Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacology and therapeutics of adult asthma: role of the pharmacist in the follow-up of adult asthma patient

This review aims to describe the pathophysiology, pharmacology and therapeutics of asthma and to ex- plore pharmacist role in the follow-up of adult asthma patient. Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, thus constituting a major public health problem. The high prevalence of this disease is a challenge for the health professionals, especially for the pharmacist. Given the complexity of this disease, it is important to understand the immunological and neurological mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology. Immunologically, asthma is a type I hypersensitivity mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE), being developed in two phases: the first consisting of the contact with the allergen or sensitization phase, and the second oc - curring after the second contact with the allergen. The mechanisms of neurogenic inflammation are not yet fully under - stood, being the most accepted hypothesis that bronchial hyperresponsiveness results from a series of changes in the autonomic nervous system. Asthma therapy has the goal to promote long-term control and the relief of acute asthma attacks. The pharmacist has an important role involving the patient in disease self- management and also promoting a proper adherence to therapy.
Methodology for evaluating infrastructure projects in the context of sustainable development

The construction sector is involved in creating the physical infrastructure assets which are the basis of virtually every aspect of development. The challenge for the sector is to become an increasingly significant contributor to sustainable development for the society. Both environmental and social sustainability form part of a necessary holistic system that complements economic performance measures of viability from a long-term perspective. Infrastructure projects, therefore, will need to be objectively selected and procured based on a combination of social, economic and environmental costs and benefits. This paper presents a methodology that has the potential to aid both planners and developers in selecting the best alternative (design or project) in order to achieve desirable sustainable project outcomes. The methodology utilises a combination of the analytic network process and fuzzy mathematics in order to capture and model the objective as well as subjective parameters across three dimensions (i.e. social, economic and environmental).
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, EXTERNAL AUDIT AND THE AUDIT PROCESS

This paper reports on interviews with audit partners of listed companies on their perspectives of impact of corporate governance on the audit process. Based on responses received the study finds that audit risk framework is dynamic enough to incorporate expected changes in control environment brought about by greater consciousness on the part of directors on the need for good internal control. However there is still skepticism that good governance practice has filtered through clients’ control environment as auditors believe dominant CEO’s may still moderate the effectiveness of audit
Low-level circulation patterns and precipitation in the Argentine Pampas. Association with soybean yield.

The study of atmospheric circulation patterns and the analysis of their frequency, distribution and temporal variability result a useful tool for climate diagnostics. Revisions of the analysis methodologies and applications to synoptic-climatology can be found in Barry and Perry (1973), Yarnal (1993) and more recently in Yarnal et al. (2001). For southern South America, Compagnucci et al. (1998) discussed different methodologies for classification of synoptic situations and Compagnucci and Salles (1997) characterised the main synoptic patterns by means of principal component analysis (PCA) of observed daily sea-level pressure for the period 1972-1983. Solman and Menéndez (2003) classified winter daily fields of 500 hPa geopotential heights for the period 1966-1999 by means of K-means clustering technique and studied their relationship with precipitation and temperature in Argentina. Bischoff and Vargas (2003) studied the 500 and 1000 hPa weather type circulations and their relationship with some extreme climatic conditions using reanalyses developed by the ECWMF for the period 19801988. This kind of synthesis are very important to develop objective forecast methods and meteorological-climatic diagnostics to interact with others systems like agriculture or hydrology. Subsequently, in regions with an important world agricultural production it is necessary to study the climate events and related meteorological conditions that have a strong impact on the economy. Argentine Pampas (central-eastern Argentina) is one of these regions being the third-largest producer region of soybean crop in the world (Podesta et al. 1999). Therefore, this work aims to identify characteristics of the atmospheric circulation at low levels over southern South America in order to relate these types to precipitation amounts and soybean yields in the Pampas region. 2. METHODS AND DATA
Visual storytelling of Software Systems

The development of a software system is a long and complicated process: Analyzing the evolution of a software system helps to reconstruct the story of a project , which can help to understand the software itself and how it was developed. Visualization can be a useful technique to depict this story by reducing the amount of information needed to understand software development processes. In this bachelor project we present two tools: Peaksight and Mr.Bubbly. We developed them with the goal to create effective visualizations of data from commits, emails, and bugs. Using these visualizations we are able to tell the story of how a software system evolved over time with the goal of using this knowledge to better understand the history and the evolution of the software. We created two different type of visualizations: one static in Peaksight and one animated in Mr.Bubbly. We create a story seen from different perspectives, which combined creates a more complete vision. Advisor Prof. Michele Lanza Assistants Alberto Bacchelli, Dr. Marco D’Ambros Advisor’s approval (Prof. Michele Lanza): Date:
Enhancement of Throat Microphone Recordings Using Gaussian Mixture Model Probabilistic Estimator

