Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DETERMINANTS OF ENROLLMENT IN PRIMARY EDUCATION A Case Study of District Lahore

This study is an attempt to analyze the primary school enrollment status in the city of Lahore; and provide estimates regarding the impact of household's quantitative characteristics on enrollment decision. Primary data is collected from 3320 households where 2520 households belonged to the urban areas and 800 households belonged to the rural areas. Computations are carried out using both OLS and Logit models. The factors contributing positively and significantly to net enrollment of children at primary school level are found to be family size, dwelling ownership, expenses on education, literacy ratio and dependency ratio. It is also established that access to school is not a very significant factor towards inhibiting school attendance. Some of the results, with respect to the contribution of family size and dependency ratio to enrollment, are contradictory to the prior determined thoughts. Briefly, it can be concluded that despite the positive effect of some of the characteristics of individuals and households on gross as well as net enrollment, there are various more strong qualitative factors across the socio-economic spectrum that have differential impacts on school enrollment. Consequently, legislative measures need to be implemented to make primary education compulsory, in order to motivate all the children of respective age to complete primary school education.
Effect of period of exposure on the developmental toxicity of butyl benzyl phthalate in rats

The objective of the present study was to determine if periods of exposure would modify the developmental toxicity of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP). Pregnant Wistar rats were given BBP at a dose of 2.0% in the diet on days 0–20, days 0–7, days 7–16 or days 16–20 of pregnancy. Food consumption and body weight gain were decreased in the pregnant rats given BBP. All dams given BBP on days 0–20 exhibited complete resorption of all the implanted embryos. Post‐implantation loss in the pregnant rats given BBP on days 0–7 or 7–16 was higher than that in the control and pair‐fed pregnant rats. No increase in post‐implantation loss was found in the pregnant rats given BBP on days 16–20. Pre‐implantation loss in the BBP‐treated groups was comparable to the control and pair‐fed groups. Striking teratogenicity was detected in fetuses of the dams given BBP on days 7–16. Cleft palate and fusion of the sternebrae were predominantly observed. About 95% of the fetuses in this group had cleft palate. The incidence of malformations in this group was significantly and markedly higher than that in the control and pair‐fed groups.
Lesser Forms of Cleft Lip Associated With the Branchio-Oculo-Facial Syndrome

Lesser forms of incomplete cleft lip (CL) have been called microform, occult, forme fruste, and congenitally healed. The association of a minimal bilateral CL in branchio-oculo-facial syndrome (BOFS) is well described and commonly referred to as a "pseudocleft. " We conducted a systematic analysis of CL types in BOFS, including a retrospective cross-sectional chart and photographic review with variable longitudinal follow-up of our patients and those described in the literature. We compared data on the type of CL and palate (CL/P) and craniofacial and extracranial anomalies in patients with BOFS and classified the lesser forms CL as either minor-form, microform, or mini-microform as defined by the extent of disruption at the vermilion-cutaneous junction. The study comprised 62 patients with BOFS (1 new and 61 in literature, 4 treated by J.B.M). Forty-four patients (71%) had CL only; 16 (26%) had CL/P; and 2 patients had neither CL nor isolated CP. Thirty-five patients with CL had adequate information for analysis (defined as either seen by J.B.M., having a published photograph, or having a detailed description). The most common type was bilateral symmetrical, lesser form CL (n = 20): minor-form (n = 2), microform (n = 6), or mini-microform (n = 12). Among 17 asymmetrical forms, the left side was more severely affected side than the right (12 vs 5). Of 9 patients with CL/P and adequate clinical description, 4 were bilaterally symmetrically complete. Other anomalies, in addition to the familiar cardinal features of BOFS, included facial nerve weakness (n = 6), chin dimple or cleft of the lower lip (n = 4), upper labial pits (n = 6), minor digital anomalies (n = 12), renal anomalies (n = 14), and ectopic thymus (n = 18). This analysis reaffirms the high frequency of CL or CL/P in BOFS and the rarity of isolated cleft palate and underscores that the term "pseudocleft" lip is incorrect. The more precise lesser form designations used in this study may prove useful for future clinical studies because the causative gene, TFAP2A, is known. Lesser forms of CL may be the most subtle expression of BOFS and assist in identifying patients. Unlike major forms of CL/P, either, syndromic or non syndromic, lesser forms suggest that the developmental insult occurs later in labial formation when fusion of the medial nasal process and maxillary process is nearly complete. The deficient vermilion-mucosa and hypoplastic orbicularis oris may be the result of incomplete or deficient mesodermal penetration of the ectodermal envelope. Another possible pathogenic explanation is that failure of labial closure occurs earlier than in a major cleft when the primitive cells of ectoderm and mesoderm retain the capacity to "heal" the defect.
Characterization of bone‐marrow‐derived rat mesenchymal stem cells depending on donor age

