Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The reshaping of political conflict over Europe: from pre-Maastricht to post-‘Euro crisis’

Abstract Party competition over European integration is structured by two main dimensions of political conflict: a socio-economic dimension (market liberalisation vs. a more regulated economy) and a socio-cultural dimension (libertarian, cosmopolitan values vs. authoritarian, nationalist values). This article investigates the relationship between these conflict dimensions and parties’ positions towards EU issues across time and space, in particular focussing on two ‘critical junctures’ in the European unification process. For this purpose, analysis is made of the election manifestos of parties competing in European Parliament elections (Euromanifestos) from 1979 to 2014. First, it is found that the key moment of the Maastricht treaty significantly reshaped party competition over Europe. After Maastricht, positions towards European integration have become less connected to the economic dimension and much more related to the cultural dimension in Western Europe. Second, it is contended that the Euro crisis has not dramatically restructured political conflict over European integration.
Effect of midazolam on bupivacaine action in intrathecal anesthesia

Background: Subarachnoid anesthesia is regarded as one of the famous neuroaxial block procedures available nowadays. Neuraxial anesthesia offers many benefits over general anesthesia. Objective: This study is designed to compare the effect of adding 1 and 2 mg midazolam to hyperbaric bupivacaine on duration of sensory and motor block and intraoperative hemodynamic changes for the cesarian section under subarachnoid anesthesia. Methods: Ninety patients with the American Society of Anesthesiology Classifications I/II (range: 18–40 years) were randomly allocated into three groups and were underwent spinal anesthesia for Cesarean Section in Duhok Maternity Hospital, Iraq. Group A (n = 30) received intrathecal of bupivacaine 12.5 mg + 0.4 ml of normal saline, Group B (n = 30) intrathecal of bupivacaine 12.5 mg + 1 mg midazolam, and Group C (n = 30) intrathecal of bupivacaine 12.5 mg + 2 mg midazolam. The study groups were comparable in age and hemodynamic status changes prior and intra-intervention commencement. Results: The analgesic duration of those patients in Groups C and B were significantly longer, 183.33 and 181.00 min compared to 138.00 min in Group A for motor block (P < 0.0001) and 212.00, 210.00, and 142.00 min, respectively, for sensory block (P < 0.0001) with no any substantial difference in hemodynamic status changes. Conclusion: The longer duration of analgesic was found using midazolam adjuvant with bupivacaine compared to free adjuvant group in women underwent spinal anesthesia.
Tree communities and soil properties influence fungal community assembly in neotropical forests

The influence exerted by tree communities, topography, and soil chemistry on the assembly of macrofungal communities remains poorly understood, especially in highly diverse tropical forests. Here, we used a large dataset that combines inventories of macrofungal Basidiomycetes fruiting bodies, tree species composition, and measurements for 16 soil physicochemical parameters, collected in 34 plots located in four sites of lowland rain forests in French Guiana. Plots were established on three different topographical conditions: hilltop, slope, and seasonally flooded soils. We found hyperdiverse Basidiomycetes communities, mainly comprising members of Agaricales and Polyporales. Phosphorus, clay contents, and base saturation in soils strongly varied across plots and shaped the richness and composition of tree communities. The latter composition explained 23% of the variation in the composition of macrofungal communities, probably through high heterogeneity of the litter chemistry and selective effects of biotic interactions. The high local heterogeneity of habitats influenced the distribution of both macrofungi and trees, as a result of diversed local soil hydromorphic conditions associated with contrasting soil chemistry. This first regional study across habitats of French Guiana forests revealed new niches for macrofungi, such as ectomycorrhizal ones, and illustrates how macrofungi inventories are still paramount to can be to understand the processes at work in the tropics.
A combinatorial approach to query the PknG interactome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to survive inside the macrophage greatly contributes to its pathogenicity, latency and persistence during infection. This bacillus induces alterations in the intraphagosomal environment and inhibits phagosome maturation, thus promoting mycobacterial survival. M. tuberculosis PknG hijacks the macrophage precisely by avoiding phagosome-lysosome fusion. In this sense, PknG represents a family of novel targets to cope with the need for new antimicrobials for latent tuberculosis. Here, we aimed to: (i) elucidate the structural-molecular basis of ATP and Mg2+ as PknG cofactors; (ii) characterize the kinetic parameters governing PknG:ATP complex formation; and, (iii) identify PknG-binding peptides to experimentally query PknG’s interactome using combinatorial approach such as Phage Display. Our results confirm that PknG exclusively binds to ATP with a dissociation constant (KD) of 108.8  22.9 µM. Mg2+ thermally stabilizes PknG in an ATP-dependent manner. Pre-steady-state analyses show that ATP binding and dissociation are rapid in the PknG:ATP complex. Using PknGN-Ext, TPR we solved the ADP-state crystal structure while showing that ATP precludes crystallization. Phage Display and bioinformatic analyses identified 57 potential PknG binders. A close comparison to the M. tuberculosis proteome provided a subset of 20 proteins that may interact with PknG. Our results confirmed five previously reported PknG-associated proteins: PknG, DnaK chaperone, ABC transporter Rv1747, Ribosomal Protein L23 and Elongation Factor Tu, highlighting our platform’s validity to uncover the PknG interactome. Altogether, our results reveal putative protein-protein interactions that may play a role in mycobacterial survival, while also providing solid bases for the development of anti-tuberculosis drugs by disrupting these interactions or exploiting these lead-like peptide molecules.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Based Approach for Predicting Heat Transfer and Flow Characteristics of Inline Tube Banks with Large Transverse Spacing

