Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fractionation of zinc and their association with soil properties of Manipur

The Zinc content in six soil chemical fractions was determined in twenty four soil samples collected from different paddy fields of Gamdeiphai, Sadukoireng, Utonglok, Saijang villages of Saikul block of Kangpokpi district of Manipur using Stratified Random Sampling with proportionate allocation, to investigate the form of spontaneously accumulated Zn in the hill soils of Manipur and also to study the correlation coefficient between zinc fractions and soil properties. Sequential extraction was applied to every soil and each Zn fraction was designated. The water soluble and exchangeable zinc fractions (WSEX-Zn) varied from 0.45-0.93 mg kg (mean 0.76 mg kg), organically bound zinc fractions (OCZn) 2.40-6.12 mg kg (mean 4.65 mg kg), amorphous sesquioxide bound zinc (AMOX-Zn) 2.82-4.70 mg kg (mean 3.69 mg kg), crystalline sesquioxide bound zinc (CRYOX-Zn) 1.08-2.20mg kg kg (mean 1.52 mg kg ), manganese oxide bound zinc (MN-Zn) 0.98-4.69mg kg (mean 2.30 mg kg) and residual form of zinc (RES-Zn) varied from 58.91-100.32 mg kg (mean 78.99 mg kg). Thus the different fractions of zinc viz. WSEX-Zn, OC-Zn, AMOX-Zn, CRYOX-Zn, MN-Zn and (RES-Zn) form constituted 0.83%, 5.06%, 4.01%, 1.65%, 2.50%, 85.95% of total zinc content in soils respectively. All the soil samples were acidic in reaction ranging from pH 4.5 to 6.06 with mean value of 5.20, electrical conductivity is ranging from 0.06 to 0.20 dSm with mean value of 0.10 dSm, organic carbon content 0.30 to 1.59% with mean value of 0.91%, cation exchange capacity of the soils 9.2 to 23.6 [cmol (p+) kg ] with mean value of 15.60 [cmol (p+) kg] and the clay content of soil varied from 33.50 to 54.40% (mean 45.39%). The DTPA zinc ranged from 0.30-1.36mg kg (mean 0.88 mg kg) and total zinc 71.94112. 62 mg kg (mean 91.90 mg kg).
Supporting Product Development Activities By Reverse Engineering Technique

Several product design processes were proposed in the literature. Their implementations in curriculums, however, do not equip students with the range of skills needed for designing innovative products. To address this issue, the proper integration of reverse engineering in product development processes can have a significant advantage for pouring insightful knowledge into their associated hands-on activities. This work illustrates the integration of reverse engineering techniques into a widely used process in engineering education. In order to test its relevance, the results of it use by a class of engineering student is illustrated. This approach is thought to provide students with a more effective design process for the acquisition of both explicit and tacit knowledge of design.
Histopathological changes of the intestine of the freshwater fish, Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822) due to infection of metacercaria of trematode parasites

Channa gachua (HAMILTON, 1822) (Family: Channaidae) are considered to be the most delicious fish, is one of the fish that are naturally available and abundant in nature. The metacercariae of Azygia anguisticauda (Stafford, 1904) Bhalerao, 1942 are found infesting the intestine of these fishes tremendous. During present studies, the four layers of the intestine namely; serosa, muscualris layer, submucosa and mucosa were found severely affected. In T.S. of intestine of Channa gachua (HAMILTON, 1822), it has been observed that the Azygia anguisticauda (Stafford, 1904) Bhalerao, 1942 slowly damage to the intestinal villi, serosa layers, vacuolization in tunica muscularis and lamina propria which indicate that trematodes highly destruct to the host intestine.
Using machine learning to predict self-exclusion status in online gamblers on the PlayNow.com platform in British Columbia

