Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Focused Antenatal Care Service Utilization and Associated Factors in Damot Sore District, Southern Ethiopia, Community Based Cross Sectional Study

One of the important factors in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality is focused antenatal care which considers every pregnant woman who was at high risk for developing pregnancy related complications. Hence, all pregnant women should receive at least four antenatal visits to early identify the complications and intervene accordingly. The study aimed to assess focused antenatal care service utilization and associated factors among mothers who gave birth within 6 month preceding the study in Damot Sore District. A community based cross sectional study was conducted using quantitative methods in April, 2017 in Damot Sore District. Study participants were selected by simple random sampling method from the sampling frame. Data were entered into Epidata 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis, and Bivariate and multivariable analysis was used to identify predictors of focused antenatal care service utilization. Variables with odds ratio <=0.05 in multivariable analysis were taken as independent predictors. A total of 490 mothers who have history of antenatal care for their last birth within 6 month preceding the study period were included in the study and 229(46.7%) mothers attended focused antenatal care service. Maternal age (25-34) (AOR= 1.92, 95%CI: 1.20, 3.09), husbands occupation (AOR=1.92, 95%CI: 1.30, 2.83) and women empowerment (AOR= 2.13, 95%CI: 1.43, 3.20) were significantly associated with focused antenatal care service utilization. The majority of pregnant mothers did not attend focused antenatal care during their last pregnancy. Maternal age, husband’s occupation and empowerment were identified as factors affecting focused antenatal care service utilization. Provision of focused antenatal care should be used as an opportunity for early detection of pregnancy related complications.
Self-regulation in sports learning and performance

• Users may freely distribute the URL that is used to identify this publication. • Users may download and/or print one copy of the publication from the University of Birmingham research portal for the purpose of private study or non-commercial research. • User may use extracts from the document in line with the concept of ‘fair dealing’ under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (? ) • Users may not further distribute the material nor use it for the purposes of commercial gain.
Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility on the internet: A case study of Omani local banks

This paper investigates online Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as communicated by seven Omani local banks, with an analytical focus on the themes disclosed and the organisation and presentation of these themes on the corporate websites. Based on semi-structured interviews with people responsible for CSR at the banks and a content analysis of the banks' websites, the study reveals that the banks give prominence only to product/consumer theme on their homepages, while the environmental theme was found to be a marginal activity disclosed by one bank. Another significant finding is the extremely dispersed nature of CSR information on the corporate websites. The study concludes that local banks in Oman need to invest largely in their websites. They should assign more thought and effort in presenting and organising CSR information creatively and effectively.
Fatigue and how it is related to goal-management strategies and the vision-related quality of life in visually impaired people

In the Netherlands, about 300.000 people have a visual impairment and this number is expected to increase until 2020 (Epidemiologie van visuele beperkingen en een demografische verkenning - Verslagen – ZonMw, 2017). A common symptom that is experienced by visually impaired people is fatigue and despite this, there is scarcely knowledge regarding fatigue among this population group (Bruijning, 2013). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the roles of goal-management strategies and the vision-related quality of life for fatigue severity and fatigue impact among 247 visually impaired people from the Netherlands. The people were asked to fill in several questionnaires. For this cross-sectional study, the data of the Fatigue Adjustment Scale (FAS), the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the Flexible Goal Adjustment Scale and the Low Vision Quality of Life questionnaire were analysed with correlational - and four hierarchical regression analyses. The results showed that the goal adjustment strategy played a significant role in the severity of fatigue as well as in the impact of fatigue. People who adjusted their goals experienced less severe fatigue and less impact of fatigue on their daily life. In contrast, a high usage of the goal disengagement strategy was not inevitably related to less severe fatigue respectively usage of the goal reengagement strategy to less impact of fatigue on daily life. These results are in concordance with past literature for people with RA from Arends, Bode, Van de Laar and Taal (2013). Nevertheless, the study from Boerner and Wang (2012) stressed that also the usage of goal disengagement and goal reengagement strategies led to better mental health for visually impaired people. Therefore, future research should try to explore the goal dis – and goal reengagement variables further by using for example another instrument for measuring these strategies. Low-vision related quality of life was related to more severe fatigue as well as to more impact of fatigue. However, it has to be mentioned that the relations and the explained variances were low in general and therefore it is recommended to conduct a longitudinal study with more variables that could explain fatigue in visually impaired people like for instance physical activity.
Essays on Technology Adoption and Provision Efficiency in Development Projects

