Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aspectos do comércio ilegal de pássaros silvestres na cidade de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil

O comercio ilegal de aves e animais silvestres, seja para fins de criacao, medicina popular ou confeccao de pecas de artesanato, exerce um efeito expressivo sobre a fauna e a diversidade em geral. A comercializacao de passaros na cidade de Joao Pessoa e uma atividade tradicional que ocorre preferencialmente nos mercados publicos para fins de criacao. Embora comercializados na capital os passaros sao trazidos de varias partes do estado e as vezes de outros estados. O presente estudo visa a obtencao de dados sobre o processo de comercializacao de passaros silvestres em Joao Pessoa, considerando as formas de captura, de manutencao e de venda das especies, obtidos junto aos passarinheiros, e, ao mesmo tempo, a elaboracao de um catalogo de reconhecimento visual das especies comercializadas na capital. Um total de 20 especies nativas foi observado sendo vendidas nas feiras livres da capital, das quais 4 sao consideradas ameacadas (segundo o CEMAVE) e 1 e considerada vulneravel (IBAMA). O preco dos passaros em Joao Pessoa varia de R$ 2,00 a R$ 250,00, dependendo da idade, da especie e do grau de domesticacao do exemplar. Esta atividade e realizada preferencialmente por homens como complemento financeiro, uma vez que a maioria deles possui um emprego fixo.
Robustness of disturbance observers in the presence of structured real parametric uncertainty

The disturbance observer is a widely used form of a two degree of freedom control architecture which reduces sensitivity to modeling error while enhancing disturbance rejection properties. While standard robust stability analysis of the disturbance observer in the presence of unstructured modeling error is well known and results in a simple design guideline, similar results are lacking for the case of structured, real parametric uncertainty in the plant. Considering the case in which the plant has real parametric uncertainty, the real structured singular value method is applied to stability and performance robustness analysis, resulting in less conservative results. The model of an electrohydraulic positioning system with large parametric variation especially in its damping ratio is used to illustrate the concept. The results are extended to the case in which the plant under disturbance observer regulation is also under feedback control, as is usually the case in applications.
Effect of Andrographis paniculata as an Adjuvant in Combined Chemo-Radio and Whole Body Hyperthermia Treatment—A Preliminary Study

Modulation of immune responses to alleviate disease has been of interest for a long time. Intraperitoneal administration of Andrographis paniculata extract along with whole body hyperthermia (WBH) was found to enhance the total WBC count in cyclophosphamide (CTX) and radiation treated animals when compared to untreated control animals. Maximum inhibition in the solid tumor development was observed when the CTX and radiation exposed animals were treated with extract in combination with whole-body hyperthermia. Similarly myeloperoxidase activity in tumor tissue from CTX and radiation-treated animals was also significantly inhibited when they were administered with Andrographis paniculata extract along with whole body hyperthermia. Moreover the production of cytokines such as IL-2 and GM-CSF, which was reduced after combined CTX and radiation treatment was significantly increased by the simultaneous treatment of extract and whole body hyperthermia. The elevated level of serum Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) level, after CTX and radiation treatment was also lowered significantly after the administration of extract and simultaneous exposure of whole-body hyperthermia with respect to untreated tumor-bearing animals.
Total knee arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis: a mid-term study results

Background: Total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is associated with some problems, and yet is an effective method for management of knee ailments in these patients. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the results of this procedure in a series of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Fourteen patients (23 knees) with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent knee arthroplasty were recruited. Clinical and radiographic results including knee score and functional score, radiographic score, the amount of deformity correction, the length of recovery time and complications were evaluated. Results: All patients were female, with mean age of 64.8 years and were followed for an average of 50.3 months. Average knee range of motion had increased from 87 degrees to 108 degrees postoperatively (p=0.002). The mean knee and functional score were 93 (4.49 SD) and 73 (27.99 SD), respectively. None of the patients had radiographic signs of loosening. Conclusion: Total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis improved performance, reduced pain, increased range of motion and corrected knee deformities, but nonetheless was associated with few complications.
Social Network Correlates of HCV and HIV Transmission Risk Behaviors among Injecting Drug Users

