Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explicating factors that explain condom use intention among in-school adolescents in Botswana: a structural equation modelling approach

ABSTRACT Knowledge with respect to adolescents’ intentions to engage in protective sexual behaviours is still deficient in numerous countries around the world, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where HIV prevalence is the highest. Increasing cross-sectional research suggests that the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) is robust in predicting condom use intentions. This study used secondary, baseline data from a study involving 794 in-school adolescents. A structural equation model was applied to the data. Latent variables were used to validate the applicability of the TPB in HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescents in the Botswana context. The predictors of interest were all derived from the TPB. The results revealed that the TPB predictors, apart from affective and instrumental attitude, were predictive of condom use intention among Batswana adolescents. The independent variables explained 57% of the variance in the model. These results suggest that the TPB is recommended as a framework to establish the predictors of condom use intention among Batswana in-school adolescents. Policy makers working on developing HIV education programmes or interventions targeted at adolescents should improve the intention to use condoms via promotion of positive instrumental attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control beliefs of condom use.
Teniposide-intensified hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with acute graft versus host disease prophylaxis with anti-thymocyte globulin provides good results in high-risk or refractory recurrent hematopoietic malignant diseases.

BACKGROUND Teniposide, as a more potent inhibitor of topoisomerase II compared with etoposide, shows less damage on hematopoietic stem cells. Few data are available on teniposide in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for high-risk or refractory recurrent hematopoietic malignant diseases, particularly for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS A retrospective single arm study was conducted to confirm the feasibility of teniposide (300 mg/m2) -intensified HSCT in the treatment of high-risk or refractory recurrent hematopoietic malignant disease by analysing the outcomes of 32 patients, who received transplantation between January 2016 and December 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate prognostic factors of the endpoints. Statistically significant factors (P<0.05) in multivariate analyses were regarded to be predictive. RESULTS All patients achieved myeloid engraftment at a median of 13 days (range, 9-28 days), platelet engraftment at 15.5 days (range, 6-142 days), with a cumulative incidence (CI) of platelet engraftment of 93.75%±0.26%. The CI of grade II-IV acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) was 43.75%±0.80% and that of grade III-IV aGVHD 12.50%±0.35%. The CI of chronic (c)GVHD was 74.07%±0.82% and that of extensive cGVHD 33.33%±0.87%. The CI of relapse was 35.03%±0.76%. The one-year probability of overall survival (OS) was 62.50%±0.09%, while 2-year OS was 46.90%±0.09%, and those of 1- and 2-year leukemia-free-survival (LFS) were 56.30%±0.09% and 46.90%±0.09%, respectively. Generally, the OS and LFS until the end of our follow up were 43.50%±0.09% and 34.80%±0.11%, respectively. The probability of GVHD-free and relapse-free survival (GRFS) was 24.60%±0.08%. Multivariate analysis indicated that the probability of OS was significantly lower in patients with a disease duration of more than 280 days before receiving HSCT and in those with fewer mononuclear cells. For LFS, other than the above two factors, failure to achieve complete response (CR) before HSCT was another independent risk factor. Similarly, the probability of GRFS was significantly lower in patients with longer disease duration (≥280 days) and those receiving stem cells from female donors. CONCLUSIONS For patients with high-risk or refractory recurrent hematopoietic malignant disease, teniposide-based conditioning regimens followed by allo-HSCT can be considered as an alternative therapy with encouraging prognoses.
SOCS3 Gene Polymorphism and Hypertension Susceptibility in Chinese Population: A Two-Center Case-Control Study

