Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Modeling of the Electromyographic and Masticatory Force Relation Through Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System Principal Dynamic Mode Analysis

Introduction: Researchers have employed surface electromyography (EMG) to study the human masticatory system and the relationship between the activity of masticatory muscles and the mechanical features of mastication. This relationship has several applications in food texture analysis, control of prosthetic limbs, rehabilitation, and teleoperated robots. Materials and Methods: In this paper, we proposed a model by combining the concept of fuzzy interface systems and principal dynamic mode analysis (PDM). We hypothesized that the proposed approach would provide nonlinear and dynamic characteristics improving the estimation results compared to those obtained by the classical PDM analysis and still having the benefits of a PDM model including the sparse presentation of the system dynamics. After developing PDM, the nonlinear polynomial function of the PDM model was replaced with adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) network architecture. After training, the relevant fuzzy rules were extracted and used for creating the fuzzy block (as the nonlinear function block) and predicting the output signal. The proposed approach was later employed to predict bite force using EMG of the temporalis and masseter muscles. Results: Our proposed method outperformed the classical PDM analysis (in terms of our evaluation criteria) in predicting masticatory force . The inter-subject evaluation of the model performance proved that the model created using the data of one subject could be used for predicting masticatory force in other subjects. Conclusion: The proposed model can be helpful in food analysis to predict masticatory force based on the electrical activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles.
Investigating the Acid Failure of Aluminium Alloy in 2 M Hydrochloric Acid Using Vernonia amygdalina

The acid failure of aluminium alloy XE "aluminium alloy" in 2 M hydrochloric acid solution in the presence of Vernonia amygdalina extract was investigated using gasometric technique. Aluminium alloy coupons of dimension 4 cm by 1 cm were immersed in test solutions of free acid and also those containing extract volumes of 2, 3, 4 and 5 cm 3 at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. The volumes of hydrogen gas evolved as a result of the rate of reaction were recorded and analyzed. Analysis revealed that maximum inhibitor efficiency which corresponds to the lowest corrosion rate was obtained at optimum inhibitor volumes of 5 cm 3 , with reduction in the corrosion rate observed to follow in order of increasing extract volumes. Adsorption study revealed that Temkin isotherm best described the metal surface interaction with the extract phytochemicals, with 12 minutes becoming the best exposure time for the phytochemicals to adsorb to the metal surface at all volumes. Statistical modelling of the corrosion rate yielded an important relationship suitable for estimating corrosion rate values once volumes of the extract is known. Microstructural studies, showed an indirect relationship between crack growth rates and extract volumes, while consistency of the irregular intermetallic phases increases with increasing extract volumes.
An industrial engineering approach to improve railway planning: A case study

Railway planning is a continuous and very complex planning process in which many planners are involved. The process of plan creation can be characterized by long throughput times, strict division of tasks, a high task complexity, and a lack of standardization. The resulting plans need to be robust and satisfy all kinds of safety regulations. Literature has given attention to shunting task planning, but often the proposed solution approaches have not been implemented in planning systems. We investigate reasons for the lack of applicability of such solution approaches. Next, we examine the process of creating plans for shunting operations at stations during the night in a case study. Several planners are involved in this process. Both the efficiency and effectiveness of this process had to be improved. We apply an industrial engineering approach to improve this process. This approach consists of a process analysis, a task analysis, an investigation of improvement possibilities, and finally the development of computerized tools for improving parts of planning tasks. The result is an improved system for supporting the planning process. We will discuss characteristics of this support system and the implemented algorithms.
A Comparison of Effect of Metformin in Combination with Glimepiride and Glibenclamide on Glycaemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of combination therapy using metformin and glimepiride with metformin and glibenclamide combination on glycaemic control (HbA1c and plasma glucose) and lipid profiles { Total cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) } in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who have inadequately control with metformin and glibenclamide monotherapy. Research Design and Methods Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, inadequately controlled with metformin and glibenclamide monotherapy were enrolled in the study. Eligible patients were randomized into two groups to receive combination of metformin plus glimepiride (1000mg+2mg) and metformin plus glibenclamide (1000mg+10mg) for 12 weeks . Primary efficacy end points were changes in fasting blood sugar (FBS) and postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) from baseline to 4weeks, 8weeks and 12weeks and changes in HbA1C from baseline to final assessment i.e. at 12 weeks. The secondary efficacy end point included changes in lipid profile from baseline to final assessment. Results At the end of 12 weeks difference in reduction in fasting blood sugar( FBS) and Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c)between the treatment groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). But reduction in postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) was statistically more significant in glimepiride and metformin group (p<0.05). Changes in lipid profile parameter between the treatment groups not statistically significant. Both groups were well tolerated except hypoglycaemic events was more in glibenclamide and metformin combination group Conclusion Both groups have similar effect on FBS and HbA1C, whereas glimepiride and metformin combination therapy has superior effect on PPBS level reduction and significantly lesser incidence of hypoglycaemia. Increasing evidence support the importance of postprandial hyperglycaemia in glycaemic control with regard to the development of complications in the patients with diabetes. Data also indicates that postprandial hyperglycaemia may have greater effect on the development of cardiovascular complications compared with elevated fasting plasma glucose. A more intensive approach by using metformin and glimepiride combination therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with metformin, glibenclamide monotherapy may improve the care of patients with diabetes and, ultimately,the outcome of these patients.
A comparative analysis of the convergence regions for different parallel affine projection algorithms

