Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of the cisplatin applied before and after the surgical procedure on the healing of colonic anastomoses in rats

Background: Cisplatin is the first line drug in the treatment of the ovarian cancer. This drug is often applied before or after a surgical procedure to whom a large bowel anastomosis is done. Objective: Histological evaluation of the effect of the cisplatin on the healing of the colonic anastomoses. Methods: Eighty male Wistar rats were divided in three groups: the control group, the group that received intraperitoneal cisplatin injection for five days before the surgical procedure and the group that received the cisplatin for five days after the surgical procedure. The cisplatin was used in the dose of 0,35mg/kg. The large bowel was transected 5cm above peritoneal reflection and it was anastomosed in one plan suture. Half of the animals were sacrificed on the fifth day and the other half on the eighth day after the surgical procedure. Histological parameters of inflammatory reaction were evaluated with the elaboration of indexes and scores to compare the groups of this study. Results: The average of neutrophilic infiltrating index was significatively bigger in the group that received cisplatin after the surgical procedure when compared with the control group and the group that received cisplatin before the surgery. The average of intensity of the edema index was significatively bigger in the groups that received cisplatin when compared with the control group. The analysis of the final histological score allowed the classification of the inflammatory process as subacute in the groups that received cisplatin and chronic in the control group. Discussion and conclusion: Cisplatin produces an impairment on the healing of the colonic anastomoses. Cisplatin Large bowel anastomosis Neutrophilic infiltrating
Orujo de uva post proceso de vinificación, una alternativa para mejorar la durabilidad de los pavimentos asfálticos. Use of ITS data to calibrate microscopic simulation models for incident conditions

Resumen A nivel mundial, un 95% de los pavimentos contienen ligante asfáltico. Principalmente debido al proceso oxidativo, el ligante asfaltico incrementa su rigidez tornándose un material frágil, por lo tanto propenso a agrietarse. Por otra parte, la industria vitivinícola genera anualmente alrededor de 10 millones de toneladas de residuo (orujo). Este bioproducto es rico en antioxidantes (ORAC 650μmol TE/g). En consecuencia, el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el potencial del orujo proveniente de cepa Cabernet Sauvignon como antioxidante para ligante asfáltico para reducir el daño oxidativo del material. Para evaluar los efectos de la adición del antioxidante, las muestras fueron sometidas a tratamientos de envejecimiento de corto y largo plazo de acuerdo a los estándares SUPERPAVE (RTFOT y PAV). Los resultados indican que las muestras con 10% de adición de antioxidante redujeron el factor de fatiga en un 14% y mejoraron el comportamiento frente al agrietamiento a baja temperatura (incremento valor-m 23%) post envejecimiento de largo plazo. Estos resultados sugieren que el orujo de uva podría constituir una alternativa factible para la reducción del daño oxidativo en ligantes asfálticos contribuyendo a mejorar la durabilidad de los pavimentos. Worldwide, arround of 95% of pavements containing asphalt binder . Mainly due to the oxidation process , the asphalt binder increases its stiffness becoming a fragile material , therefore, increasing its cracking potencial . Moreover, the wine industry generates annually about 11 million tons of waste (pomace) . This byproduct is rich in antioxidants (ORAC 650μmol TE / g ) . Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine the potential of pomace from Cabernet Sauvignon as antioxidant for asphalt binder, to reduce the oxidative damage to the material. To evaluate the effects of adding the antioxidant, the samples were subjected to short and long term aging treatments acording SUPERPAVE ( RTFOT and PAV) standards . The results indicate that the samples with 10% of antioxidant, reducing fatigue factor by 14% and it presents improving of performance respect to cracking at low temperature ( m-value increasing 23%) after long-term aging . These results suggest that grape pomace could be a feasible alternative for the reduction of oxidative damage in asphalt binders helping to improve the durability of pavements. INFORMACIÓN DEL ARTICULO Historial del artículo: Recibido 11-07-2013 Aceptado 22-11-2013 Publicado 18-12-2013 Palabras Claves: Simulación de tráfico Calibración Incidentes Datos de Sistemas Inteligentes de Transporte
Performance Evaluation of GaN Based Thin Film Transistor using TCAD Simulation

