Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using mobilage thinking to study healthcare students' experiences of using and learning to use mobile phones for academic work

This thesis adopts a realist ontology, hermenutic epistemology and phenomonological methodology to ask, 'What is learning at university like for healthcare students in a mobile assemblage (mobilage)? '. ‘Mobilage’ blends ideas from Actor Network Theory and educational theory to provide a wholistic unit of analysis, student-with-a-smartphone, rather than splitting subject/object or fixating on the human or a technology. The study launched with an online survey which gathered background information and advertised an online focus group (OFG) and exploratory meetings, ‘mobilage encounters’. The OFG ran with 7 informants over 3 months and there were 10 encounters. Data from these were combined with autobiographical insights in a narrowing interpretive focus on mobilage. The OFG sought to avoid intrusive informant observation while enabling participation from anywhere, especially within mobilage. Weekly trigger messages were sent through Microsoft’s Yammer platform, akin to experience sampling/cultural probe methods, yet with the potential for shared responses. Consensus formed around several themes, including the challenges and artfulness of mobile phone-based work. Encounter data was gathered and used to re-play the encounter into my consciousness, often while walking secluded coastal pathways. These experiences were combined with the data corpus to help create ten phenomenological vignettes, with the goal of re-presencing readers. A discussion section accompanies all but one of the vignettes. Mobilage is a site of struggle for deliberation and phronesis due to the multiple virtual and actual lines and layers of connectivity between psyche and the life-world. The thesis concludes noting the incursion of technology and economic/pragmatic meta-discourses into academic work. In the face of these challenges, higher education stakeholders must assert the importance of scholarly values and humanistic goals (such as Bildung (Gadamer, 1992)) which students are doing to some extent.
Institutions, infrastructures, and data friction – Reforming secondary use of health data in Finland

New data-driven ideas of healthcare have increased pressures to reform existing data infrastructures. This article explores the role of data governing institutions during a reform of both secondary health data infrastructure and related legislation in Finland. The analysis elaborates on recent conceptual work on data journeys and data frictions, connecting them to institutional and regulatory issues. The study employs an interpretative approach, using interview and document data. The results show the stark contrast between the goals of open and Big Data inspired reforms and the existing institutional realities. The multiple tensions that emerged during the process indicate how data frictions emanate to the institutional level, and how mundane data practices and institutional dynamics are intertwined. The article argues that in the Finnish case, public institutions acted as sage-guards of public interest, preventing more controversial parts from passing. Finally, it argues that initiating regulatory and infrastructural reforms simultaneously was beneficial for solving the tensions of the initiative and analysing either side separately would have produced misleading accounts of the overall initiative. The results highlight the benefits of analysing institutional dynamics and data practices as connected issues.
Prevention of child abuse and neglect through church and social service collaboration

Christian churches and social service providers are committed to the care of children and families; however, there has been a historic disconnect between the two institutions concerning child abuse prevention efforts. All too often, criticisms and mistrust tend to characterize the way in which the two interact. This qualitative investigation examines the perceptions of both Christian leaders and social service providers on the church’s role in preventing and responding to child abuse and neglect. Researchers interviewed 36 church leaders and social service providers of varying Christian congregations and specialties. Interviews focused on both current and potential church programming and activities, as well as beliefs and values held by both parties concerning child protection and real or potential collaboration. Resulting themes are identified and examined, and recommendations for future collaborative child protection efforts proposed.
Online religious communities and wellbeing in later life

ABSTRACT This qualitative research sought to explore whether participation in online religious communities can alleviate distress in later life. Twenty-six religious individuals aged 70–96 were trained to use an experimental forum. Their experiences and online activities were documented for six months via interviews, media ethnographies, online observations and monthly follow-ups. Analysis led to identification of (1) Factors affecting participation; (2) Online activity patterns and (3) Effects on wellbeing. Findings indicate that continued spiritual involvement in later life through online religious communities is recommended as an accessible and available means of empowering older persons and enhancing their satisfaction with life.
Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels for screening for malignant lymphomas and differential diagnosis from other conditions

