Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lowland Soils for Rice Cultivation in Ghana

In Ghana lowlands mostly comprising floodplains and inland valleys occur throughout the whole country. These lowlands have been characterized to be heterogeneous in morphology, soil type, vegetation and hydrology. Lowland soils therefore occur across all the agro-ecological zones of the country. These agro-ecological zones include the drier Savannahs (Sudan, Guinea and Coastal) which cover the northern and coastal parts and the Forest which covers the western, central and eastern corridors of the country. According to estimates, the country has over one million hectors of lowlands (Wakatsuki et al, 2004a, b) which can be developed for effective and sustainable rice cultivation, beside the pockets of areas used for dry season vegetable production. In the Savannah agro-ecological zones rice cultivation is common due to the presence of abundant poorly drained lowlands. These soils are deep sandy loams to clay loams and abundant water resources from the major rivers, comprising the Volta, Oti, Nasia, Daka, Kulda and their numerous tributaries that could be tapped for irrigation. The soils are developed over shale / mudstone, sandstone, granites and phyllites (Adu, 1995a, 1995b, 1969; Dedzoe et al, 2001a & b). They include Kupela (Vertisol) and Brenyase (Fluvisol) series occurring over granite, Pale series (Gleysol) occurring over Birimian schist, Lapliki, Siare and Pani series found on floodplains of major rivers and Lima and Volta series developed over shale and mudstone. The most commonly used soils for rain-fed rice production in the Savannah agro-ecological zone include the inland valley soils occurring within the shale / mudstone areas of the Voltaian Basin. Under irrigation, soils found on the old levees of the Volta and Nasia rivers, Lapliki series, are highly suitable. The Savannah agro-ecological zones experience the lowest rainfall ( 15000mm per annum) with a bimodal pattern. The major season rains occur between March and mid-July with a peak in May/June. There is a short dry spell from midJuly to mid-August. The minor rainy season starts from mid-August to about the end of
New-Build ‘Gentrification’ and London's Riverside Renaissance

In a recent conference paper Lambert and Boddy (2002) questioned whether new-build residential developments in UK city centres were examples of gentrification. They concluded that this stretched the term too far and coined ‘residentialisation’ as an alternative term. In contrast, we argue in this paper that new-build residential developments in city centres are examples of gentrification. We argue that new-build gentrification is part and parcel of the maturation and mutation of the gentrification process during the post-recession era. We outline the conceptual cases for and against new-build ‘gentrification‘, then, using the case of London's riverside renaissance, we find in favour of the case for.
Vision-based self-localization of a mobile robot using a virtual environment

This paper presents a method for position estimation of mobile robots based on the comparison of real camera snapshots taken by an on-board camera and images taken by a virtual camera in a virtual environment. We propose a technique for texturing planar walls of a 3D model of the operating environment and make use of this model for improving operator situation awareness as well as robot self-localization. By applying texture created from camera snapshots a more realistic impression of the environment can be obtained, so that the virtual environment could even be used for inspection tasks. Furthermore, the texture provides additional structure which is especially useful in hallways that contain only few hints for robot navigation.
Neuropathologic Contributions to Understanding AIDS and the Central Nervous System

This historical review describes the evolution of the pathogenetic concepts associated with infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), with emphasis on the pathology of the nervous system. Although the first descriptions of damage to the nervous system in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) only appeared in 1982, the dramatic diffusion of the epidemic worldwide and the invariably rapidly fatal outcome of the disease, before the introduction of efficient treatment, generated from the beginning an enormous amount of research with rethinking on a number of pathogenetic concepts. Less than 25 years after the first autopsy series of AIDS patients were published and the virus responsible for AIDS was identified, satisfactory definition and classification of a number of neuropathological complications of HIV infection have been established, leading to accurate clinical radiological and biological diagnosis of the main neurological complications of the disease, which remain a major cause of disability and death in AIDS patients. Clinical and experimental studies have provided essential insight into the pathogenesis of CNS lesions and natural history of the disease. The relatively recent introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1995–1996 has dramatically improved the course and prognosis of HIV disease. However, there remain a number of unsolved pathogenetic issues, the most puzzling of which remains the precise mechanism of neuronal damage underlying the specific HIV‐related cognitive disorders (HIV dementia). In addition, although HAART has changed the course of neurological complications of HIV infection, new issues have emerged such as the lack of improvement or even paradoxical deterioration of the neurological status in treated patients. Interpretation of these latter data remains largely speculative partly because of the small number of neuropathological studies related to the beneficial consequence of this treatment.
A study of evolutionary multiagent models based on symbiosis

