Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing anthropogenic impacts using benthic macroinvertebrate as bio-indicators in central highland streams of Ethiopia

Biological indicators particularly those using macroinvertebrate communities are increasingly used to assess the effects of human driven stressors on stream water and habitat quality. The goal of this study was to establish relationships between benthic macroinvertebrate and common stressor types (siltation, agriculture and paper mill waste) in central highlands of Ethiopia. For analysis environmental variables and benthic invertebrate taxa were collected from four streams from November, 2011 to June, 2012. There was a significant difference in conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus and five days biological oxygen demand between paper mill waste and other stressor types. In siltation sites, most environmental parameters were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from reference and agricultural sites. Sensitive taxa such as Perlidae, Lepidostomatidae, Scirtidae and Philopotamidae were represented in the reference site. Paper mill waste was the worst stressor for deterioration of water quality and cause significant reduction of benthic invertebrate diversity directly by intoxication and indirectly by changing water quality parameters. Agriculture and siltation stressed sites showed major difference in abundance than richness of benthic invertebrates. Of 39 benthic macroinvertebrate metrics tested, five metrics representing richness, composition and sensitivity were identified as useful to discriminate stressor groups. These metrics are taxa richness, EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Tricoptera), % Oligochaeta & Chironomidae, % EPT-BCH (EPT without Baetidae, Caenidae and Hydropschidae and ASPT (Average Score Per Taxa). Among others % EPT-BCH was found effective to separate the effect of siltation from agriculture and reference sites. This study showed that benthic macroinvertebrate metrics were useful to assess the impact of different stressors in Ethiopian central highland stream and rivers. Key Words : Benthic macroinvertebrate, Stressors, Pollution, Metrics, Highland streams
’ s repository of research publications and other research outputs Synthetic , Switchable Enzymes Journal Item

The construction of switchable, radiation-controlled, aptameric enzymes – “ swenzymes” – is, in principle, feasible. We propose a strategy to make such catalysts from 2 (or more) aptamers each selected to bind specifically to one of the substrates in, for example, a 2-substrate reaction. Construction of a combinatorial library of candidate swenzymes entails selecting a set of a million aptamers that bind one substrate and a second set of a million aptamers that bind the second substrate; the aptamers in these sets are then linked pairwise by a linker, thus bringing together the substrates. In the presence of the substrates, some linked aptamer pairs catalyze the reaction when exposed to external energy in the form of a specific frequency of low-intensity, nonionizing electromagnetic or acoustic radiation. Such swenzymes are detected via a separate product-capturing aptamer that changes conformation on capturing the product; this altered conformation allows it (1) to bind to every potential swenzyme in its vicinity (thereby giving a higher probability of capture to the swenzymes that generate the product) and (2) to bind to Published online: April 28, 2017 Vic Norris Theoretical Biology Unit, EA 4312, Department of Biology, University of Rouen FR–76821 Mont Saint Aignan (France) E-Mail victor.norris @ univ-rouen.fr © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel
Cultural Work Instruments in Fashion Technology - Practical Method of Generating Emotional Design

Clothing fashion technologies, from yarn to clothing, are some of the oldest cultural technologies of humanity, integrated into both the public and domestic space of life [1]. The artistic and cultural imaginary, predominantly feminine, has found an ideal place of expression, because the tradition of social and cultural praxis has a millenary individuality and continuity [2]. In the 21st century, in a context of globalization of economies and technologies, cultural technologies strike a discordant note because they work based on cultural icons, and specific societal imaginary [3]. In this field, Technical engineering, informatic (logic-mathematical) and cultural (cognitive-emotional) languages need to find a common denominator to respond to the complexity of consumers’ demands for modern products. Interdisciplinary approaches should not remain only at academic or technological level, transdisciplinary may be a holistic key to the success of some disciplines, in the context in which co-creation and collaborative design are nowadays common in leadership and user-oriented creation. Emotional design and art science have become increasingly attractive research directions in many interdisciplinary art programs that rely on the many novelties of science and technology, as well as the research of metaphor or visual semiotics. This is the academic world, but the reality of creative and cultural industries is much closer to crafts and a digital world that is used only as commercial support or product development. The article presents the laboratory verification, together with students, of a method of generating the emotional, practical design of product creation by using a mix of cultural instruments, a method substantiated by the main author of this article. The purpose of this practical method is to make creative individuals aware of the importance of cultural work instruments in fashion technologies.
A Review of Green Roof Applications for Managing Urban Stormwater in Different Climatic Zones

