Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lost talent

Given ongoing interest in increasing productivity and participation in the workforce, understanding when talent is lost is a useful exercise. The term ‘lost talent’ describes the underutilisation or wastage of human potential. Focusing on young people, Sikora and Saha define lost talent as occurring when students in the top 50% of academic achievement lower their educational or occupational expectations or fail to achieve their educational or occupational plans.
Cholesterol Metabolism--Impact for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prognosis, Entry, and Antiviral Therapies

Abstract The recently emerged pathogenic SARS-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly, leading to a global pandemic. In this study, we show that SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with clinically significant lower level of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), which can be used as indicators of disease severity and poor prognosis. Importantly, we found the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-2-S) bound to HDL. Antagonists of HDL receptor-Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-B1), strongly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection. Notably, the lipids transfer function of SR-B1 was indispensable for this inhibition, offering explanations for the reduced serum HDL level observed in COVID-19 patients. Basing on findings here, we speculate that SR-B1-mediated pulmonary HDL-vitamin E uptake could participate in mediating SARS-CoV-2 infection of lung cells, and the unique expression profile of SR-B1 may also affect SARS-CoV-2 cell and tissue tropism. These findings might help to provide further insights into viral transmission, pathological characteristics and reveal therapeutic targets.
Estimation of Undetected Covid-19 Infections in India

Background and Objectives: While the number of detected COVID-19 infections are widely available, an understanding of the extent of undetected COVID- 19 cases is urgently needed for an effective tackling of the pandemic and as a guide to lifting the lockdown. The aim of this work is to estimate and predict the true number of COVID-19 (detected and undetected) infections in India for short to medium forecast horizons. In particular, using publicly available COVID-19 infection data upto 16th April 2020, we predict the true number of infections in India during and upto the end of the formal lockdown period (21st April 2020). Methods: The high death rate observed in most COVID-19 hit countries is suspected to be a function of the undetected infections existing in the population. An estimate of the age weighted infection fatality rate (IFR) of the disease of 0.41%, specifically calculated by taking into account the age structure of Indian population, is already available in the literature. In addition, the recorded case fatality rate (CFR= 0.70%) of Kerala, the only state in India to report single digit new infections over the second week of April, is used as a second estimate of the IFR. These estimates are used to formulate a relationship between deaths recorded and the true number of infections. The estimated undetected and detected cases time series based on these two IFR estimates are then used to fit a discrete time multivariate infection model to predict the total infections at the end of the formal lockdown period. Results: In two consecutive fortnights during the lockdown, it was noted that the rise in detected infections has decreased by 2.7 times. For an IFR of 0.41%, the rise in undetected infections decreased by 3.2 times and the predicted number of total infections in India is 3.14 lakhs. While for an IFR of 0.70%, the rise in undetected cases decreased by 3.3 times and the total number of infections predicted on 21st April is 1.75 lakhs. Interpretation and Conclusions: The behaviour of the undetected cases over time effectively illustrates the effects of lockdown and increased testing. From our estimates, it is found that the lockdown has brought down the undetected to detected cases ratio, and has consequently dampened the increase in the number of total cases. However, even though the rate of rise in total infections has fallen, the lifting of the lockdown should be done keeping in mind that 1.75 to 3 lakhs undetected cases will already exist in the population on 21st April.
Surface Modification of Fine Powders by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma in a Circulating Fluidized Bed Reactor

Surface modification of fine alumina powders (60 μm) by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) at atmospheric pressure was carried out in a circulating fluidized bed reactor (18 mm i.d. by 1 m height). A stable glow discharge under atmospheric pressure can be attained successfully at a source frequency of 13.56 MHz with ring-shaped electrodes. The deposited thin film on alumina powder from TEOS/O2 plasma was characterized by FTIR-ATR, XPS, and SEM-EDS. The organic silicon films, SiOxCyHz, are deposited by TEOS plasmas at atmospheric pressure. The FTIR spectra of deposited films exhibit the three characteristic bands of SiO2 near 1072, 800, and 450 cm-1. These CH and Si−C bonds disappear with increasing input power. Input power and oxygen content in the reaction gas control carbon and oxygen contents in the deposited film. The film deposition on the particle surface is evenly distributed, and the layer thickness is approximately 2−4 μm.
Mitigating chilling stress of pepper plant (Capsicum annuum L.) using Dimethyl Ether combustion gas in controlled greenhouse

