Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Informal Land Sale and Housing in the Periphery of Pointe-Noire

This article examines the relations between practices in informal land transactions under customary tenure and spatial differentiation among suburbs in the periphery of the city of Pointe-Noire, Congo-Brazzaville. Urban sprawl is a permanent feature of urbanisation in Congo-Brazzaville that not only propagates slums for low-income dwellers but also entails locally embedded ways of building the city in the absence of state-led planning. The case of Pointe-Noire shows that large tracts of customary land are sold without public control, a process accompanied by the emergence of new suburbs with different stylistic patterns of housing. While suburbanisation does carry the potential to improve the quality of housing by attracting wealthy residents, it exacerbates spatial fragmentation and the exclusion of certain groups in the population from access to both land for housing in upmarket suburbs and public services. Powerful actors tend to profit most from informality.
Health promoting lifestyle behaviors and related risk factors among female employees in Zagazig city

Aim of the study: This study aimed to measure health Promoting lifestyle behaviors and related risk factors among female employees in Zagazig City. Subjects and Methods: A cross sectional research design was selected to achieve the aim of the current study. The study was carried out on females employed in the governorate building in Zagazig city. Study participants: The study sample is a convenience sample of 200 females recruited from Zagazig Governorate administrative building. The inclusion criteria included females, aged 25 to 55, working in any administrative department for any duration and willing to participate in the study. The exclusion criteria were females not suffering from hypertension, diabetes mellitus. Results: Results revealed that about one fifth of the studied sample (20%) was hypertensive, while 26% and 68.5% respectively were diabetic and obese. No statistically significant relation between chronic illnesses (hypertension, diabetes and obesity) and healthy promoting lifestyle behaviors among study sample. Conclusion: Results suggest that participants do not consistently include health-promoting behaviors into their lifestyle, especially exercise, health responsibility and stress management. Recommendation: Develop a process to promote worksite wellness programs, to complete health assessments, and to support behavioral changes intended to promote healthy lifestyles.
Adaptive Control Using Fully Online Sequential-Extreme Learning Machine and a Case Study on Engine Air-Fuel Ratio Regulation

Most adaptive neural control schemes are based on stochastic gradient-descent backpropagation (SGBP), which suffers from local minima problem. Although the recently proposed regularized online sequential-extreme learning machine (ReOS-ELM) can overcome this issue, it requires a batch of representative initial training data to construct a base model before online learning. The initial data is usually difficult to collect in adaptive control applications. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved version of ReOS-ELM, entitled fully online sequential-extreme learning machine (FOS-ELM). While retaining the advantages of ReOS-ELM, FOS-ELM discards the initial training phase, and hence becomes suitable for adaptive control applications. To demonstrate its effectiveness, FOS-ELM was applied to the adaptive control of engine air-fuel ratio based on a simulated engine model. Besides, controller parameters were also analyzed, in which it is found that large hidden node number with small regularization parameter leads to the best performance. A comparison among FOS-ELM and SGBP was also conducted. The result indicates that FOS-ELM achieves better tracking and convergence performance than SGBP, since FOS-ELM tends to learn the unknown engine model globally whereas SGBP tends to “forget” what it has learnt. This implies that FOS-ELM is more preferable for adaptive control applications.
The effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on arterial stiffness and qt dispersion

The association of Helicobacter pylori (HP) with cardiovascular disease remain inconclusive. Studies regarding arterial-stiffness (AS) in patients with HP infection are limited. We aimed to evaluate AS and QTc dispersion in patients with HP infection and the effect of eradication treatment on these outcomes. We enrolled patients with HP infection and healthy subjects. We measured AS and QTc dispersion in the baseline visit and after eradication treatment. We compared baseline measurements between the patients and controls. We compared baseline and follow-up variables to observe the effect of eradication treatment on AS and QTc dispersion. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. There was no significant difference in AS measures between the groups. QTc dispersion was significantly higher in the HP group compared with controls. After eradication, QTc dispersion tended to normalize. There was also a statistically significant improvement in augmentation index and a tendency towards improvement in pulse wave velocity. The findings of this study indicate possible influence of HP infection on ventricular repolarization and a potential benefit of eradication on ventricular repolarization and measures of arterial stiffness.
Food and nutrient intake in Spanish vegetarians and vegans

