Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development Control an Important Regulator of Settlement Growth: A Case Study of Ekpoma, Nigeria

Abstract Development control is seen as a mechanism put in place to maintain standard. It reduces the negative effect that accompany physical development. There are restrictions introduced to prevent certain acts that are detrimental to stake holder in the built environment. The concept of zoning, covenants and other forms of regulating agreement are being used to guide developers and beneficiaries. The organised field work, interview and documentary materials form the sources of data and information for this work. This is what reveal the lawless ness, unplanned physical development and haphazard development recorded in many places. The panacea is the ability to realise positive results in the course of enforcement. The laws that will satisfy both private and public needs have to be harmonized into the present conditions in the building industry. For sectors where a reasonable success have been achieved the need to sustain the tempo and maintain the stand ard remains as the challenging factor.
Asphalt Plug Joint Usage and Perceptions in the United States

The University of Wyoming is developing design guidelines for asphalt plug joint use and application under the sponsorship and guidance of the Wyoming and Colorado departments of transportation. As a first step in this research a survey of 50 state departments of transportation was conducted to assess use, perceptions, and installation guidelines. Fifty states responded. The survey results are presented and the trends are summarized.
THE EFFECTS OF GOLF COACHES’ AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP AND TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP ON LEADER-MEMBER EXCHANGE AND ATHLETE’S PERCEIVED PERFORMANCE

Leadership is a competency that every leader should possess to continuously develop his/her organisation or members. Studies have examined relation-oriented authentic leadership and goal-oriented transformational leadership in the field of sport; however, scant studies have addressed the quality and effectiveness of the interrelationship between these two leadership styles. This study attempted to empirically verify the structural relationship between golf coaches’ authentic leadership and transformational leadership and leader-member exchange (LMX) and perceived athlete performance. Participants were 205 golfers who had participated in an amateur golf championship and who were selected from 10 private golf academies located in Daejeon and the Chungcheongbuk Province in South Korea. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and frequency, confirmatory factor, reliability, correlation, hierarchical regression and structural equation model analyses were conducted using SPSS version 20.0 and AMOS 20.0. Results showed that both authentic and transformational leadership had a positive effect on LMX, while authentic leadership and not transformational leadership had a positive effect on athlete’s perceived performance. Results also showed that LMX had no significant effect on athlete’s perceived performance. The implications of the effect of authentic and transformational leadership on LMX and perceived athlete performance are discussed.
Combining Experimental and Observational Studies in Meta-Analysis: A Mutual Debiasing Approach∗

We propose a method for aggregating evidence from observational studies, which may be subject to internal selection bias, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which may be subject to site selection bias. We show that it is possible to nonparametrically debias both types of studies using an Instrumental Variables (IV) strategy, uncovering the true distribution of treatment effects for complier studies. As we often have a small number of studies, imperfect instruments, and observe study results with error, parametric hierarchical Bayesian models work well in practice. Our specific implementation uses the presence of a facilitating organisation such as the Jameel Poverty Action Lab (JPAL) or Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) as a novel Differences in Differences “Plausibly Exogenous” IV. This model point-identifies the internal selection bias for studies switching to the experimental design due to JPAL-IPA entry which is the negative local average treatment effect (LATE) in our setting. Applying this strategy to Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) and Microcredit shows substantial internal selection bias in observational studies of CCTs and much less for Microcredit; neither application shows evidence of RCT site selection bias, though credible intervals are wide with minimal updating. JEL codes: C21, C93, O1
Mattering and Anti-Mattering in Emotion Regulation and Life Satisfaction: A Mediational Analysis of Stress and Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The current study focused primarily on the associations that feelings of not mattering have with life satisfaction, stress, and distress among students trying to cope with the uncertain and novel circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 350 University students from Italy completed measures that included the General Mattering Scale and the Anti-Mattering Scale, as well as measures of self-esteem, difficulties in emotion regulation, life satisfaction, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression. Psychometric analyses confirmed the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the General Mattering Scale and the Anti-Mattering Scale. As expected, feelings of not mattering were associated with lower life satisfaction as well as with greater reported difficulties in emotion regulation, stress, and distress. Mattering and self-esteem were both unique predictors of levels of life satisfaction during the pandemic. The results of mediational analyses suggested that individuals who feel as though they do not matter may be especially vulnerable to stress, depression, and anxiety and this may promote a decline in life satisfaction. Given the potential destructiveness of feelings of not mattering, in general but especially during a global pandemic, it is essential to proactively develop interventions and programs that are designed to enhance feelings of mattering and reduce anti-mattering experiences and feelings.
Time coordination method for power system protection by evolutionary algorithm

