Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Price Index Methods for the CPI Measurement Using Scanner Data

Scanner data are a quite new data source for statistical agencies and the availability of electronic sales data for the calculation of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased over the past 16 years. Scanner data can be obtained from a wide variety of retailers (supermarkets, home electronics, Internet shops, etc.) and provide information at the level of the barcode, i.e. the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN, formerly known as the EAN code). One of advantages of using scanner data is the fact that they contain complete transaction information, i.e. prices and quantities for every sold item. It means that we may use expenditure shares of items as weights for calculating price indices at the lowest (elementary) level of data aggregation. One of new challenges connected with scanner data is the choice of the index formula which should be able to reduce the chain drift bias and the substitution bias. In this paper, we compare several price index methods for CPI calculations based on scanner data. In particular, we consider bilateral index methods with chained versions of direct weighted and unweighted indices, and also selected multilateral index methods, i.e. the quality adjusted unit value method (QU method) and its special case (the Geary-Khamis method), the augmented Lehr method, the so called “real time index”, the GEKS method and the CCDI method. We also propose some price index modifications. We verify the impact of window updating methods and also different weighting schemes in quantity weights on the price index, i.e. we consider alternatively the QU-TS method and the QU-EW method. We compare all these methods using artificial data sets and real scanner data sets obtained from one supermarket and allegro.pl.
HISTOMORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF PROVENTRICULAR AND GIZZARD IN ADULT STARLING BIRD (STURNUS VULGARIS)

The stomach of starling bird (Sturnus vulgaris) has two external chambers. The first chamber is called the proventriculus (glandular stomach), which is produced the gastric juices. Either the second chamber is mechanical part and which called ventriculus or gizzard. Anatomically the glandular part of stomach is longitudinal expansion of esophagus with appeared external gastric papillae. The location of proventriculus is caudally toward gizzard. The ventricular stomach was spherical sac –like and no surrounded by adipose tissue and larger size than proventricular. The located of gizzard was posteriorly proventriculus toward left side of midline plane, which was covered via part of liver lobe. The muscular stomach had thick wall, internal surface of the gizzard was surrounded by yellow cuticle layer. The proventriculus was thin-walled and short (the mean length was 2.82mm, (1.06g) in weight, (0.5cm3) in volume. The proventriculus wall was composed from four regions, that are tunica mucosa, subm ucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa respectively. The average thickness of entire tunics was 3146μm , 13270μm, 769 μm and 113 μm, whereas the Gizzard measurements was (3.22mm) in length, (177.32g) in weight and (0.5Cm3) in volume. The ventriculs’s wall was constructed from tunica mucosa, submucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa. The average thicknesses of these tunicae about 1556μm, 1765μm, 3256μm and118μm, respectively.
Experimental Primary School in Evosmos

This paper aims to present the implementation of CLIL method in Greece as a pilot project in the 3rd Primary School in Evosmos Experimental School of the School of English in the academic year 2011-2012. This is Greece’s first official attempt to introduce CLIL in state primary education. The subject taught through the CLIL method was Geography and for the purpose of this study we examined the effect of CLIL instruction on (a) learners’ language competence in English, and (b) their content (subject) knowledge. 51 sixth-grade students (11-12 years old) took part in the study; the control group (non-CLIL) consisted of 25 learners while the remaining 26 learners formed the experimental group (CLIL). The results of our study indicated both language and content gains for the CLIL learners involved and thus seem to support the continuation and extension of the project to other Greek primary schools.
OPTIMIZATION OF DIFFERENT PROPAGATING TECHNIQUE AND TIME PERIOD TO ENHANCE HIGHER SUCCESS RATE IN PROPAGATION OF LOW CHILL PEACH CV. SHAN-E-PUNJAB

An experiment was conducted to study the propagation of low-chill peaches in Tarai region of Uttarakhand. Three different methods of propagation viz., chip budding, T-budding and tongue grafting were practiced during period of experiment. Growth parameters and economic study was made in peach cv. Shan-e-Punjab. The results of the experiment revealed that treatment tongue grafting practiced on 20 January was found superior for almost all the parameter studied except for days taken for sprouting initiation, which was least (6.00 days) with grafting on 20 February. The parameters such as graft diameter, number of branches, plant height, saleable plants, number of leaves, leaf area, number of primary and secondary roots, fresh weight of roots and shoots and root to shoot ratio were found to be maximum in case of tongue grafting followed by chip budding. However, economics of experiment as benefit cost ratio was found higher (2.08) in chip budded plant as compared to tongue grafting (1.78) and T-budding (0.81).
Numerical simulations for prediction of aerodynamic drag on high velocity fragments from naturally frag- menting high explosive warheads

