Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Recent Work Title

A new joint inversion algorithm to directly estimate reservoir parameters is described. This algorithm combines seismic amplitude versus angle (AVA) and marine controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) data. The rock-properties model needed to link the geophysical parameters to the reservoir parameters is described. Errors in the rock-properties model parameters, measured in percent, introduce errors of comparable size in the joint inversion reservoir parameter estimates. Tests of the concept on synthetic one-dimensional models demonstrate improved fluid saturation and porosity estimates for joint AVA-CSEM data inversion (compared to AVA or CSEM inversion alone). Comparing inversions of AVA, CSEM, and joint AVA-CSEM data over the North Sea Troll field, at a location with well control, shows that the joint inversion produces estimated gas saturation, oil saturation and porosity that is closest (as measured by the RMS difference, L1 norm of the difference, and net over the interval) to the logged values whereas CSEM inversion provides the closest estimates of water saturation.
Toxicity of Sclerocarya birrea and Azadirachta indica extracts against maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais Motchulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in storage

Toxicity of Sclerocarya birrea A. Rich. (Anacardiaceae) leaf and bark and Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) leaf extracts against Sitophilus zeamais Motchulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was evaluated under the laboratory conditions (77±4% relative humidity and 27±3°C temperature). When extracted doses were compared, mortality was dose- and exposure period-dependent. At 1 DAT, A. indica leaf extract had significantly (p 0.05) different and ranged from 91.25 to 97.5% for all the botanicals. When the extracting solvents were compared, mortality was exposure period-dependent with highest percentage mortality (99.17%) recorded at 5 DAT in S . birrea petroleum ether leaf extract, which was significantly higher than that of mortality observed in filter paper treated with the petroleum ether extracts of other botanicals. However, there was no significant difference in the effect of the two studied solvents. The results highlight the insecticidal potentials of the selected Nigerian-grown botanicals against maize weevil and recommend them as component of weevil Integrated Pest Management, in the areas where the botanicals are abundant. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 52(4) , 337-342, 2017
Big data and urban mobility

Data sources have been evolving the last decades and nowadays a huge amount of information is available through web navigation. One of the new sources of information are social networks and they provide large datasets to be studied. In this context we are using geolocalized tweets as a source of information for mobility patterns. Data retrieval is achieved through public APIs and smart users selection. Besides, efficient data storage and fast access to the data is a challenging task for which we rely on NoSQL technology.
Gifted Girls: Gender Bias in Gifted Referrals

The goal of this mixed-methods study was to explore the effect of gender on teachers' willingness to refer students to a gifted and talented program. Teachers (N = 28) were provided with one of two profiles (i.e., female or male) describing a gifted student. Results indicated that teachers' decisions for referral to gifted programs were significantly influenced by the student's gender; teachers were much less willing to refer a female student than an identically described male student to gifted programs. Further, qualitative analysis revealed that teachers' descriptions of students and reasons for their referral decisions differed considerably based on the student's gender. Responses illustrated gender bias in teachers' perceptions, expectations, and beliefs about the profiled students. Implications for practice are discussed.
Emissions of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Dibenzofurans from the Incinerations of Both Medical and Municipal Solid Wastes

ABSTRACTEmissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) from the stack flue gases of four medical waste incinerators (MWIs) and ten municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) were investigated. The mean PCDD/F concentrations in the stack flue gases of these MWIs and MSWIs is 0.521 ng I-TEQ/Nm3 and 0.0533 ng I-TEQ/Nm3, respectively. In the stack flue gases of MWIs, OCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF and OCDF were the major congeners, while in MSWIs, OCDD and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD were the major ones. The mean PCDD/F emission factors (20.1 μg I-TEQ/ ton-waste) of the MWIs was about 210 times of magnitude higher than that of MSWIs, which was 0.0939 μg I-TEQ/ton-waste. In Taiwan, the annual emissions of PCDD/Fs from MWIs and MSWIs are 0.371 g I-TEQ/year and 0.737 g I-TEQ/year, respectively. Although the contribution of PCDD/Fs from MWIs to the atmosphere was 50.3% of that from MSWIs, it should be noted that most MWIs are equipped with a low stack and are situated in the proximity of the residential area and PCDD/F emissions from MWIs could significantly affect its surrounding environment.
Serum uric acid is related to cardiovascular events and correlates with N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide and albuminuria in patients with diabetes mellitus

