Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A high-resolution aeromagnetic field test in Friuli: towards developing remote location of buried ferro-metallic bodies

High Resolution AeroMagnetic surveys (HRAM) are a novel tool experimented in several countries for volcano and earthquake hazard re-assessment, ground water exploration and mitigation, hazardous waste site characterization and accurate location of buried ferrous objects (drums, UXO, pipelines). The improvements achieved by HRAM stem from lower terrain clearance coupled with accurately positioned, real-time differential navigation on closely spaced flight grids. In field cultural noise filtering, advanced data processing, imaging and improved interpretation techniques enhance data information content. Development of HRAM approaches might also contribute to mitigate environmental hazards present throughout the Italian territory. Hence an HRAM field test was performed in July 2000 in Friuli, North-Eastern Italy to assess the capabilities and limitations of HRAM over a buried pipeline and a domestic waste site. A Cesium magnetometer in towed bird configuration was used on two separate grids. Profile line spacing was 50-100 m and bird nominal ground clearance was set to 50 m. Microlevelled total field magnetic anomaly data forms the basis for subsequent advanced processing products including 3D analytic signal, maximum horizontal gradient of pseudo-gravity and 3D Euler Deconvolution. The magnetic signatures we detected and enhanced over the environmental test site area in Friuli are also compared with similar but more extensive HRAM signatures recently observed in other countries.
Prognostic value of serum ferritin and leptin in prediction of sustained virological response in chronic HCV patients under peglated interferon and ribavirin therapy

Background and study aim: Hansenula derived interferon was recently accepted in the Egypt as a peglated interferon and used in Egypt few years ago in treatment of HCV infection as a standard of care therapy (SOCT). Sustained virological response is difficult to predict in patients receiving SOCT. We aimed in this study to evaluate the potential prognostic value of serum leptin and ferritin in patients under Interferon therapy. Methods: We prospectively assessed 100 chronic HCV patients who were eligible for interferon therapy (according to the National Egyptian Treatment Program for treatment of chronic HCV infection), additionally serum leptin and ferritin were assessed before treatment, after 12 weeks during treatment, end of treatment (48 weeks) after start of treatment and 6 months after the end of treatment. Hansenula polymorpha derived interferon was given in 160 microgram once weekly by subcaunteous route plus Ribavirin tablets 3 times divided daily doses according to the body weight of the patients. Cirrhotic patients and those with other associated causes of chronic liver disease were excluded. Results: The overall SVR was 50 % in the studied group of patients. The pre-treatment serum ferritin levels in patients achieved SVR was (167.5±121.8) and in non-responders (166.3±101.1), (P>0.05). The ferritin levels post treatment in responders was 278.2±108.8 and in non-responders 247.6±108.5. There was no statistical significant difference between responders and non-responders either before, 12 weeks on treatment, 24 weeks, at the end of treatment and 24 weeks post treatment. However the ferritin levels increased significantly post treatment in responders (P 0.05). The leptin levels post treatment in responders was 7.6±5.8 and in non-responders was 13±18.2. There was no statistical significant difference between responders and non-responders either before, on treatment, or 24 weeks post treatment. The leptin levels decreased significantly among responders (P< 0.01) and non-responders (P< 0.01). Conclusion: Over all SVR was 50%. There was no significant association between SVR and changes of serum ferritin or leptin levels. The SOCT significantly increases serum ferritin and decreases serum leptin whatever SVR status of the studied patients. (Elshimi E, Abdel-Aziz A, Elabd S, Ismael NR, Elsherify M and Ramadan NM. Prognostic value of serum ferritin and leptin in prediction of sustained virological response in chronic HCV patients under peglated interferon and ribavirin therapy. Life Sci J 2013;10(2):1175-1185) (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 162
Is Technology Factor-Neutral? Evidence from the US Manufacturing Sector

