A Model of the Network Architecture of the Brain that Supports Natural Language Processing

For centuries, neuroscience has proposed models of the neurobiology of language processing that are static and localised to few temporal and inferior frontal regions. Although existing models have offered some insight into the processes underlying lower-level language features, they have largely overlooked how language operates in the real world. Here, we aimed at investigating the network organisation of the brain and how it supports language processing in a naturalistic setting. We hypothesised that the brain is organised in a multiple core-periphery and dynamic modular architecture, with canonical language regions forming high-connectivity hubs. Moreover, we predicted that language processing would be distributed to much of the rest of the brain, allowing it to perform more complex tasks and to share information with other cognitive domains. To test these hypotheses, we collected the Naturalistic Neuroimaging Database of people watching full length movies during functional magnetic resonance imaging. We computed network algorithms to capture the voxel-wise architecture of the brain in individual participants and inspected variations in activity distribution over different stimuli and over more complex language features. Our results confirmed the hypothesis that the brain is organised in a flexible multiple core-periphery architecture with large dynamic communities. Here, language processing was distributed to much of the rest of the brain, together forming multiple communities. Canonical language regions constituted hubs, explaining why they consistently appear in various other neurobiology of language models. Moreover, language processing was supported by other regions such as visual cortex and episodic memory regions, when processing more complex context-specific language features. Overall, our flexible and distributed model of language comprehension and the brain points to additional brain regions and pathways that could be exploited for novel and more individualised therapies for patients suffering from speech impairments

Correlation analysis of bulb yield with growth and yield components of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Two experiments were conducted under irrigation at the Institute for Agricultural Research (I.A.R) Kadawa in the Sudan Savanna zone of Nigeria during 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 (Nov- Mar) dry seasons to study the relationship among growth, yield components and bulb yield of garlic (ex- Kofa var). Growth parameters studied included plant height, number of leaves, total dry matter, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) while the yield parameters studied included fresh bulb weight, cured bulb weight, bulb diameter, number of cloves/bulb, weight of cloves and cured bulb yield (kg/ha). Results obtained showed a significant and positive correlation between total bulb yield per hectare and growth as well as the other yield characters except RGR in  2007/2008 trial and CGR as well as the number of cloves in 2008/2009 trial. However, for the combined analysis, CGR, RGR and number of cloves were found not have positive correlation with the bulb yield. These characters should therefore, not be aimed at if the aim is to increase/ improve yielding ability of garlicKey Words: Correlation, Kadawa, Sudan Savanna, Garlic,  Irrigation, growth and yield components

Evaluation of qualitative phytochemicals and antifungal activity of aqueous leaf extract of Senna tora on downy mildew of cabbage

This study was embarked upon to evaluate the efficacy of aqueous extracts of Senna tora leaf against Perenospora parasitica, causing downy mildew on cabbage. Phytochemical analysis of the leaf extracts revealed the presence of some secondary metabolites (Tannins, Saponins, Flavonoid, Glycosides, Alkaloids, Phenolic compounds and Carbohydrates) which have been reported to have antimicrobial effects. Assays were performed using extract concentrations of 1000, 500, 250, 125 mg/ml by agar well diffusion technique. Results obtained, revealed a significant difference in diameter of mycelial zone of inhibition between the concentrations. Highest zone of inhibition was recorded at 1000 and 500 mg/ml (20 and 15 mm) respectively. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were determined and recorded at 250 mg/ml. The antifungal screening revealed that the extract exhibited inhibitory activities at varying concentrations against the downy mildew pathogen. These activities observed could be attributed to the presence of active metabolites contained in the extract.Keywords: Aqueous leaf extract, Downy mildew, Perenospora parasitica and Senna tor

Exploring the lived experiences of HIV-positive women on PMTCT option B+ strategy in a selected district hospital in Malawi.

