Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HIV transmission within marriage: findings from Tanzania

ii List of tables and figures v List of abbreviations vi Acknowledgement vii Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Chapter 2: Background 2 2.1 Tanzania geo-politics and Demography 2 2.2 Social Cultural & Economics situation 2 2.3 Health Care system & Financing 3 2.4 HIV/AIDS situation, Globally and in Tanzania 4 Chapter 3: Problem Statement and study objectives 6 3.1 Problem statement 6 3.2 Study questions 8 3.3 Objectives 8 3.3.1 General objective 8 3.3.2 Specific Objectives 8 3.4. 1
Efficiency of RSA Key Factorization by Open-Source Libraries and Distributed System Architecture

The security of the RSA algorithm relies on the difficulty to factorize large numbers. However the computational power of information technologies is increasing all the time, while open-source factoring libraries are developed at similar pace. Therefore, the possibility to factorize large numbers also increases. In this paper we analyze the efficiency of open-source libraries to factor RSA numbers by using it in computer cluster to decrease the calculation time. To achieve this, we analyze efficiency of Msieve, GGNFS and CADO-NFS libraries for 81 decimal digit number factorization with varying number of cluster nodes (cores). By choosing the best solution (Msieve library with GGNFS library integration for sieving method) we analyze the possibility to factorize different size RSA numbers, and discuss exact conditions to achieve it.
Obstacles to Small Innovative Companies’ Development: Case Study of Nizhny Novgorod Region

The article presents the survey results of obstacles to small innovative companies as a case study of Nizhny Novgorod region of Russia as an area with high innovative potential and great level of socio-economic indicators. Based on the semi-structural personal interviews with 19 experts - the management of support infrastructure, results shows some typical for this region impediments: bureaucracy; lack of trust, poor collaboration within the innovation system; poor information support; legislative obstacles to innovations and intellectual property protection; low interest of large companies in collaboration with small ones. The findings and recommendations can help policy-makers to meet the needs of small innovative companies, and increase the innovative activity of small firms through the improvement of the assistance programs.
Analytical Method Development and Validation of Simultaneous Estimation of Diacerein , Glucosamine and Methyl Sulfonyl Methane By RP-HPLC In Pharmaceutical Tablet Dosage Forms

A simple, Precise, Rapid, Specific and accurate reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous estimation of Diacerein, Glucosamine and Methyl Sulfonyl Methane in drug product. A chromatographic method was scrutinized on Ascentis express C18 (100×4.6mm, 2.7μ) column and a mobile phase consists of Acetonitrile: Potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate and one drop of triethyl amine in every 100ml of buffer solution pH :3.0 (50:50%v/v). The flow rate was 1.0 ml/min with UV detection at 210nm. The retention time (Rt) of Diacerein, Glucosamine and Methyl Sulfonyl Methane were found to be 2.586, 3.182 and 4.469min respectively. As per ICH guidelines the developed method was validated in terms of specificity, Linearity, Accuracy, Precision, LOD, LOQ and robustness. All the parameters were found to be with in the limit. The linearity for Diacerein was in the range of 2.5 to 15 ppm, Glucosamine was in the range of 37.5 to 225 ppm and Methyl Sulfonyl Methane was in the range of 12.5 to 75 ppm. HPLC method was simple, Accurate, Precise and suitable for analysis of marketed tablet formulation containing Diacerein, Glucosamine and Methyl Sulfonyl Methane.
In situ evaluation of ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of extruded soybeans

