Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
965X and Cherubini, Marcello (2019) DNA analysis of Castanea sativa (sweet chestnut) in Britain and Ireland: Elucidating European origins and genepool

Castanea sativa is classified as non-indigenous in Britain and Ireland. It was long held that it was first introduced into Britain by the Romans, until a recent study found no corroborative evidence of its growing here before c. AD 650. This paper presents new data on the genetic diversity of C. sativa in Britain and Ireland and potential ancestral sources in continental Europe. Microsatellite markers and analytical methods tested in previous European studies were used to genotype over 600 C. sativa trees and coppice stools, sampled from ancient semi-natural woodlands, secondary woodlands and historic cultural sites across Britain and Ireland. A single overall genepool with a diverse admixture of genotypes was found, containing two sub groups differentiating Wales from Ireland, with discrete geographical and typological clusters. C. sativa genotypes in Britain and Ireland were found to relate predominantly to some sites in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Romania, but not to Greece, Turkey or eastern parts of Europe. C. sativa has come to Britain and Ireland from these western European areas, which had acted as refugia in the Last Glacial Maximum; we compare its introduction with the colonization/translocation of oak, ash, beech and hazel into Britain and Ireland. Clones of C. sativa were identified in Britain, defining for the first time the antiquity of some ancient trees and coppice stools, evincing both natural regeneration and anthropogenic propagation over many centuries and informing the chronology of the species’ arrival in Britain. This new evidence on the origins and antiquity of British and Irish C. sativa trees enhances their conservation and economic significance, important in the context of increasing threats from environmental change, pests and pathogens. PLOS ONE | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone. 0222936 September 25, 2019 1 / 26 a1111111111 a1111111111 a1111111111 a1111111111 a1111111111
Picoeukaryotic Diversity and Distribution in the Reservoir Ecological System

The Three Gorges Reservoir of China is a remarkable water conservancy project. It is thus significant to study the dynamics of the reservoir ecological system and plankton distribution. In this study, we used Sanger-based sequencing of the clone libraries of the 18S rRNA gene to analyze the picoeukaryotic diversity (size class 0.7-5 μm) from two sampling sites along the Three Gorges Reservoir during the four seasons in 2013. The community investigated by our approach was dominated by three main phyla, Cryptophyta (30.88% of clones), Chlorophyta (9.6%), and Bacillariophyta (8.7%). In spring, the parasitic population of chytrids in the reservoir is high and may limit the abundance of diatoms. Moreover, the spatial pattern prevails over temporal variability in picoeukaryotic community structure of the Three Gorges Reservoir. Further analyses show that the spatial differences in community structure are mainly caused by the variability of non-dominant phyla. This leads to the hypothesis that the injection of tributaries will have a certain effect on the plankton community structure of the main stream of the Three Gorges Reservoir.
The Financial Auditor’s Risk Behavior – The Influence of Age on Risk Behavior in a Financial Audit Context

A main issue in the audit process is the risk faced by the decision makers in every aspect of an audit process decision. The decision makers’ risk behaviour and their attitude towards risk is considered to be central to the way business risk, in general, and audit risk, in particular, is managed but no conclusive theory as to what influences the decision makers’ risk behaviour is commonly accepted. Although previous studies have brought arguments in favour of different factors considered to have an influence on the decision makers’ risk behaviour, what is not known is whether age has an influence on risk behaviour. This article advances the hypothesis that the auditor’s attitude towards risk is correlated with the auditor’s age, in a financial audit context. The methodological approach used was the survey of a representative sample using a carefully designed questionnaire and the use of statistical software to analyse the responses. The analysis of data collected revealed that there is a strong correlation between the financial auditor’s risk behaviour and the financial auditor’s age, confirming the research hypothesis as well as setting a starting point for future research.
Ethnoveterinary Survey of Plants used in Treating Livestock among the Fulani people of Girei, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study surveyed plants used as ethnoveterinary among the Fulani people of Girei, Adamawa State, Nigeria. A total of 100 key guided respondents interview and focus group discussion mainly the Jauro, Jemila, Ardo and few herdsmen along Girei-Mubi road who were highly experienced and inherited the knowledge of ethnoveterinary from their fore fathers were targeted during the study. The results identified 30 medicinal plants species alongside with different livestock diseases conditions they treat. The Fulani names, part of plants and mode of preparations were also documented. However, there was significance use of cow milk (Madara or Nunu) and evaporites or potash (Kanwa) as recipes in livestock diseases management. The leaves (61.29%) were commonly used, bark (25.80%), root (6.45%) and fruits (6.45%). The phytochemical screening of the available plants showed presence of secondary metabolites such as saponins, alkaloids, tannins, anthraquinone and steroids/triterpenes that are responsible for its antibacterial, antifungal, wound healing, anti-venom, and other pharmacological activities which when extracted, purified and isolated could be used in the development of new drugs for livestock management.
Myeloneuropathy in organophosphorous compound poisoning

