Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
660. Evaluation of Qvella’s FAST-Prep™ Liquid Colony™ for Early Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing of Positive Blood Culture by Disk Diffusion Method

Conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of microorganisms from positive blood cultures (PBC) can take ≥ 2 days. In order to improve the turnaround time for AST on a PBC, CLSI and EUCAST have made efforts to standardize procedures for disk diffusion (DD) direct from a PBC. Qvella Corporation (Richmond Hill, ON, Canada) has recently developed FAST-Prep, an automated centrifugal sample preparation system that rapidly delivers a Liquid Colony consisting of a purified, concentrated, viable cell suspension directly from a PBC. This study was performed to investigate the feasibility of DD AST off of a PBC using a FAST-Prep Liquid Colony. Contrived PBC samples were prepared by spiking 6 species of Gram-positive and 4 species of Gram-negative bacteria (3-5 strains per species) into FA® Plus bottles and incubating in the BACT/ALERT® VIRTUO® System (bioMerieux, Durham, NC). After positivity, 3 mL of PBC was added to the FAST-Prep cartridge. After 20 minutes of processing in the FAST-Prep instrument, the Liquid Colony was removed from the cartridge and a 0.5 McFarland sample was prepared for DD AST. In parallel, the DD AST from a PBC was performed using 4 drops of PBC (CLSI direct method). Both methods were compared to conventional colony-based DD AST. After 16-18 hours of incubation zone diameters and S/I/R interpretations were determined. Categorical agreement (CA) and errors for both DD AST methods were calculated. In addition, colony plate counting was performed on 0.5 McFarland suspensions of Liquid Colony and the plate colony to determine biomass recovery and sample purity. CA for a FAST-Prep DD AST for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was 95.6% and 98.6%, respectively, compared to CA for CLSI DD AST of 77.2% and 81.9%, respectively. Biomass in the Liquid Colony was 7.2x108 and 1.2x109 CFU for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Cell concentration in the 0.5 McFarland suspension of the Liquid Colony was 3.7x107 and 5.9x107 CFU/mL for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively, which was similar to the concentration for the reference colony suspension. The results support the potential role of FAST-Prep in providing a Liquid Colony for use in rapid AST. Susan M. Novak-Weekley, PhD, D(ABMM), Qvella (Employee, Shareholder) Aye Aye Khine, PhD, Qvella (Employee, Shareholder) Tino Alavie, PhD, Qvella (Employee) Namidha Fernandez, MS, Qvella (Employee) Laxman Pandey, MS, Qvella (Employee) Abdossamad Talebpour, PhD, Qvella (Employee, Shareholder)
A Survey on Cell wall Proteins of C. Sinensis Leaf by Combining Cell Wall Proteomic and N-Glycoproteomic Strategy

Background: Camellia sinensis is an important economic crop with fluoride over-accumulation in the leaves, which pose a serious threaten to human health due to its leave being used for making tea. Recently, our study found that cell wall proteins (CWPs) probably play a vital role in fluoride accumulation/detoxification in C. sinensis. However, CWPs identification and characterization were lacking up to now in C. sinensis. Herein, we aimed at characterizing cell wall proteome of C. sinensis leaves, to develop more CWPs related to stress response. A strategy of combined cell wall proteome and N-glycoproteome were employed to investigate CWPs. CWPs were extracted by sequential salt buffers, while N-glycoproteins were enriched by hydrophilic interaction chromatography method using C. sinensis leaves as a material, afterwards all proteins were subjected to qualitative analysis via UPLC-MS/MS.Results: 501 and 195 CWPs were identified by cell wall proteomic and N-glycoproteomics profiling, respectively, with 118 CWPs being in common. Notably, N-glycoproteome is a feasible method for CWPs identification and consequently enhance CWP coverage. Among identified CWPs, proteins acting on cell wall polysaccharides constitute the largest functional group with most of them possibly being involved in the remodeling of cell wall structure. The second abundant group encompass mainly various proteases, being considered to be related to CWPs turnover and maturation. Oxidoreductases represent the third abundance with most of them especially Class III peroxidases being known to be implicated in defense response. As expected, identified CWPs emphasized on plant cell wall formation and defense response.Conclusion: This was the first large scale survey of CWPs by cell wall proteome and N-glycoproteome in C. sinensis. The results not only provides a database that will aid deep research on CWPs, but also improve the understanding underlying cell wall formation and defense response in this important economic specie.
Regional Growth, Domestic and Foreign Tourism in NUTS Regions: New Insights from the Old Continent

