Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Approximate Bayesian computation using indirect inference

Summary. We present a novel approach for developing summary statistics for use in approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) algorithms by using indirect inference. ABC methods are useful for posterior inference in the presence of an intractable likelihood function. In the indirect inference approach to ABC the parameters of an auxiliary model fitted to the data become the summary statistics. Although applicable to any ABC technique, we embed this approach within a sequential Monte Carlo algorithm that is completely adaptive and requires very little tuning. This methodological development was motivated by an application involving data on macroparasite population evolution modelled by a trivariate stochastic process for which there is no tractable likelihood function. The auxiliary model here is based on a beta–binomial distribution. The main objective of the analysis is to determine which parameters of the stochastic model are estimable from the observed data on mature parasite worms.
Exposure to a sensory functional ingredient in the pig model modulates the blood-oxygen-level dependent brain responses to food odor and acute stress during pharmacological MRI in the frontostriatal and limbic circuits

Introduction In the present study, we examined the effects of a supplementation with a sensory functional ingredient (FI, D16729, Phodé, France) containing vanillin, furaneol, diacetyl and a mixture of aromatic fatty acids on the behavioural and brain responses of juvenile pigs to acute stress. Methods Twenty-four pigs were fed from weaning with a standard granulated feed supplemented with the functional ingredient D16729 (FS animals, N = 12) or a control formulation (CT animals, N = 12). After a feed transition (10 days after weaning), the effects of FI were investigated on eating behaviour during two-choice feed preference tests. Emotional reactivity to acute stress was then investigated during openfield (OF), novel suddenly moving object (NSO), and contention tests. Brain responses to the FI and the two different feeds’ odour, as well as to an acute pharmacological stressor (injection of Synacthen®) were finally investigated with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Results FS animals tended to spend more time above the functional feed (p = 0.06) and spent significantly more time at the periphery of the arena during NSO (p < 0.05). Their latency to contact the novel object was longer and they spent less time exploring the object compared to CT animals (p < 0.05 for both). Frontostriatal and limbic responses to the FI were influenced by previous exposure to FI, with higher activation in FS animals exposed to the FI feed odor compared to CT animals exposed to a similarly familiar feed odor without FI. The pharmacological acute stress provoked significant brain activations in the prefrontal and thalamic areas, which were alleviated in FS animals that also showed more activity in the nucleus accumbens. Finally, the acute exposure to FI in naive animals modulated their brain responses to acute pharmacological stress. Discussion Overall, these results showed how previous habituation to the FI can modulate the brain areas involved in food pleasure and motivation while alleviating the brain responses to acute stress.
Virulence Characteristics and Molecular Typing of Carbapenem-Resistant ST15 Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates, Possessing the K24 Capsular Type

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that frequently causes nosocomial and community-acquired (CA) infections. Until now, a limited number of studies has been focused on the analyses of changes affecting the virulence attributes. Genotypic and phenotypic methods were used to characterise the 39 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates; all belonged to the pan-drug resistant, widespread clone ST 15 and expressed the K24 capsule. PFGE has revealed that the isolates could be divided into three distinct genomic clusters. All isolates possessed allS and uge genes, known to contribute to the virulence of K. pneumoniae and 10.25% of the isolates showed hypermucoviscosity, 94.87% produced type 1 fimbriae, 92.3% produced type 3 fimbriae, and 92.3% were able to produce biofilm. In vivo persistence could be supported by serum resistance 46.15%, enterobactin (94.87%) and aerobactin (5.12%) production and invasion of the INT407 and T24 cell lines. Sequence analysis of the whole genomes of the four representative strains 11/3, 50/1, 53/2 and 53/3 has revealed high sequence homology to the reference K. pneumoniae strain HS11286. Our results represent the divergence of virulence attributes among the isolates derived from a common ancestor clone ST 15, in an evolutionary process that occurred both in the hospital and in the community.
A higher order method based on local maximum entropy approximation

We present here a generalization of local maximum entropy (max‐ent) approximation for high orders of consistency (i.e. quadratic, cubic, …). The method is based upon the application of the de Boor's algorithm to the standard, linear local max‐ent approximation. The resulting approximation possesses some interesting properties, such as non‐negativity, 𝒞∞ smoothness, exact interpolation on the boundary and variation diminishing (no Gibbs effect). The resulting structure has many similarities with B‐spline surfaces, but without the tensor‐product structure typical of that approximation. Examples are provided of its use in the framework of a Galerkin method showing the potential of the proposed method in solving boundary value problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring donor-driven skills development as a channel of continued aid dependency

