Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors Related to Anxiety, Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is a major public health problem internationally. Although illness survival rates have improved, patients usually suffer multiple symptoms, both physical and psychological, which can affect their quality of life (QoL). The main aim of this study was to evaluate depressive symptoms, anxiety and the QoL of people with BC. An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out at Badajoz University Hospital (Spain). A total of 200 women with BC were included. EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires were used to assess QoL. Patients were screened for depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and for state anxiety and trait anxiety using the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Thirty-eight percent of the patients in the sample had moderate to severe anxiety, which was related to the time of diagnosis, advanced stage of illness and surgical treatment. We found that 28% of patients had depressive symptoms, related mainly with time of diagnosis, adjuvant therapy and number of cycles of chemotherapy (CT). Patients with the longest time since diagnosis, in stage III, and in treatment with CT, especially those with the greatest number of cycles, had the worst scores in QoL. We found a positive association between depressive symptoms and anxiety with QoL in patients with BC.
EE-MSWSN: Energy-Efficient Mobile Sink Scheduling in Wireless Sensor Networks

Data gathering using mobile sink (MS) based on rendezvous points (RPs) is a need in several Internet of Things (IoT) applications. However, devising energy-efficient and reliable tour planning strategies for MS is a challenging issue, considering that sensors have finite buffer space and disparate sensing rates. This is even more challenging in delay-tolerant networks, where it is more desirable to select the shortest traveling path. There exist several algorithms on MS scheduling, which are based on hierarchical protocols for data forwarding and data collection. These algorithms are lacking efficient tradeoff between the Quality-of-Service (QoS) requirements in terms of energy efficiency, reliability, and computational cost. Besides, these algorithms have shown high packet losses while jointly performing MS tour planning and buffer overflow management. To address these limitations, we propose EE-MSWSN, an energy-efficient MS wireless sensor network that reliably collects data by implementing efficient buffer management. It forms novel clustered tree-based structures to cover all the network, and select each RP based on 1) hop count; 2) number of accumulated data in each clustered tree; and 3) distance to the stationary sink. The extensive simulation results verify that the EE-MSWSN minimizes tour length for various network configurations and incurs less energy consumption while reliably gathering data without packet losses as compared with existing protocols.
Privatization and the Efficiency of Selected Enterprises in Nigeria

The privatization of state companies has grown into a global trend with its origin traced to developed countries. This study investigated privatization and the efficiency of some selected enterprises in Nigeria. The study adopted primary data in which questionnaire were given out to elicit responses in other to achieve the research objective. 74 questionnaire were giving to the head of operations of selected privatized hospitality industries in Nigeria. Multiple linear regression was used in analyzing the data gathered from respondents. Findings from the result of this study indicates that privatization is significant and positively related to efficiency of firms. The study concludes that privatization has significantly influenced the efficiencies of privatized enterprises in Nigeria. The study concluded that privatization enhances the efficiency of privatized enterprises in Nigeria. The study recommends that ownership structure should be structured to provide good incentive process that is beneficial to shareholders. The study further recommends that Privatized firms should be encouraged to allow for more management involvement in decision making process, this will go a long by providing cross fertilization of ideas.
Crossover Design and Evaluation of Labor Market Effects of Minimum Wages in China

We propose a crossover design, in which one of the two study groups crosses over from the treatment group in the first period to the control group in the second period, as an extension of the Difference-in-Differences (DID) method for evaluating treatment effects. We show that the crossover design can make reliable inferences on treatment effects while relaxing the parallel trends assumption of the DID design. We apply the crossover design to assess minimum wages effects in China, of which the validity of existing DID-based findings is in question due to the lack of a test of parallel trends.
Performance Evaluation of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) Hybrids for Increased Productivity under Polyhouse Conditions in Temperate Areas

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the leading vegetable crops in the world. In order to harness boom in tomato productivity, tomato hybrids are evaluated under varied agro-climatic conditions especially protected conditions. In the present study, morphological and biochemical properties of fourteen fresh tomato hybrids were analyzed under polyhouse in mid hill condition of Uttarakhand, India. The experiment was conducted during s rainy eason of 2012-2013 in randomized block design with three replications and fourteen treatments (each hybrid representing one treatment). The results showed that the tomato hybrid Himraja could perform outstandingly well for various morphological and quality characters viz., plant height (315.00 cm), percent fruit set (84.09 %), higher number of marketable fruits per plant (58.53), maximum marketable fruit yield per hectare (1080.00 q) and high TSS (7.98 oBrix) as compared to all other hybrids. Besides, it also proved the best with respect to disease resistance and profitability.
“When She Says Daddy”: Black Fathers’ Recidivism following Reentry from Jail

