Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rudder-Roll Damping Autopilot Robustness to Sway-Yaw-Roll Couplings

Roll damping and simultaneous heading control by means of rudders has certain robustness problems. This has been experienced in practice, where a controller performed quite differently on sister ships where the only differences were changes in appendages and loading condition. Analysis of the rudder-roll damping autopilot problem is difficult, primarily due to its complexity, second because hydrodynamic couplings are sparsely treated in the literature. In this work, symbolic mathematical manipulation is introduced to analyze the hydrodynamic equations and provide relations between hydrodynamic parameters and control dynamics. Based on this, an assessment of structured uncertainty is given that can be used for robust design of RRD/course control systems. The main emphasis is on the effects of coupling terms which have not been thoroughly analyzed before. It is shown that changes in the coupling terms can change the roll damping ability significantly. The effects of uncertainty within given bounds are illustrated on an RRD-course controller using data from a naval multipurpose vessel. It is shown that realistic changes of coupling terms and other uncertainty can give important changes to linear control dynamics and that these changes can make significant changes to both roll reduction and stability margin. Contributions of the paper are to advise ways to access the effects of coupling term changes on RRD control, to show the changes in robustness, including roll reduction capability for various parameters, and to provide a complete, parameterized model that can be used for comparison of methodology in RRD design.
In vitro synergistic interactions of the e¡ects of various statins and azoles against some clinically important fungi

The treatment of opportunistic fungal infections is often difficult as the number of available antifungal agents is limited. Nowadays, there is increasing interest in the investigation of the antifungal activity of nonantifungal drugs, and in the development of efficient antifungal combination therapy. In this study, the in vitro interactions of the effects of various statins (lovastatin, simvastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin (ATO), rosuvastatin (ROS) and pravastatin) and various azole antifungals [miconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole (FLU)] against different opportunistic pathogenic fungi were investigated using a standard chequerboard broth microdilution method. When the investigated strains were sensitive to both compounds of the combination, additive interactions were frequently noticed. Synergistic interactions were observed in many cases when a strain was sensitive only to the azole compound (as in certain combinations with ATO or ROS) or the statin compound (as in certain combinations with FLU). In many combinations with an additive effect, the concentrations of drugs needed for total growth inhibition could be decreased by several dilution steps. Similar interactions were observed when the variability of the within-species sensitivities to some selected drug combinations was investigated.
Effect of Particle Film on Fruit Sunburn, Maturity and Quality of `Fuji' and `Honeycrisp' Apples

Studies were initiated in Idaho and New York to determine the effects of Surround, a kaolin clay particle film product recently labeled as a crop protectant for agricultural crops, on fruit maturity and quality of ‘Fuji’ and ‘Honeycrisp’ apples (Malus ×domestica) and fruit mineral concentration of ‘Fuji’ apples. Surround reduced fruit weight, red color, and the incidence of sunburn of ‘Fuji’ apples in Idaho. Sunburn did not occur on ‘Honeycrisp’ in the New York study. In that study, Surround had no effect on fruit weight or red fruit color when applied in May and June but reduced fruit weight and red color when applied later. The reduction in red color development observed in both ‘Fuji’ and ‘Honeycrisp’ was not related to mineral nutrients or to a delay in fruit maturity. Surround applications resulted in undesirable residues in the basin and in the cavity of harvested fruit that were not satisfactorily removed by brushing on a commercial packing line. While effective for reducing sunburn, Surround was ineffective for increasing red fruit color of apples.
The role of calcium in salt toxicity

Salt toxicity comprises osmotic and ionic components both of which can severely affect root and shoot growth. Uptake of Na+ across the plasma membrane is very fast resulting in physiological effects on extracellular as well as intracellular sites. Sodium reduces binding of Ca2+ to the plasma membrane, inhibits influx while increasing efflux of Ca2+, and depletes the internal stores of Ca2+ from endomembranes. These changes in the cell Ca2+ homeostasis are suggested here to be the primary responses to salt stress that are perceived by root cells. Salt would almost instantly reduce the amount of Ca2+ being transferred to the leaf cells, with Ca2+ activity dropping and Na+ activity rising in the apoplasm of leaf cells. This Ca2+ signal would be transported to leaves together with, if not preceding, the signal of limited water supply. Hormonal signals are likely to be secondary in nature and caused by the Na+-related disturbance of the root cell Ca2+ homeostasis. Ameliorative effects of supplemental Ca2+ on salt stress are exerted through preventing Na+-related changes in the cell Ca2+ homeostasis.
Climate change in India: forgotten threats, forgotten opportunities.

