Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular epidemiology of Coxiella burnetii in human, animals and ticks in Bangladesh

Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetti is a well recognised zoonotic disease around the world which is endemic in many countries. In Bangladesh, a very few information is available in men and animals about this disease. Thus, the objective of this study is to determine the presence of Q fever in animal (goat and cattle) and human population including the tick which is a vector of the disease. A total of 172 animals with abortion and reproductive disorder history were collected from Shahjadpur Upazilla of Sirajgonj district in Bangladesh. 150 sera samples from patients of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital were collected which had a history of pyrexia. 127 tick samples were collected from the body of animals randomly. The samples were tested with CHEKIT Q-Fever antibody Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Test Kit (indirect ELISA) primarily and the positive sere were retested by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect DNA of C. burnetii. Indirect ELISA revealed the prevalence result of 6.97 and 0% in animals and humans, respectively and only one tick was Reverse transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) positive (0.79%). It is thus observed that this is the first time the presence of C. burnetii in ticks using real time PCR is reported. Key words: Coxiella burnetti, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) antibody, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sera samples.
Local law for the product of independent non-Hermitian matrices with independent entries

We consider products of independent square non-Hermitian random matrices. More precisely, let X(1),. ,X(n) be random matrices with independent entries (real or complex with independent real and imaginary parts) with zero mean and variance 1/N. Soshnikov and O'Rourke showed that the empirical spectral distribution of the product X(1)X(2). X(n) converges to the n-th power of the circular law. We prove that if the entries of the matrices X(1),. ,X(n) satisfy uniform subexponential decay condition, then in the bulk the convergence of the ESD holds up to the optimal scale.
ESTIMATION OF AGRONOMIC PARAMETERS OF WINTER OILSEED RAPE FROM FIELD REFLECTANCE DATA

A b s t r a c t . Spectral behaviour of winter oilseed rape experimental plots was analysed in relation to plant density variations. Field spectral me asurements made with the CIMEL CE313 luminance meter at two wavelengths, 650 nm and 850 nm, were evaluated for their use in two widely used reflectance indices: NDVI and RVI. Statistical ly significant differences of reflectance factors and vegetation indices between plots with various s eeding rates were observed. The spectral data were related, through correlation analysis, to phyt ometric winter oilseed rape variables. Two crop agronomic parameters: number of plants per square meter after emergence (NPL) and after winter (NPW), and four parameters of individual plants: nu mber of leaves per rosette (NLR), fresh matter of a plant (FMP), number of branches per plant (NBP ), height of apical growing point (HAGP), and diameter of root collar (DRC) were analysed. These parameters can be used for estimation of winter oilseed rape crop disposition to winter. Both crop parameters, NPL and NPW, related more closely to spectral data than did the individual plant para meters. No statistically significant correlation wa s observed only between HAGP and the spectral data. The obtained results confirm the information potential of field spectrometry for estimating wint er oilseed rape crop status. K e y w o r d s : winter oilseed rape, remote sensing, fiel d spectrometry, vegetation indices
Low temperature eclogite facies metamorphism in Western Tianshan, Xinjiang

According to the field occurrences and petrological study, the low temperature eclogite facies metamorphic rocks in Western Tianshan of Xinjiang can be divided into five types: (i) massive glaucophane-epidote eclogites and glaucophane-paragonite eclogites; (ii) schistose or gneissic mica eclogites; (iii) banded calcite eclogites; (iv) pillow glaucophane eclogites; (v) garnet-omphacite quartzites. Their eclogite facies metamorphism has undergone four stages of evolution: (i) pre-peak lawsonite-blueschist facies stage,T = 350–4000°C,P = 0.7–0.9 GPa; (ii) peak eclogite facies stage,T = 530 ± 20°C,P = 1.6–1.9 GPa; (iii) retrograde epidote-blueschist facies stage, T=500–530°C,P = 0.9–1.2 GPa and (iv) retrograde blueschist-greenschist facies stage,T= 450–550°C,P= 0.7–0.8 GPa. The metamorphic PT path of Western Tianshan eclogites is characterized by clockwise ITD resulting from the subduction of Tarim plate northward to Yili-Central Tianshan plate followed by fast uplift to the surface. But there were at least two stages of blueschist facies retrograde metamorphism overprinted during their uplift.
Integrating habitat restoration and fisheries management : A small-scale case-study to support EEL conservation at the global scale

