Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Presence of the a.i. imidacloprid on vegetation near corn fields sown with Gaucho ® dressed seeds

In recent years the widespread use of corn seed hybrids dressed with the systemic insecticide Gaucho ® (a.i. imidacloprid), has been frequently linked, by beekeepers with bee colony losses registered during the corn sowing season. On the basis of a preliminary experiment, where the loss of imidacloprid from the pneumatic seed drills was highlighted, the aim of the study was to verify both the amount of contamination and the persistence of the active ingredient on leaves and flowers of spontaneous plants growing near corn fields in which Gaucho ® dressed seeds had been used. The observations were carried out in north eastern Italy on five different commercial corn hybrid seeds, three dressed with Gaucho ® [hybrids 2 (H2), 4 (H4) and 5 (H5)], one with a new adjuvant (H5). The escape of the active ingredient from the fan drain of the pneumatic seed drill was monitored using paper filters, whereas samples of grass and flowers were collected from the borders of sown fields. Meteorological data were registered. The samples (paper filters, grass and flowers) were analyzed using a gas chromatography method. Paper filters on the output of the drill fan have shown, at different concentrations, an escape of imidacloprid from the fan for each kind of Gaucho ® dressed seed; the order of magnitude of the escape ranged on average for H2, H4 and H5 from 120 to 240 µg of imidacloprid for 1 g of paper filter at 240 seconds. Therefore the new adjuvant did not eliminate the loss of active ingredient. Even if at different concentrations for each kind of Gaucho ® dressed hybrid, imidacloprid was found the same day of sowing on spontaneous vegetation near the corn fields; H2 showed the highest level of residues with values of 123.7 and 58.2 ng/g of imidacloprid respectively on flowers and grass. Residual imidacloprid on grass and flowers was found at least four days after sowing (H2), while the washing effect of heavy rain has been observed, which seemed to hide the detection of the active ingredient (H4 and H5). The investigation showed that Gaucho ® dressed corn seeds during sowing operations can release imidacloprid into the environment, and therefore bees and wild pollinator insects could bee exposed to the insecticide molecule. Plants could accumulate the active ingredient released during different sowing operations in the same area and become polluted for a time depending on the length of the sowing period. The same problem could be extended to other pesticides, at present or in the future, used in seed dressing.
The Role of Maternal Attachment in the Experience of Labor Pain: A Prospective Study

Objective To examine the influence of attachment dimensions and sociodemographic and physical predictors in the experience of labor pain. Methods Eighty-one pregnant women were assessed during their third trimester of pregnancy and during labor. The perceived intensity of pain in the early stages of labor (3 cm of cervical dilatation) and before the administration of patient-controlled epidural analgesia was measured using a visual analog scale. Pain was also assessed indirectly based on anesthetic doses. Attachment was assessed using the Adult Attachment Scale–Revised. Results Attachment anxiety and avoidance were positively and significantly correlated with labor pain and anesthetic consumption. In the multivariate models, attachment anxiety was a significant predictor of higher pain at 3 cm of cervical dilatation (&bgr; = 0.36, p = .042) and before the administration of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (&bgr; = 0.51, p = .002). Older age (&bgr; = 0.31, p = .005), a shorter duration of labor (&bgr;= −0.41, p = .001), and attachment avoidance (&bgr; = 0.41, p = .004) were significant predictors of higher anesthetic use. Conclusions The study findings suggest that perceived labor pain and anesthetic use are strongly associated with attachment, rather than demographic and physical factors. These data support the importance of understanding the experience of labor pain within an attachment theoretical framework.
Exporting, Linkages and Productivity Spillovers from Foreign Direct Investment