Abstract Inline tube configuration is used in various heat exchangers, such as power plant superheaters. The important design parameters are the longitudinal and transverse spacing between the tubes, as they determine the flow and heat transfer characteristics of the tube bank. In superheaters, the transverse tube spacing is often relatively large in order to avoid clogging of the flow passages due to deposition of particulate matter. To design and optimize superheaters is a challenging task, especially because of the complicated vortex-shedding phenomenon. This also complicates the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, because unsteady simulation approach is required. This paper discusses about various factors that affect the accuracy of prediction of heat transfer and flow characteristics of inline tube banks with large transverse spacing. A suitable CFD model is constructed by comparing different boundary conditions, domain dimensions, domain size, and turbulence models in unsteady simulations. The numerically obtained Nusselt numbers are evaluated against available heat transfer correlations. The correlation of Gnielinski is recommended for tube banks with large transverse spacing, as it agrees within ±13% with the numerically obtained values. The guidelines presented in the paper can serve as reference for future simulations of unsteady flow phenomena.
Mechanism of duration perception in artificial brains suggests new model of attentional entrainment

While cognitive theory has advanced several candidate frameworks to explain attentional entrainment, the neural basis for the temporal allocation of attention is unknown. Here we present a new model of attentional entrainment that is guided by empirical evidence obtained using a cohort of 50 artificial brains. These brains were evolved in silico to perform a duration judgement task similar to one where human subjects perform duration judgements in auditory oddball paradigms1. We found that the artificial brains display psychometric characteristics remarkably similar to those of human listeners, and also exhibit similar patterns of distortions of perception when presented with out-of-rhythm oddballs. A detailed analysis of mechanisms behind the duration distortion in the artificial brains suggests that their attention peaks at the end of the tone, which is inconsistent with previous attentional entrainment models. Instead, our extended model of entrainment emphasises increased attention to those aspects of the stimulus that the brain expects to be highly informative.
Prevalence and determinants of sexting behaviour among undergraduates in Kawara State

This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of sexting behaviour among undergraduates in Kwara State. The population for this study comprised all undergraduates in Kwara State while the target population was undergraduates of three universities in the Kwara States. A stratified sampling the technique was used to categorise universities based on ownership (Federal, State and Private) as well as gender. A random sampling technique was used to select 100 undergraduates from each university, totaling 300 respondents. A researcher-designed questionnaire titled Prevalence and Determinants of Sexting Behaviour Questionnaire (PASODOEBEQ) was used to elicit information from sampled respondents. The instrument was validated by experts in Sociology of Education and Educational Psychology. Test re-test method of reliability was applied to test the reliability of the instrument, using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics. The coefficient value of 0.86r was derived. The data collected were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation and Multiple Regression Statistical Tool. The result of the findings revealed that sexting behaviour is prevalent among undergraduates and low self-esteem and peer association are significant determinants. The study recommended among others that schools authorities as a matter of fact should organize a sensitization workshop or seminar for undergraduates on the meaning, ripple effects and the punishment associated with sexting behaviour for necessary social adjustment.
Determinants of leaf area index and understorey light availability in New Zealand old‐growth forests

Global studies show strong climatic control of leaf area index (LAI) and related ecosystem properties. However, alternative states stabilized by positive feedbacks have the potential to produce appreciable differences in LAI in a given environment. On certain sites in New Zealand, ectomycorrhizal (EM) southern beech forest (Nothofagaceae) appear to form a stable alternative to more species‐rich conifer‐broadleaved forest dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) trees. We asked which climate variables best predict LAI of New Zealand's remaining old‐growth forests, and if stands dominated by Nothofagaceae have lower LAI and better‐lit understories than conifer‐broadleaved forests, when climate and other site factors are held constant.
Study of Leptospira Infection in Buffaloes through Molecular and Bacteriological Techniques

