Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of uropathogens in patients reporting to a tertiary care facility in Peshawar, Pakistan

This study was conducted to assess the frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria in urinary isolates. The study was carried out in the clinical microbiology laboratory of a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan. The duration of study was 12 months, from July 2012 to June 2013. Mid-stream urine samples were collected in sterile containers. All samples for urine culture were examined. Samples were processed and microbial isolates were identified by standard methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Frequency of cultures proven urinary tract infection (UTI) cases in our study was 17.9% with Escherichia coli being the most common pathogen followed by Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella oxytoca and Enterobacter cloacae. For E. coli, only 2% of the organisms were resistant to imipenem. For C. freundii, 9% of isolates were resistant to amikacin. For K. oxytoca, the most effective antibiotic was amikacin, with 100% sensitivity. Most common isolate was E. coli which was mostly sensitive to nitrofurantoin, amikacin and gentamicin. The drug of choice for oral empirical therapy for UTI in our setup is nitrofurantoin as bacteria were quite resistant to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazole. The best parental empirical therapies are amikacin and gentamicin. Key words: Antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance, Escherichia coli, uropathogens.
Wintertime aerosol chemistry and haze evolution in an extremely polluted city of the North China Plain: significant contribution from coal and biomass combustion

Abstract. The North China Plain (NCP) frequently experiences heavy haze pollution, particularly during wintertime. In winter 2015–2016, the NCP region suffered several extremely severe haze episodes with air pollution red alerts issued in many cities. We have investigated the sources and aerosol evolution processes of the severe pollution episodes in Handan, a typical industrialized city in the NCP region, using real-time measurements from an intensive field campaign during the winter of 2015–2016. The average (±1σ) concentration of submicron aerosol (PM1) during 3 December 2015–5 February 2016 was 187.6 (±137.5) µg m−3, with the hourly maximum reaching 700.8 µg m−3. Organic was the most abundant component, on average accounting for 45 % of total PM1 mass, followed by sulfate (15 %), nitrate (14 %), ammonium (12 %), chloride (9 %) and black carbon (BC, 5 %). Positive matrix factorization (PMF) with the multilinear engine (ME-2) algorithm identified four major organic aerosol (OA) sources, including traffic emissions represented by a hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA, 7 % of total OA), industrial and residential burning of coal represented by a coal combustion OA (CCOA, 29 % of total OA), open and domestic combustion of wood and crop residuals represented by a biomass burning OA (BBOA, 25 % of total OA), and formation of secondary OA (SOA) in the atmosphere represented by an oxygenated OA (OOA, 39 % of total OA). Emissions of primary OA (POA), which together accounted for 61 % of total OA and 27 % of PM1, are a major cause of air pollution during the winter. Our analysis further uncovered that primary emissions from coal combustion and biomass burning together with secondary formation of sulfate (mainly from SO2 emitted by coal combustion) are important driving factors for haze evolution. However, the bulk composition of PM1 showed comparatively small variations between less polluted periods (daily PM2. 5 ≤ 75 µg m−3) and severely polluted periods (daily PM2. 5 > 75 µg m−3), indicating relatively synchronous increases of all aerosol species during haze formation. The case study of a severe haze episode, which lasted 8 days starting with a steady buildup of aerosol pollution followed by a persistently high level of PM1 (326.7–700.8 µg m−3), revealed the significant influence of stagnant meteorological conditions which acerbate air pollution in the Handan region. The haze episode ended with a shift of wind which brought in cleaner air masses from the northwest of Handan and gradually reduced PM1 concentration to
A model for torque losses in variable displacement axial piston motors

