Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between Socio-Demographic Factors and Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Bangladesh

Background: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the anthropometric and demographic factors and their correlation with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Bangladesh. Methods: One hundred fourteen patients (70 males and 44 females) between 30 and 75 years of age from various areas of Bangladesh were screened for T2DM. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) was analyzed by using laboratory kits and spectrophotometric technique. Anthropometric and socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from weight (kg) and height (m) of the individual respondents. Physical activity was categorized based on activity during daily work. Economic condition is defined by respective family income and education level is categorized into 3 levels: illiterate, 0 - 12 years of education and graduate or above. Results: According to the current study results, half of the patients were from the middle-class family with low physical activity and their age was within the range of 30 - 45 years. The male and female ratio of the study population was 60:40. Most of the patients were found to be obese and educated. Urban populations were more prone to have DM than the rural population. Age, education, the area of residence (urban and rural), physical activity and co-morbid diseases were significantly correlated with T2DM in Bangladesh (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study shows that different socio-demographic factors have a significant correlation with T2DM in Bangladesh. Diabetes awareness, early diagnosis, patient education and life-style modification can be initiated to manage T2DM efficiently.
Women’s career mobility and childbearing in Sweden. Evidence of a tradeoff?

Childbearing has long been considered inimical to women’s careers, and occupational mobility may particularly reflect this dynamic. Swedish register data is used to explore how women’s occupational mobility is linked to first, second and third birth transitions to observe the importance of career developments at different stages in the fertility career. This relationship may be weak in a context such as Sweden, where policies protect women’s income and position in the labor market from heavy loss after childbirth as well as encourage fathers to share parental leave. Upward mobility was most common before entering parenthood and women delayed parenthood when they had been upwardly mobile. Career advancement continued but occurred less frequently after entering parenthood and still delayed or deterred second and third births. The negative relationship between career advancement and fertility behavior may be interpreted as evidence of a tradeoff women make in Sweden, even when policies support facilitation of work and family as well as both partners being earners and carers. Results also indicate that second and third birth transitions were related to mobility experiences relative to occupational statuses at the time of the previous birth instead of relative to early jobs in women’s careers. This pattern implies that the class at which women enter the labor market in Sweden is not an important indicator of the joint determination involved in future career and childbearing plans; moreover, instead of being a stable characteristics, fertility decisions appear related to women’s success in managing career advancement each step of the way.
Probabilistic latent variable models for knowledge discovery and optimization

I conduct a systematic study of probabilistic latent variable models (PLVMs) with applications to knowledge discovery and optimization. Probabilistic modeling is a principled means to gain insight of data. By assuming that the observed data are generated from a distribution, we can estimate its density, or the statistics of our interest, by either Maximum Likelihood Estimation or Bayesian inference, depending on whether there is a prior distribution for the parameters of the assumed data distribution. One of the primary goals of various machine learning/data mining models is to reveal the underlying knowledge of observed data. A common practice is to introduce latent variables, which are modeled together with the observations. Such latent variables compute, for example, the class assignments (labels), the cluster membership, as well as other unobserved measurements of the data. Besides, proper exploitation of latent variables facilities the optimization itself, which leads to computationally efficient inference algorithms. In this thesis, I describe a range of applications where latent variables can be leveraged for knowledge discovery and efficient optimization. Works in this thesis demonstrate that PLVMs are a powerful tool for modeling incomplete observations. Through incorporating latent variables and assuming that the observations such as citations, pairwise preferences as well as text are generated following tractable distributions parametrized by the latent variables, PLVMs are flexible and effective to discover knowledge in data mining problems, where the knowledge is mathematically modelled as continuous or discrete values, distributions or uncertainty. In addition, I also explore PLVMs for deriving efficient algorithms. It has been shown that latent variables can be employed as a means for model reduction and facilitates the computation/sampling of intractable distributions. Our results lead to algorithms which take advantage of latent variables in probabilistic models. We conduct experiments against state-of-the-art models and empirical evaluation shows that our proposed approaches improve both learning performance and computational efficiency.
Evaluating a CPU/GPU Implementation for Real-Time Ray Tracing

