Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mothers' Knowledge , Attitudes and Practices of Antibiotic Use for Children in Jordan = المعرفة و المواقف و الممارسات المتعلقة باستخدام المضادات الحيوية عند الأمهات في الأردن

Objective: Children very frequently attend to physicians with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Antibiotics (ABs) are prescribed often for URTIs despite their viral origin and are often used inappropriately. This study investigates factors that influence knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antibiotic use among mothers of children with URTI in Irbid Governorate. Methods: A cross-sectional design is used for this research. A sample of 401 mothers of children 6 months to 12 years old were surveyed using interviewer-administered knowledge-attitudes-practices questionnaire, between January and April 2011, recruited from two comprehensive health centers in Irbid Governorate. Results: A small proportion (21.7%) of Jordanian mothers demonstrated adequate knowledge about antibiotics, some of them (14.5%) provided responses suggesting positive attitude, and only 11.2% reported good AB practices. Logistic regression revealed that antibiotic knowledge is associated with father’s education (OR= 2.21, p=0.022) and with mother’s work in the medical field (OR= 2.9, p=0.011). Mother’s occupation predicted positive AB attitudes (OR=3.1, p=0.009)). Antibiotic practices were associated with having positive AB attitudes (OR= 6.3, p<0.001) and with mothers being informed about AB resistance (OR= 5.1, p=0.012). No association was detected between Knowledge about ABs and AB practices. Conclusions: The majority of Jordanian mothers lack the basic knowledge and the positive attitude towards antibiotic use, complicated with poor AB practices. Comprehensive multilevel national campaigns to boost positive attitude towards ABs are urgently needed in Jordan.
Development of an Automation and Control System for Bovine Semen Freezing

The freezing of bovine semen (cryopreservation) consists in reducing the temperature of the sample until the point of biological stability. This freezing process is carried out by immersing the semen samples into liquid nitrogen (LN2). When a sample is submerged, it enters into a boiling regime due to the large difference in temperatures between the sample and the liquid nitrogen (LN2), causing evaporation and crystallization. Freezing curves for biological samples of bovine semen are rarely found in scientific literature; however, there are several rhythms of freezing that have been manually carried out and have achieved acceptable results. The main objective of this study is to design and implement an automated control system of freezing bovine semen that can follow or simulate the ideal freezing curves for optimal freezing after stabilization.
Tariffs and Total Factor Productivity: The Case of Ghanaian Manufacturing Firms

This paper investigates the effects of trade liberalization on firm productivity in Ghana. We examine Ghanaian trade policy from 1993 to 2002, a period during which trade liberalization deepened with intermittent protection in a number of ways across industries, to investigate the effects of trade policy reforms and firm productivity. We find a strong negative impact of nominal tariffs on firm productivity, controlling for observed and unobserved firm characteristics and industry heterogeneity, a result that is robust to various alterations of the base model, including treating tariffs as endogenous and employing different estimation techniques. These results indicate that firms that are overprotected have a lower level of Total Factor Productivity than firms that are exposed to import competition. The estimated coefficients on both tariffs and its squared term confirm that higher tariffs are particularly distortionary.
Efficient silicon recycling in summer in both the Polar Frontal and Subantarctic Zones of the Southern Ocean

We measured biogenic silica (bSiO(2)) dissolution and production rates at 3 Southern Ocean sites with contrasting biogeochemical regimes (SAZ-Sense cruise, January to February 2007). Two sites were located in the Subantarctic Zone (SAZ) southeast and southwest of Tasmania, and 1 site was in the Polar Frontal Zone (PFZ). The measurements were repeated 3 times within a time frame of 4 to 7 d. In the PFZ and the western SAZ, the release of silicon from dissolving bSiO(2), following a productive period, appeared sufficient to entirely sustain Si demand in surface waters. Biogenic silica dissolution was more efficient in the SAZ, likely owing to stronger microzooplankton grazing and bacterial activity. The degree of iron co-limitation correlated to bSiO(2) growth rates (V-Si, d(-1)). Highest rates were observed in the SAZ, southeast of Tasmania, a region influenced by iron-enriched East Australian Current water advecting through the Subtropical Front. The diatom communities appeared differently adapted and conditioned, in terms of uptake ability, for growth under low Si(OH) 4 availability. Combining our results with existing bSiO(2) dissolution and production data, we estimate a spring to summer net bSiO(2) production for the circumpolar SAZ and PFZ regions of 7.4 and 3.6 Tmol yr(-1), respectively, representing 4.3 and 2.1% of the global net bSiO(2) production for each region. Furthermore, a clear seasonal pattern emerges with (1) higher bSiO(2) production in spring (0.9 to 12.7 and 6.8 to 60.7 mmol Si m(-2) d(-1) for the SAZ and PFZ, respectively) compared to summer (0.1 to 6.6 and 0.3 to 9.1 mmol Si m(-2) d(-1) for the SAZ and PFZ, respectively) and (2) a bSiO(2) dissolution to production ratio of 1 in summer (similar to 1.7).
The Impact of board characteristics on Firm Performance: Evidence from Nonfinancial Listed Companies in Kuwaiti Stock Exchange

