Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Policy's Role in Socioagricultural Transition: A Community Study in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia

In Atlantic Canada, as in rural areas around the world, many citizens are engaged in ways to adapt innovative local level solutions to the challenges posed by globalized industrial agriculture. To prevent the further unraveling of community fabric and to promote rural resilience, there is a shift in some Atlantic Canadian communities towards what Thomas Lyson terms civic agriculture (2004). Using civic agriculture as a conceptual framework, this in-depth community case study found there is a strong community of Tatamagouche farmers who tend to operate on a small, labour-intensive scale, and who value direct links with consumers. This paper investigates civic agriculture initiatives using the narrative of past socio-agricultural transition to understand present-day challenges and opportunities in realizing a locally organized system of food production and distribution. Specific policy recommendations based on this study's findings include: the integration of local mentorship and experiential learning into agricultural education; strategic planning by the province for domestic consumption increases through existing buy-local campaigns and consumer education programmes; a review of regulatory standards to accommodate small-scale and diversified family farms; and start-up aid for community-scale agricultural cooperatives. Additionally, this paper calls for a broader shift in the philosophies that shape current policy choices and recommends reframing the mandate of governmental departments like Health and Environment to address small-scale community-based agriculture, and advocating for the political recognition of the non-commodity benefits of agriculture. Keywords: civic agriculture, agricultural education, family farms, agricultural cooperatives
An algorithm that minimizes audio fingerprints using the difference of Gaussians

Recently, many audio search sites headed by Google have used audio fingerprinting technology to search for the same audio and protect the music copyright using one part of the audio data. However, if there are fingerprints per audio file, then the amount of query data for the audio search increases. In this paper, we propose a novel method that can reduce the number of fingerprints while providing a level of performance similar to that of existing methods. The proposed method uses the difference of Gaussians which is often used in feature extraction during image signal processing. In the experiment, we use the proposed method and dynamic time warping and undertake an experimental search for the same audio with a success rate of 90%. The proposed method, therefore, can be used for an effective audio search.
High indinavir Cmin is associated with higher toxicity in patients on indinavir-ritonavir 800/100 mg twice-daily regimen.

We retrospectively evaluated the incidence of side effects and treatment intervention according to indinavir trough concentration in 63 patients taking indinavir-ritonavir 800/100 mg twice daily. Median indinavir trough concentration was 1446 ng/mL at 800/100 mg twice daily associated with 60% of measured toxicity. Among patients with indinavir trough concentration >500 ng/mL, 46 of 49 had a dosage adjustment and 17 have had more than two dosage adjustments. The primary reason for dosage adjustment was toxicity in 69% (43 cases). Renal and cutaneous toxicity were predominant.After dosage adjustment, median indinavir trough concentration was 459 ng/mL, which was associated with 8% of toxicity. Trough concentrations >500 ng/mL were correlated with increased toxicity (p <.05) and more treatment intervention (p =.02). In conclusion, achievement of indinavir trough concentrations <500 ng/mL appears to be safe, and an optimal concentration range for indinavir trough concentration could be 150 to 500 ng/mL for an indinavir-ritonavir twice daily regimen.
Purine and pyrimidine metabolism

The pathways of purine biosynthesis and degradation have been elucidated during the last 30 years; the regulation of the mechanisms involved is not yet fully understood, particularly with respect to quantitative aspects. Research into inborn errors of purine metabolism has provided valuable insights into purine synthesis and salvage pathways. Nutrition experiments using purine-free formula diets and supplements with defined purine sources permit precise descriptions of the influence of various dietary purines on uric acid formation. Supplements of dietary purines produce dose-proportional increases in plasma uric acid concentrations, uric acid pool size and renal uric acid excretion. The magnitude of these increases depends on the type of purine compound administered, which may limit the value of food tables for human dietetics. Purine content of food must be related not only to weight but also to energy and to protein, particularly if new foodstuffs or a vegetarian diet are ingested. Dietary purines appear to influence the biosynthesis of pyrimidines. In contrast to dietary purines, pyrimidines in the diet, if administered as nucleosides or nucleotides, are utilized in animals for the synthesis of nucleic acids. Much further work is necessary for a better understanding of the inter-relationships of purine and pyrimidine metabolism.
[Secular growth trends in the Chinese urban youth and its implications on public health].

