Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Normative Reference Values of the Tibial Nerve in Healthy Individuals Using Ultrasonography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: High-resolution ultrasound of the tibial nerve has been used for screening of several neurologic disorders, but normative reference values of tibial nerve cross-sectional areas (CSA) have not been well established. Thus, the present meta-analysis was performed to generate normative estimates of tibial nerve CSA at various sites of the lower limb based on ultrasonography. Methods: Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed were searched for potential studies. Studies were required to report tibial nerve CSA in healthy individuals to be included. A random-effect meta-analysis was performed to calculate tibial nerve CSA values. Subgroup and statistical analyses were performed to study covariates. Results: Forty-eight eligible articles consisting of 2695 limbs were included. The average tibial nerve CSA was found to be 10.9 mm2 at the ankle (95% CI: 9.9–11.8) and should not exceed 11.8 mm2 in healthy adults. At the popliteal fossa, the overall CSA was 21.7 mm2 (95% CI: 17.5–25.8) in healthy adults. At both sites, the average tibial nerve CSA was significantly larger in adults than in children, and the differences by geographical region were not statistically significant. At the ankle, tibial nerve CSA increased with age and body mass index, while at the popliteal fossa it increased with age and weight. Conclusions: our findings indicate that the tibial nerve varied not only along its course but also among sub-variables. Establishing normal references values of tibial nerve CSA is helpful to differentiate healthy from diseased tibial nerves such as in diabetic peripheral neuropathy or tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Appropriate Genetic Approaches for Heat Tolerance and Maintaining Good Productivity in Tropical Poultry Production: A Review

Simple Summary Tropical regions exhibit a wide range of climatic and environmental conditions. Therefore, to optimize the selection of genetic approaches to address heat stress affecting poultry productivity, this article compiles the different advantages and limitations of genetic methods for readers to have information to help them decide which method is suitable for their area and with genetic methods inevitably produces more sustainable results than other methods. Abstract Heat stress is a major environmental threat to poultry production systems, especially in tropical areas. The effects of heat stress have been discovered in several areas, including reduced growth rate, reduced egg production, low feed efficiency, impaired immunological responses, changes in intestinal microflora, metabolic changes, and deterioration of meat quality. Although several methods have been used to address the heat stress problem, it persists. The answer to this problem can be remedied sustainably if genetic improvement approaches are available. Therefore, the purpose of this review article was to present the application of different approaches to genetic improvement in poultry in the hope that users will find suitable solutions for their poultry population and be able to plan future poultry breeding programs.
Aerosol production and growth in the marine boundary layer

The dependence of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) production on the marine dimethylsulfide (DMS) flux is modeled with a dynamic description of the gas, aerosol, and aqueous phase processes in a closed air parcel. The results support the conclusion reached in previous work with a steady state model that an approximately linear dependence exists between CCN concentration and DMS flux under typical remote marine conditions. This linearity does not hold for low DMS fluxes (the threshold is typically near 2.5 μmol m^(−2) day^(−1)) because the seasalt particles heterogeneously convert the available SO_2 to sulfate inhibiting the creation of new particles. The conditions under which this linear relationship holds are investigated by a series of sensitivity studies, focusing particular attention on the impact of the timing and frequency of cloud events. We consider the regimes of the model's semiempirical parameters, showing that the uncertainty associated with two such parameters, namely, the nucleation rate scaling factor and the sulfuric acid accommodation coefficient, is sufficient to change the predicted CCN production due to DMS from over 300 cm^(−3) day^(−1) to none. This sensitivity accounts for most of the range of results predicted by previous models of the DMS-CCN system.
Amphibolitization of Scourian granulites

Synopsis Scourian granulite-facies gneisses from north-west Scotland occur as relict masses surrounded by amphibolitized granulites. During amphibolitization the gneisses suffered both deformation and metamorphism. Ortho- and clinopyroxenes were replaced by hornblende and hornblende-quartz intergrowths forming corona textures. Seven hornblende and plagioclase analyses are presented. Microprobe scans across the hornblende coronas show that compositional gradients in Si, Al, Fe, Mg and Na existed which were later obliterated by recrystallization. It is suggested that overall loss of Ca and Mg and gain of Na occurred by diffusion through the intergranular fluid during amphibolitization. The water causing amphibolitization is considered to have entered the granulite system along tectonically determined zones.
Evaluation of water demand Scenarios for the Olifants River catchment, South Africa

