Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Belgian Covid-19 Mortality, Excess Deaths, Number of Deaths per Million, and Infection Fatality Rates (8 March - 9 May 2020)

Objective. Scrutiny of COVID-19 mortality in Belgium over the period 8 March-9 May 2020 (Weeks 11-19), using number of deaths per million, infection fatality rates, and the relation between COVID-19 mortality and excess death rates. Data. Publicly available COVID-19 mortality (2020); overall mortality (2009-2020) data in Belgium and demographic data on the Belgian population; data on the nursing home population; results of repeated sero-prevalence surveys in March-April 2020. Statistical methods. Reweighing, missing-data handling, rate estimation, visualization. Results. Belgium has virtually no discrepancy between COVID-19 reported mortality (confirmed and possible cases) and excess mortality. There is a sharp excess death peak over the study period; the total number of excess deaths makes April 2020 the deadliest month of April since WWII, with excess deaths far larger than in early 2017 or 2018, even though influenza-induced January 1951 and February 1960 number of excess deaths were similar in magnitude. Using various sero-prevalence estimates, infection fatality rates (IFRs; fraction of deaths among infected cases) are estimated at 0.38-0.73% for males and 0.20-0.39% for females in the non-nursing home population (non-NHP), and at 0.79-1.52% for males and 0.88-1.31% for females in the entire population. Estimates for the NHP range from 38 to 73% for males and over 22 to 37% for females. The IFRs rise from nearly 0% under 45 years, to 4.3% and 13.2% for males in the non-NHP and the general population, respectively, and to 1.5% and 11.1% for females in the non-NHP and general population, respectively. The IFR and number of deaths per million is strongly influenced by extensive reporting and the fact that 66.0% of the deaths concerned NH residents. At 764 (our re-estimation of the figure 735, presented by "Our World in Data"), the number of COVID-19 deaths per million led the international ranking on May 9, 2020, but drops to 262 in the non-NHP. The NHP is very specific: age-related increased risk; highly prevalent comorbidities that, while non-fatal in themselves, exacerbate COVID-19; larger collective households that share inadvertent vectors such as caregivers and favor clustered outbreaks; initial lack of protective equipment, etc. High-quality health care countries have a relatively older but also more frail population [1], which is likely to contribute to this result.
Elevated atmospheric CO2 lowers leaf litter nutritional quality for stream ecosystem food webs

Up to 99% of the carbon fuelling the food webs of temperate woodland streams is derived from inputs of terrestrial leaf litter. Aquatic bacteria, fungi, and detritivore invertebrates directly utilize these inputs, transferring this energy to other components of the food web. Increases in atmospheric CO2 could indirectly impact woodland stream food webs by chemically altering leaf litter. This study evaluated CO2‐induced chemical changes in aspen (Populus tremuloides) leaf litter, and the corresponding effects on stream bacteria, fungi and leaf‐shredding cranefly larvae (Tipula abdominalis: Diptera). Leaf litter from plants grown under elevated CO2 had decreased nutritional value to aquatic decomposers and detritivores because of higher levels of structural compounds and lower nitrogen content. Consequently, elevated CO2‐grown leaf litter supported 59% lower bacterial production in a stream than litter grown at ambient CO2 levels, while not affecting fungal biomass. Larval craneflies fed elevated CO2‐grown microbially colonized leaves consumed less, assimilated less, and grew 12 times slower than their ambient fed counterparts.
Kidney function on admission predicts in-hospital mortality in COVID-19

Background Recent data have reinforced the concept of a reciprocal relationship between COVID-19 and kidney function. However, most studies have focused on the effect of COVID-19 on kidney function, whereas data regarding kidney function on the COVID-19 prognosis is scarce. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the association between eGFR on admission and the mortality rate of COVID-19. Methods We recruited 336 adult consecutive patients (male 57.1%, mean age 55.0 {+/-}15.9) that were hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19 in the tertiary care university hospital. Data were collected from the electronic health records of the hospital. On admission, eGFR was calculated using the CKD-EPI formula. Acute kidney injury was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. Binary logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between eGFR on admission and in-hospital mortality of COVID-19. Results Baseline eGFR was under 60 mL/min/1.73m2 in 61 patients (18.2%). Acute kidney injury occurred in 29.1% of the patients. In-hospital mortality was calculated as 12.8%. Age-adjusted and multivariate logistic regression analysis (p:0.005, odds ratio:0.974, CI:0.956-0.992) showed that baseline eGFR was independently associated with mortality. Additionally, age-adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed a higher mortality rate in patients with an eGFR under 60 mL/min/1.73m2. Conclusions On admission eGFR seems to be a prognostic marker for mortality in patients with COVID-19; We recommend to determine eGFR in all patients on admission and use it as an additional tool for risk stratification. Close follow-up should be warranted in patients with reduced eGFR.
Sewage surveillance for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genome as a useful wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) tracking tool in India