A typical industrial power network may consist up to hundreds of pieces of equipment and requires even more protection relays to protect the system. Each protection relay in the power network needs to be coordinated with the relays protecting the adjacent equipment. The overall protection coordination is thus very complicated. A new concept of protection coordination by time is introduced in this paper to formulate all the system relays and system equipment operation into a set of optimization equations and constraints. Its purpose is to search for an optimal protection setting to minimize the system disturbance time as well as the time of interruption of power supply. An evolutionary algorithm is applied as a constraint satisfaction optimization tool to search for the optimal relay setting. This method can find out the best protection relay coordination that cannot be achieved by traditional methods. This is the most significant achievement.
Technology Use and Digital Learning Characteristics Among Malaysian Undergraduates

Digital natives, the net generation or millennial generation are among the labels used to describe the characteristics of learners who are now in universities. They are assumed to be proficient in and use a wide range of digital technologies. In addition, they were posited to have different learning preferences. A number of studies have been carried out to determine and describe their knowledge, skills, understanding and purposes of using technologies. However, some researchers have begun to question some of the claims made about this group regarding their ability to use technology especially for learning purposes. Research and information on this group of learners in the Malaysian and Asian context regarding their use of technology and learning needs are limited. This paper reports a study that investigated the technology use and digital learning characteristics of undergraduates at a Malaysian public university. The cross sectional survey involved a random sample of 1059 undergraduates at the university. The results of the study showed that the students made use of digital technologies for their social activities and academic work. They regularly made use of a number of digital tools such as the mobile phone, laptop computer, Internet websites, Google, and Facebook/ MySpace both for their social activities and learning purposes. They perceive the digital tools used in their daily life to be useful for formal learning. They also appeared to have learning preferences similar to those posited for digital natives. These findings suggest a need for universities to further explore ways to harness common and applicable digital technologies to enhance students’ learning. In general, these findings further point to a need for higher education environments in Malaysia to evaluate their capacity to facilitate the learning needs of the technology-driven and multi-sensory new generation of students. It is suggested that further studies be undertaken to validate the findings of the present study and explicate reasons for students’ preferred use of digital technologies for formal and informal learning
Risk of Breast Cancer With Prolactin Elevating Antipsychotic Drugs

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Abstract Purpose/Background Antipsychotic drugs are well established to alter circulating prolactin levels by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary. Prolactin activates many genes important in the development of breast cancer. Prior studies have found an association with antipsychotic use and risk of breast cancer. Methods/Procedures The IBM MarketScan Commercial and Medicaid Databases were used to establish a large, observational cohort of women taking antipsychotics drugs compared with anticonvulsants or lithium. A new user design was used that required 12 months of insurance enrollment before the first antipsychotic or anticonvulsant/lithium prescription. Invasive breast cancer was identified using diagnostic codes. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the risk of breast cancer with antipsychotic drug exposure controlling for age and other risk factors. Findings/Results A total of 914 cases (0.16%) of invasive breast cancer were identified among 540,737 women. Exposure to all antipsychotics was independently associated with a 35% increased risk of breast cancer (aHR [adjusted hazard ratio], 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–1.61). Category 1 drugs (high prolactin) were associated with a 62% increased risk (aHR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.30–2.03), category 2 drugs a 54% increased risk (aHR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.19–1.99), and category 3 drugs were not associated with breast cancer risk. Implications/Conclusions In the largest study of antipsychotics taken by US women, a higher risk between antipsychotic drug use and increased risk for breast cancer was observed, with a differential higher association with antipsychotic categories that elevate prolactin. Our study confirms other recent observational studies of increased breast cancer risk with antipsychotics that elevate prolactin.
Outcomes of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for C. difficile Infection in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a safe and effective therapy for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Data on FMT for CDI in patients with underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are emerging but conflicting. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to describe the efficacy and safety of FMT for CDI in IBD and its impact on IBD outcomes. Methods: A systematic search of multiple databases including Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed. Our primary analysis focused on pooled rate of CDI resolution after single and multiple FMTs in IBD patients. Additional analyses included rates of IBD-associated outcomes (flare, surgery, symptom improvement) after FMT. The random-effects model was used to calculate pooled rates. Results: Among 457 adult patients, 363 had CDI resolution after first FMT with a pooled cure rate of 78% [95% confidence interval (CI): 73%-83%; I 2=39%]. Overall pooled rate cure rate with single and multiple FMTs was 88% (95% CI: 81%-94%; I 2=73%). The pooled rate of an IBD flare after FMT was 26.8% (95% CI: 22.5%-31.6%; I 2=9%) and of colectomy was 7.3% (95% CI: 4.7%-10.5%; I 2=56%). Among 141 pediatric patients, 106 had CDI resolution after first FMT with pooled cure rate of 78% (95% CI: 58%-93%; I 2=59%). Overall pooled cure rate with single and multiple FMTs was 77% (95% CI: 50%-96%; I 2=63%). The pooled rate of an IBD flare after FMT was 10.8% (95% CI: 5.7%-18.5% I 2=43%), and of colectomy was 10.3% (95% CI: 2.1%-30.2% I 2=23%). Conclusions: FMT appears to be a highly effective therapy for preventing recurrent CDI in patients with IBD. Patients who fail a single FMT may benefit from multiple FMTs.
Toward Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Long-Term Care: A Scoping Review on Practical Approaches

