Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the implementation fidelity of the seasonal malaria chemoprevention intervention in Kaya health district, Burkina Faso

Background Burkina Faso implemented the seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) in 2014 in seven pilot health districts, following the new recommendation by the WHO in 2012 for the prevention of the disease in children under five years old, for areas of highly seasonal malaria transmission.The objective of this study was to assess the implementation fidelity of the seasonal malaria chemoprevention strategy in one of the districts, Kaya Health District. Methodology We conducted a case study, with a quantitative and qualitative mixed methods. Data were collected after two campaigns of implementation of the intervention, in 2014 and 2015, through a review of specific documents of SMC intervention, and individual interview with key informants (n = 21) involved at various levels in the implementation of the strategy and a household survey with the parents (n = 284) of eligible children for the SMC strategy in 2015 in the Kaya health district. The analysis framework focused on the fidelity of the intervention’s content, its coverage, and its schedule, as well as the potential moderating factors, using the model proposed by Hasson, originally from Carroll. Results All components of the intervention were implemented. Villages and sectors were covered at 100%. In terms of intervention doses received, less than one-third of eligible children (32.3%) received the recommended four doses in 2015. Implementation of the strategy faced some difficulties due to insufficient training of community distributors, inadequate supply of inputs and insufficient financial resources for remuneration, advocacy and supervision, but also because of the contextual constraints due to the rainy season. Moreover, an interaction between the different moderating factors, influencing the degree of implementation of the strategy was noted. Conclusion Taking into account the moderating factors of the implementation is necessary for achieving the highest possible degree of implementation fidelity and then, reach the expected beneficial effects.
Electric Vehicle charging management algorithm for a UK low-voltage residential distribution network

The integration of Electric Vehicles (EVs) into low-voltage (LV) residential distribution networks inevitably increases the overall demand, especially peak demand, which may cause thermal or voltage issues. In this paper, a 400V practical residential distribution network is modelled and used to quantify these impacts due to the growing penetration of EVs. Residential load profiles in 1-minute resolution and EV charging profiles with recorded State of Charge (SOC) are randomly and statistically created. Then, a simple charging management algorithm with locally made decision is suggested at EV users' charging points. Results prove that this approach can mitigate the negative impacts of EV charging on network assets. Moreover, it can reduce EV users' electricity cost for charging based on existing UK electricity price scheme `Economy 7,' without compromising EV usage or substantial network infrastructure reinforcement or installation of extensive monitor, control and communication system. The simulation models and analysis are implemented in MATLAB/OpenDSS as an LV distribution network simulation platform.
Bonding of Y-TZP to dentin: effects of Y-TZP surface conditioning, resin cement type, and aging.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of two surface treatments, aging, and two resin cements on shear bond strength between dentin and yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramic (Y-TZP). MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty human molars were embedded in acrylic resin and sectioned 3 mm below the occlusal plane. These teeth and 80 cylindrical Y-TZP specimens (height, 4 mm; diameter, 3.4 mm) were divided into eight groups (n=10) using the following factors: Y-TZP surface treatment (Vi: low-fusing porcelain [vitrification] + hydrofluoric acid etching + silanization or Si: tribochemical silicatization); cementation strategies (PF: Panavia or CC: Clearfil); and storage (nonaging or aging). Bonding surfaces of 40 Y-TZP specimens received Vi treatment, and the rest received Si treatment. Half of the ceramic-tooth assemblies were cemented with Panavia, the rest with Clearfil. Shear tests were executed using 0.4-mm-thick wire at 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed by three-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (α=0.05). Fractures were analyzed. RESULTS Y-TZP surface treatments did not affect bond strength (p=0.762, Vi = Si), while resin cements (p<0.001, Panavia > Clearfil) and aging (p=0.006, nonaging > aging) showed a significant effect. Most failures were in adhesive at dentin-cement interfaces; no failure occurred between zirconia and cement. CONCLUSION When Y-TZP ceramic is bonded to dentin, the weakest interface is that between dentin and resin cement. The resin cement/Y-TZP interface was less susceptible to failures, owing to Y-TZP surface treatments.
[Prevalence of and health care consumption for asthma and COPD in relation to ethnicity].

