory/processing requirements and limited energy supply. Therefore, we propose a motion and disparity estimation (ME and DE) system—the most memory/processing demanding encoding steps—for the 3D High Efficiency Video Coding (3D-HEVC) standard. It was designed for low energy consumption, featuring a run-time adaptive memory hierarchy. The processing unit employs flexible coding order and optimizations to reduce the computational effort by exploring the inter-channel and inter-view redundancies. The memory hierarchy features window-based prefetching, data reuse, subsampling, and dynamic voltage scaling controlled by our depth-based dynamic search window resizing algorithm. Memory results demonstrate an average on-chip energy reduction of 79% in comparison to the widely used Level-C solution for a 45-nm technology. The proposed energy-aware ME and DE system dissipates 7.55 W while processing three HD 1080p views (video + depth) at 30 frames per second and presents a mean energy consumption of 0.107 J per access unit. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that proposes a real-time ME/DE system for the 3D-HEVC standard with an adaptive memory hierarchy.
Unwinding Entangled Degradation Mechanisms in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells Through Electrode Modifications and Impedance Analysis

In the renewable energy scenario, energy storage is of essence. In this context, power‐to‐liquid (PtL) and power‐to‐gas (PtG) concepts have attracted large attention, where the use of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) has a huge potential, due to their high conversion efficiencies. However, performance and durability of these cells still need to be improved for a large‐scale commercialization of the SOEC technology. It is often difficult to identify the various loss and degradation mechanisms limiting the cell performance and durability. This paper contributes to this scientific discussion, by providing a careful analysis of the degradation mechanisms occurring in three different cells during long‐term H2O and CO2 co‐electrolysis, at 1,200 mV. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is measured before, during and after the electrolysis operation, and is utilized to address the individual electrode degradation mechanisms and the development of leaks through the electrolyte. Moreover, the leak rates under open circuit voltage (OCV) measurements were compared. In addition, microstructural analysis of the electrodes and electrolytes is related to the electrochemical findings to contribute to the discussion on the interdependency of the degradation mechanisms.
Effects of B. bacteriovorus (ATCC™ 1534) Injection on Some Serum Chemistry Parameters in Rats Injected with P. multocida

To determine effects of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus on some serum chemistry parameters, and evaluate its ability to regulate in vivo damage and control pathogen activity, twelve Sprague Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously, once daily, with 1 x 108/ml B. bacteriovorus (ATCC™ 1534) in saline and some serumchemistry parameters measured. Another set of 12 Sprague Dawley rats were also injected once daily with 108/ml of the pathogen P. multocida. Further, 12 other rats were injected with 1 x 108/ml each of B. bacteriovorus and then with P. multocida. All injections were for 168 hours. A group of 12 rats were injected intramuscularly once, at collection of blood samples, with 2 mg/kg of Ketamine Hydrochloride, used as anaesthesia. A final group of 12 rats, not injected with any of the bacteria or anaesthetic served as controls. Blood was collected from all rats for analysis by cardiac puncture. Though there were instances when serum chemistry concentrations were higher on injections with both B. bacteriovorus and P. multocida, compared with rats injected with only P. multocida or the controls, findings showed that B. bacteriovorus injected into rats which had previously been injected with P. multocida led to lower levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine when compared with concentrations in rats injected with only P. multocida. Mortality was reduced by 88% in rats injected with P. multocida and B. bacteriovorus compared with those injected with only P. multocida. It is concluded that B. bacteriovorus effectively mitigated damage caused by P. multocida in rats.
Age-Dependence of Some Trace Element Concentrations and their Ratios in Human Prostatic Fluid

The effect of age on Br, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn concentrations as well as on Zn/Br, Zn/Fe, Zn/Rb, and Zn/Sr content ratios in human prostatic fluid was investigated by 109Cd radionuclide-induced energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent microanalysis. Specimens of expressed prostatic fluid were obtained from 51 men (mean age 51 years, range 18-82 years) with apparently normal prostates using standard rectal massage procedure. Mean values (M ± SΕΜ) for concentration of trace elements (mg·L-1) in human prostate fluid were: Br 3.62±0.58, Fe 9.04±1.21, Rb 1.10±0.08, Sr 1.19±0.14, and Zn 573±28. Mean values for ratios of trace elements in human prostate fluid were: Zn/Br 523±103, Zn/Fe 105±16, Zn/Rb 661±63, and Zn/Sr 719±95. An age-related increase in Zn content and decrease in Br and Fe concentration was found. Moreover, the strongly pronounced increase in Zn/Br and Zn/Fe ratios was also observed.
Ameliorative Effect of L-Arginine as Antioxidant Agent on Hematological and Testicular Functions in Lead-Induced Toxicity in Male Rats

