Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Alkaline Phosphatase, Salivary Flow Rate and Salivary Potential of Hydrogen in Relation to Severity of Chronic Periodontitis

Background: The cells of periodontium contain many intracellular enzymes like (alkaline phosphatase ALP) that are released outside into the saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) after destruction of periodontal tissue. The aim of study was to determine the activity of this enzyme in saliva and its relation to the salivary flow rate, PH and clinical periodontal parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis. Subject, Materials and methods: Sample population consist of 75 individuals ;divided into four groups , the first group (15):control subject, the second group (20):mild chronic periodontitis, the third group(20) moderate chronic periodontitis and the fourth group (20) sever chronic periodontitis, Measurements of plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), only male were included and saliva was collected from them and subjected to biochemical analysis of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme (ALP), and also measurement of salivary flow rate(FR) and PH. Results: Statistical analysis of the results revealed the presence of a highly significant difference in the enzymatic activity between healthy and chronic periodontitis subjects (mild, moderate, severe) with positive correlation between the activity of this enzyme and the clinical periodontal parameters, and negative correlation between this enzyme and Salivary flow rate and pH. Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that a number of markers show promise as sensitive measures of disease and the effectiveness of therapy. At this time enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase ALP, is good biochemical markers of screening chronic periodontitis. Also ALP can be used as a monitor for healthy individuals and patients with different periodontal diseases. Furthermore, analysis of saliva may offer a cost effective approach to assessment in controlling progression of chronic periodontitis in large populations.
Measurements and modeling of surface–atmosphere exchange of microorganisms in Mediterranean grassland

Abstract. Microbial aerosols (mainly composed of bacterial and fungal cells) may constitute up to 74 % of the total aerosol volume. These biological aerosols are not only relevant to the dispersion of pathogens, but they also have geochemical implications. Some bacteria and fungi may, in fact, serve as cloud condensation or ice nuclei, potentially affecting cloud formation and precipitation and are active at higher temperatures compared to their inorganic counterparts. Simulations of the impact of microbial aerosols on climate are still hindered by the lack of information regarding their emissions from ground sources. This present work tackles this knowledge gap by (i) applying a rigorous micrometeorological approach to the estimation of microbial net fluxes above a Mediterranean grassland and (ii) developing a deterministic model (the PLAnET model) to estimate these emissions on the basis of a few meteorological parameters that are easy to obtain. The grassland is characterized by an abundance of positive net microbial fluxes and the model proves to be a promising tool capable of capturing the day-to-day variability in microbial fluxes with a relatively small bias and sufficient accuracy. PLAnET is still in its infancy and will benefit from future campaigns extending the available training dataset as well as the inclusion of ever more complex and critical phenomena triggering the emission of microbial aerosol (such as rainfall). The model itself is also adaptable as an emission module for dispersion and chemical transport models, allowing further exploration of the impact of land-cover-driven microbial aerosols on the atmosphere and climate.
Buckling thin disks and ribbons with non-Euclidean metrics

I consider the problem of a thin membrane on which a metric has been prescribed, for example by lithographically controlling the local swelling properties of a polymer thin film. While any amount of swelling can be accommodated locally, geometry prohibits the existence of a global strain-free configuration. To study this geometrical frustration, I introduce a perturbative approach. I compute the optimal shape of an annular, thin ribbon as a function of its width. The topological constraint of closing the ribbon determines a relationship between the mean curvature and the number of wrinkles that prevents a complete relaxation of the compression strain induced by swelling and buckles the ribbon out of the plane. These results are then applied to thin, buckled disks, where the expansion works surprisingly well. I identify a critical radius above which the disk in-plane strain cannot be relaxed completely.
Are Pension Savings Sufficient? Perceptions and Expectations of American and Dutch Workers

Summary Are retirement savings sufficient to finance a good pension income? This highly uncertain and subjective dimension of life cycle decision making is assessed among married working individuals using an identical survey distributed to Dutch and American workers in 2007. Despite marked differences in expected and needed pension replacement rates - where the Dutch replacement rates are systematically higher than the American rates - the perceived savings adequacy is more or less the same across Dutch and American workers. Moreover, individuals’ perceived savings adequacy was found to be influenced by the three groups of factors: institutional forces, social forces and psychological dispositions. This study shows that differences in the mind set of American workers plays a far larger role in explaining differences in perceptions of savings adequacy than it does in the Netherlands.
Dynamic inter-relationships among tourism, economic growth and energy consumption in India

