Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coping with the Training of Muslim Leaders in Belgium

Since many years, the training of the imams has been put at the center of the policy agenda in several European countries. Because in Belgium religion classes are part of the compulsory program of pupils, the training of imams is coupled with the training of the professors of religion. Recently, proposals to organize these trainings by universities have been submitted to the political arena. These proposals aim at introducing on one hand, classes of French and Dutch languages and, on the other hand, classes on Belgian society and legislations. As such an issue is under the competence of regions, debates and proposals diverge significantly in Flanders and in the French-speaking part of the country. The paper analyzes the challenges for dealing with this issue in the two parts of the country. It analyzes the positions, the controversies and the proposals of state and non-state actors involved in this debate. The author stresses how the state plans to organize these trainings and how the state justify its intervention in an issue that usually is a domain of competence of the hierarchy of the “Church” or the self-organization of the Islam.
Accuracy of High-Throughput Nanofluidic PCR-Based Pneumococcal Serotyping and Quantification Assays Using Sputum Samples for Diagnosing Vaccine Serotype Pneumococcal Pneumonia: Analyses by Composite Diagnostic Standards and Bayesian Latent Class Models

ABSTRACT The lack of reliable diagnostic tests for detecting vaccine serotype pneumococcal pneumonia (VTPP) remains a challenging issue in pneumococcal vaccine studies. This study assessed the performances of high-throughput nanofluidic PCR-based pneumococcal serotyping and quantification assay methods using sputum samples (the nanofluidic sputum quantitative PCR [Sp-qPCR] assay) to diagnose 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate VTPP compared with the performance of the serotype-specific urinary antigen detection (UAD) assay using urine samples. Adult pneumonia patients from Japan were enrolled in this study between September 2012 and August 2014. Sputum samples were subjected to the nanofluidic Sp-qPCR assay, quantitatively cultured, and serotyped by the Quellung reaction (SpQt). Urine samples were tested by the UAD method. The diagnostic performances of these tests were assessed using composite reference standards and Bayesian latent class models (BLCMs). Among 244 total patients, 27 (11.1%) tested positive with the UAD assay, while 16 (6.6%) and 34 (13.9%) tested positive with the SpQt and nanofluidic Sp-qPCR assays, respectively, with a cutoff value of ≥104 DNA copies/ml, which showed the maximum value of the Youden index. Using BLCMs, the estimated prevalence for VTPP was 12.9%, and the nanofluidic Sp-qPCR assay demonstrated the best performance (sensitivity, 90.2%; specificity, 96.9%), followed by UAD (sensitivity, 75.6%; specificity, 97.9%) and SpQt (sensitivity, 45.8%; specificity, 99.5%). However, when a higher cutoff value of ≥107 DNA copies/ml was applied, the performance of UAD became comparable to that of Sp-qPCR. The vaccine serotype-specific pneumococcal DNA load in sputum among UAD-positive patients was 3 logs higher than that among UAD-negative patients (P = 0.036). The nanofluidic Sp-qPCR assay may be accurate and useful for detecting VTPP among adults.
Emergence of highly prevalent CA-MRSA ST93 as an occupational risk in people working on a pig farm in Australia

Background The occurrence of livestock-associated (LA) MRSA (ST398) in pig herds has emerged as a threat to occupational safety in many parts of the world. Recently, an outbreak of skin lesions due to MRSA occurred in workers at a pig farm in regional Australia and both the humans and pigs were shown to have a high prevalence of carriage of either the human-strain ST93 or porcine strain ST398. This study closely scrutinises this outbreak to determine factors associated with MRSA carriage amongst the workers. Methods Information on potential risk factors was collected from employees by means of a questionnaire. The carriage status of MRSA by workers was assessed by nasal swabs processed using standard laboratory techniques with confirmed isolates subjected to sequence typing. Associations between MRSA carriage in workers and their questionnaire responses were investigated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results Nasal carriage of MRSA was identified in 60% (31/52) of participants. Workers having contact with pigs had 24 times the odds of MRSA carriage compared to workers with no direct contact (OR 23.6; CI 5.2–172.8). In addition, the probability of MRSA carriage in workers was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with the number of hours in contact with pigs and each hour of contact-time per day increased the risk of MRSA carriage by 1.44 times (CI 1.14–1.96). These associations were significant (P < 0.001) for both strains, ST398 and ST93, present on this farm. Using a multivariable logistic regression model that incorporated human exposure to five different pig age groups (dry sows, farrowing, weaner, grower, and finisher) as fixed effects, a significant (P = 0.027) increased odds of MRSA carriage was found for persons working with farrowing sows compared with those who did not (OR 6.39, CI 1.23–39.36). Conclusions This study shows that workers in close contact with pigs on a pig farm where MRSA is present had a higher risk of MRSA carriage as the number of hours of direct contact with pigs increased. Since we have detected a significant association for the human-derived CA-MRSA ST93, similar to the pig-adapted LA-MRSA ST398, we consider ST93 as a potential occupational risk for piggery workers. The risk of MRSA carriage is greatest when working with the farrowing group; therefore, an emphasis is required on personal protective equipment while working in the farrowing house. The study has ramifications for the conduct of surveillance for MRSA in people exposed to pigs.
Performance Characteristics of ELISA to Detect Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) Antibodies Using Colostrum

