Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Perception of School Climate among Brazilian High School Students Between 2001 and 2011

Background: Perception school climate has been investigated for contributing to health promotion policies and education in the school environment. In lowand middle-incomes countries, tracking information with respect to these perceptions are still scarce. Objectives: To analyze the changes in the perception of adolescents on the school climate during the course of a decade in the state of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil. Methods: Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2001 (n = 5.028) and 2011 (n = 6.529) among public high school students (15 to 19 years old). Factors related to the negative perception of the school climate were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. Results: After ten years, there were significant differences in the proportion of adolescents who had a negative perception of the time spent in school (from 3.1% to 16.3%), of their relationship with peers (from 3.0% to 13.5%), and their relationship with teachers and staff (from 2.9% to 7.2%). Conclusions: Students reported having a worse perception of the school social environment. Interventions that encourage the adoption and maintenance of positive social relationships and healthy habits are needed in the school community.
Electric Vehicle Charging: A Noncooperative Game Using Local Measurements

Abstract A distributed control algorithm is proposed to manage the electrical power demand for the purpose of charging electric vehicles so that (a) the overall power demand remains within the limitations of the distribution network and (b) each vehicle obtains a sufficiently charged battery at the end of the charging cycle. The charging algorithm utilises only local measurements to determine the charge current. The control problem is modelled as a non-cooperative game with weakly coupled cost functions for each vehicle. The cost function for each vehicle consist of an individual cost term and a group cost term. The group cost term expresses the aggregated demand of all vehicles and serves the purpose of ensuring that the infrastructure capacity constraints are respected. It is shown that this term can be estimated from local voltage measurements. The individual cost term reflects the need to achieve a desired charge level in the battery. Sufficient conditions for the overall system to admit a unique Nash Equilibrium are identified. Convergence and stability properties for a particular greedy algorithm implementation are described. To illustrate the efficacy of the proposed charging methodology, the algorithm is simulated in the context of an Australian suburban low voltage electricity distribution network.
Probabilistic assessments of climate change impacts on durum wheat in the Mediterranean region

Abstract. Recently, the availability of multi-model ensemble prediction methods has permitted a shift from a scenario-based approach to a risk-based approach in assessing the effects of climate change. This provides more useful information to decision-makers who need probability estimates to assess the seriousness of the projected impacts. In this study, a probabilistic framework for evaluating the risk of durum wheat yield shortfall over the Mediterranean Basin has been exploited. An artificial neural network, trained to emulate the outputs of a process-based crop growth model, has been adopted to create yield response surfaces which are then overlaid with probabilistic projections of future temperature and precipitation changes in order to estimate probabilistic projections of future yields. The risk is calculated as the relative frequency of projected yields below a selected threshold. In contrast to previous studies, which suggest that the beneficial effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration over the next few decades would outweigh the detrimental effects of the early stages of climatic warming and drying, the results of this study are of greater concern.
Integrating Smallholders into the Global Economy: Agri-businesses, Contracts and Public Policy in South Africa

This paper intends to contribute to the on-going debate about whether and how agricultural market restructurings can provide viable opportunities for small-scale farmers in Africa. It aims at analyzing contract farming from the smallholders' perspective and at understanding the implications regarding contractual arrangements with processing agribusinesses and/or export firms. Using an original approach that allows linking farm level analysis to territorial and value-chains levels analysis, the research intends to better understanding the complex and multidimensional implications of agricultural structural change. Based on case-studies from the citrus sector in South Africa, the paper argues that contract farming is not a panacea for smallholders. On one hand, contract farming can improve production for farmers; it can also enable better access to services and resources and create real opportunities for smallholders to participate in modern markets. However, on the other hand, the investigation shows that contract farming remains limited both at territorial and value-chain levels: it, mostly involves the already better-off and the larger-scale farmers who have benefited, among others, from significant public support. Moreover, when contract farming includes a handful of smallholders, it can lead to a loss of control and decision rights over production and resources. Overcoming these challenges is essential. The latter will need to be complemented by other measures allowing not only the integration of smallholders into the global economy, but the broader agricultural transformations and structural change. (Resume d'auteur)
A Critical Appraisal of the Ban on Serological Tests for Tuberculosis Usefulnessof Serological Monitoring of Tuberculosis Antibodies during the Treatment ofTB Patients