It is generally accepted that autologous transfers, as non‐immunogenic, constitute the safest approach in cellular transplantations. However, this attitude is often associated with the need for isolation and extracorporeal propagation of cells derived from aged patients. Thus the knowledge about relationship between aging and the properties of MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) is crucial in developing new clinical strategies. The aim of this study was to perform complex comparison of MSC derived from young and aged individuals, which included phenotype, proliferating rate, osteogenic and adipogenic potential and secretory activity. Evaluated populations were isolated from bone marrow of 3‐month‐old and 24‐month‐old rats. There was no significant difference in membrane antigen expression and PDT (population doubling time). Additionally, the adipogenic and osteogenic potential did not vary between studied populations. The reaction of MSCs to either mitogen [bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor)] or oxidative stress (H2O2) in vitro displayed a very similar pattern in both analysed populations. There was no difference in TGFβ1 (transforming growth factor β1) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) secretion measured by ELISA test and gene expression evaluated by real‐time PCR. However, the expression of the gene for IL‐1α (interleukin‐1α) was 8‐fold lower in oMSC (MSC isolated from old rats). These results indicate that aging individuals can be considered as candidates for autologous transplantation of bone‐marrow‐derived MSCs.
Role of Melanopsin in Circadian Responses to Light

Melanopsin has been proposed as an important photoreceptive molecule for the mammalian circadian system. Its importance in this role was tested in melanopsin knockout mice. These mice entrained to a light/dark cycle, phase-shifted after a light pulse, and increased circadian period when light intensity increased. Induction of the immediate-early gene c-fos was observed after a nighttime light pulse in both wild-type and knockout mice. However, the magnitude of these behavioral responses in knockout mice was 40% lower than in wild-type mice. Although melanopsin is not essential for the circadian clock to receive photic input, it contributes significantly to the magnitude of photic responses.
The Antidepressant Fluoxetine Restores Plasticity in the Adult Visual Cortex

We investigated whether fluoxetine, a widely prescribed medication for treatment of depression, restores neuronal plasticity in the adult visual system of the rat. We found that chronic administration of fluoxetine reinstates ocular dominance plasticity in adulthood and promotes the recovery of visual functions in adult amblyopic animals, as tested electrophysiologically and behaviorally. These effects were accompanied by reduced intracortical inhibition and increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the visual cortex. Cortical administration of diazepam prevented the effects induced by fluoxetine, indicating that the reduction of intracortical inhibition promotes visual cortical plasticity in the adult. Our results suggest a potential clinical application for fluoxetine in amblyopia as well as new mechanisms for the therapeutic effects of antidepressants and for the pathophysiology of mood disorders.
Evolution of the discontinuity concept in modeling and simulation: from original idea to model switching, switchable understanding, and beyond

The GEneral System Theory implementer (GEST) was the first system-theory-based simulation model specification language. Even though a commercial implementation of GEST was not realized, over the years interesting ideas emerged based on it. At the beginning of this sequence of developments was the realization of two types of discontinuity in the integration of piecewise continuous systems. Afterwards, concepts generalized from the discontinuity processing were applied: (a) to modeling as a model update, multimodels, model switching, DNA-based modeling, dynamic model coupling, and dynamic model composability; (b) to simulations as multisimulation; (c) to psychology as a personality update and dynamic personality in human behavior simulation; (d) to understanding as multiunderstanding, switchable understanding, and misunderstanding avoidance; and (e) to emotion understanding as multiunderstanding and switchable understanding for better emotional intelligence as they are applied to the emotions of self and others. Each one of these areas may be the basis for some advanced modeling and simulation methodologies. Even though references are given for them, the emphasis in this article is the applicability of the same two discontinuity concepts to many different areas.
Fluoride Augments the Mitogenic and Antigenic Response of Human Blood Lymphocytes in vitro