This paper analyses the neutrality of technology using data from the NBER-CES Manufacturing industry database. We show that technology has a positive effect on the skilled-to-unskilled labour and wage ratios, offering a skill-premium for these skilled workers. We also find that technology has become more favourable towards skilled labour since the eighties, thereby, explaining the rise in the relative abundance of skilled workers. Finally, differences in productivity among the two labour inputs are important when they are relatively poor substitutes, despite the increase in the elasticity of substitution between unskilled and skilled labour that occurred over the past decades.
Patterns of organic acids exuded by pioneering fungi from a glacier forefield are affected by carbohydrate sources

Bare soils in the area of retreating glaciers are ideal environments to study the role of microorganisms in the early soil formation and in processes of mineral weathering. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the source of carbohydrate would influence the patterns of organic acids exuded by fungal species. Three pioneering fungus species, isolated from fine granitic sediments in front of the Damma glacier from the central Swiss Alps, have previously been found to have the capability to exude organic acids and dissolve granite powder. In batch experiments, various carbohydrates, including glucose, cellulose, pectin, pollen, and cell remnants of cyanobacteria, fungi, and algae, were applied as carbohydrate sources and the patterns of exuded organic acids recorded. The results showed that two fungi, the zygomycete fungus Mucor hiemalis and the ascomycete fungus Penicillium chrysogenum, released a significantly higher amount of organic acids in dependence on specific carbohydrate sources. Pollen and algae as carbohydrate sources triggered significantly the exudation of malate in M. hiemalis, and pollen and cellulose that of oxalate in P. chrysogenum. We conclude that the occurrence of complex carbohydrate sources in nutrient-deficient deglaciated soils may positively influence the exudation of organic acids of fungi. In particular, pollen and remnants of other microorganisms can trigger the exudation of organic acids of fungi in order to promote the weathering of minerals and to make nutrients available that would otherwise be trapped in that cryospheric environment.
Information Sharing in Credit Markets: Incentives for Incorrect Information Reporting

The introduction of institutions of credit information sharing – private credit bureaus and public credit registries – in the market for bank loans represents a possible solution of the information asymmetry problem which most creditors face. However, the possibility of information sharing influences the bank's incentives in two different ways. While it disciplines the borrowers, and therefore reduces the share of bad loans, a bank loses a competitive advantage, the monopolistic knowledge about the data in its clients' credit histories. Does the bank have an opportunity to use the benefits of information sharing without losing its competitive advantage and its clientele? One way to do so is to report false data on borrowers. In this paper, we analyse the bank's incentives to misreport given the bank cannot refuse to participate in the information sharing system, as membership is obligatory. Our main result is that the opportunity to get extra profit and to offer less-expensive credit to new clients explain why banks may prefer a strategy of dishonest behaviour.
The specific capacitance of Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb SIS junctions with extremely low RnA product

This paper provides new insight regarding the specific capacitance of Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb SIS junctions with low RnA product. Employing the direct junction capacitance measurement method, the specific capacitance (Cs) and RnA of several junctions with various RnA values ranging from 8.8 to 68 Ω. µm2 was studied. We noticed non-negligible scatter in the measured RnC (normal resistance times junction capacitance) product for the junctions with the same RnA value. We demonstrated that the local variations in the thickness distribution of the tunnel barrier could have resulted in the scatter of the RnC data. We also show that, even at such low microwave frequencies as in our direct measurement method, the previously neglected nonlinear susceptance should be accounted, especially for junctions with low RnA values. We present the measured Cs vs RnA data for Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb junctions.
Healthy Divide or Detrimental Division? Subgroups in Virtual Teams

ABSTRACT Subgroup formation, the emergence of smaller groups within teams, has been found to be detrimental to teamwork in virtual teams. Recently, however, an alternative view of the effects of subgroup formation proposes that the formation of subgroups is not always bad. When subgroups are based on identity characteristics like race and gender, they are like6ly to have negative effects, but when they are not, subgroups can have positive effects on teamwork. This paper empirically examines this proposition. Results of our study generally support the proposed assertion. When subgroups are not based on race or gender, they are positively associated with perceptions of social integration and open communication. However, when they are based on race and gender they are negatively associated with perceptions of social integration and open communication. The implications of this study demonstrate that subgroups may in many cases be beneficial rather than detrimental to virtual teams.
Effects of plate bending and fault strength at subduction zones on plate dynamics

