Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance and Applicability of Candidate Routing Protocols for Smart Grid ’ s Wireless Mesh Neighbor-Area Networks

Neighbor-area network (NAN) is one of the most important segments of a smart grid communication network (SGCN) since it is responsible for information exchanges between utilities and a large number of smart meters (SMs) to enable various important smart grid (SG) applications. Greedy perimeter stateless routing (GPSR) and the routing protocol for low-power and lossy networks (RPL) have been considered for wireless mesh NANs. This thesis presents a study on performance and applicability of these two protocols in various NAN scenarios. Specifically, packet transmission reliability and delay of GPSR and RPL in an IEEE 802.11-based wireless mesh NAN are evaluated through extensive simulations. The effects of wireless channel characteristics, network offered load levels and cluster sizes are also investigated to assess feasibility of these two protocols with respect to different SG application requirements. In addition to comparing the reliability and efficiency of GPSR and RPL, special attentions have been addressed to the system robustness in the presence of node failures. Node failures could hinder the network connectivity and degrade the reliability of the NAN segment of the SGCN. This thesis proposes a mechanism, namely proactive parent switching (PPS) that adaptively switches preferred parent nodes in order to help RPL quickly deflect network traffics from points of failures in the NAN scenario. Simulations with varying network availability and traffic load are carried out in order to understand the impact of node failures to the routing performance of GPSR and RPL with PPS and how the PPS can help RPL mitigate them. The extensive simulation results first reveal that RPL has higher transmission reliability and lower delays than GPSR in all the three considered scenarios, i.e., different channel conditions, traffic loads and network sizes. Moreover, under the consideration of multiple node failures, RPL with PPS outperforms both conventional RPL and GPSR in transmission reliability since it can efficiently reroute packets over multiple alternative paths. Consequently, the results from this thesis indicate that RPL with PPS is a suitable routing protocol for NAN communications. However, RPL may impose extra requirements relating to its routing table management and maintenance. Therefore, there is still room for improving these two protocols for specific SG applications.
An Investigation of the Effect of Eco-Labeling on Office Occupancy Rates

This paper investigates the effect of eco-labeling on the occupancy rates of commercial offices in the US. The occupancy rates of LEED and Energy Star labeled offices are compared to a sample of non-labeled offices which were selected to include properties in the same submarkets. Significant differences are found between the two types of labeling. While Energy Star labeled offices are more likely to be multi-tenanted compared to the total sample, single tenant occupancy tends to be over-represented among LEED labeled offices. Using OLS and quantile regression analyses, a significant positive relationship is found between occupancy rate and the eco-label. Controlling for differences in age, height, building class and quality, the results suggest that occupancy rates are 5-7% higher in LEED labeled buildings and 1.5-3.5% higher in Energy Star labeled buildings. However, the effects are concentrated in certain market segments.
Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on testosterone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

B a ckground: Scientific literature has shown evidence that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have anti-androgenic action, and for this reason could be useful as an adjuvant in hyperandrogenism conditions including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). However, the possible effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on testosterone concentration still remains undetermined. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate effects of EPA/DHA supplements on testosterone hormone in PCOS women. M ethods : Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until end May 2015 were searched through a comprehensive search of the PubMed and Scopus electronic databases. Included RCTs evaluated omega-3 fatty acids supplements compared with control in patients with PCOS and reported circulatory androgens. The meta-analysis quality assessment was conducted by the Jadad scoring criteria. Results : Four RCTs were analyzed in this meta-analysis. The dose range for EPA and DHA was 0.9-3.6. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 8 weeks. Meta-analysis on testosterone levels revealed a significant lowering effect (weighted mean difference - 0.264; 95% confidence interval = −0.39, 0.14; p < 0.001) of omega-3 fatty acids for PCOS subjects. Conclusion : The results of our study revealed benefits on total testosterone with the use of omega-3 PUFA supplements on PCOS patients. Further, high-quality RCTs are required to definitively draw a causal interpretation of our finding.
DISCOVERY OF THE NEAR-INFRARED COUNTERPART TO THE LUMINOUS NEUTRON-STAR LOW-MASS X-RAY BINARY GX 3+1

