Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical, Demographic Profile and Outcome of Children Admitted in PICU with A Diagnosis of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

Background: To determine profile and outcome of children with severe sepsis and/or septic shock. Material and Methodology: The prospective observational study was done in 47 children with severe sepsis and septic shock admitted in PICU. Demographic data, clinical finding, lactate at admission and lactate clearance and PRISMIII score were recorded. The patients were followed daily, maximum up to 5 days or till death or discharge from PICU. PRISM III was correlated with in-hospital mortality and morbidity. Results: Out of 234 patients admitted 57(24%) had the diagnosis of sepsis.47 patients were included in the study. Male female ratio was 1.76:1.Mean age of patients was 88.79 months. Mean duration of illness was 7.13 days. Pneumonia was the most common diagnosis. Mean length of PICU stay was 160 hours and mortality was 25%. Nonsurvivors didn’t differ from survivors in terms of age, duration of illness, platelet count, lactate at admission and lactate clearance. Survivors differed from non-survivors in terms of PRISM III score (19.77 vs 36.33) with p-value of . 003. PRISMIII had excellent accuracy of death prediction of death with AUC of 0 . 852(95% CI 0.702-0.900) Conclusion: Sepsis remain as leading cause of mortality in PICU.PRISMIII had the excellent prediction of death.
Use of functional traits to identify Australian forage grasses, legumes and shrubs for domestication and use in pastoral areas under a changing climate

Abstract. Considerable uncertainty exists about future climatic predictions but there is little doubt among experts that the future will be warmer. Climate change and the associated elevation in atmospheric CO2 level and temperatures will provide novel challenges and potential opportunities for cultivated plant species. Plant breeding and domestication can contribute to improvements in both yield and quality of native grasses, legumes and forage shrubs. This review explores the use of functional traits to identify native Australian grasses, legumes and forage shrubs suitable for domestication, to meet the challenges and opportunities under a changing climate in pastoral areas in Australia. The potential of these species in terms of life history, regenerative traits, forage quality and quantity, drought tolerance and invasiveness is examined. The paper focuses on three Australian pastoral regions (high-rainfall temperate south, tropical and subtropical grasslands, low-rainfall semi-arid shrublands), in terms of future climate predictions and potential of selected native species to meet these requirements. Selection for adaptation to new climatic environments is challenging but many native species already possess the traits required to cope with the environment under future climate scenarios.
Karyology of Plants Growing on Serpentines in Bulgaria

Abstract The karyotypes of species from genera Aethionema, Thlaspi, Arenaria, Petrorhagia and Silene growing on serpentines in Bulgaria are studied. The chromosome numbers and the karyotype morphology of the serpentine plants are illustrated and compared with data of previously investigated populations of these species growing on non-serpentine terrains. The chromosome number for the newly described species Aethionema rhodopaeum is presented from the second subpopulation. Chromosome data for the species Thlaspi apterum are provided for the first time. First records based on Bulgarian material are given for the following species: Thlaspi ochroleuicum, Arenaria procera ssp. procera, Silene fabarioides, and Silene spergulifolia.
A preliminary exploration of outcome predictors for web-based alcohol self-help programmes 1

There is accumulating evidence for the effectiveness of computer-aided interventions for problematic alcohol consumption. However, the underlying working mechanisms of these interventions remain understudied. We addressed this issue in an explorative regression analysis of outcome predictors for online self-help for problem drinkers. 465 adults (55% Female) participated in this study. We found program adherence, self-regulation abilities and intra-individual change in self-efficacy to be the most important outcome predictors for this intervention. Implications and limitations are discussed. The relevance of a theoretical framework based on self-regulation for online problem drinking interventions is empirically supported.
Projected changes in tropical cyclones over the South West Indian Ocean under different extents of global warming

The Paris Agreement achieved in December 2015 established that the signatory countries should pursue to hold the increase in global average temperature to below 2 °C relative to the preindustrial period and to strive to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C below the preindustrial period. The potential changes in tropical cyclones over the basin making landfall over southern Africa under the key global temperature goals have not been thoroughly investigated. Using the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment-Africa regional climate models, we downscale six global climate models of the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 5 to high resolution. This serves towards studying changes in tropical cyclone tracks over the South West Indian Ocean under different extents of global warming (1.5 °C, 2 °C and 3 °C of warming with respect to pre-industrial conditions). It is projected that the number of tropical cyclones making landfalls over southern Africa under global warming will decrease, with 2 °C being a critical threshold, after which the rate of cyclone frequency with further temperature increases no longer has a diminishing effect. Fewer cyclones may bring benefits and reduce damage to the southern African region. Although a decrease in damages associated with flood events is desirable, general decreases in tropical cyclone and tropical lows may also be associated with decreased rainfall over the Limpopo River basin and southern, central and northern Mozambique (with negative impacts on dryland agriculture).
Corporate Governance Mechanisms Adopted by UAE National Commercial Banks