The infection with SARS-CoV-2 is reported to be accompanied by the shedding of the virus in stool samples of infected patients. Earlier reports have suggested that COVID-19 agents can be present in the fecal and sewage samples and thus it can be a good indication of the pandemic extent in a community. However, no such studies have been reported in the Indian context so far. Since, several factors like local population physiology, the climatic conditions, sewage composition, and processing of samples could possibly affect the detection of the viral genome, it becomes absolutely necessary to check for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 in the wastewater samples from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serving different localities of Jaipur city, which has been under red zone (pandemic hotspots) since early April 2020. Samples from different local municipal WWTPs and hospital wastewater samples were collected and wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) studies for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 were carried out using the RT-PCR technique to confirm the presence of different COVID-19 target genes namely S gene, E gene, ORF1ab gene, RdRp gene and N gene in the viral load of wastewater samples. In the present study, the untreated wastewater samples from the municipal WWTPs and hospital wastewater samples showed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral genome, which was correlated with the increased number of COVID-19 positive patients from the concerned areas, as per reported in the publically available health data. This is the first study that investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral genome in wastewater, at higher ambient temperature (above 40{degrees}C), further validating WBE as a potential tool in predicting and mitigating outbreaks.
Real-time assessment of daytime sleepiness in drivers with multiple sclerosis

Background: Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) that may jeopardize safe driving. The aim of this study was to compare daytime sleepiness, recorded in real time through eyelid tracking, in a simulated drive between individuals with MS (iwMS) and healthy controls. Methods: Fifteen iwMS (age = median (Q1 to Q3), 55 (50 to 55); EDSS = 2.5 (2 to 3.5); 12 (80%) female) were matched for age, sex, education, and cognitive status with 15 controls. All participants completed self-reported fatigue and sleepiness scales including the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Percentage of eyelid closure (PERCLOS) was extracted from a remote eye tracker while completing a simulated drive of 25 minutes. Results: Although iwMS reported more symptoms of fatigue (MFIS, p = 0.003) and poorer sleep quality (PSQI, p = 0.008), they did not report more daytime sleepiness (ESS, p = 0.45). Likewise, there were no differences between groups in real-time daytime sleepiness, indexed by PERCLOS (p = 0.82). Both groups exhibited more real-time daytime sleepiness as they progressed through the drive (time effect, p< 0.0001). The interaction effect of group*time (p = 0.05) demonstrated exacerbated symptoms of daytime sleepiness towards the end of the drive in iwMS compared to controls. PERCLOS correlated strongly (Spearman rho; = 0.76, p = 0.001) with distance out of lane in iwMS. Conclusion: IwMS show exacerbated symptoms of daytime sleepiness during monotonous, simulate drive. Future studies are warranted to investigate the effect of MS on daytime sleepiness during real-world driving.
SARS-CoV-2–Specific Antibody Detection for Seroepidemiology: A Multiplex Analysis Approach Accounting for Accurate Seroprevalence

Background The COVID-19 pandemic demands detailed understanding of the kinetics of antibody production induced by infection with SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to develop a high throughput multiplex assay to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 to assess immunity to the virus in the general population. Methods Spike protein subunits S1 and RBD, and Nucleoprotein were coupled to distinct microspheres. Sera collected before the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 (N=224), and of non-SARS-CoV-2 influenza-like illness (N=184), and laboratory-confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection (N=115) with various severity of COVID-19 were tested for SARS-CoV-2-specific concentrations of IgG. Results Our assay discriminated SARS-CoV-2-induced antibodies and those induced by other viruses. The assay obtained a specificity between 95.1 and 99.0% with a sensitivity ranging from 83.6-95.7%. By merging the test results for all 3 antigens a specificity of 100% was achieved with a sensitivity of at least 90%. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients developed higher IgG concentrations and the rate of IgG production increased faster compared to non-hospitalized cases. Conclusions The bead-based serological assay for quantitation of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies proved to be robust and can be conducted in many laboratories. Finally, we demonstrated that testing of antibodies against different antigens increases sensitivity and specificity compared to single antigen-specific IgG determination.
Modelling for prediction of the spread and severity of COVID-19 and its association with socioeconomic factors and virus types

