Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ovicidal Activity of Entomopathogenic Hyphomycetes on Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract The ovicidal activity of 21 hyphomycete fungi species against Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) was tested. Fungi with ovicidal activity developed on high numbers of eggs (≥70%) during 25 d of exposure. A clear ovicidal activity with low values of hatch (1.3–40%) was observed after 25 d of incubation with Isaria farinosa (Holm: Fries) Fries, Paecilomyces carneus (Duché & Heim) Brown & Smith, Paecilomyces marquandii (Massee) Hughes, Isaria fumosorosea (Wize), Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin, Penicillium sp. , Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, and Evlachovaea kintrischica Borisov & Tarasov. More than 63% of eggs hatched after 25-d exposures to 11 other fungi species deemed as ineffective. These are the first results to show the effects of entomopathogenic fungi against eggs of Ae. aegypti, and they suggest their potential as control agents of this vector.
Predictive value of absolute CD4 cell count for disease progression in untreated HIV-1-infected children

Objectives:To describe the relationship between absolute CD4 cell count and the short-term risk of disease progression in HIV-1-infected children. Design:A meta-analysis of individual longitudinal data on HIV-1-infected children enrolled in trials and cohort studies in Europe and the USA. Methods:The risks of progression to death and AIDS (or death) within 12 months, in terms of age and the most recent CD4 cell count, were estimated using parametric survival models. The analysis was restricted to measurements before the start of antiretroviral therapy except zidovudine monotherapy. The values of the absolute CD4 cell count and percentage predicting selected levels of disease progression risk were determined from this and previous models. Results:A total of 566 deaths was observed over 9128 person-years of follow-up, and 992 children progressed to AIDS or death over 7309 person-years of follow-up. In children older than 4 or 5 years, the estimated risk of disease progression increased sharply when the CD4 cell count fell below 200–300 cells/μl. As with other immunological markers, CD4 cell count was less prognostic in younger children. The CD4 cell count values predicting a 12-month risk of death of 2–5% and of AIDS of 5–10% were much more strongly influenced by age than equivalent CD4 cell percentage values. Conclusion:This study suggests it may be appropriate to extend CD4 cell count criteria for initiating antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1-infected adults to children as young as 4 or 5 years. Monitoring by CD4 cell count in younger children is problematical because age is a highly influential variable.
Viability and MR detectability of iron labeled mesenchymal stem cells used for endoscopic injection into the porcine urethral sphincter

Direct stem cell therapies for functionally impaired tissue require a sufficient number of cells in the target region and a method for verifying the fate of the cells in the subsequent time course. In vivo MRI of iron labeled mesenchymal stem cells has been suggested to comply with these requirements. The study was conducted to evaluate proliferation, migration, differentiation and adhesion effects as well as the obtained iron load of an iron labeling strategy for mesenchymal stem cells. After injection into the porcine urethral sphincter, the labeled cells were monitored for up to six months using MRI.
Feasibility and cost analysis of implementing high intensity aphasia clinics within a sub-acute setting

Abstract The current study explored the clinical feasibility and costs of embedding three different intensive service delivery models for aphasia treatment (computer, group therapy, and therapy with a speech pathology therapy assistant) within three sub-acute facilities. The study employed a two cohort comparison design, with the first cohort (n = 22) receiving the standard service of treatment currently offered. This treatment was delivered by a speech-language pathologist and involved on average 3 hours of treatment/week over 8 weeks. Participants in the second cohort (n = 31) received one of the three intensive treatment models providing up to 9 hours of therapy/week for 11 weeks. Organizational data was collected throughout treatment, with participant, caregiver, and clinician satisfaction with the intensive models also being measured. Participants completed the spoken language production sub-tests and the Disability Questionnaire of the Comprehensive Aphasia Test (CAT) pre- and post-treatment. All intensive models yielded high participant attendance, satisfaction, and significant improvements to the CAT sub-tests. The pro-rata cost of providing treatment per hour per client for the computer and group therapy models was found to be ˜ 30% cheaper compared to the standard service. The outcomes support the potential feasibility of embedding the different models into sub-acute facilities to enhance client access to intensive treatment for aphasia.
Assesing Performance of Moving Average Investment Timing Strategy Over the UK Stock Market

