Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECTS OF A MOVING RAINSTORM ON DIRECT RUNOFF PROPERTIES1

: The effects of a moving rainstorm on flood runoff characteristics were investigated. A flood hydrograph simulation model called “FH-Model” and a natural watershed were used. A hypothetical rainstorm of 50 years recurrence interval, 75 mm depth, and 4 hours duration was used to show the effects of velocity and direction of the moving rainstorm on the runoff characteristics. Compared with an equivalent stationary rainstorm (ESRS), the peak flow caused by a rainstorm moving in a downstream direction with a speed equal to channel velocity, V, was 27.5 percent higher and the peak flow caused by the same rainstorm moving in an upstream direction was 21.7 percent smaller. These percentages reduced to 10.5 percent and 8.6 percent for storms moving downstream and upstream, respectively, at three times the channel velocity, 3V. There were negligible differences in the time of peak, Tp between runoff caused by storms moving downstream and runoff produced by ESRS. However, Tp for a storm moving upstream at V velocity was 82 percent higher than that produced by ESRS, but was reduced to 27 percent higher when the storm velocity was 3V.
Package for Analysis of Space-Time Ecological Series

February 20, 2015 Title Package for Analysis of Space-Time Ecological Series Version 1.3-18 Date 2014-03-02 Author Philippe Grosjean [aut, cre], Frederic Ibanez [aut], Michele Etienne [ctb] Maintainer Philippe Grosjean <phgrosjean@sciviews.org> Description Regulation, decomposition and analysis of space-time series. The pastecs library is a PNEC-Art4 and IFREMER (Benoit Beliaeff <Benoit.Beliaeff@ifremer.fr>) initiative to bring PASSTEC 2000 (http://www.obs-vlfr.fr/~enseigne/anado/passtec/passtec.htm) functionalities to R.
Mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of physical exercise on multiple sclerosis: focus on immune cells

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent neuroimmunological illness that leads to neurological disability in young adults. Although the etiology of MS is heterogeneous, it is well established that aberrant activity of adaptive and innate immune cells plays a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Several immune cell abnormalities have been described in MS and its animal models, including T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, dendritic cells, neutrophils, microglia/macrophages, and astrocytes, among others. Physical exercise offers a valuable alternative or adjunctive disease-modifying therapy for MS. A growing body of evidence indicates that exercise may reduce the autoimmune responses triggered by immune cells in MS. This is partially accomplished by restricting the infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma, curbing hyperactivation of immune cells, and facilitating a transition in the balance of immune cells from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state. This review provides a succinct overview of the correlation between physical exercise, immune cells, and MS pathology, and highlights the potential benefits of exercise as a strategy for the prevention and treatment of MS.
VELOCITY MEASUREMENTS IN A RIVER WITH A SERIES OF GROYNES BY A SHIP-MOUNTED ADCP

Velocity measurements were carried out in a river of straight reach with a series of groynes on one side of the main channel. An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) mounted on a small boat was used. The measurements were performed under three depth conditions including two submerged cases. Flow patterns induced in groyne fields, exchange processes between the main channel and the groyne field, and local flow peculiar around groynes, are of interests.2-D large circulation flow is dominant in the non-submerged condition, whereas a vertical vortex is formed just behind a groyne in the shallow submerged case, then these circulating patterns in a groyne field are totally washed away in the deep submerged case. The maximum velocity filament in the main channel appears at different positions as the water depth changes owing to the groynes' effect. A slow water body leaving a groyne and showing a boil-like motion is clearly detected.
Comparative evaluation of some techniques used for the detection of rabies virus

Background: Neurotropic viruses in the family Rhabdoviridae, genus Lyssavirus, are what cause rabies, an acute, progressive, and highly lethal encephalomyelitis. Aim: Evaluation of the used diagnostic techniques to determine the most simple; rapid and accurate test for rabies virus (RABV) recognition in different specimens aiming to reach a rapid diagnosis as a step aid in the disease control and to prevent or even minimize the suspected hazard. Method: The used techniques included an infection trial of Swiss mice with the mice-adapted challenge rabies virus followed by the detection of the virus in the infected mices’ brains. Virus detection was carried out through the application BHK21 cell line infection; fluorescent antibody technique; latex agglutination test (LAT); direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); rabies antigen detection kit ELISA; conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: It was found that virus inoculation in mice and BHK21 cell lines needs 5–7 days with positivity of 90% and 100%, respectively. Rapid antigen kit was able to detect rabies antigen in mice brains suspension and BHK21 infected fluid within 3–5 minutes with percentages of 60% and 55.5%, respectively. In 1–1.5 hours, the direct fluorescent antibody method (DFAT) detected 90% and 100% of the rabies antigen in BHK21 cell line infection and brain impressions, respectively. Latex agglutination showed clear results with 88.8% with BHK21 infected fluid within 3–5 minutes while it did not carry out on brain emulsions to prevent falsely positive results brought on by the presence of tissue fragments. Conventional one-step PCR revealed 100% positivity with either brain or cell culture preparations within 2 days. Direct ELISA showed 88.8% positivity with BHK21 infected fluid with 1 day of work. Conclusion: Mice inoculation test, cell culture infection; DFAT and PCR are the most accurate techniques for the detection of RABV with a positivity of 90%–100% followed by LAT and ELISA with a positivity of 88.8%, and lastly, rabies antigen ELISA kit (RAK) with a positivity of 55.5%–60% taking in consideration the required time for each. In addition, the positivity % of the applied tests revealed their sensitivity and specificity.
Improving past sea surface temperature estimates based on planktonic fossil faunas