The core aim of this study is to examine the relationship between board characteristics and the firm performance of non-financial listed Kuwaiti firms. To achieve the objectives of the study, the data were collected from a sample of 136 companies for the financial year 2009. Variables such as CEO duality, COE tenure, audit committee size, board size and board composition were considered as predictors of the firm performance that was measured employing the return on assets (ROA). By contrast, the effects of CEO tenure and leverage on firm performance were found to be negative and significant at the chosen level of significance. To test the hypotheses of the study, multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS 18.0 was utilized. Using the firm size and leverage as a control variable, the findings of the study support the positive effects of CEO duality and audit committee size on ROA. Other findings of the study were discussed in the discussion section and some other future study directions were provided.
The Effect of Focus of Attention on Novice and Expert Martial Artists

Roseman, Alyssa (Integrative physiology) The Effect of Focus of Attention on Learning to Kick in Novice and Expert Martial Artists Thesis directed by Dr. David Sherwood Focusing externally (outside the body) leads to better motor learning and performance than focusing internally (within the body), yet many coaches and other instructors still use internal cues to teach. This is the first study to use electromyography (EMG) to assess the distance effect, to examine the benefit of a focus of attention (FOA) beyond a target, and to test the constrained action hypothesis in a stationary, dynamic task. Novice and expert martial artists kicked a force bag while acceleration (for the experts only) and EMG was recorded using different verbally cued foci of attention. Forceaccuracy (F-A) and cocontraction were significantly higher in the distal external focus condition than in the other conditions. There was a negative correlation between F-A and cocontraction and a positive correlation between peak X acceleration and F-A in the distal external focus condition, suggesting that cocontraction may be beneficial in some circumstances, but not others. iv FOCUS OF ATTENTION IN TAEKWONDO Table of
Examining the Relationship between Corporate Governance Mechanisms and Capital Structure among Listed Firms in Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE)

Much of the researchers’ attention of the last decades had its origin studying capital structure and factors affecting it. They conclude that corporate governance is one of these factors. Corporate governance is policies, procedures and actions developed and implemented in support of stakeholders’ interests. The goal of corporate governance is to increase the reliability of firm’s activities and management policies in favor of stakeholders’ interests. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and firm’s capital structure. Therefore, the research population consists of 92 firms listed in Tehran Stock Exchange during 2005 to 2010. This study suggests CEO duality, percentage of outside directors in board of directors and institutional shareholders' ownership as independent variables and short-term debt to total assets ratio, long-term debt to total assets ratio and total debt to total assets ratio as dependent variables. To test the research hypotheses, three multivariate regression models are fitted using panel data. The results revealed that there is a significant relationship between CEO duality and institutional investors’ ownership ratio, and shortterm debt to total assets ratio. Also, a significant relationship was found between CEO duality and institutional investors’ ownership ratio, and total debt to total assets ratio. However, the results show no significant relationship between CEO duality and institutional investors’ ownership ratio, and long-term debt to total assets ratio. Moreover, it is revealed that there is no significant relationship between percentage of outside directors and capital structure criteria.
Juvenile court judges’ pretrial decisions: Does race matter?

