Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Gene Xpert Mtb/Rif Assay for the Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Sputum of Patients Suspected of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Visiting National Tuberculosis Centre, Thimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most deadly and common major infectious diseases in developing countries. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis is indispensable to adequately manage the disease and control its transmission. The objective of this study was to evaluate Gene Xpert MTB/RIF Assay for detection of M. tuberculosis in sputum of patients suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis and its comparison with traditional conventional methods. Methodology: A total of 138 patients sputum samples were collected and processed. Gene Xpert MTB/ RIF Assay, culture method and smear microscopy were performed under standard guideline inside biosafety cabinet class II. Data were reported, structured and analyzed using SPSS version 16.00. Study was carried out from June to November 2014. Results: Assay detected M. tuberculosis in 37 (26.81%) samples out of total 138. Of these 37, 10 and 3 were resistance and indeterminate to rifampicin respectively. Culture, Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Auramine staining were positive in 43 (31.16%), 18 (13.04%) and 24 (17.39%) samples respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, Positive predictive value and Negative predictive value of Assay were 76.74%, 95.79%, 89.19% and 90.09% respectively with reference to gold standard culture method. Conclusions: Assay was found rapid in direct detec tion of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum sample and was also found more sensitive than both Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Auramine staining and especially showed good promise in diagnosis of smear negative specimens. SAARC J TUBER LUNG DIS HIV/AIDS, 2016; XIII(1), page: 16-22
THE POSITIONING OF TRANSNATIONALLY MOBILE EUROPEANS IN THE GERMAN LABOUR MARKET

ABSTRACT This article analyses the economic integration of transnationally mobile Europeans into the German labour market. The measure used for the degree of integration is their relative income. Specifically, the article attempts to answer the question, whether and to which degree the integration of transnationally mobile Europeans into the labour market depends on their national origins or on their social origins. Based on the concept of transnational social mobility which goes beyond classical migration research, we will point out the factors that position mobile Europeans in the labour market and the feedback effects on national class systems. The results show that it is not national origin but social-structural characteristics that explains the positioning of EU-transnationals. The empirical basis of this article is primary data on Berlin's labour market gathered in the beginning of 2002.
Reduction of surface area of lignin improves enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose from hydrothermally pretreated wheat straw

Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose after pretreatment of wheat straw (WS) was investigated for the first time in relation to lignin surface area (SA). Lignin SA in solid residues from WS autohydrolysis (AH) and successive NH3 (aq) extraction was determined using cationic dye adsorption. AH at increasing severity decreased up to 45% and 53% of WS lignin SA and specific surface area (SSA), respectively. Cellulose-to-glucose conversion from AH solid fractions from 24 h reaction with 15 FPU g−1 cellulase activity increased linearly from 31% to 91% with decreasing lignin SA. When AH solid fractions were extracted with NH3 (aq), both lignin SA and SSA increased in the corresponding solid residues, SSA up to 92%. As a consequence, cellulose-to-glucose conversion decreased in spite of the lower proportion of lignin in the solid residues after the NH3 (aq) extraction. Up to 85% sugar yield was obtained from the single-stage AH process but when combined with NH3 (aq) extraction the two-stage process yielded at most 71% of the original straw sugars. These results show that, independent of the lignin content, reduction of surface area of lignin improves the enzymatic hydrolysis process.
HABITAT FRAGMENTATION AND PAIRING SUCCESS IN THE OVENBIRD (SEIURUS AUROCAPILLUS)

ABSTRACr. -In 1990 and 1991, we determined the proportion of Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus) territorial males that were paired in a 25-ha plot in an extensive forest (>350 kM2) in Quebec, and compared it to pairing success in populations breeding in nearby forest fragments (4.5-53.0 ha) in Quebec and Ontario. We tested the hypotheses that pairing success would increase with population density, and decrease with the degree of fragmentation of the habitat. Pairing success was higher in the extensive forest in both years, although the difference was only marginally significant (P 0.25) in 1991 (76.5 vs. 58.3%). The density of territorial males was twice as high in the extensive forest as in the forest fragments. When including data from similar studies conducted in New Jersey and Missouri, we found that pairing success increased and gradually levelled off with the density of territorial males. Although we lacked a common parameter for measuring habitat fragmentation across all three studies, pairing success appeared to decrease with the isolation of forest fragments from surrounding woodland, while it remained stable around 80% in extensive forests of all three studies. The effect of habitat fragmentation on pairing success was particularly severe in the Missouri study area, at the periphery of Ovenbird's breeding range. A general linear model showed that woodland configurationthe location of a study site in an extensive or fragmented forest-was the best predictor of pairing success, and that geographical location also had a significant effect. We conclude that habitat fragmentation reduces pairing success by altering dispersal dynamics or habitat selection by females. Received 6 April 1992, accepted 17 November 1992. THE OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapillus) has been
Duplicated Gene Evolution Following Whole-Genome Duplication in Teleost Fish