Aims: The present study aimed to elucidate the protective role of L-Arginine on lead – induced suppression of the pathway of heme synthesis and the toxicity of lead on testis. Methodology: The current study included two experiments; the first was carried out on two groups to follow up the changes that could occur in iron status and reproductive system of male rats because of the lead exposure. The second experiment, three comparisons were made between three groups of rats with lead treatment only and other three groups rats with lead treatment followed by additional of daily injection of L-Arginine intraperitoneal about 500 mg L-Arginine / kg.b. wt. / day for 10, 20 and 30 days after the end of lead treatment. Results: Lead significantly abolished heme synthesis presented by decrease in Hb, Fe and ceruloplasmin (Cp) and elevation in total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and serum ferritin. Furthermore, testosterone (total and free) significantly decreased after rats treated with 1% lead acetate while, estradiol (E2) and acid phosphatase (total and prostatic) were elevated. The concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphat (DHEA-S) did not change after lead treatment. Conclusion: Daily treatment with 500 mg L-Arginine/kg body weight prevented the suppressive effects of lead on hematological parameters and testicular functions. The mechanism of L-Arginine action on lead induced changes was attributed to protection of antioxidant capacity in cells in addition to the ability of L-Arginine to scavenge free radicals and acts as cell membrane stabilizer.
Effects of ball-milling on physicochemical, thermal and functional properties of extruded chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) powder

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to explore and compare the effects of particle size distribution (PSD) on physicochemical, functional thermal and structural properties of extruded (ECP) and raw (RCP) chickpeas powders. Chickpea powders were obtained by flour fractionating through standard sieves of various particle sizes: 80, 120, 160, and 200 mesh (<180, <125, <95, and <75 µm). Extrusion achieved a desirable degree of lightness in finest (ECP 200) powder followed by increases of yellowness and redness as compared to the finest fraction of control samples (RCP 200). The results of TGA showed better stability for ECP at 600°C with reduced particle sizes as compared to RCP at 400°C. The results of FTIR and XRD showed differences in band intensities and crystalline structures of samples. Extrusion caused microstructural changes in ECP which were elucidated by SEM. ECP exhibited higher WAC ranged from 2.80–2.71 g/g compared to RCP (1.87–1.81 g/g).
DNS Security Control Measures: A heuristic-based Approach to Identify Real-time incidents

—There is no doubt that one of the most critical components of the Internet is the DNS – Domain Name System. In this paper, we propose a solution to strengthen the security of DNS servers, namely those associated with Top Level Domains (TLD), by using a system that identifies patterns of potentially harmful traffic and isolates it. The proposed solution has been developed and tested at FCCN, the TLD manager for the . PT domain. The system consists of network sensors that monitor the network in real-time and can dynamically detect, prevent, or limit the scope of the attempted intrusions or other types of attacks to the DNS service, thus improving it’s global availability.
Language Variation in Online Personal Ads from Quebec

This article analyzes the distribution and variable deletion of French ne, the first marker of verbal negation, in a corpus of online personal advertisements from Quebec. While ne deletion rates are nearly categorical in informal spoken Canadian French, ne use remains strong in online personals. At the same time, online dating site members productively demonstrate variation in their personals, in that they delete ne in over 20% of variable contexts. VARBRUL analyses reveal that the variable presence of ne is conditioned by the age of the advertiser and the presence vs. absence of second-person address. The results are discussed within the broader context of the progressive loss of ne in French as well as self-presentation and audience design in online communication contexts.
A Novel Visual Recognition-basedAuthentication Model Using a Hybrid TrustTheme to Verify Provider Profilesfor Enhancing Information Assurancein Online Healthcare

As the number of online healthcare consumers grows day by day, we notice a corresponding rise in the quantity of online healthcare information (OHI), as provided by a large number of different healthcare related web service providers, including several third-party websites, like HealthGrades.com, ZocDoc.com, and ShareCare.com. Given the convenience and ease of having OHI at their disposal through web browsing, today’s healthcare often resort to making “Dr. Google” their ﬁrst point of contact instead of an actual physician. However, this may lead to cyber psychological issues, like cyberchondria, which are related to uncertainty, mental anxiety, and credibility concerns in regard to OHI. Existing literature shows that there been some research work done on the challenges posed by cyberchondria like cyber psychological issues, especially in non-computing disciplines. However, to our knowledge, the research work, as presented here, is the ﬁrst of its kind to directly propose Journal of Cyber Security and Mobility
TGF-β1 regulation of laminin secretion by F9-derived primitive endoderm cells: a potential role in cell migration within the mouse blastocyst

