Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Bank Filtration by Deconvoluting Time Series of Electric Conductivity

Knowing the travel‐time distributions from infiltrating rivers to pumping wells is important in the management of alluvial aquifers. Commonly, travel‐time distributions are determined by releasing a tracer pulse into the river and measuring the breakthrough curve in the wells. As an alternative, one may measure signals of a time‐varying natural tracer in the river and in adjacent wells and infer the travel‐time distributions by deconvolution. Traditionally this is done by fitting a parametric function such as the solution of the one‐dimensional advection‐dispersion equation to the data. By choosing a certain parameterization, it is impossible to determine features of the travel‐time distribution that do not follow the general shape of the parameterization, i.e., multiple peaks. We present a method to determine travel‐time distributions by nonparametric deconvolution of electric‐conductivity time series. Smoothness of the inferred transfer function is achieved by a geostatistical approach, in which the transfer function is assumed as a second‐order intrinsic random time variable. Nonnegativity is enforced by the method of Lagrange multipliers. We present an approach to directly compute the best nonnegative estimate and to generate sets of plausible solutions. We show how the smoothness of the transfer function can be estimated from the data. The approach is applied to electric‐conductivity measurements taken at River Thur, Switzerland, and five wells in the adjacent aquifer, but the method can also be applied to other time‐varying natural tracers such as temperature. At our field site, electric‐conductivity fluctuations appear to be an excellent natural tracer.
Diverse traits for pathogen fitness in Gibberella zeae

Gibberella zeae is an important pathogen of wheat, maize, and other cereal crops worldwide. Pathogen fitness in G. zeae is the outcome of selection for traits that increase its ability to survive and reproduce in plant pathosystems. Current research on mechanisms of pathogen fitness uses tools such as production of specific mutations by targeted gene disruption and analysis of genetic variation in natural populations. Gene disruption experiments indicate that production of the trichothecene deoxynivalenol (DON) enhances virulence on wheat and maize, and that production of sexual spores enhances head blight on wheat under field conditions. Natural populations from the U.S.A. and from Nepal differ significantly in virulence on wheat, sexual fertility, and trichothecene chemotype. Strains from both populations can produce DON, but only strains from Nepal can also produce nivalenol, which differs from DON by the addition of a hydroxyl group. Genetic analyses are underway to investigate associations of pathogen fitness of G. zeae with strain genotype, trichothecene chemotype, and other traits.Key words: Fusarium graminearum, wheat, head blight, trichothecenes, mating-type genes, population genetics.
Immigration and self-reported well-being in the UK

Medical liability systems have been accused of increasing health expenditure insofar as they induce the practice of defensive medicine. Despite the large evidence on the role of medical malpractice liability, the identification of its causal effect on physiciansâ€™ treatment decisions is a difficult task. In this paper we study for the first time in a controlled laboratory setting the effect of introducing the risk of being sued for medical malpractice on the provision of physiciansâ€™ medical services. In our experimental sessions both medical and non-medical students choose how many medical services to provide for heterogeneous patients. We implement exogenous variations in the presence of medical malpractice liability and expected probability of being sued, and thus we exploit the within-subject variation in the provision of medical services to infer the causal effect of malpractice liability. Furthermore, we analyze the impact of malpractice liability under different physiciansâ€™ payment methods, which allows us to discuss the interplay between medical liability and payment systems. Our behavioral data show that introducing malpractice liability pressure does lead physicians to choose a higher amount of medical services, regardless of the physiciansâ€™ payment system. However, we also find that the payment system in which malpractice liability is implemented makes the difference under the societal perspective, with relevant implications for health policy.
Impacts of Trademarking on Export and Producer Prices in Ethiopian Coffee

Like some developing countries, Ethiopia, with the help of Oxfam public campaign, managed to obtain trademark protection of many western countries for three of its fine coffees: Yirgachefe, Harar and Sidama coffee types. The main goal of the trademarking initiative was to help smallholder producers capture price premia for their fine coffee. This paper examines the effects of the trademark protection on FOB and producer prices of trademarked coffee by comparing with non-trademarked Ethiopian coffee. We found that trademark protection has improved both the level and trend of FOB prices relative to the non-trademarked Ethiopian coffee. But producer farmers capture only small portion of this price premia. In addition, we also found the trademark protection is not compatible with the exclusive impersonlized and non-traceable transactions system introduced by Ethiopian Commodity Exchange. Acknowledgement : his was supported by Netherlands Initiative for capacity development in Higher Education (NICHE-ETH-019) as part of financing the PhD study.
Conditions for Quantum Interference in Cognitive Sciences

