Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AND PERCEPTIONS OF SERVICE QUALITY : A STUDY OF AIR TRAVELLERS IN LAGOS STATE , NIGERIA

Perception of service quality is highly contextual and differs significantly according to consumer socio-demographics characteristics. This study examined perceptions of service quality and sociodemographic characteristics among air travellers in Lagos state, Nigeria. Cross sectional survey research design was used to survey 503 air passengers selected through convenience sampling approach. Data obtained were analyzed with Anova, t-test, and hierarchical regression analysis. Based on the analysis carried out, service quality perceptions was found to be significantly related to gender; while other socio-demographic characteristics such as age, marital status, level of education, type of occupation, and income were not significantly related to perceptions of service quality. The result of hierarchical regression analysis revealed that when gender is controlled for, the beta coefficient for other socio-demographic characteristics (age, marital status, level of education, occupation, and income) are non-significantly with respect to perception of service quality. The study concluded that stereotyping along gender identity may be inappropriate. Therefore, airline management should ensure that air passengers are treated individually and have their needs met accordingly. The study recommended that it is important for airline operators to understand customers’ expectations in term of service quality and relentlessly assess how they are performing, so as to identify gaps in service delivery and how best to remedy the shortfall.
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THERAPY BASED ON EMOTION REGULATION ON PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OF THOSE WITH CHRONIC PAIN *

The present study is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of therapy, based on emotion regulation, on psychological problems of those suffering from chronic pain. It was done with a single-case experimental design. To do so, 30 people were selected among clients coming To Tajrish hospital. According to depression, tension and anxiety scales (DASS) they were categorized into 2 groups of severe and very severe. They were available when entered the research. Pretest was performed before intervention to determine base line, and condition of each person was considered in terms of regarded variables. Then, steps of intervention were performed during 8 sessions in a collective way on participants. Then, regarded variables were evaluated. Analysis of data shows that therapy based on controlling emotion regulation can lead to reduction of signs of tension and stress among those with chronic pain. From findings, it can be concluded that eight fold sessions of training strategies to regulate emotions can have a good effect on decrease in psychological problems of those with chronic pain.
An Empirical Study of Throughput Prediction in Mobile Data Networks

Bandwidth-sensitive applications such as adaptive video streaming rely on accurate prediction of future network throughput to enable them to react to and compensate for the rapidly fluctuating bandwidth often found in mobile networks. Researchers have developed various prediction algorithms in the literature of which many have been employed in real-world applications. However, there is a lack of systematic study on the comparative performance of the existing prediction algorithms in the context of mobile networks. This work addresses this void by conducting a systematic performance comparison of 7 prediction algorithms, and analyzes their characteristics when applied to the prediction of TCP throughput in mobile networks. The performance results are obtained from extensive trace-driven simulations where the throughput trace data were captured in production 3G/HSPA mobile networks in 3 locations over a period of 9 months and hence offer a good representation of the prediction algorithms’ real-world performance. Furthermore, we applied the theory of differential entropy in information theory to obtain an estimated lower bound on throughput prediction errors which, for the first time, enables one to evaluate the absolute performance of these prediction algorithms. The results revealed that more complex algorithms are not necessarily better, and there exists a specific range of operating parameters where predictions are generally more accurate. Keywords—TCP throughput; prediction error; lower bound
PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON DEAMMONIFICATION PROCESS KINETICS

During one year period laboratory-scale pilot plant studies with the aim to better understand mechanisms controlling the deammonification process have been performed. Due to low growth rates of microorganisms responsible for anaerobic ammonia oxidation the process favours systems with long sludge retention times (biofilm systems), which continuously receive wastewater rich in ammonium and nitrites. In the experiments, the Kaldnes rings were used as biofilm carriers. In order to estimate reaction rates in the pilot plant, batch tests were carried out with the medium taken from two reactors of the pilot plant. In the paper five batch tests from both reactors are described and discussed. Based on achieved data ammonium and nitrite removal rates were calculated. An average removal rate of ammonium was 1.2 g NH4-N/m·d and nitrite nitrogen removal occurred at about the same rate and the average was 1.1 g NO2-N/ m·d. The increasing tendency in nitrogen removal rate was observed in the succeeding batch tests, what indicates the increase in the bacterial activity in the reactor. Due to introducing conductivity measurements, relationship between inorganic nitrogen and conductivity was found.
A Frequency Normalization Technique for Kindergarten Speech Recognition Inspired by the Role of fo in Vowel Perception

