Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulations of Autoignition and Laminar Premixed Flames in Methane/Air Mixtures Diluted with Hot Products

This article considers constant-pressure autoignition and freely propagating premixed flames of cold methane/air mixtures mixed with equilibrium hot products at high enough dilution levels to burn within the moderate to intense low oxygen dilution (MILD) combustion regime. The analysis is meant to provide further insight on MILD regime boundaries and to identify the effect of hot products speciation. As the mass fraction of hot products in the reactants mixture increases, autoignition occurs earlier. Species profiles show that the products/reactants mixture approximately equilibrates to a new state over a quick transient well before the main autoignition event, but as dilution becomes very high, this equilibration transient becomes more prominent and eventually merges with the primary ignition event. The dilution level at which these two reactive zones merge corresponds well with that marking the transition into the MILD regime, as defined according to conventional criteria. Similarly, premixed flame simulations at high dilutions show evidence of significant reactions involving intermediate species prior to the flame front. Since the premixed flame governing equations system demands that the species and temperature gradients be zero at the “cold” boundary, flame speed cannot be calculated above a certain dilution level. Up to this point, which again agrees reasonably well with the transition into the MILD regime according to convention, the laminar burning velocity was found to increase with hot product dilution while flame thickness remained largely unchanged. Some comments on the MILD combustion regime boundary definition for gas turbine applications are included.
HEPATOTOXICITY WITH ANTITUBERCULOSIS DRUGS: THE RISK FACTORS

Objective: To assess the severity and frequency of hepatotoxicity caused by different antituberculosis (ATT) drugs and to evaluate whether concurrence of risk factors influence the antituberculosis drug induced hepatotoxicity. Method: This prospective cohort study was conducted in Medical Unit-V and OPD department of Civil Hospital Karachi from July 2004 to July 2005. A total of 339 patients diagnosed of active tuberculosis infection with normal pretreatment liver function were monitored clinically as well as biochemically. Their data were collected on proforma and patients were treated with Isonized, Rifampicin and Pyrazinamide. Duration after which derangement in function, if any, occurred and time taken for normalization was noted. Treatment was altered as needed, with exclusion of culprit drug. Finally data was analyzed by SPSS version 10.0. Results: ATT induced hepatotoxicity was seen in 67 (19.76%) out of 339 patients. Females were more affected as compared to males (26.3% vs. 19.7%). BMI (kg/m 2 ) of 91% of diseased group were less than 18.5 (p<0.01) most of them were anemic having low albumin level suggestive of lean body mass. Hepatotoxicity was more severe in AFB smear positive patients. Concomitant use of alcohol, paracetamol and low serum cholesterol were proved as predisposing factors. Isoniazid [37 patients (55.21%), p<0.01] was the main culprit followed by Rifampicin (23 patients, 34.21%) and Pyrazinamide (7 patients, 10.5%). Most of the patients (61%) developed the hepatotoxicity within two weeks of starting antituberculosis therapy with mild to moderate alteration in ALT and AST. Conclusion: ATT-induced hepatitis is significantly more frequent and more severe in patients with hepatotoxicity risk factors.
Livelihoods Research: Some Conceptual and Methodological Issues

This paper offers a review of conceptual and methodological issues in the pursuit of livelihoods research, with particular reference to southern Africa. Disparate and partly overlapping frameworks of investigation are outlined, with an emphasis on three key questions. First, how is empirical research at the micro-level related to analysis of the structural, historical and institutional elements of the macro-context? Second , what combination of methods most effectively allows us to trace trajectories of change in diverse livelihoods over time? Third, how are livelihoods frameworks most usefully deployed to investigate and understand processes of differentiation, accumulation and impoverishment? The methods and approaches surveyed include: the Sustainable (Rural) Livelihoods framework; Frank Ellis' work on combining sample surveys and participatory techniques in East Africa; livelihood trajectories research in western Nepal and eastern India; Khanya's 'vertical transect' methodology, used in Southern and Central Africa; Multiple Livelihoods and Social Change research using life histories and 'cluster' analysis in South Africa; and Sechaba's combining of quantitative survey and 'participatory' research in Lesotho.
Demonstrating Tutoring One-Semester Cou rse

