Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among active sportsmen/sportswomen and sedentary workers in the Kumasi metropolis

This study sought to establish the prevalence of th e metabolic syndrome (MetS) among active sportsmen/sportswomen and sedentary workers in the Kumasi Metropolis using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III), World Health Organization (WHO), and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. The study was conducted between March and April, 2010. One hundred and eighty six (186) participants were involved with eighty five (85) being active sportsmen /sportswomen as study control and one hundred and one (101) sedentary workers from the Kumasi metropolis as study subjects. The study participants were recruited from a population of yo ung and adult individuals between the ages of 19-82 years. The percentage prevalence of MetS was 1.6%, 7.4% and 14.4% when the WHO, NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria respectively were applied on the total population. Generally, the prevalence of MetS was significantly higher among the sedentary group i.e. 3.5%, 14.0% and 26.7% for WHO, NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria respectively as compared to the active population i.e. 0.0%, 2.0% and 3.9% for WHO, NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria respectively. The prevalence of the MetS varied greatly between the a ctive and sedentary subjects depending on the criteria used. Central obesity appears to be th e key determinant of the prevalence of the MetS in Ghana. Preventive actions such as exercise, acti ve lifestyles and healthy eating habits have to be implemented to reduce the tendency to obesity and MetS in the Ghanaian populace.
Development of English pronunciation with phonics

Phonics instruction is to teach students correspondence between graphemes in written language and phonemes in spoken language and how to use these correspondences to read and spell words. Thai students’ ability of English speaking and listening are, in general, still minimal. On the other hand, they have been forced to learn grammar instead. To improve their English command and learning achievement, the phonics instruction should be taught in class. This current study aimed to evaluate English consonants pronunciation competence of students (N=20) majoring in English for International Communication, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. The participants were taught pronunciation with phonics approach of 10 exercises. After that they were asked to read aloud a 30-word list for a pretest and a posttest. The results showed that the mean score of posttest is higher than the pretest (P < 0.01). The phonics instructional effectiveness was 90.57 / 86.47, higher than the criteria set at 80/80. Keywords-phonics; English pronunciation
Linear maps preserving the set of Fredholm operators

Let H be an infinite-dimensional separable complex Hilbert space and B(H) the algebra of all bounded linear operators on H. In this paper we characterize surjective linear maps Φ: FB(H)→ B(H) preserving the set of Fredholm operators in both directions. As an application we prove that Φ preserves the essential spectrum if and only if the ideal of all compact operators is invariant under Φ and the induced linear map φ on the Calkin algebra is either an automorphism, or an anti-automorphism. Moreover, we have, either ind (Φ)(T)) = ind(T) or ind(Φ (T)) = -ind(T) for every Fredholm operator T.
The Association of Alexithymia and Sense of Coherence With Life Satisfaction in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) influences the lives of many of students. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between alexithymia, sense of coherence and life satisfaction in students with ADHD symptoms and normal student. Patients and Methods: This research is a causal-comparative study. The research sample consisting of 47 students with ADHD symptoms and 47 normal students was selected through a simple random sampling method. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients and multiple regression analyses. Results: The results showed that alexithymia (r = 0.33) and sense of coherence (r = -0.26) were related to life satisfaction in ADHD and normal students. The results of multiple regression showed that alexithymia and sense of coherence explained 20% of the variance in life satisfaction in students. Conclusions: The results show that sense of coherence has positively but alexithymia was negatively related with life satisfaction in ADHD student.
Linearization of the Sobolev and Babeyko's formulae for transformation of P-wave velocity to density in the Carpathian-Pannonian Basin region

Linearization of the Sobolev and Babeyko's formulae for transformation of P-wave velocity to density in the Carpathian-Pannonian Basin region The initial density model has to be based on a reasonable geological hypothesis and while the modelling process is non-unique, one of the interpretation aims is to define the robust parameters of the model. It is important at this stage to integrate the seismic and gravity data. One of the possibilities how to integrate these data is transformation of the seismic velocities to densities. The Sobolev and Babeyko's formulae belong to the most available relationships for this transformation. They are very complex and rigorous taking into account the PT conditions. On the other hand its application is relatively complicated. Therefore the main goal of the paper is to try to determine more easily the formula for transformation of the seismic velocities to densities. Based on the analysis of the results obtained using the Sobolev and Babeyko's formula on real data, we found out that in the Carpathian-Pannonian Basin region this formula can be transformed to simpler linear velocity-density relationship with required accuracy.
Thermal Radiation Measurement and Development of Tunable Plasmonic Thermal Emitter Using Strain-induced Buckling in Metallic Layers

