Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial surveillance and risk factor assessment of ixodid ticks in cattle population of Himachal Shivalik hill zone of North-Western Himalayas

ABSTRACT The present study aimed at assessing the epidemiology and associated risk factors of ixodid ticks from Shivalik hill zone of Himachal Pradesh, India. A total of 602 cattle of different age, breeds, and sex were screened for the occurrence of ixodid ticks from six districts from March, 2019 to February, 2020. The associated data were recorded for the risk factor assessment. The overall tick prevalence was recorded to be 66.4%. Three tick species were found prevalent viz., Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (68.4%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (30.85%), and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (0.74%). The highest prevalence was recorded during the monsoon season (74.9%) (OR: 1.25; 0.65–1.86) followed by summer (65.3%) and lowest in winter season (59.4%) (OR: 0.64; 0.26–0.79). Agewise, tick infestation was observed to be highest in age group >1 year (76.5%) (OR: 6.37; 3.32–12.21) followed by age group >6 months–1 year (38.8%) (OR: 9.09; 4.67–17.69) and the lowest in ≤6 months age (29.3%). The prevalence rate was found to be more in female cattle (71.6%) in comparison to males (23.4%). Breedwise, the highest tick infestation was observed in cross-bred Jersey (69.8%) (OR: 3.51; 1.59–7.76) followed by cross-bred Holstein Friesian (69.6%) (OR: 0.95; 0.51–1.75) and lowest in indigenous cattle (45.0%). The risk factors related to management practices revealed that the prevalence of ixodid ticks was significantly (P < 0.05) less when the animals were kept in pucca sheds with acaricide application done both on body and shed with reapplication in 3 months. The odds of tick infestation were high in cattle population in Solan (OR: 2.29; 1.05-5.02) and least in Hamirpur in comparison to Kangra region (reference district) when the regression analysis of the risk factors associated with tick prevalence was studied. The current study represents the first report determining the epidemiological status of ixodid ticks in Shivalik hill zone region and findings of the study would provide a basis for generating new and effective control strategies for management the management of ticks in cattle population of the region.
Inference on Multi-level Partial Correlations Based on Multi-subject Time Series Data

Abstract Partial correlations are commonly used to analyze the conditional dependence among variables. In this work, we propose a hierarchical model to study both the subject- and population-level partial correlations based on multi-subject time-series data. Multiple testing procedures adaptive to temporally dependent data with false discovery proportion control are proposed to identify the nonzero partial correlations in both the subject and population levels. A computationally feasible algorithm is developed. Theoretical results and simulation studies demonstrate the good properties of the proposed procedures. We illustrate the application of the proposed methods in a real example of brain connectivity on fMRI data from normal healthy persons and patients with Parkinson’s disease. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) assessment of incisor root resorption (IRR) associated with impacted maxillary canines (IMC). Literature review

CBCT assessment of impacted canine improves canine localization to adjacent teeth and provides higher level of confidence in the treatment plan compared to 2D images. However, there is conflicting evidence to support using CBCT as a routine first-line imaging method in patients with impacted maxillary canine and incisor root resorption. Consequently, there are doubts regarding difference in diagnostic and treatment planning between the use of conventional 2D and CBCT sets. Therefore, the present review will attempt to summarize the new aspects regarding the benefits of three-dimensional (3D) diagnostic techniques (cone-beam computed tomography, CBCT), including the accuracy of localization of impacted canine and the detection of the degree and location of root resorption of maxillary incisors.
Physiological changes of pomegranate seedlings under salt stress and nitrogen fertilization

HIGHLIGHTS Irrigation water salinity alters gas exchange and biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments in po-megranate. The reduction in CO2 assimilation in pomegranate plants under salt stress is related to non-stomatal factors. Increasing nitrogen doses increase electrolyte leakage in pomegranate seedlings.
Distributed fault tolerant model predictive control for multi‐unmanned aerial vehicle system

This paper is devoted to the cooperative tracking control of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles with unknown faults. Considering the practical case that the unmanned aerial vehicles suffer from strong nonlinearities, external disturbances, actuator, and sensor faults, this brief investigates the distributed adaptive fault tolerant scheme for multi‐unmanned aerial vehicle system within model predictive control framework. Firstly, for preparation to the fault occurrence case, the baseline model predictive control scheme is designed under fault‐free case. Then considering the fault occurrence, a fault detection strategy is proposed by means of the moving horizon estimation and linearly parameterized approximation for actuator and sensor faults, respectively. Thereby with the characterized fault information, the fault tolerant model predictive control scheme is constructed by using an adaptive updating mechanism to compensate for actuator and sensor faults simultaneously. Finally, simulations well demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed control scheme.
Hourly soil temperature prediction using integrated machine learning methods, GLUE uncertainty analysis, Taguchi search, and wavelet coherence analysis