As reported in past decades, gallium nitride as one of the most capable compound semiconductor, GaN-based high-electron mobility transistors are the focus of intense research activities in the area of high power, high-speed, and high-temperature transistors. In this paper we present a design and simulation of the GaN based thin film transistor using sentaurus TCAD for the extracting the electrical performance. The resulting GaN TFTs exhibits good electrical performance in the simulated results, including, a threshold voltage of 12-15 V, an on/off current ratio of 6.5×10 7 ~8.3×10 8 , and a sub-threshold slope of 0.44V/dec. Sentaurus TCAD simulations is the tool which offers study of comprehensive behavior of semiconductor structures with ease. The simulation results of the TFT structure based on gallium nitride active channel have great prospective in the next-generation flat-panel display applications.
Evaluating causal effect in time-to-event observarional data with propensity score matching

In observational time-to-event data, traditional survival data analysis techniques such as the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model may introduce biased results. Matching based on propensity scores are promising to conduct causal inference. Given the matched structure, the paired Prentice-Wilcoxon (PPW) test and the Akritas test has been used to assess the treatment effect on paired survival data. They are based on the scores obtained from survival data. However, they might be biased when there exists extreme values in the paired scores. The modified PPW and Akritas tests are proposed in the thesis and sensitivity analysis are developed based on the PPW, Akritas, the modified PPW and Akritas test. Simulation studies are conducted to compare the performance of these four tests with the weighted logrank test and the marginal structural Cox model. The Akritas and the modified Akritas test have the best performance when the hazard ratios are constant and varying over time and when the censoring is dependent. The modified tests are applied to a study of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and a sensitivity analysis is conducted.
COMPARISON OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES LEAVES EXTRACTS OF CERBERA MANGHAS AND LEAVES EXTRACTS OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA AGAINST KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE

Objective: This study aims to determine the potential of neem (Azadirachta indica, Juss) leaves and sea mango (Cerbera manghas, Linn.) leaves against Klebsiella pneumonia. Methods: Hexane and methanol extracts of neem leaves (A. indica, Juss) and hexane and butanol extracts of sea mango leaves (C. manghas, Linn.) were tested antibacterial against K. pneumonia using paper disc and dilution methods, measured the inhibition zone diameter, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), as a comparison used ampicillin.Results: The MIC values for the butanol extract and hexane extract of sea mango leaves against K. pneumoniae were 1.124276 and 1.45958 mg/mL, respectively. While the MBC value of both of them had the same value, i.e. 2 mg/ml. The hexane and methanol extracts of neem leaves did not have potentially against the growth of K. pneumonia. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study have been obtained, that extracts butanol and hexane extract of leaves of sea mango (C. manghas, Linn.) have antibacterial activity strong enough against K. pneumonia, where, extracts butanol leaves of sea mango has antibacterial activity that is more powerful than the extract hexane leaf sea mango, while the methanol extract and hexane extracts of neem (A. indica, Juss) leaves have weak activity against K. pneumonia.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Xenon Diffusion in UO 2 Nanocrystals

Diffusion of individual xenon atoms in the bulk of UO2 nanocrystals with free surface is studied using the molecular dynamics approach. Two sets of the pair potentials of interaction of the Xe atom with uranium and oxygen ions are considered. For both sets, interstitial migration is observed, as well as the atom trapping in the uranium sites. However, the quantitative characteristics of these processes are found to be very different. The coefficients of Xe interstitial migration are obtained in the temperature range from 2400 K up to the melting point of the model crystals. The corresponding activation energies have the values of 2.5 eV and 2.2 eV depending on the interaction potentials. The results of the simulation are compared with the experimental data. Keywords—uranium dioxide; radiogenic xenon; diffusion; molecular dynamics; interaction potentials
Correlation between Two Parameters of Mice Behaviour in the Open Field Test

