Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performance of direct latex agglutination, post-enrichment latex agglutination and culture methods in screening of group B streptococci in late pregnancy: a comparative study

Background Group B streptococcus (GBS) is one of the main causes of neonatal sepsis. Purpose Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of direct latex agglutination test (DLA), post-enrichment latex agglutination (LA) test, and direct culture on chromogenic media in rapid identification of GBS carrier in pregnant women in comparison with the conventional post-enrichment CDC-recommended culture method and further to estimate GBS carriage prevalence and its antimicrobial susceptibility. Methods Two hundred pregnant women at gestational age (35–37 weeks) were enrolled. Three low vaginal swabs were obtained from each participant. One swab was directly inoculated into Strep B Select (SBS) agar. The second swab was inoculated in enrichment Lim broth for immunological antigen detection by post-enrichment latex agglutination (5 h and 24 h) and subculture for bacteriological detection. The third swab was used for immunological detection of GBS antigen by direct latex agglutination. The isolated GBS was subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results Among 200 pregnant women, 47 (23.5%) were GBS carriers. Considering post-enrichment subculture on SBS medium as a gold standard, the sensitivities for post-enrichment 5 h and 24 h LA were 66% and 95.7%, respectively. However, direct cultivation of the vaginal swabs on SBS medium and DLA recorded 83% and 4.3%, respectively, for sensitivity. All GBS isolates (100%) were sensitive to penicillin G, ampicillin, ceftriaxone, and vancomycin. In contrast, 21.3% and 12.8% of isolated GBS were resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin, respectively. Conclusion Group B streptococcal antigen detection by latex agglutination after 5 h enrichment is a reliable, easy, and relatively rapid method for screening of GBS carriage in pregnant woman not in labor. Latex agglutination after 18–24 h enrichment can be used alternative to standard subculture method for screening GBS carriage.
Pilot Study Using the Augmented Reality Sandbox to Teach Topographic Maps and Surficial Processes in Introductory Geology Labs

ABSTRACT Spatial thinking is often challenging for introductory geology students. A pilot study using the Augmented Reality sandbox (AR sandbox) suggests it can be a powerful tool for bridging the gap between two-dimensional (2D) representations and real landscapes, as well as enhancing the spatial thinking and modeling abilities of students. The AR sandbox involves a real box of sand with virtual contour lines and a water flow model created using a three-dimensional (3D) scanning camera, visualization software, and a projector. It was used in undergraduate, physical geology courses to teach topographic maps and surficial features and processes. The instructor demonstrated topographic concepts (contour lines, topographic profiles, etc.), and students engaged in model building of coastal and fluvial environments (drainage basins, cutoffs, longshore transport, sea-level rise, spits, flooding, etc.). The virtual water flow model was used to illustrate water flow dynamics on surface features. With the AR sandbox connected to a computer monitor, students could simultaneously see 3D landscapes in the sandbox and their corresponding 2D images on the monitor. Students used camera phones to capture landscape models they built and submitted them via e-mail for grading. Exit surveys indicated students were overwhelmingly positive (97%) in their perception of how the AR sandbox improved their understanding of learning objectives. They also preferred AR sandbox activities when compared to traditional laboratories that used only topographic maps. Effective classroom use of the AR sandbox required developing student-modeling exercises that took advantage of real-time feedback, virtual water, and physical modeling activities. While data are limited and more research is needed, real-time feedback on student models by both the students and the instructor suggests sandbox models are particularly useful for dispelling student misconceptions.
A Study of the Effects of Mining Activities on the Health Status of People: A Case Study

Mining activities began many years ago with small scale mining. Over the years, many corporate organizations have invested in exploring minerals in the country. Very huge returns have been achieved by such companies. The onset of mining activities bring along several issues, both negative and positive, relating to the environment, health and economic situation of the host community. The purpose of this paper is to identify the effects of mining activities on health status of miners and their host communities in Ghana. The research has revealed that although malaria existed before mining operations began, the current rate of infection is quite alarming and on the increase. Other forms of health effects were identified as skin diseases, upper/acute respiratory tract infections and cholera.
Decision-making and behavior change in residential adopters of solar PV

