Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of atherogenic indices and abdominal obesity indices among non obese adults in Zaria , Northern Nigeria

Prior epidemiological studies and comparative analyses of correlations between abdominal obesity and dyslipidemia have been limited to obese participants but few data are available for the non obese adults of this study population. This study examined the associations between atherogenic and obesity indices among non obese adults of Samaru, a suburb of Zaria in Kaduna state, Nigeria. The study protocol was duly approved by the Ethical committee of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria. This cross sectional study examined a total of 174 non obese adults, 35 to 70 years of age (male, 91; female, 83) who were randomly selected for the study. All subjects were normotensive and not on any lipid lowering medications. Normal-weight body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m and overweight BMI ≤ 27 kg/m was considered in the study. Descriptive statistics and Partial correlation were used to determine the relationship between atherogenic and obesity indices, after controlling for age. Results showed significant (p ≤0.05) relationships between Log (TG/HDL) and waisthip ratio (0.0001*) as well as waist-height ratio (0.003*), waist circumference (0.013*) and body mass index (BMI) (0.041*) in males but not in females. Waist-hip ratio was the most important and consistent index of adiposity that associated with the atherogenic index [Log (TG/HDL)] in male and no relationship was shown in female non obese adult group. This could be an indication that the distribution of fat deposits in nonobese men may be a better predictor of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic abnormalities and frequent macrovascular complications than the degree of obesity alone and might be at higher risk than women. The strong correlations of Log (TG/HDL) with abdominal fatness compared to other atherogenic indices that is, (TC/HDL and LDL/HDL) in this study has confirmed the statistical reliability of Log (TG/HDL) as a tool in the assessment of cardiovascular risk factors among nonobese adults.
Evaluation of 2018 Turkish early childhood teacher education curriculum

Bu arastirmanin amaci Turkiye’de 2018’de guncellenen Okul Oncesi Ogretmeni Yetistirme Programinin ozelliklerini ve nihai uygulayicilar olarak ogretim elemanlarinin gorus ve onerilerini ortaya koymaktir. Calismanin ilk asamasinda guncellenen ve onceki okul oncesi ogretmeni yetistirme programlari incelenerek yeni programin ozellikleri ortaya koyulmustur. Ikinci asamada Turkiye’de ozel veya devlet universitelerinden ogretim elemanlarinin programa iliskin gorus ve onerileri alinmistir. Secmeli derslerin arttirilmasi yeni programin en olumlu yeniligi iken esnek olmamasi, uygulamalarin azaltilmis olmasi, yeni bazi derslerin ihtiyaclara yonelik olmamasi elestirilen yonleridir. Uygulamalarin arttirilmasi ve program gelistirme surecine tum paydaslarin katiliminin saglanmasi ogretim elemanlarinin en cok uzerinde durduklari onerileridir.
A perception pipeline for expeditionary autonomous ground vehicles

Expeditionary environments create special challenges for perception systems in autonomous ground vehicles. To address these challenges, a perception pipeline has been developed that fuses data from multiple sensors (color, thermal, LIDAR) with different sensing modalities and spatial resolutions. The paper begins with in-depth discussion of the multi-sensor calibration procedure. It then follows the flow of data through the perception pipeline, detailing the process by which the sensor data is combined in the world model representation. Topics of interest include stereo filtering, stereo and LIDAR ground segmentation, pixel classification, 3D occupancy grid aggregation, and costmap generation
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Cardiac sodium

