Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SAR-sensing of vegetation wetness

The goal of this study is to measure rain induced forest canopy wetness. The approach used is ERS tandem mission C-band SAR backscatter change detection between successive dry and rainy days. The observed backscatter change is positively related with modelled canopy wetness change. It is therefore concluded that short time change detection is an useful method. To improve the reliability of the method, it is recommended to analyse more datasets.
The Specter of Global China

China has recently emerged as one of Africa’s top business partners, aggressively pursuing its raw materials and establishing a mighty presence in the continent’s booming construction market. Among major foreign investors in Africa, China has stirred the most fear, hope, and controversy. For many, the specter of a Chinese neocolonial scramble is looming, while for others China is Africa’s best chance at economic renewal. Yet, global debates about China in Africa have been based more on rhetoric than on empirical evidence. Ching Kwan Lee’s The Specter of Global China is the first comparative ethnographic study that addresses the critical question: Is Chinese capital a different kind of capital? Offering the clearest look yet at China’s state-driven investment in Africa, this book is rooted in six years of extensive fieldwork in copper mines and construction sites in Zambia, Africa’s copper giant. Lee shadowed Chinese, Indian, and South African managers in underground mines, interviewed Zambian miners and construction workers, and worked with Zambian officials. Distinguishing carefully between Chinese state capital and global private capital in terms of their business objectives, labor practices, managerial ethos, and political engagement with the Zambian state and society, she concludes that Chinese state investment presents unique potential and perils for African development. The Specter of Global China will be a must-read for anyone interested in the future of China, Africa, and capitalism worldwide.
Invited Article: The Bright Triad and Five Propositions: Toward a Vygotskian Framework for Deaf Pedagogy and Research

Abstract:L. S. Vygotsky's contributions to social research shifted paradigms by constructing now-foundational theories of teaching, learning, language, and their educational interactions. This article contextualizes a nearly forgotten, century-old research corpus, The Fundamentals of Defectology. Drawing on Defectology, two dialectic arguments are developed, which synthesize Vygotsky's corpus, then juxtaposed it against contemporary theories and evidence. The first describes three principles of Vygotsky's framework for deaf pedagogy: positive differentiation, creative adaptation, and dynamic development. The second posits five propositions about deaf development: the biosocial proposition, the sensory delimitation-and-consciousness proposition, the adapted tools proposition, the multimodal proposition, and the conflict proposition. By leveraging Vygotsky's optimism in response to the absorbing and difficult challenges of experimental, methodological, and theoretical research about deafness, including the psychology of disability and special methods of pedagogy, both arguments constitute a future-oriented call to action for researchers and pedagogues working in deaf education today.
Clinical Characteristics and Survival Outcomes of Patients with De Novo Metastatic Breast Cancer

Purpose: Though less than 5% of patients with breast cancer present with De Novo Metastasis (dnMBC) in Western societies, this percentage may reach 30% in developing countries. In this study, we present survival outcomes of patients diagnosed with dnMBC treated at a tertiary center in a developing country. Patients and Methods: Using hospital-based database, consecutive patients with dnMBC diagnosed between 2013 and 2017 were identified. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, types of treatment, and survival data were retrospectively collected. Results: A total of 435 patients were included; median age (range) at time of diagnosis was 51 (24–85) years. Most of the tumors expressed hormone receptors (81% Estrogen Receptor positive, 77% Progesterone Receptor positive). Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) overexpression was reported in 134 (30.9%) patients, while only 24 (5.5%) had Triple Negative (TN) disease. Bone, lung and liver were the most common sites of metastasis involved in 70.6%, 36.1%, and 32.0%, respectively. The median Overall Survival (OS) for all patients was 38 months, and 5-year OS was 32.6%. On univariate analysis, high tumor grade, advanced T-stage, TN-disease and metastasis to multiple sites, but not HER2 status, were associated with poor OS. On multivariate analysis, high tumor grade (Hazard Ratio =1.6, p=0.002), advanced T-stage (Hazard Ratio=1.6, p=0.003), and triple negative status (Hazard Ratio= 2.1, p=0.008) predicted poor OS. Conclusion: The overall survival of patients with dnMBC remains poor. Better understanding of the disease behavior and factors affecting survival is required for optimal utilization of available regimens and new drugs to hopefully improve patients’ outcomes.
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Newton flows for elliptic functions I Structural stability