Baocheng Guo1,2,3, Andreas Wagner1,2 and Shunping He3* 1 Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich 2 The Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Quartier Sorge-Batiment Genopode, Lausanne 3Fish Phylogenetics and Biogeography Group, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 1,2Switzerland 3PR China
Rocky reef fish community structure in two Azorean islands (Portugal) central North Atlantic

The community structure of shallow rocky reef fish fauna of the Azores Archipelago is described from underwater visual censuses carried out at eight areas (Terceira and Corvo Islands). A total of 52 fish species from 26 different families was observed, and the ten most abundant fish corresponded to 82.7% of all fish. Trophic categories are given for observed species with comments on distribution and densities along sampled depth strata. Mean densities along sampled strata were tested for significant differences. Sparidae, Labridae and Carangidae were the most speciose families being Diplodus sargus, Pagellus acarne, Coris julis, Thalassoma pavo and Tripterygion delaisi the most abundant species that consequently also accounted for the highest densities.
Educational TV Consumption and Children’s Interest in Leisure Reading and Writing: A Test of the Validated Curriculum Hypothesis

The relationship between children’s TV consumption and literacy outcomes is currently unclear, as past research has identified both linear and curvilinear trends. One explanation for the contradictory results is the varying content children consume; specifically, researchers have argued that research-based educational TV programming should be positively related to literacy outcomes whereas non research-based programming should be negatively related to literacy outcomes (what we refer to as the validated curriculum hypothesis). To test this hypothesis, students in grades 4 and 5 N = 120) completed a survey assessing educational TV consumption and leisure reading/writing behaviors. The results upheld the validated curriculum hypothesis and revealed several key moderators including composite TV consumption and parents’ reading behavior.
Carbonized Waste Corrugated Paper Packaging
Boxes as Low-Cost Adsorbent for Removing
Aqueous Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II),
and Methylene Blue

A common solid waste – corrugated-paper packaging boxes – was carbonized at 300, 450, and 600oC to develop low-cost adsorbents (biochars). The resulting adsorbents were characterized and their adsorption performances were evaluated by the batch sorption of aqueous Pb(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and methylene blue (MB). The biochar obtained at 600oC exhibited larger specific surface area, higher mineral contents, and pH of zero point charge (pHPZC). Calcium carbonate, lead carbonate/basic, and zinc carbonate were observed in the metal-sorbed biochars by a power X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The biochar of higher pyrolysis temperature (600oC) had high sorption capacity of aqueous Pb(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) with the Langmuir maximum sorption capacity of 458, 146, and 10.7 mg g-1, respectively. The pseudo-second-order model gave a better fit for the kinetic data of Pb(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and MB onto the biochar (600oC). Moreover, the electrostatic attraction was the dominant mechanism for adsorption of MB while precipitation could be the main mechanisms for adsorption of Pb(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II). Therefore, carbonization can be an efficient and value-addition method for the recycling of waste corrugated paper packaging boxes and for the low-cost wastewater treatment.
Cocoa Production Stability in Relation to Changing Rainfall and Temperature in East Java, Indonesia

Climate change as indicated by rising temperature and changing rainfall pattern has been known to affect cacao production in many production countries. However, studies on the effects of rainfall and temperature variability on the cacao production are rarely reported in Indonesia. Hence, the objective of this study is to evaluate the stability of cocoa production in relation to rainfall and temperature variability in order to develop sustainable production under climate change scenario. Research was conducted at a state owned company in Jember District, East Java, Indonesia from February to June 2015. Production and climatic data of 2010-2015 were evaluated using simple regression and correlation analysis. Results revealed that productivity fluctuated among months and among years. However, the fluctuation among months (s 2 = 117.076) was lower than among years (s 2 = 311.225). Rainfall and temperature showed variability among months and among years; and the fluctuation among months was lower in both rainfall and temperature. Rainfall at one to four months before harvest correlated with production (r=0.400-0.671; P= 0.000 to 0.001) and temperature at two to four months before harvest determined cocoa production (r=0.371-0.412; P=0.001-0.003). High monthly cocoa production coincided with decreasing temperature and rainfall for 4 to 5 months during pod development. The presented study implies that both short and long term strategies should be implemented under climatic variability to sustain cocoa production. It is recommended to apply production technology to stabilize micro climate temperature and to minimize the impact of high rainfall such as shade plant and canopy manipulation.
Assessing EFL Students’ Ability in Developing Idea to Organize Academic Essay

