Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The association between self-efficacy and sick-leave among men and women: a cross-sectional study of the general working population in Sweden

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate if low self-efficacy was associated with increased risk for sickness absence, in a general population of employed women and men. The aim was also to analyse differences in self-efficacy concerning age, education, income, and socio-economic position. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on data collected in western Sweden, 2008. The study population consisted of 2,900 employed sick-listed individuals (E-SL) and 2,649 random working population individuals (R-WP). Both mailed questionnaire, including the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and register data on age, education, income and socio-economic position were used. A continuous mean score of the total GSE was calculated for each individual. A low GSE-score indicated low general self-efficacy. Results: Lower general self-efficacy had an increased odds ratio (OR) of belonging to a sick-listed general working population among both men (OR=1.60; 95% CI 1.32–1.94) and women (OR=1.26; 95% CI 1.08–1.47). The OR remained significant after adjustments for socio-demographic variables. Yet, men in the R-WP and women in both the R-WP and E-SL with lower education, income or socio-economic position had lower general self-efficacy compared with those in each cohort with higher education, income or socio-economic position. Conclusions: Low self-efficacy was associated with increased probability to belong to a sick-listed general working population. Although more research is needed, it seems highly relevant to take both self-efficacy and socio-economic factors into account, in preventive and rehabilitation work targeting persons on sickness absence.
DNA markers reveal genetic structure and localized diversity of Ethiopian sorghum landraces

North Eastern Ethiopia is a major sorghum-growing region. A total of 415 sorghum landraces were sampled to represent the range of agro-ecologies (three altitude ranges) as well as spatial heterogeneity, that is, 4 zones: North Welo, South Welo, Oromiya and North Shewa with each zone containing 2 to 5 districts. The landraces were genotyped with simple sequence repeats (SSR) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. High genetic diversity was observed among the landraces for both marker systems. STRUCTURE analysis revealed 4 clusters of genetically differentiated groups of landraces. Cluster analysis revealed a close relationship between landraces along geographic proximity with genetic distance between landraces increasing with an increase in geographic distance. The grouping of landraces based on districts was influenced by clinal trend and geographic proximity. The F ST statistics showed significant geographic differentiation among landraces at various levels of predefined geographic origin but a large portion of the variation was among landraces within rather than between predefined populations. The landraces from North Shewa were predominantly in one cluster, and landraces from this area also exhibited the greatest allelic diversity and the highest number of private alleles. There was low variation among the highland Zengada landraces, but these landraces were quite strongly differentiated and fell into one population cluster. The low to moderate genetic differentiation between landraces from various geographic origins could be attributed to gene flow across the region as a consequence of seed exchange among farmers. Keywords: Differentiation, diversity, landraces, simple sequence repeats (SSR), sorghum
Compact Dual-Band Coupler for Vehicular Beam-Forming Array

A novel kind of compact dual-band quadrature patch coupler for vehicular beam-forming array is proposed for the first time in this paper. To keep the performance of the first operating frequency 2.4 GHz (for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) and generate the second operating frequency 5.9 GHz (for Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC)) simultaneously, complementary triangular split resonant rings (CTSRRs) and splitting gaps are employed to improve the performance of this new coupler; final size of the proposed coupler is (for 2.4 GHz). To validate the performance and design method of the coupler this paper proposed, a 3D model is constructed and optimized with ANSOFT HFSS firstly and then a coupler prototype is fabricated and measured. The measured results show that the amplitude unbalance (AU) is 0.54 dB and 0.44 dB for 2.4 GHz and 5.9 GHz, respectively, and the corresponding phase unbalance (PU) is 93.5 and 92 degrees, respectively.
Empirical analysis of factors associated with neonatal length of stay in Sunyani, Ghana

Postpartum length of stay (LOS) in hospital continues to be a subject of intense discourse and research, especially for mothers of neonates born with low birth weight (LBW). This study investigates the association of total LOS (pre and postpartum) with a range of factors related to geo-demographics, maternal health and pregnancy history. It also provides simple estimates of likely duration of neonatal hospital length of stay based on data from two public hospitals at Sunyani, Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana. The LOS is affected by maternal age, parity (number of children ever born), neonate birth weight, maternal employment and income status. Smoking and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks were also found to significantly prolong the total LOS. The Log-normal model was the best parametric model for total LOS. Key words: Postpartum, neonates, Length of stay, log-normal, 2000 AMS subject classification, 62J12, 62P10.
Many ways to say ‘no’, different ways to say ‘yes’: Applying Q-Methodology to understand public acceptance of wind farm proposals

Abstract This paper explores the nature of public acceptance of wind farms by investigating the discourses of support and objection to a proposed offshore scheme. It reviews research into opposition to wind farms, noting previous criticisms that this has tended to provide descriptive rather than explanatory insights and as a result, has not effectively informed the policy debate. One explanation is that much of this research has been conceived within an unreflective positivist research frame, which is inadequate in dealing with the subjectivity and value-basis of public acceptance of wind farm development. The paper takes a case study of an offshore wind farm proposal in Northern Ireland and applies Q-Methodology to identify the dominant discourses of support and objection. It is argued that this provides new insights into the nature of wind farm conflicts, points to a number of recommendations for policy, and functions as an example of how this methodology can act as a potential bridge between positivist and post-positivist approaches to policy analysis.
Toxicological and biochemical studies of Methylamine Avermactin, a new type of bioinsecticide against the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Biosd).

