Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Species of Falcaustra (Nematoda: Kathlaniidae) and Other Helminths in Megophrys stejnegeri (Anura: Megophryidae) from Samar Island, Philippines

ABSTRACT: Falcaustra samarensis n. sp. (Ascaridida, Kathlaniidae) from the intestines of Megophrys stejnegeri Taylor 1920 (Anura, Megophryidae) is described and illustrated. Falcaustra samarensis n. sp. represents the one hundred fourth species assigned to the genus and the thirty-seventh Oriental species. It is distinguished from other Oriental species by the pattern of caudal papillae (8 precloacal, 2 adcloacal, 10 postcloacal, and 1 median), length of spicules (2,050–3,300 µm) and presence of 1 pseudosucker. Megophrys stejnegeri was also found to harbor 2 additional species of Nematoda, adults of Aplectana ranae and Batrachostrongylus longispiculus. Megophrys stejnegeri represents a new host record for each of these helminth species.
Unstable Systems of Viscous and Elastic Polymer Thin Films

The work presented in this thesis focuses on the study of viscous and elastic polymer thin films in initially unstable configurations. The systems are driven to flow viscously or deform elastically to minimize their free energy. Since these experiments take place on length scales at which gravity does not play a role, the physics is governed purely by surface tension and viscosity in the case of fluid films, or elasticity in the case of rigid films. It is also possible to combine hydrodynamics and elasticity, for example, a viscous film that flows in response to the bending energy of an elastic perturbation, or an elastic film deformed by the capillarity or flow of a fluid. Viscous flow in thin polymer films is studied in a system which is free-standing in air, meaning it has two fluid-air interfaces. Cylindrical holes are formed part way through a nano-scale polymer film, creating an unstable geometry with dissimilar surface areas at the two interfaces. When heated above its glass transition temperature, surface tension drives the film to flow to minimize its total excess surface area. The evolution is first dominated by fast vertical flow, which equilibrates Laplace pressure through the film by forming symmetric holes at each interface. Slow horizontal flow then becomes dominant, which continually reduces excess surface area by filling in the holes. A novel atomic force microscopy method is developed to monitor the two interfaces of a film as they flow, allowing the total free energy evolution of the system to be measured. The results agree with a hydrodynamic model developed to describe both stages of flow. Elastic instabilities, where a rigid film deforms in response to geometrical confinement, are studied in a free-standing bilayer system consisting of a thin film on a pre-strained elastic substrate. These instabilities include sinusoidal wrinkling of the capping film, or, since the entire bilayer is free-standing, global buckling, where the entire system deforms out-of-plane. The transition between wrinkling and buckling is found to depend on the thickness and moduli ratios of the films, as well as the pre-strain in the substrate. A simple model shows good agreement with experiments. Finally, the interaction between elasticity and viscosity is studied by measuring the flow of a viscous fluid perturbation driven by the bending energy of a rigid capping film. The experimental scaling of the perturbation size is in agreement with the theoretical prediction in the large perturbation limit.
SPECIFIC FEATURES OF THE ARGUMENTATION IN MEDIA

INTRODUCTION Participating in acts of communication, we perceive what is said or create utterances by themselves. The perception of the acts of communication is a multifaceted process involving the use of a wide range of information. Communication is a two-way process in which participants not only exchange ideas, feelings and information but also create and share meaning for reaching mutual understanding. It is the exchange of ideas, thoughts, messages, or the like, by speech, signals or writing. It is to express oneself in such a way that one is readily and clearly understood 1,2 . It is a process of conveying information from the sender to the receiver with the use of the media in which the communicated information is understood. One of the means of communication is the mass media. In the life of modern society, the media play a significant role. Today’s life is unimaginable without the mass media. Many different printed as well as online newspapers try to attract the readers. The media open up access to new knowledge, introduce the latest news, and allow you to see the situation from various angles. The main feature of modern civilization is mass media or means of communication. The media include press (newspapers, magazines), and broadcasting (television, radio, advertisement and Internet). Mass media unite people all over the world into one global community. The implementation of these functions is possible only if the information provided by the press can be trusted. As the historical experience shows the media, which provide incorrect, false, non-argued information, eventually lose their readers, viewers, listeners and die out. Only accurate, truthful and reasoned information inspires confidence. So, professional journalists and professional press must possess the methods and means of argumentation, and submit their materials in a qualitative and reasoned manner.
Pushing diffusion MRI towards new dimensions