Objective: Vegetarian and vegan diets have gained popularity in Spain. There is no available information about specific food, supplementary intake and macro and micronutrient profile in Spanish ve-getarian population. This study aimed to determine and evaluate their dietary intake. Methods: One hundred two Spanish vegetarian and vegans completed a food frequency questionnaire from which their specific food consumption as well daily intake of macro and micronutrients was assessed and subsequently compared to Spanish Dietary Reference intakes. Results: In both groups the diet appeared well balanced with a healthy distribution of macronutrients and fatty acids and a high content of fiber. Vegan subjects showed higher intakes of vegetables, nuts and seeds as compared to vegetarians. At micronutrient level, almost all the vitamins and minerals intake covered Spanish Dietary Reference intakes. Intakes of vitamin B12 and D were below recommendations in both groups. In those micronutrients with a lower intake, higher proportions of vegetarians did meet recommendations as compared to vegans. Conclusions: Diet appeared well balanced regarding macronutrients and fiber. Almost all of the vitamins and mineral intake covered the Spanish DRIs, except B12 and D. Further studies with a large sample are needed to establish conclusions to the Spanish vegetarian population.
Dominant Path Prediction Model for Indoor Scenarios

Currently, for the planning of wireless networks (e.g. WLAN) in indoor scenarios either empirical (direct ray) or ray- optical (ray tracing) propagation models are used. In this paper both approaches are compared to one another and to measurements in different (multi-floor) buildings. Additionally a new concept - which is called Dominant Path Model - is presented in this paper. This new concept does not focus only on the direct ray (like empirical models) and it does not consider hundreds of rays for a single pixel (like ray tracing), but it focuses on the dominant path(s) between transmitter and receiver. The parameters of these dominant paths are determined (e.g. path length, number and type of interactions, material properties of objects along the path, etc.) and are used for the prediction of the path loss between transmitter and receiver. Thus the computational effort is far below ray tracing and in the range of empirical models. But the accuracy of the new model in very complex environments (where multiple interactions occur) is even higher than the accuracy of ray tracing models (because of their limitations in the number of interactions considered). This very high accuracy is shown with the comparison to measurements in different buildings.
The Precarity of Young People’s Housing Experiences in a Rural Context

ABSTRACT Young people’s housing, economic and labour market circumstances have become increasingly insecure due to the combined effects of the 2007/2008 economic crisis, neoliberal welfare reforms, rising costs of higher education and the shortage of affordable housing. Discussions of young peoples’ experiences in these domains have largely neglected their spatial variability but evidence suggests that young people living in rural parts of the UK have distinctive experiences of housing, which are closely connected to labour markets and educational opportunities. By drawing on qualitative data from young people and housing professionals, this article explores some of these rural distinctions and frames them within theoretical debates about the ‘precariat’. It argues for a more theoretically informed and geographically nuanced understanding of contemporary housing issues as rural youth potentially face greater precarity than their urban peers.
Basal metabolic rate scaled to body mass between species by the fractal dimension of the vascular system and body composition

Previous investigations show that it is plausible that metabolic rates (MR) in all body organs and tissues scale with their own mass with exponent b = D/3 , where D is the fractal dimension of the self-similar vascular whole body blood transport system. From the assumption that organ or tissue mass scale with body mass (BM) with exponent d, it follows that organ and tissue MR scale with BM exponents bd . By taking the median organ in vitro MR exponential scaling of 0.91 as an estimate of b , this principle is shown to be valid in porgy. With d = 0.89 and d = 1.04, the scaling exponents of viscera and white muscle are bd = 0.81 for viscera and bd = 0.95 for white muscle, respectively. The viscera value is very close to the porgy resting or basal metabolic rate (BMR) scaling exponent of c = 0.82, and white muscle is reasonably close to the average ectotherm maximum metabolic rate (MMR) scaling exponent 0.92. There are only two species, humans and crucian carp, with available scalings of MMR, BMR and viscera in terms of the exponents b , c and d . The postulate bd = c is shown to hold for both these species within the limits of experimental error, with the crucian carp evidence being especially convincing, since b , c and d are estimated from the same experimental situation. A collation of 19 ectotherm estimates of b shows highly significant differences between them. It is remarkable that the average values of b do not differ much between aquatics and terrestrials, while the average BMR exponents c differ to a remarkable extent, most likely caused by differences in d. Observed differences in d , with generally d ≥ 1 during early growth and d ≤ 1 or d ≤ b during later growth, coupled with can explain the pattern of the BMR scaling with BM, with its often observed broken stick appearance during ontogeny. The examples from the literature confirm that the range of theoretical values 1, 14/15, 5/6 and 2/3 ≤ b ≤ 1 , when coupled with the observed values of d , is adequate to produce values of bd corresponding to c estimated from fasting experiments. An example is shown in humans that corrections for body fat percentage, exercise level and age give the same pattern in the relationship bd = c between mature individuals differing in size, as the one observed during growth. Keywords: Maximum metabolic rate, vascular distribution network, viscera, skeletal muscle
Differences in “Truthiness” across Online Reputation Mechanisms

