Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors Contributing to Teenage Pregnancy in South Africa: The Case of Matjitjileng Village

Abstract Teenage pregnancy in South Africa is growing rapidly among school-going pupils and it leads to school drop-out as the teenage mothers have to leave school to care for their babies. Teenage mothers add to the number of women who are illiterate. In Matjitjileng village, pregnancy among young people has reached pandemic heights. It seems lack of communication between parents and their children exacerbates the problem. The residents of this village still have the misconception that it is taboo to talk about sex with young people. This research investigated the causes and effects of teenage pregnancy in Matjitjileng Village, a sub-rural area situated in the Mogalakwena Municipality in Waterberg District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study found that most of the teenagers fell pregnant at the age of 16 and 19 years. Almost all of them fall pregnant because of lack of parental guidance and role models in the village. Most of them were influenced by their peers who fell pregnant at an early age and were ignorant about contraceptives. The study suggested radical programs that are aimed at the reduction of teenage pregnancy and the holding of workshops that encourage abstinence and preventative measures against this scourge.
High-Resolution, Low-Delay, and Error-Resilient Medical Ultrasound Video Communication Using H.264/AVC Over Mobile WiMAX Networks

In this study, we describe an effective video communication framework for the wireless transmission of H.264/AVC medical ultrasound video over mobile WiMAX networks. Medical ultrasound video is encoded using diagnostically driven, error resilient encoding, where quantization levels are varied as a function of the diagnostic significance of each image region. We demonstrate how our proposed system allows for the transmission of high-resolution clinical video that is encoded at the clinical acquisition resolution and can then be decoded with low delay. To validate performance, we perform OPNET simulations of mobile WiMAX medium access control and physical layers characteristics that include service prioritization classes, different modulation and coding schemes, fading channel's conditions, and mobility. We encode the medical ultrasound videos at the 4CIF (704×576) resolution that can accommodate clinical acquisition that is typically performed at lower resolutions. Video quality assessment is based on both clinical (subjective) and objective evaluations.
Basic Concepts in the Methodology of the Social Sciences. HSRC Studies in Research Methodology.

In case you happen to be trying to know how to have Basic Concepts in the Methodology of the Social Sciences eBooks, you must go thorough study on common search engines like google with the keywords download Petter Laake PDF eBooks in order for you personally to only get PDF formatted books to download that are safer and virus-free you will discover an array of web sites catering for your wants. The majority of these internet sites have a large collection of PDF eBooks which it is possible to use for your advantage.
Seroepidemiological Survey of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in Ilam Province, West of Iran In 2013

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) as one of the most important human parasitic disease is endemic in some parts of Iran. Several cases of VL have been reported recently in the Ilam Province. The current study aimed to assess the present status of human VL in the region. Methods: A random cluster sampling method was used to collect 456 serums samples from the children up to 12 years of age and 10% of adults living in urban and rural areas of the province. All the collected serum samples were tested by direct agglutination test (DAT) to detect anti- Leishmania infantum antibodies. Results: Of the examined 456 serum samples with direct agglutination test (DAT), only 21 (0.43%) sera showed anti- Leishmania antibodies at titers 1:400 and higher. Distribution of anti- Leishmania antibodies titers were: 1:400(n=4), 1:800(n=11), 1:1600(n=3), 1:3200(n=1), and 1:6400(n=1). Individuals with titers ≥1:3200 showed clinical signs and symptoms such as fever and splenomegaly. The highest and lowest seropositivity were observed in the age groups of 5–9 and >15 years old, respectively. There were no significant difference between the rate of seropositivity in males and females. Conclusion: VL with a low prevalence circulates in some parts of Ilam province, particularly in the southern parts. Complementary studies should be needed to find animal reservoir hosts and vectors. Furthermore, health systems and physicians should pay particular attention to the disease.
Genetic variation among Iranian sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.) accessions vis-à-vis exotic genotypes on the basis of morpho-physiological traits and RAPD markers

Characterization of overall genetic diversity is an important foundation in breeding for superior genotypes. For sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.), an important oil seed crop, little is still known about genetic variability in many possible diversity hotspots, one of them postulated to be in Central Asia. We studied 27 sesame accessions, including 13 Iranian genotypes from 7 different locations and 14 exotic genotypes with wide geographical coverage. Variation among populations was characterized by 24 morphological, phenological and reproductive traits and by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Across genotypes, a factor analysis summarized the phenotypic traits best by six main factors, and important correlations were observed among key yield, phenological and morphological traits. A cluster analysis based on phenotypic traits separated the genotypes among four major groups and indicated high degree of phenotypic diversity in both the Iranian and the exotic genotypes. Genetic markers further underscored the high variability (Jaccard’s similarity coefficient) of Iranian (0.39-0.92) compared with exotic (0.40-0.81) genotypes, consistent with our hypothesis of a diversity hotspot in Iran. A weak correlation was observed among the classifications based on phenotypic traits and RAPD marker data. The results revealed that RAPD markers can efficiently evaluate genetic variation in the sesame germplasm. These data collectively demonstrate large genetic variability among Iranian sesame genotypes that can be considered as a valuable gene pool for sesame breeding programs.
Identification of miR-133b and RB1CC1 as Independent Predictors for Biochemical Recurrence and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Prostate Cancer