Colostrum contains substantially higher concentrations of immunoglobulins (Igs) when compared with serum or milk, which may improve the diagnostic sensitivity of an antibody ELISA when using colostrum. In this study, BVD was used as a model to identify the performance characteristics of colostrum and to assess the potential for increased ELISA sensitivity when compared with serum. Blood and colostrum samples were collected from cows within two dairy cattle herds: a previously infected and BVD-vaccinated Holstein-Friesian (positive herd) herd, and a bulk-tank milk antibody negative (negative herd) Jersey herd. All samples were tested using a commercial BVDV antibody ELISA. Median sample-to-positive (S/P) colostrum ratios were significantly higher than their respective serum counterparts, and positive herd S/P ratios were significantly higher than the respective negative herd values (P < 0.001). Using the manufacturer’s recommended serum dilution (1:5) and colostrum dilution (undiluted), and a cut-off threshold S/P ratio of 0.2, diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) and diagnostic specificity (DSp) for colostrum were 100% and 70%, respectively. These values increased to 100% DSe and 100% DSp with an increase in cut-off threshold S/P to 0.5. At a sample dilution of 1:100, the DSe of colostrum was 90% and significantly higher compared with serum (DSe 17%). Colostrum has the potential to improve identification of previously infected animals, either individually, or when using pooled samples.
Game-Based Virtual Reality Canoe Paddling Training to Improve Postural Balance and Upper Extremity Function: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Study of 30 Patients with Subacute Stroke

Background Virtual reality (VR) training with motion-controlled console games can be incorporated into stroke rehabilitation programs. The use of a variety of gaming software can provide the patient with an opportunity to perform activities that are exciting, entertaining, and that may not be feasible in clinical environments. The aim of this preliminary randomized controlled study was to investigate the effects of game-based VR canoe paddling training, when combined with conventional physical rehabilitation programs, on postural balance and upper extremity function in 30 patients with subacute stroke. Material/Methods Thirty patients, who were within six months following the diagnosis of stroke, were randomly allocated to either the experimental group (n=15) or the control group (n=15). All participants participated in a conventional rehabilitation program. Also, the experimental group (n=15) performed the VR canoe paddling training for 30 minutes each day, three times per week, for five weeks. After five weeks, outcomes of changes in postural balance and upper extremity function were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Results At five weeks, postural balance and upper extremity function showed significant improvements in both patients groups when compared with the baseline measurements (p<0.05). However, postural balance and upper extremity function were significantly improved in the experimental group when compared with the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions Game-based VR canoe paddling training is an effective rehabilitation therapy that enhances postural balance and upper extremity function in patients with subacute stroke when combined with conventional physical rehabilitation programs.
Exchange Traded Funds and Asset Return Correlations

We provide novel evidence supporting the notion that arbitrageurs can contribute to return comovement via exchange trade funds (ETF) arbitrage. Using a large sample of US equity ETF holdings, we document the link between measures of ETF activity and return comovement at both the fund and the stock levels, after controlling for a host of variables and fixed effects and by exploiting the â€˜discontinuityâ€™ between stock indices. The effect is also stronger among small and illiquid stocks. An examination of ETF return autocorrelations and stock lagged beta provides evidence for price reversal, suggesting that some ETFâ€ driven return comovement may be excessive.
Excess Maternal Weight Gain and Large for Gestational Age Risk among Women with Gestational Diabetes

Abstract Objective To determine whether, among women with gestational diabetes (GDM), gestational weight gain above Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines increases the risk of large for gestational age (LGA) neonates. Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton term pregnancies with GDM delivered at University of North Carolina Women's Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC from January 2002 to May 2010. We used Poisson regression modeling to estimate LGA risk (birth weight > 90th percentile for gestational age), by body mass index class and adherence to 2009 IOM weight gain guidelines. Women meeting IOM guidelines were the referent group. Final adjusted models included race/ethnicity, medical management of GDM, and gestational age at delivery. Results Among the 466 women studied, mean ± standard deviation birth weight was 3,526 ± 544 g; 18% (82/466) delivered LGA neonates. Birth weight was greatest among women exceeding, compared with meeting or gaining less than, IOM guidelines (3,703 ± 545 vs. 3,490 ± 505 vs. 3,328 ± 503, p = 0.001). Exceeding IOM guideline was associated with LGA among obese women (adjusted risk ratio 2.62, 95% confidence interval 1.25, 5.50) but not among overweight or normal weight women. Conclusion Targeting gestational weight gain, a modifiable risk factor, independent of GDM treatment, may decrease LGA risk. Women with GDM may benefit from tailored weight gain recommendations.
Toward a taxon‐specific parameterization of bio‐optical models of primary production: A case study in the North Atlantic