We present a general classification of the conditions under which cognitive science, concerned, e.g. with decision making, requires the use of quantum theoretical notions. The analysis is done in the frame of the mathematical approach based on the theory of quantum measurements. We stress that quantum effects in cognition can arise only when decisions are made under uncertainty. Conditions for the appearance of quantum interference in cognitive sciences and the conditions when interference cannot arise are formulated.
The Role of Co-Creation Activities, Trust and Gender on Higher Education Marketing Performance

: This study attempts to analyze the effect of co-creation activities on satisfaction and its impact on loyalty, and to investigate the mediating role of co-creation value and trust, as well as the moderating role of personality traits and gender in higher education. This study took the sample from graduate students of master’s degree in management program or Master of Business Administration (MBA). There were 18 universities from 10 cities in Indonesia involved in this study. The survey comprised of 590 responses from students. The essential finding in this study confirms the effect of student co-creation activities on satisfaction and its impact on loyalty. Co-creation value and trust are found to be a partial mediation on the relationship between the co-creation and satisfaction. Moreover, gender is the moderating factor of the relationship between co-creation activities and trust, yet personality trait is not as a moderating variable in the relationship. The findings imply that higher education needs to encourage co-creation activities and adapt the activities based on student gender.
A Study of Investors’ Attitude towards Mutual fund in Kathmandu City, Nepal

Mutual fund is an investment tool which assembles the savings of millions of small investors into huge capital formation. The primary goal behind investment in mutual fund is to earn goods return with comparatively low risk. The main purpose of doing this research is to find out a relationship between selected demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and investors’ attitude towards mutual. Another purpose of this research was to rank different sources investors use to make investment decision on the basis on their preference. By using Likert scale (0 to 1) and three levels (positive, neutral, negative) in structured questionnaire, researchers have measured the level of attitude towards mutual fund and levels of preference of sources are to investment decision. It is found that, the investors attitude is not independent towards mutual fund on the basis of demographic and socio economic variable (age, gender, monthly income, investment level, educational qualification). Also, among selected sources, investors provide their highest preference to Brokers/Agents to make investment. The study has suggested some important policy measures such as regulatory change, creating investors awareness, encouraging the private companies to raise fund through mutual fund.
THE INFLUENCE OF IDIOSYNCRATIC VOLATILITY, MARKET RISK, AND SIZE ON STOCK RETURN OF A NON-FINANCIAL COMPANY REGISTERED IN INDONESIA STOCK EXCHANGE IN THE PERIOD OF 2012 – 2016

The objective of this research is to examine the effect of idiosyncratic volatility, market risk, and size, as the independent variable on stock return on non-financial firm (eight sectoral) listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange. This research uses quantitative perspective with linier regression and model in a panel data for all of the research’s observation used in this research. The number of observation in this research is 1440, consisting of 288 firms that have been enlisted on Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2012-2016 period. The result shows that idiosyncratic volatility has a negative significant effect on stock return. Market risk and size appear to have no significant effect on stock return.
Unraveling the association between mRNA expressions and mutant phenotypes in a genome-wide assessment of mice

Significance The general perception that mRNA transcription of a gene is regulated by the functional requirements of the cell or tissue has never been systematically tested using genome-wide data. To assess the functional implications of mRNA transcription in mice directly, we analyzed gene expression data and phenotype data of mouse mutants as a proxy of gene function at the tissue level. Our results confirmed the important role transcriptional regulation has in maintaining the gene’s proper spatial and temporal functions. In addition, we found that mutations resulting in phenotypic defects in expressed tissues are more likely to occur in highly transcribed genes, tissue-specific genes, genes expressed during early embryonic stages, or genes with evolutionarily conserved mRNA expression. High-throughput gene expression profiling has revealed substantial leaky and extraneous transcription of eukaryotic genes, challenging the perceptions that transcription is strictly regulated and that changes in transcription have phenotypic consequences. To assess the functional implications of mRNA transcription directly, we analyzed mRNA expression data derived from microarrays, RNA-sequencing, and in situ hybridization, together with phenotype data of mouse mutants as a proxy of gene function at the tissue level. The results indicated that despite the presence of widespread ectopic transcription, mRNA expression and mutant phenotypes of mammalian genes or tissues remain associated. The expression-phenotype association at the gene level was particularly strong for tissue-specific genes, and the association could be underestimated due to data insufficiency and incomprehensive phenotyping of mouse mutants; the strength of expression-phenotype association at the tissue level depended on tissue functions. Mutations on genes expressed at higher levels or expressed at earlier embryonic stages more often result in abnormal phenotypes in the tissues where they are expressed. The mRNA expression profiles that have stronger associations with their phenotype profiles tend to be more evolutionarily conserved, indicating that the evolution of transcriptome and the evolution of phenome are coupled. Therefore, mutations resulting in phenotypic aberrations in expressed tissues are more likely to occur in highly transcribed genes, tissue-specific genes, genes expressed during early embryonic stages, or genes with evolutionarily conserved mRNA expression profiles.
Dealing with foreign cultural paradigms: A systematic review on intercultural challenges of international medical graduates