Abstract This article examines donor-driven skills training programmes and projects at the technical and vocational level in post-war Sierra Leone, using dependency theory as an analytical framework. Based on qualitative data collected from fieldwork in 2017, it emerges that such programmes and projects are driven by donor strategies and largely detached from local market demands, are oftentimes based on convenience and historical relationships in regions/sectors rather than evolving needs of the country, promise employment but instead deliver informal self-employment and focus heavily on outputs rather than outcomes. From these empirical observations, it can be argued that donor-driven skills development, as it has manifested in Sierra Leone, is unlikely to create skills that can meaningfully contribute to national growth and development. Instead, these interventions may drive outcomes that lead to continued aid dependency. The article thus presents a renewed argument for skills for self-reliant development.
Caries resistance of lased human enamel with Er:YAG laser – morphological and ratio Ca/P analysis

Objective: ``In vitro'' analysis of caries resistance of dental enamel under caries simulation after irradiation with Er:YAG laser. Background Data: More susceptible to caries development spots at adjacent hard tissues from cavity preparations of dental tissues using burrs or lasers are quite common. Methods: Thirteen caries-free third permanent human molars were distributed as follows: G1: sound control and caries control; G2: Er:YAG 100, 200, 300, or 400 mJ/ 10 Hz/ 3 sec. ; G3: the same parameters of G2 followed by artificial caries simulation, through dynamic model of demineralization and remineralization (DE/RE). Caries resistance analysis was evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Ca/P rate (X-Rays spectroscopy - EDX). Results: Photomicrographs showed that the Er:YAG laser created craters with rough aspect which became more evident as the energy per pulse was increased, but without change of regular morphology of enamel prisms. Significant statistical changes among the irradiated and control groups was observed considering the Ca/P ratio. Conclusion: Irradiated groups showed higher caries resistance than control groups. However, it is not possible to affirm that the enamel surface accidental irradiation could be a benefit to caries resistance for other situations can be considered, as biofilm deposit, which could increase the caries susceptibility.
Ca II H+K fluxes from S-indices of large samples: a reliable and consistent conversion based on PHOENIX model atmospheres

Context. Historic stellar activity data based on chromospheric line emission using O.C. Wilson’s S-index reach back to the 1960ies and represent a very valuable data resource both in terms of quantity and time-coverage. However, these data are not flux-calibrated and are therefore difficult to compare with modern spectroscopy and to relate to quantitative physics. Aims. In order to make use of the rich archives of Mount Wilson and many other S-index measurements of thousands of main sequence stars, subgiants and giants in terms of physical Ca ii H+K line chromospheric surface fluxes and the related R-index, we seek a new, simple but reliable conversion method of the S-indices. A first application aims to obtain the (empirical) basal chromospheric surface flux to better characterise stars with minimal activity levels. Methods. We collect 6024 S-indices from six large catalogues from a total of 2530 stars with well-defined parallaxes (as given by the Hipparcos catalogue) in order to distinguish between main sequence stars (2133), subgiants (252) and giants (145), based on their positions in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. We use the spectra of a grid of PHOENIX model atmospheres to obtain the photospheric contributions to the S-index. To convert the latter into absolute Ca ii H+K chromospheric line flux, we first derive new, colour-dependent photospheric flux relations for, each, main sequence, subgiant and giant stars, and then obtain the chromospheric flux component. In this process, the PHOENIX models also provide a very reliable scale for the physical surface flux. Results. For very large samples of main sequence stars, giants and subgiants, we obtain the chromospheric Ca ii H+K line surface fluxes in the colour range of 0.44 < B −V < 1.6 and the related R-indices. We determine and parametrize the lower envelopes, which we find to well coincide with historic work on the basal chromospheric flux. There is good agreement in the apparently simpler cases of inactive giants and subgiants, and distinguishing different luminosity classes proves important. Main sequence stars, surprisingly, show a remarkable lack of inactive chromospheres in the B − V range of 1.1 to 1.5. Finally, we intoduce a new, “pure” and universal activity indicator: a derivative of the R-index based on the non-basal, purely activity-related Ca ii H+K line surface flux, which puts different luminosity classes on the same scale. Conclusions. The here presented conversion method can be used to directly compare historical S-indices with modern chromospheric Ca ii H+K line flux measurements, in order to derive activity records over long periods of time or to establish the long-term variability of marginally active stars, for example. The numerical simplicity of this conversion allows for its application to very large stellar samples.
Using model analysis and satellite data to assess cloud and precipitation in midlatitude cyclones

