Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium sseK3 induce cell apoptosis and enhance glycolysis in macrophages

Background: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is an important infectious disease pathogen. Previous studies have identified that S. Typhimurium secreted effector K3 (SseK3) is a novel translated and secreted protein, but it is unclear whether this protein exerts a significant role in the progress of apoptosis and glycolysis in macrophages. Results: The S. Typhimurium SL1344 wild-type (WT) group, ΔsseK3 mutant group and sseK3-complemented group were used to infect macrophages and the effects of sseK3 on apoptosis and glycolysis of macrophages were investigated. The adherence and invasion of ΔsseK3 mutant group for macrophages were similar to WT group and sseK3-complemented group, indicating that SseK3 did not play an important role in the adherence and invasion of S. Typhimurium for macrophages. However, the apoptosis percentage of the ΔsseK3 mutant group was much lower than WT group and sseK3-complemented group using flow cytometry. The caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 enzyme activity of the ΔsseK3 mutant group were decreased significantly compared with WT group and sseK3-complemented group, which suggested that sseK3 could improve the activities of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 enzyme. We also found that the pyruvic acid level did not significantly change among ΔsseK3 mutant group, WT group and sseK3-complemented group, but the lactic acid level of ΔsseK3 mutant group was much lower than WT group and sseK3-complemented group. The ATP level of ΔsseK3 mutant group was remarkably higher than WT group and sseK3-complemented group. These indicated that the sseK3 enhanced the level of glycolysis of macrophages infected by S. Typhimurium. Conclusions: Our data showed that the sseK3 of S. Typhimurium can promote macrophages apoptosis and influence glycolysis levels of macrophages. These results may give a better clue about the relationship between apoptosis and glycolysis in macrophages induced by S. Typhimurium sseK3. Keywords: S. Typhimurium, sseK3, macrophages apoptosis, glycolysis
Innovation and the economic performance of the primary information sector: a multidisciplinary approach

The aim of this research is to understand and compare the implications of recent technical changes for the development and performance of three key component sub-sectors of the primary information sector (PIS): the Information and Communication Technology supply industries; Telecommunications services and Media services. In this study, the author first reviews the most important economic theories explaining the links between technical change or progress and economic performance (i.e. Neoclassical and Neo- Schumpeterian / Evolutionary), as well as the relatively recent “New Economy” writings about the latest wave of technological innovations. Secondly, the author adopts an historical and evolutionary approach to examine the evolution of three main groups of activities representing the PIS industries in the case of the USA. The study provides an account of the main technical innovations but also the regulatory, organisational, managerial and stylistic changes that follow and complete these innovations. These changes contribute to the creation of new industries and markets and, in a fundamental way to the harvesting of their benefits. Three key groups of activities are taken as case studies for empirical and historical analyses: first, the computer industry, second, the wireline telecommunication industry, and third, the audiovisual content and distribution media services. In the case of the computer and media content industries, while providing an account of the links between innovations and economic performance, the study also examines the evolution from manufacturing-type activities into activities better described as services. In the case of the wireline telecommunication industries, the author highlights the separation of different activities into different modules and highlights the role of the regulator as current “system integrator”. The perspective adopted in this research is critical of those approaches that rely on mainstream economics to provide the main framework for explaining the effect of technical change on the economic performance of these sectors. This study, rather, emphasises the necessity of using a variety of theories to explain the evolution of these sectors. In addition to an historical and evolutionary approach, this study proposes a re-defined version of Baumol’s theory of cost disease (based on a notion of “creative inputs”). It also draws on relevant aspects of the service economics literature and modularity theories (defined as a subset of theories within the Complex Evolving Systems’ school of thought).
Determinants of occupational stress among health care professionals working at a setting of a specialized mental hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2017: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Stress at workplace among health professionals predisposes to an inefficient organization, absenteeism from work, job dissatisfaction, and various physical, psychological as well as behavioral health problems. Despite this, little has been done into this health issue. So, this study assessed occupational stress and its determinants among health care professionals. METHODS: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was implemented among 398 participants from May 1 to June 1, 2017, at Amanuel hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A pretested and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Nursing stress scale was used to asses occupational stress. Data was entered to Epi-info-version-7 and analyzed with SPSS-20. Descriptive statistics were also utilized. Binary logistic regressions with odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were used. P-value < 0.05 in final model was significant. RESULTS: Among 398 participants included in the study, 393 provided complete information which gives a response rate of 98.7%. This study showed that 46.8% (95%CI: 41.7, 51.7) of health professional were having occupational stress. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis showed that working in emergency department (AOR=3.48; 95% CI: 2.12, 12.08), forensic psychiatry unit (AOR=3.48; 95% CI: 1.25, 35.06) and job dissatisfaction (AOR=2.606; 95% CI: 1.563, 4.345) were risk factors for occupational stress. CONCLUSION: Occupational stress among health professionals was high. Work-related variables (working in the emergency department and dissatisfaction with the job) were its risk factors. Attention has to be given for such an important public health issue. KEYWORDS: Health workers, occupational stress, Mental hospital, Ethiopia.
Digital Literacy and Online Political Behavior