Two ruminally cannulated Jersey cows were used to determine in situ ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of raw (E0) soybeans and soybeans extruded at 145°C (E145), 155°C (E155) and 165°C (E165). The degradation of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) was estimated using nylon bags suspended in rumen for 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 and 48 h calculating the effective ruminal degradabilities (ERD) for an assumed outflow rate of 0.06/h. Four extra sample bags were incubated for 12 h to determine CP digestibility using the mobile nylon bag method. Cows were fed a ration of 30% concentrate and 70% meadow hay. Soybean extrusion at all temperatures decreased the effective protein degradability significantly (P < 0.05). Soybean processing at the highest heat input (E165) decreased ERD (44.0%) in the rumen significantly while the values for E145 and E155 were similar, 50.8 and 50.3% respectively. Soybean extrusion at all tested temperatures was followed by a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the proportion of the rapidly degraded DM and CP fractions a, and both the increased proportions and reduced breakdown rate (c) of the fraction b. The intestinal protein digestibility values of the rumen-undegraded protein of extruded soybean were somewhat higher, however the observed differences between treatments were not significant (P < 0.05). Estimated intestinal digestibilities were 87.2, 89.7, 92.0 and 92.6% for E0, E145, E155 and E165, respectively.
Low- voltage folded-switching mixers in 0.18 μm CMOS

Scaling of CMOS technologies has a great impact on analog design. The most severe consequence is the reduction of the voltage supply. In this paper, a low voltage, low power, AC-coupled folded-switching mixer with current-reuse is presented. The main advantages of the introduced mixer topology are: high voltage gain, moderate noise figure, moderate linearity, and operation at low supply voltages. Insight into the mixer operation is given by analyzing voltage gain, noise figure (NF), linearity (IIP3), and DC stability. The mixer is designed and implemented in 0.18-µm CMOS technology with metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors as an option. The active chip area is 160 µm×200 µm. At 2.4 GHz a single side band (SSB) noise figure of 13.9 dB, a voltage gain of 11.9 dB and an IIP3 of -3 dBm are measured at a supply voltage of 1 V and with a power consumption of only 3.2 mW. At a supply voltage of 1.8 V, an SSB noise figure of 12.9 dB, a voltage gain of 16 dB and an IIP3 of 1 dBm are measured at a power consumption of 8.1 mW
The Association Between Serum Level of Vitamin D and Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women Evaluated During 2011 - 2016

Background: The significant role of vitamin D in bacterial infections through induction of cathelicidin, as an antimicrobial protein, has been clearly addressed in the literature. Previous studies have demonstrated that women taking vitamin D supplements are more likely to produce cathelicidin, compared to the controls. Vitamin D could play a protective role against asymptomatic bacteriuria and urinary tract infections. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D level and asymptomatic bacteriuria in preand postmenopausal women. Methods: This case-control study was performed during 6 years (2011 2016) in Tehran, Iran. A total of 65 preand postmenopausal women with asymptomatic bacteriuria were enrolled in the study. The serum level of vitamin D was measured in cases with asymptomatic bacteriuria and compared with 65 age-matched women with no asymptomatic bacteriuria (control group). Results: The serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was significantly lower in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria, compared to women without asymptomatic bacteriuria. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that serum vitamin D level was significantly associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria in both preand postmenopausal women. These results underscore the importance of understanding the nonskeletal function of vitamin D, particularly its immunomodulatory effects on the prevention of infectious diseases. However, further prospective studies with a larger sample size are required to substantiate the available evidence.
Pore-Size and Water Activity Effects on Survival of Rhizobium tropici inBiochar Inoculant Carriers