In this study, the possibility of enhancing chilling stress tolerance of pepper plant (Capsicum annuum Linnaeus) during early growth stages was investigated using DME combustion gas in controlled greenhouse. The experiment was conducted to determine the performance of DME combustion gas when used as a fuel for DME burner for raising temperature and CO2 concentration in greenhouse and also to examine its effects on morphology parameters of hot pepper in winter season. To analyze the relationship between the application of DME and morphology parameters of pepper plant, three treatments (DME-1, DME-2 and DME-3) for three controlled greenhouses were assayed. DME-1 and DME-2 treatments consisted of average DME flow quantity in duct were 17.4 m 3 /min and 10.2 m 3 /min, respectively to greenhouse-1 and greenhouse-2 and no DME gas was supplied to greenhouse-3 which was left as control (DME3). Morphology parameters such as plant height, leaf area and leaf area index (LAI), net assimilation rate (NAR), relative growth rate (RGR), fresh weight and dry weight were measured for eight weeks for each treatment and analyzed using completely randomized designs through analysis of variance with a significance level of P < 0.05. Although DME-1, DME-2 and DME-3 received same crop management practices and controlled environmental factors, the highest changes (p < 0.05) of plant height, leaf area, LAI and fresh weight were found from the DME-1 treatment, followed by DME-2. A comparison of relative growth rates among the treatments indicated more rapid relative growth rate of morphology parameters at vegetative phase of plant implying better yield. Therefore endorsed quantify of DME combustion gas for a specified crop can be applied to greenhouse to improve the plant growth and enhance yield with mitigating chilling stress in winter season.
Effects of Forest Composition and Disturbance on Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Spore Density, Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Root Colonization and Soil Carbon Stocks in a Dry Afromontane Forest in Northern Ethiopia

We investigated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) spore density and root colonization in three distinct dry Afromontane forest plant communities, representing differing levels of disturbance and soil properties. Soil and root samples were collected from sixty-five 50 × 50-m plots from four plant communities. We collected data for AMF spore density, AMF root colonization and soil organic carbon stocks in 0–25 and 25–50 cm soil depth ranges. AMF spore density, and root colonization differed significantly among plant communities. The least disturbed Juniperus procera–Maytenus senegalensis (Jupr-Mase) plant community, which contained high tree and shrub density, had the highest AMF spore density, root colonization and soil carbon stocks. The most disturbed Cadia purpurea–Opuntia ficus-indica (Capu-Opfi) community which contained the lowest tree and shrub density supported the lowest AMF spore density, root colonization and soil carbon stocks. There was no significant difference in spore density between the two soil depths, but AMF root colonization was significantly higher in the upper soil than in the subsoil (p < 0.001). The difference in soil properties was not uniform between plant communities. Conserving remnant dry Afromontane forests and restoring the degraded forests are critical to improve and maintain forest ecosystem functioning and sustain ecosystem services.
GROWTH, MORTALITY AND SPAWNING SEASON OF THE SPANGLED EMPEROR (LETHRINUS NEBULOSUS FORSSKAL, 1775) IN COASTAL WATERS OF HORMOZGAN PROVINCE IN THE PERSIAN GULF AND OMAN SEA