Digital literacy is receiving increased scholarly attention as a potential explanatory factor in the spread of misinformation and other online pathologies. As a concept, however, it remains surprisingly elusive, with little consensus on definitions or measures. We provide a digital literacy framework for political scientists and test survey items to measure it with an application to online information retrieval tasks. There exists substantial variation in levels of digital literacy in the population, which we show is correlated with age and could confound observed relationships. However, this is obscured by researchers' reliance on online convenience samples that select for people with computer and internet skills. We discuss the implications of these measurement and sample selection considerations for effect heterogeneity in studies of online political behavior.
Camel milk production and transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa

Camel herders attribute many properties for camel milk, including medicinal or health effects. In fact, Camel milk is also used in the treatment of diabetes, liver diseases, general fatigue in old people and as a feed supplement to milking mothers. Camel milk yield varies from 650 to 12000 liters per lactation with a mean of 2500 liters. In dry areas, milk yield fluctuates considerably from time of abundance to time of acute scarcity according to the availability of grazing and feed sup-ply. Thus, transformation of the surplus of milk to cheese will allow for fighting under nutrition and could constitute an income for herders. The camel's milk is also known for its antimicrobial activity which is confirmed by its late acidification and good stability. This activity is more important in whey than in casein and is related to the high level of lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase and lysozymes which varies from 280 to 648 mg/1 vs. 13 mg/l in cow's milk. The spontaneous acidification and clotting of raw milk at 35°C is longer in camel's milk with a latent phase ranging from 4 to 8 hours vs. 2 to 3 hours for cow's milk. Enzymatic coagulation of camel's milk is also difficult and known by herders who increase the rennet adjunction by 50 to 100 times than that used in the other ruminant milk. The lower coagulation of camel's milk could be explained by its poorness in casein 6, the bigger size of micelles, the lower dry matter content, the smaller size fat's globules and the low content of colloidal calcium which is 35% vs. 65% in cow's milk. The extreme fragility of camel's milk curd is responsible for the lost of a major part of dry matter in the whey. From the total dry matter of milk, camel's milk curds contain only 30% vs. 50% in cow's milk and 68% in sheep milk. The camel's cheese taste is slightly bitter with no specific flavor, its texture is medium. Many types of camel cheese are made in some countries in intensive production systems. Cheese making is also possible from camel's milk by nomadic herders. Further studies are necessary to improve camel milk production and transformations with new methods and adapted to nomadic herders and their lifestyle. (Resume d'auteur)
Uncertainty analysis of the cross-sectional area of a structural member

The paper deals with the fuzzy analysis of the cross-sectional area within the scope of reliable design of a steel bar. The paper describes the application of the theory of fuzzy sets as a tool in the modelling of uncertainty arising due to human activities. The fuzzy numbers of the geometrical characteristics were derived with respect to the tolerance limits of standard EN 10034 and results of experimental research. The fuzzy number of the cross-sectional area was evaluated according to the general extension principle. Results of the fuzzy analysis are compared with the histogram of cross-sectional area. The paper elaborates on technical knowledge in the field of reliability assessment and design of steel structures.
Methodology for identifying parameters for the TRNSYS model Type 210 -wood pellet stoves and boilers

This report describes a method how to perform measurements on boilers and stoves and how to identify parameters from the measurements for the boiler/stove-model TRNSYS Type 210. The model can be used for detailed annual system simulations using TRNSYS. Experience from measurements on three different pellet stoves and four boilers were used to develop this methodology. Recommendations for the set up of measurements are given and the re-quired combustion theory for the data evaluation and data preparation are given. The data evalua-tion showed that the uncertainties are quite large for the measured flue gas flow rate and for boilers and stoves with high fraction of energy going to the water jacket also the calculated heat rate to the room may have large uncertainties. A methodology for the parameter identification process and identified parameters for two different stoves and three boilers are given. Finally the identified models are compared with measured data showing that the model generally agreed well with meas-ured data during both stationary and dynamic conditions.
Hydroacoustic evaluations of juvenile salmonid passage at Bonneville Dam including surface-collection simulations

