Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ethics of using male circumcision for HIV prevention: exploring the middle ground

Three recent randomized, controlled trials in Africa indicate that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of men acquiring HIV from HIV-positive women via sexual intercourse. These promising new findings have added fuel to already volatile debates about the ethics of male circumcision. In this paper, we seek to briefly identify and evaluate some key ethical positions in this increasingly complex debate. We first distinguish between the debate on the science linking male circumcision and HIV transmission, and the debate on the implementation of the science. We then identify a few intermediate ethical positions within each of these two debates. The aim of our analysis is to suggest the range of positions within the ethical debate on male circumcision and HIV prevention, particularly moderate positions sometimes overlooked or misrepresented by the media and advocacy groups. We suspect that, despite the promise of the recent studies, the future role of male circumcision in the fight against HIV/AIDS will be a modest one, owing in large part to difficulties in increasing the uptake of the intervention in the face of considerable religious, cultural, ethical and socioeconomic obstacles in countries most affected by the epidemic.
Learning Depthwise Separable Graph Convolution from Data Manifold

Convolution Neural Network (CNN) has gained tremendous success in computer vision tasks with its outstanding ability to capture the local latent features. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in extending convolution operations to the non-Euclidean geometry. Although various types of convolution operations have been proposed for graphs or manifolds, their connections with traditional convolution over grid-structured data are not well-understood. In this paper, we show that depthwise separable convolution can be successfully generalized for the unification of both graph-based and grid-based convolution methods. Based on this insight we propose a novel Depthwise Separable Graph Convolution (DSGC) approach which is compatible with the tradition convolution network and subsumes existing convolution methods as special cases. It is equipped with the combined strengths in model expressiveness, compatibility (relatively small number of parameters), modularity and computational efficiency in training. Extensive experiments show the outstanding performance of DSGC in comparison with strong baselines on multi-domain benchmark datasets.
Estimating Charitable Deductions in Giving USA

This article describes the model used inGiving USA2002 to estimate charitable deductions in 2001 and explains the criteria by which that model was selected. The article also presents a systematic comparison of this model to others previously used inGivingUSA. During the 1990s, the most recent period for which an evaluation of the models is possible, the three most recentGivingUSAmodels would have performed well. However, of these, the model presented herein would have provided somewhat more accurate estimates.
Why does centralisation fail to internalise policy externalities?

We provide an explanation why centralisation of political decision making results in overspending in some policy domains, whereas too low spending persists in others. We study a model in which delegates from jurisdictions bargain over local public goods provision. If all of the costs of public goods are shared through a common budget, policy makers delegate bargaining to ‘public good lovers’, resulting in overprovision of public goods. If a sufficiently large part of the costs can not be shared, underprovision persists because policy makers delegate bargaining to ‘conservatives’. We derive financing rules that eliminate the incentives for strategic delegation.
Climate change is not a threat to our national borders : A study on policy experts’ perception on climate change – human migration nexus

As a consequence of wide range estimation of people to be displaced by 2050 because of climate change, one of the policies options is international security. However, the policymakers are far from being completely understood the complex process of climate change and migration (Upadhyay et al., 2015: 411). The combination of intellectual engagement is needed to put the issue concerning expertise to interface between science and politics (Hukkinen, 2016). This thesis explored how policy experts envision the relationship between climate change and human migration. The policy experts were nominated by structured expert nominee process. They were from the research partners of the two Ministries within the area of climate change and human migration. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with the policy experts. Besides, fourteen documents were analyzed from national and European research institutes. A qualitative data analysis shows that the policy experts reach a consensus that defining climate refugee remains impossible. Indeed, it is complicated to identify environmental from other factors of migration. In other words, the policy experts criticize the large estimation of refugees. Thus, the policy experts conceive climate change to be not a threat to our national borders and question the international security.
How is resilience associated with anxiety and depression? Analysis of factor score interactions within a homogeneous sample

Aim: To explore the ways in which resilience is associated with anxiety and depression within a homogenous sample. Methods: 401 Australian university students completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and the Zung Self- rating Anxiety and Depression Scales. Factor scores from the resilience scale were regressed against total anxiety and depression scores, combined anxiety-depression scores and the underlying factors of the combined anxiety-depression construct. Results: Self-confidence and optimism were most strongly negatively associated with anxiety and depression, followed by being decisive and solution-focused and seeking challenges, having a strong purpose and being persistent, although different combinations of factors predicted anxiety than did depression. Spiritual beliefs did not appear to buffer against anxiety or depression in this sample. Conclusion: Enhancement of resilience, self-confidence and optimism appear to be major potential targets for therapy intervention with this age and occupation group
VOLUMETRIC ANALYSIS OF MANDIBLE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS IN CBCT IMAGES

