Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Water Disinfection By-products and the Risk of Congenital Anomalies in Kaunas

There is growing evidence from epidemiological studies that maternal exposure to increased drinking water chlorination with by-products – trihalometane (THM) may be associated with congenital anomalies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of maternal exposure during pregnancy to individual THM internal dose effect on the risk of congenital anomalies. We conducted a population-based prospective study of 3074 Kaunas residents births in 2007–2009, using THM exposure estimated as internal dose. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis and compared the risk of any congenital anomalies in four exposure categories of THM internal dose quartiles. In addition, we conducted a linear regression models analysis with adjustment for maternal physiology, lifestyle and sociodemographic characteristics. Effect estimates based on total THMs and chloroform quartiles tended to increase congenital anomalies risk, but there was no statistically significant effect. However, we found dose–response relationships for the bromodichloromethane (BDCM) internal dose and risk for any congenital anomalies. The adjusted odds ratio for fourth quartile vs. first quartile was 1.5, 95% CI 1.00 – 2.55. The OR per every 0.01 μg/d increase in BDCM internal dose was 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.07. Effect estimates associated with dibromochloromethane (DBCM) exposure levels also revealed statistically significant association with the congenital anomalies risk (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.02-1.48). The present study suggests that prenatal exposure to total THM has tendency to increase the risk of any congenital anomalies, while exposure to BDCM and DBCM statistically represents a significant increase in the risk of any congenital anomaly. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.erem. 61.3. 1147
Involvement of etfA gene during CaCO3 precipitation in Bacillus subtilis biofilm

ABSTRACT The eftA gene in Bacillus subtilis has been suggested to be involved in the oxidation/reduction reactions during fatty acid metabolism. Interestingly etfA deletion in B. subtilis results in impairment in CaCO3 precipitation on the biofilm. Comparisons between the wild type B. subtilis 168 and its etfA mutant during in vitro CaCO3 crystal precipitation (calcite) revealed changes in phospholipids membrane composition with accumulation of up to 10% of anteiso-C17:0 and 11% iso-C17:0 long fatty acids. Ca2+ nucleation sites such as dipicolinic acid and teichoic acids seem to contribute to the CaCO3 precipitation. etfA mutant strain showed up to 40% less dipicolinic acid accumulation compared with B. subtilis 168, while a B. subtilis mutant impaired in teichoic acids synthesis was unable to precipitate CaCO3. In addition, B. subtilis etfA mutant exhibited acidity production leading to atypical flagella formation and inducing extensive lateral growth on the biofilm when grown on 1.4% agar. From the ecological point of view, this study shows a number of physiological aspects that are involved in CaCO3 organomineralization on biofilms.
On the Importance of Sales for Aggregate Price Flexibility

Macroeconomists have traditionally ignored the behavior of temporary price markdowns (“sales”) by retailers. Although sales are common in the micro price data, they are assumed to be unrelated to macroeconomic phenomena and generally filtered out. We challenge this view. First, using the 1996–2012 data set of the U.K. CPI monthly price quotes, we document a roughly twofold increase in the frequency of sales during the Great Recession. We also present evidence of countercyclical sales in the United States. Second, we build a New Keynesian macroeconomic model in which temporary sales arise as a pricing mechanism that allows retailers to price discriminate across consumers with different opportunity costs of time. In line with our empirical evidence, the model predicts that firms react to macroeconomic shocks by varying the frequency of sales. In response to a monetary contraction, firms facing costs of decreasing regular prices post more sales, and households spend more time looking for sales. The resulting fall in the aggregate price level can be significantly larger than if sales were ignored. When the model is calibrated to match the behavior of sales in the data, it implies that the sales margin leads to a much smaller response of real consumption to monetary shocks.
Searching for Growth Engine: For the Firms Belonging to the Chaebol in the Korean Capital Markets

