Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fetal Middle Cerebral Artery and Renal Artery Doppler Indices in prediction of Fetal Outcome in Cases with Idiopathic Hydramnios

Background: Adverse perinatal outcomes in patients with polyhydramnios have been associated with congenital fetal anomalies in numerous studies. Perinatal morbidity and mortality rates also significantly increase.The etiologic factors of polyhydramnios are varied and may include maternal and fetal conditions such as congenital anomalies, diabetes mellitus, isoimmunization, multiple gestations, and placental abnormalities. But the cause of polyhydramnios remains idiopathic in most cases (60%). Ratios of the fetal Doppler parameters provide the clearest evidence of deterioration in the fetal condition, there is a controversy regarding the value of middle cerebral artery Doppler ultrasound as a single parameter in assessing the fetal wellbeing. However a combination of multiple fetal vessels Doppler study as umbilical, aorta, renal and middle cerebral artery may be more accurate. Methods: Group1 (Control): This group consisted of 50 pregnant women with no polyhydramnios. Group 2 (study): This group consisted of 50 pregnant women complicated by idiopathic polyhydramnios (amniotic fluid index ≥ 24cm). We were done Doppler US study of fetal vessels including umbilical, descending thoracic aorta, renal artery (RA) and MCA. Peak systolic volume of the MCA and renal arteryand RA/MCA pulsatile index were done. Results: There was significant increase in the mean PI of both umbilical artery and fetal descending aorta (0.76-0.98) and (1.55-2.34) respectively in the cases of polyhydraminos if compared with the controls.The mean PSV of both the UA and fetal descending aorta was reduced below accepted reference values for gestation (40.13--68.47) and (69.03—144.2) respectively in the cases of polyhydramnios denoting brain sparing in case of hypoxia when compared with the controls. Conclusions: Middle cerebral artery pulsatility index Doppler velocimetry is considered more valid for prediction of the fetal outcome compared with the renal artery. Middle cerebral artery has the highest negative predictive value (87.9%) than the renal artery (80%). Therefore middle cerebral artery Doppler indices may be useful in identifying those fetuses not likely to have a major perinatal outcome. Our preliminary results suggest that RA/MCA ratio may be a predictor of fetal outcome. (Samia Mohamad Eid, Refaat Ibrahim El-Shimy, Khattab Abd-Elhalim Omar Khattab.Fetal Middle Cerebral Artery and Renal Artery Doppler Indices in prediction of Fetal Outcome in Cases with Idiopathic Hydramnios.J Am Sci2014;10(8):51-58). (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.jofamericanscience. org.7
Deterministic versus stochastic trends: Detection and challenges

[1] The detection of a trend in a time series and the evaluation of its magnitude and statistical significance is an important task in geophysical research. This importance is amplified in climate change contexts, since trends are often used to characterize long-term climate variability and to quantify the magnitude and the statistical significance of changes in climate time series, both at global and local scales. Recent studies have demonstrated that the stochastic behavior of a time series can change the statistical significance of a trend, especially if the time series exhibits long-range dependence. The present study examines the trends in time series of daily average temperature recorded in 26 stations in the Tuscany region (Italy). In this study a new framework for trend detection is proposed. First two parametric statistical tests, the Phillips-Perron test and the Kwiatkowski-Phillips-Schmidt-Shin test, are applied in order to test for trend stationary and difference stationary behavior in the temperature time series. Then long-range dependence is assessed using different approaches, including wavelet analysis, heuristic methods and by fitting fractionally integrated autoregressive moving average models. The trend detection results are further compared with the results obtained using nonparametric trend detection methods: Mann-Kendall, Cox-Stuart and Spearman's ρ tests. This study confirms an increase in uncertainty when pronounced stochastic behaviors are present in the data. Nevertheless, for approximately one third of the analyzed records, the stochastic behavior itself cannot explain the long-term features of the time series, and a deterministic positive trend is the most likely explanation.
RUSSIA IN THE PURSUIT OF EURASIAN INTEGRATION: DEVELOPMENTAL REGIONALISM OR IDENTITY PROJECT?