We report on the findings of a mixed methods longitudinal study of 84 African American fathers of young children who were enrolled into the study during the father’s jail stay. Participants were assessed using interviews, self-report measures, and administrative records on frequency of father–child contact, father–caregiver relationship quality, family support, paternal pre-incarceration employment, fathers’ plans to live with the child upon reentry, history of substance abuse, and new convictions one year following release from jail. Qualitative analysis revealed three primary identities of fathers during incarceration: father as nurturer, father as protector, and father as provider. Qualitative analysis of interview data detailed the ways in which the context of incarceration and the presence of the criminal justice system interacts with these identities to impact family structure, parent–child visits, plans for release, and motivation for desistance. Quantitative analysis indicated heterogeneity among fathers, with links between parent–child contact and desistance conditional on fathers’ plans for coresidence with children as well as family support and relationship quality. Taken together, the findings highlight the strengths of African American fathers and their families despite the risks associated with incarceration, including the importance of family support and children as motivation for desistance. The results have implications for how the justice system weighs the bidirectional influences of fathers and families.
The causal relationship between service quality, corporate image and adults' learning satisfaction and loyalty: A study of professional training programmes in a Taiwanese vocational institute

Vocational education has constituted one of the key factors in the rapid growth of the Taiwanese economy in the past decades. Recent increases in the number of vocational training institutes have resulted in higher market competition. Under such circumstances, institutes view themselves as providers of a quality service in order to attract prospective students. The study proposes a total student experience model that views service quality and institution image as critical factors that promote students' satisfaction level, which ultimately influences students' loyalty toward vocational training institutes. Data collected from a vocational training institute in Taiwan (n = 321) were analysed using structural equation modelling. Results showed that service quality and institution image are critical elements in maintaining student satisfaction; service quality and institution image influence student loyalty indirectly through student satisfaction levels. Thus, vocational training institutes should promote students' satisfaction and reactions in conjunction with improving service quality and institution image.
Investigation of Flow Changes in Intracranial Vascular Disease Models Constructed with MRA Images

This study aimed to develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible flow delivery system and individualized models of circle of Willis (CoW), which include 50% and 100% blockage in internal carotid artery (ICA50 and ICA100), and 100% blockage in vertebral artery (VA100). Images were obtained using 3D time-of-flight and phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) sequences, and changes in velocity and flow direction at CoW models were analyzed. For the ICA50 and VA100 models, the flow was similar to that of the normal model. For the ICA 50 model, it was found that 50% blockage did not affect cerebral blood flow. For the VA100 model, decreased flow in the posterior cerebral artery and a change to the flow direction in the posterior communicating artery were found. For the ICA100 model, particularly, decreased flow in the ipsilateral middle and anterior cerebral arteries and a change to the flow direction in the ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery of the CoW were found. These results demonstrated that the flow system with various CoW disease models tailored to individual characteristics could be used to predict stroke onset more quickly. For the ICA50 and VA100 models, the possibility of cerebral infarction was significantly lower. On the other hand, for the ICA100 model, there was a high possibility of decreased flow, which could lead to cerebral infarction.
E-LEARNING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING: WHAT IS GAINED AND WHAT IS LOST

This article will try to clarify two interesting dilemmas related to the up-to-date topic of e-learning: Are traditional methods of teaching in danger of becoming old- fashioned? And are students’ needs better served by using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools? We will answer these questions, as we discuss the case of foreign language and business communication teaching at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. Our research is based on a critical analysis of a twofold survey conducted both among undergraduate students and among foreign language teachers from this institution. We will bring into prominence the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning from both students’ and trainers’ perspectives, thus trying to offer a complex approach to e-learning in this specific field. Our initial assumption was that learners’ and trainers’ attitudes towards e-learning differ significantly. We expected that the first tend to emphasize the innovative character of e-learning, while the latter are more aware of its pitfalls compared to traditional teaching methods. However, our research findings have proved that these differences are not as many as expected. This study will show that in the field of foreign language and business communication teaching, the role of a blended approach (mixing traditional and innovative teaching methods) becomes a prerequisite for the education of the future.
Control of Eriophyid Mites on Cottonwood With Foliar Sprays, 1979