We report results from a survey of residential owners of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Conducted during AugustNovember 2011 in Texas, this first-of-a-kind survey seeks to understand the experience of PV adopters in selecting and installing a PV system. Specifically, we report descriptive findings on (i) aggregate socio-demographics of PV adopters in Texas, (ii) the decision-making process of adopters leading to PV installation, and (iii) the impact of PV adoption on the adopters’ awareness of their electricity use, on their (perceptions of) changes in their electricityusage pattern, and on their outlook towards the environment.
Differential susceptible and staged progression model for HIV

In this paper we first review the mathematical formulation of the original differential infectivity DI and staged-progression SP models, then we formulate a HIV new model with differential susceptibility and staged-progression DSSP to account for variations in viral loads and in the rate of disease progression in infected individuals. Then we derive an explicit formula for the reproductive number of infection for this model, then we provide numerical example for it.
Complex Dynamical Network Control for Trajectory Tracking Using Delayed Recurrent Neural Networks

In this paper, the problem of trajectory tracking is studied. Based on the V-stability and Lyapunov theory, a control law that achieves the global asymptotic stability of the tracking error between a delayed recurrent neural network and a complex dynamical network is obtained. To illustrate the analytic results, we present a tracking simulation of a dynamical network with each node being just one Lorenz’s dynamical system and three identical Chen’s dynamical systems.
The effect of service quality on private brand image and purchase intention in the chain stores of ETKA

The chain stores require special attention of the managers to be established and maintained in a competitive and beneficial position in the marketplace. Hence the present study provides a proposed model to examine the effect of service quality on private brand image and purchase intention in the chain stores of ETKA. The statistical population of this study includes the customers of these stores in Tehran and the required data for performing the research were obtained by the approach of purposive sampling among 390 customers of these stores. Data analysis was performed by using correlation analysis and structural equation modelling and with the help of software AMOS 18. The results show that: (1) service quality has a positive and significant effect on the purchase intention of the private brand (2) service quality has a positive and significant effect on the perceived value (3) perceived value has a positive and significant effect on the purchase intention of the private brand (4) private brand image has a positive and significant effect on the purchase intention of the private brand.
Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome: where do we stand?

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), first reported as “ familial hemophagocytic reticulosis ” by Farquhar JW in 1952, is a rare life-threatening disorder characterized by overwhelming immune and inflammation activation, and “cytokine storm” (1-5). HLH can be roughly categorized as primary HLH (pHLH), which is inherited, or secondary HLH (sHLH) occurring in a context of infection, autoimmune diseases or malignancies.
The effects of general mental ability and memory on adaptive transfer in work settings

To handle complex technical operations, operators acquire skills in vocational training. Most of these skills are not used immediately but at some point later; this is called temporal transfer. Our previous research showed that cognitive abilities such as general mental ability (GMA) and memory are good predictors of temporal transfer. In addition to temporal transfer, operators also have to solve non-routine and abnormal upcoming problems using their skill set; this type of transfer is called adaptive transfer. Based on previous findings, it is assumed that GMA and memory will affect adaptive transfer as well. Thirty-three engineering students learned how to operate a complex technical system in normal operation with either a fixed or a contingent sequence. After two weeks, all participants had to adapt their learned skills to handle the adaptive transfer task, which was not initially trained. It was shown that high GMA positively predicted adaptive transfer, but no effect of memory was found. This implies that GMA is required to solve new complex tasks using a learned skill set. The findings are in line with studies that showed an effect of GMA on temporal transfer.
Predicting magnetopause crossings at geosynchronous orbit during the Halloween storms

