Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Iron status and cardiovascular disease risk in black South African women: the PURE study

Abstract Objective: To examine the associations between measures of iron status and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in South African women. Method: In a cross-sectional study, demographic information and health history were obtained during individual interviews using validated questionnaires in the North West Province, South Africa. Anthropometric indices, iron indices, blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid profiles were measured using standard procedures in 1 262 apparently healthy black South African women aged 35 years or older. Iron status was assessed using serum concentrations of ferritin, transferrin receptor (TfR) and TfR:ferritin ratio. Results: Associations between iron status parameters and CVD risk factors were generally weak (r < 0.3, p < 0.01) and were not retained when adjustment was made for age, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption and C-reactive protein in the analysis. Waist circumference (WC) and waist:hip ratio (WHR) were higher in the fourth quartile of serum ferritin than in the third quartile, and also in the third quartile compared to the second quartile (P < 0.05). Based on WC and WHR respectively, 31% and 52% of the women had excess abdominal obesity. The mean (95% confidence interval) serum TfR concentration was high, at 9.09 µg/ml (8.77, 9.44), indicating risk of iron deficiency. The mean (95% confidence interval) concentrations of lipids [total cholesterol 4.78 mmol/l (4.64, 4.93), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol 1.45 mmol/l (1.39, 1.52), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 1.65 mmol/l (1.53, 1.78), triglyceride 1.12 mmol/l (1.07, 1.18)] were within reference ranges. Conclusion: No significant association was found between iron status parameters and established CVD risk factors. However, excessive abdominal adiposity indicated by high WC and WHR contributes significantly to increased serum ferritin concentration in this population.
Structural Analysis of Factors That Influence Professional Learning Communities in Korean Elementary Schools

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are an important strategy for innovation in schools, and they are receiving considerable attention from scholars and educators alike. The present study aimed to examine the effect of PLCs on schools’ effectiveness and to investigate the social, organizational, and structural factors that can promote these learning communities. The survey for this study was completed by 375 teachers from 40 elementary schools in the Seoul Metropolitan Area of South Korea, and their responses were analyzed to test the hypothesized model. The results of the structural equation modeling indicated that PLCs were strongly and directly related to elementary schools’ effectiveness and that principals’ leadership and supportive relationships among teachers were the important factors that influenced PLCs. Based on the results of this study, several implications are discussed.
Quantifying field-scale effects of elevated carbon dioxide concentration on crops

Climate change will affect crop growth and agricultural production worldwide. Crop production will be affected not only by modified rainfall patterns, increased air temperatures and changes in evaporative demand, but also elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations ((CO2)). This study used meta-analytic techniques to quantify field-scale effects of elevated (CO2) (mainly 541 to 620 µmol mol �1 ) on agricultural crops in free air CO2 enrichment (FACE) conditions. Overall, crops benefit from elevated (CO2) by improving water productivity (+23% for biomass production and +27% for yield production), which is achieved through production increases in biomass (+15% for aboveground biomass) and yield (+16%), in combination with a decrease in seasonal evapotranspiration (-5%). Increased root:shoot ratios (+24%) indicate a more than proportional stimulation of belowground biomass production. Less critical, yet statistically significant are changes in canopy development rate and in phenology. Certain statistically significant differences existed between C3 and C4 crops, and between levels of environmental stress (nitrogen and water availability). Once the effect of elevated (CO2) is well understood and quantified, crop modellers can investigate the interactions with other climatic factors, providing better estimates of potential impacts on food production.
Market Orientation, Diversification and Market Participation of Smallholders: Evidence from Ethiopia

