Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attitude Towards Electronic Cigarettes Regulation in Indoor Workplaces and Selected Public and Private Places: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundCurrently, there is an intensive debate about the regulation of the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in indoor places. The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes toward e-cigarette use in indoor workplaces and selected public and private venues among the general population in Barcelona (Spain) in 2013–2014.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of the population of Barcelona (n = 736). The field work was conducted between May 2013 and February 2014. We computed the prevalence and the adjusted odds ratios (OR) derived from multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsThe awareness of e-cigarettes was 82.3%. Forty five percent of respondents did not agree with the use of e-cigarettes in public places and 52.3% in workplaces. The proportion of disapproval of the use of e-cigarettes in indoor places was higher at 71.5% for schools and 65.8% for hospitals and health care centers; while the prevalence of disapproval of e-cigarette use in homes and cars was lower (18.0% and 32.5%, respectively). Respondents who disagreed on the use of e-cigarettes in indoor workplaces were more likely to be older (OR = 1.64 and 1.97 for groups 45–64 and ≧65 years old, respectively), those with a high educational level (OR = 1.60), and never and former smokers (OR = 2.34 and 2.16, respectively). Increased scores in the Fagerstrom test for cigarette dependence were also related to increased support for their use.ConclusionsBased on this population based study, half of the general population of Barcelona does not support the use of e-cigarettes in indoor workplaces and public places, with the percentage reaching 65% for use in schools, hospitals and health care centers. Consequently, there is good societal support in Spain for the politicians and legislators to promote policies restricting e-cigarettes use in workplaces and public places, including hospitality venues.
An empirical characterization of mortgage default in Colombia between 1997 and 2004

This paper examines the relationship between mortgage default decisions and relevant observable variables under the light of a random utility model. The focus of the study is the Colombian mortgage market between 1997 and 2004 using two separate data sets that are matched using simulation techniques. The estimation allows the computation of mortgage default probabilities that are directly related to an underlying model of optimal default. Results are sharp and indicate that variation in current income has little effect on mortgage default, compared to housing prices and mortgage balances.
Changes in Employed People's Health Satisfaction

Der Beitrag untersucht fur Deutschland, ob sich die subjektive Zufriedenheit mit Gesundheit im Zeitverlauf gewandelt hat. Es wird analysiert, ob ein Ruckgang der Gesundheitszufriedenheit zu beobachten ist und ob dieser durch veranderte Rahmenbedingungen von Erwerbstatigkeit erklart werden kann. In der Arbeitsmarktforschung wurde ausfuhrlich ein Wandel der Erwerbssituation dokumentiert, der unter das Stichwort Prekarisierung subsummiert werden kann. Im theoretischen Abschnitt wird der Forschungsstand zur Entwicklung der Erwerbssituation dargestellt und die Bedeutung der Erwerbsarbeit fur die Gesundheit herausgearbeitet. Die empirischen Analysen des Beitrags basieren auf Angaben der Erwerbstatigen im Sozio-oekonomischen Panel (SOEP) der Jahre 1985, 1996 und 2009. Die Daten zeigen in Westdeutschland eine signifikant abnehmende Zufriedenheit mit der Gesundheit von 1985 bis 2009, in Ostdeutschland keine nennenswerte Veranderung von 1996 bis 2009. Bei den Analysen wird die Blinder/Oaxaca-Zerlegung angewandt, um den Effekt der Veranderung der Erwerbssituation auf den Ruckgang der Zufriedenheit mit Gesundheit auszudifferenzieren. Die Analysen zeigen in der Tat sich verandernde Effekte der Erwerbssituation. In Westdeutschland kann ein signifikanter Anteil der verschlechterten Gesundheitszufriedenheit auf einen zunehmenden Anteil von Beschaftigten in prekaren Beschaftigungssituationen zuruckgefuhrt werden. Dabei ist vor allem die Sicherheit des Arbeitsplatzes von Bedeutung fur die Erklarung rucklaufiger Zufriedenheit mit Gesundheit in Westdeutschland.
Effect of Reproductive Phase on Some Micronutrients , Antinutrients and Toxic Substances in Hibiscus sabdariffa Grown in Minna , Niger State , Nigeria