Using the High Resolution Camera on board the Chandra X-ray Observatory, we have measured an accurate position for the bright persistent neutron star X-ray binary and atoll source GX 3+1. At a location that is consistent with this new position, we have discovered the near-infrared (NIR) counterpart to GX 3+1 in images taken with the PANIC and FourStar cameras on the Magellan Baade Telescope. The identification of this Ks = 15.8 ± 0.1 mag star as the counterpart is based on the presence of a Br γ emission line in an NIR spectrum taken with the Folded-port InfraRed Echelette spectrograph on the Baade Telescope. The absolute magnitude derived from the best available distance estimate to GX 3+1 indicates that the mass donor in the system is not a late-type giant. We find that the NIR light in GX 3+1 is likely dominated by the contribution from a heated outer accretion disk. This is similar to what has been found for the NIR flux from the brighter class of Z sources, but unlike the behavior of atolls fainter (LX ≈ 1036–1037 erg s−1) than GX 3+1, where optically thin synchrotron emission from a jet probably dominates the NIR flux.
Autonomic Nervous Activity in Multiparous Women during Early Postpartum Period: A Descriptive Study

Background: The purpose of the present study is to analyze the autonomic nervous activity in multiparas while resting, nursing, and rooming-in/rooming-out during days 1 to 3 of early postpartum period. Methods: Subjects were asked to record the actions they performed while wearing a heart rate monitor. Changes in autonomic nervous activity from 9 am to 12 pm and relaxation based on the relaxation (RE) scale were surveyed in multiparous women experiencing a normal postpartum period, on postpartum days 1 to 3. Results: Thirteen subjects were enrolled but heart rate data for all 3 days were available for only 5 of them. In these patients, the autonomic nervous activity (heat rate, high frequency [HF], or low frequency [LF]/HF) showed no significant differences between the days during any of the time periods. However, of the 3 days, day 2 demonstrated a lower HF and higher LF/HF. Subjective sense of relaxation was higher on postpartum day 3 compared to days 1 and 2, but there was no significant difference observed in the 3-day total score. Though no significant differences in HF and LF/HF at rest and during nursing were observed for any of the 3 days, there was a tendency for HF to be lower and LF/HF to be higher during nursing than at rest. Conclusions: Autonomic nervous activity demonstrated no significant major changes between the 3 days of postpartum (day 1 to 3). However, the lower HF and higher LF/HF during nursing and rooming-in suggest that even multiparas, who are supposedly accustomed to nursing and child-rearing, can be tense. Results suggest that multiparas require monitoring, personal care, and attention so that they can be relaxed and less tense while nursing and caring for their children.
CALORIC RESTRICTION AND ANOREXIA NERVOSA WITH REGARD TO THE OXIDANT - ANTIOXIDANT BALANCE DAS OXIDATIVE/ANTIOXIDATIVE GLEICHGEWICHT BEI REDUZIERTER KALORIENZUFUHR UND PATIENTINNEN MIT ANOREXIA NERVOSA

It is known, that caloric restriction reduces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lowers the incidence of ROS associated diseases and increases the life-span of experimental animals. On the other hand, anorexia nervosa on humans, which is also associated with low caloric intake, could jeopardize health. In the present review, we emphasize the effects of caloric restriction and anorexia nervosa on antioxidant systems, and oxidative damage of macromolecules. The findings of the available literature suggest that anorexia nervosa can alter the endogenous antioxidant systems including a reduction of small molecular antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes. This phenomenon may lead to enhanced sensitivity towards oxidative stress. One of the consequences could be increased concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin-6) and induction of inflammation. Therefore, the health related benefits of caloric restriction, which has been repeatedly demonstrated in animal studies, cannot be found in patients with anorexia nervosa. We conclude that caloric restriction will only decrease ROS associated diseases and prolong lifespan if the function of the antioxidant systems is guaranteed and the physiological changes of caloric restriction are not harmful.
A Sustainable Medical Image Authentication Technique in Spatial Domain Using Multiple QR Code