Commercial transformation of subsistence agriculture is an indispensable pathway towards economic growth and development for many agriculture dependent developing countries. Commercialisation entails market orientation (agricultural production destined for market based on market signals) and market participation (amount or proportion of agricultural surplus offered for sale). However, the literature on commercialisation of smallholders makes little differentiation between market orientation and market participation of smallholders. Moreover, the literature on commercialisation of smallholders focuses on the output side of commercialisation, giving little attention to the input side. This paper is aimed at empirically testing (1) whether the determinants of market orientation and market participation are consistent, and (2) whether higher market orientation is translated into higher market participation. The paper is also aimed at analysing the determinants of the intensity of use of purchased inputs for annual crop production, as a measure of household commercialisation from the input side; analysing the effect of land fragmentation on crop diversification and market orientation, and analysing the effect of crop diversification on household participation in crop output and input markets as seller. Results show that the determinants of market orientation and market participation are not necessarily the same, although they are not inconsistent. Market orientation strongly translates into market participation. Land fragmentation is the most important determinant of crop diversification. There appears to be a U-shaped relationship between crop diversification and crop input market participation of household as buyer. Results imply that policy and institutional strategies to enhance smallholder commercialisation need to target enhancing market orientation at the production planning level, and market participation at the postharvest level, and these strategies may be different. Reducing land fragmentation has potential to enhance smallholder commercialisation in Ethiopia. Improving productivity and production is an important determinant of market participation of households. The extension service, although effective in enhancing market orientation, failed to have significant effect on market participation, suggesting that the marketing extension component of the extension service needs to be strengthened.
Shadow Economies Around the World: New Results for 158 Countries Over 1991-2015

Using the MIMIC method, this paper is a first attempt to estimate the size of the shadow economy of 158 countries over the period 1991 up to 2015. In addition to performing a variety of robustness tests, this paper explicitly addresses endogeneity concerns to the use of GDP as cause and indicator, by using the light intensity approach as an indicator variable as proxy for the size of the economy. Results suggest that the average size of the shadow economy of these 158 countries over 1991-2015 is 32.5% of official GDP, which was 34.82% in 1991 and decreased to 30.66% in 2015.
Supervisors’ perceptions regarding the Zambian HIV nurse practitioner program and integrating graduates into the Zambian health system: A descriptive cross-sectional survey

Introduction: The disease burden of HIV and AIDS in Zambia is among the highest in the world. In 2009 the HIV Nurse Practitioner (HNP) program was implemented to address the disease burden of HIV and AIDS that is worsened by a critical shortage of health care workers and in Zambia. The objective of this study was to analyze the perceptions of supervisors of the first three cohorts of graduates of the HNP program regarding the HNP role, the impact of the role on the quality of care for HIV patients and their families, and perceived challenges in integrating the HNP graduates into the Zambian health system. Methods: This paper reports findings from a cross-sectional survey of the supervisors from the first three cohorts of Zambian HNP graduates who completed the program between 2010-2012. Thematic content analysis was used to identify themes from the responses of 60 supervisors. The project received approval from the University of xxx Research Ethics Committee and from the University of xxx Institutional Review Board. Results: The HNP graduates’ supervisors reported an understanding of the role, and a positive perception of the impact of the HNP cadre on the quality of HIV and AIDS care for patients and their families. The perceived challenges to integration of the HNP into the Zambian health system included the need to clarify job descriptions and responsibilities for the new role within the Ministry of Health, addressing issues related to the shortage of nurses to meet other health needs, ensuring appropriate referral of complex cases, and providing ongoing HNP supervision. Discussion: The findings in this study can be used to guide the development of this program and the development of future task-shifting programs to provide comprehensive care to patients with HIV and AIDS.
Epidermal features of rice leaf CV. BRRI Dhan29

Not available. Keywords: Leaf epidermis; Rice; Scanning electron microscopy (SEM); Slender macro hair. DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i2. 3931 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(2): 177-180, 2009 (December)
How to motivate formal students and informal learners to participate in Open Content Educational Resources (OCER)

Background & Aims: Motivation positions itself in the center of educational psychology, because it is vital to stimulate learning behavior either for formal students or informal learners whether they are in K-12, university or at post-study level. In the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), learners, are motivated from within, by enjoyment and curiosity; while many others are often motivated by external factors including attaining ego-enhancement or even to avoid guilt. There is a lack of knowledge, however, in relation to measuring the motivations for Open Content Learning Activities (OCLA), and especially whether such motivations can be understood using SDT. A model that integrates Goal Valence Theory (GVT) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) was proposed to provide a systematic tool for investigation. Methods: Item response theory was used to design the online questionnaire scale that assesses OER motivations. One large-scale survey was used to explore motivations to participate or otherwise to OCER. Participants were recruited by approaching subscribers to Wikibooks’ email list as well as advertisement published on Wikibooks website. Results & Findings: (Confirmatory) Factor Analysis was used to explore motivations to participate and not-to participate into OCER. Results, of 262 responses, suggested that within intrinsic or extrinsic factors, there are approach and avoidance tendencies; and that SDT cannot be considered away from Goal Valence Theory (GVT) – which adds an important layer to the SDT. Results show the co-existence of intrinsic & extrinsic motivations and approach & avoidance motivations. Results suggest that self-learners are more likely to be excited and have their desire to learn and other endorsed values, while students likely to be “pushed” or encouraged to write and contribute to OCER until they enjoy/value what they are doing. Also, providing support and visible instructions/help may reduce any lack of confidence. Among other discussed findings in this paper, future research should consider a longitudinal experimental study that may explore how learning activities could be designed to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.
Interactive comment on “ Influence of aerosols and thin cirrus clouds on the GOSAT-observed CO 2 : a case study over Tsukuba ” by O . Uchino