The nutritional potentials of leafy vegetables are sternly limited by the presence of inherent phytotoxins. The concentration of the nutrients and toxic substances in the vegetables are generally influenced during their developmental stages. It is against this background that pot experiment was conducted to determine the effect of reproductive phase (fruiting) on antinutrients (soluble and total oxalates), toxic substances (cyanide and nitrate) and some micronutrients namely; vitamin C, β-carotene (provitamin A) and mineral elements (Fe, Mg, Zn, Cu, Ca, Na and K) in Hibiscus sabdariffa grown on nitrogen and non-nitrogen treated soil. The leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa were harvested and analysed at vegetative phase (market maturity) and reproductive phase (fruiting). Results obtained showed that the concentrations of cyanide, β-carotene and vitamin C were not significantly affected by the reproductive phase of Hibiscus sabdariffa in control and nitrogen treated vegetable. However, the concentrations of nitrate, soluble and total oxalate were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated with fruiting irrespective of soil nitrogen levels. The analysed mineral elements content in Hibiscus sabdariffa were not significantly affected by its developmental stages, except that the Fe and Mg content decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in control and nitrogen treated Hibiscus sabdariffa, respectively. The results conclude that 28 Amanabo Musa et al plant toxins are accumulated higher at reproductive phase than in vegetative phase in Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Perception of Sustainable development and Education for Sustainable Development by African technology education academics

The current co-existence of environmental education (EE) and education for sustainable development (ESD) poses a number of questions for educators and policy makers regarding the differences and similarities between EE and ESD. This co-existence has created a concern among international and national communities regarding overlap and duplication of goals and programs in EE and ESD. The simultaneous existence and development of EE and ESD has resulted in some confusion in policy formulation and implementation. Lack of clarity has sometimes led to inefficiencies in achieving goals and development of initiatives. Some countries call for distinctions, others for convergence between the EE and ESD (UNESCO, 2009). This paper reflects on the historical development of EE and ESD to identify similarities and differences between the concepts. It suggests that differences in the models of EE and ESD relationships can be seen in technology education policies and practices. The paper argues that an emphasis on the social dimension of design for SD need to be strengthened to align technology education with global developments.
Strong Ground Motion Simulations Around Prince Islands Fault

The main objective of this study is to simulate broad-frequency-band strong ground motion waveforms resulting from the rupture of the Prince Island Fault and to provide input accelerograms for linear and non-linear time history analyses for engineering structures. Simulations are performed using Green’s Function methodology developed by Hutchings and Wu (1990) [1]. The methodology considers physical based rupture process and takes into account different source parameters to investigate their effects on amplitude and frequency content of simulated waveforms. As a result, the low frequency energy content of the simulated waveforms has significant role in the characteristic of strong ground motion for large earthquake in Marmara region.
BURIED ALIVE: EXAMINING ASSUMPTIONS CONCERNING PROLONGED BURIALS AND AVALANCHE RESCUE

The probability of surviving an avalanche burial decreases dramatically after 10-18 minutes, and we teach students they are their partners' best chance for survival in a burial event. Rescue educa- tion efforts have created two widespread rescue assumptions: "prolonged burial searches are body re- covery missions", and "never leave the scene to go for help. " In February 2014, an avalanche in Idaho completely buried a group of four snowmobilers. While one rider was killed, three riders survived; one dug himself out of the debris, the second survived a 60 minute burial, and the third survivor was extricated successfully 105 minutes after the avalanche released. She was recovered by trained recreationists who responded because survivors left the scene to seek assistance. This paper utilizes the Idaho case study to examine the validity and implications of common avalanche rescue assumptions. This winter, at least five 'prolonged' burial survivals occurred in the United States. We review the environmental and physio- logic factors contributing to survival during prolonged burial and emphasize that rescuers must operate urgently until victims are recovered and physically examined. We then examine the role and frequency of "small-team rescuers": rescuers who are neither part of the involved party nor professionals but play inte- gral roles. We propose a holistic, systems-based approach to avalanche rescue that incorporates individ- ual, small-team, and professional segments in a non-linear, collaborative model. The authors' ultimate goal is to encourage the avalanche community to further examine avalanche rescue-related assumptions that shape rescuers' mentality and behavior.
In-service Training in Alternative Assessment with Singapore Mathematics Teachers

