Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of culture in creative cognition

In this chapter, we propose the complementary model of culture and creativity (CMCC) to account for three pairs of contrasting forces that characterize the manners in which individuals manage their cultural experiences and that produce impacts on creative pursuits. We theorize three bidimensional psychological processes that explain the effects of culture on creativity: (a) stereotyping versus destabilizing cultural norms, (b) fixating on one cultural mindset versus alternating between cultural frames, and (c) distancing from versus integrating cultures. We contend that a broader and diversifying cultural experience offers an impetus to break down cultural confines, to oscillate between a variety of cultural perspectives, and to synthesize a multitude of ideas from different cultures, which can bring about discernible enduring benefits to creativity. We discuss the CMCC by putting it in the perspective of the state-of-the-art empirical findings on culture and creativity.
INFLUENCE OF SEASONAL MIGRATION ON DIETARY PATTERN AND NUTRITIONAL BALANCE OF PASTORALIST FULANI CHILDREN (6-59MONTHS) IN KAJURU L.G.A, KADUNA STATE

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN NUTRITION DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSTY, ZARIA, NIGERIA
Parallel multiple sequences alignment in SMP cluster

Multiple sequences alignment is a fundamental and challenging problem in computational molecular biology. It is commonly used to analyse the DNA/protein sequences. To develop a high efficient parallel algorithm is a very important solution to speedup this time consuming problem. However, due to the irregular computation behaviors based on tree, it is difficult to achieve good load balancing, so the utilization of processor is very low. This paper presents a parallel multiple sequences alignment algorithm featuring a mixed fine and coarse grained parallelization approach. The parallel algorithm is suitable to be implemented in SMP cluster, which is the main architecture of current cluster systems. We implemented the parallel algorithm in SMP cluster using a hybrid MPI/OpenMP method and the experimental results shows that the mixed fine and coarse algorithm achieves higher speedup
Frequency of BCR-ABL Transcript Types in Syrian CML Patients

Background. In Syria, CML patients are started on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monitored until complete molecular response is achieved. BCR-ABL mRNA transcript type is not routinely identified, contrary to the recommendations. In this study we aimed to identify the frequency of different BCR-ABL transcripts in Syrian CML patients and highlight their significance on monitoring and treatment protocols. Methods. CML patients positive for BCR-ABL transcripts by quantitative RT-PCR were enrolled. BCR-ABL transcript types were investigated using a home-made PCR method that was adapted from published protocols and optimized. The transcript types were then confirmed using a commercially available research kit. Results. Twenty-four transcripts were found in 21 patients. The most common was b2a2, followed by b3a2, b3a3, and e1a3 present solely in 12 (57.1%), 3 (14.3%), 2 (9.5%), and 1 (4.8%), respectively. Three samples (14.3%) contained dual transcripts. While b3a2 transcript was apparently associated with warning molecular response to imatinib treatment, b2a2, b3a3, and e1a3 transcripts collectively proved otherwise (P = 0.047). Conclusion. It might be advisable to identify the BCR-ABL transcript type in CML patients at diagnosis, using an empirically verified method, in order to link the detected transcript with the clinical findings, possible resistance to treatment, and appropriate monitoring methods.
Investigations on sequence training of neural networks

In this paper we present an investigation of sequence-discriminative training of deep neural networks for automatic speech recognition. We evaluate different sequence-discriminative training criteria (MMI and MPE) and optimization algorithms (including SGD and Rprop) using the RASR toolkit. Further, we compare the training of the whole network with that of the output layer only. Technical details necessary for a robust training are studied, since there is no consensus yet on the ultimate training recipe. The investigation extends our previous work on training linear bottleneck networks from scratch showing the consistently positive effect of sequence training.
Secure Routing using Multiple Domains for Wireless Sensor Networks

— Secure Transmission of data packets is a major challenge inWireless Sensor Networks. There is a possibility of an attacker creating security holes in the network. Hence, network security and reliability can be achieved by discovering random multiple paths using multiple domains, and forwarding data packets from the source node to the destination node. Random Multipath routing is a better approach to provide robust and secure data transmission service. We have developed, Secure Multiple Domain Routing algorithms where packets of the message follow multiple optimized paths simultaneously. The Special node algorithm searches the node which has maximum power and these nodes are used for transferring the packet from one domain to another domain. Since the packets follow the random multiple paths simultaneously, even if one node is compromised, remaining data packets will follow other random paths, so the entire data cannot be hacked by the adversary. Simulation results using MATLAB shows that performance is better than Purely Random Propagation (PRP) and Non-Repetitive Random Propagation(NRRP) algorithms. It also shows that network life time increases.
An Augmented Two-Layer Model Captures Nonlinear Analog Spatial Integration Effects in Pyramidal Neuron Dendrites

