Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Land Use Land Cover Run Off on Surface Water Quality in Enugu Urban Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

The physico-chemical characteristic of runoff on land use land cover along the river basin as well as geographical dispositions, combined with anthropogenic factors are strong causative factors of of pollution in surface water quality in the study area. The purpose of this research determines the effect of land use land cover along the river basin on surface water quality in Enugu urban area. The landsat 8 of 2017 of Enugu urban was downloaded from United State Geological Survey (USGS) web site and was used to assess the land use land cover of the study area through remotely sensing pixel based image classification. The measurements were conducted on the on six major rivers in the study area (Ekulu, Asata, Aria, Idaw, Ayo and Ogbete river). Two samples were collected from each river but Ekulu river being the longest of all, three samples were collected with aid of handheld Geographical Position System (GPS). The laboratory test was conducted on the sample water to assess the physico-chemical characteristic of surface water in the study area. All the generated data was imported into ArcGIS software where the Geostatistical analysis was run. The physico-chemical parametes were analysed using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation. Inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation explicitly implements the assumption that things that are close to one another are more alike than those that are farther apart. GIS proximity analysis was used to determine the river basin by creating a buffer of 500 m along the main river line and 250m along the tributary. The result shown that the total percentage covered by residential land use (urban land) area is 35.19%, followed by woodland (32.09%) and then tropical rain forest(12.16%) the agricultural area accounted for 2.22%. above that the urban area is mostly caused the degradation of urban waterways. The runoff water with high concentration of physico-properties was recorded in urban area. The major pollutants found in runoff from urban areas include Ph, Total Dissolved Solid, Temperature, Conductivity and turbidity. It also revealed that urban area and vegetation area were the most highly pollutants land use in the study area because of its high concentration of chemical-properties. the nature of the quality of surface water from runoff in various land use in the study area using remote sensing image classification shows that the land use land cover of the area has been drastically affected by physico-chemical properties of surface water runoff and this is evidently clear from land use land cover Maps of Enugu urban Subcatchment area. Additional studies should be conducted to cover the rural areas of Enugu state for land use and cover analysis, for extraction runoff /land degradation prone area in order to educate and evacuate inhabitants of the environs before runoff lead land failure occurs. Keywords: Land Use, Land Cover, Runoff, Water Quality, Surface Water.
System performance analysis with an Ada process model development

The Command Center Processing and Display System-Replacement (CCPDS-R) Performance Model (CPM) has enjoyed an expanded role in the CCPDS-R project. The performance model has influenced not only the system design, but also system allocations of resources. CCPDS-R performance analysis and requirements compliance insight have been substantially enhanced over the early phase of development. The CCPDS-R program has maximized the use of an ADPE performance model during all phases of a systems design. It also provided an approach for its use in concert with the Ada process model. With the effective use of the CPM and the Ada process model, one can maximize the efficiency of both efforts. The CPM is a complementary tool in the Ada process model for building a computer system which meets its requirements. <<ETX>>
Comparison of Anesthetic Administration According to Method of Hip Surgery.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to compare total hip prosthesis (THP), partial hip prosthesis (PHP), and proximal femoral nail (PFN) patients in terms of the chosen anesthetic method. METHODS A total of 850 patients who underwent hip surgery were divided into 3 groups according to the operation type: PHP (n=281), PFN (n=393), and THP (n=176). The type of anesthesia administered, interventions during anesthesia, and complications were retrospectively evaluated. The groups were compared in terms of patient age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, chosen anesthetic method, operation duration, colloid use during operation, use of antihypertensive medication, use of vasoconstrictor medication, development of hypotension, blood transfusion administered, development of cardiac arrest, requirements for intensive care after operation, and use of a central catheter. RESULTS In the THP group, the mean age of patients was significantly lower as compared to the PHP and PFN groups. The duration of operation was lower in the PFN group as compared to the other two groups. In the THP group, general anesthesia was significantly high, while in the PFN group, regional anesthetic administration was high. While colloid use was greater in the PFN group, the blood transfusion rate was higher in the THP group. The use of antihypertensive medication was higher in the THP group as compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION Although all three anesthetic methods could be used in hip surgery, the type of anesthesia should be chosen according to the type of hip surgery considering the duration of operation, age of the patient, and blood lost during the operation.
Image Priors for Image Deblurring with Uncertain Blur

