Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of machine learning algorithms for soil type classification

Machine learning algorithm can be applied for automating soil type classification. This paper compares several machine learning algorithms for classifying soil type. Algorithms that involve support vector machine (SVM), neural network, decision tree, and naïve bayesian are proposed and assessed for this classification. Soil dataset is taken from the real data. Simulation is run by using RapidMiner Studio. The performance observed is the accuracy. The result shows that SVM, with the use of linear function kernel, outperforms the others algorithms. The SVM best accuracy is 82.35%.
p62 functions as a p38 MAP kinase regulator.

By screening a HeLa cDNA library to isolate genes encoding p38-regulating proteins, we have isolated two independent clones which encode the binding proteins to p38. We have found that both of these cDNA clones encode p62, first identified as a phosphorylation independent p56(lck) SH2 domain binding protein. Recent studies also indicate that p62 interacts with atypical PKCs to anchor them to intracellular membranes and with RIP to mediate signals to NF-kappaB through atypical PKCs. Moreover, p62 is shown to be involved in the transcriptional regulation via SV40 enhancer and to serve as a coactivator of an orphan nuclear hormone receptor. A coimmunoprecipitation assay shows its enhanced association in HeLa cells after stimulations such as sorbitol and anisomycin. An indirect immunofluorescence study indicates that p62 colocalizes with p38 in the nucleus in response to the stimulation. And in vitro kinase assays using MBP, but not ATF-2, as a substrate show that p62 enhances p38 activities in a dose-dependent manner. Together, these results demonstrate that p62 plays roles not only as an anchor but also as a regulator for the p38 kinase activity.
Glucocorticoid receptor interacts with PNRC2 in a ligand-dependent manner to recruit UPF1 for rapid mRNA degradation

Significance Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily and functions as a transcription factor. GR regulates various physiological processes, including cell proliferation, energy homeostasis, and inflammation. In this study, we provide molecular evidence for the role of GR in the regulation of mRNA stability, which we term GR-mediated mRNA decay (GMD). Efficient GMD requires a ligand, a GR loaded onto target mRNA, upstream frameshift 1 (UPF1), and proline-rich nuclear receptor coregulatory protein 2. GMD functions in the chemotaxis of human monocytes by targeting chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 mRNA. Thus, we unravel a previously unappreciated role of GR, which is traditionally considered a transcription factor, in posttranscriptional regulation. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which was originally known to function as a nuclear receptor, plays a role in rapid mRNA degradation by acting as an RNA-binding protein. The mechanism by which this process occurs remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that GR, preloaded onto the 5′UTR of a target mRNA, recruits UPF1 through proline-rich nuclear receptor coregulatory protein 2 (PNRC2) in a ligand-dependent manner, so as to elicit rapid mRNA degradation. We call this process GR-mediated mRNA decay (GMD). Although GMD, nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), and staufen-mediated mRNA decay (SMD) share upstream frameshift 1 (UPF1) and PNRC2, we find that GMD is mechanistically distinct from NMD and SMD. We also identify de novo cellular GMD substrates using microarray analysis. Intriguingly, GMD functions in the chemotaxis of human monocytes by targeting chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) mRNA. Thus, our data provide molecular evidence of a posttranscriptional role of the well-studied nuclear hormone receptor, GR, which is traditionally considered a transcription factor.
Reformation of Islamic Thought: A Critical Historical Analysis

