Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitation of Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts in fecal samples by direct immunofluorescence assay

The lack of quick, simple, and sensitive quantitative tests has impeded studies on infection patterns and treatment of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. A quantitative direct immunofluorescence assay (FA) using a commercial FA kit was developed and evaluated. Recovery rates of the FA for Cryptosporidium oocysts in calf feces seeded with 1,000, 10,000, 100,000, and 1,000,000 oocysts per g were 14.8, 40.8, 84.2, and 78.2%, respectively. Interassay coefficients of variation were 10.6 to 47.1%. Recovery rates of the FA for Giardia cysts in feces seeded with 1,000, 10,000, and 100,000 cysts per g were 76.4, 96.9, and 89.6%, respectively. Interassay coefficients of variation were 7.4 to 22.1%. By comparison, recovery rates of Giardia cyst by sucrose gradient flotation were only 20.5, 51.2, and 42.9%, respectively. Counts of cysts-per-gram obtained by sucrose gradient flotation with samples from calves, lambs, and ewes were only 49.1 to 54.8% of those obtained by the FA. Zinc sulfate flotation detected only 36.4% of infections when there were < or = 1,000 cysts per g. The quantitative FA offers a useful technique for epidemiological and control studies of these two parasites.
Fine-Scale Habitat Segregation between Two Ecologically Similar Top Predators

Similar, coexisting species often segregate along the spatial ecological axis. Here, we examine if two top predators (jaguars and pumas) present different fine-scale habitat use in areas of coexistence, and discuss if the observed pattern can be explained by the risk of interference competition between them. Interference competition theory predicts that pumas should avoid habitats or areas used by jaguars (the dominant species), and as a consequence should present more variability of niche parameters across study areas. We used non-invasive genetic sampling of faeces in 12 different areas and sensor satellite fine-scale habitat indices to answer these questions. Meta-analysis confirmed differences in fine-scale habitat use between jaguars and pumas. Furthermore, average marginality of the realized niches of pumas was more variable than those of jaguars, and tolerance (a measure of niche breadth) was on average 2.2 times higher in pumas than in jaguars, as expected under the interference competition risk hypothesis. The use of sensor satellite fine-scale habitat indices allowed the detection of subtle differences in the environmental characteristics of the habitats used by these two similar top predators, which, as a rule, until now were recorded using the same general habitat types. The detection of fine spatial segregation between these two top predators was scale-dependent.
A driver support system to prevent traffic accidents caused by optical illusions

Optical illusions during night driving have a possibility to induce serious traffic accidents. This study, therefore, aims to build an automatic assistance system to detect the visual illusions and to alert drivers to potential dangers. In simulation studies, the proposed support system was able to decide the correct positional relationship between two automobiles from tail lamps and silhouette images. The Speeded-Up Robust Features (SURF) technique, which can identify image features, was also applied to actual driving scenes with external noises (e.g., streetlights, traffic signs, etc.). In future works, machine learning based on the image features could realize a robust assistance system.
Multimeric structure of factor VIII/von Willebrand factor in von Willebrand's disease.

Recent studies have provided substantial evidence that F. VIII/vWF exists not only as a polymer of approximately 1 x 10(6) MW composed of 230,000 MW subunits but is further organized into a multimeric series (1 to 20 x 10(6) MW). With an immunologic technique to isolate F.VIII/vWF directly from small volumes of plasma of patients with vWD, the relative distribution and concentration of individual multimeric sets was examined by agarose gel electrophoresis in the presence of SDS. In classical vWD (type I) with decreased VIIIR:RCo, the relative distribution of multimeric forms of FVIII/vWF was comparable to normal plasma but reduced in quantity. In "variants" of vWD (type II) with undetectable VIIIR:RCo, the larger multimer subsets were absent, and the smaller one present in relatively greater concentration. Large multimers as well as VIIIR:RCo were also lacking in F.VIII/vWF prepared from normal plasma cryosupernatant. These observations suggest the existence of different molecular abnormalities of F.VIII/vWF underlying the two major types of vWD: reduced synthesis in type I and polymerization defect with resultant lack of VIIIR:RCo in type II.
Physician‐Pharmacist Co‐Management and 24‐Hour Blood Pressure Control

