Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
User‐friendly models of the costs and efficacy of tsetse control: application to sterilizing and insecticidal techniques

Abstract. An interactive programme, incorporating a deterministic model of tsetse (Diptera: Glossinidae) populations, was developed to predict the cost and effect of different control techniques applied singly or together. Its value was exemplified by using it to compare: (i) the sterile insect technique (SIT), involving weekly releases optimized at three sterile males for each wild male, and (ii) insecticide‐treated cattle (ITC) at 3.5/km2. The isolated pre‐treatment population of adults was 2500 males and 5000 females/km2; if the population was reduced by 90%, its growth potential was 8.4 times per year. However, the population expired naturally when it was reduced to 0.1 wild males/km2, due to difficulties in finding mates, so that control measures then stopped. This took 187 days with ITC and 609 days with SIT. If ITC was used for 87 days to suppress the population by 99%, subsequent control by SIT alone took 406 days; the female population increased by 48% following the withdrawal of ITC and remained above the immediate post‐suppression level for 155 days; the vectorial capacity initially increased seven times and remained above the immediate post‐suppression level for 300 days. Combining SIT and ITC after suppression was a little faster than ITC alone, provided the population had not been suppressed by more than 99.7%. Even when SIT was applied under favourable conditions, the most optimistic cost estimate was 20–40 times greater than for ITC. Modelling non‐isolated unsuppressed populations showed that tsetse invaded ∼8 km into the ITC area compared to ∼18 km for SIT. There was no material improvement by using a 3‐km barrier of ITC to protect the SIT area. In general, tsetse control by increasing deaths is more appropriate than reducing births, and SIT is particularly inappropriate. User‐friendly models can assist the understanding and planning of tsetse control. The model, freely available via http://www.tsetse. org, allows further exploration of control strategies with user‐specified assumptions.
Developing the Pardee RAND Food-Energy-Water Security Index

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited. Permission is given to duplicate this document for personal use only, as long as it is unaltered and complete. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial use. For information on reprint and linking permissions, please visit The RAND Corporation is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors. R® is a registered trademark. Cover (clockwise from top): Images via Matyas Rehak/Fotolia, francis49/Thinkstock, Flavijus Piliponis/Fotolia. iii Preface More than 2 billion people around the world, especially in developing countries, do not have access to high-quality services related to food, energy, and water. To provide information to development agencies and efforts focused on food, energy, and water resources, the RAND Corporation developed the Pardee RAND Food-Energy-Water Security Index. The index can be accessed online through an interactive RAND website (www.rand.org/t/TL165) that allows exploration of the data through maps and charts or downloading of the data for offline analysis. This report serves as the technical documentation for the index. Funding for the development of the Pardee RAND Food-Energy-Water Security Index was provided by philanthropic contributions from RAND supporters and income from operations. Additional funding was made available through the establishment of the Pardee Initiative for Global Human Progress, made possible by the generous support of Frederick S. Pardee. The index described in this report (available at
ABO blood grouping in Egyptian children with rotavirus gastroenteritis

Introduction Rotavirus gastroenteritis is an important public health problem all over the world, causing a notable economic burden in both developing and developed countries. Aim To explore the relationship between blood group typing, rotavirus gastroenteritis, and its severity in Egyptian children. Material and methods A cross sectional case control study was conducted on 231 cases of acute gastroenteritis attending the outpatient clinic of Al-Zahraa University Hospital. Full history taking, clinical examination, and clinical data collection were done. Blood samples were collected for an ABO grouping. Stool samples were tested for viral gastroenteritis agents. Results Rota positive cases of GE were significantly more prevalent among cases with blood group A (p < 0.05) and significantly less among cases with blood group B (p < 0.05). The rate of hospitalisation was highly significantly greater among cases with group A (p < 0.005), and significantly lower among cases with group AB and O (p < 0.05). As regards the degree of dehydration, moderate and severe cases were highly significant in groups A and O (p < 0.005). Rota-positive gastroenteritis showed significant positive correlations with indicators of severity such as hospitalisation, degree of dehydration, and duration of fever (p < 0.005). Conclusions Blood group A is highly associated with paediatric rotavirus gastroenteritis. This could highlight an important risk factor, which could play a significant role for the pathogenesis of rotavirus gastroenteritis and severity as well. Furthermore, more intervention care could be needed for blood group A paediatric patients, if gastroenteritis especially rotavirus affect this group to avoid comorbidities.
Nutrition and bronchopulmonary dysplasia

We aimed to assess the current knowledge on the nutritional management of preterm infants at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or with BPD. We considered the evidence supporting the actual fluid and energy intake, proteins, lipids, and electrolytes requirement, and need for other nutrients in preterm infant at risk of developing BPD or with BPD. We concluded that, although many areas remain to be investigated, early nutrition support and careful adjustment of parenteral nutrition and appropriate enteral feeding selection may enhance the growth and contribute a better neurodevelopment in these patients.
Modeling price- and incentive-based demand response strategies in the renewable-based energy markets