OBJECTIVE To analyze the secular growth trends of the Chinese urban youth from 1979 to 2005, in order to make national intervention strategies and measures to improve their physical fitness and health. METHODS Subjects were sampled from 16 provincial-capital cities in China. They were all Han primary and secondary school students aged 7 to 18 years. The increments of stature, weight and BMI, and the increments per decade of these indicators at different stages were analyzed. RESULTS In recent 26 years, the overall increments were 6.5 and 4.7 cm for stature, and 8.9 and 5.2 kg for weight, for boys and girls, respectively. Swiftest rates were found in the period of 1985-1995, with the increments which were as high as 3.8 and 3.0 cm/decade for height, and 4.7 and 3.1 kg/decade for weight, for boys and girls respectively. These trends are still strong at present, without any tendency of going to the plateau. Advanced puberty plays the most contributing role in these trends, with the peak height rates being 2.4 cm/decade for girls at the age of 12 and 3.3 cm/decade for boys at the age of 14, respectively. The increments of adult height were 3.2 and 2.1 cm, while the rates were 1.2 and 0.8 cm/decade, for males and females, respectively. The distributing curves of BMI show an accelerating tendency of going to the right side, which suggests that the prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing rapidly. CONCLUSION China is now experiencing an overall and positive secular trend, which is reflected not only by the accelerating physical growth in childhood, advanced puberty, and steady increments of adult height, but also by the dramatic changes of body shape. We should not only feel proud of the achievements of these secular growth changes and the active socioeconomic influences, but also pay much attention to their negative effects, especially those that may induce the dangers of hypertension, hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and other adulthood diseases, as well as the disease risks of metabolic syndrome that may even occur early in childhood and adolescence.
EFFECT OF DIETARY OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID DIETS ON GROWTH AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF CULTURED WATER INFINGERLINGS OF LABEO ROHITA

Fish is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA’s) viz. n-6 and n-3 PUFA’s, which are beneficial to human health. Rohu considered to be the most important of the “Indian Major Carps” and is the world’s 10th highest cultured finfish by production volume. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) play a vital role in fish nutrition. To understand the role of the dietary Omega-3 fatty acids diets in fingerlings of Labeo rohita, a 60 days experiment was carried out. 300±20 fingerlings of rohu were randomly distributed in five treatment groups consisting of three replicates of each. Five isonitrogenous (protein 19.60g) and isocaloric (337 k cal/ 100 g) experimental diets viz. Control (basal diet), T1 (basal + 1% ω-3 fatty acid), T2 (basal + 3% ω-3 fatty acid), T3 (basal + 5% ω-3 fatty acid) and T4 (basal + 7% ω-3 fatty acid) were prepared with graded levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These were fed to rohu fingerlings (average body weight 1.793 ± 0.022g) twice a day. Sampling of water from all the experimental groups were carried out to estimate water quality parameters viz temperature, PH, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide, total hardness, ammonia, nitrite and alkalinity. These were recorded for every 15 days interval. The water in each tank was changed (80%) daily and replenished with fresh water, for each tank. The results indicated that the fishes which received the feed T1 (127.4±0.1) consisting of 1% of ω-3 fatty acid showed significantly increase of average body weight and specific growth rates (SGR) compared to control and other treatments T2 (120.1±0.3), T3 (112.6±0.3) and T4 (109.0±0.3). The experimental conditions, T1 feed (1% omega-3 fatty acid) had showed better growth amongst the treatments and increase of beyond 1% omega-3 fatty acid had showed poor growth due to of nutrients in general, omega-3 fatty acid in particular. Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid in the aquaculture diets would also helps maintain the optimum range of physico-chemical parameters of the reared water.
Joined-up government for local and regional institutions

Table of Contents 1. Introduction , Vernon Bogdanor 2. The Idea of Joined-Up Government: A Historical Perspective , Christopher Hood 3. Joined-Up Government in the West Beyond Britain: A Provisional Assessment , Perri 6 4. JASP Meets JUG: Lessons of the 1975 Joint Approach to Social Policy for Joined-Up Government , Rudolf Klein and William Plowden 5. Joined-Up Government and Cabinet Government , Christopher Foster 6. Joined-Up Government and the Civil Service , Edward Page 7. Joined-Up Government and Local and Regional Institutions , Gerry Stoker 8. Joined-Up Government: Past, Present and Future , Geoff Mulgan
Hospital utilization review: past experience, future directions.

Utilization review (UR) programs seek to determine whether specific services are medically necessary and whether they are delivered at an appropriate level of intensity and cost. Although UR programs have been operating for more than 40 years, they have changed dramatically during the past two decades. Today, many health care providers, analysts, and policymakers view UR as a possible solution to hospital inpatient cost and quality problems. This paper addresses how UR has evolved, how UR is used today by different delivery mechanisms (i.e., Medicare, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, Blue Cross, and commercial insurers), the cost effects of various UR approaches, and how UR will be used in the future.
Factors related to household food insecurity in the Republic of Korea

