Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Practices among Metal Welders in Jinja Municipality-Jinja District Uganda

Background: Compliance with the occupational health and safety measures at workplace is an important step towards providing a healthier welding workplace; especially in developing countries like Uganda where such measures are commonly not well-considered. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the work environment and individual determinants of compliance with the occupational health and safety practices among metal welders in Jinja municipality-Jinja district. Method: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design using both qualitative and quantitative method of enquiry. Simple random sampling and convenience sampling were used to assess the welders. Structured interviews and key informant interview were used to obtain data from the welders. Data analysis was done using the SPSS. Results: Only 50% (120) of the welders in Jinja municipality complied with the welding occupational health and safety practices. Regularly checking and maintenance of welding plant and equipment (p=0.000, X2=33.771), supervisor often remind workers of the potential risks and hazards in their workplace (p=0.000, X2=48.614), supervisor always consulting welders for suggestions about how to improve safety (p=0.004, X2=8.103), type of material used for welding (X2=10.112, p=0.006) and the number of employees per welding enterprise (X2=18.898, 0.008) were the work environment conditions that had statistical significant influence on compliance to occupation health and safety practices among welders in Jinja municipality. Duration in the welding profession (X2=8.654, p=0.034) and thought of getting injured easily while welding (X2 = 8.515, p=0.004) were the individual factors that have a statistically significant influence on compliance to occupational health and safety practices among the welders in Jinja municipality. Conclusion: There is an average level of compliance with occupational health and safety practices among welders in Jinja district. Basically only half of the welders in the Municipality are compliant mainly due to welding work environment characteristics/factors. Recommendations: Orientation, awareness, development of standard rules, enforcement of the safety codes and conducts were the recommendations necessary to improve the compliance to occupational health and safety practices among welders.
Position dependence of an enhancer activity of the human beta-globin intron-ii, within a heterologous gene.

Function of intron II of the human beta globin on the human factor IX (hFIX) expression, with respect to its position within the coding region, was investigated. With this aim two hFIX expressing plasmids, in which the intron was inserted in either second or 3'-terminal intronic positions of the cDNA, in parallel with an intron-less clone, were used for the hFIX expression analysis in two mammalian cell lines, in transient states. Protein assays demonstrated the highest hFIX expression level for the construct with intron in the second position. This was also evidenced by a 3-fold increase in the hFIX transcription, relative to the variant with intron in the terminal position. The recombinant hFIX expressed by the three minigenes were biologically active, as it was demonstrated by clotting test. Results presented in this study, support the position dependence of an intron regulatory function, in an exogenous state, by effecting at either transcriptional or/and posttranscriptional level.
Towards a Complete Classification of Symmetry-Protected Phases for Interacting Fermions in Two Dimensions

Recently, it has been shown that two-dimensional bosonic symmetry-protected topological(SPT) phases with on-site unitary symmetry $G$ can be completely classified by the group cohomology class $H^3(G, \mathrm{U}(1))$. Later, group super-cohomology class was proposed as a partial classification for SPT phases of interacting fermions. In this work, we revisit this problem based on the mathematical framework of $G$-extension of unitary braided tensor category(UBTC) theory. We first reproduce the partial classifications given by group super-cohomology, then we show that with an additional $H^1(G, \mathbb{Z}_2)$ structure, a complete classification of SPT phases for two-dimensional interacting fermion systems for a total symmetry group $G\times\mathbb{Z}_2^f$ can be achieved. We also discuss the classification of interacting fermionic SPT phases protected by time-reversal symmetry.
Water Cooled Concentrated Photovoltaic System

Concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) system helps in focusing the direct solar radiation on the photovoltaic module. A CPV unit with water cooling system has been developed and manufactured at the School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, China. It has been used for evaluating the performance of the CPV module with water cooling system for efficiency, power output and temperature. Also the effect of cooling water flow rate has been analyzed for performance evaluation of the CPV module. It has been found that the electrical output of the water cooled CPV is 4.7 to 5.2 times more than the PV module (without concentration and cooling). It has been noticed that the efficiency of the CPV mainly depends on the heat extraction rate and it helps in managing the cell temperature. And also the heat extraction rate from the CPV module mainly depends on the cooling water flow rate.
Bit Error Period Determination and Optimal Frame Length Prediction for a Noisy Communication Channel

The investigation presents an evaluation of data exchange efficiency for a packet switched “point to point” communication channel in a noisy environment. This paper shows the influence of the frame length on the communication channel performance and presents a stage of a research for determining the error rate during data exchange. The results obtained make it possible to reach a maximum communication channel throughput by dynamic and adaptive choice of the frame length in the sending system, according to the current external conditions.
An Ethnography of Communication: Viva Voce in a Ghanaian University