Cardiac sodium channel are protein complexes that are expressed in the sarcolemma of cardiomyocytes to carry a large inward depolarizing current (INa) during phase 0 of the cardiac action potential. The importance of INa for normal cardiac electrical activity is reflected by the high incidence of arrhythmias in cardiac sodium channelopathies, i.e., arrhythmogenic diseases in patients with mutations in SCN5A, the gene responsible for the pore-forming ionconducting α-subunit, or in genes that encode the ancillary β-subunits or regulatory proteins of the cardiac sodium channel. While clinical and genetic studies have laid the foundation for our understanding of cardiac sodium channelopathies by establishing links between arrhythmogenic diseases and mutations in genes that encode various subunits of the cardiac sodium channel, biophysical studies (particularly in heterologous expression systems and transgenic mouse models) have provided insights into the mechanisms by which INa dysfunction causes disease in such channelopathies. It is now recognized that mutations that increase INa delay cardiac repolarization, prolong action potential duration, and cause long QT syndrome, while mutations that reduce INa decrease cardiac excitability, reduce electrical conduction velocity, and induce Brugada syndrome, progressive cardiac conduction disease, sick sinus syndrome, or combinations thereof. Recently, mutation-induced INa dysfunction was also linked to dilated cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and sudden infant death syndrome. This review describes the structure and function of the cardiac sodium channel and its various subunits, summarizes major cardiac sodium channelopathies and the current knowledge concerning their genetic background and underlying molecular mechanisms, and discusses recent advances in the discovery of mutation-specific therapies in the management of these channelopathies.
New Insight into the Nature of Shear Rupture Propagation in Pristine Rocks and Pre-Existing Faults

This paper proposes a new insight into the role of fault structure in the determination of fault properties which explains a number of enigmatic aspects of fault behaviour. It is shown that hard rocks which failed at high confining pressure (σ3) exhibit specific properties that distinguish them markedly from common rock behaviour. They become extremely brittle with brittleness increasing with σ3 and lose shear resistance within a certain range of shear rupture displacement. The behaviour is caused by the intrinsic nature of the fault structure, which is an echelon of blocks operating as hinges, essentially eliminating friction at high confining pressure of a certain displacement range. Such rock properties result in increasing instability with depth and make rupture abnormally violent, both of which are well-established experimentally from studies of earthquakes and rockbursts at high stress level. The paper demonstrates that, while the same block structure may be found at a different scale in primary fractures and general faults, significantly different mechanisms are responsible for the formation of the structure in each case. A new approach is proposed for understanding fault segmentation and the role of junctions in fault propagation. It is argued that segmentation is a result of advanced triggering of new fractures that propagate both towards the current fracture and in the opposite direction. This mechanism triples the fault propagation speed. Special joining shear fractures formed at the meeting of the approaching segments help to accommodate the fault displacement and can significantly decrease the fault strength – thus contradicting the general belief that junctions represent strength barriers impeding the fault motion. It is shown also that the specific block structure involved in pre-existing natural faults can cause repeatable fault instability. A new stick-slip mechanism based on the frictionless concept is proposed in this paper. Improved understanding of the fracture process is important for better prediction and mitigation of dynamic events such as earthquakes and rockbursts.
An overview on structure and field emission properties of carbon nitride films

Carbon nitride films have excellent properties and wide application prospects in the aspect of field emission properties. In this review structure characteristics and a variety of synthetic methods of carbon nitride film will be described. In the carbon nitrogen films, we mainly from the following three points: sp2/sp3 ratio, surface morphology and N content to discuss the change of field emission properties. Appropriate sp2/sp3 (about 1.0-1.25) ratio, N content (about 8 at.%-10 at.%), and rough surfaces will strengthen the field emission properties.
Guided wave testing of a structural component by multipoint sensing with wireless accelerometers

Abstract. When a guided wave is applied to a structural component in civil infrastructure, it is important to note the dimensions of the cross-section and the heterogeneity of the components. In this study, we proposed a wireless measurement system to measure the guided wave in the kHz frequency range. The guided wave was excited with an impact hammer. It was then received with wireless accelerometers at plural points. In order to enhance the accuracy of the guided wave testing, the propagation mode representing wave packets with different wave velocities is required. A semi-analytical finite element method was utilized to obtain the dispersion curve of the propagation mode. The numerically calculated and the measured dispersion curves showed good agreement for the I-beam metal specimen. The wave components with zero group velocity were observed in the measured dispersion curve. Investigations revealed that the components were caused by a natural vibration mode.
Hydrometeor Budget of the Meiyu Frontal Rainstorms Associated With Two Different Atmospheric Circulation Patterns