Background Hyperuricemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular events and renal insufficiency. It correlates to intima-media thickness and microalbuminuria. In this study we evaluated uric acid as an independent marker for cardiac events in patients with diabetes. Methods In a prospective observational study we recruited 494 patients with diabetes. Patients were then followed for 12.8 months (mean follow-up) and hospitalizations as a result of cardiac events (ischaemic heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure) were recorded. Results The median duration of diabetes was 11 ± 10.35 years. Patients were in the mean 60 ± 13 years old and mean HbA1c was 62 ± 13 mmol/mol (7.8 ± 3.3%). At baseline, mean uric acid was 321.2 ± 101.1 μmol/l (range 101.1–743.5 μmol/l ), median N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide was 92 ± 412 pg/ml and median urinary albumin to creatinine ratio was 8 ± 361 mg/g; Uric acid significantly correlated to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (r = 0.237, P < 0.001) and urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (r = 0.198, P < 0.001). In a Cox regression model, including age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, gender, systolic blood pressure, smoking and alcohol consumption, uric acid was the best predictor of cardiac events (hazard ratio 1.331, confidence interval 1.095–1.616, P = 0.04). However, uric acid lost its prognostic value when the natural logarithm of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide was added to the model. Conclusion Serum uric acid is a predictor of cardiac events and correlates to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and albuminuria, underscoring the importance of uric acid as a cardiovascular risk marker in patients with diabetes.
Surgeon case volume and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Can low volume surgeons achieve acceptable results?

Introduction: Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is an effective, but technically demanding procedure. There is abundant evidence within surgery and orthopaedics that surgeon volume can be correlated with outcome. The effect of surgeon volume on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction specifically has not previously been investigated. Methods: We evaluated outcome in 35 patients operated on by a surgeon who carries out approximately 10 reconstructions per year. Subjective International Knee Documentation Centre score, instrumented laxity and one-legged hop were measured. Results: Mean International Knee Documentation Committee score was 70.69 (40-99). Mean side-to-side laxity difference was 2.91. One graft failure requiring revision was identified. Discussion: A low volume surgeon can achieve acceptable results with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Case volume is a poor surrogate for patient outcome on an individual level. Site of study: Heatherwood and Wexham Park NHS Trust.
Oda Elt Project in Nicaragua. A Case Study in Project Design

The following is a description of the aims and activities of the ODA ELT Project: Nicaragua. It will describe the research into Engiish {. anguage Teaching which took place in the secondary schools of Nicaragua, how this research was conducted, and what the most significant findings were. From there, it wili look at how project plans and activities were developed and the rationale for those plans. Finally, it will consider the implementation of these plans and the implications for future development within the area of ELT in Nicaragua.
Impacts of Pollution on Environment

Industrial revolution, establishment of factories and consumption of immense quantities of petro based raw materials and overall discharge of huge quantities of untreated chemicals and wastes into the local river streams and waste lands cause atmospheric and lithospheric pollution and irreparable damage to the biosphere. The industrial chimneys discharge harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, or fine dust etc., which are the chief contributors of air pollution. Population explosion at a global scale, increased use of fossil fuels in thermal power plants, use of radioactive elements in nuclear power plants, overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides lead to noise pollution, radioactive contamination, soil contamination and thermal pollution. There is an urgent need to address these problems at a critical level in order to develop efficient combat measures against them.
Functional links between intimate partner violence and animal abuse: Personality features and representations of aggression

Acts of intimate partner violence (IPV) and abuse of nonhuman animals are common, harmful, and co-occurring phenomena. The aim of the present study was to identify perpetrator subtypes based on variable paths hypothesized to influence physical violence toward both partners and nonhuman animals: (a) callousness and instrumental representations of aggression and (b) rejection-sensitivity and expressive representations of aggression. Strong associations emerged between callousness and instrumental representations and between rejection-sensitivity and expressive representations. For males, callousness directly predicted both IPV and animal abuse. For females, rejection-sensitivity predicted IPV. Instrumental representations mediated the relationship between callousness and animal abuse for females but not for males. Results suggest that IPV and animal abuse functionally interconnect, that perpetration of animal abuse may differ in function across gender, and that identifying distinct pathways to violence may facilitate violence prediction and prevention.
An entropy preserving MOOD scheme for the Euler equations