The population parameters and spawning season of the Spangeld emperor ( Lethrinus nebulosus ) were studied in coastal waters of Hormouzgan province. The monthly calculated mean values of gonadosomatic index (GSI) of females were indicate to increase from February, reach the highest in March and decline in June. The spawning season peak of L. nebulosus occurred in March. The Von Bertalanffy growth parameters, L �, K and t 0 were estimated as, 67.2cm, 0.16. year -1 and -1.161 year, respectively. The relationship between weight and length (Fork Length) can be expressed as W=0.051 L 2.722 , which indicates that Spangled Emperor has negative alometric growth.Using length converted catch curve, total mortality (Z) was estimated as 1.13 year -1 and natural mortality was estimated using Pauly's equation, as 0.57 per year. Finally, the fishing mortality (F) was 0.56, which gives an exploitation rate (E) of 0.50.
The ability of marine Bacillus spp. isolated from fish gastrointestinal tract and culture pond sediment to inhibit growth of aquatic pathogenic bacteria

In this research, antagonistic activity of two Bacillus species isolated from digestive tract of marine fish and culture pond of sea cucumber was studied. The inhibitory activity of Bacillus spp. isolates against some common pathogenic bacteria of fish was assessed using the agar diffusion method. The strain of B. subtilis G024 exhibited antimicrobial activity against Vibrio anguillarum, V. harveyi, V. vulnificus, Streptococcus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus; the isolate of B. amyloliquefaciens N004 inhibited growth in V. anguillarum, V. campbellii, V. vulnificus, V. parahamolyticus, Edwardsiella tarda, Streptococcus sp. , B. cereus. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation of indicator bacteria showed that cell morphologies were strongly affected by the cell-free supernatant of the two Bacillus spp. isolates. It is determined that the culture filtrates contained inhibitors against growth of some pathogenic bacteria with different degrees of inhibition, although none of the culture filtrates could inhibit the growth of V. fluvialis, V. alginolyticus, V. splendidus. Based upon these characteristics, both of the antagonistic Bacillus spp. isolates could be the potential probiotics used in the aquaculture production.
High-energy gamma-ray and neutrino backgrounds from clusters of galaxies and radio constraints

Cosmic-ray protons accumulate for cosmological times in clusters of galaxies as their typical radiative and diffusive escape times are longer than the Hubble time. Their hadronic interactions with protons of the intra-cluster medium generate secondary electrons, gamma-rays and neutrinos. We here estimate the contribution from clusters to the diffuse gamma-ray and neutrino backgrounds. We model the cluster population by means of their mass function, using a phenomenological luminosity-mass relation applied to all clusters, as well as a detailed semi-analytical model. Additionally, we consider observationally-motivated values for the cluster magnetic field. This is a crucial parameter since the observed radio counts due to synchrotron emission by secondary electrons need to be respected. For a choice of parameters respecting all current constraints, and assuming a spectral index of -2, we find that hadronic interactions in clusters contribute by less than 10% to the extragalactic gamma-ray background observed by Fermi and to the IceCube flux. They account for less than 1% for spectral indices -2 is adopted. However, this scenario is in tension with the IceCube data, which seem to suggest a spectral energy distribution of the neutrino flux that decreases with energy. In the case of proton-photon interactions, we find that very likely protons do not reach sufficiently high energies to produce neutrinos in clusters. We argue that our results are optimistic due to our assumptions, and that clusters of galaxies cannot give any relevant contribution to the extragalactic gamma-ray and neutrino backgrounds. Finally, we find that the cluster contribution to the angular fluctuations in the gamma-ray background is subdominant, less than 10%. [abridged]
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM URIC ACID AND C-REACTIVE PROTEIN WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME RISK FACTORS -A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Objective: To examine the relationship of Serum uric acid (SUA) and C-reactiveprotein (CRP) with the components of metabolic syndrome and association withcardiometabolic risk factor. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kinnaird College forWomen, Lahore, Pakistan from 1st October 2016 to 31st March 2017, includedsubjects, individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS), individuals with elevateduric acid level (pre-MetS) and non-metabolic syndrome control samples (Non-MetS) between the age group of 30-70 years. MetS was defined with the help ofInternational diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. All the required information of theparticipants was collected through structured questionnaire. Data ofanthropometric measurements and blood pressure was gathered from thehospital and tests for fasting glucose and serum lipid profile, serum uric acid andC-reactive protein were conducted in the laboratory. Results: Total of 90 individuals and 30 control samples (Non-MetS) includedin the study , 40 of metabolic syndrome and 20 with raised uric acid levels. Serumuric acid was significantly associated with cholesterol, LDL-C, triglyceride andVLDL in MetS patients (p<0.005). C-reactive protein in metabolic syndromepatients shared significant relationship with obesity (p<0.001), fasting glucose(p<0.046) and hypertension (p<0.001). Uric acid shared a significantcorrelation with the BMI (p=0.001) in pre-MetS group. group uric acid shareda significant correlation with the BMI (p=0.001). The elevated C-reactiveprotein had a significant association with obesity and uric acid (p<0.001,p=0.041 respectively). Presence of both uric acid and CRP increased the riskof developing MetS after making adjustments (OR: 3.06 95 %Cl: 1.043-8.98). Conclusion: Elevated levels of serum uric acid (SUA) and C-reactive protein(CRP) have a strong association with metabolic syndrome components. Key Words: Uric Acid, C-reactive protein, Metabolic Syndrome, Visceral obesity.
Cutaneous features of chikungunya - A case series from North India