The throat microphone is a body-attached transducer that is worn against the neck. It captures the signals that are transmitted through the vocal folds, along with the buzz tone of the larynx. Due to its skin contact, it is more robust to the environmental noise compared to the acoustic microphone that picks up the vibrations through air pressure, and hence the all interventions. The throat speech is partly intelligible, but gives unnatural and croaky sound. This thesis tries to recover missing frequency bands of the throat speech and investigates envelope and excitation mapping problem with joint analysis of throat- and acoustic-microphone recordings. A new phone-dependent GMM-based spectral envelope mapping scheme, which performs the minimum mean square error (MMSE) estimation of the acoustic-microphone spectral envelope, has been proposed. In the source-filter decomposition framework, we observed that the spectral envelope difference of the excitation signals of throat- and acoustic-microphone recordings is an important source of the degradation in the throat-microphone voice quality. Thus, we also model spectral envelope difference of the excitation signals as a spectral tilt vector, and propose a new phone-dependent GMM-based spectral tilt mapping scheme to enhance throat excitation signal. Experimental evaluations are performed to compare the proposed mapping scheme using both objective and subjective evaluations. Objective evaluations are performed with the log-spectral distortion (LSD) and the wide-band perceptual evaluation of speech quality (PESQ) metrics. Subjective evaluations are performed with A/B pair comparison listening test. Both objective and subjective evaluations yield that the proposed phone-dependent mapping consistently improves performances over the state-of-the-art GMM estimators.
Study on large-scale disaster risk assessment and risk transfer models

This article analyzes the risk assessment and risk transfer models of large-scale disasters in line with the characteristics of such disasters. A large-scale disaster risk assessment model based on the Regional Disaster System concept is developed: large-scale disaster risk (RL) is a function of the disaster triggering hazard (H), the vulnerability of the concerned objects (V), and the stability of the contextual hazard-formative environment (E), or RL = f(H, V, E). Based on our discussions, we propose that large-scale disaster risk transfer in China should be supported by governments at all levels, operated by insurance companies, and the responsibilities should be shared by all stakeholders. At the global level, large-scale disaster risk transfer should employ a uniform definition and be characterized by government support, market operation, public participation, disaster mitigation, and risk sharing.
Emergence in pelagic communities

Pelagic systems, those based on the open waters of large lakes and seas, provide excellent opportunities for ecological study. This is because, the vastness of the oceans apart, pelagic ecosystems operate on short space and time scales. This affords important opportunities to study the emergence of ecosystems and the basis of striking high-order patterns of ecosystem behaviour. The essay seeks an outline of the processes by which the biologies of individual organisms - the largest functional, controlled units in the ecosystem - interact and bias the outcomes in favour of particular network structures recognised by ecologists. Populations build, communities assemble, ecosystems function but always in ways that relate to the match between the adaptations and performances of individual species and the capacities of the environments in which they find themselves. The paper attempts to discern the linkages between the biology of individual and the ways that ecosystems are put together, between organisms and organisation. Drawing on the advantages of absolutely short generation times among the producers, consumers and heterotrophs of the pelagic, I seek to sample the ascendant pathways of ecosystem synthesis, noting the energetic decisions which select for particular outcomes. However, the simple organisational state of many pelagic communities reminds us that ascendancy is frequently restrained by a scarcity of resources and tempered by the frequent intervention of abiotic factors. The presentation does not seek to prove any point about systems: it attempts to re-affirm what is known about organisational hierarchies; then, using approximate quantities, the points of bifurcation between alternative organisational structures are nominated; drawing upon suppositions about the dissipation of energy, the organisational underpinning of function at the level of the whole ecosystem is proposed. Corroboration from observations from the real world is sought throughout.
THE GRONE-MERRIS CONJECTURE

In spectral graph theory, the Grone-Merris Conjecture asserts that the spectrum of the Laplacian matrix of a finite graph is majorized by the conjugate degree sequence of this graph. We give a complete proof for this conjecture. The Laplacian of a simple graph G with n vertices is a positive semi-definite n×n matrix L(G) that mimics the geometric Laplacian of a Riemannian manifold; see §1 for definitions, and [2, 14] for comprehensive bibliographies on the graph Laplacian. The spectrum sequence λ(G) of L(G) can be listed in non-increasing order as λ1(G) ≥ λ2(G) ≥ · · · ≥ λn−1(G) ≥ λn(G) = 0. For two non-increasing real sequences x and y of length n, we say that x is majorized by y (denoted x y) if k ∑
Performance and Economic Suitability of Three Fast Growing Broiler Strains Raised Under Farming Condition in Bangladesh

