Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Liquid Chromatography−Tandem Mass Spectrometry Determination of Nonionic Organophosphorus Flame Retardants and Plasticizers in Wastewater Samples

A comprehensive method for the determination of nonionic organophosphorus flame retardants/plasticizers in wastewater samples by solid-phase extraction (SPE) with liquid chromatography−electrospray ionization−tandem mass spectrometry (LC−ESI−MS/MS) is presented. It allows the determination of 11 organophosphorus compounds, trialkyl and trichloralkyl phosphates, triaryl phosphate, and biphosphates together with triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO). Limits of quantification after SPE of 100 mL of water are between 3 and 80 ng/L, which are adequate for most aqueous samples. The sensitivity of the LC−ESI−MS approach allows direct injection of aqueous sample without preceding extraction for concentrations in the low μg/L range. The method was finally applied to municipal wastewater samples, showing the occurrence of six phosphoric acid triesters and TPPO in both raw and treated municipal wastewaters.
Optimum Image Thresholding via Class Uncertainty and Region Homogeneity

Thresholding is a popular image segmentation method that converts a gray-level image into a binary image. The selection of optimum thresholds has remained a challenge over decades. Besides being a segmentation tool on its own, often it is also a step in many advanced image segmentation techniques in spaces other than the image space. We introduce a thresholding method that accounts for both intensity-based class uncertainty-a histogram-based property-and region homogeneity-an image morphology-based property. A scale-based formulation is used for region homogeneity computation. At any threshold, intensity-based class uncertainty is computed by fitting a Gaussian to the intensity distribution of each of the two regions segmented at that threshold. The theory of the optimum thresholding method is based on the postulate that objects manifest themselves with fuzzy boundaries in any digital image acquired by an imaging device. The main idea here is to select that threshold at which pixels with high class uncertainty accumulate mostly around object boundaries. To achieve this, a threshold energy criterion is formulated using class-uncertainty and region homogeneity such that, at any image location, a high energy is created when both class uncertainty and region homogeneity are high or both are low. Finally, the method selects that threshold which corresponds to the minimum overall energy. The method has been compared to a maximum segmented image information method. Superiority of the proposed method was observed both qualitatively on clinical medical images as well as quantitatively on 250 realistic phantom images generated by adding different degrees of blurring, noise, and background variation to real objects segmented from clinical images.
Wild Animals in Daily Life

Humans have historically low engagement with the natural world. Global urbanization has led people to abandon wildlife-rich landscapes. The current lack of connectedness to nature is known as nature-deficit disorder. However, to encourage sustainable relationships between humans and other animals, technology to reconnect is urgently needed. The natural world is in a dire state; we are in the midst of a Sixth Mass Extinction. Here we propose that a novel information system, including a mobile app and privacy tools, could enable reconnection with the natural world. We propose the combination of real-time tracking data from wild animals and humans. Novel wildlife experiences, integrated into people’s daily lives, may increase the connectedness to nature, which serves as a key factor for pro-environmental behavior. Further benefits are identified in education, philanthropy, health, and entertainment. Finally, we utilize an innovative privacy-preserving architecture to shield wildlife data from criminal intent.
Ion structure factors and electron transport in dense Coulomb plasmas

The dynamical structure factor of a Coulomb crystal of ions is calculated at arbitrary temperature below the melting point taking into account multi-phonon processes in the harmonic approximation. In a strongly coupled Coulomb ion liquid, the static structure factor is split into two parts, a Bragg-diffraction-like one, describing incipient long-range order structures, and an inelastic part corresponding to thermal ion density fluctuations. It is assumed that the diffractionlike scattering does not lead to the electron relaxation in the liquid phase. This assumption, together with the inclusion of multi-phonon processes in the crystalline phase, eliminates large discontinuities of the transport coefficients (jumps of the thermal and electric conductivities, as well as shear viscosity, reported previously) at a melting point.
Analisando o Desempenho de Banco de Dados Multi-Inquilino em Nuvem