A new method of past sea surface temperature (SST) reconstruction based on the modern analog technique (Prell, 1985) and on the indirect approach (Bartlein et al., 1986) has been developed: the revised analog method (RAM). Applied to planktonic foraminifera, this technique leads to significant improvements in modern SST reconstruction with respect to former methods: our estimates are characterized by much lower residuals and a better coverage of the observed SST range. Moreover, the error of RAM estimates of past SSTs is lower than that associated with former reconstructions, particularly at middle and high latitudes. In low latitudes, cold season SSTs reconstructed by RAM during glacials are 1°–3°C lower than previously estimated. Our results tend thus to reconcile paleoestimates of glacial temperatures based on planktonic microfossils and on continental data in the tropics.
Monitoring haze episodes over the Yellow Sea by combining multisensor measurements

Haze, which is composed of a wide range of aerosol particles, is one of the most hazardous weather conditions because of its adverse impact on health and its deleterious effect on visibility, leading to loss of maritime transportation. Satellite, ground-based sunphotometer and particulate matter (PM) concentration data were analysed to evaluate the causes of two severe haze episodes observed during 28–31 March and 3–6 June 2007 over the Yellow Sea. The first episode was clearly affected by the long-range transport of dust from southeastern Mongolia to eastern Inner Mongolia, covering the Onqin Daga and Horqin sandy land areas, which are important sources for the sand and dust storms (SDS) that occur frequently during the spring in East Asia. A backward trajectory analysis confirmed the transport of air mass from southeastern Mongolia. A very high aerosol optical depth (AOD) (> 2.0) and a high backscatter coefficient (about 5 × 10−2 km sr−1) of dust were observed by Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO), respectively, during the first haze episode. A sudden increase in PM10 (particles ≤ 10 μm) concentration (maximum value 225 μg m−3) was observed during the haze period. A higher AOD was observed over the Yellow Sea on 6 June 2007 during the second haze event compared to the AOD observed during the first haze episode, which occurred during 4–6 June 2007. A few hotspots were detected by MODIS during the second haze episode. It was concluded that the second haze episode was probably dominated by smoke from open burning areas of crop residue in East China, when a rapid increase in PM10 concentration up to 192 μg m−3 was observed.
The potential of perennial cave ice in isotope palaeoclimatology

Perennial ice from caves on and to the east of the Canadian Great Divide yield δ18O and δD values, which are unusually high measurements when compared with the average precipitation for the region. Furthermore, these ice data fall below and along lines of lower slope than the Global Meteoric Water Line. To explain the observed relationships, we propose the following process. A vapour‐ice isotopic fractionation mechanism operates on warm‐season vapour when it precipitates as hoar ice on entering the caves. The subsequent fall of hoar to the cave floor through mechanical overloading, along with ice derived from ground‐water seepage (with a mean annual isotopic composition), results in massive ice formation of a mixed composition. This mixed composition is what is observed in the characteristic relationships found here. Such findings suggest that a warm versus cold climate interpretation for ancient cave ice may be the opposite of that found in the more familiar polar and glacial ice cores.
Ratios of reactive nitrogen species over the Pacific during PEM-West A