The results of college-level tutoring programs are best described as mixed. Although some studies have detected beneficial effects (Lidren, Meier, & Brigham, 1991; Longuevan & Shoemaker, 1991), others reveal no positive tutoring effect (Griffin & Griffin, 1995). In 1986, McKeachie concluded that there are few clear demonstrations of the benefits of undergraduate peer tutors. The present study attempted to contribute additional evidence to understanding the effect of peer tutors in the undergraduate classroom. Peer-level tutoring has been studied for some time in elementary and middle schools. For example, Dougherty and Taylor (1983) report a study conducted with middle school peer helpers using a pretest-posHest comparison group design. They utilized a number of commercially available testing instruments, such as the Survey of Student Helping Responses, Carkhuff Empathy Scales, and the Facilitator Competency Test. They found changes in classroom behavior, attendance, grades and self-concept for the peer helpers, but did not study those students being helped. Other studies have been conducted in this area as well. Phillips, Hamlett, Fuchs, and Fuchs (1993) found that, in a peer-tutoring program in the public schools for children in grades 2-5, peer tutoring was generally helpful, especially for learning disabled students. Cohen, Kulik, and Kulik (1982) concluded from their comprehensive meta-analysis of 65 elementary and secondary school tutoring programs that (a) tutored students benefit more academically and develop more positive attitudes toward the subject matter when compared to non tutored students; (b) the tutors themselves benefit by gaining a better understanding and also develop positive attitudes; and (c) regardless of being tutored or being the tutor, there is little to no effect on self-esteem. The benefits of tutoring at the elementary school levels seem clear; the evidence is not so strong for college-level tutoring programs.
Storage dynamics simulations in prairie wetland hydrology models: evaluation and parameterization

The contributing areas of streams in the Prairie regions of Canada and the northern U.S. are dominated by complexes of wetlands which store and release water. Prior research has suggested the existence of hysteresis between the total volume of water stored in prairie wetlands within a drainage basin and the basin's contributing area. To simulate the relationship between storage and contributing area in a way that accounts for hysteresis, two wetland hydrology models with vastly different levels of complexity were devised.
Contact-Patch-Size Distribution and Limits of Self-Affinity in Contacts between Randomly Rough Surfaces

True contact between solids with randomly rough surfaces tends to occur at a large number of microscopic contact patches. Thus far, two scaling regimes have been identified for the number density n ( A ) of contact-patch sizes A in elastic, non-adhesive, self-affine contacts. At small A, n ( A ) is approximately constant, while n ( A ) decreases as a power law at large A. Using Green’s function molecular dynamics, we identify a characteristic (maximum) contact area A c above which a superexponential decay of n ( A ) becomes apparent if the contact pressure is below the pressure p cp at which contact percolates. We also find that A c increases with load relatively slowly far away from contact percolation. Results for A c can be estimated from the stress autocorrelation function G σ σ ( r ) with the following argument: the radius of characteristic contact patches, r c , cannot be so large that G σ σ ( r c ) is much less than p cp 2 . Our findings provide a possible mechanism for the breakdown of the proportionality between friction and wear with load at large contact pressures and/or for surfaces with a large roll-off wavelength.
Latitudinal gradients in stream invertebrate assemblages at a regional scale on Hokkaido Island, Japan

Summary 1. Although a latitudinal gradient in species diversity has been observed for various taxa, the factors generating the latitudinal gradient at broad spatial scales are difficult to identify because several candidate factors change simultaneously with latitude. We investigated latitudinal gradients in stream invertebrate assemblages in 30 headwater streams in Hokkaido Island, Japan, focusing on the regional scale to discount historical factors and to extract the effects of environmental factors on latitudinal gradients in diversity. 2. Taxon diversity (Shannon index) and taxon richness (number of taxa per unit area) increased with latitude. Abundance showed a similar latitudinal gradient, whereas evenness (Δ1) did not. Hence, we conclude that the observed latitudinal gradient in taxon richness was generated by directional variation in abundance (passive accumulation), leading to that in taxon diversity. 3. Precipitation, which is strongly related to flood disturbances, decreased with latitude and was an important factor explaining variation in taxon diversity, taxon richness and abundance. The probability of a taxon being present tended to increase from south to north, suggesting that the higher taxon richness observed in northern sites may be because of the presence of rare species. These findings indicate that flood disturbance varying with latitude may influence abundance and local extinction rates of rare species, consequently affecting taxon richness and taxon diversity. 4. By detecting the effects of an environmental factor (precipitation) on the latitudinal gradients in taxon diversity and taxon richness without interference by historical factors, this study demonstrates processes that can produce latitudinal gradients in the diversity of stream invertebrate assemblages.
Automatically repairing invalid polygons with a constrained triangulation

