Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of Multiplex Lateral Flow Tests: A Case Study for Simultaneous Detection of Three Antibiotics

The presented study is focused on the impact of binding zone location on immunochromatographic test strips on the analytical parameters of multiplex lateral flow assays. Due to non-equilibrium conditions for such assays the duration of immune reactions influences significantly the analytical parameters, and the integration of several analytes into one multiplex strip may cause an essential decrease of sensitivity. To choose the best location for binding zones, we have tested reactants for immunochromatographic assays of lincomycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline. The influence of the distance to the binding zones on the intensity of coloration and limit of detection (LOD) was rather different. Basing on the data obtained, the best order of binding zones was chosen. In comparison with non-optimal location the LODs were 5–10 fold improved. The final assay provides LODs 0.4, 0.4 and 1.0 ng/mL for lincomycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline, respectively. The proposed approach can be applied for multiplexed assays of other analytes.
grandidierite-ominelite series

The electron microprobe compositions and crystal structure of seven members of the grandidierite-ominelite (MgAl3BSiO9–FeAl3BSiO9) series with X = (Fe2+ + Mn + Zn)/(Fe2+ + Mn + Zn + Mg) ranging from 0.00 to 0.52 were studied to determine the geometric effects of Fe substitution for Mg on the crystal structures. Calculating Fe3+ from the electron microprobe analyses gave 0.04–0.06 Fe3+ apfu, but such small amounts at the Al sites could not be detected in the refi nements. Regression equations derived from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data show that b increases by 0.18 Å from X = 0–1. The crystal structure refi nements show that the most signifi cant changes involve the (Mg,Fe)O5 polyhedron, which increases in volume by 0.36 Å3 (5.0%), largely as a result of expansion of the MgFeO5, -O2, and -O6 (×2) bond distances, which increase by 0.09 (4.4%), 0.06, and 0.04 Å, respectively. Other signifi cant changes include increasing O1-MgFe-O2 (3.44°) and -Al3-O5a angles (1.9°) and a decreasing O6-MgFe-O6b (–2.20°) angle. Signifi cant increases are also seen in the lengths of the O1-O2 (0.13 Å) and O6-O5a (×2) (0.09 Å) edges. The SiO4 tetrahedra appear to respond to changes in the surrounding polyhedra by changing O-Si-O angles such that the tetrahedral angle variance and mean tetrahedral quadratic elongation increase with X. The BO3 triangles appear to behave as relatively invariant units in the crystal structure. Regression equations obtained from the MgFe-O bond distances were used to determine a radius for VFe2+ of 0.70 Å. Although our samples show little Mn, the presence of Mn2+ at the MgFe site would be expected to cause more distortion than an equivalent amount of Fe2+. Substitution of Zn likely would have little effect. The presence of Cr3+ at any of the Al sites would be expected to increase the size of the coordination sphere, but the substitution of P5+ for Si at the Si sites would most likely decrease the Si-O bond distances.
Sectoral Integration and Domestic Portfolio Diversification in the Karachi Stock Exchange

This study analyzes sectoral integration among the top ten sectors listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE), using a market value-weighted index and daily stock price data for 2001–14. Since the literature shows that domestically diversified portfolios outperform globally diversified ones, the study’s results have implications for the construction of well-diversified domestic portfolios among individual and institutional investors. We find that, apart from automobiles and cement, all other sectors listed on the KSE provide good diversification opportunities. The Granger causality test shows that cement, chemicals and banking cause most other sectors uni-directionally, while oil and gas, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electricity are caused by most other sectors. From a domestic investor’s perspective, the KSE provides reasonable diversification opportunities across different sectors.
Development and Test of an Additive Manufacturing Maturity Model

Firms are confronted with rising competitive pressure on both the manufacturing and innovation processes to meet the ever-increasing demand for customization and individualization. Despite this, only sparse research has combined literature from operations management and innovation management literature to investigate the interaction between them. This paper develops an Additive Manufacturing Maturity Model to investigate the diffusion of AM technology and the possible positive impact of adopting AM technology on the innovative capabilities of the firm. Based on a survey in Danish manufacturing firms, this paper presents a novel perspective on the role of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies in facilitating the integration of production, innovation, and market perspectives in the business processes of firms. The results demonstrate that around 25% of the firms use AM technology. Furthermore, the results demonstrate a positive impact of the level of maturity on AM use and innovation. The paper shows that the used potential of AM technology is an indicator of potential competitive advantage for a firm. Derived from the findings, the paper proposes a theoretical model that integrates the scope of AM applications with the business processes of the firm. In this way, the paper contributes to the literature in technology management and to the relationship between the AM technologies and their associated competitive potentials. Furthermore, this paper specifically contributes to the much needed, but still scarce and fragmented literature, on decision models of AM, through an integrative perspective from innovation and operation management literature.
Chemical thinning of 'BRS Kampai' peach trees

