Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus Catenatus) in Berrien County Historical Sites

The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus; EMR) is a small robust pit viper currently found in nine states and the province of Ontario, Canada. Wetland habitats have experienced significant destruction and fragmentation by humans; as a result, the current distribution of the EMR is a fraction of its historic distribution. For this reason, the EMR has been federally listed as threatened. In general, little is known about the current distribution of this rattlesnake (in the southwest corner of Michigan, the size of local populations or their stability and genetic diversity. Much of this knowledge is based upon historical data. My purpose was to update the available information on the current status in Berrien County and one Van Buren County site. This was done through presence/absence surveys, evaluation of potential threats at each site visited and genetic analysis at the haplotype level. Through my field surveys I confirmed presence of EMRs at 3 of the 5 historic locations surveyed. Current threats at these sites include human encroachment, road traffic, and general health of the particular habitat. Despite the relatively small sample size and isolated populations in these counties, the haplotype diversity discovered appears to be high in comparison to the rest of their range.
Wide Activated Separate 3D Convolution for Video Super-Resolution

Video super-resolution (VSR) aims to recover a realistic high-resolution (HR) frame from its corresponding center low-resolution (LR) frame and several neighbouring supporting frames. The neighbouring supporting LR frames can provide extra information to help recover the HR frame. However, these frames are not aligned with the center frame due to the motion of objects. Recently, many video super-resolution methods based on deep learning have been proposed with the rapid development of neural networks. Most of these methods utilize motion estimation and compensation models as preprocessing to handle spatio-temporal alignment problem. Therefore, the accuracy of these motion estimation models are critical for predicting the high-resolution frames. Inaccurate results of motion compensation models will lead to artifacts and blurs, which also will damage the recovery of high-resolution frames. We propose an effective wide activated separate 3 dimensional (3D) Convolution Neural Network (CNN) for video super-resolution to overcome the drawback of utilizing motion compensation models. Separate 3D convolution factorizes the 3D convolution into convolutions in the spatial and temporal domain, which have benefit for the optimization of spatial and temporal convolution components. Therefore, our method can capture temporal and spatial information of input frames simultaneously without additional motion evaluation and compensation model. Moreover, the experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed wide activated separate 3D CNN.
Convolutional Neural Network Based Atmospheric Turbulence Compensation for Optical Orbital Angular Momentum Multiplexing

Atmospheric turbulence in free-space will distort the helical phase-front of vortex beams (VBs) and cause mode diffusion, seriously hindering the practical application of optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) communications. Here, we propose and experimentally investigate a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based atmospheric turbulence compensation method for OAM multiplexing communication. Taking advantage of signal processing, we design a CNN model that can automatically extract the characteristic parameters from the distorted intensity distribution of VBs. After supervisory training, the CNN model possesses a strong generalization ability and can efficiently predict the equivalent turbulence phase screen. Under the influence of the turbulence with $\boldsymbol{C}_n^{\bf{2}} = {\bf{5}} \times {\bf{1}}{{\bf{0}}^{ - {\bf{13}}}}{\textbf{m}^{ - {\bf{2}}/{\bf{3}}}}$ and $\Delta {\bf{z}}{\kern 1pt} = {\kern 1pt} {\bf{{50}}}\,{\mathbf{m}}$, the mode purity of the distorted VB improves from 26.91% to 93.12% through the compensation. By constructing an OAM multiplexing communication link with the bit-rate of 100 Gbit/s and employing the CNN model to equalize the OAM channels, the bit-error-rates are decreased by three orders of magnitude, and the measured crosstalk is reduced from −23.15 dB to −29.46 dB. Moreover, the constellations converge obviously at the signal-to-noise ratio of 20 dB, and the error-vector-magnitude decreases from 0.3337 to 0.1622. These results indicate that the CNN model can well compensate the atmospheric turbulence induced distortion in VBs, and may open new avenues for improving the performance of OAM communications.
Conserving Rivers and Their Biodiversity in Tanzania

The United Republic of Tanzania (Tanzania) is rich in freshwater resources and biodiversity. In this article, we highlight the importance of Tanzanian rivers and make a case for the conservation of the freshwater and terrestrial species that rely on these rivers. We provide an overview of current knowledge on Tanzanian rivers and discuss progress towards implementation of the National Water Policy (2002) and Water Management Act (2009), two legislative instruments that have motivated environmental flow assessments on at least six major rivers and offer legal backing for river conservation. We examine major challenges that pose significant threats to water security for river ecosystems and humans in Tanzania, among those: (1) human population growth, (2) agricultural expansion, (3) river flow alterations, (4) industrialization, (5) introduced species, and (6) climate change. We conclude by offering recommendations for future river conservation efforts in Tanzania.
QBO Modulation of the MJO‐Related Precipitation in East Asia