Although the validation of single polygons has received considerable attention, the automatic repair of invalid polygons has not. Automated repair methods can be considered as interpreting ambiguous or ill-defined polygons and giving a coherent and clearly defined output. At this moment, automatic tools are not satisfactory and repairing is thus mostly a semi-automatic task. We present in this paper a novel method, based on a constrained triangulation, to automatically repair invalid polygons. We describe our method, highlight some implementation details and describe an experiment with highly degenerate input for which predictable output is obtained. We believe our approach is superior to other tools since it is simple, intuitive and scales to big polygons.
Reliability and Construct Validity of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Medical Doctors on Smoking Cessation Guidelines

Introduction: Islam forbids any forms of tobacco smoking. Prevalence of active smokers in Malaysia is increasing despite availability of stop-smoking clinics. Thus, the practice of healthcare professionals involved in providing smoking cessation intervention needs to be assessed using validated assessment tool. Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire that assesses the knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical doctors based on the national smoking cessation guideline. In addition, we aimed to evaluate factors that contribute to the score. Methods: The 26 items consists of mixture of true/false choice questions and Likert scaling response based on domain of 5A’s (ask, assess, advice, assist, arrange) and 5R’s (relevant, risks, rewards, roadblocks, repetitions) of the national stop-smoking guideline. The questionnaire was distributed to 141 medical doctors. Reliability was determined using Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency while construct validity was assessed using factor analysis. Results: A high degree of internal consistency was observed for this 26 items (Cronbach’s alpha= 0.824) and for practice subscale (Cronbach’s alpha 0.83). Subsequently, three items were removed due to poor inter item correlation. Factor analysis extracted seven meaningful components from this remaining 23 items, in which three components with least items were deleted due to overlapping subscale with other components, leaving four meaningful components which consist of (1) practice of ask, advice and assess components and practice of 5R’s (total of 10 items); (2) practice of assist components for those willing to quit (two items); (3) knowledge (two items) and (4) attitude (three items). These final 17 items still demonstrate high internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.832. Conclusion: This study indicates that this questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare professionals on stop smoking guidelines.
College Students' Computer Self-Efficacy, Preferences, and Benefits: A 10-Year Comparison.

As universities struggle with resource allocation, our study helps shed light onto what students’ perceive as benefits of technology in their learning process. We had the exciting opportunity to compare data collected of undergraduate business students in a small Midwestern university college of business from 2004 to data we collected using a very similar instrument administered in 2014 (in our review we could not find other comparison studies of this nature). The changes in these students’ self-efficacy, preferences, and benefits of technology over a ten-year period were very surprising given our current concept of students as “ digital natives”. We find students have lower computer self-efficacy (CSE) today than students from ten years ago. In addition, our study shows that, while both current and former students consider technology beneficial to their learning process, their preferences have shifted. This study only scratches the surface and seeks first to look at the contradictory and confusing comparison results, the “why” will be addressed in further study.
Evaluation of Different Insecticide FormulationsAgainst Lipaphis erysimi (Hemiptera: Aphididae), aPest on Oil Seed Crop, Camelina sativa in Pakistan

False flax, German sesame and Siberian oilseed are the names used for oil seed crop, Camelina sativa L. Crantz of the family Brassicaceae. Camelina sativa is a flexible, summer annual oilseed crop that can be raised in different climatic and soil conditions. The objectives of this study were to test the efficacy of different insecticides against aphid, Lipaphis erysimi on Canadian and Australian Camelina sativa varieties. Insecticides were tested at their field recommended doses using knapsack sprayer. The data on adult mortality of Lipaphis erysimi were recorded after 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h. Acetamiprid and mospilon were found more effective in controlling aphid. For Canadian variety, after 5 days of application, maximum mortality was recorded for acetamiprid (98.70%) while least was observed for diafenthiuron (53.52%). In case of Australian camelina, maximum mortality (98.26%) of aphid were found using acetamiprid. Acetamiprid was the most effective insecticide to control aphid in both varieties of Camelina sativa.
Nonparametric distribution estimation in the presence of familial correlation and censoring

We propose methods to estimate the distribution functions for multiple populations from mixture data that are only known to belong to a specific population with certain probabilities. The problem is motivated from kin-cohort studies collecting phenotype data in families for various diseases such as the Huntington’s disease (HD) or breast cancer. Relatives in these studies are not genotyped hence only their probabilities of carrying a known causal mutation (e.g., BRCA1 gene mutation or HD gene mutation) can be derived. In addition, phenotype observations from the same family may be correlated due to shared life style or other genes associated with disease, and the observations are subject to censoring. Our estimator does not assume any parametric form of the distributions, and does not require modeling of the correlation structure. It estimates the distributions through using the optimal base estimators and then optimally combine them. The optimality implies both estimation consistency and minimum estimation variance. Simulations and real data analysis on an HD study are performed to illustrate the improved efficiency of the proposed methods. MSC 2010 subject classifications: Primary 62G08; secondary 62N01.
Solving the human predicament