OBJECTIVE To determine whether there are differences in prevalence of and health care consumption for asthma and COPD between Dutch people of Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese origin and indigenous Dutch people. DESIGN Retrospective. METHOD Based on data from the 'Second Dutch national study into morbidity and interventions in general practice', we compared the prevalence of asthma and COPD in the different ethnic groups. In addition, we compared the use of various airway medications and the number of general practice contacts between these ethnic groups. RESULTS We analysed data of 240,067 indigenous Dutch, 2,942 Turkish, 2,416 Moroccan and 3,320 Surinamese subjects. Asthma is more prevalent among Surinamese and seems less prevalent among Moroccans. COPD seems less prevalent among immigrants than among the indigenous Dutch population. Immigrants tend to have less prescriptions of prophylactic maintenance airway medication and they also tend to have less airway-related general practice contacts than indigenous Dutch patients. CONCLUSION Differences exist in the prevalence of and health care consumption for asthma and COPD between the different ethnic groups in the Netherlands. There seems to be underdiagnosis of COPD in immigrants. Moreover, immigrant asthma and COPD patients are probably undertreated.
The Effect of Conceptual Change Text on Pre-Service Teachers’ Understanding of Heat Conduction

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of conceptual change text (CCT) on pre-service teachers’ (PTS) understanding in heat conduction concept. One group pretest-posttest design was used in this research. The participants of this research were 33 PTS and used the diagnostic test to reveals their understanding about the heat conduction in macroscopic and microscopic level both verbally and visually. The result shows that before the CCT given to PTS the most categories of their conception was Lack of Knowledge (LK) but after CCT was given the most categories was became a Scientific Conception (SC). The level of understanding increased from only knows about the macroscopic level to became understanding at the microscopic level both verbal and visual. This study suggested that CCT can be used to increase the understanding of the PTS not only at the macroscopic level but also at the microscopic level. Keywords—heat conduction; conceptual change text; macroscopic; microscopic level
Youth Computational Participation in the Wild

Most research in primary and secondary computing education has focused on understanding learners within formal classroom communities, leaving aside the growing number of promising informal online programming communities where young users contribute, comment, and collaborate on programs to facilitate learning. In this article, we examined trends in computational participation in Scratch, an online community with over 1 million registered youth designers. Drawing on a random sample of 5,004 youth programmers and their activities over 3 months in early 2012, we examined programming concepts used in projects in relation to level of participation, gender, and length of membership of Scratch programmers. Latent class analysis results identified the same four groups of programmers in each month based on the usage of different programming concepts and showed how membership in these groups shifted in different ways across time. Strikingly, the largest group of project creators (named Loops) used the simplest and fewest programming concepts. Further, this group was the most stable in membership and was disproportionately female. In contrast, the more complex programming groups (named Variables, Low Booleans, and High Booleans) showed much movement across time. Further, the Low Booleans and High Booleans groups, the only groups to use “and,” “or,” and “not” statements in their programs, were disproportionately male. In the discussion, we address the challenges of analyzing young learners’ programming in informal online communities and opportunities for designing more equitable computational participation.
Statistical Properties of the Dual-Polarization Differential Reflectivity (ZDR) Radar Signal

The statistical characteristics of three estimators of the differential reflectivity (ZDR) radar signal are examined theoretically and compared with pulse-to-pulse measurements of reflectivity at horizontal and vertical polarizations. The square-law and log-ratio estimators provide satisfactory means for measuring ZDR while the log-ratio estimator does not. In addition, the theory is consistent with radar data, clearly showing that ZDR could be measured accurately from a sequence of alternately polarized waves.
Reduced-dose cyclosporine with mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone significantly improves the long-term glomerular filtration rate and graft survival.