Multiagent Systems with Symbiotic Learning and Evolution (Masbiole) has been proposed and studied, which is a new methodology of Multiagent Systems (MAS) based on symbiosis in the ecosystem. Masbiole employs a method of symbiotic learning and evolution where agents can learn or evolve according to their symbiotic relations toward others, i.e., considering the benefits/losses of both itself and an opponent. As a result, Masbiole can escape from Nash Equilibria and obtain better performances than conventional MAS where agents consider only their own benefits. This paper focuses on the evolutionary model of Masbiole, and its characteristics are examined especially with an emphasis on the behaviors of agents obtained by symbiotic evolution. In the simulations, two ideas suitable for the effective analysis of such behaviors are introduced; "Match Type Tile-world (MTT)" and "Genetic Network Programming (GNP)". MTT is a virtual model where tile-world is improved so that agents can behave considering their symbiotic relations. GNP is a newly developed evolutionary computation which has the directed graph type gene structure and enables to analyze the decision making mechanism of agents easily. Simulation results show that Masbiole can obtain various kinds of behaviors and better performances than conventional MAS in MTT by evolution.
Characteristic Instabilities in HfAlO Metal–Insulator–Metal Capacitors Under Constant-Voltage Stress

Time-dependent characteristic changes of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors with HfAlO dielectric prepared by atomic-layer deposition under constant-voltage stress (CVS) were studied. It was found that relative dielectric constant , dielectric loss , temperature coefficient of capacitance , and frequency coefficient of capacitance gradually increase during CVS testing, whereas the voltage dependence of capacitance weakens. It was also found that changes in -value, , and during CVS testing linearly depend on changes in . These three linear relationships are basically explained by a dielectric-response model proposed for a ldquoflat-lossrdquo dielectric. That is, the increases in -value, , and are attributed to the dielectric-loss increase caused by voltage stress. Stress-time dependence of the dielectric-loss increase is expressed very well by a power function. That is, the power exponent obtained by a curve fitting linearly increases with stress voltage and decreases with increasing aluminum concentration in the HfAlO dielectric. This result indicates that aluminum addition into the HfAlO dielectric can improve the characteristic stabilities of a MIM capacitor under voltage stress.
Rowing skill affects power loss on a modified rowing ergometer.

PURPOSE In rowing, the athlete has to maximize power output and to minimize energy losses to processes unrelated to average shell velocity. The contribution of velocity efficiency (evelocity; the fraction of mechanical power not lost to velocity fluctuations) to rowing performance in relation to the contributions of maximum oxygen uptake (V[spacing dot above]O2max) and gross efficiency (egross) was investigated. Relationships between evelocity and movement execution were determined. METHODS Twenty-two well-trained female rowers participated in two testing sessions. In the first session, they performed a 2000-m time trial on a modified rowing ergometer that allowed for power losses due to velocity fluctuations. The V[spacing dot above]O2max, the evelocity, and the amount of rower-induced impulse fluctuations (RIIF) due to horizontal handle and foot stretcher forces were determined in a steady state part of the time trial. RIIF was used as a measure of movement execution. In the second session, egross was determined at submaximal intensity. RESULTS As expected, V[spacing dot above]O2max accounted for the major part of explained variance in the 2000-m time (53%, P < 0.001). Velocity efficiency accounted for a further 14%, egross for 11% (P < 0.05). Negative correlations were found between evelocity and RIIF values of several discreet intervals within a stroke cycle. The results suggest that optimal timing of forces applied to the ergometer will help minimizing power loss to velocity fluctuations. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that a relationship exists between performance and evelocity. Furthermore, evelocity appears to be related to movement execution, in particular the timing of handle and foot stretcher forces.
HYBRID ZONES WITH DOBZHANSKY‐TYPE EPISTATIC SELECTION

Dobzhansky's model of epistatic selection assumes that viable genotypes form “clusters” in genotype space so that populations can evolve from one state to a reproductively isolated state following a “ridge” of well‐fit genotypes without crossing any deep adaptive valleys. Recently, the importance of Dobzhansky‐type models in evolutionary studies has been reemphasized by Gavrilets (1997a) and Gavrilets and Gravner (1997) who argue that the existence of “ridges” of well‐fit genotypes connecting reproductively isolated genotypes is actually a general property of multidimensional adaptive landscapes. Using rigorous techniques and numerical simulations, I analyze clines in the frequencies of selected and neutral alleles maintained by a balance of migration and Dobzhansky‐type epistatic selection acting on two diallelic loci. I show that Dobzhansky‐type epistatic selection can build up a very strong barrier to neutral gene flow. I describe properties of clines that are indicative of Dobzhansky‐type selection.
Influence of a high precision current sensor for improving the efficiency of PV power systems