Summary The open field test is being used extensively for the determination of different aspects of animal behaviour for over seventy years. The correlation between different behavioural parameters obtained in this test, although previously studied, is still debatable. Thus, we aimed to analyze and correlate behaviour scores to estimate the importance of individual parameters in this type of experiment. The open field test was performed on male BALB/c mice treated with either saline (10 ml/kg) or diazepam (2 mg/kg), one hour before the experiment. The behaviour scores (number of squares crossed and rearings performed) obtained either by video recording or direct observation, during a five-minute experiment, were compared using a t-test and were tested for correlation. As expected, diazepam caused an increase in the number of squares crossed and rearings performed by the animals. The number of rearings was statistically different between the groups monitored in two different ways. The correlations between the behaviour scores obtained in the two modes of monitoring for all groups were moderate/strong positive ones. The correlation analyses revealed that the amount of information conveyed by a single behaviour parameter, either the number of squares crossed or the number of rearings, could be sufficient to estimate the animals’ motor activity in the open field test. Also, the results of this test could provide clues to very important piece of information in drug discovery, i.e. the general animal behaviour under the influence of CNS acting drugs in an experiment.
Integrative Ecological Research: Case-Specific Validation of Ecological Knowledge for Environmental Problem Solving

Taking ecology as an example, I discuss the contribution of a disciplinary natural science to environmental problem solving. Ecological theory has so far been of limited use for environmental management. I present an ecological research strategy that may be termed integrative ecological research. It seeks to explain the complexity of specific field or real-world situations. I argue that such research should be viewed as complementary to other types of ecological research, and that it may be of particular relevance for environmental management ‐ for instance, the adaptive management of ecosystems. This analysis is illustrated with a bottom-up research collaboration combining plant-ecological research and ecosystem management in the Seychelles (Indian Ocean).
Effect of maturity stage and chopping length of maize silage on particle size reduction in dairy cows

The effects of maturity stage and chopping length of maize silage on chewing behaviour, particle size reduction and rumen retention time were studied in four lactating cows fitted with a ruminal cannula, according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Maize silage made up 80% of the diet and the cows were fed at 90% of the ad libitum intake level. Chopping length had only a significant effect on the particle size of the maize harvested at the late maturity stage. For the latter, the proportion of particles larger than 2 mm (LP2) from the feed to the rumen content decreased from 73 to 38% for the coarse maize and from 58 to 37% for the fine maize, mainly by ingestive mastication. Eating time expressed per unit of feed intake did not vary significantly between these two silages (21.3 vs. 19.8 min·kg -1 DMI). Ingestive mastication in dairy cows thus reduces long particles more efficiently than short particles.
The Effects of a Mastery Learning Strategy on Achievement.

EDRS'PRICE MF-$0.76 HC-$1.58 PLUS POSTAGE bESCRIPTO? S *Academic Achievement; Academic Aptitude; Achievement Rating; Diagnostic Tests; Educational Strategies; Elementary Education; *Elementa\ry School Students; Geometry; Individual Differences; Individualized Instruction; *Instructional Innovation; Learning Motivation; *Remedial Instruction; Statistical Analysis; *Student Evaluation; Teaching Methods IDENTIFIERS *Mastery Learning
Gaseous exchanges, growth and foliar anatomy of sugarcane plants grown in potassium (K) deprived nutrient solution