Accurate automatic speech recognition (ASR) of kindergarten speech is particularly important as this age group may benefit the most from voice-based educational tools. Due to the lack of young child speech data, kindergarten ASR systems often are trained using older child or adult speech. This study proposes a fundamental frequency (fo)-based normalization technique to reduce the spectral mismatch between kindergarten and older child speech. The technique is based on the tonotopic distances between formants and fo developed to model vowel perception. This proposed procedure only relies on the computation of median fo across an utterance. Tonotopic distances for vowel perception were reformulated as a linear relationship between formants and fo to provide an effective approach for frequency normalization. This reformulation was verified by examining the formants and fo of child vowel productions. A 208-word ASR experiment using older child speech for training and kindergarten speech for testing was performed to examine the effectiveness of the proposed technique against piecewise vocal tract length, F3-based, and subglottal resonance normalization techniques. Results suggest that the proposed technique either has performance advantages or requires the computation of fewer parameters.
Analysis of vibrations of paper in a printing device

The model for the analysis of vibrations of paper in a printing device is presented. It is assumed th at paper performs transverse vibrations as a membrane having st ffness due to static tension in its plane. The first eigenmodes are determined. It is shown that the eigenfrequencies o f transverse vibrations of the analyzed paper can b e controlled by the static tension in the plane of the paper. The model for the analysis of stability of paper in a printing device is presented. It is assumed that paper moves with constant velocity in a given direction. The analysi s i performed using a plate-bending element with t he contribution of the forces of inertia from the convective accelerations . This results in the eigenproblem determining the critical velocities and stability eigenmodes. The stand was made for obtaining the experimental i vestigations. Using it the nodal lines of the stan ding waves were determined and using projection moiré the eigenmode s were determined. The obtained results are used in the process of des ign of the elements of the printing device.
Reply to the Comments from Referee # 1 for HESS-2018-517

Hydrology and remote-sensing communities have made use of dense rain-gauge networks for studying rainfall uncertainty and variability. However, in most regions, these dense networks are only available at sub-pixel scales :::: small :::::: spatial ::::: scales :::: (e.g., :::::: within ::::::::::::: remote-sensing :::::::: subpixel ::::: areas) : and over short periods of time. Just a few studies have applied a similar approach, i.e., employing dense gauge networks to catchment-scale areas, which limits the verification of their results in other regions. Using 10-year rainfall measurements from a network of 150 rain gauges, WegenerNet (WEGN), we assess the spatial 5 uncertainty in observed heavy rainfall events. The WEGN network is located in southeastern Austria over an area of 20 km × 15 km with moderate orography. First, the spatial variability of rainfall in the region was characterised using a correlogram at daily and sub-daily scales. Differences in the spatial structure of rainfall events between warm and cold seasons are apparent and we selected heavy rainfall events, the upper 10% of wettest days during the warm season, for further analyses because of their high potential for causing hazards. Secondly, we investigated the uncertainty in estimating mean areal rainfall arising from 10 a limited gauge density. The average number of gauges required to obtain areal rainfall with errors less than : a :::::: certain :::::::: threshold ::: (<=20% ::::::::: normalized ::::::::::::::: root-mean-square :::: error :: is :::::::::: considered :::: here) : tends to increase roughly following a power law as the time scale decreases, while the errors can be significantly reduced by establishing regularly distributed gauges. Lastly, the impact of spatial aggregation on extreme rainfall was examined, using gridded rainfall data with :::::: various : horizontal grid spacingsfrom 0.1◦ to 0.01◦. The spatial scale dependence was clearly observed at high intensity thresholds and high temporal resolutions : ; 15 :: the :::::: 5-min ::::::: extreme ::::::: intensity :::::::: increases ::: by :::: 44% ::: for ::: the :::::: 99.9th :::: and :: by ::::: 25% ::: for ::: the :::: 99th ::::::::: percentile, :::: with ::::::::: increasing ::::::::: horizontal :::::::: resolution ::::: from :::: 0.1◦ :: to ::::: 0.01◦. Quantitative uncertainty information from this study can guide both data users and producers to estimate uncertainty in their own observational datasets, consequently leading to the sensible use of the data in relevant applications. Our findings are generalisable to moderately hilly regions at mid-latitudes, however the degree of uncertainty could be affected by regional variations, like rainfall type or topography. 20
Dépistage prénatal de la trisomie 21 et autres aneuploïdies au premier trimestre