Aim: Osteoporotic patients require particular attention during implant placement, and bone density has been established as a simple method to assess local bone quality and primary implant stability. This study aimed to examine and significantly correlate the relationship of local bone density volumetric analysis as assessed by the CBCT in a group of osteopenic and osteoporotic patients. Materials and Methods:A total of 30 patients were included in the study. The mandibular Second premolar region was choosen as the site of investigation to prevent Variability in surgical implant placement technique in different locations affecting bone mineral density. Partially edentulous female patients between 51 years and 60 years of age who were scheduled to receive implant placement were recruited for the study. Ultrasound bone densitometer was used in the study to divide the three groups (Group I-Normal patients), (Group II-Osteopenic patients), (Group III-Osteoporotic patients). CBCT (Master Series 3D Dental Imaging) was used for preoperative evaluation of the jaws for each patient.Materialise's Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS) was used to process stacks of 2D images from CBCT. 3-matic software was used to combine CAD tools with pre-processing (meshing) capabilities like the anatomical data coming from the segmentation of medical images (from Mimics). All data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 16.0 for windows version. Student T Test and One way ANOVA were calculated between groups to determine the difference in bone mineral densities. Results: A total of 30 females participated in the the study. The mean bone density for group I, group II, group III was 60364.36 mm, 51789.65 mm, 40468.62 mm respectively (Table 1,2,3). The difference in mean bone density in all three groups were statistically significant (p<0.05). (Table 4). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that bone density values (as measured in mm) obtained from preoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination may be an objective technique for preoperative evaluation of bone density. This tool when combined with MIMICS software can serve as diagnostic tool for predicting implant success, thus providing the implant surgeon with an objective assessment of bone density, especially were poor bone quality is suspected.
ASSESSING BRAZIL ’ S CERRADO AGRICULTURAL MIRACLE : AN UPTADE 1

Brazil’s emergence as a primary global agricultural producer is often credited to production expansion into soils of the Brazilian savannah or Cerrado. These soils are, however, deficient in important nutrients and prone to degradation, requiring input-intensive processes that suggest a low level of productive efficiency. Employing a sequence of agricultural censuses and a biome approach for characterizing agricultural zones, the present study evaluates the Cerrado’s total factor productivity growth and productive potential. The analysis highlights the resource cost of Brazil’s “Cerrado Miracle,” the role of paved road infrastructure in expanding production opportunities, and the significant production gains that the Cerrado may yet achieve. Results suggest a substantial productivity gap between the Cerrado’s most efficient and average producers, implying that Cerrado production might well be further boosted if average producers succeed in adopting the technologies and management practices of the more efficient operators. More generally, and to the extent the Cerrado model is generalizable elsewhere, agricultural development of the world’s savannahs, such as sub-Saharan Africa’s Guinea regions, into breadbaskets will be expensive in terms of material inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, depending for their success therefore on the real prices of these inputs.
Study on in vitro antioxidant potential of some cultivated Pleurotus species (Oyster mushroom)

The antioxidant potential and quantitative phenolic from the methanolic extract of Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer, P. ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm. and P. sapidus (Schulzer & Kalchbr.) Sacc. at mature fruiting stage and mycelium stage were investigated. Fruiting bodies of Pleurotus species exhibited the most potent free radical scavenging activity ( P. sajor-caju 88.9 % at 10 mg/mL) and reducing power (1.98 at 10 mg/mL) while mycelia exhibiting higher chelating activity at 10 mg/mL ( P. sapidus 99 %). Gallic acid, BHT and Catechin used as a standard were highly effective in inhibiting hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, showing IC 50 values below 1 mg/mL. Pleurotus sajor-caju exhibited maximum antioxidant potential as compared to other two mushrooms. Analysis of total phenols and flavonoids in Pleurotus species has been carried out in vitro. Pleurotus sajor-caju fruiting contains highest phenol content (1.53 mg/g) and flavonoids (1.88 mg/g). These results suggest that these mushrooms may be used as a potential source of natural antioxidants for food supplements as well as in the development of nutraceuticals.
Uma abordagem sensorial e química ao aroma de aguardentes vínicas envelhecidas da Lourinhã