Overrepresentation of minorities within the justice system is an on-going, nationwide problem (Harris, Steffensmeier, Ulmer, & Painter-Davis, 2009; Mooradian, 2007; Pope & Leiber, 2005). Despite increasing attention and efforts to reduce this problem, research regarding disproportionate minority contact, especially within the juvenile justice system, is lacking. This study was a replication and extension of a study completed by Freiburger, Marcum, and Pierce (2010), who examined the impact of race on pretrial sentencing decisions in an adult population. The present study was conducted with a juvenile population, with some modifications from the original study. The results did not find race to have a significant impact on pretrial sentencing decisions, which was inconsistent with the study being replicated. Possible explanations for this inconsistency, as well as limitations and directions for future research are discussed. Degree Type Dissertation Rights Terms of use for work posted in CommonKnowledge. Comments Library Use: LIH This dissertation is available at CommonKnowledge: http://commons.pacificu.edu/spp/1071 Copyright and terms of use If you have downloaded this document directly from the web or from CommonKnowledge, see the “Rights” section on the previous page for the terms of use. If you have received this document through an interlibrary loan/document delivery service, the following terms of use apply: Copyright in this work is held by the author(s). You may download or print any portion of this document for personal use only, or for any use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, §107 U.S.C.). Except for personal or fair use, you or your borrowing library may not reproduce, remix, republish, post, transmit, or distribute this document, or any portion thereof, without the permission of the copyright owner. [Note: If this document is licensed under a Creative Commons license (see “Rights” on the previous page) which allows broader usage rights, your use is governed by the terms of that license. ] Inquiries regarding further use of these materials should be addressed to: CommonKnowledge Rights, Pacific University Library, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, (503) 352-7209. Email inquiries may be directed to:. copyright@pacificu.edu This dissertation is available at CommonKnowledge: http://commons.pacificu.edu/spp/1071 JUVENILE COURT JUDGES’ PRETRIAL DECISIONS: DOES RACE MATTER? A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY PACIFIC UNIVERSITY HILLSBORO, OREGON BY JOSCELYN R. WILSON IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY
Design, construction and low power RF tests of the first module of the ACLIP linac

ACLIP is a 3 GHz proton SCL linac designed as a booster for a 30 MeV commercial cyclotron. The final energy is 62 MeV well suitable for the therapy of ocular tumors or for further acceleration (up to 230 MeV) by a second linac in order to treat deep-seated tumours. The possibility of using magnetrons as the source of RF power, to reduce the overall cost of the machine, is under investigation with our collaborators e2v (Chelmsford, UK). ACLIP is a 5 modules structure coupled together. The first one (able to accelerate proton from 30 to 35 MeV) has been machined and completely brazed. We plan to have the high power test by early Autumn 2008. In this paper we will review the main features of the linac and discuss the results of the RF measurements carried out on this prototype.
CORPORATE REPUTATION AS A CONSEQUENCE OF FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY

Abstract - This paper examines the consequences of Financial Reporting Quality (FRQ) on Corporate Reputation, using three proxies of FRQ: (i) earnings quality; (ii) accounting conservatism; and (iii) accruals quality. The main purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of a good FRQ on corporate reputation measured from Fortune´s annual magazine . To this end, the propounded hypothesis is tested on an unbalanced sample of 186 international non-financial listed companies from 930 observations from United Kingdom, United States and Canada for the period 2006-2010. The use of simultaneous equations for panel data, via the GMM estimator propounded by Arellano and Bond (1991), highlights the positive effect of FRQ (earnings quality, conservatism and accruals quality) on Corporate Reputation. Shareholders, market, investors, society and other stakeholders assess positively those companies that report financial information of better quality. This result is robust according to the different measurements of FRQ.
Abundance estimates of the Cape clawless otter Aonyx capensis (Schinz 1821) and the spottedneckedotter Lutra maculicollis (Lichtenstein 1835)in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, South Africa

Animal signs were used to estimate the abundance of two co-occurring species of otter in a catchment in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, South Africa. In recent years, the numbers of Cape clawless otters appear to have declined locally, whereas those of the syntopic spotted-necked otter may have increased. Such results are necessary for the formulation of an action plan to conserve the otters. key words: density, abundance, otters, Aonyx capensis, Lutra maculicollis.
A Review and Perspective on Lean in Higher Education.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the accumulated body of research on Lean in higher education, draw conclusions to help guide successful Lean implementations and propose future research directions to establish a rich base of knowledge that informs both practice and research. Design/methodology/approach This literature review examines the academic literature regarding the use of Lean in higher education across 64 publications. EBSCO definitions were used to assess and present the synthesized results, which are detailed at the department/unit level and at the organizational level. Findings Overall, Lean appears to have significant and measurable value when used to improve academic and administrative operations in higher education. Such improvements are effective at the department/unit level or throughout the entire institution. However, implementing Lean within an institution is a serious undertaking that is most impactful if it involves long-term, strategic planning. Research limitations/implications The groundwork has been established for the development of conceptual frameworks to further guide Lean initiatives in higher education. Such frameworks, together with further integration of organizational development and change management literature will define best practices when implementing Lean locally and throughout the institution. Originality/value At the time of this writing, there has been no systematic review or integration of the published literature about Lean in higher education. This review provides a highly useful starting point for researchers interested in further developing theory about quality in academic institutions.
Causes and Consequences of Breeding Synchrony in the Snow Bunting