Larvicidal efficacy of a new semi-synthetic avermectin derivative Methylamine avermectin (Radical 0.5% EC) was determined against larval instars of the Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Biosd.) in the laboratory, field and semi field experiments. 2 nd and 4 th instar larvae showed greatest susceptibil ity to the Radical in the laboratory experiment. The LC 50s values of the 2 nd and 4 th larval instar after 48 hours were 0.005 and 0.008 ppm, respectively. Radical was tested with recommended dosage (200 ml / 100 liter water) in field; it caused 84.6% reduction of pest population up to day 8 post-treatment. On the other hand, the semi field application of the same recommended dose on the 2 nd instar larvae showed general mean 73.6% mortality, 7 days after post-treatment. Also, some biochemical changed in the 4 th instar larvae after 48 hours of treatment with tested bioinsecticide were measured. It’s clear from the results that activities of trehalase, invertase and acetylcholine esterase were increased in all treatments. Tested bioinsecticide reduced the activity of alkaline phosphatase at all doses compared to untreated larvae. No significant changes in acid-phosphatase activities were observed at all treatment doses. On studying the effect of esterases isozymes patterns, there were no differences in number and position of esterases isozymes between untreated and treated larvae in the whole larval body tissues although each band different in its concentration. The toxicity of the formulation to some beneficial predators was also evaluated in the field. There was no detectable effect of these bioinsecticide on naturally occurring beneficial species.
Rethinking the Effects of Financial Globalization

During the past three decades, many countries have lifted restrictions on cross-border financial transactions. We present a simple model that can account for the observed effects of financial globalization. The model emphasizes the role of imperfect enforcement of domestic debts and the interactions between domestic and foreign debts. Financial globalization can lead to a variety of outcomes: (i) domestic capital flight and ambiguous effects on net capital flows, investment, and growth; (ii) capital inflows and higher investment and growth; or (iii) volatile capital flows and unstable domestic financial markets. The model shows how the effects of financial globalization depend on the level of development, productivity, domestic savings, and the quality of institutions. JEL Codes: F34, F36, F43, G15, O19, O43.
Initiation of convection over the Black Forest mountains during COPS IOP15a

Doppler‐On‐Wheels radar observations made during the Convective and Orographically‐induced Precipitation Study (COPS) on 12 August 2007 showed that precipitating clouds only developed between the north–south orientated Murg and Nagold Valleys of the northern Black Forest. The clouds produced moderate precipitation. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model run at 700 m horizontal resolution in the inner domain was able to simulate the location of the precipitation. Insight is therefore gained into the physical mechanisms responsible for the initiation and development of the convection. Convergence lines resulting from thermally driven flows constrained the initial location of the convection within warm and moist cores produced by heating on elevated surfaces. The heaviest precipitation was later produced by secondary convection, which was initiated within the cores at the boundary between cold‐pool outflows and thermal flows. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
EXPLORING HOT GAS AT JUNCTIONS OF GALAXY FILAMENTS WITH SUZAKU

We performed five pointing observations with Suzaku to search for hot gases associated with the junctions of galaxy filaments where no significant diffuse X-ray sources were previously detected. We discovered X-ray sources successfully in all five regions including merging groups of galaxies, Suzaku J0957+2610 and Suzaku J1134+2105, and analyzed two bright sources in each field. Spectral analysis indicates that three sources originate from X-ray diffuse halos associated with optically bright galaxies or groups of galaxies with kT ∼ 0.6–0.8 keV. The three other sources are possibly group- and cluster-scale X-ray halos with temperatures of ∼1 keV and ∼4 keV, respectively while the others are compact object origins such as active galactic nuclei. All of the three observed intracluster media within the junctions of the galaxy filaments previously found are involved in ongoing mergers. Thus, we demonstrate that deep X-ray observations at the filament junctions identified by galaxy surveys are a powerful means to explore previously undetected growing halos in a hierarchical structure.
Entry Costs and Increasing Trade