For subduction to occur, plates must bend and slide past overriding plates along fault zones. Because the lithosphere is strong, significant energy is required for this deformation to occur, energy that could otherwise be spent deforming the mantle. We have developed a finite element representation of a subduction zone in which we parameterize the bending plate and the fault zone using a viscous rheology. By increasing the effective viscosity of either the plate or the fault zone, we can increase the rates of energy dissipation within these regions and thus decrease the velocity of a plate driven by a given slab buoyancy. We have developed a simple physical theory that predicts this slowing by estimating a convecting cell's total energy balance while taking into account the energy required by inelastic deformation of the bending slab and shearing of the fault zone. The energy required to bend the slab is proportional to the slab's viscosity and to the cube of the ratio of its thickness to its radius of curvature. The distribution of dissipation among the mantle, lithosphere, and fault zone causes the speed of a plate to depend on its horizontal length scale. Using the observation that Earth's plate velocities are not correlated to plate size, we can constrain the lithosphere viscosity to be between 50 and 200 times the mantle viscosity, with higher values required if the fault zone can support shear tractions  50 MPa over 300 km. These subduction zone strengths imply that the mantle, fault zone, and lithosphere dissipate about 30%, 10%, and 60% of a descending slab's potential energy release if the slab is 100 km thick. The lithospheric component is highly dependent on slab thickness; it is smaller for thin plates but may be large enough to prevent bending in slabs that can grow thicker than 100 km. $ubduction zone strength should be more stable than mantle viscosity to changes in mantle temperature, so the controlling influence of subduction zones could serve to stabilize plate velocities over time as the Earth cools. Because the "details" of convergent plate boundaries are so important to the dynamics of plate motion, numerical models of mantle flow should treat subduction zones in a realistic way.
The evaluation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex species-specific antigens and purified protein derivatives for the detection of bovine tuberculosis using the interferon-gamma release assay

Currently the Bovigam assay is used as an official supplemental test within the bovine tuberculosis eradication program. This assay measures interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) produced by lymphocytes in response to specific antigens. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate two Mycobacterium bovis specific peptide cocktails, purified protein derivatives (PPDs) from two sources, liquid and lyophilized antigen preparations, and a second generation IFN-γ release assay (Bovigam, B2G, Prionics AG). Three strains of M. bovis were used for experimental challenge: M. bovis 95-1315, M. bovis Ravenel, and M. bovis 10-7428. Additionally, samples from tuberculosis-affected herds (i.e. natural infection) were evaluated. Robust responses to both peptide cocktails HP (PC-HP) and ESAT6/CFP10 (PC-EC), as well as PPDs were elicited as early as three weeks after challenge. Only minor differences in responses to Commonwealth Serum Laboratories (CSL) and Lelystad PPDs were detected with samples from experimentally infected
The limit spaces of two-dimensional manifolds with uniformly bounded integral curvature

We study the class of closed 2-dimensional Riemannian manifolds with uniformly bounded diameter and total absolute curvature. Our first theorem states that this class of manifolds is precompact with respect to the Gromov-Hausdorff distance. Our goal in this paper is to completely characterize the topological structure of all the limit spaces of the class of manifolds, which are, in general, not topological manifolds and even may not be locally 2-connected. We also study the limit of 2-manifolds with Lp-curvature bound for p ≥ 1.
Pest Management Practices Prescribed by Frontline Extension Workers in the Smallholder Agricultural Subsector of Kenya