This study examined one of the contemporary issues that may be interesting to academics and practitioners regarding the driving force of the growth rate for the firms belonging to the chaebols in the Korean capital markets. With respect to the empirical results obtained from two hypothesis tests, the first hypothesis was to identify any financial determinants on the growth rate by applying both dynamic panel data and static panel data models. The debt ratios relevant to the book- and market-value showed their positive relationships with the DV of GROWTH1, along with other significant IDVs such as one-period lagged DV of GROWTH_1, SIZE1 and FOS with statistical significance. Second, by employing conditional quantile regression (CQR) analysis, the control variables, such as ROA, SMARKET, time dummy variable of F2010 and F2011, and the industry dummies of IND3 and IND10, provided evidence of their significant influences on DV of GROWTH1.
SOME STUDIES ON DYEING PROPERTIES OF COTTON FABRICS WITH CROCUS SATIVUS (SAFFRON) (FLOWERS) USING AN ULTRASONIC METHOD

Abstract Cotton fabrics were dyed with natural colouring matter extracted from Crocus sativus (saffron) using a traditional heating method and a power ultrasonic method. Factors affecting the dyeing properties such as pH values, salt concentration, temperature, duration of dyeing bath, and ultrasonic power were studied. Environmentally friendly mordants were used in pre-mordanting, post-mordanting, and simultaneous-mordanting methods. The fastness properties including light, washing, and perspiration of dyed and mordanted fabrics were assessed. Colour strength (K/S) was measured for dyed and dyed mordanted cotton fabrics.
Influence of environmental variability on the growth of Lilac‐crowned Parrot nestlings

Growth rate parameters were analysed for Lilac-crowned Parrot Amazona finschi nestlings in the tropical dry forest of the Reserva de la Biosfera Chamela-Cuixmala, Mexico. Growth rates for psittacine species follow the inverse relation with body mass observed for neotropical landbirds, with larger parrot species exhibiting slower growth rates. There was significant variation between years in size and growth rates of Lilac-crowned Parrot nestlings with nestlings exhibiting slower growth rates in 1996 than in 1997. Food abundance for parrots also varied significantly between years, with greater food availability during the 1997 breeding season than that of 1996. The increased size and growth rates of nestlings in 1997 may have reflected this, and suggests the potential influence of environmental variability on parrot reproduction, particularly in such a markedly seasonal habitat.
The magnetosphere under the radial interplanetary magnetic field: A numerical study

We investigate the magnetosphere under radial interplanetary magnetic fields (IMF) by using global magnetohydrodynamic simulations. The magnetosphere‐ionosphere system falls into an unexpected state under this specific IMF orientation when the solar wind electric field vanishes. The most important features that characterize this state include (1) magnetic reconnections can still occur, which take place at the equatorward of the cusp in one hemisphere, the tailward of the cusp in the other hemisphere, and also in the plasma sheet; (2) significant north‐south asymmetry exists in both magnetosphere and ionosphere; (3) the polar ionosphere mainly presents a weak two‐cell convection pattern, with the polar cap potential valued at ∼30 kV; (4) the whole magnetosphere‐ionosphere system stays in a very quiet state, and the AL index does not exceed −70 nT; and (5) the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability can still be excited at both flanks of the magnetosphere. These results imply the controlling role of the IMF direction between the solar wind and magnetosphere interactions and improve our understanding of the solar wind‐magnetosphere‐ionosphere system.
On the linearity of subjective sleepiness measures