Using regional data encompassing 155 Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) regions across the EU-28 member states, we estimate the effect of tourist arrivals (total, domestic, and foreign) on regional growth over 2000-2018. Our empirical strategy tackles three data properties that cripple common econometric approaches: cross-section dependence, nonstationarity, and the endogeneity of the regressors. In addition to “pooled” models that assume common parameters across regions, we run “heterogeneous” models where parameters are allowed to differ between regions. Results of the pooled estimations show that domestic and total tourism inflows have positively and significantly contributed to growth, and the positive effect of foreign tourism is statistically discernible in regions that are mainly destinations for foreign tourists. Findings based on region-specific regressions reveal that the average impact on regional growth of tourist inflows is positive and significant, and large regional disparities in terms of the growth impact of domestic/foreign tourism exist.
Development and evaluation of carrot Kheer mix

A kheer mix was formulated based on dehydrated carrot, skim milk powder, sugar and other ingredients and evaluated for shelf stability as well as sensory quality. The mix could be reconstituted quickly as a sweet dish and found to contain (%) 3.2 moisture, 8.06 fat, 17.70 protein, 57.19 total sugars, 10.17 reducing sugar, 2.5 ash, 0.2 acid insoluble ash, 1.11 crude fibre and 23.9 mg% carotenoids. It remained acceptable upto 9 months at 25-30°C and 37°C temperatures in paper-aluminium foil-polypropylene laminate pouches.
Performance Evaluation of Empirical Path Loss Models for a Linear Wireless Sensor Network Deployment in Suburban and Rural Environments

This article presents a preliminary propagation study on the accuracy of empirical path loss models for efficient planning and deployment of a linear wireless sensor network (LWSN) based on long range (LoRa) enabled sensor nodes in suburban and rural environments. Real-world deployment of such network requires accurate path loss modelling to estimate the network coverage and performance. Although several models have been studied in the literature to predict the path loss for LoRa links, the assessment of empirical path loss models within the context of low-height peer to peer configured system has not been provided yet. Therefore, this study aims at providing a performance evaluation of well-known empirical path loss models including the Log-distance, Okumura, Hata, and COST-231 Hata model in a peer to peer configured system where the sensor nodes are deployed at the same low heights. To this end, firstly, measurement campaigns are carried out in suburban and rural environments by utilizing LoRa enabled sensor nodes operating at 868 MHz band. The measured received signal strength values are then compared with the predicted values to assess the prediction accuracy of the models. The results achieved from this study show that the Okumura model has higher accuracy.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Post Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Meningitis Taking Lumbar Puncture as Gold Standard. Experience at Nishtar Hospital-Multan

Background: One of the most serious and contagious disease, associated with considerable effects on quality of life and death rates is bacterial meningitis. Urgent diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are required in 10 to 20% of survivors with advancing debilitating neurologic complications. In developing countries the prevalence of meningitis is usually high in low-socioeconomic status. Objective: To determine the Diagnostic Accuracy of Post Contrast FLAIR MR imaging for suspected meningitis in pediatric patients taking Lumbar Puncture as Gold Standard. Methods: The Study was done at Department of Radiology, in which calculated sample size was 100 children with suspected meningitis aged 2 – 12 years of age. MRI brain was performed from vertex to the base of skull on PhilipsTM Achieva 1.5 tesla (T) MR System. Following MRI exam, CSF was collected via LP of each patient. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS package version 19.0. Results: Post contrast FLAIR MRI findings were positive in 48 (48 %) while negative in 52 (52 %) while lumbar puncture revealed positive findings in 51 (51 %) while negative in 49 (49 %). Sensitivity of the post contrast FLAIR MRI was 78.43 % while specificity was 83.67 %, diagnostic accuracy was 81.00 %. Conclusion: The most authentic, secure and potent diagnostic tool for the detection of meningitis among suspected children is post contrast FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging. Our study represents that post-contrast FLAIR MRI has high sensitivity, specificity and detecting accuracy in diagnosis of meningitis among influenced population.
Deformability And Shear Strength Parameters of The Foundation of A Project on Tanjero Formation in Iraq Using Rmr And Gsi