Numerical simulation of airflow around several representative high velocity fragments, originating from naturally fragmenting HE warhead 130mm M79, was performed using FLUENT finite element method package. FLUENT software contains the broad physical modeling capabilities needed to model flow, turbulence, heat transfer for different applications, ranging from air flow over an aerodynamic surface to real combustion processes. Aerodynamic drag coefficients of fragments were predicted for a wide range of Mach numbers (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Ma) and for eight different positions of fragments (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, i 315°). Different positions simulate dynamic instability of fragments during their flight through the atmosphere and account for stochastic behavior of fragments, which directly influences aerodynamic drag coefficients, fragments range and warhead lethal zones. Obtained results of aerodynamic drag coefficients were compared with available experimental data.
EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations on the Clinical Use of Liver Ultrasound Elastography, Update 2017 (Short Version)

Abstract We present here the first update of the 2013 EFSUMB (European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology) Guidelines and Recommendations on the clinical use of elastography with a focus on the assessment of diffuse liver disease. The short version provides clinical information about the practical use of elastography equipment and interpretation of results in the assessment of diffuse liver disease and analyzes the main findings based on published studies, stressing the evidence from meta-analyses. The role of elastography in different etiologies of liver disease and in several clinical scenarios is also discussed. All of the recommendations are judged with regard to their evidence-based strength according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. This updated document is intended to act as a reference and to provide a practical guide for both beginners and advanced clinical users.
An Analysis of Teachers‟ Classroom Application of the Eclectic Method to English Language Teaching in Multilingual Zambia

The Eclectic Method is the recommended method for teaching English as a second language in Multilingual Zambia. This implies that teachers need to posses the required competencies and skills to apply the method in multilingual classroom with learners of diverse abilities and language backgrounds. Through the use classroom lesson observation and interviews with 30 teachers of English drawn from 6 secondary schools in the Central Province of Zambia, this study provides an analysis of teachers’ classroom application of the Eclectic Method and the challenges they faced in so doing. The paper also provides suggestions regarding what teachers should do to implement the method in under resourced and challenging contexts. The findings showed that while some teachers understood the method and applied it in the classroom, others shunned it for various reasons. Some of the challenges faced were lack of English proficiency among learners, poor training received by teachers and shortage of teaching materials which were needed for the method to be applied. By drawing on multimodality and its extended notions of Resemiotisation and semiotic remediation, the paper shows how teachers can still apply the eclectic method in under-resourced countries and
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Is an Independent Predictor for 30-Day Complications and Readmissions Following 1- to 2-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Study Design: Retrospective cohort. Objectives: To study evidence to assess the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on 30-day outcomes following 1- to 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods: The 2015-2016 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 22 551 (single-level) and 22 552 (additional level). Patients undergoing disc arthroplasty, multilevel (>2) fusion, posterior cervical spine surgery, and patients with fracture, tumor, and/or infection were excluded. Results: Out of 14 835 patients undergoing an elective 1- to 2-level ACDF, 649 (4.4%) had a diagnosis of COPD at the time of the surgery. Following adjusted logistic regression analysis, prior history of COPD was significantly associated with a longer length of stay (odds ratio [OR] 1.25 [95% confidence interval (CI0 1.04-1.52]; P = .019), superficial surgical site infection (OR 2.68 [95% CI 1.06-6.80]; P = .038), discharge destination other than home (OR 1.49 [95% CI 1.05-2.12]; P = .026), pneumonia (OR 4.37 [95% CI 2.42-7.88]; P < .001), ventilator use >48 hours (OR 5.34 [95% CI 1.88-15.15]; P = .002), unplanned reintubation (OR 3.36 [1.48-7.62]; P = .004), and 30-day readmissions (OR 1.69 [95% CI 1.20-2.38]; P = .003). Conclusions: The findings of this study show that COPD patients are more likely to have postoperative complications and 30-day readmissions, despite elective ACDF itself being a low-risk surgery in general. Results show that majority of the complications were pulmonary in nature, further stressing the need for accurate medical optimization following surgery in these patients.
Supporting infrastructure development to promote economic integration: the role of the public and private sectors