Computação em nuvem é uma tendência de tecnologia com o objetivo de proporcionar serviços sob demanda de pagamento baseado no uso. Para melhorar a utilização dos recursos, os provedores implementam técnicas multi-inquilino para sistemas de banco de dados. Existem muitos modelos multi-inquilino, cada um com diferentes níveis de isolamento e desempenho. Entretanto, estes modelos não têm sido avaliados sob a perspectiva de desempenho. Este artigo apresenta uma análise de experimentos para medir a variação de desempenho de sistemas de banco de dados multi-inquilino em nuvem. Foram utilizados diferentes bancos de dados para representar um ambiente real. Os resultados mostram que o sistema de banco de dados in uencia diretamente no isolamento entre inquilinos e no tempo de resposta das consultas. Por m, o trabalho fornece alguns direcionamentos para utilização de banco dados multi-inquilinos em nuvem.
Implementation to the Different Differential Equations of Homotopy Analysis , Differential Transformed and Adomian Decomposition Method

In this study, the concept of Homotopy analysis method (HAM) is briefly introduced. Furthermore some non-linear problems are handled and the solutions of these problems are given using by HAM, DTM, ADM methods and the convergence of the solution is shown to the exact solution. Additionally, the three methods are compared and it is observed that the HAM is more-less efficient and effective than the ADM and DTM in according to the exact solution. In the end, some of the numerical solutions of two examples are presented and the results are shown in graphs and figures.
Risk management in the modern retail supply chain: Lessons from a case study and literature review

In today's increasingly risky and uncertain business and industrial environments, supply chains need to be more flexible and more robust to improve their performance. During the last decade supply chain risk management has emerged as a challenge on the strategic and operational supply chain issues. A deeply analysis of a case study has revealed that modern retail industry needs decision support tools to manage supply chain risks. These tools should cope with emerging practices and integrate many categories of risks. Of course, it has to be understood that risks can differ from one sector to another and from one supply chain to another and one country to another. In this paper we present preliminary research concepts and findings concerning the identification, the analysis and the modeling of risks in the modern retail supply chains. We propose a new framework for categorizing the risks in order to assess the overall impact on the performance of the retail supply chain. These risks were selected based on the literature review and on a case study of a leading retail company in Tunisia. Review of the literature on supply chain risk modeling techniques are presented and discussed. The paper concludes with numerical analysis of supply risk and comments on opportunities for further research on the area of supply chain risk and performance trade-off.
Uninvestigated Dyspepsia or Functional Dyspepsia: That Is the Question

TO THE EDITOR: We read with great interest a randomized controlled trial by Sotoudehmanesh et al. (1) titled “Indomethacin May Reduce the Incidence and Severity of Acute Pancreatitis After ERCP” that has been published in the recent issue of the Journal. The authors concluded that rectal indomethacin given right before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can reduce the incidence and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). However, before incorporating this inexpensive, easily available nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) into our clinical practice for PEP prevention, several issues need further clarification: (a) It had been pointed out from a prospective large sample study that only individuals with serum amylase levels fivefold the normal upper limits and persistent pancreaticlike pain for 24 h after ERCP strongly suggest possibility of PEP (2); however, the authors stated that besides the 2-h measurement, serum amylase was repeated the next morning, and it is not clear what the exact time interval was. This may cast some doubt on the accuracy of the diagnosis of PEP in this study. (b) In the Methods section, the authors claimed subgroup analysis was used to evaluate the effect of indomethacin related to different variables. Notwithstanding, due to the lack of relevant information, it is not clear whether these subgroup analyses were ad hoc or post hoc. If these subgroup analyses were performed retrospectively, it should be considered as “fishing” for positive results, and the results from subgroup analyses should be treated with caution (3). (c) No explanation was provided as to why none of the sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) patients developed PEP, which is contrary to most other reported trials, with PEP incidence of up to 24% for patients with suspicious SOD (4). (d) They found that pancreatic duct injection, pancreatic duct cannulation more than once, and age less than 60 yr were significant risk factors for developing PEP. Certainly, it is convenient to perform a univariate analysis for exploration of each variable’s influence on the primary outcome; nonetheless, up to now, available evidence suggests that the incidence of PEP was not determined by any single factor. Thus, a multivariate statistical analysis with logistic regression allowing estimation of the influence of covariates on the incidence of PEP seems more appropriate. To summarize, this study suggests indomethacin may be an attractive pharmacotherapy for the prevention of PEP because it is inexpensive, universally available, and relatively safe. Clarification on some raised concerns will better our understanding of the mystery of PEP and its pharmacotherapy prevention. Yu Bai, M.D. Duowu Zou, M.D. Zhaoshen Li, M.D.
Precision measurements of the temperature dependence of lambda in YBa2Cu3O6.95: Strong evidence for nodes in the gap function.