Midlatitude cyclones taken from 18 months of global operational Met Office Unified Model analysis archives were combined to form three‐dimensional composite cyclones. Given an accurate dynamical and thermodynamical representation of the atmosphere from 4D‐Var analysis, this study attributes differences between observations and the model cloud/precipitation to potential shortcomings in the physical parametrizations that control cloud/precipitation. Coincident ( ± 6 h) data from CloudSat radar, AMSR‐E microwave, and ISCCP flux products were collected into composites for comparison. Only cyclones over the ocean were analysed here. Considering all of the observations in a single composite shows that horizontal slices through the composite display qualitative agreement between the mean reflectivity structures seen in the UM and CloudSat data. Splitting the composite cyclone into quadrants reveals that the UM underpredicts fractions of reflectivities greater than –20 dBZ and + 10 dBZ at heights above 2 km in the poleward quadrants. This lack of cloud is manifested in smaller short‐wave top‐of‐atmosphere fluxes from the UM composite cyclone than from the observations. Comparison of UM precipitation rates with CloudSat shows agreement to within the assumed potential bias of the observations. Copyright © 2011 British Crown copyright, the Met Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The nova rate in the elliptical component of NGC 5128

The results are presented of a five year nova survey of NGC 5128 performed with an H-alpha filter at the prime focus of the CTIO 4 m telescope. In all, 16 novae were detected, of which 12 are members of a statistically complete and homogeneous sample unaffected by the absorption lane of the galaxy. When normalized to B luminosity, the nova rate in the elliptical component of NGC 5128 is 2.7 + or - 1.0 times less than that observed in the bulge of M31. However, when normalized in the infrared K bandpass, the two nova rates are identical, and comparable to that measured in the Large Magellanic Cloud. These data suggest that (1) the percentage of binary stars is approximately constant over a large range of star-forming environments, (2) the nova rate in our own galaxy is between 11 and 46/yr, and (3) nova rates are not strongly affected by tidal captures in bright globular clusters. 48 refs.
Photoantibacterial Poly(vinyl)chloride Films Applying Curcumin Derivatives as Bio-Based Plasticizers and Photosensitizers

Herein we describe the design of natural curcumin ester and ether derivatives and their application as potential bioplasticizers, to prepare photosensitive phthalate-free PVC-based materials. The preparation of PVC-based films incorporating several loadings of newly synthesized curcumin derivatives along with their standard solid-state characterization is also described. Remarkably, the plasticizing effect of the curcumin derivatives in the PVC material was found to be similar to that observed in previous PVC–phthalate materials. Finally, studies applying these new materials in the photoinactivation of S. aureus planktonic cultures revealed a strong structure/activity correlation, with the photosensitive materials reaching up to 6 log CFU reduction at low irradiation intensities.
An Excitation-Aware and Self-Adaptive Frequency Normalization for Low-Frequency Stabilized Electric Field Integral Equation Formulations

The accurate solution of quasi-Helmholtz decomposed electric field integral equations (EFIEs) in the presence of arbitrary excitations is addressed: Depending on the specific excitation, the quasi-Helmholtz components of the induced current density do not have the same asymptotic scaling in frequency, and thus, the current components are solved for with, in general, different relative accuracies. In order to ensure the same asymptotic scaling, we propose a frequency normalization scheme of quasi-Helmholtz decomposed EFIEs, which adapts itself to the excitation and which is valid irrespective of the specific excitation and irrespective of the underlying topology of the structure. Specifically, neither an ad hoc adaption nor a priori information about the excitation is needed as the scaling factors are derived based on the norms of the right-hand side (RHS) components and the frequency. Numerical results corroborate the presented theory and show the effectiveness of our approach.
Impact of Environmental Stresses on the Antibacterial Activity of Graphene Oxide (GO) Nanoparticles against P. putida Biofilms

As the production of graphene-based nanomaterials such as GO is increasing, it is expected that a large amount of GO waste will be generated. The environment (i.e., soil and aquatic systems) will be amongst the final repositories of these wastes which means important natural microbial communities in such environments will be at risk of GO exposure. However, little is known about how these communities respond to environmental stresses in synergy with the presence of GO. In this study, the effect of three different stress conditions: temperature (5, 25 and 40 °C); pH (5 to 9) and osmotic stress (51, 219 and 320 mM NaCl) in addition to GO treatment was investigated on the viability and physiology of biofilms and planktonic cells of soil bacterium P. putida. It was found that planktonic cells were more resistant to GO alone compared to biofilms. However, the cells were sensitive to GO when exposed to pH or osmotic stresses. Temperature was not found to influence the survival of biofilm with or without exposure to GO. However, low pH caused a reduction in colony-forming units (CFU) at pHs 5 and 6 for the pre-treated samples, while biofilms at pH 7–9 did not show any decrease. Interestingly, the post-treatment of planktonic cells or biofilms with GO showed a significant reduction in CFU at all pH ranges. The effect of higher osmotic stress in combination with GO resulted in a significant reduction in biofilms. These results show that the effect of stresses naturally occurring in the environment can be affected and changed when in combination with GO and can potentially affect the balance of natural biofilms.
New results for the effective propagation constants of nonuniform plane waves at the planar interface of two lossy media

