Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Climatological Hurricane Landfall Probability for the United States

Abstract This study examines the historical record of hurricanes and tropical storms in the Atlantic Ocean basin to determine the eventual landfall probability for the U.S. coastline based on the complete tracks of those storms. The current method for estimating empirical landfall probabilities is to report a frequency based on the number of storms affecting a region over a certain period of time. A spatial dimension is added in this study to determine which storms in all portions of the basin might ultimately strike the United States based on the historical record. For example, if a tropical cyclone is near the island of Puerto Rico, which portions (if any) of the U.S. coastline are most at risk of eventual landfall? A tessellation of hexagons is systematically evaluated, and eventual landfall probabilities are calculated for all storms passing through each hexagon. Probabilities are calculated and mapped for four individual states and for the United States as a whole. The maps show the spatial areas tha.
The global coherence initiative : opportunities for scientific research and health promotion

The Global Coherence Initiative (GCI) was launched in 2008 by the Institute of Heart Math, a non-profit research and education organization, located in Boulder Creek, California. It seeks to research and explore science-based solutions to health and wellness issues (particularly heart focused care) through linking and correlating geophysical and human health phenomena, and developing strategies to help increase personal, social and global coherence. This paper describes the approach and hypotheses behind this initiative and outlines scientific research and health promotion opportunities for local scientific, research, health, educational and related tertiary educational institutions.
The interaction of phosphate and selenite in alkaline soil and accumulation by alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

ABSTRACT Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient for humans and animals, but is toxic at high concentrations in leaves. It is chemically similar to phosphorus (P), an essential plant macronutrient. The objective of this pot experiment was to investigate the effects of P- and Se-application rate on alfalfa growth and P and Se uptake in loessial soil, and reveal the changing processes of soil P and Se fractions. The results indicated that Se concentration in alfalfa was significantly influenced by the interaction of P- and Se-application rate. In the loessial soil, an optimal P- and Se-application rate is 5 mg kg−1 and 2 mg kg−1, respectively for plant growth and the maximum P and Se accumulation in alfalfa. Besides, concentrations of exchangeable Se and organic-matter-bound Se in soil decreased, as the P-application rate increased, whereas concentrations of soluble Se and iron oxide-bound Se increased. The addition of P fertilizer reduced soil pH, affecting the changing processes of soil P and Se fractions, thus promoting the activation of Fe-P and the transformation of exchangeable Se to iron oxide-bound Se. These findings will help in understanding of forage P and Se accumulation and provide the guide for cultivating Se-enriched forage.
Phase Ib trial of the CpG-A Oligonucleotide CMP-001 combined with pembrolizumab (Pembro) in patients with advanced melanoma.

TPS9593Background: We are developing CMP-001 to facilitate activation of the innate immune response within a tumor that will enhance response to anti-PD-1/L1 therapy. CMP-001 is comprised of a CpG-A oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) formulated within a virus-like particle. The CpG ODN is a TLR9 agonist that activates plasmacytoid dendritic cells leading to the production of high local concentrations of Type I interferons and subsequent activation of anti-tumor CD8+ T cells that express PD-1. In syngeneic mouse models intratumoral delivery of CMP-001 in combination with systemic anti-PD-1 antibody improved tumor growth control and promoted regression in injected and un-injected tumors when compared to either agent alone. These data provide the rationale to study this combination in cancer patients. CMP-001 has been previously studied in over 700 human subjects for non-oncology indications. Adverse events noted in prior studies were primarily grade 1/2 fever, chills, flu-like symptoms and local injection-site reac.
A Spatially Explicit, Empirical Estimate of Tree‐Based Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Forests of the United States

Quantifying human impacts on the nitrogen (N) cycle and investigating natural ecosystem N cycling depend on the magnitude of inputs from natural biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Here, we present two bottom‐up approaches to quantify tree‐based symbiotic BNF based on forest inventory data across the coterminous United States and SE Alaska. For all major N‐fixing tree genera, we quantify BNF inputs using (1) ecosystem N accretion rates (kg N ha−1 yr−1) scaled with spatial data on tree abundance and (2) percent of N derived from fixation (%Ndfa) scaled with tree N demand (from tree growth rates and stoichiometry). We estimate that trees fix 0.30–0.88 Tg N yr−1 across the study area (1.4–3.4 kg N ha−1 yr−1). Tree‐based N fixation displays distinct spatial variation that is dominated by two genera, Robinia (64% of tree‐associated BNF) and Alnus (24%). The third most important genus, Prosopis, accounted for 5%. Compared to published estimates of other N fluxes, tree‐associated BNF accounted for 0.59 Tg N yr−1, similar to asymbiotic (0.37 Tg N yr−1) and understory symbiotic BNF (0.48 Tg N yr−1), while N deposition contributed 1.68 Tg N yr−1 and rock weathering 0.37 Tg N yr−1. Overall, our results reveal previously uncharacterized spatial patterns in tree BNF that can inform large‐scale N assessments and serve as a model for improving tree‐based BNF estimates worldwide. This updated, lower BNF estimate indicates a greater ratio of anthropogenic to natural N inputs, suggesting an even greater human impact on the N cycle.
Fleischkonsum und Krebsrisiko - darf man noch Fleisch essen?

