Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is HBA1C A True Marker Of Glycaemic Control In Diabetic Patients On Haemodialysis?

BACKGROUND HbA1c is generally conducted to check blood glucose control in diabetic patients. As reported by several recent studies, HbA1c may not be considered as a reliable assay for monitoring glycaemic status in haemodialysis patients. Multiple factors may result in artificially low HbA1c. We sought to confirm this observation by performing a study in which we saw the agreement between expected HbA1c values as indicated by the mean plasma glucose level and the measured HbA1c values of haemodialysis dependent Diabetic patients. METHODS This crosssectional study was conducted on 45 patients. Daily three readings of capillary blood glucose were taken for three consecutive days in a week, every two weeks in a month for up to three months. Total 54 capillary blood glucose levels were checked in the duration of three months. Mean blood glucose level was calculated at the end of the study and it is used to calculate the 'expected HbA1c' levels using a formula. At the offset, HbA1c was measured (at 12 weeks) and was compared with the expected HbA1c. RESULTS On comparing the expected and measured HbA1c levels in 45 patients on haemodialysis. There is a significant difference between the two levels, with reduced levels of measured HbA1c in majority of patients as compared to expected ones. CONCLUSIONS HbA1c is not a true marker of glucose control in diabetic patients on regular haemodialysis.
Invasive pneumococcal disease in hospitalised children from Lima, Peru before and after introduction of the 7-valent conjugated vaccine

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) strains in children from Lima, Peru, before and after the introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), which was introduced in the national immunisation program on 2009. We conducted a prospective, multicentre, passive surveillance IPD study during 2006–2008 and 2009–2011, before and right after the introduction of PCV7 in Peru. The study was performed in 11 hospitals and five private laboratories in Lima, Peru, in patients <18 years old, with sterile site cultures yielding Streptococcus pneumoniae. In total 159 S. pneumoniae isolates were recovered. There was a decrease in the incidence of IPD in children <2 years old after the introduction of PCV7 (18.4/100 000 vs. 5.1/100 000, P = 0.004). Meningitis cases decreased significantly in the second period (P = 0.036) as well as the overall case fatality rate (P = 0.025), including a decreased case fatality rate of pneumonia (16.3% to 0%, P = 0.04). PCV7 serotypes showed a downward trend. Vaccine-preventable serotypes caused 78.9% of IPD cases, mainly 14, 6B, 5, 19F and 23F. A non-significant increase in erythromycin resistance was reported. Our findings suggest that the introduction of PCV7 led to a significant decrease of IPD in children under 2 years old and in the overall case fatality rate.
Hardness-Aware Deep Metric Learning

This paper presents a hardness-aware deep metric learning (HDML) framework. Most previous deep metric learning methods employ the hard negative mining strategy to alleviate the lack of informative samples for training. However, this mining strategy only utilizes a subset of training data, which may not be enough to characterize the global geometry of the embedding space comprehensively. To address this problem, we perform linear interpolation on embeddings to adaptively manipulate their hard levels and generate corresponding label-preserving synthetics for recycled training, so that information buried in all samples can be fully exploited and the metric is always challenged with proper difficulty. Our method achieves very competitive performance on the widely used CUB-200-2011, Cars196, and Stanford Online Products datasets.
Application of high-speed PIV and Toluene PLIF techniques to study aerodynamics and thermal stratification inside a flat piston Rapid Compression Machine

Rapid Compression Machines (RCMs) are experimental devices widely used to study combustion phenomena at low to intermediate temperature and pressure. They are particularly suitable to investigate advanced combustion strategies such as the Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI). They have also contributed to improve the understanding of chemical kinetic pathways providing a valuable amount of ignition delay experimental data. In all these applications, the extensive knowledge of the aerodynamics and subsequent thermal stratification in RCMs is mandatory to properly interpret the observed auto-ignition phenomena. In this context, we performed high-speed PIV and toluene Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) measurements at different test conditions to characterize the flow and temperature fields in a square section flat piston RCM. In the present study, all tests were performed at a compression ratio of 13. The aerodynamics are assessed at two compression pressures Pc ~20bar and ~40bar. Local temperature is studied at different compression temperatures Tc between ~708K and ~825K. The averaged velocity fields were calculated from 30 tests. The results clearly illustrate the aerodynamics of the rollup vortices typical of flat piston RCMs. At higher density level, the maximum velocity around the vortex is found lower. During the compression stage, unexpected velocity fluctuations were observed. Their frequencies depend on the changing chamber height. The comparison of the temperature and flow fields at similar test conditions around the end of compression demonstrated that colder regions are located in the roll-up vortex. During the post-compression stage, the hot core region is stretched as vortices move upward. The quantitative temperature measurement demonstrated heterogeneities around 100K. The maximum measured temperature at the end of compression was compared to the calculated adiabatic core temperature at different levels. The results demonstrate that the measurement is relatively accurate in the temperature range between 760K and 825K.
Experimental evaluation on the applicability of necrobiome analysis in forensic veterinary science