Abstract Water resource development has played a key role in the expansion of agriculture, mining and industry in the Olifants River catchment, but the colonial and apartheid regimes have left a legacy of inequity. Currently water deficit is one of the major constraints hampering further development and demand for water continues to grow. Against this background, the Water Evaluation And Planning model was used to provide a preliminary assessment of both the current situation and three plausible future scenarios. For each scenario the model was used to simulate water‐use in five sectors (i.e., rural, urban, mining, irrigation and commercial forestry) over a 70‐year period of varying rainfall and flow. Levels of assured supply were estimated and the economic cost of failing to supply water was predicted. Current shortfalls are estimated to be costing between US$ 6 and 50 million per year, depending on rainfall and, hence, river flows. If increases in demand are not checked this will increase significantly. Under a high demand scenario, the economic benefits increase greatly but, even with infrastructure development and improvements in demand management, the economic cost of insufficient water supply rises to US$ 10.5 million in most years and, in exceptionally dry years, up to US$ 312 million.
A comparison of several evaporation equations

Several well-known evaporation equations were tested with daily data averaged over six stations in a 15×15 km region in Kansas. The equilibrium evaporation and advection-aridity evaporation equations produced acceptable results, under the generally moist conditions encountered, with the former performing slightly better. Three methods tested also required soil moisture (SM) availability data. These were the Penman and equilibrium evaporation equations adjusted with SM-dependent coefficients, and the Penman-Monteith formulation with surface resistance. All three gave significantly better performances than the unadjusted equilibrium equation. In general, it appeared that the use of simple temporal (daily) and spatial averages may not be appropriate, especially under conditions of variable SM. The Penman, equilibrium, and advection-aridity evaporation equations are linear combinations of the same two terms, with different coefficients. The optimal values of these coefficients, determined for various ranges of SM, were consistent with the underlying physical models.
Interdecadal Variability in the Interface Between the Indian Summer Monsoon and the East Asian Summer Monsoon

This study investigates the interdecadal variability (IDV) of the interface between the Indian summer monsoon and the East Asian summer monsoon (IIE). Results suggest that the IDV of the IIE is characterized by a uniform zonal movement associated with seesaw variations between the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM). The IDV of the IIE is closely linked to two air–sea coupled modes: one resembles the Asian–Pacific Oscillation (APO) and the other resembles the North Atlantic tripole (NAT) pattern. Both the APO‐like and NAT‐like patterns facilitate an eastward shift of the IIE during their positive phase. The APO‐like mode strengthens the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH), which further enhances the climatological southwesterly wind over East Asia and leads to an intensification of the EASM. The simultaneous anticyclonic anomaly over the India and Bay of Bengal (BOB) region weakens the ISM. The NAT‐like mode forces a wave train of alternating cyclonic and anticyclonic anomalies across Eurasia, causing southwesterly anomalies over East Asia that favors a stronger EASM. The atmospheric response is reversed during the negative phases of the APO‐like and NAT‐like patterns. Recent decades have seen a weakening influence of the APO‐like mode, but a growing impact of the NAT‐like mode on the IIE‐IDV. The interdecadal transition of the IIE–APO and IIE–NAT relationships has a smaller influence on the IIE than that of the phase change of the APO‐like and NAT‐like patterns. Modeling results confirm the influence of the APO‐like and NAT‐like patterns on the IIE‐IDV.
Modeling wide-angle seismic data for crustal structure: Southeastern Grenville Province

A modeling methodology for obtaining two-dimensional (2-D) crustal structure from wide-angle seismic data is applied to data from the southeastern Grenville Province. Pre-modeling steps include (1) assignment of arrival pick uncertainties for appropriate data fitting and weighting using an empirical relationship based on signal-to-noise ratio, (2) using a modified form of travel time reciprocity to avoid unreasonable levels of model heterogeneity, and (3) identifying data unsuitable for 2-D modeling. The goal of the travel time inversion-amplitude modeling approach is to obtain a minimum-structure and minimum-parameter model that takes into account both horizontal and vertical variations in the resolution of typical wide-angle data. Each step of a layer-stripping procedure involves a series of inversions in which a one-dimensional or simple starting model is improved with additional velocity and/or interface nodes until a satisfactory trade-off between travel time fit, parameter resolution and complete ray coverage of all source-receiver pairs is achieved. Using zero vertical-velocity gradient layers and head waves during preliminary first-arrival inversion can (1) decrease the number of intermediate models, (2) allow greater lateral heterogeneity to be imaged, and (3) simplify incorporation of amplitude modeling constraints into the final model. Using amplitude-distance curves allows quantitative modeling of the relative amplitude and offset variations of phases. Discrepancies between observed and calculated reflection amplitudes are used to infer fundamental, non step-like velocity changes at layer boundaries. Later arrivals due to unresolved velocity anomalies are modeled using reflecting segments that “float” within the model without an associated velocity structure. These reflectors provide a spatial image like that obtained from vertical-incidence reflection data, as opposed to a velocity image. The model of Grenville crustal structure is more detailed than a model obtained from a previous interpretation of the data and includes elements analogous to those imaged in nearby deep reflection data. A crustal-scale zone of wide-angle reflectors with an average easterly apparent dip of 13° defines a major Grenvillian terrane boundary.
Analysis on Choice Behavior of Walking Travel Groups based on a Preference Survey