This article examines pest management practices recommended to smallholder farmers by extension agents, and the factors influencing the same. The study focused on plant health clinics, established under the Plantwise program, as primary providers of data. A diverse range of biotic and abiotic stressors was found to hamper crop production in the smallholder agricultural subsector of Kenya. Much as extension workers prescribed Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, albeit on a limited scale, management of crop pests was mainly by use of non-IPM practices. In addition, significant associations were observed between the prescribed practice and individual moderators (namely extension officer’s gender, age, education level, and location), type of crop and causative agent. The results of the study confirm the need for further investments in the smallholder agricultural subsector of Kenya. In particular, the sector should prioritize capacity-building initiatives for extension agents on ecological and economical sound approaches to pest management.
A nonlinear Fokker-Planck equation modelling the approach to thermal equilibrium in a homogeneous plasma

This work deals with the problem consisting in the equation (1) partial derivative f/partial derivative t = 1/x(2) partial derivative/partial derivative x [x(4)(partial derivative f/partial derivative x + f + f(2))], when x is an element of (0, infinity), t > 0, together with no-flux conditions at x = 0 and x = +infinity, i.e. (2) x(4)( partial derivative f/partial derivative x + f + f(2))=0 as x --> 0 or x --> +infinity. Such a problem arises as a kinetic approximation to describe the evolution of the radiation distribution f(x,t) in a homogeneous plasma when radiation interacts with matter via Compton scattering. We shall prove that there exist solutions of (1), (2) which develop singularities near x = 0 in a finite time, regardless of how small the initial number of photons N(0) = integral(0)(+infinity) x(2) f(x, 0)dx is. The nature of such singularities is then analyzed in detail. In particular, we show that the flux condition (2) is lost at x = 0 when the singularity unfolds. The corresponding blow-up pattern is shown to be asymptotically of a shock wave type. In rescaled variables, it consists in an imploding travelling wave solution of the Burgers equation near x = 0, that matches a suitable diffusive profile away from the shock. Finally, we also show that, on replacing (2) near x = 0 as determined by the manner of blow-up, such solutions can be continued for all times after the onset of the singularity.
Analysis of Seasonal Rainfall Variability for Agricultural Water Resource Management in Southern Region, Ethiopia

The livelihood of over 80% of the people of Southern region of Ethiopia is dependent on agriculture. However, the region is known by its food insecurity problem due to increasing population growth and alarmingly increasing natural resource degradation as well as unpredictability of rainfall. Therefore, it needs to assess the seasonal rainfall variability in selected areas of the region. Instat software version 3.36 was used to analyze and estimate the onset and end of the growing season, and the Length of Growing Period (LGP). Trend analysis for 17 rainfall stations’ data was also made by Mann-Kendall, Spearman test and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) methods. The Pattern of variability (coherent rainfall variability areas) was also identified by using Principal Component Analysis. The result shows that, the annual rainfall in the region varied from slightly over 780 mm in Billate station to more than 2110 mm in Gerese station with mean, SD and CV as 1200 mm, 197 mm and 25% respectively and that of kiremt varied from 157 mm in Konso to 844 mm in Welkite with mean, SD and CV as 506 mm, 202 mm and 39% respectively. Belg seasonal rain varied from 863 mm in Gerese to 246mm in Bue with mean, SD and CV of 409mm, 121mm and 30% respectively. CV of 15%-64% for kiremt, 17%-52% for March April May (MAM) and 12%-46% for annual were observed. For Kiremt season, CV greater than 30% was observed in 18 stations; between 20-30% in 10 stations and below 20% for 5 stations. The mean onset, end and LGP of the main growing season was found to be at Days of year (DOY) 92, DOY 286, and 193 days for Hosaina area; at DOY 117, DOY 290 and 169 days for Welkite area; and at DOY 84, DOY 146 and 62days for Gato area respectively. OLS apparently showed a non significant decreasing linear trend for rainfall amount in 10 stations out of 17 while significant decreasing trend at Sawla; p= 0.04(-9.15 mm/yr) and Chida; p= 0.05(-16.08 mm/yr). However, for the start of MAM, March was unreliable in Hosaina and Welkite while reliable in Gato area. In addition, two homogenous areas of coherent rainfall variability, in terms of both seasons were obtained. This classification could be used for regional water management and rainfall prediction. Therefore, time of planting crops and other soil and water conservation activities should be performed accounting these variability parameters. Key words: Variability, Seasonal rainfall, rainfall trend, DOY (days of the year), Onset, End date, LGP, Homogenous rainfall areas.
Monte Carlo Based Algorithms Are More Accurate for Dose Calculations in Radiotherapy