Thesis (M.N.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.In July 2011, The Malawi government started implementing an innovative PMTCT policy known as Option B+ strategy that provides universal lifelong ART for all HIV-infected pregnant and breastfeeding women regardless of clinical or immunological stage. Even though Option B+ strategy is a good choice for Malawi, there is fear that the programme may be affected by poor access, utilisation, adherence and retention. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of HIV-positive women on Option B+ strategy in a selected district hospital in Malawi. Methodology: A Hermeneutics phenomenological approach was used in this study to explore the lived experiences of HIV-positive women on Option B+ strategy through in-depth interviews of five purposely sampled information rich sources. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed, then manual data analysis using Giorgi’s approach was employed to identify meaningful segments and develop categories, themes and sub-themes. Results: The lifelong commitment was described as the most challenging aspect of Option B+ strategy. Participants demonstrated lack of knowledge and understanding of Option B+ strategy and its implications which rendered them poorly prepared and unready for the task. The un optional Opt-out HIV testing resulted in participants feeling left out in their own care, as health professionals dominated the care from HIV testing throughout the process. The importance of male involvement in PMTCT was revealed in promoting partner HIV testing, disclosure, support, and prevention of further HIV spread. Barriers to participation were described in terms of attitudes of health care workers, stigma and discrimination. Despite the overemphasised need for women to be supported on Option B+ strategy participants were not willing to seek available sources of formal support

Modelo mecano-químico-difusivo fenomenológico de autorreparación: Implementación numérica y simulación con aplicación a materiales estructurales

El concepto de material autorreparable, i.e. material que de forma autónoma tiene la capacidad de recuperar total o parcialmente algunas de sus propiedades, surge de la observación de la naturaleza. Existen multitud de materiales biológicos que presentan esta propiedad: la piel, los huesos, la corteza de los árboles, entre otros. El concepto de autorreparación presenta ventajas muy significativas en los materiales estructurales, hormigón principalmente, los cuales sufren una degradación de sus propiedades mecánicas con el paso del tiempo. Los ingentes costes de mantenimiento de infraestructuras civiles pudieran verse disminuidos mediante el desarrollo de materiales estructurales autorreparables. En esta línea, se ha desarrollado en los últimos años un material estructural denominado Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) que lo hace especialmente indicado para este tipo de aplicaciones. En la presente tesis doctoral se aborda la modelización y simulación compu- tacional del fenómeno de autorreparación con aplicación a materiales estructura- les. De todos los tipos de autorreparación que existen, se estudia aquel que tiene lugar a partir de la nucleación de precipitado de calcio sobre la superficie de la grieta durante el proceso de reparación. Este fenómeno se estima en la bibliografía como uno de los que presenta una mayor aplicabilidad y expectativas en aplicaciones industriales. El problema se aborda mediante el análisis de un primer modelo de daño con recuperación disponible en la bibliografía. Dicho modelo trata la variable daño como una extensión (reversible) del daño irreversible contemplado en la Mecánica del Daño Continuo. Se establecen por tanto sendas leyes de evolución de la variable daño (irreversible) y recuperación. El daño sigue la evolución de un modelo tipo Drucker-Prager válido para materiales estructurales. Por otro lado, la evolu- ción de la variable reparación sigue un modelo fenomenológico mediante el cual se podría representar a priori cualquier mecanismo autorreparador. La principal carencia que presenta este modelo es el hecho de no recoger de manera natural los fenómenos fisico-químicos que tienen lugar durante el proceso de reparación. Se establece adicionalmente un segundo modelo basado racionalmente en los fenómenos físico-químicos que tienen lugar en la microestructura subyacente del material. El modelo, aun fenomenológico, recoge de manera natural las variables y fenómenos que tienen lugar en el proceso de reparación en materiales estructurales mediante nucleación de precipitados de carbonato de calcio. Igualmente, se detalla el tratamiento numérico así como su implementación computacional mediante el Método de los Elementos Finitos. Sobre este modelo se analiza el efecto de los parámetros que controlan el fenómeno de recuperación sobre distintos ejemplos de interés, así como se establece la validación en términos cualitativos del mismo. El modelo de autorreparación racionalmente desarrollado se acopla con un modelo continuo de daño. Bajo ciertas hipótesis viables, el acoplamiento deriva en un modelo débilmente acoplado. El modelo global mecano-químico-difusivo (multifísico) se implementa e investiga numéricamente sobre un material estructural autorreparable, sometido a ciclos de carga/descarga – recuperación. La principal limitación que presenta el modelo multifísico introducido, además de las hipótesis y simplificaciones discutidas durante el desarrollo de los modelos, es la carencia de resultados experimentales que permitan una validación más exhaustiva de las teorías propuestas. Se establece por tanto necesario avanzar en el estado de madurez de las investigaciones experimentales relacionadas con estos temas que permitan avanzar en la caracterización del comportamiento de los materiales autorreparables con aplicaciones estructurales

