Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Analysis of Dumpsites Volumes from Rural Territory Case Study: Neamt County, Romania

Open dumps was the main option of the local communities in household waste management, this practice being banned after July 16, 2009. The paper examines the correlation between dumpsites volumes, population density and local geographical conditions in the context that in most rural administrative-territorial units of the county there were no facilities for waste collection. The geographical distribution of dumpsites volumes reflects the disparities between different areas of the county and on the other hand, it highlights the spaces exposed to pollution. Also, the comparative analysis between 2004 (pre-accession) and 2009 (post-accession) reflects a rudimentary waste management system in this period which favored the waste dumping. This paper analyses the issues of rural waste management and its environmental implications at local scale. Such approaches are necessary for a proper analysis of EU environmental policies implementation at regional and local level.
Magma transport and metasomatism in the mantle : A critical review of current geochemical models

Conflicting geochemical models of metasomatic interactions between mantle peridotite and melt all assume that mantle reactions reflect chromato$aphic processes. Examination of field, petrological, and compositional data suggests that the hypothesis of chromatographic fractionation based on the supposition oflarge-scale percolative processes (Navon and Stolper, 1987) needs review and revision. In the hypothesis, melts develop enrichment fronts of incompatible elements as the melt percolates through a porous mantle column of refractory peridotite composition and imprint the fractionation patterns on peridotite elsewhere. Current models that use Navon and Stolper's (1987) chromatographic fractionation concept are applied to rocks of the Lherz and Horoman massifs. The calculations produce poor or limited results for the sequence of compositional variations in time and space, and the assumptions do not accord with field relations and estimates of mantle conditions from experiments. In the Lherz model, modest LREE enrichments require melt percolation for as long as 25000 yr, an unrealistic life span for mantle dike conduits that supply metasomatizing melts. Continuous porous flow of melts also requires host peridotite temperatures at or above the liquidus. Models of regional pervasive porous flow conflict with structural and seismic evidence that fractures control fluid transportation in the upper mantle. Effects of porous-medium flow have been inferred in studies of mantle peridotite samples on scales of tens of meters at most, but are well documented only on scales of centimeters or decimeters. In all these hypotheses, porous flow is fundamentally controlled by proximity to magma-filled fractures. Well-constrained rock and mineral data from xenoliths indicate that many elements that behave incompatibly in equilibrium crystallization processes are absorbed immediately when melts emerge from conduits into depleted peridotite. After reacting to equilibrium with the peridotite, melt that percolates away from the conduit is largely depleted of incompatible elements. Continued addition of melts extends the zone of equilibrium farther from the conduit. Such a process resembles ion-exchange chromatography for H.O purification, rather than the model of chromatographic species separation proposed by Navon and Stolper (1987).
Tansley insight Spontaneous epimutations in plants

Heritable gains or losses of cytosine methylation can arise stochastically in plant genomes independently of DNA sequence changes. These so-called ‘spontaneous epimutations’ appear to be a byproduct of imperfect DNA methylation maintenance and epigenome reinforcement events that occur in specialized cell types. There is continued interest in the plant epigenetics community in trying to understand the broader implications of these stochastic events, as some have been shown to induce heritable gene expression changes, shape patterns of methylation diversitywithin andamongplant populations, and appear tobe responsive tomulti-generational environmental stressors. In this paper we synthesized our current knowledge of the molecular basis and functional consequences of spontaneous epimutations in plants, discuss technical and conceptual challenges, and highlight emerging research directions.
Molecular characterization of a murine norovirus isolate from Sweden and detection of noroviruses in artificially contaminated raspberries