In pursuit of the goal to understand and eventually reproduce the diverse functions of the brain, a key challenge lies in reverse engineering the peculiar biology-based “technology” that underlies the brain's remarkable ability to process and store information. The basic building block of the nervous system is the nerve cell, or “neuron,” yet after more than 100 years of neurophysiological study and 60 years of modeling, the information processing functions of individual neurons, and the parameters that allow them to engage in so many different types of computation (sensory, motor, mnemonic, executive, etc.) remain poorly understood. In this paper, we review both historical and recent findings that have led to our current understanding of the analog spatial processing capabilities of dendrites, the major input structures of neurons, with a focus on the principal cell type of the neocortex and hippocampus, the pyramidal neuron (PN). We encapsulate our current understanding of PN dendritic integration in an abstract layered model whose spatially sensitive branch-subunits compute multidimensional sigmoidal functions. Unlike the 1-D sigmoids found in conventional neural network models, multidimensional sigmoids allow the cell to implement a rich spectrum of nonlinear modulation effects directly within their dendritic trees.
Delonix regia Leaf Extract (DRLE): A Potential Therapeutic Agent for Cardioprotection

Delonix regia (Boj. Ex. Hook) is a flowering plant in the pea family found in tropical areas and its leaves are used informally to treat diseases in folk medicine. However, the cardioprotective effects in this plant are still unclear. In this study, we found that the Delonix regia leaf extract (DRLE) (400 mg/kg/d) can reduce the mortality rate in an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced heart injury and hypertrophy mouse model. Decreased serum levels of creatine phosphokinase, LDH, GOT, TNF-alpha and increased nitric oxide levels were found in DRLE-treated ISO-injured mice. In the in vitro study, the porcine coronary artery exhibited vasodilation effect induced by DRLE in a dose-dependent manner. In the DRLE toxic test, overdose of DRLE showed the high safety in normal mice and may have the ability to remove the metabolic wastes in blood. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time that DRLE has the cardioprotective effects by activating the vasodilation through NO pathway and preventing the myocyte injury via inhibition of TNF-alpha pathway. We suggest that DRLE may act as a promising novel herbal medicine for cardioprotection.
Acute exercise modifies titin phosphorylation and increases cardiac myofilament stiffness

Titin-based myofilament stiffness is largely modulated by phosphorylation of its elastic I-band regions N2-Bus (decreases passive stiffness, PT) and PEVK (increases PT). Here, we tested the hypothesis that acute exercise changes titin phosphorylation and modifies myofilament stiffness. Adult rats were exercised on a treadmill for 15 min, untrained animals served as controls. Titin phosphorylation was determined by Western blot analysis using phosphospecific antibodies to Ser4099 and Ser4010 in the N2-Bus region (PKG and PKA-dependent. respectively), and to Ser11878 and Ser 12022 in the PEVK region (PKCα and CaMKIIδ-dependent, respectively). Passive tension was determined by step-wise stretching of isolated skinned cardiomyocytes to sarcomere length (SL) ranging from 1.9 to 2.4 μm and showed a significantly increased PT from exercised samples, compared to controls. In cardiac samples titin N2-Bus phosphorylation was significantly decreased by 40% at Ser4099, however, no significant changes were observed at Ser4010. PEVK phosphorylation at Ser11878 was significantly increased, which is probably mediated by the observed exercise-induced increase in PKCα activity. Interestingly, relative phosphorylation of Ser12022 was substantially decreased in the exercised samples. Surprisingly, in skeletal samples from acutely exercised animals we detected a significant decrease in PEVK phosphorylation at Ser11878 and an increase in Ser12022 phosphorylation; however, PKCα activity remained unchanged. In summary, our data show that a single exercise bout of 15 min affects titin domain phosphorylation and titin-based myocyte stiffness with obviously divergent effects in cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues. The observed changes in titin stiffness could play an important role in adapting the passive and active properties of the myocardium and the skeletal muscle to increased physical activity.
Pre-implementation investigation of the readiness of allied health professionals to adopt electronic health records

There has been limited uptake of electronic health records (EHR) by allied health professionals. Yet, not much attention has been given to their information needs. For EHR to work for these health professionals, it is essential to understand their current practice of information management and their perceptions towards EHR. A qualitative interview study was thus conducted with four managers in four allied health practices in Sydney to understand their perceptions for the adoption and use of a new Australian e-health standards compliant EHR system. We found that these allied health professionals were highly confident with the use of electronic information system and were enthusiastically expecting the introduction of the EHR system to support their information management and practice. A number of issues related to the use of EHR in practice for small, independent allied health practices were also discussed. It appears that allied health professionals today are information technology (IT) savvy and ready to adopt EHR. EHR for allied health practices in Australia are long overdue. The health informatics community can no longer ignore the need and want of allied health professionals for EHR that are tailored and built to support their information and practice management.
CONFIGURATION SPACE OF MOVING OBJECTS