This research is based on the needs to analyze as well as evaluate the students’ ability in mapping and developing idea of Topic Sentence as a material of Academic Writing Subject at English Education Department Faculty of Teachers Training and Education University of Lancang Kuning. The ability of mapping and developing ideas are very useful to increase essay writing quality as learning outcome of Academic Writing Subject. The aims of this research is to analyze the ability of the fourth semester students of English Education Department Faculty of Teachers Training and Education University of Lancang Kuning in mapping and developing idea of Topic Sentence as the evaluation of Academic Writing Subject. The method used descriptive quantitative research design. The sample of this research was consisted of 49 students. In this research, the researcher collected the data by giving some topic sentences. Then, the students were asked to use one of mapping techniques and develop the idea into essay paragraph. The data were analyzed by using writing scoring rubric, and then the scores were categorized into some levels of ability. The result of the test showed that the average score of the students’ writing was 77.45 and categorized into good level. It can be concluded that the students’ ability in writing and developing idea is categorized into good level ability.
The First Step is the Hardest: Finding Connections in Media Literacy Education

Through a series of focus groups, this study explores how students, at the conclusion of a university-level media literacy course, see media’s necessary role in democratic society. It is a narrative inspired by the core belief of the media literacy discipline that if people are effectively taught the critical skills to access, evaluate, analyze, and produce media1 they will better understand media’s roles and responsibilities in civic life. Initial findings show that while media literacy may indeed enable for critical analysis skills, it carries the potential to breed cynical outcomes if not taught in a holistic manner.
Prognosis of environmental impact of trace elements from brown coal-fired power plant “Bełchatów”

Abstract A forecast of the negative impact exerted on the environment by selected trace elements in “Bełchatów” Power Plant has been prepared on the basis of the results of investigations into these elements’ distribution carried out as part of earlier research on coal from “Bełchatów” Field and the data on updated analyses of the content of these elements in 55 brown coal samples from test boreholes. Work in “Bełchatów” Power Plant, which is supplied with coal from “Szczerców” Field, will be accompanied by trace elements transfer. On the basis of the conducted investigations it has been found that the biosphere is most threatened by mercury emissions. As shown by the presented results of analyses and calculations, the emissions of mercury in “Bełchatów” Power Plant are low. Mercury is accumulated chiefl y in gypsum produced in the FGD plant. The content of mercury in slag and ash is low.
Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences The 24 July 2008 outburst flood at the western Zyndan glacier lake and recent regional changes in glacier lakes of the Teskey Ala-Too range

On 24 July 2008, a glacier lake outburst flood (GLOF) occurred at the western (w-) Zyndan glacier lake in the Tong District of Ysyk-K̈ol Oblast, Kyrgyzstan. The flood killed three people and numerous livestock, destroyed infrastructure, and devastated potato and barley crops as well as pastures. Tuurasuu village and a downstream reservoir on the Zyndan river escaped heavy damage because the main flood was diverted toward the Tong river. RTKGPS and satellite data (Landsat 7 ETM+, ALOS/PRISM, and ALOS/AVNIR-2) reveal that the flood reduced the lake area from 0.0422 km2 to 0.0083 km2, discharging 437 000 m 3 of water. This glacier lake was not present in a Landsat 7 ETM+ image taken on 26 April 2008. It formed rapidly over just two and half months from early May to the late July, when large amounts of snow and glacier melt water became trapped in a basin in the glacier terminus area, blocked by temporary closure of the drainage channel through the terminal moraine that included much dead-ice. In the same mountain region, most other glacier-lake expansions were not particularly large during the period from 1999–2008. Although events like the w-Zyndan glacier lake outburst occur infrequently in the high Central Asian mountains, such fast developing, short-lived lakes are particularly dangerous and not easy to monitor using satellite data. Appropriate measures to protect against such lake outburst hazards in this region include educating residents on glacier hazards and monitoring techniques, providing frequently updated maps of glacier lakes, and planning and monitoring land-use, including house locations. Correspondence to: C. Narama (narama@chikyu.ac.jp)
Integration of spectral information and photogrammetric DSM for urban areas classification

The automated classification of urban areas in one of the main topic in the Geomatics domain. Several papers dealing with this topic have been already presented in the last decade. Most of these approaches uses multi-spectral or LiDAR data or both of them as input. In this paper, an algorithm for urban areas classification based only on overlapping RGB images is presented. The integration of radiometric and geometric information derived from aerial images is exploited in order to extract the three main classes of urban areas (i.e. building, vegetation and road) in automated way and without prior information. A photogrammetric Digital Surface Model (DSM) is firstly generated applying dense image matching techniques and this information as well as some spatial features provided by morphological filters are combined to derive a first classification. Subsequently, a thematic classification of the surveyed areas is performed considering the surface’s reflectance in the visible spectrum of the used images and the multi-image information provided by the overlapping images. Range and image information are so merged in an algorithm that allows the reciprocal and iterative sharing of information in order to increase the reliability and completeness of the classification process. After a detailed description of the algorithm, the achieved results over dense urban areas are shown and discussed.
: Evidence from