Fifty-nine primary mathematics teachers of three intakes participated in in-service training in alternative assessment newly offered at a university in Singapore. A study, action research in nature, was undertaken to examine the effects of the in-service training and investigate relevant issues in promoting teachers' use of alternative assessment in classrooms. Data were mainly collected through questionnaire surveys, the participants' work on an authentic alternative assessment task, and field-notes of the training. The results indicate that systematic training in alternative assessment is highly needed for school teachers, and in- service training can be an effective way to promote their professional growth in this area, especially through their integrating authentic alternative assessment tasks into their actual classroom teaching as part of the training. In addition, the study reveals that the current school curriculum does not well reflect the new development of assessment and therefore there is a need to integrate the concept and content of alternative assessment into school curriculum to facilitate teachers' use of alternative assessment in classroom. Some other relevant issues, including advantages and disadvantages of in-service training, are also documented in the article. 1
Misclassification between Patent Offices: Evidence from a Matched Sample of Patent Applications

Abstract In this paper, we estimate the extent of misclassification in patent examination decisions between the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Japanese Patent Office (JPO), that is, applications that are incorrectly refused a patent or incorrectly granted a patent. Using a proxy for inventive step as the predictor of the correct decision, we find that the probability that a “true grant” application is refused is 6.1%, while the probability that a “true refusal” application is granted is 9.8%. However, we find no evidence of an increasing trend of granting “bad” patents at the EPO and JPO.
Relationship between species composition and homegarden size in Odeda lga of Ogun State Nigeria

Studies on correlation between species composition and homegarden size in thirty (30) house gardens in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria was conducted. Plants grown and maintained by household members and the diversity of vegetal species and their uses were assessed using semi-structured questionnaire and structured interview. A total of 120 different plant species belonging to 50 Families were documented. From the data, Euphorbiaceae, Solanaceae, Rutaceae, Malvaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Poaceae and Apocynaceae (in order of decreasing number of species) were the most frequent Families. Taxa such as Musa species, Vernonia amygdalina, Citrus species, Psidium guajava and Terminalia catappa were found to be the common food/medicinal plants as evidenced by their densities in the study sites. The household members cited most of the plants as food; others as medicinal and ornamentals. Miscellaneous uses include cosmetics, ceremonial and scouring. Homegarden products serve alimentary purposes and represent promising base materials for poverty alleviation and may also help to augment “fresh” food nutrient intake. Pearson Correlation analyses indicated no statistically significant association between species composition and homegarden size (Simple correlation=0.289, P=0.122). Species composition and homegarden structures as well as plant uses are discussed. Key words : Homegarden, Odeda, Southwestern Nigeria, Species composition
Changes in the Activity and Gene Expression of Sorbitol-and Sucrose-related Enzymes Associated with Development of ‘ La France ’ Pear Fruit