Predicting stock returns, despite being complicated, has always been of interest to investors, financial analysts, academicians and policy makers. The finance theory, broadly, follows two approaches, namely fundamental and technical analyzes, in order to forecast future prices. Fundamental analysis uses variables related to intrinsic properties of the stock to estimate price, or value. In contrast, technical analysis utilizes historical data on prices (or other information) to drive signals about future prices. Despite its practical usage, profitability of technical analysis remains questionable. While prior studies apply technical analysis, especially moving average, on US stocks, this study follows the methodology adopted by Han, Yang and Zhou (2013) to assess the performance of moving average technical analysis on UK stock market. The study uses daily data on UK-DS Market-PRICE INDEX, 1-Month T-Bill rate, and all stocks listed on London Stock Exchange, United Kingdom (UK). Data has been downloaded from Thomson Reuters's DataStream over a period of more than sixteen years from December 31, 1999 to February 29, 2016. Data on risk free rate and market index do not have any missing values. However, stock prices do include missing values; we replace all of them by not available (NA). We apply moving average investment timing strategy to five quantile portfolios sorted by volatility and compare their performance with respective buy-and-hold portfolios. We also asses risk adjusted returns of quantile portfolios using CAPM. For robustness check, we test the strategy for alternative lag lengths, random switching, and breakeven transactions costs. The results suggest that MA strategy substantially outperforms buy-and-hold strategy in UK stock market by producing significantly higher average returns and risk adjusted returns, lower standard deviations, higher Sharpe ratios, and reasonable success ratios. Results are quite robust to most of the lag lengths and quantiles. However, random switching strategy does not produce significant results in this case. We test MA strategy for various lag lengths; the strategy based on 10-day lag length performs the best. This indicates that signals generated from closer history provide better proxy for future trading. Finally, although breakeven transaction costs are considerably larger than actual transaction costs in UK, other variables measuring trading behaviour under MA strategy provide mixed results when seen in relation to volatility. The Uk stock market is weak from the efficiency empirically proved through this study, then the investors should be able to exploit predictable patterns of share returns in order to earn excess returns on a regular basis. There is reasonable degree of predictability in their security returns.
Theoretical study of fcc-metal/MgO(110) interfacial potentials

Most studies on metal/MgO interfaces have focused on the metal/MgO(001) and metal/MgO(111) interfaces, but few studies have discussed the metal/MgO(110) interface. In this work, an appropriate inversion formula is deduced specifically for fcc-metal/MgO(110) (metal = Al, Ni, Pd, Cu, Ag, Au) interfaces. The required interatomic potentials across the interface are extracted from ab initio adhesive energy calculations by using a generalized Möbius inversion method. The differences between the metal/MgO(110) and metal/MgO(001) systems are discussed in detail. In addition, we use all relevant potentials to investigate the fracture processes for both Pd(001)/MgO(001) and Pd(110)/MgO(110) interfaces including the oxygen vacancies. The results suggest that the fractures occur between the first and second monolayer of the Pd slab for Pd(110)/MgO(110) and right at the interface for Pd(001)/MgO(001).
Agglomeration economies’ influence on logistics clusters’ growth and competitiveness

ABSTRACT Agglomeration economies’ influence on logistics clusters’ growth and competitiveness. Regional Studies. This study identifies logistics clusters and explores their effect on establishment and employment growth to extrapolate the presence of competitiveness-enhancing agglomeration economies in clusters. The study uses a US ZIP code-level dataset to enhance past research by increasing spatial precision and statistically controlling for related variables. There is some evidence of disproportionate growth in the number of logistics establishments in clusters due to highly localized agglomeration economies, which appear to degrade quickly over space. However, the results are mixed, calling for research into the mechanisms purported to produce agglomeration economies in logistics clusters.
The Epidemiology of Neuromuscular Disorders: A Comprehensive Overview of the Literature.

BACKGROUND In 1991, the first world survey of neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) was published in the peer reviewed literature. Since then, diagnostics have been greatly improved through genetic confirmation and consensus on criteria. This prompted us to search the scientific literature since 1990 for the epidemiology of NMDs. OBJECTIVES To study occurrence rates, gender and age distribution. METHODS Pubmed was searched for 'epidemiology', 'incidence' and 'prevalence' regarding thirty NMDs for peer reviewed literature from 1990-2014. RESULTS We found incidence rates for ten disorders, ranging from 0.05 to 9 per 100,000/yr. Most NMDs showed prevalence rates between 1 and 10 per 100,000 population, except for multifocal motor neuropathy, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, Emery-Dreifuss dystrophy, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, and congenital muscular dystrophies, which were <1/100,000. Post-polio syndrome and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease revealed prevalences >10/100,000. Information regarding incidence, prevalence, age distribution and gender was complete for eight disorders. No data were found for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, neuralgic amyotrophy, progressive spinal muscular atrophy, McArdle's and Pompe's disease. For the 17 remaining disorders, information was partially available. CONCLUSIONS Compared to 1991, prevalence rates of Becker muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease showed increase, yet with highly overlapping ranges with the exception of myotonic dystrophy. The sum of the available prevalence rates comprises only the tip of the iceberg, but is already in range with the prevalence of Parkinson's disease. Although individual NMDs are rare, as a group they are not.
Corporate social responsibility and firm’s performance: empirical evidence