[1] As part of the Programme Ocean Multidisciplinaire Meso Echelle (POMME) in the North Atlantic, an extensive data set of high-pressure liquid chromatography pigment concentrations, phytoplankton absorption coefficients, primary production measurements, and P versus E curves has been acquired. This data set is analyzed with the objective of testing whether photosynthetic performances of natural phytoplankton communities are related to taxonomic characteristics. This objective is addressed in two ways. The first approach concerns the bulk photosynthetic performances of the water column: the water column photosynthetic cross section, ψ*, equals 0.088 m2 gChla−1, i.e., ∼25% higher than the average for the world ocean. Using multiple regression, size-specific values of ψ* are subsequently derived: carbon storage by water column is more efficient with microphytoplankton (ψ* = 0.135 m2 gChla−1) than with nanophytoplankton (0.089 m2 gChla−1) or picophytoplankton (0.064 m2 gChla−1). The second (independent) approach examines the correlations between photophysiological properties and several abiotic and biotic variables. The correlations are weak, if any, between photophysiological properties and abiotic factors (temperature, nitrate concentration, and irradiance), while significant correlations are reported with biotic factors (proportion of the different phytoplankton groups, average size of the phytoplankton assemblage). Our results suggest that when large phytoplankton populations predominate at the expense of smaller ones, the specific absorption coefficient is expectedly lower, while other photophysiological properties αB, PmaxB, and Φcmax, are higher. The agreement between both independent approaches points out that large phytoplankton (essentially diatoms) are potentially more efficient in carbon storage than any other phytoplankton groups on a chlorophyll a or light absorption basis.
Landslide triggering by rain infiltration

Landsliding in response to rainfall involves physical processes that operate on disparate timescales. Relationships between these timescales guide development of a mathematical model that uses reduced forms of Richards equation to evaluate effects of rainfall infiltration on landslide occurrence, timing, depth, and acceleration in diverse situations. The longest pertinent timescale is A/D0, where D0 is the maximum hydraulic diffusivity of the soil and A is the catchment area that potentially affects groundwater pressures at a prospective landslide slip surface location with areal coordinates x, y and depth H. Times greater than A/D0 are necessary for establishment of steady background water pressures that develop at (x, y, H) in response to rainfall averaged over periods that commonly range from days to many decades. These steady groundwater pressures influence the propensity for landsliding at (x, y, H), but they do not trigger slope failure. Failure results from rainfall over a typically shorter timescale H2/D0 associated with transient pore pressure transmission during and following storms. Commonly, this timescale ranges from minutes to months. The shortest timescale affecting landslide responses to rainfall is H/g , where g is the magnitude of gravitational acceleration. Postfailure landslide motion occurs on this timescale, which indicates that the thinnest landslides accelerate most quickly if all other factors are constant. Effects of hydrologic processes on landslide processes across these diverse timescales are encapsulated by a response function, R(t*) = t*/π exp (−1/t*) − erfc (1/t*) , which depends only on normalized time, t*. Use of R(t*) in conjunction with topographic data, rainfall intensity and duration information, an infinite‐slope failure criterion, and Newton's second law predicts the timing, depth, and acceleration of rainfall‐triggered landslides. Data from contrasting landslides that exhibit rapid, shallow motion and slow, deep‐seated motion corroborate these predictions.
Watchdogs in Chile and the United States: Comparing the Networks of Sources and Journalistic Role Performances

This study examined journalistic role performances in two different media systems: in Chile and in the United States. The main focus of inquiry was to assess how journalistic roles are performed and connected to sourcing in print news stories. The results revealed that the two media systems exercise different professional performances of the watchdog role. The watchdog role in the United States was centrally connected to political and government sources in news stories (54.3% of news stories performed the watchdog model), whereas the watchdog role in Chile was performed significantly less often in national news stories (11.2%) and showed weaker ties to political sources than the U.S. sample. Meanwhile, Chilean journalists covered political sources by performing the interventionist, the infotainment, or the civic journalistic role. Furthermore, the average number of sources per news item in U.S. news was 5.20, whereas the average number in Chilean items was 2.05. The findings are discussed in relation to the two cultural and political contexts.
Hydrologic resources management program and underground test area FY 1999 progress report

