Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A ONE-YEAR SURVEY ON AFLATOXIN M1 IN RAW MILK

In the year 2012, 288 raw milk samples were collected from six different dairy cow farms and analyzed for the presence of aflatoxin M 1 (AFM 1 ) using the ELISA technique. The AFM 1 levels ranged from 5 to 25 ng/kg and the highest concentrations were found in autumn, with a significant difference (p<0.05) between February and November. The EU legal limit of 50 ng/kg has never been exceeded. Even if the results of the present study show a low risk for AFM 1 , its occurrence in dairy products has to be regularly monitored due to their importance as foodstuffs for people and children above all.
What Drives Forbearance – Evidence from the ECB Comprehensive Assessment

Forbearance is a practice of granting concessions to troubled borrowers, typically in the form of prolongation of maturity or refinancing of the loan. While economically useful in some circumstances, it can be used by banks in order to reduce the need for provisions and conceal potential losses. If forbearance is widespread in the banking system, it may result in systemic risk, increasing uncertainty about the quality of banks JEL Classification: G21, G28
Multiphase oxidation of SO 2 by NO 2 on CaCO 3 particles

Abstract. Heterogeneous/multiphase oxidation of SO2 by NO2 on solid or aqueous particles is thought to be a potentially important source of sulfate in the atmosphere, for example, during heavily polluted episodes (haze), but the reaction mechanism and rate are uncertain. In this study, in order to assess the importance of the direct oxidation of SO2 by NO2 we investigated the heterogeneous/multiphase reaction of SO2 with NO2 on individual CaCO3 particles in N2 using Micro-Raman spectroscopy. In the SO2 ∕ NO2 ∕ H2O ∕ N2 gas mixture, the CaCO3 solid particle was first converted to the Ca(NO3)2 droplet by the reaction with NO2 and the deliquescence of Ca(NO3)2, and then NO2 oxidized SO2 in the Ca(NO3)2 droplet forming CaSO4, which appeared as needle-shaped crystals. Sulfate was mainly formed after the complete conversion of CaCO3 to Ca(NO3)2, that is, during the multiphase oxidation of SO2 by NO2. The precipitation of CaSO4 from the droplet solution promoted sulfate formation. The reactive uptake coefficient of SO2 for sulfate formation is on the order of 10−8, and RH enhanced the uptake coefficient. We estimate that the direct multiphase oxidation of SO2 by NO2 is not an important source of sulfate in the ambient atmosphere compared with the SO2 oxidation by OH in the gas phase and is not as important as other aqueous-phase pathways, such as the reactions of SO2 with H2O2, O3, and O2, with or without transition metals.
Hydride blisters formation, characterization and effect on the fracture of Zircaloy-4 cladding tubes under reactivity initiated accident conditions

This work is part of the global research effort carried out at the CEA to improve the understanding of cladding failure under reactivity initiated accident (RIA) conditions, based on analytical mechanical testing techniques. The detrimental effect of hydride blisters, localized high hydrogen concentration zones, on the cladding resistance was observed in integral tests in dedicated research reactors. In order to better quantify this effect, the present study is focused on mechanical tests representative of RIA loading conditions on samples containing such blisters. A cold spot technique was developed to generate hydride blisters on Zircaloy-4 cold work stress relieved (CWSR) unirradiated pre-hydrided claddings tubes. The hydrogen concentration field in and around the blister was measured by Micro Elastic Recoil Detection Analysis (µ-ERDA) and with micro- and nano-hardness techniques. Hydrogen concentration was found to decrease from the center of the blisters toward their borders. Finally, the nature of hydride phases characterized by X-Ray diffraction was found to be exclusively ? in the blister. Hydrides blisters detrimental effect on cladding mechanical resistance was assessed at 25°C, 350°C and 480°C with different mechanical tests performed on tubular samples. A newly developed test named Controlled Loading Path Expansion Due to Compression (CLP-EDC) was developed to reach biaxiality ratio of 0.5 while the standard EDC test biaxiality is limited to -0.5. The comparison between both tests show the clear effect of increasing the biaxiality on cladding failure without blister: Standard EDC tests biaxiality level is not sufficient to induce cladding fracture at 350°C. Similar tests were performed on samples with blisters of various depths. The results show the loading biaxiality effect seems to be much limited in presence of such defects. This work provides extensive experimental characterization of hydrides blisters, and analysis of the detrimental effect of blisters on the mechanical behavior of Zircaloy-4 cladding based on a new mechanical test that have all the characteristics needed for use on irradiated materials in shielded cells in the near future. The next step is to perform numerical computations to simulate the blister induced embrittlement.
A gentle introduction to bilateral filtering and its applications