In many development projects, technologies with potential to improve welfare are under adopted and under-utilized once adopted. One possible cause for this inefficiency is ignoring fit risk (the risk the technology may not meet the needs of the potential adopter). This dissertation attempts to introduce fit risk in the development context and develops a framework to analyze resource misallocation when fit risk is not addressed by project donors and managers. We examine strategies to reduce fit risk, like pre-purchase demonstration to reduce waste and enhance intake. The dissertation analyzes when it is worth to incur costly demonstration of the technology that eliminates fit-risk, and shows that the economic net benefit of costly demonstration is non-monotone in the probability of technology fit. Demonstration is not worthy when the probability of non-suitability of the technology is either too high or too low. Even if well-implemented demonstration eliminates fit-risk and improves project value, it does not necessarily increase take-up of the technology. Ignoring fit-risk or misunderstanding demand in the presence of fit-risk can lead to miscalculating project values in development projects and to making wrong support decisions. The predictions of the model are tested using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in the case of vision aid technology (eyeglasses) in rural Cambodia. The analysis recognizes heterogeneity among individuals with respect to the benefit from glasses where eyesight is the proxy variable for different levels of likelihood of fit. Our empirical study shows that a one-week free trial (a type of demonstration) increased the take-up rate for the middle-fit group (mild vision impairment), while it decreased for the high-fit group (substantial vision impairment). While overall intake of the eyeglasses did not change much, people who purchased eyeglasses after the one-week free trial tended to use their eyeglasses more frequently than people who purchased the eyeglasses after only a single, ten-minute fitting process. This implies that such marketing efforts can lead to better allocation of technology and improve technology provision efficiency even if they do not necessarily increase take-up.
Air–snow transfer of nitrate on the East Antarctic Plateau – Part 2: An isotopic model for the interpretation of deep ice-core records

Abstract. Unraveling the modern budget of reactive nitrogen on the Antarctic Plateau is critical for the interpretation of ice-core records of nitrate. This requires accounting for nitrate recycling processes occurring in near-surface snow and the overlying atmospheric boundary layer. Not only concentration measurements but also isotopic ratios of nitrogen and oxygen in nitrate provide constraints on the processes at play. However, due to the large number of intertwined chemical and physical phenomena involved, numerical modeling is required to test hypotheses in a quantitative manner. Here we introduce the model TRANSITS (TRansfer of Atmospheric Nitrate Stable Isotopes To the Snow), a novel conceptual, multi-layer and one-dimensional model representing the impact of processes operating on nitrate at the air–snow interface on the East Antarctic Plateau, in terms of concentrations (mass fraction) and nitrogen (δ15N) and oxygen isotopic composition (17O excess, Δ17O) in nitrate. At the air–snow interface at Dome C (DC; 75° 06' S, 123° 19' E), the model reproduces well the values of δ15N in atmospheric and surface snow (skin layer) nitrate as well as in the δ15N profile in DC snow, including the observed extraordinary high positive values (around +300 ‰) below 2 cm. The model also captures the observed variability in nitrate mass fraction in the snow. While oxygen data are qualitatively reproduced at the air–snow interface at DC and in East Antarctica, the simulated Δ17O values underestimate the observed Δ17O values by several per mill. This is explained by the simplifications made in the description of the atmospheric cycling and oxidation of NO2 as well as by our lack of understanding of the NOx chemistry at Dome C. The model reproduces well the sensitivity of δ15N, Δ17O and the apparent fractionation constants (15vapp, 17Eapp) to the snow accumulation rate. Building on this development, we propose a framework for the interpretation of nitrate records measured from ice cores. Measurement of nitrate mass fractions and δ15N in the nitrate archived in an ice core may be used to derive information about past variations in the total ozone column and/or the primary inputs of nitrate above Antarctica as well as in nitrate trapping efficiency (defined as the ratio between the archived nitrate flux and the primary nitrate input flux). The Δ17O of nitrate could then be corrected from the impact of cage recombination effects associated with the photolysis of nitrate in snow. Past changes in the relative contributions of the Δ17O in the primary inputs of nitrate and the Δ17O in the locally cycled NO2 and that inherited from the additional O atom in the oxidation of NO2 could then be determined. Therefore, information about the past variations in the local and long-range processes operating on reactive nitrogen species could be obtained from ice cores collected in low-accumulation regions such as the Antarctic Plateau.
Educators' Perceptions of Automated Feedback Systems.