This report presents the results from fiscal year (FY) 1999 technical studies conducted by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) as part of the Hydrology and Radionuclide Migration Program (HRMP) and Underground Test Area (UGTA) work-for-others project. This report is the latest in a series of annual reports published by LLNL to document the migration of radionuclides and controls of radionuclide movement at the Nevada Test Site. The FY 1999 studies highlighted in this report are: (1) Chapter 1 provides the results from flow-through leaching of nuclear melt glasses at 25 C and near-neutral pH using dilute bicarbonate groundwaters. (2) Chapter 2 reports on a summary of the size and concentration of colloidal material in NTS groundwaters. (3) Chapter 3 discusses the collaboration between LLNL/ANCD (Analytical and Nuclear Chemistry Division) and the Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (CAMS) to develop a technique for analyzing NTS groundwater for 99-Technicium ({sup 99}Tc) using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Since {sup 99}Tc is conservative like tritium in groundwater systems, and is not sorbed to geologic material, it has the potential for being an important tool for radionuclide migration studies. (4) Chapter 4 presents the results of secondary ion mass spectrometry measurements of the in-situ distributionmore » of radionuclides in zeolitized tuffs from cores taken adjacent to nuclear test cavities and chimneys. In-situ measurements provide insight to the distribution of specific radionuclides on a micro-scale, mineralogical controls of radionuclide sorption, and identification of migration pathways (i.e., matrix diffusion, fractures). (5) Chapter 5 outlines new analytical techniques developed in LLNL/ANCD to study hydrologic problems at the NTS using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). With costs for thermal-ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) increasing relative to sample preparation time and facility support, ICP-MS technology provides a means for rapidly measuring dilute concentrations of radionuclides with precision and abundance sensitivity comparable to TIMS. (6) Chapter 6 provides results of a characterization study of alluvium collected from the U-1a complex approximately 300 meters below ground surface in Yucca Flat. The purpose of this investigation was to provide information on particle size, mineralogical context, the proportion of primary and secondary minerals, and the texture of the reactive surface area that could be used to accurately model radionuclide interactions within Nevada Test Site alluvial basins (i.e., Frenchman Flat and Yucca Flat). « less
Usability Evaluation of the Smartphone User Interface in Supporting Elderly Users From Experts’ Perspective

Despite the necessity for smartphones to be designed to better accommodate the elderly user, currently available smartphone user interfaces (UIs) do not appear to be optimized for that purpose. The objectives of this paper are to identify the potential usability problems among elderly adults when interacting with a smartphone’s UI, and recommend improvements to UI designs. The heuristic evaluation technique was used to determine the anticipated usability problems. SMASH, a set of 12 usability heuristics for smartphone and mobile applications was applied within a controlled environment, with five experts with the necessary competence to perform the evaluation. The results of the study indicated that there were 27 usability problems and 27 heuristic violations encountered. “Minimize the user’s memory load” and “match between system and real world” were the two most frequently violated heuristics. This study was complemented by testing with elderly people, and the results show that 79.17% of the problems experienced by the elderly were predicted by the experts. Usability problems were classified into four categories: 1) appearance; 2) language; 3) dialogue; and 4) information. Problems categories were further divided into sub-categories, and design solutions were suggested for each sub-category. This study’s findings contribute to understanding the problems that hinder elderly users in using smartphones and provide valuable feedback to designers of smartphone technology regarding improvements to the UI to better suit the elderly.
The Impact of C4d Pattern and Donor‐Specific Antibody on Graft Survival in Recipients Requiring Indication Renal Allograft Biopsy

We examined the pattern of PTC C4d by immunohistochemistry and DSA in 297 kidney recipients with indication biopsies, and evaluated their predictive value for graft survival. Median biopsy time was 5.1 months posttransplant. Patients were followed for 17.9 ± 9.4 months postbiopsy. An 18.5% had focal and 15.2% had diffuse C4d, with comparable graft survival (adjusted graft failure HR: 2.3, p = 0.001; HR:1.9, p < 0.02, respectively). 31.3% were DSA+, 19.5% class I and 22.9% class II DSA. Only those with class II DSA had worse outcome (adjusted HR:2.5, p = 0.001 for class II only; HR:2.7, p < 0.001 for class I/II DSA). Among patients with <10%C4d, 23.9% had DSA, compared to 68.9% with diffuse staining. For patients biopsied in first‐year posttransplant presence of DSA, regardless of C4d positivity in biopsy, was a poor prognostic factor (adjusted graft failure HR: 4.2, p < 0.02 for C4d−/DSA+; HR:4.9, p = 0.001 for C4d+/DSA+), unlike those biopsied later. We have shown that focal C4d had similar impact on graft survival as diffuse pattern. During the first‐year posttransplant either class I or II DSA, and afterward only class II DSA were associated with worse graft survival. DSA was predictive of worse outcome regardless of C4d for patients biopsied in first year and only with C4d positivity afterward, supporting the importance of assessment of both DSA and C4d pattern in biopsy.