After two decades of declarative regional initiatives among the post-Soviet states, the signing of the Eurasian Economic Union Treaty in May of 2014 received controversial responses, both within and outside the region, on possible motives for this regional integration project. Some commentators warned about the re-Sovietisation of the region and such comments are not uncommon. The main purpose of this study is to assess the possible motives of actors (i.e., political elites, businesses, nationalist forces) in Russia in promoting or opposing Eurasian regionalism. Although the literature on regional integration processes among postSoviet states is voluminous, it is characterised by the dominance of the geopolitics in explaining Russia-centred regional initiatives. This study is an attempt to apply contemporary criticalconstructivist regionalism theories that focus on the understanding of how regions are constructed. It is argued that the actors in Russia are engaged in Eurasian regionalism not only being motivated by material factors and power distribution, but their actions are mainly informed by their ideas and identities. These ideas and identities, which are constantly changing in the process of interaction, shape the progress and content of the regionalisation in the Central Eurasia.
Examining Switching Intentions, Partial and Total Switching among Mobile Subscribers in Ghana

This paper empirically explores consumer switching intentions, partial and total switching situations in the Ghana mobile telecom industry. Using data from a cross-sectional survey of 736 mobile subscribers from six global telecom networks in Ghana’s mobile telecommunication industry, the results indicate switching intentions are significantly different among customers of various mobile telecom service providers. Customers of MTN and Tigo mobile operators have stronger intentions to switch than those from the other firms. It also found that more non-porters defect and switch to other mobile networks than porters do. Consistent with the hypothesis, defectors (partial switching) are strongly associated with total switching behaviour than non-defectors. Also, in order to reduce subscriber defect or churn rate, mobile telecom operators should direct more effort and resource to promoting and educating their customers on the benefits of porting their mobile numbers to other networks. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge in the area of consumer switching behaviour in mobile telecom industry in emerging countries.
TDZ x IBA induced shoot regeneration from cotyledonary leaves and in vitro multiplication in safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius L.)

A high frequency adventitious shoot regeneration protocol for safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cv. Dincer with high yield (Turkish cultivar) using cotyledonary leaves of 10 day-old seedlings were optimized by studying the influence of different combinations of thidiazuron (TDZ) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Cotyledonary leaves were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of TDZ and IBA. The highest percentage of regenerated shoots (33.33%) and the highest number of shoots per explant (6.5) occurred on a MS medium containing 0.5 mg/l TDZ and 0.25 mg/l IBA. Furthermore, cotyledonary nodes and meristem tips of 14 day-old seedlings were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various concentrations of N6-benzylamino-purine (BAP) alone or combination of -naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Direct multiple shoots from cotyledonary nodes and meristem tips developed within 18 - 21 days in most media tested. 100% shoot multiplication was achieved from cotyledonary node and meristem tip on a range of MS media supplemented with different concentrations of BAP and NAA.
External environment-strategy co-alignment, firm-level institutions and performance of publicly quoted companies in Kenya

Firm-level institutions constitute the internal organizational environment which define the context in which strategic decisions are made and implemented. Effective and successful strategy implementation requires apt institutionalization of the strategy. Logically, firm-level institutions have an indirect effect on corporate performance through their direct effect on strategy implementation. In this study, a direct effect of the firm-level institutions on corporate performance was investigated. Based on a survey of 23 companies listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange, ten firm-level institutions were captured under two broad dimensions of administrative systems and resource competencies. Performance implications of these firm-level institutions were then examined. The study reports that for the surveyed companies, most of the firm-level institutions were manifest to a large extent. The results also indicate that a very strong positive relationship exists between firm-level institutions and various indicators of corporate performance. However, the overall results for the effect of firm-level institutions on corporate performance were statistically not significant. The results partially concur with pertinent theories as well as similar empirical studies. Based on the findings, implications for theory, methodology, and managerial practice as well as areas for further study are identified.
Assessing the Effects of a Health Belief Model-Based Educational Program on Knowledge Attitudes and Practice (KAP) among Patients with Pemphigus vulgaris