Diffusion-MRI techniques allow the non-invasive investigation of microstructural changes in living tissues. However, a detailed interpretation of the data is complicated by the fact that multiple microscopic environments with varying diffusion properties all contribute to the measured signal. To address this problem, we adapt strategies from solid-state NMR spectroscopy and magnetic resonance of porous media to design multidimensional diffusion MRI protocols that can establish correlations between distinct features of the underlying diffusion process. Inversion of the acquired data enables the quantification of tissue heterogeneity with non-parametric distributions of diffusion tensors. The size, shape, and orientation of the estimated diffusion tensors have direct relations to corresponding microstructural properties of biological tissues.In Paper I, we introduced an experimental protocol to establish correlations between diffusion tensor eigenvalues. The proposed approach was extended in Paper II, where we correlated individual diffusion tensor parameters with both longitudinal and transverse relaxation rates. In both papers, experimental validation was conducted using spectroscopic experiments on a set of specially tailored synthetic samples. Multidimensional distributions retrieved from the correlated datasets were found to provide excellent resolution between microscopic environments with distinct diffusion properties.In Paper III, we assessed the performance of our data inversion strategies within a clinical context using in silico data. We found that the proposed model-free algorithm preserves good contrast between systems with different microscopic structures, even though its accuracy is significantly affected by high-levels of experimental noise. The algorithm was also observed to exhibit no biases at infinite signal-to-noise ratios.In Paper IV we combined our diffusion tensor correlation protocols with MRI sequences allowing for sub-millimetre imaging of living tissues. The method was demonstrated with measurements on in vivo mouse brain and was validated using a set of phantoms emulating the diffusion properties of brain tissues.In Papers V and VI we investigated the microscopic heterogeneity of the living human brain with spatially resolved relaxation-diffusion distributions. The retrieved distributions allowed the resolution, characterisation, and mapping of distinct microscopic tissue environments. (Less)
Smart Agricultural In-Field Service Robot: From Toy to Tool

A low-cost and multi-functional ground mobile robot is presented for precision agricultural application. A modified toy car is used as the hardware platform, and robotic operating system (ROS) as the software platform. By adding sensors and end effector, the robot can be controlled remotely. Our vision is to build an autonomous in-field service robot to realize some specific tasks instead of farmers.
Vitamin D3 Receptor Signaling in Mammary Gland Development and Ron-Mediated Breast Cancer

2 Introduction.3 Chapter II: Loss of Vitamin D Receptor Signaling from the Mammary Epithelium or Adipose Tissue Alters Pubertal Glandular Development 27 Abstract.28 Introduction.29 Materials and Methods.32 Results.38 Discussion.45 Figures and Legends.50. 28 Introduction.29 Materials and Methods.32 Results.38 Discussion.45 Figures and Legends.50 Chapter III: Vitamin D3-dependent VDR Signaling Delays Ron-Mediated Breast Tumorigenesis through Suppression of β-catenin Activity 59 Abstract.60 Introduction.61 Materials and Methods.64 Results.69 Discussion.74 Figures and Legends.82. 60 Introduction.61 Materials and Methods.64 Results.69 Discussion.74 Figures and Legends.82 v Chapter IV: Conclusions, Discussion and Future Directions 92
Review of the Surface Treatment s of Plant Fibers as Reinforcements in Polymer Composites

The poor compatibility between plant fiber and polymer matrix leads to many defects and deficiencies in plant fiber reinforced polymer composites. Various common physical or chemical treatments of plant fibers are listed in this paper. Surface treatments can improve the interface bonding of fibers and matrix, whereas the mechanical properties of plant fibers will be greatly reduced after treatments. How to retain the properties of plant fibers to the greatest extent and improve the comprehensive properties of plant fibers reinforced polymer composites is a problem that needs attention and urgent solution when treating plant fibers by various treatments.
Photosensor Based on Split Gate TMD TFET Using Photogating Effect for Visible Light Detection