To clarify the roles of the five sorbitoland sucrose-related enzymes important to the development of ‘La France’ pear fruit, we traced the fluctuations in the activities and mRNA levels of these enzymes. Such an approach of simultaneously assaying five sugar-metabolizing enzymes is a first in pear fruit and the Rosaceae family. Both the activity and the mRNA level of NAD+-dependent sorbitol dehydrogenase (NAD-SDH) were high in young fruit, but decreased during fruit enlargement and rose again with fruit maturation. Sucrose synthase (SS) showed nearly the same fluctuation pattern as did NAD-SDH. The changes in both NAD-SDH and SS activities, based on fresh weight, were proportional to that of the relative growth rate (RGR) of the fruit. This suggests that they function closely in supplying hexose from the unloaded sugars in the phloem for active growth. Two isogenes of soluble acid invertase (S-AIV), S-AIV1 and S-AIV2, were present in pear fruit; the former was expressed highly in young fruit, whereas the latter was expressed both in young and mature fruits. The fluctuation pattern of the activity for sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (S6PDH) was similar to that of NAD-SDH. However, the role of S6PDH in fruit is unclear. Although sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity was higher in young fruit, it decreased and remained low with fruit maturation. This may be attributed to the finding that ‘La France’ pear fruit accumulates hexose but not sucrose. These results showed that NAD-SDH, SS, and S-AIV are of prime importance in supplying sugars for the development and accumulation of hexose necessary for pear fruit enlargement.
Relationship of vasculogenic mimicry, SphK1 expression, and Cx43 expression to metastasis and prognosis in colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE To determine the presence of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) and expression of Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) and Connexin43 (Cx43) in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, and to identify their inter-relationships and associations with multiple pathologic parameters. METHODS Ninety-two CRC specimens and normal pericarcinoma tissues were analyzed for expression of SphK1 and Cx43 using immunohistochemistry, and for identification of VM using CD34-periodic acid-Schiff dual staining. RESULTS The positive rate of SphK1 expression was greater in CRC cells than pericarcinoma cells (85.87% vs. 33.70%, P < 0.05). In contrast, the positive rate of Cx43 expression was greater in pericarcinoma cells than in CRC cells (58.70% vs. 92.39%, P < 0.05). Analysis of CRC tissues indicated that expression of SphK1 was associated with poor differentiation, advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and the presence of VM (P < 0.05 for each comparison). Expression of Cx43 was associated with high differentiation and the presence of VM (P < 0.05 for each comparison). Patient sex, age, tumor size, depth of invasion, and distant metastasis were unrelated to the expression of either protein. There was a significant correlation between the expression of SphK1 and Cx43 (P < 0.05). Analysis of overall patient survival indicated that SphK1 positivity and the presence of VM were significantly associated with poor survival, but Cx43 positivity had no relationship with survival. CONCLUSION SphK1 protein expression was significantly greater in CRC tissues than pericarcinoma tissues, suggesting this protein may be associated with the pathogenesis of CRC. In addition, the significant correlation between expression of SphK1 and Cx43 in CRC tissues suggests their interaction may impact the pathogenesis of CRC.
Theory of charged particle heating by low-frequency Alfvén waves

The heating of charged particles by a linearly polarized and obliquely propagating shear Alfven wave (SAW) at frequencies a fraction of the charged particle cyclotron frequency is demonstrated both analytically and numerically. Applying Lie perturbation theory, with the wave amplitude as the perturbation parameter, the resonance conditions in the laboratory frame are systematically derived. At the lowest order, one recovers the well-known linear cyclotron resonance condition k∥v∥−ω−nΩ=0, where v∥ is the particle velocity parallel to the background magnetic field, k∥ is the parallel wave number, ω is the wave frequency, Ω is the gyrofrequency, and n is any integer. At higher orders, however, one discovers a novel nonlinear cyclotron resonance condition given by k∥v∥−ω−nΩ∕2=0. Analytical predictions on the locations of fixed points, widths of resonances, and resonance overlapping criteria for global stochasticity are also found to agree with those given by computed Poincare surfaces of section.
A revised formulation of ocean wave dissipation and its model impact

The wave model dissipation source function in the ECMWF operational model has been reformulated in terms of mean wave parameters that give more emphasis on the high-frequency part of the wave spectrum resulting in a more realistic interaction between windsea and swell. This has allowed the relaxation of the prognostic frequency range over which the model equations are integrated. These modifications resulted in improved analyses of wave model parameters, particularly those that are more sensitive to the high frequency part of the spectrum (e.g. mean wave period). Following pre-operational testing, the changes were implemented in the operational model in April 2005. Long term statistics confirm the benefit of the revised formulations.
Diurnal ingestive behavior of Nellore steers receiving increasinglevels from supplement in pasture of Brachiaria brizantha