ABSTRACT The identification of disordered gambling in the online environment may enable interventions to be targeted to those users experiencing harms. We tested the performance of machine learning in classifying online gamblers with and without a record of voluntary self-exclusion (VSE). We analyzed a one year dataset from PlayNow.com, the provincially owned online gambling platform in British Columbia, Canada. The primary model compared 2,157 gamblers with a record of VSE enrollment (6 months to 3 years) against 17,526 non-VSE controls, using 20 input variables of gambling behavior. Machine learning (random forest classifier) achieved an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.75 (SD = 0.01). The input variable with the greatest predictive signal (based on feature importance values) was Variance in Money Bet per Session. Further analyses tested a logistic regression model as a benchmark, and tested the impact of key modeling decisions (including use of a balanced dataset, and data inclusion threshold). Across all models, machine learning algorithms were able to predict VSE status with performance between 0.65 and 0.76, using our behavioral inputs. These results provide proof-of-principle data for the applied use of behavioral tracking to identify disordered gambling, and highlight the importance of behavioral inputs reflecting betting variability.
Do Renewable Portfolio Standards Deliver Cost-Effective Carbon Abatement?∗

The most prevalent and perhaps most popular climate policies in the U.S. are Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that mandate that renewable sources, such as wind and solar, produce a specified share of electricity, yet little is known about their efficiency. Using the most comprehensive data set ever compiled and a difference-in-differences style research design, we find that electricity prices are 11% higher seven years after RPS passage, likely due to indirect grid integration costs such as transmission and intermittency. On the benefit side, carbon emissions are 10-25% lower. Point estimates suggest that the cost per ton of CO2 abatement ranges from $60-$300, though these estimates do not account for the possibility of future cost reductions due to RPS-induced technological progress. We thank Frank Wolak, Ken Gillingham, Nancy Rose, Matt Zaragoza-Watkins, Chris Knittel, Dick Schmalensee, James Bushnell, Koichiro Ito, and participants at the MIT Public Finance and Industrial Organization Lunches, UC Berkeley Energy Camp, Harvard Environmental Economics Lunch, and MIT CEEPR meetings for their comments. We also thank Catherine Che, Ian Pitman, and Henry Zhang for providing excellent research assistance. Contact information: mgreenst@uchicago.edu, inath@uchicago.edu. ∗Working paper. Comments welcome. †University of Chicago and NBER ‡University of Chicago
Body Burden of Lead, Cadmium and Vanadium among HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Drugs in Port Harcourt, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Background: Exposure to environmental heavy metals predispose humans to health risks and hazards. Increased risks of chronic diseases have been attributed to increased exposure to heavy metals. Studies have linked early onset of chronic diseases in HIV-infected persons to exposure to heavy metals in the environment. Given the massive industrialization and crude oil exploration in the Niger Delta, there is huge environmental pollution in the area. Objectives: The study sought to evaluate the presence of blood lead, cadmium and vanadium (notable heavy metals associated with crude oil exploration) levels of HIV-positive and HIV-negative volunteers in Port Harcourt, Niger Delta Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study evaluated the presence of lead, cadmium and vanadium in HIV-positive and HIV-negative volunteers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Blood samples of a total of 100 subjects (60 HIV-positive and 40 HIV-negative subjects) with age range 15->60 years were analysed using Solar Thermo Elemental Flame Absorption Spectrometer (S4 710). Results: Mean blood levels of lead, Cadmium and Vanadium obtained were 2.00±6.25; 1.70±11.20 and 0.03± 0.04 ppm respectively for HIV-subjects and 0.15±0.28, 0. 04±0.05, 0.01±0.02 ppm for HIV-negative subjects. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that HIV-positive subjects had significantly higher levels of all the heavy metals compared to HIV-negative persons thereby predisposing them to be more at risks of the metals.
Drug prescribing patterns in geriatric patients in selected health facilities of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Drug prescribing for geriatric patients is a complex and challenging process because of age-related physiological changes. The drug prescriber plays a critical role in identifying drugs use within the community and improving drug therapy is the most important intervention in the elderly. The aim of the study was to evaluate the patterns of drug prescribing in elderly patients attending selected healthcare facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by means of World Health Organization’s (WHOs) prescribing and health facility assessment tools. The study design used was retrospective for assessing prescribing patterns and prospective methods to evaluate healthcare facilities. Data were collected in Ethiopia from April 20 to August 20, 2019. Retrospectively, 1,200 prescriptions were analyzed according to WHO guidelines. The mean number of drugs per encounter varied from 2.2 to 2.67, the percentage of drugs prescribed by generic name ranged from 436(81.95%) to 919(91.62%), the percentage of prescriptions with injections ranged from 65(16.25%) to 68(34%), and the percentage of drugs prescribed from the Ethiopian essential drug list (EDL) varied from 407 (76.5%) to 918(91.53%). This prospective study showed that in healthcare facilities the percentage availability of the copy of the Ethiopian EDL was 5(100%), standard treatment guideline was 4 (80%), drug formulary was 4 (80%), and none of the facilities had international prescribing guidelines. The methods of prescribing by generic name, prescribing drugs from the EDL, and polypharmacy were near-optimal with the standard WHO requirements. However, there is a need to improve the pattern of prescribing antibiotics and injection medicines, the availability of key essential medicines in the stock, and the availability and use of international guidelines, such as AGS Beers Criteria, which is a guide for decisions about what drugs to use in geriatric patients.
The what, how and why of human coprolite analysis in archaeology