This study investigates the linearity of response mea sures used in r esearch on mechanisms underlying sleepiness -alertness regulation. A major contribution to understanding these mechanisms was provided by Borbely (1982) with the two -process model of sleep regulation. Sleep propensity is influenced by a sleep -dependent factor (Process S or the homeostatic fa ctor) and a sleep -independent factor (Process C or the circadian factor). Pro cess S represents an alleged drive for sleep that increases exponentially du ring wakefulness and declines during sleep. Process C represents the vari ation of sleep propensity during approximately 24 hrs due to a biological circ adian oscillator. Borbely’s model is widely accepted in sleep research and was found to be useful in predicting cognitive performance and subjective aler tness -sleepiness in field studies (Dijk, Duffy, & Czeisler, 1992; Akerstedt & Folkard, 1994). However, some reservations were formulated concerning the basic assumptions of the model (Achermann, 2004). One of these a ssumptions is that its common constituent Pro cesses S and C are indepe ndently related to one another. Recently, Jewett & Kronauer (1999) i ncluded a non -linear interaction term in a mathematical extension of Bo rbely’s model. Their results showed that the amplitude of the circadian component was low up on awakening, increased gradually during approx imately the first 15 hrs of wakefulness and then re mained quite constant, suggesting an effect of prior sleep duration on the amplitude of the circ adian phase. In a review of the literature on the subject, ho wever, Achermann (2004) que stions some of these results on the basis that the observed non -linear intera ctions may possibly be caused by the use of non -linear m etrics. The present study is an attempt to contribute to this debate by appl ying functional meas urement (FM) methodology (Anderson, 1981, 1982,
Institutions and economic reforms

Recent studies in economic development seek to establish that institutional quality is an important determinant of long-run living standards. Moreover, it appears that property rights institutions are causal for development whereas contracting institutions affect the nature of financial intermediation in the economy. I use these results to explore two questions. If property rights institutions matter for economic growth, can they help explain large-scale reform surprises? The reforms in Western Germany in 1948 are viewed as 'miraculous' whereas those in the early 1990s in the former Soviet transition economies are viewed as disappointing. I argue that the former had a limited task because they only had to restore existing property rights institutions whereas the latter had to create new ones and find new owners for assets. The second question is whether the persistence of variety in contracting institutions across countries that have developed successfully has implications for the design of financial and corporate governance reforms.
Effect of Gypsum Application and Irrigation Intervals on Clay Saline-Sodic Soil Characterization, Rice Water Use Efficiency, Growth, and Yield

Saline-sodic soil is considered as a serious problem which could negatively affect rice water use efficiency, plant growth, and yield. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of gypsum applied before sowing (i.e. gypsum and without gypsum) and irrigation interval treatments applied after anthesis (irrigation every 4, 6, 8 days) on chemical characterizations of clay saline-sodic soil. In addition, the effect of these treatments on rice growth, water use efficiency and related parameters and yield were investigated. A significant higher efficiency in reclamation of clay saline-sodic soil was obtained in terms of reducing SAR, Na + and EC when gypsum was applied and water was added every four or six days intervals in comparison to non-treated soil with gypsum and water added every eight days interval. The highest number of spikelets per panicle, ripened grains percent, grain and straw yields were obtained when rice plants were grown on soil treated with gypsum and irrigated every four and/or six days intervals compared to soil with no gypsum and irrigated every eight days interval. The highest water use efficiency was obtained from rice irrigated every six days interval. In conclusion, it may reduce the hazards of the saline-sodic soil due to application of gypsum which improved soil properties, rice growth and its productivity when plants were irrigated every four or six days intervals. This might be due to the valuable nutrient source of gypsum interns of Ca, which mitigated the toxicity caused by salts in saline soils. Gypsum can also be considered as an effective application for clay saline-sodic soil in the North Delta, Egypt.
Influence of Zn, B and S on the Yield and Quality of Groundnut ( Arachis hypogea L.)

The effect of zinc (Zn), boron (B) and sulphur (S) on the yield and quality of groundnut in a field experiment with three levels of Zn (0, 5, 10 kg Zn ha-1 as Zn-EDTA as basal), two levels of B (0 and 0.25% boric acid as foliar spray) and three levels of S (0, 25, 50 kg S ha-1as CaSO4.2H2O) in a factorial RBD were studied. Basal application of Zn @ 5 and 10 kg ha-1 caused an increase in nut yield by 3.7% and 28.3% respectively over control, whereas, application of S @ 25 and 50 kg ha-1 increased the nut yield by 38.3% and 56.6% respectively over control. Conjoint application of Zn @ 10 kg ha-1 and S @ 50 kg ha-1 caused an increase in nut yield up to 73.4% over the control. Results, therefore, revealed that conjoint effect of S and Zn towards nut yield was more effective than that of B application. Application of Zn, S and B significantly increased their nutrient uptake in nuts. On an average, S, Zn and B uptake by groundnut ranged from 11.4 to 21.0 kg ha-1, 0.14 to 0.40 kg ha-1 and 0.12 to 0.25 kg ha-1, respectively. Integrated mode of application of Zn, B and S showed a positive interaction as yield increase with their uptake in groundnut. Oil content in nuts ranged from 45.3 to 54.4%, while iodine value ranged from 97.8 to 90.5%. Application of S and Zn significantly increased the oil content, while it significantly decreased the iodine value in groundnut. So, application of micronutrients viz. Zn and B as well as S fertilization could be a useful strategy not only to increase the yield but also the quality of groundnut.
Interferon-gamma Release Assays in Childhood Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review