Over the last few decades, researchers have shown much interest in written academic genres to the detriment of spoken academic genres, though spoken genres such as viva voces are quintessential to postgraduate studies and form part of the enculturation process of novice academics. Using the ethnography of communication approach as proposed by Dell Hymes and focusing on setting, participant and act sequence, this paper examined how these elements of ethnography are operative in three recordings of viva voces organised by a department of a university in Ghana. The study revealed that the setting, day, scene, and clothing of participants highlight the formal nature of viva voces, a finding which projects academics as business-minded individuals. Further, it was revealed that the participants of viva voces are usually academics who share similar beliefs and engage in practices cherished by the community of practice. The relationship between candidates and the assessors, was asymmetrical and power-laden as realized though the address terms and lexico-grammatical choices that the candidates make. Finally, the study revealed that the viva voces are organized into four schematic structures. The study makes key contributions to scholarship on postgraduate pedagogy, text construction, and ethnography of communication.
URBAN FREIGHT TRANSPORT POLICIES: JOINT ACCOUNTING OF NON-LINEAR ATTRIBUTE EFFECTS AND DISCRETE MIXTURE HETEROGENEITY

This paper jointly investigates non-linear attribute effects and discrete mixture heterogeneity. The research context relates to urban freight transport policy evaluation. The paper adopts an agent-specific perspective. The often unforeseen and undesired results deriving from urban freight transport policy implementation have induced many researchers to call for an in-depth analysis of specific agents' preferences. However, the structural lack of appropriate data has hindered investigations at such a detailed level. This paper contributes to bridging this data and knowledge gap by: constructing an original data set; testing for non-linear effects in attribute level variations; investigating the presence of inter and intra-agent heterogeneity; jointly exploring non-linear attribute effects and intraagent heterogeneity. The results obtained underline the relevance of intra-agent preference heterogeneity and non-linear effects of attribute variations. More in detail, the paper detects two classes of agents with substantially different preferences with respect to the possible policy interventions. Non-linear sensitivity suggests policy makers should carefully consider the effects induced by the specific status quo level for policy relevant attribute variations. Intraagent discrete heterogeneity implies different willingness to pay measures for given policy changes. The presence of both non-linear effects and intra-agent heterogeneity suggests policy makers to explicitly consider the status quo level that is to be changed while, at the same time, contemplate differentiated reactions deriving from the implementation of a urban freight policy change. In conclusion, the paper underlines the need for rigorous ex-ante policy analysis if the correct policy outcomes are to be estimated with an adequate level of accuracy.
Organizational Social Capital and Commitment-Based HR Practices as the Determining Factors of Organizational Performance

The present study examined the relationship between commitment-based human resource practices (CBHRP), organizational performance and the mediating effect of organizational social capital (OSC). Data were gathered from a sample of 150 multi-national organizations by using survey questionnaire method. Response rate was encouraging as it achieved 95 percent. A relevant statistical analytical technique to test the hypotheses such as regression analysis was used. Findings supported the hypothesized relationships between commitment-based HR practices, organizational social capital and organizational performance. The results imply that commitment-based HR practices and organizational social capital are important factors for organizational growth and sustain a competitive, which result better organizational performance.
Accessibility and Impedance Forms: Empirical Applications to the German Commuting Network

Accessibility plays a fundamental role in the transport network. In fact, accessibility may be used for investigating the (un)even distribution of economic activities, or the (dis)equilibrium in the development of different regional performances. In particular, accessibility analysis can be considered as a first exploratory step in the understanding of people's needs and behaviour, especially in the framework of transport network structures. From the methodological viewpoint, accessibility has a long tradition, starting in the 1950's with the pioneering work by Hansen, who defined accessibility as the potential of opportunity for interaction. Such a definition can also be considered as an integrated framework of all subsequent definitions. The aim of this paper is to explore accessibility in the German commuting network, by focusing attention on the relevance of the impedance form associated with it. The conventional (potential) accessibility function - in the light of the related economic activities - is used as a suitable instrument to identify the major German hub/attraction nodes. In this formulation, different types of decay functions are used as impedance forms. In our applications we consider home-to-work commuters travelling between 439 German districts, for both 2003 and 2007. We carry out a comparative analysis of the accessibility values in these years, by outlining the different emerging hierarchies, resulting from the use of different impedance forms. In addition, we explore which type of accessibility indicator best matches the connectivity network. The final aim is to identify - by means of different accessibility functions - homogeneous vs. heterogeneous characteristics of the German commuting network.
Gender Differences in Intentions to use a Personal Carbon Trading System