In late October and early November of 2003, the Sun unleashed a powerful series of events known as the Halloween storms. The coronal mass ejections launched by the Sun produced several severe compressions of the magnetosphere that moved the magnetopause inside of geosynchronous orbit. Such events are of interest to satellite operators, and the ability to predict magnetopause crossings along a given orbit is an important space weather capability. In this paper we compare geosynchronous observations of magnetopause crossings during the Halloween storms to crossings determined from the Lyon‐Fedder‐Mobarry global magnetohydrodynamic simulation of the magnetosphere as well to predictions of several empirical models of the magnetopause position. We calculate basic statistical information about the predictions as well as several standard skill scores. We find that the current Lyon‐Fedder‐Mobarry simulation of the storm provides a slightly better prediction of the magnetopause position than the empirical models we examined for the extreme conditions present in this study. While this is not surprising, given that conditions during the Halloween storms were well outside the parameter space of the empirical models, it does point out the need for physics‐based models that can predict the effects of the most extreme events that are of significant interest to users of space weather forecasts.
University-industry linkages in thailand: successes, failures, and lessons learned for other developing countries

Universities are a critical actor in innovation systems of both developed and developing countries. In the context of developing countries, universities can play an important role as an indigenous knowledge source. Fruitful university- industry linkages (UILs) help local firms to import, modify, and diffuse technology. At the same time, universities can improve their academic capabilities if they interact with the private sector. However, appropriate explanations of UILs in developing countries are still lacking. It is the aim of this paper to identify successes and failures of UI Ls in Thailand by combining data from company and university surveys. In general, UILs in Thailand are still weak. But determinants for successful projects have been identified which offer the potential to serve as guidelines to improve UILs in the future. The findings of the paper contribute to the debate on the extended role of universities in developing countries for technological change and economic development.
Development of Gamma Irradiation Vaccine against Mannheimia haemolytica: A Preliminary Study

The study aimed to use the several advantages of nuclear techniques for developing irradiation vaccine against Mannheimia haemolytica using different gamma radiation doses for vaccines preparation and different inoculation doses of irradiation vaccine. The M. haemolytica was exposed to different doses of gamma radiation. The dose rate was considered the optimum irradiating dose that was Lethal to M. haemolytica cells and selected for optimal gamma irradiation vaccine. Experimental animals were divided into four groups. The experimental groups injected twice with three weeks interval for tested vaccines. The first group (G1) inoculated with 4×109 bacterial cells/dose from optimum irradiation vaccine. The second group (G2) inoculated with 2×109 bacterial cells/dose from optimum irradiation vaccine. The third group (G3) inoculated with 4×109 bacterial cells/dose from high irradiation vaccine. The fourth group (C) injected (S/C) with 2 mL sterile PBS and was kept as a control group. Vaccination challenge with wild M. haemolytica life organism (0.5 mL of 3.6×1010 mLG1) was two doses for all experimental animals. ELISA was used to evaluate the efficiency of vaccines. The antibodies production are evaluated using Optical Density (OD) value as an indication of the efficiency of vaccine against M. haemolytica. The results revealed that after the second vaccination dose, the OD value of G2 showed a significant difference compared to G1 and G3 groups and it was non-significant between G1 and G3 groups. Comparative analysis of control and the different doses of gamma irradiation vaccines showed that after the second vaccination dose, the mean of OD value of the G2 was a significant different while it was non-significant in the G1and G3 compared to the control group. After vaccination challenge, the mean of OD value of G2 was with high significant different compared to all of vaccinated and control groups.
Macroeconomic Variables and the Kenyan Equity Market: A Time Series Analysis