The authors offer an ecological frame of reference for political action to change the economic and social trends now deepening the human predicament: overpopulation and continuing population growth, overconsumption by rich societies, resource depletion, environmental degradation, and inequitable distribution of wealth within and between societies. Certain points often overlooked include: the demographic contribution to environmental deterioration; climate disruption, global toxification, and a decay of biodiversity and ecosystem services; and economic growth of the rich, which hurts everyone in the long term. Perpetual economic growth is biophysically impossible; the culture gap impedes solutions; and all the factors are intertwined. Potential solutions include: empowering women and providing family planning services to all sexually active people; reducing overconsumption and helping the poor; overhauling education systems, including universities; adapting to changes that are inevitable; and improving food production and distribution systems. Hope comes from growing worldwide grassroots movements.
Differences in adipokines among healthy and asthmatic children

Abnormal adipokine levels have been observed to be independent risk factors in the etiology of asthma in certain populations, suggesting possible ethnic differences. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between adipokines in a cohort of asthmatic Saudi children. 129 Saudi children < 17 years old (58 asthma and 71 healthy) included in the study. Anthropometrics, leptin, adiponectin, resistin and aPAI-1 were measured. Asthmatic subjects had significantly higher systolic blood pressure, glucose, HDL-cholesterol, vitamin D, resistin, and, aPAI-1 than controls (P < 0.05). Resistin in particular, remained significantly higher in asthmatic children than controls even after adjusting for age and BMI. In conclusion, among adipocytokines, resistin seems to play an important role in the pro-inflammatory aspect of asthma in children.
Foundation degree learning: an educational journey of personal development

The foundation degree is an intermediate-level qualification designed to widen participation in higher education while providing work-related skills and knowledge. It has a vocational focus and a pedagogic approach that integrates academic and work-based learning. Research into opportunities and the process of learning within foundation degrees is limited, particularly that which looks in depth at personal development occurring within these courses. This study contributes to the literature in this area, reporting on the results of a case study of the foundation degree in medicines management (University of Portsmouth). A key finding of this work was that knowledge was gained within a community of practice, and led to students’ development as individuals. Motivation, learning to learn and guidance and feedback, alongside peer learning within the course, were central aspects of this process. The learning and personal development taking place resulted in increased awareness, confidence and empowerment in students, which was reported to influence their work and personal lives. However, the development of specialist work-related skills and knowledge was found to be limited, questioning the fitness for purpose of the course researched. While key aspects of the subject investigated have been described in this work, further research is needed to understand this complex phenomenon.
Quality of Life and Coping Behavior among Elderly Suffering from Cancer

Background: Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The percent of older people in Egypt was 6.9% in 2015 and projected to be 9.2% in 2020. Aim: the aim of the current study was to assess the quality of life and coping behavior among elderly suffering from cancer. Design A descriptive correlation research design. Sample: A purposive sampling. Setting: This study was conducted at oncology clinic at the University Hospital and oncology clinics at the heart and chest Hospital at sednawy in Zagazig City. Tools: Three tools were used for data collection; Tool I: Structured interview questionnaire and Medical history. Tool II: Jaloweic Coping Scale. Tool III: The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of life Questionnaire -C30 Version 3.0 Questionnaire. Results of the present study revealed that The mean age patients are 68.35 ± 6.39. There is a statistically significant positive correlation between affective oriented coping behavior score and problem oriented coping [P: <0.001] and there is a statistically significant positive correlation between problems oriented coping behavior score and global health status [P: <0.001]. Elderly cancer patients were lower in functional domains of quality of life as physical, role, emotional and social domains but higher in cognitive domain. Conclusion: The study concluded that elderly patients used affective oriented coping behaviors more than problem oriented coping behaviors when adapt with their illness and they had poor quality of life, poor affective and poor problem oriented coping behavior. Recommendations: Teaching elderly cancer patients how to use problem solving coping behavior rather than emotional coping behavior.
Annotated Bibliography of Life Coaching and Health Research

While executive life coaching is quite prominent in the research forum as outlined in Grant’s workplace and executive life coaching annotated bibliography (2005), studies pertaining to life coaching-related health outcomes are fewer in number and they have not been well recognized. Furthermore, although health-related studies focusing on life coaching as one form of health-related treatment have been conducted for some time, neither a summary nor an appraisal of the methodological soundness of these studies have been conducted. Therefore, the two-fold purpose of this annotated bibliography is: 1) to present a summary of critically appraised life coaching studies related to health research; and 2) stemming from that summary, to outline possible avenues for future health-related coaching research.