The aim of this work was to develop a methodological framework for the management of local eel stocks that integrates habitat restoration with optimal fishery management. The Bolsena lake (Viterbo, Italy) and its emissary, the river Marta, were taken as a reference system. The river flows in the Mediterranean sea but its course is fragmented by a number of dams built in the past century preventing eel migration from and to the sea. Eel fishery in the Bolsena lake is thus sustained by periodic stocking of glass eels caught at the Marta river estuary. A detailed demographic model was applied to simulate fishery yields and potential spawner escapement under different recruitment and management scenarios. It was estimated that the high exploitation rates occurring in the nineties reduced the potential spawner escapement from the Bolsena lake to less than 1 t; under current harvesting rates, the potential spawner escapement is estimated in about 12 t while in pristine conditions (i.e. high recruitment and no fishing) estimated spawner escapement is about 21 t. This analysis thus showed that current fishery management would comply with the 40% spawner escapement requirement of the EU regulation 1100/2007 if the connections between the Bolsena lake emissary and the sea were fully re-established. This confirms the opportunity of an integrated approach to management at the catchment area level scale for eel populations, that shall hopefully contribute to the conservation of the global stock.
Institutions, Foreign Direct Investment, and Economic Growth in North African Countries

This contribution investigates the causal interactions between foreign direct investment (FDI), economic freedom and economic growth in a panel of 4 countries of North Africa (Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Egypt) over the period 1980 - 2012. Using System Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) panel data analysis, we find strong evidence of a positive link between FDI and economic growth. We also find evidence that economic freedom appear to be working as a complement to FDI and, moreover, that the effect of FDI is more pronounced in the presence of the economic freedom variable. This means the countries promote greater freedom of economic activities gain significantly from the presence of multinational corporations (MNCs).
Testing the Predictability of Stock Returns

Previous literature indicates that stock returns are predictable by several strongly autocorrelated forecasting variables, especially at longer horizons. It is suggested that this finding is spurious and follows from a neglected near unit root problem. Instead of the commonly used t-test, we propose a test that can be considered as a general test of whether the return can be predicted by any highly persistent variable. Using this test, no predictability is found for U.S. stock return data from the period 1928-1996. Simulation experiments show that the standard t-test clearly overrejects whereas our proposed test controls size much better.
Condition monitoring data in the study of offshore wind turbines’ risk of failure

Unplanned maintenance actions entail a period of inactivity of wind turbines and therefore a loss of revenues. This is even more pronounced in the case of offshore wind farms because of difficulties in access. To this end, condition monitoring (or health monitoring) systems have been implemented on wind turbines by manufacturer to support maintenance decision making by operators. However, a major concern with using condition monitoring is the creation of false positives. In this paper, we have considered how SCADA data may be used to support reliability and maintainability models. We have taken into account SCADA data to assess the level of degradation of a gearbox at any instant of time. Workshops with offshore engineers suggested that degradation is dependent on a small number of variables, e.g. turbulence intensity, wind speed, temperature, etc., and as such, these information sources have been considered in our model to support maintenance decision making. Dynamic Bayesian Networks allows for modelling multiple information sources (including expert judgement) and dynamic phenomena, e.g. system deterioration. They are also capable of representing dependencies between variables of interest. For these reasons, we developed a Dynamic Bayesian Network to assess the risk of failure of the component under study at any instant of time. We considered the information provided by SCADA about the factors affecting the degradation of the system. In this way, we obtained an estimation of the risk of failure of the system.
Robust Inflation-Targeting Rules and the Gains from International Policy Coordination

This paper empirically assesses the performance of interest-rate monetary rules for interdependent economies characterized by model uncertainty. We set out a two-bloc dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with habit persistence (that generates output persistence), Calvo pricing and wage-setting with indexing of non-optimized prices and wages (generating inflation persistence), incomplete financial markets and the incomplete pass-through of exchange rate changes. We estimate a linearized form of the model by Bayesian maximum-likelihood methods using US and Euro-zone data. From the estimates of the posterior distributions we then examine monetary policy conducted both independently and cooperatively by the Fed and the ECB in the form of robust inflation-targeting interest-rate rules. Comparing the utility outcome in a closed-loop Nash equilibrium with the outcome from a coordinated design of policy rules, we find a new result: the gains from monetary policy coordination rise significantly when CPI inflation targeting interest-rate rules are designed to account for model uncertainty.
Fluctuations of sulfate, S-bearing amino acids and magnesium in a giant clam shell

Abstract. We used micro-X-ray fluorescence combined with X-ray photoabsorption spectroscopy to investigate speciation-specific sulfur profiles in the inner shell layer of a giant clam (Hippopus hippopus). The sulfate, S-bearing amino acids, and total sulfur profiles indicated that inorganic sulfate was the dominant component in the shell of this bivalve. Sulfur profiles in the inner shell layer showed clear annual fluctuations that varied by more than one order of magnitude, from
On the Nature of Fairness in Bargaining - Experimental Evidence from Germany and PR China