OBJECTIVE It remains debated whether reduced doses of chronic calcineurin inhibitors benefit graft survival. METHODS This retrospective study analyzed 60 first cadaveric renal transplant recipients who received cyclosporine (CSA), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and prednisone (CMP group) and 71 recipients who received reduced-dose CSA with prednisone and MMF (RCMP group). All recipients were followed for at least 96 months. The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculated at different time points, graft survival, the incidence of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) and the acute rejection rate within six months were analyzed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS The incidence of acute rejection within six months post-transplant was 15.5% (11/71) in the RCMP group and 13.3% (8/60) in the CMP group. This difference was not significant (p=0.727). The MDRD-calculated GFR in the CMP group reached a peak at 24 months post-transplant (66.6 ± 20.2 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) then decreased gradually. In contrast, in the RCMP group, the GFR reached a peak at 36 months post-transplant (76.9 ± 19.6 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). The GFR from month 36 to month 96 was significantly higher in the RCMP group than in the CMP group. The Kaplan-Meier calculated death-censored graft survival in the RCMP group was significantly higher than that observed in the CMP group, with an estimated cumulative proportion surviving at 96 months of 95.5% in the RCMP group and 83.5% in the CMP group. The incidence of CAN within 96 months was 5.6% (4/71) in the RCMP group vs. 16.7% (10/60) in the CMP group (p=0.042). CONCLUSION An RCMP regimen can significantly improve the long-term GFR level and benefit graft survival.
A Modified Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour Model to Analyze User Intention towards Distance-Based Electronic Toll Collection Services

This study proposes a modified decomposed theory of planned behaviour model (DTPB) that integrates satisfaction and trust into the original DTPB model to explore what kind of factors affect the user intention towards distance-based electronic toll collection (ETC) services. The proposed model is empirically tested by using data collected from a questionnaire survey with a computer assisted telephone interview system. Empirical analysis is carried out in three stages that combine confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modelling (SEM), and Bayesian network: (1) examination of reliability and validity of the measurement model; (2) analysis of structural model; (3) prediction of the probability of user intention change based on rigorous framework of SEM. The results confirm that the satisfaction and trust have positive effects on the behaviour intention, also validating that five constructs have indirect effects on the behaviour intention through attitude and perceived behaviour control. Compatibility is the most important influence factor, followed by perceived usefulness, facilitating conditions, self-efficacy, and perceived ease of use. The findings of this study identify potential improvements for ETC operator, such as contributing to the society to enhance the company image and trust of enterprise with charity activities, and simultaneously upgrading the information platform of website, software, and Apps.
Short-Stay Cleft Palate Surgery With Intraoperative Dexamethasone and Marcaine

The perioperative management of cleft palate surgery remains controversial. Early literature supported hospital stays of 2–5 days, but more recent reports have supported 24-hour admissions in carefully screened patients without congenital syndromes. We retrospectively reviewed 65 cleft palate repairs performed by the senior author from August 1992 through November 2003. Procedures included repairs of the soft palate (n = 25), hard palate (n = 4), or combined hard and soft palate (n = 36). All repairs were performed using a Furlow double, opposing Z-plasty technique. Nine patients (14%) had associated congenital syndromes. Prior to January 1995, patients (n = 15) received perioperative antibiotics and local injection of lidocaine with epinephrine prior to incision. The average operative time to first oral feeding was 13 hours, and the average length of stay in this group was 2.4 days. Previous oral surgery literature has demonstrated the reduction of pain, edema, and trismus with the use of dexamethasone. As part of our recent operative protocol, all patients (n = 50) after January 1995 received perioperative antibiotics, local injection of a 50/50 mixture of 1% lidocaine with epinephrine, and 0.5% Marcaine with epinephrine prior to incision and 4 mg of intravenous dexamethasone perioperatively. The average time to first feeding was 7 hours and the average length of stay was 1.1 days. Postoperatively, patients from both groups were maintained on a liquid or soft diet, depending on their age without the use of bottles. There were no differences in the use of antibiotics or pain management between the 2 groups. Patients were assessed by the surgical team for evaluation of the surgical site and oral intake prior to discharge. Patients in the steroid/Marcaine group had earlier oral intake (P < 0.05) and shorter length of stay (P < 0.05). Of those patients receiving dexamethasone and Marcaine, 43/50 (86%) were discharged within 24 hours. Patients requiring longer hospitalization had initially inadequate oral intake. One patient required readmission for dehydration secondary to rotavirus. In conclusion, short-stay cleft palate surgery is safe, given adequate oral intake, competent parents, and a safe home environment.
On the brink of adulthood: a qualitative study of adolescent engagement with the internet