A miniature superconducting resonator operating at 1.3 K and 900 MHz has been used to measure the change in λ(T) from 1.3 K to T c in very high quality single crystals of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6.95 . The data, which have a resolution of 1-2 A, show a strong linear term extending from approximately 3 to 25 K. We believe the strong linear dependence to be characteristic of the pure system and that its apparent absence in thin films and some crystals is due to the presence of defects
Simulation and theory of two-phase flow in porous media.

A three-dimensional network model of a porous medium is used to compute relative permeabilities and capillary pressures in drainage and imbibition. In contrast, the invasion-percolation model of drainage with trapping does not make a sensible prediction for the relative permeability of either the displaced or injected phases since it fails to represent the fluid connectivity correctly. We describe two realistic trapping mechanisms which overcome this difficulty by representing the flow of the wetting phase along irregularities in the pore-gain surface. In imbibition, we simulate the rate-dependent competition between bulk filling of pores and film flow and show how different displacement mechanisms affect relative permeability. We verify percolation-theory results for the effects of buoyancy forces on trapped saturation by simulation and derive an expression for the correlation length in displacements perturbed by viscous forces. We can then demonstrate how relative permeabilities measured in quasistatic systems at capillary equilibrium are still meaningful in larger-scale displacements where viscous forces predominate.
NMR multi-scale description of ionic conductivity mechanisms inside polymer electrolytes

Solid Polymer Electrolytes are obtained by dissolving an alkali metal salt inside poly(ethylene oxide) based materials. The properties of these materials are strongly related to the behavior of the different active species : solvent (polymer), cation, and anion. In this paper, we compare various NMR techniques capable of deciphering different aspects of these new materials : the structure and dynamics of the polymer, the cations and anions as well as the supramolecular interactions between these different species. These data are very useful for understanding the conductivity mechanisms inside various families of PEO-based materials (nanocomposites, block oligomers and copolymers, and liquid crystals) developed by our group.
Tenascins: regulation and putative functions during pathological stress

In this review, we discuss the structure and function of the extracellular matrix protein family of tenascins with emphasis on their involvement in human pathologies. The article is divided into the following sections: Introduction: the tenascin family of extracellular matrix proteins ; Structural roles: tenascin‐X deficiency and Ehlers–Danlos syndrome ; Tenascins as modulators of cell adhesion, migration, and growth ; Role of tenascin‐C in inflammation ; Regulation of tenascins by mechanical stress: implications for wound healing and regeneration ; Association of tenascin‐C with cancer: antibodies as diagnostic and therapeutic tools ; Conclusion and perspectives. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation of Urine Ammonium and Urine Osmolal Gap in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Low urinary ammonium (NH4+) excretion is a risk factor for kidney failure and death in CKD ([1][1]). Few clinical laboratories measure urine NH4+, limiting clinical application. The urinary anion gap (UAG) and urine osmolal gap (UOG) have been used to estimate urine NH4+. Unfortunately, the UAG had
A Review of Some Fungi Infection in African Fish Saprolegniasis, Dermal Mycoses; Branchiomyces infections, Systemic Mycoses and Dermocystidium