The objectives of this study were to compare indices of 24‐hour blood pressure (BP) following a physician‐pharmacist collaborative intervention and to describe the associated changes in antihypertensive medications. This was a secondary analysis of a prospective, cluster‐randomized clinical trial conducted in 6 family medicine clinics randomized to co‐managed (n=3 clinics, 176 patients) or control (n=3 clinics, 198 patients) groups. Mean ambulatory systolic BP (SBP) was significantly lower in the co‐managed vs the control group: daytime BP 122.8 mm Hg vs 134.4 mm Hg (P<.001); nighttime SBP 114.8 mm Hg vs 123.7 mm Hg (P<.001); and 24‐hour SBP 120.4 mm Hg vs 131.8 mm Hg (P<.001), respectively. Significantly more drug changes were made in the co‐managed than in the control group (2.7 vs 1.1 changes per patient, P<.001), and there was greater diuretic use in co‐managed patients (79.6% vs 62.6%, P<.001). Ambulatory BPs were significantly lower for the patients who had a diuretic added during the first month compared with those who never had a diuretic added (P<.01). Physician‐pharmacist co‐management significantly improved ambulatory BP compared with the control group. Antihypertensive drug therapy was intensified much more for patients in the co‐managed group.
Upper punctal occlusion versus lower punctal occlusion in dry eye.

PURPOSE To compare the effectiveness of upper punctal occlusion versus that of lower punctal occlusion in dry eye patients. METHODS One eye's upper punctum and the contralateral eye's lower punctum were occluded with collagen plugs in 20 dry eye patients. The same procedure was performed in 20 normal subjects. The upper and lower tear menisci were imaged simultaneously by real-time OCT before punctal occlusion and repeated on days 1, 4, 7, and 10 afterward. The subjective symptom score, corneal fluorescein staining intensity, Schirmer I test result, and tear breakup time (TBUT) were also determined. RESULTS In dry eye patients, occlusion of either punctum improved symptom scores, fluorescein staining scores, TBUT, and lower tear meniscus height (LTMH, P < 0.05); however, Schirmer test scores and upper tear meniscus height (UTMH) did not change after occlusion (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference for any of these variables between upper punctum- and lower punctum-occluded eyes, before or after occlusion (P > 0.05). In normal subjects, Schirmer test scores, TBUT, UTMH, and LTMH did not change over time (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Punctal occlusion with collagen plugs in dry eye patients leads to the relief of subjective symptoms and the improvement of objective signs. The effectiveness of occluding the upper or lower punctum is similar. The LTMH is a valid indicator of the success of punctal occlusion.
Study on Reliability Test Method of Over-load Relay

Over-load relay is widely used for electrical motor protection. Its reliability is becoming more and more important. This paper studies the reliability test method of over-load relay. According to the operation and failure modes of over-load relay, the protective success ratio is adopted as a reliability characteristic value. Based on the reliability estimation method and the sampling theory, the time or failure curtailed test plan is chosen and the sampling and checking plan is designed. By use of the test theory and method and taking the factual application of over-load relay into account, the reliability test process of overload relay is determined. In addition, using the reliability tester developed by ourselves, the reliability test for typical products is carried out.
Civic engagement as a retirement role for aging Americans.

PURPOSE Public attention directed toward the civic engagement of retired Americans has increased considerably. The purpose of this research was to define civic engagement as a retirement role and differentiate individuals who met this role definition from other retirees. DESIGN AND METHODS Retirees who met our definition of civic engagement were identified from a sample of 683 retired older adults living in a rural Midwestern state. Using a multinomial logistic regression analysis, we contrasted this group of engaged retirees to three other groups of retirees: (a) those who were neither working nor volunteering, (b) those who had returned to work in part-time or seasonal occupations, and (c) those who volunteered for fewer than 5 hours each week. RESULTS The analyses indicated that individuals assigned to the group of engaged retirees were similar across 24 variables. This group of engaged retirees differed from the other groups by gender, education level, and health status; retirement motives and planning efforts; primary retirement activities; and attitudes about volunteering and returning to work. IMPLICATIONS This research supported the contention that civic engagement could be defined as a formal retirement role, as engaged retirees differ significantly from those who volunteer less, work in noncivic roles, or do neither. Further, we resolved that associating the act of volunteering, in itself, with civic engagement may no longer be appropriate for retired older adults. The definition of civic engagement as a retirement role should also include those individuals who return to work in organizations that pursue specific civic activities.
Value Co-Creation in ICT Services Company: A Case Study of a Cross-Border Acquisition

Abstract Post-merger and acquisition (M&A) integration is especially important for the services industry, where value co-creation between actors plays a crucial role. This paper is a qualitative single case study of a multinational company (MNE) in information technology (ICT) industry, and the post-acquisition processes of its subsidiary in Russia. The main contribution of this article is the application of a value co-creation view, to the settings of the international business. We also identify the actors and their roles and activities in the value co-creation in the Russian context.
The Macro-Fiscal Aftermath of Weather-Related Disasters: Do Loss Dimensions Matter?