Coprolites are a highly informative but still underutilized proxy for understanding past environments, palaeodiets, and ancient human health. Here we provide a critical review of the history and current state of research in human coprolite analysis encompassing, macroscopic, microscopic, and biomolecular approaches. We present new data from a number of key sites which demonstrates how new multiscalar, multiproxy approaches can provide unique insights. Coprolites should be routinely collected and examined during excavations and integrated with other archaeological and palaeoecological evidence. Future research needs to focus on better understanding of coprolite formation as well as pre and post depositional taphonomy, a goal which can be achieved through interdisciplinary collaboration between geoarchaeology and organic geochemistry.
Livestock feeds and feeding system in Enset (Ensete ventricosum) dominated mixed farming system of southern Ethiopia. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 4(6): 150-158

During the study period 147 apparently healthy 3rd trimester pregnant cows were selected in smallholder, medium and large scale dairy farms in and around Gondar, North Western Ethiopia from January 2015 to September 2017. After calving, endometrial samples were collected from the uterus of apparently normal cows by using uterine lavage technique on postpartum dairy cows from 40-60 days. Collected samples were centrifuged and a drop of sediment was streaked onto a clean microscopic slide and stained with giemsa. The percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (neutrophils) was calculated. It was found that increase in the number of neutrophils correlated with decrease in pregnancy. In conclusion, subclinical endometritis diagnosed by endometrial cytology was associated with reduced rate of pregnancy.
Taxonomy of Podoscirtinae (Orthoptera: Gryllidae). Part 9: the American tribe Paroecanthini

Systematic position and composition of the endemic American tribe Paroecanthini are discussed. This tribe is divided into two subtribes: Paroecanthina stat. nov. (from Paroecanthini Gorochov, 1986) and Tafaliscina stat. nov. (from Tafaliscinae Desutter, 1988). Five new genera, 24 new species and 6 new subspecies are described. Systematic position and distribution of true and possible taxa of Paroecanthini are clarified, and some of these taxa are redescribed. Orocharis eclectos Otte, 2006, syn. nov. is synonymised with Paroecanthus mexicanus Saussure, 1859 which is restored as type species of Paroecanthus Saussure, 1859 according to original monotypy of this genus. Orocharis signatus Walker, 1869 and Carsidava Walker, 1869 are excluded from synonymy of P. mexicanus and Paroecanthus, respectively. Orocharis signatus is considered to be a probable synonym of P. aztecus aztecus Saussure, 1874. Carsidava and Chremon Rehn, 1930, syn. nov. are considered possible and evident synonyms of Ectotrypa Saussure, 1874, respectively. Angustitrella vicina (Chopard, 1912), sp. resurr. and A. picipes (Bruner, 1916), sp. resurr. are restored from synonymy of A. podagrosa (Saussure, 1897) and Siccotrella niger (Saussure, 1874), respectively. Lectotype of Amblyrhethus brevipes (Saussure, 1878) and type species of Metrypa Brunner-Wattenwyl, 1873 (Tafalisca lurida Walker, 1869) are designated. Pseudogryllus Chopard, 1912, gen. resurr. is restored from synonymy of Tafalisca Walker, 1869.
A Comprehensive Tool and Analytical Pathway for Differential Molecular Profiling and Biomarker Discovery

