Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are generic strategies ‘fit for purpose’ in a public service context?

The environment in which public sector organisations operate is becoming ever more volatile, with such organisations increasingly facing the dual pressures of growing customer expectations coupled with significant budget reductions. This study presents an exploratory research model to uncover significant relationships between generic strategies and the business and social performance of public leisure providers, in an attempt to ascertain if generic strategies are fit for purpose in the public leisure sector. The findings suggest that low cost and price-based strategies are inadequate for service delivery. Rather, a hybrid strategy – which seeks to add value while also having a cost base that permits low prices – is deemed fit for purpose in the public leisure sector, satisfying the dual strategic agenda of public leisure providers. This study provides contributions to the strategic management, public management, and leisure services literatures.
Exogenous applications of boron and zinc influence leaf nutrient status, tree growth and fruit quality of feutrell's early (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

There is wide spread deficiency of micronutrients in the citrus growing areas of Pakistan. To investigate the influence of foliar application of boron (B) and zinc (Zn), on the leaf nutrient status, tree growth, productivity and fruit quality of Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Feutrell’s Early, trees were sprayed with boric acid and zinc sulphate either alone or in combination [T1 = control (water spray), T2 = 0.3% boric acid at fruit set stage, T3 = 0.5% zinc sulphate at fruit set stage, T4 = 0.3% boric acid + 0.5% zinc sulphate at fruit set stage, T5 = 0.5% zinc sulphate + 0.3 % boric acid at premature stage)]. Foliar application of B and Zn significantly increased the K, Mn, Fe, B and Zn status of Feutrell’s Early leaves. The application of 0.3% boric acid + 0.5% zinc sulphate at the fruit set stage effectively brought the leaf Zn and B level of Feutrell’s Early mandarin leaves from deficient to optimum range. The tree height, leaf size, fruit weight, juice weight percentage, SSC and TA were also significantly increased with application of 0.3% boric acid + 0.5% zinc sulphate at the fruit set stage. The application of 0.3% boric acid + 0.5% zinc sulphate at pre-mature stage significantly enhanced the concentration of ascorbic in the Feutrell’s Early fruit juice. The total sugars and non-reducing level was also increased with foliar application of B and Zn. In conclusion, the combine application of boric acid (0.3%) and zinc sulphate (0.5%) at fruit set stage effectively improved the B and Zn level in the leaves, vegetative growth, productivity and fruit quality of Feutrell’s Early madarin.
Dimensional Stability of Grout-Type Materials Used asConnections for Prefabricated Bridge Elements

The research presented in this report focuses on addressing performance concerns related to dimensional stability (primarily early age shrinkage) of 11 commercially available grout-type materials. Some of these grouts, especially those classified as “non-shrink grouts,” have been observed to display significant dimensional instability when deployed in connection details during bridge construction projects. The test methods used to evaluate dimensional stability are those described in the ASTM C1107 test method. After an initial evaluation, it was observed that the test methods used for evaluating dimensional stability described in this standard specification consider several parameters simultaneously (e.g., chemical expansion and shrinkage, autogenous and plastic shrinkage, etc.), thus providing a qualitative approach that is only useful for comparative purposes. To more completely assess this variety of parameters, volume changes were assessed from a fundamental point of view, measuring pure expansion/shrinkage deformations via test methods such as ASTM C157 and ASTM C1698. The results show that most of the grouts evaluated in this research seemed to perform well in terms of dimensional stability when tested in accordance with ASTM C1107. However, separate testing to specifically assess autogenous and drying deformations (shrinkage and expansion) demonstrated that ASTM C1107 is not necessarily an appropriate means to capture the full range of critical dimensional stability behaviors. Given the fact that most of the cement-based grouts commonly exhibit shrinkage, this research also included additional tests focused on the partial shrinkage mitigation by including internal curing through the use of prewetted lightweight aggregates. In summary, this research demonstrates the types of shrinkage performance that can be expected from these types of grouts, the shortcomings of the commonly used test methods, alternative test methods that may better demonstrate real world performance, and an innovative way of reducing part of the shrinkage observed in some of the grouts.
Stress in adults with congenital heart disease – preliminary results on anxiety, life events, coping and socioeconomic factors (RCD code: IV)

We performed pilot analysis of the anxiety level, frequency of life events and their interactions among adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), and evaluated their coping strategies and socioeconomic functioning. In a cross‑sectional questionnaire study on 30 consecutive ambulatory patients with CHD we addressed these issues by a custom‑designed tool incorporating state‑anxiety scale of the State‑Trait Anxiety Inventory, the brief‑COPE questionnaire (Polish versions) and 10 selected life events. We found that state‑anxiety level adjusted for sex, age and life events differed by CHD defect category (R2 = 0,51; p<0,001). Other factors are characterized and briefly discussed. JRCD 2014; 1 (6): 10–14
Activity-Space Segregation: Understanding Social Divisions in Space and Time