This paper presents a new perspective on the nature of fairness in bargaining by using verbal data from spontaneous team discussions and written statements on decision motives. Systematic content analysis proves a valuable source for providing new insights. The nature of fairness can be viewed as consisting of different facets or components. The ones we study are allocation aspects, power asymmetry, cultural background, frequency of interactions and the procedure of assigning positions. In one-shot UG experiments with randomly assigned positions less than half of the participants argue about fairness. Those who do, view the Equal Split as the predominant fairness norm in both the German and Chinese subject pool in symmetric and asymmetric settings. Equal Split related fairness discussions increase proposers’ offers; fairness concerns per se do not have such an effect. We found cultural differences in that fairness is not irrelevant for the Chinese but seems more important for the German participants. The Equal Split predominance in fairness discussions vanishes in asymmetric bargaining situations where subjects interact repeatedly and work for their position. Here, the equitable but unequal allocations Split the Difference and Proportional Split are considered fair as well by more and less powerful players. It appears an important task for the future to incorporate such fairness norms into social preference models. JEL Classification Number: C78, C81, C91, C92, O53, O57
Risk Factors Contributing to the Failure of Surfactant Administration with INSURE Method

BACKGROUND: The INSURE method (INtubation- SURfactant- Extubation) is effective in decreasing the need for mechanical ventilation and reducing ventilation-related adverse events. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for failure of the INSURE method. METHODS: A prospective descriptive analytical study was conducted in a tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between March 2012 and December 2012. All preterm neonates who received intratracheal surfactant were enrolled in this study and allocated to INSURE failure and INSURE success groups depending on whether they needed intubation and mechanical ventilation or not. RESULTS: Of the 147 neonates, 45 (30.6%) required intubation within the first 72 hours of intratracheal surfactant administration and, therefore, were included in the failure group. The mean birth weight and gestational age in the failure group were 1342±545 grams and 28.7±2.9 week, respectively, and were significantly lower than the success group (1688±472 grams and 31±2.2 week, respectively; p<0.001). The Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were significantly lower in the failure group than the success group (5.7±2.1 and 7.5±1.3 vs. 7.6±1.5 and 8.8±1, respectively; p<0.001). Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) score was 8.8±1 in the failure group and 7.1±1.3 in the success group (p<0.001). The need for repeated doses of surfactant in the failure group was more than the success group (odds ratio (OR)=8.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.10- 21.86). The patent ductus arteriosus (OR=3.42, 95% CI: 1.46-8.01; p=0.003) and intra ventricular hemorrhage (OR=4.56, 95% CI: 1.90-10.93; p<0.001) were significantly more common in the failure group. CONCLUSION: Preterm infants with lower birth weight and gestational age and higher RDS score are at higher risk of INSURE method failure.
Experimental Study on Improved Engineered Cementitious Composite Using Local Material

Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) is a cement based material with ultra-high ductility and strength in tension. This material is a kind of highperformance fiber-reinforced cementitious composite materials (HPFRCCs) reinforced with short fibers and characterized by tight multiple cracking. These characteristics of ECC make it applicable to increase the capacity and the ductility of structural elements so that structural design is economic and sustainable. This paper presents an extended evaluation of Improved Engineered Cementitious Composites (IECC) for the use in the strengthening of masonry in filled reinforced concrete frames. IECC is a mixture of cement, fly ash, water, sand, quartz powder and poly-vinyl alcohol fibers with a better quality of tensile strain rather than common ECC. Two types of fine sand and quartz powder used in this study as filler to improve ECC behavior. Also, to show the effect of fly ash on IECC properties, five different mixtures were considered with various fly ash ratios. Different mixtures of IECC using fine aggregates produced in Iran were selected to find out how the aggregates and fly ash would affect IECC performance. The results show that the optimized mixture has the best characteristics including tensile strength and strain. Also, three-dimensional diagrams were used to compare the properties of different mixtures of IECC more effectively and to represent the influence of the range of fly ash ratios so that it can be opted based on design objectives such as ECC properties, costs and structural parameters and demands. These diagrams show the behavior of IECC which its fly ash content ratio in the binder is 50% to 67%.
Sensory, Physicochemical and Microbiological Changes in Water-cooked Salted Duck during Storage at 4°C

Water-cooked salted ducks were tray-packaged and stored under refrigeration (4±1°C) in order to evaluate the quality changes during storage. pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), sensory and microbiological analysis were determined at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10 days of storage. pH value and TVB-N (mg N/100 g) varied from 6.47±0.16 to 6.69±0.10 and from 5.90±0.93 to 13.42±2.46, respectively. Sensory results indicated that ducks were unacceptable at the 10th day of storage. The predominant spoilage bacteria at the end of the shelf-life were Brochothrix thermosphacta, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and minor components were Enterobacteriaceae, members of Micrococci, yeasts and moulds. Pseudomonads were also detected. Both total bacteria and the various spoilage ones, overall, increased from the initial sampling to the final day.
Spatial distribution and functional feeding groups of aquatic insects in a stream of Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India