This paper establishes disaggregate travel mode choice models to analyze the bus choice behavior of walking travel groups based on utility theory. The preference survey of travel behavior for walking groups is conducted in Ji'nan City of China. Travel time and bus comfort are chosen as the two important factors to analyze the mode choice intent to taking bus for walking travel groups. The research found that: (1) the walking travel groups who are more sensitive to the change of bus fare are short distance travelers; and, (2) the sensitive range of travel time for walking travel groups is between 0 minutes and 30 minutes. The research conclusions will provide the basis of decision-making for traffic policy and enhancing the bus share ratio.
BIOINSECTICIDE POTENTIAL OF ETHANOL EXTRACTS FROM Persea americana (LAURACEAE) SEEDS ON Aedes aegypti MOSQUITOES

Mosquitoes represent the most important agent disseminating infectious diseases like yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria, among others. An essential strategy for its control is killing them at immature stages using industrial insecticides. However, those chemicals often generate resistance and affect the environment and human health. Agricultural and plant by-products constitute a new sustainable option to obtain harmless and eco-friendly bioinsecticides to prevent mosquitoes from spreading. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile of Persea americana Mill (Lauraceae) seed extracts and their insecticide activity against Aedes aegypti at larval and pupal stages. The ethanol extracts from avocado seeds were obtained by Maceration/stirring (MaE) and Soxhlet extraction (SE) methods. The main chemical profile was determined by quantitative and UPLC assays. Insecticide activity was assessed by the exposition of mosquitoes at larval and pupal stages to seed extracts. Human cell lines were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity. Soxhlet methodology was more efficient in the extraction of P. americana seeds metabolites (42.13±1.76 mg/mL) compared with MaE (20.46±1.66 mg/mL) (p< 0.05). Additionally, SE showed a higher amount of polyphenols (5.12±0.18 mg/mL). The UPLC spectra analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols, mainly catechin, and neolignan constituents. Both extracts showed larvicidal and pupicidal effects, but SE was more active at lower concentrations. Moreover, no significant toxic effects on human monocytes and fibroblast cell lines were found after treatment. In sum, avocado seed by-products can be considered an eco-friendly insecticide and its use may help to substantially decrease the vector-transmitted diseases in developing countries.
Ecosystem productivity and dynamics issued from multispectral and hyperspectral satellite imagery

Low resolution images from MODIS multispectral sensor are used for extracting indices correlated with major parameters of productivity, for two deciduous forests (Fagus sylvatica, Quercus sp.) and one shrubland dominated by the semi-deciduous Phlomis fruticosa. Ground ecophysiological measurements were conducted for three growing periods (2005-2007) and are used for indices evaluation as well as input parameters for an ecosystem productivity model. The results of the ground-based productivity model are compared to the 8day MODIS GPP product, showing that MODIS algorithm underestimates productivity and does not closely follow ecosystem dynamics. In an attempt for a more precise productivity product a new light-use efficiency model based on satellite and meteorological data is designed and presented. Moreover, hyperspectral images from CHRIS/PROBA are used for a more detailed study of the semi-decidual Phlomis fruticosa ecosystem. Ground ecophysiological measurements from two growing periods (2006-2007) are used for evaluation purposes. Images are geometrically corrected and atmospherically adjusted. The reflectance spectra obtained are used for extracting indices related to numerous plant physiological parameters. Fast responsive plant processes, such as the function of the photosynthetic apparatus, the photoprotective response to stress factors (low or high temperature, lack of precipitation) and the detailed pigment content of leaves (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids) may well be followed by such indices issued from hyperspetral data, offering great advantage over multispectral images for ecosystem remote sensing.
Construction of three-dimensional, homogeneous regenerative cartilage tissue based on the ECG-DBM complex