Dear Uchino and co-authors, Your paper addresses a very timely retrieval issue for the GOSAT and potentially future CO2 satellite missions. However, the scientific value and methodology needs to be made clear as noted by two reviewers. Kindly address these issues with diligence so the reviewers can appreciate and accept the value of your research and recommend sharing with the community via ACP. Cheers! Dubey
Identification of arid phases during the last 50 cal. ka BP from the Fuentillejo maar‐lacustrine record (Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Field, Spain)

Geochemical (element analysis, molecular analysis of organic compounds), physical, palynological, mineralogical and sedimentary facies analysis were performed to characterise the sedimentary record in Fuentillejo maar‐lake in the Central Spanish Volcanic Field of Campo de Calatrava, in order to reconstruct the palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic processes which controlled vegetation patterns and deposition of different sedimentary facies. The upper 20 m of core FUENT‐1 show variations in clastic input, water chemistry, vegetation and organic fraction sources in the lake throughout the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. The temporal framework provided by 14C accelerator mass spectrometry dating allows assigning the sequence to the last 50 cal. ka BP. Arid phases identified in the FUENT‐1 sequence are correlated to Heinrich events (HE) and to stadials of the Dansgaard/Oeschger (D/O) cycles. Siliciclastic facies with high magnetic susceptibility values, high Juniperus pollen content, a low Paq index (aquatic macrophysics proxy index), a decrease in the relative percentage of the n‐C27 and an increase in the n‐C31 alkanes are indicative of arid and colder climatic events related to HE 2, HE 1 and the Younger Dryas (YD). Similar short cold and arid phases during the Holocene were identified at 9.2–8.6, 7.5–7 and 5.5–5 cal. ka BP. In dolomite–mud facies, the pollen data show an increase in the herbs component, mainly – Chenopodiaceae, Artemisia and Ephedra – steppe taxa; a low Paq index, a decrease in the relative percentage of the n‐C27 alkane and an increase in the n‐C31 alkane are also observed. This facies was probably the result of lower lake levels and more saline–alkaline conditions, which can be interpreted as linked to arid–warm periods. These warm and arid phases were more frequent during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 and the interstadials of MIS 2. HE 4, HE 2, HE 1 and the YD in core FUENT‐1 were immediately followed by increases of warm steppe pollen assemblages that document rapid warming similar to the D/O cycles but do not imply increasing humidity in the area. Fuentillejo hydrology is controlled by changes in the atmospheric and oceanic systems that operated on the North Atlantic region at millennial scale during the last 50 cal. ka BP. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental trajectory of familiar and unfamiliar face recognition in children: evidence in support of experience

The ability to recognise faces and where the ability stems from is a much debated topic in psychology. This study sought to replicate Jenkins, White, Van Montfort and Burton’s (2011) simple paradigm to investigate the developmental trajectory of face processing. This study was conducted with 234 participants, formed of three age groups; 4-5 year olds (N=78), 8-9 year olds (N=78) and 18-21 year olds (N=78). All participants were provided with two separate piles containing 60 photographs each and were asked to sort them into piles according to their identity. One pile contained photographs of two well known popstars’ faces (familiar) and one pile contained photos of two unfamiliar faces. We found that children, like adults, created more piles for unfamiliar faces. However, when controlling for total number of piles made, we found no difference between an adult’s ability to recognise familiar and unfamiliar faces, suggesting a flaw in Jenkins et al.’s original study. We also found that children produced more errors with familiar faces, which merits further exploration. We suggest that it is our experience with faces and our practice with face matching that enables us to recognise.
Gas flow through a multilayer ceramic mould in lost wax foundry process