Abstract This study attempts to explore the dynamic causal and inter-relationships among tourism, economic growth and energy consumption in India. This study covers the annual data from 1971 to 2012. This study applies the cointegration and generalised variance decomposition methods to verify the relationship. The bounds testing approach to cointegration and the Gregory–Hansen test for cointegration with structural break consistently reveal that energy consumption, tourism and economic growth in India are cointegrated. We find that tourism and economic growth strongly affects energy consumption in the long-run. Additionally, we also find that tourism and economic growth in India are inter-related, but the causal effect of tourism on economic growth is stronger than the other way around in both the short- and long-run. Therefore, this study concludes that the tourism-led growth hypothesis is valid but the energy-led growth hypothesis is invalid in India. With such findings, we can confirm that tourism is an important catalyst of growth to the Indian economy. Therefore, policy-makers should promote and expand tourism industry in order to sustain the process of economic growth and development in India.
Did Korean Monetary Policy Help Soften the Impact of the Global Financial Crisis of 2008–09?

Korea was one of the Asian economies hardest hit by the global financial crisis. Anticipating the downturn that would follow the episode of extreme financial stress, the Bank of Korea (BOK) let the exchange rate depreciate as capital flowed out, and preemptively cut the policy rate by 325 basis points. But did it work? This paper seeks a quantitative answer to the following question: Were it not for an inflation targeting framework underpinned by a flexible exchange rate regime, how much deeper would the recession have been? Taking the most intense year of the crisis as our baseline (2008:Q4–2009:Q3), counterfactual simulations indicate that rather the actual outcome of a -2.1 percent contraction, the outturn would have been -2.9 percent if the BOK had not implemented countercyclical and discretionary interest rate cuts. Furthermore, had a fixed exchange rate regime been in place, simulations indicate that output would have contracted by -7.5 percent over the same four-quarter period. In other words, exchange rate flexibility and the interest rate cuts implemented by the BOK helped substantially soften the impact of the global financial crisis on the Korean economy. These counterfactual experiments are based on an estimated structural model, which, along with standard nominal and real rigidities, includes a financial accelerator mechanism in an open-economy framework.
Novel aspects of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation and glucocorticoid actions

Normal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity leading to rhythmic and episodic release of adrenal glucocorticoids is essential for body homeostasis and survival during stress. Acting through specific intracellular receptors in the brain and periphery, glucocorticoids regulate behavior, metabolic, cardiovascular, immune, and neuroendocrine activities. In contrast to chronic elevated levels, circadian and acute stress-induced increases in glucocorticoids are necessary for hippocampal neuronal survival and memory acquisition and consolidation, through inhibiting apoptosis, facilitating glutamate transmission and inducing immediate early genes and spine formation. In addition to its metabolic actions leading to increasing energy availability, glucocorticoids have profound effects on feeding behavior, mainly through modulation of orexigenic and anorixegenic neuropeptides. Evidence is also emerging that in addition to the recognized immune suppressive actions of glucocorticoids by counteracting adrenergic proinflammatory actions, circadian elevations have priming effects in the immune system, potentiating acute defensive responses. In addition, negative feedback by glucocorticoids involves multiple mechanisms leading to limiting HPA axis activation and preventing deleterious effects of excessive glucocorticoid production. Adequate glucocorticoid secretion to meet body demands is tightly regulated by a complex neural circuitry controlling hypothalamic corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin secretion, the main regulators of pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Rapid feedback mechanisms, likely involving non-genomic actions of glucocorticoids, mediate immediate inhibition of hypothalamic CRH and ACTH secretion, while Address for all correspondence and requests for reprints: Ernane Torres Uchoa, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, 14049-900 Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo Brazil, Phone: 55 16 3602 3017, FAX: 55 16 3602 0221, ernane_uchoa@yahoo.com. br. NIH Public Access Author Manuscript J Neuroendocrinol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2014 September 12. Published in final edited form as: J Neuroendocrinol. 2014 September ; 26(9): 557–572. doi:10.1111/jne.12157. N IH -P A A uhor M anscript N IH -P A A uhor M anscript N IH -P A A uhor M anscript intermediate and delayed mechanisms mediated by genomic actions involve modulation of limbic circuitry and peripheral metabolic messengers. Consistent with their key adaptive roles, HPA axis components are evolutionarily conserved, being present in the earliest vertebrates. Understanding these basic mechanisms may lead to novel approaches for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for disorders related to stress and alterations of glucocorticoid secretion.
Collapse and Nonlinear Instability of AdS with Angular Momenta

Matthew W. Choptuik,1, 2, ⇤ Óscar J. C. Dias,3, † Jorge E. Santos,4, ‡ and Benson Way1, § Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, 6224 Agricultural Road, Vancouver, B.C., V6T 1W9, Canada CIFAR Cosmology and Gravity Program, 180 Dundas St W, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1Z8 Canada STAG research centre and Mathematical Sciences, University of Southampton, UK Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK
Ordem de Nascimento sobre as Práticas Educativas Parentais Gender and Birth Order as Parenting Moderators