The serum soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL2R) level is elevated in patients with most types of lymphoid neoplasms, and is also elevated in patients with solid tumors or reactive conditions, such as severe inflammation. To evaluate the diagnostic significance of sIL2R levels for the screening and differential diagnosis of lymphomas, data from 248 consecutive adult patients with suspected lymphoma were retrospectively analyzed in order to determine its diagnostic characteristics and the clinical parameters that affect diagnosis. In 133 patients with aggressive or indolent lymphomas or related neoplasms, the sIL2R level was higher (median: 920 U/ml, standard deviation: 7,312 U/ml) compared with that of 115 patients with other diagnoses (median: 520 U/ml, standard deviation: 727 U/ml), including solid tumors, infection, inflammation, and others. When the cutoff value of sIL2R was 1,104 U/ml, the specificity was 80%, at which point lymphoma was suspected. When the threshold levels were increased from 1,500 to 2,000 U/ml, the specificity increased from 87 to 93%, with the positive likelihood ratio increasing from 2.99 to 4.97, strongly suggesting the diagnosis of lymphoma. The receiver operating characteristic curve for prediction of lymphoma by sIL2R revealed that the area under the curve was 0.695. The curve was nearest to the left corner of the plot when the threshold was 1,946 U/ml; at this point, the sensitivity, specificity and positive likelihood ratio were 35%, 93% and 5.06, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that an age >46 years and lactate dehydrogenase level >173 U/l appeared to increase the risk of malignant lymphoma diagnosis. Although sIL2R appears to be a less specific marker for the screening of lymphomas, its detection at higher levels strongly suggests the diagnosis of lymphomas. Therefore, sIL2R may be more useful compared with any other parameter for lymphoma diagnosis, provided other false-positive conditions are taken into consideration.
Diabetic Foot Infection: An Indian Scenario

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is assuming epidemic proportions and with that an increasing burden of diabetic foot complications. Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) contribute not only to morbidity, amputation, and increased health-care costs but also to mortality. Aim: To review the literature regarding the epidemiology and management of DFIs in India. Results: The socioepidemiology of diabetic foot and its complications in India is different from the West. There is a considerable delay in seeking a physician for foot problems, as patients continue invalidated and indigenous methods of treatment. At presentation, most of the foot ulcers are chronic, harbor infection, and neuropathic in origin compared to the West with predominantly neurovascular ulcers. A predominance of Gram-negative bacterial species is reported in DFIs, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the most common isolated organism. An initial empirical antibiotic choice covering Gram-negative bacteria is suggested. Conclusion: There are very few studies on the countrywide prevalence of foot complications from India. In India, DFIs behave differently from the West because of sociocultural and economic differences. We need indigenous ways for prevention and management of DFIs in India.
Risk preferences in response to earthquake risk: Property value and insurance

It is well established that individuals tend not to be very good at utilizing all available information when making decisions involving rare risks. It is also widely accepted that individuals tend to underinsure against low-probability, high-loss events relative to high-probability, low-loss events. The dynamics aspects of changes in rare event risk preference for property value and insurance has, however, not been studied. We use the 2010/11 Canterbury earthquakes to confirm that some households underestimate earthquake risk prior to earthquake experience, and substantially re-evaluate those risk perceptions after a quake. We show that these changes are complex, and time dynamic. We further use a novel risk proxy based on smoking rates to show that uniform disaster insurance premiums reduce information clarity and encourage households to make sub-optimal property location choices, which contradict their risk preferences, thus causing ex-ante subjective risk perception to depart from underlying objective risk.
Complexity in Science Learning: Measuring the Underlying Dynamics of Persistent Mistakes

Abstract Mistaken beliefs pose a barrier to science learning. For this reason, it is important to understand the circumstances in which they emerge and change. In the current paper, we apply complexity theory to shed light on the nature of mistaken beliefs. The strength of this approach lies in conceptualizing beliefs as dynamic stabilities, a well-defined construct that can be indexed precisely. For example, Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) can determine the presence of dynamic stabilities by analyzing variability in time-series data. We applied this analytical tool to probe for mistaken beliefs in a beam-balancing task, a task that is known to elicit mistaken beliefs in preschoolers. Using a case-study design with four preschoolers, we tracked children’s hand position with motion sensors as they balanced various beams. The resulting time series of hand position was submitted to RQA, yielding two important results: First, we found that consistent mistakes in trying to balance the beams were not always accompanied by dynamic stability. This undermines the common assumption that overt consistency in task performance is sufficient to conclude the presence of beliefs. Second, we found strong individual differences over time, as children explored the balance beams. Applications to science education are discussed. Highlights A classical task of beam balancing was used to explore the underlying dynamics of children’s mistaken beliefs. Moment-to-moment hand movements were tracked and subjected to a multi-dimensional recurrence quantification analysis (RQA). Dynamic stability was captured through percent laminarity (%LAM), a measure of rigidity in children’s explorations. The RQA measure of %LAM shed light on patterns of stability that were not available from the analysis of overt behavior. In line with complexity theory, a model of persistent mistakes is offered that has important implications for science education.
The treatment of gingival recession with coronally advanced flap with platelet-rich fibrin