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques are employed in photovoltaic (PV) systems to maximize the PV array output power which depends on solar irradiance and temperature. Most of these techniques depend on the measurement of the current sensor which needs to be simulated on the design phase. Simulation tools like Matlab/SIMULINK, PSpice, Multisim. etc, don't simulate the practical behaviour of measurement devices and only deal with ideal characteristics which make it difficult to understand the exact response of such system on the operation mode. Current sensor model is implemented to enhance the design and the implementation of the proposed modified P&O algorithm. The algorithm is designed in order to overcome the drawbacks in traditional P&O MPPT algorithm. Varying the step size value and the sampling time reduces the oscillations around the MPP and leads to a faster response. When a step change in the solar irradiance occurs, the step size and sampling time are automatically tuned according to the operating point. If the operating point is far from the MPP, it increases the step size and decreases the sampling time which enables a fast tracking ability with smaller oscillation steps around the MPP.
Image Classification Based on Histogram Intersection Kernel

Histogram Intersection Kernel Support Vector Machines (SVM) was used for the image classification problem. Specifically, each image was split into blocks, and each block was represented by the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) descriptors; secondly, k-means cluster method was applied to separate the SIFT descriptors into groups, each group represented a visual keywords; thirdly, count the number of the SIFT descriptors in each image, and histogram of each image should be constructed; finally, Histogram Intersection Kernel should be built based on these histograms. In our experimental study, we use Corel-low images to test our method. Compared with typical RBF kernel SVM, the Histogram Intersection kernel SVM performs better than RBF kernel SVM.
The doctor–patient relationship and patient resilience in chronic pain: A qualitative approach to patients’ perspectives

Objectives To study patients’ perspectives about the role of the doctor–patient relationship in promoting the resilience process. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 chronic pain patients. Using open-ended questions, the interviews explored aspects of the doctor–patient relationship that impacted the patients’ perceptions of their resilience. Thematic analysis built on an inductive, adaptive approach to data coding was employed to organize a representation of key factors affecting resilience. Results The themes emerging from the interviews inform us about how the different aspects of the doctor–patient relationship can promote patient resilience in chronic pain. Three main themes emerged: the doctor providing psychological support, promoting patients’ health literacy related to chronic pain and its treatment, and empowering the patients to cooperate in finding the right treatment. This fosters patients’ direct outcomes (feeling validated, health literate, and empowered), which, in turn, lead to adaptive coping responses and day-to-day disease management. These direct outcomes are crucial for patients to maintain socially and personally meaningful activities and their functional (physical) capacity. Discussion A doctor–patient relationship following the precepts of the patient-centered care is a significant resource that can lead to increased patient resilience. Thus, future interventions promoting patient resilience might consider addressing the doctor–patient relationship.
A 1-GS/s 11-bit ADC With 55-dB SNDR, 250-mW Power Realized by a High Bandwidth Scalable Time-Interleaved Architecture

A time-interleaved ADC architecture that eliminates the need to correct timing offsets and is yet scalable to high sampling rates is presented. To eliminate timing skews, a Nyquist rate sampling switch is used, which is followed by subsampled, double-sampled time-interleaved sample-and-hold (S/H) stages. This circuit is configured with a special clocking scheme that reduces the loading of the interleaved S/Hs on the Nyquist rate sampling switch, making this scalable to high sampling rates. The subsampled ADCs (sub-ADCs) in this design use a 3.5-bit/stage pipelined architecture. This 1-GS/s 11-bit ADC achieves 55-dB peak SNDR, 58.6-dB SNR, consumes 250-mW core power, and occupies a core area of 3.5 mm2. This circuit is implemented in a dual-gate 1.2 V/2.5 V, 0.13-mum logic CMOS process
Effects of serum deprivation on the mechanical properties of adherent vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function plays a key role in regulating the development and progression of vascular lesions. Among the more significant phenomena that occur during the development of these lesions is the phenotypic switching of VSMCs from a contractile to a synthetic state. A better understanding of the concurrent changes to VSMC mechanical properties that occur with phenotypic shifts can help to elucidate the role of VSMC mechanics in the development of vascular diseases. In the current study, the mechanical properties of adherent cultured rat aortic VSMCs were assessed by atomic force microscopy. Serum starvation was used to induce a phenotypic shift in vitro. It was concluded that serum starvation led to a statistically significant increase in apparent elastic modulus after 5 days, as well as a statistically significant decrease in hysteresis after culture for 3 days. If this trend of VSMC mechanical properties changing concurrently with phenotypic shifts were to hold true in vivo, such changes could affect the processes of mechanotransduction and/or arterial mechanical properties, thereby contributing to the progression of vascular disease.
Mechanisms of intercellular calcium signaling in glial cells studied with dantrolene and thapsigargin