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an educational program based on Health Belief Model on knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) in patients with Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) referred to Razi Hospital in Iran. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 88 patients in 2013-2014. Subjects were divided into two intervention and control groups using block randomization. In addition to their usual care for both groups, the intervention group sat through a six-month self-care educational program in a specialized outpatient clinic. A self-designed questionnaire was used to gather information about demographic characteristics, PV related variables, and KAP-related questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS Software. p value of less than 0.05 was set as statistically significant. Results: mean scores of KAP increased significantly after intervention compared to control groups when adjusted for baseline differences of these scores and house ownership and employment status differences in two groups. Conclusion: study results show the effectiveness of an HBM based educational program on KAP in PV patients that can lead to adoption of self care behaviors and help them gain self efficacy in controlling their disease and assisting their treatment process, counting as a tertiary preventive measure.
Climate change trends and environmental impacts in the Makonde Communal Lands, Zimbabwe

During the last century, climate has increasingly become variable and changeable, with significant deviations from the observed normal averages, which often leads to disruptive consequences to ecosystems and livelihoods. Climate change induced environmental challenges are viewed to be particularly severe to economically challenged tropical societies including the Zimbabwean rural communities. We sought to determine local level climate change trends and associated biophysical implications in the Makonde Communal Lands of Zimbabwe. Our findings suggest that there has been significant climate change in the Makonde Communal Lands since 1962. The climate change observed has induced the deterioration of ecosystem productivity, diversity and services, to the detriment of human livelihoods. We provide insights into how to better understand local level dynamics between climate change and local ecosystem goods and services as the basis of livelihood in marginalised rural communities. Among the key reasons for concern about impacts of anthropogenic activities on climate is the fact that changing climate has direct impacts on the biophysical world, which in turn is a vital asset for human livelihoods, economies and general well-being.
EGG: hatching a mock Universe from empirical prescriptions

This paper introduces EGG, the Empirical Galaxy Generator, a tool designed within the ASTRODEEP collaboration to generate mock galaxy catalogs for deep fields with realistic fluxes and simple morphologies. The simulation procedure is based exclusively on empirical prescriptions -- rather than first principles -- to provide the most accurate match with observations at 0<z<7. In particular, we consider that galaxies can be either quiescent or star-forming, and use their stellar mass (M*) and redshift (z) as the fundamental properties from which all the other observables can be statistically derived. Drawing z and M* from the observed galaxy stellar mass functions, we associate a star formation rate (SFR) to each galaxy from the tight SFR-M* main sequence, while dust attenuation, optical colors and morphologies (including bulge-to-total ratios, sizes and aspect ratios) are obtained from empirical relations that we establish from the high quality Hubble and Herschel observations available in the CANDELS fields. Random scatter is introduced in each step to reproduce the observed distributions of each parameter. Based on these observables, a panchromatic spectral energy distribution (SED) is selected for each galaxy and synthetic photometry is produced by integrating the redshifted SED in common broad-band filters. Finally, the mock galaxies are placed on the sky at random positions with a fixed angular two-point correlation function to implement basic clustering. The resulting flux catalogs reproduce accurately the observed number counts in all broad bands from the ultraviolet up to the sub-millimeter, and can be directly fed to image simulators such as Skymaker. The images can then be used to test source extraction softwares and image-based techniques such as stacking. EGG is open-source, and is made available to the community together with a set of pre-generated catalogs and images.
Can hotel managers with social intelligence affect the emotions of employees?