The bilateral filter is a non-linear technique that can blur an image while respecting strong edges. Its ability to decompose an image into different scales without causing haloes after modification has made it ubiquitous in computational photography applications such as tone mapping, style transfer, relighting, and desnoising. This text provides a graphical, intuitive introduction to bilateral filtering, a practical guide for efficient implementation, an overview of its numerous applications, as well as mathematical analysis.
Cave and cliff swallows as indicators of exposure and effects of environmental contaminants on birds from the Rio Grande, Texas

Cave and Cliff Swallows as Indicators of Exposure and Effects of Environmental Contaminants on Birds from the Rio Grande, Texas (August 2003) Daniel Musquiz, B.S., Texas A&M University Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Miguel A. Mora Dr. John W. Bickham Cave (Petrochelidon fulva) and cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) were collected along the Rio Grande and evaluated as potential indicators of environmental contamination. The Rio Grande receives toxic substances from agricultural, industrial, municipal, and non-point sources; consequently, high levels of contaminants have been detected in birds, mammals, fishes and sediments. Swallows were obtained from 8 sites between Brownsville and El Paso, as well as from a reference site in Burleson County, 320 miles north of the nearest site of the Rio Grande. Blood samples were analyzed by flow cytometry, a technique that allows the detection of DNA damage in blood and other tissues. Plasma samples were analyzed for thyroid hormones using a radioimmunoassay technique. Organochlorines and trace metal analysis was limited to a few samples. DDE and PCB levels were below levels known to cause reduced hatching, embryo mortality, and deformities, Hg, Pb, and As were below detection, and Se, Ni and Cr concentrations were lower than levels known to cause harm in birds. Neither species showed sex-related differences in chromosome damage. Cave swallows from the Del Rio area had the highest levels of DNA variation, which may be indicative of DNA damage, possibly from PAHs exposure. Previous studies indicate that sediment samples
The Relationship between Individual, Organizational and Non-Work Factors and Cross-Cultural Adjustment: The Mediating Role of Communication

This study examines the mediating effects of communication and interaction on the relationships between individual, organizational and non-work variables and expatriate adjustment. We tested the model by using structural equation modeling with data obtained from 203 hotel expatriates in Malaysia. The analyses found that the link between previous international experience (individual), social support (organizational) and family adjustment (non-work) and expatriate adjustment was partially mediated by perceived communicative and interaction adaptability. These findings validated the proposed model and, in particular, the central role of communication in cross-cultural adjustment processes in workplace is empirically confirmed. Practical implications are also discussed in the paper. © 2016 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy. org.uk
From Trade-to-Trade in US Treasuries

The aim of this paper is to model the trading intensity of the US Treasury bond market which has a unique expandable limit order book which distinguishes its structure from other asset markets. An analysis of tick data from the eSpeed database suggests that the US bond market displays a greater degree of clustering in trade durations than is evident in other asset markets. Duration is affected by the presence of news particularly in the hour following the release of scheduled news to the markets. Finally, the length of time taken to complete a given transaction, or ‘workup’, has a measurable impact on the trade duration
Second-order asymptotics for the block counting process in a class of regularly varying ${\Lambda}$-coalescents