Despite the wide usage of animals as models in forensic studies, the investigations of fundamental legal questions involving domesticated and nondomesticated animals were always given marginal attention compared to “human forensic,” and only recently the interest in the discipline is increasing. Our research focuses on the effect of the fur coat on the activity and development of microbial decomposers. In order to test this variable never assessed before, rabbit carcasses were used and results show that: (i) distinct and significant temporal changes in terms of metabolic activity and taxa distribution can be tracked over the decomposition process; (ii) the richness and the diversity of the bacterial communities does not significantly vary over time, but it does not mean that the species Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) do not change; (iii) the presence/absence of the fur on the carcasses does not significantly affect either the bacterial communities’ functional activity or the diversity intra‐ and intercommunity, neither at phylum nor at family resolution; (iv) the functional activity and the ecological diversity of the bacterial communities are significantly affected by the body region, while the relative abundance is not. Obtained data confirm previous observations and provide new insight in the Forensic Veterinary field in terms of equally using them in order to derive a statistical model for the PMI estimation. As a future perspective, a contribution to the Forensic Entomology approach will be given in legal investigations when domestic or wild animals are involved, regardless of the presence of a hair layer.
Global status of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in dromedary camels: a systematic review

Abstract Dromedary camels have been shown to be the main reservoir for human Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) infections. This systematic review aims to compile and analyse all published data on MERS-coronavirus (CoV) in the global camel population to provide an overview of current knowledge on the distribution, spread and risk factors of infections in dromedary camels. We included original research articles containing laboratory evidence of MERS-CoV infections in dromedary camels in the field from 2013 to April 2018. In general, camels only show minor clinical signs of disease after being infected with MERS-CoV. Serological evidence of MERS-CoV in camels has been found in 20 countries, with molecular evidence for virus circulation in 13 countries. The seroprevalence of MERS-CoV antibodies increases with age in camels, while the prevalence of viral shedding as determined by MERS-CoV RNA detection in nasal swabs decreases. In several studies, camels that were sampled at animal markets or quarantine facilities were seropositive more often than camels at farms as well as imported camels vs. locally bred camels. Some studies show a relatively higher seroprevalence and viral detection during the cooler winter months. Knowledge of the animal reservoir of MERS-CoV is essential to develop intervention and control measures to prevent human infections.
Cigarette Smoking Disparities Between Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Youth

Using US population-based data, we document trends and disparities in 2 cigarette-related behaviors between heterosexual youth and SMY from 2005 to 2015. BACKGROUND: Using a population-based sample of youth, we examined rates of cigarette use and trends in cigarette use disparities between heterosexual youth and 3 subgroups of sexual minority youth (SMY) (ie, lesbian or gay, bisexual, and unsure) from 2005 to 2015. METHODS: Data are from 6 cohorts of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a national, biennial, school-based survey of ninth- to 12th-grade students in the United States (n = 404 583). Sex-stratified analyses conducted in 2017 examined trends in 2 cigarette-related behaviors: lifetime cigarette use and heavy cigarette use (20+ days in the past 30). RESULTS: Disparities in lifetime cigarette use between lesbian and heterosexual girls were statistically smaller in 2015 relative to 2005 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12–0.75; P = .011). Sexual orientation disparities in heavy use were narrower for bisexual boys in 2015 compared with 2005 (aOR 0.39; 95% CI 0.17–0.90; P = .028). Girls and boys unsure of their sexual identity had wider disparities in heavy use in 2015 (aOR 3.85; 95% CI 1.39–11.10; P = .009) relative to 2005 (aOR 2.44; 95% CI 1.22–5.00; P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: SMY remain at greater risk for cigarette-related behaviors despite greater acceptance of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in the United States. Focused policies and programs aimed at reducing rates of SMY cigarette use are warranted, particularly for youth questioning their sexual identity.
www.econstor.eu Monotonicity Implies Strategy-Proofness for Correspondences

We show that Maskin monotone social choice correspondences on sufficiently rich domains satisfy a generalized strategy-proofness property, thus generalizing Muller and Satterthwaite's (1977) theorem to correspondences. From the point of view of Nash implementation theory, the result yields a partial characterization of the restrictions entailed by Nash implementability. Alternatively, the result can be viewed as a possibility theorem on the dominant-strategyimplementability of monotone SCCs via set-valued mechanisms for agents who are completely ignorant about the finally selected outcome. It is shown by examples that stronger strategy-proofness properties fail easily.
ArticleValidation of short forms of the Centrality of Religiosity Scale in GeorgiaMichael Ackert