Breaking down the silos of Universal Health Coverage: towards systems for the primary prevention of non-communicable diseases in Africa

Summary box African countries are not on track to achieve global targets for non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention, driven by an insufficient focus on ecological drivers of NCD risk factors, including poor urban development and the unbridled proliferation of the commercial determinants of health. As the risk factors for NCDs are largely shaped outside the healthcare sector, an emphasis on downstream healthcare service provision to the exclusion of upstream population-level prevention limits the goals of universal health coverage (UHC) and its potential for optimal improvements in (achieving) health and well-being outcomes in Africa. The political will for UHC in Africa will miss the opportunity to turn the tide of this emerging NCD epidemic in Africa, if not oriented to a systems for health rather than a solely healthcare-centric approach. A successful approach needs to proactively incorporate wider health determinants (sectors)—housing, planning, waste management, education, governance and finance, among others—in strategies to improve health. This includes aligning governance and accountability mechanisms and strategic objectives of all ‘health determinant’ sectors for health creation and long-term cost savings. Researchers have a vital role to play, collaborating with policy makers to provide evidence to support implementation and to facilitate knowledge sharing between African countries and globally

Structure Demographique D’un Labeo Africain, Labeo coubie Rüppel, 1832 (Pisces: Cyprinidae), Dans Le Lac De Barrage De Taabo (Bassin Du Bandama, Côte D’ivoire)

La structure démographique de Labeo coubie a été étudiée en vue d’une gestion rationnelle du stock de poissons dans le lac Taabo. Des échantillonnages ont été effectués en juillet, octobre et décembre 2006, puis en mars et juin 2007. Les analyses ont porté sur la dynamique spatio-temporelle du sex-ratio, de la structure des tailles, des relations longueur-poids et du coefficient de condition. Le sex-ratio global a été en faveur des mâles (1,35 : 1) mais, n’a pas été significativement différent de la valeur d’équilibre. La taille moyenne des spécimens collectés en amont du lac (206,18 ± 63,55 mm LS) a été significativement plus importante (p<0,05) que celle des individus obtenus en aval (179,94 ± 56,66 mm LS). De même, la taille moyenne enregistrée pendant les mois de crue (285,28 ± 34,69 mm LS) a été largement supérieure à celle des mois de décrue (190,14 ± 61,13 mm LS), avec une croissance isométrique à l’échelle du lac (b = 2,97). Le coefficient moyen de condition obtenu dans la partie amont (3,59 ± 0,39) a été plus important (p<0,05) que celui observé dans la partie aval (2,29 ± 0,31).The demographic characteristics of Labeo coubie from lake Taabo was assessed, in order to establish the basis for a rational management of the stock of this fish. Samplings were done at different periods: in July, October and December 2006, and again in March and June 2007. Analyses were concerned with the spatiotemporal dynamics of sex-ratio, size and the structure, as well as length-weight relationships and condition factor of the fish. Results show that overall sex-ratio was in favor of males (1.35 : 1) but, it did not differ significantly from the equilibrium point. The mean size of the fish collected upper stream (206.18 ± 63.55 mm SL) was significantly higher than that from downstream (179.94 ± 56.66 mm SL) of the lake. Moreover, the mean size recorded during the inflow months (285.28 ± 34.69 mm SL) was significantly higher than that recorded during the months of low waters (190.14 ± 61.13 mm SL). Fish growth appeared isometric at the scale of the lake (b = 2.97). The average condition factor obtained upstream (3.59 ± 0.39), was higher (p<0.05) than that from downstream (2.29 ± 0.31).Keywords: Labeo coubie, demographic structure, lake Taabo, Côte d’Ivoir