In this paper we analyse productivity spillovers from foreign direct investment using firm level panel data UK manufacturing industries from 1992 to 1999. We investigate spillovers through horizontal, backward and forward linkages, distinguish spillovers from export oriented vs domestic market oriented FDI, and allow for differing effects depending on domestic firms’ export activities. The results suggest that the mechanisms through which spillovers affect domestic firms are very complex and that there are substantial differences in spillover benefits for domestic exporters and non-exporters, and from different types of inward investment.
Risk stratification according to the type of impaired renal function in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND It has been shown that successful reperfusion improves in-hospital and long-term outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Nevertheless, some patients are still at high risk due to AMI despite achievement of reperfusion. Impaired renal function (IRF) is one of the recently recognised risk factors in this population. However, the prognostic value of different types of IRF in patients with AMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been well characterised. AIM To evaluate the prognostic value of different types of IRF in AMI patients treated with PCI. METHODS The single centre AMI registry encompassed 1486 consecutive AMI patients treated with PCI, who were followed for a mean of 29.7 months. Subjects with at least 1 measurement of serum creatinine >133 micromol/l (>1.5 mg/dl) during hospitalisation were selected (n=194; 13.1%) and incorporated into the IRF group. The control group consisted of 1292 (86.9%) subjects with normal renal function. The IRF patients were divided into subgroups: contrast-induced nephropathy--CIN (n=90; 6.1%); and chronic kidney disease--CKD (n=66; 4.4%). Thirty-eight patients from the IRF group (2.6%) had normal value of serum creatinine on admission and did not match criteria of CIN. Patients with creatinine value >133 micromol/l on admission were incorporated into the CKD group. CIN was defined as a serum creatinine level <134 micromol/l on admission and a 25% increase of that parameter, with a value >133 micromol/l within 48 hours after PCI. Among CIN patients 2 subgroups were identified with respect to coexisting diabetes mellitus: CIN-DM and CIN-nDM (both n=45; 3.05%). RESULTS Remote mortality rate was significantly higher in the IRF group (38.7%) and in particular subgroups--CKD (51.5%), CIN-DM (46.7%), CIN-nDM (28.9%)--than in controls (10.3%, p <0.001 for all study groups vs. controls). Multivariate analysis identified IRF as an independent predictor of any-cause death in the whole population [hazard ratio (HR) 2.23; 95% CI 1.99-2.47, p <0.001]. All defined types of IRF had a significant and independent influence on remote survival in the study population (CIN-DM - HR 3.52; 95% CI 3.23-3.81; CIN-nDM--HR 2.60; 95% CI 2.29-2.91; CKD--HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.68-2.28). CONCLUSIONS Impaired renal function and all defined types of renal impairment have been shown to worsen the long-term prognosis of AMI patients treated with PCI. The most important risk factor of mortality is CIN in diabetic patients, which is associated with an over 3.5-fold increase of death hazard in this study population.
Does the KIR2DS5 Gene Protect from Some Human Diseases?

Background KIR2DS5 gene encodes an activating natural killer cell receptor whose ligand is not known. It was recently reported to affect the outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methodology/Principal Findings In our studies on KIR2DS5 gene associations with human diseases, we compared the frequencies of this gene in patients and relevant controls. Typing for KIR2DS5 gene was performed by either individual or multiplex polymerase chain reactions which, when compared in the same samples, gave concordant results. We noted an apparently protective effect of KIR2DS5 gene presence in several clinical conditions, but not in others. Namely, this effect was observed in ankylosing spondylitis (p = 0.003, odds ratio [OR] = 0.47, confidence interval [CI] = 0.28–0.79), endometriosis (p = 0.03, OR = 0.25, CI = 0.07–0.82) and acute rejection of kidney graft (p = 0.0056, OR = 0.44, CI = 0.24–0.80), but not in non-small-cell lung carcinoma, rheumatoid arthritis, spontaneous abortion, or leukemia (all p>0.05). In addition, the simultaneous presence of KIR2DS5 gene and HLA-C C1 allotype exhibited an even stronger protective effect on ankylosing spondylitis (p = 0.0003, OR = 0.35, CI = 0.19–0.65), whereas a lack of KIR2DS5 and the presence of the HLA-C C2 allotype was associated with ankylosing spondylitis (p = 0.0017, OR = 1.92, CI = 1.28–2.89), whereas a lack of KIR2DS5 and presence of C1 allotype was associated with rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.005, OR = 1.47, CI = 1.13–1.92). The presence of both KIR2DS5 and C1 seemed to protect from acute kidney graft rejection (p = 0.017, OR = 0.47, CI = 0.25–0.89), whereas lack of KIR2DS5 and presence of C2 seemed to favor rejection (p = 0.0015, OR = 2.13, CI = 1.34–3.37). Conclusions/Significance Our results suggest that KIR2DS5 may protect from endometriosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and acute rejection of kidney graft.
Effects of the Parent Concrete Properties and Crushing Procedure on the Properties of Coarse Recycled Concrete Aggregates

AbstractFine tuning of concrete recycling processes requires a comprehensive understanding of the overlapping interactions and effects of the various influencing parameters. The most important parameters associated with recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) production that may affect quality and yield include such properties of the parent concrete as the composition, strength and aggregate grading, type of crushers used, number of crushing stages, the size of the RCA particles, and the size reduction sequence. The effects of such parameters overlap and interact with one another and render it impossible for firm conclusions to be drawn on the effects of one parameter in isolation as evidenced by results reported in available literature. The present paper reports on the findings of an experimental study on the concomitant effects of the strength of the parent concrete, size of the natural aggregates used in the parent concrete, and the number of crushing stages on the properties of coarse recycled concrete aggr.
Variability study of incinerated sewage sludge ash in relation to future use in ceramic brick manufacture