The paper deals with the issues of permeability testing of ceramic moulds used in lost wax foundry process. The main issue in the testing is to provide proper specimens of ceramic moulds (CM). The moulds have to be repeatable and must be free of internal defects of microcrack type that are formed mainly during the removal of patterns from CM in the course of heat treatment. Moreover, the process of forming ceramic moulds must be similar to the general industrial process of CM moulds making regarding their anisotropic structure. The permeability parameter reflecting gas flow through multilayer ceramic moulds was also examined with attention to the investment casting shape accuracy.
Impact of New Products Development on the Profitability of Nigerian Deposit Money Banks

Profitability strategies can only be formulated and implemented when the marketing manager is well informed about the current marketing situation and to a certain degree, anticipate future changes in the potential and new product market. Many commercial or money deposit banks in Nigeria are faced with problems relating to their marketing activities due to lack of adequate knowledge of the prevailing market situation or product performance evaluation. This research study has the objective of assessing the impact of new products development on the profitability of Nigerian deposit money banks. The study is a survey research and Primary and secondary data were applied and formulated hypotheses tested using kendal co-efficient of concordance. The findings of the study revealed that there is a relationship between new product development and profitability in Nigerian deposit money banks, and poor knowledge of the benefits derived from new product innovation is responsible for low rate of profit maximization in banks. Also that new products innovation and developments come as a result of bank’s marketing research efforts. The study recommends however that banks should intensify their research efforts to provide timely information on product development and monitor the degree of customer’s satisfaction through market situation analysis.
Predictive Nature of Commitment Language in Relation to Outcome of Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Sessions of prolonged exposure therapy, an extensively studied treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder, were coded for client verbalization in favor of maintaining or changing the focal behavior of the treatment. The frequency of client verbalization was used to attempt discrimination of group membership based on treatment completion and diagnosis remission. Client language was not predictive of group membership. However, for treatment completers, average frequency of verbalization against the status quo was twice as high as noncompleters when reviewing common reactions experienced following a trauma. Implications for treatment conceptualization and delivery are discussed. vi MOTIVATION AND PROLONGED EXPOSURE THERAPY Table of
Differences in phasic development rate amongst wheat cultivars independent of responses to photoperiod and vernalization. A viewpoint of the intrinsic earliness hypothesis

SUMMARY Differences amongst wheat cultivars in the rate of reproductive development are largely dependent on differences in their sensitivity to photoperiod and vernalization. However, when these responses are accounted for, by growing vernalized seedlings under long photoperiods, cultivars can still differ markedly in time to ear emergence. Control of rate of development by this ‘third factor’ has been poorly understood and is variously referred to as intrinsic earliness, earliness in the narrow sense, basic vegetative period, earliness per se, and basic development rate. Certain assumptions are made in the concept of intrinsic earliness. They are that differences in intrinsic earliness (i) are independent of the responses of the cultivars to photoperiod and vernalization, (ii) apply only to the length of the vegetative period up to floral initiation (as suggested by several authors), (iii) are maintained under different temperatures, measured either in days or degree days. As a consequence of this, the ranking of cultivars (from intrinsically early to intrinsically late) must be maintained at different temperatures. This paper, by the re-analysis of published data, examines the extent to which these assumptions can be supported. Although it is shown that intrinsic earliness operates independently of photoperiod and vernalization responses, the other assumptions were not supported. The differences amongst genotypes in time to ear emergence, grown under above-optimum vernalization and photoperiod (that is when the response to these factors is saturated), were not exclusively due to parallel differences in the length of the vegetative phase, and the length of the reproductive phase was independent of that of the vegetative phase. Thus, it would be possible to change the relative allocation of time to vegetative and reproductive periods with no change in the full period to ear emergence. The differences in intrinsic earliness between cultivars were modified by the temperature regime under which they were grown, i.e. the difference between cultivars (both considering the full phase to ear emergence or some sub-phases) was not a constant amount of time or thermal time at different temperatures. In addition, in some instances genotypes changed their ranking for ‘intrinsic earliness’ depending on the temperature regime. This was interpreted to mean that while all genotypes are sensitive to temperature they differ amongst themselves in the extent of that sensitivity. Therefore, ‘intrinsic earliness’ should not be considered as a static genotypic characteristic, but the result of the interaction between the genotype and temperature. Intrinsic earliness is therefore likely to be related to temperature sensitivity. Some implications of these conclusions for plant breeding and crop simulation modelling are discussed.