Abstract : Ths technical report describes results of studies conducted by the U.S. Army Engineer District, Portland, and the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station to resolve critical uncertainties in the implementation of surface-collector technologies and the estimation of Fish Passage Efficiency (FPE) for juvenile salmon at the Bonneville Project. The goals of this study were to (a) provide biological information necessary to facilitate the design and placement of a surface-collector prototype and (b) make progress toward the estimation of FPE for the entire project. Objectives were as follows: (a) Use mobile hydroacoustics to measure the vertical and horizontal distribution of salmon smolts in forebay areas of both powerhouses and to characterize the day and night variation in distributions in spring and summer. (b) Estimate smolt passage into two turbines and into the center sluice gate above each turbine, as well as the FPE ratio for paired sluiceway/turbine openings under two test conditions (blocked versus unblocked trash racks and open versus closed sluice gates) in spring and summer at Powerhouse 1. (c) Evaluate smolt swimming direction in the area immediately upstream of two test units at Powerhouse 1, particularly at the zone of separation between flows entering turbines and flows entering sluice gates. (d) Estimate guided and unguided smolt passage into eight turbine intakes of Powerhouse 2 and identify effects of an open or closed sluice chute on the fish guidance efficiency of adjacent turbine units. The enclosed Summary presents highlights of study results, discussions, and conclusions.
Biogenesis of a Solid Condensate: Amyloid Bodies

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the discovery that proteins with various cellular functions can be temporarily immobilized in the nucleolus, a process known as nucleolar sequestration. This review reflects on the progress made to understand the physiological roles of nucleolar sequestration and the mechanisms involved in protein immobilization. We discuss how nucleolar sequestration consists of a highly choreographed amyloidogenic liquid-to-solid phase transition that converts the nucleolus into Amyloid bodies (A-bodies). The study of solid condensates A-bodies will offer unique perspectives on cellular assembly of membrane-less compartments and provide alternative insights on pathological amyloidogenesis involved in neurological disorders.
Size and Power of Diagnostic Tests for Asymmetric Garch-Type Models

Generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH)-type models have been successively used to capture the conditional volatility of macroeconomic and financial time series in the past two decades. However, few diagnostic tests are specifically devised to check the adequacy of symmetric multivariate GARCH specifications. Moreover, most practitioners resort to the popular Ljung-Box test indiscriminately, even though the appropriateness of such a test is questionable. In this paper, we investigate the empirical size and power of four diagnostic tests: the Ling-Li test, Ljung-Box test, the Box-Pierce test modified by Tse and Tsui, and the runs test, respectively. We use Monte Carlo simulation experiments over a wide combination of data generating processes and estimation models of bivariate GARCH-type asymmetric models. In the absence of analytically derived diagnostic tests, our simulation results could serve as guidelines for empirical researchers and practitioners in selecting the appropriate diagnostic tests for multivariate asymmetric GARCH models.
Undergraduate Students’ Profile based on Attitudes towards Statistics

The purpose of this study was to investigate students’ profiles based on their attitudes towards statistics in Universiti Utara Malaysia. This study adopted a quantitative survey design. The questionnaireswere administered on a sample of 274. The Stratified sampling method was used to generate the sample. The methodologies used were descriptive statistics, factor analysis and statistical test to compare between demographic factors such as gender, race, and qualification. Findings revealed that seven factors that explain the attitude of the students were self-determination, cognitive competence, effort, a value of statistics in professional life, difficulty, statistical solving and value of statistics in everyday life. The results of the descriptive statistical analyses found that students have a positive attitude towards statistics. The finding suggested that statistics should be revealedmore practicallytodeveloping a more positive attitude towards statistics can further promote the learning process and students’ ability to apply the concepts.
Development of a simulation environment for the analysis and the optimal design of fluorescence detectors based on single photon avalanche diodes