This study revisits precipitation change in East Asia caused by the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) and its interannual variation due to the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO). Specifically, boreal‐winter precipitation, derived from weather stations across China, Korea, and Japan, is examined for MJO phases 2–3 and 6–8. Consistent with previous findings, precipitation in southern China and southern Japan increases by up to 36% during MJO phases 2–3, when the MJO convection is located in the Indian Ocean. In contrast, during MJO phases 6–8, precipitation decreases by 13%. More importantly, these MJO‐related precipitation anomalies become larger and more organized when the QBO is in its easterly phase. The difference in precipitation anomalies between the QBO easterly and westerly phases is approximately 40% for MJO phases 2–3 and 70% for MJO phases 6–8 from southern China to Japan. This result reaffirms that the QBO can affect surface weather in the northern extratropics through MJO teleconnection.
Macrophage Activation and Patterns of Inflammation in Obese and Non-Obese Women with Breast Carcinoma

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with M2 phenotype provide an immunosuppressive microenvironment for tumor growth. In contrast, A great deal of evidence indicates that macrophages in obese patients' adipose tissue undergo a phenotypic change from M2 to Ml polarization accelerating adipose tissue inflammation. Interestingly, obesity is considered a major risk factor for breast cancer. Here, we report a case-control study comparing normal-weight and obese women with breast cancer. Activation states of macrophages and patterns of inflammation associated to breast invasive ductal carcinoma were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. iNOS positive macrophages were counted as a Ml polarized population. Our study demonstrates that classically activated macrophages in obese patients outnumber classically activated macrophages in the breast of non-obese patients with infiltrating ductal carcinoma. However, cancer cell linked factors may strongly antagonize Ml macrophages' positive effects by both stimulating their switching to M2 TAMs and inhibiting their effects.
Image processing and machine learning techniques used in computer-aided detection system for mammogram screening - a review

This paper aims to review the previously developed Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems for mammogram screening because increasing death rate in women due to breast cancer is a global medical issue and it can be controlled only by early detection with regular screening. Till now mammography is the widely used breast imaging modality. CAD systems have been adopted by the radiologists to increase the accuracy of the breast cancer diagnosis by avoiding human errors and experience related issues. This study reveals that in spite of the higher accuracy obtained by the earlier proposed CAD systems for breast cancer diagnosis, they are not fully automated. Moreover, the false-positive mammogram screening cases are high in number and over-diagnosis of breast cancer exposes a patient towards harmful overtreatment for which a huge amount of money is being wasted. In addition, it is also reported that the mammogram screening result with and without CAD systems does not have noticeable difference, whereas the undetected cancer cases by CAD system are increasing. Thus, future research is required to improve the performance of CAD system for mammogram screening and make it completely automated.
RELAÇÃO DA FORÇA DE PREENSÃO MANUAL, A COMPETÊNCIA MOTORA E A QUALIDADE DA ESCRITA DE CRIANÇAS EM PROCESSO DE APRENDIZAGEM DE ESCRITA

The aim of this study was to analyze whether motor competence (MC) and writing quality (WQ) may differ between children of both sexes, with different strength levels and who are in the learning process of writing. Sixty-one students from 05 to 07 years old enrolled in the first school year participated in the study. To measure handgrip strength (HS) a hand dynamometer was used and to assess the MC the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Test, Second Edition BOT-2 was used for Fine Motor Precision, Fine Motor Integration, Manual dexterity and Bilateral Coordination. The assessment of WQ was performed by the teachers. One-way ANOVA was used to compare MC and WQ according to HS, while two-way ANOVA was used to compare MC and WQ according to HS and gender. Overall, the HS was higher (p <0.05) in both hands of boys (right = 8.1 ± 1.0kg; left = 7.8 ± 1.3kg) compared to girls (right = 6.8 ± 0.9kg; left = 6.6 ± 1.3kg). When separated into thirds of HS levels, regardless of gender, MC was higher in children of higher strength. When divided by the median strength and based on gender, the highest strength boys (above the median) were superior to the lower strength boys (p <0.01) and that the girls, regardless of the strength level (p < 0.05). No effects were found on WQ. The results suggest that in children learning to write, HS seems to impact MC, favoring boys with highest strength, but WQ does not seem to be influenced by force, regardless of gender.
Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Implementation of Guidelines Gold 2011 in Practice