Objective: We aimed to investigate the contribution of microRNA-133b (miR-133b) in prostate cancer cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. We also examined expression of miR-133b in prostate cancer tissues, and evaluated the prognostic significance of miR-133b, as well as its target gene RB1CC1 in patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. Experimental Design: miR-133b mimics (miR-133bm) and anti–miR-133b were transfected into LNCaP and PC-3 cells. CCK-8 was used to look at cell proliferation, flow cytometric analysis was carried out to study cell cycle, and apoptosis was determined by caspase-3 activity. miR-133b expression was assessed by real-time reverse transcription PCR and in situ hybridization in prostatic cell lines and 178 prostate tissue samples, respectively. The protein level of RB1CC1 was examined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry in prostatic cell lines and prostate tissue samples, respectively. Results: Overexpression of miR-133b in LNCaP cells boosted cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression, but inhibited apoptosis; in contrast, miR-133bm promoted cell apoptosis, but suppressed cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression in PC-3 cells. In LNCaP cells, silencing of RB1CC1, a target of miR-133b, inhibited cell apoptosis, and promoted cell-cycle progression. Moreover, miR-133b expression was significantly inversely correlated with RB1CC1 expression in prostate cancer tissues. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that miR-133b and RB1CC1 might be two independent prognostic factors of biochemical recurrence. Conclusions: miR-133b might enhance tumor-promoting properties in less aggressive LNCaP cells, whereas this miR may act as a tumor suppressor in more aggressive PC-3 cells. miR-133b and RB1CC1 were independent prognostic indicators for prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 20(9); 2312–25. ©2014 AACR.
Student Outcomes of Distance Learning in Nursing Education: An Integrative Review

Distance learning offers a distinctive environment to educate nursing students. While there is a significant body of evidence in the literature related to course, program, and faculty outcomes of distance education, little attention has been given by researchers to evaluate student outcomes, with the exception of student satisfaction. There is a need to evaluate and translate findings related to student outcomes in distance learning into educational practice. Integrative reviews offer one strategy to contribute to evidence-based teaching practice initiatives. A search of available published qualitative and quantitative research on student outcomes of distance learning from 1999 to 2009 was conducted using a number of databases. Astin’s Input-Environment-Output conceptual model provided a framework for this review. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Bothcognitive and affective student outcomes emerged. The cognitive outcomes were student learning, learning process, and technology proficiency. Affective outcomes included personal and professional growth, satisfaction, and connectedness. Implications, recommendations, and future research are discussed.
Factors associated with therapy noncompliance in type-2 diabetes patients.

OBJECTIVE To identify the frequency and factors associated with therapy noncompliance in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out in 79 patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus seen in major hospitals of Mexico City. Patients were visited at home, from March 1998 to August 1999, to measure compliance with prescribed therapy. Complying patients were defined as those taking at least 80% of their pills or 80% of their corresponding insulin dose. The degree of compliance with therapy components (diet, amount of exercise, and keeping appointments) was measured. RESULTS The average age of study subjects was 59 years (SD 11 years); 73% (n = 58) were female subjects. The overall frequency of noncompliance was 39%. Noncompliance rates were: 62% for dietary recommendations, 85% for exercise, 17% for intake of oral hypoglycemic medication, 13% for insulin application, and 3% for appointment keeping. Hypertension plus obesity was the only factor significantly associated with noncompliance (OR 4.58, CI 95% 1.0, 22.4, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS The frequency of therapy noncompliance was very high, especially for diet and exercise.
The Mechanism of Self-Disinfection of the Human Skin and its Appendages

1. Four β-haemolytic strains of Streptococcus, suspended in normal saline, showed progressive increase in mortality, as the pHwas lowered from 7·5 to 5·0; below pH 5·0 the mortality was greatly accentuated. 2. Ether and alcohol extracts of human skin and its appendages were powerfully, saline extracts more weakly and inconstantly, lethal to the haemolytic Streptococcus and to certain other organisms. 3. The long chain fatty acids and soaps are the chief, if not the only, bactericidal constituents of skin and its appendages. 4. Experiments are described illustra ting the streptococcocidal effect of various acids occurring in animal fats. 5. Cystein and blood inhibit the streptoeoccocidal activity of skin fats and certain fatty acids. Ultra-violet light may increase this activity, or abolish, the inhibition exercised by cystein. 6. The mechanism of the sterilizing power of fatty acids and soaps, the influence exerted by cystein, blood, and ultra-violet light on the sterilizing power, of skin fats and fatty acids, and the relationship of skin fatty acids to lysozyme are discussed.
Trajectories to Retirement : The Role of Personal Traits , Attitudes and Expectations *

