Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survey of Housing Conditions and Improvement Strategies in Okpoko Peri-Urban Settlement of Anambra State Nigeria

Despite several efforts towards addressing the problems of acute shortage of suitable and decent accommodation, slum settlements still persist in urban areas like Onitsha. It is noted that the condition of buildings in which one lives contributes greatly to the overall well being of the person. Therefore, this study surveyed the condition of buildings in Okpoko slum settlement, Anambra State to determine the effects on the general wellbeing of the residents. It also examined the strategies used by the residents to improving the buildings for better quality of life. Being a survey research, questionnaires, interviews, physical observations and photographs were used in collecting the data; which were analysed using Severity Index (SI) and the Relative Importance Index (RII). The study found that majority of the buildings in the area and the surrounding environments are in a very critical and deplorable condition which has significant negative effects on the general wellbeing of the residents. The study identified insecurity, flooding, and crime and immorality as the most apparent effects; and routine sanitation, simple renovation/repair and retrofitting as the most common strategies adopted by the residents in the improvement of condition of the buildings and environment. It then recommended update and full implementation of the UN-Habitat Structure Plan for Onitsha and Satellite Towns which must involve all stakeholders; in addition to enactment of urban renewal law with detailed operational frameworks in Anambra State.
Recognition and Activation Domains Contribute to Allele-Specific Responses of an Arabidopsis NLR Receptor to an Oomycete Effector Protein

In plants, specific recognition of pathogen effector proteins by nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) receptors leads to activation of immune responses. RPP1, an NLR from Arabidopsis thaliana, recognizes the effector ATR1, from the oomycete pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, by direct association via C-terminal leucine-rich repeats (LRRs). Two RPP1 alleles, RPP1-NdA and RPP1-WsB, have narrow and broad recognition spectra, respectively, with RPP1-NdA recognizing a subset of the ATR1 variants recognized by RPP1-WsB. In this work, we further characterized direct effector recognition through random mutagenesis of an unrecognized ATR1 allele, ATR1-Cala2, screening for gain-of-recognition phenotypes in a tobacco hypersensitive response assay. We identified ATR1 mutants that a) confirm surface-exposed residues contribute to recognition by RPP1, and b) are recognized by and activate the narrow-spectrum allele RPP1-NdA, but not RPP1-WsB, in co-immunoprecipitation and bacterial growth inhibition assays. Thus, RPP1 alleles have distinct recognition specificities, rather than simply different sensitivity to activation. Using chimeric RPP1 constructs, we showed that RPP1-NdA LRRs were sufficient for allele-specific recognition (association with ATR1), but insufficient for receptor activation in the form of HR. Additional inclusion of the RPP1-NdA ARC2 subdomain, from the central NB-ARC domain, was required for a full range of activation specificity. Thus, cooperation between recognition and activation domains seems to be essential for NLR function.
An effective image noise filtering algorithm using cellular automata

Cellular Automata is a methodology that uses discrete space to represent the state of each element of a domain and this state can be changed according to a transition rule. Image noise is unwanted information of an image and is translated into values which are getting added or subtracted to the true grey-level values. Noise can occur during image capture, transmission or processing and it may depend or may not depend on image content. CA can be successfully applied in image processing. This paper presents image noise filtering based on cellular automata, which can remove impulsive noise from corrupted image. Non-Uniform cellular automata rules are constructed to filter noise from both general images and medical images and the comparison shows that the filter based on cellular automata shows significant improvements over the traditional methods of filtering. First the concept of cellular automata is introduced, and then accordingly to the structure of the neighborhoods and the proposed model followed by the results.
A recursive least M-estimate adaptive controller for active impulsive noise control

The filtered-x recursive square (FxRLS) algorithm has been proven to be efficient for active noise control (ANC) systems. Unfortunately, its performance deteriorates when the ANC systems are corrupted by impulsive noises. To reduce this drawback, a novel filter-x recursive least M-estimate adaptive (FxRLM) algorithm for ANC is proposed in this paper, which can overcome the adverse effect of impulsive noise on the adaptation of controller. Simulations in the context of ANC system show that the proposed FxRLM algorithm outperforms the conventional FxRLS, filtered-x least mean p-power (FxLMP) and robust FxLMS (RFxLMS) algorithms.
Fountain codes and their application to broadcasting in underwater networks: performance modeling and relevant tradeoffs