Research examining biochar (pyrolyzed biomass) as a microbial inoculant carrier may enable broader use of inoculant microbes and elucidate relationships between non-spore forming bacteria, such as rhizobia, and their microhabitats in carriers and soils. We tested 32 biochars as habitat for Rhizobium tropici (CIAT 899) to quantify the effects of pore size distribution, chemical characteristics and clay addition on bacterial abundance, in both in sixmonth storage incubations at 27°C, and under drying conditions. Pressure plate measurements and micrographic analysis yielded correlated estimates of mean macropore (0.3-30 μm) size in the different biochar carriers (r=0.80, p<0.0001). Macropore size was assigned to the first principal component of variation in biochar properties, along with mineral content derived from plant feedstocks. Under moist storage conditions, a number of biochars were equivalent to peat as microbial carriers. Rhizobium tropici abundance in these storage incubations exhibited a quadratic dependence on biochar pore size (p<0.001) with maximal abundance at a macropore size of 13.6 μm (pressure plate) or 10.1 μm (micrographs). Abundance was lower for biochars with higher ASTM volatile content (p<0.001) and was increased by plant feedstock derived mineral content in the biochars (p<0.01). Goethite and Montmorillonite additions to biochar before pyrolysis increased macropores of size <0.3 μm. Added Goethite reduced bacterial survival, while montmorillonite increased R. tropici abundance in a large-pored pine biochar by 10 times (p<0.05), and improved its survival between two and 11 times (p<0.001) in four biochars after drying for 10 days. We conclude that optimizing pore size distribution and chemical properties of biochars is a promising strategy to produce carrier materials that are as effective as mined irradiated peat for non-spore forming bacteria such as R. tropici.
Transfer of Potentially Toxic Metals from Soil to Crops Cultivated on Irrigated Farmlands along River Delimi in Jos, Nigeria

Soils are known to have many important functions. However, the most appreciated is their ability to support the growth of plants. The soil's natural cycles ensure the provision of adequate physical, chemical and biological medium for crop production. Farmers therefore have acquired the skills in managing soils so that certain essential elements (if need be) can be added to the natural cycles to enhance the soil quality and increase crop production. Consequently, soils have been cultivatedfor centuries to produce increasing amounts of food to keep pace with the needs of the ever increasing human population. The ability of the soil to serve as a growth medium for crop production is however hampered by the accumulation of excess amount of pollutants such as heavy metals.
Identification and Localization of Two Hydroxysteroid Sulfotransferases in the Human Brain

Hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase (SULT2) is thought to be a key enzyme in the synthesis of neurosteroid sulfates, which are known to act as potent regulators of neuronal activity within the brain. We detected two SULT2 mRNAs (SULT2A1 and SULT2B1b) in the human brain. We isolated their cDNAs, and determined the location of their expression in the brain by Northern blot hybridization. Exclusive SULT2A1 expression was detected in the thalamus and hypothalamus, whereas SULT2B1b expression was detected throughout the brain in varying amounts, reaching levels two to three times greater in some regions than in others. These findings further our understanding of the physiological role of SULT2 enzymes within the human brain, particularly how they affect neurosteroid metabolism, and thus, modulate neuronal activity within the brain.
Statistical performance of control charts with variable parameters for autocorrelated processes

Chemical process and automation of data collection for industrial processes are known to result in auto-correlated data. The independence of observations is a basic assumption made by traditional tools that are used for the statistical monitoring of processes. If this is not adhered to then the number of false alarms and quality costs are increased. This research considers the use of variable parameters (VP) charts in the presence of autocorrelation. The objective is to determine the impact on the detection velocity and false alarms of different degrees of autocorrelation and their interaction with process conditions—the aim being to effectively select parameters. The VP chart showed improvements in its performance when detecting large average runs as the autocorrelation coefficient increased in contrast with the traditional variable sample interval (VSI) and x quality systems. This research demonstrates the superiority of variable parameters quality monitoring architectures over traditional statistical process monitoring tools.
Determinants Of Bank Profitability: Evidence From The Greek Banking Sector

This paper investigates the effects of bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants of bank profitability, using an empirical framework that incorporates the traditional Structure-ConductPerformance (SCP) hypothesis. A panel data approach has been adopted and effectively applied to six Greek banks. The evidence generated suggests that for any consistent or systematic size the profitability relationship is relatively weak. Most of the bank-specific determinants were found to significantly affect bank profitability. A more ambiguous picture emerged when the macroeconomic factors were considered.
Characterization of a High-Frequency Pulsed-Plasma Jet Actuator for Supersonic Flow Control