An infrared radiometry setup has been developed based on a commercially available FTIR spectrometer for measuring mid-infrared thermal radiation. The setup was calibrated with a lab-built blackbody source. The setup was tested with a grating structure with 4-micron periodicity. Periodic microstructures using nickel and gold are fabricated on elastomeric substrates by use of strain-induced buckling of the nickel layer. The intrinsically low emissivity of gold in the mid-infrared regime is selectively enhanced by the surface plasmonic resonance at three different mid-infrared wavelengths, 4.5 µm, 6.3 µm, and 9.4 µm. As the thermal emission enhancement effect exists only for the polarization perpendicular to the orientation of the microstructures, substantially polarized thermal emission with an extinction ratio of close to 3 is demonstrated. Moreover, the elastically deformed plasmonic thermal emitters demonstrate strain-dependent emission peaks, which can be applied for future mechano-thermal sensing and dynamic thermal signature modulation.
Dormancy and cardinal temperatures during seed germination of five weedy rice (Oryza spp.) strains

Temperature during seed imbibition has been found to influence germination rate and final percent germination. Seeds of one cultivated variety and five weedy rice strains, collected from different localities in Peninsular Malaysia, were used to determine their degree of dormancy and cardinal temperatures. Meanwhile, standard germination and tetrazolium chloride (TTC) tests were used to evaluate the percentage of seed viability and degree of dormancy. Seed germination test at six different constant temperatures (between 10 and 35oC) was applied to determine the cardinal temperatures estimated by linear regression models, base temperature, Tb, optimum temperature, To, and maximum temperature, Tc. The TTC test was found to be a simple and quick test to determine the degree of seed dormancy among different weedy rice strains, when used together with a standard germination test. Germination rate was found to be related to the degree of dormancy but it had no influence on the range of cardinal temperatures. The Tb among the five weedy rice strains was in the range of 2-7.3oC. The To varied between 28.1 and 37.5oC, with an average of 32.5oC. This temperature (To) was higher than that of the cultivated MR73 variety (24.3oC), whereas the range of Tc was 42.2-43.3oC. The study indicated that the non-dormant cultivated rice seed had lower Tb and To values than the dormant seed of weedy rice.
Efficacy of Olive oil, Groundnut oil, Soybean oil and Palm kernel oil in the Control of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) in Stored Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the potentials of four different vegetable oils (olive oil, groundnut oil, soybean oil and palm kernel oil) for the protection of stored cowpea against Callosobruchus maculatus . Ife-brown seeds (a susceptible variety) used for the experiment were subjected to the different oil treatments applied at 0.2 ml per 50 g of seeds. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomised design with three replicates per treatment. All the oils tested suppressed the development of C. maculatus to some extent with groundnut oil and palm kernel oil exhibiting similar results in the control of the pest. There was no significant difference between palm kernel oil and groundnut oil for adult mortality, larvae and pupae emergence at P< 0.05 but it was significantly different for the F 1 progeny emergence. Palm kernel oil was more effective against the F 1 progeny emergence. These two oils could be used in the storage of cowpea against C. maculatus . Keywords : Olive oil, Soybean oil, groundnut oil, palm kernel oil and Callosobruchus maculatu s
The atmospheric HCHO budget at Dumont d'Urville (East Antarctica): Contribution of photochemical gas‐phase production versus snow emissions

HCHO was monitored throughout the year 2009 at the coastal East Antarctic site of Dumont d'Urville (DDU) using Aerolaser AL‐4021 analyzers. The accurate determination of less than 100 pptv required optimization of the analyzers, in particular, to minimize effects of changing ambient temperatures. The impact of station activities and of the presence of large penguin colonies at the site in summer was scrutinized. The obtained contamination‐free record indicates monthly means close to 50 pptv from May to September and a maximum of 200 pptv in January. Zero‐dimensional and 2‐D calculations suggest that in summer, the largest HCHO source is the gas‐phase photochemistry (80%) mainly driven by methane oxidation, which is considerably greater than from snow emissions (20%). The influence of light alkenes, dimethyl sulfide, and halogens remains weak. In winter, snow emissions represent the main HCHO source (70%). These findings are compared to previous studies conducted at the West Antarctic coast. It is shown that in summer the HCHO production from methane chemistry is 3 times more efficient at DDU than at the west coast due to more frequent arrival of oxidant‐rich air masses from inland Antarctica. Halogen chemistry is found to represent a weak HCHO sink at both West and East Antarctica. Compared to DDU, the shallower atmospheric boundary layer and the less efficient gas‐phase production at the west coast make the snow pack the dominant HCHO source (85%) compared to gas‐phase photochemistry (15%) there in summer.
The design of a recollection supporting device : a study into triggering personal recollections