SUMMARY The maturation of wine brandies in wooden barrels origin many sensory and physical-chemical changes in these alcoholic beverages. This work studies the odorants in different aged brandies from Lourinha. These brandies were analysed by gas chromatography coupled to olfactometry (GC-O). A panel taster profiled these brandies and the identified odorants were also quantified by gas chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The GC-O results showed 29 identified odorants (alcohols, esters, acids and phenols). Some of them are proceeding from the distillate while others are extracted from the wood. The analysis of correlation between the sensory profiles and the odorant quantification pointed out the relevance of several wood compounds for the brandy aroma, namely the vanillin, volatile phenols and furanic aldehydes. These compounds presented important correlations with several olfactory attributes like vanilla, smoke, toasted, dried fruits, woody, which influence positively the quality of the brandies.
Early bilingualism: children of immigrants in an English-language childcare center

Early bilingualism: children of immigrants in an English-language childcare center In this study, language views and home language practice of sixteen immigrant parents were documented and related to the dual language behaviors of their young children (ages 1:09 to 3;06) who were enrolled in a Toronto English-language childcare center. De Houwer's (1999) model of early bilingualism was applied to the minority language context and external factors were used to explain the short-lived active bilingualism of the younger children and the passive bilingualism of the preschoolers. Presenting mothers and fathers with separate questionnaires proved to be a valuable methodological tool, which revealed similar language thinking but different home language practice. Immigrant mothers were more committed to their children's L1 development than were fathers, a finding, which supports and extends the parental gender difference noted in earlier work (Gleason, 2005; Lyon, 1991; Lyon & Ellis, 1999). Negative effects of early L2 exposure on minority language children's incomplete L1, reported in earlier studies, were confirmed. A concrete outcome of the present study was the creation mylanguage.ca, a website intended to help immigrant parents understand their children's dual language learning. Even though the study presents a somewhat bleak picture of the continuation of L1, it concludes on an optimistic note, encouraging immigrant fathers to join forces with their L1-committed spouses and to help provide a nurturing L1 environment for their young children.
Germination potential of toddy palm (Caryota urens), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) seeds under in vivo conditions

Kithul (Caryota urens: Arecaceae), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum: Zingiberaceae) and Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans: Myristaceae) are three species having great export potential in Sri Lanka. Due to the hard seed coat the germination potential of these species are low. Therefore a study was undertaken to explore possibilities of improving the seed germination through mechanical, physical and chemical treatments and to develop a cost effective and rapid seed germination method. C. urens seeds when treated with 50% HNO3 for 5 minutes recorded the highest germination (85%) followed by 30% HNO3 for 5 min. (77.5%) and tepid water for 24h (75%) as compared to untreated control (10%) and other treatments. Seeds of E. cardamomum treated with 50% H2SO4 for 5min recorded the highest germina- tion (65%) followed by 75% HNO3 for 10min (55%) and 75% HNO3 for 15min (45%). Nutmeg seeds treated with 0.5% KNO3 for 30 min. showed improved germination. The results obtained in this study will be useful for plant breeders and farmers who cultivate these species commercially. Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension 15(4): 2012: page 115-118
Financial Inclusion and Income Inequality in Mexican Municipalities

The Greenwood and Jovanovic (1990) [1], hypothesis, about the influence of the financial inclusion on the inequality in the income distribution, is tested for the Mexican municipalities. The results of the econometric estimation, confirm the theoretical expectative, indicating that a higher financial inclusion would lead initially to a greater income inequality within the Mexican municipalities, so that later on as the inclusion continues growing that inequality reduces. These findings, obtained through the use of regional information for a same country, are the first of its kind on available literature; and suggest the need for more regional approaches, rather than national, in the public policy on the complex social problem of income inequality.
Towards the Development of Energy Efficient Compact House: The Solar Decathlon SLIDE-S Prototype – Wall System design