Potassium participates in the plant metabolism and has an important effect on stomata opening, the activation of some enzymes and the mobilization of solutes, with positive effects on photosynthate distribution. Thus, in order to verify the effects of potassium absence on plant gaseous exchanges, growth and leaf anatomy of the sugarcane, an experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted for 90 days in a greenhouse with nutrient solution, where treatments consisted of the presence (control) and absence of K. The experiment was setup in a completely randomized design with ten repetitions. Gaseous exchanges were evaluated together with plant growth, chloroplast ultrastructure of the diagnostic leaf, chlorophylls content, green color index, total soluble sugars content, starch content, and K accumulation in the plant. Sugarcane plants grown in K-deprived nutrient solutions showed reductions in transpiration (-35%), photosynthesis (-58%), stomatal conductance (-32%), chlorophylls contents a (-25%) and b (-29%), green color index (-76%), plant height (-22%), tiller diameter (-23%), root density (-53%), K accumulation in the shoots (-76%) and roots (-79%), and dry matter mass of the shoots (-22%) and roots (-23%). The total soluble sugars content (26%) and starch content (28%) in the leaves increased, as well as the intercellular concentration of CO2 (40%). Sugarcane in the absence of K showed reduced growth due to the influence of this nutrient on gaseous exchanges and alterations in leaf anatomy, suggesting greater focus should be taken on potassium nutrition, mainly in physiological terms, since there are vast agricultural areas with potassium deficiency around the world.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS IMPAIRMENT TEST ISSUES: THE CASE OF A BRAZILIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

National and international regulatory agencies by issuing new standards have tried to bring the accounting recorded values near to economic values. Nevertheless, it is understood that the latter carry a deeper level of subjectivity, on the grounds that completely new values will be obtained by the adoption of different conditions. This study aims to perform a comparative analysis between two company valuation methods: the Discounted Cash Flow and the Residual Income Valuation while performing the impairment test. The study case uses the database prepared by a telecommunications company to its subsidiary in the Internet sector for the purpose of the impairment test assessment. Some points have been identified as deserving special attention in a company’s valuation assessment, namely the discount rate and the growth rate. The results show that: 1) a firm’s economic value is sensitive to the use of a sole growth rate to calculate the perpetuity, considering that any changes in the rate will alter the decision based on the test; 2) the setup of a discount rate as a parameter in a firm’s valuation assessment is a fundamental point for the write-off decision resulting from an impairment test.
Time-varying Analysis of Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Models Based on Sequential Monte Carlo Methods

This paper proposes a new method to estimate parameters, natural rates, and business cycles of dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models simultaneously and consistently. It is based on the Monte Carlo particle filter and a self-organizing state space model. In our method, we estimate the parameters and the natural rates using the time-varying-parameter approach, which is often used to infer invariant parameters practically. In most previous papers on DSGE models, structural parameters of them are assumed to be "deep (invariant). " However, our method analyzes how stable structural parameters are. Adopting the TVP approach creates the great advantage that the structural changes of parameters are detected naturally. Moreover, we estimate time-varying natural rates of macroeconomic data: real output and an equilibrium real interest rate. In empirical analysis, we estimate a new Keynesian DSGE model using the US data. The analysis shows that the average of the growth of natural output is 3.02 and the average of inflation target is 2.46 from 1985 to 2007. From the late Volcker era to the early Greenspan era, the reaction coefficient to inflation in the Taylor rule is increasing, and from the mid Greenspan era to the early Bernanke era it is stable around 4.0. These results indicate that the behavior of the Fed had changed to realize the stability of inflation from the late Volcker era to the early Greenspan era. An equilibrium real rate is negative from the early 2000s to the mid-2000s because the Fed cuts policy rates to prevent deflation.
Delivering ICT Shared Services to Local Governments:A new species of public enterprise?

The past decades have seen the OECD countries attempt a number of sourcing practices in local governments, including corporatization, collaborative arrangements and partnerships. One such option is to share services, an emerging strategy that casts a new actor in a leading role, i.e., the shared service organization or ‘SSO’. In the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) these special-purpose vehicles deliver services to the sharing councils based on models other than publicly funded collaboration arrangements and the usual ICT outsourcing practices. The paper uses an explorative case study to analyse the SSO route taken by an Italian enterprise, wholly owned by a public utility, in which it steers and guides its client councils on their ICT strategies. The article offers a general reflection on the new SSO’s operating model, discussing its hybrid nature (part-private and part-public), the system of multiple local relations and the indirect influence the SSO has over the ICT decisions of the client councils.
Automatic Landmark Selection Based on Feature Clustering for Visual Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Navigation