Organophosphorous compounds are commonly used pesticides and are consumed by humans with suicidal intention. It causes various neurological complications in the form of acute, intermediate and delayed syndromes. Organophosphorous induced delayed syndrome occurs only in certain organophosphorous compounds. In some patients with time when the lower motor neuron involvement features improves, the upper motor neuron involvement becomes evident. Recognition of upper motor neuron involvement is important as it is helpful for prognostication . we report two cases of organophosphorous compound poisoning with upper motor neuron involvement seen at our institute
Impact of Different Rearing Systems and Age on Bovans White Layer’s Performance, Egg Quality Traits and Synthesis of Heat Shock Protein 70 kDa

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the performance of laying hens and to determine possible age-related changes on external and internal quality traits of their eggs and synthesis of heat shock protein 70 kDa (HSP70) in the conventional cage and organic rearing systems. For this purpose, 4 different Bovans White hybrid flocks of the same age were monitored in each of these two systems for 52 weeks. While a total of 360 eggs were examined to determine the effects of rearing system and age (30 and 60 weeks) on egg quality traits, 48 liver tissue samples were examined for the analysis of HSP70. Egg production (hen-day) and dirty egg ratio were higher in the organic rearing system (P<0.05). The age at 50% yield, the age at peak of lay, and peak production rate were calculated as 156, 218.75 days and 95.98% in the conventional system, and 155.75, 201.50 days, and 96.56% in the organic system, respectively (P>0.05). While egg weight, albumen weight, yolk weight, shell weight, shape index, and yolk colour were higher in the organic system, the crude ash ratio of eggshell and shell ratio were higher in the conventional system (P<0.05). It was also found that the egg weight, albumen weight, yolk weight, shell weight, and the percentage of yolk were higher at 60 weeks of age (P<0.001). The percentage of shell and albumen, shape index, and yolk colour were higher at 30 weeks of age (P<0.001). The interactions between rearing system and age were statistically significant in terms of shell thickness, shape index, crude ash ratio, and yolk colour (P<0.001). Stress protein (HSP70) level was affected only by the rearing system and was higher in the organic system (P<0.001). As a result, the organic system can be considered as advantageous in terms of egg production and quality traits and the eggs of young hens exhibited better properties. The high level of HSP70 in the organic system could indicate that hens were affected by the environmental conditions at higher rates and/or the hens reared in the organic system had a stronger antioxidant defence system.
Bacterial Concentration Detection with Dielectrophoresis and Capacitive Measurement

The concentration of Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells in 1 μl droplet of water was detected by depositing them on an array of electrodes using dielectrophoresis (DEP). Electrowetting was used to effectively concentrate the E. coli in a droplet of water which dried out during the DEP deposition, enabling a simple but powerful system without complicated microfluidic components. By measuring the capacitance after the deposition and evaporation, it was possible to quantitatively evaluate the cell population correlated with the concentration.
HYDRODYNAMIC COMPUTATIONAL EVALUATION IN SOLAR TUBULAR PHOTOBIOREACTORS BENDS