Many regions have turned to low impact development technologies (LIDs), which are implemented to restore the changes in stormwater runoff that have resulted from urbanization. Green roofs are one typical type of LID. Until now, many studies have validated their roles in managing urban stormwater runoff. However, they have also revealed that the performance of green roofs largely varies with their design configuration, as well as their hydro-climatic exposure. The objectives of this review paper are to statistically synthesize the effects of the influential factors, including design and hydrologic variables, on green roof performance and to explore their effects in different climatic zones. The review’s results confirm the differences in the influential variables and, thus, the performance of green roofs in different climatic zones. These are the barriers to knowledge translation among engineering designers, stormwater managers, and policymakers in different climatic zones when implementing green roofs. Consequently, region- or site-specific studies are necessary to implement green roofs with confidence.
Testing evolutionary dynamics on first lower molars of Pliocene Ogmodontomys (Arvicolidae, Rodentia) from the Meade Basin of southwestern Kansas (USA): A landmark-based approach

Abstract Landmark- and semilandmark-based geometric morphometrics were used to explore morphological variation in the occlusal surface and linea sinuosa (enamel-dentine junction) of first lower molars (m1s) of Ogmodontomys sawrockensis and O. poaphagus from the Meade Basin in southwestern Kansas. Morphological differences between the two species were determined in an effort to explore interspecific variation and to test the power of landmark geometry of dental variation for species discrimination. Significant differences were found between O. sawrockensis and O. poaphagus in both occlusal surface and the linea sinuosa patterns. Multivariate tests demonstrate that the most significant morphological changes occurred at the presumed O. sawrockensis-O. poaphagus speciation event. An intraspecific multivariate analysis of O. poaphagus m1s, however, also identified directional evolutionary tendencies in shape of both the occlusal surface and linea sinuosa.
Isolation and sequencing of doublesex/male abnormal 3 (DM) related transcription factor (Dmrt) genes from the Asian toad Bufo gargarizans (Cantor, 1842)

The doublesex/male abnormal 3 (dsx/mab-3 or DM) domain gene family involved in sexual development encodes putative transcription factors including a DNA-binding homology motif, the DM domain. We used highly degenerate primers to clone and sequence seven distinct DM related transcription factor (Dmrt) genes from the Asian toad (Bufo gargarizans Cantor, 1842). A database search for the cloned sequences revealed the following percentage identity with the homologous Dmrt genes of the human: BgDmrt1 = 97%, BgDmrt2 = 97%, three isoforms of BgDmrt3 (BgDmrt3a = 93%, BgDmrt3b = 95%, BgDmrt3c = 100%) and two isoforms of BgDmrt5 (BgDmrt5 = 97%, BgDmrt5 = 91%). Based on DM domain amino acid sequence similarities we constructed a phylogenetic tree which grouped vertebrate and invertebrate Dmrt genes into seven distinct subfamilies. The DM domains of both human and the newly-discovered Bufo gargarizans genes contained two conserved zinc-chelating sites (CCHC and HCCC), except BgDmrt3b, which contained the CCRC and HCCC sites.
Large-Eddy Simulation: Current Capabilities, Recommended Practices, and Future Research

Usage of large-eddy simulation (LES) methods for calculation of turbulent flows has increased substantially in recent years. This paper attempts to 1) provide an assessment of the current capabilities of LES, 2) outline some recommended practices for using LES, and 3) identify future research needs. The assessment considers flow problems for which LES can be successfully applied today and flow problems for which LES still has limitations. The availability of LES and hybrid Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS)/LES in general-purpose codes is discussed. Several important issues for which the LES community has not yet reached a consensus are discussed. These include grid sensitivity studies, application of unstructured grid methods, upwind-biased solvers, and turbulence (subgrid) modeling including continuous hybrid RANS/LES approaches. A section on recommended practices and key considerations tries to provide guidance on some of the important items that need to be addressed in using LES. The paper concludes with a discussion of future research directions, with a focus on work needed to advance the capabilities and reliability of LES for analysis of turbulent flows.
EXPERIMENTAL AND COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSES OF A CENTRAL PATTERN GENERATOR UNDERLYING ASPECTS OF FEEDING BEHAVIOUR OF APLYSIA

Both experimental and computational approaches were used to examine how a circuit of identified neurons in the buccal ganglia of Aplysia functions as a central pattern generator (CPG) controlling aspects of feeding, the ways in which transmitters modulate the electrical activity of this circuit, and the features of consummatory behaviours that are mediated by the various patterns of electrical activity in this CPG. The biophysical properties of neurons B4, B31, B35, B51, B52 and B64, and their synaptic connections were mathematically modelled and simulated using the SNNAP computer program. In the model, brief depolarizations of B31 elicited single cycles of patterned activity in the circuit, and long depolarizations induced sustained patterned activity. The phase relationships, duration and frequency of simulated electrical activity in the network model were very similar to empirical observations and indicated that such a circuit could account for many features of patterned electrical activity in the isolated buccal ganglia. In addition, the possible involvement of catecholamines in regulating activity of this CPG was examined. Dopamine or its metabolic precursor L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) elicited sustained rhythmic neural activity in isolated buccal ganglia. A newly identified catecholaminergic interneuron, B65, was found to be rhythmically active in presence of DOPA, in response to radula nerve stimulation, as well as during its direct depolarization, which in turn elicited rhythmic activity in the CPG similar to that induced by DOPA. Finally, perfusion of semi-intact preparations with DOPA initiated rhythmic feeding movements indicative of ingestive behaviours.
Identification of Urban Functional Areas Based on POI Data: A Case Study of the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone

Functional areas are the basic spatial units in which cities or development zones implement urban plans and provide functions. Internet map big data technology provides a new method for the identification and spatial analysis of functional areas. Based on the POI (point of interest) data from AMap (a map application of AutoNavi) from 2017, this paper proposes an urban functional areas recognition and analysis method based on the frequency density and the ratio of POI function types. It takes the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone as a case study to analyze the main function and spatial distribution characteristics of the detailed functional areas. The research shows the following: (1) The POI frequency density index and the function type ratio can effectively distinguish the functions of the grid units and analyze the spatial distribution characteristics of a complex functional area. (2) The single functional area is the most common area type in the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone. The largest proportion of all areas is allocated to traditional manufacturing industry functional areas, followed by high-tech enterprises, catering and entertainment, real estate, and education and health care, in descending order. The smallest proportion is allocated to finance and insurance functional areas. (3) The current layout of the functional areas in the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone conforms to the overall requirements and planning objectives of the central and local government. The layout and agglomeration of different blocks within the economic development zone are consistent with local industry’s target orientation and development history.
A Dynamic Cross-Domain Access Control Model for Collaborative Healthcare Application

Authorization models have become a hot topic for debate in recent years because of sharing healthcare data among different resources. Although authorization models have been developed and applied to various applications to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive healthcare data, there is no system model on cross-domain access control and combined context of team collaboration and workflow. This paper describes a cross-domain healthcare scenario based on current issues and interaction of relevant entities. This work has led us to propose a new fully decentralized access control framework for a dynamic cross-domain authorization model, where this framework is policy based to meet the requirements of cross-domain in healthcare environments.
The significance of distance between stock exchanges undergoing the process of convergence: An analysis of selected world stock exchanges during the period of 2004-2012

The paper concerns the convergence of selected world stock exchanges from the point of view of their development in the context of geographical and economic distance between them. It presents the methodological approach which points up the necessity of taking into account spatial and economic connections among stock markets in convergence analyses. The research includes 46 largest trading floors analyzed in the period of 2004–2012. The empirical data refer to six diagnostic variables acknowledged as the important determinants of the development of stock markets.
Intelligent Prediction System for Gas Metering System Using Particle Swarm Optimization in Training Neural Network

In this paper, a study on development of prediction model based on an intelligent systems is discussed for gas metering system in order to validate the instrument reliability. In providing reliable measurement of gas metering system, an accurate prediction model is required for model validation and parameter estimation. The intelligent prediction system has been developed for gas measurement validation. Then the project focused on the application of particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) in training neural network prediction model in enhancing the performance of Intelligent Prediction System (IPS). In this study, the three experiment has been conducted to improve the accuracy of the neural network prediction model. The comparison of the performance of PSONN and GANN with pure ANN is presented in this paper. The results shows that the proposed PSONN model give promising results in the prediction accuracy of gas measurement. © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Peer-review under responsibility of organizing committee of the 2016 IEEE International Symposium on Robotics and Intelligent Sensors (IRIS 2016).
Vitamin D supplementation and bone mineral density in early postmenopausal women 1 – 3

Background: Increased vitamin D intake may preserve or increase bone mineral density (BMD) in older persons. Objective: A 2-y double-blind study was undertaken to determine whether weekly administration of 10 000 units of vitamin D2 maintained or increased BMD in younger postmenopausal women more efficiently than did calcium supplements alone. Design: One hundred eighty-seven women who were ≥ 1 y postmenopausal were randomly assigned to take either 1000 mg Ca/d after the evening meal or 1000 mg Ca/d plus 10 000 U vitamin D2/wk in a double-blind, placebo-controlled format. The BMD of the proximal forearm, lumbar spine, femoral neck, Ward’s triangle, and femoral trochanter was measured at 6-mo intervals by osteodensitometry. Results: During the 2-y period, there was no significant difference in the change in BMD at any site between the subjects taking calcium supplements and those taking calcium plus vitamin D2. Both groups significantly (P < 0.005) gained BMD in Ward’s triangle and the femoral trochanter but significantly (P < 0.005) lost bone in the proximal radius. There was no significant change in the lumbar spine or femoral neck BMD. Conclusion: In younger postmenopausal women (x– age: 56 y) whose average baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was well within the normal range, the addition of 10 000 U vitamin D2/wk to calcium supplementation at 1000 mg/d did not confer benefits on BMD beyond those achieved with calcium supplementation alone. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;77:1324–9.
Content-aware seam carving for image resizing