Assessment of student learning is a core function of educators. Ideally students should be provided with timely, constructive feedback to facilitate learning. However, provision of high quality feedback becomes more complex as class sizes increase, modes of study expand and academic workloads increase. ICT solutions are being developed to facilitate quality feedback, whilst not impacting adversely upon staff workloads. Hence the research question of this study is 'How do academic staff perceive the usefulness of an automated feedback system in terms of impact on workloads and quality of feedback? ' This study used an automated feedback generator (AFG) across multiple tutors and assessment items within an MBA course delivered in a variety of modes. All academics marking in the course completed a survey based on an adaptation of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model. Results indicated that while the workload impact was generally positive with savings in both cost and time, improvements and modifications to the system could further reduce workloads. Furthermore, results indicated that AFG improves quality in terms of timeliness, greater consistency between markers and an increase in the amount of feedback provided.
Simulated climate adaptation in stormwater conveyance structures

McCurdy, Adam Dennis (M.A. Geography) Simulated climate adaptation in stormwater conveyance structures Thesis directed by Associate Professor William R. Travis Adaptations in infrastructure may be necessitated by changes in temperature and precipitation patterns to ensure that investments offer a consistent service level and remain cost effective. The timing of individual adaptations will vary and can be described in relation to the climate stimulus as being anticipatory, concurrent, or reactive. Furthermore, climate change adaptation can be implemented as flexible policies that acknowledge the inherent differences in individual elements or as monolithic policies applied uniformly to all elements of an infrastructure system. Significant progress has been made in studying climate change adaptation decision making that incorporates climate uncertainty, but less work has examined how adaptation strategies interact with existing infrastructure characteristics to influence adaptability. Here we examine the interaction of culvert characteristics and the timing of adaptation strategies under varying amounts of climate change using a virtual testbed of realistic drainage crossings or roadbeds in Colorado. Additionally we examine the performance of flexible policies that allow for different timing strategies based on individual crossing characteristics. We use one-at-a-time sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulations to compare the impact of varying amounts of climate change and crossing characteristics on the cost efficiency and service level of crossings. Based on the results of these analyses we use a metamodel approach with multinomial regression to create what we refer to as a vertically flexible strategy, i.e. allowing for unique adaptation timing based on the characteristics of individual crossings.
Complex folding pathways in a simple β‐hairpin

The determination of the folding mechanisms of proteins is critical to understand the topological change that can propagate Alzheimer and Creutzfeld‐Jakobs diseases, among others. The computational community has paid considerable attention to this problem; however, the associated time scale, typically on the order of milliseconds or more, represents a formidable challenge. Ab initio protein folding from long molecular dynamics simulations or ensemble dynamics is not feasible with ordinary computing facilities and new techniques must be introduced. Here we present a detailed study of the folding of a 16‐residue β‐hairpin, described by a generic energy model and using the activation‐relaxation technique. From a total of 90 trajectories at 300 K, three folding pathways emerge. All involve a simultaneous optimization of the complete hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions. The first two pathways follow closely those observed by previous theoretical studies (folding starting at the turn or by interactions between the termini). The third pathway, never observed by previous all‐atom folding, unfolding, and equilibrium simulations, can be described as a reptation move of one strand of the β‐sheet with respect to the other. This reptation move indicates that non‐native interactions can play a dominant role in the folding of secondary structures. Furthermore, such a mechanism mediated by non‐native hydrogen bonds is not available for study by unfolding and Gō model simulations. The exact folding path followed by a given β‐hairpin is likely to be influenced by its sequence and the solvent conditions. Taken together, these results point to a more complex folding picture than expected for a simple β‐hairpin. Proteins 2004;9999:000–000. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CAREGIVERS’ NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICE AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF THEIR CHILDREN (0-59 MONTHS): CASE STUDY OF KADUNA METROPOLIS, KADUNA, NIGERIA

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the caregiver’s nutrition knowledge, practices and nutritional status of children (0-59 months) in Kaduna metropolis. A semi-structured interview and questionnaire were used to generate the needed information from 416 respondents. The analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20.0 and p-value (p<0.05) was considered significant. Finding of present study revealed that 65.5% of caregivers were between 19 to 45 years, not educated beyond primary school (60.8%) and were mostly (71.8%) living below the poverty line. Knowledge of caregivers on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and hygiene practices was high. However, indices on practices were generally poor. It showed 24.8% initiated breastfeeding within an hour of delivery, 87.7% introduced substances including food to the child before the age of six months. Only 21.4% met the minimum meal frequency, 13.5% diversification and 6.9% met the minimum acceptable diet. Barriers to effective practices include inadequate financial resources, lack of family support and perception that children of lesser age are too young to be fed from all the food groups. On nutritional status, 66.9% of the children had varying degrees of underweight, 30.2% wasting and 55.3% stunting. There was a negative relationship between child undernutrition and caregivers’ level of education, income status and minimum acceptable diet significantly at p<0.05. The pragmatic approach is needed to close the existing gap between caregivers’ knowledge and practices on breastfeeding and complementary feeding to reduce the high level of child malnutrition in the metropolis .
Air cushioning in droplet impacts with liquid layers and other droplets