The purpose of this paper is to enhance understanding of corporate governance (CG) in the banking sector and to explore the existence and practice of corporate governance mechanisms in United Arab Emirates (UAE) national commercial banks. More specifically, the paper is targeted to examine whether the mechanisms forced by the law; Board of Directors, Auditors, Audit Committee and Credit Committee, are used by UAE banks and if the majority of these banks choose independent boards. This descriptive study conducted on all UAE national commercial banks over the year 2014, indicates that most of the corporate governance mechanisms adopted by banks are those imposed by laws and regulations, all banks have a board of directors, an auditor, an audit committee and an executive committee. However, most of these banks have other committees voluntarily created to enhance corporate governance systems in these banks, such as nomination, numeration and risk management committees. The domination of non-executive directors (NEDs) on the board and the lack of board duality reflect that the banks are increasingly adopting a more independent board of directors. Finally, the study reveals the importance of internal mechanisms vis-A -vis external norms. The paper provides a comprehensive study to help understand key mechanisms of CG, particular used by UAE banks. Therefore, it helps policy makers, shareholders and other stakeholders to maintain effective corporate governance systems which enhance the effectiveness of financial institutions.
Oil characteristics of safflower seeds under different nutrient and moisture management

Abstract Safflower is one of the most important oilseed crops in semi-arid regions. The soil of semi-arid areas often encounters micronutrient deficiencies. However, nutrients imbalance seems to affect the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the oil as well as plant growth. Current experiment was carried out to evaluate the impact of different application practices (soil application and foliar spray) of micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn) on oil content, fatty acid profile and yield components of safflower under full and limited irrigations. Results showed that all of investigated traits were significantly affected by fertilizer treatment and irrigation system. The highest seed protein content was recorded for plants grown by soil application of Zn under limited irrigation condition. The highest oil content was achieved by soil application of Zn under full irrigation condition. The water deficit significantly reduced some qualitative characteristics such as oleic acid, palmitic aid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, iodine value and saponification value. The highest head number per plant, seed number per head and seed yield recorded in plants grown by soil application of Fe and Zn under full irrigation condition. Although the use of micronutrients improved qualitative characteristics in comparison with control, the best qualitative characteristics were achieved with the soil application of Zn and Fe. The elimination of micronutrient deficiencies and the balanced supply of nutrients through soil along with optimal and timely irrigation can significantly increase the efficiency of safflower production systems and improve the quality of the oil.
Coming in the Back Door: Leveraging Open Textbooks To Promote Scholarly Communications on Campus

In 2007 I was assigned the responsibility for creating a scholarly communications initiative at Temple. Though lacking deep knowledge of the issues, I committed to a serious effort to raise awareness, build collective support, and contribute change to scholarly publishing practices at my institution. As a first step, I attended the ARL/ ACRL Institute on Scholarly Communication , 1 where I improved my understanding of the different components of a scholarly communications initiative, and learned strategies for engaging faculty on a variety of levels. However, there was a problem: I was ready, but no one else was. Efforts to engage our faculty in campus-wide change received scant attention and virtually no support. A vast lack of awareness presented a huge barrier; many faculty members I encountered had no understanding of the issues. The rising cost of STEM journals was simply of no consequence to their work. As our dean liked to relate, one health sciences faculty member asked, “What crisis? The library provides access to almost any full-text article I need for my research. ”
MAGIC detection of very high energy γ-ray emission from the low-luminosity blazar 1ES 1741+196

We present the first detection of the nearby (z=0.084) low-luminosity BL Lac object 1ES 1741+196 in the very high energy (VHE: E>100 GeV) band. This object lies in a triplet of interacting galaxies. Early predictions had suggested 1ES 1741+196 to be, along with several other high-frequency BL Lac sources, within the reach of MAGIC detectability. Its detection by MAGIC, later confirmed by VERITAS, helps to expand the small population of known TeV BL Lacs. The source was observed with the MAGIC telescopes between 2010 April and 2011 May, collecting 46 h of good quality data. These observations led to the detection of the source at 6.0 σ confidence level, with a steady flux F(> 100 GeV) = (6.4 ± 1.7_(stat) ± 2. 6_(syst)) • 10^(−12) ph cm^(−2) s^( −1) and a differential spectral photon index Γ = 2.4 ± 0. 2_(stat) ± 0. 2_(syst) in the range of ∼80 GeV - 3 TeV. To study the broad-band spectral energy distribution (SED) simultaneous with MAGIC observations, we use KVA, Swift/UVOT and XRT, and Fermi/LAT data. One-zone synchrotron-self-Compton (SSC) modeling of the SED of 1ES 1741+196 suggests values for the SSC parameters that are quite common among known TeV BL Lacs except for a relatively low Doppler factor and slope of electron energy distribution. A thermal feature seen in the SED is well matched by a giant elliptical’s template. This appears to be the signature of thermal emission from the host galaxy, which is clearly resolved in optical observations.
KCL, Ray Theories and Application to Sonic Boom