Our aim in this paper is to study the performance of broadcasting algorithms for underwater acoustic sensor networks (UWASNs). The targeted scenario is very simple; we consider a source (the initiator of the broadcast transmission) and a number of nodes randomly placed within a given geographical area. For an efficient broadcast transmission we advocate the use of a hybrid ARQ scheme, where Fountain Codes (FC) are exploited to enhance the efficiency of the data dissemination process in the face of poor and possibly unknown channel conditions. FC codes, being rateless, are in fact able to adapt to diverse error rates and correct packet losses on the fly through the transmission of additional redundancy packets. The main contribution of this paper is a mathematical model to characterize the performance of fountain codes as applied to broadcasting in underwater networks. Our analysis allows us to find performance metrics such as transmission delay, reliability (e.g., percentage of covered users) and power consumption. Relevant tradeoffs are highlighted and quantified; in particular the implications of transmission power on covered distance, rate and delay are discussed. Even though we do not propose a practical broadcasting protocol here, the results and tradeoffs we obtain are essential to a proper design of practical schemes.
Augmenting the mouse with pressure sensitive input

In this paper we investigate the use of a uni-pressure and dual-pressure augmented mouse. With a pressure augmented mouse users can simultaneously control cursor positions as well as multiple levels of discrete selection modes for common desktop application tasks. Two or more independent pressure sensors can be mounted onto several locations on the body of the mouse. To highlight the design potential of a pressure augmented mouse we conducted a multi-part study. In the first part we identified the number of maximum discrete levels controllable with a uni-pressure augmented mouse, the most appropriate locations for installing pressure sensors on the mouse, and the design of new interaction techniques to support selection with pressure-based input. In a follow-up design we introduced an additional sensor and two different types of selection techniques to control a larger number of discrete levels with two pressure sensors. Our results show that users can comfortably control up to 64 modes with a dual-pressure augmented mouse. We discuss the findings of our results in the context of several desktop interaction techniques and identify several design recommendations.
Vision Research Literature May Not Represent the Full Intellectual Range of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Sensory, in particular visual processing is recognized as often perturbed in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, in terms of the literature pertaining to visual processing, individuals in the normal intelligence range (IQ = 90–110) and above, are more frequently represented in study samples than individuals who score below normal in the borderline intellectual disability (ID) (IQ = 71–85) to ID (IQ < 70) ranges. This raises concerns as to whether or not current research is generalizable to a disorder that is often co-morbid with ID. Thus, the aim of this review is to better understand to what extent the current ASD visual processing literature is representative of the entire ASD population as either diagnosed or recognized under DSM-5. Our recalculation of ASD prevalence figures, using the criteria of DSM-5, indicates approximately 40% of the ASD population are likely to be ID although searching of the visual processing literature in ASD up to July 2016 showed that only 20% of papers included the ASD with-ID population. In the published literature, the mean IQ sampled was found to be 104, with about 80% of studies sampling from the 96–115 of the IQ range, highlighting the marked under-representation of the ID and borderline ID sections of the ASD population. We conclude that current understanding of visual processing and perception in ASD is not based on the mean IQ profile of the DSM-5 defined ASD population that now appears to lie within the borderline ID to ID range. Give the importance of the role of vision for the social and cognitive processing in ASD, we recommend accurately representing ASD via greater inclusion of individuals with IQ below 80, in future ASD research.
Stochastic coreceptor shut-off is restricted to the CD4 lineage maturation pathway

Kinetics of mature T cell generation in the thymus of normal or major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I- or II-deficient mice were studied by the bromodeoxyuridine pulse labeling method. As previously described, the early activation and final maturation phases were found to be synchronous for the two T cell lineages, but CD4+8- cells were generated faster than CD4-8+ cells in MHC class I- and II-deficient mice, respectively. CD8 downregulation started on day 2 after cell proliferation even in the absence of MHC class II expression. CD8 downregulation thus appears to be stochastic at its beginning. By contrast, CD4 shut-off was found totally instructive, as the generation of CD4lo8+ cells with a high TCR density was not observed in class I- deficient mice. The analysis of the V beta 14 TCR frequencies in CD4/8 subsets in normal and MHC-deficient mice confirmed that CD4 and CD8 generation pathways are not symmetrical. These findings show that commitment towards the CD4+8- or CD4-8+ phenotype is controlled at the CD8lo step for the former and at the CD4+8+ double-positive stage for the latter.
WORKING CONDITION-RELATED IMPROVEMENT IN GENOTOXICOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF HUNGARIAN ROAD PAVERS