This paper reports a highly-sensitive and low power photosensor based on split gate tunnel field effect transistor (TFET) structure for visible light detection in wavelength ranging from 450–750 nm. The TFET based sensing device utilizes the photogating effect in a portion of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) channel. The optically tunable workfunction contrast between the two gates of dual material gate (DMG) TFET achieves significant gains in the overall device characteristics. It demonstrates high photo-to-dark current ratio of the order of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10^{8}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and variation in responsivity in the range between <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10^{3}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>AmW<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{-1}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10^{-5}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>AmW<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{-1}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> for <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\textit {gs}}=-0.9$ </tex-math></inline-formula> V. This paper further discusses the photodetector performance based on the position of the photogate on the tunneling or auxiliary side, the gate splitting ratio between the photosensing region and the metal, and the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${n}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-TFET based device design. The device performance has been analyzed using the analytical model for the optically controlled workfunction. This hybrid device consisting of an ultrathin channel sensitized with absorbing semiconductors while exploiting the characteristics of TFET leads to a new generation of highly sensitive photodetectors.
Relationship between Entrepreneurial Team Characteristics and Venture Performance in China: From the Aspects of Cognition and Behaviors

Entrepreneurial and innovative activities are becoming a global economic and social phenomenon, especially in emerging economies. This study focuses on a typical emerging economy, China, and its entrepreneurial and innovative activities. On the basis of current research, the literature review and the chain of “cognition–behavior–outcome” are used for constructing the theoretical model for the relationship among entrepreneurial team cognition characteristics, behavior characteristics, and venture performance. A total of 101 valid copies of questionnaire are collected from entrepreneurial team members, as the research objects, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) method is applied to test the theoretical hypotheses. The research results reveal (1) significant effects of entrepreneurial team cognition characteristics and behavior characteristics on venture performance and (2) partial mediating effects of entrepreneurial team behavior characteristics on the relationship between cognition characteristics and venture performance. The research results are the expansion of research on entrepreneurial teams as well as the important reference for entrepreneurial team management and behavioral practice.
Genotypic identification of coliforms isolated from cases of subclinical mastitis among pastoral herds in parts of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Background : Mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus was initially considered the major problem in dairy herds, but over the last few decades, the incidence of coliform mastitis has increased among the pastoral herds in Nigeria due to poor environmental and milking hygiene. Hence, this study was aimed at genotypic identification of coliform bacteria isolated from cases of bovine mastitis among pastoral herds in parts of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Methods : A cross-sectional survey of 30 herds of cows across 7 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria, was conducted. One hundred and forty seven cows were proportionately selected by purposive sampling technique. The milk samples were aseptically collected and bacteriologically screened for coliform bacteria following standard bacteriological techniques. Nine out of 12 coliforms identified phenotypically were selected for PCR amplification and sequencing of their 16S rRNA gene. The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis of the sequences obtained was done on the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) data base, and isolates confirmed based on similarity to 16S rDNA sequences in the Gen Bank Results : Five of the 9 coliforms were confirmed to be Klebsiella pneumoniae (prevalence rate, 3.4%) and 4 were confirmed to be Escherichia coli (prevalence rate, 2.7%). Conclusion : This study shows that raw milk of mastitic cows can serve as a vehicle for the spread of pathogens such as K. pneumoniae and E. coli which, according to the Department of Health and Human Services of the United States Public Health Services, are potential threats to public health and safety of humans, animals and plant products. Keywords : pastoral herds, subclinical mastitis, cows, PCR, 16s rRNA, sequencing
Vibration control of nonlinear three-dimensional length-varying string with input quantization

This article studies the stability problem for a three-dimensional string with variable length in the case of input quantization. A nonlinear partial differential equation model is used to depict the dynamic characteristics of the length-varying flexible string with distributed variable parameters. The control signals are effectively mapped from a continuous region to a discrete set of numerical signals before being transmitted through communication channels using quantizers. With no information about quantizers, the vibration of the string is eliminated under the proposed adaptive quantized control despite of the actuator degradation, and the stability of the closed-loop system is demonstrated based on the Lyapunov’s direct method. Simulation results are supplied to show the effectiveness of the presented control strategy.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Validity and Reliability of Malay Version Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Malay version Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (M-BCTQ). A cross-sectional study was used to generate the final version of M-BCTQ that was administered to 55 patients for psychometric testing. M-BCTQ had excellent test-retest reliability with ICCs value 0.837 for Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and 0.913 for Functional Status Scale (FSS). The Cronbach alpha coefficient for the internal consistencies was reported at 0.864 for SSS and 0.893 for the FSS. A strong correlation was found with the Malay version of Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (MV-DASH) as Spearman correlation for construct validity was 0.791 for SSS and 0.831 for FSS.Keywords: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire; Reliability; ValidityeISSN: 2398-4287 © 2019. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v4i12. 1936
Volleyball Action Modelling for Behavior Analysis and Interactive Multi-modal Feedback