This study aimed at assessing gender and birth order influence on parenting and perceived parental favoritism from the children perspective. The participants were 322 adolescents aged between 13 and 17 years old. Two instruments were used to collect data Parenting Styles Inventory and a questionnaire developed by the authors. Non-parametrical statistics (Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis) were used to analyze the obtained data. Results have shown that: (a) child gender has significant influence on the score of parenting styles; (b) firstborn girls present significantly higher risk of suffering negative parental practices and, (c) the perceived parental favoritism is significantly modulated by both gender and birth order.
Opinion leaders , influence activities and leadership

Empfohlene Zitierung / Suggested Citation: Konrad, K. A. (2003). Opinion leaders, influence activities and leadership rents (Discussion Papers / Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung, Forschungsschwerpunkt Märkte und Politik, Abteilung Marktprozesse und Steuerung, 2003-29). Berlin: Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung gGmbH. https:// nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-112094
Let's be serious -- ICT is not a (simple) game

In this paper we will discuss the requirements for introducing a (serious) game as a tool for training skills in the area of application and business information service management. We introduce a reference model for (serious) games, that serves as a touchstone to determine the effectiveness of service management games, and we will indicate the architectural requirements that must be met to satisfy these criteria. Technical and artistic issues in developing effective service management games will also be discussed, as to provide clear guidelines how to approach the production of service management games.
A new entropy model for RNA: part I. A critique of the standard Jacobson-Stockmayer model applied to multiple cross links

The Jacobson-Stockmayer (JS) model is used in a number of standard programs for calculating the conformational entropy of RNA (and proteins). However, it is shown in this study that, in certain limiting cases, the current form of this model can lead to highly unphysical conclusions. The origin of this behavior can be traced to misunderstandings that occurred during the development of the model as applied to folded, single-stranded RNA. Here we show that an alternative model known as the cross linking entropy (CLE) model can overcome these issues. The principal object that causes entropy loss on a global scale in the CLE model is the stem , the primary measure of structural order in such coarse-grained calculations. The principal objects in the JS-model are various types of loops , and, with the exception of the hairpin loop, they are topologically local in character. To extract experimentally measurable variables, a simplified version of the CLE model is developed that resembles many features of the contact order model used in RNA and protein folding. These modifications are then applied to single molecule force-extension experiments (molecular tweezers) to extract quantitative information. It is further shown that a crude derivative of the CLE model itself can be derived directly from the JS-model when the misunderstandings are examined and corrected.
IN PRESS A manifesto for the equifinality thesis

This essay discusses some of the issues involved in the identification and predictions of hydrological models given some calibration data. The reasons for the incompleteness of traditional calibration methods are discussed. The argument is made that the potential for multiple acceptable models as representations of hydrological and other environmental systems (the equifinality thesis) should be given more serious consideration than hitherto. It proposes some techniques for an extended GLUE methodology to make it more rigorous and outlines some of the research issues still to be resolved. q 2005 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Analysis And Synthesis Of Model Reference Controller For Variable Speed Wind Generators Inertial Support

Abstract Model Reference Controller (MRC) for contribution of Variable Speed Wind Generators (VSWG) in inertial response of Electrical Power System (EPS) is presented and analyzed in this paper. MRC is synthesized based on a model of Generating Unit With non-Reheat Steam Turbine (GUNRST) thus enabling VSWG to emulate GUNRST response during the initial stage of dynamic frequency response ie inertial phase. Very important property of conventional steam generating units is that its contribution to inertial phase response is independent from the initial generating power. By using MRC in VSWG it is accomplished that in most common wind speed region (3-12 m/s) VSWG inertial support is almost independent from wind speed. Since in most EPSs VSWG replaces conventional steam generators, application of MRC algorithm provides that the characteristics of EPS in terms of inertial response are preserved, regardless of the growing trend of introducing VSWG. Evaluation analysis of the proposed MRC is performed on modified nine bus power system when VSWG with MRC is connected to one of the power system buses.
A system of emission rights auction with revenue plowback

This paper demonstrates that “grandfathering” of pollution rights may be inefficient when existing polluters enjoy market power or when there are increasing returns to abatement efforts. On the other hand an “auction and refund” approach, by effectively charging producers for the pollution they cause and refunding them in proportion to the value of their economic output levels, will result in greater efficiency and equity. Moreover, this will resolve the possible complaint that a revenue-raising auction constitutes a “taking” of private property, and will address the worry that emission rights auctions may lead to higher electricity prices. It is argued that thin trading of emission rights need not undermine the value of the emission rights auction.
Stabilization policy and business cycle phases in Europe: a Markov switching VAR analysis