Mechanical stimulation of a single cell in a primary mixed glial cell culture induced a wave of increased intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) that was communicated to surrounding cells. Following propagation of the Ca2+ wave, many cells showed asynchronous oscillations in [Ca2+]i. Dantrolene sodium (10 μM) inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i associated with this Ca2+ wave by 60‐80%, and prevented subsequent Ca2+ oscillations. Despite the markedly decreased magnitude of the increase in [Ca2+]i, the rate of propagation and the extent of communication of the Ca2+ wave were similar to those prior to the addition of dantrolene. Thapsigargin (10 nM to 1 μM) induced an initial increase in [Ca2+]i ranging from 100 nM to 500 nM in all cells that was followed by a recovery of [Ca2+]i to near resting levels in most cells. Transient exposure to thapsigargin for 2 min irreversibly blocked communication of a Ca2+ wave from the stimulated cell to adjacent cells. Glutamate (50 μM) induced an initial increase in [Ca2+]i in most cells that was followed by sustained oscillations in [Ca2+]i in some cells. Dantrolene (10 μM) inhibited this initial [Ca2+]i increase caused by glutamate by 65‐90% and abolished subsequent oscillations. Thapsigargin (10 nM to 1 μm) abolished the response to glutamate in over 99% of cells. These results suggest that while both dantrolene and thapsigargin inhibit intracellular Ca2+ release, only thapsigargin affects the mechanism that mediates intercellular communication of Ca2+ waves. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that inositol trisphosphate (IP3) mediates the propagation of Ca2+ waves whereas Ca2+ ‐induced Ca2+ release amplifies Ca2+ waves and generates subsequent Ca2+ oscillations.
Causes and Prediction of Maldistribution during Continuous Spinal Anesthesia with Isobaric or Hyperbaric Bupivacaine

Background Many cases of cauda equina syndrome after maldistribution of local anesthetics during continuous spinal anesthesia have been reported. In experiments, a caudad route of catheter travel and the use of hyperbaric agents have been shown to induce these limited blocks. The aim of this clinical study was to verify this hypothesis and seek a predictive factor for the maldistribution of bupivacaine. Method Continuous spinal anesthesia via a 19‐gauge end port spinal catheter was performed in 80 elderly patients randomly assigned to receive either isobaric or hyperbaric solutions. Successive injections of 2.5 mg bupivacaine were performed at 5‐min intervals until a sensory level at or cranial to T8 was obtained. Maldistribution was defined by a sensory level caudal to T12 despite a total dose of 17.5 mg of either isobaric or hyperbaric bupivacaine. After surgery, all catheters were injected with contrast media and examined radiographically. Results The frequency of maldistribution was not significantly different in the isobaric and hyperbaric groups. A caudally oriented catheter tip was found to be a major cause of maldistribution (P < 10‐5). A thoracic sensory level could be reached in all patients presenting a limited block by simply changing the baricity of the bupivacaine, the position of the patient, or both. The sensory level obtained 10 min after the first injection of 2.5 mg isobaric or hyperbaric bupivacaine was found to be a predictive factor of maldistribution. Conclusions Hyperbaric solutions do not appear to be a clinical factor in the development of limited block. The principle factor causing the maldistribution of bupivacaine is the caudal orientation of the tip of the end‐hole catheter rather than its level or the route of catheter travel.
Intrathecal Liposomal Cytarabine in Relapsed or Refractory Infant and Pediatric Leukemias: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Experience and Review of the Literature

Intrathecal chemotherapy is integral to curing childhood leukemia; however, bioavailability is limited by the blood-brain barrier. Recently FDA-approved, intrathecal liposomal cytarabine (ITlipAC) increases drug concentration over time with fewer invasive procedures. We present a series of 4 children, including 2 infants, with relapsed central nervous system leukemia who went into remission using ITlipAC, with a review of the literature reporting ITlipAC use in children with relapsed leukemia. Drug-attributable side effects were observed more frequently in children with preexisting neurologic conditions and with adult dosing. Combined with other pediatric reports, our experience supports the efficacy of ITlipAC in pediatric and infant leukemic meningitis.
Beyond Predictions: Biodiversity Conservation in a Changing Climate

Climate change is predicted to become a major threat to biodiversity in the 21st century, but accurate predictions and effective solutions have proved difficult to formulate. Alarming predictions have come from a rather narrow methodological base, but a new, integrated science of climate-change biodiversity assessment is emerging, based on multiple sources and approaches. Drawing on evidence from paleoecological observations, recent phenological and microevolutionary responses, experiments, and computational models, we review the insights that different approaches bring to anticipating and managing the biodiversity consequences of climate change, including the extent of species’ natural resilience. We introduce a framework that uses information from different sources to identify vulnerability and to support the design of conservation responses. Although much of the information reviewed is on species, our framework and conclusions are also applicable to ecosystems, habitats, ecological communities, and genetic diversity, whether terrestrial, marine, or fresh water.