Saprolegniasis, Dermal Mycoses, Branchiomyces infections, Systemic Mycoses and Dermocystidium are some fungi infection in African fish reviewed to educate fish culturist and both private and public sector fish culturist on some fungal fish diseases likely encountered in culture fisheries management. The description, taxonomy, diagnosis, life cycle, biology, Pathology, epizootiology and control of saprolegnia and other phycomycete infections (dermal mycoses); branchiomyces infections, systemic mycoses and dermocystidium- like organisms and some fungi infection reviewed. These fungal infections can cause drastic fish mortality and need proper management in culture fisheries.
The influence of a half-marathon race upon cardiac troponin T release in adolescent runners.

OBJECTIVES Post-exercise cardiac troponin T (cTnT) release has been widely reported in adult athletes but limited data is available for adolescents. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and magnitude of cTnT appearance in a large group of adolescent runners, and to determine any association between cTnT release and personal characteristics of adolescents. METHODS We recruited 63 adolescent runners (mean±SD: age 16.4±1.5 years; 10 females) who all completed a simulated half-marathon race (an all-out 21-km run) during routine training. Personal data collected included age, training history, 21-km run performance as well as pre-post exercise serum cTnT levels. Serum cTnT was assayed using a 3rd generation assay. RESULTS At pre-exercise, cTnT concentrations were below the 0.01 µg/L cTnT detection limit of assay in 58/63 runners. The post-exercise cTnT level (range: <0.01-1.36 µg/L) was significantly (p<0.001) greater than that of the pre-exercise (range: <0.01-0.02 µg/L). After the exercise, 57 (90%) and 44 (70%) subjects had cTnT concentrations above the detection: 0.01, and clinical thresholds: 0.05 µg/L, respectively. Post-exercise cTnT was inversely correlated with training years (r=-0.25, p<0.05) and age (r=-0.31, p<0.05). Compared with runners who had trained for ≥ 3 years, runners with less training experience demonstrated increased post-race cTnT levels (p<0.01). CONCLUSION cTnT increases are virtually universal among adolescent runners following a 21-km run during routine training and can reach levels typically diagnostic for acute myocardial infarction potentially initiating diagnostic dilemmas. Adolescents with less training experience had higher post-exercise cTnT.
A preliminary study of the effect of pregnancy and of lactation on the voluntary intake of food by cows

1. Monozygotic twin cattle were used in a preliminary study of the effect of pregnancy and of lactation on the voluntary intake of food and water, and on eating and ruminating behaviour. Also, results are reported of an experiment with five pairs of monozygotic twin heifers to examine the variation within pairs of twins in voluntary intake of food and water and eating and ruminating behaviour. 2. Voluntary food and water intakes were measured during the last few weeks of pregnancy and during early lactation. Within each twin pair one twin was pregnant or lactating and the other non-lactating and not pregnant, and the food and water intakes of a pair of twins were measured simultaneously. 3. On average the variation in voluntary intake of hay within pairs of non-pregnant, monozygotic twin heifers was 0.2 kg or 3 % of the mean daily hay intake. 4. The effect of pregnancy was observed in six pairs of twins and in five of the pairs the pregnant animal ate iess hay than its non-pregnant twinmate; in four of these five pairs the effect was small (13 % ). Changes in eating and ruminating behaviour associated with pregnancy were small; the pregnant animals ate concentrates and hay more slowly and ruminated longer than the non-pregnant animals. 5. Lactation was associated with a mean increase of 29 % in hay intake in eight out of the nine pairs studied. In four pairs of twins given a diet of concentrates alone the lactating animal ate on average 8 % more than the non-lactating animal. The lactating cows tended to eat concentrates and hay more quickly than the non-lactating cows; because of differences in the ratio of hay to concentrates it was not possible to interpret the changes in rumination that occurred with lactation.
Relationship Between Perceived Body Image and Recorded Body Mass Index Among Kuwaiti Female University Students