In this study, hourly Ts variations at 5, 10, and 30 cm soil depth were investigated and predicted for an arid site (Sirjan) and a semi-humid site (Sanandaj) in Iran. Standalone machine learning models (adaptive neuron fuzzy interface system (ANFIS), support vector machine model (SVM), radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), and multilayer perceptron (MLP)) were hybridized with four optimization algorithms (sunflower optimization (SFO), firefly algorithm (FFA), salp swarm algorithm (SSA), particle swarm optimization (PSO)) to improve prediction accuracy and reduce uncertainty. Uncertainty analysis was performed using generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE), while wavelet coherence was used to assess interactions between Ts and meteorological parameters. For the arid site, ANFIS-SFO (RMSE = 1.18oC, MAE = 1.05oC, NSE = 0.93, PBIAS = 7%, and R2 = 0.9998) produced the most accurate performance at 5 cm soil depth. At best, hybridization with SFO (ANFIS-SFO, MLP-SFO, RBFNN-SFO, SVM-SFO) decreased RMSE by 5.6, 18, 18.3, and 18.18 % compared with the respective standalone model. At the semi-humid site, all integrated models showed most accurate performance at 10 cm soil depth, with RMSE for the best model (ANFIS-SFO) increasing by 10.5%, and MAE by 10.1%, from 10 to 30 cm depth. GLUE analysis confirmed that integrating optimization algorithms with machine learning models decreased the uncertainty in Ts predictions. Wavelet coherence analysis demonstrated that air temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation, but not wind speed, had high coherence with Ts at different soil depths at both sites, and meteorological parameters mostly influenced Ts in upper soil layers.
The many shapes and sizes of meta-governance. An empirical study of strategies applied by a well-advanced meta-governor: the case of Dutch central government in education

ABSTRACT This article aims at deepening the understanding of how central governments enact meta-governance. Drawing on meta-governance and policy network theory, a heuristic analytical framework of meta-governance strategies was applied on two contrasting Dutch education policy cases. The results show that the use of meta-governance strategies differs according to the degree of formal responsibility of the central government. Creating nodes in a policy network turns out to be a specific strategy, and the effectiveness of different meta-governance strategies is interrelated. Lastly, the lack of involvement of education practice impinge on the adequacy of meta-governance practice.
Comparison of Knowledge and Attitude among Medical and Dental Students Towards COVID-19

Aim: To assess and compare the knowledge and attitude of medical and dental undergraduates towards COVID-19 in current setup Study Design: Cross-sectional Place and Duration of Study: Study was done at Ziauddin university Karachi during the period of October 2020 to December 2020 Methodology: Medical and dental students from 1st year to final year were enrolled in the study. Cronbach's alpha was 0.71. The questionnaire was consisting of demographic variables, questions regarding the knowledge towards COVID-19 and the attitude of medical and dental students. Analysis was done by using SPSS version-20. Frequency and percentages was used to present the categorical data. Comparison between demographic variables and knowledge score was done by using the independent t-test and one-way ANOVA test as appropriate. p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: About 56% of participants were female and from 3rd year (25.2%). Comparing with socioeconomic status, the upper class of medical students were having higher score. As the year of study upgraded the students reported higher knowledge score with significant p-values among both medical and dental students. Medical students were having higher knowledge about COVID-19 than the dental students but dental students were having more knowledge about the safety measures. Looking over the attitude, majority of medical students were interested in gaining information about COVID-19. Conclusion: It can be concluded that medical students are having more knowledge about the COVID-19 but the dental students were more aware of the protective measure which should be taken. Both groups of medical and dental students having positive attitude towards limiting the spread of COVID-19.
Effect of Phosphorus and Sulphur on Potato Nutrition in Shimla Hills

Field studies conducted during 1989–90 on brown hill soils of Shimla (Palehumults) revealed a non-significant interaction between P and S in potato cv. ‘Kufri Jyoti’ under rainfed conditions. Significant responses to P and S were obtained at 22 kg ha−1 in both the years. Combined application of P and S was found better than their individual application and gave 2030% higher tuber yield and nutrient uptake by tubers. Applied P and S had a positive effect on nutrient recovery from applied fertilizers. Both P and S had a positive effect on P and S content in leaves. P/S ratio varied from 0.81 in years of normal rainfall to 1.25 in years of high rainfall. P/S ratio showed a negative but significant association with tuber yield (−0.85**), P uptake (−0.61 **) in soils with high P content. There was a close association between leaf S content and tuber yield (0.89**) whereas a negative association existed between P content in leaf and tuber yield (−0.47*).
Characterization of Multidrug-resistant and Virulent Klebsiella Pneumoniae Strains Belonging to the High-risk CG258 Isolated from Inpatients in Northeastern Brazil