The present work concerns the derivation of entropy stability properties to be satisfied by high-order accurate finite volume methods. Such a sta-bility turns out to be crucial when approximating the weak solutions of hyperbolic systems of conservation laws. In fact, several recent works pro-pose some kind of discrete entropy inequalities associated to high-order schemes. However, these entropy preserving schemes do not seem relevant to impose that the converged solution (in the sense of the Lax-Wendroff Theorem) satisfies the required entropy inequalities. We illustrate such a failure by exhibiting numerical schemes that, from one hand, satisfy en-tropy stability and, from the other hand, do not prevent numerical blow-up. Here, we recall the expected high-order discrete entropy inequalities to be certain that the approximate solution converges to an entropy solution. Equipped with these sufficient numerical entropy stability, we propose to extend the recently introduced high-order MOOD scheme to satisfy the required high-order entropy inequalities. In fact, the MOOD approach is based on an a posteriori estimation and it seems impossible to impose a posteriori the whole set of discrete entropy inequalities. We solve this dif-ficulty by considering a finite volume scheme, which involves (at least one) discrete entropy inequalities with a numerical transport property. From one selected numerical transport discrete entropy inequality, we establish that all the needed discrete entropy inequalities are satisfied. Arguing this specific numerical transport entropy, we derive the expected a posteriori entropy condition to get an entropy preserving high-order MOOD scheme. Numerical experiments illustrate the relevance of the suggested numerical procedure. An entropy preserving MOOD scheme for the Euler equations
Intravenous Repeated Application of Low Dose α-Galatosylceramide Boosts IFN-γ Production in BALB/c Mice

The aim of this study is to illustrate the relationship between α-Galatosylceramide (α-GalCer) dose and α-GalCer induced anergy of immune system in vivo. α-GalCer, a glycolipid and a widely studied immune modulator extracted from a marine sponge, shows its effect in vivo via presentation on CD1d molecule, MHC I like molecule bound glycolipid antigens, to NKT cells, a lymphocyte has both TCR and NK1.1, marker of T cells and NK cells respectively. The contradictory reports about α-GalCer are focused on two opposite axes of immune system: cancer and autoimmunity, failure and exaggeration of Th1 type immune response, respectively. In this study, the relation between the α-GalCer dose and the anergy was considered to clarify this dilemma. The groups of BALB/c mice were injected with various titer of α-GalCer intravenous way repeatedly and serum level of IFN-γ was measured with mouse IFN-γ ELISA. The Dramatic difference was found between groups after 2nd application of α-GalCer: Low dose α-GalCer boosted IFN-γ; however, high dose, usual dose cited in literature, failed to induce IFN-γ production. Besides, low concentrations of _-GalCer succeeded considerable amount of IFN-γ in the serum after priming. This results show that minute level of α-GalCer can be recognized by NKT cells, and repeated in vivo application of low dose α-GalCer can improve Th1 capabilities of the immune system.
Knockdown of SALL 4 expression using RNA interference induces cell cycle arrest , enhances early apoptosis , inhibits invasion and increases chemosensitivity to temozolomide in U 251 glioma cells

Spalt-like transcription factor 4 (SALL4) is essential for the maintenance of the self-renewal and pluripotent properties in embryonic stem cells. Although the detailed mechanism remains unclear, dysregulation of SALL4 has been detected in various malignancies. Previously, the authors' of the present study reported that the expression level of SALL4 was associated with the poor prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The present study aimed to investigate the function of SALL4 in U251 human glioblastoma cells, including apoptosis and invasion inhibition. It was revealed that knockdown of SALL4 expression through RNA interference induced cell cycle arrest, enhanced early apoptosis and significantly inhibited invasion. Furthermore, downregulation of SALL4 was associated with a significantly lower expression level of the core transcription factors, including POU class 5 homeobox 1, SRY-box 2 and Nanog homeobox. In addition, inhibition of SALL4 significantly reduced the concentration of chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide required to inhibit cell growth by 50%, which decreased from 113.66±23.07 and 114.93±20.91 μg/ml to 68.34±3.52 and 67.44±4.71 μg/ml in two independent short interfering RNA transfected groups. These results indicate that SALL4 serves an important role in the GBM pathophysiology and targeting SALL4 may be a potential approach to the treatment of GBM.
Event-Triggered Control for Multiagent Systems with the Problem of Packet Losses and Communication Delays When Using the Second-Order Neighbors’ Information

This paper mainly investigates the event-triggered control for discrete-time multiagent systems with the problem of packet losses and communication delays when both the first-order and the second-order neighbors’ information are used. Event-triggered control laws are adopted so as to reduce the frequency of individual actuation updating under the sampled-data framework for discrete-time agent dynamics. The communication graph is undirected and the loss of data across each communication link occurs at certain probability, which is governed by a Bernoulli process. It is found that the distributed consensus speeds up by using the second-order neighbors’ information when packet losses and communication delays occur. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Insert earphones: application to avoid collapse of the external auditory canal Fones de inserção: aplicação no colabamento de meato acústico externo