Zusammenfassung.In der Schweiz werden pro Tag im Schnitt 110 g Fleisch verzehrt, darunter 40 g verarbeitetes Fleisch. Ein hoher Verzehr besonders von verarbeitetem Fleisch wurde von der International Agency for Research on Cancer als krebserregend eingestuft, wobei die Evidenz vor allem auf dem Zusammenhang mit Dickdarmkrebs beruht. Als mogliche Mechanismen gelten eine hohe Aufnahme von Kochsalz (im Zusammenhang mit Magenkrebs), die Aufnahme sowie die endogene Bildung von N-Nitroso-Verbindungen (teilweise gefordert durch den hohen Gehalt von Hameisen in rotem Fleisch) und die Bildung von polyzyklischen Kohlenwasserstoffen und heterozyklischen aromatischen Amine bei der Fleischzubereitung. Die Schweizerische Gesellschaft fur Ernahrung empfiehlt aus diesem Grund, lediglich 2–3 Portionen Fleisch und Fleischprodukte pro Woche zu verzehren.
Education and transfer of water competencies: An ecological dynamics approach

To cope in various aquatic environments (i.e. swimming pools, lakes, rivers, oceans), learners require a wide repertoire of self-regulatory behaviours such as awareness of obstacles and water properties, floating and moving from point to point with different strokes, decision making, emotional control and breathing efficiently. By experiencing different learning situations in stable indoor pool environments, it is assumed that children strengthen aquatic competencies that should be transferable to functioning in open water environments, where prevalence of drowning is high. However, this fundamental assumption may be misleading. Here, we propose the application of a clear, related methodology and theoretical framework that could be useful to help physical education curriculum specialists (re)shape and (re)design appropriate aquatic learning situations to facilitate better transfer of learning. We discuss the need for more representativeness in a learning environment, proposing how the many different task and environmental constraints on aquatic actions may bound the emergence of functional, self-regulatory behaviours in learners. Ideas in ecological dynamics suggest that physical educators should design learning environments that offer a rich landscape of opportunities for action for learners. As illustration, three practice interventions are described for developing functional and transferrable skills in indoor aquatic environments. It is important that aquatic educators focus not just upon ‘learning to swim’, but particularly on relevant transferable skills and self-regulatory behaviours deemed necessary for functioning in dynamic, outdoor aquatic environments.
Book Chapter Review: Hate Speech and Nigeria’s Struggle for Democratic Consolidation: A Conceptual Review

Disinformation and hate speech or dislike are not new to Nigerian polity. However, since the internet revolution in recent decades, 2015 is seen as the year Nigeria “finally woke up to the threat of disinformation and the way internet technologies are secretly and subtly used to undermine democracy” (White & Elliott, 2018, p.5). Since then, whenever national, state or local council elections approach, Nigeria experiences tense and difficult times – chaos, crises, conflicts, media propaganda, hate comments and false information climax thereby exposing the heightened political horse-trading, war against systemic and widespread corruption, debilitating poverty, weak institutions, threats of secession, etc. that are already nibbling at the country’s fragile peace and unity. Because of the revolution in information and communication technology (ICT) and the attendant ‘relative’ democratisation of access and participation, election times in Nigeria should ideally be the time for the free flow of genuine, verified political information and tolerance. However, like in many other African countries, it is during these times that Nigeria wrestles with the rise in ethnic politics, regionalism and smear campaign that often escalate to the extent of threatening the country’s political framework. Using a critical review of extant literature, this chapter provides further understanding on the impacts and processes of fake news and hate speech in Nigeria especially during political activities. Keywords: Disinformation, Fake news, Hate speech, Nigerian democratic process DOI : 10.7176/NMMC/87-01 Publication date: January 31 st 2020
A Review of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam for the Treatment of Infections Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens

Abstract Multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacterial infection is a serious and growing public health threat, in part due to limited treatment options. A novel cephalosporin and &bgr;-lactamase inhibitor, ceftolozane/tazobactam, has a broad spectrum of activity against MDR pathogens and is approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections in combination with metronidazole and complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis. This article reviews published data on the clinical pharmacology, spectrum of activity, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy and safety, and dosing and administration of ceftolozane/tazobactam. Searches of MEDLINE from January 2000 to April 2017 were conducted using the following keywords: ceftolozane, tazobactam, and ceftolozane tazobactam. Additional references were identified from a review of the retrieved articles' citations. Ceftolozane is active against organisms producing AmpC &bgr;-lactamases and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The addition of tazobactam enhances activity against extended-spectrum &bgr;-lactamase–producing organisms. Data from phase III trials using ceftolozane/tazobactam for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infection and complicated urinary tract infections have yielded positive results. Ceftolozane/tazobactam has demonstrated noninferior or superior efficacy to comparators in clinical trials. It has a favorable safety profile and few drug-drug interactions. This novel combination agent has a role in treating MDR infections, particularly P. aeruginosa, although its use should be reserved for patients without other treatment options to limit the risk of resistance. Although case reports of successful treatment have been reported, further investigation is needed into the utility of ceftolozane/tazobactam for the treatment of bacteremia and pneumonia caused by MDR pathogens.
Magnetic anisotropy of the noncollinear antiferromagnet 
IrMn3

The magnetic anisotropy of antiferromagnets plays a crucial role in stabilizing the magnetization of many spintronic devices. In noncollinear antiferromagnets such as IrMn, the symmetry and temperature dependence of the effective anisotropy are poorly understood. Theoretical calculations and experimental measurements of the effective anisotropy constant for IrMn differ by two orders of magnitude, while the symmetry has been inferred as uniaxial in contradiction to the assumed relationship between crystallographic symmetry and temperature dependence of the anisotropy from the Callen-Callen law. In this Rapid Communication, we determine the effective anisotropy energy surface of $\text{L}{1}_{2}$- ${\text{IrMn}}_{3}$ using an atomistic spin model and constrained Monte Carlo simulations. We find a unique cubiclike symmetry of the anisotropy not seen in ferromagnets and that metastable spin structures lower the overall energy barrier to a tenth of that estimated from simple geometrical considerations, removing the discrepancy between experiment and theory. The temperature scaling of the anisotropy energy barrier shows an exponent of 3.92, close to a uniaxial exponent of 3. Our results demonstrate the importance of noncollinear spin states on the thermal stability of antiferromagnets with consequences for the practical application of antiferromagnets in devices operating at elevated temperatures.
Essay on Labour Supply and Policy Microsimulation in a Developing Country

This thesis contains three empirical essays. It is mainly motivated by the economic situations (low economic growth and high economic inequality) of many developing countries including Thailand. Nonetheless, the labour supply literature regarding developing countries necessary to address these issues is very limited. The first empirical chapter investigates the determinants of labour supply at the extensive margin in the formal labour market of Thailand as a developing country. This chapter applies the structural binary probit to model behaviour of labour supply participation using the Household Socio-Economic Survey (HSES) of Thailand covering 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015. The key focuses are the role of the informal sector, the effect of income restructure policies in 2012, and the impact of debt constraints on labour force participation. The results show that the informal sector has a negative effect on labour supply participation; the set of income restructure policies affects labour supply at the extensive margin negatively; and the amount of debts encourages people to participate in the labour market. The subsequent chapter studies individual and household labour supply using a structural discrete hours approach. This essay adopts Thailand HSES covering 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015 to estimate different model specifications based on the degrees of model flexibility and applies five criteria to select the preferred model at individual and household level. The results suggest that the most flexible model are preferred for individual and family labour supply. The final essay focuses on applying the microsimulation technique to explore the effects of three different policy reforms including the perfect compliance of the national minimum wage, increases in non-transferable allowances, and a proposed personal income tax package. This chapter applies Thailand HSES in 2013 and 2015. The results of the first policy suggest that the minimum wage with perfect compliance helps promote household income at the bottom end of the distribution; the policy therefore ameliorates the poverty and income inequality problems. Increases in non-transferable allowances as implemented in 2017 marginally impact labour supply response as well as gross and disposable incomes; however, the reform decreases the tax burden significantly. The results of the final simulation (the proposed tax package) reveal that it causes negative effects on labour supply and financial factors overall. Introducing this policy intensifies poverty and income inequality problems.
DNA Features Viewer, a sequence annotations formatting and plotting library for Python

Motivation While the Python programming language counts many Bioinformatics and Computational Biology libraries, none offers customizable sequence annotations visualizations with layout optimization. Results DNA Features Viewer is a sequence annotations plotting library which optimizes plot readability while letting users tailor other visual aspects (colors, labels, highlights, etc.) to their particular use case. Availability Open-source code and documentation are available on Github under the MIT licence (https://github.com/Edinburgh-Genome-Foundry/DnaFeaturesViewer). Contact valentin.zulkower@ed.ac. uk Supplementary information attached.
Enhancement of the Multi-Particle Collision Algorithm by mechanisms derived from the Opposition-Based Optimization

New versions of the metaheuristic Multi-Particle Collision Algorithm (MPCA) are presented. In order to provide more effective candidate solutions for an optimization problem, the concept of opposition and reflection is introduced to improve the capacity to find a solution in the search space. Four different strategies to compute the reflected and opposite points are implemented. The performance of all implementations is evaluated over thirty objective functions with different complexities, using serial and parallel versions of the algorithms.
Health records and domestic violence in Thane district Maharashtra [by] Surinder Jaswal. Summary report.

