Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Campylobacter colonization in poultry: sources of infection and modes of transmission

Abstract Since its recognition as a human pathogen in the early 1970s, Campylobacter jejuni has now emerged as the leading bacterial cause of food-borne gastroenteritis in developed countries. Poultry, particularly chickens, account for the majority of human infections caused by Campylobacter. Reduction or elimination of this pathogen in the poultry reservoir is an essential step in minimizing the public health problem; however, farm-based intervention measures are still not available because of the lack of understanding of the ecological aspects of C. jejuni on poultry farms. Although Campylobacter is highly prevalent in poultry production systems, how poultry flocks become infected with this organism is still unknown. Many investigations indicate that horizontal transmission from environmental sources is the primary route of flock infections by Campylobacter. However, some recent studies also suggest the possibility of vertical transmission from breeder to progeny flocks. The transmission of the organism is not well understood, but it is likely to be through both vertical and horizontal transmission and may be affected by the immune status of the poultry host and the environmental conditions in the production system. Intervention strategies for Campylobacter infection in poultry should consider the complex nature of its transmission and may require the use of multiple approaches that target different segments of the poultry production system.
The development and the application of fast decoupled load flow method for distribution systems with high R/X ratios lines

An improved Fast Decoupled Load Flow calculation method for distribution systems with high R/X ratio is proposed. This method is based on a coordinate transformation in Y-matrix for Jacobian matrix in the load flow method. The biggest advantage of so-called Fast Decoupled Load Flow(FDLF) method over the conventional Newton-Raphson method is the short computation time for large power systems which is achieved by the reduced size of Jacobian matrix. However, it is said to worsen convergence characteristics for distribution systems with lines of high R/X ratios compared to the conventional Newton-Raphson method. In order to overcome the problem, the authors employed a coordinate transformation in Y-matrix of the Fast Decoupled method. Better convergence processes in the improved Fast Decoupled method are demonstrated and some discussions are given in case of the analysis of the distribution systems with high R/X ratio lines.
Hemodynamic Instability and Cardiovascular Events After Traumatic Brain Injury Predict Outcome After Artifact Removal With Deep Belief Network Analysis

Background: Hemodynamic instability and cardiovascular events heavily affect the prognosis of traumatic brain injury. Physiological signals are monitored to detect these events. However, the signals are often riddled with faulty readings, which jeopardize the reliability of the clinical parameters obtained from the signals. A machine-learning model for the elimination of artifactual events shows promising results for improving signal quality. However, the actual impact of the improvements on the performance of the clinical parameters after the elimination of the artifacts is not well studied. Materials and Methods: The arterial blood pressure of 99 subjects with traumatic brain injury was continuously measured for 5 consecutive days, beginning on the day of admission. The machine-learning deep belief network was constructed to automatically identify and remove false incidences of hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia, tachycardia, and alterations in cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). Results: The prevalences of hypotension and tachycardia were significantly reduced by 47.5% and 13.1%, respectively, after suppressing false incidents (P=0.01). Hypotension was particularly effective at predicting outcome favorability and mortality after artifact elimination (P=0.015 and 0.027, respectively). In addition, increased CPP was also statistically significant in predicting outcomes (P=0.02). Conclusions: The prevalence of false incidents due to signal artifacts can be significantly reduced using machine-learning. Some clinical events, such as hypotension and alterations in CPP, gain particularly high predictive capacity for patient outcomes after artifacts are eliminated from physiological signals.
How to Read and Really Use an Item Analysis

A frequent challenge for nursing faculty is to write a test that effectively evaluates learning and prepares students to be successful on the NCLEX-RN examination. Use of item analysis is an approach often used to provide an objective evaluation of examinations. Interpreting these analyses, however, can be frustrating. The authors provide an explanation of the various components of an item analysis, how to make an analysis useful for faculty, and how to use the components of an item analysis in revising tests.
Conservation tourism and landscape governance in Kenya: the interdependency of three conservation NGOs

Tourism plays an increasingly important role in the way non-governmental organisations govern landscapes, especially in decentralised conservation contexts in developing countries. In this paper, we examine the role of three key conservation organisations (the African Wildlife Foundation, the African Conservation Centre and the Northern Rangelands Trust) in landscape governance in Kenya. Our analysis of organisational strategies and practices between 2007 and 2013 demonstrates how conservation NGOs, as intermediators of various forms of conservation tourism, are subjected to multi-actor interdependencies. Our findings underpin the role of mismatching scale-making that not only hampers organisational objectives, but also contributes to a dynamic reshaping of conservation tourism landscapes. We illustrate our approach to landscape governance in the context of the Naibunga Conservancy Trust where multiple conservation NGOs are required to deal with overlapping and competing orderings.
Enhanced Dynamic EMG-Force Estimation Through Calibration and PCI Modeling