^len^aIn this article, the hydrodynamic behavior of a single-phase flow in various solar collectors with diffe-rent cross sections (circular, octagonal, hexagonal and square), with same hydraulic diameter and longitudinal profile was analyzed. Secondary flow, pressure drop and shear stress were evaluated, because the photosynthetic efficiency and microalgae endurance depend on these properties. These parameters were reviewed at six different culture inlet rates in the collector (from 0,25 m/s to 0,5 m/s), emphasizing in the bends regions. A higher speed and agitation was pre-sent in the square solar collector, contrary to what happened to the circular one. Despite this, the circular solar collector remains the best option for the industrial implementation phase. However, the shear stress generated in the culture -as it passes through the 180° bend of the solar collector- affects the microalgae growth, as stated in the literature. ^les^aEn este articulo se analizo el comportamiento hidrodinamico de un flujo monofasico en varios colectores solares, con diferentes perfiles transversales (circular, octagonal, hexagonal y cuadrado), de igual diametro hidraulico y perfil longitudinal. Se evaluo el flujo secundario, las caidas de presion y el esfuerzo cortante del fluido, ya que de estos depende la eficiencia fotosintetica y la vitalidad microalgal. Los anteriores parametros se revisaron para seis diferentes velocidades de entrada del cultivo en el colector (entre 0,25 m/s a 0,5 m/s) enfatizandose en la region de los codos, donde se presenta una mayor velocidad y agitacion en el colector solar cuadrado, contrario a lo que sucede con el circular. A pesar de esto, el colector solar circular continua siendo la mejor opcion en la etapa de implementacion industrial. Sin embargo, el esfuerzo cortante que se genera en el cultivo, a medida que atraviesa el codo de 180° del colector solar, afecta el crecimiento de las microalgas, segun lo estipulado en la literatura relacionada. ^lpt^aNeste artigo foi analisado o comportamento hidrodinâmico de um fluxo monofasico em varios coletores solares, com diferentes perfis transversais (circular, octogonal, hexagonal e quadrado), de igual diâmetro hidraulico e perfil longitudinal. Foi avaliado o fluxo secundario, as quedas de pressao e o esforco cortante do fluido, ja que destes depende a eficiencia fotossintetica e a vitalidade microalgal. Os anteriores parâmetros foram revisados para seis diferentes velocidades de entrada do cultivo no coletor (entre 0,25 a 0,5 m/s) sendo enfatizado na regiao dos joelhos, onde e apresentada uma maior velocidade e agitacao no coletor solar quadrado, contrario ao que acontece com o circular. Apesar disto, o coletor solar circular continua sendo a melhor opcao na etapa de implantacao industrial. Porem, o esforco cortante que e gerado no cultivo, a medida que atravessa o joelho de 180° do coletor solar, afeta o crescimento das microalgas, segundo o estipulado na literatura relacionada.
3σ-Rule for Outlier Detection from the Viewpoint of Geodetic Adjustment

AbstractThe so-called 3σ-rule is a simple and widely used heuristic for outlier detection. This term is a generic term of some statistical hypothesis tests whose test statistics are known as normalized or studentized residuals. The conditions, under which this rule is statistically substantiated, were analyzed, and the extent it applies to geodetic least-squares adjustment was investigated. Then, the efficiency or nonefficiency of this method was analyzed and demonstrated on the example of repeated observations.
Crustal evolution of Western and Central Europe