Animated movies, CGI, and video games are commonplace in every day life. Virtualand Augmented Reality are becoming more pervasive in society, and with them, the role of Computer Graphics becomes even more important. Part of creating these experiences is one of two approaches. The standard approach for rendering graphics in real-time applications has, and continues to be, rasterization. However, a shift is being made towards using ray tracing over rasterization for its improved visual quality. Due to its often expensive computational requirements, finding ways of optimizing ray tracing is a sprawling area of research. One aspect that is, practically, unexplored is hybrid CPU/GPU renderers. This paper attempts to evaluate if it is possible to implement a hybrid CPU/GPU ray tracer that performs better than either a CPU or GPU implementation in isolation. An existing framework is profiled, analyzed, and altered to give insight into this problem. The analysis results in a modified framework where two drawing methods are evaluated: one that draws using OpenGL, and one that only performs frame calculations. The resulting data indicate that, though theoretically possible, it is infeasible to implement a hybrid solution that outperforms pure solutions using the explored architectures and APIs. The major factor limiting the performance of a hybrid solution, is the memory system; with significant time being spent on relaying the CPUpartition of the rendered frame to the GPU.
COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE: ITS EFFECT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN PLANE GEOMETRY

This study aimed to investigate the effects of computer and Internet usage on the performance of students studying plane geometry. The rapid influx of new technologies and applications has brought advancement that has become an integral part of a person’s identity. According to Amponsah (2010), most youth are largely occupied with chatting with friends, browsing Internet sites, and playing online games. This behavior leads to long hours on the Internet, which causes them to sleep in class or miss class altogether. The proper and efficient use of technology can provide many positive benefits; however, technology can prevent many youth from thinking critically, due to the easy access of information. The instruments used in the study are a plane geometry achievement test and a survey on computer and the Internet usage. The study revealed that the performance of the respondents is satisfactory. The respondents indicate “Very Satisfactory” performance along the congruence of line segments, angles, and triangles. It further revealed that the statement “Computers are used to play interactive games like Dota” is significantly related to the level of performance of the respondents in courses on plane geometry. Keywords: Plane Geometry, Computer and Internet Use To cite this document: Ma. Theresa F. Pescador and Mary Loreen Cayabyab, "COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE: ITS EFFECT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN PLANE GEOMETRY ", International Journal of Cyber Society and Education, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 49-64, 2017. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi. org/10.7903/ijcse.1452
Health-seeking behaviour among migrant female head porters in the City of Accra, Ghana

Migration is an important feature of human development and a significant driver of societal change and well-being across populations. One key aspect of contemporary migration is the rise in female migration, contributing to the debate on urbanization with implications for the health of migrants. This study examined the health behaviour of migrant female head porters in Accra. The study design was cross-sectional with an interview-administered survey. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select communities and 213 respondents. Data were analysed using the SPSS software. From the results, 41.1% were within ages 15-19 years, 41.7% were Mamprusis, and 59.1% were not married. About 65.5% knew the existence of a health facility around their residence, with 75.5% seeking healthcare outside orthodox health facilities. A significant association was established between marital status and education and where healthcare was sought. Respondents who saved money, had Health Insurance cards, and receive support from others were more likely to visit health facilities. The study concludes that the predictors of health-seeking behaviour among the respondents are the possession of health insurance; level of saving, social support they receive from others including marital status and education. Respondents should be encouraged to possess health insurance and save money. Keywords: Health-Seeking, Behaviour, Migrants, Female, Head-Porters, Behaviour
Predictors of intentions to use cigarettes and electronic-cigarettes among high school students

Purpose Tobacco is the second most commonly used drug by Spanish high school students and e-cigarette use has increased over the last three years among this population. Students who reported smoking tobacco and/or e-cigarette use often have friends and family that also consume these substances. The aims of the present study were to: determine the prevalence of tobacco and electronic cigarette consumption among young adolescents, the age of initiation and the intention to consume both of these substances in the future; study the relationships between their current tobacco and e-cigarette consumption status, intentions to consume these substances in the future and the consumption of these substances by family members living in their home and friend’s consumption status; investigate the relationship between their current tobacco and e-cigarette consumption status, friends’ consumption status and their intention to consume each substance in the future; analyse the relationship between current consumption status, intentions to consume in the future and perceived risk; identify the main predictors of intentions to use these substances in the future. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017. The sample consisted of 468 school students in the first cycle of secondary education in Catalonia, Spain. The participants who were aged between 11 and 15 years old, with 49.4% being female. Results A stepwise binary logistic regression showed that the best predictors of the intention to smoke tobacco in the future were: having tried tobacco, being a current consumer, having a family member smoking at home and having a low perceived risk of smoking. The best predictors of the intention to use electronic cigarettes in the future were: having tried tobacco, being a current consumer and having friends who smoke or use electronic cigarettes. Conclusion Smoking prevention programs must consider the social network surrounding teenagers, particularly close friends and family. Intervention strategies for delaying the onset of tobacco or e-cigarette consumption are greatly needed.
Analysis of the drilling sound component from expert performance in a maxillo-facial surgery