Abstract Background and Objectives Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely positioned to become a key element of intelligent technologies used in the long-term care (LTC) for older adults. The increasing relevance and adoption of AI has encouraged debate over the societal and ethical implications of introducing and scaling AI. This scoping review investigates how the design and implementation of AI technologies in LTC is addressed responsibly: so-called responsible innovation (RI). Research Design and Methods We conducted a systematic literature search in 5 electronic databases using concepts related to LTC, AI, and RI. We then performed a descriptive and thematic analysis to map the key concepts, types of evidence, and gaps in the literature. Results After reviewing 3,339 papers, 25 papers were identified that met our inclusion criteria. From this literature, we extracted 3 overarching themes: user-oriented AI innovation; framing AI as a solution to RI issues; and context-sensitivity. Our results provide an overview of measures taken and recommendations provided to address responsible AI innovation in LTC. Discussion and Implications The review underlines the importance of the context of use when addressing responsible AI innovation in LTC. However, limited empirical evidence actually details how responsible AI innovation is addressed in context. Therefore, we recommend expanding empirical studies on RI at the level of specific AI technologies and their local contexts of use. Also, we call for more specific frameworks for responsible AI innovation in LTC to flexibly guide researchers and innovators. Future frameworks should clearly distinguish between RI processes and outcomes.
Experimental and numerical investigation of interaction between turbine stage and exhaust hood

Abstract The current article describes the experimental and numerical studies on the flow field in a coupled turbine stage and exhaust hood model. The low subsonic stage with 22 stator blades and 30 rotor blades is especially designed for the hood model, which is a typical design for a 300/600 MW steam turbine. Velocity distributions at the inlet, outlet, and hood exit stages, in addition to static pressure distributions at the diffuser tip and hub end-walls and at the hood outer casing, are measured and compared with the numerical prediction. The flow details in the exhaust system with the whole annulus stator and rotor blade rows are simulated by employing the computational fluid dynamics software. Good agreements between numerical and experimental results are demonstrated. It is found that the swirl angle profile and total pressure profile due to the upstream turbine stage at the diffuser inlet have an unfavourable effect on the exhaust hood performance.
STUDY OF THE TRAINING EFFECT OF PASSIVE REPEATED PLYOMETRIC TRAINING MACHINE

In order to train high level muscle power, the function of reflex stretch and phenomenon of stretch-shortening-cycle in neuromuscular system were used to design Passive Repeated Plyometric Training Machine (PRP Training Machine). This present study tried to compare the training effect of muscle strength and power between the PRP training method and the traditional isotonic weight training method. The results were analyzed by repeated measurement t-test revealed that both training methods could significantly increase muscle strength and power (p<.05). And the independent t-test showed that the effect of power training by PRP training was significantly better than the traditional isotonic weight training. The findings of this study suggested that the PRP Training Machine is an efficient training equipment for muscle strength and power.
Analysis of CMOS Photodiodes. II. Lateral photoresponse

For pt.I see ibid., vol.50, no.5, p.1233-38 (2003). In Part I of this paper, an improved one-dimensional (1-D) analysis and a semiempirical model of quantum efficiency for CMOS photodiode was illustrated. In this part of the paper, the lateral photoresponse in CMOS photodiode arrays is investigated with test linear photodiode arrays and numerical device simulations. It is shown that the surface recombination and mobility degradation along the Si-SiO/sub 2/ interface are important factors in determining the lateral photoresponse of CMOS photodiodes. The limitations of traditional analytical approaches are briefly discussed in this context, and a novel three-dimensional (3-D) analysis of lateral photoresponse is presented. Given the significant dependence of lateral photoresponse on the Si-SiO/sub 2/ interface quality, an empirical characterization method is proposed as a more reliable solution to modeling lateral photoresponse.
Lipopeptide production by Serratia marcescens SmSA using a Taguchi design and its application in enhanced heavy oil recovery