Configuration space methods are commonly used in motion planning algorithms. Algorithms for defining the configuration space of moving objects use Minkowski sum, but it is applicable only for convex objects. If the obstacle is non-convex, triangle subdivision to convex objects must be performed. This complicates the algorithms for object movement planning. In the present paper is presented an algorithm for defining configuration space which is applicable for non-convex objects.
Frailty is independently associated with increased hospitalisation days in patients on the liver transplant waitlist

AIM To investigate the impact of physical frailty on risk of hospitalisation in cirrhotic patients on the liver transplant waitlist. METHODS Cirrhotics listed for liver transplantation at a single centre underwent frailty assessments using the Fried Frailty Index, consisting of grip strength, gait speed, exhaustion, weight loss, and physical activity. Clinical and biochemical data including MELD score as collected at the time of assessment. The primary outcome was number of hospitalised days per year; secondary outcomes included incidence of infection. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed using negative binomial regression to associate baseline parameters including frailty with clinical outcomes and estimated incidence rate ratios (IRR). RESULTS Of 587 cirrhotics, 64% were male, median age (interquartile range) was 60 (53-64) years and MELD score was 15 (12-18). Median Fried Frailty Index was 2 (1-3); 31.6% were classified as frail (fried frailty ≥ 3). During 12 mo of follow-up, 43% required at least 1 hospitalisation; 38% of which involved major infection. 107/184 (58%) frail and 142/399 (36%) non-frail patients were hospitalised at least once (P < 0.001). In univariable analysis, Fried Frailty Index was associated with total hospitalisation days per year (IRR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.28-1.77; P ≤ 0.001), which remained significant on multivariable analysis after adjustment for MELD, albumin, and gender (IRR for frailty of 1.21, 95%CI: 1.02-1.44; P = 0.03). Incidence of infection was not influenced by frailty. CONCLUSION In cirrhotics on the liver transplant waitlist, physical frailty is a significant predictor of hospitalisation and total hospitalised days per year, independent of liver disease severity.
Tool for Knowledge Acquisition and Knowledge Visualization

Concept maps are useful tools for representing general knowledge in order to organize and communicate information but they are difficult and tedious to build by hand. In this paper, we describe a system to help automate the knowledge acquisition process by using user-initiated automatic concept map generation. Our system can also display any part of the concept map already developed to help the user visualize any part of the Imowledge base.
Processamento de dados e suporte para tomada de decisão na pecuária leiteira de precisão.

1 Médico Veterinário, Doutor em Zootecnia, Bolsista CNPq – RHAE, Projeto Intergado/Seva (luigi.cavalcanti@intergado.com.br) – CRMV-MG: 10610 2 Médico Veterinário, Doutor em Zootecnia, Bolsista CNPq – RHAE Seva Engenharia, Diretor-Executivo Intergado Tecnologia (marcelo@intergado.com.br) – CRMV-MG: 8208 3 Médico Veterinário, Doutor em Ciência Animal, Pesquisador da Embrapa Gado de Leite (luiz.gustavo@embrapa.br) – CRMV-MG: 1000 Processamento de dados e suporte para tomada de decisão na pecuária leiteira de precisão
Periodontal regeneration capacity of equine particulate bone in canine alveolar bone defects

Purpose This study was performed to evaluate the periodontal wound healing effect of particulate equine bone mineral on canine alveolar bone defects. Methods Twelve adult male beagle dogs were used as study subjects. The mandibular second and fourth premolars were extracted prior to the experimental surgery, and the extraction sites were allowed to heal for 8 weeks. After periodontal probing, two-walled defects were created at the mesial and distal sides of the mandibular third premolars bilaterally, and the defects were filled with equine particulate bone with collagen membrane or bovine particulate bone with collagen membrane, or collagen membrane alone. The defects without any treatment served as negative controls. After probing depth measurement, animals were sacrificed at 10, 16, and 24 post-surgery weeks for micro-computed tomographic and histomorphometric analysis. Results The equine particulate bone-inserted group showed significantly decreased values of probing depth and first bone contact compared to the negative control and collagen membrane alone groups at weeks 10, 16, and 24 (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the new cementum length, newly-formed bone area, or newly-formed bone volume between equine particulate bone- and bovine particulate bone-inserted groups, both of which showed significantly increased values compared to the negative control and collagen membrane alone groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions Equine particulate bone showed significant differences in probing depth, first bone contact, new cementum length, newly formed bone area, and bone volume fraction values when compared to the negative control and collagen membrane alone groups. There were no significant differences between equine and bovine particulate bone substitutes in these parameters; therefore, we can conclude that equine particulate bone is equivalent to bovine bone for periodontal regeneration.
Wave propagation in waveguides with random boundaries