Personal carbon trading systems (PCTS) have been hypothesized as one of the measures needing to be considered to combat global warming and reduce carbon emissions (references here). The research described in this paper examines baseline data collected as part of the Norfolk Island Carbon Health Evaluation (NICHE) project. The project aims to examine links between obesity related conditions and individuals’ understanding of their carbon footprint. A personal carbon monitoring system was rolled out on the Island mid 2013 that allows users to review their carbon outputs against a baseline calculated from the initial survey. The analysis presented here examines the differences between males and females attitudes towards the adoption of PCTS from a baseline survey conducted prior to the roll out of the system. The analysis of the model by gender revealed that ‘Health Consciousness’ and ‘Environmental Concerns’ were significant predictors for both genders. ‘Optimism’ was also identified by both genders to be significant, but it was found to explain double the amount of variance for males than females. Whereas, ‘Self Heath Evaluation’ was found to only be a significant predictor of female attitudes towards a PCTS. Surprisingly, ‘Environmental Action’ was found not to be a significant predictor to either genders attitudes towards the adoption of PCTS.
A computer model of human atrial arrhythmia

These Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne EPFL, n° 2537 (2002)Section d'electriciteFaculte des sciences et techniques de l'ingenieurInstitut de genie electrique et electroniqueLaboratoire de traitement des signaux 1Jury: Martin Hasler, Craig Henriquez, Lukas Kappenberger, Philippe Robert, Jean-Marc Vesin, Nathalie Virag Public defense: 2002-4-26 Reference doi:10.5075/epfl-thesis-2537Print copy in library catalog Record created on 2005-03-16, modified on 2016-08-08
Arctic ozone loss and climate sensitivity: Updated three‐dimensional model study

We have used a three‐dimensional (3D) chemical transport model (CTM) to investigate the variation in Arctic winter‐spring chemical ozone loss from 1991–2003, and its observed correlation with low temperatures. The CTM (SLIMCAT) has been updated based on recent field and laboratory results and contains improved treatments of transport, chemistry and denitrification. In contrast to previous model studies, the CTM now gives a good simulation of the observed O3 loss throughout the years studied. The model reproduces the large column loss of cold winters and also captures the shape of the ozone loss profile. The variation of O3 loss with interannual variations in temperature is also well reproduced. Hence we show that for the first time a 3D stratospheric model is able to reproduce the past climate sensitivity of Arctic ozone depletion on temperature. This new capability is an essential prerequisite for model predictions of the future of the Arctic ozone layer in a changing climate. With realistic transport, chemistry‐climate models with similar chemical modules should be able to reproduce polar chemical ozone depletion over the range of temperatures experienced so far.
Bidimensional Screening with Intrinsically Motivated Workers

We study the screening problem of a firm that needs to hire a worker to produce output and that observes neither the productive ability nor the intrinsic motivation of the job applicant. We completely characterize the set of optimal contracts according to whether motivation or ability is the main determinant of the worker’s performance. We show that it is always in the firm’s interest to hire all types of worker and to offer different contracts to different types of employees. Interestingly, when motivation is very high, incentives force the firm to pay higher informational rents, to increase effort distorsions for motivated workers, and to offer a strictly positive wage to workers enjoying a positive utility from effort provision, who thus become paid volunteers. These results suggest that, from the principal’s viewpoint, very high motivation might not be a desirable worker’s characteristic.
Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Water Flow around a Carbon Nanotube

In this paper, non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to investigate water flow around a single-walled carbon nanotube. In the simulation, the nanotube was modeled as a rigid cylinder of carbon atoms. Water molecules were described with the extended simple point charge (SPC/E) model. The nanotube-water interactions were calculated with a Lennard-Jones potential between carbon-oxygen pairs. The water-water interactions comprised a Lennard-Jones potential between the oxygen-oxygen pairs and a Coulomb potential between all charge sites on interactive water molecules. It was shown that classical continuum mechanics does not hold when the drag forces on the nanotube are considered. In slow cross flows (perpendicular to the tube axis), the cross drag on a nanotube calculated from MD simulations were larger than those from the empirical equations, and the difference increased as the flow velocity decreased. It was also found that in axial flow (in longitudinal direction), due to severe slippage on the nanotube surface, the axial drag on a nanotube from MD simulation was very small compared with the calculation from continuum mechanics. Keyword: Molecular dynamics simulation, water flow, nanotube, drag.
Impact of Organizational Justice and Organizational Citizenship Behavior on Employees Performance