This paper models the impacts of Demand Response Programs (DRPs) on the behavior of energy market participants in the electricity markets in the presence of renewable energies. In such oligopolistic environment, market interactions are considered by using a game theoretic model, and the market transactions are cleared by means of a Security Constraint Unit Commitment program (SCUC). One sample is considered from each main category of DRPs consisting of different types of time of use tariffs, real-time pricing, critical peak pricing from Price-Based Demand Response (PBDR), and different types of emergency demand response program tariffs from Incentive Based Demand Response (IBDR) in the presence of the wind farms. It is expected that the numerical results with the presence of renewable energy resources indicate that different types of these DRPs differently affect the oligopolistic behavior of market players that should be studied by the system operators before their implementation. Using Monte Carlo simulation method, several scenarios are generated to show the possible contingencies in Day-Ahead energy market. Then some scenario reduction methods are used for reduction the numbers of scenarios. Finally, a two-stage stochastic model is applied to solve this scheduling in a mixed-integer linear programming through GAMS. Consequently, the effect of demand response in the reduction of the operation cost is proved. The proposed approach is tested on a modified IEEE six-bus system.
Plasma apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a) concentrations in normoglycemic Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites from the San Luis Valley, Colorado.

Lower levels of plasma apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and higher levels of apoB, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), and the ratio of apoB to apoA-I are considered to be independent risk factors for coronary heart disease. To examine race differences in the distributions of plasma levels of apoA-I, apoB, and Lp(a), the authors have determined quantitative levels of these traits in 252 nondiabetic Hispanics and 459 nondiabetic non-Hispanic whites (NHWs) from the San Luis Valley, Colorado. Hispanic men and women, respectively, had significantly higher plasma apoB levels (p < 0.003; p < 0.01) and the ratio of apoB to apoA-I (p < 0.003; p < 0.0003) than their NHW counterparts. Plasma Lp(a) concentrations were also significantly higher in Hispanic men (p < 0.003) and apoA-I levels were significantly lower in Hispanic women (p < 0.0003) than NHW men and women, respectively. Overall, the threshold points of apoA-I (< 120 mg/dl), apoB (> 120 mg/dl), and Lp(a) (> 25 mg/dl) were higher in Hispanics than in NHWs for apoA-I (22.8 vs. 15.7%), apoB (16.9 vs. 9.9%), and Lp(a) (18.6 vs. 12.4%). These data suggest that the quantitative risk profile for coronary heart disease with respect to these three quantitative traits is not favorable for Hispanics compared with that for NHWs in the San Luis Valley, Colorado.
Photocatalytic membrane system: Obtaining procedure and environmental application

This study reveals the synthesis of a membrane system by a simple and efficient procedure. The conditions used for preparing a membrane system to a substrate have a great effect on its performance. The determination of a suitable immobilisation procedure for specific application becomes complicated with the methods developed over the years. A hybrid coating of fiberglass served as substrate to obtain a photocatalytic system. The working procedure is based on the immersion of fiberglass in suspension consisting of sodium silicate solution and titanium dioxide. The new synthesised membrane system was characterized using X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The present study is focused on the procedure for obtaining new materials for environmental applications and performance evaluation of membrane system in advanced oxidation processes. The photocatalytic activity of the membrane system was evaluated through the oxidation process of organic compounds from wastewater. A synthetic solution by 4-chlorophenol was used as test substance. Removal of phenols compounds from wastewater is extremely important from an environmental perspective.
Degradation analysis of MOV type SPDs with surge supurposing AC operating voltage

There are various kinds of surges in LV system superposing the AC operating voltage. This document presents the test on MOV type SPDs to discover the possible reasons for fire under operation that are observed in field. The tests are including the AC test, surge test, surge on AC voltage and multiple surges. The test results lead to the solutions on how to deal with the safety problem.
Collaborative Networking, Environmental Shocks, and Organizational Performance: Evidence From Hurricane Rita

ABSTRACT An organization's external environment, such as an environmental shock, is of great concern to public management scholars because it influences the behavior and ability of public managers to improve organizational performance. In this study, we examine how collaborative networking with the purpose of preparing for a natural disaster moderates the negative impact of Hurricane Rita on school performance in Texas. Our data consists of survey responses from Texas superintendents who were surveyed shortly after Hurricane Rita about their pre-hurricane disaster preparedness including collaborative networking behavior. Using this dataset, we use a collaborative networking measure that incorporates both the frequency of contact with various groups and the intensity of those interactions. Findings reveal that collaborative networking to prepare for natural disasters moderates the negative impact of a natural disaster on organizational performance.
TRAIL expression up-regulated by interferon-gamma via phosphorylation of STAT1 induces myeloma cell death.