Purpose - The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has emerged over the past 30 years to occupy a significant role in certain aspects of the organizational theory. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of CSR and firm’s operational competitive performance in terms of cost, quality, flexibility and delivery, as well as the overall performance, from a developing country’s environment. Design/methodology/approach - Structural equation modeling was used to study the relationship between CSR, competitive operational capabilities and the overall organizational performance using a survey of informants. Findings - Using data from firms in Ghana, the work demonstrates that CSR initiative by firms will have a positive relationship with firm’s operational competitive performance in terms of cost, quality, flexibility and delivery performance, as well as overall performance. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that competitive operational capabilities in terms of cost and flexibility will lead to firms’ overall performance from the Ghanaian business environment, whereas delivery and quality seems to have no positive effect on overall performance. Research limitations/implications - The results indicate the relevance and the implications of CSR initiatives on firms’ performance in a developing country such as Ghana. Specifically, the results indicate that when organizations invest in CSR initiatives, they are likely to achieve cost reductions, improved quality, flexibility, improved delivery and overall performance. Practical implications - The research shows how CSR initiatives can enhance firm’s operational competitive performance and overall performance. Originality/value - The work illustrates and provides some insights and builds on the literature in the area of CSR in a developing country’s environment.
Record Linkage Strategies

Abstract Record linkage techniques can help identify the same patient for matching diverse files (hospital discharge abstracts, insurance claims, registries, Vital Statistics data) which contain similar identifiers. Prior knowledge of whether a linkage is feasible is important to prevent wasted effort (additional data collection or data manipulation), which decreases the cost-effectiveness of the linkage. Using examples generated by linking the Manitoba Health Services Commission data with Vital Statistics files, a method of estimating the information in each data set is presented first. Further, the feasibility of several different record linkage strategies is described and tested, given varying amounts of information. At the margin, relatively small amounts of information (having just one more variable to match with) can make a great difference. Probabilistic linkage’s great advantage was found in those situations where only a moderate amount of extra information was available. By using the above techniques when working with one or both files in a proposed record linkage project, a much more informed judgement can now be made as to whether a linkage will or will not work. In facilitating record linkage, flexibility of both software and the strategy for matching is very important.
Patient and disease related factors associated with lost-to follow-up/drop-outs of cervical cancer patients: a study at a Major Cancer Hospital in South India.

OBJECTIVE Cervical cancer is the one of most common cancer in India, and a significant proportion of patients do not complete the prescribed courses of treatment and post therapy surveillance, due to deficiencies in treatment availability, accessibility, affordability and other socio-demographic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cervical cancer patient data for the year 2006-2007 were collected during June-August, 2008 from the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India and investigated for socio-economic, demographic and disease (SEDD) related factors impacting patients to drop-out during treatment and patients to loss to follow-up (LFU) post therapy. Odds ratio (OR) for drop-out and LFU and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) according to SEDD factors were estimated through logistic regression model. RESULTS Among a total of 784 patients, 94 (12%) did not complete the initially planned treatment and among 690 cases who had completed the initially planned treatment, 34% were lost to follow up (LFU). In the multivariate analysis, higher chances of LFU for older patients (OR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-3.1), widowed/divorced/separated/unmarried (OR=1.5; 95%CI: 1.0-2.1), middle school education (OR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.0-3.1), poorer performance status (OR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.2-5.0) and in higher stages (OR= 4.6; 95% CI: 2.1- 10.3). Higher chances of drop-outs were noted for patients with medium income (OR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.0-4.1), higher stages (OR=4.8; 95% CI: 1.9-12.2) and ischemic heart disease (OR=3.4; 95% CI: 1.1-10.9). CONCLUSION Drop-out rates are associated with disease related factors and patients in the LFU group were affected mainly by SEDD factors. Physicians should be aware of patients' different needs in these two different phases, thus improving the retention rate in the near future of cancer treatment.
A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROMOTIONAL STRATEGIES DESIGNED TO INCREASE PARTICIPATION IN WOMEN’S FOOTBALL: A FOCUS UPON ENGLAND AND WALES

To include: collation of information and ideas and evaluation of those ideas relative to the extant literature/concept/theory and research question/problem; adoption of a personal position on the study by linking and combining different elements of the data reported; discussion of the real-life impact of your research findings for coaches and/or practitioners (i.e. practical implications); discussion of the limitations and a critical reflection of the approach/process adopted; and indication of potential improvements and future developments building on the study; and a conclusion which summarises the relationship between the research question and the major findings.
Paired helical filaments (PHFs) are a family of single filament structures with a common helical turn period: Negatively stained PHF imaged by TEM and measured before and after sonication, deglycosylation, and dephosphorylation