Quick and easy access to performance data during matches and training sessions is important for both players and coaches. While there are many video tagging systems available, these systems require manual efforts. In this project, we use Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) sensors strapped on the wrists of volleyball players to capture motion data and use Machine Learning techniques to model their actions and non-actions events during matches and training sessions. Analysis of the results suggests that all sensors in the IMU (i.e. magnetometer, accelerometer, barometer and gyroscope) contribute unique information in the classification of volleyball-specific actions. We demonstrate that while the accelerometer feature set provides the best Unweighted Average Recall (UAR) overall, decision fusion of the accelerometer with the magnetometer improves UAR slightly from 85.86\% to 86.9\%. Interestingly, it is also demonstrated that the non-dominant hand provides better UAR than the dominant hand. These results are even more marked with decision fusion. Apart from machine learning models, the project proposes a modular architecture for a system to automatically supplement video recording by detecting events of interests in volleyball matches and training sessions and to provide tailored and interactive multi-modal feedback by utilizing an html5/JavaScript application. A proof of concept prototype is also developed based on this architecture.
Understanding Lived Experiences of Faculty in an Increasingly Digitized World

Although universities and their faculty design courses for periodic learning, the “new learning society,” an increasingly diverse, mobile population is inexorably shifting to a model of continuous, self-directed, lifelong learning. Hence, the effective instructional practices that emerge through the role of the MOOC instructor have lasting value, whether the trend of MOOCs endures, or not. Understanding faculty experiences can inform online teaching as well as facilitate the success of MOOCs and other online offerings within and beyond the university. It can also help both faculty and learners thrive in a new learning society. As part of a larger study, this paper reports on the impact of online teaching on instructors’ pedagogical approaches. A key finding is that instructors improved their residential teaching by incorporating MOOC material into their courses; online format also forced instructors to think of both their subject matter and the presentation of their content in better and more inclusive ways.
Have the Effects of SOX Section 404(b) Compliance Changed Over Time?

We use regression discontinuity design to evaluate the effects of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) on audit costs and financial reporting and how these effects have changed over time. While audit fee premiums associated with 404(b) compliance were substantial in the initial years of compliance, we find that the premiums declined until 2010 before reversing and returning to early SOX levels by 2015. We also find that the likelihood that a company selects a Big 4 auditor is greater for 404(b) compliers and that this drives a portion of the audit fee premium. Although we find some evidence that compliance results in more effective internal controls, this effect is confined to the initial years following the extension of management internal control reporting to non-accelerated filers. We find no evidence that the audit of internal controls over financial reporting yields more informative internal control reports. Together, while evidence suggests that audit fees associated with internal control audits have not materially and sustainably declined since inception, we find no evidence that the increased audit effort is associated with improved internal control quality or reporting. Our findings directly respond to calls from regulators and academics for research on the updated Section 404(b) compliance rules recently introduced by the SEC and should be of interest to a variety of corporate stakeholders.
Classification of Colorectal Cancer Based on Molecular Features

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause for morbidity and mortality worldwide; it is the fourth most common cancer in men and the third most common cancer in women. CRC is divided into three categories: hereditary, nonhereditary and familial. Approximately 15% of CRC cases are considered as a hereditary form which most common contains: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and MYHAssociated polyposis (MAP). CRC develops through multiple pathways leading to different phenotypes.
Knockdown of Clock gene induces thrombotic potential reduction by inhibiting α1-antitrypsin with promotion of fibronectin

ABSTRACT Our previous study indicated that Clock gene could affect the thrombotic potential. In this present study, we examined the differential expression of proteins in Clock knockdown mice’s plasma, including α1-antitrypsin as a potential target. The proteins were examined in AML12 cells with Clock gene being knocked down to confirm the differential expressions. RNAs of those cells were extracted every 3 h in 24 h. The transcriptional levels of α1-antitrypsin (Serpina1a) and fibronectin (Fn1) were analyzed with the least-squares fit of a 24-h cosine function by single cosinor method, but no circadian rhythm was determined in neither of these genes. The expressions of α1-antitrypsin and fibronectin in Clock knockdown cells were found upregulated in both transcriptional and translational levels. Then, we applied ELISA assay to detect the concentration of activated protein C in Clock knockdown plasma and found a risen concentration. Fibronectin was reported to play a role in inhibiting the platelet aggregation, while activated protein C was demonstrated to inhibit PAI-1. All these results indicated that downregulation of the Clock gene in the circulatory system might have effects on PAI-1 by upregulating α1-antitrypsin, and might play some roles in platelet aggregation by increased fibronectin.