Frozen, imported raspberries have been linked to several outbreaks of human norovirus (NoV) gastroenteritis in Sweden. Noroviruses are highly infectious and are often presented in low numbers in contaminated foods. Detection with RT-PCR must therefore be preceded by a method that extract and concentrate viruses from the tested food samples, but most available methods are laborious and/or inefficient. Studies on noroviruses are further complicated by the fact that human noroviruses are unable to grow in routinely used cell culture models. The murine norovirus (MNV), a common pathogen of immunocompromised mice, can be cultivated in macrophage-like cells and is often used as a model for studies on human noroviruses. In the present study, a previously unidentified MNV isolate from Sweden was sequenced and molecularly characterized. This isolate also served as a surrogate for testing and further developing a method to concentrate noroviruses from raspberries. Pathatrix (Life Technologies) is an automated magnet separation system that allows concentration of viruses or bacteria from large sample volumes. This system was tested together with cationic paramagnetic beads that attract the negatively charged surface of NoV particles. Results from this study shows that few modifications of the Pathatrix protocol might enhance viral recovery. For further evaluation, the Pathatrix method was compared with polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation for concentrating MNV, NoV GI, and GII from artificially contaminated raspberries. PEG precipitation was clearly more efficient but displayed a high degree of inhibition in RT-PCR. Altogether, this study shows that the Pathatrix method is a convenient and quick alternative. However, it needs to be further optimized before it can be used to concentrate noroviruses from raspberries.
Psychological factors related to Buruli ulcer and tuberculosis in Sub-Saharan Africa

We onderzochten de relatie tussen ziektepercepties en hulpzoekgedrag, onder volwassenen die in risicogebieden wonen voor de infectieuze huidaandoening Buruli ulcus uit Benin, en onder tuberculose patienten uit Nigeria. Ziektepercepties bleken gerelateerd te zijn aan het tijdstip waarop mensen hulp zochten. Mensen die Buruli ulcus als een chronische aandoening zagen, de behandeling effectief vonden, en veel controle ervoeren over hun aandoening hadden een grotere kans om pas in een later stadium hulp te zoeken. Tuberculose patienten richtten zich vaak eerst tot twee of drie andere behandelvormen voordat ze een gespecialiseerd centrum bezochten. Vertraging was geassocieerd met werkeloosheid en negatieve emoties. Daarnaast werd pijn tijdens de behandeling van Buruli ulcus onderzocht. Hoewel Buruli ulcus beschreven wordt als een pijnloze aandoening, laten klinische observaties zien dat er wel degelijk pijn is. Patienten werden gevraagd naar hun pijn, en hulpverleners werden geinterviewd over hun attitudes ten aanzien van pijn. Het bleek dat patienten een lage pijnscore rapporteerden, en dat pijn afnam over de tijd. Een gedeelte van de patienten (30%) rapporteerde hoge pijnscores. 2 patienten kregen pijnmedicatie. Dus, in tegenstelling tot de literatuur, ervaren patienten wel degelijk pijn. Tot slot werd de psychometrische kwaliteit van twee vragenlijsten onderzocht, namelijk een lijst die depressieve symptomen meet ‘CES-D´ en een lijst die persoonlijke controle meet; de Pearlin mastery schaal. We vonden dat 17 van de 20 items informatief waren in het meten van depressieve symptomen in onze West-Afrikaanse steekproef. 3 items waren minder informatief. Bij de Pearlin mastery schaal waren vier van de zeven items informatief.
Y-chromosomal STR variation in Malays of Kelantan and Minang.

Malays in Malaysia are a mixture of different races, caused by the history of migration centuries ago and may consist of 14 sub-ethnic groups. We used the Y-chromosomal STR (Y-STRs) to genotype two of the sub-ethnic groups namely, Kelantan and Minang Malays. In this ongoing study we investigated the polymorphisms of six YSTR loci namely, DYS19, DYS388, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392 and DYS393 in the two populations mentioned. Twenty males (10 Kelantanese and 10 Minang) were analyzed by PCR amplifications followed by 8% nondenatured polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Randomly selected samples were sequenced for validation. Results revealed a total of 32 alleles, ranging from three (DYS19) to nine (DYS390). Allele frequency distributions ranged from 0.05 (DYS388, DYS 391, and DYS393) to 0.65 (DYS388). Although the level of polymorphisms of the two sub-groups were similar (average number of alleles, 4; average heterozygosity, 0.6), allele frequency distribution appeared to be imbalanced. Significant differences of allele frequency distributions were observed in loci DYS390, DYS391, and DYS393. None of the individuals shared the same haplotypes. However, errors of scoring and factors like small sample size should be considered. Preliminary results revealed polymorphisms in the six loci among the two Malay sub-ethnic groups. Significant differences of the allele frequency distributions were observed, but a further investigation with a larger sample size is warranted to confirm these findings.
Non linear wave phenomena in piezoelectric phononic crystals with time-dependent electric boundary conditions