The study investigates the dynamic relationship between stock prices and four macroeconomic variables in Kenya using cointegration and vector autoregressive framework. The VAR and VECM analysis reveals that macroeconomic variables drive equity market in the long run. The variables in the VAR model are co integrated with 3.8% disequilibrium being corrected quarterly. Notably, inflation has a negative effect on equity market suggesting that policy authorities in Kenya should design polices that mitigate inflation for stock market to develop. The results confirm that stock market is not an avenue for perfect hedge against inflation.
Prevalence of neuropathic pain and pelvic floor disorders among females seeking physical therapy for chronic low back pain

Aims: Female patients often seek physical therapy (PT) for chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of pelvic floor disorder (PFD) and the association between PFD and neuropathic pain (NP) in a population of women referred to PT for CLBP, as these parameters are rarely investigated in this context. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey study included women aged 30–60 years who were referred to PT for CLBP. In addition to demographic and clinical information, the patients completed structured assessment questionnaires such as the validated Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), which was used to determine the prevalence of PFD, and the self-completed Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs to differentiate nociceptive pain from NP. Results: Among the 225 women included in the study, the mean body mass index was 31.6 ± 4.7 and the mean age was 46.7 ± 7.7 years (~79% were older than 40 years). The majority were not employed (i.e., homemakers), currently married, and sexually active. In addition, almost all had children (approximately 69% were grand multiparous), the majority of whom had been delivered through spontaneous vaginal delivery. Approximately 33% of women were postmenopausal and only 3% used hormone replacement therapy. Slightly more than half suffered from NP and approximately 43% experienced at least one PFD. Notably, patients with NP had significantly higher PFDI-20 overall and subscale scores, compared to those without NP. Conclusions: Although PFD and NP are not routinely assessed in PT practice, both conditions are prevalent among and may interact in women with CLBP.
Components of rate-reducing resistance to Cercospora leaf spot in sugar beet: conidiation length, spore yield

SUMMARY Four sugar beet cultivars exhibiting increasing levels of rate-reducing resistance towards Cercospora beticola (‘Cyrano’, ‘Bushel’, ‘Monodoro’, and ‘Break’) were used to study two resistance components: length of conidiation period (CP, the time required to produce conidia on the spots incubated under optimal conditions for sporulation) and spore yield (SY, the number of conidia yielded per cm 2 of necrotic area per time unit); morphology and germination of conidia produced on the different cultivars were also considered. Experiments were carried out over a three-year period, considering sporulation on naturally infected leaves, either under field conditions or under optimal laboratory conditions, and on artificially inoculated leaves. Level of host resistance did not influence CP significantly: all spots produced conidiophores bearing conidia extensively 3 days after they had been stimulated to sporulate. On the contrary, resistance affected SY: the more resistant ‘Monodoro’ and ‘Break’ yielded fewer conidia per unit of necrotic area than the susceptible ‘Cyrano’ and the less resistant ‘Bushel’; the former cultivars produced about 35% of the conidia yielded by the latter ones. Differences in the cultivar rating were consistent over the experiments. Spores produced on the susceptible ‘Cyrano’ were longer, wider, and had more septa than the conidia yielded on the resistant cultivars, irrespective of their resistance level; they germinated more quickly than conidia yielded on other cultivars, and germ tubes grew more rapidly.
The palaeogeographic outlines of the Caucasus in the Jurassic: The Caucasian Sea and the Neotethys Ocean

The Caucasian Sea, fringing the northern margin of the Jurassic Neotethys Ocean, largely covered the Caucasus. Continental, shallow-marine and deep-marine palaeoenvironments delineate palaeogeographic outlines for three significant time slices: the Late Toarcian, the Early Bajocian and the Middle Oxfordian. These new palaeogeographic outlines of the Caucasus and adjacent territories match the Neotethys Ocean reconstructions. In the Late Toarcian the Caucasian Sea embraced the Greater Caucasus Basin and the Black Sea Caspian Sea Basin, which were divided by the Northern Transcaucasian Arc; it opened to the Neotethys Ocean which covered the Exterior Caucasian Basin. In the Early Bajocian, the Caucasian Sea only embraced the Greater Caucasus Basin; it opened the epicontinental seas of the Russian Platform, connecting them with the Neotethys Ocean by straits between islands of the Transcaucasian Arc. In the Middle Oxfordian, the Caucasian Sea which further embraced the Greater Caucasus Basin had its outer shelf fringed by carbonate build-ups. The connection between the Russian Platform shallow sea and the Neotethys Ocean was maintained. In the course of the Jurassic, a seaway developed along the northern margin of the Neotethys, of which the Caucasian Sea became a significant part.
Impact of implant insertion torque on success of implant-an evidence based review