Abstract Using the Multilevel Model of Emotional in Organizations, this study investigates whether managers’ levels of social intelligence affect employees’ emotional labor and the emotional climate of the workplace. In addition, the mediating effect of emotional labor on social intelligence and emotional climate is defined. A total of 276 surveys were distributed among the employees of a chain hotel in Istanbul. A structural equality modeling was used to explain the relationships between social intelligence, emotional labor, and emotional climate. The results reveal that social intelligence positively and significantly affects deep acting. It is also shown that social intelligence does not affect the emotional climate, and that emotional labor has no intermediary role. Practical results and recommendations are thus suggested for future research.
Simulating the Transition from Drizzling Marine Stratocumulus to Boundary Layer Cumulus with a Mesoscale Model

A case of coastal California summer season boundary layer cloud has been simulated with the U.S. Navy Coupled Ocean‐Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System and the results analyzed in the context of consistency with conclusions derived from large eddy simulation‐based (LES) studies. Results show a pronounced diurnal cycle and fair agreement with satellite-derived observations of liquid water path. When drizzle processes are included, a significant degree of mesoscale organization emerges in the form of cloud bands, accompanied by a transition from a well-mixed boundary layer topped by unbroken stratocumulus cloud into a more potentially unstable, convective boundary layer regime. The transition and the subsequent development of mesoscale variability is analogous to the drizzle-induced cloud breakup produced in large eddy simulation studies. The dynamics of the pure stratocumulus cloud are dictated by the model’s subgrid parameterization, while the more convective regime exhibits appreciable vertical velocities characteristic of an ensemble of cumulus updrafts. The existence of convective updrafts is tied to a weak drizzle-induced decoupling of the cloud and subcloud layer, after which air of higher equivalent potential temperature (ue) can pool at the surface. Some similarities to the propagation of deep convection are also noted.
Pre-service Science Teachers’ Nature of Science Understandings’ Influence on Their Socioscientific Argumentation Quality

The purpose of this study is to investigate pre-service science teachers’ (PSTs’) nature of science (NOS) understandings’ influence on their socioscientific argumentation quality. This study was conducted with 12 participants whom were chosen with maximum variation sampling method among 27 PSTs. The class of the participants was chosen by basic random sampling method. This study, which contains both qualitative and quantitative processes, is an explanatory mixed method in which quantitative data are used in more detail than qualitative data. For this study, which lasted 11 weeks in total, three groups with four participants in each were formed. Presentations, whole-class discussions and small group discussions were made for participants to learn fundamental knowledge about the NOS and socioscientific argumentation; and to have them basic argumentation formation skills. Qualitative and quantitative data analyses indicate that understanding (low, medium, high) of the NOS impacts socioscientific argumentation quality. Our results also indicate that superior understanding of the NOS also predicts socioscientific argumentation quality.
EVALUATION OF BROADLEAF WEEDS CONTROL WITH SOME POST-EMERGENCE HERBICIDES IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) IN IRAN

Registered dose of herbicides may be higher than rate required for controlling weed species depending on growth stages. In order to study the effect of individual post-emergence application of 2,4-D plus MCPA and three sulfonylurea herbicides at four- to six-true leaf stage of weeds, experiments were conducted in 2011 at the greenhouse of Agricultural Faculty of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Treatments included untreated control and several rates of 2,4-D plus MCPA, foramsulfuron, nicosulfuron and nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron on redroot pigweed, common lambsquarters, common purslane and black nightshade. These herbicides were more effective to control redroot pigweed than other weeds (except nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron), thereupon minimum dose required for a satisfactory efficacy of 90% reduction of redroot pigweed aboveground dry matter (ED90) were 375.26, 23.51 and 63.81 g a.i h -1 of 2,4-D plus MCPA, foramsulfuron and nicosulfuron, respectively. Nicosulfuron and nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron did not control common lambsquarters effectively. Foramsulfuron had the lowest effect on black nightshade and common purslane, so that minimum dose required for a 90% reduction of black nightshade and common purslane aboveground dry matter were 52.42 and 60.26 g a.i h -1 , respectively. Thus, these results showed that tank mixtures with other herbicides effective in controlling broadleaf weeds may be required for satisfactory weed control and reduction in sulfonylurea herbicides doses.
A note on a certain class of functions related to Hurwitz zeta function and Lambert transform