This paper includes a comparison of earlier presented models for torque losses in hydraulic motors and several proposed models that all rely on data typically available for a system engineer. The new models and the old ones are compared. The new models are all based on a model developed by Jeong Jeong (2007);Jeong and Kim (2007) with an expansion that include variable displacement. All of the new models yield very good accuracy down to approximately 50% of maximum displacement and down to approximately 15% of maximum speed. In these operational ranges the deviation in torque is less than 1%. The main purpose of the new models is to facilitate simulations of hydraulically actuated winches with a balance between accuracy and model complexity. This purpose is considered fulfilled with several of the proposed models.
Technique of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged recently as an accepted treatment option for high-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, who are poor surgical candidates. Increasing numbers of successful TAVI procedures have already been performed, with encouraging shortand mid-term results, while the first randomized double blind trials have already been published confirming efficacy of the procedure and a satisfactory outcome. Thus, TAVI has emerged as a very promising alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement over the recent years. In this brief overview, the patient selection process and the technique of TAVI are described together with some important clinical data. I N T R O D U C T I O N Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular abnormality in the western world. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged recently as an accepted treatment option for high-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS), for whom conventional surgical replacement has been previously denied. During the last few years, increasing numbers of successful TAVI procedures have been performed, with encouraging shortand mid-term results, while the first randomized double blind trials have already been published enhancing the initial enthusiasm. With regards to the technical aspect, TAVI is currently performed with use of two commercially available prosthetic valves, the CoreValve (Medtronic, Inc.) and the SAPIEN (Edwards Life Sciences, Inc.), both of which can be introduced transfemorally (Fig. 1). Furthermore, the former may potentially be introduced through a subclavian artery or more recently via a transaortic route, while the latter can be introduced transapically. Meanwhile, the surgical involvement during the procedure has been avoided with the use of 18F sheaths, converting TAVI into a truly percutaneous method and permitting the procedure performance even without general anesthesia. P A T I E N T S E L E C T I O N / S C R E E N I N G P R O C E S S Patients who suffer from severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis are considered as TECHNIQUES First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece HOSPITAL CHRONICLES 2012, 7(2): 102–107
Case Studies Used in Instruction to Achieve Specific Learning Outcomes: The Case of the Embankments Constructed for the Approach to Limerick Tunnel, Ireland

This paper gives an example of a case study written for instructional purposes, in order to support the achievement of specific learning outcomes which include (i) identifying modes of failure and (ii) selecting appropriate soil parameter types and values. Case writing was based primarily on information from a detailed publicly available article, supplemented with additional input from one author of this article. The case narrative is accompanied by annotated calculations, which follow the general design philosophy of the project. The case focuses on two of the main issues for the geotechnical design of the highway embankments close to the Limerick Tunnel, which are founded on very soft organic fine grained material. First, secondary compression, which is sizeable for this highway project, required surcharging to reduce the rate of long-term settlement. Second, the low undrained shear strength and high compressibility of the foundation material required construction of the embankments in stages, to achieve a degree of consolidation necessary for increased vertical effective stress, increased shear strength and reduced compressibility. This paper includes the case narrative, excerpts from the accompanying calculations, and comments on the instructional decisions involved in the preparation of both.
FISH as a chromosome identification strategy to delineate karyotypic evolution in vertebrates

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a powerful technique to directly localize cloned DNA probes onto chromosomes. This approach is essential to delimit cytogenetic analysis, especially in karyotypic evolution study. In this review, the various applications of this method were summarized: chromosomal localization of repetitive DNA sequence, construction of chromosome mapping with single copy DNA sequences, cross-species chromosome painting, comparative genomic hybridization and genomic in situ hybridization, allowing a rapid and comprehensive analysis of the process of chromosomal rearrangement in vertebrates. The compartmental data putting together from several applications of FISH strategies provide insight into the likely constitution of a vertebrate ancestral karyotype and lead us to understand some of the intricacies of karyotypic evolution.
Social Interactions for Academic Purposes in Literature Classes for Non English Speakers

Problem statement: This study reports how Learning Communities (LCs) and Online Learning Communities (OLCs) can improve Taiwanese EFL students' lack of Social Interactions (SIs) and acdemic skills in literature classes (Y1, N = 4 0) by involving freshmen in a social process that encourages student-student and student-instructor d iscussion, interpretation, production and negotiati on. Approach: The data collected from the database of the univer sity learning management system in National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan indicates the level of collaborative learning expected by a student completing a literature class. The research er used a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire design ed by the university to assess students' learning perform ance and satisfaction levels. Results: The use of LCs enhanced students' social interactions which, in tu rn, helped to motivate students' interactions in OL Cs. Moreover, the use of both communities satisfied stu dents' learning needs, all of which contributed to developing their critical thinking. Conclusion: The study concludes with a discussion of the relat ive contribution of SIs that satisfies students' learni ng needs for their academic skills.
Discourse Markers and Modal Expressions in Speakers with and without Asperger Syndrome: A Pragmatic-Perceptive Approach

Abstract From a theoretical point of view, this paper offers a new framework for the analysis of discourse markers: a pragmatic-perceptive model that emphasizes the point of the communication process in which such particles become more relevant. Furthermore, this approach tries to give an account of the modal expressions (attenuators and intensifiers) that speakers use in oral speech. The quotients of absolute and relative frequency with regard to the use of textual, interactive and enunciative markers - focused on the message, the addressee and the addresser respectively - are compared in two samples of 20 subjects with typical development and other 20 with Asperger syndrome. The general results of this research suggest that these latter speakers display a suitable command of textual markers, whereas they overexploit the enunciative ones in conversation.
Feeding Preference and Performance of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae on Various Soybean Tissue Types