BACKGROUND Although the cellular and molecular biological effects of interferon (IFN)-alpha have been well-investigated, the effects of IFN-gamma are less understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven human myeloma cell lines with various myeloma-specific chromosomal translocations and overexpression of oncogenes were cultured with 1000 U/ml of IFN-gamma. In the KMS-20 cells, which showed growth inhibition due to IFN-gamma, trail expression, status of the Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT pathway were analyzed. RESULTS KMS-20 cells showed marked up-regulation of trail, activation of STAT1 and TRAIL hyperproduction induced by IFN-gamma. CONCLUSION The effects of IFN-gamma on growth inhibition of KMS-20 cells were characterized by activation of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway, particularly STAT1 phosphorylation, enhanced secretion of TRAIL, and auto/paracrine usage of secreted TRAIL to induce apoptotic cell death. From these results, IFN-gamma may be considered one of the drugs to be used in future multidrug chemotherapeutic regimens for myeloma patients.
Risk Factors for the Development of Post-Operative Cognitive Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND Many studies have shown that a large number of patients undergoing surgery show a measurable cognitive deterioration after surgery, while many of them still show cognitive deficits even three months later an operation. These specific cognitive deficits in which there is a temporal association between surgery and mental disorders are defined as postoperative impairment of cognitive function. Among cognitive disorders occurring during the postoperative period, the post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is less studied. AIM Risk factors concerning POCD will be overviewed in order to be considered as a measure of prevention of POCD. METHOD A literature search using combined keywords was undertaken on bibliographic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus and through systematic selection 72 scientific articles were identified. Concerning the selection criteria, the material of this study consists of sources published mainly over the last fifteen years, while some articles that published before 2000 were selected because they were considered to be important. RESULTS These disorders frequently occur in patients of advanced age. It is obvious that as the population of humanity ages, many older people are likely to develop health problems that require surgery and therefore a large number of people are likely to develop post-operative cognitive disorders. For the appearance of POCD, as for other mental disorders (e.g. delirium), several factors are implicated. According to the findings, except the advanced age, genetic polymorphism, idiosyncratic condition, the presence of metabolic syndrome and neurological diseases, the type of anaesthesia and surgical operation and sleep disturbance are among the most important risk factors.
State as a developmental actor : state forms for social transformation

From power states to welfare states, we track the history of ideas and practices of state developmental action through the ebb and flow of arguments for intervention. We compare justifications of state intervention based on the need to overcome economic discontinuities with arguments pointing to the risks of as well as antidotes to state capture by private interests, and with Amartya Sen’s broad approach to development. We also review significant national experiences of development and welfare states illustrating the different views, and identify the outgrowth of an integrated social, political, and economic defense of state intervention for Celia Lessa Kerstenetzky and Jaques Kerstenetzky The State as a Developmental Actor Chapter 45 Page 2 welfare achievement, indicating democracy and welfare state regimes as emerging themes in the development discourse.
Fresh frozen plasma has no beneficial effect on the hemostatic system in children receiving L‐asparaginase

L‐Asparaginase (ASP), a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), is linked to thromboembolic complications secondary to an acquired deficiency of antithrombin III (ATIII). Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is used to prevent and/or treat thrombotic complications in these children. However, the effect of FFP on plasma concentrations of ATIII and biochemical markers of activation of coagulation has never been tested. In this study, FFP (20 ml/kg) was administered to eight children with ALL receiving ASP in the consolidation phase of their treatment. Plasma samples were drawn pre‐infusion, and following infusion at 1, 24, and 48 hr. Prior to the FFP infusions, plasma concentrations of prothrombin, fibrinogen, α2‐macroglobulin, heparin cofactor II, protein C, and protein S were similar to levels in healthy children. Only plasma concentrations of ATIII were significantly decreased (0.55 U/ml). Following FFP infusions, there was no statistical or clinically important increase in plasma concentrations of any coagulation protein at any time point. Pre‐infusion plasma concentrations of markers of endogenous thrombin generation (thrombin‐antithrombin III complexes (TAT)) and activation of the fibrinolytic system in response to activation of the coagulation system (D‐dimer levels) were significantly increased. However, FFP had no statistical or clinically important effect on concentrations of these markers. We conclude that FFP administration for the prevention and treatment of acquired ATIII deficiency secondary to ASP has no demonstrable benefit on plasma levels of coagulation proteins and is unlikely to be of clinical benefit. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Applicability of 3D printing techniques for compact Ku-band medium/high-gain antennas