In this thesis by articles, we explore different facets of first trimester prenatal screening of aneuploidy. Introduction retraces the origin of prenatal screening and enunciates current biochemical and ultrasound markers associated with aneuploidy. In the first article, impact of maternal smoking on first-trimester prenatal screening results is assessed for Down syndrome and trisomy 18. Both maternal blood levels of PAPP-A and free β-hCG are significantly decreased by maternal smoking while fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness is significantly increased. Without adjustment, this results in an increase of false positives, at least for trisomy 18. Based on these results, adjustment for smoking should be mandatory in first-trimester prenatal screening. In the second article, we identify NT threshold values above which biochemical screening provides no additional benefit. In pregnancies in which NT is above the proposed upper cut-offs, invasive prenatal screening should be offered without undue delay. In the third and last article, maternal plasma levels of follistatinrelated gene protein (FLRG) are determined for the first time in first trimester of pregnancy. Its potential role as a new marker for Down syndrome is assessed. Although FLRG can be successfully detected in maternal plasma, its levels are not significantly altered by the presence of Down syndrome fetuses. In the general discussion, articles are mainly addressed under a Quebec standpoint. Additional and complementary original data are presented and different clinical research avenues are proposed.
Pharmacovigilance system: primary care physicians’ knowledge and attitudes, and reporting rate of adverse effects caused by anti-tuberculosis drugs

A cross-sectional study with a descriptive and an analytical component was conducted to describe and analyze the incidence of anti-tuberculosis adverse drug effects and its reporting rate at Hospital Parmenio Piñero CeSACs [Centros de Salud y Acción Comunitaria (Community Healthcare Centers)] between 2007 and 2014, as well as the knowledge and attitudes of primary care physicians regarding the pharmacovigilance system. The clinical and socio-demographic variables of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis were analyzed based on statistical records and the assessment of medical records. These records were compared with the reports made to the Program of the City of Buenos Aires. Primary care physicians were interviewed. Five hundred and sixty-two cases of tuberculosis were evaluated. Two hundred and forty-two adverse effects were documented in 109 patients (19%). Of these, 39% were hepatic, 36% were gastrointestinal, and 29% were hematological. Adverse effects were mild in 63% of the patients, moderate in 28% and severe in 8%. Treatment had to be discontinued in 7% of the cases. Seven cases (19%) required hospitalization and two patients passed away (0.36%). Being unemployed [OR: 3.26 (1.29-8.25)], being of Bolivian nationality [OR: 2.98 (1.32-3.28)] or having a comorbidity [OR: 3.06 (1.84-5.08)] was associated with a higher risk of exhibiting adverse effects. Twenty-nine percent of the physicians surveyed mentioned they had reported an adverse effect. The adverse effects found were not reported to the Tuberculosis Program. It is essential to handle the information associated with the adverse effects of tuberculostatic drugs more efficiently
The Use of Mindfulness Therapy as a Therapeutic Option for Zumbido : A Systematic Review

Tinnitus is a clinical condition that affects thousands of individuals around the world. Only in São Paulo, data obtained from an epidemiological study conducted in 2015 showed a prevalence of 22% of this symptom in the population [1]. Although there is no standardization in the treatment recommended in the literature, there is an arsenal of drug and non-drug options available and it is precisely about this perspective of new therapeutic tendencies that the discussion about mindfulness arises.
Suppression of STAT 3 phosphorylation enhances the cytotoxicity of cucurbitacin B in B 16 F 10 melanoma cells

Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a triterpenoid compound extracted from Cucurbitaceae plants, which has been shown to induce the phosphorylation (activation) of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in melanoma cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation could influence the cytotoxicity of CuB in melanoma cells. The results showed that pretreatment of B16F10 cells with AG490, an inhibitor of Janus kinase 2 (Jak2), enhanced the inhibitory effects of CuB on cell growth and G2/M phase arrest. DNA content analysis demonstrated that combined AG490 and CuB treatment increased the proportion of apoptotic cells, but decreased the ratio of tetraploid cells. Western blot analysis revealed that AG490 partially suppressed the levels of phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) and p38 (p-p38) in CuB-treated cells. Moreover, CuB-induced STAT3 phosphorylation could be completely blocked by SP600125, a specific inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling. In addition, SP600125 could also significantly augment CuB-induced apoptotic cell death. These results demonstrated that CuB-induced STAT3 activation was mediated by both JNK and Jak2 signaling and blocking STAT3 activation enhanced the cytotoxicity of CuB in B16F10 melanoma cells.
A Multi-Accent Acoustic Model Using Mixture of Experts for Speech Recognition

A major challenge in Automatic Speech Recognition(ASR) systems is to handle speech from a diverse set of accents. A model trained using a single accent performs rather poorly when confronted with different accents. One of the solutions is a multicondition model trained on all the accents. However the performance improvement in this approach might be rather limited. Otherwise, accent-specific models might be trained but they become impractical as number of accents increases. In this paper, we propose a novel acoustic model architecture based on Mixture of Experts (MoE) which works well on multiple accents without having the overhead of training separate models for separate accents. The work is based on our earlier work, termed as MixNet, where we showed performance improvement by separation of phonetic class distributions in the feature space. In this paper, we propose an architecture that helps to compensate phonetic and accent variabilities which helps in even better discrimination among the classes. These variabilities are learned in a joint frame-work, and produce consistent improvements over all the individual accents, amounting to an overall 18% relative improvement in accuracy compared to baseline trained in multi-condition style.
Situational Analysis of Labour Turn Out in the Ghanaian Education Sector: The Strides and Preferences