Infrastructure development can contribute to growth and development through several channels, such as reducing transaction costs, increasing the durability of capital goods, fostering higher trade and investment, expanding demand and supply diversification and achieving economies of scale and scope. However, the financing gap for infrastructure development is massive in poorer countries, on some estimates in excess of US$1 trillion per year. In recent years privatization and public–private partnerships (PPPs) have been the focus of much of the discussion on infrastructure development, including in the context of development cooperation. However, each carries costs as well as benefits which need to be carefully weighed if the financing gap is to be closed both efficiently and with clear development gains. Regional development banks (RDBs), including those with a strong South–South dimension, can provide alternative financing mechanisms. Some examples of successful infrastructure development projects are those led by the Asian Development Bank (AsDB), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). Subregional development banks are also increasingly filling the funding gap but are not established in many developing regions. Deliberations are needed on the constraints to funding regional and subregional development banks as these banks can play a critical role not only in providing financing for infrastructure directly, but also as “market makers” that create and provide financing instruments which better share risks between creditors and borrowers. Their role can also be leveraged to include development responsibilities towards providing financial support for infrastructure development in low-income countries.
Effect of Marble Powder and Dolomite on the Mechanical Properties and the Thermal Stability of Poly(vinyl chloride)

The polymers are materials whose proprieties can be improved by adding various additives such as the fillers which can be mineral or organic compounds. In this study, we are interested in the possibility of improving the mechanical proprieties and the thermal stability of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by adding local mineral fillers i.e., powder of marble and the dolomite. The composites PVC/dolomite and PVC/ marble (fillers: 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 phr) have been prepared. The testtubes have been made up of the different composites through three stages i.e., blending, pressing and cutting up. These test-tubes have been then put under mechanical tests (tensile test and impact IZOD) and a thermo test (Vicat softening temperatures) whereas, the thermo stability of various components has been evaluated by the dehydrochlorination. The results have shown that there is a notable improvement of mechanical and thermo proprieties which is interpreted by the increase of the Vicat softening temperatures and an extension of stability time.
Impact of Severe Yellow Oleander Poisoning on Cardiac Function and Hemodynamics

Poisoning is one of the major causes for suicidal deaths in developing countries including Sri Lanka. Yellow Oleander Poisoning (YOP) is one of the common poisonings in Eastern Province Sri Lanka. Ingestion of Yellow oleander seeds (YO) seeds results in poisoning similar to digitalis toxicity. Poisoning due to deliberate self-harm with seeds of yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) results in significant morbidity and mortality.
Chloroquine Versus Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine With Standard High-dose Primaquine Given Either for 7 Days or 14 Days in Plasmodium vivax Malaria

Chloroquine or dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine with either 7- or 14-day primaquine regimens provided highly effective radical cure of vivax malaria on the Thailand-Myanmar border. Short course higher dose primaquine regimens for vivax malaria radical cure may improve efficacy by improving adherence.
The Stressful Implications of Remote E-Working: Evidence from Europe

This paper investigates the importance of different modes of spatial flexibility as well as of the distinction between autonomy and discretion to find plausible explanations of the so-called autonomy paradox, which maintains that the more the job autonomy that remote e-workers have the greater the effort they put into their work with adverse effects on work-related stress. Using multiple regressions, we test the hypotheses regarding the direct influence of autonomy, discretion and work intensification as well as their interaction effects on occupational stress in two subsamples of 1.380 home-based e-workers and 2.574 mobile ones drawn from the 2015 European Working Conditions Survey. The main findings are as follows. Home-based e-workers perceive that autonomy (namely over work goals) directly decreases occupational stress and buffers work intensification (i.e. autonomy over work goals and in the organizational choices of their department/company). In the context of remote e-work, discretion is more likely to boost the stressful impact of work intensification when work is mobile. At the same time, we do not find that autonomy increases work intensification, neither among mobile e-workers, nor among home-based e-workers (for whom it buffers the adverse impact of work intensification). In summary, this study does not confirm the existence of an autonomy paradox associated with remote e-work. Contrarily, it suggests that such a paradox is more likely to surface when research relies on conceptual frameworks that ambiguously define autonomy in terms of what should be more properly conceptualized as discretion.
Variability approaching the thermal limits can drive diatom community dynamics