Abstract Helicoverpa zea Boddie (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) feeding preference and performance on soybean tissue types is poorly understood. We assessed preference by looking at feeding behavior and resulting performance of 2nd and 4th instar H. zea larvae on leaves, flowers, and pods in no-choice and choice assays. Consumption indices were calculated and observed feeding behaviors were used to indicate preference; survival, growth rate, and larval body mass were recorded as measures of performance. Second instars performed better when fed leaf tissue than when fed other tissue types. In no-choice assays, 32% of 2nd instars that fed exclusively on newly emerging trifoliates reached the pupal stage, and 50% of those that fed exclusively on fully emerged leaf trifoliates survived to pupation. Early instar survival was poor (ranging from 0 to 3%) on all other tissue types, including flowers, stems, and pods. However, when given a choice of tissue types throughout their larval lifetime, 2nd instars preferred to feed on newly emerging trifoliates and early developing pods, consuming on average 51 and 38%, respectively, of each tissue type. In no-choice assays, 4th instars performed best on pods with fully developed seeds; however, when presented with a choice throughout their lifetime, late instars did not feed at a higher rate on any single tissue type. If H. zea exhibits similar behavior under field conditions, information on preference can be used to inform management practices and may aid in the development of conventionally bred and transgenic varieties.
Using Information and Communication Technology in Home Care for the Elderly

Due to population aging, countries’ financial capacities to maintain the current level and scope of services and institutional care for the elderly are decreasing, which is why there are increasing demands to rationalize services and residential care for the elderly as much as possible. The society has responded to such issues with the idea that the elderly should be able to remain in their home environment as long as possible, where they would be able to lead their lives with the best possible quality of life. People support the idea broadly because it meets the desires and needs of the elderly. Most want to stay at home, and in the same social environment, they want to maintain their autonomy as long as possible. To make to the elderly, the possibility to remain in their living environments and moving elder-care activities to their homes can be achieved with the help of information and communication technology (ICT) by which home care could be provided remotely.
Salmonella spp. in poultry: a constant challenge and new insights

The knowledge about virulence mechanisms, resistance to antimicrobial agents and the biofilm formation ability of Salmonella spp. in poultry industry has been expanded over the years. However, in spite of the research efforts and significant investments to improve management systems in poultry industry, it has become evident that none of the methods applied in all stages of food production chain are 100% effective in eliminating Salmonella spp. Different serovars are manifesting different mechanisms of invasiveness which depend on their ability to invade lower zones of the lamina propria, their ability to gain accesses to parenchymatous organs and survive in macrophages. The ubiquitous nature of Salmonella spp. due to their adaptation to animal and plant hosts, as well as their survival in hostile environments and their enhanced capacity to produce biofilms, contribute to a long lasting contamination of the environment, feed and animals. The emergency and spread of antimicrobial resistances in Salmonella spp. raise additional concerns.
The use of AHP method for selection of supplier

AbstractTo increase flexibility in today's global marketplace is needed to remain competitive and respond to rapidly changing markets. From that point of view, supplier selection represents one of the most important functions to be performed by the purchasing department. The supplier selection is a multi-criterion problem which includes both quantitative and qualitative criteria. In order to select the best suppliers, it is necessary to make a trade off between these criteria. The article deals with supplier selection using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). AHP provides a framework for making effective decisions in complex decision situations (e.g. vendor selection), helps to simplify and accelerate the natural process of decision making. AHP is a method of decomposition of complex unstructured situation into simpler components, thus creating a hierarchical system problem. The paper describes the general design of model supplier selection using the AHP with an application of the proposed model in a ma.
Common ravens (Corvus corax) show differential responses to SADs (self-aggrandizing displays) depending on call type and identity of caller

