Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Diagnosis and Management of Viral Respiratory Infections

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs), are the most common infections in man, and represent a major global health burden. Viruses, most often causing a mild and resolving disease, yet with substantial morbidity and high costs for society, mainly cause upper respiratory tract infections. 70% of all infections in primary care in Sweden are due to ARTIs. Lower respiratory infections on the other hand constitute the third leading cause of death worldwide, mainly in children <5 years of age in resource poor settings. Distinguishing virus from bacteria can be difficult, and often lead to an overprescription of antibiotics. Modern molecular based diagnostic methods have increased the possibility of an etiologic diagnosis of ARTIs significantly. This thesis aims to evaluate the use of a multiplex real time PCR assay targeting 13 respiratory viruses and two bacteria, from a clinical perspective. In paper I, a retrospective study of 954 nasopharyngeal samples, the PCR assay, which is based on automated specimen extraction and multiplex amplification, is described. Detection rate was 48%. Streamlined testing and cost limitation (€ 33 per sample) along with high accuracy and prompt result delivery, is key to successful implementation of broad molecular testing. Paper II evaluates in a prospective study of 209 adults with ARTI in primary care, and 100 asymptomatic controls, the impact duration of symptoms have on detection rate. Overall positive yield was 43% in patients and 2% in controls, with a significantly higher detection rate in patients with < 6 days duration of symptoms (51%) compared to ≥ 7 days (30%, p<0.01). Having access to the PCR assay significantly reduced antibiotic prescription, in a prospective study (paper III) of 406 adults with ARTI. Patients receiving a result within 48 hours were prescribed antibiotics in 4.5% (n=9 of 202), compared to 12.3% (n=25 of 204, p=0.005) in the delayed result group. The diagnostic yield in paper IV, a retrospective study of 8753 patients of all ages during 36 consecutive months, was significantly higher during winter (54.7%) than in summer (31.1%, p<0.001), and in children (61.5%) compared with adults (30.5%, p<0.001). Rhinovirus was the most frequently found virus (32.5%), independent of season, and displayed a high genetic variability across seasons. The findings of this thesis support the implementation of similar methods in routine clinical care.
Government policy under price uncertainty: a source of volatility in illegal immigration

In this paper we provide an alternative explanation for why illegal immigration can exhibit substantial (cid:135)uctuation. We develop a model economy in which migrants make decisions in the face of uncertain border enforcement and lump-sum transfers from the host country. The uncertainty is extrinsic in nature, a sunspot, and arises as a result of ambiguity regarding the commodity price of money. Migrants are restricted from participating in state-contingent insurance markets in the host country, whereas host country natives are not. Volatility in migration (cid:135)ows stems from two distinct sources: the tension between transfers inducing migration and enforcement discouraging it and secondly the existence of a sunspot. Finally, we examine the impact of a change in tax/transfer policies by the government on migration.
Asymptotic expansions for conditional moments of Bernoulli trials

Abstract In this paper we study conditional distributions of independent, but not identically distributed Bernoulli random variables. The conditioning variable is the sum of the Bernoulli variables. We obtain Edgeworth expansions for the conditional expectations and the conditional variances and covariances. The results are of basic interest for several applications, e.g. for the study of conditional maximum likelihood estimation in Rasch models with many item parameters.
A note on the use of analytical and domain discretisation methods for the analysis of some phenomena in engineering physics

The paper reviews some applications of the well-established analytical and domain discretisation methods (finite difference method-FDM, finite element method-FEM) in the modelling of the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) phenomena for the fusion-related research and quantum structures for use in nanodevices. Hence, Grad-Shafranov Equation (GSE) for the plasma equilibrium has been implemented for certain simple excitation forms, and the results obtained for the rectangular plasma have been presented. Furthermore, the stationary Schrodinger equation is solved analytically and numerically via FDM and FEM, respectively.
Kinetic modelling for flavanol extraction from red grape ( Vitis vinifera L.) pomace using aqueous organic acid solutions

Grape pomace is a food industry waste containing a high burden of antioxidant polyphenols and several methodologies have been developed for their efficient extraction. However, a sustainable and environmentally friendly process should involve recovery means composed of benign, non-toxic solvents. In this line, this study examined the extraction of flavanols, a particular class of functional polyphenols occurring in grape pomace, using aqueous acetic acid and citric solutions. The aim was to assess the role of acid concentration in the extraction yield, employing kinetics. The kinetic model established enabled the reliable comparison of the extraction efficiency of acetic acid and citric acid solutions as a function of acid concentration. The results showed that acetic acid solutions are more suitable for retrieving flavanols from grape pomace. Using a 4% (w/v) acetic acid solution, a maximum total flavanol yield of 80 μg catechin equivalents per g of dry pomace could be achieved.
Language Identification and Morphosyntactic Tagging: The Second VarDial Evaluation Campaign