This paper discusses the envelope energy performance during thedevelopment stage for a Solar Decathlon prototype SLIDE-S (SustainableLivable Individually-customized Design) SLIDE-S is a 72 m2 residentialhouse. It runs on solar energy during the day, and the final energy balanceis zero. Inspired by the “Mashrabiya” in Islamic Cairo and theinterlocking pattern of stones, the main features of the house are theVoronoi pattern which composes the structure and screen and the movabledouble screen which ensures adequate daylight is permitted. The mainconfiguration of the house is its “matchbox” sliding configuration in whichpart of the screen moves out to allow direct light into the residential unit aswell as enlarge the space covered by the house. The aim of this paper is toinvestigate the strategies mentioned above and through a series ofsimulation experiments and to examine how effective they are to deliver azero-energy house. Using energy simulation, design recommendations areproposed to enhance the thermal performance of the skin and as a result,the overall design of the house.
Conjugate and Directional Chaos Control Methods for Reliability Analysis of CNT–Reinforced Nanocomposite Beams under Buckling Forces; A Comparative Study

The efficiency and robustness of reliability methods are two important factors in the first-order reliability method (FORM). The conjugate choice control (CCC) and directional chaos control method (DCC) are developed to improve the robustness and efficiency of the FORM formula using the stability transformation method. In this paper, the CCC and DCC methods are applied for the reliability analysis of a nanocomposite beam as a complex engineering problem, which is reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) under buckling force. The probabilistic model for nanocomposite beam is developed through the buckling failure mode which is computed by using the Euler-Bernoulli beam model. The robustness and efficiency CCC and DCC are compared using the stable solution and a number of call limit state functions. The results demonstrate that the CCC method is more robust than the DCC in this case, while the DCC method is simpler than the CCC.
Inventories and the Credit Crisis: A Chicken and Egg Situation

Inventories are known to play a large role in business cycles, but the causal relationship is not entirely understood—do inventory cycles generate business cycles, or vice versa? In operations management theory, modeling choice pre-determines the role of inventories. Production smoothing models dictate that inventories follow production decisions; OrderUp-To models dictate that inventories drive production decisions. Empirical observations, however, show that inventories are both a cause and an effect of production decisions. We hypothesize that –in real life– target inventory levels are dynamic and are adjusted in response to not only changes in demand forecast but also fluctuating cost considerations. We develop a two-echelon structural model of inventory decisions using financial data for 6040 unique supplier-customer dyads for the years 1984–2013 to investigate downstream inventory adjustments and their influence on upstream firms. The model shows that suppliers react to arbitrary downstream inventory adjustments over and above the demand changes, revealing a new explanation for transient shocks getting amplified upstream. Our results show that inventory cost ratios are dynamic, and support the hypothesis that they follow economic and financial sentiment such as liquidity considerations and GDP growth rates.
Bayesian Prediction of Deterministic Functions, with Applications to the Design and Analysis of Computer Experiments

Abstract This article is concerned with prediction of a function y(t) over a (multidimensional) domain T, given the function values at a set of “sites” {t (1), t (2), …, t (n)} in T, and with the design, that is, with the selection of those sites. The motivating application is the design and analysis of computer experiments, where t determines the input to a computer model of a physical or behavioral system, and y(t) is a response that is part of the output or is calculated from it. Following a Bayesian formulation, prior uncertainty about the function y is expressed by means of a random function Y, which is taken here to be a Gaussian stochastic process. The mean of the posterior process can be used as the prediction function ŷ(t), and the variance can be used as a measure of uncertainty. This kind of approach has been used previously in Bayesian interpolation and is strongly related to the kriging methods used in geostatistics. Here emphasis is placed on product linear and product cubic correlation func.
Control of dormancy by lipid metabolism in Calanus finmarchicus: a population model test

The life cycle of Calanus finmarchicus includes a prolonged dormancy phase that allows it to avoid the unfavourable environmental conditions typical of the upper ocean from late summer to early spring in the subarctic North Atlantic. Recent demographic, physiological and genetic evidence supports the hypothesis of a crucial role for lipid accumulation and metabolism in the control of dormancy. We present a stage-resolving biomass model of C. finmarchicus, implementing a mechanistic approach of the control of dormancy based on this lipid hypothesis. The dormancy process obeys 2 rules: (1) active copepodite stage Vs (C5s) enter dormancy when the ratio of lipid to total body carbon exceeds some threshold, and (2) diapausing C5s exit dormancy when their lipid storage approaches a lower threshold. We implemented the model into a 1-dimensional water column framework and compared our results to 2 consecutive years of observations of stage-specific copepodite abundances and lipid content of C5 from the Northwest Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. The model produced realistic phenology and temporal patterns in lipid content of C. finmarchicus in response to the observed environmental forcing. Interannual variations in the timing of entry and contributions of different generations to the overwintering stock were shown. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis of a lipid-mediated control of entrance and exit from dormancy in C. finmarchicus.