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of thinning with metamitron on the fruit yield and quality of 'BRS Kampai' peach (Prunus persica) trees. The experiment was carried out in the municipality of Eldorado do Sul, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in the 2016 and 2017 crop years. Treatments consisted of the application of 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg L-1 metamitron and of hand thinning 40 days after full bloom, besides control plants. Fruit abscission, effective fructification, number of fruits, and fruit yield per plant were evaluated. Regarding fruit quality, fresh fruit biomass, epidermis color, pulp firmness, soluble solids, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity were assessed; fruits were also classified into diameter classes. For fruit abscission, the effect of the application of 100 mg L-1 metamitron is similar to that of hand thinning. Fruit yield and mean mass in all treatments with metamitron are similar to those obtained by hand thinning. The application of metamitron does not affect the fruit quality of peach trees. Chemical thinning with metamitron may be an alternative to hand thinning in peach trees used for the production of fruits for fresh consumption.
Integration, Application and Importance of Collaboration in Sustainable Project Management

The need to consider sustainability has substantially increased the complexity of implementing construction and infrastructure projects and new management practices have emerged during the past decade to tackle the global sustainability challenges, where the engagement and coordination of broader competences from stakeholders throughout the supply chain is required. This new project management paradigm has been accompanied by greater attention to the concept of collaborative business arrangements, often called partnering, that has emerged in construction and infrastructure projects to improve project deliveries. However, there are uncertainties about the optimal strategy to foster, integrate and maintain the required collaboration, particularly in sustainable management practices in infrastructure maintenance projects. This paper addresses these uncertainties, based on a single case study of an infrastructure maintenance contract involving an extensive collaborative business arrangement. The findings reveal that different collaborative practices affect diverse aspects of sustainable project management. Further, the extensive collaborative business arrangement has promoted sustainable deliveries based upon organizational learning and continuous improvements. Thus, this study offers an encouraging example of how extensive collaboration can be fostered and play a key role in sustainable project management practices.
Modelling the Influences of Primary Delays Based on High-speed Train Operation Records

Primary delays (PDs) are the driving force of delay propagation. Hence, accurate predictions of the number of affected trains (NATs) and the total time of affected trains (TTATs) due to PDs can provide a theoretical background for the dispatch of trains in real time. Train operation data were obtained from Wuhan-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway (HSR) station from 2015 to 2016, and the NAT and TTAT influence factors were determined after analyzing the PD propagation mechanism. The NAT predictive model was established using eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBOOST) algorithm which was more efficient than other machine learning methods after comparison. Furthermore, the TTAT predictive model was established based on the NAT model using the support vector regression (SVR) algorithm. The results indicate that the XGBOOST algorithm has good performance on the NAT predictive model, whereas SVR is the best method for the TTAT model using Lessthan5 variable, which is the ratio of the difference between the sample size of actual and the predicted values in less than 5 min and the total sample size. In addition, 2018 data were used to evaluate the application of NAT and TTAT models over time. The results indicate that NAT and TTAT models have a good application over time.
Bayesian Estimation in Shared Positive Stable Frailty Models

The concept of frailty provides a suitable way to introduce random effects in the model to account for association and unobserved heterogeneity. In its simplest form, a frailty is an unobserved random factor that modifies multiplicatively the hazard function of an individual or a group or cluster of individuals. In this paper, we study positive stable distribution as frailty distribution and two different baseline distributions namely Pareto and linear failure rate distribution. We estimate parameters of proposed models by introducing Bayesian estimation procedure using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) technique. In the present study a simulation is done to compare the true values of parameters with the estimated value. We try to fit the proposed models to a real life bivariate survival data set of McGrilchrist and Aisbett (1991) related to kidney infection. Also, we present a comparison study for the same data by using model selection criterion, and suggest a better model.
Managerial Risk Tolerance and Corporate Credit Ratings.