Abstract The prospective use of incinerated sewage sludge ash (ISSA) as a partial replacement for traditional brick-making materials has been previously reported. However, variability in the consistency of the raw materials used in commercial brick manufacture can cause serious production problems. Consequently, to gain market confidence for ISSA in this role, it is essential to establish that its quality is not detrimentally affected either by the nature of the sewage sludge being burned, or as a result of the performance of the incineration process itself. Ash sampling was conducted at a large modern commercial sewage sludge incinerator over a six week period, followed by property characterisation and ceramic evaluation. The results confirm that this source of ISSA is satisfactorily consistent in quality over time, thus verifying its potential for use in brick manufacture on a commercial basis. Recommendations for additional research to help ensure widespread acceptance are also discussed.
Learning dispositions and transferable competencies: pedagogy, modelling and learning analytics

Theoretical and empirical evidence in the learning sciences substantiates the view that deep engagement in learning is a function of a complex combination of learners' identities, dispositions, values, attitudes and skills. When these are fragile, learners struggle to achieve their potential in conventional assessments, and critically, are not prepared for the novelty and complexity of the challenges they will meet in the workplace, and the many other spheres of life which require personal qualities such as resilience, critical thinking and collaboration skills. To date, the learning analytics research and development communities have not addressed how these complex concepts can be modelled and analysed, and how more traditional social science data analysis can support and be enhanced by learning analytics. We report progress in the design and implementation of learning analytics based on a research validated multidimensional construct termed "learning power". We describe, for the first time, a learning analytics infrastructure for gathering data at scale, managing stakeholder permissions, the range of analytics that it supports from real time summaries to exploratory research, and a particular visual analytic which has been shown to have demonstrable impact on learners. We conclude by summarising the ongoing research and development programme and identifying the challenges of integrating traditional social science research, with learning analytics and modelling.
Generalized Kuhn-Tucker Conditions for N-Firm Stochastic Irreversible Investment under Limited Resources

In this paper we study a continuous time, optimal stochastic investment problem under limited resources in a market with $N$ firms. The investment processes are subject to a time-dependent stochastic constraint. Rather than using a dynamic programming approach, we exploit the concavity of the profit functional to derive some necessary and sufficient first order conditions for the corresponding social planner optimal policy. Our conditions are a stochastic infinite-dimensional generalization of the Kuhn--Tucker theorem. The Lagrange multiplier takes the form of a nonnegative optional random measure on $[0,T]$ which is flat off the set of times for which the constraint is binding, i.e., when all the fuel is spent. As a subproduct we obtain an enlightening interpretation of the first order conditions for a single firm in Bank [SIAM J. Control Optim. , 44 (2005), pp. 1529--1541]. In the infinite-horizon case, with operating profit functions of Cobb--Douglas type, our method allows the explicit calculation of t.
An improved focus control mirror using SU-8 wafer bonding process

We are developing MEMS deformable mirrors for focus control in miniature optical systems, including endoscopic microscopes and small form-factor camera lenses. This paper describes a new process to create mirrors made from the photoset polymer SU-8. The SU-8 also serves as the adhesive layer for wafer bonding, resulting in a simple, low cost fabrication process. The paper describes the process details and the optical properties of the resulting focus control mirrors, which have a diameter of 2 mm, a stroke in excess of 8 μm and very low residual aberration. Multiple actuation electrodes allow control of more than 0.4 μm peak-peak of spherical aberration.
Preprocessing on bilingual data for Statistical Machine Translation

Machine Translation (MT) is the translation of text from one human language to another by a computer. Computers, like all machines, are excellent at taking over repetitive and mundane tasks from humans. As translating long texts from one language to another qualifies as such a task, Machine Translation is a potentially very economic way of translation. Unfortunately natural languages are not very suitable for processing by a machine. They are ambiguous, illogical and constantly evolving, qualities that are difficult to handle with a machine. This makes the problem of Natural Language Processing, and by extension MT, a difficult one to solve. A theoretical method that can analyze a text in a natural language and decipher its semantic content can store this semantic content in a language-independent representation. From this representation, another text with the same semantic content can be generated in any language for which exists a generation mechanism. Such an MT architecture would provide high quality translations, and be modular; a new language could be added to the pool of inter-translatable languages simply by developing an analysis and generation method for that language. Unfortunately this method does not exist. Some existing MT attempts to approach it to a degree, but as long as semantic analysis remains an unsolved problem in the field of Natural Language Processing there can be no true language independent representation.
Bit commitment from weak non-locality

So-called non-local boxes, which have been introduced as an idealization n different respects - of the behavior of entangled quantum states, have been known to allow for unconditional bit commitment between the two involved parties. We show that, actually, any possible non-local correlation which produces random bits on both sides can be used to implement bit commitment, and that this holds even when the parties are allowed to delay their inputs to the box. Since a particular example is the behavior of an EPR pair, this resource allows for implementing unconditionally secure bit commitment as long as the parties cannot entangle their Qbits with any other system
A Graph‐based Approach to Continuous Line Illustrations with Variable Levels of Detail