N ewton ﬂows are dynamical systems generated by a continuous, desingularized N ewton method for mappings from a Euclidean space to itself. We focus on the special case of meromorphic functions on the complex plane. Inspired by the analogy between the rational (complex) and the elliptic (i.e. doubly periodic meromorphic) functions, a theory on the class of so-called Elliptic Newton ﬂows is developed. With respect to an appropriate topology on the set of all elliptic functions f of ﬁxed order r ( (cid:2) 2 ) we prove: For almost all functions f , the corresponding N ewton ﬂows are structurallystable i.e.topologicallyinvariantundersmallperturbations of the zeros and poles for f [ genericity ]. They can be described in terms of nondegeneracy-properties of f similar to the rational case [ characterization ].
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Newton flows for elliptic functions I Structural stability

N ewton ﬂows are dynamical systems generated by a continuous, desingularized N ewton method for mappings from a Euclidean space to itself. We focus on the special case of meromorphic functions on the complex plane. Inspired by the analogy between the rational (complex) and the elliptic (i
Metadata of the chapter that will be visualized online

`Stereotypes and judgments about people with substance misuse problems are extremely prevalent and negative. These negative evaluations are made not only by those who abstain from substance use, termed public stigma, but also by those who themselves use and abuse substances, termed self-stigma. While the exact form of discrimination may vary across different substances and social groups, research indicates that substance misuse appears to be at least as stigmatized as psychological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, or borderline personality disorder. As used conventionally, stigma refers to an attribute or characteristic of an individual that identifies him or her as different in some manner from a normative standard and marks that individual to be socially sanctioned and devalued. This chapter outlines theories of stigma in relation to addiction. Types and levels of stigma are described, including structural versus individual stigma and public versus self-stigma. It is argued that stigma is a complex phenomenon that needs to be studied in context as its effects may vary across levels of analysis and across populations. Also outlined is the existing scientific literature on the impact of self-stigma, the role of stigma in the social networks of those with addiction, and the impact of stigma in treatment settings. Finally, interventions to reduce stigma are described and data on effectiveness are reviewed. Research on stigma in addiction is sparse, and much more research is needed to improve the effectiveness of these interventions.
Metadata of the chapter that will be visualized in SpringerLink

The BWT transformation of a string is originally proposed for string compression, but can also be used to speed up string matchings. In this chapter, we address two issues around this mechanism: (1) how to use BWT to improve the running time of a multiple pattern string matching process; and (2) how to integrate mismatching information into a search of BWT arrays to expedite string matching with k mismatches. For the first problem, we will first construct the BWT array of a target string s, denoted as BWT(s); and then establish a trie structure over a set of pattern strings , denoted as T(R). By scanning BWT(s) against T(R), the time spent for finding occurrences of ri’s can be significantly reduced. For the second problem, for a given pattern string r, we will precompute its mismatching information (over some different substrings of it, denoted as M(r)) and construct a tree structure, called a mismatching tree, to record the mismatches between r and s during a search of BWT(s) against r. In this process, the mismatching tree can be effectively utilized to do some kind of useful mismatching information derivation based on M(r) to avoid any possible redundancy. Extensive experiments have been done to compare our methods with the existing ones, which show that for both the problems described above our methods are promising. U N C O R R EC TE D PR O O F 1 BWT: An Index Structure to Speed-Up 2 Both Exact and Inexact String Matching 3 Yangjun Chen and Yujia Wu 4 Abstract The BWT transformation of a string is originally proposed for string 5 compression, but can also be used to speed up string matchings. In this chapter, we 6 address two issues around this mechanism: (1) how to use BWT to improve the 7 running time of a multiple pattern string matching process; and (2) how to integrate 8 mismatching information into a search of BWT arrays to expedite string matching 9 with k mismatches. For the first problem, we will first construct the BWT array of a 10 target string s, denoted as BWT(s); and then establish a trie structure over a set of 11 pattern strings R = r1, . , rl f g, denoted as T(R). By scanning BWT(s) against T 12 (R), the time spent for finding occurrences of ri’s can be significantly reduced. For 13 the second problem, for a given pattern string r, we will precompute its mis14 matching information (over some different substrings of it, denoted as M(r)) and 15 construct a tree structure, called a mismatching tree, to record the mismatches 16 between r and s during a search of BWT(s) against r. In this process, the mis17 matching tree can be effectively utilized to do some kind of useful mismatching 18 information derivation based on M(r) to avoid any possible redundancy. Extensive 19 experiments have been done to compare our methods with the existing ones, which 20 show that for both the problems described above our methods are promising. 21
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Book Title Polyglutamine Disorders Series Title Chapter Title Pharmacological Therapies for Machado-Joseph Disease Copyright Year 2017 Copyright HolderName Springer International Publishing AG Corresponding Author Family Name Duarte-Silva Particle Given Name Sara Prefix Suffix Division Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine Organization University of Minho Address Braga, Portugal Division Organization ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory Address Braga, Guimarães, Portugal Email Author Family Name Maciel Particle Given Name Patrícia Prefix Suffix Division Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine Organization University of Minho Address Braga, Portugal Division Organization ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory Address Braga, Guimarães, Portugal Email pmaciel@med.uminho. pt
2012 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infections a