Objectives An increasing number of International Medical Graduates (IMG), who are defined to be physicians working in a country other than their country of origin and training, immigrate to Western countries. In order to ensure safe and high-quality patient care, they have to take medical and language tests. This systematic review aims to (1) collect all empiric research on intercultural communication of IMGs in medical settings, (2) identify and categorize all text passages mentioning intercultural issues in the included studies, and (3) describe the most commonly reported intercultural areas of communication of IMGs. Methods This review was based on the PRISMA-Guidelines for systematic reviews. We conducted a broad and systematic electronic literature search for empiric research in the following databases: MEDLINE, BIOSIS Citation Index, BIOSIS Previews, KCI-Korean Journal Database and SciELO Citation Index. The search results were synthesized and analyzed with the aid of coding systems. These coding systems were based on textual analysis and derived from the themes and topics of the results and discussion sections from the included studies. A quality assessment was performed, comparing the studies with their corresponding checklist (COREQ or STROBE). Textual results of the studies were extracted and categorized. Results Among 10,630 search results, 47 studies were identified for analysis. 31 studies were qualitative, 12 quantitative and 4 studies used mixed methods. The quality assessment revealed a low level of quality of the studies in general. The following intercultural problems were identified: IMGs were not familiar with shared decision-making and lower hierarchies in the health care system in general. They had difficulties with patient-centered care, the subtleties of the foreign language and with the organizational structures of the new health care system. In addition, they described the medical education in their home countries as science-oriented, without focusing on psychosocial aspects. Conclusion There is a need for a better training of IMGs on culture-related and not culture-related topics in the new workplace country. The topics that emerged in this review constitute a basis for developing these courses. Further empiric research is needed to describe the findings of this review more precisely and should be in accordance with the existing reporting guidelines.
Interactions of B16F10 melanoma cells aggregated on a cellulose substrate

There is evidence that the shape of cells and their contact with a matrix direct the growth and the differentiation of both normal and cancer cells. Cells in 3D culture resemble the in vivo situation more closely than do those in conventional 2D cultures. We have studied the interactions and functions of B16F10 mouse melanoma cells, which spread and grow well on tissue culture polystyrene (tPS), when they were made to aggregate on cellulose‐coated Petri dishes (CEL). This aggregation of melanoma cells on CEL was Ca2+ dependent and mediated by N‐cadherins. The levels of N‐cadherin and β‐catenin transcripts in cells cultured on CEL and tPS were similar, but those on CEL contained less β‐catenin protein. Immunoprecipitation and immunostaining showed that both N‐cadherins and β‐catenins were present at the membranes of cells on CEL. Cells proliferated significantly more slowly after 48 h on CEL and the cellulose coating caused most of them to arrest in G1. We also compared the melanin contents and tyrosinase activity of cells on CEL and controls grown on tPS. Melanogenesis was induced in cells aggregated on CEL. A cellulose substrate thus appears to be an outstanding tool for studying cell–cell interactions and cell functions in 3D cultures. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ethanol Production from Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW) Pretreated with Pleurotus sajor-caju†