We report the development of a Weibull based Long-Short-Term-Memory approach (W-LSTM) for the prediction of COVID-19 disease. The W-LSTM model developed in this study, performs better in terms of MSE, R2 and MAPE, as compared to the previously published models, including ARIMA, LSTM and their variations. Using W-LSTM model, we have predicted the beginning and end of the current cycle of COVID-19 in several countries. Performance of the model was validated as satisfactory in 82% of the 50 test countries, while asking for prediction for 10 days beyond the period of training. Accuracy of the above prediction with days beyond training was assessed in comparison with the MAPE that the model gave with cumulative global data. The model was applied to study correlation between the growth of infection and deaths, and a number of effectors that may influence the epidemic. The model identified age groups, trade with China, air traffic, country temperature and CoV-2 virus types as the likely effectors of infection and virulence leading to deaths. The predictors likely to promote or suppress the epidemic were identified. Some of the predictors had significant effect on the shape parameters of Weibull distribution. The model can function on cloud, take inputs in real time and handle large data country wise, at low costs to make predictions dynamically. Such predictions are highly valuable in guiding policy makers, administration and health. Interactive curves generated from the W-LSTM model can be seen at http://collaboration.coraltele. com/covid2/.
Aspects of river eutrophication in Ireland

L'eutrophisation des cours d'eau est un probleme different du probleme de l'eutrophisation des lacs. Il n'existe pas de criteres pour le phosphate fluvial dans la C.E. C. Directive pour les poissons d'eaux douces. Cet article etablit une comparaison entre les valeurs de phosphate et celles de la qualite biologique dans quelques 800 sites de rivieres irlandaises, pour une periode de trois ans. Cette analyse a montre que l'eutrophisation devient problematique quand le niveau annuel moyen d'ortho-phosphate (MRP) depasse 30 μg P 1 −1 . Un modele spreadsheet pour predire les valeurs de phosphate est illustre par un exemple de la riviere Deel du comte de Mayo. Ce modele utilise des equations de regression pour relier les debits ou les concentrations en phosphate avec les precipitations journalieres
OLFACTORY RESPONSES OF HYLASTES NIGRINUS (COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE) TO VARIOUS HOST MATERIALS

Abstract Hylastes nigrinus (Mann.) is attracted to, and breeds in, the roots of both cut and beetle-killed Douglas-fir trees; the latter are preferred. The beetles reach the roots by digging through the soil. Bark samples taken from trees of various physiological condition and placed in field olfactometers showed that the beetle prefers the bark of insect-killed trees, although bark taken from healthy Douglas-firs became attractive after some time. Among the various terpenes tested, α-pinene and β-pinene were most attractive, in addition to Douglas-fir resin itself.
The influence of visionary leadership, TQM implementation, and the implementation of SPMI against SPME and quality

This Study was conducted to analyze the influence of visionary leadership, implementation OF TQM, implementation OF SPMI against SPME and quality of private universities in Makassar city, to analyse the influence of visionary leadership, implementation OF TQM, implementation OF SPMI through SPME on the quality of private universities in Makassar city. The study used a quantitative approach by using primary data through a questionnaire of 200 respondents from a population of 400 lecturers. Research is conducted from October to January 2020. The Data is analyzed using SEM AMOS program. The results of this study show that: Visionary leadership has a positive and significant effect on SPME. The implementation of TQM has negative and insignificant effect on SPME. The implementation of SPMI has positive and significant impact on SPME at private universities in Makassar city. Visionary leadership has a positive and significant effect on college quality. The implementation of TQM has a significant and negative effect on college quality. SPMI implementation is positive and significant to the college quality. SPME has positive and significant effect on college quality. Visionary leadership has a negative and significant effect on college quality through SPME. The implementation of TQM has a negative impact and is not significant to higher education quality through SPME. SPMI implementation is negatively and significantly affected by the quality of college through SPME
An Introduction to Geographical and Urban Economics: A Spiky World

A comprehensive introduction to both urban and geographical economics: the two dominant approaches used to explain the distribution of economic activity across space. This fully revised and up-to-date third edition gives a full account of the ever-expanding body of knowledge and insights on urban and geographical economics, with an increased emphasis on analytical concepts and empirical methods, reflecting developments in the literature since the last edition. The authors provide both state-of-the-art theories and empirics, introducing new data, methods and models for this edition, including a whole chapter dedicated to measurement issues and empirical methods. Written in a style that is accessible to students who are new to the field, this textbook also includes more advanced concepts that will interest experienced researchers. Unrivalled in its scope and depth, this title is perfect for readers seeking to understand the uneven spatial distribution of economic activity between and within countries.
Business Cycles in the Brazilian Economy in the Post-Real Period: an Analysis from Technological and Monetary Shocks