This work focuses on elastic wave propagation in phononic crystals constituted by homogeneous piezoelectric materials with periodic distributions of electrodes. In such periodic structures, dispersion curves are strongly modified by the variations of the external electrical impedances connected to the electrodes. The case of elastic pulses interacting with such piezoelectric phononic crystals with time dependent electrical boundary conditions is considered. Simulations are performed using a specific Finite Difference Time Domain model developed for the one-dimensional case. Two configurations of time-dependent periodic electrical boundary conditions on the electrodes are studied: i) switch from floating to grounded electrodes during a finite time window; ii) grounded electrodes moving at constant speed. For each case, non linear effects in pulse transmission through a phononic crystal slab are analysed.
The RIGHT Model for Continuous Experimentation Fagerholm

Context: Development of software-intensive products and services increasingly occurs by continuously deploying product or service increments, such as new features and enhancements, to customers. Product and service developers must continuously find out what customers want by direct customer feedback and usage behaviour observation. Objective: This paper examines the preconditions for setting up an experimentation system for continuous customer experiments. It describes the RIGHT model for Continuous Experimentation (Rapid Iterative value creation Gained through High-frequency Testing), illustrating the building blocks required for such a system. Method: An initial model for continuous experimentation is analytically derived from prior work. The model is matched against empirical case study findings from two startup companies and further developed. Results: Building blocks for a continuous experimentation system and infrastructure are presented. Conclusions: A suitable experimentation system requires at least the ability to release minimum viable products or features with suitable instrumentation, design and manage experiment plans, link experiment results with a product roadmap, and manage a flexible business strategy. The main challenges are proper, rapid design of experiments, advanced instrumentation of software to collect, analyse, and store relevant data, and the integration of experiment results in both the product development cycle and the software development process. ∗Corresponding author Email addresses: fabian.fagerholm@helsinki.fi (Fabian Fagerholm), alejandro.sanchezguinea@uni.lu (Alejandro Sanchez Guinea), hanna.maenpaa@cs.helsinki.fi (Hanna Mäenpää), juergen.muench@cs.helsinki.fi, juergen.muench@reutlingen-university.de (Jürgen Münch) Preprint submitted to Journal of Systems and Software May 12, 2016
Memory Bandits: a Bayesian approach for the Switching Bandit Problem

The Thompson Sampling exhibits excellent results in practice and it has been shown to be asymptotically optimal. The extension of Thompson Sampling algorithm to the Switching Multi-Armed Bandit problem, proposed in [13], is a Thompson Sampling equiped with a Bayesian online change point detector [1]. In this paper, we propose another extension of this approach based on a Bayesian aggregation framework. Experiments provide some evidences that in practice, the proposed algorithm compares favorably with the previous version of Thompson Sampling for the Switching Multi-Armed Bandit Problem, while it outperforms clearly other algorithms of the state-of-the-art.
Theory and performance of an infrared heater for ecosystem warming