Using confidential microdata from the US Census, we find that the fraction of manufacturing plants that export rose from 21% in 1987 to 39% in 2006. It has been suggested that similar trends in other countries may have been caused by declining costs of entering foreign markets. Our study tests this hypothesis for the first time. Both reduced form and structural estimation approaches find little evidence that entry costs declined significantly for US firms over this period. Despite the large literature on changes in variable costs to trade such as tariffs, our estimations represent the first analysis of how the costs of entering foreign markets have changed over time.
Predictors of Condom Use in Men of Badi Community of Sahere Village Development Committee, Surkhet District, Nepal: Health Belief Model Perspective

In a non-experimental analytical study 70 male respondents from Badi community, from western Nepal, where women prostitute themselves, were interviewed using structured questionnaire adapted from Health Belief Model (HBM) to collect data on knowledge of condom and its benefits on transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and Human Immune Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Logistic regression analysis model was used to analyze data. Prevalence of condom use among respondents was very low (29%). Only two third had knowledge on condom before first sexual contact. 10.5 percent used condom always/consistently. 43.1% respondents intended to use condom. Respondents with knowledge on condom were 5 times more likely to use condom. Based on HBM final predictor, condom use was related to its High susceptibility (OR=1.416, 95% CI=1.2- 2.034), high benefits (OR=1.086, 95% CI=.730-1.615) low barrier (OR=0.891, 95% CI=.696-1.139), high cues to action (OR=1.785, 95% CI=1.049-3.035) and younger age (OR=6.213). The main reason behind low condom was perceived high barrier. Preventions strategies based on increasing perceived risk, perceived severity or adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS should be promoted to increase condom use.
Communicating Uncertainty in Weather Forecasts: A Survey of the U.S. Public

Abstract Weather forecasts are inherently uncertain, and meteorologists have information about weather forecast uncertainty that is not readily available to most forecast users. Yet effectively communicating forecast uncertainty to nonmeteorologists remains challenging. Improving forecast uncertainty communication requires research-based knowledge that can inform decisions on what uncertainty information to communicate, when, and how to do so. To help build such knowledge, this article explores the public’s perspectives on everyday weather forecast uncertainty and uncertainty information using results from a nationwide survey. By contributing to the fundamental understanding of laypeople’s views on forecast uncertainty, the findings can inform both uncertainty communication and related research. The article uses empirical data from a nationwide survey of the U.S. public to investigate beliefs commonly held among meteorologists and to explore new topics. The results show that when given a deterministic tem.
Resistivity Stability of Ga Doped ZnO Thin Films with Heat Treatment in Air and Oxygen Atmospheres

The effect of annealing in air and oxygen on structural, electrical and optical properties of gallium doped ZnO thin films was investigated. The X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the films were highly preferentially oriented along (002) plane. After the heat treatment in air and oxygen environments, the intensity of (002) peak was apparently improved. It was found that heat treatment in air atmospheres lead to increase in surface roughness of the film. The GZO films annealed in oxygen at 673 K exhibited low resistivity of 4.21 × 10–3 Ω. cm, while the resistivity of film annealed in air showed a slightly higher value of 7.14 × 10–3 Ω. cm. In addition to this, all films have good optical transmittance about 80% in the visible region. It is found from the photoluminescence studies that the broad visible emissions in GZO films originated from the intrinsic shallow traps (VZn) and deep level vacancies (ZZi, OZn and Vo)
The Preoccupational Hazards of Social Life

Prospective interaction is often considered an antidote to inferential error because perceivers may expend effort making inferences about those with whom they expect to interact. These studies examined the possibility that prospective interaction may prevent error by motivating perceivers who have formed biased impressions of a partner to revise those impressions, but that it may also promote error by causing perceivers to spend resources preparing their own behavior rather than revising their biased impressions. Three experiments suggested that key features of a prospective interaction (e.g., role activity, goal familiarity, and partner novelty) determine whether people will become preoccupied with the preparation of their own behavior and thereby determine whether the prospect of interaction will prevent or promote inferential error.
Bureaucrats as Successor CEOs

Chinese companies sometimes appoint a government official (bureaucrat) as CEO on the expectation of benefiting from the political connections of the new hire. Based on a sample of 2,454 CEO transitions our empirical findings are consistent with the implications of a simple contract model in oligopolistic markets. Firms that appoint a bureaucrat as CEO obtain more credit and subsidies. They have positive abnormal announcement returns, negative abnormal long-run returns and larger variance of long-run returns. Furthermore, they experience a deterioration in operating performances, increased rent-seeking behavior of the management and weakening of corporate governance. The results from the split share structure reform in 2005 corroborate the supportive findings for the preferential treatment hypothesis.
Application of maximum bubble pressure tensiometry in the studies of pulmonary surfactant activity