Most of what we know about spatial segregation centers on where people live, yet many of the consequences we care about depend on where people spend time outside their homes (Matthews, 2011; Basta, Richmond, & Wiebe, 2010; Kwan, 2009). This paper addresses the problem by presenting a new theoretical and methodological framework for understanding systematic differences in the spaces people move through as they go about their daily activities—a phenomenon best described as activity-space segregation (Wong & Shaw, 2011). Activity-space segregation is the separation of social groups in space and time, viewed at the spatial scale of neighborhoods and cities and the temporal scale of hours and days. It can be thought of as a threeor four-dimensional extension of residential segregation, with time added to the Cartesian axes of geographic space. Instead of considering individuals as points on a plane, the activity-space approach treats them as messy, irregular curves that extend over time, tracing circadian rhythms to and from their homes. By analyzing the paths of these curves, we can learn about interaction and barriers between groups of people,
Rip currents and circulation on a high-energy low-tide-terraced beach (Grand Popo, Benin, West Africa)

ABSTRACT Castelle, B. , Almar, R. , Dorel, M. , Lefebvre, J.P., Sénéchal, N. , Anthony, E.J., Laibi, R. , Chuchla, R. , du Penhoat, Y. , 2014. Rip currents and circulation on a high-energy low-tide-terraced beach (Grand Popo, Benin, West Africa). In: Green, A.N. and Cooper, J.A. G. (eds.), Proceedings 13th International Coastal Symposium (Durban, South Africa), Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 70, pp. 633–638, ISSN 0749-0208. Rip currents are wave-driven intense seaward-flowing jets of water that are important to both beach morphodynamics and the overall ecosystem. Rip currents are also the leading deadly hazard to recreational beach users worldwide. More specifically, the African region is reported to have the highest rates of drowning in the world, yet both the occurrence and the type of rips developing along the African beaches are unknown. In February 2013, a 12-day field experiment was performed at the high-energy low-tide-terraced sandy beach of Grand Popo beach (Benin, West Africa). Human drifter data and video imagery are combined to address wave-driven circulation and rip current activity. Results show two prevailing rip current types. (1) Low-energy (~ 0.2–0.4 m/s) swash rips, with short life-spans of about 1 minute, extend about 5–10 m offshore and occur preferably at mid to high tide at fixed locations in the center of beach cusps. (2) Higher-energy (0.2–0.8 m/s) surfzone flash rips become active with the onset of intense wave breaking across the low-tide terrace. They tend to migrate downdrift with a longer time-span of about 2–5 minutes. The relatively weak longshore current (0.2–0.55 m/s) measured during the experiment suggests that flash rips were driven by vortices generated by wave breaking rather than shear instabilities of the longshore current. Swash rips and flash rips are common at Grand Popo and often co-exist. We propose a conceptual model of both flash and swash rip activity on this stretch of the West African coast.
Well-Being Levels and Well-Being Behavior, and Its Related Factors Among Women in Daegu City

The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of well-being behavior of women living in Daegu and analyze their well-being levels according to their socio-demographic variables, thereby determining the effects of each variable on well-being behavior. A survey of 320 women was conducted and T-test, ANOVA was conducted for the well-being levels and well-being behavior based on socio-demographic variables. Multiple regression analysis was analyze the factors affecting well-being behavior. The major findings of this study were as follows. A higher level of education led to a higher level of well-being. Moreover, educational or counseling workers, those with higher monthly incomes, those with higher expenses spent on self-management, those who considered their physical condition good, and those who drank once or twice a week showed higher levels of well-being. According to the analysis of the variables influencing well-being behavior, those with an older age, a higher level of education, and higher expenses for self-management and non-smokers revealed higher degrees of involvement in well-being behavior. We need to maintain women`s identity by establishing values of and beliefs in well-being and inspiring them with healthy consciousness of well-being so that we can encourage them to participate in sound well-being behavior.
Gender Analysis of Processing Activities among Commercial Catfish Processors within Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State South-Western Nigeria

The study investigated possible occurrence of gender differences in processing activities among commercial catfish processors in Ibadan metropolis. A total of 110 respondents were sampled, twenty seven (27) of whom were females while eighty three (83) were males. Five popular processed fish markets were purposively selected while 30% of processors in each of the markets were randomly sampled. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results reveal that 36.1% of male and 33.3% of the respondents were within the age of 41-50, and so are still in the actively productive stage of life. 83.1 percent of males and 40.7% of females were married. Majority of the respondent 83.1% male and 66.7% female respectively got their information on processing activities/techniques from family and friends but never from television programmes. Chi square analysis showed that significant difference exist between male and female gender in terms of their level of involvement in fish processing activities (p<0.05). Gender sensitive capacity building programmes are therefore suggested to be conducted on a regular basis for the catfish processors.
The Development of Optimal Cryopreservation Media For Longspine Scraper (Capoeta trutta) Sperm