Abstract : Comprehensive and reproducible sample collection techniques were developed concomitantly with the informatics tool and used in multiple, independent studies for the validation and further development of generated software tools and approaches. Data from a dose-response study examining an organ specific environmental toxicant exposure was analyzed using the prototype software tool for discovery of LC/MS based metabolomic biomarkers.
低濃度鉛暴露の生体影響についての研究 : 第2報 女性鉛作業者における生化学反応と自覚症状

: Females painters of ceramic works were examined for parameters of biochemical lead poisoning such as erythrocyte ALAD, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP), ALA and coproporphyrin (CP) in the urine as well as parameters of lead absorption such as lead concentration in the blood and urine (PbB and PbU). Results were compared with those of male painters. At the same time, subjective symptoms were questioned in both male and female painters. Under the lead exposure levels of these painters (PbB 5-50 microgram/dl, PbU 10-200 microgram/l), FEP alone, among the four biochemical tests for lead poisoning, showed a different behaviour between the male and female painters. Among female painters, significant higher incidence of the symptom of "tiredness" was recognized when the PbB level became more than 20 microgram/dl and significant higher incidence of the "history of abortion" was seen as the PbU level became more than 60 microgram/l. However, any relationship between subjective symptoms and PbB or PbU level was not recognized among male painters. These results suggest that female painters are more susceptible to lead exposure than male painters.
The effect of alcohol toxicology in the form of different alcohol drinking patterns on a biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk

Introduction The amino acid homocysteine has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), as elevated levels induce atherosclerosis, through a direct effect on arterial tissue. In alcohol dependent individuals an association between plasma homocysteine levels and alcohol consumption has been found (Bleich et al. 2000d). However this link has not been explored in individuals who have a range of nondependent alcohol drinking patterns. This fact has informed the design of the present work. Material and Methods A convenience sample of abstainers (N=7), non-dependent drinkers (N=28) and alcohol dependent individuals (N=18) was recruited. Alcohol consumption was recorded using questionnaires and diaries. All study participants’ biological samples were analysed for the following biomarkers: plasma homocysteine (HPLC); serum folate and vitamin B12 (competitive immunoassay); serum Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (N-Latex immunoassay); urinary creatinine (colorimetric assay) and the methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFRC677T) polymorphism (Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)). Results There was no association between alcohol consumption during drinking days and plasma homocysteine levels in non-dependent drinkers. However when this group was categorised according to pattern of consumption, plasma homocysteine levels were found to be lower in abstainers (median 5.60 μmol/l), but higher in sessional drinkers (median 7.15 μmol/l) and alcohol-dependent individuals (median 7.89 μmol/). The mutant MTHFR(C677T) polymorphism when present was associated with an increase in plasma homocysteine levels, which correlated with alcohol consumption (R=0.975). CDT levels were found to be elevated in both sessional and alcohol-dependent individuals at baseline (median 2.68% and 5.95% respectively) compared with abstainers (2.16%). Additionally there was a linear relationship between the number of drinking days in a week and a positive CDT result, in a sample of sessional drinkers (R=0.98). Discussion The work undertaken has shown that sessional drinking and alcohol dependence does increase homocysteine levels in comparison to abstainers. This may have important implications in relation to CVD risk. Additionally new evidence of the utility of CDT as a biomarker of alcohol consumption within a sample of sessional drinkers, has been identified.
The Household Effects of Government Spending