Background: Of the various techniques developed for the treatment of gum recession, the current innovation in the use of platelet rich plasma (PRF) has been applied to the treatment of root-end closure procedures. Purpose: This study analyzed the effect of the coronally advanced flap (CAF) in combination with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) during treatment of gingival recession. Methods: This research constituted an experimental study incorporating a split-mouth design which was conducted on eight participants (with 16 recession defects) who were divided into two groups consisting of the CAF group with PRF and another CAF group without PRF. Clinical parameters consisting of gingival recession (GR), keratinized gingival width (KGW), recession width (RW) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured both before and 21 days after surgery). Results: The average differences between clinical parameters in the test group were as follows: GR (2.25 ± 0.27), KGW (1.81 ± 0.75), RW (3.44 ± 1.35), and CAL (2.56 ± 0.50); while in the control group they were as follows: GR (2.00 ± 0.71), KGW (1.94 ± 0.78), RW (3.50 ± 1.91) and CAL (2.00 ± 0.76). There were significant differences in the GR and CAL between the test and control groups (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: A combination of the CAF procedure and PRF was proven to be more effective in covering the GR and increasing the CAL.
Tour guides and the protection of archaeological sites: a case from Jordan

ABSTRACT This paper aims at examining the commitment of tour guides to take the role of instructing tourists to avoid destructive behaviours during their visitation, a theoretical model was developed to include the concepts of value orientations, social norms and personal norms/commitment. A model where social norms fully mediated the relationship between value orientations and personal norms/commitment proved to be statistically most fitting; social norms had a significant relation of a moderate strength with personal norms/commitment. Such findings confirm the need to encourage and qualify tour guides to take a better role in influencing the behaviour of tourist groups to become more responsible.
Nomophobia an Emerging Fear: An Experimental Exploration among University Students

Modern communication technologies have become a very essential part of our lives, especially smartphones (Salehan & Negahban, 2013). Present study explored the effects of fear of separation from the smartphone on university students. The sample comprised of three hundred students of Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan with age range of 18-30 years. The purpose of this present study was to explore the existence of nomophobia among smartphone users. Furthermore, it was aimed to investigate effect of smartphone separation causes anxiety. An experimental research design was used and participants were randomly assigned to two conditions. Two measures were used in the study they included, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) developed by Spielberger, (1983) and nomophobia questionnaire (NMP-Q) developed by Yildirim ( 2015). Results revealed that 68% of the students experienced moderate level of nomophobia and the level of anxiety gradually increased with increase in duration of separation from phone. One- way analysis of variance found significant difference on different levels of anxiety in experimental group I and experimental group II. No significant gender differences were found for state anxiety and nomophobia. It is concluded from the findings of the study that excessive use and dependence on smartphones does cause anxiety and feeling of restlessness in the absence of smartphone.
In Search for Stability in Crypto-Assets: Are Stablecoins the Solution?

Stablecoins claim to stabilise the value of major currencies in the volatile crypto-asset market. This paper describes the often complex functioning of different types of stablecoins and proposes a taxonomy of stablecoin initiatives. To this end it relies on a novel framework for their classification, based on the key dimensions that matter for crypto-assets, namely: (i) accountability of issuer, (ii) decentralisation of responsibilities, and (iii) what underpins the value of the asset. The analysis of different types of stablecoins shows a trade-off between the novelty of the stabilisation mechanism used in an initiative (from mirroring the traditional electronic money approach to the alleged introduction of an “algorithmic central bank”) and its capacity to maintain a stable market value. While relatively less innovative stablecoins could provide a solution to users seeking a stable store of value, especially if legitimised by the adherence to standards that are typical of payment services, the jury is still out on the potential future role of more innovative stablecoins outside their core user base. JEL Classification: E42, L17, O33
Direct instantaneous torque control system for switched reluctance motor in electric vehicles

Switch reluctance motor is suitable for an electric vehicle driving system, which has the advantages of simple structure, high reliability of system and wide range of speed adjustment. In order to reduce the torque ripple of the system and improve the dynamic performance, a strategy of direct instantaneous torque control (DITC) based on a fractional-order proportion integration differentiation (PID) controller is proposed. According to the mathematical characteristics of the fractional-order controller, the form of the fractional-order speed loop controller is determined. Also, the parameters of the speed regulator are designed using the frequency-domain design theory of the control system. Then, the fractional-order controller is discretised. Compared with the traditional proportion integration (PI) controller, the fractional-order controller can have a better control effect. Simulation experimental results of the system show that the DITC control method has effectively reduced the torque ripple and the fractional-integral controller has reduced the overshoot and adjustment time and improved the robustness and disturbance resistance of the system.
Nursing Students' Assertiveness, Satisfaction, Commitment and Motivation to Learn in the Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University