Multiple-endpoint follow-up genotoxicology monitoring was performed in a group of 22 Hungarian road pavers between 1996 and 1999. The studied endpoints were the determination of structural and numeric chromosome aberration (CA), sister chromatid exchange (SCE), high-frequency SCE and HPRT mutation frequencies, and ultraviolet (UV)-light-induced unscheduled DNA synthesis in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). The workers (8 hand pavers and 14 finishers, mean age 37 yr) used tar-free asphalt. The results were compared with those of 6 work-site controls (35 yr), 101 historical controls (38 yr), and 87 industrial controls (38 yr). The most marked changes were found in the CA frequencies. In the control, the mean CA frequency was 1.6%. In the first study, increased CA frequencies were found in the donors that either had been exposed to hot asphalt fumes or had cleaned the equipment with crude oil. The mean CA frequency of the 14 finishers working in closed cabins was 3.67% in 1996. The increased CA frequency was attributed to the high level of hot asphalt fumes due to insufficient ventilation. By 1999 the mean CA frequency decreased to 1.23%. For the 8 hand pavers working in open air the mean CA frequency was 3.6% in 1996. The obtained data suggested that the increase in CA frequencies was due to the use of petroleum and crude oil; therefore, these substances were replaced with harmless detergents. By 1999 the mean CA frequency decreased to 1%. In finishers the mean CA frequency returned to the control level 1 yr later (1999) than in the case of hand pavers. The chromosome-type aberrations remained predominant during the follow-up. The individual variations observed were attributed to smoking and inadequate personal protection. The obtained results suggest that the use of tar-free asphalt and harmless detergents with adequate personal protection does not increase the frequencies of the genotoxicological parameters compared to controls. Consequently, an improvement in working conditions can prevent further exposures and thus decrease the cancer risk of road pavers.
A multi-touch enabled steering wheel: exploring the design space

Cars offer an increasing number of infotainment systems as well as comfort functions that can be controlled by the driver. With our research we investigate new interaction techniques that aim to make it easier to interact with these systems while driving. In contrast to the standard approach of combining all functions into hierarchical menus controlled by a multifunctional controller or a touch screen we suggest to utilize the space on the steering wheel as additional interaction surface. In this paper we show the design challenges that arise for multi-touch interaction on a steering wheel. In particular we investigate how to deal with input and output while driving and hence rotating the wheel. We describe the details of a functional prototype of a multi-touch steering wheel that is based on FTIR and a projector, which was built to explore experimentally the user experience created. In an initial study with 12 participants we show that the approach has a general utility and that people can use gestures for controlling applications intuitively but have difficulties to imagine gestures to select applications.
Real voice and TTS accent effects on intelligibility and comprehension for indian speakers of English as a second language

We investigate the effect of accent on comprehension of English for speakers of English as a second language in southern India. Subjects were exposed to real and TTS voices with US and several Indian accents, and were tested for intelligibility and comprehension. Performance trends indicate a measurable advantage for familiar accents, and are broken down by various demographic factors.
emporal-spatial dynamics of vegetation variation on non-point ource nutrient pollution

The temporal-spatial interaction of land cover and non-point source (NPS) nutrient pollution were analyzed with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to simulate the temporal-spatial features of NPS nutrient loading in the upper stream of the Yellow River catchment. The corresponding land cover data variance was expressed by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) that was calculated from MODIS images. It was noted that the temporal variation of land cover NDVI was significantly correlated with NPS nutrient loading. The regression analysis indicated that vegetation not only detained NPS nutrient pollution transportation, but also contributed to sustainable loading. The temporal analysis also confirmed that regional NDVI was an effective index for monthly assessment of NPS nitrogen and phosphorus loading. The spatial variations of NPS nutrient loading can be classified with land cover status. The high loadings of NPS nitrogen in high NDVI subbasins indicated that forestry and farmland are the main critical loss areas. Farmland contributed sustainable soluble N, but the loading of soluble and organic N from grassland subbasins was much lower. Most P loading came from the areas covered with dense grassland and forestry, which cannot directly discharge to local water bodies. However, some NPS phosphorus from suburban farmland can directly discharge into adjacent water bodies. The interactions among nutrient loading, NDVI, and slope were also analyzed. This study confirmed that the integration of NPS modeling, geographic information systems, and remote sensing is needed to understand the interactive dynamics of NPS nutrient loading. Understanding the temporal-spatial variation of NPS nutrients and their correlations with land cover will help NPS pollution prevention and water quality management efforts. Therefore, the proposed method for evaluating NPS nutrient loading by land cover NDVI can be tion e an effective tool for pollu
Effects of Altered Volume Loading on Left Ventricular Hemodynamics and Diastolic Filling During Hemodialysis

Background. Changes in the circulating volume associated with hemodialysis (HD) resulted in alternations of left ventricular (LV) filling. However, previous studies offered conflicting findings. This study thus evaluated the impact of HD on LV diastolic filling indices and hemodynamics. Materials and Methods. Forty patients with end‐stage renal disease were studied by Doppler echocardiography immediately before and after HD. The cardiac size, volume and mass were determined by M‐mode and two‐dimensional echocardiography. LV diastolic filling parameters and hemodynamics were assessed from mitral inflow using Doppler echocardiography. Results. Left atrial and LV dimension, LV volume, and LV mass decreased significantly after HD (p < 0.001). Cardiac output declined from 5.74 ± 1.37 to 4.98 ± 1.27 L/min (p < 0.001), whereas, the ejection fraction remained unchanged. HD elicited marked changes in the early diastolic E (95.1 ± 20.5 to 70.3 ± 18.2 cm/s, p < 0.001) and late atrial filling A velocities (104.3 ± 20.9 to 88.9 ± 16.9 cm/s, p < 0.001). In addition, correction of the deceleration time of E and isovolumic relaxation time prolonged significantly (p = 0.011 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions. Findings in this study indicate that HD altering the loading condition significantly influenced the LV diastolic function and hemodynamics. Moreover, Doppler echocardiography provides an effective means of assessing the effects on LV diastolic filling and hemodynamics during HD.
A new embryonic pattern in parasitic wasps: divergence in early development may not be associated with lifestyle

