Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determining the Climatologically Suitable Areas for Wheat Production Using MODIS-NDVI in Mashhad, Iran

One of the most important factors in sustainable irrigation is the adaptability of crops to climate. Vegetative vigor or "greenness" of wheat could be considered as an appropriate index to measure water availability and deficiency stress and also plant health, plant density and quality. The index is called Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). In this study MODIS-NDVI values were compared with climatological parameters to assess the relations between vegetative vigor and climatological parameters. The NDVI values for three selected wheat farms in Mashhad area were calculated using MODIS images for 2003 and 2004 growing seasons. The data of four climatological parameters including air temperature, precipitation, relative humidity and sunshine hours were also collected from the nearest weather stations. Then a multi-regression statistical analysis was performed to find the relation between wheat NDVI and climatological parameters in the study area. Pertaining statistical methods including Mixed, and Stepwise (Forward and Backward) were used in the analysis. Scattering matrix was used to determine the data scattering of the models and NDVI values for comparison. The results showed that backward method was more appropriate than the other two methods for predicting NDVI values of the study area. After finalizing this model the results were statistically tested using 20% of the samples for the test purpose and the remaining 80% for running the model. The results showed that there was no significant difference between Backward, Testing Backward and Training Backward models. The results from the latter method showed that the NDVI of the pixels could be estimated for 79% of the cases. It can be stated that the rest of NDVI values could be affected by other environmental parameters such as soil type and characteristics, topographical conditions, agronomical practices, plant diseases and other unknown factors. Finally, some maps were developed showing the potential wheat farming in the area according to the model results.
Title Fuzzy Perceptive Values for MDPs with Discounting (Mathematical Theory and Applications of Uncertainty Sciences and Decision Making)

In this paper, we formulate the fuzzy perceptive model for discounted Markov decision processes in which the perception for transition probabilities is described by fuzzy sets. The optimal expected reward, called a fuzzy perceptive value, is characterized and calculated by a new fuzzy relation. As a numerical example, a machine maintenance problem is considered.
Soil controls of phosphorus in runoff: Management barriers and opportunities

Kleinman, P. J. A. , Sharpley, A. N. , Budda, A. R. , McDowell, R. W. and Allen, A. L. 2011. Soil controls of phosphorus in runoff: Management barriers and opportunities. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 329-338. The persistent problem of eutrophication, the biological enrichment of surface waters, has produced a vast literature on soil phosphorus (P) effects on runoff water quality. This paper considers the mechanisms controlling soil P transfers from agricultural soils to runoff waters, and the management of these transfers. Historical emphases on soil conservation and control of sediment delivery to surface waters have demonstrated that comprehensive strategies to mitigate sediment-bound P transfer can produce long-term water quality improvements at a watershed scale. Less responsive are dissolved P releases from soils that have historically received P applications in excess of crop requirements. While halting further P applications to such soils may prevent dissolved P losses from growing, the desorption of P from soils that is derived from historical inputs, termed here as “legacy P”, can persist for long periods of time. Articulating the role of legacy P in delaying the response of watersheds to remedial programs requires more work, delivering the difficult message that yesterday's sinks of P may be today's sources. Even legacy sources of P that occur in low concentration relative to agronomic requirement can support significant loads of P in runoff under the right hydrologic conditions. Strategies that take advantage of the capacity of soils to buffer dissolved P losses, such as periodic tillage to diminish severe vertical stratification of P in no-till soils, offer short-term solutions to mitigating P losses. In some cases, more aggressive strategies are required to mitigate both short-term and legacy P losses.
Measurement of genome evolution in MRSA

The mecA gene is located on the staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) which is a new class of genetic element that is transferred horizontally (2, 13–16, 21). Only two nucleotide positions vary in the mecA gene sequences obtained from MRSA, Staphylococus epidermidis and Staphylococcus sciuri strains (Table 1b). The number of differences in the ISR types (31}2645) and the seven housekeeping genes (43}3818) is 15 times greater than in the mecA gene sequence (2}2002). Recombination or gene conversion between rrn operons on a genome may play a role in homogenizing the sequences of ISR types (5, 17). Similarly, it has been shown that recombination is responsible for SNPs in the seven housekeeping genes of MRSA analysed by MLST (4). If this is the case, the introduction of mutations by recombination may be many times more frequent than during or after the horizontal transfer of SCCmec. While it is probable that the introduction of mecA into S. aureus is a relatively recent event, it is possible that the event is more ancient and its introduction is more likely due to increased transmission in hospitals and by a higher exposure to antibiotics than occurs in nature. However, the low rate of mutation in mecA (compared to ISRs and housekeeping genes) must raise the question as to whether there are different mechanisms of mutation in different parts of the bacterial genome.
Effect of Dog Ownership on Mental Health Disorders and Quality of Life in Veterans