Social Network Correlates of HCV and HIV Transmission Risk Behaviors among Injecting Drug Users by Victor Emanuel Reyes-Ortiz MS, University of Puerto Rico, 2006 BS MT, University of Puerto Rico, 2001 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University November 2015 Abstract Drug injection is an increasingly important risk factor in the transmission of blood-borne pathogens, including the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of social network factors on HCV and HIV. The study was grounded in social network theory and sought to determine whether social network characteristics affect high-risk sexual and drugDrug injection is an increasingly important risk factor in the transmission of blood-borne pathogens, including the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of social network factors on HCV and HIV. The study was grounded in social network theory and sought to determine whether social network characteristics affect high-risk sexual and drug injection behavior as well as self-reported HIV and HCV status. The study design was a quantitative cross-sectional survey. 181 participants in a needle exchange program completed a survey in Spanish assessing individual drug and sex risk practices as well as gathering information to describe the characteristics of participants’ personal networks from an egocentric perspective. General estimating equation techniques were used to analyze the data. Results showed that only social network size was related to risky sexual behavior. Injecting risk behaviors were only impacted by personal network exposures, measured by the average number of years network members had injected. HIV selfreported serum status was correlated with trust, closeness, and number of family members named among the closest 5 network members. Last, HCV self-reported serum status was only related to the years that network members had been injecting drugs. This study has implications for positive social change in that public health practitioners may gain a better understanding of the social network characteristics associated with high-risk behaviors of those infected with HCV and HIV in order to develop health promotion programs to lower infections and mortality. Social Network Correlates of HCV and HIV Transmission Risk Behaviors among Injecting Drug Users by Victor Emanuel Reyes Ortiz MS, University of Puerto Rico, 2006 BS MT, University of Puerto Rico, 2001 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
THE GROWTH DURING SUCKLING PERIOD AND CARCASS TRAITS OF KIDS OF THE BALKAN GOAT BREED

The growth traits of 56 kids (31 male and 25 female) of the Balkan goat breed. reared in karst area of Montenegro during 3 months of the suckling period (birth weight,. body weight with 30. 60 and 90 days of growth and corresponding average daily gains) have been investigated. Weight and dressing percentage of warm carcasses, weight and dressing percentage of chilled carcasses, as well as weight and share of the offal and byproducts of slaughtering have been investigated on total of 14 carcasses (7 male and 7 female) and the differences that are manifested between the sexes. The average birth weight of male kids was 3.25 kg and 3.19 kg of female kids, while body weight of male kids with 30, 60 and 90 days were: 7.97, 12.74 and 17.63 kg, and for female kids: 7.78, 11.72 and 16.25 kg, respectively. Male and female kids showed statistically significant differences (P<0.01) for body weight and average daily gain in periods from 30 to 60 day and from 60 to 90 day, but not for birth weight and for ADG from birth to 30 day. The average dressing percentage weight of warm carcasses of male and female slaughtered kids separately were 57.76 and 59.12%, weight of chilled carcasses with head and offal 56.39 and 57.47% and weight of chilled carcasses without head and offal 44.82 and 45.31%, respectively. Significant difference between sexes was determined only for weight and dressing percentage of chilled carcasses with head and giblets (P<0.05). The share of edible and non edible offal of slaughtering (pre-stomach and small intestines + abomasums and large intestines) was 9.87 and rest 8.64% in male and female kids, while the share of skin was 7.6 and 8.2% in average,. respectively.
The Role of Organizational Investment in Social Capital, Information Technology and Service Commitment on Employee Performance With Good Governance Principles as Intervening Variables

This study aims to determine the effect of the organizational investment in social capital, information technology and service commitment on the employee performance with the implementation of good governance as an intervening variable. This study was conducted in the education agency of Aceh province, Indonesia, with a sample of 189 civil servants. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed by statistical means of structural equation model (SEM). It was found that organizational investment in social capital, information technology, and services commitment have a positive and significant effect on the implementation of good governance and employee performance. Furthermore, the implementation of good governance mediates the effect of organizational investment in social capital, information technology and services commitment on employee performance. Nevertheless, the mediation role of the variable is partial mediation.
Does Ramadan influence the returns and volatility? Evidence from Shariah index in India