Most of the empirical studies dealing with international business cycles have disregarded the credibility issues that play an important role in the decision to join or not a monetary union. Most of empirical applications based on asymmetric shocks have failed to account for these aspects. In this paper, we tackle this problem by relying on a regime switching approach that characterizes the position of each economy in its business cycle. Then, using desynchronisation indices based on a non parametric approach, we measure the amplitude and the duration of divergence in the business cycles in order to assess the potential stabilization cost induced by the European economic and monetary union.
Staphylococcus aureus Binding Proteins for Prevention of Orthopaedic Implant-Related Infections

Orthopaedic implant infections are an increasing problem and management commonly involves implant removal with serious consequences. Biofilm-forming staphylococci are the most common causative organisms, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most virulent and MRSA increasingly involved. Initial bacterial adhesion is a crucial event in biofilm formation and infection establishment. Directing host antibody against bacterial factors involved in adhesion and biofilm formation may significantly inhibit infection establishment on biomaterials. Two recombinant S. aureus-derived binding proteins (FnBP, IsdA) were investigated as potential vaccine antigens and resultant antibody was assessed to determine whether immune inhibition of bacteria-ligand binding can significantly impact on attachment to plasma-conditioned biomaterial surfaces, in the presence of other bacterial ligands. Adhesion of homologous and heterologous (clinical MRSA) S. aureus to plasma-conditioned steel was significantly reduced (~50% average reduction, p<0.0001) when pre-exposed to anti-rFnBP-A antiserum that was 50-fold more dilute than the actual titre from immunisation. Inhibition was related to ligand presence and not staphylococcal Protein A. Reduced adhesion was not observed with an FnBP-mutant strain, indicating specific inhibitory antibody involvement, and demonstrating the potential of rFnBP-A for prevention of S. aureus implantrelated infection. Adhesion-inhibitory activity was also observed with a purified IgG-fraction of rIsdA antiserum but this activity appeared to be masked by non-IsdA–related interactions when non-IgG-purified antiserum was assessed.
Transport Co-Modality and Intermodal Transshipment Terminals

Co-modality means the efficient use of transport modes operating on their own or in multimodal integration in the European transport system to reach an optimal and sustainable exploitation of resources. Due to the growing demand for freight transport high efficiency and co-modality of different branches of transport in the European transport system are imperative. The basic criterion for assessing the effectiveness of all the available and proposed solutions must be economical bill, complex conducted both in terms of micro (at the level of each customer) and macro (at the level of the whole transport sector), endearing issues of economic, ecology, social, etc. An important aspect are the additional costs such as those related to the creation of new element of infrastructure, especially point elements of infrastructure.
GIS Application to Detect Invasive Species in Aquatic Ecosystems

The detection of invasive plant species in aquatic ecosystems is important to help in the control or to mitigate its spread and impacts. Remote sensing (RS) can be explored in this context, helping to monitor this type of plants. This study intends to present a free to use and open-source software application that, through a graphical user interface, can process remote sensed data to monitor the spread of invasive plant species in aquatic environments, enabling a multi-temporal monitoring. Both unmanned aerial vehicle and satellite-based data were used to validate the potential of the proposed application. A site containing water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was selected as case study. Both RS platforms provided effective data to detect the areas containing water hyacinth. Thus, this tool provides an alternative and user-friendly way to include RS-based data in ecological studies allowing the detection of invasive plants in water channels.
Periodic Rectangular and Circular Profiles in the Cross Section of the Straight Waveguide Based on Laplace and Fourier Transforms and Their Inverse Transforms and Applications

This chapter presents propagation along the straight rectangular waveguide with periodic rectangular and circular profiles in the cross section. The objectives in this study are to explore the effect of the periodic rectangular and circular profiles in the cross section of the straight waveguide on the output field and to develop the technique to calculate two kinds of the periodic profiles. The method is based on Laplace and Fourier transforms and the inverse Laplace and Fourier transforms. The contribution of the proposed technique is important to improve the method that is based on Laplace and Fourier transforms and their inverse transforms also for the discontinuous periodic rectangular and circular profiles in the cross section (and not only for the continuous profiles). The proposed technique is very effective to solve complex problems, in relation to the conventional methods, especially when we have a large num- bers of dielectric profiles. The application is useful for straight waveguides in the microwave and the millimeter wave regimes, with periodic rectangular and circular profiles in the cross section of the straight waveguide.