The selection of specific landmarks for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles’ Visual Navigation systems based on Automatic Landmark Recognition has significant influence on the precision of the system’s estimated position. At the same time, manual selection of the landmarks does not guarantee a high recognition rate, which would also result on a poor precision. This work aims to develop an automatic landmark selection that will take the image of the flight area and identify the best landmarks to be recognized by the Visual Navigation Landmark Recognition System. The criterion to select a landmark is based on features detected by ORB or AKAZE and edges information on each possible landmark. Results have shown that disposition of possible landmarks is quite different from the human perception. Keywords—Clustering, edges, feature points, landmark selection, X-Means.
THE INFLUENCE OF MALE FACIAL ATTRACTIVENESS ON WOMEN'S RECEPTIVITY

Recent evidence suggests that women are receptive, albeit less than men, to offers of sex. It has also been established that women’s preference for attractiveness increases when they seek brief, sexual relationships compared to longer forms of relationship. Here we further explore women’s receptivity with respect to romantic relationship type and length, and investigate how male attractiveness influences this receptivity. Findings suggest that women are willing to consider the most attractive men for all types of romantic relationships. In addition, short-term relationships yielded the highest rates of receptivity, which suggests that this relationship type provides a trial period for potential long-term mates and consequently represents a compromise between purely sexual relationships and long-term, committed relationships.
Assessing exfiltration and infiltration on the performance of urban sewer systems

Sewer systems constitute a very significant heritage in European cities. Their structural quality and functional efficiency are key parameters to guarantee the transfer of domestic and industrial wastewater to treatment plants without infiltration nor exfiltration. Infiltration of groundwater is particularly detrimental to treatment plant efficiency, while exfiltration of wastewater can lead to groundwater contamination. The European research project APUSS (Assessing infiltration and exfiltration on the Performance of Urban Sewer Systems) was devoted to sewer infiltration and exfiltration questions. It was structured in three main Work Areas dealing respectively with i) the development of new measurement methods based on tracer experiments and accounting for detailed uncertainty analyses, ii) the implementation of models and software tools to integrate structural and experimental data and to facilitate data display, operational management and decision-making processes and iii) the integration of economic and operational questions by means of cost estimation, economic evaluation, performance indicators and multi-criteria methods applied to investment/rehabilitation strategies. This final report describes the objectives, methods and main results for each Work Area. References to detailed methods, protocols, reports and tools are given in this final report which will be an invaluable source of information for all those concerned with the performance of urban sewer systems.
Resolvability of Isotropic Component in Regional Seismic Moment Tensor Inversion

We propose a new approach to resolve the isotropic component of the seismic moment tensor and its uncertainty. In linearized inversion problems, where the earthquake or explosive-source location and origin time are fixed (e.g., assumed to be known), the uncertainty of the moment tensor can be studied through the eigenvalues and the eigenvectors of the design matrix, which allows the representation of the theo- retical misfit by means of a 6D error ellipsoid. Because the design matrix depends only on the structural model and receiver source geometry, the analysis can be performed using recorded seismic waveforms, or without. In the nonlinear inversion problems, where the free parameters are eight (e.g., the six elements of the moment tensor, depth, and origin time), we propose a waveform-inversion scheme in which the trace of the moment tensor varies systematically and the remaining seven free parameters are opti- mized for each specific value of the trace. In this way, a 1D experimental probability density function of the moment tensor trace is constructed. To demonstrate the appli- cability of the method, we apply it to two shallow earthquakes (Mw 4.9 and 4.7) with epicenters close to the Columbo volcano, located 20 km northeast of the island of Santorini, Aegean Sea, Greece. We use 15 near-regional (60-310 km) records at frequencies below 0.1 Hz and two alternative crustal models. We conclude that the main uncertaintiesare attributed to the crustal modeland tothe trade-off betweenthe isotropic component and the source depth.