Abstract Biosurfactant production at reactor level by Serratia marcescens SmSA was optimized and evaluated to enhance the heavy oil recovery on carbonate rocks. Temperature, agitation, and carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio were evaluated to optimize biosurfactant production by using a Taguchi (L9) design. The best conditions (C/N ratio: 6, 25 °C, and agitation: 100 rpm) were used to scale up the biosurfactant production with a 3-L bioreactor. The best aeration for biosurfactant production was 0.66 volume of air per volume of liquid per minute (vvm), producing the lowest surface tension (26 mN/m) in 14 h, with a biosurfactant yield of 14.26 g/L as a crude product and 2.85 g/L as a purified product, and a critical micelle concentration of 280 mg/L. The biosurfactant was characterized as a lipopeptide, and it was stable under extreme conditions: pH (2–12), salinity up to 200 g/L, and temperature up to 150 °C confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. Enhanced oil recovery test was carried out with a carbonate core and heavy oil under reservoir conditions, obtaining an additional recovery of 8%, due to reduced interfacial tension and modified wettability of the rock. These findings highlight the potential application of S. marcescens SmSA biosurfactant in enhanced oil recovery.
Thermosonic bonding of an optical transceiver based on an 8/spl times/8 vertical cavity surface emitting laser array

This paper reports the results of our thermosonic (T/S) flip-chip bonding process development for the assembly of a smart pixel array (SPA) using an 8/spl times/8 vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) array. The introduction of ultrasonic energy into the flip-chip bonding process increases the speed of the assembly process while at the same time lowering the physical stresses (temperature and assembly force) applied to bond the components. Many empirical studies have shown that T/S flip-chip bonding is feasible, but there is a lack of detailed understanding of the effects of the ultrasonic energy on the bonding results. We are conducting experiments and developing models that will provide a sound understanding and a rational basis for T/S flip-chip bonding. In particular, we have addressed the problems of the impact of joint bump size, control of the assembly force, and the repeatability of the ultrasonic power. This report details our findings concerning the following aspects important to the development of T/S flip-chip bonding technology: (1) Computer modeling to guide the selection of design parameters and provide a basis to study the effects of the interaction of the critical design and process parameters on process yield. (2) Design of a new end effector for accurately applying and monitoring small assembly force. (3) Monitoring and controlling the impedance of the ultrasonic mechanical and electrical system in order to insure repeatable delivery of acoustic energy to the assembly.
Isolation and Characterization of Fetal Adnexa-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Nili- Ravi Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Received: Revised: Accepted: Published online: January 23, 2021 July 14, 2021 August 05, 2021 September 02, 2021 Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are extremely valuable in veterinary and human medicine due to their potential application in regenerative medicine. The purpose of this study was to isolate, differentiate and characterize bovine MSCs (bMSCs) from fetal adnexa including amniotic fluid (AF) and Wharton’s jelly (WJ) of Nili-Ravi buffalo during the second trimester. After slaughtering of the animals, pregnant uteri (n=3) were retrieved and properly disinfected before bMSC isolation. The cells from AF were isolated by centrifugation at 400g for 10 minutes, while from WJ by enzymatic digestion with trypsin-EDTA (0.05%). The isolated cells were studied for their plastic adherence, phenotype identification, metabolic activity and in vitro differentiation ability. The isolated AF and WJ bMSCs were fibroblast-like cells in their phenotype, adhered to plastic, showed similar metabolic potential and population doubling time (PDT), but proliferative activity was initially higher (P<0.05) in WJ-bMSCs. When appropriately induced, both cell types showed mesodermal differentiation into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages which was further affirmed by immunolocalization of fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4) and osteopontin (OST), respectively. However, image analysis revealed that the osteogenic activity of WJ-bMSCs was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of AFbMSCs. MSC surface markers (CD73 and CD90) were also positively expressed by both cell types. The study showed that the fetal adnexa of buffalo is a rich source of MSCs for culture and has robust differentiation capabilities.
The education and the legal system: inter-systemic collaborations identified by Australian schools to more effectively reduce cyberbullying

Abstract It is an expectation of Australian schools to address student cyberbullying. However, schools may struggle to be effective if other societal systems are not aligned and supportive. Within this ecological framing, this qualitative study used interview and focus group methods to gather secondary school stakeholder perspectives about the role the legal system plays in helping schools to prevent and intervene in student cyberbullying. School leaders, specialist staff, teachers, students and parents participated. A thematic analysis uncovered three themes with implications for improving school capacity with the help of society’s legal system: What schools can and cannot do to reduce cyberbullying; the role of police in school-based cyberbullying management; and the need for education and legal inter-systemic collaborations to meet school-identified challenges in addressing student cyberbullying.