Na de dramatische gebeurtenissen van 11 september 2001 zijn het vooral de fundamentalistische stromingen die de boventoon voeren in de meeste overzichten van het islamitisch denken. Extremisten en fundamentalisten hebben een veel prominentere plaats gekregen dan ze ooit hadden durven dromen. In Reformation of Islamic Thought onderzoekt de gerenommeerde Egyptische geleerde Nasr Abu Zayd de positieve, liberale en inclusieve bijdragen van moslimdenkers. Hij neemt de lezer mee op een kritische reis door de moslimwereld, waar moslimdenkers van Egypte en Iran tot Indonesie proberen de islam te ontdoen van traditionalistische en legalistische interpretaties. Daartegenover benadrukken ze de waarde van een culturele, verlichte Islam en een individualistisch geloof. Velen beschouwen de dogmatische islam van de conservatieven, die vaak wordt gesteund door totalitaire politieke regeringen, als volstrekt achterhaald; ze willen die interpretaties vervangen door een spirituele en ethische islam. In hoeverre zijn deze hervormingsgezinde denkers betrokken bij een daadwerkelijke vernieuwing van het islamitisch denken? Slagen ze erin te ontsnappen aan de traditionalistische valkuil van een uitsluitend negatief beeld van het Westen?
A NOVEL HYDRODYNAMIC FOCUSING MICRODEVICE FOR FLOW CYTOMETRY APPLICATIONS

Hydrodynamic focusing is one of the most utilized techniques in microfluidics. Its applications have been employed in a wide variety of biological analyses including on-chip flow cytometry, single molecule detection, and laminar mixers. In the present study, a new hydrodynamic focusing microdevice for flow cytometry applications is presented and numerically investigated. In the proposed microdevice, the sample fluid is compressed both in vertical and horizontal directions simultaneously by radial sheath flows injected within flow cytometer through one ring. The microdevice configuration is optimized and effective parameters on stream distribution are investigated. In addition, in order to observe hydrodynamic focusing phenomena, particles trajectories are studied. Moreover, results of the proposed model are compared with the previous one in order to verify that the performance of the present model is more efficient. Keywords– 3D hydrodynamic focusing, flow cytometry, particle trajectory, numerical investigation, molecule detection
Patterns of non-medical use of methylphenidate among 5th and 6th year students in a medical school in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the prevalence of methylphenidate (MPH) use among 5th and 6th year medical students, to discriminate MPH use with and without medical indication, and to correlate MPH use with alcohol intake. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study in which medical students were invited to answer a questionnaire to evaluate academic and socioeconomic status, MPH use patterns, and attitudes towards neuroenhancing drugs. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to assess alcohol intake; a score ≥ 8 suggests potentially hazardous alcohol use. RESULTS Fifty-two participants (34.2%) had already used MPH, of which 35 (23.02%) had used it without medical indication. The number of 6th year students who had used MPH was more than twice higher than that of their 5th year counterparts (32.89 vs. 13.15%, respectively; p = 0.004). Also, 43.6% (p = 0.031) of the users of MPH had an AUDIT score ≥ 8; 33.3% (p = 0.029) of non-medical users of MPH had an AUDIT score ≥ 8. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the use of MPH without medical indication was prevalent. Our findings also confirmed the association between non-medical use of MPH and potentially hazardous alcohol use.
Refinement of a mesoscale model for large eddy simulation

With the advent of wind energy technology, several methods have become mature and are seen today as standard for predicting and forecasting the wind. However, their results are still site dependent, and the increasing sizes of both modern wind turbines and wind farms tackle limits of existing methods. Some triggered processes extend to the junction between microscales and mesoscales.The main objectives of this thesis are thus to identify, implement and evaluate an approach allowing for microscale and mesoscale ABL flow modelling considering the various challenges of modern wind energy applications. A literature review of ABL flow modelling from microscales to mesoscales first provides an overview of the specificities and abilities of existing methods. The combined mesoscale/large eddy simulation (LES) modelling appears to be the most promising approach, and the Compressible Community Mesoscale Model (MC2) is elected as the basis of the method in which the components required for LES are added and implemented. A detailed description of the mathematical model and the numerical aspects of the various components of the LES-capable MC2 are then presented so that a complete view of the proposed approach along with the specificities of its implementation are provided. This further allows to introduce the enhancements and new components of the method (separation of volumetric and deviatoric Reynolds tensor terms, vertical staggering, subgrid scale models, 3D turbulent diffusion, 3D turbulent kinetic energy equation), as well as the adaptation of its operating mode to allow for LES (initialization, large scale geostrophic forcing, surface and lateral boundaries). Finally, fundamental aspects and new components of the proposed approach are evaluated based on theoretical 1D Ekman boundary layer and 3D unsteady shear and buoyancy driven homogeneous surface full ABL cases. The model behaviour at high resolution as well as the components required for LES in MC2 are all finely evaluated, including: the dynamic kernel at high resolution; space and time discretization of the 3D turbulent diffusion; five subgrid scale models; and the sensitivity of the model to numerical parameters. Furthermore, LES test cases are thoroughly studied, showing that a longer time interval for post-processing than in the reference studies is needed due to a high but normal level of scatter in the results. In the end, the obtained LES-capable mesoscale model is shown to perform on par with other similar reference LES models, albeit it is slightly more dissipative. It is thus demonstrated that the adapted MC2 is suitable for both micro- and mesoscales providing a strong foundation for more advanced studies.
Radiography of Clavicle Fractures— A Review of the Literature —Do Various Radiographic Views of Clavicle Fractures Affect the Management Plan?