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) clones have become a major threat to global public health. The CG258 is considered a high-risk CG and the K. pneumoniae strains belonging to it are known to be often multi-resistant and to spread mainly in the hospital environment. This study aimed to characterize the antimicrobial resistance profile, virulence factors, and the clonal relationships among 13 K. pneumoniae strains belonging to CG258 from patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Teresina, in the state of Piauí, northeastern Brazil. Ten strains were classified as MDR and three as extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Three different β-lactamase-encoding genes ( bla KPC , bla OXA-1- like , and bla CTX-M-Gp1) and six virulence genes ( fimH , ycfM , mrkD , entB , ybtS , and kfu ) were detected. Moreover, two hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae strains and one capsular K-type 2 were found. Multilocus sequence typing analysis revealed 10 different sequence types (STs) (ST14, ST17, ST20, ST29, ST45, ST101, ST268, ST1800, ST3995, and ST3996) belonging to CG258, being two (ST3995 and ST3996) described for the first time in this study.
Effects of run‐of‐river hydropower plants on fish communities in montane stream ecosystems in Serbia

Small run‐of‐river hydropower plants (RRHPs) have revealed strong harmful effects worldwide on stream habitats (e.g., fragmentation and destruction) and decreased fish species, especially anadromous species abundance. Recently, RRHPs have rapidly been installed in Serbia. Most were installed on montane streams because their steep slopes are most convenient for hydropower energy production at minimal costs. Brown trout Salmo trutta are prominent in the fish communities of this rarest type of aquatic ecosystems. Their native molecular diversity reflects a biodiversity hotspot in the Balkans, and they provide attractive fishing opportunities. Records from fishery management plans for highland stream fisheries where RRHPs were installed revealed reduced brown trout biomass compared with streams without RRHPs. Research on six streams with operational RRHPs revealed severe deterioration of habitat, for example, increased water temperature, reduced dissolved oxygen, and increased nutrient contents. Effects on fish communities were evident from a change in their structure. Resident, stream‐dwelling brown trout were the most affected species with steep declines in abundance, biomass, and productivity. Fragmentation owing to damming was also reflected by deterioration of their age structure. Unique native brown trout stocks susceptible to adverse effects are difficult to restore by stocking, and fish passages commonly supplied as compensation to overcome the disruption of habitats cannot mitigate the threat posed to the fish.
Systematic literature review on computable general equilibrium applications in tourism

Assessment of the economy-wide impacts of tourism has increased importance due to the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19. Computable general equilibrium (CGE) approach is a versatile tool for estimating the economy-wide impacts of tourism, as opposed to alternative general equilibrium approaches and partial equilibrium approaches. However, there has not been any systematic review done on CGE applications in tourism literature. The article reviews CGE applications in tourism over the past 25 years using a systematic quantitative literature review approach. This review presents potentially important applications of CGE models in guiding post-COVID tourism. Further, the article highlights the new developments in CGE modelling, which are yet to be adopted in tourism economics. Existing studies show a strong geographical bias. Notable research gaps exist in the areas of poverty, inequality, gender, environmental and the climate change impacts of tourism. Future research in these areas will be vital to effectively guide post-COVID tourism recovery.
Does the cost of private debt respond to monetary policy? Heteroskedasticity-based identification in a model with regimes

We investigate the effects of the Federal Reserve's quantitative easing and maturity extension programs on the yields of US dollar-denominated corporate bonds using a multiple-regime heteroskedasticity-based VAR identification approach. Impulse response functions suggest that a traditional, rate-based expansionary policy may lead to an increase in yields while quantitative easing is linked to a general and persistent decrease in yields, particularly for long-term bonds. The responses generated by the maturity extension program are significant and of larger magnitude. A decomposition shows that the unconventional programs reduce the cost of private debt primarily through a reduction in risk premia that cannot be entirely accounted for by a reduction in corporate default risk.
Assessment of Demand Side Flexibility in European Electricity Markets: A Country Level Review

Power systems in many countries have recently undergone a significant transition towards renewable and carbon-free generation sources. Those sources pose new challenges to the grid operation due to their intermittency and uncertainty. Consequently, advanced policy strategies and technologies offering new flexibility solutions on the inelastic demand side are required to maintain the reliability of power systems. Given the diversity of situations, legislation and needs across European countries and the varying nature of distribution system operators, this article reviews the deployment of demand side flexibility at national level to identify best practices and main barriers. The analysis concerns European countries of different progress in solutions that leverage flexibility towards offering electricity grid services. The scope is to explore the operation principles of European electricity markets, to assess the participation of emerging flexible resources, and to propose new approaches that facilitate the integration of flexible assets in the distribution grid. The countries reviewed are the United Kingdom, Belgium, Italy and Greece. These countries were selected owing to their diversity in terms of generation mix and market design. Barriers for market access of flexibility resources are also identified in order to form relevant country-specific recommendations.
Earnings Management Through Real Activities: The Role Of Audit Quality And Ownership Structure