We give a detailed analysis of long range cumulative scattering effects from rough boundaries in waveguides. We assume small random fluctuations of the boundaries and obtain a quantitative statistical description of the wave field. The method of solution is based on coordinate changes that straighten the boundaries. The resulting problem is similar from the mathematical point of view to that of wave propagation in random waveguides with interior inhomogeneities. We quantify the net effect of scattering at the random boundaries and show how it differs from that of scattering by internal inhomogeneities.
Design and Analysis of Mast Diagonal Mounting for Incessant Communication

The paper reports about the design and stiffness analyses of communication mast’s diagonal mounting using COMSOL MultiPhysics v 4.2 a. This model presents the stiffness effect of a mast’s diagonal mounting for incessant communication. When operating under a given wind load at a specific location, the antenna’s total rotation angle should stay below a certain limit to ensure uninterrupted communications. For most of the masts being are exhibiting very low torsional stiffness that might be due to the geometry of the diagonal mountings. An attempt has been made to increase the stiffness of such a diagonal mounting by first analyzing a parameterized geometry followed by an updated geometry.Copyright © 2014 IFSA Publishing, S. L.
Analysis and Optimization of Embedded Software Energy Consumption on the Source Code and Algorithm Level

The energy consumption optimization of embedded systems can be undertaken in multiple levels of hardware and software. In this paper, based on the energy consumption measurement of embedded software, the generating reasons and influencing factors of embedded software energy consumption on the micro-structure and circuit level of hardware were analyzed firstly. Then, to reduce the energy consumption of embedded software, some measures were adopted to improve the software-related characteristics on the source code and algorithm level. Finally, a C program of typical " Eight Queens " puzzle was optimized with three methods of source code level, algorithm level and a mix of source code and algorithm level, the highest energy savings of embedded systems could achieve up to 93.1%, and experimental results demonstrated that the energy consumption optimization methods of embedded software were feasible and effective to minimize the energy consumption of embedded systems.
Thyroid Hormones in Brain Development and Function

Thyroid hormones are essential for brain developat through specific time windows influencing neurogenesis, neuronal migration, neuronal and glial cell differentiation, myelination, and synaptogenesis. The actions of thyroid hormones are mostly due to interaction of the active hormone T3 with nuclear receptors and regulation of gene expression. T4 and T3 also perform non-genomic actions. The genomically active T3 in brain derives in part from the circulation, and in part is formed locally by 5’-deiodination of T4, mediated by Dio2 in the astrocytes, in proportions that depend on the developmental stage. T4 and T3 are degraded by Dio3 present in neurons. Entry of T4 and T3 in brain is facilitated by specific transmembrane transporters, mainly the monocarboxylate transporter 8 (Mct8) and the organic anion transporter polypeptide 1c1 (Oatp1c1). In rodents Mct8 facilitates the transfer of T4 and T3 through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Oatp1c1 transports T4 through the BBB and into to the astrocytes facilitating the generation of T3 in these cells. Primates have low amounts of OATP1C1 in the BBB, and depend of MCT8 for thyroid hormone transport. Therefore MCT8 mutations in humans cannot be compensated by T4 transport as in rodents. The thyroid hormone receptor subtypes TRα and TRβ are expressed throughout the brain from early development, and mediate overlapping actions on gene expression. However there are also TR-subtype specific actions. Dio3 for example is induced by T3 specifically through TRα1. In vivo T3 regulates gene expression during development from fetal stages, and in adult animals. A large number of genes are under direct and indirect regulation by thyroid hormone. In neural cells T3 may control around 5% of all expressed genes, and as much as one third of them may be regulated directly at the transcriptional level. Thyroid hormone deficiency during fetal and postnatal development may cause retarded brain maturation, intellectual deficits and in some cases neurological impairment. Thyroid hormone deficiency to the brain during development is caused by iodine deficiency, congenital hypothyroidism, and maternal hypothyroidism and hypothyroxinemia. The sydromes of Resistance to Thyroid Hormones due to receptor mutations, especially TRα, cause variable affectation of brain function. Mutations in the monocarboxylate transporter 8 cause a severe retardation of development and neurological impairment, likely due to deficient T4 and T3 transport to the brain. A challenge for the immediate future is a deep understanding of the pathophysiology of these syndromes, under the light of ample knowledge on thyroid hormone action in the brain, to allow designing appropriate therapies. For complete coverage of this and related areas in Endocrinology, please visit our free web-book, www.endotext. org .