Potential of Wind Energy in Albania and Kosovo: Equity Payback and GHG Reduction of Wind Turbine Installation

The energy generation in Albania is completely from the hydropower plants. In terms of GHG emissions this is 100% green. In Kosovo 97% of energy is generated from lignite fired power plants. Apart the energy generation, the combustion process emits around 8000 ktCO2/yr and 1.5 Mt of ash in the form of fly and bottom ash. In both countries there is no MWh power generated from wind energy, i.e. this energy source is not utilized. Here, a proposed project for five locations in Albania and Kosovo has been analyzed in detail with the aim of installing a 1kW wind turbine off-grid. The method of study is based on the application of RETScreen International program software. This proposed model is intended to replace a base case- a diesel generator with installed capacity 7kW. The locations are selected three in Albania: Vlora, Korça and Elbasan, and two in Kosovo: Prishtina and Prizren. All are in different altitudes. By the calculation of RETScreen program, it has been analyzed the feasibility of the proposed projects by installing a wind turbine at hub's height 20m. The climate data for each location were retrieved by the RETScreen program from NASA. Generally, the calculation of financial parameters for the investments came out to be positive, the impact of GHG reduction very significant. A 5500 USD investment for the implementation of proposed case showed an equity payback time of 2-3 yrs and GHG reduction of 2.2 tCO2/yr. The electricity delivery to load only from this 1 KW wind turbine resulted to be between 1.6-17 MWh/yr

Evaluation of kidney histopathological alterations in Crucian Carp, Carassius carassius, from a pesticide and PCB-contaminated freshwater ecosystem, using light microscopy and organ index mathematical model

This study aimed to evaluate the potential toxic effects of chronic sublethal pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) exposure on feral crucian carp, Carassius carassius, using histopathological alterations as an endpoint. Besides, a mathematical model of organ index was used to evaluate the severity of tissue damages. Circulatory disturbances, inflammation, regressive and progressive changes of tubules, glomerulus and interstitial tissue of kidneys were the most frequent damages observed. Organ index calculation revealed moderate occurrence of damage in kidneys of fish compared to the reference site. Findings highlight the effectiveness of organ index as a measuring kidney's damage severity and health status of fish. The present work is the first study that determines the levels and effects of pesticides and PCBs in water and fish kidneys in Seferani Lake in Albania. The results suggest that the observed changes in kidney structure of C. carassius, could possibly indicate a prolonged chemical stress caused by pesticides and PCBs suggesting continuous monitoring of the lake to protect human consumer's health

How do teachers construct and cultivate resilience in children and young people?: A cross cultural study between Northern Nigeria and South Yorkshire.

This thesis explores resilience from the point of view of teachers; an unusual voice within the research. Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, an e-questionnaire (quantitative n = 14) and narrative interview (qualitative n = 4) were used to paint a picture of resilience and gather the stories of informants; teachers. Authentic accounts of the informants’ constructions of resilience were elicited using a Personal Construct Psychology Tool: Model of the World. These stories were then analysed using the Listening Guide (a feminist tool) to amplify the stories that were told about teacher experiences and practice. The findings return us to our original inquiry; ‘do teachers in South Yorkshire and Northern Nigeria construct and promote resilience in the same ways?’ From an etic (across cultures) perspective, the evidence would suggest that all teachers in our sample take a process view of resilience. However, from an emic perspective (within culture) there are some nuanced differences that can be attributed to differences in culture