Consider a standard Λ-coalescent that comes down from infinity. Such a coalescent starts from a configuration consisting of infinitely many blocks at time 0, but its number of blocks Nt is a finite random variable at each positive time t. Berestycki et al. [Ann. Probab. 38 (2010) 207–233] found the first-order approximation v for the process N at small times. This is a deterministic function satisfying Nt/vt→1 as t→0. The present paper reports on the first progress in the study of the second-order asymptotics for N at small times. We show that, if the driving measure Λ has a density near zero which behaves as x−β with β∈(0,1), then the process (e−1/(1+β)(Net/vet−1))t≥0 converges in law as e→0 in the Skorokhod space to a totally skewed (1+β)-stable process. Moreover, this process is a unique solution of a related stochastic differential equation of Ornstein–Uhlenbeck type, with a completely asymmetric stable Levy noise.
Fatty acid composition of lagocephalus sceleratus (gmelin, 1789) (osteichthyes: tetraodontidae)

Lagocephalus sceleratus is one of the worst invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea migrated from Red Sea and has been spreading throughout the area. The aim of this study is focusing on the potential nutritional use of this species. The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are beneficial for health of humans. A good natural source of these fatty acids is seafood, especially fish. In this study, total lipid content and fatty acid composition of L. sceleratus were determined. Total lipid content of dorsal muscle was found as 1,82 %. Levels of EPA (6,08%) and DHA (15,68%) were found high. These results may mean that muscle of L. sceleratus has good nutritional value. After solving the toxicity problem of L. sceleratus, consuming this species as a food source may help to prevent the ecosystem againts this invasive species.
Rock properties of the upper‐crust in Central Apennines (Italy) derived from high‐resolution 3‐D tomography

High‐resolution 3‐D P and S‐wave velocity models of a central sector of the Apennines (Central Italy) are computed by inverting first arrival times from an aftershock sequence (September–December, 1997) following the Mw 5.7 and Mw 6.0 Umbria‐Marche earthquakes that occurred on September 26, 1997. The high quality of the data set, especially for the S‐wave, allows us to compute 3‐D variations in Vp, Vp/Vs and Vp · Vs. The anomalies can be interpreted as lateral changes in rock type and fracturing, which control fluid diffusion and variation in pore pressure. This is in agreement with a poro‐elastic view that can be inferred from the spatio‐temporal evolution of the seismic sequence.
Insects and the city: what island biogeography tells us about insect conservation in urban areas

Abstract. Habitat fragmentation caused by urbanization is considered a prominent threat to biodiversity. Urban development creates a mosaic of natural fragments which can be occupied by organisms able to survive in small spaces. These fragments are a set of habitat islands separated by less suitable non-native habitats. Because of their isolation, communities of urban green spaces can be investigated using hypotheses developed in island biogeography. The "equilibrium theory of island biogeography" (ETIB) allows the formulation of some predictions about how various characteristics of green spaces (such as their area, shape, level of isolation, environmental heterogeneity, age) should influence species richness. Many studies found support for ETIB predictions, but results varied considerably according to the species' sensitivity to patch size, matrix characteristics, and history of the city. In some cases ETIB predictions were falsified. These contrasting results warn against making generalizations on conservation strategies only based on ETIB models. On the other hand, the ETIB may represent a useful framework for urban conservation, especially for small animals like insects, if the roles of other factors, such as the surrounding landscape, the specific needs of the species under study, and the history of the urbanization process, are taken into account.
Use of Computer-Based Data Acquisition to Teach Physics Laboratories: Case Study- Simple Harmonic Motion

Several experiments and demonstrations using computer-based data acquisition systems have been developed in our physics laboratory. These computer applications enable students to collect, display and analyse data in real-time. They also enhance the learning process by helping students visualize and understand the relationship between the theory and the observed behaviour in an easy and intuitive way. In this paper, we describe the real-time laboratory experiment of Simple Harmonic Motion that we have developed which employs computer-based pedagogical tools. In particular, we demonstrate how computers can actively interface with experiments, rather than simply play a passive role in data acquisition and analysis. We also discuss the interaction between students and the instructor.
Information Flow and Communication Deficit: Perceptions of Brussels-Based Correspondents and EU Officials