Characteristics of hydrometeor budget and the microphysical processes responsible for heavy precipitation are studied based on the WRF model simulations of two representative Meiyu frontal rainstorms that are associated with two distinct atmospheric circulation patterns. Case 1 is characterized by the coupling of the Eastward Propagating Mesoscale Vortex (EPMV) and Meiyu front, while Case 2 is dominated by the interaction between the Low‐Level Wind Shear (LLWS) and Meiyu front. The temporal and spatial characteristics of the hydrometeor budget are validated against observations and assimilation products including those obtained during the 2018 Integrative Monsoon Frontal Rainfall Experiment (IMFRE) campaign and discussed in the context of contrasting the precipitation intensification and dissipation stage. Specifically, the ice‐dependent cloud processes, rather than the liquid‐dependent cloud processes, are predominantly responsible for the variation of precipitation. These terms include the deposition from water vapor to the ice phase hydrometeors, the accretion from cloud liquid water to the ice phase hydrometeors in the upper troposphere, and the melting of the ice phase hydrometeors into raindrops in the mid‐lower troposphere. Then three major ice cloud conversion pathways and two minor warm cloud conversion pathways for the formation of raindrops are extracted from the overall microphysical processes active in both Case 1 and Case 2. One of the key findings is that ice‐dependent cloud processes are significantly more active in the case characterized by the coupling of EPMV and Meiyu front, and this difference is at least partly explained by the differences in dynamical and thermodynamic conditions dominated by the circulation patterns.
The statistics of tin whisker diameters versus the underlying film grains

We compare the statistics of tin whisker diameters to that of the underlying film grains. Both are well approximated by the lognormal distributions. However, the parameters of those distributions can be rather different, not confirming the assumption that each whisker grows from a single grain. We conclude that several adjacent grains with similar crystal orientations can contribute to a whisker development. Our observations are consistent with the recent theory of multi-filament whisker structure. A modification of the particle size log-normal distribution is developed clarifying the nature of its dispersion.
Using Mindomo to Engage Students in Higher-Order Thinking

Mindomo ( www.mindomo.com ) is a web-based tool designed to aid in the creation of digital concept maps. This article provides an overview of concept mapping and Mindomo followed by reflections on implementing Mindomo in a digital technology course for pre-service teachers. A SWOT analysis of Mindomo is presented in concept map format, with the goals being to provide information helpful to anyone considering using Mindomo and to encourage instructors to consider how concept mapping might facilitate higher-order thinking in their classes.
An applied ecology of fear framework: linking theory to conservation practice

Research on the ecology of fear has highlighted the importance of perceived risk from predators and humans in shaping animal behavior and physiology, with potential demographic and ecosystem‐wide consequences. Despite recent conceptual advances and potential management implications of the ecology of fear, theory and conservation practices have rarely been linked. Many challenges in animal conservation may be alleviated by actively harnessing or compensating for risk perception and risk avoidance behavior in wild animal populations. Integration of the ecology of fear into conservation and management practice can contribute to the recovery of threatened populations, human–wildlife conflict mitigation, invasive species management, maintenance of sustainable harvest and species reintroduction plans. Here, we present an applied framework that links conservation interventions to desired outcomes by manipulating ecology of fear dynamics. We discuss how to reduce or amplify fear in wild animals by manipulating habitat structure, sensory stimuli, animal experience (previous exposure to risk) and food safety trade‐offs to achieve management objectives. Changing the optimal decision‐making of individuals in managed populations can then further conservation goals by shaping the spatiotemporal distribution of animals, changing predation rates and altering risk effects that scale up to demographic consequences. We also outline future directions for applied research on fear ecology that will better inform conservation practices. Our framework can help scientists and practitioners anticipate and mitigate unintended consequences of management decisions, and highlight new levers for multi‐species conservation strategies that promote human–wildlife coexistence.
Development and Performance Study of Controlled Atmosphere for Fresh Tomato