Nowadays there is a need to protect our health related information for authentication and privacy purpose. In the proposed work multiple QR codes are watermarked inside a single color medical image using Variable Bit Replacement (VBR) technique. Three different 128 bit session keys are used to watermark QR Codes in three different color components (R, G and B) of a single color medical image. The QR Code is embedded in between moderately significant bit (MdSB) and least significant bit (LSB). The watermarked extraction process determines an invisible watermark in the image by reversing the embedding process. Results show that the process is robust against different attacks and imperceptibility is quite good.
Pharmacodynamic study of Jerusalem artichoke particles in type I and II diabetic rat models

To study the therapeutic effect of Jerusalem artichoke particles in type I and type II diabetic rats. Male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were intraperitoneally injected with 30 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) for 3 consecutive days to generate a type I diabetic rat model. The rats were orally administered Jerusalem artichoke particles (50, 100, or 150 mg/kg) once a day for 3 consecutive weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels were determined by ELISA. Male SD rats were fed a high-fat and high-sugar diet then received an intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg STZ to generate a type II diabetic rat model. The rats were treated as mentioned above for 4 consecutive weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels were determined using the glucose oxidase method. Jerusalem artichoke particles significantly reduced blood glucose concentrations in type I and type II diabetic rats. Following 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg Jerusalem artichoke particles treatment for specified weeks, blood glucose concentrations were decreased by 9.7%, 21.69% and 15.48% in type I diabetic rats, respectively; and type II diabetic rats were decreased by 12.07%, 28.57% and 21.80%, respectively. Jerusalem artichoke particles have a hypoglycemic effect in type I and type II diabetic rats.
Exposure to aerosol pollution and reported respiratory symptoms among segments of urban and rural populations in Sri Lanka

(The Correct PDF for this article is now available) Health effects due to exposure to air pollution have become a growing concern as an ill-effect of rapid urbanization in several regions of Sri Lanka. Evidence suggests that exposure to particulate matter and other aerosols such as SO 2 and NOx have increased in urbanized areas in Sri Lanka. But presently adequate evidence to show the association between health effects and air pollution is not available. In this ecological study, we present the micro-level picture of aerosol pollution obtained by using an interviewer administered questionnaire survey and comparing the results against exposure to aerosols. Secondary data were gathered on Sri Lankan health issues from the Ministry of Health to understand the most common causes of mortality and morbidity in the city. Symptoms and the medical diagnosis information were collected from randomly selected probability proportionate samples of five categories of street users (commuters in buses, three wheelers, outdoor venders, shop keepers and residents) in an urbanized area of Colombo and in a rural area of a peripheral district. Exposure levels were measured using passive air samplers in both locations. Moreover active sampling measurements of curbside levels of Total Suspended Particulate Matters (TSP), Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) were collected in urbanized area. Aerosol exposure of urban and rural dwellers in all five categories, have shown significant differences in levels of SO 2 (p = 0.001) and NO 2 (p 2 levels in both locations (p = 0.045 and p = 0.113) while buses at both locations showed the highest NO 2 and SO 2 levels at both sites while houses had the lowest levels. Further analysis showed that the exposure levels of bus drivers significantly vary (SO 2 , F= 13.399, p = 0.001; NO 2 , F =52.283, p Urban street users had higher prevalence of cough (p The association might be overridden by localized risk factors such as difference in lifestyles among the urban and rural populations such as the higher number of people using wood as cooking fuel being in the rural site. Short- and long-term mitigation strategies are needed to reduce people's exposure to such air pollutants. The outcome of this study has been extended for necessary policy implications and mitigation guidelines by introducing recommendations of land use development in the city limits. DOI: 10.4038/besl.v7i2.1941 Built-Environment Sri Lanka Vol.7(2) 31-39
POPULATION PHARMACOKINETICS AND CLINICAL RESPONSE OF METOPROLOL IN SOUTH INDIAN HYPERTERNSIVE PATIENTS