It has been shown that fluoride, the agent responsible for reduction of dental caries worldwide and a recognized proliferative agent, is an adjuvant when given intragastrically to rats. Furthermore, plasma fluoride levels increase in humans after various fluoride treatments. The studies presented here show that fluoride also has the ability to affect the cells of the human immune system. This was tested by measuring the effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) on cytokine production by human whole blood cells stimulated in vitro. These studies revealed that NaF augments the human lymphocyte response from human blood to a mitogen (phytohemagglutinin, PHA) or a specific antigen (morbilli antigen from infected cells, MorbAg). The cytokine interferon–γ (IFN–γ), released from activated T and/or NK cells, was significantly (p<0.01) increased when whole blood cells were simultaneously incubated with 0.62 mmol/l NaF and PHA compared to PHA alone. This tendency was also true for NaF and MorbAg. The lymphocyte activation marker interleukin–2 receptor (measured in soluble form) increased after simultaneous stimulation of the cells with PHA and 0.62 mmol/l NaF compared to stimulation with PHA only. However, 0.62 mmol/l NaF did not enhance interleukin–6 release, in blood mainly produced by monocytes. The ability to influence the IFN–γ release during an immune response could be one of the primary means by which the fluoride ion influences the immune system.
ON OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES USED FOR IMAGE COMPRESSION

Image compression is most essential requirement for efficient utilization of storage space and transmission bandwidth. Image compression technique involves reducing the size of the image without degrading the quality of the image. Currently many image compression algorithms are used to deal with increasing amount of data involved but still finding the alternative solution is the area of research. This paper reviews some of the Meta heuristic optimization algorithms used for image compression. These algorithms are based on swarm intelligence. Swarm intelligence is a relatively new area that deals with the study of behavior among many entities or objects interacting within the natural or artificial systems. In past few years Swarm Intelligence based algorithms have been applied to a wide variety of problems in combinatorial and continuous optimization, telecommunications, swarm robotics, networking, image processing etc. This paper provides an insight of many optimization techniques used for image compression like Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm , Harmony Search Algorithm (HSA) and Artificial Bee Colony algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). Ant Colony Optimization algorithm is inspired by the behavior among real ant’s while searching for the food source. Harmony Search Algorithm is inspired by the harmony improvisation process followed while playing music. Particle swarm optimization is an optimization technique inspired by social behavior of bird flocking or fish schooling. Artificial Bee Colony algorithm is motivated by the behavior exhibited by honey bees while searching for the food source. Genetic Algorithm is based on processes observed in the natural evolution.
Ranked feedback query technique for CBIR systems

Content-based image retrieval with relevance feedback has been widely adopted as the query model of choice for improved effectiveness in image retrieval. The performance of this method depends on the efficiency of the feedback mechanism. Current feedback methods are takes long time to make relevance feedback and fewer users friendly. In this paper, a novel feedback technique called ranked feedback query technique to reduce the delay in feedback processing, and therefore improve the system performance. Initially the color, texture and edge structure features are extracted from the images to analyze the similarity between them. Then the system starts retrieving images, from the results, the users are allowed to specify the ranks for each image based on their target. We compare the performance of this approach with conventional relevance feedback techniques in terms of computation efficiency and retrieval accuracy. The results indicate that the new technique substantially reduces response time for user feedback while maintaining the quality of the retrieval.
Evaluation of genetic diversity and conservation priorities for Egyptian chickens