In this paper, we look into Seam Carving as a content-aware image resizing algorithm, along with its shortcomings when it comes to increasing image sizes. Seam carving is used to find the image regions with lowest importance. By inserting seams in those region, we can increase image size without causing distortions. In this project, we implemented 3 different algorithms to change images aspect ratios. The energy function was also optimized by using extracted edges. The background noise has been significantly reduced. Overall the algorithm showed good results with no distortions or artifacts.
Wireless Energy Harvesting with Cooperative Relaying under the Best Relay Selection Scheme

One of the most notable challenges in wireless communications is energy scarcity, which has attracted considerable attention in Fifth Generation (5G) wireless network research. This paper investigates the performance of energy harvesting (EH) relays under the best relay selection (BRS) scheme. The results show degradation of spectral efficiency (SE) due to EH relaying compared with conventional cooperative relaying (CR). Conversely, EH relaying provides a positive gain compared with conventional CR, increasing the lifetime of the network and decreasing energy consumption (EC) and operational cost. Moreover, the EH relaying network has better energy efficiency (EE) compared with conventional relaying networks. Results show that when EH relaying is applied, EE is improved through an increased number of relays. Finally, the SE-EE metric is presented for both conventional and EH relays. Results show that the performance of the proposed technique was able to achieve a maximum SE of 1.4 bits/s/Hz and maximum EE at 0.6 bits/s/Hz, and for the case of conventional relays, a maximum SE of 2 bits/s/Hz and EE at 1.1 bits/s/Hz. This result implies that the proposed EH scheme provides an optimum solution for energy-constrained wireless CR systems.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Hamilton cycles in sparse robustly expanding

The notion of robust expansion has played a central role in the solution of several conjectures involving the packing of Hamilton cycles in graphs and directed graphs. These and other results usually rely on the fact that every robustly expanding (di)graph with suitably large minimum degree contains a Hamilton cycle. Previous proofs of this require Szemerédi’s Regularity Lemma and so this fact can only be applied to dense, sufficiently large robust expanders. We give a proof that does not use the Regularity Lemma and, indeed, we can apply our result to sparser robustly expanding digraphs. Mathematics Subject Classifications: 05C20, 05C35, 05C38, 05C45
Nutrition and Aging Chronic Ginseng Consumption Attenuates Age-Associated Oxidative Stress in Rats 1

The antioxidant properties of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) were investigated in young and old rats fed a ginseng-supplemented diet for 4 mo. Female Fischer 344 rats at 4 (Y, n 38) or 22 (O, n 25) mo of age were randomly divided into three groups and fed either a AIN-93G formula-based control diet (C) or a diet containing 0.5 g/kg (low dose, L) or 2.5 g/kg (high dose, H) dry ginseng power for 4 mo. Oxidant generation, measured with 2 7 -dichlorofluorescin (DCFH), was significantly lowered with ginseng feeding in the homogenates of heart, soleus, and the deep portion of vastus lateralis muscle (DVL) (P 0.05) in both Y and O rats, and the effects were dose dependent. Superoxide dismutase activity was elevated in heart and DVL of H rats, and in soleus of L rats (P 0.05). H rats showed higher glutathione peroxidase activity in DVL and soleus muscle (P 0.05), and elevated citrate synthase activity in the heart of both age groups and DVL of Y rats (P 0.05). Neither the H nor L diet affected age-dependent lipid peroxidation in the heart or muscle, but protein carbonyl content was attenuated with the H diet in the heart (P 0.05) and with both the L and H diets in DVL (P 0.01). We conclude that ginseng supplementation can prevent age-associated increase in oxidant production and oxidative protein damage in rats. These protective effects are explained in part by elevated antioxidant enzyme activities in the various tissues. J. Nutr. 133: 3603–3609, 2003.
Chapter 4 COGNITIVEAPPROACHESFORDIGITAL FORENSIC READINESS PLANNING

This paper focuses on the use of cognitive approaches for digital forensic readiness planning. Research has revealed that a well-thought-out and legally contextualized digital forensic readiness strategy can provide organizations with an increased ability to respond to security incidents while maintaining the integrity of the evidence gathered and keeping investigative costs low. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge in digital forensics related to the design and implementation of digital forensic readiness plans aimed at maximizing the use of digital evidence in organizations. The study uses interviews as part of a mixed-methods approach. In particular, it employs a mix of informal conversational and standardized open-ended interview styles conducted with industry experts over a variety of communication media.