We consider the problem of non-blind deconvolution of images corrupted by a blur that is not accurately known. We propose a method that exploits dictionary-based image priors and non Gaussian noise models to improve deblurring accuracy in the presence of an inexact blur. The proposed image priors express each image patch as a linear combination of atoms from a dictionary learned from patches extracted from the same image or from an image database. When applied to blurred images, this model imposes that patches that are similar in the blurred image retain the same similarity when deblurred. We perform image deblurring by imposing this prior model in an energy minimization scheme that also deals with outliers. Experimental results on publicly available databases show that our approach is able to remove artifacts such as oscillations, which are often introduced during the deblurring process when the correct blur is not known.
Statins in stroke: prevention, protection and recovery

Stroke is the third most common cause of death and the leading cause of neurological disability in the USA. While some risk factors for stroke, such as hypertension and cigarette smoking, are well defined, the role of cholesterol in stroke pathogenesis is debated. However, numerous studies in the past decade have shown that medications that reduce cholesterol via 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibition (statins) reduce the incidence of ischemic stroke in patients who are known to have, or be at high risk of, coronary artery disease. In addition, statins may have benefits in neuroprotection and recovery after stroke. The mechanisms by which statins protect against, and improve outcome after, stroke probably extend beyond lipid lowering.
Calculation of the temperature-dependent mobility transition for small-polaron hopping in one dimension.

Calcul exact de la mobilite qui montre que (1) la reponse lineaire est retrouvee dans la limite des champs appliques tres faibles, (2) la partie non decroissante de la fonction de memoire du polaron ne contribue pas a la mobilite dc pour un systeme diagonalement desordonne, et (3), pour une distribution gaussienne des energies des sites, la mobilite disparait en dessous une temperature de transition T 0
Efficient algorithms for Petersen's matching theorem

Petersen's theorem is a classic result in matching theory from 1891, stating that every 3-regular bridgeless graph has a perfect matching. Our work explores efficient algorithms for finding perfect matchings in such graphs. Previously, the only relevant matching algorithms were for general graphs, and the fastest algorithm ran in O(n3/2) time for 3-regular graphs. We have developed an O(nlog4n)-time algorithm for perfect matching in a 3-regular bridgeless graph. When the graph is also planar, we have as the main result of our paper an optimal O(n)-time algorithm. We present three applications of this result: terrain guarding, adaptive mesh refinement, and quadrangulation.
Functional Organization of MobB, a Small Protein Required for Efficient Conjugal Transfer of Plasmid R1162

ABSTRACT MobB is a small (molecular weight = 15,097) protein encoded by the broad-host-range plasmid R1162 and is required for its efficient transfer by conjugation. The C-terminal half of the protein contains a membrane domain essential for transfer. This region can be replaced by a putative membrane domain from another, unrelated protein, and thus is likely to function independently from the rest of MobB. The other, functionally active region of MobB, identified by mutagenesis, is at the N-terminal end. One mutation affecting this region inhibits replication, suggesting that this part of the protein is contacting and sequestering the relaxase-linked primase. The overall organization reflects a multimeric and bipolar organization, with molecules of MobB anchored in the membrane at one end and engaging the relaxase at the other. This arrangement could increase the transfer frequency by raising the probability of contact between the relaxase and the membrane-embedded, coupling protein for type IV secretion.
In Vitro Cutaneous Application of ISCOMs on Human Skin Enhances Delivery of Hydrophobic Model Compounds Through the Stratum Corneum

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a novel kind of immune-stimulating complexes (ISCOMs) on human skin penetration of model compounds in vitro to evaluate their potential as a delivery system, ultimately for transcutaneous vaccination. Special focus was on elucidating the mechanisms of penetration. Preparation of ISCOMs was done by dialysis and subsequent purification in a sucrose density gradient. The penetration pathways of acridine-labeled ISCOMs were visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to evaluate the ultrastructural changes in the skin after application of the ISCOMs with or without hydration. Transcutaneous permeation of the model compound, methyl nicotinate, was evaluated in diffusion cells. The prepared ISCOMs were 42–52 nm in diameter as evaluated by dynamic light scattering with zeta potentials of −33 to −26.1 mV. TEM investigations verified the presence of ISCOM structures. Penetration of acridine into skin was greatly increased by incorporation into ISCOMs as visualized by CLSM. Permeation of methyl nicotinate was enhanced in the presence of ISCOMs. Ultrastructural changes of the intercellular space in the stratum corneum after exposure of ISCOMs were observed on micrographs, especially for hydrated skin. In conclusion, cutaneous application of ISCOMs leads to increased penetration of hydrophobic model compounds through human stratum corneum and thus shows potential as a transcutaneous delivery system. The increased penetration seems to be reflected by a change in the intercellular space between the corneocytes, and the effect is most likely caused by the components of the ISCOMs rather than intact ISCOMs.
Presence of Two Different Genetic Traits in Malignant Hyperthermia Families: Implication for Genetic Analysis, Diagnosis, and Incidence of Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility

Background Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS), an uncommon syndrome often inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, is characterized by a genetic and clinical heterogeneity. In this article, the authors described six pedigrees in which both parents of MHS patients were diagnosed with MHS by an in vitro diagnostic test. Haplotype and mutation analysis revealed that more than one MHS genetic trait was present in these families. Methods A panel of 104 MHS families were investigated with a caffeine halothane contracture test on muscle biopsy specimens. When possible, blood creatine kinase concentrations of MHS patients were measured. Haplotyping studies were conducted with chromosome 19q13.2 polymorphic markers and mutations were searched for in patients’ DNA. Results In six families, the in vitro diagnostic test and genetic studies demonstrated that both, apparently unrelated, parents of MHS patients were MHS. In three families, homozygous or compound heterozygous individuals for RYR1 mutations were characterized at a molecular level. In one family, a compound heterozygous patient harboring a RYR1 mutation and a CACNA1S mutation was identified. While patients with two mutated alleles did not show differences in their muscle response to halothane or caffeine, their creatinine kinase concentrations were significantly elevated compared with the heterozygous patients. Conclusions Based on genetic and in vitro diagnostic test data, more than one MHS allele associated with the MHS phenotype was evidenced in four families. These data should be considered in view of the use of genetics for the diagnosis of MHS and when reaching conclusions of genetic heterogeneity in MHS families. Taking into account the usual dominant mode of transmission of MHS and the size of the investigated population, the authors propose an evaluation of the incidence of the MHS in the general population based on genetic data.
A Comprehensive Ubiquitous Healthcare Solution on an Android™ Mobile Device

Provision of ubiquitous healthcare solutions which provide healthcare services at anytime anywhere has become more favorable nowadays due to the emphasis on healthcare awareness and also the growth of mobile wireless technologies. Following this approach, an Android™ smart phone device is proposed as a mobile monitoring terminal to observe and analyze ECG (electrocardiography) waveforms from wearable ECG devices in real time under the coverage of a wireless sensor network (WSN). The exploitation of WSN in healthcare is able to substitute the complicated wired technology, moving healthcare away from a fixed location setting. As an extension to the monitoring scheme, medicine care is taken into consideration by utilizing the mobile phone as a barcode decoder, to verify and assist out-patients in the medication administration process, providing a better and more comprehensive healthcare service.
Institute for Research on Poverty Discussion Papers

University of Wisconsin. The IRP provided primary funding for this project. The authors also benefited from a grant from the Ford Foundation in support of a program of research in trade policy in the Institute of Public Policy Studies at the University of Michigan. Abstract This study examines the relationship between the application of United States trade laws, on the one hand, and the distribution of income and levels of poverty in America, on the other. The use of U.S. trade laws in recent years has taken the form of "administered protection," whereby industries are able to seek protection from imports on the grounds that they are being injured by imports or that they are subject to unfair competition from abroad. This study draws upon a Trade Action Inventory that has been compiled on the actions that have been filed under these laws, including information on the industries that sought protection and whether they received it. By comparing the experiences of these industries under the trade laws with the poverty rates, wage levels, and rates of unemployment that are associated with these industries or the regions in which they operate, this study seeks to determine whether this protection may have sewed to alleviate or to exacerbate poverty. The paper concludes that U.S. trade laws serve to worsen poverty in the United States.
Real-time extension of ROS based on a network of modular blocks for highly precise motion generation

In this paper a solution is presented, which extends the network of non-real-time-capable ROS nodes (Robot Operating System) by a modular network of configurable and real-time-capable blocks with control and path planning functionalities. By means of this solution, ROS can be coupled with real-time algorithms from the field of industrial path planning controls, such as spline interpolation (e.g. Akima, B-spline). Furthermore, the real-time network can communicate directly with industrial hardware via real-time bus protocols established in the industrial automation technology. The available engineering-tool allows to model the real-time network in a user-friendly way. Custom real-time blocks can be generated from C++ code.
Acute Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis causes Neurodegeneration in the Subregions of the Hippocampus in Wistar Rats