In order to study the likely effects of global warming on future ecosystems, a method for applying a heating treatment to open‐field plant canopies (i.e. a temperature free‐air controlled enhancement (T‐FACE) system) is needed which will warm vegetation as expected by the future climate. One method which shows promise is infrared heating, but a theory of operation is needed for predicting the performance of infrared heaters. Therefore, a theoretical equation was derived to predict the thermal radiation power required to warm a plant canopy per degree rise in temperature per unit of heated land area. Another equation was derived to predict the thermal radiation efficiency of an incoloy rod infrared heater as a function of wind speed. An actual infrared heater system was also assembled which utilized two infrared thermometers to measure the temperature of a heated plot and that of an adjacent reference plot and which used proportional–integrative–derivative control of the heater to maintain a constant temperature difference between the two plots. Provided that it was not operated too high above the canopy, the heater system was able to maintain a constant set‐point difference very well. Furthermore, there was good agreement between the measured and theoretical unit thermal radiation power requirements when tested on a Sudan grass (Sorghum vulgare) canopy. One problem that has been identified for infrared heating of experimental plots is that the vapor pressure gradients (VPGs) from inside the leaves to the air outside would not be the same as would be expected if the warming were performed by heating the air everywhere (i.e. by global warming). Therefore, a theoretical equation was derived to compute how much water an infrared‐warmed plant would lose in normal air compared with what it would have lost in air which had been warmed at constant relative humidity, as is predicted with global warming. On an hourly or daily basis, it proposed that this amount of water could be added back to plants using a drip irrigation system as a first‐order correction to this VPG problem.
The Integrative Process

Recent research has provided new insights into the integrative process, which allows for unified self-functioning. In this article, we review recent work that has used a variety of behavioral, physiological, dual-process, and survey techniques to examine personality integration. On the basis of theoretical considerations and the growing body of findings, we highlight three subprocesses—namely, awareness, ownership/autonomy, and nondefensiveness—and summarize evidence linking these facets of integration to energy, wellness, and relational benefits. Finally, we review contextual factors, such as autonomy support and unconditional regard, that have been shown to be conducive to integration, and we suggest tools that may be used in future research on integration.
Single Photon Emission Tomography Approach for Online Patient Dose Assessment in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

A tomographic imaging system for the measurement of the spatial distribution of the absorbed dose during a Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) session is presented. The 10 B(n,α)Li boron neutron capture reaction produces a 478 keV gamma ray in 94% of the cases. Therefore its detection can serve as a basis for a non-invasive online absorbed dose determination since the dose absorbed by the tumor and healthy tissue strongly depends on the boron uptake and the neutron flux. For this purpose, a dedicated tomographic imaging system based on Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography is proposed. Monte Carlo numerical simulations are used for the system design aimed to have a spatial resolution of 1 cm. Prototypes based on CdZnTe semiconductor detectors and LaBr3(Ce) scintillators with optimized shielding were designed with Monte Carlo simulations. They were built and tested in reactor and accelerator based BNCT facilities. A projection of a phantom with two tumors with 400 ppm of 10 B was successfully measured at the accelerator facility of the University of Birmingham.
Comparative Study of Human and Automated Screening for Antinuclear Antibodies by Immunofluorescence on HEp-2 Cells

Background : Several automated systems had been developed in order to reduce inter-observer variability in indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) interpretation. We aimed to evaluate the performance of a processing system in antinuclear antibodies (ANA) screening on HEp-2 cells. Patients and Methods : This study included 64 ANA-positive sera and 107 ANA-negative sera that underwent IIF on two commercial kits of HEp-2 cells (BioSystems® and Euroimmun®). IIF results were compared with a novel automated interpretation system, the “ Cyclopus CADImmuno®” (CAD). Results : All ANA-positive sera images were recognized as positive by CAD (sensitivity = 100%), while 17 (15.9%) of the ANA-negative sera images were interpreted as positive (specificity = 84.1%), κ=0.799 (SD=0.045). Comparison of IIF pattern determination between human and CAD system revealed on HEp-2 (BioSystems®), a complete concordance in 6 (9.37%) sera, a partial concordance (sharing of at least 1 pattern) in 42 (65.6%) cases and in 16 (25%) sera the pattern interpretation was discordant. Similarly, on HEp-2 (Euroimmun®) the concordance in pattern interpretation was total in 5 (7.8%) sera, partial in 39 (60.9%) and absent in 20 (31.25%). For both tested HEp-2 cells kits agreement was enhanced for the most common patterns, homogenous, fine speckled and coarse speckled. While there was an issue in identification of nucleolar, dots and nuclear membranous patterns by CAD. Conclusion : Assessment of ANA by IIF on HEp-2 cells using the automated interpretation system, the “ Cyclopus CADImmuno®” is a reliable method for positive/negative differentiation. Continuous integration of IIF images would improve the pattern identification by the CAD.
Using Climate Analogues to Obtain a Causal Estimate of the Impact of Climate on Agricultural Productivity