Organizational Justice has been considered a significant subject in the operative organizations functioning. Whereas Organizational Citizenship Behavior is important to achieve the organizational success therefore organizations encourage and facilitate the OCB in order to produce effectiveness and efficiency in organization functions. The primary aim of this research is to investigate the role of organizational justice and organizational citizenship behavior in enhancing employees’ performance in academic setting. Organizational justice plays a pivotal role in shaping individual behavior and particularly extra role behavior such organizational citizenship behavior. To answer the research question, the cross sectional data were collected through a questionnaire from 190 employees working in different universities of Azad Kashmir Pakistan. Our findings reveal that there is a significant positive association among organizational justice (OJ), organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and Employees performance (EP). The results indicated that Organizational Justice and Organization Citizenship Behaviors was significant predictor of Employees performance. This research contributes to the managerial literature by identifying and applying theoretical concepts into a different sample and organizational settings.
Title: Distinguishing transient versus stable aspects of depression in New Zealand Pacific Island children using Generalizability Theory

Abstract Background: The distinction between temporary versus enduring or state/trait aspects of depression is important. More precise distinction would improve understanding of the aetiology of depression and those aspects most amenable to intervention thus identifying more homogeneous, dynamic targets for clinical trials. Generalizability Theory has been proposed as useful for disentangling state and trait components of psychopathology. Methods: We applied Generalizability Theory to determine the relative contributions of temporary and enduring aspects of depression in a widely used screening measure of depression the 10-item Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI-10; Kovacs, 1985). Participants were children of Pacific Island descent living in New Zealand (n= 668). Data were collected at ages 9, 11, and 14 years. Results: The CDI-10 demonstrated acceptable generalizability across occasions (G=.79) with about one third of variance in total scores attributed to temporary and two thirds to more enduring aspects of depression. There were no other significant sources of error variance. Two items were identified as more sensitive than the remaining eight to more dynamic symptoms. Limitations: Studies with briefer test-retest intervals are warranted. Use of this Pacific Island cohort limits generalisability of findings to other cultures and ethnicities. No data were collected on whether participants had received intervention for depression. Conclusions: While the CDI-10 reliably measures both stable and transient aspects of depression in children, the scale does not permit clear distinction between them. We advocate application of Generalizability Theory for developing state/trait depression measures and determining which existing measures are most suitable for capturing modifiable features of depression.
Prenatal Metals Exposure and Child Birth and Growth in Bangladesh

The objective of this dissertation is to contribute to ongoing research on prenatal metals exposure, in terms of arsenic, lead, and manganese, and infant health and growth, and to deepen the understanding of the complexity of such problems. We seek to do so in three parts. First we examine the association between combined prenatal metals exposure and infant birth weight and head circumference. Then, we look at the effect on birth weight from the HFE gene variants and its interaction effects with arsenic. Finally, we look at the association of prenatal metals exposure and child growth up to 36 months. The study populations of all three of our studies are taken from mothers enrolled in 2 hospitals affiliated with Dhaka Community Hospital in Bangladesh. They were given self-administered questionnaires at time of enrollment and are followed after birth. Child measurements were taken at time of birth, and the biomarker for these studies are cord blood metal measurements. In the first part of this dissertation, through multivariate linear regression, including a metal interaction term, we found that prenatal arsenic and manganese exposure individually associated with lowered birth weight and birth head circumference. We also found evidence of interactions between the two metals, suggesting that joint exposure creates greater deficit in birth outcomes. In the next part, looking at gene-environment interactions, we found significant
Comparative study of the physicochemical properties of rice endosperm components expressing Sugary-2 mutant in different genetic backgrounds

The physicochemical properties of the endosperm components of sugary-2 mutant rice were examined, characterized and compared to that of the normal type. The protein and amylose contents as well as the palatability score were all higher in sugary-2. For fatty acids, palmitic, linoleic and linolenic acid were all present in significantly higher proportion in the sugary-2 mutant. Analysis of the minor sugars in the endosperm showed that inducing the sugary-2 gene did not increase the amount of all sugar types, higher amounts were only measured in rhamnose and fucose content. Regarding the characteristics of starch granules, the ratio of longer glucose chain length to the distribution of endosperm starches decreased with the insertion of the sugary-2 mutant gene. And it was also found that the gelatinization properties of sugary-2 mutant rice showed a general trend of lower gelatinization temperature while the gelatinization enthalphy was considerably lower.
Electronic decoupling of an epitaxial graphene monolayer by gold intercalation

The application of graphene in electronic devices requires large-scale epitaxial growth. The presence of the substrate, however, usually reduces the charge-carrier mobility considerably. We show that it is possible to decouple the partially sp(3)-hybridized first graphitic layer formed on the Si-terminated face of silicon carbide from the substrate by gold intercalation, leading to a completely sp(2)-hybridized graphene layer with improved electronic properties.