Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First evidence of Crimean‐Congo haemorrhagic fever virus circulation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract Background Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tick‐borne zoonosis with reported detection of virus and/or virus‐specific antibodies from over 57 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East and is endemic in the Balkans. Detection of Crimean–Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) antibodies in domestic ruminants has been important in providing initial evidence of virus circulation and in localising CCHFV high‐risk spots for human infection. Objectives The present study investigated the possible exposure of sheep to CCHFV in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Methods To investigate the presence of anti‐CCHFV antibodies in sheep, all sera (n = 176) were tested using multi‐species double antigen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reactive sera were further complementary tested by adapted commercial indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using FITC‐conjugated protein G instead of anti‐human immunoglobulins. Results CCHFV specific antibodies were detected in 17 (9.66%) animals using ELISA test. All negative sera were determined as negative by both tests, while 13 out of 17 ELISA‐positive reactors were also determined as unambiguously positive by IFA test. The age group with the highest proportion of seropositive rectors were the oldest animals. Conclusions This is the first report of anti‐CCHFV antibodies in sheep from B&H providing the evidence of CCHFV circulation in the country's sheep population. So far, these findings indicate the circulation of the virus in the westernmost region of the Balkans and point to the potential CCHFV spread further out of this endemic area.
Effects of In Ovo Injection of Zinc or Diet Supplementation of Zinc on Performance, Serum Biochemical Profiles, and Meat Quality in Broilers

Simple Summary Zinc (Zn) is known as an essential trace mineral that plays a key role in metabolic processes such as synthesis, stability, and catalytic activity of many proteins in broilers. In ovo technology provides an alternative for delivering nutrient compounds to the embryo prior to hatching by injecting small amounts of material into a broiler egg during hatching. In this study, the in ovo injection of Zn and dietary supplementation of Zn were evaluated on their effects on growth performance, serum biochemical profiles, and meat quality in broilers. In ovo injection and Zn supplementation (i.e., 200 mg/kg) increased (p < 0.05) body weight and immunoglobulin G (IgG) compared to broilers fed with the control diet. In ovo injection group decreased (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratios compared to broilers fed with the no injection group. Our results indicated that broilers fed with a diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg of Zn could ameliorate growth performance, immune responses, and increase the unsaturated fatty acids of breast meat. The findings of this result highlighted that the diet supplemented with Zn has the effect to improve performance, blood immune response, and fatty acid profile of breast meat. Abstract This study investigated the main effects of the in ovo injection of inorganic zinc (Zn) or diet supplementation of Zn on performance, serum biochemical profiles, and breast meat quality in broilers. A total of 480 one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were randomly divided into four groups: the control (Con, noninjected and basal diet), in ovo (injected 60 mg Zn/egg at 18 embryonic days of incubation and basal diet), Zn100 (noninjected and basal diet with Zn (100 mg/kg) for 35 days), and Zn200 (noninjected and basal diet with Zn (200 mg/kg) for 35 days) groups. The dietary supplementation of Zn increased feed intake (2860.42–2861.08 g), weight (1975.06–1985.25 g), and weight gain (1936.36–1946.53 g) compared to Con (2785.74, 1891.38, and 1852.62 g, respectively) after five weeks of age. No significant difference was found in biochemical parameters and leukocyte and erythrocyte levels in the blood among the four different groups. In ovo injected or supplemental Zn (100 and 200 mg/kg) increased IgG in the blood of broilers. Zn200 increased polyunsaturated fatty acids, and saturated fatty acid contents were reduced in breast meat compared with Con. In conclusion, Zn supplementation at 200 mg/kg could improve the weight, feed intake, blood immune response, and fatty acid profile of breast meat.
Credit Policy of Commercial Banks in EU and the Asset Quality of Non-Financial Corporate Loan Portfolio in 2009-2021