The work in this paper is carried out in the context of the design of a device which supports recollecting personal memories. This device aims to help people recollect or reminisce about their life, together or alone, at home. From the (autobiographical) memory literature we concluded that we needed to fill the device’s database with triggers instead of the memories themselves. For building this device we were interested in the following question ‘what are the most efficient triggers for recollecting‘. We carried out a field-study with media-types as triggers, that could be incorporated in such a device: photos, videos, sounds, smells and physical objects. One of the conclusions from this study is that certain types of triggers in fact reduce the number of memories people write down during recall. Therefore more research on recollection triggers is needed before the design phase of a device which supports recollecting can be finished.
A Community-Based Parenting Program with Low-Income Mothers of Young Children

Research has established a significant relationship between certain parental characteristics, such as income or parenting practices, and the development of child behavior problems. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a parenting program for low-income parents of children one to five years old which was offered through community-based family resource centers. Seventy-one mothers completed the program and showed significant decreases in their use of verbal and corporal punishment and significant increases In nurturing behaviors; their children's behavior also improved significantly. Forty-five percent of parents also met Jacobson and Truax's (1991) criteria for clinically significant change. Implications for practitioners working with this challenging population are discussed.
Complications as important predictors of disability in ischemic stroke

Background Stroke is the main cause of disability and death in many countries. The high incidence of disability in stroke survivors requires special attention to determine various predictive factors of disability. This study aimed to identify the various predictive factors of disability in ischemic stroke. Methods This study was a cross sectional study on 4510 ischemic stroke patients. Each patient’s data had been recorded in the electronic stroke registry of Bethesda Hospital. Ischemic stroke diagnosis was confirmed by brain CT scan, which was interpreted by a neurologist and a radiologist. Disability was assessed using the modified Rankin scale. Predictors of disability were assessed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the data. Results The subjects were predominantly males, >60 years of age, and suffered stroke for the first time. The incidence of disability was 31.5% (1420/4510). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of complications (OR: 6.43; 95% CI: 4.74-8.73; p 60 years (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.35-1.79; p<0.001) were independent predictive factors of disability. Conclusion We demonstrated that a substantial proportion of patients with ischemic stroke become disabled. And the presence of complications was the most predictive factor of disability in ischemic stroke.
Cocoa production Agricultural credit guarantee scheme fund Nexus in Nigeria: a cointegration approach

This study was carried out to examine the relationship between cocoa production in Nigeria and agricultural credit guarantee scheme fund using time series data on cocoa production in Nigeria, value of loans guaranteed and number of loans guaranteed spanning over the period of 1981 to 2011. The Johansen cointegration test was employed in this study and the result indicated that there was no cointegrating relationship between cocoa production in Nigeria and Agricultural credit guarantee scheme fund over the period under study. This could be attributed to the guaranteeing of few number as well as limited value of credit to the farmers by agricultural credit guarantee scheme fund and the high incidence of loan diversion by the cocoa farmers who had access to the loans guaranteed by agricultural credit guarantee scheme fund. It is recommended that the number as well as the value of credit guaranteed to cocoa farmers should be significantly increased so as to enable the farmers expand their production and thereby, reposition the cocoa to assume a critical role as a major non-oil foreign exchange earner in the Agricultural transformation plan of Nigeria.
Interdependence of food and space limitation of a benthic suspension feeder: consequences for self-thinning relationships

We test the idea that competition for space and food in benthic suspension feeders is interdependent. Experimental evidence in support of this concept has been presented only for bryozoans. We present an experimental rejection of the hypothesis of the independence of food and space as factors limiting individual growth in small groups of blue mussel Mytilus edulis (L.). Mussels were grown in the laboratory, using natural seawater. In the present experiment, physical interference (crowding) and exploitative competition for food did CO-occur. Growth of mussels changed from positive to negative along an assumed food grad~ent in series of the chambers employed in this experiment. In addition, growth was severely impeded by interference In small individuals, but not in large individuals: competition was asymmetrical with respect to size. We present a model of this interaction based on a biomechanical analysis of the effect of reduction of shell gape in neighbouring mussels interacting together. The model predicts that the effect of interference on indiv~dual growth is sizedependent and can be determined In terms of the shell-length/body-mass relat~onship. In the context of predicting self-thinning slopes in bivalves, our data strongly suggest that simultaneous occurrence of physical interference and exploitative competition results in a steepening of the expected slope ( P ) of space-limited self-thinning relationships, when log biomass (B) is expressed as a function of log density ( N ) in the equation log B = log k + Plog N.
Evaluating the effectiveness of guided versus non-guided interpretation in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