To accurately estimate muscle forces using electromyogram (EMG) signals, precise EMG amplitude estimation, and a modeling scheme capable of coping with the nonlinearities and dynamics of the EMG-force relationship are needed. In this work, angle-based EMG amplitude calibration and parallel cascade identification (PCI) modeling are combined for EMG-based force estimation in dynamic contractions, including concentric and eccentric contractions of the biceps brachii and triceps brachii muscles. Angle-based calibration has been shown to improve surface EMG (SEMG) based force estimation during isometric contractions through minimization of the effects of joint angle related factors, and PCI modeling captures both the nonlinear and dynamic properties of the process. SEMG data recorded during constant force, constant velocity, and varying force, varying velocity flexion and extension trials are calibrated. The calibration values are obtained at specific elbow joint angles and interpolated to cover a continuous range of joint angles. The calibrated data are used in PCI models to estimate the force induced at the wrist. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the calibration scheme, combined with PCI modeling. For the constant force, constant velocity trials, minimum %RMSE of 8.3% is achieved for concentric contractions, 10.3% for eccentric contractions and 33.3% for fully dynamic contractions. Force estimation accuracy is superior in concentric contractions in comparison to eccentric contractions , which may be indicative of more nonlinearity in the eccentric SEMG-force relationship.
Diversity contribution of a versatile UHF RFID antenna system in portal applications

A versatile ultra high frequency radiofrequency identification (UHF RFID) antenna system is proposed. Spatial, polarization and radiation pattern diversity is demonstrated with a very reduced number of components. The diversity contribution of such an antenna is then characterized in terms of radio coverage in a RFID portal environment. Radio coverage in complex environment is greatly improved compared to the classical geometry.
Mouse genetic and phenotypic resources for human genetics

The use of model organisms to provide information on gene function has proved to be a powerful approach to our understanding of both human disease and fundamental mammalian biology. Large‐scale community projects using mice, based on forward and reverse genetics, and now the pan‐genomic phenotyping efforts of the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium, are generating resources on an unprecedented scale, which will be extremely valuable to human genetics and medicine. We discuss the nature and availability of data, mice and embryonic stem cells from these large‐scale programmes, the use of these resources to help prioritize and validate candidate genes in human genetic association studies, and how they can improve our understanding of the underlying pathobiology of human disease. Hum Mutat 33:826–836, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nimotuzumab for pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas

Introduction: Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) have a poor prognosis: the median survival rate is less than one year. Radiotherapy is the only effective treatment affording an overall survival of 6 – 9 months. So far, no improvement has been achieved with the addition of single/poly-chemotherapy regimens. An urgent need is to advance in this field, from both the biological and the clinical points of view. Areas covered: Among the few studies providing biological information on DIPG, Gilbertson's group demonstrated a significant increase in EGFR expression. The activity of nimotuzumab, a humanized anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, was therefore studied within a Phase II trial in 47 relapsing pediatric patients with DIPG and high-grade gliomas, showing an interesting, persistent response, especially in the first group treated. A multicenter exploratory study combining nimotuzumab and radiotherapy showed disease control and an overall patient survival similar to previous experiences along with an improvement in the quality of patient survival and no severe side effects. Expert opinion: We recommend considering this combination in the armamentarium against DIPG. It might be improved by adding other target drugs/low-toxicity chemotherapy regimens with a synergistic effect with the anti-EGFR component.
Validity of Using an Electronic Medical Record for Assessing Quality of Care in an Outpatient Setting