Abstract A new Moho depth map has been assembled for Western and Central Europe and the Western Mediterranean area that is exclusively based on published regional Moho depth maps. Tectonic overlays summarize Caledonian and Variscan tectonic units, Permo-Carboniferous fault systems and magmatic provinces, Mesozoic and Cenozoic rift-wrench systems, areas of intraplate compression, the outlines of Alpine orogens and the distribution of oceanic crust. Based on a comparison of these overlays with the Moho depth map we assess processes that controlled the evolution of the crust in the various parts of Europe through time. The present-day crustal configuration of Western and Central Europe results from polyphase Late Palaeozoic to recent lithospheric deformation that overprinted the margin of the Proterozoic East European Craton and particularly the Caledonian and Variscan crustal domains. Following consolidation of the Caledonides, their crustal roots were destroyed in conjunction with Devonian wrench tectonics and back-arc rifting. During the Permo-Carboniferous tectonomagmatic cycle, wrench faulting disrupted the crust of the Variscan Orogen and its foreland and the lithosphere of these regions was thermally destabilized. Late Permian and Mesozoic re-equilibration of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system was interrupted by the development of the Arctic-North Atlantic, Tethyan and associated rift systems. During the Alpine orogenic cycle, intraplate compressional stresses controlled basin inversion-related crustal thickening and lithospheric folding, as well as the evolution of the Rhine-Rhone rift system. Variably deep crustal roots characterize the Alpine orogenic chains. Neogene back-arc extension disrupted the eastern Pyrenees, Betic-Balearic, Apennine and Dinarides orogens.
alcium phosphate coatings elaborated by the oaking process on titanium dental implants: urface preparation, processing and hysical–chemical characterization

Objective. Dental implant manufacturers are looking for new surfaces to improve osseointegration. It is accepted that calcium phosphate coatings favor bone healing. Among all the techniques, the soaking process seems attractive because of its ability in producing a bioactive coating at low temperature. The objective of this study is to improve the titanium implant surface roughness and chemistry by optimizing the surface preparation and the soaking process parameters to produce a bioactive and adherent calcium phosphate
Laboratoire d ’ Economie de Dauphine WP n ° 1 / 2013

This paper estimates the causal impact of retirement among the 50-69 year-old on Body Mass Index (BMI), the probability of being either overweight or obese and the probability of being obese. Based on the 2004, 2006 and 2010-11 waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), our identification strategy exploits the European variation in early retirement schemes and the stepwise increase in early retirement ages in Austria and Italy between 2004 and 2011 to produce an exogeneous shock in retirement behaviour. Our results show that retirement induced by discontinuous incentives in social security systems causes a 0.12 percentage point increase in the probability of being obese among men within a two to four-year period. Additional results show that this effect is driven by men having retired from strenuous jobs and who were already at risk of obesity. No effects are found among women.
The role of Demographics and Psychographics in the relationship between social media Marketing and Brand awareness among smartphone users in Egypt

Social media are increasingly finding a place for themselves in all aspects of our lives. Social media are being extensively used as a platform to conduct marketing and advertising activities (Alalwan, 2018). However, there is always a challenge in how organizations can figure out the results of social media marketing (Costa, Borges-Tiago & Tiago, 2018). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of social media marketing on brand awareness among smartphone users in Egypt, moreover, to identify the effect of demographics and psychographics on this relationship. Ex-post facto design has been chosen to achieve the research objectives. A questionnaire has been designed and a cluster sample consisting of 502 smartphone users have been surveyed. Results showed that social media marketing significantly affects brand awareness, moreover, smartphone users' age, income, and education significantly affect this relationship. Finally, smartphone users' psychographics significantly affected this relationship
Serum MicroRNA-1246 as a Potential Biomarker for HCV-related Early-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background and Objective: MicroRNAs had been implicated in several malignancies. Abnormal circulating microRNA-1246 expression had been detected in HCC patients in an expanding number of studies. However, the information in literature describing the pertinent ramifications of miR-1246 in early-stage HCCs are rare and heterogeneous. This study was designed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of serum miR-1246 level in early-stage HCV-related HCC patients contrasted with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), liver cirrhosis (LC) and healthy control (HC). Materials and Methods: Two hundred HCV outpatients were doled out into 3 groups, HCC group (n = 100), CHC group (n = 30) and LC group (n = 70). Another hundred (100) ageand sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were likewise enlisted. The serum expression level of miR-1246 (by quantitative Real-Time PCR), AFP and prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II) were tested. Results: In HCC patients, in contrast to AFP, the serum expression levels of PIVKA-II and miR-1246 were statistically significantly increased discriminating HCC patients and early-stage HCCs not only from non-HCC patients (CHC, LC) yet additionally from HC. PIVKA-II and miR-1246, either individually or combined, had excellent diagnostic accuracies and performances as demonstrated by their ROCs and high AUCs >0.7. This serum over-expression positively correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of both HCC and non-HCC patients. Conclusion: Serum miR-1246 level was significantly higher in HCC patients compared with non-HCC and HC and reliably discriminate early-stage HCV-related HCCs particularly when combined with PIVKA-II.
Valuing information on GM foods in a WTA market: what information is most valuable?