Using a unique dataset from a specialty online retailer, we compare the reputation mechanisms of Amazon and eBay. We develop a theoretical model of reputation mechanisms based on the feedback processes at Amazon and eBay, and then validate this model by comparing its predictions to the findings of existing research. We construct and estimate a dynamic simultaneous equations model of the sales demand, feedback generation, and price formation processes. Significant differences exist across the Amazon and eBay mechanisms in that: (a) the propensity to leave feedback is higher on eBay than on Amazon, (b) negative feedback is much less frequently observed on eBay than on Amazon, (c) feedback on Amazon has a strong demand-inducing impact, raising prices and total sales, whereas (d) feedback on eBay has no effect on demand. Overall, these results suggest that the Amazon reputation mechanism provides more useful information to buyers than does the eBay mechanism, and that these differences are largely due to the directionality of these mechanisms: eBay’s bilateral system, which allows buyers to rate sellers and sellers to rate buyers gives way to strategic considerations – reciprocity and retaliation – that do not plague Amazon’s unilateral system in which only buyers rate sellers.
Wage differentials across economic sectors in the Colombian formal labour market: evidence from a survey of firms

The existence of wage differentials across sectors is a widely observed phenomenon. This paper provides new elements to understand inter and intra-sectoral wage differentials in Colombia by analysing a wage setting survey of 1305 firms and emphasizing the role of firm characteristics. The results from the descriptive analysis of the survey confirm the existence of substantial wage differentials across sectors and occupational positions in the country. We found positive wage differentials, with respect to the average of the economy for the different occupational groups, in electricity, gas, water and mining, financial services and manufacturing and strong negative wage differentials in agriculture, forestry and fishing. When analysing wage differential within each occupational group, higher wage dispersion is observed in the case of managers, followed by professionals. The lower wage dispersion for the least qualified jobs could be associated with the existence of a minimum wage in the country. In addition, we estimate cross section models for each occupational group and sector to account for the importance of firm characteristics in explaining wage differentials.
Doctors as Good Samaritans: Some Empirical Evidence Concerning Emergency Medical Treatment in Britain

This paper reports the results of the first survey of British doctors' attitudes towards the provision of emergency treatment outside the usual confines of a surgery or hospital. The experience and perceptions of NHS doctors practising in Sheffield concerning Good Samaritan behaviour are discussed against the background of the rather uncertain common law of medical rescue. The implications of the survey's findings for the direction of legal policy and the promotion of medical altruism are also considered. Despite the alleged deterioration in standards of social responsibility, the potentially fraught nature of such interventions, and the theoretical possibility of legal liability should any rescue attempt go badly, it seems that the overwhelming majority of doctors (in this survey, at least) are willing Samaritans.
Position Control of a 3-CPU Spherical Parallel Manipulator

The paper presents the first experimental results on the control of a prototypal robot designed for the orientation of parts or tools. The innovative machine is a spherical parallel manipulator actuated by 3 linear motors; several position control schemes have been tested and compared with the final aim of designing an interaction controller. The relative simplicity of machine kinematics allowed to test algorithms requiring the closed-loop evaluation of both inverse and direct kinematics; the compensation of gravitational terms has been experimented as well.
The Prevalence of Ecto and Endoparasites in Pigs in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Mwanza City, Tanzania

Parasitism is the most serious constraint causing continuous ill-health and lowered productivity in livestock in Tanzania and sub-Saharan Africa as a whole. This study was carried out in urban and peri-urban areas of Mwanza city and aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in pigs kept by small holder livestock keepers. A random sample of 14 urban farmers with a total of 213 pigs and 14 peri-urban farmers with a total of 155 pigs were selected. Faecal samples were collected from each pig. Ectoparasites were examined and their morphological characteristics recorded. Direct smear floatation and sedimentation methods were employed to detect endoparasites in the faeces. The prevalence of different types of endoparasites in urban Mwanza city pigs were: Strongylid nematodes (11.7%) Entomoeba ssp (27.2%), Ascaris suum (1.8%) Balntidium coli (3.8%) and Coccidia spp (3.3%) and the only ectoparasites found was sarcoptic mange (1.4%). In the peri -urban area the endoparasites found were Entomoeba spp (51.6%), Strongylid nematodes (9.7%), Coccidia spp (5.8%). Ascaris suum (12.9%) Balantidium coli 20.6%) and Trichurus suis (3.8%) and the ectoparasites was sarcoptic mange (21.9%). Every piggery where samples were taken, the management system was assessed. The difference in the livestock management systems in the two areas clearly explains the observed high prevalence of parasite infection in the peri-uban compared to the urban areas of Mwanza city. The negative impact of these parasites on livestock production and their public health importance -since some of them are zoonotic in nature- cannot be underestimated. The present study validates the need to bring awareness to the farmers and the public at large so that they may embark on cost effective development of parasite control strategies. Key words : Mwanza urban, peri-urban, endoparasites, ectoparasites, protozoa, zoonosis, Tanzania, pig.
Optimasi Konsentrasi Fruktooligosakarida untuk Meningkatkan Pertumbuhan Bakteri Asam Laktat Starter Yoghurt (CONCENTRATION OPTIMIZATION OF FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES TO INCREASE GROWTH OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA YOGHURT STARTER)