The associations between body image and attitudes toward obesity and thinness and their associations with measured body mass index (BMI) among female students of Kuwait University (n = 137) was examined in 2008. The body image perceptions were assessed using nine female silhouettes figures. The difference between current perceived body image (PBI) and ideal body image (IBI) was used as a measure of body image dissatisfaction (BID). Students tended to have a bigger PBI and smaller IBI than would be expected from their BMI category, leading to high levels of BID in each BMI category. PBI, IBI, BID, RBI were highly correlated with each other, and BMI was significantly correlated with each of them. The coefficients of these associations were not significantly altered in multiple regression analysis by the addition of potential confounding variables, such as age, marital status, physical activity, dieting behavior, parental education, and family size. These results suggest that PBI and a desire to be thinner were strongly related to BID and that thinness is becoming more desired in Kuwaiti society than the plump body image of the past.
Histology and Histochemistry of the Pharyngeal Cavity and Oesophagus of the Silverside Odontesthes bonariensis (Cuvier and Valenciennes)

The histology of the pharyngeal cavity and oesophagus of the freshwater ‘silverside’Odontesthes bonariensis (Cuvier and Valenciennes) and the characteristics of their mucous cells were investigated. The histological characterization of its digestive wall revealed that the mucosa is thrown with longitudinal folds. The epithelium covering the folds was stratified with abundant mucous cells and gustative corpuscles, which are lacking in the oesophagus. The muscularis mucosa was absent. The submucosa presented the compactum stratum. The muscularis was organized in longitudinal and circular layers of muscular striated fibres. The serosa with a flat epithelium was located only in the oesophagus. Using histochemical procedures including methods for localization and characterization of glycoproteins (GPs), no differences were detected between the mucous cells contents of the pharyngeal cavity and those of the oesophagus. The mucous cells showed a weak periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) positive reaction in their content. The reactions for the differential analysis of sialic acids from GPs are feeble for periodic acid–Schiff at low temperature and low pH (PA*S) and KOH/PA*S and strong for periodic acid/borohydride/KOH/PAS (PA/Bh/KOH/PAS) and KOH/PA*/Bh/PAS revealing the scarce presence of C7 or C9 substituted and non‐substituted sialic acids and the abundance of C7, C8 substituted sialic acids, O‐acyl sugars and neutral sugars respectively. The results suggest that the pharyngeal cavity with the gustative corpuscles would induce the gastric secretion whereas the oesophagus is mainly involved in the transport of the food bolus to the stomach with the aid of abundant secretion of mucus. GPs secreted on the surface of the mucous cells, likely related to environmental conditions, would be involved in the lubrication, protection against abrasion and inhibition of microorganism proliferation.
Recycling of Plastics from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment ( WEEE ) – Tentative Results of a Swiss Study

Although principally favorable from a life cycle environmental impact perspective, recycling of plastics from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is not uncontested because of the potential dissipation of hazardous substances into new products. In a study commissioned by the Swiss Foundation for Waste Management (SENS) and the Swiss Association for Information, Communication and Organization Technology (SWICO), the types of plastics occurring in WEEE products and their hazardous substance contents were identified through a literature survey. Considering the results of the survey, actual mass flows of the Swiss WEEE recycling systems and rough estimations of the value added of recycled plastics, large and small electrical household appliances as well as cooling appliances appear to be the WEEE categories with the highest theoretical recycling potential. However, these results are to be considered as tentative due to remaining data gaps and -uncertainties. A more robust and differentiated picture of the recycling potential of plastics from WEEE product categories will be available as soon as the planned sampling campaign will have been performed.