Development of a controlled atmosphere (CA) plant and shelf-life of fresh tomatoes at different storage conditions were studied in this research. The controlled chamber (4.5' × 4.5' × 4.5') with supplement of 1% L-ascorbic acid as antioxidant source was constructed using locally available materials. Fresh tomatoes were kept with wrapping by low density polyethylene under refrigerated and CA storage conditions. The maximum shelf-life of fresh tomato was 42 days under CA condition and followed by 35 days in refrigeration condition. Though initial cost of controlled atmosphere was high but it resulted in maximum shelf life of tomato. However, CA condition retained the physiological changes namely, color change, TSS, and weight loss of fresh tomatoes than that of stored in refrigerated condition. From nutritional point of view, it was concluded that developed CA plant could be used to extend the shelf-life of fresh tomatoes with minimum physico-chemical changes throughout the storage period.
Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Potential of Aqueous Extracts of Millettia laurenti, Lophira alata and Milicia excelsa, Commonly Used in the Cameroonian Pharmacopoeia

Aims: As the world nowadays is turning towards the research of biologically active natural compounds, this work aimed at assessing the antioxidant potential of compounds contained in the aqueous extracts of three common Cameroonian pharmacopoeia plants, namely Millettia laurenti (Wengé) seeds, Lophira alata (Azobé) leaves and Milicia excelsa (Iroko) barks and the associated bioactive compounds. Methodology: After being dried and ground, they were macerated in water and the polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids quantified. The antioxidant potential of the extracts was evaluated through DPPH free radical scavenging, NO scavenging, phosphomolybdate method (TAC), and iron-reducing power (FRAP). Results: The mean concentrations obtained ranged between 527 and 1213 µg GAE/g DM for polyphenols, 0.39 and 0.65 µg GAE/g DM for tannins, 19.79 and 27.06 µg QE/g DM for flavonoids, 15.72 and 16.02 µg QuE/g DM for alkaloids. Aqueous extracts of Wengé (AE-WG) and Azobé (AE-AZ) exhibited the highest and significantly similar contents. AE-AZ presented the highest iron reducing power (0.015 µg AAE/g DM at 10 mg/mL) and NO scavenging (IC50=3.63 mg/mL) while AE-WG showed the highest DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 4.20 mg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (0.39 µg AAE/g DM at 10 mg/mL). No significant correlation was observed between studied bioactive compounds and the different antioxidant responses except flavonoids and tannins with TAC (p<0.05). Conclusion: AE-AZ and AE-WG exhibited different antioxidant mechanisms and are therefore of high interest for potential use in the food industry and medicine with reserves to toxicological studies.
Characterizing the radial oxygen abundance distribution in disk galaxies

Context. The relation between the radial oxygen abundance distribution (gradient) and other parameters of a galaxy such as mass, Hubble type, and a bar strength, remains unclear although a large amount of observational data have been obtained in the past years. Aims. We examine the possible dependence of the radial oxygen abundance distribution on non-axisymmetrical structures (bar/spirals) and other macroscopic parameters such as the mass, the optical radius R25, the color g − r, and the surface brightness of the galaxy. A sample of disk galaxies from the third data release of the Calar Alto Legacy Integral Field Area Survey (CALIFA DR3) is considered. Methods. We adopted the Fourier amplitude A2 of the surface brightness as a quantitative characteristic of the strength of non-axisymmetric structures in a galactic disk, in addition to the commonly used morphologic division for A, AB, and B types based on the Hubble classification. To distinguish changes in local oxygen abundance caused by the non-axisymmetrical structures, the multiparametric mass–metallicity relation was constructed as a function of parameters such as the bar/spiral pattern strength, the disk size, color index g − r in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) bands, and central surface brightness of the disk. The gas-phase oxygen abundance gradient is determined by using the R calibration. Results. We find that there is no significant impact of the non-axisymmetric structures such as a bar and/or spiral patterns on the local oxygen abundance and radial oxygen abundance gradient of disk galaxies. Galaxies with higher mass, however, exhibit flatter oxygen abundance gradients in units of dex/kpc, but this effect is significantly less prominent for the oxygen abundance gradients in units of dex/R25 and almost disappears when the inner parts are avoided (R > 0.25R25). We show that the oxygen abundance in the central part of the galaxy depends neither on the optical radius R25 nor on the color g − r or the surface brightness of the galaxy. Instead, outside the central part of the galaxy, the oxygen abundance increases with g − r value and central surface brightness of the disk.
Efficiency Optimal of Inductive Power Transfer System Using the Genetic Algorithms