Objective:We sought to evaluate the validity of retrieving data from a commercial, outpatient electronic medical record (EMR) to assess the management of pharyngitis, an important measure of quality of healthcare in pediatrics and a new measure for the Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS). Methods:For children ages 3–18 years, we electronically identified clinical encounters with diagnoses of pharyngitis using 3 different strategies (an EMR-based strategy, an administrative data-based strategy, and a reference strategy which used medical record review). By each strategy, we calculated the proportion of episodes of pharyngitis during 1 year for which management of pharyngitis adhered to published guidelines. Results:Among 479 total episodes of pharyngitis, 434 (91%) were from the EMR-based strategy and 281 (59%) from the administrative data-based strategy. Review of the records (the reference strategy) found that 391 of 479 (82%) were confirmed episodes of pharyngitis. A diagnostic test for group A streptococcus (GAS) was performed at 310 of 434 (71%) of episodes identified by the EMR-based strategy and at 214 of 281 (76%) of episodes by the administrative data-based strategy (P = 0.045). By the reference strategy, a diagnostic test was done in 301 of 391 (77%); more than at episodes found by the EMR-based strategy (71%, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The EMR-based strategy resulted in a statistically different proportion of episodes having diagnostic testing for GAS compared with a reference strategy. Complete evaluations to validate strategies for extracting data from electronic databases are necessary before assuming that measures of quality of care will be the same regardless of the source of data.
Work stress, asthma control and asthma-specific quality of life: Initial evidence from a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective: Research has suggested that psychological stress is positively associated with asthma morbidity. One major source of stress in adulthood is one's occupation. However, to date, potential links of work stress with asthma control or asthma-specific quality of life have not been examined. We aimed to address this knowledge gap. Methods: In 2014/2015, we conducted a cross-sectional study among adults with asthma in Germany (n = 362). For the current analyses that sample was restricted to participants in employment and reporting to have never been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 94). Work stress was operationalized by the 16-item effort-reward-imbalance (ERI) questionnaire, which measures the subcomponents “effort”, “reward” and “overcommitment. ” Participants further completed the Asthma Control Test and the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire-Sydney. Multivariable associations were quantified by linear regression and logistic regression. Results: Effort, reward and their ratio (i.e. ERI ratio) did not show meaningful associations with asthma morbidity. By contrast, increasing levels of overcommitment were associated with poorer asthma control and worse quality of life in both linear regression (ß = −0.26, p = 0.01 and ß = 0.44, p < 0.01, respectively) and logistic regression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14-3.07 and OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.32-4.15, respectively). Conclusions: The present study provides initial evidence of a positive relationship of work-related overcommitment with asthma control and asthma-specific quality of life. Longitudinal studies with larger samples are needed to confirm our findings and to disentangle the potential causality of associations.
The Valuation of a Random Number of Put Options: An Application to Agricultural Price Supports

Abstract We show that the U.S. agricultural price support system, and certain other government insurance programs, can be interpreted as the provision of a random number of put options to program beneficiaries. Because the number of puts being supplied is random, the value of the guarantees is no longer given by the standard Black-Scholes put option formula. This paper uses the contingent-claims methodology of modern finance theory to derive an appropriate valuation formula for such programs. We estimate the value to farmers of agricultural price supports for several commodities covered by the U.S. agricultural price support system. Our results indicate that the current system raises the ex ante value of some crops by as much as 9 percent. The method of valuation is applicable to other forms of government guarantees, as well, such as exchange rate insurance and export subsidy guarantees.
Advance-Purchase Discounts and Price Discrimination in Competitive Markets

When both individual and aggregate consumer demand is uncertain and firms set prices before demand is known, price‐taking firms may offer advance‐purchase discounts. Consumers with relatively more certain demands and with relatively lower valuations have an incentive to buy in advance the presence of other consumers with higher valuations and more uncertain aggregate demand increases the price they expect to pay in the spot market. Advance‐purchase sales are made to low‐valuation customers, as predicted by traditional models of second‐degree price discrimination, without assuming that firms have market power.
Social capital: Its relationship to innovation in science and technology

This paper argues that social capital is a necessary, although not sufficient, enabler of effective public-private partnerships and of a new, more collaborative style of innovation policy, although its significance for science and technology policy, has yet to be assimilated by most policy-makers. The network structure of the biotechnology industry in the United States and the regional-based industrial system in Silicon Valley, California are used to show how social capital affects innovation in science and technology. Two US national policy programs — the advanced Technology Program and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership — make evident the growing importance of network development. A set of recommendations is given, designed to enhance innovative capacity through the formation of social capital. The central arguments regarding social capital and its relationship to innovation transcend national boundaries, and many of the policy recommendations are important for western European, some East Asian and several other industrial states. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
An Empirical Investigation of the Ratchet Effect in the OECD, 1985–2009

This paper employs a reduced form structuralist model of inflation in the OECD over the period 1985–2009 to find out whether domestic prices respond symmetrically to rising and falling import prices. We find that the response is asymmetrical: domestic prices rise when import prices rise but they do not fall when import prices fall. Our finding thus confirms the presence of a ratchet effect in the sample countries during the sample period, and implies that factors – such as exchange rate fluctuations and movements in tariff rates – that influence import prices tend to be inflationary.
Speech/music discrimination : novel features in time domain