This study examines whether and how managerial risk tolerance influences corporate credit ratings. Using information about private pilot licensing status as a proxy for CEO risk tolerance, we find that firms led by pilot CEOs have worse credit ratings after controlling for firm fundamentals, CEO risk-taking incentives, and other CEO characteristics. Path analyses show that risk-tolerant CEOs deteriorate credit ratings by impairing future firm value, exacerbating its volatility, and adversely influencing rating agencies’ assessment about the implication of management on credit risk. Also, the negative association between CEO risk tolerance and credit ratings is more pronounced when management plays a more important role in a firm. Overall, our study sheds light on the implications of managerial risk tolerance by documenting its adverse impact on credit ratings.
A new class of cancer odor markers: hints for volatile nitrosothiols as disease emissions

1. Abstract 2. Introduction 3. The actual state of analytics for medical diagnosis 4. The special role of sniffer dogs in medical diagnosis 5. The sniffing habits of dogs as the basis for ideas about new cancer markers 6. Arguments to propose volatile nitrosothiols (vSNOs) as cancer markers 7. Knowledge about vSNOs from literature 8. Syntheses and handling of synthetic vSNOs 9. Analytical procedures to detect volatile vSNOs 9.1. Documentation of the vSNO-synthesis by online MS detection 9.2. Headspace GC/MS analyses 10. Evidences for the function of vSNOs as volatile cancer markers by sniffer dog tests 11. Conclusion and perspective 12. Literature
ANOTAÇÕES SEMÂNTICAS EM CONSULTAS BASEADA NA INTENÇÃO DO USUÁRIO

Query understanding is a challenging task primarily due to the inherent ambiguity of natural language. A common strategy for improving the understanding of natural language queries is to annotate them with semantic information mined from a knowledge base. Nevertheless, queries with different intents may arguably benefit from specialized annotation strategies. For instance, some queries could be effectively annotated with a single entity or an entity attribute, others could be better represented by a list of entities of a single type or by entities of multiple distinct types, and others may be simply ambiguous. In this dissertation, we propose a framework for learning semantic query annotations suitable to the target intent of each individual query. Thorough experiments on a publicly available benchmark show that our proposed approach can significantly improve state-of-the-art intent-agnostic approaches based on Markov random fields and learning to rank. Our results further demonstrate the consistent effectiveness of our approach for queries of various target intents, lengths, and difficulty levels, as well as its robustness to noise in intent detection. Palavras-chave: Semantic Query Annotation, Learning to Rank, Intent-aware.
Management of nematodes using liquid formulations of Purpureocillium lilacinum in tuberose

Plant parasitic nematodes are important biotic restrictions in the horticultural systems. Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita is a major economic pest in various crops. Wide usage of pesticides against parasitic nematode causes health hazards; hence there is an urgent need for an alternative. Biocontrol agents serve as an alternative. P. lilacinum is a nematophagous fungus which is used as a biocontrol agent. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) is an important ornamental crop in India and it has great economical value as a cut flower and in the perfume industry. Root knot nematodes cause serious damage to roots of tuberose, resulting in 14-15% yield loss. Keeping this in view, the present studies were under taken to evaluate the efficacy of liquid formulation of P. lilacinum in tuberose. The experiments were conducted during 2015-2016 in both greenhouse and field conditions. Six treatments were used in this study. In greenhouse conditions, corms treated along with soil application of 2 tons/ha of vermicompost enriched with 5 l of P. lilacinum have showed a maximum increase in the plant growth parameters like spike length (71.25 cm), spike weight (44.34 g), root length (15.38 cm), root weight (7.18 g) and reduced nematode gall index (1.5). Field assessment confirmed significant inhibition of nematode reproduction, inhibition of root galling and an increase of tuberose yield compared with the control.
How Teacher’s Progressiveness in Using Digital Technologies Influences Levels of Pupils’ Metacognitive Knowledge in Mathematics