La premiere phase de differenciation observee dans le blastocyste de souris avant l'implantation est la formation de cellules endodermiques primitives (EPr) derivees de la masse cellulaire interne (MCI), certaines de ces cellules migrant vers la surface interne du trophectoderme pour former la couche endodermique parietale. La membrane de Reichert, une membrane basale situee entre le trophectoderme et la couche endodermique naissante, a ete mise en cause dans cette migration. Dans la presente etude, des cellules F9 de carcinomes embryonnaires murins ont ete utilisees comme modele in vitro d'endoderme embryonnaire, afin d'examiner la regulation de la secretion de laminine par ces cellules durant leur differenciation dans un milieu de culture sans serum. Les cellules de type EPr ont ete induites avec l'acide retinoique, puis cultivees avec du dibutyryl AMPc (dbAMPc), de la forskoline ou le facteur de croissance transformant (TGF) β1 ou β2, et les taux de laminine secretee ont ete mesures par ELISA. Le dbAMPc et la forskoline ont stimule (p 0,05) sur la secretion de laminine. Les resultats d'experiences de migration in vitro, au moyen de MCI de souris preparees par immunochirurgie, ont indique que, contrairement a la fibronectine, ni la laminine ni le collagene de type IV n'on facilite la migration des cellules EPr en differenciation. Ces resultats confirment l'hypothese que le TGF-β1 pourrait jouer un role dans la formation de la couche endodermique parietale dans le blastocyste de souris, en reduisant le depot de laminine dans la membrane de Reichert durant la migration des cellules endodermiques.
TOXICOLOGICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES ON THE LUNG OF ADULT MALE ALBINO RAT AND PROTECTIVE ROLE OF GREEN TEA EXTRACT

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are incorporated into a large number of consumer and medical products. AgNPs has been reported as the materials with high toxicity especially after the systemic uses. The present work aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of two different doses 0.5, 10 mg/kg of AgNPs (35±8.5nm) on the lung of adult male albino rat following 30 days oral administration and also to assess the protective role of green tea extract (GT). Sixty rats were classified into six groups (ten rats/ group); Group1:(control group) allowed distillate water, Group2: Rats were given GT at a concentration of 1.5%, Group3: AgNPs treated rats (0.5mg/kg/day), Group4: AgNPs treated rats (0.5mg/kg/day)–co administered GT, Group5: AgNPs treated rats (10mg/kg/day), and Group6: AgNPs (10mg/kg/ day)–co administered GT. This aim was undertaken through adopting certain parameters including, animal observation, changes in body weight, and biochemical studies for antioxidant enzymes {super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)}. Absolute and relative lung weights have been carried as well. Histological examination of lung tissue using different stains; H&E, Mallory trichrome, and immunohistochemical study for surfactant protein B was done followed by morphometric and statistical studies. Results: Normal daily activity was observed in all groups. A statistically significant increase in the mean body weight in groups treated with AgNPs; whereas a nonsignificant increase in GT group and groups treated with GT+ AgNPs at the end of experiment as compared to the initial value. AgNPs significantly decreased (CAT) while, increased SOD level. GT significantly increased relative lung weight while, a nonsignificant increase in AgNPs groups as compared to control. Histological examination of lung tissue revealed histological alterations in groups treated with AgNPs which were more pronounced in high dose (10mg) including; thickening of the alveolar wall, destruction of the alveoli, dilated alveoli, mononuclear cellular infiltration associated with marked collagen deposition and weak immunoexpression for surfactant protein B. Coadministration of GT with AgNPs caused significant amelioration of biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical changes induced by AgNPs. Conclusion: Silver nanoparticles caused oxidative damage, biochemical changes and histological alterations in the lung of male rat. This study demonstrates the benefits of green tea as it reduces oxidative damage by virtue of its antioxidant properties thus improving the structural integrity of lung tissue and eventually alleviates the histological changes as well as the biochemical perturbations.
Challenges in retrieving stratospheric aerosol extinction and particle size from ground-based RMR-LIDAR observations

Abstract. We report on the retrieval of stratospheric aerosol particle size and extinction coefficient profiles from multi-color backscatter measurements with the Rayleigh-Mie-Raman lidar operated at the Arctic Lidar Observatory for Middle Atmosphere Research (ALOMAR) in northern Norway. The retrievals are based on a two-step approach. In a first step the median radius of an assumed log-normal particle size distribution with fixed width is retrieved based on the color ratio formed from the measured backscatter ratios at wavelenghts of 1064 nm and 532 nm. An intrinsic ambiguity of the retrieved aerosol size information is discussed. In a second step, this particle size information is used to convert the measured lidar backscatter ratio to aerosol extinction coefficients. The retrieval is currently based on monthly-averaged lidar measurements covering the period from the year 2000 to present. A sensitivity study is presented that allows establishing an error budged for the aerosol retrievals. Assuming a log-normal aerosol particle size distribution with a geometric width of S = 1.3, median radii on the order of 100 nm are retrieved. The median radii are found to generally decrease with increasing altitude. The retrieved aerosol extinction profiles are compared to observations with various current and past satellite instruments.
Lipoic acid decreases 3-nitrotyrosine and cytokine levels in a rat sepsis model