Approximately 1 in 5 returning service members from Iraq and Afghanistan report symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008), and 22 percent of veterans suffering from PTSD also report symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Mental health disorders such as PTSD have been shown to reduce the overall self-perceived quality of life in Vietnam veterans (Hansson, 2002). The effectiveness of using animals in therapeutic settings for mental health disorders has proven to be successful, specifically demonstrated to be therapeutic and beneficial in treating disorders such as anxiety and PTSD (Chandler, 2005). It is unclear whether veterans who own a pet would report fewer symptoms of PTSD and SAD and perceive a higher quality of life than veterans who do not own a pet. This study examined the relationship between companion dog ownership on veteran mental health and perceived quality of life. Seventy nine veterans (58 male, 21 female) were recruited from Facebook’s veterans groups who completed an online survey gathering information on dog ownership, symptoms of PTSD and SAD, perceived quality of life, and several demographics. No significant relationships were observed between these variables after conducting Pearson’s r correlational analyses. However, a significant correlation was found between veterans who have an “indifferent” view of pet dogs and levels of SAD. Implications of the findings are discussed in how to design future studies that research the relationship between the human-animal bond and mental health disorders in returning service members. Quality of Life in Veterans 3 Effect of Dog Ownership on Mental Health Disorders and Quality of Life in Veterans
EFFECTS OF GENDER AND RECURRENT LOW BACK PAIN ON LIFTING STYLE

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of gender and existing, recurrent low back pain (rLBP) on lower extremity and trunk mechanics, as well as neuromuscular control, during a lift task. Design: A multivariate design was used to examine the effects of gender and group on biomechanical and neuromuscular control variables in randomized symmetric and asymmetric lifting. Methods: 68 Males and females with rLBP and healthy performed symmetric and asymmetric weighted box lifting trials to a 1 meter height table. Results: Lifting style was different between gender and between the rLBP versus healthy groups during a 1m box lifting. A significant two-way interaction effect between gender and group was observed for multifidus muscle activity and knee rotation in asymmetric lifting. Several gender and group main effects were observed in pelvis obliquity, trunk flexion and side flexion, knee abduction angles in symmetric lifting; and in pelvis obliquity and rotation, trunk flexion and side flexion, hip abduction, knee abduction angles, external oblique and internal oblique muscles activity in asymmetric lifting. Conclusions: Females and individuals with rLBP appear to use different lifting styles that emphasize movement at the pelvis accompanied by poor kinematic control features at the hip, trunk and knee. Clinicians should be mindful of these changes when developing prevention and rehabilitation programs aimed at improving trunk control in preparation for lifting tasks during domestic and occupational activities.
Regional dialects in the contact call of a parrot

This study describes a system of regional dialects in the contact call of a parrot, the yellow-naped amazon (Amazona auropalliata.) Spectrographic cross-correlation analyses of calls from multiple adults at 16 roosts in Costa Rica reveal two distinct patterns of geographic variation in call structure: first, variation in the basic structure of the call by which roosts can be classified into three distinct dialects, and second, fine-scale variation of call structure among roosts within a dialect. Some birds at roosts bordering two dialects use the calls of both neighbouring dialects interchangeably. These results suggest that there are two distinct processes governing the diffusion of call types among roosts, with dialect borders acting as barriers to the spread of foreign calls. Such a dialect system could be maintained through either reduced dispersal of birds across dialect boundaries or alternatively, by reduced diffusion of call types. These two possibilities have different implications for the genetic isolation of populations and thus for both speciation and learning. This pattern is broadly similar to those seen in some songbirds and may be maintained in a similar manner.
Effects of Acidified Seawater on the Skeletal Structure of a Scleractinian Coral from Evidence Identified by SEM

This study investigated the response of the scleractinian coral Acropora valida to acidified seawater from the Kueishan I. hydrothermal fields off northeastern Taiwan. Acropora valida was exposed to seawater with various pH values, and modification of the skeletal structure was examined and recorded through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM images displayed various degrees of erosion of the vertical rods and radial bars, and considerable and significant acidified seawater effects on the fusiform crystals and small spherulitic tuft clusters of aragonite as the pH decreased in the experimental treatments. The results demonstrated that a low pH may inhibit coral calcium carbonate formation, implying that the pH may be the limiting factor in the coral's distribution around the Kueishan I. hydrothermal fields. Morphological changes in scleractinian coral skeletal structures with erosion of CaCO3 crystals could also be explained by the saturation state (Ω) of the experimental seawater with respect to aragonite under various pH conditions. Because ocean acidification is an urgent global environmental issue, the implication is that Kueishan I. hydrothermal vents have a considerable influence on the spatial distribution of corals around Kueishan I. This was demonstrated by the use of coral, A. valida, as a model species in the present study.
Contribution of Indigenous Knowledge to Climate Change and AdaptationResponse in Southern Ethiopia