Purpose: The study aims to identify changes in the credit activity of banks in EU, including the loan portfolio of non-fmancial corporation's (NFCs) and main determinants of non-performing loans (NPLs) in Poland in the period Q1.2009 - Q4.2021. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study presents the differences in the NPL rates and debt servicing costs in the Visegrad Group countries, as well as Germany and France. The author presents the results of an overview of NPL research on EU countries. In modelling the NPLs granted to NFCs in Poland the variables used are, macroeconomic (market), financial variables of corporations, and banking conditions. Findings: The analysis of NPL changes shows that there was a long-term downward trend confirming the improvement in the quality of the portfolio of loans of NFCs. However, the last quarters (during the COVID pandemic) have brought an increase in the NPLs. Results of the impulse function confirmed, that the NPLs showed declining trends in response to impulses from, NPL's own changes, GDP, CPI, WIBOR, ROAC, GFCF, TOFSP and the increasing trends in response to changes, CROAC, GTPR, AIRCL, CAR and CR of CR. Results of variance decomposition indicate that the main pillar of the explanation of NPL changes were, GDP, GFCF as well as CPI and WIBOR. Practical Implications: The results of the research will enable the management of the loan portfolio of NFCs and credit risk management. Orginality/Value: The article contains a literature review and current research results concerning the analyzed issue Results of the NPLs research confirmed the pro-cyclical nature of lending activity in Poland in the verified years.
Effects of vine water status on vine performance and grape composition of (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. 'Sultani Çekirdeksiz'

Drought caused by climate change increased the relevance of irrigation management in viticulture. In order to regulate irrigation strategies for Vitis vinifera L. , their influences on vine performance, yield and quality attributes need to be understood. This study evaluates the effects of different irrigation schedulings on vine performance and grape composition in a vineyard of cv. ‘Sultani Çekirdeksiz’ (Sultana clone, H5) during three consecutive years (2015–2017). Three irrigation treatments were assayed: (i) full irrigation (FI), soil water content was completed to field capacity within one week intervals; (ii) DI65, applying 65% water of FI and (iii) DI35, applying 35% water of FI. Water stress caused by the deficit irrigation treatments limited vine performance in terms of vegetative development and yield. The highest phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and total flavonoid accumulation were obtained under DI35, although this treatment had lowest yield. In conclusion, DI65 (moderate stress) might result in a more balanced yield and grape quality attributes in comparison with FI and DI35.
Blind IQ mismatch compensation in OFDM direct conversion receivers

OFDM communication systems are known to be sensitive to IQ mismatch in non-ideal direct conversion receivers. Traditionally, adaptive techniques have been proposed that exploit the embedded pilot signals. However, an alternative is to exploit the signal characteristics, such as the constant modulus property of PSK modulated data. This paper proposes two frequency domain blind adaptive IQ mismatch compensation algorithms, which are based on the general Bussgang algorithm and the constant modulus algorithm (CMA). Both algorithms are shown to give a significant improvement in raw BER performance for a spectrally-flat transmission scenario and the CMA-based algorithm is shown to achieve near complete compensation for a single-frequency-network fading channel scenario. (6 pages)
Autonomic Dysfunction in Sleep Disorders: From Neurobiological Basis to Potential Therapeutic Approaches

Sleep disorder has been portrayed as merely a common dissatisfaction with sleep quality and quantity. However, sleep disorder is actually a medical condition characterized by inconsistent sleep patterns that interfere with emotional dynamics, cognitive functioning, and even physical performance. This is consistent with sleep abnormalities being more common in patients with autonomic dysfunction than in the general population. The autonomic nervous system coordinates various visceral functions ranging from respiration to neuroendocrine secretion in order to maintain homeostasis of the body. Because the cell population and efferent signals involved in autonomic regulation are spatially adjacent to those that regulate the sleep-wake system, sleep architecture and autonomic coordination exert effects on each other, suggesting the presence of a bidirectional relationship in addition to shared pathology. The primary goal of this review is to highlight the bidirectional and shared relationship between sleep and autonomic regulation. It also introduces the effects of autonomic dysfunction on insomnia, breathing disorders, central disorders of hypersomnolence, parasomnias, and movement disorders. This information will assist clinicians in determining how neuromodulation can have the greatest therapeutic effects in patients with sleep disorders.
Electrohydrodynamic induction and conduction pumping of dielectric liquid film: theoretical and numerical studies