This paper presents a correction and a generalization of the solution presented previously (for original papers see R. D. Radcliff and C. A. Balams, "Modified propagation constants for nonuniform plane wave transmission through conducting media," IEEE Transactions in Geoscience Remote Sensing, vol. GE-20, no. 3, p. 408-411 (1982) and C. A. Balams, Advanced Engineering Electromagnetics, New York: Wiley (1989)) for the effective propagation constants of nonuniform plane waves at the planar interface of two isotropic homogeneous possibly lossy media of infinite transverse dimensions.
Prevalence of disrespect and abuse during childbirth and its related factors in women hospitalized in the postpartum ward

Background: Disrespect and abuse during health care is an emerging concept without a common and agreed definition that has not been sufficiently studied in Iran. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of disrespect and abuse during childbirth and its related factors in women hospitalized in the postpartum ward. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on postpartum women admitted to Ghods Hospital, Paveh, who met the inclusion criteria from April to September 2021. Data collection tools included a demographic and obstetric characteristic questionnaire and a checklist of disrespect and abuse during childbirth, which were completed immediately before discharge by 276 participants who were selected by available sampling. The delivery provider also completed the demographic characteristic questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and univariate and multivariate linear regression tests. P <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The results showed that all participants had experienced at least one type of abusive care, and the most common forms were non-consented care (100%) and neglect/abandonment (92.4%). Among the studied variables, only drug interventions during childbirth had a role in predicting disrespect and abuse during childbirth (P < 0.03). Conclusion: Due to the high level of disrespect and abuse during childbirth, it seems necessary to educate staff about respectful maternity care and increase supervision of respect for maternal rights, and plan to reduce midwifery interventions.
Energy transport in rotating sound fields

The flow of energy in the field of a subsonic ring source is studied, for a source with a rapid variation in phase. Asymptotic formulae are found for the energy density and the acoustic intensity for different regions of observer space. In an ellipsoidal inner region around the source, energy is shown to flow in tightly bound spirals, governed by the interaction of two evanescent waves. Close to the source plane, there exists a thin region where the energy flow is governed by higher-order terms in this interaction. Asymptotic approximations are also found for the energy trapped in the ellipsoidal region, and the total power output of the source. Finally, a complex caustic interpretation of the transition surface between inner and outer regions is presented in the Appendix.
Ultrabroadband printed (UBP) antenna

An ultra broadband printed (UBP) antenna is presented which consists of a diplexer and two aperture stacked patch antennas. S-parameter theory is used to investigate the input impedance behavior of the UBP antenna. This antenna can produce a 10-dB return loss bandwidth of almost 120% with constant gain of 6.5 dB. A relatively uniform radiation pattern over the entire band was also achieved.
Variable surface composition and radial interface formation in self-assembled free, mixed Ar/Xe clusters

Using photoelectron spectroscopy, we demonstrate how the self-assembling process of cluster formation in an adiabatic expansion leads to radial segregation and layering as well as to variable surface composition for binary Ar/Xe clusters. The radial structuring can be qualitatively understood from the different interatomic bonding strengths of the two components.
A lattice Boltzmann method for solute transport

A lattice Boltzmann method is developed for solute transport. Proper expressions for the local equilibrium distribution functions enable the method to be formulated on rectangular lattice with the same simple procedure as that on a square lattice. This provides an additional advantage over a lattice Boltzmann method on a square lattice for problems characterized by dominant phenomenon in one direction and relatively weak in another such as solute transport in shear flow over a narrow channel, where the problems can efficiently be approached with fine and coarse meshes, respectively, resulting in more efficient algorithm. The stability conditions are also described. The proposed method on a square lattice is naturally recovered when a square lattice is used. It is verified by solving four tests and compared with the analytical/exact solutions. They are in good agreement, demonstrating that the method is simple, accurate and robust for solute transport. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bistatic scattering coefficient from one- and two-dimensional random surfaces using the stationary phase and scalar approximation with shadowing effect: comparisons with experiments and application to the sea surface

Abstract In this paper, the bistatic scattering coefficient from one- and two-dimensional random surfaces using the stationary phase method and scalar approximation with shadowing effect is investigated. Both of these approaches use the Kirchhoff integral. With the stationary phase, the bistatic cross section is formulated in terms of the surface height joint characteristic function where the shadowing effect is investigated. In the case of the scalar approximation, the scattering function is computed from the previous characteristic function and in terms of expected values for the integrations over the slopes, where the shadowing effect is analysed analytically. Both of these formulations are compared with experimental data obtained from a Gaussian one-dimensional randomly rough perfectly-conducting surface. With the stationary-phase method, the results are applied to a two-dimensional sea surface.