This paper investigates to what extent psychological factors, including both cognitive ability and personality traits, predict realized and expected retirement trajectories. Using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study spanning up to 20 years, we found that cognitively more able individuals work longer both in fulland in part-time jobs, and their prior expectations are largely in line with these realizations. Extraversion (a measure of need for social interactions) is also a strong predictor of working longer, especially in part-time “bridge jobs. ” Yet, for predicting retirement expectations extraversion is not statistically significant. We also find that people who score high on agreeableness retire earlier, on average. In search of potential mechanisms, the paper looks at the relationship between psychological factors and 1) health outcomes; 2) attitudes toward retirement; and 3) occupation choice. We show evidence that all three mechanisms play some role. *Financial support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation grant G-2014-13537 is greatly appreciated. Colleen McCullough provided excellent programming assistance.
Tobacco abuse amongst the school going students of 15 to 18 years of Almora district, Uttarakhand: a cross sectional study.

PURPOSE The present study was done to assess the prevalence of tobacco abuse among school going students of the age group 15 to 18 year old in the rural areas of Almora district, Uttrakhand state, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS Schools were grouped into 4 zones north, south and east, west based on their location in district, respectively. Second stage one private and one government school was randomly selected from each zone of rural Almora. All students belonging to age 15 to 18 year were selected from the selected schools. Data was collected by a pretested, closed ended questionnaire. RESULTS Overall, the prevalence of tobacco consumption among the adolescents was 45.42%. 63% male and 47.1% female adolescents were habituated to it. All female and majority of the male adolescents predominantly consumed a smokeless form of tobacco. CONCLUSION The prevalence of tobacco consumption indicates a downward shift in the age for the uptake of tobacco habit by adolescents and a rising prevalence among girls. Our findings suggest that tobacco use prevention and control measures are warranted and should be started very early preferably at primary education level.
The health workforce crisis in Pakistan: a critical review and the way forward.

Today, the developing world suffers due to the health "workforce crisis. " The World Health Report 2006 uses this term to study the current scenario in the developing countries. Human resource planning is a critical activity within the broader sectoral planning, especially when it comes to the health sector. Pakistan faces an acute shortage of different cadres of healthcare workers, which is bound to escalate further because of the high population growth rate, inequitable distribution and out-migration of the healthcare workforce. In the wake of ongoing reforms in the health sector of Pakistan, it is suggested that for the strengthening of health systems, there ought to be a serious thought process involved for developing a human resource plan for the health sector that responds to the needs of the population and the disease burden. A national strategy is imperative to retain, train and incentivize the health workforce.
Emotional Responses to Service Complaint Experiences : The Role of Perceived Justice

There is a growing recognition that perceived justice plays an important role in consumers’ evaluations of service complaint experiences. Higher levels of perceived justice have been found to be associated with more positive evaluations in terms of satisfaction, re-patronage and positive word-of-mouth intentions. Emotional responses to complaint experiences have received rather less attention. The current paper seeks to address this gap by considering the role of perceived justice in the elicitation of differential emotions following complaint handling experiences. Service scenario scripts were devised to depict a complaint handling encounter in relation to holiday check-in arrangements. The scripts, which varied in terms of level of (a) interactional justice, (b) procedural justice and (c) distributive justice, were presented to 168 respondents. Respondents were asked to imagine themselves as the person in the scenario and to indicate the extent to which different emotional adjectives described their reaction to the complaint handling encounter. Analyses using t-tests revealed that perceived justice evaluations were predictive of the type of emotion (i.e. positive or negative) elicited.
Head-centred meridian effect on auditory spatial attention orienting

Six experiments examined the issue of whether one single system or separate systems underlie visual and auditory orienting of spatial attention. When auditory targets were used, reaction times were slower on trials in which cued and target locations were at opposite sides of the vertical head-centred meridian than on trials in which cued and target locations were at opposite sides of the vertical visual meridian or were not separated by any meridian. The head-centred meridian effect for auditory stimuli was apparent when targets were cued by either visual (Experiments 2, 3, and 6) or auditory cues (Experiment 5). Also, the head-centred meridian effect was found when targets were delivered either through headphones (Experiments 2, 3, and 5) or external loudspeakers (Experiment 6). Conversely, participants showed a visual meridian effect when they were required to respond to visual targets (Experiment 4). These results strongly suggest that auditory and visual spatial attention systems are indeed separate, as far as endogenous orienting is concerned.
Reflectance Adaptive Filtering Improves Intrinsic Image Estimation