Weather-related natural disasters and climate change pose interrelated macro-fiscal challenges. Using panel-VARX studies for a sample of 19 countries in Developing Asia during 1970 to 2015, this paper contributes new empirical evidence on the dynamic adjustment path of growth and key fiscal variables after severe weather-related disasters. It does not only show that output loss can be permanent, but even twice as large for cases of severe casualties or material damages than people affected. Meanwhile, key fiscal aggregates remain surprisingly stable. Event and case studies suggest that this can reflect both a deliberate policy choice or binding constraints. The latter can make governments respond through mitigating fiscal policy efforts such as ad hoc fiscal rebalancing and reprioritization. The findings help better customize disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts to countries’ risk exposure along a particular loss dimension.
Effects of ethanol on limited resuscitation in a model of traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock.

OBJECT Limited resuscitation following uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock (HS) has been associated with improved outcomes in various animal models, although it has not been previously studied in the setting of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ethanol intoxication. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of ethanol intoxication in a model of experimental TBI and HS treated with limited resuscitation. METHODS After induction of anesthesia and the placement of instruments, swine were subjected to a fluid-percussion injury of 3 atm. Simultaneously, hemorrhage was induced from an arterial catheter via a computerized roller pump to a mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) of 50 mm Hg, at which time uncontrolled hemorrhage was induced by the creation of an aortic tear. When the MABP decreased to 30 mm Hg, limited resuscitation to a MABP of 60 mm Hg was begun. After 60 minutes, animals were aggressively resuscitated to baseline MABP levels. Two groups of animals were studied: those receiving tap water by gastrostomy tube and those receiving ethanol (4 g/kg) by gastrostomy tube. Animals were monitored for 180 minutes after TBI. Hemorrhage volumes were significantly greater in ethanol-infused animals (mean +/- standard deviation, 41 +/- 34 mm Hg) compared with tap water-infused animals (17 +/- 18 mm Hg; p = 0.048). Resuscitation requirements were significantly higher and metabolic parameters significantly worse in the ethanol group. Survival time was also significantly decreased in the animals infused with ethanol (81 +/- 60 minutes) compared with those infused with tap water (130 +/- 51 minutes; p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS Ethanol intoxication led to increased hemorrhage volume and worsened hemodynamic and metabolic profiles in this model of limited resuscitation after TBI and HS. Ethanol-exposed animals had increased resuscitation requirements and decreased survival times.
The Impact of Corporate Taxes on Firm Innovation: Evidence from the Corporate Tax Collection Reform in China

This paper exploits a tax reform on manufacturing firms in China to study the impact of taxes on firm innovation. The reform switched the corporate income tax collection from the local to the state tax bureau and reduced the effective tax rate by 10%. The reform only applied to firms established after January 2002, allowing us to use regression discontinuity design as the identification strategy. The results show that lower taxes improved both quantity and quality of firm innovation. Moreover, the reform has a bigger impact on firms that are financially constrained and firms that engage more in tax evasion.
Heritage Language and Culture Maintenance in the U.S.

In recent years, the relationship of language maintenance to culture and identity has received increased attention in the language acquisition and education fields. Korean immigrants in the U.S. form one of the biggest Asian groups and their language and cultural maintenance has been a major issue for both parents and ESL teachers. The present research is designed to investigate the cultural and social identities as well as the psychological investment factors that contribute to heritage language maintenance. Three Korean immigrant families in a small Midwest university town in the U.S. were surveyed and later interviewed. Issues and strategies concerning their children’s Korean education in the U.S., coupled with the competing goal for the children to learn English were documented through parent interviews and interviews with school-aged focal children. Strategies and stances that facilitate or hinder both heritage and target language maintenance goals are presented along with participants’ major reasons for heritage language maintenance in their homes and via Saturday schools. This work will assist ESL teachers and sociolinguists in situating both Korean student and parent goals in the context of shifting cultural and linguistic identities in countries where they have immigrated
Entrepreneurship, gender gap and developing economies: the case of post-apartheid South Africa

This empirical study examines the extent to which risk aversion and entrepreneurial ability influence an individual's decision to enter into entrepreneurship. Precisely, it delineates the gender gap in self-employment, nascent and high growth entrepreneurship. In doing so, it utilizes the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor South Africa databases containing 19,469 usable cases sampled between 2009 and 2014. The study adopts a quantitative approach and it applies an estimator in the form of a probit model and a non-linear decomposition technique to test established hypotheses. The results indicate that lower levels of knowledge and skills among women explain a substantial part of the gender gap. Thus, the gender gap in nascent and high growth entrepreneurship would be reduced if women had similar characteristics as men. Also, their entry rates into self-employment would be high and there would be no gender difference. This shifts the emphasis from the significance of risk aversion for local entrepreneurship to accentuate the importance of entrepreneurial-specific skills required to successfully engage in entrepreneurship.
Diagnosis of turkey meningoencephalitis virus infection in field cases by RT-PCR compared to virus isolation in embryonated eggs and suckling mice