Introduction: Insertion torque imposes a direct effect on the stability of implants. Some studies suggest that high torque has resulted in bone necrosis while some suggest no impact on bone with high torque, the literature regarding insertion torque relationship to changes in bone is sparse. Purpose: The rationale of this article is to critically evaluate the available scientific data on influence of insertion torque on implant success. Materials and Methods: A Medline and manual search was done to recognize studies that are concerned with insertion torque related implant success rates from 1970 to 2017. The articles taken in this study includes data on insertion torque such as primary stability, bone quality and quantity, implant design and changes in bone related to high or low torque. Results: The 28 included studies contains one randomized controlled trial, 12 prospective studies and 10 retrospective studies. Conclusion: Insertion torque leads to primary stability of implants which ultimately contributes to implant success. Keywords: Insertion torque, Primary stability, Bone density, Implant success.
Encyclopedia of Medical Genomics and Proteomics

Acute Myeloid Leukemia ? Angelmann syndrome o Automated DNA sequencing ? Blood group genotyping ? Cancer Chemotherapy o Cystic fibrosis - Mutation detection by microarrays ? Disease gene patents ? Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) ? Forensic DNA Typing - Y Chromosome ? GenePublisher - Automated analysis of DNA microarray data ? Prostate cancer - Prognostic molecular markers ? Retinoblastoma ? Shotgun proteomics ? Tay Sachs disease ? Tissue microarrays in pathology ? West Nile virus ? Yeast two hybrid system
Sensitivity Study on the Influence of Parameterization Schemes in WRF_ARW Model on Short- and Medium-Range Precipitation Forecasts in the Central Andes of Peru

A sensitivity study of the performance of the Weather Research and Forecasting regional model (WRF, version 3.7) to the use of different microphysics, cumulus, and boundary layer parameterizations for short- and medium-term precipitation forecast is conducted in the Central Andes of Peru. Lin-Purdue, Thompson, and Morrison microphysics schemes were tested, as well as the Grell–Freitas, Grell 3d, and Betts–Miller–Janjic cumulus parameterizations. The tested boundary layer schemes were the Yonsei University and Mellor–Yamada–Janjic. A control configuration was defined, using the Thompson, Grell–Freitas, and Yonsei University schemes, and a set of numerical experiments is made, using different combinations of parameterizations. Data from 19 local meteorological stations and regional and global gridded were used for verification. It was concluded that all the configurations overestimate precipitation, but the one using the Morrison microphysical scheme had the best performance, based on the indicators of bias ( ) and root mean square error (RMSE). It is recommended not to use the Betts–Miller–Janjic scheme in this region for low resolution domains. Categorical forecast verification of the occurrence of rainfall as a binary variable showed detection rates higher than 85%. According to this criterion, the best performing configuration was the combination of Betts–Miller–Janjic and Morrison. Spatial verification showed that, even if all the configurations overestimated precipitation in some degree, spatial patterns of rainfall match the TRMM and PISCO rainfall data. Morrison’s microphysics scheme shows the best results, and consequently, this configuration is recommended for short- and medium-term rainfall forecasting tasks in the Central Andes of Peru and particularly in the Mantaro basin. The results of a special sensitivity experiment showed that the activation or not of cumulus parametrization for the domain of 3 km resolution is not relevant for the precipitation forecast in the study region.