Abstract Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that is characterized by a persistent blockage of airflow from the lungs. It is an under-diagnosed, life-threatening disease which is not fully reversible. COPD is not only global health problem, the disease is also serious economic problem. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of implementation of new guidelines Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) for diagnosis and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Design: Consecutive, observational, retrospective, mono-centric study. Methods: Into the study were included all patients admitted with COPD exacerbations to Department of Pneumology and Phtiseology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and University Hospital, separately in year 2008 and year 2013, who have satisfied the inclusion criteria. Those years were chosen specifically from the reason of biennial application of diagnosis and treatment, according to recommended guidelines GOLD 2006 and GOLD 2011, in practice. The study was focused on the basic anthropometric parameters, data of medical history, complications of underlying disease, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, treatment strategy of patients after release from hospital and mortality within one year were evaluated. Results: Patients in group 2013, when were applied guidelines GOLD 2011 had a higher average oxygen saturation and higher pO2 at all stages of the disease, significantly in GOLD D. They had higher values of FEV1 and FVC significantly in GOLD B. There was decrease of overuse of inhalation corticosteroids in group GOLD B from 53.34% to 28.57%. There was a downturn in use of theophylline, significantly in GOLD C. The average number of exacerbations leading to hospitalizations was lower in group 2013 in all stages of the disease. One-year mortality of patients in group 2013 was lower. Conclusions: The implementation and application of guidelines GOLD 2011 in practice is a challenging and complex process, which is in region of University hospital Martin gradually and successfully implemented. The achievement the objectives of the GOLD 2011 not only contributes to the efficiency of prevention and timely diagnosis, but mainly on setting of adequate treatment, improves survival and quality of life of patients with COPD.
Could low-dose naltrexone be an effective treatment for Hailey-Hailey Disease?

Although originally described by the Hailey brothers in 1939, Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD), or familial benign chronic pemphigus, still does not have an established treatment method. Recent testimonial and anecdotal evidence suggest low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as an effective treatment for HHD. Naltrexone was originally approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1984 for the treatment of alcohol and opiate addiction. In lower doses (4.5 mg or less rather than 50 mg), naltrexone is being used to treat many diseases; however, there are no published studies on its long-term efficacy or for the treatment of HHD.
Evolutionary Reinforcement Learning for Adaptively Detecting Database Intrusions

Relational database management system (RDBMS) is the most popular database system. It is important to maintain data security from information leakage and data corruption. RDBMS can be attacked by an outsider or an insider. It is difficult to detect an insider attack because its patterns are constantly changing and evolving. In this paper, we propose an adaptive database intrusion detection system that can be resistant to potential insider misuse using evolutionary reinforcement learning, which combines reinforcement learning and evolutionary learning. The model consists of two neural networks, an evaluation network and an action network. The action network detects the intrusion, and the evaluation network provides feedback to the detection of the action network. Evolutionary learning is effective for dynamic patterns and atypical patterns, and reinforcement learning enables online learning. Experimental results show that the performance for detecting abnormal queries improves as the proposed model learns the intrusion adaptively using Transaction Processing performance Council-E scenario-based virtual query data. The proposed method achieves the highest performance at 94.86%, and we demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method by performing 5-fold cross-validation.
OPEN GOVERNANCE FOR IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY INNOVATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is the current and developing environment in which changing technologies and trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the way governments function. Governments are increasingly facing new risks and opportunities due to the advancement of the 4IR. Governments need to find ways to adapt to the 4IR. Innovation is a prerequisite for adapting to the 4IR. The aim of this article is to determine the level of public service delivery innovation (SDI) in South Africa in the context of the 4IR. The analysis in this article is based on secondary data and documentary analysis, including unsolicited government documents, reports and legislation, and authoritative scholarly literature. A number of innovation measures for improved service delivery have been adopted in South Africa. These efforts are not, however, embedded within the wider public service, and efforts to improve SDI should be considered. In a global environment of resource constraints and constant change, open governance through multi-stakeholder collaboration may present strategic opportunities to facilitate innovation. The aim of these initiatives is to enhance transparency and accountability, and to facilitate public service delivery and citizen participation
Microstructural Characterization of Siltstone and Sandstone Pore Space by X-Ray Microtomography

Microstructural parameter assessment of reservoir rocks is extremely important for oil companies. In this regard, computerized X-ray microtomography ( -CT) has proven to be an exceptionally useful methodology for the analysis of these rocks, since it provides significant microstructural parameters, such as porosity, permeability, and pore distribution. X-ray microtomography is a relatively novel non-destructive technique in the petroleum area which, besides enabling the reuse of already measured samples, also provides 2-D and 3-D images, as well as a 3-D mathematical model of the sample. This technique has the great advantage that it does not require sample preparation, allowing the reuse of the sample and also reducing the measurement time. A Skyscan model 1172 microtomograph was used for the acquisition of microtomographic data from the reservoir rocks. This work presents results of porosity and pore size distribution of six sandstones and two siltstones. Most of the analyzed samples from the Tibagi River basin had porosity below 10 %, except for the PG6 and PG8 samples, which presented 12 % and 13 %, respectively. Maximum pore radius ranged from 8 to 59 m for sandstones and from 5 to 6 m for siltstones.
Poly-Saora robotic jellyfish: swimming underwater by twisted and coiled polymer actuators