thepulsed-plasmajet,thejetisinjectednormallyintoaMach3crossflowandthepenetrationdistanceismeasuredby using schlieren imaging. These measurements show that the jet penetrates 1.5 boundary-layer thicknesses into the crossflow andthe jet-to-crossflowmomentum fluxratioisestimated to be0.6. Aseries of experiments wasconducted to determine the characteristics of the pulsed-plasma jet issuing into stagnant air at a pressure of 35 torr. These resultsshowthattypicaljetvelocitiesofabout250 m=scanbeinducedwithdischargeenergiesofabout30mJperjet. Furthermore, the maximum pulsing frequency was found to be about 5 kHz, because above this frequency the jet beginstomisfire.Themisfiringappearstobeduetothe finitetimeittakesforthecavitytoberechargedwithambient air between discharge pulses. The velocity at the exit of the jet is found to be primarily dependent on the discharge current and independent of other discharge parameters such as cavity volume and orifice diameter. Temperature measurementsaremadeusingopticalemissionspectroscopyandrevealthepresenceofconsiderablenonequilibrium between rotational and vibrational modes. The gas heating efficiency was found to be 10% and this parameter is shown to have a direct effect on the plasma jet velocity. These results indicate that the pulsed-plasma jet creates a sufficiently strong flow perturbation that holds great promise as a supersonic flow actuator.
Molecular Versus Morphological Approaches to Systematics

In the past two decades, molecular investigations of systematic problems have progressed from uncommon curiosities to a standard means of elucidating phylogenetic history. This relatively sudden rise of biochemical systematics has precipitated predictable debates between the traditional morphological and the new molecular camps. Despite warnings about potential pitfalls of each approach by proponents of the other, few attempts have been made to examine the degrees of conflict and consensus between these techniques over the large and rapidly accumulating myriad of comparative studies. A primary objective of phylogenetic studies is to reconstruct the evolutionary history of a group of organisms. Because the organisms under study have a single history, systematic studies of any set of genetically determined characters should be congruent with other such studies based on different sets of characters in the same organisms. Congruence between studies is strong evidence that the underlying historical pattern has been discovered; conflict may indicate theoretical or procedural problems in one or both analyses, or it may indicate that additional data are needed to resolve the phylogenetic relationships in question. In this review, I first outline the advantages of both morphological and molecular approaches to systematics. I then discuss some common differences in assumptions and methods of analysis that can lead to spurious conflict between studies, especially those concerning phylogenetic reconstruction. A major impediment in comparing the two approaches is that
Sequential Learning in a Chinese Spin-Off: The Case of Lenovo Group Limited

This paper analyzes the learning process and sequential capabilities development in Lenovo, China's most successful PC manufacturer, which originated as a spin-off from a government-supported research institute. The case study reveals this firm's evolutionary, path-dependent and stage-wise progress from initial sales, distribution and service activities to manufacturing, product and process design and, finally developmental R&D. The study shows the interaction among the firm's changing environment, its competitive strategy, and its set of resources and capabilities. The case has implications for research on such organizations, as well as implications for management.
Gender and glycaemia: Insulin sensitivity and secretion in premature neonates

Abstract The inability to regulate blood glucose concentration (BG) is a common complication of prematurity and stress in neonatal intensive care, particularly in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. Model-based glycaemic control requires quantification of glucose and insulin appearance, clearance, and action. In the VLBW neonates plasma insulin concentration is often used to reflect insulin secretion due to sampling limitations. In this study, C-peptide concentrations are used to more accurately analyse insulin secretion in a VLBW neonatal cohort, and a comparison of insulin secretion and sensitivity is made between male and female sub cohorts. The retrospective analysis is made of a cohort comprises 88 extremely pre-term (median age 26 [25–27] weeks) and very low birth-weight infants (median birth weight 793 [691-901 g]). In 41 of the infants, C-Peptide plasma concentrations were used in conjunction with C-peptide models to estimate insulin secretion. Time varying model-based insulin sensitivity values are also fit across dense clinical data from the entire 88 patients. Female infants had higher insulin secretion than males (P
EVALUATION OF PROCALCITONIN, VITAMIN D AND C-REACTIVE PROTEIN LEVELS IN SEPTIC PATIENTS WITH POSITIVE EMOCOLTURES. OUR PRELIMINARY EXPERIENCE