This study presents the validation of the short forms of Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS) in Georgia. This country offers a unique Christian orthodox context with a long-lasting religious tradition and strong affiliation to churches. Translated short forms were administered in the years 2012 (CRS-5) and 2018 (CRSi-7). Participants reported on ideological, intellectual, and experiential aspects of their faith and their private and public religious practice in face-to-face interviews. The collected data was subject to reliability analyses. Scale invariance over time was tested with the CRS-5, whereas the CRSi-7 was examined for model goodness, with one factor—Centrality of Religiosity—with a confirmatory factor analysis. Derived statistical coefficients from large stratified random populational samples (2012: N = 2238 and 2018: N = 1906) show good to acceptable Cronbach’s ααs (αα = 0.73 and αα = 0.67). The composite scores’ means and standard deviations contour norm values for further investigations in social sciences related to religiosity in Georgia. The results of the confirmatory factor analyses show that the Centrality of Religiosity manifests a stable factor, adequately explaining different dimensions of faith life. The high reliability of the CRS-5 over time leads to the conclusion of consistent measurement characteristics and thus, its suitability for longitudinal analysis. The CRSi-7 has a comparable model fit to the CRS-5 providing an alternative for interreligious contexts if needed. Aspects of assessment and analysis are discussed and reasons for the application of the longer version of the CRS are provided in the end.
Product recalls: The effects of industry, recall strategy and hazard, on shareholder wealth

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the effects of product recalls on shareholder wealth of manufacturing firms in different supply chains. Previous research examining this phenomenon is largely uni-sectorial and/or does not consider the interplay of hazard, recall strategy and sector. By utilizing the event study method, this study examines investors’ reactions to key product recall characteristics: industry, recall strategy and hazard level, on a cross-industry sample of 296 product recall announcements. The results show a significant negative reaction of share values to product recalls and significant differences between industry type and hazard levels. More regulated and stringent supply chains, such as the automotive and pharmaceutical, showed statistically significant losses in share price. The results show that industry sector and level of hazard associated with defective products are significant factors impacting the shareholder wealth of manufacturing firms. Contrary to some studies, the impact of recall strategy was not confirmed, although proactive recall strategies led, in some cases, to an increase in share price. Further research would benefit from more detailed investigation of recall strategies on the value of companies in specific sectors, particularly ones which are susceptible to frequent and costly product recalls.
Pre- and Post-Harvest Practices of Urban Leafy Green Vegetable Farmers in Accra, Ghana and Their Association with Microbial Quality of Vegetables Produced

Vegetable farming is the most practiced urban agriculture in Ghana. A previous study of our laboratory revealed poor microbial quality of, and presence of Salmonella on, leafy green vegetables grown or sold in Accra, Ghana. The aims of this study were to determine agricultural practices of urban vegetable farmers and the association between agricultural practices and microbial safety of vegetables produced. A survey was conducted among 102 farmers from 12 farming areas who produced exotic and indigenous leafy greens in Accra, Ghana to identify their farming practices. It was observed that water from waste drains pumped into shallow wells was used for irrigation by 70% of the farmers. Incompletely composted manure was commonly used (99%) in farming. Vegetables were usually harvested using bare hands (96%) and knives (73%) and transported mainly in sacks (94%) to market centers under non-refrigerated conditions. Over 60% of the farmers disagreed that the use of polluted irrigation water can contaminate vegetables or make consumers sick. According to the seemingly unrelated regression model, farmers with no formal education and less food safety knowledge and had been planting on their current farmlands for several years were likely to produced vegetables with higher fecal coliform and Enterococcus sp. counts compared to other farmers. Vegetables cultivated by farmers who disagreed that the use of contaminated water can make consumers sick were associated with the production of vegetables with high fecal coliform and Enterococcus sp. counts. Education and improved agricultural and post-harvest handling practices should be encouraged among vegetable producers in the area to improve food safety.
Bayesian Estimation of an Open Economy DSGE Model with Incomplete Pass-Through

In this paper we develop a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model for an open economy, and estimate it on Euro area data using Bayesian estimation techniques. The model incorporates several open economy features, as well as a number of nominal and real frictions that have proven to be important for the empirical fit of closed economy models. The paper offers: i) a theoretical development of the standard DSGE model into an open economy setting, ii) Bayesian estimation of the model, including assesments of the relative importance of various shocks and frictions for explaining the dynamic development of an open economy, and iii) an evaluation of the model’s empirical properties using standard validation methods.
Multiple Credit Constraints and Time- Varying Macroeconomic Dynamics