This paper provides new evidence on the effects of fiscal policy by studying, using household-level data, how households respond to shifts in government spending. Our identification strategy allows us to control for time-specific aggregate effects, such as the stance of monetary policy or the U.S.-wide business cycle. However, it potentially prevents us from estimating the wealth effects associated with a shift in spending. We find significant heterogeneity in households’ response to a spending shock; the effects appear vary over time depending, among other factors, on the state of business cycle and, at a lower frequency, on the composition of employment (such as the share of workers in part-time jobs). Shifts in spending could also have important distributional effects that are lost when estimating an aggregate multiplier. Heads of households working relatively few (weekly) hours, for instance, suffer from a spending shock of the type we analyzed: their consumption falls, their hours increase and their real wages fall. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Dynamic Stock Market Integration and Financial Crisis: The Case of China, Japan, and Korea

This study examines the relationships between three Northeast Asian stock markets of China, Japan, and Korea during the period between January 1, 2000 and September 30, 2010, with particular attention placed on the global financial crisis period. The findings of this study are as follows. Firstly, China is influenced more by regional markets rather than the global market. On the other hand, Japan is influenced more by the global market rather than regional markets. Korea has the most balanced level of integration between the regional and global markets. Secondly, a portfolio created through an integrated market in the region would result in a significant decline in the unsystematic risk of each country, benefiting both the investor and local economies. Thirdly, the recent global financial crisis has caused a shift in the pattern of integration in the region. All three countries show a higher level of integration with the global market after the financial crisis. Finally, for China, the global market risk has become even greater than the domestic unsystematic risk since 2010. Overall result suggests that the degree of integration among countries tends to change over time, especially around periods marked by financial crisis and there is a diversification benefit of integrated regional market.
Oxalate content of some Nigerian tubers using titrimetric and UV-spectrophotometric methods.

Tubers are basically premium crop in the Nigerian food system which serves the major source of carbohydrate in Human’s diets. Tubers contain some antinutrients (oxalate) which when eaten pose adverse effect on the body system. The amount of oxalate present in the commonly consumed Nigeria tubers was determined by using the titrimetry method and T80 PG UV/Visible spectrophotometer. The results obtained from both methods were statistically proved to be insignificantly different. The oxalate content obtained were 2.3 mg/100 g for Manihot esculentum, 2.38 mg/100 g for Colocasia esculenta, 1.53 mg/100 g for Xanthosoma sagittifolium, 1.28 mg/100 g for Xanthosoma roseum, 0.63mg/100g for Solanum tuberosum, 1.35mg/100g for Ipomoea batatas, 1.33mg/100g for Dioscorea esculentum, 0.46 mg/100 g for Dioscorea rotundata, 0.48 mg/100 g for Dioscorea dometorum and 1.16 mg/100 g for Dioscorea alata. The results show that these commonly consumed Nigerian tubers contains small quantity of oxalate and therefore can be consumed moderately on a regular basis except C. esculenta which contain the high level of oxalate which makes it least edible than other species.
Emulsion polymerization and emulsion polymers

Partial table of contents: BASIC SCIENCE. Free--Radical Polymerization (P. Lovell). Features of Emulsion Polymerization (M. El--Aasser & E. Sudol). Stabilization of Polymer Colloid Dispersions (R. Ottewill). THEORY. Harkins, Smith--Ewart and Related Theories (A. Dunn). Modelling Rates, Particle Size Distributions and Molar Mass Distributions (R. Gilbert). PRACTICE. Formulation Components (A. Klein & E. Daniels). Batch and Semi--batch Processes (P. Lovell). Control of Particle Morphology (V. Dimonie, et al.). Process Modelling and Control (F. Schork). Latex Polymer Characterization (A. German, et al.). The Formation and Properties of Latex Films (M. Winnik). MAJOR INDUSTRIAL USES. Diene--based Synthetic Rubbers (D. Blackley). Vinyl Acetate Polymerization (G. Vandezande, et al.). RELATED HETEROGENEOUS POLYMERIZATION. Miniemulsion Polymerization (E. Sudol & M. El--Aasser). Inverse Emulsion and Microemulsion Polymerization (F. Candau). Indexes.
Local antimaximum principle for the Schrodinger operator in R^N

We consider in this paper equations deﬁned in R N involving Schr¨odinger operators with in-deﬁnite weight functions and with potentials which tend to inﬁnity at inﬁnity. After recalling the existence of principal eigenvalues and the maximum principle, we study the local antimaximum principle.