The entire alveolar surface of human lungs is lined with a thin fl uid continuum, called the alveolar lining layer. This lining consists of an aqueous hypophase covered by a fi lm of pulmonary surfactant – a complicated mixture of approximately 90% lipids and 10% proteins. During the breathing cycle its surface active components (mainly phospholipids) adsorb at the air-water interface and lower the alveolar surface tension. As a consequence, the energy required to infl ate the lungs is reduced and the likelihood of alveolar collapse during expiration is minimized [Zuo et al. 2008]. Inhaled environmental particles and aerosol drugs deposited on the surface of alveolar lining layer may interact with pulmonary surfactant and reduce its physiological functions. Hence, it is justifi ed to dedicate experimental investigations to examine the effect of various aerosols on the dynamic surface activity of lung surfactant. In the present work, maximum bubble pressure (MBP) tensiometry was employed to evaluate the physicochemical impact of selected mineral nanoparticles and components of novel multifunctional composite powders, intended for drug delivery by inhalation, on the dynamic properties of pulmonary surfactant at the air-water interface. Among all known methods applied in the dynamic tensiometry, the MBP method is established as the most appropriate one for medical applications involving biological liquids [Trukhin et al., 2001].
Optical absorption and transmission in a molybdenum disulfide monolayer

Our recently proposed theoretical formulation [presented in D. Novko et al., Phys. Rev. B 93, 125413 (2016)] is used to study optical absorption and transmission in molybdenum disulfide $({\mathrm{MoS}}_{2})$ monolayer as a function of incident photon energy and angle. The investigation is not focused on exploration of well-documented spin-orbit split excitons around optical absorption onset, but rather on the most intensive features in absorption spectrum in the visible and near-ultraviolet photon energy range $(1.7--4\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV})$. It is shown that three most intensive peaks, at 2.7, 3.1, and 3.7 eV, result from transitions between $\text{Mo}(d)$ and $\text{S}(p)$ valence and conduction bands and that the character of their charge/current density fluctuations is intrinsically in plane, located in the molybdenum plane. This also implies that ${\mathrm{MoS}}_{2}$ monolayer is completely transparent when illuminated by grazing incidence $p$-polarized light. The validity of the presented results is supported by our effective two-band tight-binding model and finally by good agreement with some recent experimental results.
Fraction images for monitoring intra-annual phenology of different vegetation physiognomies in Amazonia

In this study we investigate the potential of fraction images derived from a linear spectral mixture model to detect vegetation phenology in Amazonia, and evaluate their relationships with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) vegetation indices. Time series of MODIS 250-m data over three contrasting land cover types in the Amazon were used in conjunction with rainfall data, a land cover map and a forest inventory survey to support the interpretation of our findings. Each vegetation physiognomy was characterized by a particular intra-annual variability detected by a combination of the fraction images. Both vegetation and shade fractions were important to evaluate the seasonality of the open tropical forest (OTF). The association of these results with forest inventory data and the literature suggests that Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and vegetation fraction images are sensitive to structural changes in the canopy of OTF. In cerrado grassland (CG) the phenology was better characterized by combined soil and vegetation fractions. Soybean (SB) areas were characterized by the highest ranges in the vegetation and soil fraction images. Vegetation fraction and vegetation indices for the OTF showed a significant positive relationship with EVI but not with Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Significant relationships for vegetation fraction and vegetation indices were also found for the CG and soybean areas. In contrast to vegetation index approaches to monitoring phenology, fraction images provide additional information that allows a more comprehensive exploration of the spectral and structural changes in vegetation formations.
First Tests of "Double Cut Alternative" Rubber Tapping System in Southern Thailand

In southern Thailand, rubber smallholders normally use very intensive tapping systems. This may result in overexploitation, high tapping panel dryness rates and a short production lifespan with low productivity. A “double cut alternative” (DCA) tapping system was tested in Songkhla province, a traditional rubber production area. The aim of the DCA system is to optimize high tapping frequencies by splitting tapping between two different cuts tapped alternately to increase the latex regeneration time in the bark. An on-station trial was started in 2007 at the Thepa Research Station, Songkhla province. The experiment used a “one tree plot design” comprising 20 replicates per treatment with four different treatments in a plot planted in 1999 with the rubber clone RRIM 600. During the fi rst three years of tapping, the DCA treatment T2 led to a 22% increase in yield (kg tree -1 ) compared with its control (T1). The DCA treatment T4 led to a 16% increase in yield compared with its control (T3). Output per tapping (g tree -1 tapping -1 ) in the DCA treatments also increased. There was no adverse impact on radial trunk growth, but the two DCA tapping systems led to a 13–19% increase in bark consumption. The results of the on-station trials using the DCA tapping systems were promising, but on-farm trials with farmers in different areas in southern Thailand are needed before this technique can be recommended at a larger scale.