In this paper we obtain multiple-series generating relations involving a class of function $ \theta_{(p_n)}^{(\mu_n)}(s,a;x_1,\ldots,x_n)$ which are connected to the Hurwitz zeta function. Also, a new generalization of Lambert transform is introduced, and its relationship with the above class of functions further depicted.
Impact of anti-retroviral therapy on sexual behaviour among Villa-Maria hospital clients, Maska district Uganda

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS . 5 LIST OF TABLES.7 LIST OF FIGURES.7 ABBREVIATIONS.8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . 9 1.0 INTRODUCTION . 10 1.1 STUDY FOCUS . 10 1.2 BACKGROUND . 10 1.3 BEHAVIOUR CHANGE THEORIES.12 1.4 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK . 13 2.0 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY . 14 2.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT AND STUDY JUSTIFICATION . 14 2.2 OBJECTIVES.14 3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS.15 3.1 RESEARCH SETTING AND STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION . 15 3.2 STUDY DESIGN.16 3.3 ETHICAL CONSIDERATION . 17 3.4 STUDY POPULATION AND SAMPLING.17 3.5 SAMPLE SIZE.18 3.6 PILOT STUDY /PRETESTING DATA COLLECTION TOOLS . 19 3.7 DATA COLLECTION . 20 3.8 DATA ENTRY AND ANALYSIS . 21 4.0 RESULTS.22 4.1 SOCIO -DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PARTICIPANTS . 22 4.2 KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HIV/AIDS AND ART.24 4.2.1 Knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission.24 4.2.2 Knowledge about HIV preventive measures . 25 4.2. 3 Experiences of living with HIV/AIDS.26 4.2. 4 Knowledge about contrast between HIV and AIDS . 27 4.2. 5 Knowledge about ART sources . 28 4.2. 6 Knowledge of other ART providing agencies.29 4.2. 7 Knowledge about ART and the procedure to initiate it.29 4.3 PRIOR USE OF VCT SERVICES BEFORE ART INITIATION . 32 4.4 ART USE AND SUPPORT OUTCOMES.33 4.4.1 Benefits of ART use . 33
Foreign Aid and African Exporters: Help or Harm

Export growth is pursued by many developing countries as a path to economic prosperity. Consistent with this goal, many foreign donors have attempted to use aid to promote African exporters. The relationship between foreign aid and exports is a complex one as aid comes from different sources and has varied destinations in the recipient country. In this paper, we utilize a panel data set of African countries from 1970-2008 to examine the impact of foreign aid on exports. The results find that aid designated for sectors such as infrastructure and education have a positive impact on exports while those going to agriculture and industry do not. Results also show that both multilateral and bilateral aid has a positive impact on exports. Also, less concessionary official development assistance does at least as well, if not better, in boosting exports as does more grant-based effective development assistance. There is significant evidence that natural resources and foreign aid are being viewed by donors, and functioning, as complements. Evidence finds that sound economic policy by the recipient to be an important factor in export growth and that better policy can act as a substitute for foreign aid. These results suggest the important of properly directing aid to the right sectors and promoting sound economic policies by recipient countries.
Exploring Consuming Psychologies and Behaviors in Chinese Yi Ethnic Embroideries Product

This research aims to explore customers’ consuming psychologies and behaviors of Chinese Yi ethnic embroidery products. The present study focuses on the effects among perceived value, brand image, purchase intention, customer satisfaction and word of mouth. By quantitative method, the study has built research model and analyzed research data primarily by using structural equation modeling. Eventually, this study has found some significant effects which can explain people’s purchase tendency of Yi embroidery products. Based on these results, the study has made some constructive suggestions.