Background: Research has shown that students who are motivated find faculty work interesting and important, become absorbed in their studies, and work hard to achieve their goals. However, low assertiveness in students simultaneously creates educational dysfunction, cessation of learning, ability weakness and decrease in aptitude, so high assertiveness is important for students. As well, satisfaction and commitment is necessary for students to have positive feelings about their learning experiences and to develop continuing motivation to learn. Aim of the study: was to determine nursing students' levels of assertiveness, satisfaction, commitment and motivation to learn in the Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University. Subjects & methods: Research design: Descriptive correlational design. Setting: The study was conducted at the faculty of Nursing Zagazig University. Subjects: Stratified proportionate random sample of 323 students in the Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University. Tools of data collection: a questionnaire sheet for student nurses composed of five parts: personal characteristics, assertiveness, satisfaction, commitment and motivation to learn. Results: revealed that 87.6 % of students were moderately assertive and 62.2 % of them were moderately satisfied. In addition, 56.7% and 52.9 % of students were moderately motivated to learn and committed to the faculty, respectively. Additionally, there were positive statistically significant correlations between students' assertiveness, satisfaction, commitment and motivation to learn. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, student nurses were moderately assertive, satisfied and had moderate level of commitment and motivation to learn. Recommendations: It is recommended to improve students' assertiveness level, develop students' satisfaction level, enhance students' commitment level and increase students' motivation to learn level.
Understanding the Writing Demands of Crowdfunding Campaigns With the Genre-Mapping Report

This article lays out an approach for introducing students to the writing demands of crowdfunding platforms using a genre-driven research report. Using genre theory and genre ecologies, students leverage primary research to map the genre norms and writing demands within a specific area of a crowdfunding platform, generating a data set to help them either formulate their own campaign or critically engage with the crowdfunding genre.
Creating a Euro Area Safe Asset Without Mutualizing Risk (Much)

This paper explains and evaluates three proposals to create "safe assets" for the euro area based on sovereign bonds, in which sovereign risk is limited through diversification and some form of seniority. These assets would be held by banks and other financial institutions, replacing concentrated exposures to their own sovereigns. The paper focuses on three ideas: (1) to create multitranche "sovereign bond-backed securities" (SBBS), of which the senior tranche would constitute a safe asset; (2) to create a senior, publicly owned financial intermediary that would issue a bond backed by a diversified portfolio of sovereign loans ("E-bonds"); and (3) to issue sovereign bonds in several tranches and induce banks to hold a diversified pool of senior sovereign bonds ("multitranche national bond issuance"). Public attention (including public criticism) has so far focused on the first idea; the other two have not yet been seriously debated. We find that none of the competing proposals entirely dominates the others. SBBS do not deserve most of the criticism to which they have been subjected. At the same time, E-bonds and multitranche national bond issuance have several interesting features -- including inducing fiscal discipline -- and warrant further exploration.
Agricultural Value Added, Governance and Insecurity in Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis

Value added agriculture enables farmers to align with consumer preferences with quality characteristics not found in conventional raw material products. Agriculture value added could be under serious threat under poor governance situation and insecurity. This study was therefore undertaken to empirically evaluate the relationship between governance system, state of security and agriculture value added in Nigeria. The study made use of time series data sourced from World Bank Indicators, Central Bank of Nigeria, Institute for Economics and Peace, etc. The study employed Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound testing procedure to examine the long and short run relationships between the variables. Diagnostic tests were successfully undertaken using Langrange multiplier, Ramsey’s RESET, Jargue-Berra Normality and Heteroskedasticiy tests. The results show that in the long and short run, governance system in Nigeria insignificantly impact agriculture value added. However, security level and technology positively and significantly impact agriculture value added both in the short and long run. The study concluded that governance institutions in Nigeria which provide the means of control, policy formulation, implementation, etc are not effective enough to significantly enhance agriculture value added. On the other hand, though the country has experienced pockets of insecurity in some parts, the state of security has positively and significantly enhanced agriculture value added. The study recommends that policy formulations should be tailored to the short term and long term needs of agribusiness environment and investments. Also, tendencies that hamper the growth and development of the agric sector generally should be discouraged.