In India buffaloes are reared for milk, meat and draft purposes. The economic importance of buffalo rearing in Nagpur is more than cow and contribute major share to the milk production of the district. Apart from its zoonotic implications; Leptospirosis is one of the major causes of abortion, still births, infertility, repeat breeding, decreased milk production, mastitis in ruminants. Considering its endemic nature in India, the present study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of leptospirosis in buffaloes and to establish the possible route of transmission through related canine, rodent and environment. A total of 621(299 each blood and sera and 23 urine) samples collected from 196 apparently healthy and 103 clinically suspected buffaloes and blood samples of 21 stray dogs along with 27 environmental samples were subjected to PCR targeting sec Y gene (202bp) and 16SrRNA gene (331bp). A total of 92 samples including 53 blood samples (buffalo= 45, rodent= 5, canine= 3), 30 buffalo sera samples, four urine samples (buffalo=2 and canine=2) and five environmental samples comprising of 3 water and 2 feed, were processed for isolation of Leptospira in the EMJH medium. Out of 196 blood samples of apparently healthy buffaloes a total of 27 (13.77%) animals were found positive for 16S rRNA gene and 3(1.53%) for sec Y gene. Similarly, 17.47% (18/103) animals were positive for 16S rRNA gene while 7(6.79%) for sec Y gene. A total of 30 (15.30%) apparently healthy animals were positive for either 16SrRNA gene or secY gene. Whereas 25(24.27%) samples from suspected animals were positive for either of the gene. All the urine samples from buffaloes, dogs and environmental samples were negative for presence of both the genes. All the samples processed for isolation of organism turned negative. The accurate and rapid diagnosis of leptospirosis is important and beneficial for surveillance and investigation of transmission dynamics of the disease. Even though the active infection can be readily diagnosed through blood samples it is essential to screen each sample by various tests for proper understandings about the disease distribution.
Control in the Police Organization

Looking behind the facade of tightly structured tables of organization and chains of command, this group of studies addresses the key question of how the police go about policing themselves in the real world. The contributors' point of departure is the documented evidence that the men and women on the streets enjoy considerable autonomy and discretion that make strict accountability and close supervision the exception and mutual back-scratching in the lower ranks the rule, where the code of silence and the falsified report cover up widespread work avoidance, short-cut methods, illicit violence, and pay-offs.In spite of this, there are clearly constraints on police behavior-institutional controls, formal or informal, that keep the police under rein to a greater or lesser extent. The book probes the various sources of organizational control, including formal internal disciplinary regulations, the norms and values of the occupational culture, external legal constraints, and the overriding need to prevent scandals. It also suggests ways of improving organizational control through managerial reforms that bring to key positions not just proficient bureaucrats but leaders at all levels within the force who possess insight and empathy into the inescapable dilemmas of the men and women on the line where the real police decisions are made.The book is interdisciplinary and international in its scope, representing the research and informed views of sociologists, students of management and public policy, and police from the United States, Great Britain, Belgium, and The Netherlands.Maurice Punch is Professor of Sociology at Nijenrode, The Netherlands School of Business. The book is fourth in The MIT Press Series on Organization Studies.
Selenium and Thyroid Health in NZ European Women

The primary aim of the study was to determine differences in the hormonal status (TSH, T3, and T4) between healthy participants and participants with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The secondary aim of the study was to assess plasma selenium nutritional status and its relationships with the serum levels of thyroid hormones in both of the groups. This study is a pilot and a cross-sectional. Study participants were assigned into two groups, the control group with healthy participants (n=13) and a group of women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (n=8). Any change in the participants’ daily routine was not required. For the measurement of plasma selenium, thyroid stimulating hormone, tetra iodothyronine, and triiodothyronine, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate, participants’ non-fasting blood samples were taken. Two women with subclinical hypothyroidism were excluded from the statistical data analyses. Women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis were older, had higher tetra iodothyronine level, low triiodothyronine/tetra iodothyronine ratio, higher plasma selenium levels, and similar triiodothyronine plasma levels to women in the control group. Significant relationships between triiodothyronine and selenium, triiodothyronine were identified in the group of women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. There was a moderate selenium deficiency in both of the groups that affected more women with hypothyroidism. Compromised peripheral deiodination in women with hypothyroidism required increased L-thyroxine dosing, which in turn increased the level of tetra iodothyronine, and decreased pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone, in order to achieve the desired level of the triiodothyronine. In order to increase plasma selenium level, recent research has suggested that selenium supplementation with selenomethionine or selenium selenite, might also slow down the process of thyroid destruction by thyroid autoantibodies in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In the past, the process of selenium supplementation had variable success rates. Therefore, further research is warranted. Abbreviations: TSH: Thyroid stimulating hormone; T3: Triiodothyronine; T4: Tetraiodothyronine; SeMet: Selenomethionine; SeCys: selenocysteine
Retrospective analysis of explants liver pathology: Experience from a tertiary care center in India