Background: Bacterial meningitis is known to cause neurodegenerations in the hippocampus, motor cortex and cerebellum. Aim of the present study was to investigate quantitatively the effect of pneumococcal meningitis on hippocampal sub regions in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty days old rats were divided into normal control (NC) and meningitis (M) groups. Rats in the meningitis group were infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae intracisternally on postnatal day 31. The concentration of the bacterial suspension in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was 1×106 cfu/ml (colony forming units/ml). The rats were kept under observation for 18 hrs for clinical symptoms of meningitis to develop. After 18-24 hrs of incubation, 10-50μl of the CSF sample was collected. Gram's staining of the CSF smear was done and observed under oil immersion objective (100X) for Gram positive, lanceolate diplococci. The rats were perfused transcardially with saline followed by 10% formalin. Brains were removed, processed for paraffin sectioning and stained with cresyl violet stain. Neurodegeneration in the hippocampal CA1, CA3 and dentate hilus were quantified. Results: The hippocampal sub-regions showed neurodegeneration. Significant fractions of neurons in the above regions were darkly stained and were irregular in shape. There was 56-81% neuronal loss in these regions. The surviving neurons showed 34-45% decrease in cell diameter and 28-29% decrease in the cross-sectional area in the hippocampal sub regions. Conclusion: Meningitis affects the hippocampal subregions equally and may be the neural basis of cognitive deficit. The mechanism of such neurodegeneration could have been due to necrosis or apoptosis.
Structured learning for crowd motion segmentation

In this paper we present a novel method for motion segmentation in crowded scenes, based on statistical modeling for structured prediction using a Conditional Random Field (CRF). As opposed to other conditional Markov models, CRF overcomes the label bias problem, making it suitable for crowd motion analysis. In our method, a grid of particles is initialized on the scene, and advected using optical flow. The particles are exploited to extract motion patterns, used as input priors for CRF training. Furthermore, we exploit min cut/max flow algorithm to remove the residual noise and highlight the main directions of crowd motion. The experimental evaluation is conducted on a set of benchmark video sequences, commonly used for crowd motion analysis, and the obtained results are compared against other state of the art techniques.
STABILIT Y ANALYSI S AND SYNTHESIS OF FUZZY SYSTEMS USING INTERVA L ARITHMETIC

This paper deals with the design of stable and robust rule-based fuzzy control systems . The interval analysi s is applied to design a stable fuzz y controller using a robust condition to assure the stabil ty. An exampl e with a fuzzy controller for a non-linear system is presente d to illustrate the desig n procedure. Copyright © 2002 IFAC
Influencing factors on plankton populations in a desert man -made lake

Influencing Factors On Plankton Populations in a Nevada Man-made Lake by Steven Weber Dr. Shawn Gerstenberger, Examination Committee Chair Professor of Health Sciences University of Nevada, Las Vegas The purpose of this study was to examine and identify the factors that have influenced changes in phytoplankton and zooplankton assemblages during the initial thirteen years of ecological development of Lake Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were used to determine the level of influence lake water chemistry, lake physical characteristics and planktonic groups will have on overall plankton community dynamics. Water quality and plankton population data have been collected since 1991 when the lake began filling through the period of study ending December, 2003. Results indicate the zooplankton biomass was most influenced by conductance, total dissolved solids, water temperature, chlorophyll a and pH. Phytoplankton biomass was most related to TN, nitrogen ; P ratio, total dissolved solids, conductivity and water temperature. During the first thirteen years external influences have caused the reservoir plankton populations to change annually due to random disturbances.
Intra-task voltage scheduling on DVS-enabled hard real-time systems

This paper proposes a novel intra-task dynamic voltage scheduling (IntraDVS) framework for low-energy hard real-time applications. Based on a static timing analysis technique, the proposed approach controls the supply voltage within an individual task boundary. By fully exploiting all the slack times, a scheduled program by the proposed technique always completes its execution near the deadline, thus achieving a high energy reduction ratio. The problem formulation of IntraDVS is first presented and two heuristics are proposed: one based on worst-case execution information and the other on average-case execution information. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed heuristics, a software tool that automatically converts a DVS-unaware program into an equivalent low-energy program was built. In an experiment on a DVS-enabled system, the low-energy version of a Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG)-4 encoder/decoder consumed only 35%-51% of the energy consumption of the original program running on a fixed-voltage system with a power-down mode. The energy efficiency of the IntraDVS algorithms was also compared with that of task-level voltage scheduling algorithms. The experimental results show that the IntraDVS algorithm can be useful in multitask environments as well.
Sex Differences in Intellectual Performance

Only 1% of the world's chess grandmasters are women. This underrepresentation is unlikely to be caused by discrimination, because chess ratings objectively reflect competitive results. Using data on the ratings of more than 250,000 tournament players over 13 years, we investigated several potential explanations for the male domination of elite chess. We found that (a) the ratings of men are higher on average than those of women, but no more variable; (b) matched boys and girls improve and drop out at equal rates, but boys begin chess competition in greater numbers and at higher performance levels than girls; and (c) in locales where at least 50% of the new young players are girls, their initial ratings are not lower than those of boys. We conclude that the greater number of men at the highest levels in chess can be explained by the greater number of boys who enter chess at the lowest levels.