This paper analysis the dimension and the shape of conver- gence regions of three algorithms used to solve the convex feasibility prob- lem in bidimensional space: the Parallel Projection Method (PPM), the classical Extrapolated Method of Parallel Projections (EMOPP) and a mod- ied version of EMOPP.
Human capital flows and regional knowledge assets: a simultaneous equation approach

Our paper constructs a simultaneous equation model in order to investigate the relationship between interregional human capital knowledge flows and regional knowledge assets. With the aid of a GIS system, we model the simultaneous relationship between the interregional migration behaviour of British students and graduates from university and into employment, the knowledge assets of the regions, and the regions of employment of the graduates. Our results indicate that after controlling for the human-capital flows of students and graduates, there is little evidence in favour of direct spillovers between university research and regional innovation. Rather, the primary role of the university system appears to be as a conduit for bringing potential high quality undergraduate human capital into a region. We argue therefore that the migration effects of embodied human capital in Great Britain appear far more important than informal university-industry spillovers as an explanation of regional learning effects.
Towards a Convergent Development of Learning Analytics

In the last 7 years, since the first LAK conference, Learning Analytics has grown rapidly as a field from a small group of interested scholars and practitioners to one of the most scientifically successful and institutionally accepted areas of Learning and Educational Technologies. Learning Analytics is often referred as a "Middle-Space" where experts from diverse fields (from the Learning Sciences, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, just to name a few) share their perspectives on how to better understand and optimize learning processes and environments using this new instrument called Data Science.
Technological innovations in the propagation of Açaí palm and Bacuri

O acaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) e o bacurizeiro (Platonia insignis Mart.) sao duas importantes especies frutiferas nativas da Amazonia Brasileira. A primeira especie ja e bastante cultivada na Amazonia Brasileira e com alguns pomares estabelecidos em outras regioes do Brasil. Nao obstante, a maior parte da producao ainda e oriunda dos densos e diversificados acaizais nativos encontrados nas varzeas do estuario do Rio Amazonas e que, nas ultimas duas decadas, vem sendo manejados para a producao de frutos. A producao da segunda especie tambem ainda e dependente do extrativismo de populacoes naturais abundantes em areas de vegetacao secundaria. Ambas as especies reproduzem-se naturalmente por via sexuada e assexuada. No caso do acaizeiro, a reproducao assexuada se da-se por meio da emissao de perfilhos na base dos estipes. Ja no bacurizeiro, verifica-se por meio de abundantes brotacoes que surgem de raizes que se desenvolvem horizontalmente, proximas a superficie do solo. A propagacao do acaizeiro, particularmente por via sexuada, e um processo ja consolidado, praticamente sem inovacoes nos ultimos anos. As sementes de acai apresentam germinacao rapida e relativamente uniforme. Uma muda obtida a partir de sementes esta apta para o plantio no local definitivo entre quatro e seis meses apos a emergencia das plântulas. No que se refere a propagacao por via assexuada, foi demonstrado que os perfilhos podem ser utilizados para a producao de mudas. Para tanto, devem ser separados da planta-mae quando apresentarem duas folhas completamente expandidas e uma em inicio de formacao. O grande desafio consiste em aumentar a taxa de multiplicacao dos perfilhos. Com relacao ao bacurizeiro, consideraveis avancos foram obtidos tanto no que se refere a propagacao sexuada como a assexuada. A propagacao por estacas de raiz primaria ou a semeadura direta no local definitivo constituem-se em inovacoes que contornam o problema da germinacao lenta e desuniforme da semente de bacuri. As tecnicas de enxertia desenvolvidas possibilitam tanto a producao de mudas enxertadas como a enxertia no campo, para plantas oriundas de semeadura direta.
Identifying Hidden Sinks in Growing Populations From Individual Fates and Movements: The Feral Horses of Sable Island