Two rates of three insecticides�Sevin, Kelthane, and Dursban-were tested against mites in a cottonwood nursery at Stoneville, Mississippi. Trees were in their 1st growing season and 1.8 to 3.0 m (6-10 ft) tall. Spacing was 1.1 m (3-1/2 ft) between rows and 0.9 m (3 ft) between trees. Five mite-infested trees were selected at random for each treatment and untreated check. We made foliar applications using a 7.6-litre (2-gal) hand sprayer calibrated at 1.4 kg pressure/cm2 (20 lb/in2) to deliver 102.9 litre finished spray per hectare (11 gal/acre). To evaluate treatment effectiveness, we randomly sampled 2 or 3 leaves from the terminal 46 cm (18 in) of each tree 48 h after treat-ment. Sample leaves were placed in petri dishes, taken to the laboratory, and immediately examined under a binocular scope. AM dead and living mites on each leaf were counted.
Design of Packaging Design Evaluation Architecture Based on Deep Learning

Most researchers use visual communication symbols to achieve the purpose of information dissemination, which is also a very important marketing tool for the current era of packaging design. And the use of visual communication technology to make better product packaging design has become one of most the important means for major enterprises to sell their products and construct a good brand image. In this paper, we use a deep CNN-based aesthetic classification method for splash screens and a deep learning-based NIMA neural network to predict the aesthetic evaluation distribution of splash screen images, respectively. The connotation of visual communication and packaging design and the impact of the role of visual communication technology on packaging design are analyzed.
State of Practice: Excavations in Soft Soils

This paper examines the state of practice of the design and construction of excavations in soft soils. The review is based primarily on the author's experience, published case histories, and discussions with colleagues involved in the design and construction of excavations in soft soils. It is not a survey of current practices, because such a survey would not be practicable, or even useful, because of many variations in local practices. The paper examines major milestones in the development of the design and construction of excavations in soft soils, and reviews recent developments and trends in design and construction practices. Traditionally, the design and construction of excavations is handled contractually as a design-build contract, with the responsibility for the design and construction of the shoring system delegated to the contractor. However, new developments in analytical design tools and construction methods, as well as wider recognition of the potential legal consequences of the impacts of excavation-induced deformations on existing structures, and the need to address these issues in advance of construction, is leading to new approaches in the design and construction of excavations in general, and for soft soils in particular. Recent innovations in construction methods, such as the introduction of deep-soil mixing and jet grouting, are providing greater flexibility in the design and construction of excavations for deformation control. This paper reviews these developments and summarizes data from case histories to illustrate practical application of these new methodologies and construction techniques for the design and construction of excavations in soft soils.
Statistical process control (SPC) in a high volume machining center : value of standard operating procedures

Statistical process control is implemented in a high volume machining center to reduce scrap and improve the quality of production. New hires are working in a complex production environment with excellent metrology resources that can be used for real time inspection but there is a lack of standard operating procedures to help them use these resources. A methodology for implementation of statistical process control is developed and evaluated by implementing it in a section of the machining center which has the biggest benefit. Gages are evaluated and control charts are established in that section. Operators are trained in the standard operating procedures related to the different components of SPC. The standard operating procedures are developed to be portable such that SPC can be used in various sections of the machining center. Findings include cost saving benefits and scrap rate reduction of approximately 50% can be achieved for the entire machining center by the implementation of statistical process control. A training matrix is developed to train different people of the company on the concepts of SPC. Implementing SPC in a high volume machining center has proved to deliver value in reduction of scrap, quality improvement, ability to react to changes for the new hires and other benefits. Standard operating procedures have made a difference in the quality inspection of parts and in maintaining high quality standards that can make the machining center a world class manufacturer. Thesis Supervisor: David E. Hardt Title: Ralph E. and Eloise F. Cross Professor of Mechanical Engineering Thesis Supervisor: Duane S. Boning Title: Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
The Impact of Sociodemographic Variables on Risk Factors Associated with Ischaemic Stroke Patients by Age Group

This study aims to identify the relevant risk factors based on different sociodemographic backgrounds among ischaemic stroke patients in relation to age. We included all adult ischaemic stroke patients from 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2019 who presented to Hospital Seberang Jaya. The study utilized data that were collected from medical records and were presented with descriptive and inferential statistics.
A Community-based Responsive Caregiving Program Improves Neurodevelopment in Two-year Old Children in a Middle-Income Country, Grenada, West Indies