The role of indigenous knowledge of pastoralists ‘on climate change and adaptation response has been given less emphasis. This study was conducted to explore pastoralist’s perception of climate change, its impacts, copping and adaption response in southern Ethiopia. The data were gathered through a multi-stage sampling process, a total of 211 households in three pastoral and agro-pastoral districts were selected and interviewed use of structured questionnaire, and key informants. A long-term (1986-2014) rainfall and temperature were analyzed use of Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) and Mann-Kendall trend test. The study shows pastoralists’ recognized the changes in climate and described use of many local indicators. Both household and empirical climate records indict a declining in rainfall amount, and an increasing in drought frequency. The changes in climate had led to recurrent drought, feed scarcity, crop failure and low yields leading to food insecurity were among other effects. Pastoralists’ have many adaptation responses to climate change generally involved in adjusting of crop production strategies, grazing and herd management practices, shifting to non-pastoral livelihoods activities and use of social supporting system. The study shows communities’ had a set of coping strategies frequent sale of livestock found be the primary responses. The study concludes pastoralists’ had a many innovative adaptation responses and practices, integration of local knowledge and scientific should have a potential to limit the negative effects of climate change as well as to look at an alternative adaptation strategies.
Alternative Specular Approach for real-time rendering optimized for higher performance

En éste trabajo se proponen dos técnicas novedosas para la iluminación 3D por computadora en tiempo real utilizando tarjetas de video (GPU). Las técnicas clásicas de iluminación como la reflexión especular Phong, son pesadas computacionalmente cuando se ejecutan en dispositivos con poco poder provocando mal desempeño en tiempo real y reduciendo el tiempo de vida de las baterías. Las alternativas propuestas son definidas en términos más simples, pero aún así producen resultados similares a las técnicas clásicas. Se proporcionan resultados de varios experimentos realizados con las técnicas propuestas corriendo tanto en el CPU como en el GPU. Los resultados de los indicadores de desempeño muestran que las técnicas propuestas aceleran el desempeño significativamente en dispositivos de bajo perfil. Los experimentos se realizaron en diversas computadoras analizando tanto plataformas 32-bit como 64-bit utilizando enfoques en un procesador así como multi-procesador para evaluar su rendimiento adecuadamente.
Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients using Neoadjuvant AC (Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide) in Comparison with PG (Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine) Therapy

Background: Quality of life has become a part of the evaluation criteria for cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life in breast cancer patients under chemotherapy regimens that contained doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) compared to paclitaxel and gemcitabine (PG). Methods: This cohort study evaluated 100 women with breast cancer treated by doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide or gemcitabine and paclitaxel regimens. We used the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire- Core 30 to assess health related quality of life at the beginning and end of chemotherapy. Data were analyzed by the independent t-test at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Most of the 100 patients were married (68%), aged 41-50 years (36%), non-college educated (76%), and had insurance (97%). The mean quality of life scores at the first session of chemotherapy and prior to the onset of treatment-related adverse events were 71.33 for the doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide groups and 71.15 for the gemcitabine and paclitaxel groups. Analysis of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 at the last chemotherapy session showed that the quality of life in both groups deteriorated as a result of side effects. The mean of quality of life scores at the first session of chemotherapy were 66.49 for the doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide group and 59.99 for the gemcitabine and paclitaxel group.Conclusion: Strategies to improve the emotional and role functions of the patients who undergo treatment should be given priority. Financial difficulties faced by breast cancer patients should be addressed from a policy making level at the initiating health financing system.
GGDC Productivity Level Database: International Comparisons of Output, Inputs and Productivity at the Industry Level

In this paper we introduce the GGDC Productivity Level database. This database provides comparisons of output, inputs and productivity at a detailed industry level for a set of thirty OECD countries. It complements the EU KLEMS growth and productivity accounts by providing comparative levels and follows it in terms of country and industry coverage, variable definition and basic data (O? Mahony and Timmer, 2008). As such, the level and growth accounts can be used together in comparative analyses of productivity trends. The methodology followed is based on Jorgenson and Nishimizu (1985), but includes a number of refinements such as the use of sectoral output and input measures that exclude intra-industry flows; the application of multilateral indices; use of relative output prices from the production side and the use of the exante approach to capital price measurement. The paper outlines the construction and contents of the database and presents some empirical results. The GGDC Productivity Level database is publicly available at www.ggdc. net/databases/levels.htm.
Effects of cyclic shear stress and average shear stress on the cyclic loading failure of marine silty sand