The low efficiency of using appropriate strategies to solve problems in the classroom environment is not due to the lack of knowledge of how to classify concepts, but rather due to the failure to apply this knowledge strategically. Therefore, it is necessary to find a balance between them, i.e., to let the pupils discuss the problems while supporting the teacher’s intervention. The aim of the presented study was to examine the influence of a teacher’s progressiveness on the level of metacognitive knowledge of the pupil. Altogether, 47 teachers and 278 pupils at grade 5 were participating in the study. It is shown that the approach of teachers to innovation itself has an influence on the pupil. When comparing all five groups of innovators, the difference among the categories of teachers was significant ( p = 0.044 ) with the low effect ( d c o h e n = 0.3 ) . When considering only the two almost antagonistic poles of teachers, the innovators and the late majority according to Roger’s innovation diffusion theory, this influence was very strong ( p = 0.009 ) and with medium effect ( d c o h e n = 0.725 ). Our research shows that it is necessary to address the teacher’s innovativeness, affecting the level of metacognitive knowledge of the pupil as an important prediction tool determining school success.
Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Maternal and Fetal Outcomes at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common cause of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy accounting for about 90% of all diabetic pregnancies. Women with GDM are at increased risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality which are preventable through early diagnosis and treatment. Objective: The aim was to determine the prevalence of GDM, compare the maternal and neonatal complications among GDM and non-GDM pregnant women, and the risk factors associated with GDM. Methodology: A prospective cohort study was carried out among 105 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of RSUTH between February and August 2017. They were interviewed using a pre-structured questionnaire that covered variables related to socio-demographic factors and family, medical, and social history. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) was done after an overnight fast. Women who had FBS less than 7 mmol/L had 75 g Oral Glucose Tolerant Test (OGTT) done. Those diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus were the exposed group while those negative for GDM were the non-exposed group. Both groups were followed up to delivery, and maternal and fetal outcomes were noted. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20 and significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of GDM was 10.5%. Positive history of GDM in previous pregnancy was the only independent risk factor (p=0.04, Adj OR: 26.89, 95% CI 2.86 to 252.61). GDM mothers had a significantly higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia (RR=7.48; 95% CI =3.36 to 16.63). Neonates of GDM mothers were at increased risk of fetal macrosomia (RR =9.00; 95% CI=1.36 to 59.4) and neonatal admissions (RR=8.00; C.I =1.19 to 53.67). Conclusion: The study revealed that the prevalence of GDM was high and that those with GDM were at increased risk of developing fetal and maternal complications. A history of GDM in previous pregnancy was an essential risk factor for subsequent GDM.
Phenolic characterization and antioxidant capacity of alcoholic extracts from raw and boiled leaves of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Euphorbiaceae)

Background and Aims: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is a shrubby species that is used as an ornamental, medicinal and food plant in various parts of the world, known in Mexico as chaya. Little research has been published on its phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity. The objective of this study is to determine phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of hydroalcoholic extracts (methanol-water and ethanol-water) in different proportions from raw and boiled C. aconitifolius leaves.Methods: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius was cultivated on the campus of the University of Querétaro (Mexico; 2014) using woody cuttings. During the summer of 2016, sampling of leaves of all the plants were carried out. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant capacity were determined in raw and boiled leaves from methanol-water (50:50 and 80:20) and ethanol-water (50:50 and 80:20) extracts. Furthermore, the phenolic compounds of each of the extracts were identified and quantified by the RP-HPLC-DAD method.Key results: Eleven phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in C. aconitifolius: gallic acid, vanillic acid, vanillin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, p-coumaric acid, resveratrol, luteolin and apigenin. In general, boiled leaves showed greater antioxidant capacity than raw leaves. Differences were observed in the content of the phenolic compounds depending on the type of solvent and mixture. The 80:20 ethanol extract from boiled leaves had the higher content of polyphenols.Conclusions: The boiling of the leaves increased the content of phenolic compounds in the extracts analyzed. The results of this study indicate that chaya leaves are a rich source of natural antioxidants.
Rethinking the contemporary history of fertility: family, state, and the world system

The paper highlights the drivers of contemporary fertility history in developed countries “forgotten” by theory: fundamental changes in the world system after the Second World War and in the late 1980s and early 1990s; competing ideas of the “right” family and family and demographic policy; centre-peripheral relations and their impact on the resource capabilities of such policy. Statistical analysis shows that the periods during which countries’ positions by total fertility rates remained stable were disrupted by intervals in which significant changes in these positions occurred. Twice, due to the Second World War and the disintegration of the Soviet bloc, such intervals coincided with fundamental shifts in the world system. In addition, such intervals occurred in Western countries in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the negative association between women’s participation in the labour force and fertility became positive, and then in the 2000s in Russia, countries of Eastern and Central Europe and the former Yugoslavia during fertility “recovery”. Contemporary fertility changes in the developed world are directed by “gravitational fields” of four attractors. Three of them are institutional traps created by low living standards, or contradictions between the “new” economy and “old” family relations, or, in varying proportions, both. The fourth attractor is an ideal condition in which generous family policy and men’s participation in the home maintain fertility at the replacement level. Currently, France and the Scandinavian countries come closest to this. The question of whether the developed semi-peripheral countries will be able to approach this condition, or, due to resource constraints, it will remain a privilege accessible only to the core countries, remains open.