ABSTRACT Many young children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are at risk of developmental delays. Early child development (ECD) interventions have been shown to improve outcomes, but few interventions have targeted culturally normative violence such as corporal punishment (CP). We partnered with an existing community-based ECD organization in the LMIC of Grenada to implement a parallel controlled-trial single-blind responsive caregiving intervention that educates parents about the developing brain and teaches alternatives to corporal punishment while building parental self-regulation skills and strengthening social-emotional connections between parent and child. Parents and primary caregivers with children under age two were eligible. Allocation to the intervention and waitlist control arms was unblinded and determined by recruitment into the program. Neurodevelopment was assessed by blinded testers when each child turned age two. Primary comparison consisted of neurodevelopmental scores between the intervention and waitlist control groups (Clinicaltrials.gov registration # NCT04697134). Secondary comparison consisted of changes in maternal mental health, home environment, and attitudes towards CP. Children in the intervention group (n = 153) had significantly higher scores than children in the control group (n = 151) on measures of cognition (p = .022), fine motor (p < .0001), gross motor (p = .015), and language development (p = .013). No difference in secondary outcomes, including CP, was detected.
Corporate Sustainability and Firm Performance: The Moderating Role of CEO Education and Tenure

The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of corporate sustainability on a firm’s financial performance. It particularly investigates the effectiveness of CEO characteristics as a moderator on corporate social responsibility (CSR)–firm financial performance linkages. This study is unique since it sheds new insight on how a CEO’s attributes may influence the relationship between CSR and financial performance. The evidence so far is sparse, since previous studies have investigated the direct effects of CEO or CSR on corporate performance. We look at a sample of 34 Saudi publicly traded companies from 2015 to 2020. Data on financial, accounting, and sustainability variables are collected from the Bloomberg database and the annual reports of the selected companies. Findings reveal that firms engaged in corporate social responsibility practices tend to have better financial performance. More importantly, it is found that in the moderation relationship of firm financial performance with corporate sustainability, CEO education and tenure act as positive moderators. In particular, results indicate that CEOs having an engineering- or a science-related degree positively affect the relationship between CSR and business performance. The relationship is further enhanced when the CEO holds an MBA. Finally, longer tenured CEOs play a positively moderating role in the association between firm performance and CSR.
Self-heating Parameter Extraction of Power Metal-oxide-silicon Field Effect Transistor Based on Transient Drain Current Measurement

Abstract For the use of circuit simulation model for power Metal-Oxide-Silicon Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs), the extraction of self-heating parameters based on transient I-V measurements has been developed. A set of transient drain current was measured through a pulsed I-V setup. The thermal resistance and thermal capacitance are extracted from the set of transient current data. The self-heating-free drain current, which is required for MOSFET model extraction, is obtained by extrapolating the transient data to t=0. Since the measurements after a certain delay are analyzed in this method, a very short pulse measurement which tends to suffer from ringing noises and requires a complicated DUT design is not required. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated for a power MOS model using the BSIMSOI parameter set.
Use of an exotic host plant shifts immunity, chemical defense, and viral burden in wild populations of a specialist insect herbivore

Abstract Defense against natural enemies constitutes an important driver of herbivore host range evolution in the wild. Populations of the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly, Euphydryas phaeton (Nymphalidae), have recently incorporated an exotic plant, Plantago lanceolata (Plantaginaceae), into their dietary range. To understand the tritrophic consequences of utilizing this exotic host plant, we examined immune performance, chemical defense, and interactions with a natural entomopathogen (Junonia coenia densovirus, Parvoviridae) across wild populations of this specialist herbivore. We measured three immune parameters, sequestration of defensive iridoid glycosides (IGs), and viral infection load in field‐collected caterpillars using either P. lanceolata or a native plant, Chelone glabra (Plantaginaceae). We found that larvae using the exotic plant exhibited reduced immunocompetence, compositional differences in IG sequestration, and higher in situ viral burdens compared to those using the native plant. On both host plants, high IG sequestration was associated with reduced hemocyte concentration in the larval hemolymph, providing the first evidence of incompatibility between sequestered chemical defenses and the immune response (i.e., the “vulnerable host” hypothesis) from a field‐based study. However, despite this negative relationship between IG sequestration and cellular immunity, caterpillars with greater sequestration harbored lower viral loads. While survival of virus‐infected individuals decreased with increasing viral burden, it ultimately did not differ between the exotic and native plants. These results provide evidence that: (1) phytochemical sequestration may contribute to defense against pathogens even when immunity is compromised and (2) herbivore persistence on exotic plant species may be facilitated by sequestration and its role in defense against natural enemies.