The Internet is one of the central media technologies that define technological change and has impact on lives of adolescents who are a significant Internet user group. Many of the earlier studies of adolescents' Internet use are quantitative, whereas this qualitative study gives voice to the adolescents themselves. The study provides a glimpse into the life of the young Finnish people on the brink of adulthood, in transition state, outlining some specific aspects concerning their engagement with the Internet. These adolescents are active and competent users who rely on divergent 'genres of participation' during their Internet use. Their Internet use also reveals some fascinating aspects that can be connected with 'becoming an adult'. They are not only 'hanging out' and 'messing around' in the Internet, but carry out serious business, too. The study provides also insights for interaction designers ideating Internet based applications and services.
TÜRKİYE'DE ENERJİ TÜKETİMİ VE EKONOMİK BÜYÜME ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİLERİN EKONOMETRİK İNCELEMESİ

Ulkelerin ekonomik ve sosyal gelismelerinin surukleyici unsuru ve en temel gereksinimlerinden biri enerjidir. Is yapma kapasitesi olarak tanimlanan enerjiye gelismis ulkelerle birlikte, gelismek isteyen tum ulkelerin ihtiyaci vardir. Bu calismada Turkiye’de 1970-2008 doneminde enerji tuketimi ile GSMH arasindaki nedensellik iliskisi incelenmektedir. Duraganlik icin birim kok testleri, nedensellik icin Granger testi, uzun donem iliskilerin belirlenmesi icin esbutunlesme testi ve vektor hata duzeltme modeli kullanilmistir. Calismanin sonuclari reel GSMH ile enerji tuketiminin esbutunlesik olduklarini ve reel GSMH’dan enerji tuketimine dogru tek yonlu bir Granger nedensellik iliskisi bulundugunu gostermektedir. Bu bulgunun enerji tasarrufu ve ekonomik buyume acisindan onemli cikarimlari vardir. Sanayinin artan talebini karsilamak icin enerji altyapisini gelistirmeye yonelik politikalara agirlik verilmelidir. Ayrica ulkenin buyume potansiyelini tamamen kullanmak icin hukumetin enerjide arz guvenligini saglayacak tedbirler almasi gerekmektedir
Cerebrospinal fluid neprilysin is reduced in prodromal Alzheimer's disease