In komplexen Sozialstrukturen treten haufig individuell unterschiedliche Displays auf. Hierbei ist von besonderer Bedeutung, welche Information sie beinhalten und ob sie ein und derselben Bedeutungskategorie zugeordnet werden. Displays wie beispielsweise Pant-hoot-Rufe von Schimpansen oder ‘Wahoo’-Wettbewerbe unter mannlichen Pavianen signalisieren kompetitive Eigenschaften und bewirken, dass verschiedene Klassen von Rivalen unterschiedlich behandelt werden. Sowohl die Identitat des rufenden Tieres als auch der Kontext, in welchem der Ruf produziert wird, konnten die Reaktion des Empfangers beeinflussen. Seit langer Zeit wird von Autoren „verbeugendes“ und „wurgeahnliches“ Verhalten bei Raben, Corvus corax, beschrieben und mit Imponiergehabe assoziiert. Diese Status anzeigenden Displays (im Folgenden SADs) weisen fixe Bewegungsmuster auf, welche von spezifischen, zwischen Gruppen und Individuen variierenden Ruftypen begleitet werden. SADs treten meist im Zuge von Balzverhalten oder agonistischen Interaktionen auf. Raben zeigen eine Vielfalt von SAD-Ruftypen, lernen vokal voneinander und sind bei der Prasentation von Playback-Rufen in der Lage, andere Raben individuell zu erkennen. Aufgrund dieser Merkmale eignen sich Raben besonders fur die Erforschung von Displays. In sozialen Verbanden gehaltene Raben nahmen an zwei Habituations-Dishabituations-Experimenten teil und horten SAD-Rufe von bekannten Individuen. Sowohl bei einem unerwarteten Wechsel des Ruftypes als auch bei einem Wechsel des rufenden Artgenossen zeigten die Tiere abweichende Verhaltensreaktionen. Das Geschlecht des Playback-Individuums schien die Haufigkeit von Territorialrufen und Schnabelwetzen zu beeinflussen. Diese Studie zeigt, dass Raben zu individueller Diskriminierung, sowie zur unterschiedlichen Wahrnehmung von verschiedenen SAD-Ruftypen fahig sind. Meine Resultate liefern grundlegende Erkenntnisse zur Wahrnehmung von SADs und deuten auf die Komplexitat in der Kommunikation von Kolkraben hin.
5.4.4 Warfare Gas Detection at Trace Level Using a Multiple SAW Sensor Approach Based on Functionalized Nanodiamond Coatings

We have investigated the performances of Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) transducers for the detection of toxic gases. SAW sensors are indeed promising because they can be operated at room temperature, offer high sensitivity and can potentially be mass-manufactured. However, the selectivity of such acoustic sensors requires the use of sensitive layers that when deposited on the transducer’s surface may affect drastically the wave propagation and therefore the reliability of the sensors. Hence, strong efforts were dedicated to develop new concepts for sensitive coatings that remain very thin so as not to alter the acoustical properties of the device, very stable, and very versatile for the immobilization of selective receptors. In this scope we have developed a novel approach based on the use of Nanodiamonds (NDs).
Another Modified Conjugate Gradient Coefficient with Global Convergence Properties

Conjugate gradient [CG] methods are considered in solving nonlinear unconstrained optimization problem, because of their simplicity, low memory requirement and global convergence properties. Different reviews and modification have been carried out in order to upgrade the method. In this paper, a new type of CG parameter, which satisfies the sufficient descent condition and global convergences property under exact line search, is proposed. The numerical outcomes indicate that our new modified parameter perform well when compare with other CG parameters for a given standards test function.
Murabaha Perceptions of Islamic Bankers: Case of Pakistan

The paper discusses Murabaha which is among the most significant financing tools in cotemporary Islamic banking practice. The research study is was carried out to assess the opinions and suggestions of Islamic bankers regarding Murabaha as a vital Islamic finance tool and to infer and deduce conclusions that have significance with reference to murabaha by assessing the viewpoints of Islamic bankers. The study attempts to discuss the key factors pertinent to Murabaha financing mechanism and is based on a survey research involving Islamic bankers serving at the five purely Islamic banks operating in Pakistan. The study would provide an insight regarding a highly vital and one of the most utilized tools of Islamic financing throughout the Islamic finance industries globally. The research study endeavors to identify the key factors that are pertinent with regards to Murabaha financing and to explore options to expunge the adverse perceptions regarding Murabaha-based products and services.
Yield, Yield Components and Grain Quality of Giza 179 Egyptian Rice Cultivar as Affected by Seeding Rates and Nitrogen Levels using Broadcasting Planting Method

The present study was conducted to evaluate the yield and grain quality of Giza179 rice cultivar as affected by seeding rates (20, 30, 40 and 50 Kg/fed) and nitrogen fertilization levels (0, 20, 40and 60 Kg N/fed) with broadcasting planting method. Two field experiments were carried out at the Experimental Farm of Etai ElBaroud Agricultural Research Station, Behaira Governorate, Agriculture Research Center (ARC) in 2014 and 2015 seasons. The results revealed that seeding rate of 40 kg /fed gave a significantly higher paddy yield of (3.77 -3.79 ton/fed) in both seasons. Nitrogen application at 40 Kg N/fed provided a maximum paddy yield (4.25 and 4.10 ton/fed) in both seasons. The yield and all yield components were significantly affected by seeding rates and nitrogen levels in the two seasons. Regarding quality, the amylose, protein content, elongation, hardness, gel consistency (GC), gelatinization temperature (GT), the rice kernel characteristics, hulling, milling and broken rice were affected by seeding rates and nitrogen levels with insignificant interaction. From the results, it is concluded that using broadcasting planting method for Giza179 Egyptian rice cultivar, higher paddy rice yield, yield components and good quality can be obtained at 40 Kg/fed seeding rate with 40 kg N/fed.