We present the results and the findings of the Second VarDial Evaluation Campaign on Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Similar Languages, Varieties and Dialects. The campaign was organized as part of the fifth edition of the VarDial workshop, collocated with COLING’2018. This year, the campaign included five shared tasks, including two task re-runs – Arabic Dialect Identification (ADI) and German Dialect Identification (GDI) –, and three new tasks – Morphosyntactic Tagging of Tweets (MTT), Discriminating between Dutch and Flemish in Subtitles (DFS), and Indo-Aryan Language Identification (ILI). A total of 24 teams submitted runs across the five shared tasks, and contributed 22 system description papers, which were included in the VarDial workshop proceedings and are referred to in this report.
The welfare effects of the public provision of information: labelling typical products in the European Union

We consider the welfare impact of the EU regulation allowing producers of agricultural commodities with specific characteristics to differentiate their products. With a model of vertical differentiation we calculate the effects on equilibrium and welfare levels. The introduction of the regulation and the emergence of two distinct differentiated but competitive markets leaves consumers and high-quality producers better-off, while low-quality producers are worse-off. With high costs and low quality difference, the total welfare impact of the regulation can be negative. When high-quality producers can exercise market power, the regulation could be more easily accepted by producers.
Growth of Over-wintered and Pre-seasonally Produced Post-larvae of Penaeus semisulcatus in the Subtropics

Growth performance of Penaeus semisulcatus under semi-intensive and intensive systems in pond/tank culture conditions with pre-seasonally or over-wintered animals was studied in sub-tropical climate conditions of Turkey. In Pond A, the pre-seasonally produced post-larvae (PL) grew linearly from 0.2 g to 22.6 g in 140 days (Y = 0.19 X- 2.69; R 2 = 0.97) with DGR (daily growth rate) of 0.06 g day -1 . In Pond B, the over-wintered juveniles grew from 3.8 g to 30.5 g with DGR of 0.41 g during the first 30 days (weight gain of 14.42 g) and 0.13 g between 30 and 140 days (weight gain of 14.32 g). Regression equation for growth was calculated to be Y = 9.62 Log (X) + 4.51 (R 2 = 0.99). Compensatory growth due to starvation or over-winter fasting has, for the first time, been demonstrated in this penaeid shrimp species in the present study. Food deprivation during the winter months resulted in growth compensation after refeeding under appropriate culture conditions. During the compensatory growth period (first month after re-feeding), the shrimps gained an average weight of 2.87 g week -1 , but after this period, growth rate declined to 0.91 g week -1 (over three-fold less) for the rest of the growth period (between 2 nd and 5 th months). This preliminary finding is a promising area on which studies should be focused on, as fasting and re-feeding strategy at low temperature can provide a chance to increase marketable size of shrimps or to even produce two crops per year in the sub-tropics. The shrimps (0.2 g) reached to 13.7 g at 30 PL per m 2 (DGR 0.10 g), 6.44-7.37 g (DGR 0.05 g) at 40-50 PL per m 2 in 140 days. The estimated yields were 880-1,150 kg ha -1 in semi-intensive ponds and 1,597-2,673 kg ha -1 in intensive ponds. The shrimps grown in concrete Tanks displayed even poorer growth performance resulting in only 879 kg and 793 kg ha -1 of yield.
Analysis of complex variable processes of elastic-plastic deformation by means of the hierarchical consistency of material models

A multimodel analysis of the elastic-plastic behavior of materials and structural components under complex non-proportional variable loading is considered. The multimodel elastic-plastic analysis is based on the developed library of elastic-plastic models and a system of criteria allowing the selection of adequate models. A unified form of material model description is given intended for the efficient finite element implementation. Efficiency of the multimodel analysis is illustrated considering several examples.
Using the finite-difference time-domain pulse propagation method to simulate time-resolved THz experiments

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method has been applied to time-resolved THz spectroscopy (TRTS) experiments. Time-resolved THz spectroscopy utilizes an optical pump pulse to excite the sample, followed by a far-infrared (FIR) probe pulse with frequency components that span from 10 to 100 cm−1. The subpicosecond evolution of the FIR spectrum is obtained as a function of time after the visible photoexcitation event. Significant challenges arise in interpreting these experimental results due to the very different frequencies of the pump and probe pulses. Therefore, it is essential to simulate the experiment. The method described entails numerically propagating both the THz probe pulse and the visible pump pulse simultaneously, keeping track of the transiently induced polarization from absorption of the visible pulse. Group velocity mismatch between the visible and THz pulse and a transiently changing response function are completely accounted for in the calculation. Furthermore, a spatially varying.
A reinvestigation of mayenite from the type locality, the Ettringer Bellerberg volcano near Mayen, Eifel district, Germany