Auditory displays can have a great potential in surgical simulators that aim at training skills associated to the correct interpretation of auditory information. Here, we present preliminary results in the analysis of the sound produced by the drilling procedure in a maxillo-facial surgery when performed by expert surgeons. The motivation of this work is to find relevant acoustic parameters that allow for an efficient synthesis method of auditory displays so that they can effectively convey information on expert surgical drilling.
Mitochondrial determinants of chemoresistance

Chemoresistance constitute nowadays the major contributor to therapy failure in most cancers. There are main factors that mitigate cell response to therapy, such as target organ, inherent sensitivity to the administered compound, its metabolism, drug efflux and influx or alterations on specific cellular targets, among others. We now know that intrinsic properties of cancer cells, including metabolic features, substantially contribute to chemoresistance. In fact, during the last years, numerous reports indicate that cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy demonstrate significant alterations in mitochondrial metabolism, membrane polarization and mass. Metabolic activity and expression of several mitochondrial proteins are modulated under treatment to cope with stress, making these organelles central players in the development of resistance to therapies. Here, we review the role of mitochondria in chemoresistant cells in terms of metabolic rewiring and function of key mitochondria-related proteins.
AN IMPROVED ARTIFICIAL DENDRITE CELL ALGORITHM FOR ABNORMAL SIGNAL DETECTION 1Mohamad

In dendrite cell algorithm (DCA), the abnormality of a data point is determined by comparing the multi-context antigen value (MCAV) with anomaly threshold. The limitation of the existing threshold is that the value needs to be determined before mining based on previous information and the existing MCAV is inefficient when exposed to extreme values. This causes the DCA fails to detect new data points if the pattern has distinct behavior from previous information and affects detection accuracy. This paper proposed an improved anomaly threshold solution for DCA using the statistical cumulative sum (CUSUM) with the aim to improve its detection capability. In the proposed approach, the MCAV were normalized with upper CUSUM and the new anomaly threshold was calculated during run time by considering the acceptance value and min MCAV. From the experiments towards 12 benchmark and two outbreak datasets, the improved DCA is proven to have a better detection result than its previous version in terms of sensitivity, specificity, false detection rate and accuracy.
ELT students’ attitudes and awareness towards the use of WEB 2.0 technologies for language learning

Web 2.0 technologies provide rich resources and environments for both educators and students in English learning and teaching processes. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the ELT students’ attitudes towards the use of Web 2.0 tools to improve their language skills and to identify the Web 2.0 tools used by the students. The study conducted with the descriptive, survey design was carried out in the spring semester of 2017-2018 academic year. The sample of the study was composed of 207 students studying in the English Language Teaching department at Gazi University and Hacettepe University Faculty of Education. The data of the study were obtained by using the “Attitude questionnaire for Web 2.0 tools”. The study found that students were aware of the existence of Web 2.0 tools used in Learning English and that they had a positive attitude towards the use of the tools. The findings have shown that the vast majority were aware of the Web 2.0 tools in language learning and that they believe these tools help them in learning English. Students have stated that Web 2.0 tools developed their English listening skills the most.
The Role of Oils Addition to Diets and its Effect on Ration Consumption and Production Profomance Recovery of Dairy Goats