Introduction: Fractures of the clavicle are common and make up 5% - 10% of all fractures. Treatment options in part depend on the location of the fracture along the bone and degree of displacement. These two parameters are best determined by good quality, standardized radiographs of the clavicle. We reviewed the literature to determine the optimal radiographs of clavicle fractures and their influence on the treatment plan. Methods: A comprehensive search of Medline? database was undertaken with the following search terms and MeSH headings: clavicle, fractures, bone, radiography, and X-ray. We included articles in English published from 1950 to present. We ruled out fractures in children, fracture dislocations, open fractures, those with neurological and vascular injuries and fractures involving the acromioclavicular or sternoclavicular joints. Findings: Of the 821 citations obtained, only four studies proved eligible. In the most pertinent, four orthopaedic surgeons were shown standard views (antero-posterior and 20° cephalic tilt) of 50 clavicle fractures and then additional two views (45° cephalic and caudal tilt), and found that alternative views influenced their decision making, with more surgeons opting for surgical fixation. In a different study, it was shown that orthogonal views of the clavicle increased surgeons’ understanding and improved their treatment of these fractures. The third paper was a case series on clavicle fractures that were missed on the initial antero-posterior radiograph, and the fourth paper postulated that postero-anterior views of the thorax were most accurate in determining length of the clavicle. Conclusion: Studies showing an optimal view for assessment of clavicle fractures with a decision to then progressing to operative fixation are few, but the evidence points towards surgical fixation when alternative views of mid-shaft clavicle fractures are present.
Brief Review: Diurnal Rhythms, Obesity and Educational Achievement in South American Cultures

Obesity causes or exacerbates a host of medical conditions, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, and endocrine diseases. In addition, there is growing evidence that obesity and sleep problems are linked in adolescents and that they are significant obstacles for learning, having a negative impact on behavior, and attainment of social competence and quality of life. The theoretical basis of this relationship is discussed. Several studies investigating the relationships between obesity, sleep disturbance, and a number of important negative outcomes are reviewed.
Transcranial Ultrasound from Diagnosis to Early Stroke Treatment

Background: To test whether portable duplex ultrasound devices can be used in a prehospital ‘911’ emergency situation to assess intracranial arteries. Methods: Non-contrast-enhanced transcranial duplex ultrasound studies were performed either immediately at the site of the emergency (i.e. private home) or after transfer into the emergency helicopter/ambulance vehicle. Results: A total of 25 patients were enrolled. In 5/25 cases, intracranial vessels could not be visualized due to insufficient quality of the temporal bone window. In 20/25 cases, bilateral visualization and Doppler flow measurements of the middle cerebral artery could be assessed in a mean time less than 2 min. Conclusion: Emergency assessment of intracranial arteries using portable duplex ultrasound devices is feasible shortly after arrival at the patient’s site.
Robust adaptive beamforming