Background: The histological spectrum of explant liver pathology and their prevalence has not previously been reported from the Indian subcontinent. (1) The study was performed to provide new insight into the prevalence of explant liver pathologies in this part of the world by retrospective analysis of the spectrum of histological changes, (2) to study the etiopathological association of cirrhosis, (3) to study the etiopathogenesis for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to analyze whether there is any association of macroregenerative and dysplastic nodule with HCC. Materials and Methods: Written records of all explant liver pathology service were entered into an electronic database. Retrospective analysis of the liver explants was performed from May 2015 to July 2016 at a tertiary-care center in India. Results: Maximum (97.2%) number of liver explants showed cirrhosis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related chronic liver disease was the most common etiological factor for the development of cirrhosis in this part of the world followed by HBV and alcohol. The association between HCC and HBV was found to be statistically significant with a value of P = 0.009. The association between dysplastic nodules and HCC was also found to be significant. Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the histological spectrum of explant liver pathology from India. HCV forms the major disease burden for the chronic liver disease. There is a significant association of dysplastic nodules with HCC postulating their role as a precursor lesion in HCC.
Essays on multinational firm behaviour: Profit shifting, secrecy jurisdictions and stock value

Tax aggressiveness is known to come with the cost of less transparency in the corporate structure. In this paper we study the reaction of the average investor to news on rms' decisions to acquire a liates located in known secrecy havens. We nd that such acquisitions decrease share prices by almost 1 percent. For an average S&P 500 rm, acquisition of a secrecy haven a liate erases $685 million in its market capitalization. We nd a stronger e ect for rms with an already existing network of secrecy haven a liates, suggesting that investors dislike the lack of transparency. When we take into account the corporate governance, we nd that the negative e ect of secrecy decreases, showing that good governance can compensate for the obfuscation due to extra secrecy. When we take into account tax aggressiveness we nd that investors react less negatively to acquisitions of a liates in secrecy havens with low statutory corporate tax rates. This suggests that investors view the potential future tax saving opportunities as positive news. Similarly, the market reaction is less negative for more tax aggressive parent rms, which are likely to acquire a liates in secrecy havens as part of their tax saving strategies. The ndings suggest that investors are concerned about rms' secrecy; however, potential future tax planning opportunities mitigate these concerns. JEL classi cation: G12, G32, H26
Disentangling the effects of sampling scale and size on the shape of species abundance distributions

Many authors have tried to explain the shape of the species abundance distribution (SAD). Some of them have suggested that sampling scale is an important factor shaping SADs. These suggestions, however, did not consider the indirect and well-known effect of sample size, which increases as samples are combined to generate SADs at larger scales. Here, we separate the effects of sample size and sampling scale on the shape of the SAD for three groups of organisms (trees, beetles and birds) sampled in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We compared the observed SADs at different sampling scales with simulated SADs having the same richness, relative abundances but comparable sample sizes, to show that the main effect shaping SADs is sample size and not sampling scale. The effect of scale was minor and deviations between observed and simulated SADs were present only for beetles. For trees, the match between observed and simulated SADs was improved at all scales when we accounted for conspecific aggregation, which was even more important than the sampling scale effect. We build on these results to propose a conceptual framework where observed SADs are shaped by three main factors, in decreasing order of importance: sample size, conspecific aggregation and beta diversity. Therefore, studies comparing SADs across sites or scales should use sampling and/or statistical approaches capable of disentangling these three effects on the shape of SADs.
Motivated apprentices: the value of workplace and trade school

ABSTRACT Motivated students have been shown to persist longer in post-secondary education. As a multidimensional psychological construct, motivation is shaped by within- and between-person perceptions of context. Empirical measures of distinct workplace and trade school subjective task values (STVs) were examined, and their predictions of apprentices’ planned apprenticeship persistence and intentions to leave the occupation. Further, these STVs (i.e., workplace/trade school intrinsic, importance, utility and emotional cost) were explored for predictive differences across licenced and unlicensed trade apprentices. Among a representative Australian sample of 2,069 trade apprentices, STVs discriminated across learning contexts (trade school vs workplace) and between occupations (licenced vs unlicensed apprenticeships). Workplace STVs had a greater impact on both planned study persistence and occupational departure intentions, while also diminishing the effect of trade school STVs on the same outcomes due to apprentices’ internal comparison of STVs across learning contexts. Findings highlight the need for employer training and regulating who should employ an apprentice to ensure apprentices are afforded workplace training in a manner that maintains interest and reduces anxiety. Other findings present the roles and practical implications of within- and between-person contextualised motivation in explaining study and occupational planned persistence.