In this study, 21 microsatellite markers were used to genotype 196 Egyptian local chickens obtained from Fayoumi (n = 35), Dandarawy (n = 30), Baladi (n = 29), Sinai (n = 30), El-Salam (n = 36), and Golden Montazah (n = 36) strains. The results were compared to two pure commercial chicken populations reared in Japan-White Leghorn (n = 42) and Rhode Island Red (n = 43). A total of 162 alleles were observed, with an average of 7.7 alleles per locus. The average expected heterozygosity for the Egyptian chickens was 0.595. The closest pairwise Nei’s genetic distance was recorded between Sinai and Golden Montazah (0.038) and the smallest pairwise FST value (0.006) was observed between Baladi and Sinai. The most probable structure clustering of the eight studied populations was at K = 6. Baladi, Sinai and Golden Montazah strains were clustered together forming admixed mosaic cluster. Dandarawy ranked firstly and contributed the most to aggregate genetic diversity based on two prioritization methods. The information resulting from this study may be used as an initial guide to design further investigations for development of sustainable genetic improvement and conservation programs for the Egyptian chicken genetic resources.
Non-Rigid Alignment and Real-Time Tracking Using the Geometric Algebra Framework

This paper presents two applications of geometric algebras: the main is a variant of the thin-plate - robust point matching algorithm, named by us "robust sphere matching", to register 3D objects modeled as sets of spheres using the representation of such spheres in the conformal geometric algebra. By this way, we take advantage and combine the geometric interpretation of entities of such algebra with the statistical methods used in the algorithm. In the experimental part, examples using synthetic and real data are presented to show how the algorithm works reliably, aligning volumetric models based on spheres. The second application is the real time tracking of devices
Profiling the third-body wear damage produced in CoCr surfaces by bone cement, CoCr, and Ti6Al4V debris: A 10-cycle metal-on-metal simulator test

Particles of bone cement (polymethyl methacrylate), CoCr and Ti6Al4V were compared for their abrasion potential against CoCr substrates. This appears to be the first study utilizing CoCr and Ti6Al4V particulates to abrade CoCr bearings and the first study profiling the morphology of third-body abrasive wear scratches in a hip simulator. The 5 mg debris allotments (median size range 140–300 µm) were added to cups mounted both inverted and anatomically with metal-on-metal (MOM) bearings in a 10-cycle, hip simulator test. Surface abrasion was characterized by roughness indices and scratch profiles. Compared to third-body abrasion with metal debris, polymethyl methacrylate debris had minimal effect on the CoCr surfaces. In all, 10 cycles of abrasion with metal debris demonstrated that roughness indices (Ra, PV) increased approximately 20-fold from the unworn condition. The scratch profiles ranged 20–108 µm wide and 0.5–2.8 µm deep. The scratch aspect ratio (W/PV) averaged 0.03, and this very low ratio indicated that the 140 µm CoCr beads had plastically deformed to create wide but shallow scratches. There was no evidence of transfer of CoCr beads to CoCr bearings. The Ti64 particles produced similar scratch morphology with the same aspect ratio as the CoCr particulates. However, the titanium particulates also showed a unique ability to flatten and adhere to the CoCr, forming smears and islands of contaminating metal on the CoCr bearings. The morphology of scratches and metal transfer produced by these large metal particulates in the simulator appeared identical to those reported on retrieved metal-on-metal bearings.
Patient-reported outcome measures: Are they patient-generated, patient-centred or patient-valued?

Background In the past two decades, there has been a growing interest in the development of a more patient-centred approach to assessing treatment outcomes. This interest has resulted in the increasing use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in both clinical trials and usual clinical practice. Aims To briefly discuss the paucity of efficacy and effectiveness studies in the field of mental health (exemplified by schizophrenia, depression and opioid dependence) that significantly incorporate the patient's perspective. The limited concordance between the perspectives of patients and clinicians in outcome assessment is also addressed. Finally, we propose a new PROM classification system based on the degree to which these instruments incorporate the patient's perspective. Conclusions PROMs may differ little from traditional instruments unless they truly incorporate the patient's perspective and not just the perspectives of clinicians and researchers. Efforts to develop new PROMs that provide a more patient-centred outcome assessment should use qualitative and participatory methods to capture and incorporate patient perspectives and values.
Consequences of loneliness on physical activity and mortality in older adults and the power of positive emotions.