Aquatic insects play important role in ecosystem functioning viz. nutrient cycling, primary production, decomposition and material translocation. The functional feeding group (FFG) approach is an attempt to classify organisms, especially insects, according to their role in the processing of organic matter. An investigation during 2011–2013 was carried out on aquatic insects in different stretches of a stream of Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary located in western Assam, North East India which is designated as Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) by IUCN. Physico-chemical properties of water of the stream like water temperature, dissolved oxygen, free-carbondioxide, pH, total alkalinity, electrical conductivity, phosphate and nitrate were estimated to correlate the aquatic insects of specific functional feeding groups with water quality. A total of seventeen species was recorded during the study period. Record of nine species in first year and fourteen species in second year under different functional feeding groups (FFG) showed altitudinal variation. Highest percentage of predators was found in upstream. Collectors were recorded in upstream and downstream and shredders were recorded in midstream.
Productivity and Water Use Efficiency of Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] Grown under Different Nitrogen Applications in Sudan Savanna Zone, Nigeria

Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for sorghum growth and development but often becomes limiting due to low availability and loss. The effects of N fertilization on water use efficiency (WUE) and physiological and yield traits of sorghum were investigated in two locations over two cropping seasons (2014 and 2015) in the Sudan Savanna zone of Nigeria. Three sorghum varieties were evaluated under six (6) N-levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 kg ha−1) at a constant phosphorus and potassium level of 30 kg ha−1. Results showed that N increased grain yield by 35–64% at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) and 23–78% at Minjibir. The highest mean grain yield in the N-fertilizer treatments (2709 kg ha−1 and 1852 kg ha−1 at BUK and Minjibir, resp.) was recorded at 80 kg N ha−1. ICSV400 produced the highest mean grain yields (2677 kg ha−1 and 1848 kg ha−1 at BUK and Minjibir, resp.). Significant differences were observed among the N-levels as well as among the sorghum varieties for estimated water use efficiency (WUE). The highest mean value coincided with the highest mean grain yield at an optimum application rate of 80 kg ha−1. N-fertilizer treatments increased WUE by 48–55% at BUK and increased WUE by 54–76% at Minjibir over control treatment. Maturity and physiological trait have a significant effect on WUE. The extra early maturing variety (ICSV400) recorded the highest mean WUE while late maturing variety (CSR01) recorded the lowest WUE.
The Influence of Surgical Treatment on Reported Ailments and Neurological Status of Patients with Spine Discopathy

Introduction. Treatment of patients with spine discopathy is the subject of interest in numerous medical disciplines and includes non-invasive as well as invasive methods. Both therapeutic ways aim to resolve the disc-root conflict. The clinical picture and the incidence of neurological complications depend on the location of herniated nucleus pulposus. Aim. To determine the influence of surgical treatment on reported ailments and neurological status of patients with spine discopathy. Material and Methods. The study was conducted twice (before and after the surgery) among 188 patients treated surgically due to cervical or lumbosacral spine discopathy. The analysis included: clinical and intraoperative diagnosis, the level of operation, BMI, and neurological status: Laseque’s sign, muscle strength, pain, dysesthesia, sphincter disorders. The results were analyzed by means of Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and Statistica 6.0, assuming a significance level of p≤ 0.05. Results. While assessing pain, in the case of L-S discopathy, the majority of patients belonged to group III (34%) and group IV (33.5%). After the operation, 37.8% of patients were classified as group II; in cervical discopathy this percentage was 12.2%. The positive Laseque’s sign before the operation was observed in 68.1% of the subjects; after the surgery in 56%. Dysesthesia in the case of the upper discopathy occurred in 72.9% of the patients, after the surgery in 30.3% (p <0.05). Conclusions. Performed surgery significantly results in reducing pain in patients. The improvement was also noticed in neurological status. ( JNNN 2015;4(3):109–116)
Modelling Ag-particle activation and growth in a TSI WCPC model 3785

Abstract. In this work, we modelled activation and growth of silver particles in the water-operated TSI model 3785 water condensation particle counter (WCPC). Our objective was to investigate theoretically how various effects influence the counting efficiency of this CPC. Coupled fluid and particle dynamic processes were modelled with the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code FLUENT in combination with the Fine Particle Model (FPM) to obtain profiles of temperature, vapour concentration, nucleation rate, and particle size. We found that the counting efficiency of the TSI 3785 for small particles might be affected by the presence of larger particles. Moreover, homogeneous nucleation processes can significantly influence counting efficiency.