Objective To document cutaneous features of Chikungunya (CKG) in a recent outbreak of CKG in August 2016 in North India. Methods A total of 32 patients with cutaneous manifestations of suspected CKG were enrolled in the study. Results A wide variety of cutaneous lesions were observed. Maculopapular rash was the most frequent cutaneous manifestation followed closely by hyperpigmentation. A typical nose pigmentation previously reported in CKG, was also noted in this study. In addition, diffuse facial pigmentation was another common pattern observed, predominantly in the females. Aphthous stomatitis and lymphedema were the other less frequent manifestations in this study. Vesiculobullous lesions were seen in infants. Exacerbation of underlying dermatoses was also noted. Conclusion There is a wide spectrum of cutaneous manifestations in CKG besides the maculopapular rash, unlike most other viral infections. Some of the typical pigmentary patterns can be considered as markers for the diagnosis of CKG.
LINGUISTIC VARIATION ACROSS GENDER IN PAKISTANI PRINT MEDIA: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

The current study focuses some distinguished linguistic features of gender by observing the functional variation in newspaper editorials of Pakistani English newspaper (Pk. Ed.). It is conducted to specify the male and female language usage in the corpus of Pk. Ed. for determining the separate linguistic features. For addressing this question, multidimensional (MD) analysis [2] is used, which provides detailed grammatical features of the corpus. A varied dataset, having 300 editorials from two leading newspapers has been organized. The corpus for the present study, has been tagged for 67 linguistic features and statistical analysis has been led, to signify the sets of linguistic features. Five functional dimensions are used to distinguish the linguistic characteristics of male and female language patterns in the context of the Pakistani mass media. These dimensions provide an information level, narrative characteristics, situation positions, degree of persuasive language and mental style. Moreover, a contrast of male and female editorials with British editorials also shows linguistic variation. It indicates the female editorials are near to British editorials on two dimensions. On the contrary, the male editorials show quite different consequences among all dimensions. Therefore, it is proposed that linguistic variation exists in male and female editorial writing style with reference to the Pakistani community.
Local rheology of suspensions and dry granular materials

The flow of dry and wet granular media is investigated in a Couette geometry using magnetic resonance imaging in order to test the applicability of the “fluidity model” for nonlocality in these materials. Local volume fraction measurements show that the systems become heterogeneous during flow. We find that the nonlocal rheology of suspensions can be correlated using the fluidity model, but the length scale that emerges is not a material property and the model cannot be used for predictive purposes. Rather, the suspension behavior is fully explained as a consequence of stress-driven particle migration and the resulting concentration gradient. The conclusion is less strong for the dry granular system, but it appears likely that the apparent nonlocal behavior is simply due to the formation of a shear band caused by granular dilatancy.
Role of a putative bacterial lipoprotein in Pseudomonas aeruginosa-mediated cytotoxicity toward airway cells