The olive oil extraction process yields liquid waste byproduct known as olive mill wastewater (OMW), which presents a major environmental problem, if not treated before dissipation. The large amounts of OMW generated, combined with its high polluting power as well as its high chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations, represent the main difficulties in finding a solution for the management of this kind of wastewater. However, it could be upgraded by removing or reducing its phenolic compounds and using its carbohydrate fraction to produce biofuels. Phenolic compounds can be degraded by a few microorganizms, such as white-rot fungi, which produce a variety of enzymes that are capable of oxidizing phenols. The capability of Pleurotus sajor-caju to degrade phenols of OMW preconditioned by different treatments, namely, thermally processing (at 100 °C) diluted and undiluted OMW and thermally processing pretreated OMW with hydrogen peroxide, was investigated in this work. Results showed that P. sajor-caju removed phenolic compounds from OMW cultures, under all different conditions examined. The degradation of phenols reached up to 68% for the thermally processed OMW, 50% for the diluted OMW, 53% for the thermally processed OMW treated with hydrogen peroxide, and 58% for the thermally processed undiluted OMW. The impact of such biological conversion upon lowering the phenols content of OMW was tested by yeast fermentation of the product to produce ethanol because yeast cells are very sensitive to a high phenol concentration. Ethanol production was enhanced by the pretreatment of OMW with P. sajor-caju. The maximum ethanol production of 14.2 g/L was obtained after 48 h of yeast fermentation using 50% diluted OMW that was thermally processed and pretreated with P. sajor-caju. According to the results obtained, bioconverted OMW by P. sajor-caju is a promising substrate for the bioethanol production process, with additional benefits of its use with regard to environmental and economical aspects.
Effects of Supply Chain Design and Collaboration on Customers’ Satisfaction of Instant Noodles in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The degree of collaboration among supply chain partners and the structure of the network are important determinants of the level of satisfaction customers derive from the products or services. However, the effects of these dimensions on customer satisfaction at the downstream section of the supply chain remain under-researched in Nigeria. This study precisely examined the effects of collaboration and supply chain design on customers’ satisfaction at the downstream end of the chain using Ekiti State as study area. The study employed descriptive survey design with the use of structured Likert scale questionnaire administered to 381 retailers of noodles in Ekiti State. The research hypotheses were analysed using simple linear regression as statistical technique with the aid of SPSS version 22.0. At the end of the study, it was observed that both collaboration and supply chain design were significant predictors of customers’ satisfaction of instant noodles in Ekiti State. However, collaboration among supply chain partners emerged as stronger determinant of customers’ satisfaction than supply chain design. The study concludes that these two practices of supply chain management are highly important criteria any manufacturing firm especially in the noodles industry must pay close attention to in order to satisfy her consumers.
A Community-Based Study of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Near a Large Hazardous Waste Landfill in California

The BKK Landfill is located 18 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the city of West Covina in Los Angeles County. In 1963, the landfill began accepting municipal waste from the surrounding urban area. From before 1972 until 1984, commercial hazardous wastes of all types were deposited at a separate Class I facility on site (CH2M Hill, 1988). A Class I facility is one which is approved to accept hazardous wastes. Over this period of operation, residential developments expanded in close proximity of the site, and local residents filed numerous complaints. They complained of noxious odors, surface water runoff from the landfill onto neighboring streets, hazardous waste spills by trucks destined for the landfill, and dust releases from the site. There were general concerns over the public health and welfare.
Off-pump coronary artery bypass: the Sudbury experience.

OBJECTIVE To examine factors relating to outcomes with off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) and to assess methods to improve the effectiveness of this approach SETTING A small northern Ontario community hospital where surgical assistance, nursing familiarity with OPCAB and even anesthesiologist comfort varied DESIGN Prospective collection of data with incremental audit of results and retrospective analysis of events METHODS One hundred twenty-four consecutive patients, operated on by the same surgeon between April 1996 and June 2002, were selected on the basis of coronary anatomy. Progressively more complex multivessel revascularization, including that to the posterior wall, was undertaken over the course of the study period. Every attempt was made not to compromise use of arterial conduits, quality of anastomoses or completeness of revascularization. This represents the 'learning curve' of this study. MAIN RESULTS Approximately 6% of patients developed a hemodynamic crisis requiring acute on-pump conversion. This tended to occur in patients undergoing complex multivessel OPCAB surgery and was associated with subsequent increased blood transfusion rate, operative time and mortality (2.8%), and poorer angiographic graft patency. This has led to a more cautious strategy including making the decision to proceed with OPCAB only after intraoperative assessment. CONCLUSION 'Simple' OPCAB on easily accessible coronary arteries resulted in excellent early outcomes. Complex multivessel OPCAB for triple vessel disease involving difficult to access arteries was more demanding with higher perioperative complications and less effectiveness. Early enthusiasm for complex multivessel surgery has been gradually replaced with a more conservative use of OPCAB with improved intraoperative procedures, both of which have led to more favourable outcomes.
Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers Adoption of Eucalyptus Woodlot in Wogera District, North Gondar Zone, Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia

Eucalyptus is familiar specious in various weather conditions of the world. Eucalyptus woodlot planation in wogera district become increased since 1970. The study was to examine the determinant factors for the adoption of eucalyptus woodlots by smallholder farmers in Wogera district. Three stage sampling procedure was used to select 118 sample respondent farmers from three purposively selected Kebeles of the district. Household survey was used to collect quantitative data. Econometric model (binary logit model) was employed to analyze the quantitative data. Adoption of eucalyptus woodlot was affected negatively by family size and fertility of land, and positively affected by farm size, access to market, and farmers’ perception towards eucalyptus woodlot production. It is concluded that adoption of eucalyptus woodlot plantation was affected mainly by socio-economic and institutional factors. Therefore, attention should be given to manage the identified factors and change smallholder farmer’s attitude towards eucalyptus woodlot plantation.