Abstract Objective To examine the prevalence of food insecurity and to identify factors that contribute to it in the Republic of Korea. Design A cross-sectional study. Setting Data were selected from a secondary data set, the third Korean Welfare Panel Study. Household food insecurity was measured with a six-item Korean version of the US Household Food Security Survey Module. The differences in proportions or means of household characteristics, householder's characteristics, economic status and social benefits by food insecurity status were tested with the χ2 or t test. The independent associations of food insecurity with each characteristic were assessed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. Subjects The sample size consisted of 6238 households. Results The prevalence of food insecurity was 5·3 % among all households and 25·7 % among low-income households. Risk factors that were associated with a higher risk of food insecurity included living alone, unemployment, no job, low household income and living in a leased or rented home. For low-income households, living in a leased or rented home increased the risk of food insecurity. Among food-insecure households, 26·1 % of the full sample of households and 34·3 % of low-income households were participating in food assistance programmes. Conclusions Food insecurity among the Korean population was related to household type, income, job status and housing. Food assistance programmes were not enough to completely alleviate food insecurity.
Processing and characterization of graphene and graphene on silicon

PROCESSING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GRAPHENE AND GRAPHENE ON SILICON by Cheng Peng Graphene has become a promising material for applications in many areas including electronic devices, batteries and space crafts. Although it has a bright future, the commercial production of graphene has not yet been realized. In this thesis, an overview of the properties and applications of graphene is presented. The early research of preparing graphene and its composites is summarized, which gives the basis to synthesize graphene and improve the process. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) and graphene have been successfully made using graphite; graphene layer has been coated on the surface of a silicon wafer. The resulting specimens are characterized by Raman spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to identify the composition of the resulting films. Current-Voltage (I-V) measurements are performed to determine the electrical properties of graphene on silicon. Conclusions are made based on the test results. PROCESSING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GRAPHENE AND GRAPHENE ON SILICON
A framework for optimization of regression testing of web services using slicing

In recent years, web services have become a prominent paradigm for distributed systems and electronic services. Web service provides a framework for application-to-application interaction based on existing standard web protocols and XML technology. The enhanced features of web service such as interoperability, dynamic discovery and composition brings new challenges in testing of web services. In this paper, we propose a framework for optimization of web service regression testing with respect to different service evolution scenarios. First, we have identified the changes using a change detection algorithm on the generated operation tree of both original and modified WSDL files. Next, a dynamic forward slicing algorithm is used to select only the modified and the affected parts of the web service. Further, we have used an optimized regression test algorithm which gives us optimized test cases.
Participation of Doubly Fed Induction Wind Generators in System Frequency Regulation

This paper proposes a control scheme that allows doubly fed induction wind generators (DFIWG) to participate effectively in system frequency regulation. In this control approach, wind generators operate according to a deloaded optimum power extraction curve such that the active power provided by each wind turbine increases or decreases during system frequency changes. The control strategy defined at the wind generator to supply primary frequency regulation capability exploits a combination of control of the static converters and pitch control, adjusting the rotor speed and the active power according to the deloaded optimum power extraction curve. Results obtained in a small isolated system are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Transparency of Reporting in Molecular Diagnostics

The major advances made over the past few years in molecular and cell biology are providing a progressively more detailed understanding of the molecular pathways that control normal processes and become dysregulated in disease [1]. This has resulted in the documentation of numerous genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic biomarkers that promise earlier disease detection, more accurate patient stratification and better prognosis [2–5]. Furthermore, molecular fingerprinting of diseases can be predictive of drug response and so assist with specific targeting of drugs against disease-associated molecules and function [6]. [. ]
Alcohol and drug use in suicidal behaviour

Purpose of review To present a summary of estimates of the risk of suicidal behaviour (ideation, plan and attempt) among those with substance use disorders in the general population and risk estimates for those with acute alcohol and drug consumption (intoxication) immediately prior to a suicide attempt. Recent findings In Mexico and elsewhere studies have emerged on the risk of suicidal behaviour among those with substance use disorders that are not affected by treatment selection bias or by psychiatric comorbidity. In developed and developing groups of nations, alcohol use disorders were associated with increased odds ratio (OR) of ideation (range 2.0–2.5) and attempt (2.6–3.7), whereas drug use disorders were associated with increased risk of ideation (2.3–3.0) and attempt (2.0–4.0). Follow-up studies of general population samples reported an OR for drug use disorders from 1.9 to 3.7 for ideation, and an OR of 3.0 for attempt. Alcohol dependence increased suicide ideation with an OR of 1.5. Those drinking alcohol prior to the suicide attempt had ORs in the range of 6.2–9.6. This increase may have a dose–response relationship. We found no studies providing risk estimates for drug use prior to a suicide attempt. Summary Current evidence points to a causal role of alcohol and drug use disorders exerting a distal effect on suicidal behaviour. Evidence for the proximal role of alcohol and drug use, as triggers of suicidal behaviour, are still very limited in number, analytical techniques and scope of substances other than alcohol.
Risk assessment and clinical risk management: the lessons from recent inquiries

Recent inquiries show that there is a need for a better understanding of the relationship between mental disorder and risk, about what is involved in risk assessment and risk management, and for better training for all involved, whether in health and social care services or in the criminal justice system. This paper sets out the basis for this conclusion and describes some recent central initiatives to promote better understanding of risk and risk assessment and management.
Is video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy in benign disease practical and effective?