Organismal distributions are largely mediated by temperature, suggesting thermal trait variability plays a key role in defining species' niches. We employed a trait‐based approach to better understand how inter‐ and intraspecific thermal trait variability could explain diatom community dynamics using 24 strains from 5 species in the diatom genus Skeletonema, isolated from Narragansett Bay (NBay), where this genus can comprise up to 99% of the microplankton. Strain‐specific thermal reaction norms were generated using growth rates obtained at temperatures ranging from −2°C to 36°C. Comparison of thermal reaction norms revealed inter‐ and intraspecific similarities in the thermal optima, but significant differences approaching the thermal limits. Cellular elemental composition was determined for two thermally differentiated species and again, the most variation occurred approaching the thermal limits. To determine the potential impact of interspecific variability on community composition, a species succession model was formulated utilizing each species' empirically determined thermal reaction norm and historical temperature data from NBay. Seasonal succession in the modeled community resembled the timing of species occurrence in the field, but not species' relative abundance. The model correctly predicted the timing of the dominant winter–spring species, Skeletonema marinoi, within 0–14 d of its observed peak occurrence in the field. Interspecific variability approaching the thermal limits provides an alternative mechanism for temporal diatom succession, leads to altered cellular elemental composition, and thus has the potential to influence carbon flux and nutrient cycling, suggesting that growth approaching the thermal limits be incorporated into both empirical and modeling efforts in the future.
scapes in the Fourth Cataract region: the Dar el-Arab and et-Tereif rock art surveys

The 2004-2005 SARS rock art survey, in the area to be flooded by the Merowe Dam reservoir after its projected completion in 2008, focused on recording previously identified sites on the left bank of the Nile and some islands in the Dar el-Arab region (Anglo-German Expedition). It also concentrated on surveying parts of the mainland in the etTereif region opposite Ishashi island (Central Amri to Kirbekan Survey), which was investigated in the previous season (Kleinitz 2004). The vicinity of the village et-Tereif was subjected to an intensive rock art survey, which resulted in the identification of 71 petroglyph sites (Plate 1). This survey aimed at establishing similarities and differences between the rock art of the island landscape of Ishashi and of the mainland directly across from it. While the rock art of Ishashi is characterised primarily by cattle imagery and a large number of rock gongs (Kleinitz 2004), the wadi systems of the et-Tereif region are dominated by depictions of camels. In contrast to this apparent dichotomy, the rock art of the Dar el-Arab region is much more diverse, with a larger variety of both motifs and site types. In addition to 32 known petroglyph sites (Wolf 2004), another 54 rock art localities were identified and recorded in this region, which includes the islands of Umm Deras and Umm Ushar (Plate 2). Rock gongs and rock gong complexes are numerous; they were recorded at 29 sites. Due to time constraints no systematic rock art survey was undertaken in this area. A strong component of apparently Christian period imagery, such as crosses, is characteristic for the surveyed region, which was once part of the Medieval Nubian Christian kingdom of Makuria (see Welsby 2002, 26). What appears to be Christian period rock art will be discussed in some detail in this preliminary report.
Assessment of knowledge and awareness level about periodontal health in pregnant women: A questionnaire study

Background: Periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are infections that if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, the initiation and progression of gingivitis and periodontitis can be caused due to factors like pregnancy. Aim: The investigation was carried out to assess the knowledge and awareness of pregnant women about periodontal health and its effect on pregnancy outcomes. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using self-administered structured questionnaire which was distributed to 100 pregnant women which consisted of 19 close ended questions related to knowledge and awareness pertaining to periodontal health during pregnancy. The questions included daily oral health practices and the changes seen in gingiva during pregnancy and also knowledge and awareness questions about the changes in oral health during pregnancy and their effect on pregnancy outcomes. Results: The results showed that about 89% of the study population had poor knowledge, only 11% of them had good knowledge and about 75% of participants were not aware about the importance of dental check-up during pregnancy and 48% of them fear that dental treatment can affect the health of newborn. Conclusion: The study concluded that awareness and knowledge level of periodontal health among pregnant women was low.
Evaluation of Vocational Training Programmes organized on Mushroom Farming by Krishi Vigyan

Training programme is generally conducted with a goal that the participants after being trained will translate the acquired knowledge and skill into action. One hundred and forty six trainees were imparted training on mushroom farming by conducting 7 vocational training programmes. In order to evaluate these training programmes, the present study was undertaken to assess the gain in knowledge of the participants, adoption status of the enterprise and suggestions from the ex-trainees of the mushroom to enhance the entrepreneurship in mushroom farming. It was found that a maximum adoption of 40.9 per cent was observed during the year 2008-09. Among the various practices of mushroom cultivation, maximum knowledge gain (52.2%) was observed in compost preparation. Aspect of diseases and pest management was least understood by the participants (23.4%) followed by variety/cultivation method (37.3%). Hence, it was concluded that more emphasis needs be given to these practices during future training courses. The characteristics of the participants’ viz. Education level, farming experience and extension media contact had positive influence on the knowledge gain of the participants. As perceived by 100 mushroom growers, availability of quality spawn (62.0%), insurance of crop (53.0%) and reducing the cost of inputs (45.0%) were three major suggestions for successful development of mushroom entrepreneurship in Punjab.