Identifying the existence of population sinks is critical for conservation and management. However, because of density-dependent dispersal, sinks can sometimes be masked by immigration events, especially during phases of population growth. We present a large-scale, empirical demonstration of within- population source-sink dynamics using the feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) of Sable Island National Park Reserve, Nova Scotia, Canada, as a model. We tracked the fates and movements of 98.7% of the female population (n ¼190-237) across 3 demographic clusters (subunits) during a period of rapid population growth (2008-2010; 24.7% increase in density). All subunits experienced increases in population size each year (l>1.0). Our individual-based analysis showed that western Sable Island, where water availability was greatest, behaved as a source and would have grown with or without immigration in all years. However, the central (andfastest growing subunit) would havedeclinedfrom 2008-2009(l ¼0.951)without immigration. Further, the eastern subunit would have declined in 2 intervals (l ¼0.932, 0.999) without immigration. Our study demonstrates that the propensity of habitat to act as a sink can be masked during a period of population growth because of density-dependent immigration from adjacent habitats. These findings present a caution to managers charged with conserving wide-ranging species with long population cycles for which effects of immigration on local population growth rate can be difficult to isolate using standard methods of enumeration. 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Comparing the Sensitivity of Microscopy to Diagnostic Strip in the Survey for Urinary Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) recording high morbidity and mortality rate for developing countries in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Asia. The sensitivity of microscopy to the use of diagnostic strip in the survey for urinary schistosomiasis among students attending some selected secondary schools was investigated in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Four hundred and sixty two (462) urine samples were collected and examined for the eggs of Schistosoma haematobium using sedimentation and microscopy method. Microhaematuria and proteinuria were investigated using combi 11 test strips. This study revealed 11.5% prevalence rate for urinary schistosomiasis among the studied subjects based on direct egg detection method, 22.9% based on micro-haematuria detection and 44.8% based on proteinuria. The sensitivity of Urine dip strip when compared to direct egg detection methods, shows that there is high sensitivity on the use of urine dip strip.
Rethinking Strategy and Strategic Leadership in Schools: Developing the Strategically Focused School.

The central need in education is to recognize that many of the gains in pupil achievement, as measured in test scores, may not be sustainable if educators continue to be fixated on short-term outcomes and plans. This paper addresses the key concerns of how educators sustain and develop schools through the deployment of effective planning strategies. It establishes a model for researching the characteristics of the strategically focused school and presents a conceptual framework to examine how school leaders can move away from a planning framework that emphasize only shortterm target-setting and to an effective strategic approach. It examines early evidence from research on what dimensions are critical in establishing a strategically focused school within a medium-term time frame. It concludes by outlining possible characteristic of strategically focused schools. The paper is the first part of a research project in the United Kingdom focusing on strategy and strategic leadership in schools. While indicators from the research will be used to illuminate the frameworkof the conceptual model, the full results will be the subject of later papers. (Contains 34 references.) (Author) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Rethinking Strategy and Strategic Leadership in Schools: Developing the Strategically Focused School.
Microcrediting in the service of the development of Serbian economy

The so-called 'social economy' presents a correction and amendment to the market economy, primarily in the context of increase in employment opportunities, and consequently economy boost. An important segment of the 'social economy' is micro crediting. Similar to the united and harmonious ant colony able to build an entire metropolis, micro companies possess a potential to revive and rebuild the economy and to contribute to the gross domestic product growth. The purpose of this paper is to point to the current state of microcredit industry both in Serbia and in the world and to look at some examples of good practice. The paper takes an empirical approach, based on the comparative method.
Plasma Ghrelin, PYY and CCK Concentration Following Indonesian Fast Food and Western Fast Food in Obese Participant

This study aimed to compare the acute effect of different fast food types on appetite regulatory hormones. This was a randomized, cross over design study. After ten-hour fasting, sixteen obese participants (Body Mass Index 33.6 ± 4.8 kg/m2) received Indonesia Fast Food (IFF) followed Western Fast Food (WFF) after 1 week wash out. Both of fast foods have similar energy content but higher fat content on WFF vs IFF. Plasma ghrelin, Peptide YY (PYY) and Cholecystokinin (CCK) were measured at 30, 60 and 120 minutes after ingestions. The investigation revealed that the change of plasma ghrelin level was lower on participant consuming WFF in 120 minutes vs IFF (P < 0.05). The change of plasma PYY showed significantly higher among participant on 60 minutes following WFF vs IFF (P < 0.05). The change of plasma CCK level is lower in 30, 60 and 120 minutes after consuming WFF vs IFF (all, P < 0.001). The appetite response regarding “desire to eat” was higher after consuming IFF vs WFF. This study suggested that IFF induced feeling “want to eat” higher than WFF also induced the increasing orexigenic hormone, ghrelin, but the effects on the anorexigenic hormone (PYY) and CCK were opposite.
Plasma Transfusion and Lung Injury in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: This study investigated if there was an association between Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) transfusion and severity of lung injury as measured by the Oxygenation Index (OI) in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) population. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 178 patients who had data available to calculate the OI (OI = mean airway pressure × FiO2 × 100 / Pa O2 ). 166 patients were transfused with FFP and 12 control patients with an INR > 1.5 who were not transfused with FFP were included. The OI was calculated at time 0 (prior to transfusion or at time of peak INR in controls); 6; 24; and 48 hours later. Results: Change in the OI was -0.2 ± 4.1, 0.3 ± 4.9, and 0.0 ± 6.8 at 6, 24, and 48 hours respectively in the transfused group and 0.3 ± 0.7, 1.5 ± 5.4, and 3.3 ± 9.5 at 6, 24, and 48 hours respectively in the control group. Multivariate analysis failed to find a significant association between FFP transfusion and a change in the OI. Conclusion: FFP transfusion was not associated with a change in the severity of lung injury as measured by the OI.
Marine ornamental species from European waters: a valuable overlooked resource or a future threat for the conservation of marine ecosystems?