Measurements of total reactive odd nitrogen (NOy) and known individual odd nitrogen species were made over the Pacific Ocean in September and October 1991 during the NASA Global Tropospheric Experiment, Pacific Exploratory Mission-West A (GTE/PEM-West A). The ratios between NOx (NO + NO2) calculated from observed NO assuming photochemical equilibrium ((NOx)mc), peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), and NOy have been investigated for these data. The mixing ratios of (NOx)mc, PAN, and NOy in the lower and middle troposphere generally decreased with the air mass age, which has been defined by the propane/ethane ratio (C3H8/C2H6). The (NOx)mc/NOy ratios in the continental air showed a C-shaped vertical profile and median values were 0.27, 0.11, and 0.20 in the lower, middle, and upper troposphere, respectively. In the maritime and tropical air the (NOx)mc/NOy ratios generally increased with altitude and were about 0.1 and 0.15 in the lower and upper troposphere, respectively. In the middle troposphere the (NOx)mc/NOy ratios were similar in continental, maritime, and tropical air. These results are consistent with the fact that the (NOx)mc/NOy ratio did not decrease with the air mass age in the middle troposphere, suggesting the existence of NOx sources in the free troposphere. The PAN/NOy ratios in the continental air were about 0.3 at all altitudes. In maritime and tropical air the PAN/NOy ratio increased sharply at altitudes between 3 and 5 km with values of about 0.03 below 3 km and between 0.1 and 0.2 in the middle and upper troposphere. The PAN/NOy ratio generally decreased with the air mass age in the middle troposphere. In spite of a longer photochemical lifetime of PAN than NOx the PAN/(NOx)mc ratio also generally decreased with air mass age. These observations indicate that the reactive nitrogen ratios in the continental air mass are influenced by anthropogenic emissions at all altitudes, although relative contributions from various NOx sources in the upper troposphere are still poorly understood. Some influence from the continental air can be seen in the anthropogenic origin species in the maritime air mass when compared with the tropical air mass (Kondo et al., this issue). Similar (NOx)mc/NOy ratios, however, were generally found between the maritime and tropical air masses and a difference was only seen in the slightly higher PAN/NOy ratios in the maritime middle tropospheric air. The high-latitude air is characterized by low (NOx)mc/NOy ratios and high PAN/(NOx)mc ratios, probably due to the low atmospheric temperatures.
Detached plasma in Saturn's front side magnetosphere

We discuss plasma observations in the outer front side Saturnian magnetosphere which indicate the existence of dense flux tubes outside the plasma sheet. We suggest that flux tubes are detached from the plasma sheet by a centifugally driven flute instability. The same instability leads to a dispersal of Titan-injected plasma. It is shown that the detached flux tubes will probably break open as they convect into the nightside magnetotail and lose their content in form of a planetary wind.
Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Contractors’ All Risk Insurance Claims: A Study of State-Owned Contractors in Indonesia

Risk affects the productivity, performance, quality, and cost constraints of construction projects; such risk can be managed by transferring it to contractors’ all risk (CAR) insurance claims. While several studies have attempted to determine the efficiency of CAR insurance in construction projects, the phenomenon model needs to be more comprehensively developed to provide contractors with strategic steps that can enhance the effectiveness of using CAR insurance to manage risk. Accordingly, this study used partial least squares structural equation modelling to overcome the shortcomings of the previous approaches used. It analyzed 33 claims data from 25 construction projects and compiled five internal/external factors: knowledge and experience of claims and the supporting role of contractor organizations (internal), and insurers, brokers, and insurance products (external). The analysis results found that the knowledge and experience of claims and insurance product factors had the most influence on claim success (β = 0.419 and 0.371, respectively). Interestingly, these factors were significantly influenced by roles and supporting organizations (β = 0.478 and 0.791, respectively). Overall, synchronizing purchased insurance policies with risk registers can increase insurance effectiveness. The findings extend the efforts to optimize the use of CAR insurance in construction projects for contractors.
Eleven-year solar cycle variations in the atmosphere: observations, mechanisms and models

The understanding of natural and anthropogenic climatic change is an important issue in recent studies. The influence of the Sun (11-year solar cycle) as a natural variability factor on the atmosphere is discussed. Statistical studies with observational data (NCEP/NCAR re-analyses) covering four solar cycles show high correlations between the 11 -year solar signal and meteorological parameters, e.g., the geopotential heights and temperatures, in the lower stratosphere and troposphere. Studies with general circulation models (GCM) have discussed the possibility of an indirect dynamical response to direct changes in solar irradiance and ozone in the stratosphere. A physical mechanism explaining the solar influence on the atmosphere is still missing. Part of the mechanism understood so far and ideas from model and observational studies are presented.
In vitro antimalarial activity of Syzygium cumini fruit fraction