Fructooligosaccharides are prebiotic source that widely used in food products, such as: fermented milk and infant formula. Prebiotics are food components that cannot be digested in the digestive tract enzymatically. However, they can be fermented by probiotic bacteria in the colon. This study aimed to determine the optimum concentrations of fructooligosaccharides in order to increase the growth of lactic acid bacteria yogurt starter (Lactobacillus acidophillus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophillus). Optimation concentration of fructooligosaccharides on the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophillus can be determined based on OD (optical density), TPC (Total Plate Count), total lactic acid content and pH value. Suplementation of fructooligosaccharides 1 % (w/v) on the media MRSB increased significantly the growth of L. acidophilus, L.bulgaricus, S. thermophilus. Furthermore, L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus experienced exponential growth phase during incubation period from 6 to 18 hours. Fermentation of L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus in MRSB medium supplemented by fructooligosaccharides decreased the pH value of the formation of organic acids from 6.00 to 4.00.
Foraminiferal-based paleobiogeographic reconstructions in the Carboniferous of Iran and its implications for the Neo-Tethys opening time: a synthesis

The biogeographic distribution of foraminifers and their belonging to either the southern or northern margins of the Paleo-Tethys are used here for paleogeographic reconstructions of Iran during the Carboniferous. Lower Carboniferous foraminiferal assemblages from northern and central Iran show a cosmopolitan character and affinities to both the southern and northern borders of the Paleo-Tethys. Hence, in the Early Carboniferous Iran occupied an intermediate southern latitude position, forming part of Gondwana. This conclusion is consistent with the Late Ordovician to Early Carboniferous drift history of Iran based on paleomagnetic data. In the Late Carboniferous, the foraminiferal affinities of northern and central Iran with the northern part of Paleo-Tethys suggest that Iran separated from Gondwana and moved northwards to a lower latitude. This separation is also evidenced by the Upper Carboniferous coal-bearing sandstones of the Sardar Formation and sandstones with high degree of chemical weathering, which would indicate warm and humid conditions. Considering the composition of foraminiferal fauna along with the evidence of magmatic activities in northwest Iran, it can be inferred that the commencement of the Neo-Tethys opening and continental break-up in Iran occurred sometime in the Late Carboniferous, which contradicts the previous claims that the separation of Iran from Gondwana occurred in Permian and/or Triassic times.
The formation of ‘columns crowns’ by jets interacting with a circumstellar dense shell

We conduct three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations of two opposite jets that interact with a spherical slow wind that includes a denser shell embedded within it, and obtain a bipolar nebula where each of the two lobes is composed of two connected bubbles and Rayleigh-Taylor instability tongues that protrude from the outer bubble and form the `columns crown'. The jets are launched for a short time of 17 years and inflate a bipolar nebula inside a slow wind. When the bipolar structure encounters the dense shell, the interaction causes each of the two lobes to split to two connected bubbles. The interaction is prone to Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities that form tongues that protrude as columns from the outer bubble. The bases of the columns form a ring on the surface of the outer bubble, and the structure resemble a crown that we term the columns crown. This structure resembles, but is not identical to, the many filaments that protrude from the lobes of the bipolar planetary nebula Menzel~3. We discuss our results in comparison to the structure of Menzel~3 and the ways by which the discrepancies can be reconciled, and possibly turn our failure to reproduce the exact structure of Menzel~3 to a success with jets-shell interaction simulations that include more ingredients.
Sand ripples in irregular and changing wave conditions: A review of laboratory and field studies

The review is a precursor to a new programme of experiments on ripple regime sediment transport processes to be carried out in the Aberdeen Oscillatory Flow Tunnel (AOFT) as part of the SANDPIT project. The experiments will involve oscillatory flow only. For this reason the review concentrates on ripple regime transport under wave-only conditions and little reference is made to studies involving waves plus currents. The review places more emphasis on laboratory work involving field-scale flow periods and amplitudes than on laboratory studies involving short period, low amplitude flows. This is because extrapolation of results from experiments involving short period, low amplitude flows to field-scale flow conditions is very uncertain. The new experiments in the AOFT will involve field-scale flow periods and amplitudes. The review has two main sections. The first main section is concerned with ripple geometry and the second is concerned with sand transport processes with separate consideration consideration of suspended sediment concentrations and transport, ripple migration and net transport.