India’s growth-inclined position on climate change appears legitimate. But with the potential to radically alter India’s economy, and reshape the human security terrain and even the geopolitical order of south Asia, climate change is an issue on which India has perhaps the greatest to lose. Despite the importance of economic growth, “rising India” and inclusive development are not mutually exclusive. Adaptation to inevitable environmental shifts is necessary; political adaptation – including unity amongst the estranged south Asian neighbours – is imperative to manage the political and security-oriented consequences of climate change. F
Assistência domiciliar a idosos: fatores associados, características do acesso e do cuidado Home health care for the elderly: associated factors and characteristics of access and health care

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with home health care for the elderly and its characteristics based on different care models, the Family Health Strategy and traditional primary care. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of 1,593 individuals aged ≥60 years living in the urban area of the city of Bage, Southern Brazil, in 2008. A multistage sampling was carried out. Data was collected during individual interviews about access to services, providers’ involvement, users’ satisfaction and health status after care. Poisson regression model was used for estimating crude and adjusted prevalence ratios, their related 95% conﬁ dence intervals and p-values (Wald test). RESULTS: Home health care was statistically associated with prior history of stroke, signs of dementia and disability in activities of daily living. The family was requested 75% of home care visits. Medical doctors provided most of the care in traditional primary care settings while nursing staff provided most care within the Family Health Strategy. Approximately 78% of the elderly received care within 24 hours after the request and 95% of them positively evaluated the care received. Two thirds of the elderly reported improved health status.
Even-Odd Year Differences in Walleye Year-Class Strength Related to Mayfly Production

Abstract Young-of-the-year walleyes Stizostedion vitreum are more abundant in even-numbered years than in odd-numbered years in Savanne Lake, Ontario. Differences among years were related to emergences of the burrowing mayfly Hexagenia limbata. Adult walleyes from evennumbered year classes are more abundant than those from odd-numbered year classes. We hypothesize that pulse production of H. limbata in even-numbered years positively affects walleye recruitment by enhancing egg production by adult walleyes and buffering young of the year against predation and cannibalism.
An investigation of the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and adherence to medication in HIV

New drug treatments have revolutionised the care of people with HIV, but they require exceptionally high levels of adherence. Research into the risk factors has been predominantly empirically rather than theoretically driven. Studies of adherence in other conditions have established the importance of perceived self-efficacy. Research studies exploring this relationship in HIV were conducted when the only available treatment was monotherapy, or with an exclusively female sample. This study attempted to investigate the role of self-efficacy to adherence to antiretroviral medications in a UK sample of HIV positive people. It also aimed to explore the relationship between self-efficacy and depression. Finally, the relationship between self-efficacy and coping strategies was also considered. The study employed a cross-sectional design, with all participants completing a questionnaire at one time point. Multiple regression analysis of the predictors of dose delays established that the two medication-specific self-efficacy measures accounted for 42.9% of the variance. No other predictors emerged from a stepwise regression. Use of recreational drugs was the only predictor of dose omissions to emerge from a multiple regression. However, when drug use was controlled for, self-efficacy for adherence added a further 12.7% of the variance. The findings of this study suggest that self-efficacy is related to adherence although the direction of causality remains to be established. Clearly, further research is needed to clarify the role of self-efficacy. Should it prove to be as significant as the results of this study imply, it is quickly and easily assessed and, moreover amenable to intervention.
MUcast: Linear Uncoded Multiuser Video Streaming With Channel Assignment and Power Allocation Optimization

Multiuser video transmission, where the server transmits videos to multiple users that require different contents at the same time, becomes more and more popular with the development of wireless communication technology. One key problem in multiuser video transmission is how to optimally allocate system resources such as transmission power and channels to multiple users to achieve the best system performance. To resolve the problem, in this paper, we propose an uncoded multiuser video streaming system, which exploits diversities of video contents and channel conditions of multiple users. We first solve the channel assignment problem with known power allocation by taking into account the intra-block energy diffusion and inter-block energy aliasing. Then, with the obtained channel assignment, we derive a closed-form solution to the multiuser power allocation optimization problem. Finally, we conduct simulations to evaluate the proposed uncoded multiuser video streaming system by comparing with three other approaches, and the simulation results show that the proposed method can achieve the best system performance.
Concentrations and risk of heavy metals in surface soil and dust in urban squares and school campus in Beijing