This paper introduces a method for automatically generating continuous line illustrations, drawings consisting of a single line, from a given input image. Our approach begins by inferring a graph from a set of edges extracted from the image in question and obtaining a path that traverses through all edges of the said graph. The resulting path is then subjected to a series of post‐processing operations to transform it into a continuous line drawing. Moreover, our approach allows us to manipulate the amount of detail portrayed in our line illustrations, which is particularly useful for simplifying the overall illustration while still retaining its most significant features. We also present several experimental results to demonstrate that our approach can automatically synthesize continuous line illustrations comparable to those of some contemporary artists.
A Convergent Hybrid Decomposition Algorithm Model for SVM Training

Training of support vector machines (SVMs) requires to solve a linearly constrained convex quadratic problem. In real applications, the number of training data may be very huge and the Hessian matrix cannot be stored. In order to take into account this issue, a common strategy consists in using decomposition algorithms which at each iteration operate only on a small subset of variables, usually referred to as the working set. Training time can be significantly reduced by using a caching technique that allocates some memory space to store the columns of the Hessian matrix corresponding to the variables recently updated. The convergence properties of a decomposition method can be guaranteed by means of a suitable selection of the working set and this can limit the possibility of exploiting the information stored in the cache. We propose a general hybrid algorithm model which combines the capability of producing a globally convergent sequence of points with a flexible use of the information in the cache. As an example of a specific realization of the general hybrid model, we describe an algorithm based on a particular strategy for exploiting the information deriving from a caching technique. We report the results of computational experiments performed by simple implementations of this algorithm. The numerical results point out the potentiality of the approach.
When tuberculosis treatment fails. A social behavioral account of patient adherence.

Several conclusions about measuring adherence can be drawn. Probably the best approach is to use multiple measures, including some combination of urine assays, pill counts, and detailed patient interviews. Careful monitoring of patient behavior early in the regimen will help predict whether adherence is likely to be a problem. Microelectronic devices in pill boxes or bottle caps have been used for measuring adherence among patients with tuberculosis, but their effectiveness has not been established. The use of these devices may be particularly troublesome for some groups such as the elderly, or precluded for those whose life styles might interfere with their use such as the homeless or migrant farm workers. Carefully designed patient interviews should be tested to determine whether they can be used to predict adherence. Probably the best predictor of adherence is the patient's previous history of adherence. However, adherence is not a personality trait, but a task-specific behavior. For example, someone who misses many doses of antituberculosis medication may successfully use prescribed eye drops or follow dietary recommendations. Providers need to monitor adherence to antituberculosis medications early in treatment in order to anticipate future problems and to ask patients about specific adherence tasks. Ongoing monitoring is essential for patients taking medicine for active tuberculosis. These patients typically feel well after a few weeks and either may believe that the drugs are no longer necessary or may forget to take medication because there are no longer physical cues of illness. Demographic factors, though easy to measure, do not predict adherence well. Tending to be surrogates for other causal factors, they are not amenable to interventions for behavior change. Placing emphasis on demographic characteristics may lead to discriminatory practices. Patients with social support networks have been more adherent in some studies, and patients who believe in the seriousness of their problems with tuberculosis are more likely to be adherent. Additional research on adherence predictors is needed, but it should reflect the complexity of the problem. This research requires a theory-based approach, which has been essentially missing from studies on adherence and tuberculosis. Research also needs to target predictors for specific groups of patients. There is clear evidence of the effect on adherence of culturally influenced beliefs and attitudes about tuberculosis and its treatment. Cultural factors are associated with misinformation about the medical aspects of the disease and the stigmatization of persons with tuberculosis. Culturally sensitive, targeted information is needed, and some has been developed by local tuberculosis programs. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Hepatitis B in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patient: Epidemiology, Natural History, and Treatment

Coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common in the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV)-infected patient because of shared modes of transmission. HBV does not appear to alter HIV disease progression; however, HBV infection is more frequent and more severe in the HIV-infected population, emphasizing the importance of preventing HBV infection. The goal of anti-HBV therapy is prevention of cirrhosis because therapy does not eradicate the hepatic reservoirs (cccDNA). The approved therapies-interferon-alfa, lamivudine, and adefovir-each have a niche in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in the HIV-infected population, but none has been well-studied in this setting. As new drugs currently in clinical trials become available, therapy for chronic hepatitis B will enter the promising era of combination therapy.
A New Sesquiterpene from the Fruits of Daucus carota L.

Phytochemical investigation of the fruits of Daucus carota L. resulted in the isolation of a new sesquiterpene named as daucucarotol (1). Its structure was elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR experiments, coupled with MS studies. To our knowledge, compound 1 is the first example for a natural eudesmane sesquiterpene with a hydroxymethyl group located at a methine carbon rather than a usual quaternary carbon in the two fused six-membered ring systems.