regimens after considering the results of culture and susceptibility tests from wound specimens, as well as the clinical response to the empiric regimen. suggested infected foot ulcer, arising via contiguous spread following compromise of the soft tissue envelope and the periosteum. DFO may be present in up to 20% of mild to moderate infections and in 50% – 60% of severely infected wounds [191]. Noninfectious neuro-osteoarthropathy (Charcot foot) is sometimes dif ﬁ cult to distinguish from DFO, and they can coexist [183].
An association of Helicobacter pylori infection with endoscopic and histological findings in the Nepalese population

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common human infections worldwide particularly in the developing countries. We aimed to study an association of H. Pylori infection with endoscopic and histological findings in the Nepalese population. Materials and Methods: We conducted a study between Oct 2014 and Jan 2015 after meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained from National Academy of Medical Sciences. Endoscopic findings and histopathological diagnosis were documented and data were analysed. Results: A total of 113 patients who had complete endoscopy were enrolled. The prevalence of H. pylori infections recorded was 27 (23.9%) patients. There were 17 (62%) male and 10 (37%) female infected with H. pylori (P = 0.33). All biopsied specimens were sent to pathology lab for examination. The most common endoscopic findings was erythematous antral gastritis (40.7%) followed by erosive gastritis 34 (30.1%), pangastritis 10 (8.8%), duodenal ulcer 13 (11.5%), gastric ulcer 9 (8%), erosive fundal gastritis 2 (1.8%), reflux esophagitis 10 (37%) (P < 0.04). Histology revealed that 23 (85.2%) patients had chronic active gastritis (CAG); (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study revealed that H. pylori infection is strongly associated with chronic active gastritis (CAG) and Reflux esophagitis in Nepalese adults.
Effects of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Immunization on Reproductive Function and Behavior in Captive Female Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni)1

ABSTRACT Fertility control is a potential method for managing overabundant wildlife populations; however, current technology is limited by duration of treatment efficacy and unacceptable side effects. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a single immunization with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine to suppress reproductive function in pregnant female elk and to evaluate potential behavioral and pathological side effects of treatment. Eighteen captive adult female elk were randomly allocated to one of two experimental groups. Ten females were administered a conjugated and adjuvanted GnRH vaccine intramuscularly, and eight elk received an adjuvant sham vaccine without conjugated GnRH. We compared success of existing pregnancy, neonatal survival, subsequent fertility, reproductive behavior rates, and side effects of treatment between January 2006 and January 2010. The GnRH vaccination did not affect existing pregnancy or calf survival during the year that it was applied; however, it reduced the proportion of pregnant females for 3 yr. Male precopulatory behavior rates exhibited toward GnRH-vaccinated females tended to be greater than those directed at sham-vaccinated females during the second half of the breeding season, when GnRH vaccinates continued to be proceptive. Strong immune and inflammatory responses, including robust GnRH antibody concentrations in GnRH vaccinates, and sterile pyogranulomatous injection site abscesses in both groups, were consistent with vaccination. In conclusion, this GnRH vaccine resulted in prolonged, albeit reversible, impairment of fertility, and is associated with extended reproductive behaviors and partial suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function in captive female elk.
Development and clinical application of decellularized porcine SIS and cornea for the repair of corneal defects in animals

Porcine small intestine sub-mucosa (SIS) and cornea were decellularized using ionic biological detergent (1% SDS) and stored at –20°C in sterile phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution containing mixture of antibiotics. The prepared biomaterials were subjected to histological and scanning electron microscopic observations to ascertain the decellularization status before their clinical application. Both the biomaterials were evaluated for the repair of corneal defects in 11 animals. Five animals having corneal defects repaired with SIS and 4 repaired with cornea demonstrated successful healing without clinical signs of infections or reoccurrence during the 8 months follow up period. Results of study support the use of decellularized porcine SIS and cornea as an alternative to traditional implantation materials to treat different corneal defects in animals.
Screening and Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer: Assessment of Knowledge and Practical Abilities of Final Year Nursing and Midwifery Students in Health Schools of Ouagadougou