We first review a general formulation of ray theory and write down the conservation forms of the equations of a weakly nonlinear ray theory (WNLRT) and a shock ray theory (SRT) for a weak shock in a polytropic gas. Then we present a formulation of the problem of sonic boom by a maneuvering aerofoil as a one parameter family of Cauchy problems. The system of equations in conservation form is hyperbolic for a range of values of the parameter and has elliptic nature else where, showing that unlike the leading shock, the trailing shock is always smooth.
CDIO PROJECTS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDY PROGRAM AT DTU

In 2008 all Bachelor of engineering study programs at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have been adopted to the “Conceive – Design – Implement – Operate” approach. As part of the necessary changes it was decided that all seven study programs should have a cross disciplinary project or a design build project on each of the first four semesters. In this paper the four projects in the civil engineering study program are described along with a brief description of the entire study program. The aim is to provide additional information and documentation to accompany an exposition where students present their projects. Learning outcomes, training and assessment of personal, professional and social engineering skills are described from a project point of view. Progression of engineering skills is discussed from a study program perspective. The interrelation between the various elements to the final learning outcome is discussed with respect to the concept of the study program as it is today. Barriers for reaching the ultimate goal, that all students become “engineers who can engineer” at a high technical level, are identified and discussed. It is concluded that the study program has all the potential to prepare students to cope with the challenges in engineering practice, but it also shows that the degree of success depends on the amount of barriers along the way.
Evaluation of Selected Biopesticides for the Late F all Control of Varroa Mites in a Northern Temperate Climate

ApiLife VAR ® , the MiteGone TM liquid formic acid delivery system, an oxalic acid trickle technique, and multiple spray application of sucrose octanoate est ers (Sucrocide TM ) were compared to Apistan ® as latefall treatments to control varroa mites ( Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman) in single-deep and double-deep honey bee ( Apis mellifera L.) colonies under northeastern US conditions. Mi te mortality in single-deep colonies was 97% for Apistan ® , 96% for Sucrocide, 92% for oxalic acid, 91% for A piLife VAR ® , 79% for formic acid, and 23% in untreated control colonies. Mite mortality in double-deep colonies was 95% for Apistan ® , 93% for oxalic acid, 69% for ApiLife VAR ® , 66% for formic acid, and 15% in untreated control colonies. No significant relationships were detected between the amounts of ApiLife VAR ® or formic acid that evaporated and corresponding m ite mortality or fluctuations in apiary temperature. The advantages and disadvantages of e ach biopesticide are discussed. Note: For those who would like to know a fast answ er to formic acid treatment the following is an excerpt from the discussion on page 7. Please keep in mind that only one full length pad was used on purpose in 2 high colonies capable of a 40 day trea tment. The test was discontinued at 30 days in mid November. A standard treatment requires 2 pads emi tting 12 grams of acid per day and treatment is
The Application of Effective Microorganisms Preparation in Growing of Zonal Pelargonium (Pelargonium zonale)

The aim of the conducted experiment was to evaluate dehydrogenase activity in the substrate and to determine the effect of Effective Microorganisms (EM) on the growth and flowering of zonal pelargonium. Plants were grown in pots in a greenhouse in two types of substrate. One substrate was deacidified highmoor peat and the other was highmoor peat with an addition of loam (at a 4:1 volumetric ratio). Plants were treated once with an EM preparation diluted in water at different proportions of 1:10, 1:50 and 1:100. Inoculum was administered in foliar treatment by spraying plants at 10 cm solution per plant and to the soil at 50 cm solution per pot. Foliar and soil application of EM had a positive effect of plant flowering. In contrast, it did not have an effect on plant height and the number of leaves. The SPAD index and chlorophyll content in leaves depended on the method of application, concentration of applied inoculum as well as the type of substrate, in which pelargonium was grown. Irrespective of the concentration of EM and the type of substrate inoculation of both soil and plants contributed to an increased activity of dehydrogenases.
Accumulation of macronutrients in beetroot plant