Matching has several benefits for estimating the effects of climate on agriculture. Improved covariate balance reduces bias. It does not require a functional form, so is useful in the complex case of estimating farmer adaptation to climate. And it allows for comparision between matched observations to gain insight into how producers adapt to different climates. We describe and apply the application of the statistical method of matching to contribute to the literature predicting future impacts of climate change on agricultural production. The matching approach can be viewed as an extension of the concept of “climate analogues”. We demonstrate the advantages of the approach to the Fruitful Rim in the western United States where there is a large diversity in crop mix and temperature regimes. While existing methods are likely preferable for studying some regions, we demonstrate the advantages of matching to studying this type of region. We consider projected climate in 2040, 2060, and 2080. We find that on average the projected climate in the Fruitful Rim will lead to increased agricultural productivity due to warmer temperatures. A major caveat is that the potential for decreased surface water diversions due to reduced snowpack is not yet incorporated into our analysis.
Hyperforin improves post-stroke social isolation-induced exaggeration of PSD and PSA via TGF-β

Stroke survivors often experience social isolation, which can lead to post-stroke depression (PSD) and post-stroke anxiety (PSA) that can compromise neurogenesis and impede functional recovery following the stroke. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of post-stroke social isolation-mediated PSD and PSA on hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function. The effects of the natural antidepressant hyperforin on post-stroke social isolation-mediated PSD and PSA were also investigated. In the present study, a model of PSD and PSA using C57BL/6J male mice was successfully established using middle cerebral artery occlusion combined with post-stroke isolated housing conditions. It was observed that PSD and PSA were more prominent in the isolated mice compared with the pair-housed mice at 14 days post-ischemia (dpi). Mice isolated 3 dpi exhibited decreased transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) levels and impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis and memory function at 14 dpi. Intracerebroventricular administration of recombinant TGF-β for 7 consecutive days, starting at 7 dpi, restored the reduced hippocampal neurogenesis and memory function induced by social isolation. Furthermore, intranasal administration of hyperforin for 7 consecutive days starting at 7 dpi improved PSD and PSA and promoted hippocampal neurogenesis and memory function in the isolated mice at 14 dpi. The inhibition of TGF-β with a neutralizing antibody prevented the effects of hyperforin. In conclusion, the results revealed a previously uncharacterized role of hyperforin in improving post-stroke social isolation-induced exaggeration of PSD and PSA and, in turn, promoting hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function via TGF-β.
Assessment of the Expected Runoff Change in Spain Using Climate Simulations

An assessment has been conducted of the potential effect of climate change on runoff in Spain in the 21st century. Runoff depths were calculated with a precipitation runoff model that used as input downscaled global climate model (GCM) outputs. The spatial and temporal resolution of the calculations was 1 km 2 and 1 month, respectively. The assessment consisted of comparing runoff values of the baseline period, 1961-1990, with those of three 21st century periods, 2011-2040, 2041-2070, and 2071-2100, all estimated with simulated temperature and precipitation time series. Twelve climate simulations (i.e., combinations of a GCM, a greenhouse gas emissions scenario, and a downscaling algorithm), and whose variability reflects the uncertainty over the future climate, were considered. Based on the results, a decline in runoff is to be expected throughout the country. With respect to the baseline period, and depending on the climate simulation considered, runoff depths are expected to change in the range of þ1 to �22% in 2011-2040, �5 to �34% in 2041-2070, and 0 to �40% in 2071-2100. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0000920. © 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers. Author keywords: Climate change; Hydrologic models; Runoff; Water resources; Spain.