Electrohydrodynamic Induction and Conduction Pumping of Dielectric Liquid Film: Theoretical and Numerical Studies. (December 2005) Salem A. S. Al Dini, B.S.; M.S., King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Jamal Seyed-Yagoobi Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumping of single and two-phase media is attractive for terrestrial and outer space applications since it is non-mechanical, lightweight, and involves no moving parts. In addition to pure pumping purposes, EHD pumps are also used for the enhancement of heat transfer, as an increase in mass transport often translates to an augmentation of the heat transfer. Applications, for example, include two-phase heat exchangers, heat pipes, and capillary pumping loops. In this research, EHD induction pumping of liquid film in annular horizontal and vertical configurations is investigated. A non-dimensional analytical model accounting for electric shear stress existing only at the liquid/vapor interface is developed for attraction and repulsion pumping modes. The effects of all involved parameters including the external load (i.e. pressure gradient) and gravitational force on the nondimensional interfacial velocity are presented. A non-dimensional stability analysis of EHD induction pumping of liquid film in a vertical annular configuration in the presence of external load for repulsion mode is carried out. A general non-dimensional stability
Engaging Diverse Audiences: The Role of Community Radio in Rural Climate Change Knowledge Translation

Community radio is an important form of knowledge dissemination, especially in rural areas where it can create opportunities for a geographically spread-out audience to engage in local debates. Through this article, we reflect on the community-building function of radio and consider how it can be mobilized to support climate change knowledge transfer in rural communities. Our reflections draw on the use of community radio during the Gros Morne Climate Change Symposium, an event that brought together researchers, practitioners, and community members to discuss coastal climate change adaptation in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. We consider the history of radio in Canada, its role in rural communities, and review experiences with radio-focused knowledge dissemination in other locations to frame our own discussion of the topic. Through reflection, each of the co-authors highlights their understanding of the role of community radio at the symposium and argue for the continuing relevance of radio in an era when digital communications are more common. We conclude by arguing that community radio can strengthen place-based identities by creating a distinct forum for engagement and is therefore an important tool for climate change knowledge transfer.
Trajectory control of two-degree-of-freedom sweet potato transplanting robot arm

To address the poor performance of the existing sweet potato transplanting robots, in this paper, a two-degree-of-freedom sweet potato transplanting robot arm is proposed to improve the transplanting success rate and production yield. Different transplanting strategies, including vertical transplanting, boat-shaped transplanting, and inclined planting, can be achieved for different terrain types. The designed transplanting mechanical arm can achieve both vertical and rotational movement of the seedling claw through the vertical sliding motor and the rotating motor respectively. With the two degrees of freedom, the designed transplanting robot arm can complete various transplanting trajectories on the transplanting plane. Moreover, a transplanting trajectory controller is then designed for the proposed transplanting robot based on a linear model prediction algorithm. To improve the control performance, two control system optimization schemes are proposed: the influence of prediction time length on the accuracy of transplanting trajectory is discussed and the optimal prediction time length value is obtained, and a reference trajectory segmenting control was proposed to improve the real time of sweet potato transplanting. The proposed sweet potato transplanting robot is validated experimentally through field testing. The minimum qualified rate of potato seedling erection angle was 94.7%, and the minimum qualified rate of planting depth was 94.8%. The test proved that the proposed transplanting scheme can realize various transplanting methods of sweet potato with better performance, which satisfies the practical production requirements for mechanical planting of sweet potatoes.
New York University 2014 Knowledge Base Population Systems