PurposeMuslim’s hope that the holy month of Ramadan will create something more valuable for them. Through fasting and good actions, they can get rewarded twice than they normally can achieve. With this motivation, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the holy month of Ramadan effect on the returns and volatility of the Shariah index in India.Design/methodology/approachUsing the ordinary least square methods, this paper examines the impact of Ramadan effect on the returns of the Shariah index in India. This paper further investigates the impact of the holy month of Ramadan effect on the volatility of the Shariah index by applying GARCH-modified models. This paper categorizes the Ramadan days into three parts, namely God’s Mercy, God’s Forgiveness and Emancipation from hellfire to examine the relationship between the Ramadan effect and the returns and volatility of the Shariah index in India.FindingsThe results show that the returns during the month of Ramadan as a whole are statistically significant. The results further motivate that its last ten days have high influences than other days over the period. Finally, the study examines the Ramadan effect on volatility by applying GARCH modified models and finds an evidence of Ramadan effect during the first ten days of Ramadan month.Originality/valueThe positive impact of Ramadan increases on the days associated with higher worship intensity. The study provides an important information to the ethical investors to invest in the Shariah stocks during Ramadan days. This information is very useful for the investors to get an abnormal return during the Ramadan days.
Interactive constraint-based modeling

In this thesis we extend the surface methodology developed by Eigensatz [1][2] and co-workers to be able to modify surface properties in a more interactive manner. Opposed to traditional handle or flow based modeling metaphors, where one would solve for the deformed surface, approximating the positional constraints while preserving important properties of the original shape, the work of Eigensatz allows direct access to first and second order properties of a surface. Among several filters [3] for the principal curvatures, the constraint-based modeling approach allows also to prescribe properties along curves embedded in surfaces, such as pathlengths or prescribing normal curvatures along curves. Additional constraints also deal with the area of surface paths or simple positional constraints defined anywhere on the surface. Solving for the intuitively deformed shape is still computationally very expensive, which we counteract by heavily exploiting multi-core parallelism. While these optimizations are boosting the performance of the underlying non-linear optimization pipeline from minutes to seconds, and for smaller problem sizes (<5k meshes) even below a second, we permit to modify target values and optimization weights of the constraints interactively. The advantage of an immediate feedback is also accompanied by smaller deformations and better convergence as the user adjusts the parameters to fit the modeling intent. Lastly the entire setting is mapped in a 2D scenario, where we apply and extend the constraint-based modeling metaphor for manipulating images. The implementation is incorporated into the software Dolly developed by Eigensatz.
Levels and proximate determinants of fertility in Butajira District South Central Ethiopia.

Background : Uncontrolled population growth is evidenced mainly because of the high fertility. Improving maternal and child health services in Ethiopia were one of the main aims of the health extension program. The impediment of early marriage was revised in the national family code which claims assessment of fertility situations. Objectives : This study aimed at measuring levels and fertility inhibition effects of proximate determinants in Butajira district. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted on resident women of reproductive age group recruited from the Butajira Demographic Surveillance System database. A total of 9996 women with different characteristics were thus interviewed. Results : Total fertility rate was 5.3 children per woman with high urban-rural gradient. The non-marriage (Cm=0.66) had the highest fertility inhibition effect followed by postpartum infecundability (Ci=0.68), contraception (Cc=0.77) and abortion (Ca=0.96). Main differences were observed across residential environment and educational status. Abortion had a paramount significance among in school women (ca=0.76). Conclusion : Not being married followed by postpartum infecundability and contraception inhibited high fertility. Abortion significantly reduced fertility among students. Keen awareness about negative consequences of high fertility should be attained. Women ought to be advised to marry late and stay in-school for long years. Extended breast feeding should be maintained for birth spacing. There must be sustained effort to increase contraception use rate. In-school women should be educated on problems of abortions. Youth-friendly contraceptive services must also be made available. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev 2011;25(3):184-191]
Immediate improvements of supination range of motion and strength following pronator teres muscle friction massage: a clinical trial comparing people with and without supination limited motion

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the effects of friction massage techniques on the pronator teres muscle on supination range of motion (ROM) and supinator strength in individuals with and without limited supination ROM. Methods: In total, 26 subjects (13 with limited supination ROM and 13 healthy subjects) volunteered to participate in this study. We used a customized wrist cuff. Supination ROM and supinator strength were measured with a 9-axis inertial motion sensor and load cell. The friction massage protocol was executed with the pronator teres muscle in a relaxed position. Then supination ROM and supinator strength were measured again. Results: There was no significant interaction effect on supination ROM, which was significantly greater in the limited supination and control groups. A post hoc t-test revealed that the limited supination group achieved a significantly increased post-test supination ROM (51.7 ± 7.8°) compared to the pre-test value (43.6 ± 5.2°). In addition, the control group achieved a significant increase in post-test supination ROM (67.7 ± 10.0°) compared to the pre-test value (61.4 ± 7.7°). There was no significant interaction effect on supinator strength. Supinator strength was significantly greater in the limited supination and control groups. A post hoc t-test revealed a significant difference in supinator strength between the pre- and post-test values in the limited supination group. Discussion: Friction massage helps restore a limited ROM of the forearm supination motion and immediately increases supinator muscle strength. This technique can be used as an intervention method to improve muscle strength in patients with limited supination ROM.
Children in care or in need: educational progress at home and in care