Abstract New electron-microprobe analyses of mayenite from the Ettringer Bellerberg volcano near Mayen in the Eifel district, Germany have high Cl contents and Raman spectroscopy indicates the presence of OH groups. Neither of these components is included in the generally accepted chemical formula, Ca12Al14O33. A refinement of the crystal structure by single-crystal X-ray methods reveals a previously unrecognized partial substitution. The O2 site which forms one of the apices of an AlO4 tetrahedron (with 3 × O1 sites) is replaced by 3 × O2a sites, which change the coordination of the central Al atom from tetrahedral to octahedral. This substitution is related to partial hydration of Ca12Al14O32Cl2 according to the isomorphic scheme (O2– + Cl–) ↔ 3(OH)–. The revised composition of Eifel mayenite is best described by the formula Ca12Al14O32–xCl2–x(OH)3x (x ∼0.75); the original formula, Ca12Al14O33, is inadequate. The analysed mineral can be considered to consist of endmember Ca12Al14O32Cl2 (62.5 mol.%) and endmember Ca12Al14O30(OH)6 (37.5 mol.%).
The effects of parent training on parenting stress and sense of competence.

The effects of behavioural parent training groups on parenting stress and sense of competence were investigated. Subjects were 91 families of ADDH preschoolers who participated in one of two randomized control studies that demonstrated the efficacy of group parent training in the amelioration of child noncompliance. Compared to parents awaiting treatment, parents who completed training reported significant improvements on the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) Parent Domain, and both Skills and Valuing subscales of the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSCS) immediately after treatment and three months later. Intercorrelations among the self-report measures as well as their relationships with other variables were examined. Significant correlations were found between improvements on the PSCS Skills and Valuing subscales. Improvement on the PSCS Valuing subscale was also associated with decreases in the PSI Parent Domain. Improvements on the PSI Child Domain and PSCS Valuing subscale were significantly correlated with parents1 perceptions of improvement in their children's behaviour. No significant correlations were found between self-report improvements and observed changes in parent or child behaviour or parental compliance to treatment. The results indicated that group parent training had a positive impact on parenting stress and sense of competence. These changes were independent of improvements in actual parent and child behaviour assessed in the clinic. Resume
Collective bargaining and regional wage differences in Spain: an empirical analysis

This article analyses the importance of labour market institutions and, in particular, collective wage bargaining in shaping regional wage differences in the Spanish labour market. Using microdata from the Spanish Structure of Earnings Survey, our results reveal that there are significant inter-regional wage differences for similarly skilled workers. These differences are present throughout the whole wage structure and can be explained by both competitive and non-competitive factors, such as insufficient competition in product markets. In this context, industry-level collective bargaining plays a major role in accounting for regional wage differences, a role that in the Spanish case is enhanced due to its unusual regional dimension.
Migrant women and homelessness: the role of gender-based violence

A distinct Europe-wide problem of migrant homelessness has become increasingly apparent. However, the available evidence base on migrant homelessness remains relatively weak and there is a particular dearth of research on the homeless experiences of migrant women. Internationally, research has established an association between gender-based violence and homelessness among women, including migrant women. However, the dynamics of this association, as well as the range of issues that surround it, remain largely unexplored. This paper presents findings from biographical interviews with seventeen migrant women who are part of a larger study of homelessness among women in Ireland. It specifically aims to explore the relationship between the experience of gender-based violence and homelessness, including migrant women’s responses to their abusive home situations, their interactions with services, and their perspectives on their situations. The findings highlight the structural underpinnings of the relationship between gender-based violence and homelessness. These span economic, social, legal and cultural domains, and impact women’s responses to violence/abuse and to the systems of intervention designed to meet their needs. The consequences for migrant women are multi-faceted, affecting their ability to leave abusive home situations, access appropriate services, and exit homelessness. The implications for structures and services, particularly those with responsibility for meeting the needs of migrant women, are discussed.
A molecular analysis of communicative and problem behaviours

Few studies have examined the relationship between communicative and problem behaviors that are already present in a behavioral repertoire. In this study, a detailed microanalysis of the antecedents and consequences of aggressive and communicative behavior of a 7-year-old boy was conducted. By using both descriptive and experimental methodologies, the data suggested that problem and communicative behavior were maintained on thin concurrent schedules of social negative reinforcement. A molar analysis of the descriptive data showed that the relative amount of time allocated to each behavior was a function of the relative amount of reinforcement that each behavior accrued. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of conducting descriptive analyses and for enhancing the efficacy of interventions for problem behavior.
Education and Neighborhood Premiums in Housing Price and its Dynamics