Amyloid β peptide (Aβ) has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) as an initiator of the pathological cascades. Several lines of compelling evidence have supported major roles of Aβ‐degrading enzyme neprilysin in the pathogenesis of sporadic AD. Here, we have shown a substantial reduction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neprilysin activity (CSF‐NEP) in patients with AD‐converted mild cognitive impairment and early AD as compared with age‐matched control subjects. The altered CSF‐NEP likely reflects changes in neuronal neprilysin, since transfer of neprilysin from brain tissue into CSF was demonstrated by injecting neprilysin‐carrying viral vector into the brains of neprilysin‐deficient mice. Interestingly, CSF‐NEP showed an elevation with the progression of AD. Along with a close association of CSF‐NEP with CSF tau proteins, this finding suggests that presynaptically located neprilysin can be released into CSF as a consequence of synaptic disruption. The impact of neuronal damages on CSF‐NEP was further demonstrated by a prominent increase of CSF‐NEP in rats exhibiting kainate‐induced neurodegeneration. Our results unequivocally indicate significance of CSF‐NEP as a biochemical indicator to pursue a pathological process that involves decreased neprilysin activity and Aβ‐induced synaptic toxicity, and the support the potential benefits of neprilysin up‐regulation in ameliorating neuropathology in prodromal and early AD. Ann Neurol 2005;57:832–842
Forage production potential and economics of maize (Zea mays) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) intercropping under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy seasons (kharif) of 1999, 2000 and 2001, to study the pro- duction potential and economic feasibility of maize (Zea mays L.) + cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ] inter- cropping under rainfed conditions. Pooled analysis of data indicated that intercropping of maize and cowpea in the row proportion of 2:2 recorded significantly higher total green fodder (338.3 qlha), dry matter (83.0 qlha) and crude protein yield (10.3 qlha) as well as net returns (Rs 8,3461ha) over other treatments. However, benefit : cost ratio for maize (sole) was higher (1.78) than the other treatment except maize+cowpea planted in the row ratio of 2:l (2.04), 2:2 (2.21) and mixed seed in the same row (1:l) (1.89). Monetary advantage ranged from Rs 38 with in- tercropping of maize and cowpea in the row ratio of 1 :4 to Rs 2,427 (check) under maize + cowpea (2:2) and was negative with intercropping of maize and cowpea in a row ratio of 1:l and 1:2 land-equivalent ratio was more than 1 in all intercropping systems except maize and cowpea planted in the row ratio of 1 :I and 1 :2 maximum be- ing with maize + cowpea (2:2) intercropping system (LER 1.41).
Student perceptions of online course quality: A comparison by academic discipline

STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF ONLINE COURSE QUALITY: A COMPARISON BY ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE Brian Riley Wilcox Old Dominion University, 2013 Director: Dr. Mitchell R. Williams The recent rapid proliferation of distance education necessitates the need for strong levels of academic accountability. An important factor found to influence and predict student success is students’ perceptions of their online courses. Understanding how learners perceive their online learning environment is paramount to effective course design and implementation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate community college students’ perceptions of online education. IHEP benchmarks for quality in distance education were used develop a webbased survey designed to measure if students’ perceptions of online course quality differed across academic disciplines, what factors impacted students’ perceptions of online course quality in regards to benchmarks for Teaching/Learning, Course Structure, and Student Support, and the level of impact of student demographics on perceptions of quality in online courses. No significant differences between groups were found to exist. Results showed that none of the factors investigated in this study, such as academic discipline, age, enrollment status, or previous exposure to college level online coursework, were found to have any effect on students’ perceptions of quality in online courses when compared between groups. These findings will provide valuable information to both online instructors and administrators in providing quality online education. This dissertation is dedicated to my father, who had provided me with the largest source of motivation to persevere and complete this dissertation.
Guns, laws and public shootings in the United States

ABSTRACT Since the late 1990s, there have been increasing numbers of public shootings carried out with firearms in the United States. These tragedies continually renew the regulatory debate concerning public safety while considering civil liberties. Using a unique data set, we investigate whether laws correspond to whether an event occurs and the effects of event-specific characteristics on public shooting outcomes. In particular, we analyse how state-specific gun laws, the types of firearms, the shooting venues and the mental health of the gunman impact the outcomes of public shootings. Results show that most gun laws are unrelated to whether an event occurs. In addition, common state and federal gun laws that outlaw assault weapons are unrelated to the likelihood of an assault weapon being used during a public shooting event. Moreover, results show that the use of assault weapons is not related to more victims or fatalities than other types of guns. However, the use of hand guns, shot guns and high-capacity magazines is directly related to the number of victims and fatalities in a public shooting event. Finally, the gunman’s reported mental illness is often associated with an increase in the number of victims and fatalities.