ABSTRACT By age 16 the attainment of most children in or on the edge of out of home care has fallen well behind the average for their age. This paper uses the English National Pupil Database to examine how much of this falling behind occurs before the age of seven, and how any subsequent decline relates to time in care as against time outside it. We compare the previous progress of three groups of 16-year-olds: 5175 looked after by the state (CLA), 17,392 in need but not in care (CIN), and 22,567 children matched with the CLA or CIN on initial attainment, special educational needs, and eligibility for free school meals. We found that the attainment of the CIN and those CLA not yet in care was around one standard deviation below the cohort average at age seven. It then fell relative to their peers while their rate of unauthorised absences and exclusions grew. Removal from home to care appeared to halt or greatly reduce this decline but did not, on average, reverse it. We conclude that educational interventions for CLA should also include CIN, start before seven, target both school and family, and exploit the educational opportunity which care provides.
Staff development: Can there be compatibility between competency profiles and improving unit services?

Abstract This article explores some concerns about the effect on consumer experience in residential and day care units of the new ‘competency profile’ approach to staff training to be validated by the National Council for Vocational Qualifications. These concerns focus on the likely lack of attention to: staff attitudes, value base of units' service provision, and interactional and organizational unit perspectives. An in-house whole staff programme is detailed and compared.
A descriptive qualitative study of childhood cancer challenges in South Africa: Thematic analysis of 68 photovoice contributions

Background: Many childhood cancers are treatable with cure rates between 70% and 80% in well-resourced countries, while approximately 80% of African children with cancer die without access to adequate care. South Africa has an established oncology health care service with overburdened infrastructure, low cancer awareness in the primary health care service and widespread service delivery challenges. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore, document and analyse the subjective experience of childhood cancer-related challenges in South Africa, and to make the results available to stakeholders. Setting: A total of 58 patient-participants (childhood cancer patients, parents and guardians of children with cancer) and 10 paediatric oncology workers (oncology social workers, oncology nurses and interim home carers) were selected from tertiary oncology centres and from the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC) interim care homes across South Africa. Method: Participants were selected via convenience sampling and qualitative data were derived from face-to-face photovoice interviews conducted by psychologists and social workers and supported by translators when necessary. Results: Nine themes of cancer challenges were identified via thematic content analysis of the photo-narratives, that is, physical and treatment challenges, emotional, poor services, transport, finances, information, powerlessness, stigma and schooling challenges. Conclusion: Lack of awareness and knowledge about cancer at the African traditional healer, primary and regional health care service levels were frequent challenges. Important feedback included lack of patient-centred care, separation of children with cancer from guardians, diagnostic delays, permanent disabilities for children because of cancer, emotional trauma, special needs of teenagers and a lack of community and palliative care support.
Looking beyond the classroom walls: An insight for teachers of primary and secondary students' perceptions to enhance the school physical activity environment

With an increasing focus on schools to facilitate physical activity, there is more demand than ever for teachers to equip children with the necessary skills to be physically active. Gaining an understanding of students' perceptions could help teachers promote increased physical activity levels among school students. The purpose of this paper was to explore primary and secondary students' of features to enhance the school physical activity environment. Four government schools (two primary and two secondary) in the western region of Victoria were recruited for the study. Focus groups and map drawing were used to gain a broad understanding of primary and secondary students' perceptions for enhancing the school physical activity environment. During this study, 78 students from four government schools (two primary and two secondary) were recruited with students aged 10 to 13 years. The focus group discussions consisted of 54 students (32 primary and 22 secondary) and the map drawing sessions included 24 students (17 primary and 7 secondary). Gender-specific perceptions of the school physical activity environment will also be discussed. Currently, many school facilities are implemented by adults. Listening to students' perspectives of the features that could enhance school physical activity environments may assist in developing strategies to reduce the time students spend engaged in sedentary behaviours and to promote healthy, active students. The features identified in this paper provide important information for teachers and school decision makers to consider when targeting children's physical activity within the school environment.