Separating an image into reflectance and shading layers poses a challenge for learning approaches because no large corpus of precise and realistic ground truth decompositions exists. The Intrinsic Images in the Wild (IIW) dataset provides a sparse set of relative human reflectance judgments, which serves as a standard benchmark for intrinsic images. A number of methods use IIW to learn statistical dependencies between the images and their reflectance layer. Although learning plays an important role for high performance, we show that a standard signal processing technique achieves performance on par with current state-of-the-art. We propose a loss function for CNN learning of dense reflectance predictions. Our results show a simple pixel-wise decision, without any context or prior knowledge, is sufficient to provide a strong baseline on IIW. This sets a competitive baseline which only two other approaches surpass. We then develop a joint bilateral filtering method that implements strong prior knowledge about reflectance constancy. This filtering operation can be applied to any intrinsic image algorithm and we improve several previous results achieving a new state-of-the-art on IIW. Our findings suggest that the effect of learning-based approaches may have been over-estimated so far. Explicit prior knowledge is still at least as important to obtain high performance in intrinsic image decompositions.
Evaluating the impact of outdoor orientation on incoming students' perceptions of social norms about alcohol use on campus

Alcohol issues are a concern of colleges and universities (National Institutes of Health, 2008). This study assessed the effects of an outdoor orientation program on the alcohol use and perceptions of program participants. Specifically, 30 outdoor orientation leaders participated in a three-hour training based on the social norms approach (Berkowitz, 2005). A repeated-measures, quasi-experimental design was used to collect data on incoming students' own use and approval of alcohol, and their perceptions of other students' use and approval. Results indicated that untrained leaders were "carriers of the misperception" of permissive alcohol use (Perkins, 1997) negatively effecting incoming students perceptions. Trained leaders did not reduce participants misperceptions, however misperceptions in these groups did not increase. These results suggest the need for social norms training for outdoor orientation leaders to minimize their potential for spreading misinformation about alcohol use norms on campus. An outdoor orientation training model is presented.
ADIASPORES OF Emmonsia parva var. crescens IN LUNGS OF SMALL RODENTS IN A RURAL AREA

Fischer O. A. : Adiaspores of Emmonsia parva var. crescens in Lungs of Small Rodents in a Rural Area. Acta Vet. Brno 2001, 70: 345–352. The purpose of this study was to compare the occurrence of Emmonsia parva var. crescens in populated and unpopulated habitats of a rural area (in a village with 615 inhabitants and in surrounding forests without human population) as indicated by findings of adiaspores in lungs of small rodents captured in these habitats. Adiaspores of E. parva var. crescens were found in lungs of 13 (9.6 %) out of 135 examined rodents. Four rodent species out of 7 were infected: the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus, 15.6 %), the house mouse (Mus musculus, 5.6 %), the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus, 3.2 %) and the yellow-necked field mouse (A. flavicollis, 16.7 %). The highest prevalence was found in the A. flavicollis and in the C. glareolus in the village and in the forests, respectively. Intensity of the infection was low or moderate (below 100 adiaspores per animal). The highest prevalence of the infection was found in spring. The prevalence was not influenced by sex of the animals. Occurrence of both saprophytic stage of E. parva var. crescens and rodents can be enabled by plant cover of uncultivated soil in the village, where the same plant species as in the surrounding forests occur. Therefore the risk of infection for humans and animals is not limited only to forest (unpopulated) habitats.
A multi-model assessment of regional climate disparities caused by solar geoengineering

Global-scale solar geoengineering is the deliberate modification of the climate system to offset some amount of anthropogenic climate change by reducing the amount of incident solar radiation at the surface. These changes to the planetary energy budget result in differential regional climate effects. For the first time, we quantitatively evaluate the potential for regional disparities in a multi-model context using results from a model experiment that offsets the forcing from a quadrupling of CO2 via reduction in solar irradiance. We evaluate temperature and precipitation changes in 22 geographic regions spanning most of Earthʼs continental area. Moderate amounts of solar reduction (up to 85% of the amount that returns global mean temperatures to preindustrial levels) result in regional temperature values that are closer to preindustrial levels than an un-geoengineered, high CO2 world for all regions and all models. However, in all but one model, there is at least one region for which no amount of solar reduction can restore precipitation toward its preindustrial value. For most metrics considering simultaneous changes in both variables, temperature and precipitation values in all regions are closer to the preindustrial climate for a moderate amount of solar reduction than for no solar reduction.