In 1997 the Department of Medical and Psychiatric Social Work at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences investigated the prevalence of domestic violence cases in health care settings as well as the institutional response to them. The methodology was designed with a combination of complementary research techniques which created opportunities to present more detailed and multi-dimensional insights into the interactions between clients and health providers as well as the institutional recognition and monitoring of this process as documented in hospital records. Overall findings noted the shortcomings of the recording systems within hospitals and community health settings to capture the public health crisis of domestic violence. Large and consistent gaps were observed in the type of information and level of detail recorded. Medico-legal cases of female patients were also associated with domestic violence that affected the mental health. Moreover the data showed patterns in the accessibility of different populations to health care facilities. Several recommendations were made based on the results: to develop a protocol for screening the victims institutionalize sensitive attention to domestic violence improve accessibility of services strengthen linkages between health care facilities and other agencies and fill gaps in documentation and monitoring of violence cases.
Are Referendums Necessarily Populist? Countering the Populist Interpretation of Referendums Through Institutional Design

ABSTRACT As part of their anti-establishment rhetoric, populists often call for more direct forms of citizen participation – most notably referendums – as a means to return ‘power to the people’. In this article, I ask what this reclaiming of ‘direct democracy’ by populist actors means for the possibility of viewing referendums as a part of the representative system of democracy. I show that referendums are commonly (mis-)understood as ‘reflecting the will of the people’, buying into the populist belief that there is a single collective will that can be represented in its entirety. In this article I develop and defend a ‘pluralistic-democratic’ account of referendum legitimacy, which is compatible with the tenets of representative democracy. I conclude by asking how this different view can be reflected in institutional design.
Procalcitonin Levels in PFAPA Syndrome

Results: In the study group with PFAPA, average duration of fever was 4.6±0.85 days, and the average time between attacks was 25.06±9.76 days. The mean white blood cell (WBC), CRP and PCT values were found to be 15.959±5.737/ mm3, 76.88±47.63 mg/L, and 0.18±0.10 ng/mL respectively. Throat cultures in the PFAPA group showed no growth. Twenty patients in the control group were female and 15 were male. The average WBC count was 16.700±5.820/mm3. The mean CRP and PCT values were measured as 34.64±18.2 mg/L and 2.12±1.95 ng/mL, respectively. While the mean WBC values did not significantly differ between the two groups (p>0.05), PCT levels were significantly higher in the controls compared to the PFAPA group (p<0.001).
Modeling and Validation of Denitrification Bioreactors for Agricultural Tile Drainage

approved: ______________________________________________________ Frank W.R. Chaplen Agricultural tile drainage is one of the major causes of increasing nitrate (NO3) concentrations in surface water bodies thanks to the usage of nitrogen fertilizers and manure. Denitrifying bioreactors are constructed at the edge of agricultural lands in order to remove NO3 from drainage water through labile carbon substrates intended to promote denitrification. This field-scale study is the examination and modeling of NO3 removal performance of a woodchip bioreactor installed in Corvallis, OR. During flow periods, water samples were collected on a weekly basis for lab analysis of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium. NO3 concentrations measured in the influent varied in the range from 2 to 13 mg/L (on average 8 mg/L) while effluent concentrations averaged 6 mg/L (1 12 mg/L). Results showed that mean volumetric NO3 removal rate achieved by the bioreactor throughout the study period was 21 g N/ m3 /d and the average percent NO3 reduction was 26% that fell within the range of reported values. These findings further indicated that woodchip bioreactors operating under cold-weather environmental settings are effective means to removal of NO3 loads from agricultural landscapes. The model that integrates simulated drainage discharge into temperature-dependent denitrification rates was validated using observed effluent nitrate with a Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) value of 0.506, indicating the efficacy of the model in line with model evaluation criteria. Based on the univariate analysis conducted, the most sensitive model parameters are influent nitrate, hydraulic retention time and water temperature, respectively. The MIN3P code was also utilized to predict NO3 concentrations along the length of the bioreactor for a simulation interval of a day and nitrate levels in effluent water through the monitoring period. The simulated nitrate concentration profile suggests that nitrate removal occurs primarily within the first few meters of the denitrification bed. The assessment of MIN3P model resulted in a NSE value of 0.043 and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.416. ©Copyright by Adnan Morkoc November 6, 2019 All Rights Reserved Modeling and Validation of Denitrification Bioreactors for Agricultural Tile Drainage