The performance and profitability of three commercial broiler strains reared under farming system were investigated in this study. Day-old broiler chicks (n=156) of three different commercial strains (Hubbard classic, Cobb-500 and MPK) were assigned to three treatment groups in a completely randomized block design, each treatment replicated four times, 13 birds per replicate. The birds were reared from d1 to 35 days of age with similar housing, feeding and environmental management condition. Regarding to all parameters collected, live weight and body weight gain were higher (P<0.001) in T 2 (Cobb-500) group, while the birds of T 3 (MPK) group were the lowest. Birds of T 1 (Hubbard Classic) and T 2 (Cobb-500) strain group consumed higher (P<0.001) feeds, while the birds of T 3 (MPK) had the lowest feed intake. Cobb-500 broiler strain achieved superior (P<0.001) FCR, while the birds of T 1 (Hubbard classic) strain group had poorer FCR. Liveability of the broiler strains was unaffected by all the treatment groups. Higher net profit and lower production cost observed in T 2 (Cobb-500) group than those of other strains, although the difference between the treatment groups was similar. The highly significant measurements of live body weight, weight gain and better FCR values were recorded for Cobb-500 broiler strain, followed by Hubbard classic and MPK, respectively. In conclusion, Cobb-500 broiler strain is appeared to be the most economic to rear amongst the three broiler strains investigated here in response to their performance records. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/ijarit.v1i1-2.13931 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 1 (1&2): 37-43, December, 2011
Targeting the miR-630/YAP1/ERK feedback loop in epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated lung adenocarcinomas.

Lung cancer is the most prevalent cancer type globally. Over 1.8 million new cases are diagnosed and 1.6 million deaths are reported yearly. The 5-year survival rates of lung cancer vary in different disease stages, histological types, genders and regions. Early screening, detection and treatment are helpful to improve survival rates (1). In the last few years, targeted therapy is becoming a promising strategy for advanced lung cancer patients.
Effects of Ultraviolet C Irradiation on Stilbene Biosynthesis in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon Berry Skins and Calli

Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon berries and calli were irradiated with ultraviolet C (UV-C) to investigate the effects on the biosynthesis of stilbene. The stilbene content in the berry skins was enhanced significantly after 10 min of UV-C irradiation over the 24 h time course, and the results varied depending on the development stage of the fruit. The maximum production of total stilbene in the berry skins occurred at 12 h after treatment, with a content of 848.45 ± 23.53 μg/g fresh weight (FW) at the beginning of veraison, 591.77 ± 26.90 μg/g FW at the end of veraison, and 170.71 ± 6.85 μg/g FW at the ripening stage. Different UV-C dosages, from 5 to 30 min, induced stilbene accumulation considerably in the calli over the 120 h experimental period, and 20 min was the most efficient. The maximum of total stilbene accumulation in the calli was 125.07 ± 3.01 μg/g FW at 96 h after 20 min irradiation. Total phenolics and total flavonoid content increased after UV-C irradiation in both the berry skins and calli. The relative expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in the branching point of stilbene and flavonoid biosynthesis was up-regulated by UV-C irradiation. The results show that UV-C irradiation significantly promotes stilbene and flavonoid biosynthesis in grape berry skins and calli, and the induction effects depend on fruit development stage and UV-C dosage.
Title A recursive frequency estimator using linear prediction and aKalman-filter-based iterative algorithm

This paper proposes a new Kalman-filter-based recursive frequency estimator for discrete-time multicomponent sinusoidal signals whose frequencies may be time-varying. The frequency estimator is based on the linear prediction approach and it employs the Kalman filter to track the linear prediction coefficients (LPCs) recursively. Frequencies of the sinusoids can then be computed using the estimated LPCs. Due to the coloredness of the linear prediction error, an iterative algorithm is employed to estimate the covariance matrix of the prediction error and the LPCs alternately in the Kalman filter in order to improve the tracking performance. Simulation results show that the proposed Kalman-filter-based iterative frequency estimator can achieve better tracking results than the conventional recursive least-squares-based estimators.
Proxiton-polaritons on metamaterial slabs of coupled split rings

In split-ring metamaterials, inter-element interactions result in propagation of magnetoinductive waves. These slow waves can couple to and influence the propagation of electromagnetic waves forming socalled proxiton-polaritons, similar to plasmon-polaritons in a bulk metal. Using our effective-medium model accounting for both bulk and surface proxitons-polaritons, we are able to design SRR-based near field manipulating devices for TE polarisation, in full analogy to a silver slab operating as a near-perfect lens for TM polarised light.
Macroanatomical and histological study of caecum of the guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) using light and scanning electron microscopy