This study aims to examine the effect of audit quality and ownership structure on earnings management through real activities. The audit quality tested is the size of the public auditor's office and auditor independence. The ownership structure that has been examined for its impact on management management is institutional ownership, managerial ownership, and foreign ownership. Earnings management through real activities is measured by three methods, namely abnormal cash flow from operation (CFO), abnormal discretionary expense, and abnormal production cost. The sample of this research is manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2016 to 2018. With the purposive sampling method, the final sample is 175 company-years. The results showed that auditor quality and ownership structure had no effect on earnings management as measured by abnormal CFO. Meanwhile, abnormal production cost is not proven to be influenced by ownership structure but is negatively affected by audit quality as measured by Auditor Firm size. Ownership structure and audit quality are proven to have an effect on earnings management, which is measured by abnormal discretionary expense.
Insuring Hollywood: A Movie Returns Index and the American Stock Market

The aim of this paper is the definition of a daily index representing the risk-return on investments in the American film industry. The index should be used to predict the riskiness and the expected return of movie projects at the level of the overall industry and then to determine a premium for insurance for such an investment. Such an index can inform the decision making in relation to risk but also timing. Though not currently legal in the United States, such an index may be relevant at some point in the future or in other countries for film production companies as well as venture capitalists interested in investing in one or a slate of motion picture productions or more broadly in the holdings of a media conglomerate, an exhibition chain, or some other aspect of the media landscape.
Analyzing Impacts of Interfacial Instabilities on the Sweeping Power of Newtonian Fluids to Immiscibly Displace Power-Law Materials

Injection of Newtonian fluids to displace pseudoplastic and dilatant fluids, governed by the power-law viscosity relationship, is common in many industrial processes. In these applications, changing the viscosity of the displaced fluid through velocity alteration can regulate interfacial instabilities, displacement efficiency, the thickness of the static wall layer, and the injected fluid’s tendency to move toward particular parts of the channel. The dynamic behavior of the fluid–fluid interface in the case of immiscibility is highly complicated and complex. In this study, a code was developed that utilizes a multi-component model of the lattice Boltzmann method to decrease the computational cost and accurately model these problems. Accordingly, a 2D inclined channel, filled with a stagnant incompressible Newtonian fluid in the initial section followed by a power-law material, was modeled for numerous scenarios. In conclusion, the results indicate that reducing the power-law index can regulate interfacial instabilities leading to dynamic deformation of static wall layers at the top and the bottom of the channel. However, it does not guarantee a reduction in the thickness of these layers, which is crucial to improve displacement efficiency. The impacts of the compatibility factor and power-law index variations on the filling pattern and finger structure were intensively evaluated.
Floristic composition, structure and regeneration status of woody plants in church forests of Dangila, Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract This study was conducted to determine woody species composition, diversity, structure, and regeneration status of sacred groves in Dangila town, Ethiopia. Five church forests were selected for this study among 14 forests in the district. Forty plots of 20 mx20m were laid along 20 transect lines for vegetation data collection. Additionally, 5 mx5m subplots were laid within the main plot to evaluate the regeneration status of woody plants. Woody plants with DBH ≥ 2.5 cm in each plot were identified and recorded. A total of 73 plant species in 64 genera and 42 families were identified. Among these, 43.06, 12.5, 36.11, and 8.33% were trees, tree/shrubs, shrubs, and climbers, respectively. Family Fabaceae were the most dominant contributing 9 (12.5%) species to the total followed by Euphorbaceae, Acantaceae, Rosaceae, and Moraceae with 7 (9.72%) species, 3 (4.17%) species, 3 (4.17%) species and 3 (4.17%) species, respectively. A total density of 548.13 seedlings ha−1, 841.88 saplings ha−1 and 2180.6 mature individuals ha−1 of woody species were counted in the sample plots. The density of height and DBH classes showed inverted J-shape pattern. The Shannon diversity and evenness of woody plant species in Dangila church forests was 3.5 and 0.82, respectively, which is relatively high. The total basal area of the forest was 98.4 m2/ha. These church forests had fair regeneration potential. Species with low important value index (IVI) and abundance need to be prioritized for conservation. Silvicultural intervention has to be implemented to strengthen the religious and cultural conservation system of the church forests.