This paper presents the cyclic direct simple shear (CDSS) tests to explain the long term cyclic behavior of marine soil deposits. Cyclic behavior of marine soil deposits depend on the number of loading cycles, vertical effective stress, cyclic shear strain amplitude, relative density, and cyclic and average shear stresses. In addition, the study investigates the effect of cyclic and average shear stresses on the cyclic behavior of marine soil deposits subjected to long term cyclic loading. Design graphs are plotted from the CDSS test results. These results are then modeled and can be used to design offshore structures such as offshore wind turbine foundations, and also used to assess the cyclic shear strength of soil beneath the foundation.
Xylanases and its Application in Food Industry: A Review

Xylan is the most abundant and prinicipal type of hemicellulose. It is a linear polymer of β-D xylopyranosyl units linked by (1–4) glycosidic bonds. Xylanases are most predominantly present in plant cell walls and are produced by different kinds of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, protozoans and some yeast. Recently there is an increasing demand for cost effective microbial xylanolytic enzyme which benefits the industrial applications and are produced commercially. Xylanases has a wide range of applications in pulp and paper, food, animal feed, textiles and pharmaceuticals. This review discusses some of the properties of xylanases and their application in food industry.
2 0 M ar 2 01 8 Enhancement , slow relaxation , ergodicity and rejuvenation of diffusion in biased continuous-time random walks

Bias plays an important role in the enhancement of diffusion in periodic potentials. Using the continuous-time random walk in the presence of a bias, we provide a novel mechanism for the enhancement of diffusion in a random energy landscape. When the variance of the waiting time diverges, in contrast to the bias-free case the dynamics with bias becomes superdiffusive. In the superdiffusive regime, we find a distinct initial ensemble dependence of the diffusivity. We show that the time-averaged variance converges to the corresponding ensemble-averaged variance, i.e., ergodicity is preserved. However, trajectory-to-trajectory fluctuations of the time-averaged variance decay slowly. Our finding suggests that in the superdiffusive regime the diffusivity for a nonequilibrium initial ensemble gradually increases to that for an equilibrium ensemble when the start of the measurement is delayed, corresponding to a rejuvenation of diffusivity.
The Effect of High-Dose Simvastatin Therapy on Patients with Acute Cerebral Infarction

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) accounts for the major cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. However, effects of high-dose simvastatin therapy on patients with acute cerebral infarction still unclear. In this study, the clinical efficacy of high-dose simvastatin on patients with cerebral infarction was investigated. A total of 180 patients with acute cerebral infarction were randomized divided into control group (n=60), high-dose simvastatin (HDS) group (n=60) and low-dose simvastatin (LDS) group (n=60). Control group, HDS group and LDS group received conventional treatment, conventional treatment together with simvastatin 80 mg/d and conventional treatment as well as simvastatin 40 mg/d respectively for 3 months. Biochemical indices, neurological deficit and plaque thickness and volume were assessed and recorded after treatment. After simvastatin treatment, the plasma levels of Triglyceride, Total cholesterol, Low-density lipoprotein were significantly decreased in HDS group and LDS group, and HDS were significantly increased in HDS group and LDS group. Also, simvastatin decreased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, two major inflammatory factors in plasma. Furthermore, improved neurological deficit were found in simvastatin treatment groups. In addition, simvastatin treatment also improved plaque states include plaque thickness and volume in HDS group and LDS group. Therefore, simvastatin could improve acute cerebral infarction and high-dose of simvastatin treatment was better than low -dose of simvastatin treatment.
How to design compelling Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality experience?

The convergence of technologies currently observed in the field of Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, robotics and consumer electronic reinforces the trend of new applications appearing every day. But when transferring knowledge acquired from research to businesses, research laboratories are often at a loss because of a lack of knowledge of the design and integration processes in creating an industrial scale product. In fact, the innovation approaches that take a good idea from the laboratory to a successful industrial product are often little known to researchers. The objective of this paper is to present the results of the work of several research teams that have finalized a working method for researchers and manufacturers that allow them to design virtual or augmented reality systems and enable their users to enjoy “a compelling Virtual Reality experience”. That approach, called “the I2I method”, present 11 phases from “Establishing technological and competitive intelligence and industrial property” to “Improvements” through the “Definition of the Behavioral Interface, Virtual Environment and Behavioral Software Assistance”. As a result of the experience gained by various research teams, this design approach benefits from contributions from current Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality research. Our objective is to validate and continuously move such multidisciplinary design team methods forward.