OBJECTIVES This study examined the longitudinal relationships between loneliness, physical activity, and mortality in older adults. This study also tested the implication of Fredrickson's Broaden and Build Theory (1998, 2001) that positive emotions (happiness) might serve to "undo" the detrimental effects of negative emotions (loneliness). METHOD Participants (n = 228; 62% female; aged 77-96 years) took part in the Aging in Manitoba Study (2001) and the Successful Aging Study (2003). Mortality information was assessed in 2008. RESULTS Regression analyses showed that loneliness longitudinally predicted perceived physical activity and mortality. Moreover, in support of Fredrickson's theory, happiness moderated these relationships, suggesting that happiness had the power to "undo" the detrimental effects of loneliness on activity and mortality. CONCLUSIONS Loneliness is an independent risk factor for mortality and reduced physical activity among older adults; however, being happy may offset the negative consequences of being lonely. Future interventions could target positive emotions and loneliness as a way of ultimately enhancing the lifespan and wellspan of older adults.
The Acute Effects of Biatrial Pacing on Atrial Depolarization and Repolarization

Permanent biatrial and/or multisite atrial pacing may prevent atrial fibrillation (AF), but the effects on atrial electrophysiology remain incompletely understood. Acute biatrial pacing was studied in 20 patients with and 28 without (controls) a history of atrial fibrillation and/or flutter. Twelve‐lead electrocardiograms were recorded during pacing from the high right atrium (RA), from the distal coronary sinus (LA), and biatrial pacing. P wave duration was measured in each lead and the difference between maximum and minimum P duration was termed P wave dispersion. Effective refractory periods (ERPs) were measured during each pacing mode. The dispersion of P wave duration was 35 ± 14 ms in controls and 40 ± 29 ms in AF patients (P = 0.17). Compared to RA pacing, LA pacing shortened P duration in controls (127 ± 18 to 107 ± 16 ms, P < 0.05) and biatrial pacing markedly shortened P duration in controls (127 ± 18 to 93 ± 14 ms, P < 0.05) and AF patients (114 ±43 to 97 ± 21 ms, P < 0.05). P wave dispersion was unaffected. In controls, the LA ERP was longer than the RA ERP. This phenomenon was not present in AF patients, whose LA ERP was shorter than that of controls. Biatrial pacing had no effect on atrial ERPs or the dispersion of atrial refractoriness. In conclusion, acute biatrial pacing does not affect atrial repolarization but it does cause a marked shortening of global biatrial depolarization. Distal coronary sinus pacing produces a shorter P wave than RA pacing. There is substantial dispersion in the surface P wave of the electrocardiogram, the significance of which awaits further study.
Matrices generating eigenvectors for constructing fractional trigonometric transforms

In this paper, we propose a method for obtaining eigenvectors of discrete cosine and sine transforms of types I and IV. The approach is based on constructing an initial eigenvector of one of such trigonometric transforms and a generating matrix. Multiplying powers of the matrix by the initial eigenvector, new eigenvectors are obtained. It is shown how the generated eigenvectors can be used in the fractionalization of the respective transform. Finally, we illustrate the applicability of the developed theory in the scenario of image encryption.
C2. Uplink performance of MIMO multi-hop LTE-A based on Link Adaptation

Multi-hop cellular network with relay components is a major concern in research studies around the world. This is due to the fact that it can aid the cell to achieve coverage extension, throughput and capacity enhancement. LTE-Advanced is the candidate from (3GPP) to meet (IMT)-Advanced requirements. This paper discuss the impact of RS placement on the LTE-Advanced Uplink performance using MIMO and AMC schemes, taking into consideration the effect of different arrival rates from random positioning UEs in the cell. Simulation results show the RS coverage area, total uplink cell throughput, and mean file transfer times for different RS positions with SISO-AMC (Adaptive Modulation and Coding) scheme and compare results with 2×2MIMO-AMC scheme.