This study is performed to determine some of sperm quality after applying freezing / thawing process. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine different cryprotective agents with additives in terms of their effects at different pH on the cryopreservation process of longspine scraper (Capoeta trutta). The present study, twelve media were prepared by mixing three different cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, (CH3)2SO); methanol (CH3OH); methyl glycol (MG, CH3O (CH2)2OH)) with an extenders (glucose) at four different pH (7.2, 7.6, 8.0 and 8.4) for longspine scraper semen. Considering the findings from the examination (The motility rate after thawing process and duration of motility obtained in DMSO as 81% and 20 min, in methanol as 73% and 12 min, in methyl glycol as 60% and 15 min.), we can conclude that the DMSO is the best freezing media in order to create new essays in cryopreservation for sperm of Capoeta trutta in the future.
Nonparametric stochastic discount factor decomposition

We introduce econometric methods to perform estimation and inference on the permanent and transitory components of the stochastic discount factor (SDF) in dynamic Markov environments. The approach is nonparametric in that it does not impose parametric restrictions on the law of motion of the state process. We propose sieve estimators of the eigenvalue-eigenfunction pair which are used to decompose the SDF into its permanent and transitory components, as well as estimators of the long-run yield and the entropy of the permanent component of the SDF, allowing for a wide variety of empirically relevant setups. Consistency and convergence rates are established. The estimators of the eigenvalue, yield and entropy are shown to be asymptotically normal and semiparametrically efficient when the SDF is observable. We also introduce nonparametric estimators of the continuation value under Epstein-Zin preferences, thereby extending the scope of our estimators to an important class of recursive preferences. The estimators are simple to implement, perform favorably in simulations, and may be used to numerically compute the eigenfunction and its eigenvalue in fully specified models when analytical solutions are not available.
Infection : NF-κ B Inhibitors and APOBEC 3

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) is the first human retrovirus and causes adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). Constitutive activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the leukemic cells is essential for their growth and survival. Thus, NF-κB inhibitors have been attracting attention as a potential strategy to treat ATL. Recently, the field of retrovirus research has been stimulated by the discovery of an innate host defense factor, APOBEC3, against the retroviruses. HTLV-I is relatively resistant to the antiviral effects of APOBEC3. To clarify the resistance of HTLV-I against APOBEC3 might contribute to the design of effective therapeutic approaches.
patients & modify CV risk factors Strategies for reducing cardiotoxicity : Anthracycline : Dose reduction , continuous infusion , liposomal doxorubicin , dexrazoxane Trastuzumab : Avoid concomitant anthracycline VSP inhibitors : Treat hypertension

Ma Modern cancer therapy has successfully cured many cancers and converted a terminal illness into a chronic disease. Because cancer patients often have coexisting heart diseases, expert advice from cardiologists will improve clinical outcome. In addition, cancer therapy can also cause myocardial damage, induce endothelial dysfunction, and alter cardiac conduction. Thus, it is important for practicing cardiologists to be knowledgeable about the diagnosis, prevention, and management of the cardiovascular complications of cancer therapy. In this first part of a 2-part review, we will review cancer therapy–induced cardiomyopathy and ischemia. This review is based on a MEDLINE search of published data, published clinical guidelines, and best practices in major cancer centers. With the number of cancer survivors expanding quickly, the time has come for cardiologists to work closely with cancer specialists to prevent and treat cancer therapy–induced cardiovascular complications. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2017;70:2536–51) © 2017 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.
Domestic demand pressure and export dynamics - An empirical threshold model analysis for six euro area countries

Traditional specifications of export equations incorporate foreign demand as a demand pull factor and the real exchange rate as a relative price variable. However, such standard export equations have failed to explain the export performance of euro area countries during the crisis period. In particular, the significant gains in export market shares in a number of vulnerable euro area crisis countries did not coincide with an appropriate improvement in price competitiveness. This paper argues that, under certain conditions, firms consider export activity as a substitute of serving domestic demand. The strength of the link between domestic demand and exports is dependent on capacity constraints. Our econometric model for six euro area countries suggests domestic demand pressure and capacity constraint restrictions as additional variables of a properly specified export equation. As an innovation to the literature, we assess the empirical significance through the logistic and the exponential variant of the nonlinear smooth transition regression model. In the first case, we differentiate between positive and negative changes in capacity utilization and in the second case between small and large changes of the same transition variable. We find that domestic demand developments are relevant for the short-run dynamics of exports when capacity utilization is low. For some countries, we also find evidence that the substitution effect of domestic demand on exports turns out to be stronger the larger is the deviation of capacity utilization from its average value over the cycle.
Soil microbiota: Influence of different land use patterns and soil management factors at Villavicencio Oxisol, East Colombia