Monte Carlo (MC) is considered as gold standard for dose calculations in radiotherapy. MC dose calculations often require sophisticated computing services with long processing time and this has been an issue for the busy cancer centers. Hence, majority of the treatment planning system include faster dose calculation engines for the daily clinical routine. Due to advancement in technology and computing power, it is now possible to implement MC based dose calculation algorithms in the clinical environment. This report summarizes the major findings of various researchers who have investigated Acuros XB algorithm, which is the MC based dose calculation algorithm commercially available for dose calculations in radiotherapy.
Niacin, Metabolic Stress and Insulin Resistance in Dairy Cows

The periparturient period in cows is associated with metabolic stress and a state of negative energy balance, which are characterized by increased lipolysis, ketogenesis, hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Such metabolic changes may exert adverse effects on the health and milk yield of lactating cows. The pharmacoki netics of niacin in ruminants is specific as rumen microorganisms facilitate both the synthesis of tryptophan and the degradation of niacin. Niacin administration to cows leads to an increase in the coenzyme activity, encompassing the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). These coenzymes are actively involved in the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, whereas NAD protects the organism from oxidative stress. In periparturient cows, the supplementation of niacin has been found to induce depressed lipolysis and a limited impact of nonesterified fatty acids on all metabolic processes. It also results in decreased lipid peroxidation regardless of the magnitude of lipolysis in the periparturient period. Furthermore, niacin reduces the concentration of ketone bodies, thus preventing the development of fatty lever disease and ketosis in cows. The anti-inflammatory effect of niacin is manifested in stimulating the secretion of adiponectin and inhibiting immune cells. Our results suggest [ 28] that blood NAD and NADP concentrations are a sensitive indicator of the niacin status of cows. The NAD concentrations obtained ranged from 860 to 895 pmol/mL in the control group in the weeks before and after calving. In niacin-supplemented cows, the following NAD concentrations were obtained: 1724.6 pmol/L in the week of calving (week 0), 1968.6 pmol/mL in the first week after calving and 1771.8 pmol/L in the second week after calv ing. The NADP concentrations obtained in the control group ranged from 385.09 to 425.62 pmol/ mL during the entire period under consideration. In niacin-supplemented cows, the following NADP concentrations were obtained: 704.45 pmol/L in the week of calving (week 0), 778.36 pmol/L in the first week after calving and 796.18 pmol/L in the second week after calving.
An elucidation and comparison of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australian upper primary students' self-concepts

The purpose of this research is to: (a) examine the applicability of the Self-Description Questionnaire I (SDQI) for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian students to identify a psychometrically sound measure of self-concept for Indigenous upper primary students, and (b) compare and contrast the structure and levels of self-concepts (SC) for these students to elucidate understandings about the nature of Indigenous students’ self-concepts in comparison to those of their non-Indigenous peers. Applying a confirmatory factor analytic approach with Indigenous (n = 185) and non-Indigenous (n = 518) primary students (Years 5 and 6), the SDQI factor structure was found to be invariant across the 2 groups. All scales showed strong internal consistency and the factor structure was well defined for both sub-samples. The factor loadings and factor correlations were acceptable. Results of Multiple-Indicator-Multiple-Indicator-Cause (MIMIC) models found small but significant ethnicity effects favouring Indigenous students in Physical SC, but non-Indigenous students had higher School SC and Math SC compared to Indigenous students. Boys had higher Math SC and Physical SC compared to girls but girls had higher SCs in 5 of the 8 factors. A significant ethnicity x gender interaction effect was found for School SC indicating particularly low School SC for Indigenous boys. These results suggest that a tangible approach to improving Indigenous students’ academic potential needs to involve enhancing academic self-concepts and that Indigenous boys’ academic self-concepts need particular attention.