From a newly-assembled panel dataset, this study estimates the implicit prices of better education and neighborhood environments through models in which unobservable housing attributes are allowed to vary over time. The results of this study show that, first, past records of school performances have a long-lasting reputation effect, which has not been considered in the previous literature. Without taking the reputation effect into account, estimation results can be biased. Second, education and neighborhood premiums account for more than 43% of the housing price gaps. This paper also analyzes the dynamics of the housing market by using the panel VAR, a new approach in urban economics. The dynamic model shows more remarkable effects of education and neighborhood environments on housing price than a static model through bilateral – direct and indirect – relations among school performance, neighborhood composition, amenities, and housing price over time. This result supports the idea that education and neighborhood environments have more substantial impacts on housing prices and city segregation in a dynamic framework.
An intense traveling airglow front in the upper mesosphere--lower thermosphere with characteristics

[1] The Aerospace Corporation's Nightglow Imager observed a large step function change in airglow in the form of a traveling front in the OH Meinel (OHM) and O2atmospheric (O2A) airglow emissions over Alice Springs, Australia, on 2 February 2003. The front exhibited nearly a factor of 2 stepwise increase in the OHM brightness and a stepwise decrease in the O2A brightness. There was significant (∼25 K) cooling behind the airglow fronts. The OHM airglow brightness behind the front was among the brightest for Alice Springs that we have measured in 7 years of observations. The event was associated with a strong phase-locked 2 day wave (PL/TDW). We have analyzed the wave trapping conditions for the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere using a combination of data and empirical models and found that the airglow layers were located in a region of ducting. The PL/TDW-disturbed wind profile was effective in supporting a high degree of ducting, whereas without the PL/TDW the ducting was minimal or nonexistent. The change in brightness in each layer was associated with a strong leading disturbance followed by a train of weak barely visible waves. In OHM the leading disturbance was an isolated disturbance resembling a solitary wave. The characteristics of the wave train suggest an undular bore with some turbulent dissipation at the leading edge.
Crossover from a three-dimensional to purely two-dimensional vortex-glass transition in deoxygenated YBa_(2)Cu_(3)O_(7-δ) thin films

Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics were used to investigate the response of the vortex-glass (VG) phase transition in high-quality epitaxial YBa_(2)Cu_(3)O_(7-δ) films in magnetic fields up to 7 T. We show that varying the oxygen content, the scaling analysis reveals a crossover from three-dimensional (3D) to a pure 2D VG transition with T_(g) = 0. At small oxygen deficiencies (7-δ = 6.75), the ρ-j curves scale according to the 3D VG model, which cannot be distinguished from a Bose-glass model from a scaling analysis with the magnetic field applied parallel to the c axis. At a lower oxygen content (7-δ = 6.48), the VG phase transition behaves analogous to the highly anisotropic Bi_(2)Sr_(2)CaCu_(2)O_(8) samples, showing a quasi-2D VG transition. For further deoxygenated samples (7-δ = 6.4), the result is consistent with a pure 2D vortex-glass model similar to that observed in the even more anisotropic Tl_(2)Ba_(2)CaCu_(2)O_(8) thin films. The estimated value of the anisotropy in high-quality oxygen-depleted samples is comparable to that of the highly anisotropic superconductors.
The ALHAMBRA survey : Estimation of the clustering signal encoded in the cosmic variance

The relative cosmic variance ($\sigma_v$) is a fundamental source of uncertainty in pencil-beam surveys and, as a particular case of count-in-cell statistics, can be used to estimate the bias between galaxies and their underlying dark-matter distribution. Our goal is to test the significance of the clustering information encoded in the $\sigma_v$ measured in the ALHAMBRA survey. We measure the cosmic variance of several galaxy populations selected with $B-$band luminosity at $0.35 \leq z < 1.05$ as the intrinsic dispersion in the number density distribution derived from the 48 ALHAMBRA subfields. We compare the observational $\sigma_v$ with the cosmic variance of the dark matter expected from the theory, $\sigma_{v,{\rm dm}}$. This provides an estimation of the galaxy bias $b$. The galaxy bias from the cosmic variance is in excellent agreement with the bias estimated by two-point correlation function analysis in ALHAMBRA. This holds for different redshift bins, for red and blue subsamples, and for several $B-$band luminosity selections. We find that $b$ increases with the $B-$band luminosity and the redshift, as expected from previous work. Moreover, red galaxies have a larger bias than blue galaxies, with a relative bias of $b_{\rm rel} = 1.4 \pm 0.2$. Our results demonstrate that the cosmic variance measured in ALHAMBRA is due to the clustering of galaxies and can be used to characterise the $\sigma_v$ affecting pencil-beam surveys. In addition, it can also be used to estimate the galaxy bias $b$ from a method independent of correlation functions.