Akhand, Saeed S. M.S., Purdue University, August 2014. Role of a putative bacterial lipoprotein in Pseudomonas aeruginosa-mediated cytotoxicity towards airway cells. Major Professor: Gregory G. Anderson. The patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), an inherent genetic disorder, suffer from chronic bacterial infection in the lung. In CF, modification of epithelial cells leads to alteration of the lung environment, such as inhibition of ciliary bacterial clearance and accumulation of thickened mucus in the airways. Exploiting these conditions, opportunistic pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause lifelong persistent infection in the CF lung by forming into antibiotic-resistant aggregated communities called biofilms. Airway infections as well as inflammation are the two major presentations of CF lung disease. P. aeruginosa strains isolated from CF lungs often contain mutations in the mucA gene, and this mutation results in higher level expression of bacterial polysaccharides and toxic lipoproteins. In a previous work, we have found a putative lipoprotein gene (PA4326) which is overexpressed in antibiotic-induced biofilm formed on cultured CF-derived airway cells. In the current work, we speculated that this particular putative lipoprotein affects cellular cytotoxicity and immune-stimulation in the epithelial cells. We found that mutation of this gene (∆PA4326) results in reduced airway cell killing without affecting other common virulence factors.
Regret Bounds and Minimax Policies under Partial Monitoring

This work deals with four classical prediction settings, namely full information, bandit, label efficient and bandit label efficient as well as four different notions of regret: pseudo-regret, expected regret, high probability regret and tracking the best expert regret. We introduce a new forecaster, INF (Implicitly Normalized Forecaster) based on an arbitrary function ψ for which we propose a unified analysis of its pseudo-regret in the four games we consider. In particular, for ψ(x)=exp(η x) + γ/K, INF reduces to the classical exponentially weighted average forecaster and our analysis of the pseudo-regret recovers known results while for the expected regret we slightly tighten the bounds. On the other hand with ψ(x)=(η/-x)q + γ/K, which defines a new forecaster, we are able to remove the extraneous logarithmic factor in the pseudo-regret bounds for bandits games, and thus fill in a long open gap in the characterization of the minimax rate for the pseudo-regret in the bandit game. We also provide high probability bounds depending on the cumulative reward of the optimal action. Finally, we consider the stochastic bandit game, and prove that an appropriate modification of the upper confidence bound policy UCB1 (Auer et al., 2002a) achieves the distribution-free optimal rate while still having a distribution-dependent rate logarithmic in the number of plays.
Minimax Policies for Adversarial and Stochastic Bandits

We fill in a long open gap in the characterization of the minimax rate for the multi-armed bandit prob- lem. Concretely, we remove an extraneous loga- rithmic factor in the previously known upper bound and propose a new family of randomized algorithms based on an implicit normalization, as well as a new analysis. We also consider the stochastic case, and prove that an appropriate modification of the upper confidence bound policy UCB1 (Auer et al., 2002) achieves the distribution-free optimal rate while still having a distribution-dependent rate log- arithmic in the number of plays.
The 0-brane action in a general D = 4 supergravity background

We begin by presenting the superparticle action in the background of = 2, D = 4 supergravity coupled to n vector multiplets interacting via an arbitrary special Kähler geometry. Our construction is based on implementing -supersymmetry. In particular, our result can be interpreted as the source term for = 2 BPS black holes with a finite horizon area. When the vector multiplets can be associated with the complex structure moduli of a Calabi-Yau manifold, our 0-brane action can then be derived by wrapping 3-branes around 3-cycles of the 3-fold. Our result can be extended to the case of higher supersymmetry; we explicitly construct the supersymmetric action for a superparticle moving in an arbitrary = 8 supergravity background with ½, (1/4) or (1/8) residual supersymmetry