Air cushioning of a high-speed liquid droplet impact with a finite-depth liquid layer sitting upon a rigid impermeable base is investigated. The evolution of the droplet and liquid-layer free-surfaces is studied alongside the pressure in the gas film dividing the two. The model predicts gas bubbles are trapped between the liquid free-surfaces as the droplet approaches impact. The key balance in the model occurs when the depth of the liquid layer equals the horizontal extent of interactions between the droplet and the gas film. For liquid layer depths significantly less than this a shallow liquid limit is investigated, which ultimately tends towards the air-cushioning behavior seen in droplet impact with a solid surface. Conversely, for liquid layer depths much deeper than this, the rigid base does not affect the air-cushioning of the droplet. The influence of compressibility is discussed and the relevant parameter regime for an incompressible model is identified. The size of the trapped gas bubble as a fu.
Embedding corporate responsibility through effective organizational structures

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which companies are embedding the corporate responsibility function in different organizational structures, and to identify, when possible, best practices related to organizational structures which have proved effective in managing corporate responsibility that can be applied by any organization, regardless of size or industry sector.Design/methodology/approach – The authors developed and applied a methodology, in the form of a questionnaire, covering more than 40 aspects to describe what companies are doing to integrate the corporate responsibility function in their organizational structures. The design of the survey was based on available literature as well as their own professional experience answering questions commonly received from clients in Latin America. The questionnaire was then applied to a small sample using companies' public information from reports and company web sites.Findings – The application of the questionnaire on a sample .
Short-Term Exposure to Haze Air Pollution Induces Acute Airway Inflammation and Lung Function Reduction in Healthy Adult Subjects

Haze air pollution with high levels of PM has frequently took place in many areas of China in the past few years. However, the health effect of shirt-term exposure to haze air pollution has not been thoroughly characterized. This study aimed to determine the acute effect of haze exposure on respiratory system of healthy adult subjects, specifically on airways and lung function. Thirty healthy adult subjects were recruited and airway inflammation and lung function alterations examined under control and haze air pollution (157.33 μg/m for mean concentration of PM ) conditions, respectively. Airway inflammation was assessed by sputum induction while lung function was measured using spirometry. It was shown that 24-h exposure to haze air pollution could increase the levels of inflammatory mediators including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α), as well as the percentages of eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in the sputum (<0.05). In contrast, the proportion of macrophages in the sputum from haze-exposed subjects decreased significantly (<0.05). In addition, short-term exposure to haze could decrease forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV ), vital capacity (VC), and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), but not FEV1/FVC. In summary, short-term exposure of healthy adult subjects to haze air pollution induces airway inflammation and lung function impairment.
To Float Or Not To Float? Currency Regimes And Growth

One recent line of research on exchange rates is the effect of fixed or floating currencies on long-term growth. One difficulty with such studies is that emerging market countries with certain imbalances and potentially hard-to-observe policy distortions are more likely to choose a fixed exchange rate regime, and thus estimates of the effect of exchange rates on growth are likely to be biased upward in magnitude. Results here indicate that when a measure of domestic distortions and macroeconomic imbalances is added to the model the exchange rate regime at most exacerbates existing distortions, and no longer appears to have an independent, significant effect on growth, contrary to some recent findings.
Largemouth Bass Nest Site Selection in Small, North Temperate Lakes Varying in Littoral Coarse Woody Habitat Abundances

Abstract Coarse woody habitat (CWH) in the littoral zone is an important habitat feature in freshwater systems and has been suggested to influence nest density and nest site selection by black basses Micropterus spp. (e.g., largemouth bass M. salmoides and smallmouth bass M. dolomieu). To test for a relationship between nest site selection or nest density and the abundance of littoral CWH, we monitored largemouth bass nest site selection in the littoral zones of two small, northern Wisconsin lakes (comprising a total of three separated basins) for three consecutive spawning seasons. Our study sites varied in natural and manipulated abundances of CWH; spawning seasons before and after a whole-basin CWH reduction or a whole-basin CWH addition were examined. Within-basin analysis provided some evidence that local variation in CWH abundance influenced local nest density; however, this relationship was only significant for one basin in a single season. Among basins and across seasons, we observed a positive bu.