Turkey meningoencephalitis (TME) is a paralytic epornitic disease of turkeys caused by turkey meningoencephalitis virus (TMEV), an arthopod-borne flavivirus belonging to the Ntaya serogroup VI. A TMEV specific RT-PCR was compared with classical techniques for TMEV diagnosis, which include virus isolation in 8-day-old chicken embryonated eggs and suckling mice, on 17 TME flocks with neurological signs that occurred during the fall of 1997. In 11/17 flocks both the RT-PCR and the virus isolation methods detected virus, in 4/17 flocks a negative diagnosis was obtained by both methods, and two flocks were positive by RT-PCR only. In four flocks RT-PCR only detected virus after inoculation into embryonated eggs or suckling mice. There was a dose response effect in the yield of the RT-PCR product. Direct examination of turkey brains yielded bands of low to medium intensity. Use of RT-PCR after embryo and/or mouse inoculation resulted in products of far greater intensity. Thus, RT-PCR can be successfully used to amplify TMEV RNA in the brains of diseased turkeys but a negative result would require egg and mouse inoculation for enrichment of virus prior to RT-PCR.
Fast Maze Router

This paper describes a method of generating a path between two points of a cellular array, with some cells being specified as obstacles. The method combines two techniques: A line search is first directed toward the target. This is a fast and extremely effective method on boards with plenty of space. When the line search hits an obstacle, an expansion technique typical for the Lee-type algorithms is then used to “bubble” around the obstacle. The line search can then continue toward the target again.
Exercise Behavior among Female Occupational Health Nurses

Physical fitness of the American worker is a core element of personal good health and a key factor in corporate cost containment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specifically notes that health professionals should be physically active not only to benefit their own health but also to make more credible their endorsement of an active lifestyle. Guided by Pender's Health Promotion Model, this study gives a profile of the current status of exercise behaviors, physical self efficacy, and perceived health control among a sample of occupational health nurses. Surveys were mailed to a random sample of 300 female members from a midwestern state association of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses. The mean exercise score was 30.7 MET hours per week, with walking the activity most often selected. Physical self efficacy was a significant positive predictor of exercise practice, while age exerted a significant inverse effect on exercise. The study findings may be used to stimulate discussion among occupational health nurses about how their own physical self efficacy and perceived health control may influence their exercise behaviors, and how in turn these beliefs and exercise practices may influence their decisions about promoting exercise programs at their workplaces.
Hip Fractures in Adults Younger Than 50 Years of Age Epidemiology and Results

A review of the records of 3147 patients with hip fractures admitted to the authors' institution during a 5--year period revealed that 95 (3%) patients were aged 50 years or less at the time of fracture. Of patients between the ages of 20 and 40 years, hip fracture most commonly occurred in men after high--energy injuries. These injuries commonly occurred in the subtrochanteric and basicervical regions, or as a vertical transcervical fracture. In contrast, most patients between 40 and 50 years of age were medically frail and sustained osteoporotic--type fractures during simple falls. A treatment protocol of early reduction followed by internal fixation was evaluated in 75 nonpathologic fractures. At a mean of 25 months, fracture union with a good or satisfactory functional outcome was found in 57 (76%) patients, and 5 (7%) patients died of unrelated medical problems. Complications of primary treatment developed in 16 (21%) patients, but only 13 (17%) revision procedures were required. A satisfactory functional outcome was found in 10 patients who had uncomplicated revision surgery, but there were poor functional results in the 3 who required tertiary surgery. Despite the previously reported poor results of treatment of hip fracture in young adults, these results demonstrate that satisfactory results can be achieved with early, accurate fracture reduction followed by rigid internal fixation.
Pricing in Asymmetric Two-Sided Markets: A Laboratory Experiment

We conducted a laboratory experiment to study the price setting behavior in two-sided markets. We seek to answer two specific research questions: Do participants charge the equilibrium prices that can be derived from a theoretical model? How is the price setting affected by the characteristics of the Nash equilibrium? Our study shows that there are hardly any realizations of the Nash equilibrium. Participants seem to use simple heuristics. The increase in complexity caused by asymmetry has two effects: On the one hand, it makes finding the optimal pricing more difficult so that, on average, we find prices that are further away from optimal prices. On the other hand, higher complexity goes along with stronger signals against non-expedient heuristics so that, on an individual level, the equilibrium is reached in more markets.
CORRUPTION AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT INFLOWS IN EMERGING MARKET ECONOMIES Usak University, Department of Economics, Usak, Turkey

This study investigates the interaction between corruption and foreign direct investment inflows in 23 emerging market economies during the period 2002-2014 by employing Westerlund-Durbin-Hausman (2008) cointegration test. We found that control of corruption and rule of law had no statistically significant impact on attraction of foreign direct investments in overall panel.