Introduction: The feasibility of using a steel decalcified bone matrix (DBM)-reinforced concrete engineered cartilage gel (ECG) model concept for in vivo cartilage regeneration has been demonstrated in preliminary experiments. However, the regenerated cartilage tissue contained an immature part in the center. The present study aimed to achieve more homogeneous regenerated cartilage based on the same model concept. Methods: For this, we optimized the culture conditions for the engineered cartilage gel-decalcified bone matrix (ECG-DBM) complex based on the previous model and systematically compared the in vitro chondrogenic abilities of ECG in the cartilage slice and ECG-DBM complex states. We then compared the in vivo cartilage regeneration effects of the ECG-DBM complex with those of an equivalent volume of ECG and an equivalent ECG content. Results and discussion: Significant increases in the DNA content and cartilage-specific matrix content were observed for the ECG-DBM complex compared with the ECG cartilage slice, suggesting that the DBM scaffold significantly improved the quality of ECG-derived cartilage regeneration in vitro. In the in vivo experiments, high-quality cartilage tissue was regenerated in all groups at 8 weeks, and the regenerated cartilage exhibited typical cartilage lacunae and cartilage-specific extracellular matrix deposition. Quantitative analysis revealed a higher chondrogenic efficiency in the ECG-DBM group. Specifically, the ECG-DBM complex achieved more homogeneous and stable regenerated cartilage than an equivalent volume of ECG and more mature regenerated cartilage than an equivalent ECG content. Compared with ECG overall, ECG-DBM had a more controllable shape, good morphology retention, moderate mechanical strength, and high cartilage regeneration efficiency. Further evaluation of the ECG-DBM complex after in vitro culture for 7 and 14 days confirmed that an extended in vitro preculture facilitated more homogeneous cartilage regeneration.
SEISMIC BEARING CAPACITY OF SHALLOW STRIP FOUNDATIONS ON DRY SOILS

Based on the kinematic approach of yield design theory, a method for the evaluation of seismic effects on the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations on Mohr-Coulomb soils has been developed and successfully tested for both theoretical and experimental results. A new kinematic mechanism has been introduced, allowing for the uplift of the foundation under strong load eccentricities. An empirical formula which approximates the results of the kinematic approach has been derived for a simple investigation of the effects of inclination and eccentricity of seismic actions, as well as of soil inertia. The importance of these effects on the reduction of bearing capacity is discussed thoroughly, leading to the conclusion that soil inertia plays a negligible role compared to the seismic actions transmitted by the structure. Furtherly, taking load eccentricity into account in a pseudo-static approach may lead to very high safety factors in the design of shallow foundations.
RECONSTRUCTING 2D PLANAR COORDINATES USING LINEAR AND NONLINEAR TECHNIQUES

Planar analyses of sports movements are commonly performed to quantify player movements from video. Lens distortions, which are common when using wide filming angles at competitive sports events, can influence the accuracy of reconstructed coordinates and derived metrics. This study describes a planar reconstruction method that accounts for lens distortion and compares reconstruction accuracy to 2D-DLT. The planar reconstruction method yielded improved reconstruction accuracy in wide angle filming conditions experienced at an international tennis event.
Utility of Direct Coomb’s test in a Tertiary Care Nursery

Objective: To document the causes and clinical significance of direct Coomb’s test distal convoluted tubule in neonatal Jaundice at a tertiary care setup. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from Nov 2019 to Oct 2020. Methodology: All babies born to “O” or Rh-negative blood group mothers were included. In addition, data including demographics, mother’s blood group, baby’s blood group, direct Coomb’s test results, bilirubin values, and need for treatment was recorded. Results: The study included 989 neonates. Of all, 489(49.4%) were male, the mean birth weight was 2.80±0.75 kg, and the mean gestation was 36±4.3 weeks. ABO mismatch was present in 452(45.7%) cases and Rh mismatch in 123(12.4%). Of all, 58(5.9%) had positive direct Coomb’s test. Amongst the positive direct Coomb’s test patients, 44(75.8%) babies needed treatment, of which 40(90.9%) received phototherapy, and 4(6.8%) needed Intensive phototherapy (360 degrees). No baby needed an exchange transfusion. Conclusion: In most cases, positive direct Coomb’s test was due to ABO blood group incompatibility. In addition, early phototherapy can control bilirubin rise in most cases, so few would need aggressive or intensive treatment.Keywords: ABO mismatch, Direct Coomb’s test, Neonatal jaundice, Rh mismatch.
Rural Poverty - Irrigation Nexus in Tamil Nadu

It is only in the second half of twentieth century only that the poverty and the poor have come to be matters of our concern and obligation. After a long neglect of the poor during the British rule, the measures adopted after independence signify the recognition of poverty and the social responsibility for alleviating it. How did it happen? What have we done? How far have we succeeded? Before attempting to answer these questions, let us first take up the question of the concept of poverty. Rural poverty was related to several variables viz irrigated area, percentage of gross irrigated area to gross cropped area, food grain production per thousand rural population, food grain productivity, and cropping intensity. These data were collected for the state Tamil Nadu for 37 years from 1964 to 2000 from various issues of Season and crop Reports and Economic Appraisals of Tamil Nadu and World Bank reports and also from some of the recent published materials.