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to analyze the surgical outcomes of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for benign pulmonary disease and to propose surgical guidelines based on the retrospective cohort study. METHODS From January 2004 to December 2009, all lobectomies performed in a university-based tertiary care hospital were analyzed. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (I) VATS lobectomy for benign disease; (II) thoracotomy conversion cases initially approached by VATS lobectomy. All malignant cases were excluded. Electronic medical records were retrospectively analyzed and patients were divided into two groups: with infection and without infection. The primary outcomes were the thoracotomy conversion rate, length of hospital stay, period of thoracic drainage and complications. RESULTS VATS was performed in 163 (42%) of 385 patients who underwent lobectomy for benign disease. There were 68 in the infection group and 95 in the group without infection. VATS lobectomy was successful in 157 (96%) patients while 6 were converted into thoracotomy. The mean operation time and blood loss were 160 minutes and 326 mL. Comparing two groups, operation time and blood loss were not statistically different (P value =0.92, 0.63). Moreover conversion rate, length of hospital stay, period of thoracic drainage and complications (P value =0.67, 0.18, 0.25, and 0.50) were not different. CONCLUSIONS VATS lobectomy for benign disease is practical and effective in selected cases regardless of the presence of infection. However, because various technical obstacles may be encountered during the procedure, therefore, careful patient selection is needed.
Prognostic factors and outcome of human herpesvirus 8-associated primary effusion lymphoma in patients with AIDS.

PURPOSE Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare high-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8 (KSHV/HHV-8) infection, and is mostly observed in the course of HIV infection. The prognosis is poor, with reported median survival time shorter than 6 months. To date, no prognostic factor has been identified in this subset of lymphoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS We describe here a large series of HIV-infected patients with PEL, including 28 cases diagnosed in six centers during an 11-year time period. Prognosis analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazard regression model. Statistically significant covariates were further analyzed in a forward, stepwise multivariate model. RESULTS After a median follow-up of 3.8 years (range, 10 months to 10.8 years), nine patients (32%) were still alive, and eight of them remained progression free. The median survival was 6.2 months, and the 1-year overall survival rate was 39.3%. Fourteen patients (50%) achieved complete remission, with a 1-year disease-free survival rate at 78.6%. In a multivariate analysis, only a performance status more than 2 (hazard ratio, 5.84; 95% CI, 1.76 to 19.33) and the absence of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) before PEL diagnosis (hazard ratio, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.14 to 9.34) were found to be independent predictors for shorter survival. CONCLUSION Based on a retrospective series of 28 patients, two prognostic factors were identified as being independently associated with impaired clinical outcome in HIV-related PEL--(1) a poor performance status and (2) the absence of HAART before PEL diagnosis.
Fatigue analysis of the surface EMG signal in isometric constant force contractions using the averaged instantaneous frequency

The averaged instantaneous frequency (AIF) is proposed as an alternative method for the frequency analysis of surface electromyography (EMG) in the study of muscle fatigue during sustained, isometric muscle contractions. Results from performance analysis using experimental EMG signals demonstrate the low variability of the proposed frequency variable. Indeed, the AIF measure is shown to perform significantly better than the widely used mean and median frequency variables, in terms of robustness to the length of the analysis window.
HOLOKINETIC DRIVE: CENTROMERE DRIVE IN CHROMOSOMES WITHOUT CENTROMERES

Similar to how the model of centromere drive explains the size and complexity of centromeres in monocentrics (organisms with localized centromeres), our model of holokinetic drive is consistent with the divergent evolution of chromosomal size and number in holocentrics (organisms with nonlocalized centromeres) exhibiting holokinetic meiosis (holokinetics). Holokinetic drive is proposed to facilitate chromosomal fission and/or repetitive DNA removal (or any segmental deletion) when smaller homologous chromosomes are preferentially inherited or chromosomal fusion and/or repetitive DNA proliferation (or any segmental duplication) when larger homologs are preferred. The hypothesis of holokinetic drive is supported primarily by the negative correlation between chromosome number and genome size that is documented in holokinetic lineages. The supporting value of two older cross‐experiments on holokinetic structural heterozygotes (the rush Luzula elegans and butterflies of the genus Antheraea) that indicate the presence of size‐preferential homolog transmission via female meiosis for holokinetic drive is discussed, along with the further potential consequences of holokinetic drive in comparison with centromere drive.