The aim of this study was to investigate the macroanatomy and histology of the caecum in guinea fowl using light and scanning electron microscopy. Six adult male and six adult female guinea fowl were used as the study material. The cavum abdominis of the animals was opened under anaesthesia, and the caeca uncovered. The height and thickness of the villi were smaller in the apex and corpus caeca than in the basis caeci. The SEM image of the guinea fowl caeca showed that the villi send finger like extensions into the lumen, and the height of the villi towards the basis caeca increases and exhibits a tight structure.Thus, in this study, the anatomy and histology of guinea fowl caeca were examined in detail using light and scanning electron microscopy, and the similarities and differences with the caeca of other poultry species were investigated.
What can vigilance tell us about fear

Animal vigilance is concerned with the monitoring of potential threats caused by predators and conspecifics. Researchers have argued that threats are part of a landscape of fear tracking the level of risk posed by predators and conspecifics. Vigilance, which is expected to vary with the level of risk, could thus be used as a measure of fear. Here, I explore the relationship between vigilance and fear caused by predators and conspecifics. The joint occurrence of vigilance and other physiological responses to fear, such as increased heart rate and stress hormone release, would bolster the idea that vigilance can be a useful marker of fear. While there is some support for a positive relationship between vigilance and physiological correlates of fear, a common theme in much of the empirical research is that vigilance and physiological correlates of fear are often uncoupled. Uncoupling can arise for several reasons. In particular, vigilance is not always a sensitive or specific marker of the internal state of vigilance. Vigilance might occur in animals who do not appear overtly vigilant or conversely an animal might appear vigilant without necessarily maintaining a state of vigilance. Animals in a fearful state might also be unable to allocate time to vigilance if they are too hungry. Vigilant animals might not show physiological responses associated with fear if they become desensitized to threats. For all these reasons, inferring fear from vigilance is fraught with ambiguity. Guy Beauchamp, Ph.D. in Zoology, University of Cambridge, does independent research in Canada on the evolution of sociality, and social foraging strategies, using theoretical modelling, the comparative method, and studies in the field or in the laboratory to ask questions about the adaptive value of group living. https://www.researchgate. net/profile/Guy_Beauchamp2 Call for Commentary: Animal Sentience publishes Open Peer Commentary on all accepted target articles. Target articles are peer-reviewed. Commentaries are editorially reviewed. There are submitted commentaries as well as invited commentaries. Commentaries appear as soon as they have been reviewed, revised and accepted. Target article authors may respond to their commentaries individually or in a joint response to multiple commentaries. Instructions: http://animalstudiesrepository.org/animsent/guidelines.html Animal Sentience 2017.015: Beauchamp on Fear & Vigilance
Hierarchical Hollow Spheres of Fe2O3@Polyaniline for Lithium Ion Battery Anodes

Hierarchical hollow spheres of Fe2 O3 @polyaniline are fabricated by template-free synthesis of iron oxides followed by a post in- and exterior construction. A combination of large surface area with porous structure, fast ion/electron transport, and mechanical integrity renders this material attractive as a lithium-ion anode, showing superior rate capability and cycling performance.
The Detection of Complexed Proteins E6/P53 and E7/Prb In Relation to Carcinogenesis of the Uterine Cervix

Objective: The aim of our work was to identify by Western Blot technique (WB) the oncoproteins generated by E6 and E7 genes of high risk Human Papillomavirus (HR-HPV), resulting from integration of viral genomes into cervical cell DNA and their interactions with tumor suppressor human proteins p53 and pRb in premalignant or malignant cervical lesions. Methods: The study was performed on 2,500 women from Caserta Local Health Authority who underwent cervical cytology from June 2010 to September 2011. Informed consent of participants was obtained. The cell samples taken by brushing were stored in liquid based cytology (LBC) and in physiological solution for WB analysis. Cytology diagnoses was based on 2001 Bethesda classification. Proteomic research was performed according to size after extraction and SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate) electrophoresis. Proteins of interest were detected by primary monoclonal antibodies and WB analysis. Results: Cytology results of 2,500 women were positive for abnormalities of epithelial cells in 3.1%. Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) were 1.3%, Low Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (L-SIL) 1.7% and High Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (H-SIL) or worse 0.2%. The integration of E6 and E7 genes with their oncoproteins expression were found in 3.1% of ASC-US and in all cases of SIL or worse. On the other hand positive interactions of E6/p53 proteins and E7/pRb were found in 4.8% of L-SIL, in 75.0% of H-SIL or worse and in no ASC-US. Conclusions: Results show that the integration of viral genomes (E6 and E7) is present in all H-SIL or worse and in several L-SIL, but only the most advanced lesions, histologically confirmed, have shown the E6/p53 interaction and E7/pRb. Our protocol allows a selection of women with advanced lesions toward cancer to obtain appropriate management.