Heavy metals pollution of soils is a major environmental problem.Heavy metals in urban soils could cause deleterious effects on human health by contacts with skin and intakes unconsciously.Soil and dust samples in squares and school campus in Beijing were collected for assessing the concentrations and health risks of heavy metals.The results showed that the concentrations of heavy metals in the soils and dusts presented a lognormal distribution.The concentrations of Cu,Pb and Zn in soils,As,Cu,Pb,Zn and Cd in dusts were all higher than the background concentrations of soils in Beijing,and 67%(27%),13%(63%),83%(100%),73%(100%),83%(100%) and 53%(100%) of the soils(dusts) samples exceeded the background values of soils in Beijing for As,Ni,Cu,Pb,Zn and Cd,respectively.Relatively speaking,Zn was accumulated in soils,while Cd,Cu,Pb and Zn were accumulated in dusts.The concentrations of Cu,Pb and Zn in dusts were significantly higher than in soils.The concentrations of Ni,Pb and Zn in dusts in school campus were significantly higher than in squares.There are no significant health risks of heavy metals from dusts in school campus.
Genetic diversity in Albanian sheep breeds estimated by AFLP markers

In this investigation Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) markers have been used to assess genetic diversity and relationship among three local Albanian sheep breeds. A total of 93 unrelated individuals were analysed by three EcoRI/TaqI primer combination that produced 92 AFLP markers. Nei’s GST index was calculated to investigate the partition of diversity within and between breeds. The mean value of this index was 0.039, indicating that only 4% of the total genetic variation is due to between breeds differences, while 96% of the diversity is accounted by differences among individuals within breeds. The mean expected heterozygosity value for the whole population was 0.259, indicating that a high level of diversity is present in Albanian sheep compared to estimates in other regions. According to what indicated by the GST index, model-based clustering did not differentiate the breeds. The results obtained by AFLP data sets indicate high diversity in Albania but small genetic distances between breeds, confirming previous results obtained with microsatellites. These results reflect Albanian sheep management practices, which have facilitated a relevant gene flow between breeds. These results are useful to design proper breeding programs suited to conserve the genetic diversity presently existing in Albanian sheep.
Stand edge effects on distribution and condition of Diprionid sawflies

1 We investigated stand edge effects on Diprion pini cocoon condition and distribution after an outbreak of unprecedented magnitude in Finland. We hypothesized that forest fragmentation and the resulting proportional increase in stand edge habitats may have led to the increase in outbreak area: D. pini may profit from edge habitats and so escape its control mechanisms more easily. This hypothesis was based on the observation that no outbreak occurred in neighbouring Russian Karelia, where the proportion of edge habitats between different stand types and/or successional stages is significantly less than in Finland.
The effect of adding herbs to labneh on physicochemical and organoleptic quality during storage

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different herbs on physicochemical and organoleptic quality of labneh during storage. Analyses were carried out at 10-day intervals in a storage period of 30 days. There were to significant differences in dry matter, fat and ash contents of the labneh samples. The pH and titratable acidity values were influenced by herbs and storage periods. Adding herb to labneh altered the colour: L* values in all samples decreased, whereas a* and b* values were affected differently from herbs added. Calcium content of the labneh decreased with the addition of herbs, but phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc contents increased. The sensorial scores of the labneh samples were influenced by the variety of herb added and the storage times. Addition of dill and parsley to labneh resulted in the greatest sensory scores.
Applications of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Cells in Central Nervous System Regeneration

In recent decades, there has been considerable amount of information about embryonic stem cells (ES). The dilemma facing scientists interested in the development and use of human stem cells in replacement therapies is the source of these cells, i.e. the human embryo. There are many ethical and moral problems related to the use of these cells. Hematopoietic stem cells from umbilical cord blood have been proposed as an alternative source of embryonic stem cells. After exposure to different agents, these cells are able to express antigens of diverse cellular lineages, including the neural type. The In vitro manipulation of human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) cells has shown their stem capacity and plasticity. These cells are easily accessible, In vitro amplifiable, well tolerated by the host, and with more primitive molecular characteristics that give them great flexibility. Overall, these properties open a promising future for the use of hUCB in regenerative therapies for the Central Nervous System (CNS). This review will focus on the available literature concerning umbilical cord blood cells as a therapeutic tool for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Serum Level of Resistin in Patients with Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

Background: Resistin hormone is a polypeptide hormone belonging to the family of hormone-like resistin molecules. Controversial results have been reported between serum level of resistin and thyroid abnormalities, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the serum level of resistin hormone in patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and its association with weight and body mass index. Materials and Methods: In this case-control cross sectional study 48 patients with hypothyroidism, 34 patients with hyperthyroidism, and 82 individuals as control group were considered. BMI, fasting resistin, TSH, and T4 serum levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay methods. Data were compared using t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and ANOVA to evaluate correlation between variables. Results: Resistin serum levels in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism patients was significantly higher than the control group. There was not any significant correlation between resistin serum levels, BMI, age, and thyroid hormones level. Also in hypothyroidism patients a positive correlation was observed between BMI and TSH level, and a negative correlation between BMI and T4 level. Conclusions: The result of this study showed the increase in serum level of resistin in patients with thyroid dysfunction. This correlation was independent of BMI changes in patient. The findings suggest that changing in serum level of resistin may be considered as a criterion for diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction. Although, this hypothesis needs to be more study.
EFFECT OF SILYMARIN ON SERUM LEVELS OF ALT AND GGT IN ETHANOL INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN ALBINO RATS