Adaptive beamforming algorithms can be extremely sensitive to slight errors in array characteristics. Errors which are uncorrelated from sensor to sensor pass through the beamformer like uncorrelated or spatially white noise. Hence, gain against white noise is a measure of robustness. A new algorithm is presented which includes a quadratic inequality constraint on the array gain against uncorrelated noise, while minimizing output power subject to multiple linear equality constraints. It is shown that a simple scaling of the projection of tentative weights, in the subspace orthogonal to the linear constraints, can be used to satisfy the quadratic inequality constraint. Moreover, this scaling is equivalent to a projection onto the quadratic constraint boundary so that the usual favorable properties of projection algorithms apply. This leads to a simple, effective, robust adaptive beamforming algorithm in which all constraints are satisfied exactly at each step and roundoff errors do not accumulate. The algorithm is then extended to the case of a more general quadratic constraint.
Risk Factors for Treatment Failure and Recurrence after Metronidazole Treatment for Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea.

BACKGROUND/AIMS The incidence of treatment failure or recurrence of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) following metronidazole treatment has increased recently. We studied the treatment failure, recurrence rate, and risk factors predictive of treatment failure and recurrence after metronidazole treatment for CDAD. METHODS We retrospectively identified consecutive patients who were admitted and treated for CDAD at a single tertiary institution in Korea over a recent 10-year period (i.e., 1998-2008). RESULTS Metronidazole was administered as the initial treatment to 111 of 117 patients (94.9%) with CDAD. Fourteen patients (12.6%) had no clinical response to the metronidazole treatment, and in 13 patients (13.4%) CDAD recurred after successful metronidazole treatment. Diabetes mellitus (p=0.014) and sepsis (p=0.002) were independent risk factors for metronidazole treatment failure. Patients who had received surgery within 1 month before CDAD developed were more likely to experience a recurrence after metronidazole treatment (p=0.032). Vancomycin exhibited a higher response rate after treatment failure, and metronidazole showed a reasonable response rate in the treatment of recurrence. Treatment failure and recurrence rates increased with time after metronidazole treatment for CDAD over the 10-year study period. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that diabetes mellitus and sepsis are independent risk factors for metronidazole treatment failure, and that operation history within 1 month of development of CDAD is a predictor of a recurrence after metronidazole treatment.
(2N+1) Selective Harmonic Elimination-PWM for Modular Multilevel Converters: A Generalized Formulation and A Circulating Current Control Method

The performance of modular multilevel converters (MMCs) in medium-voltage applications, where the number of required submodules is not high, can be improved utilizing low switching frequency modulations such as (2N+1) selective harmonic elimination-pulse width modulation (SHE-PWM), which provides tight control of lower order harmonics and low switching losses. This paper proposes a calculation method, which is based on a novel formulation, to solve the SHE-PWM problem. In particular, MMCs with (2N+1) phase output voltage levels are considered, obtaining a (2N+1) SHE-PWM waveform. This method utilizes a unique system of equations that is valid for any possible waveform. Therefore, it is able to calculate simultaneously, without predefined waveforms, both the switching patterns and the associated firing angles that solve the (2N+1) SHE-PWM problem. Consequently, the search process is simplified and optimized. Furthermore, this paper also proposes a circulating current control technique, which can be applied along with (2N+1) SHE-PWM without disturbing the phase output voltage. Simulation results and experimental tests obtained with a single-phase laboratory prototype prove the validity of the novel (2N+1) SHE-PWM implementation method and the proposed circulating current control technique.
Topical Antioxidant Vitamins C and E Prevent UVB-Radiation-Induced Peroxidation of Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Pig Skin