I build a DSGE model where households face two occasionally binding credit constraints: a loan-tovalue (LTV) constraint and a debt-service-to-income (DTI) constraint. From an estimation of the model, I infer when each constraint was binding over the 1975-2017 timespan. The LTV constraint often binds in contractions, when house prices are relatively low – and the DTI constraint mostly binds in expansions, when mortgage rates are relatively high. Moreover, both constraints unbind during robust expansions. I also infer that DTI standards were relaxed during the mid-2000s credit boom, going from a maximally allowed DTI ratio of 28 pct. in 1999 to 35 pct. in 2006. In the light of this, the boom could have been avoided by tighter DTI limits. A lower LTV limit could contrarily not have prevented the boom, since soaring house prices slackened this constraint. In this way, whether or not a constraint binds shapes its effectiveness as a macroprudential tool. The role of multiple credit constraints for the emergence of nonlinear dynamics is corroborated by county panel data. Resume Jeg bygger en DSGE model, hvori husholdningerne er underlagt to lånebegrænsninger: en belåningsgradsbegrænsning og en gældsydelsesbegrænsning. Ved en estimation af modellen identificerer jeg, hvornår hver begrænsning bandt i løbet af perioden 1975-2017. Belåningsgradsbegrænsningen binder ofte i lavkonjunkturer, når boligpriserne er relativt lave – og gældsydelsesbegrænsningen binder for det meste i højkonjunkturer, når realkreditrenterne er relativt høje. Ydermere bliver begge begrænsninger ikkebindende i kraftige højkonjunkturer. Jeg finder også, at gældsydelseskravene blev lempet i løbet af kreditboomet i midt-2000’erne. Set i lyset af dette kunne boomet have været undgået ved hjælp af strammere gældsydelseskrav. Et lavere belåningsgradskrav kunne modsat ikke have forhindret boomet, eftersom stærkt stigende boligpriser løsnede denne begrænsning. På den måde bliver lånebegrænsningernes effektivitet som makroprudentielle redskaber formet af, hvorvidt de binder eller ej. I slutningen af arbejdspapiret dokumenterer jeg med paneldata på tværs af amter lånebegrænsningernes relevans i at frembringe ikkelineære dynamikker. Multiple Credit Constraints and Time-Varying Macroeconomic Dynamics Acknowledgements I am immensely grateful to my thesis advisors, Emiliano Santoro and Søren Hove Ravn, for their guidance and support. The paper has benefited greatly from discussions by Simon Christiansen, Josef Hollmayr, Rasmus Bisgaard Larsen, and Michael O’Grady, in addition to conversations with numerous other people. The author alone are responsible for any remaining errors.
Coherent control of two-photon transitions in Rubidium

Usually Doppler-reduced direct frequency comb spectroscopy is limited by the amount of Doppler-broadened background signal. To circumvent this limitation we have combined quantum coherent control with high-resolution Doppler-reduced frequency comb spectroscopy on two-photon absorption in a three-level system in Rubidium. We have shown a method to reduce Doppler-broadened background signal without sacrificing the Doppler-reduced signal by a smart choice of a spectral phase. To study coherent control of two-photon transitions enhanced by a singlephoton transition near resonance the high spectral resolution of the frequency comb has been employed to separate different types of excitation. Single-sided excitation of Rubidium atoms was studied to gain an understanding of two-photon transitions, where an enhancement up to a factor 10 was possible in comparison with excitation with a transform-limited pulse. Furthermore, we have shown that from a coherent control perspective a counterpropagating beam alignment necessary for Dopplerreduced direct frequency comb spectroscopy is almost equivalent to two-photon Fourier spectroscopy with shaped pulses.
Hydrodynamic phenomena induced by laser ablation of metal into liquid

Laser ablation in liquid (LAL) is a promising technique for manufacturing nanoparticles (NPs) required for modern technologies, but it is not fully understood. Deep understanding is necessary to optimize processes and decrease the high price of LAL NPs. Known studies are focused on either the bubble dynamics at late stages or ablation of material before bubble formation. Here, we consider the LAL throughout: from ablation and up to the bubble formation and inflation. Thus, we cover an extremely wide range of spatiotemporal scales, for which the roles of absorbed energy, pulse duration, and supercritical states are considered. Atom diffusion, hydrodynamic mixing due to Rayleigh-Taylor instability, and interplay between them are described. Liquid near the contact with metal is heated by dissipation in strong shock and due to a small but finite heat conduction from hot metal after laser energy deposition. Expansion and cooling of atomically mixed liquid and metal lead to condensation of metal atoms into NPs after pressure drops below the critical pressure for metal. Development of bubble takes place during the next stages of pressure decrease below the critical parameters for liquid and below ambient pressure in liquid. Thin hot layer of liquid near the contact expands by many orders of magnitude producing the inflating bubble.