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------iii Abstract in Norwegian ----------------------------------------------------------------------------ivin Norwegian ----------------------------------------------------------------------------iv Introduction -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 Methods ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 Study system --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 Data collection ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 Timing of breeding, CID10 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 Synchrony Index, SI -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7 Climate data ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7 Statistical analyses -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8 Results -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 Climate variation --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 Onset of breeding ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 Breeding synchrony ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 Reproductive success -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11 Discussion --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 Conclusion ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15 Acknowledgements --------------------------------------------------------------------------------16 References --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17 Tables --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------22 Figures -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25 Appendix ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------28
Ecosystem Ecology: The links between biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being

The degradation of ecosystem services poses a significant barrier to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the MDG targets for 2015. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005, p. 18 Introduction: managing ecosystems for people No matter who we are, or where we live, our well-being depends on the way ecosystems work. Most obviously, ecosystems can provide us with material things that are essential for our daily lives, such as food, wood, wool and medicines. Although the other types of benefit we get from ecosystems are easily overlooked, they also play an important role in regulating the environments in which we live. They can help ensure the flow of clean water and protect us from flooding or other hazards like soil erosion, land-slips and tsunamis. They can contribute to our spiritual well-being, through their cultural or religious significance or the opportunities they provide for recreation and the enjoyment of nature. In this chapter, we will look at the goods and services that ecosystems can provide and the role that biodiversity may play in producing them, specifically the contribution that biodiversity makes to people's livelihoods, to their security and to their health. In other words, we will concentrate mainly on the utilitarian value of biodiversity. We will also explore how these ideas link up with those of the Ecosystem Approach to environmental management and policy, and some of the implications of this for how sustainable development is defined.
Gaining Compliance and Losing Weight: The Role of the Service Provider in Health Care Services

This research provides and empirically tests a conceptualization of health care services in which customer compliance outside of the service organization is necessary for successful health outcomes. Using data from service providers and customers in a weight-loss clinic, the authors examine the provider's role in gaining customer compliance. They find that provider expertise and attitudinal homophily play a role in bringing about customer role clarity, ability, and motivation. This study demonstrates that compliance leads to goal attainment, which results in satisfaction. More important, compliance also leads to satisfaction directly; consumers who comply with program requirements have greater satisfaction with the program.
Special transverse slices and their enveloping algebras

Let G be a simple, simply connected algebraic group over Image, Image=Lie G, Image (Image) the nilpotent cone of Image, and (E,H,F) an ImageImage2-triple in Image. Let S=E+Ker ad F, the special transverse slice to the adjoint orbit Ω of E, and S0=S∩Image (Image). The coordinate ring Image[S0] is naturally graded (See Slodowy, "Simple Singularities and Simple Algebraic Groups," Lecture Notes in Mathematics, Vol. 815, Springer-Verlag, Berlin/Heidelberg/New York, 1980). Let Z(Image) be the centre of the enveloping algebra U(Image) and η:Z(Image)→Image an algebra homomorphism. Identify Image with Image* via a Killing isomorphism and let χ denote the linear function on Image corresponding to E. Following Kawanaka (Generalized Gelfand–Graev representations and Ennola duality, in "Algebraic Groups and Related Topics" Advanced Studies in Pure Mathematics, Vol. 6, pp. 175–206, North-Holland, Amsterdam/New York/Oxford, 1985), Moeglin (C.R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 303 No. 17 (1986), 845–848), and Premet (Invent. Math.121 (1995), 79–117), we attach to χ a nilpotent subalgebra Imageχsubset ofImage of dimension (dim Ω)/2 and a 1-dimensional Imageχ-module Imageχ. Let ImageH" height="14" width="14">χ denote the algebra opposite to EndImage(U(Image)multiply sign in circleU(Imageχ)Imageχ) and ImageH" height="14" width="14">χ,η=ImageH" height="14" width="14">χmultiply sign in circleZ(Image)Imageη. It is proved in the paper that the algebra ImageH" height="14" width="14">χ,η has a natural filtration such that gr(ImageH" height="14" width="14">χ,η), the associated graded algebra, is isomorphic to Image[S0]. This construction yields natural noncommutative deformations of all singularities associated with the adjoint quotient map of Image.