Jellyfish are energy-efficient swimmers due to the muscle-powered flapping of their soft bell that facilitates a unique energy recapture mechanism. In this paper, we present a bio-inspired jellyfish robot named Poly-Saora that mimics the swimming behavior of the jellyfish species Black sea nettle (Chrysaora achlyos). An assembly-based fabrication method is used to create the Poly-Saora that is developed mainly with polymeric materials (95% of the robot by volume). Twisted and coiled polymer (TCP) actuators are successfully implemented in this robot and show great potential for underwater applications. The influence of different parameters such as the amplitude of the input power, the actuation frequency, and the lifecycle of the actuator are investigated underwater. A full characterization of 6-ply TCP muscles is demonstrated. An actuation strain of ∼10% is achieved in water at a frequency of 0.1 Hz and 50 kPa load. When integrated into the jellyfish, the TCP was able to bend a single bell by 17°. Poly-Saora was able to swim a vertical distance of 180 mm in 220 s with four TCP actuators each confined in a separate conduit. The robot mimics the swimming behavior of a real jellyfish by contracting the bell segments through the activation of the actuators, which generates forced water circulation under the bell in a pulsating rhythm, consequently creating a vertical movement of the robot. Overall, Poly-Saora presents a model of an underwater system that is driven by stimuli-responsive polymer materials and has unique advantages over conventional rigid robots due to their lightweight, muscle-like structures, silent actuation and ease of manufacturing. This robot can be used for safe interaction with other underwater species and their natural habitats when fully developed.
Lupus nephritis: a nursing perspective

Lupus nephritis is a common complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease that targets organs such as the kidney. It affects more than 60% of lupus patients and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The clinical manifestation of the disease is unpredictable, ranging form no symptoms to serious proteinuria progressing to acute renal failure. Understanding the disease and its progress is vital for nurses to provide optimal care and education to the patient. This paper will discuss the mechanisms of disease and its clinical manifestations, classifications, diagnosis and management.
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia due to de novo RyR2 mutation: recreational cycling as a trigger of lethal arrhythmias

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an uncommon arrhythmogenic disorder characterized by adrenergic-induced bidirectional and polymorphic VT occurring in young patients with a structurally normal heart [1–3]. Although the actual prevalence of CPVT is unknown, it is estimated at 1 : 10,000 [4]. We present the case of a 12-year-old girl suffering multiple falls while cycling finally diag-nosed with CPVT and found to be heterozygous for a pathogenic RYR2 gene mutation. She did not have a family history of syncope or sudden cardiac death and was referred because of suffering multiple falls and minor trauma while riding her bicycle starting at age eight years. Initial-ly, her parents attributed the falls to inexperience but sought medical assistance when tonic movements of both arms occurred during one of the falls. The first clinical diagnosis was epilepsy, and, without further studies, she was treated
A SURVEY OF THE OFFICIALESE AND THE ADVOCATE FOR PLAIN LANGUAGE USE

The officialese in English which is the style of writing in the official proceedings in our work places has been found to contribute in no small measure to the snail speed development of our society. This was established through the delays in the movement of files in the offices, uneasy flow of communication and the different definitions by different scholars of the officialese. Some of these definitions include: coded, bookish, stylish, difficult, classic and ambiguous. Sources of these definitions are in the main paper from which this abstract is made. This paper therefore aims at advocating the use of plain language which ascribes human to officers before the public and also devoid of rough characteristics in the definitions above.
Premature Ejaculation in Urban Malaysian Population: The Associations between Erectile Dysfunction(ED), Anxiety and Depression

Introduction: Both premature ejaculation(PE) and erectile dysfunction(ED) are prevalent sexual health disorders that have been inadequately investigated in Malaysia, a multiethnic and conservative nation.The objective of the study was to study the relationship between PE and ED, and other common mental health issues, i.e. anxiety and depression in Malaysian urban population. Methods: The diagnosis for PE was established by clinical diagnosis using DSM-5 and ISSM definition criteria for PE, whereas a diagnosis of ED was established by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Anxiety and depression levels were detected from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Based on DSM-V and ISSM clinical diagnosis for PE, the prevalence of PE was found to be 25%. Erectile dysfunction (p = 0.035, OR = 3.315, 95% CI 1.088, 10.103) and severe anxiety (p = 0.020, OR = 7.656, 95% CI 1.383, 42.396) significantly predicted presence of PE. Conclusion: There was a strong association between PE and ED and between PE and anxiety. Routine examination for PE in male patients should address the issue and the management of both ED and anxiety among PE patients, especially in an urban Malaysian clinical and medical care setting.