Population pharmacokinetics (PPK) is the study of this variability, its source and magnitude in populations. This information is used to design dosage regimens that account for individual patient characteristics. Objective: The objective of this study was to perform a Non linear mixed-effects analysis of the pharmacokinetics of metoprolol, indicated for treating hypertension and to study the effect of covariates like age, body surface area [BSA] and creatinine clearance [CRCL] on the population pharmacokinetics of metoprolol in South Indian hypertensive patients. Methods: A simple, rapid and sensitive isocratic HPLC-UV method for detection and quantification of metoprolol in plasma had been developed. Intra-and inter-assay variations were <1and <2% respectively. Recovery of metoprolol was 98-99%. Total 128 blood samples for metoprolol plasma concentration measurements following a single 100 mg and 300 mg /day dose of metoprolol were obtained from 36 subjects having age in between 18-75 years. The population PK model was built using NONMEM 7.2. 0. The FO and FOCE method was used to estimate base and covariate models for metoprolol. Results: One-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination (ADVAN 2 TRANS 2) was best fit to the plasma concentration-time data of metoprolol. A combined error model was best described the pattern of residual and between subject variability . The final model estimates of CL and V estimated by FOCE method were 93.4 L/h and 83.1 L. Discussion: There were no past reports on PopPK of metoprolol. With covariate models, significant decrease was observed in OFV, between and within subject variability when compared to base model. The model found to best describe the data following the FOCE method was: Clearance (CL) = θ1*(CLCR/0.75) *EXP (h1) and Volume (V) = θ2*(AGE/50) *EXP (h2). These parameters are utilized for individualizing the loading and maintenance doses in hypertensive patients. CRCL for CL; AGE for V were found as an informative covariates of metoprolol. Conclusion: In order to minimize the variability associated with drug exposure in Indian hypertensive patients, the results of the population PK analysis support AGE and CRCL adjusted dosing of metoprolol. Key words : NONMEM, Creatinine clearance, Covariate, Residual variability, Metoprolol.
Below 100 Hz

This chapter explores cultural theories of sub-bass production and reception in electronic dance music (EDM), reggae, and other bass-heavy popular musics. After a brief review of the musicology surrounding sub-bass (particularly the work of Steve Goodman and Julian Henriques), the discussion moves on to a cultural history of the sub-bass signal chain, including the subject of subwoofer design and other aspects of audio engineering for the reproduction of musical sounds below 100 Hz. The chapter details the perceptual responses to low frequencies and the physics of sub-bass sound propagation in order to critique the mystification of recent theorists of “bass culture. ”
Relationship between temperament and anxiety disorders: a systematic review

The relationship between anxiety disorders and personality traits, in their temperamental and character dimensions, has been the subject of numerous studies using the dimensional approach of the psychobiological personality. The aim of this review was to identify temperament and character traits linked both to anxiety symptoms and to specific anxious disorders comparing the data obtained from studies using the two forms of Cloninger temperament and character inventory (TCI and TCI-R). Besides the study aimed to identify, through the comparison of data, the most appropriate model to represent the relationship between personality traits and anxiety disorders. Results showed a high direct correlation between the temperamental dimension of Harm Avoidance and anxiety symptoms and an high inverse correlation between the character dimension of Self-Directedness and anxiety symptoms. Moreover specific anxiety disorders has showed typical correlation with specific temperamental and character traits. The comparison between the longitudinal studies argues in favor of a “precursor model” of explanation of these correlations whereby personality can be used to individuate early manifestations of anxiety disorder.
Using Argument Analysis to Define a Structure for User Generated Content

Within the internet there are several good information sources which can provide facts and general information, but it is less obvious where to find meaningful discussions and arguments that are grounded with evidence. The objective of this work is to automatically identify and extract the structure of arguments from user added content. The hypothesis is that this can be used to identify where a specific user should add their own content. Allowing the users of content to see the structured arguments contained within that content, with the claims, counter claims, replies and grounds, allows the users to navigate the content. This can facilitate knowledge acquisition and enables the user to become part of the conversation in a way that is arguably more useful to them.
On tensors of elasticity

An objective of this paper is to reconcile the "symmetry" approach with the "symmetry groups" approach as these two different points of view presently coexist in the literature. Here we will be concerned exclusively with linearly elastic materials. The starting point for an analysis of the inherent symmetry of elastic materials is the notion of a symmetry transformation. Particularly, we paid attention to the compliance tensor for cubic and hexagonal crystals.
EXPLORING MEASURES OF USABILITY FOR IN-VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY

This paper examines various tools and information resources available to designers and usability professionals when developing or evaluating the HMI (Human Machine Interaction) of IVIS (InVehicle Information Systems) with regard to usability. It starts with a consideration of what the word ‘usability’ means and how it has been defined in the literature, along with a discussion of how it is relevant to IVIS. The paper then reviews HMI guidelines that have been produced and are in current usage, and finally looks at some of the usability assessment methods available to HMI professionals.
Prevalence of Pathogenic Bacteria in Finfish and Shellfish Obtained from Domestic Markets of West Bengal, India

The objective of this study was to determine the microbiological quality and prevalence of pathogenic bacteria viz. Vibrio cholerae, E. coli, Salmonella spp. in fish and shellfish from domestic markets of West Bengal, India. Fresh Penaeus monodon, Macrobrachium rozenbergii, Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirhinnus mrigala were examined for total bacterial and faecal coliform loads and presence of Vibrio cholerae, E. coli, Salmonella spp by culture methods. While the total plate counts of bacteria were within the acceptable or marginally acceptable limits for most samples, fishes were contaminated with faecal coliforms indicating poor sanitary hygienic condition. The specific pathogens like Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella spp were also detected in fish and shellfish samples. Antibiotic sensitivity tests showed that the pathogens were resistant to antibiotics raising serious public health concerns.
A Coherent Multilayer Simulator of Radargrams Acquired by Radar Sounder Instruments

Reliable electromagnetic simulators are of prime importance for the design of radar sounder instruments and for supporting the subsequent analysis of their data. In this paper, we present a coherent, facet method-based simulator that can compute radar echoes from the subsurface of a target area with an arbitrary number of geological layers, thus going beyond the surface-only or the two-layer descriptions so far implemented in coherent ray-tracing radar sounder simulators. Propagation of fields throughout the subsurface is computed according to Snell’s law following a ray-tracing approach. For each ray interacting with the surface, be it a direct reflection or a refracted ray coming from the subsurface, the phase contribution of each facet is calculated through the linear phase approximation, while the total field received at the antenna is computed using Huygen’s principle. Validation simulations have been performed against the radar data of lunar and martian areas characterized by a multilayer nature and collected by the Lunar Radar Sounder instrument of JAXA’s Kaguya lunar probe and the Shallow Radar instrument onboard NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, respectively. Results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed simulator.
Magnetic wheeled robot with high mobility but only 2 DOF to control

In this paper, the mechanical design and calculation of a magnetic wheeled climbing robot is presented. It is able to pass obstacles that previously had only been accessed by robots with more complex mechanisms, but only needs 2 actively controlled DOF. A comparison to other design alternatives and the influence of some core parameters are shown in calculations with simplified 2D models. According to these calculations, a prototype was realized to prove its functionality in real tests. The paper concludes with an outlook on further design improvements and shows possible scenarios for its industrial application in the field of power plant inspection.