This study is an examination of the dynamic properties of the Brazilian economy in the period following the implementation of the Real plan in the presence of technological and monetary shocks. The money-in-the-utility function model (MIU) has been used, which assumes that utility generates money by incorporating real money balances in the utility function of economic agents. To identify how business cycles respond to shocks, simulations that consider a benchmark economy and a monetary economy were conducted. The results show that in the benchmark economy the adherence was found only for real variables, while the volatility of nominal variables’ was estimated in comparison to the stylized facts of the real economy; the simulation of monetary economy produced a better adjustment of monetary variables and the movements over the cycle, indicating the non-rejection of real effects in the long-term dynamics in the economy from monetary shocks. Key-Words: business cycles, monetary and technological shocks, Brazilian economy in the post-Real period.
Clozapine treatment and risk of COVID-19.

Background Clozapine, an antipsychotic with unique efficacy in treatment resistant psychosis, is associated with increased susceptibility to infection, including pneumonia. Aims To investigate associations between clozapine treatment and increased risk of COVID-19 in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders who are receiving antipsychotic medications, using electronic health records data, in a geographically defined population in London. Method Using information from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM) clinical records, via the Clinical Record Interactive Search system, we identified 6,309 individuals who had an ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and were taking antipsychotics at the time on the COVID-19 pandemic onset in the UK. People who were on clozapine treatment were compared with those on any other antipsychotic treatment for risk of contracting COVID-19 between 1 March and 18 May 2020. We tested associations between clozapine treatment and COVID-19 infection, adjusting for gender, age, ethnicity, BMI, smoking status, and SLAM service use. Results Of 6,309 patients, 102 tested positive for COVID-19. Individuals who were on clozapine had increased risk of COVID-19 compared with those who were on other antipsychotic medication (unadjusted HR = 2.62 (95% CI 1.73 - 3.96), which was attenuated after adjusting for potential confounders, including clinical contact (adjusted hazard ratio HR=1.76, 95% CI 1.14 - 2.72). Conclusions These findings provide support for the hypothesis that clozapine treatment is associated with an increased risk of COVID-19. Further research will be needed in other samples to confirm this association. Potential clinical implications are discussed.
The origins and character of ‘aboriginal subsistence’ whaling: a global review

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) recognizes aboriginal subsistence whaling to be distinct from commercial whaling, and these two broad categories of whaling are subject to different management approaches. This paper describes recent, ongoing and likely future whale hunts that qualify, or may qualify, for aboriginal subsistence status within the IWC’s management framework. To ensure conservation of the whale populations, a forthright exposition of the origins, development and character of these hunts is needed in addition to stock assessment, a risk-averse catch limit algorithm and appropriate mechanisms within the whaling communities to ensure compliance. The hunts for Bowhead Whales (Balaena mysticetus) and Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus) in the Arctic and North Pacific, respectively, and Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in Indonesia have long histories and local origins. Those for Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Lesser Antilles and at Tonga in the South Pacific were introduced by foreign commercial whalers. Whale hunting in the Philippines appears to have originated both locally and as a result of foreign influence. The relatively recent initiation of whaling for Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and Minke Whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Greenland required introduced technology but can be viewed as a modern adaptation of an ancient tradition. Consensus in deciding how to classify and manage non-industrial whaling has been, and will remain, elusive. Even with common definitions of key terms such as ‘subsistence’, ‘commercial’ and ‘aboriginal’, interpretations will depend on whether one’s priorities are whale-centred or human-centred.
Postzygotic isolation between the two European subspecies of the house mouse: estimates from fertility patterns in wild and laboratory-bred hybrids

We assessed the fertility (reproductive success, litter size, testis weight, spermatocyte-to-spermatid ratio) of F 1 s and backcrosses between different wild-derived outbred and inbred strains of two mouse subspecies, Mus musculus domesticus and M. m. musculus. A significant proportion of the F 1 females between the outbred crosses did not reproduce, suggesting that female infertility was present. As the spermatocyte-to-spermatid ratio was correlated with testis weight, the latter was used to attribute a sterile vs. fertile phenotype to all males. Segregation proportions in the backcrosses of F 1 females yielded 11 (inbred) to 17% (outbred) sterile males, suggesting the contribution of two to three major genetic factors to hybrid male sterility. Only one direction of cross between the inbred strains produced sterile F 1 males, indicating that one factor was borne by the musculus X-chromosome. No such differences were observed between reciprocal crosses in the outbred strains. The involvement of the X chromosome in male sterility thus could not be assessed, but its contribution appears likely given the limited introgression of X-linked markers through the hybrid zone between the subspecies. However, we observed no sterile phenotypes in wild males from the hybrid zone, although testis weight tended to decrease in the centre of the transect.