Comparative embryogenesis of Encarsia formosa and Encarsia pergandiella (Hymenoptera Aphelinidae), two endoparasitoids of whiteflies (Hemiptera Aleyrodidae), revealed two strongly diverging developmental patterns. Indeed, the centrolecithal anhydropic egg of E. formosa developed through a superficial cleavage, as it occurs in Nasonia vitripennis, Apis mellifera, and Drosophila melanogaster. In contrast, the alecithal hydropic egg of E. pergandiella developed through holoblastic cleavage within a specialized extra‐embryonic membrane (EEM). Since this developmental pattern evolved independently in several lineages of hymenopteran endoparasitoids, departures from the superficial cleavage mode have been argued to be strongly canalized in response to a shift from ecto‐ to endoparasitic lifestyle. Coexistence of both developmental patterns in two congeneric species suggests that alterations of early embryonic development may not be correlated with lifestyle. In addition, embryogenesis of E. pergandiella exhibited the following developmental novelties compared to other species possessing a hydropic egg: (i) polar body derivatives early acquired a cytoskeletal boundary prior to any other cellularization event; (ii) cellularization was asynchronous, starting with an early differentiation of a single apical blastomere at the end of the third cleavage; (iii) appearance of cytoskeletal boundaries of embryo blastomeres occurred between the third and fourth cleavages; (iv) the EEM originated through asynchronous participation of three separate lineages of cleavage nuclei, one of which associated with the polar body derivatives in a syncytium. Our results confirm a scenario of high plasticity in the early developmental strategies of hymenopteran endoparasitoids.
Relationships between Molecular Complexity, Biological Activity, and Structural Diversity

Following the theoretical model by Hann et al. moderately complex structures are preferable lead compounds since they lead to specific binding events involving the complete ligand molecule. To make this concept usable in practice for library design, we studied several complexity measures on the biological activity of ligand molecules. We applied the historical IC50/EC50 summary data of 160 assays run at Novartis covering a diverse range of targets, among them kinases, proteases, GPCRs, and protein-protein interactions, and compared this to the background of "inactive" compounds which have been screened for 2 years but have never shown any activity in any primary screen. As complexity measures we used the number of structural features present in various molecular fingerprints and descriptors. We found generally that with increasing activity of the ligands, their average complexity also increased, and we could therefore establish a minimum number of structural features in each descriptor needed for biological activity. Especially well suited in this context were the Similog keys and circular substructure fingerprints. These are those descriptors, which also perform especially well in the identification of bioactive compounds by similarity search, suggesting that structural features encoded in these descriptors have a high relevance for bioactivity. Since the number of features correlates with the number of atoms present in the molecule, also the number of atoms serves as a reasonable complexity measure and larger molecules have, in general, higher activities. Due to the relationship between feature counts and densities on one hand and biological activity on the other, the size bias present in almost all similarity coefficients becomes especially important. Diversity selections using these coefficients can influence the overall complexity of the resulting set of molecules, which has an impact on the biological activity that they exhibit. Using sphere-exclusion based diversity selection methods, such as OptiSim together with the Tanimoto dissimilarity, the average feature count distribution of the resulting selections is shifted toward lower complexity than that of the original set, particularly when applying tight diversity constraints. This size bias reduces the fraction of molecules in the subsets having the complexity required for a high, submicromolar activity. None of the diversity selection methods studied, namely OptiSim, divisive K-means clustering, and self-organizing maps, yielded subsets covering the activity space of the IC50 summary data set better than subsets selected randomly.
Benefits of disfluency detection in spontaneous speech recognition

Nowadays, automatic speech recognizers have become quite good in recognizing well prepared fluent speech (e.g. news readings). However, the recognition of spontaneous speech is still problematic. Some reasons for this are that spontaneous speech is usually less articulated and that it can contain a lot of disfluencies such as filled pauses (FPs), abbreviatons, repetitions, etc. In this paper, a new methodology for coping with FPs is presented. The basic idea is to detect FPs, and let this information control/modify the search for word hypotheses. Just counting normal words (excluding FPs), we can presently eliminate about one word error per FP occurring in the speech, and this without introducing a significant augmentation of the computational load.