New York University (NYU) participated in three tracks of the 2014 TAC-KBP eval- uation: English Slot Filling, Cold Start and Entity Discovery and Linking. While this year is the first time and second time we participated in entity discovery and link- ing (EDL) and cold start respectively, we have been working on the slot filling task for several years. With additional devel- opment time this year, our cold start sys- tem has borrowed more technologies from slot filling and gained significant improve- ment. In both slot filling and cold start systems, we find that besides incorporat- ing new modules to expand the coverage, the systems greatly benefit from our ef- fort to renovate some of the basic mod- ules. Regarding entity discovery and link- ing, we develop a pipelined system with several components in which we introduce a variation of the PageRank algorithm to improve collaborative candidate ranking.
Comparison of Radiovisiography, an Apex Locator and an Integrated Endomotor-inbuilt Apex Locator in Primary Teeth Endometrics

Abstract Aim and objective To compare the accuracy of radiovisiography (RVG), Root ZX mini Apex locator, and Endo radar's inbuilt Apex Locator during working length determination determination in primary teeth with the actual/direct canal length. Materials and methods 58 primary teeth indicated for extraction in children of age group 4-12 years were selected. RVG, Root ZX mini Apex Locator, and Endo radar's Apex Locator were used to determine the working length intraorally. Following extraction of the teeth, the actual working length was determined with magnifying loupes (2.5×) using a K-file and an endodontic ruler. The data was tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results 84 canals (58 teeth) were evaluated and Root ZX mini Electronic Apex Locator (EAL) showed no statistically significant difference with the actual measurement (p = 0.18) whereas Endo radar and RVG showed statistically significant difference. Endo radar underestimated, while RVG overestimated the working length. The most accurate method for working length measurements of the root canals in primary teeth was Root ZX mini EAL, followed by Endo radar and the least accurate was RVG. Conclusion The Root ZX mini Apex Locator showed the most promising results and had an excellent degree of agreement with actual working length, followed by Endo radar and RVG. How to cite this article Khan SA, Khanna R, Navit S, et al. Comparison of Radiovisiography, an Apex Locator and an Integrated Endomotor-inbuilt Apex Locator in Primary Teeth Endometrics. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2022;15(S-1):S18-S21.
High-Dynamic Range Collision Detection using Piezoelectric Polymer Films for Planar and Non-planar Applications

This thesis develops a large area collision detection system utilizing the piezoelectric effect of polyvinylidene fluoride film. Complex high speed autonomous articulations associated with modern large-scale high degree-of-freedom (DOF) robotic arms have a high possibility of collision when integrated into human cooperative environments for human-aid, task automation, and biomedical interfacing. The proposed system provides high dynamic range for sensation and robust adaptability to achieve collision detection on complex surfaces in order to augment robotic systems with collision perception. The design allows for increased cohabitation of human and high DOF robotic arms in cooperative environments requiring advanced and robust collision detection systems capable of retrofitting onto deployed and operating robotic arms in the commercial world. Sensor testing is accomplished using multiple collision stimuli to mimic real world performance as well as impact force modeling utilizing high speed cameras. The experimentation results show a wide dynamic sensing range for collision force, from 5 N to 300 N and consistent sensor response for planar and non-planar applications. The thesis will show and support the sensor capability of wide range of collision detection while maintaining adaptability of sensor design to multiple scenarios. The approach differs from current work which primarily focuses on small-range low levels of tactician perception, small area sensor requiring complex construction, and associated electronics and processing complexity for common approaches. The pseudo-membrane design eliminates the construction complexity and limited application scope while achieving high and low levels of collision detection utilizing simple electronics and processing method. The captured experimentation results highlight the consistency of response for multiple applications, standard deviation of results less than 1 GPA, and the large range of collision detection capability from 5 N to 300 N.
PLA-modified magnesium phosphate bone cement with anti-washout property and degradability

Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) has been widely used in civil engineering as fastsetting repair material. Recently, the biomedical applications of MPC have attracted much attention. MPC has the advantages of fast setting, high early strength and good degradability in vivo. Due to its higher adhesive strength than calcium phosphate cement (CPC), MPC is suggested be used as bone adhesive for unstable fracture treatment. The conventional MPC employed water as the setting liquid and the paste normally showed poor washout resistance when came in contact with water immediately after mixing. This disadvantage might compromise its clinical performance. The aim of this work was to improve the anti-washout property of MPC by incorporating polylactide (PLA) into the liquid phase. The mixing liquid was prepared by dissolving 20% w/w PLA in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). The PLAmodified MPC paste exhibited excellent water resistance, without disintegration even being contact with water immediately after mixing. The setting time ranged from 25 to 56 minutes with varying powder to liquid ratios. The maximum compressive strength reached 27 MPa which was suitable for non-load-bearing applications. XRD and IR analysis indicated that the hardened product was a mixture of NH4MgPO4-6H2O and PLA. In vitro Tris-HCl immersion tests revealed that the degradation of PLA-modified MPC was faster than the conventional MPC. In conclusion, with excellent anti-washout property and improved degradability, the PLA-modified MPC could be applied as bone adhesive and bone substitution material.
BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS AND HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT AFTER THE CONSUMPTION OF SOME VEGETABLES GROWN ALONG RIVERS JAKARA AND GETSI IN ALBINO RATS

Cabbage and lettuce were collected from three locations each along the irrigation farms of Rivers Jakara and Getsi. Domestic and industrial waste are freely discharge into these rivers. Thirty Nine Albino Rats were divided into Thirteen (13) groups where Animals in groups 1-12 were fed with diet containing 10% cabbage or lettuce. The 13th group were fed with normal diet. After 90 days, the Animals were sacrificed, blood and organs were collected. Fe had the highest level in the blood and significantly different from the control in all the groups. The level of other essential heavy metals is in the following order of decreasing concentration, Fe> Zn > Cu > Cr > Mn > Co while Pb has the highest concentration and in the following order of decreasing concentration Pb > As > Cd > Ni > Hg. A significant decrease in weight of the heart, kidney and pancreas was observed and a significance difference in the organ/body weight coefficient was observed in the Liver (group 3, 4 and 11) Kidney (group 5, 6 and 7) and Pancreas (group 1, 3 and 9). The bioaccumulation index (BAI) shows that eight (8), Seven (7) and Six (6) of the elements analyzed accumulates in the Liver and the Pancreas, Kidney and Heart respectively. Liver accumulated more Cadmium, Lead and Nickel while Pancreas accumulated Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt. Consumption of these vegetables led to reduction in organ weight, increase blood levels and bioaccumulation of some heavy metals in vital organs of albino rats
Analysis and Design of the Tank Feedline in Millimeter-Wave VCOs

This article presents a detailed analysis of the impact of the tank feedline on tuning range (TR) and phase noise (PN) in millimeter-wave LC voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs). A robust extended TR design, with low PN and small die area, is later proposed, analyzed, and experimentally validated. A new interconnect approach for the coarse tuning capacitor bank is used to significantly reduce the LC tank routing capacitance and resistance, thus improving the TR and PN of the VCO. As a proof of concept, a 26.8-GHz VCO with a 5-bit digitally switched-capacitor bank [capacitor digital-to-analog converter (C-DAC)] is implemented using a folded feedline routing structure in a digital 45-nm CMOS silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. Compared to a conventional layout structure, the proposed interconnect technique yields a wider TR and lower losses while significantly improving the linearity of the C-DAC. The fabricated VCO yields a TR of 33%, covering the extended 5G frequency band with a sufficient margin from 22.4 to 31.2 GHz, with a minimum overlap of 40%. Moreover, it achieves a PN of −105.5 and −97.2 dBc/Hz at a 1-MHz offset at the low and high bands, respectively, while dissipating 6 mW from a 1.0-V supply, corresponding to an average FOMT of −192.6 dBc/Hz.