Abstract This study contributes to the debate on the European Union (EU) ‘communication deficit’ by assessing EU-media relations. Previous literature has examined the way EU institutions interface with journalists, but tells us little about potential differences between these institutions’ communication performance. Moreover, research tends to address the main actors of this process, Brussels-based correspondents and EU officials, separately. Drawing on interviews with both groups, we established a direct comparison of their perceptions on (1) the press work of each EU institution; (2) the interaction between EU institutions; and (3) their own informal contacts. Results show that specific communicative patterns are aroused from the various institutions, the EU inter-institutional cooperation is negatively evaluated, and non-official information channels are a key asset for communicating in Brussels. Adopting a broader standpoint, our findings reveal that long-standing EU structural and organisational deficiencies might be enduring the ‘communication deficit’.
Hydrogeophysical evaluation of the groundwater potential of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria

Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) was investigated using the electrical resistivity method of geophysical prospecting with a view to evaluating the groundwater potential of the University. The purpose of the research is to assist the university in locating optimum areas where it could focus for the siting of productive groundwater schemes in finding solution to the problem of water supply which it is experiencing as a result of its ever increasing population and infrastructures. Seventy-one (71) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) stations were occupied within the campus using the Schlumberger electrode array, with half-current electrode spacing (AB/2) varying from 1-100 m. Depth sounding curves were obtained from quantitative interpretations involving partial curve-matching and computer assisted 1-D forward modeling. The characteristic curves observed within the area were the 3-layer, 4-layer and 5-layer types, with percentage occurrence of 34, 56 and 10 respectively. Layer thicknesses and resistivities presented on the curves showed that the weathered basement and fractured basement constitute the main aquifer types that exist within the study area. Maps were prepared for the weathered/fractured layer resistivities, thicknesses, overburden thickness and the bedrock topography. These maps were synthesized and integrated for the production of the groundwater potential map which was eventually used for the groundwater potential classification of the study area into good, moderate and poor groundwater potential zones.
Determination of Free Fatty Acid Composition in Plasma Membranes of Neutrophils in Diabetics

Since frequent and serious infections occur in diabetic patients, the investigation of the function of neutrophils is of importance. Any change in the lipid composition of the plasma membrane could be one of the causes of these infections. In order to investigate this possibility and to determine any abnormalities, neutrophils and monocytes were separated by the Histopaque- 1119 method from the blood samples (20 ml) of 10 diabetic and 10 healthy persons. After disruption of the cells, membrane lipids and proteins were isolated. Free fatty acids of phospholipids in membrane lipids were isolated by hydrolysing with phospholipase B under an ultrasonic dismembranater. Free fatty acids were identified by gas chromatography at the chloroform phase. The results were compared with chromatogram of the standardised free fatty acids. It was established that there is a statistically significant difference in the plasma membrane free fatty acid composition of neutrophils between the patients and the control group (p<0.001). This study suggests a relationship between neutrophil dysfunction in diabetic patients and the lipid components of the neutrophil plasma membrane.
Comparing Young Massive Clusters and their Progenitor Clouds in the Milky Way