Isolated paired helical filaments (PHFs) were visualized on glutaraldehyde vapor‐treated thin ∼10‐nm thick indirect carbon films using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the negative stain, phosphotungstate acid (PTA) at near neutral pH of 6.8. PHF preparations were prepared with and without 1 minute of sonication. These same PHF were also deglycosylated with endoglycosidase F/N‐glycosidase F for 1 hour or the PHF were dephosphorylated with PP‐2A for 1 hour. The negatively stained PHF filaments were quantitatively studied by measuring their wide regions (W) their thin regions (T) and their helical turn period (L) and these separate parameters were averaged for each filament. In the unsonicated PHF preparation there were PHF, cylindrical filaments with periodic thin regions (CF‐PT), cylindrical filaments (CF), as well as 2.0‐nm tau polymer‐like filaments. The CF‐PT were characterized by W, T, and L measurements and the CF were characterized by diameter measurements. The paired helical filament model proposed by Kidd ( 1963 , Nature 197:192–193) of two ∼10 nm filaments twisting around each other every ∼80 nm with a thin region of 10 nm and a wide region of 25 nm does not correspond to the PHF structures found. None of the PHF we observed were composed of a pair of filaments and all of the PHF appear to be a single filament. The wide regions ranged from 12.5–27 nm and the thin regions ranged from 4.5–12.3 nm. The helical turn periods ranged from 76–85 nm and were generally about 80 nm. Only the helical turn period of ∼80 nm was a common property of the whole family of PHF structures. The CF‐PT appear to be a PHF precursor filament. Deglycosylation of the PHF and CF‐PT reduced their sizes by 0.5–0.6 nm and 0.7–1.0 nm, respectively, and the right‐hand helicity of the PHF was lost after deglycosylation. Dephosphorylation with PP‐2A reduced the PHF wide regions by 6.0 nm and the thin regions by 2.6 nm. Microsc. Res. Tech. 67:175–195, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficacy and Safety of Ologen Implant Versus Mitomycin C in Primary Trabeculectomy: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Purpose:To assess the efficacy and safety of trabeculectomy with Ologen implant versus trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) for treatment of glaucoma. Patients and Methods:Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials. The outcome measures of efficacy were intraocular pressure and glaucoma medications reductions, and success rate. Safety estimates were measured by relative ratio for complications. Results:A total of 6 studies including 224 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Ologen implant was associated with a numerically lower but nonsignificant percentage reduction in IOP compared with MMC. The pooled absolute IOP decreases from baseline (95% confidence interval) were: 13.28 mm Hg (11.33-15.23 mm Hg) versus 15.8 mm Hg (13.21-18.38 mm Hg) at 1 month; 12.95 mm Hg (11.45-14.44 mm Hg) versus 13.87 mm Hg (11.77-15.97 mm Hg) at 3 months; 11.44 mm Hg (8.77-14.11 mm Hg) versus 13.34 mm Hg (11.48-15.20 mm Hg) at 6 months; 10.05 mm Hg (7.14-12.96 mm Hg) versus 11.59 mm Hg (10.27-12.91 mm Hg) at 12 months; and 12.17 mm Hg (8.88-15.47 mm Hg) versus 10.64 mm Hg (8.15-13.12 mm Hg) at 24 months for Ologen implant versus MMC, respectively. There was no significant difference in the reduction in glaucoma medications, success rate, and incidence of complications. Conclusions:Trabeculectomy with an Ologen implant is comparable to the use of MMC with a similar long-term success rate. However, it does not seem to offer significant advantages of avoiding the potential complications related to MMC.
A soft-core processor array for relational operators

Despite the performance and power efficiency gains achieved by FPGAs for text analytics queries, analysis shows a low utilization of the custom hardware operator modules. Furthermore the long synthesis times limit the accelerator's use in enterprise systems to static queries. To overcome these limitations we propose the use of an overlay architecture to share area resources among multiple operators and reduce compilation times. In this paper we present a novel soft-core architecture tailored to efficiently perform relational operations of text analytics queries on multiple virtual streams. It combines the ability to perform efficient streaming based operations while adding the flexibility of an instruction programmable core. It is used as a processing element in an array of cores to execute large query graphs and has access to shared co-processors to perform string-and context-based operations. We evaluate the core architecture in terms of area and performance compared to the custom hardware modules, and show how a minimum number of cores can be calculated to avoid stalling the document processing.