The soil microbiota is a biological indicator. The impact of four different land use patterns: Secondary forest (T1), rice monoculture (T2), pineapple monoculture (T3) and agroforestry system of Theobroma cacao associated with Acacia mangium (T4) at different distances: 0-10 cm (D1), 10-20 cm (D2), 20-30 cm (D3), 30 40 cm (D4) and 40-50 cm (D5) on counts of Colony Forming Units (CFUs) of fungi, bacteria, actinobacteria were tested in an Oxisol of Villavicencio, Orinoquia, East Colombia. An unrestricted random design was applied. More number of CFUs of soil bacteria, fungi and actinobacteria were recorded in secondary forest (T1) at all the distances from the root surface when compared to the other treatments. However, a similar trend was observed for counts of CFUs of soil fungi and bacteria in secondary forest (T1) at (D4) and (D5) distances from the root surface compared with agroforestry system (T4) at all distances from the root surface (P≤0.05). Meanwhile that there was similarity in number of CFUs of soil actinobacteria between secondary forest (T1) and agroforestry system (T4) at all the distances (P≥0.05). The least count of CFUs of soil microbiota was recorded in pineapple monoculture (T3) at all the distances from the root surface (P≤0.05).
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND BARRIERS TOWARDS PREVENTION OF MOTHER - TO - CHILD TRANSMISSION OF HIV IN GHANA

While awareness of HIV and AIDS is near universal in Ghana, the same cannot be said of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of the disease. This paper assesses the level of knowledge, barriers and attitudes towards PMTCT of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women, partners of pregnant women and people living with HIV (PLHIV). Data were gathered through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) from research participants purposively selected from cities/towns of the three ecological zones in Ghana. The inclusion criteria were border towns, commercial/mining towns/cities and towns/cities that have been known for high HIV/AIDS prevalence rates. The study found that most respondents were aware of MTCT but few knew about how it can be prevented. For pregnant women, the most prominent deterring factor is the fear of being diagnosed HIV positive and the associated stigma and discrimination. Therefore, creating community awareness on behaviours necessary to prevent MTCT is an essential step to improving participation, in and adherence to, PMTCT programmes. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitudes, PMTCT, HIV/AIDS, Ghana
Learning Analytics: The End of the Beginning

This document presents the main topics and objectives of the seventh edition of the Track on Learning Analytics within the 2019 International Conference Technological Ecosystems for Enhancing Multiculturality (TEEM'19). The introductory article also details the review process followed for submission of contributions and gives an overview of the accepted submissions. The document reflects about current issues in research on learning analytics, from the authors' views and experience as Track Chairs in previous editions.
Occupational asthma is a cause of adult-onset asthma with poor prognosis

Because we did not directly measure airway wall cellular infiltration, we make no claim that anakinra pretreatment had any effect on inflammation in the wall of the airway. Notably, in our previous study evaluating the effectiveness of g tocopherol (vitamin E) to reduce airway neutrophilia in response to inhaled LPS in healthy volunteers, we coupled our human study with preclinical studies in rats. In our rodent model, we found that g tocopherol reduced LPS-induced neutrophil infiltration in both bronchoalveolar lavage and in the lung tissue itself. In this instance, the reduction in LPS-induced airway inflammation was mirrored in both the airway luminal samples and the airway tissue samples. However, it is important to consider the pathway of injury caused by inhaled LPS and the clinical scenario we are trying to model. LPS is a pathogen-associated molecular pattern moiety that is present in airborne particles and gram-negative bacteria and is a significant cause of asthma exacerbation. Inhaled LPS is thought to induce airway inflammation via Toll-like receptor 4and CD14-dependent activation of luminal macrophages, thereby localizing the initial source of proinflammatory signals to the lumen of the airway. It seems reasonable, then, for our proofof-concept study to assess the effects of anakinra pretreatment on inhaled LPS-induced inflammation in the lumen of the airway. That said, evaluation of both the airway lumen and wall will provide better understanding of the effects of interventions in future studies. Maria M. Aleman, PhD Katherine Mills, BA Martha Almond, RRT Krista Todoric, MD Hongtao Zhang, BS Haibo Zhou, PhD David B. Peden, MD, MS Michelle L. Hernandez, MD