FRANCESCA DI SERIO*, ROBERTO LOVERO*, DONATO D’AGOSTINO**, LUCIA NISI*, GIUSEPPE MIRAGLIOTTA***, RENATO CONTINO*, ADRIAN MAN****, MARCO MATTEO CICCONE*****, LUIGI SANTACROCE****** *Clinical Pathology Service, University Hospital “Policlinico”, Bari, Italy **Dept. of Emergency and Organ Transplantations, Sect. of Cardiac Surgery, University of Bari, Italy ***Interdisciplinary Dept. of Medicine. Sect. of Microbiology and Virology, University of Bari, Italy ****Microbiology Lab. , University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tirgu Mures, Tirgu Mures, Romania *****Dept. of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Sect. of Cardiology, University of Bar, Italy ******Ionian Dept. & Microbiology and Virology Service, University of Bari, Italy
Learning a Discriminative Filter Bank Within a CNN for Fine-Grained Recognition

Compared to earlier multistage frameworks using CNN features, recent end-to-end deep approaches for fine-grained recognition essentially enhance the mid-level learning capability of CNNs. Previous approaches achieve this by introducing an auxiliary network to infuse localization information into the main classification network, or a sophisticated feature encoding method to capture higher order feature statistics. We show that mid-level representation learning can be enhanced within the CNN framework, by learning a bank of convolutional filters that capture class-specific discriminative patches without extra part or bounding box annotations. Such a filter bank is well structured, properly initialized and discriminatively learned through a novel asymmetric multi-stream architecture with convolutional filter supervision and a non-random layer initialization. Experimental results show that our approach achieves state-of-the-art on three publicly available fine-grained recognition datasets (CUB-200-2011, Stanford Cars and FGVC-Aircraft). Ablation studies and visualizations are provided to understand our approach.
ENSO influence on zonal mean temperature and ozone in the tropical lower stratosphere

Analyses of a whole atmosphere chemistry‐climate model simulation forced by historical sea‐surface temperature variations show that tropospheric El Nino – Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events are linked to coherent variations of zonal mean temperature and ozone in the tropical lower stratosphere, tied to fluctuations in tropical upwelling. ENSO temperature variations in the lower stratosphere are out of phase with tropospheric variations, and stratospheric ozone and temperatures are in phase. These model results motivated revisiting observational data sets for both temperature and ozone, and the observational data reveal coherent signals in the tropical stratosphere, very similar to the model results. The stratospheric ENSO variability has been masked in the observational data to some degree by the volcanic eruptions of El Chichon (1982) and Pinatubo (1991), which both occurred during ENSO warm events. The coherent temperature and ozone signals are evidence that ENSO modulates upwelling in the tropical lower stratosphere.
Vocational Identity Trajectories: Differences in Personality and Development of Well–Being

This person–centred study investigated the longitudinal patterns of vocational identity development in relation to personality, the development of well–being, gender, nationality and the attended school track among two cohorts of Swiss adolescents in 8th or 9th grade (N = 269) and in 11th or 12th grade (N = 230). The results confirmed the existence of four identity statuses, namely, achievement, foreclosure, moratorium and diffusion. Forty–two per cent of students showed progressive patterns of identity development, while 37% remained in their identity status over time. Students with different statuses and status change patterns differed significantly in their personality traits. Higher neuroticism related to the emergence of identity exploration over time, while conscientiousness related to maintaining or achieving a sense of identity commitment in terms of achievement or foreclosure. Controlling for the effects of socio–demographics and personality traits, students who reached or maintained a state characterized by identity clarity and commitment showed a relative increase in life satisfaction, while those entering a state of identity crisis or exploration showed a decrease in life satisfaction. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.