Determination of the shear strength and deformability parameters of weak rocks are very significant in order to design the foundation of buildings on it economically and safely. Tanjero formation consists of an alternation of sandstone and silty marlstone and it is considered as a weak rock layer which makes it difficult to determine precisely its bearing capacity. Understanding the behavior of this formation under loading is one of the most challenges in geotechnical engineering. The formation underlies most of the areas in Sulaimani city and significant projects such as Shari Daik and Barzayakni Sulaimni projects in Sulaimani city in Iraq. In this paper, the mentioned parameters of this formation were predicted and recommended for the foundation of a multi-story building at Shari Daik project in Sulaimani city in Iraq based on Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Geological Strength Index (GSI) rock systems.
Biomarkers and Ultra Structural Evaluation of Marine Pollution by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

The present study is endeavored to study the oxidative stress and antioxidant response as well as the ultrastructural change of both liver and muscle tissues of Siganus rivulatus collected from polluted region (El-Mex Bay) and control region (Marsa Matrouh) to identify the significance of biomarkers. The results revealed that, El-Mex Bay was polluted by different types of chemicals including hydrocarbons comparing with the reference area (Matrouh area). Where, the concentration range of total hydrocarbons in sediment samples collected from Matrouh coast was 409.24 - 521.26 ng/g, dry weight, where as this range in sediment samples collected from El-MexBay was 4159.77 - 4589.81 ng/g, dry weight. In this context, the induction of antioxidant systems in fish collected from polluted area in response to oxidative stress should be considered as a clear indication of the presence of pollution and environmental health degradation. Also, The increase in lipid peroxidation was a useful indicator of the pollution load in the present study. The results suggest that chemical pollution is capable of inducing morphological alteration in liver offish collected from polluted area. The present study indicated that ultra-structural changes serveas biomarker of stress in aquatic environment.
Metabolome and Transcriptome Association Analysis Reveals Regulation of Flavonoid Biosynthesis by Overexpression of LaMIR166a in Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr

Somatic embryogenesis is an ideal model process for studying early plant development. Embryonic cell lines of Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr overexpressing LaMIR166a were obtained in our previous study. Here, a combination of de novo transcriptomics and extensively targeted metabolomics was used to study the transcriptional profiles and metabolic changes in wild-type and LaMIR166a-overexpressed embryonic cell lines. A total of 459 metabolites were found in the wild-type and transgenic cell lines. Compared to those in the wild-type cell lines, transcripts and metabolites were significantly altered in the LaMIR166a-overexpressed cell lines. Among differentially expressed genes (DEGs), phenylalanine and flavonoid synthesis genes were significantly enriched, and among differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), phenolic acids and flavonoids accumulated in particularly high amounts. Thus, the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway seems to be the most abundant pathway in response to LaMIR166a overexpression. Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database, the association analysis of metabolome and transcriptome data showed that flavonoid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction processes were significantly changed in miR166a-overexpression lines, suggesting that miR166 might be involved in these processes. The present study identified a number of potential metabolites associated with LaMIR166a overexpression, providing a significant foundation for a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying miR166.
Parasitic fauna of Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847 from Algerian coast

