Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of macular buckling with a T-shaped buckle for myopic tractional maculopathies associated with posterior staphyloma: An Indian experience

Purpose: To report the anatomic and visual outcomes following macular buckling in patients affected by pathological myopia-associated foveoschisis (FS) and macular detachment with or without macular hole (MH). Methods: A retrospective interventional consecutive case series wherein 25 highly myopic eyes (mean axial length 28.46 mm; range, 25–33.8 mm) of 24 patients (16 females and 8 males; mean age 54.1 years; range, 35–74 years) presenting with macular detachment associated with a posterior staphyloma (PS), who underwent macular buckling, were evaluated. Patients with absence or reduction in subretinal fluid by more than 90% during the final follow-up along with inversion of contour of staphyloma were considered to have a successful anatomical outcome and those with improvement or maintenance in visual acuity were considered to have a successful functional outcome. The mean duration of follow-up was 11.2 months. Results: At the time of initial presentation, the mean age of the 24 patients was 54.1 ± 10.28 years. Macular detachment along with FS was present in all cases, whereas full-thickness macular hole-related retinal detachment was present in nine cases. Swept-source optical coherence tomography parameters showed reduction of FS with foveal reattachment in all eyes except one at last visit. Mean axial length decreased from 28.5 mm preoperatively (range 26–33.8 mm) to 26.2 mm (range 24–29.3 mm). The mean best-corrected visual acuity changed from 1.16 log MAR to 1.096 Log MAR (P = 0.165). Visual acuity improved in 10 eyes (40%), remained stable in 11 eyes (44%) and decreased in 4 eyes (16%). Conclusion: Macular buckling is a good surgical technique with encouraging anatomic and visual outcomes in patients with myopic macular detachment associated with PS. Highly selective cases of myopic traction maculopathy can have a viable option of macular buckle surgery in stabilizing the retinal tractional changes, and thereby, vision loss.
Dietary supplementation of growing rabbits with lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates) extract: effects on performance, nutrient digestibility, anti-oxidative status, immune response and carcase characteristics

Abstract The effect of including lemongrass extract powder (LGEP) as a phytogenic herbal extract supplementation for growing rabbits on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters and carcase characteristics were evaluated. One hundred twenty unsexed V-Line rabbits, with 35 days age and 802 ± 47 g weight, were used. Rabbits were divided equally into four treatments to be fed on basal diet as a control diet without lemongrass inclusion (LGEP0) or with the inclusion of LGEP at 2 g (LGEP2), 4 g (LGEP4) or 6 g (LGEP6) per kg diet. Feeding LGEP did not significantly affect final body weight, weekly weight gains, feed consumption or feed conversion ratio. Moreover, no significant effect of supplementing rabbit diets with LGEP was observed on all apparent nutrient digestibility. The LGEP4 treatment decreased (P<.05) blood malondialdehyde, while LGEP contained treatments increased blood immunoglobulin G concentration as well as spleen relative weight (P<.01) compared to the control treatment. Although LGEP inclusion levels did not significantly affect productive performance traits, the studied LGEP treatments may help to enhance the anti-oxidative status and relative immune response of growing rabbits. HIGHLIGHTS The effect of supplementing lemongrass extract powder (LGEP) to growing rabbits was evaluated. The inclusion of LGEP by 4 g/kg tends to improve growth performance, carcase and digestibility values. The studied lemongrass treatments enhanced the anti-oxidative status and relative immune response of growing rabbits. LGEP could be used as a natural phytogenic feed additive in the growing rabbit diets.
Assessment of water quality of a river using an indexing approach during the low‐flow season

The River Chenab is one of the largest rivers in Pakistan with an average annual flow of 5.29 billion cubic metres (BCM). The river traverses a total length of 576 km through a number of densely populated and industrial cities in the Punjab province of Pakistan. In the present study, a segment of 292 km was monitored for a variety of cardinal water quality constituents during the low‐flow months of 2006–07 and 2007–08. Water quality indices (WQIs) were calculated for three uses of the river water, i.e. irrigation, drinking and aquatic life, using the CWQI 1.0 model developed by the task group of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). The results revealed that the lower river reach (185–233 km) was more polluted than the upper 185 km segment. In this river reach, overall WQI ranking was poor for drinking and marginal for both irrigation and aquatic life. The WQIs for all three uses were ranked poor at the sampling station located at 233 km along the river. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Image-based taxonomic classification of bulk biodiversity samples using deep learning and domain adaptation