P align=justify>The worldwide growth of the marine aquarium market has contributed to the degradation of coral reef ecosystems. Enforcing the legislation on importing ornamental species has led some European traders to concentrate on local species. Portugal is used as a case study of marine ornamental fish and invertebrate collection in European waters. One hundred and seventy two species occurring in Portuguese waters (mainland, the Azores and Madeira archipelagos) were considered as potential targets for the marine aquarium industry, some of which are already traded on a regular basis (e.g. Clibanarius erythropus, Lysmata seticaudata, Cerithium vulgatum, Hinia reticulata and Ophioderma longicauda ). To ensure appropriate management and conservation of these resources, the following options have been evaluated: banning the harvest and trade of all marine ornamental species from European waters; creating sanctuaries and “no take zones”; issuing collection permits; creating certified wholesalers; implementing the use of suitable gear and collecting methods; setting minimum and maximum size limits; establishing species-based quotas; protecting rare, or “key stone” species and organisms with poor survivability in captivity; establishing closed seasons; culturing ornamental organisms; and creating an “eco-fee” to support research and management. Establishing this sustainable alternative fishery may help minimise the economical and social impacts caused by the crash of important food fisheries in Portugal and other European and West African countries.
Hanna Fokt

Ginkgo biloba L. is a plant with a wide range of biological activities and its leaf extract (EGb 761) has been one of the best-selling medicinal products worldwide due to its antioxidant activity. Beneficial effects on the central nervous system, including in patients of Alzheimer's disease, and regulation of gene expression have been related to two main compounds of G. biloba extract: ginkgolides and bilobalide. Among EGb 761 modulated genes, are several involved in cell cycle regulation, like mammalian XPC gene. DNA lesions, which are not repaired before replication, may propagate harmful mutations to the daughter cells, thus, cell cycle control and regulation is crucial to the organism’s survival. DNA damage checkpoints temporarily block the cell cycle progression in G1 or G2 phases in response to genotoxic stress, that allow cells to repair damaged DNA. The aim of the present work was the investigation of G. biloba leaf extract effects on cell cycle. The experiments involved incubation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells with G. biloba leaf extract, before the oxidative shock by hydrogen peroxide. Subsequent estimation of cell proportions in each phase of cell cycle by the budding index approach was performed, as well as measurement of cells DNA content by flow cytometry. DNA damage repair ability in yeast cells under replicative stress, exposed to the oxidative shock, was also investigated. Typical experiments included incubation of cells in the presence of hydroxyurea, followed by exposure to hydrogen peroxide. Determination of DNA damage and repair was performed using the comet assay. The results indicate that G. biloba extract protects yeast cells against DNA damage imposed by hydrogen peroxide, promoting progression of the cell cycle after oxidative shock. This protective effect is probably related to a lower degree of DNA damage and higher repair ability. In addition, cells under replicative stress are less susceptible to oxidative DNA damage, however, hydroxyurea does not provoke changes in the dynamics of DNA damage repair ability.
Decision Support System Based on Fuzzy Control for a Wastewater Treatment Plant

Because of existing uncertainties and non-linearity characteristics of wastewater plants, highly affected by the state of the bacteria involved in each stage, their real-time control must follow an adaptive control rule. This paper presents the control strategy and fuzzy logic rules for a two stage anaerobic wastewater treatment plant in the food sector. PH, temperature and NaOH are controlled in the acidogenic reactor, and a second stage for ph and temperature control takes place in the methanogenic. The solution was tested ina simulated environment and was implemented on a pilot plant on a S7-300 PLC using simple IF. THEN rules. We connected the plant to a remote Decision Support System to perform better state analysis, process optimization and abnormal situation management.