Time-resolved fluorescence measurements enable the study of structure of molecular systems and dynamical processes inside them. This is possible because of a very high sensitivity of fluorescence lifetime to the physical and chemical properties of micro-environment in which fluorophores are situated. However, proper detection of the fluorescence lifetime is a challenging task, due to the fact that the fluorescence decay time of commonly used fluorophores lies in a nanosecond range. This puts strict requirements on the parameters of the fluorescence detectors. The features of single-photon avalanche diodes (SPAD) make these optical detectors a good alternative to conventional photomultiplier tubes and micro-channel plates. CMOS technology allows cointegration of a SPAD and electronic circuits on the same substrate and provides advantages in time resolution and noise characteristics. Monolithic integration of signal processing circuits and detectors on the same chip allows using such detectors without additional external hardware. New SPAD sensors with improved characteristics are produced every year. However, the designers consider various performance metrics while the importance of each particular detector characteristic depends on its application. Therefore, the validation and optimization of SPAD characteristics should be performed in a close connection with the analysis of a specific system, wherein this detector will be used. This work was aimed at developing of a model able to describe a typical fluorescence experiment with SPAD-based detector. The model simulates all essential parts of the fluorescence experiment starting from the light emission, through photo-physical processes occurring inside a bio-sample, to a detector itself and read-out electronics. The ability of the developed model to simulate various light sources (laser and micro-LED), fluorescence measurement techniques (time-correlated single photon counting and time-gating) was verified. The simulated results were in good agreement with the experimental data and the model proved its flexibility. Furthermore, the model provided the explanation of the distortions in experimental fluorescent curves measured under a very high ambient light when pile-up effects appear. Finally, a set of virtual experiments were established to investigate the influence of noisy pixels in SPAD array on a lifetime estimation and to study the feasibility of time-filtering instead of conventional optical filtering. Simulation results are in good agreement with data available in literature.
Prevalence of Opportunistic Infections and Associated Factors Among HIV-infected Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Eastern Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia:A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Opportunistic infections are diseases that cause infections in people whose immune systems are weakened. It is the most public health problem and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality of AIDS-related infections in developing countries. Identification of opportunistic infections is the core for developing a specific intervention. Despite this fact, information about the burden of opportunistic infections is lacking in the particular study. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of opportunistic infections among HIV-infected patients in Eastern zone of Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was done among HIV/AIDS patients taking antiretroviral therapy in Northern Ethiopia. A total of 394 study subjects was selected using a systematic random sampling method. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The collected data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 22. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis with 95% confidence interval were used to find factors associated with opportunistic infections. The adjusted odds ratio was calculated to show the strength of the association. Variables with p-value of < 0.05 were considered statically significant. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 41 (± 10). Of the study participants, about 52% (95% CI: 47.5-57.1) developed opportunistic infections. Being housewife occupation (AOR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.07-0.46), CD4+ count < 200 cells/µl (AOR = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.3-4.67), poor adherence (AOR = 4; 95% CI: 1.95-8.2), and bedridden functional status (AOR = 13.9; 95% CI: 5.2-37) were independently associated with opportunistic infections. Conclusion: This study stated the prevalence of opportunistic infections among HIV-infected patients is high. Being housewife occupation, poor ART adherence, low CD4+ count, and bedridden functional status were found to be associated with development of opportunistic infections. Therefore, health care providers must give continuous health education on primary prevention of opportunistic infections.
Pengaruh Tingkat Suku Bunga SBI, IHSG, PDB dan Ekspektasi Inflasi Terhadap Permintaan Obligasi Konvensional pada Pasar Modal (Periode 2001-2008 )

Obligasi merupakan surat hutang jangka menengah-panjang yang berisi janji dari pihak yang menerbitkan untuk membayar imbalan berupa bunga pada periode tertentu dan melunasi pokok utang pada waktu yang telah ditentukan kepada pihak pembeli obligasi tersebut. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh Tingkat Suku Bunga SBI, IHSG, PDB dan Ekspektasi Inflasi Terhadap Permintaan Obligasi Konvensional pada Pasar Modal selama periode penelitian. Data yang digunakan adalah data runtun waktu selama periode 2001.01 – 2008.12. Model diestimasi dengan menggunakan ECM (Error Correction Model). Dalam penelitian ditemukan bahwa secara simultan dan parsial semua variabel bebas yang ada dalam model berpengaruh signifikan terhadap permintaan obligasi pada pasar modal. Koefisien Determinasi sebesar 0,65 hal ini berarti secara bersama-sama variabel bebas mampu menjelaskan variabel terikat dalam persentase 65%, sementara sisanya 35% dijelaskan oleh variabel yang tidak termasuk dalam estimasi. Kata Kunci : ECM, Obligasi konvensional, Suku bunga SBI, IHSG, PDB, dan Ekspektasi Inflasi.