The parasitic fauna of Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847 from the Gulf of Bejaia (eastern coast of Algeria) was studied. The parasites collected from 400 host fish specimens, comprised 10 taxa including 6 species of Digenea, 1 species of Copepoda, 1 species of Nematoda, 1 larva of Cestoda and an unidentified Microsporidian species. The Nematoda Hysterothylacium sp. and the Copepoda Clavellisa emarginata (Krøyer, 1873) are newly reported for S. aurita. The Digenean parasites were numerous, diverse and constituted the most dominant group (P = 33.63%). The checklist of all known parasite species collected from S. aurita in the Mediterranean Sea includes 13 species, among which eight are Digeneans.
Risk Appetite and Jumps in Realized Correlation

This paper examines the role of non-cash flow factors over correlation jumps in financial markets. Utilizing time-varying risk aversion measure as a proxy for investor sentiment and the cross-quantilogram method applied to intraday data, we show that risk aversion captures significant predictive power over realized stock-bond correlation jumps at different quantiles and lags. The predictive relation between correlation jumps and time-varying risk aversion is found to be asymmetric, as we detect a heterogeneous dependence pattern across different quantiles and lag orders. Our findings underline the importance of non-cash flow factors over correlation jumps, highlighting the role of behavioral factors in optimal portfolio allocations and the effectiveness of diversification strategies.
Potentiometric Carboxylate Sensors Based on Carbazole-Derived Acyclic and Macrocyclic Ionophores

Solid-contact ion-selective electrodes with carbazole-derived ionophores were prepared. They were characterized as acetate sensors, but can be used to determine a number of carboxylates. The potentiometric response characteristics (slope, detection limit, selectivity, and pH sensitivity) of sensors prepared with different membrane compositions (ionophore, ionophore concentration, anion exchanger concentration, and plasticizer) were evaluated. The results show that for the macrocyclic ionophores, a larger cavity provided better selectivity. The sensors exhibited modest selectivity for acetate but good selectivity for benzoate. The carbazole-derived ionophores effectively decreased the interference from lipophilic anions, such as bromide, nitrate, iodide, and thiocyanate. The selectivity, detection limit, and linear range were improved by choosing a suitable plasticizer and by reducing the ionophore and anion exchanger concentrations. The influence of the electrode body’s material upon the composition of the plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) membrane, and thus also upon the sensor characteristics, was also studied. The choice of materials for the electrode body significantly affected the characteristics of the sensors.
Evaluation of Physicochemical and Antifungal Properties of Polylactic Acid–Thermoplastic Starch–Chitosan Biocomposites

ABSTRACT Biocomposites of polylactic acid, thermoplastic starch, chitosan powder, and chitosan lyophilized powder were prepared using an extrusion process. The color, thermal, structural, mechanical, morphology, and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. The addition of thermoplastic starch and chitosan (chitosan powder and chitosan lyophilized powder) produced significant changes in color and heterogeneous surface morphology of the polylactic acid biocomposites. The thermal, mechanical, and morphometric properties of the material showed changes with the addition of thermoplastic starch and chitosan (chitosan powder and chitosan lyophilized powder). The biocomposites formulated with chitosan powder and chitosan lyophilized powder showed antifungal activity when evaluating this property. The biocomposites produced could be used in packaging applications. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
The Impact of Financial Development on Corporate Performance: Theory and Evidence

This paper investigates the impact of financial development on corporate performance. Particularly, financial development is approximated by the parallel development of the banking system and stock market, which is expected to demonstrate the multidimensional nature in financial development. Specially, we consider the influence of financial development on corporate performance by exploring the theoretical and empirical works, a novel way of approaching the problem. We analyse the data of logistics sector and financial development in Vietnam, an economy whose logistics sector is relatively limited and financial development is quite fledging, but has enormous potential. Therefore, this study is expected to identify a number of unprecedented findings. The Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) is chosen for the analysis to ensure the reliable results. We successfully find that the banking system plays an essential role in enhancing corporate performance while the stock market does not perform this role. Admittedly, this is an interesting finding which brings the novelty of this study.
Pesticide use in agriculture and chronic health conditions: A survey-based cross-sectional study in Nepal