Purpose-This study aims to empirically explore corporate governance and the demographic traits of top management teams as the determinants of voluntary risk disclosure practices in listed banks. This study also aims to contribute to the existing risk disclosure literature by investigating the effect of a combination of determinants on voluntary risk disclosure practices in an emerging market. Furthermore, this study seeks to contribute to risk disclosure theories by employing the upper echelons theory to examine the determinants and their effects on voluntary risk disclosure practices. Design/Methodology/Approach-This investigation uses manual content analysis to measure the levels of risk disclosure in all Saudi listed banks from 2009 to 2013. It also uses ordinary least squares regressions analysis to examine the joint effect of corporate governance and demographic traits on risk disclosure. Results-The empirical findings show that external ownership, audit committee meetings, gender, size, profitability and board size are primary determinants of voluntary risk disclosure practices in Saudi listed banks. The remainder of the independent variables of both corporate governance mechanisms and demographic traits are insignificantly correlated with voluntary risk disclosure practices in Saudi listed banks. This study supports upper echelons theory and further encompasses demographic research into the risk disclosure field. Potential Implications-The empirical findings offer several important implications by reporting to banks’ stockholder, regulatory bodies and any other interested group on the importance of corporate governance and demographic determinants, which can be used to augment risk reporting in the banking industry. This study also backs upper echelons theory and encourages further demographic research into the risk disclosure field. Originality-To the best of the researcher’s knowledge, no prior research has been conducted on the determinants of risk disclosure in Saudi Arabian listed banks. Therefore, this is the first study to investigate the determinants of risk disclosure in the context of Saudi Arabia.
Salicylic Acid-Induced Changes in Photosystem II Reactions in Barley Plants

ABSTRACT In vivo effect of salicylic acid (SA) on photosynthetic oxygen evolution and thermoluminescence emission curves were investigated in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Increasing concentrations of SA (0.1mM, 0.5mM and 1mM), imposed through the root medium for a period of 7 days have a marked effect on the energetics of the charge recombination of barley leaves and isolated chloroplast. Data showed a reduction of Hill reaction activity and oxygen flash yields in accordance with the changes in membrane permeability and malondialdehyde content. When 7-day old barley seedlings were supplied with SA through the transpiration stream for 24 h no marked changes in photosynthetic reactions were observed. Possible reasons for the responses of photosynthetic light reactions to SA are discussed.
In vivo and in vitro histological localization of endophytic fungi in Tinospora cordifolia ( Willd . )

The present research protocol was developed to locate endophytic fungi present inside the healthy leaves of Tinospora cordifolia. The surface sterilized leaf explants after staining with lactophenol cotton blue showed the presence of endophytic fungi in intercellular spaces of ground, dermal tissue especially in midrib region. Leaves have shown dense colonies of endophytic fungi. Microscopic examination of in vitro and in vivo leaves has shown mycelium which was dense, branched and septate. Hence, the comparative study was conducted in both in vitro and in vivo leaves of T. cordifolia to locate endophytic fungi. The present study revealed that the fungi are not only developed in plants under natural environment but also under controlled conditions i.e. tissue culture of plants. Therefore, the present research work favoured the view that endophytes can infect nutrient medium of in vitro culture of T. cordifolia and diversity of endophytic fungi increase after hardening and acclimatization of T. cordifolia plantlets. The presence of endophytes in in vitro cultures depends both on age of tissue and host genotype. Further studies are required to isolate the endophytic fungi, pure culture on PDA plates and their identification to explore their biosynthetic pathway. © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
An investigation of assessment and feedback practices in fully asynchronous online undergraduate mathematics courses

Research suggests it is difficult to learn mathematics in the fully asynchronous online (FAO) instructional modality, yet little is known about associated teaching and assessment practices. In this study, we investigate FAO mathematics assessment and feedback practices in particular consideration of both claims and findings that these practices have a powerful influence on learning. A survey questionnaire was constructed and completed by 70 FAO undergraduate mathematics instructors, mostly from the USA, who were each asked to detail their assessment and feedback practices in a single FAO mathematics course. Alongside these questions, participants also answered the 16-item version of the Approaches to Teaching Inventory. In addition, a novel feedback framework was also created and used to examine how feedback practices may be related to participants' approaches to teaching. Results show that assessment and feedback practices are varied and complex: in particular, we found there was not a simple emphasis on summative assessment instruments, nor a concomitant expectation these would always be invigilated. Though richer assessment feedback appears to be emphasized, evidence suggests this feedback may not be primarily directed at advancing student learning. Moreover, we found evidence of a reliance on computer--human interactions (e.g. via computer-assisted assessment systems) and further evidence of a decline in human interactions, suggesting a dynamic that is both consistent with current online learning theory and claims FAO mathematics courses are becoming commodified. Several avenues for further research are suggested.