Background: Alcoholic liver disease is a worldwide health problem. At least 80% of heavy drinkers have been reported to develop steatosis, 10–35% alcoholic hepatitis, and approximately 10% liver cirrhosis. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of silymarin on the levels of serum ALT and GGT in ethanol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. This study was an experimental Randomised Control Trial (RCT), and was conducted at the experimental research laboratory of University of Health Sciences, Lahore, from January 2007 to December 2007. Methods: Eighteen male albino rats of 6–8 weeks age, weighing 150–200 gm each were divided into 3 groups of 6 rats each. Group A served as control, Group B was given ethanol at a dose of 0.6 ml (0.5 gm)/100 gm/day and group C was given ethanol and silymarin at a dose of 0.5 gm/100 gm/day, and 20 mg/100 gm/day respectively for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, each animal was euthenised with chloroform. Blood was drawn from each animal by cardiac puncture for liver function tests (ALT and GGT). After taking blood sample, each euthenised animal was sacrificed and then its liver was removed for gross and histological examination. Results: The mean values of serum alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) in groups A, B and C were 28.16±7.13, 82.33±10.89 and 49.66±6.12 U/L respectively, whereas, the mean values of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in groups A, B and C were 27.33±3.05, 79.33±4.37 and 45.66±1.85 U/L respectively. ANOVA showed significant ( p <0.05) difference in mean value of these serum enzymes among groups. Post Hoc test, using the Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) showed that there was significant ( p <0.05) increase in mean value of ALT and GGT in group B as compared to group A and C. This test also showed that there was significant ( p <0.05) decrease in mean value of these enzymes in-group C as compared to group B. Conclusion: Silymarin tends to normalise liver function test in alcoholic liver disease. Keywords: Ethanol, Silymarin, Alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
Growth and wood density predict tree mortality in Amazon forests

1 Tree mortality is an important process in forest ecology. We explored the extent to which tropical tree death is a predictable outcome of taxon and individual level properties by means of mixed‐species logistic regression, for trees ≥ 10 cm in diameter. We worked in two lowland forest regions with markedly different floristic composition and dynamic regimes – the high wood density, low‐mortality northeastern (NE) Amazon (in eastern Venezuela), and the low wood density, high‐mortality northwestern (NW) Amazon (in northern Peru). 2 Among those genera that are shared between regions there were no detectable regional differences in mortality rates. This suggests that floristic compositional differences are a major driver of the twofold regional contrast in stand‐level mortality. 3 In NE forests, mortality risk of individual trees is best predicted by low taxon‐level wood density, slow relative growth, and large size, reflecting phylogenetically determined life‐history strategy, physiological stress and senescence. 4 In NW forests, trees with low wood density and slow relative growth are also at most risk, but probability of death is independent of tree size, indicating that senescence is unimportant in this region. 5 Synthesis. This study shows that despite fundamental floristic and dynamic differences between the two Amazonian regions, mortality risk can be predicted with mixed‐species, individual‐based statistical models and that the predictors are remarkably similar, such that tree growth and wood density both play important roles.
Reproductive apparatus and mating system in two tropical goby species

Field observations demonstrated that two gobiid species Amblygobius nocturnus and Valenciennea muralis have a monogamous mating system. Histological analyses showed an extreme reduction of male accessory organs relative to other gobiids in A. nocturnus, and their complete absence in V. muralis.
How Action Understanding can be Rational, Bayesian and Tractable

An important aspect of human sociality is our ability to understand the actions of others as being goal-directed. Recently, the now classic rational approach to explaining this ability has been given a formal incarnation in the Bayesian Inverse Planning (BIP) model of Baker, Saxe, and Tenenbaum (2009). The BIP model enjoys considerable empirical support when tested on ‘toy domains’. Yet, like many Bayesian models of cognition, it faces the charge of computational intractability: i.e., the computations that the model postulates may be too resource demanding for the model to be scalable to domains of realworld complexity. In this paper, we investigate ways in which the BIP model can possibly parry the charge. We will show that there are specific conditions under which the computations postulated by the model are tractable, despite the model being rational and Bayesian.