Abstract Moison, R. M. W. and Beijersbergen van Henegouwen, G. M. J. Topical Antioxidant Vitamins C and E Prevent UVB-Radiation-Induced Peroxidation of Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Pig Skin. Radiat. Res. 157, 402–409 (2002). Eicosapentaenoic acid protects against UV-radiation-induced immunosuppression and photocarcinogenesis, but it is also prone to oxidative degradation, which may reduce or abolish its beneficial effects. The protective effect of topically applied vitamin E, vitamin C, or both against UVB-radiation-induced lipid peroxidation in the presence of eicosapentaenoic acid was investigated using an ex vivo pig skin model. Changes in the bioavailability of both antioxidants induced by UV radiation were studied in different skin compartments. The UVB-radiation dose used (25 kJ/m2) was similar to that required to induce immunosuppression in BALB/c mice. Exposure of pig skin with an epidermal eicosapentaenoic acid content of 1.0 ± 0.3 mol% to UVB radiation resulted in an 85% increase of epidermal lipid peroxidation (P < 0.005). Topical application of vitamin E or vitamin C 60 min prior to UVB irradiation resulted in a major increase in both antioxidants in the stratum corneum and viable epidermis (P < 0.05). Vitamin E and vitamin C completely protected against UVB-radiation-induced lipid peroxidation (P < 0.005), but compared to vitamin E, a 500-fold higher vitamin C dose was needed. UVB irradiation induced a vitamin E consumption of up to 100% in the stratum corneum and viable epidermis, and a vitamin C consumption of only 21% in the stratum corneum. Simultaneously applied vitamin E and vitamin C also completely protected against UVB-radiation-induced lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05), and lower antioxidant doses were needed compared to vitamin E or vitamin C alone. In the presence of vitamin C, epidermal vitamin E was more stable upon UVB irradiation (P < 0.05), suggesting interaction between vitamin E and vitamin C. In conclusion, topically applied vitamin E and/or vitamin C efficiently protect against UVB-radiation-induced lipid peroxidation in the presence of eicosapentaenoic acid. The beneficial biological effects of eicosapentaenoic acid may therefore be improved if vitamin E and/or vitamin C are present in sufficient amounts. The ex vivo pig skin model provides a useful tool for assessing short-term biochemical effects related to UVB radiation, without the use of living experimental animals.
The effect of entrepreneurship orientation and learning orientation on SMEs' performance: an SEM-PLS approach

This study attempts to investigate the effects of entrepreneurial orientation and learning orientation on SMEs' performance. A total of 200 SMEs from the electronic and electrical sector, and 250 SMEs from food and beverage industries were chosen randomly. The results of this study show that entrepreneurial orientation dimensions (innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk taking) and learning orientation have a significant relationship with SMEs' performance. In this context, entrepreneurial orientation makes a significant contribution to SMEs' performance when learning orientation is considered as an investment and a key factor for SMEs' survival.
A new insight into root responses to external cues: Paradigm shift in nutrient sensing

Higher plants are sessile and their growth relies on nutrients present in the soil. The acquisition of nutrients is challenging for plants. Phosphate and nitrate sensing and signaling cascades play significant role during adverse conditions of nutrient unavailability. Therefore, it is important to dissect the mechanism by which plant roots acquire nutrients from the soil. Root system architecture (RSA) exhibits extensive developmental flexibility and changes during nutrient stress conditions. Growth of root system in response to external concentration of nutrients is a joint operation of sensor or receptor proteins along with several other cytoplasmic accessory proteins. After nutrient sensing, sensor proteins start the cellular relay involving transcription factors, kinases, ubiquitin ligases and miRNA. The complexity of nutrient sensing is still nebulous and many new players need to be better studied. This review presents a survey of recent paradigm shift in the advancements in nutrient sensing in relation to plant roots.
Binary Classification Tree with Tuned Observation-based Clustering

— There are several approaches for handling multiclass classification. Aside from one-against-one (OAO) and one-against-all (OAA), hierarchical classification technique is also commonly used. A binary classification tree is a hierarchical classification structure that breaks down a k -class problem into binary sub-problems, each solved by a binary classifier. In each node, a set of classes is divided into two subsets. A good class partition should be able to group similar classes together. Many algorithms measure similarity in term of distance between class centroids. Classes are grouped together by a clustering algorithm when distances between their centroids are small. In this paper, we present a binary classification tree with tuned observation-based clustering (BCT-TOB) that finds a class partition by performing clustering on observations instead of class centroids. A merging step is introduced to merge any insignificant class split. The experiment shows that performance of BCT-TOB is comparable to other algorithms.