Complex bulk samples of invertebrates from biodiversity surveys present a great challenge for taxonomic identification, especially if obtained from unexplored ecosystems. High-throughput imaging combined with machine learning for rapid classification could overcome this bottleneck. Developing such procedures requires that taxonomic labels from an existing source data set are used for model training and prediction of an unknown target sample. Yet the feasibility of transfer learning for the classification of unknown samples remains to be tested. Here, we assess the efficiency of deep learning and domain transfer algorithms for family-level classification of below-ground bulk samples of Coleoptera from understudied forests of Cyprus. We trained neural network models with images from local surveys versus global databases of above-ground samples from tropical forests and evaluated how prediction accuracy was affected by: (a) the quality and resolution of images, (b) the size and complexity of the training set and (c) the transferability of identifications across very disparate source-target pairs that do not share any species or genera. Within-dataset classification accuracy reached 98% and depended on the number and quality of training images and on dataset complexity. The accuracy of between-datasets predictions was reduced to a maximum of 82% and depended greatly on the standardisation of the imaging procedure. When the source and target images were of similar quality and resolution, albeit from different faunas, the reduction of accuracy was minimal. Application of algorithms for domain adaptation significantly improved the prediction performance of models trained by non-standardised, low-quality images. Our findings demonstrate that existing databases can be used to train models and successfully classify images from unexplored biota, when the imaging conditions and classification algorithms are carefully considered. Also, our results provide guidelines for data acquisition and algorithmic development for high-throughput image-based biodiversity surveys.
Combustible dust hazard recognition—An insurer's view

This article will discuss some of the key factors that FM Global engineering representatives use in evaluating combustible dust hazards at insured locations. The information is used to develop underwriting information, but more importantly, it is the basis for guidance provided for the client with regard to understand the hazards of combustible dust presented by their operations. Where there are deficiencies relative to FM Global standards, detailed recommendations are provided for correction. Some brief loss background with special emphasis on the chemical industry will be provided, and 10 key factors used to develop these evaluations will be discussed. These same factors can be used by individual companies to focus their efforts in the area of prevention of incidents as a result of uncontrolled combustible dusts. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2011.
Digital Competencies Required for Information Science Specialists at Saudi Universities

Summary The objectives of this research were to identify the digital competencies required for information science specialists at Saudi universities and to examine whether there existed conspicuous differences in the standpoint of these specialists due to years of work experience with regard to the importance of these competencies. A descriptive analytical method was used to accomplish these objectives while extracting the required digital competency list and ascertaining its importance. The research sample comprised 24 experts in the field of information science from several universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The participants in the sample were asked to complete a questionnaire prepared to acquire the pertinent data in the period between January 5, 2021 and January 20, 2021. The results reveal that the digital competencies required for information science specialists at Saudi universities encompass general features such as the ability to use computer, Internet, Web2, Web3, and smartphone applications, digital learning resource development, data processing (big data) and its sharing via the Internet, system analysis, dealing with multiple electronic indexing applications and learning management systems and its features, using electronic bibliographic control tools, artificial intelligence tools, cybersecurity system maintenance, ability to comprehend and use different programming languages, simulation, and augmented reality applications, and knowledge and skills for 3D printing. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were observed between the mean ranks of scores of specialists with less than 10 years of practical experience and those with practical experience of 10 years or more with regard to conferring importance to digital competencies .
Lysimeter Study of Evapotranspiration of Cattails and Comparison of Three Estimation Methods

A lysimeter was designed and installed in a cattail marsh as part of the Everglades Nutrient Removal project in South Florida (26° 38’ N, 80° 25’ W) to measure evapotranspiration (ET) of cattails (Typha domingensis). The fully automated lysimeter with a surface area of 9.8 m2 was located inside the marsh to measure cattail ET in a marsh environment with sufficient fetch and minimum oasis effect on the lysimeter. The average measured ET rate was 3.9 mm per day for the period of 12 February to 19 December 1993. The Penman-Monteith equation was applied to estimate daily ET using physically based resistance parameter estimates and high resolution weather data. Also, average albedo (0.17) was computed for the vegetation for possible future computation of net radiation from solar radiation data. The Penman combination model was applied with new wind function coefficients developed for the study site and the Priestley-Taylor model was applied with an estimated average coefficient (a) value of 1.18. Seven-day mean of measured and estimated data were compared. The Penman-Monteith method had the least error of estimation of 0.39 mm day–1 with an r2 value of 0.89 while the Penman combination equation had an error of estimation of 0.57 mm day–1 with r2 value of 0.86 and a least intercept of 0.03 mm. The Priestley-Taylor method with an a value of 1.18 had standard error of estimate 0.53 mm day–1 with an r2 value of 0.79. The Priestley-Taylor method has the potential to estimate ET in south Florida when climatic data is limited. More data is needed to evaluate each equation to estimate ET of wetland features in humid areas such as south Florida.
Moderating Effect of Board capital on Firm Leverage and Financial Performance of Firms listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya

The variations in financial performances of firms listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya are dependent on the decision made by the board of directors, more so on capital structure. While from the previous studies, there has been an inadequate linkage of board capital and financial performance with other themes. Firms listed in Kenya have financed their operation with more equity as compared to debt. The purpose of this study is to establish the moderating role of board capital on the relationship between firm leverage and financial performance for the firms listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange Kenya. The study objectives are to examine the effect of; Firm leverage on the financial performance of listed firm at Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya and establish whether board capital has an interactive relationship on firm leverage and financial performance. The steward theory and trade-off theory informed the. The philosophical foundation underpinning the study was positivism and an explanatory research design. The target population comprised all the 65 firms listed at NSE in Kenya. The sample was done using inclusive and exclusive criteria, and secondary data was used to collect data and information. All the suspended and delisted firms were excluded. As a result, panel data from audited financial reports were collected from 40 firms listed. Four hundred observations were, therefore, obtained from firms listed. Descriptive statistics were used, and inferential statistics. In addition, panel regression analysis was employed to establish the nature and significance of the relationship between independent variables and dependent variable with leverage with beta β= -. 295, ρ<. 05 to financial performance. Later the process was repeated with the moderating variable the results showed a significant moderating effect of board capital on the relationship between leverage and financial performance ((R2∆=0.07,β= 0.03; ρ<0.05) The study found out that the board capital had an enhancing moderation effect on leverage and the study found out that firm boards of Directors are able to advise on how to vary the leverage while meeting the listing requirements to suit the operations for the company, with the board, there should also be a sound management of firms leverage to the extent of improving financial performance. Theoretically, the enhancing effect of board capital by the firms listed in NSE validates the stewardship theory, which is on the premise that directors and managers are trustworthy and fair stewards of the resources entrusted to them. In addition, this research would equip regulators, owners and investment advisors of firms listed on how to improve their financial performance. Finally, the researcher recommends a further study focusing on firms not listed in NSE to ascertain whether the study results hold.
DAMPs Released From Injured Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Activate Innate Immune Signals in Healthy Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells

Background. Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) predictably causes acute kidney injury after shock and major cardiovascular procedures in all kidneys procured for transplantation. The earliest events of IRI are triggered by molecules released from injured cells, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), that bind pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) constitutively expressed on many cells within the kidney. Activation of PRR signaling leads to production of proinflammatory molecules, which incite a cascade of inflammatory events leading to acute kidney injury. Renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) are particularly susceptible to ischemic injury, and proximal RTEC injury is pathognomonic of renal IRI. To better understand how injured RTECs contribute to the cycle of deleterious inflammation in the setting of renal IRI, this study asked whether DAMPs released from injured RTECs induced PRR signals in healthy RTECs. Methods. Human RTECs were necrosed ex vivo to release intracellular DAMPs and resulting necrotic supernatant used to stimulate healthy RTECs, T lymphocytes, and monocytes. Results. DAMPs released from necrosed RTECs upregulated PRRs known to be associated with renal IRI and activated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Proinflammatory cytokines were upregulated in response to necrotic supernatant, and this upregulation was abrogated by MEK-1 inhibition. The RTEC-derived DAMPs were also potent inducers of T-cell activation/proliferation and monocyte migration. Conclusions. This is the first study to our knowledge to show that endogenous DAMPs released from injured RTECs directly activate PRR signaling in healthy RTECs. These findings provide new insights directed to therapeutics for renal IRI.
Failure of small thin-film conductors due to high current-density pulses

Current pulses at high repetition rates and extremely high current density (> 107A/cm2) were applied to small geometry, thin-film aluminum-copper alloy conductors. The conductor lifetimes were measured as a function of current density and duty cycle. While the observed open-circuit failures are evidently related in some way to the temperature excursions produced by Joule heating, the exact mechanism(s) causing failure is not so clear, and probably varies depending on test conditions. A previously described [8] ohmic nonlinearity measurement was used to characterize the conductor's ability to dissipate heat. A strong inverse correlation was found between the ohmic nonlinearity and time to failure.
Influence of Personality and Self-Esteem on the Academic Procrastination among University Students