Young massive clusters (YMCs) have central stellar mass surface densities exceeding $10^{4} M_{\odot} pc^{-2}$. It is currently unknown whether the stars formed at such high (proto)stellar densities. We compile a sample of gas clouds in the Galaxy which have sufficient gas mass within a radius of a few parsecs to form a YMC, and compare their radial gas mass distributions to the stellar mass distribution of Galactic YMCs. We find that the gas in the progenitor clouds is distributed differently than the stars in YMCs. The mass surface density profiles of the gas clouds are generally shallower than the stellar mass surface density profiles of the YMCs, which are characterised by prominent dense core regions with radii ~ 0.1 pc, followed by a power-law tail. On the scale of YMC core radii, we find that there are no known clouds with significantly more mass in their central regions when compared to Galactic YMCs. Additionally, we find that models in which stars form from very dense initial conditions require surface densities that are generally higher than those seen in the known candidate YMC progenitor clouds. Our results show that the quiescent, less evolved clouds contain less mass in their central regions than in the highly star-forming clouds. This suggests an evolutionary trend in which clouds continue to accumulate mass towards their centres after the onset of star formation. We conclude that a conveyor-belt scenario for YMC formation is consistent with the current sample of Galactic YMCs and their progenitor clouds.
Pricing S&P 500 Index Options Using a Hilbert Space Basis

This paper tests the approach of Madan and Milne (1994) and its extension in Abken, Madan, and Ramamurtie (1996) for pricing contingent claims as elements of a separable Hilbert space. We specialize the Hilbert space basis to the family of Hermite polynomials and test the model on S&P 500 index options. Restrictions on the prices of Hermite polynomial risk are imposed that allow all option maturity classes to be used in estimation. These restrictions are rejected by our empirical tests of a four-parameter specification of the model. Nevertheless, the unrestricted four-parameter model, based on a single maturity class, demonstrates better out-of-sample performance than that of the Black-Scholes version of the Hermite model. The unrestricted four-parameter model results indicate skewness and excess kurtosis in the implied risk-neutral density. The skewness of the risk-neutral density contrasts with the symmetry of the statistical density estimated using the Hermite model on the S&P 500 index returns
Clinical implications of immune recovery during antiretroviral treatment for HIV infection

Anouk Kesselring beschrijft een aantal symptomen van de antiretrovirale combinatietherapie (cART). Ze brengt die in verband met de staat van het immuunsysteem ten tijde van het starten met cART en met de mate van immuunherstel tijdens de behandeling. De levensverwachting van met hiv (het humaan immunodeficientie virus) geinfecteerde patienten is sterk toegenomen na het beschikbaar komen van antiretrovirale combinatietherapie (cART). Ook veranderden daardoor de klinische verschijnselen die kunnen samenhangen met een hiv-infectie. De beschreven studies maakten gebruik van het gegevensbestand van de ATHENA (Aids Therapy Evaluation in the Netherlands) cohortstudie, waarin gegevens worden geregistreerd van hiv-geinfecteerde patienten die zorg ontvangen in Nederlandse instellingen.
Development and Characterization of New Topical Hydrogels Based on Alpha Lipoic Acid—Hydrotalcite Hybrids

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a well-known anti-aging compound. The activity of this molecule is limited by two important factors: (i) The low stability to oxidation and thermal processes and (ii) the low solubility. Particularly the latter limits ALA formulation in hydrophilic bases. The purpose of this paper is to present a new technological approach to stabilize lipoic acid in topical hydrogels for cosmetic use. With this aim, ALA was intercalated in two different lamellar anionic clays (hydrotalcites), MgAl and ZnAl, obtaining the hybrids MgAl-ALA and ZnAl-ALA. The intercalation allows to obtain a more manageable product in comparison to raw ALA. After the preliminary characterization, hydrogels containing the hybrids were prepared and characterized, also in comparison to the commercial product Tiobec® in terms of rheological properties, stability to temperature and centrifugation, release, and cytotoxicity. The obtained results highlighted that the hydrogel containing MgAl-ALA is a suitable alternative to the products currently available on the market.
The Efficiency of the Cold Argon-oxygen Plasma jet to reduce Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes from solid and liquid ambient

IJMM 2016; 10(3): 19-30 Background and Aim: Bacterial infections in hospitals can be consider as a damaging factor in laboratory environment (healthcare setting) since the rate of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is increasing overtime. Therefore, finding an effective and rapid method is essential for sterilization. The aim of this study was efficiency of cold argon-oxygen plasma used for sterilization of the Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes in liquid and solid media.