In the face of growing pressure placed on the natural environment, the study on which this article is based considered the effectiveness of interpretive provision in mitigating the harmful effects of tourism on the environment. The aim of this research was to determine whether guided or non-guided interpretation is most effective in reaching the stated goals of interpretation. The four key goals of interpretation, namely visitor satisfaction, knowledge gain, attitude change and modification of behaviour intent, were used in the assessment of the relative effectiveness of guided and non-guided interpretation in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Through comparing responses to questionnaires from post-visit samples and observing both guided and non-guided interpretation, the research found that guided interpretation was only marginally more effective in reaching the four key goals of interpretation than the non-guided interpretive media. Guided interpretation was found to be more effective in terms of visitor satisfaction, whilst guided and non-guided interpretation had only marginal differences in effectiveness in relation to knowledge gain, attitude change and intent to modify behaviour. Conservation implications: The necessity of implementing an appropriate interpretation programme within protected areas cannot be overemphasised. The interpretation programme should be designed to include elements of both guided and non-guided interpretation in order to achieve a predetermined goal. The effectiveness of the programme should be evaluated periodically and amended where appropriate.
How Does Bank Competition Affect Systemic Stability?

Using bank level measures of competition and co-dependence, the authors show a robust positive relationship between bank competition and systemic stability. Whereas much of the extant literature has focused on the relationship between competition and the absolute level of risk of individual banks, in this paper we examine the correlation in the risk taking behavior of banks, hence systemic risk. The analysis finds that greater competition encourages banks to take on more diversified risks, making the banking system less fragile to shocks. Examining the impact of the institutional and regulatory environment on systemic stability shows that banking systems are more fragile in countries with weak supervision and private monitoring, high government ownership of banks, and in countries with public policies that restrict competition. Furthermore, lack of competition has a greater adverse effect on systemic stability in countries with generous safety nets and weak supervision.
Publishing and Promotion in Economics: The Tyranny of the Top Five

This paper examines the relationship between placement of publications in top five (T5) journals and receipt of tenure in academic economics departments. Analyzing the job histories of tenure–track economists hired by the top 35 US economics departments, we find that T5 publications have a powerful influence on tenure decisions and rates of transition to tenure. A survey of the perceptions of young economists supports the formal statistical analysis. Pursuit of T5 publications has become the obsession of the next generation of economists. However, the T5 screen is far from reliable. A substantial share of influential publications appear in non-T5 outlets. Reliance on the T5 to screen talent incentivizes careerism over creativity. ( JEL A14, I23, J44, J62)
3-D slope stability analysis : A probability approach applied to the nice slope ( SE France )

Recent geophysical and geotechnical data acquired on the Nice shelf to the east of the 1979 landslide source area, suggest slow deformations processes which could lead to future catastrophic slope failure. According to these preliminary interpretations, it is of major interest to perform a slope stability evaluation to define the hazard and quantify the danger related to a probable instability on this slope. A probabilistic approach is proposed here using a modified version of the SAMU_3D model, a 3-D slope stability software recently developed by Sultan and others to account for complex geometry. The 3-D analysis is based on the upper bound theorem of plasticity developed by Chen and others. One of the main features of the original model is to allow complex critical failure surfaces, suitable for complex bathymetry (i.e. canyons). A probabilistic approach was added to the former deterministic model to consider the effect of sediment parameter variability and uncertainty (undrained shear strength and unit weight) on the likelihood of failure. Such an approach allows an estimation of the reliability of the results. Monte Carlo simulation was used to represent the variability of the factor of safety given a specific number of trials. Identification of the critical failure surface previously based on a deterministic analysis is thus performed in terms of probability of failure (or probability of a factor of safety lower than a reference value). According to the undrained shear strength distribution profiles with depth, obtained using different models (down to 30 and 60 m depth) at several sites and to the parameter uncertainty, high probability of failure (around 50%) is found for the Nice slope indicating that the sediment in this area is highly metastable.
A generalization of the cofiniteness problem in local cohomology modules

Abstract Let R be a commutative Noetherian ring with nonzero identity and let M be a finitely generated R-module. In this paper, we prove that if an ideal I of R is generated by a u.s.d-sequence on M then the local cohomology module (M) is I-cofinite. Furthermore, for any system of ideals Φ of R, we study the cofiniteness problem in the context of general local cohomology modules.