The Objective was to assess the knowledge and practical abilities of final year nursing and midwifery students in health schools of Ouagadougou relating to screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer. This is a cross-sectional, prospective and descriptive observational study conducted from 1st November 2014 to 31st January 2015. A sample of 403 students was used for this study. Data were collected using an individual questionnaire and were typed on Epi data and then analyzed on SPSS software. Chi-square tests were used to compare the different proportions. The difference is considered to be significant if p-value < 0.05. Three hundred and ninety-nine students filled the questionnaire, i.e. a rate of non-respondents of 1%. All students were aware of the existence of breast cancer. The media (47.8%) was the main source of information. The level of knowledge of students was satisfactory with frequencies of 83.9% for risk factors; 91.6% for clinical signs; 83.4 % for screening methods and 88.1% for therapeutic terms of breast cancers. However, the focus should be put on the teaching of cancerology and the supervision of students during the internship, must be reinforced. These results attest that the level of students in the knowledge and practical abilities concerning screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer is satisfactory. Keywords: Cancer- breast- knowledge- abilities- practical- students- nurses- midwives- Ouagadougou
Differential Impacts of the Head on Platynereis dumerilii Peripheral Circadian Rhythms

Background The marine bristle worm Platynereis dumerilii is a useful functional model system for the study of the circadian clock and its interplay with others, e.g. circalunar clocks. The focus has so far been on the worm’s head. However, behavioral and physiological cycles in other animals typically arise from the coordination of circadian clocks located in the brain and in peripheral tissues. Here we focus on peripheral circadian rhythms and clocks, revisit and expand classical circadian work on the worm’s chromatophores, investigate locomotion as read-out and include molecular analyses. Results We establish that different pieces of the trunk exhibit synchronized, robust oscillations of core circadian clock genes. These circadian core clock transcripts are under strong control of the light-dark cycle, quickly losing synchronized oscillation under constant darkness, irrespective of the absence or presence of heads. Different wavelengths are differently effective in controlling the peripheral molecular synchronization. We have previously shown that locomotor activity is under circadian clock control. Here we show that upon decapitation it still follows the light-dark cycle, but does not free-run under constant darkness. We also observe the rhythmicity of pigments in the worm’s individual chromatophores, confirming that chromatophore size changes follow a circadian pattern. These size changes continue under constant darkness, but cannot be re-entrained by light upon decapitation. Conclusions Here we provide the first basic characterization of the peripheral circadian clock of Platynereis dumerilii. In the absence of the head, light is essential as a major synchronization cue for peripheral molecular and locomotor circadian rhythms. Circadian changes in chromatophore size can however continue for several days in the absence of light/dark changes and the head. Thus, the dependence on the head depends on the type of peripheral rhythm studied. These data show that peripheral circadian rhythms and clocks should be considered when investigating the interactions of clocks with different period lengths, a notion likely also true for other organisms with circadian and non-circadian clocks.
Why Do Emerging Economies Borrow Short Term ?

We argue that one reason why emerging economies borrow short term is that it is cheaper than borrowing long term. This is especially the case during crises, as in these episodes the relative cost of long-term borrowing increases. We construct a unique database of sovereign bond prices, returns, and issuances at di¤erent maturities for 11 emerging economies from 1990 to 2009 and present a set of new stylized facts. On average, these countries pay a higher risk premium on long-term than on short-term bonds. During crises, the di¤erence between the two risk premia increases and issuance shifts towards shorter maturities. To illustrate our argument, we present a simple model in which the maturity structure is the outcome of a risk sharing problem between an emerging economy subject to rollover crises and risk averse international investors. JEL Classi cation Codes: E43; F30; F32; F34; F36; G15 Keywords: emerging markets; debt crises; investor risk aversion; maturity structure; risk premium; term premium We are grateful to Francisco Ceballos, Tatiana Didier, Juan Carlos Gozzi, Marina Halac, and Lishan Shi for superb research assistance. For very valuable comments, we thank Mark Aguiar, Ricardo Caballero, Olivier Jeanne, Roberto Rigobon, Jaume Ventura, Jeromin Zettelmeyer, Fabrizio Zilibotti, three anonymous referees, and participants at presentations held at the AEA Meetings (Washington, DC), the Conference on Sovereign Debt at the Dallas Fed, CREI-Universitat Pompeu Fabra, the Darden International Finance Conference (Boston), George Washington University, the Inter-American Development Bank, the IMF Annual Research Conference, the LACEA Meetings, MIT, the NBER Summer Institute, the SED Meetings (Vancouver), and the XII Finance Forum (Barcelona). For nancial support, Schmukler thanks the World Bank Research Support Budget and Latin American and Caribbean Research Studies Program and the IMF Research Department. Broner thanks the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, the Generalitat de Catalunya, and the Barcelona GSE. yCREI and Universitat Pompeu Fabra, MIT, World Bank.