Objective and methods: To evaluate interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) in childhood tuberculosis, a systematic review was conducted by searching MEDLINE. Results: Seventeen relevant articles were included, all using surrogate measures (positive rate in culture-confirmed tuberculosis and negative rate among low-risk subjects) for tuberculosis infection. Only one paper contained data for estimating likelihood ratios for the tuberculin skin test (TST) and IGRA among predominantly BCG-unvaccinated paediatric subjects. The positive and negative likelihood ratios (95% confidence interval) were, respectively, 5.5 (2.3-13.2) and 0.44 (0.28-0.71) for TST with 15 mm cut-off; 74.9 (4.8-1181) and 0.09 (0.03-0.29) for QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-Tube; and 37.1 (5.3-258) and 0.07 (0.02-0.28) for T-SPOT.TB tests. Predictive values varied in different clinical and epidemiological settings. Unlike TST, test performance of IGRA was not affected by BCG vaccination status. Conclusion: TST may still play an important role in targeted contact investigation and clinical management, although IGRA may outperform TST in some settings.
Woody Species Diversity in Oxytenanthera abyssinica Based Homestead Agroforestry Systems of Serako, Northern Ethiopia

In northern Ethiopia, establishment of exclosures and management of remnant protected natural forests to conserve and enhance forest products and services have been practiced for the past three decades. However, empirical data on the effectiveness of lowland bamboo based homestead agroforestry system in rescuing woody species diversity are lacking. The study was assessed the woody species diversity, density and composition of O. abyssinica based homestead agroforestry systems in Serako, Tselemti district. Data were collected from a total of ninety nine farms and plots with 10m*10m area, ninety from less than five year, five to ten years and greater than ten years domestication of O. abyssinica based homesteads and one exclosure with nine plots as comparison were taken. The study revealed that species density, richness and diversity were significantly higher in the exclosure than in the three homesteads (p<0.000). The study showed that a total of 48 tree species in 25 families and 24 tree species in 11 families for the homestead agroforestry systems and exclosure respectively were recorded. Following the age gradient, there was a significant difference in density, richness and diversity between greater than ten and less than five year domesticated O. abyssinica homestead agroforestry systems (p<0.000). This study confirmed that woody species diversity was higher for those households that domesticate O. abyssinica on their homesteads earlier than those households that domesticate later on their homesteads. Oxytenanthera abyssinica was not found in the exclosure, showing a distinct conscious selection for planting in the homesteads as agroforestry system. It is suggested that homestead agroforestry systems are effective for increasing biodiversity and socio-economic contributions to rural households. Keywords: Oxytenanthera abyssinica, woody species diversity, Tselemti
The Proportion of Non-operating Income, and Analysts' Forecasts