In 2011, the WHO banned the use of serological tests for the detection of antibodies against mycobacteria. This ban rests on a meta-analysis that observed a disparity in accuracy and specificity of results reported in various studies using this technique. All the included results were either level II observational studies or level III expert opinions. The immense majority of studies on other aspects of TB, as microscopy and vaccine efficacy, also pertain to these levels and present the same spread of results. The WHO policy statement rests on incorrect and invalid evidence. The experts analysed a pool of published studies of widely divergent quality, using different serological markers, and drew thereupon conclusions on quality of the serological test itself instead of on the quality of the studies analysed. In addition, the authors of the meta-analysis report results that are sometimes incorrect drew conclusions on incomplete data, removed publications from their study using dubious reasons, lumped together results that should have been analysed separately and finally failed to take into consideration the value of the golden diagnostic methods used today. I intend to prove that serology is a very useful complementary tool in the diagnostic and prognostic of mycobacterial infections and that, had the WHO based their analysis on the complete information available, they would have supported the use of some serological tools for the diagnosis of TB instead of banning them.
Use of Ionophores in Goat Feeding

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of monensin addition on the total dry matter intake, in goat diets, composed of 30 % alfalfa hay and 70 % corn. Four fistulated cross breed goats (Nubian x Creole), 39.77 ± 1.07 kg live body weight (BW), were used in experimental design. Two experiments were carried out: I) Determining total dry matter intake (TDMI), pasture dry matter intake (PDMI), total daily and hourly intake (TDHI) and total dry matter digestibility (TDMD); II) Determining ruminal pH. Treatments consisted of an instance without monensin (D0), and another one with monensin (D1). In both cases, intake level was adjusted to 3 % of BW. There were no significant effects (p 0.05) between treatments, only a tendency (p = 0,074) to keep pH values below 5.8 for a greater number hours in D0. The average pH of the day showed a tendency to be higher (p = 0,056) for D1. The lowest ruminal pH was observed between the 8 and 12 h after food intake, and with significant differences (p > 0.05) between hours, but the treatment had no effects on the evolution of pH in time. Therefore, we can conclude that the addition of monensin in highly energetic diets for goats had a moderating effect in the ruminal pH, and in the number of daily food concentrate meals. However, there was no register of acute acidosis with these diets.
Analysing poverty in Nigeria through theoretical lenses

Various indicators suggest that poverty is a major obstacle to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. Poverty has persisted, and several interventions have failed to yield significant improvement in Nigeria’s Human Development Index even in periods of economic growth. Plagued with the challenges of unemployment crises, climate change, conflict, fragility and violence, Nigeria (the most populous country in Africa) stands at a grave risk if poverty is not tackled. This paper explores seven theories of poverty in literature: The Culture of Poverty, Individual Deficiency Theory, Progressive Social Theory, Geographical Disparities Theory, Cyclical Interdependence Theory, Poverty Individualisation and the Theory of Social Exclusion /Cumulative Disadvantage. It reviews these theories by employing a qualitative and descriptive research approach in order to broaden the understanding of the complexities of the phenomenon of poverty from a global worldview and examine how these relate to the nature of poverty in Nigeria. It corroborates the fact that poverty in Nigeria is complex and multidimensional in its conceptualization and measurement, encompassing economic, social, cultural and psychological indicators. The paper therefore attempts to explore the phenomenon of poverty within the Nigerian context by examining these theoretical paradigms. It suggests an understanding of underlying causal factors of poverty in designing pro-poor programmes and a hydra-headed approach to tackle its menace effectively and progressively. It argues that poverty reduction is realizable by empowering people to develop resilience to cope and overcome it within the scope of their resources and capabilities.
LES EFFETS DES EXIGENCES MASTICATRICES FONCTIONNELLES ET MECANIQUES SUR LA MORPHOLOGIE ET LA STRUCTURE DE L’OS MANDIBULAIRE CHEZ LE RAT EN CROISSANCE Thèse

L'objectif de cette étude a été de rechercher les effets d'une altération de l'environnement masticateur fonctionnel et mécanique sur la morphologie et la structure de la mandibule chez le rat en croissance. La capacité fonctionnelle des muscles masticateurs a été influencée par un changement dans la consistance de la nourriture. Une altération des exigences mécaniques masticatrices a été atteinte par l'insertion d'une plaque de surélévation postérieure fixe. Les hémi-mandibules gauches de 104 rats ont été recueillies. Une analyse morphométrique, une estimation de la densité osseuse et une évaluation tridimensionnelle de la microstructure ont été effectuées. Mis à part l'inhibition de la croissance verticale de l'os alvéolaire, l'appareillage a conduit à une modification de la morphologie structurelle de la mandibule qui a été influencée par la capacité fonctionnelle des muscles masticateurs. Ces résultats pourraient signifier que les effets d'une plaque de surélévation sont différents selon les caractéristiques des muscles masticateurs. MAVROPOULOS, Anestis. Les effets des exigences masticatrices fonctionnelles et mécaniques sur la morphologie et la structure de l'os mandibulaire chez le rat en croissance. Thèse de doctorat : Univ. Genève, 2004, no. Méd. dent. 632 URN : urn:nbn:ch:unige-5671 DOI : 10.13097/archive-ouverte/unige:567
UNIVERSITY MANAGERS PARTICIPATION IN DISTANCE EDUCATION: THE ROLE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION SUPPORT FACILITIES