Many markets for novel food products are characterized by a lack of information. To counter a lack of information, governmen- tal and non-governmental entities often want to provide consum- ers with information but do not know exactly what information would be most valuable. In this article, we examine the value of information about genetically modified food (as related to the environment, health, and the impact on the Third World) to determine which source of information provides the most value to consumers. We find that more consumers change consump- tion behavior when provided with environmental information, but information on benefits to the developing world provides con- sumers the greatest increase in surplus.
Do Consumers Choose the Right Credit Contracts?, Working Paper 2006-11

A number of studies have pointed to various mistakes that consumers might make in their consumption-saving and financial decisions. We utilize a unique market experiment conducted by a large U.S. bank to assess how systematic and costly such mistakes are in practice. The bank offered consumers a choice between two credit card contracts, one with an annual fee but a lower interest rate and one with no annual fee but a higher interest rate. To minimize their total interest costs net of the fee, consumers expecting to borrow a sufficiently large amount should choose the contract with the fee, and vice-versa. We find that on average consumers chose the contract that ex post minimized their net costs. A substantial fraction of consumers (about 40%) still chose the ex post sub-optimal contract, with some incurring hundreds of dollars of avoidable interest costs. Nonetheless, the probability of choosing the sub-optimal contract declines with the dollar magnitude of the potential error, and consumers with larger errors were more likely to subsequently switch to the optimal contract. Thus most of the errors appear not to have been very costly, with the exception that a small minority of consumers persists in holding substantially sub-optimal contracts without switching. JEL Classification: G11, G21, E21, E51
Optical polarization control in free space and through random media using wavefront shaping

Light is widely used in areas such as optical communications, micro/nano fabrication, industrial process control, material characterization, and biomedical imaging. The usefulness of light in these areas depends on the dexterity with which the state of the optical field, defined by the spatio-temporal distribution of the field’s phase, intensity, polarization and coherence, can be controlled and delivered to the required spatio-temporal position. In this thesis, we present two novel techniques to control the polarization of light, one for light propagating in free space and the other for light that is transmitted through highly scattering material. The former is useful in the characterization of materials and structures lying on the surface whereas the later, with further development, has potential to be useful in 3D IC fabrication/characterization, deep tissue imaging, and photodynamic therapy of diseases. The first technique relates to the generation of vector beams, which possess a spatially varying distribution of polarization according them with many interesting properties. However, the majority of techniques reported in the literature to generate vector beams employ interferometers, thereby limiting the stability of the beams generated. By using the polarization rotation behavior of nematic liquid crystal spatial light modulators (SLMs) and a specially designed optical setup, we develop a system that can generate a wide variety of vector beams without using interferometers. We also show that the diversity of polarization present in vector beams can be advantageously used in a variety of material characterization problems. Specifically, we show that the diversity of polarization can be used to expedite the characterization of thin films in ellipsometric measurements and improve the robustness of characterization in the measurement of the elements of the second-order nonlinear susceptibility tensor of single nanoparticles. The second technique relates to controlling the state of light transmitted through highly scattering media. In this regard, we introduce the concept of the vector transmission matrix (VTM) by generalizing the conventional transmission matrix. We develop a novel technique to measure the absolute value of VTM el-