The long-term (mis)use of chemical pesticides in agriculture may cause chronic health conditions. The study aimed to assess the relationship between pesticide use in agriculture and chronic health conditions of farmers. The study was done in two adjoining villages in Kavrepalanchok district of Nepal: Mahadevsthan having high application rates and long history of the use of pesticides in the agriculture; and Nayagaun - relatively low rates and a short history of the use of pesticides. Data was collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, ‘door-to-door’ physical health examination, and free medical health camps. We performed an independent sample t-test and Poisson regression in data analysis. The findings showed higher prevalence rates of chronic health conditions in Mahadevsthan compared to Nayagaun. We also observed a significant positive association between pesticide use history and chronic health conditions. The incidence rate for multiple chronic conditions increased by a factor of 1.296 for an additional year of pesticide use. We, however, recommend in-depth longitudinal cohort studies for further examination of the relationship.
Synthesis of cubic CdSe nanocrystals and their spectral properties

The cadmium selenide nanocrystals are prepared by colloidal chemistry under mild conditions. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements indicate that as-prepared cadmium selenide nanocrystals are zinc blende cubic structure. We carry out an analysis of quantum size effect in the Raman spectra of cadmium selenide nanocrystals performed by utilizing the chemical bond theory of Raman peak shift developed recently. It is revealed that the shifts of Raman peaks in cadmium selenide nanocrystals result from the overlapping of the quantum effect shifts and surface effect shifts. The sizes of the as-prepared cadmium selenide nanocrystals obtained by employing the Raman peak shift theory are in good agreement with the nanocrystal sizes determined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
Corporate Governance Determinants of Financial Restatements: A Meta-Analysis

This paper conducts a meta-analysis of 182 published archival accounting and auditing studies on the corporate governance determinants of financial restatements. We aim to provide a focused and systematic examination of various internal and external corporate governance factors that may predict financial restatements. We do so by aggregating results statistically across individual studies and correcting statistical artifacts, thereby we provide findings that are much more precise than those of narrative reviews. We categorize the chosen governance variables into (a) audit firm and audit engagement characteristics; (b) gender, board attributes, and audit committee attributes; (c) CEO related attributes; (d) ownership structure variables; and (e) external corporate governance variables, and thus we generate a total of 37 separate corporate governance variables. Our results reveal that the governance mechanisms of Big N auditor choice, types, and timeliness of audit opinions and board independence are significantly and negatively associated with the occurrence of financial restatements. However, economic bonding between auditors and their clients, insider ownership, and firm complexity all increase the likelihood of restatements significantly. We hope that our findings will make a meaningful contribution to the literature on financial restatements and corporate governance by providing insights for regulators on the governance mechanisms that may require further scrutiny in combating the occurrence of financial restatements.
Analytical and numerical evaluation of the effect of stiffening with the rigidity of bearing stratum on the reduction of settlement for a partially stiffened granular pile

ABSTRACT A traditional approach of using granular pile (GP) is an economical and effective technique to achieve the objectives of ground improvement. If GP is partially stiffened from the top of GP, their overall performance gets improved. Stiffening of GP can be achieved by replacing partially the upper portion of GP with a material having superior mechanical properties, e.g. by geosynthetic encased columns, SDCM (stiffened deep cement mixing), etc. Analyses of a single partially stiffened (SPS) floating and end-bearing GP is presented in this paper in terms of settlement influence factor (SIF) for the top of GP, settlement reduction factor (SRF), percentage load shared by the base (PLSB) of GP. Analytically the variation of normalised shear stress (NSS) distribution along the length of the partially stiffened GP is presented in this paper. SIF for the top of GP was found to decrease, while the PLSB of GP was found to increase, with an increase in the stiffening parameters viz. stiffening factor (SF) and the percentage length of stiffening (PLS) from top of GP for a partially stiffened GP.