Universities continue to develop new methods of teaching in order to reach many people who cannot access education through the conventional methods; and to attain equity and increase access in higher education for development. Education is a key pillar in development. As Kenya works towards the attainment of Vision 2030 a lot has to be done in education to increase equity and access to allow many people to participate in the development. A lot of resources have been committed to development and implementation of DE materials and facilities but adoption of DE continues to be minimal at the Kenyan Public universities. This paper explores the role DE support facilities plays in the participation of university managers in DE activities in Kenya’s Public Universities. To study this role, the following indicators were analysed: computer availability to the managers and staff; access to personal computer; internet availability; number of internet connection points; and availability of ICT help desk. The study sort to establish the extent to which availability of personal computers availability of internet, number of internet connection points, availability of computers for teaching influence managers’ participation in DE; and to assess the availability of ICT help desks. The research employed cross-sectional descriptive survey design; and multi-stage stratified sampling design. The findings indicated that availing necessary support facilities is crucial if adoption of DE is to be increased in the public universities in Kenya. This study recommends that the university management avails the necessary support facilities to ensure participation in distance education activities. The management should work towards identifying strategies that can improve managers’ participation at different levels. The study also recommends training to enhance attitude transformation.
HBcrAg and Hiv Seroprevalence Among Apparently Healthy Blood Donors In Federal Medical Centre Nguru, Yobe State, Nigeria.

This cross sectional study was aimed at determining HBcrAg and HIV seroprevalence among apparently healthy blood donors in Federal Medical Centre Nguru, Yobe State, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 420 apparently healthy blood donors and analyzed for HIV using Determine test kit (Abbott, U.S.A), Uni-Gold test kit (Trinity Biotech, U.S.A) and confirmed using western blot. HBcrAg analysis was done using Lumipulse f CLEIA HBcrAg assay kit (Fujirebio, Japan). Out of the 420 screened blood samples, 30 (7.1%) were seropositive to HBcrAg while 18 (4.30%) were seropositive to HIV. The association of HIV and HBcrAg seropositivity in relation to age was not statistically significant (P > 0.05) for age group 21-30 years. Infection with HIV was highest in age group 21-40 years.
on Intelligent Manufacturing and Automation , 2013 Influence of the Cutting Edge Radius and the Cutting Edge Preparation on Tool Life and Cutting Forces at Inserts with Wiper Geometry

This article deals with the influence of cutting edge preparation and cutting edge radius on tool life, cutting forces and the roughness of machined surface. The cutting edge preparation was done on the inserts with wiper geometry which are used during machining of dividing plane at a steam turbine casing. This cutting inserts were prepared by the technology of grinding, drag finishing and laser technology. The edge radius for drag finished tools was 5, 10 and 15μm and for laser treated tool 5μm. The workpiece material was ferrite – martensite steel with the content of 9%Mo and 1%Cr and the material of cutting inserts was submicron sintered carbide. There was used only one cutting insert in the milling cutter. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of DAAAM International Vienna.
Water quality in the Mondego river basin: pollution and habitat heterogeneity

The "IMAR- Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade de Coimbra" and "Direccao Regional de Ambiente e Ordenamento do Territorio" started a partnership with the objective of establishing bases for the assessment of water quality in the Mondego river basin. Here we present the preliminary results of the study. We sampled 75 sites covering the Mondego river basin. At each site we took 18 physical and chemical measurements and sampled macroinvertebrates with a hand net. Site quality was assessed by the application of a biotic index (BMWP'), water chemistry and habitat heterogeneity. Fifty two percent of the sites had good biological water quality (based on BMWP' index). The strongly polluted sites were concentrated in the Lower Mondego region. Thirty three percent of sites had bad chemical water quality and 45% of the sites had low habitat complexity. Only 40% of the sites with low biological quality also had low chemical water quality. We concluded that (1) in general, the waters on the Mondego river basin do not suffer from strong water pollution and (2) low BMWP' values can be explained by low water quality or low habitat heterogeneity (natural or man-made).
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1 B ( PTP 1 B ) in the immune system

Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is best known for its role in insulin and leptin signalling. Its ability to directly dephosphorylate the insulin receptor (IR) has made it a prime target for the development of anti-diabetic drugs. In recent times the role of PTP1B has been substantially expanded from a simple regulator of insulin signalling to a complex and dynamic regulator of multiple signalling pathways including the Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signalling, thus providing a link between metabolism and inflammation. Here, we review the inflammation associated with obesity and diabetes and the role that PTP1B may play in the development and regulation of this inflammation. We will discuss the role of PTP1B in both the innate and adaptive immune system and how the development of tissue specific knock out models have allowed us to delineate this complex system. Finally, we discuss how this new knowledge may allow us to develop safe and effective treatments for a multitude of conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), autoimmunity, and chronic inflammation.
Integrating Wildlife Conservation with Commercial Silviculture — Demography of the Swainson’s Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii), a Migrant Bird of Conservation Concern in Southern Pine Forests, USA

Intensively managed pine ( Pinus spp.) forests encompass over 15.8 million hectares in the southeastern United States and provide an important source of wood products and an economic return to landowners. Given the extent of this landscape and the diversity of management goals and stakeholders, understanding how these forests can also be managed for biological diversity is important. Swainson’s warbler ( Limnothlypis swainsonii; SWWA), a species of high conservation priority, has been documented occupying young, unthinned pine plantations (a novel habitat type), but demographic assessment is lacking. We compared breeding phenology and repro‐ ductive success of SWWA in commercial loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda ) stands versus bottomland hardwood forest (the historical habitat type). Timing of nesting, clutch size, and hatching rates were not significantly different with 59% (n = 32) of eggs hatching in pine versus 69% in bottomland hardwood (n = 52). Mayfield estimates of nesting success were similar in pine (27%) versus hardwoods (32%) within and across years. These results indicate that closed-canopy, short-rotation pine stands can provide suitable breeding habitat for SWWA. We also review the value of intensively managed pine landscapes for avian conservation in general.
Why We Follow: An Examination of Parasocial Interaction and Fan Motivations for Following Athlete Archetypes on Twitter

An Internet-based survey was posted on the Twitter feeds and Facebook pages of 1 predominantly social and 1 predominantly parasocial athlete to ascertain the similarities and differences between their follower sets in terms of parasocial interaction development and follower motivations. Analysis of the data revealed a sense of heightened interpersonal closeness based on the interaction style of the athlete. While followers of the social athlete were driven by interpersonal constructs, followers of the parasocial athlete relied more on media conventions in their interaction patterns. To understand follower motivations, exploratory factor analyses were conducted for both follower sets. For followers of the social athlete, most of the interactivity, information-gathering, personality, and entertainment items loaded together. Unlike followers of the social athlete, fanship and community items loaded alongside information-gathering items for followers of the parasocial athlete. The implications of these and ot.
The Impact of Durian Rind in Water-based Mud in Combating Lost Circulation

A laboratory investigation has been done on durian rind, a fibrous material, as an alternative lost circulation material in water-based mud. The experimental works covered the rheological properties and lost circulation tests which were conducted before and after the hot-rolling tests as per API RP 13B. Those tests involved the use of standard mud testing equipment and a lost circulation test cell. The optimum concentration of the durian rind―which had been cleaned, cut into small pieces, dried in an oven at 60°C for 24 hours, and ground into small fine particles―was determined before a performance comparison study was done on both Hydro-plug (i.e., a commercial lost circulation material) and durian rind of different sizes, namely fine (0.5 mm), medium (1.0 mm), and coarse (2.0 mm). The experimental results showed that the durian rind worked well in combating the lost circulation. At its optimum concentration of 20 lb/bbl, the coarse durian rind was found to have performed excellently in combating lost circulation in 1 mm and 2 mm fractures. The standard rheological test showed that the rheological properties of drilling fluid were not too affected at standard temperature of 75°F but they changed significantly after the hot-rolling tests. The change in rheological properties was due to the flocculation of bentonite and chemical reaction of the pectin in durian rind.
Heterogeneous Effects of Class Size and Teacher Aide – Why We Should Go Beyond Traditional (Average) Results

This paper investigates the effect of two pupil-to-teacher ratio policies on test scores for children with different achievement levels. Using data from a large randomized experiment in early childhood, we estimate for the first time unconditional quantile treatment effects of small class and teacher’s aide, compared to a regular class. Regarding the small class intervention, results show that pupils in the middle of the achievement distribution profit the most from being assigned to a smaller class, whereas pupils at the bottom or at the top of the achievement distribution experience almost no gain in test scores. However, regarding the teacher’s aide intervention, the analysis reveals positive and significant effects for students at the bottom of the achievement distribution, an effect stronger for boys and disadvantaged pupils. So the average effects reported in traditional empirical studies induce policy advice that can even lead to the contrary to the desired outcomes.