The purpose of the study was to do a situational analysis of teacher turn-out in the Ghanaian education sector. Using a descriptive survey design the study considered the population of education experts including directors, circuit supervisors and the headteachers and teachers of basic education sector. A sample size of 45 respondents, selected through the use of homogenous, purposive, and stratification, sampling techniques. Data were collected with the help of a self-developed questionnaire and interview guide. The information collected was analysed using frequencies and thematic approach. Some push factors include teachers? likeness of the environment, teachers are satisfied with effort within the educational environment. In addition the ease of getting assurances and transfers are the common form of recruitment procedure for the teachers. Also teachers retention and participants characteristics, teacher? s ability to manage the variety of observations and attitudes of people within an environment as well as learning from different types of ideas in a collaborative reflective environment came out strongly as some of the findings. It is concluded and recommended that varied structural factors influenced labor turn out in education sector, effective in-service training is needed to train mentors in the municipality such that teacher can be given effective counselling and mentorship training, reflective collaborative activities need to be encouraged so that teachers can interact with their colleagues in a more worthwhile activities that can promote their professional well-being in the municipality.
Effect and mechanism of microRNA ‐ 10 b on proliferation and invasion of esophageal cancer cells

MicroRNA (miR)-10b is highly expressed in esophageal cancer tissues and is associated with poor prognosis of esophageal cancer. However, the role and mechanism of miR-10b in esophageal cancer cells remains unclear, therefore, the present study aimed to investigate this. Esophageal cancer cells, TE-1 and EC9706, were transfected with miR-10b mimic, miR-10b inhibitor or incubated with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). MTT and EdU assays were used to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to determine cell cycle analysis and apoptosis. Cell migration and invasion were also analyzed. Western blot analysis was used to detect protein levels and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to analyze miR-10b expression. The present results demonstrated that, compared with the control group, miR‐10b significantly promoted TE-1 and EC9706 cell proliferation. Compared with miR-10b inhibitor group and control group, miR-10b mimic promoted esophageal cancer cell cycle progression, inhibited apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells and promoted the migration and invasion of cells. The proliferation of esophageal cancer cells increased in a dose-dependent manner with TGF-β concentration. TGF-β treatment induced high expression of miR-10b in both cell lines. The miR-10b mimic + TGF-β group further promoted the migration and invasion of esophageal cancer cells. Western blot analysis determined that, compared with the control group, miR-10b mimic increased TGF-β expression. miR-10b mimic also inhibited the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in tumor cells. Compared with the control group, TGF-β inhibited the expression of PTEN with the miR-10b mimic + TGF-β group further inhibiting the PTEN. miR-10b inhibitor + TGF-β reversed the effect of TGF-β and miR-10b on PTEN. In conclusion, miR-10b promoted cell cycle progression, inhibited apoptosis and promoted the migration and invasion of esophageal cancer cells. The mechanism may be related to the upregulation of TGF-β and the downregulation of PTEN. The present findings suggested that miR-10b might be a potential therapeutic target for esophageal cancer.
RELIABILITIES OF THE MAX -LOG-MAP DECODER

Reliabilities at the output of soft-decision decoders are random variables and hence are characterized by their density function. In this paper, we present a closed-form approximation for the density function of reliabilities associated with the Max-Log-MAP decoding of convolutional codes. Density functions of reliabilities have been computed based on probabilities involving the projection of the noise in directions corresponding to different error events. Each such projection results in a random variable, and two approaches have been taken to compute probabilities involving these random variables. In the first approach, the random variables are treated as if they are independent; in the second approach, correlations between the random variables are taken into account. The former approach results in conservative estimates and a relatively simpler expression for the PDF, whereas the latter approach produces good estimates but results in a complicated expression. The mathematical expressions found using either approach are generally too complicated for further use in analytical work. In this paper, we propose a simple approach to account for the correlation between the random variables resulting from the projection of noise onto directions specified by different error events. Under this approach, we reduce the number of random variables that are considered in the computation of the PDF by eliminating those that are highly correlated. Working with this condensed set of random variables produces results that are close to the true values even if the independence assumption is used. A mathematically tractable estimate of the PDF is also presented, and the validity of this estimate is demonstrated by comparing the estimate of the PDF with simulation results. This PDF estimate can be used to analyze several communication schemes that utilize reliabilities as a design tool.