Background: Malaria is still one of the most severe public health problems worldwide. The development of treatment, prevention, and control of malaria is one of the substantial problems in the world. Aims: To investigate the in vitro antimalarial activity of Syzygium cumini methanol fruit fraction. Methods: Syzygium cumini L fruit powder was macerated with methanol (PA) and the extract obtained was fractionated using the liquid–liquid partition method with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, chloroform, methanol, and water solvents. In vitro antimalarial assay was conducted using the culture of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain culture that had reached >5% growth and was examined for IC50 values using a 24-well microplate in duplicate. Each treatment and control well contained 1,080 μl of complete media. Well, number 1 was added with 120 μl fraction, and then the solution was diluted until it reached 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/ml the final concentration in the microtiter well. The control only contained complete media and infected erythrocytes without the addition of anti-malarial drugs. The microplate was incubated for 48 hours. After 48 hours, a thin blood smear was made fixed with methanol and stained with 20% Giemsa for 20 minutes to determine the IC50 value by plotting sample concentrations and percentage of parasitemia in Excel. Results: The IC50 values of ethyl acetate fraction, n.hexane fraction, butanol fraction, and water fraction were 1.189, 76.996, 1,769, and 15.058 μg/ml, respectively. Whereases the IC50 values of C1 fraction (mix fraction from chloroform: methanol 100:0 and 90:10) and C4 fraction (mix fraction from chloroform: methanol 20:80, 10:90, and 0:100) were 100.126 and 1.015 μg/ml, respectively. The results showed that the IC50 value of ethyl acetate, butanol, and C4 fraction were lower than 10μg/ml and were considered as good activity (strong antimalarial activity). Conclusion: The ethyl acetate, butanol and C4 subfraction from S. cumini fruit have the potential to be developed as an antimalarial agent.
Evaluated the Effect of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on the Activity of Creatinine and Urea Levels in Dialysis Patients

Abstract Nanotechnology is an emerging field that has got a phenomenal interest in the last few decades. Medical application is considered one of the most important ambitions in this field. The objective was to evaluate the biological effects of (TiO2-NPs) on urea and creatinine activity among kidney patients. The titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were created using the photocell technique, and for characterization used XRD and TEM. The research population consisted of 60 individuals, both male and female, with renal disease and older than 40 years old who were on dialysis without taking any drugs. Two groups were created out of them (30 control group and 30 dialysis patients group). The two groups' serum was collected using a straightforward sampling approach. Creatinine and urea levels were measured for the control group, and for the dialysis group before the addition of TiO2-NPs; and also after the addition of TiO2-NPs. Furthermore, creatinine and urea concentrations were determined using a spectrophotometric method. The XRD investigations showed that titanium dioxide nanoparticles are crystalline and the size ranged from 11-29 nm, according to photographs taken using TEM. The present investigation showed that (TiO2-NPs) significantly lowered the levels of creatinine and urea in individuals with renal disease. Our findings demonstrated, for the first time, that TiO2 nanoparticles considerably declined the levels of creatinine and urea among dialysis patients. Future research should be done to confirm this affects TiO2-NPs.
Rheological properties and debris-flow modeling in a southern Italy watershed

The Pulsano watershed, located in the southern side of Gargano (Puglia-Italy), is subject to debris-flow phenomena originating from the weathering of the limestone rocks that constitute the geological parent material. The territory is poorly monitored and between intense and rare events, which transport large particle size materials, more frequent hyper-concentrated flows, which transport heterogeneous sediments, occur. On this basis the debris-flow risk assessment appears very complex, since it depends on both the available debris volume and the hydraulic characteristics of the flow. This work proposes a methodology of analysis and modeling of debris-flows that is able to integrate the results of the experimental investigations on materials with models simulating the triggering, propagation and deposition of the flow. For this purpose the rheological response of natural suspensions collected from the superficial deposits was investigated using a rheometric tool for large particle suspensions: the Ball Measuring System (BMS). The triggering and propagation of the debris-flow were simulated using the SHALSTAB and FLO-2D models in order to reproduce the 15 July 1972 event. Afterwards the influence of rheology on debris-flow depositional features was investigated.
Antibiogram of bacteriuria among pregnant women in urban informal settlements in Port Harcourt municipality

Bacteriuria during pregnancy is a common concern, as it is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This study aimed to assess the antibiogram of bacteriuria among pregnant women residing in urban informal settlements within Port Harcourt Municipality, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving pregnant women attending antenatal health care centers in informal settlements. Midstream urine samples were collected and cultured to identify bacterial pathogens. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using standard laboratory methods
Association between nonpharmacological interventions and dementia: A retrospective cohort study

One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease in which amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles accumulate within the brain, disrupting neuronal function. This commonly results in changes to one’s cognition, mood, and behavior. Nonpharmacological interventions, such as cognitive training, physical exercise, reminiscence, music, muscle relaxation, support groups, therapeutic writing, and discussions, have been studied as preventative measures that may delay cognitive impairment in individuals with or without dementia. In this study, we investigated the correlation between physical activity (e.g., sports, recreational activities, traveling), socialization (e.g., family gatherings, clubs/organizations, volunteer work), intellectual stimulation (e.g., occupation, education, reading), and the presence of dementia. We hypothesized that individuals without cognitive impairment would participate in these activities more throughout their lives compared to those with cognitive impairment. This is a retrospective case-control study in which 22 participants from two senior centers in San Diego were interviewed about their lifestyle history. The results of this study showed that there were no statistically significant differences in self-reported activities between individuals with and without dementia. While we intended to measure subject participation in physical, social, and intellectual activities, the results reflected activity recall rather than the activity itself. This points to the need for further research on the deficits in activity recall in individuals with cognitive impairment.