Fifteen Zaraibi nanny goats were divided into three groups (N=5/group) and randomly assigned to three experimental diets: (1) control diet group free of oil (G1) fed concentrate fed mixture (CFM) + berseem hay (BH), (2) trial diet group (G2) received CFM+ BH+ linseed oil and (3) trial diet group (G3) fed CFM+BH+ sunflower oil (oil bottles are not suitable for marketing). All goats in G2 and G3 group received oils at the rate of 3% of dry matter intake. The study included evaluation of rations' consumption from flushing to mating, from trimester to parturition, during suckling and lactation months. Also, productive performance recovery included changing body weight of maternal, offspring number, litter size, average birth body weight of kids (at four days post-received colostrum), suckling milk amount, body weight of weaning kids, trading milk, blood metabolites and economic efficiency. The results indicated that oils addition in G2 and G3 reduced feedstuffs consumption from flushing up to parturition, during suckling and lactation months compared to goats in G1 group. Subsequently, the total consumption of rations for G1, G2 and G3 were 1200, 1191, and 1189 g / h /d from flushing to mating; 1390, 1380, and 1380 g / h /d during trimester to parturition; 1497, 1427 and 1427 g / h /d during suckling and 1223, 1210 and 1202 g / h /d during milking months, respectively. Consequently, the productive performance recovery such as changing body weight of maternal in G1, G2 and G3 groups from flushing (36.80, 36.78 and 36.44 kg) to parturition (37.48, 38.00 and 38.12 kg), offspring numbers was 8, 10 and 11 kids, litter size recorded 2.00, 2.50 and 2.20% and average body weight of birth kids reached to 2.90, 3.60 and 4.70 kg, respectively. Furthermore, the nanny goats in diet of G1 showed a lower (P < 0.05) suckling milk amount (1.79, 2.05, 1.92, 1.43 and 1.25kg /h) than nanny goats in G2 (2.75, 2.70, 2.65, 2.03 and 1.55 kg/h) and G3 (2.88, 3.05, 2.70, 2.20 and 1.58 kg/h) through evaluation period at 7, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days post-partum, respectively. In addition, body weight of kids at weaning recorded significant (P<0.05) differences among G1, G2 and G3, being 9.40, 11.10 and 11.90 kg, respectively. When, G2 and G3 groups received oils they could show the highest (P<0.05) yield of milk (363 and 389 kg) than goats in G1 (262 kg) during lactating months, respectively. But, no variation (P > 0.05) was observed in blood parameters among G1, G2 and G3, except glucose (62.35, 68.88 and 69.86 mg/dl) and calcium (9.01, 10.11 and 10.45 mg/dl). The economic efficiency indicated the best estimate in G3 (72.53%) followed by G2 (65.98%) and the less within G1 (55.55%). The results showed that the addition of linseed and sunflower oils to goats' rations could lead to a lower consumption of diet during critical periods (from flushing to parturition) of production. In addition, it has been found a better production performance recovery and economic efficiency than those fed feedstuffs alone.
Image Encryption Using Block Cipher Based Serpent Algorithm

In an encryption scheme, the message or information, referred to as plaintext, is encrypted using an encryption algorithm, generating cipher text that can only be read if decrypted. A proposal algorithm for images protection is depending on the block cipher serpent algorithm in feistel network structure, because numbers of round and linear transformation function and used block size of 512 bits rather than 128 bits has more complexity for attacker or unauthorized person to discover original images. In modified serpent, the correlation coefficient decreases to below the traditional serpent algorithm. When 64*64 pixel bitmap image is used the correlation coefficient for gray level between plain image and cipher image is (0.0023) in modified serpent and (0.0814) in traditional serpent .
The Usability of Captchas on Mobile Devices

Completely Automated Public Turing tests to tell Computers and Humans Apart (captcha) are challenge-response tests used on the web to distinguish human users from automated bots. Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have become a primary means of accessing online resources for many users, however most existing captchas do not properly fit mobile devices and may lead users to abandon tasks. Captchas have become sufficiently hard for users to solve that some web sites refrain deploying them and others are actively looking at alternatives. For users of smartphones, the reduced screen size can lead to typing mistakes and loss of position. In addition, environmental context and device orientation also have an impact on the user experience. In this thesis, our research revolves around three primary, inter-related questions: How can we effectively assess usability issues of captchas accessed on smartphones? What are the most prevalent usability issues of captchas accessed on smartphones? How can we improve captchas for smartphone usage? We conducted lab and heuris- tic evaluations on existing and prototype captcha schemes, and identified areas for improvement. We developed, refined and tested a set of domain specific heuristics to evaluate captcha schemes on smartphones. We designed and tested four captcha prototypes to assess the viability of different input methods. From the empirical work, we identified design strategies for the development of new captcha schemes for smartphones.
Relationship between C-Reactive Protein, White Blood Cell Count and Metabolic Syndrome in Nigerians with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in people with diabetes confers increased cardiovascular and diabetes-specific micro- and macrovascular complications. The pathogenic pathways for metabolic syndrome are still issues for discussion especially in some special groups like those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recent evidences suggest that inflammation may play a key role in MS. This study assessed the relationship between MS (and its component risks) and markers of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein {hs-CRP} and white blood cells {WBC}). Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 108 patients with T2DM. Anthropometric measurements and clinical examination were conducted. Blood sample was collected for hs-CRP, WBC, glycated haemoglobin etc. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Ethical approval was granted and informed consent was obtained from participants. Results: Mean age of male and female participants were 58.00 ± 7.01 years and 55.48 ± 8.35 years respectively (p = 0.092). Eighty-two (75.9%) participants had metabolic syndrome. Median values of hs-CRP and total WBC were 0.89mg/L and 5.73 x103/mm3 respectively. On correlation, hs-CRP showed statistically significant association with waist circumference (r = 0.194; p = 0.044), fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.191; p = 0.048) and serum triglycerides (p = 0.226; r = 0.019). There was no statistically significant association between WBC and the metabolic components. Conclusion: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome is high, and C-reactive protein was associated with waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose and serum triglycerides.