Nutrient need in each development stage of plant is showed by nutrient accumulation curve; this is an important tool for fertilization recommendation. However, researches on vegetables with the objective to estimate these curves are scarce, mainly in the modern hybrids that show higher productivity potential and, probably, higher nutrient demand. In this study, the authors aimed to determine macronutrient accumulation of beetroot plants, hybrid Boro. The experiment was carried out in São Manuel, São Paulo State, Brazil. Five treatments [seasons of plant collection: 0, 14, 28, 43 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT)], considering that in each season 16 plants were collected (four replications of four plants each, in a randomized block design). We evaluated dry matter accumulation, and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S) in plant shoot and root. The period of the highest demand for most of macronutrients was from 29 to 43 DAT. The decreasing order of macronutrients exported by the roots of the beetroot was K>N>P>Mg>S>Ca (376, 232, 45, 29, 21 and 13 mg/plant, respectively), and accumulated by the whole plant (shoot + root) was K>N>Mg>Ca>P>S (709, 404, 126, 113, 69 and 50 mg/ plant, respectively).
The abundance of HOC + in diffuse clouds

We used the Plateau de Bure Interferometer to search for λ3mm absorption lines of HOC + from local diffuse and translucent clouds occulting compact extragalactic mm-wave continuum sources. We detected HOC + in three directions with column densities only 70-120 times below that of the HCO + isomer, a factor 5-50 higher than typically found in dense dark gas but comparable to recent observations of dense photon-dominated regions. The observed amounts of HOC + N(HOC + )/N(H 2 ) = 3-6 x 10 -11 can be made in quiescent diffuse gas at thermal gas-kinetic rates if the H 2 O/OH ratio is of order unity, in mild violation of extant observational limits.
Towards Analytics for Wholistic School Improvement: Hierarchical Process Modelling and Evidence Visualization

Central to the mission of most educational institutions is the task of preparing the next generation of citizens to contribute to society. Schools, colleges, and universities value a range of outcomes — e.g., problem solving, creativity, collaboration, citizenship, service to community — as well as academic outcomes in traditional subjects. Often referred to as “wider outcomes,” these are hard to quantify. While new kinds of monitoring technologies and public datasets expand the possibilities for quantifying these indices, we need ways to bring that data together to support sense-making and decision-making. Taking a systems perspective, the hierarchical process modelling (HPM) approach and the “Perimeta” visual analytic provides a dashboard that informs leadership decision-making with heterogeneous, often incomplete evidence. We report a prototype of Perimeta modelling from education, aggregating wider outcomes data across a network of schools, and calculating their cumulative contribution to key performance indicators, using the visual analytic of the Italian flag to make explicit not only the supporting evidence, but also the challenging evidence, as well as areas of uncertainty. We discuss the nature of the modelling decisions and implicit values involved in quantifying these kinds of educational outcomes.
Zooplankton grazing on natural algae and bacteria under hypertrophic conditions

Zooplankton grazing on natural algae and bacteria under hypertrophic conditions The grazing characteristics of the natural zooplankton community in the shallow hypertrophic lagoon Albufera de Valencia (Spain) were compared in two periods of the annual cycle: (1) at the onset of spring, after a period of increased water flow through the lagoon that reduces phytoplankton density and cyanobacterial prevalence, and (2) in mid-spring, after the spring phytoplankton bloom and under conditions of cyanobacterial dominance. Clearance, ingestion and assimilation rates were measured by labelling natural seston with 14 C-bicarbonate and 3 H-thymidine/leucine. The clearance rates (CRs) of Daphnia magna, the dominant species at the onset of spring, were low, very likely as a consequence of the high abundance of filamentous cyanobacteria in the lagoon. The CRs were nearly equal for phytoplankton and bacteria, corroborating the unselective feeding of Daphnia. Bacteria supplied ≈40 % of the planktoniccarbon ingested byD. magna, and this carbon was assimilated with the same efficiencyas that provided by phytoplankton.This suggests a strong coupling betweenthe microbial loop and the classic grazer trophic web at the onset of spring in the lagoon and, consequently, an important contribution of the microbial loop to energy transfer to higher trophic levels (fish). The CRs of Bosmina longirostris, the dominant species in mid-spring, were also low probably because the food concentrations were well above the incipient limiting level. The CRs were higher for 1-15 µm algae than for <1 µm bacteria, indicating positive selective feeding towards larger cells. Algae sized 3-15 µm provided most of the planktonic carbon ingested by B. longirostris. Similarly, regarding the total mid-spring zooplankton community, phytoplankton contributed 90 % of the planktonic carbon ingested. This suggests that during the spring phytoplankton bloom when cyanobacteria dominate, the energy transferred to zooplankton via bacteria constitutes a smaller fraction than during periods of lower phytoplanktondensity. Finally, our results indicate that zooplankton consumed a very small proportion of phytoplankton and bacterioplankton production during the two studied periods, which highlights the reduced ability of zooplankton to control phytoplankton growth in hypertrophic systems.