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the diurnal ingetive behavior Nellores steers with increasing levels of energy and protein supplemention by raising in pasture of Brachiaria brizantha. The on-farm trial was developed at Boa Vista Farm in conjunction with Bahia State University, southwestern Bahia, Brazil, where forty 26-month-old Nellore steers with the initial weight of 371.0 ± 14.9 kg were previously accommodated to the experimental conditions for 14 days; they were randomly allotted in the following treatments: T 00 = mineral salt, T 03 = 0.3%, T 06 = 0.6%, and T 09 = 0.9% of energy and protein supplementation for 84 days. The animals were visually observed at 10-minute intervals for two periods of 12 hours from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Time for ruminating (P<0.06) had cubic effects; time for grazing (P<0.00001) and idling (P<0.00006) had quadratic effects while time for feeding had increasing linear effects (P<0.00001). The total of feed dry matter intake either in kg/animal/day or percentage (%) of the live body weight were not affected by increasing the levels of energy and protein (P>0.15). However, the total of dry forage intake and the fiber contents evaluated in neutral and acid detergent were linearly reduced (P<0.0002). Furthermore, the total time of chewing the number of bolus, and the ruminating time per bolus had cubic effects (P<0.0001); the chewing number per bolus was linearly reduced (P<0.000001); the number of grazing events (P<0.15) and the time of feeding was linearly increased (P<0.000001) although each grazing event had its average time linearly reduced (P<0.000001); the number of ruminating (P<0.02), idling events (P<0.000001), and time for each ruminating event (P<0.0002) had quadratic effects. Finally, the number of events at trough had cubic effects (P<0.000001) but the time of each idling event was not modified by the treatments (P>0.15). Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to the diet composition for raising beef-cattle and to the amount of feed in conjunction with both composition and ratio of pasture to concentrate because some diurnal behavior which have affected on the ingesting performan-ce of Nellore steers.
F-misonidazole PET imaging of hypoxia in micrometastases and macroscopic xenografts of human non-small cell lung cancer : a correlation with autoradiography and histological findings

The objective of this study was to determine whether 18F-misonidazole could detect hypoxia in macroscopic and microscopic tumors in mice. In nude mice, subcutaneous xenografts and peritoneal metastases were generated utilizing human non-small cell lung cancer A549 and HTB177 cells. Animals were co-injected with 18Fmisonidazole, pimonidazole and bromodeoxyuridine, and tumor perfusion was assessed by Hoechst 33342 injection. The intratumoral distribution of 18F-misonidazole was determined by micro-PET scan and autoradiography. Pimonidazole, bromodeoxyuridine and Hoechst 33342 were detected by immunohistochemistry on the autoradiography sections. Submillimeter micrometastases found to be severely hypoxic. In both peritoneal metastases and subcutaneous xenografts models, PET images displayed significant 18F-misonidazole uptake, and its distribution was non-uniform in these macroscopic subcutaneous tumors. In frozen sections, digital autoradiography and immunohistochemistry revealed similar distributions of 18F-misonidazole, pimonidazole and glucose transporter-1, in both microscopic and macroscopic tumors. Bromodeoxyuridine stained-positive proliferative regions were well perfused, as judged by Hoechst 33342, and displayed low 18F-misonidazole accumulation. 18F-misonidazole uptake was low in tumor stroma and necrotic zones as well. Microscopic non-small cell lung cancer metastases are severely hypoxic. 18F-misonidazole PET is capable to image hypoxia noninvasively not only in macroscopic tumors but also in micrometastases growing in mice. Accordingly, 18F-misonidazole may be a promising agent to detect the burden of micrometastatic diseases.
Observation of Zenneck-Like Waves over a Metasurface Designed for Launching HF Radar Surface Wave

Since the beginning of the 20th century a controversy has been continuously revived about the existence of the Zenneck Wave. This wave is a theoretical solution of Maxwell’s equations and might be propagated along the interface between the air and a dielectric medium. The expected weak attenuation at large distance explains the constant interest for this wave. Notably in the High Frequency band such a wave had been thought as a key point to reduce the high attenuation observed in High Frequency Surface Wave Radar. Despite many works on that topic and various experiments attempted during one century, there is still an alternation of statements between its existence and its nonexistence. We report here an experiment done during the optimisation of the transmitting antennas for Surface Wave Radars. Using an infrared method, we visualize a wave having the structure described by Zenneck above a metasurface located on a dielectric slab.