Sepsis is a complex pathophysiological condition resulting from a systemic inflammatory response to infection and is the leading cause of death in critically ill patients (1). In this condition, phagocytic cells firstly react with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or endotoxin (2). In response to LPS, macrophages excrete proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL1β). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha seems to be important for diverse effects, which stimulates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) excretion (3). Nitric oxide can interact with superoxide (O 2) to compose the peroxynitrite (ONOO -) leading to septic shock with high mortality after a number of mechanisms. The measurement of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) can mirror the stage of ONOOinduced tissue damage (4). The relationship between 3-NT and nitrosative tissue damage in sepsis has also been documented in recent studies using experimental models of endotoxemia (4, 5).
Analysis of pulse amplification characteristics in vertical cavity semiconductor optical amplifiers

Abstract Based on the transfer matrix method (TMM), a comprehensive dynamic numerical model describing the optical pulse amplification in vertical cavity semiconductor optical amplifiers (VCSOAs) is established, which treats the whole VCSOA as one multilayer dielectric structure, including the two Distributed Bragg Reflectors (DBRs) and the middle active region. In this model, the spatial dependence of the carriers and optical field in the longitudinal direction and the discontinuity of refractive index distribution in the resonant cavity are accounted for. Moreover, in this study the influence of the two photon absorption (TWP) is also taken into consideration. By employing this model, we investigate the signal distortion and the pulse energy gain characteristic in single pulse amplification of VCSOAs operated in reflection mode in detail. The numerical results show that the pulse distortion can be mitigated in a satisfactory manner via reducing the period of top DBR. It further shows that the energy gain during the pulse amplification can be increased by enhancing the pump power; larger saturation input pulse energy (SIPE) could be obtained by either lowering the period of top DBR or reducing the pump power; for the input pulse with duration ranging from several to tens of picoseconds, the energy gain characteristics of VCSOA is pulsewidth independent.
Behaviour of smallholder farmers towards adoption of conservation agriculture in Zimbabwe

Conservation agriculture is critical to sustainably increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing climate resilience and food security. Much research on adoption of conservation agriculture has focused on its agronomic benefits, but little attention has been paid to the contribution of the behaviour of farmers over its adoption. To close this gap, a study was carried out to investigate the behaviour of smallholder farmers towards the adoption of conservation agriculture in Chivi, Murehwa and Mutoko districts, Zimbabwe. Data were collected through a pre‐tested questionnaire administered to 360 farmers, selected through a multi‐stage sampling process. This method was triangulated through focus group discussions, key informant interviews and personal observations. Data were analysed using percentages, means and inferential statistics. The results show that, although fewer than 10% of the respondents had received any formal training in agriculture, more than 80% of them relied on it for their major source of income. The respondents had high levels of knowledge on the social, environmental and economic benefits of conservation agriculture. However, the majority of the non‐adopters had an indifferent perception towards conservation agriculture. The knowledge and perception of the farmers was explained by age, gender, education and experience with conservation agriculture. Results also show a weak but significant correlation between knowledge and perception (Rs = 0.306, p < 0.05), knowledge and adoption (Rs = 0.484, p < 0.05) but a strong and significant correlation between perception and adoption (Rs = 0.808, p < 0.05). Addressing perception gaps is key to enhance adoption of conservation agriculture.
Isolation of Two Bioactive Compounds from the Stem Bark of Lycium inerme and their Biological Activities against H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Lycium inerme is a plant used by traditional healers in the Eastern Cape Province, South African against respiratory illness. Different solvent extracts of Lycium inerme was screened against clinical isolates of Haemophilus influenzae and S. pneumoniae pathogen. The dichloromethane extract was the most active against these two pathogens. Bioassay-guided column chromatography of dichloromethane extract led to the isolation of three compounds which were very active against H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae. Three active compounds:a coumarin (7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-coumarin) and two triterpenoids, Ursolic acid (3-oxo-19-hydroxylpomolic acid) and Moronic acid (3-oxoolean-12-en-28-oic acid) were isolated from the dichloromethane fraction. The study highlights the characterization, structural elucidation and biological activities of the two compounds against H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae.