Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Metal Content and Bacteriological Parameters of Selected Borehole Water Sources in Abakaliki, Nigeria

The quality of potable water is affected by several natural and human activities including but not limited to pollution, natural disasters, climate change, urbanization and mining. Poor water quality adversely affects human health, and it is important to periodically be on the lookout for possible water contamination in our environment. This study investigated the metal content and bacteriological profiles of selected borehole water sources in Abakaliki, Nigeria. A total of 25 borehole water samples of 250 ml each were aseptically collected from selected borehole points (designated as Site A-E) in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria using pre-sterilized plastic containers; and each of the samples was were bacteriologically analyzed on selective culture media for the isolation and identification of bacteria that are of public health importance using standard microbiology identification techniques. The presence of trace metals was chemically determined in the borehole water samples using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) [AA-7000]. The highest bacterial count in this study was 2.4 × 104 cfu/ml while the least bacteria count was 1.0 × 104 cfu/ml. The suspected bacterial organisms isolated and identified from the respective borehole water samples were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The metal content analysis using AAS showed that some of the borehole water samples contain some trace metals such as zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn). Aluminium (Al) and lead (Pb) were not detected in the borehole water samples analyzed in this study; and the trace metals detected were found to be within the accepted limit of trace metals for drinking water as specified by Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and World Health Organization (WHO). This study has presumptively reported the presence of some bacterial organisms of public health importance and some trace metals in selected borehole water samples in Abakaliki, Nigeria. The area under study is known for its high deposit of mineral resources especially lead and limestone; however, lead was not detected in the water sample and this shows that there was no infiltration of this metal from the mining site to the water sources in the region. Also, the proliferation of mining sites and their unregulated activities could also be responsible for the presence of some of these metals in the environment at concentrations that are unsafe for human use. Unsafe drinking water portends significant risk to public health over a lifetime of consumption. It is therefore important for the authorities to periodically screen water meant for human use and public consumption for the presence of potential physical, chemical and biologically contaminants that may affect the health of the populace.
Concentrated perchlorate at the Mars Phoenix landing site: Evidence for thin film liquid water on Mars

NASA's Phoenix mission, which landed on the northern plains of Mars in 2008, returned evidence of the perchlorate anion distributed evenly throughout the soil column at the landing site. Here, we use spectral data from Phoenix's Surface Stereo Imager to map the distribution of perchlorate salts at the Phoenix landing site, and find that perchlorate salt has been locally concentrated into subsurface patches, similar to salt patches that result from aqueous dissolution and redistribution on Earth. We propose that thin films of liquid water are responsible for translocating perchlorate from the surface to the subsurface, and for concentrating it in patches. The thin films are interpreted to result from melting of minor ice covers related to seasonal and long‐term obliquity cycles.
Exploring the relationship between ischemic core volume and clinical outcomes after thrombectomy or thrombolysis

Objective To assess whether complete reperfusion after IV thrombolysis (IVT-R) would result in similar clinical outcomes compared to complete reperfusion after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT-R) in patients with a large vessel occlusion (LVO). Methods EVT-R patients were matched by age, clinical severity, occlusion location, and baseline perfusion lesion volume to IVT-R patients from the International Stroke Perfusion Imaging Registry (INSPIRE). Only patients with complete reperfusion on follow-up imaging were included. The excellent clinical outcome rates at day 90 on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were compared between EVT-R vs IVT-R patients within quintiles of increasing baseline ischemic core and penumbral volumes. Results From INSPIRE, there were 141 EVT-R patients and 141 matched controls (IVT-R) who met the eligibility criteria. In patients with a baseline core <30 mL, EVT-R resulted in a lower odds of achieving an excellent outcome at day 90 compared to IVT-R (day 90 mRS 0–1 odds ratio 0.01, p < 0.001). The group with a baseline core <30 mL contained mostly patients with distal M1 or M2 occlusions, and good collaterals (p = 0.01). In patients with a baseline ischemic core volume >30 mL (internal carotid artery and mostly proximal M1 occlusions), EVT-R increased the odds of patients achieving an excellent clinical outcome (day 90 mRS 0–1 odds ratio 1.61, p < 0.001) and there was increased symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in the IVT-R group with core >30 mL (20% vs 3% in EVT-R, p = 0.008). Conclusion From this observational cohort, LVO patients with larger baseline ischemic cores and proximal LVO, with poorer collaterals, clearly benefited from EVT-R compared to IVT-R alone. However, for distal LVO patients, with smaller ischemic cores and better collaterals, EVT-R was associated with a lower odds of favorable outcome compared to IVT-R alone.
Gesture Segmentation Using Spiking Neural Networks Inspired by the Visual System

The human visual system demonstrates powerful image processing functionalities. Inspired by the behaviour of the human visual system, a method of gesture segmentation with the complex background is investigated based on fusion of outputs from two kinds of spiking neural networks. The structures and the properties of the two networks are detailed in this paper. One of two networks performs the movement region of gesture. Meanwhile, another spiking neural network performs identification of skin area according to the biologically colour processing mechanism. Finally, two outputs from two neural networks are integrated to segment the meaningful region of gestures from the video image sequence. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm works efficiently and can perform gesture segmentation with the satisfying accuracy for dynamic visual image sequence under complex background. It is promising to apply this approach to video processing domain and robotic visual systems. Keywords-gesture segmentation; spiking neural network; visual system; motion detection; skin detection
Quantitative two-photon laser-induced fluorescence measurements of atomic hydrogen densities, temperatures, and velocities in an expanding thermal plasma

We report on quantitative, spatially resolved density, temperature, and velocity measurements on ground-state atomic hydrogen in an expanding thermal Ar–H plasma using two-photon excitation laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). The method’s diagnostic value for application in this plasma is assessed by identifying and evaluating the possibly disturbing factors on the interpretation of the LIF signal in terms of density, temperature, and velocity. In order to obtain quantitative density numbers, the LIF setup is calibrated for H measurements using two different methods. A commonly applied calibration method, in which the LIF signal from a, by titration, known amount of H generated by a flow-tube reactor is used as a reference, is compared to a rather new calibration method, in which the H density in the plasma jet is derived from a measurement of the two-photon LIF signal generated from krypton at a well-known pressure, using a known Kr to H detection sensitivity ratio. The two methods yield nearly the same re.
Price Setting in Retailing: the Case of Uruguay

We use a rich and unique dataset of 20 million daily prices in groceries and supermarkets across the country to analyze stylized facts of the behaviour of consumer prices. Our findings are as follows: i) The median duration of prices is little over 2 months. Therefore, retail prices in Uruguay are less sticky than in the US but stickier than in the UK. ii) We do not find evidence of a seasonal pattern in the likelihood of price adjustments. iii) The frequency of price adjustment varies positively with expected inflation for the food and personal care product categories. However, in the alcohol and soft drink categories we find that firms increase the percentage points of the adjustment and not its frequency. iv) The probability of price change in the first day of the month is seven times higher than in any another day. v) The probability of a price change is not constant over time.
Chapters School of Hotel Administration Collection 7-2014 Performance Evaluation with High Moments and Disaster Risk

Traditional performance evaluation measures do not account for tail events and rare disasters. To address this issue, we reinterpret the riskiness measures of Aumann and Serrano (2008) and Foster and Hart (2009) as performance indices. We derive the moment properties of these indices and their sensitivity to rare disasters and show that they are consistent with the asset pricing literature. As applications, we show that “anomalous” investment strategies such as “momentum” or investment in private equity lose much of their glamour when accounting for high moments and rare events. Furthermore, using the indices to select mutual funds results in desirable high-moment properties out of sample.
Grazing halos and predation on juvenile Caribbean surgeonfishes

In the Caribbean, recruitment of a number of fishes has been found to be low at the edges of patch reefs, intermediate in the grazed halo and highest in dense seagrass. This has been attributed in part to the activities of reef-based predators. We presented small surgeonfishes held in clear glass bottles at 4 distances up to 20 m from the edges of reefs and found that the rate of encounters with predators (and aggressive territorial herbivores) was high at the reef edges, but encounter rates in the halo were much lower and similar to those in the dense seagrass. The low rate of interactions even 2 m from the reef edge implies that reef-based predators avoid the halo also, presumably because of the risk to themselves of predation from still larger piscivores. This implies that the pattern of recruitment is due to avoidance by recruits rather than the depredations of reef-based predators. Many surgeonfishes recruiting to experimental structures in the seagrass were migrant juveniles rather than settling larvae and we suggest that the gradient in recrutment of surgeonfishes reflects proximity to preferred post-settlement habitats.
Adaptive Speed Control Design for Brushed Permanent Magnet DC Motor Based on Worst-Case Analysis Approach

This paper presents the adaptive controller design for brushed permanent magnet DC motor used in velocity-tracking applications based on worst-case approach. We first formulate the robust adaptive control problem as a nonlinear -control problem under imperfect state measurement, and then solve it using game-theoretic approach. The controller guarantees the boundedness of closed-loop signals with bounded exogenous disturbances, and achieves desired disturbance attenuation level with respect to the unmeasured exogenous disturbance inputs and the measured disturbance inputs. The strong robustness properties are illustrated by a simulation example.
Parental Functioning in Families for Behavioral Parent Training and Importance of Clinically Meaningful Change

Objective/Method: Statistically significant and clinically meaningful effects of behavioral parent training on parental functioning were examined for 20 children with ADHD and their parents who had successfully completed a psychosocial treatment for ADHD. Results/Conclusion: Findings suggest that behavioral parent training resulted in statistically significant improvements in some domains of parenting behavior for both mothers and fathers and in reductions in most domains of parenting stress for mothers. Importantly, clinically meaningful change also was noted for these parental functioning areas, as well as for other domains of parental functioning that did not result in statistically significant findings. Clinical implications are discussed.
Ekspresi Mucin-6 ( MUC 6 ) pada Serrated Adenoma dan Adenoma

Latar belakang Serrated adenoma merupakan lesi prekursor karsinoma kolorektal yang melalui jalur serrated pathways, dapat berkembang menjadi karsinoma kolorektal dalam waktu lebih singkat dibandingkan dengan adenoma konvensional. Dalam perkembangannya diketahui adanya petanda yang digunakan untuk lesi prekursor tersebut yaitu musin. Musin dapat mengalami perubahan molekular dalam proses diferensiasi, proliferasi dan invasi sel tumor ganas. Salah satu mucin yang berperan dalam proses karsinogenesis karsinoma kolorektal adalah mucin-6 (MUC6) aberan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui perbedaan ekspresi mucin-6 (MUC6) aberan di sitoplasma sel epitel mukosa kolorektal pada serrated adenoma (SA) dan adenoma konvensional displasia keras. Metode Penelitian retrospektif dengan studi analitik potong lintang, kasus serrated adenoma (SA) dan adenoma konvensional displasia keras, masing-masing 20 kasus. Dilakukan pemeriksaan immunohistokimia (IHK) pada semua kasus, dengan menggunakan antibodi primer mucin-6 (MUC6) aberan. Hasil Kasus serrated adenoma (SA) yang menunjukkan ekspresi mucin-6 (MUC6) aberan yang terdiri atas ekspresi lemah 4 kasus, sedang 9 kasus, dan kuat 4 kasus, dan juga terdapat 3 kasus yang tidak mengekspresikan mucin-6 (MUC6) aberan. Sedangkan pada kasus adenoma konvensional displasia keras yang menunjukkan ekspresi mucin-6 (MUC6) aberan terdiri atas ekspresi lemah 12 kasus, sedang 3 kasus, dan kuat 2 kasus dan juga terdapat 3 kasus yang tidak mengekspresikan mucin-6 (MUC6) aberan, dan dilakukan uji statistik chisquare dengan nilai p=0,005. Kesimpulan Ekspresi mucin-6 (MUC6) aberan pada serrated adenoma (SA) berbeda signifikan dibandingkan pada adenoma konvensional displasia keras.
Strategic Factors for Building Brand Equity: Jordan Medical Tourism

Building a brand with strong equity is a vital element for differentiation and competitiveness, especially in today’s highly competitive medical tourism. The literature indicated that Jordan has weak medical tourism brand equity. The contribution of customer relationship management and service quality in developing brand equity can’t be ignored. Studies on marketing activities towards building brand equity remain limited. Accordingly, 650 self-administrated questionnaires were distributed to outpatient medical tourists in Amman’s five biggest hospitals using systematic sampling. After screening, 454 surveys were used for analysis using structural equation modelling. The results indicated that customer relationship management significantly impacted service quality and brand equity. Service quality strongly influenced brand equity, and brand equity was enhanced indirectly through service quality. This study highlighted the importance of such factors on brand equity-building activities in Jordanian medical tourism context. Further research is recommended to expand the proposed model.
Methodical Approach and Tools to Improve the Efficiency of Managing of the Innovation Potential in the Context of Economic Globalization

The purpose of this study was to develop a methodology for assessing and justifying the tools needed to improve the efficiency of the management of innovation potential in the context of economic globalization on the example of a high-tech enterprise. The studies developed a method of estimation of innovative potential of high-tech enterprise, which differs from the comprehensive approach to the analysis proposed by foreign and Russian scientists, which allows to take into account one aspect of globalization of the economy, and to ensure greater confidence in the conditions of application of expert methods. Proposed methodological approach is based on the methodology of fuzzy set theory, matrix methods of aggregation and analysis of complex systems. The advantage of the proposed in the methodological toolkit is the ability to a coordinated use of indicators which are measured in different difficult comparative values, as well as the transparency of this evaluation. Information obtained through the procedure contains a qualitative and quantitative assessment of each element of the structure of innovative capacity, which is an effective supplement to the management of the organization and allows the supervisor to take justified and high-quality solutions to improve the innovative capacity. The proposed tool, in our opinion, is essential to assess the innovation potential in the analysis of this type in the conditions of uncertainty and incomplete information. Results of the study are universal and can be used for improving the management of all economic systems.
The Rise and Fall of a Shadow System: Lessons for Enterprise System Implementation

In much of the enterprise systems (ES) literature shadow systems, although infrequently studied, are regarded as undesirable. They are believed to undermine ES implementation and as such should be eliminated. Using a theoretical framework that explains the motivation for the development of shadow systems within an ES context, this paper analyses a longitudinal case study of the eight-year rise and expected fall of a single shadow system. Results of the analysis indicate that shadow systems may be useful indicators of a range of problems with enterprise system implementation. It appears that close examination of shadow systems may help both practitioners and researchers improve enterprise system implementation and evolution.
Helmets and traffic injury outcomes: Findings from a setting lacking legislation on proper wearing and quality assessment

Abstract Objective: We assessed the effectiveness of helmet wearing for improving traffic injury outcomes in a setting lacking legislations on proper wearing and quality assessment of helmets. Methods: The study included motorcycle riders from Karachi, Pakistan, who were involved in a road traffic crash between 1 January 2007 and 30 September 2013. We estimated likelihoods of death and severe injury in riders wearing helmets compared to those not wearing them. Results: Only 6% (n = 6,092) of the 109 210 riders wore helmets. Helmet wearing was about 1% in pillion riders, women, and children. About 2% of riders died (n = 1,949) and 15% (n = 16,051) were hospitalized. About a third of riders (n = 37,439, 34%) suffered from head injuries, 30% (n = 33,130) had facial injuries, 46% (n = 50,264) had extremity injuries, and 61% (n = 67,094) had external body injuries. Those wearing helmets were less likely to die (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.28–0.50) or sustain a severe head injury (aOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.55–0.89) than others. The preventive effects however disappeared in high-impact collisions, e.g. heavy vehicles, head-on. Conclusion: Helmets effectively reduced the likelihood of deaths and serious head injuries in the injured motorcyclists in Pakistan. Improving legislation and enforcement could help further prevent deaths and serious head injuries in Pakistan and similar settings.
Evaluation of the genetic structure of indigenous Okinawa Agu pigs using microsatellite markers

Objective Agu pigs are indigenous to the Okinawa prefecture, which is the southernmost region of Japan. Agu pigs were exposed to a genetic bottleneck during the 20th century, due to the introduction of European pig breeds. The objective of this study was to elucidate the genetic structure of Agu pigs and to determine their relationships with those of five European breeds, two Chinese breeds and Ryukyu wild boar using microsatellite markers. Methods A total of 203 DNA samples from 8 pig breeds were used in this study. Genotyping was performed using 21 microsatellite markers distributed across 17 chromosomes. Results Numbers of effective alleles in Agu pigs were fewer than in European breeds and Ryukyu wild boar. Among domestic pigs, Agu pigs had the lowest heterozygosity (0.423) and highest inbreeding coefficient (FIS = 0.202), indicating a severe loss of heterozygosity in Agu pigs possibly due to inbreeding. Neighbor-joining tree analysis was performed based on Reynolds’ genetic distances, which clustered Agu pigs with Duroc pigs. However, principal component analysis revealed a unique genetic position of the Agu pig, and the second principal component separated Agu pigs from all other breeds. Structure analysis with the optimal assumption of seven groups (K = 7) indicated that Agu pigs form an independent cluster from the other breeds. In addition, high and significant FST values (0.235 to 0.413) were identified between Agu pigs and the other breeds. Conclusion This study revealed a substantial loss of genetic diversity among Agu pigs due to inbreeding. Our data also suggest that Agu pigs have a distinctive genetic structure, although gene flows from European breeds were observed.
Development of a Multiple SMPS System Controlling Variable Load Based on Wireless Network

This paper proposes a multiple switch mode power supply (SMPS) system based on the wireless network which controls variable load. The system enables power supply of up to 600W using 200W SMPS as a unit module and provides a controlling function of output power based on variable load and a monitoring function based on wireless network. The controlling function for output power measures the variation of output power and facilitates efficient power supply by controlling output power based on the measured variation value. The monitoring function guarantees a stable power supply by observing the multiple SMPS system in real time via wireless network. The performance of the proposed system was examined by various experiments. In addition, it was verified through standardized test of Korea Testing Certification. The results were given and discussed.
Determination of Aflatoxin Levels of Feeds Used in Dairy Cow Farms and Their Effects on Blood Parameters and Milk Aflatoxin Levels in Hatay Province

In the study, AFB 1 and total aflatoxin levels of roughages and concentrates from twenty dairy farms in Hatay, AFB 1 carry over rate (CO) from feed to milk as AFM 1 and correlation between total aflatoxin intake and blood parameters were investigated. In none of the roughage samples, AFB 1 levels was over 5 ppb while the concentrates of 9 farms were found to be above 5 ppb legal limit. The average AFB 1 levels of concentrates and roughages, and the average AFB 1 intake were 4.496 ppb, 1.282 ppb and, 15.987 μg/day, respectively. A total of one hundred milk samples were collected by taking five dairy cows from each farm. The two of milk samples were found to be exceeded the level of 0.05 ppb of the AFM 1 level that is the statutory limit in Turkey. The average AFM 1 level of the farms was 0.0214 ppb and none exceeded the legal limit. The average CO rate of farms was found to be 2.66%. The correlation coefficients were not significant between total aflatoxins intake and blood parameters. As a result, the AFM 1 excretion in milk was related to AFB 1 intake and milk yield. In dairy cows, a daily intake of AFB 1 37.3 μg at maximum level should not be exceeded to stay in the statutory limit for AFM 1 in milk.