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the efficacy of insert earphones in cases of collapsed external auditory canals. Methods: Twenty-one elderly individuals with air-bone gaps greater than 10 dBHL at frequencies of 3 kHz and/or 4 kHz underwent anamnesis, pure tone audiome-try, speech audiometry, and immittance test. Pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry were performed with both supra-aural and insert earphones. Results: Air conduction thresholds were lower with insert earphones at all frequencies except 1 kHz. The magnitude of the air-bone gap was also lower with the insert earphones, and there was a air-bone coupling with this transducer. Conclusion: Insert earphones ER-3A allowed significant improvement in air conduction hearing thresholds in elderly individuals, reducing or even eliminating the air-bone gap in cases of collapsed external auditory canals, especially at higher frequencies. Keywords: Hearing; Audiometry; Auditory threshold; Ear canal; Elderly INTRODUCTION Supra-aural earphones, conventional in clinical audiology, may cause the occlusion of the external auditory canal due to the pressure exerted on the pinna, which hinders the passage of sound from the outer ear to the inner ear and determines false conductive hearing loss at high frequencies. This effect is known as collapse of the external auditory canal. Such a collapse can occur at any age, but approximately one third of patients are elderly (aged 65 years or older)
Plant pathology A comparison of biological , molecular and enzymatic markers to investigate variability within Microdochium nivale ( Fries ) Samuels

mdash; The variation among isolates of Microdochium nivale obtained from a range of hosts and locations in Europe was investigated on the basis of conidial morphology, restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA), esterase profiles, aggressiveness on wheat seedlings and perithecial production. One homogeneous group was resolved on the basis of esterase profiles and RFLPs of the ITS region of rDNA. The isolates within this group possessed ITS profiles identical to reference isolates of var majus from other workers and therefore were assigned to var majus. The isolates within this homogeneous var majus grouping were obtained from a range of locations throughout Europe, demonstrating that it is not restricted to the United Kingdom. Nineteen esterase profiles and 2 ITS profiles were detected among the remaining isolates, suggesting that this grouping may be comprised of further sub-groups. The results demonstrated that several isolate types may exist at a single location and that pathogenicity to wheat seedlings was not related to any of the traits analysed.
Uncovering patterns among latent variables: human rights and de facto judicial independence

In this paper, we reexamine the relationship between judicial independence and state respect for human rights by taking advantage of new latent measures of both constructs. In our analysis, we demonstrate a simple method for incorporating the uncertainty of these latent variables. Our results provide strong support for theoretical and empirical claims that independent courts constrain human rights abuses. Although we show that independent courts influence state behavior, the strength of the estimated relationship depends upon whether and to what degree empirical models account for uncertainty in the measurement of the latent variables.
The detection of mycoviral sequences in grapevine using next-generation sequencing

iii Opsomming . iv Acknowledgements . vi Table of contents . vii List of abbreviations . x List of figures . xiii List of tables . xv Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 General Introduction . 1 1.2 Aims and Objectives . 2 1.3 Chapter Layout . 2 1.4 Research Outputs . 3 1.5 References . 4 Chapter 2: An overview of grapevine infecting agents and detection techniques, with a focus on metagenomics and next-generation sequencing 2.
Hematological and Serum Chemistry Values for the Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus): Variation with Sex and Age

5 Abstract: The influences of sex and age on hematological parameters were investigated in the ring-necked pheasant. Statistical comparisons were made for differences in values between male and female, 30 adults (52 week old) and 20 juvenile birds (5 week old). A variety of blood parameters showed statistically significant age and sex related differences. Adult males had higher values for Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and juveniles lower values for PCV. Adult females had higher values for basophils, the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio and total plasma protein. Juvenile females had higher values for hemoglobin. Adults had greater White Blood Cells (WBC), heterophils, eosinophils and monocytes. Serum biochemical values (uric acid, gamma glutamyl transferase, protein, albumin and globulins) were determined in young (5 week old) ring necked pheasants. There were no differences in any of these serum parameters among juvenile males and females.
3 D POINT CLOUD CORRESPONDENCES USING DEEP LEARNING

1 RESUM . 2 RESUMEN . 3 Acknowledgements . 4 Revision history and approval record . 5 Table of contents . 6 List of Figures . 9 List of Tables . 10 CHAPTER
COMBINED NON-ISOLATED HIGH STEP-UP BOOST CONVERTER AND SEPIC CONVERTER APPLIED TO INDUCTION MOTOR

A general Boost converter has a disadvantage that it has limited voltage step-up ratio because of its parasitic resistance and also for high voltage applications it requires a high voltage rating diode which causes serious reverse recovery problems, which results in low step up ratio and low efficiency, so a non-isolated high step-up boost converter combined with an isolated sepic converter is developed in this paper to satisfy both high efficiency and high conversion ratio which does not need a current snubber for the diodes and is applied to an induction motor using MATLAB platform.