The US Senate Committee that investigated the Enron disaster assessed the role of analysts. At issue was whether analysts misled the public by ignoring warning signals that included a high proportion of non-operating income. Non-operating income derives from secondary activities like investments, but operating income is from the primary business activities like manufacturing. While the analysts admitted their limited ability to forecast Enron’s earnings, they denied any intentional deceit and claimed that they were misled by Enron. This study asks whether analysts’ ability to predict earnings is generally negatively associated with the proportion of non-operating income. The rationale is to determine whether the limited ability of analysts to predict earnings for Enron was an isolated incident or a pervasive one that applies to other firms. If pervasive, then another such disaster could occur without a warning from analysts. First, I examine the incentives for firms to resort more to non-operating income rather than focus on Operating income. Then I examine the association between analysts’ forecast attributes and the ratio of nonoperating to operating income. The results show that non-operating income and operating income are negatively associated, suggesting that firms use non-operating income to manage their operating results. Also, analysts’ forecast inaccuracy and dispersion are positively associated with the ratio of non-operating income to operating income. These results imply that analysts are generally inefficient in predicting earnings of firms with a high proportion of non-operating income.
Effect of electronic communication management systems on the success of construction projects in United Arab Emirates

Good communication during all phases of the project lifecycle is an important factor for the project suc-cess; in fact it is the prime factor that connects all of the project success factors together. Often, construction projects suffer from the lack of efficient communication due to many reasons, among which are the enormous versatility of stakeholders during project lifecycle, and the adversary relations which may appear among the construction project parties. This research is investigating the effect of using modern electronic communication management systems on the success of the construction projects in United Arab Emirates, trying to survey the effect on the project success criteria which were identified by the authors for the construction projects in this country. Two case studies, one of them coupled with action research are presented, interviews, surveys document review and progress feedback have been used to collect the evidence, preceded by a literature survey and a brief study to clarify how the communication mechanism works, and how it affects the trust and relations among the project stakeholders and consequently the project success. Some of the results are in agreement with pertinent published literature and research findings, an example of this would be the improvement on schedule and project control. On the other hand, the benefits for quality control during design and construction phases of the project in addition to HSE potential improvement remain debatable. At the same time the current investigation on one of the cases has revealed an organisational transformation trend from functional to-wards matrix and project structures, this kind of change is taking place after the implementation of project electronic communication management system into the client organisation, this transformation has enhanced chances of project success.
30. LIPID GEOCHEMISTRY OF THE CRETACEOUS/TERTIARY BOUNDARY SEDIMENTS, HOLE 577, DEEP SEA DRILLING PROJECT LEG 86

Core samples of calcareous sediments taken from above and below the proposed Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary (Sample 577-12-5, 130 cm) were examined for geochemical evidence of the mass extinctions and faunal successions that marked this period. The lipid compositions of the six core samples examined were virtually identical and were characterized by a large component of unresolved naphthenic hydrocarbons and a homologous series of αn/mo-alkanes, both presumably of bacterial origin. The results of this preliminary study suggest that the lipids of sediments deposited over a several million year period encompassing the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinctions have been almost completely recycled by bacterial metabolism, which occurred under oxic depositional and/or diagenetic conditions and which left a unique bacterial signature with only minor traces of the original sedimentary lipids.
NBOMe Designer Drugs: GC-MS and LC-QTOF/MS Detection on Blotter Paper by Brazilian Federal Police (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil)

The NBOMes are classified as new psychoactive substances and have recently become popular as drugs of abuse, being associated with several intoxication cases and even deaths, leading to its ban in several countries. Until now, the most widely used analytical instrument among forensic laboratories in Brazil is GC-MS. In this study, this instrumentation was employed for routine analyzes of twenty blotter paper seizure by Brazilian Federal Police (BFP) in the southernmost state of the country. However, to acquire more information about these samples, LC-QTOF/MS was used as a supplementary analysis to determinate degradation products, metabolites and unknown compounds. The GC-MS analysis detected only 25B-NBOMe, while the LC-QTOF/MS analysis detected 25B-NBOMe, 2C-B and MDMA. The compounds found in these analyzes are quite different from that found 194 Brazilian Journal of Forensic Sciences, Medical Law and Bioethics 7(3):193-204 (2018) C. A. Y. Wayhs et al. in the national profile of seizures by BFP, suggesting that another rout or supplier act in this region. For research and drug intelligence purposes the use of more versatile, sensitive and specific analytical tool provides a greater number of information that could be employed as a valuable strategy in the drug trafficking combat.