The Inductive power transfer (IPT) systems' efficiency is determined by kinds of parameters. Aim at maximum the power transfer efficiency for Inductive power transfer (IPT) system, the efficiency of four basic topology IPT systems is analyzed. Based on the analysis, genetic algorithms (GA) are used to optimize IPT systems parameters to achieve the maximum of the power transfer efficiency. Before the GA optimization process, the IPT systems are compensated in a resonance condition which can achieve to minimize VA rating of the power supply and maximum power transfer. In the process of GA optimization, to ensure the final solutions achieving bifurcation-free operation, the solutions that generate bifurcation phenomenon (multi zero phase angle frequency) are excluded. The simulation results verify that the GA can find the best optimal solutions for all topology IPT systems.
Poster : Side-Channel Finder for AVR

AVR microcontrollers [1] are widely used, e.g., in Internet of Things devices. Such devices are targets for attacks (e.g., the recent side-channel attack on smart lightbulbs [2]). In a side-channel attack, an attacker observes execution characteristics, e.g., time, from which he deduces information about a secret. Timing-side-channel attacks are particularly dangerous because they can be mounted remotely [3]. On this poster, we present our results [4] and ongoing work on timing-side-channel detection for AVR microcontrollers.
Oxidative Stress Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy: A Unifying Paradigm in Adult Sudden Death with Normal Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction; Early Diagnosis and Treatment Reduces Sudden Death at Least 43%

This commentary on our current paradigms’ inability to predict and prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD), responsible for 15 20% of all deaths in the general population, is inspired by the results of our 12 year study of 133 type II diabetics (DM) in whom we identified SCD risk with one autonomic screening and addressed it, reducing SCD 43% (p = 0.0076). We are currently ascertaining if this applies to non-diabetics. The SCD reduction in DMII was due to screening and treating even mild (69% of patients) oxidative cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Since oxidative stress, and secondary dysautonomia, is a common thread of all major cardiac disease, and there is preventative therapy, a new paradigm of oxidative-stress cardiac dysautonomia as a major common final pathway to SCD should be considered. The general population should be screened autonomically and preventive measures initiated.
Robust Arctic warming caused by projected Antarctic sea ice loss

Over the coming century, both Arctic and Antarctic sea ice cover are projected to substantially decline. While many studies have documented the potential impacts of projected Arctic sea ice loss on the climate of the mid-latitudes and the tropics, little attention has been paid to the impacts of Antarctic sea ice loss. Here, using comprehensive climate model simulations, we show that the effects of end-of-the-century projected Antarctic sea ice loss extend much further than the tropics, and are able to produce considerable impacts on Arctic climate. Specifically, our model indicates that the Arctic surface will warm by 1 °C and Arctic sea ice extent will decline by 0.5 × 106 km2 in response to future Antarctic sea ice loss. Furthermore, with the aid of additional atmosphere-only simulations, we show that this pole-to-pole effect is mediated by the response of the tropical SSTs to Antarctic sea ice loss: these simulations reveal that Rossby waves originating in the tropical Pacific cause the Aleutian Low to deepen in the boreal winter, bringing warm air into the Arctic, and leading to sea ice loss in the Bering Sea. This pole-to-pole signal highlights the importance of understanding the climate impacts of the projected sea ice loss in the Antarctic, which could be as important as those associated with projected sea ice loss in the Arctic.