This paper investigates the capabilities of additive manufacturing techniques for building RF antennas in the Ku-band frequency range. Two different compact medium to high-gain antennas, a ring-focus dual-reflector antenna and a spline-profiled smooth horn antenna, were designed, built and tested for this purpose. The antennas were manufactured using the latest 3D printing techniques, i.e. based on stereolithography and an additional copper coating. RF simulation results compared with measurements are provided in this paper for a specific telecommunication antenna application. Furthermore, additional test results will be presented at the conference itself.
Analysis of DNA elements that modulate myosin VIIA expression in humans

Usher syndrome�Ib (USH1B), an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in myosin VIIa (MYO7A), is characterized by congenital profound hearing loss, vestibular abnormalities and retinitis pigmentosa. Promoter elements in the 5 kb upstream of the translation start were identified using adult retinal pigment epithelium cells (ARPE‐19) as a model system. A 160 bp minimal promoter within the first intron was active in ARPE‐19 cells, but not in HeLa cells that do not express MYO7A. A 100 bp sequence, 5' of the first exon, and repeated with 90% homology within the first intron, appeared to modulate expression in both cell lines. Segments containing these elements were screened by heteroduplex analysis. No heteroduplexes were detected in the minimal promoter, suggesting that this sequence is conserved. A ‐2568 A>T transversion in the 5' 100 bp repeat, eliminating a CCAAT element, was found only in USH1B patients. However, in all 5 families, ‐2568 A>T was in cis with the same missense mutation in the myosin VIIa tail (Arg1240Gln), and 4 of the 5 families were Dutch. These observations suggest either 1) linkage disequilibrium or 2)that a combination of a promoter mutation with a less active myosin VIIa protein results in USH1B. Hum Mutat 14:354, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DAMPAK INTEGRASI EKONOMI TERHADAP INVESTASI DI KAWASAN ASEAN: ANALISIS MODEL GRAVITASI

The objective of the study were to analyze the effect of ASEAN and NAFTA, EU, Cind (China-India) and Mercosur economic integration to investment activities in the nations of ASEAN area integration. The study used a gravity model with simultaneous equations and panel data with estimator Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). The result of the study was the economic integration of ASEAN has a positive effect to the increasing investment of the ASEAN nations. The NAFTA economic integration area has a higher investment fascination of the EU, Mercosur and Cind integration areas.
Bone mineral density 5 years after parathyroidectomy in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND Whether bone mineral density (BMD) is improved at 5 years after parathyroidectomy (PTx) for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate BMD after PTx by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). METHODS BMD was measured at the distal 1/3 of the radius (non-shunt side) and at the lumbar supine (L2-L4, lateral view) before and 5 years after PTx in 35 hemodialysis patients who had undergone surgery from April 1994 to May 2004. The data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS Intact PTH decreased significantly from 1,100 ± 530 (range: 446 - 2,300) pg/ ml before PTx to 75 ± 68 (2 - 251) pg/ml at 5 years after PTx (p < 0.01). Before PTx, the radial BMD and lumbar BMD were both decreased -3.3 ± 1.9 SD and -1.3 ± 2.4 SD compared with the corresponding normal mean T-score, respectively. Radial BMD increased significantly from 0.522 ± 0.113 g/cm2 before PTx to 0.545 ± 0.114 g/cm2 (p = 0.01) at 5 years after PTx, while the T-score improved to -2.8 ± 2.0 SD. In contrast, lumbar BMD showed no significant change between before (0.734 ± 0.202 g/cm2) and 5 years after PTx (0.746 ± 0.199 g/cm2), and neither did the T-score (-1.1 ± 2.3 SD). None of the patients suffered any fractures during follow up. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that maintaining iPTH at < 300 pg/ml for 5 years after PTx results in an increase of radial BMD in SHPT patients with preoperative BMD levels in the osteoporosis range (below -2.5 SD) according to the WHO, as well as stabilizing lumbar BMD.
An improved in silico selection of phenotype affecting polymorphisms in SLC6A4, HTR1A and HTR2A genes

Among the experimentally assessed DNA variations in serotonin related genes, some influence physiological expression of personality and mental disorders, others alter the responses to pharmacological and/or psychotherapeutic treatments. Because of the huge number of polymorphisms lying in genes and of the great length of time necessary to perform association studies, a selection of the variations being studied is a necessary and crucial step.
Reduced features two-dimensional photonic crystals on InP-based materials etched using Cl/sub 2//Ar inductively coupled plasma

We have fabricated two-dimensional InP-based photonic crystal structures using Cl2/Ar inductively coupled plasma etching. Etched depth of 2.8 mum is obtained for 240 nm hole diameter with a nearly vertical shape. With this recipe, we are able to etch small features, as small as 110 nm, down to 1.9 mum. Optical qualification shows 80 dB/cm propagation losses in W3 InP/InGaAsP/InP photonic crystal waveguide