This research aimed to find novel features that can be used to discriminate between speech and music in the time domain for the purpose of data retrieval. The study used speech and music data that were recorded in standard anechoic chambers and sampled at 44.1 kHz. Two types of new features were found and thoroughly examined: the Ratio of Silent Frames (RSF) feature and the Time Series Events (TSE) set of features. The Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves were used to assess each one of the proposed features as well as certain relevant features from the literature for the purpose of comparison. The RSF feature introduced up to 8% enhancement when compared to a couple of relevant features from the literature. One of the TSE set of features provided close to 100% speech/music discrimination.
Syntaxin7 Is Required for Lytic Granule Release from Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes

SNARE proteins are essential fusion mediators for many intracellular trafficking events. Here, we investigate the role of Syntaxin7 (Stx7) in the release of lytic granules from cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). We show that Stx7 is expressed in CTLs and is preferentially localized to the region of lytic granule release, the immunological synapse (IS). Interference of Stx7 function by expression of a dominant‐negative Stx7 construct or by small interfering RNA leads to a dramatic reduction of CTL‐mediated killing of target cells. Real‐time visualization of individual lytic granules at the IS by evanescent wave microscopy reveals that lytic granules in Stx7‐deprived CTLs not only fail to fuse with the plasma membrane but even fail to accumulate at the IS. Surprisingly, the accumulation defect is not caused by an overall reduction in lytic granule number, but by a defect in the trafficking of T cell receptors (TCRs) through endosomes. Subsequent high‐resolution nanoscopy shows that Stx7 colocalizes with Rab7 on late endosomes. We conclude from these data that the accumulation of recycling TCRs at the IS is a SNARE‐dependent process and that Stx7‐mediated processing of recycling TCRs through endosomes is a prerequisite for the cytolytic function of CTLs.
International institutions, globalization and the inequality among nations

In the 1950s, Gunnar Myrdal pointed out that while inequality between regions within many economically advanced countries was falling due to the policies of national government, inequality between countries was growing, given the absence of anything resembling a world government. Since then, international institutions such as the United Nations (UN), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank (WB) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have grown in size and scope. This paper uses econometric techniques to argue that these institutions, by liberalizing and increasing international trade and capital flows, have not had the effect of reducing inequality across nations and may, in fact, have exacerbated it.
Predicting bank failures in Turkey by Discrete Choice Models

This study investigates the factors that were important in the failure of banks in 1997-2006. The study uses cross-section time series data from 81 banks and employs limited dependent variable models. The major objectives are to examine the determinants of bank failures by explaining the contribution of both microeconomic and macroeconomic factors in the Turkish banking system and to estimate the likelihood of banking failure.
Joined-Up ICT Innovation in Government: An analysis of the creation of eIDM systems from an Advocacy Coalition and social capital perspective

textabstractThis chapter introduces the subject of this thesis – joined-up ICT innovation in the public sector. The first section demonstrates that scientists and policy makers fully agree that ICT innovation should be a joint effort involving multiple public sector actors. To solve today’s urgent social problems, specific government agencies have to jointly rethink and improve practices – including their ICTs. However, as section two demonstrates, there are some severe barriers to joined-up ICT innovation. Evaluation studies consistently show that government agencies often fail to realize cooperative change. The third section provides a review of literature that attempts to explain the difficulties. The conclusion is that current public administration theories merely provide a fragmented picture of determining variables. The Advocacy Coalition Framework is introduced as it aims to overcome this theoretical fragmentation. The framework offers a broad overview of all kinds of factors that determine policy change. A confrontation between the variables of the model and innovation literature reveals strong similarities, which indicate that the model can also be applied to ‘innovation’. The fourth section identifies a critique of the social subsystem of the model. Social capital theory is introduced in order to address this critique as it can contribute to the operationalisation of the Advocacy Coalition Framework and hence strengthen its explanatory value. In section five, the unit of analysis is confined to a specific joined-up ICT innovation, namely the joint development of electronic identification systems. Section six defines the central research question, which combines the key elements: (a) the difficulties of joined-up ICT innovations, (b) the use of the Advocacy Coalition Framework to explain those difficulties and (c) social capital theory to enhance the framework. The chapter concludes with the theoretical and social relevance of the study.