Personality refers to a dynamic and unique organization which determines the characteristic behavior of people. It predominantly influences the life in various domains. There are many factors which could influence people’s behaviour in constantly changing environment. One such factor is self-esteem, which reflect overall emotional evaluation about their self-worthiness to get succeed in life. Academic procrastination indicates individuals’ tendency to delay or put off academic activities. This is closely associated with the self-esteem. Also, the characteristic structure could have an influence on academic procrastination. An attempt was made in this study to study the influence of personality and self-esteem on the academic procrastination among university students. 150 university students were selected through simple random sampling for this purpose and the data was collected through a survey. Results revealed that the academic procrastination of university students have significant negative relationship with their self-esteem. Some of the personality factors have significant association with their academic procrastination. The findings and implications are presented in the article.
Power factor correction topologies and small-signal modeling. I: Single-phase and three-phase power factor correction. II: Small-signal analysis of converters in discontinuous conduction mode

Part I: This thesis is motivated by the increasing demand for power quality improvement. Power factor correction topologies for both single- and the three-phase utility lines are investigated and new modes of operation are introduced. The discussed topologies are so-called automatic power factor correctors. The current shaping function is a natural property of these circuits, and no extra current control loop is necessary. In both the single- and three-phase cases, a control method is introduced which provides full output regulation and simultaneously reduces the distortion of the input current at no extra cost. Whereas in the single-phase topology, galvanic isolation is easily obtained, in the three-phase topology, some obstacles have to be overcome. The isolated three-phase converter has an inherent output voltage ripple. This problem is analyzed and a solution is presented. Results obtained on experimental circuits agree well with the prediction and therefore confirm the validity of the analysis. Part II: The small-signal behavior of converters in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) is investigated using an alternative approach. Transfer functions obtained by state-space averaging in DCM do not provide accurate results at higher frequencies. A correction term is introduced that can be added to the transfer function. This greatly enhances the accuracy. For converters operating in DCM, the state-space averaging method as originally introduced is relatively complicated if more than one element operates in discontinuous conduction mode. In this thesis, a standardized procedure is introduced to perform state-space averaging. Also, the complexity of this procedure does not increase as the number of discontinuous states increases.
Sand-Digging and Soil Excavation as an Environmental Degradation Factor in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area,Ogun State:An Interrogation of the Appropriateness of Construction Technology in Nigera

This paper uses Polycentric Planning, an off-shoot of the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework to interrogate the appropriateness of construction technology in sand-digging and soil excavation in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State. The paper found that the technology adopted in sand-digging and soil excavation for the purpose of road and housing constructions is inappropriate for clean technology. Thus, the processes of degradation of the communities studied have intensified in recent times due to uncontrolled urbanization. It was also found that the average depth of digging in three sites is 6 meters; the average distance of sites distance to nearest building is 9 meters; the average distance to the nearest stream is 750 meters; the average distance to the nearest road is 18 meters; and the average area covered by the dug sites is 4.6 hectares. The crude method of soil excavation is causing untold damages to private property and infrastructures such as roads, electricity poles, drainage, etc. Similarly, it was found that excavation activities have induced damages on the existing drainage pattern due to sediments discharge to adjacent water bodies with the implication of inducing flooding. Using Polycentric Planning and Poverty Reduction Strategy, this paper adopts an African Polycentric Sustainable Environment Model (APSEM) for restructuring decision making on environment to conserve and protect environmental resources. The model and the proposed new institutional mechanism would enable local people and professionals/practitioners in the built environment to have a robust dialogue with the local government officials in order to reposition urban councils to effectively manage urban environment and conserve natural resources.
Recollections and taxo-ecological studies of Coleochaete scutata Bréb., Coleochaete pseudosoluta Gauthier-Lièvre and Coleochaete conchata Möb., West Bengal, India

The present work had been carried out from Hooghly district, West Bengal, India in order to explore species diversity of the taxon Coleochaete Bréb. of the family Coleochaetaceae under the order Chaetophorales belonging to the class Chlorophyceae. There were some structural complexities and variations among the species. A total number of three species namely Coleochaete scutata Bréb. , Coleochaete pseudosoluta Gauthier-Lièvre and Coleochaete conchata Möb. were collected and identified first time from this area. They were described with illustrations and some other valuable information. Shape, size and colour of vegetative and reproductive cells or structures were considered as taxonomic parameters for their identifications. Among them, Coleochaete scutata Bréb. was very common while other two species were rare in occurrence in this district. They are all epiphytes on submerged angiospermic plants. Perusal of cited literatures revealed that the above mentioned species were third time reports from West Bengal, India. Limnological study of water analysis showed that water was weakly alkaline and the aquatic ecosystems were oligotrophic and monomictic types.