Endothelial inflammation and vascular damage are essential risk factors contributing to hypertension. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is involved in the regulation of multiple inflammatory pathways. A large number of studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory effect of SOCS3 in hypertension, obesity, and allergic reactions has brought more insights into the inhibition of inflammation. Therefore, we selected a tagSNP of SOCS3 (rs8064821) to investigate whether they are contributing to the risk of hypertension in the Chinese population. In total, 532 patients with hypertension and 569 healthy controls were enrolled for two central of China. SOCS3 rs8064821 C>A polymorphism was genotyped using TaqMan assay. SOCS3 rs8064821 CA genotype was associated with an increased risk of hypertension (OR = 1.821, 95%CI = 1.276-2.600, P = 0.001). Rs8064821 A allele was associated with higher SOCS3 mRNA level in PBMCs from healthy donors. SOCS3 rs8064821 C>A polymorphism may contribute to the risk of hypertension in the Chinese population by regulating the expression of SOCS3.
MEASURING STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION TOWARDS THE CO-CURRICULAR TRAINERS: AN APPLICATION OF STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING TECHNIQUE

This study measures the students’ satisfaction towards the co-curricular trainers to grant them better quality of co-curricular service in boosting up their satisfaction level. The theoretical framework of measuring students’ satisfaction (SSCT Model) was developed based on relevant literatures and theoretical considerations adopted from the American Customer Satisfaction Index Model (ACSI Model). 362 usable and completed questionnaires was collected from co-curricular students in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Kedah, Malaysia. Data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique, to estimate the fit indices for all the latent variables (i.e. student’s expectation towards the trainer, perceived quality, perceived value, students’ satisfaction (SSCT),trainers image and students confidence). Results conjectured that students’ satisfaction (SSCT Model) is analogous to the existing model (ACSI Model) as the model had a good fit. Thus, the SSCT Model can be implemented as a stuctured model for measuring students’ satisfaction towards the co-curricular trainers.
The 3-RRS Wrist: A New, Very Simple and Not Over-Constrained Spherical Parallel Manipulator

Orientating a rigid body without changing its position is required in many technical applications. This manipulation task is accomplished by manipulators (spherical manipulators) that are just able to make the end effector move according to controlled spherical motions. Spherical manipulators can be either serial or parallel. Parallel architectures are usually more stiff and precise than the serial ones, whereas their structures are more complex than the serial ones. This paper presents a new three-equal-legged spherical parallel manipulator, named 3-RRS wrist. The 3-RRS wrist is not overconstrained and exhibits a very simple architecture employing just three passive revolute pairs, three passive spherical pairs and three actuated revolute pairs adjacent to the frame. The kinematic analysis of the 3-RRS wrist is addressed and fully solved. Finally, its singularity conditions are written in explicit form and discussed. The results of this analysis lead to the conclusion that the new manipulator has only two types of singularities both easy to be identified with geometric reasoning.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Transfer learning based recurrent neural network algorithm for linguistic analysis

Each language is a system of understanding and skills that allow language users to work together, hypothesize, express thoughts, opinions; wishes need to be articulated. Linguistics is the research of these structures in all respects: the composition, usage, and sociology of language, in particular, are the core of linguistics. Machine learning is the research area that allows machines to learn without being specifically scheduled. In linguistics, the design of writing is understood to be a foundation for many distinct company apps and probably the most useful if incorporated with machine learning methods. Research shows that besides text tagging and algorithm training, there are major problems in the field of big data. This article provides a collaborative effort (transfer learning integrated into recurrent neural network) to analyze the distinct kinds of writing between the language's linear and noncomputational sides and to enhance granularity. In addition to this, this article creates a recurrent neural network model for learning and processing text data automatically. RNN based linguistic process is fast and cost‐effective. It analyses the text data automatically and iteratively. This is the main reason for using RNN for the linguistic process. The outcome demonstrates stronger incorporation of granularity into the language from both sides. Comparative results of machine learning algorithms are used to determine the best way to analyze and interpret the structure of the language.
Requirements for Information Technology with Newly Hired Management Accounting Graduates

The purpose of this paper is to determine what employers require newly hired management accounting graduates to have in terms of information technology knowledge and skills. The management accounting curriculum literature was examined along with pronouncements from relevant professional associations. CFOs at some of the largest New Zealand firms were interviewed. These CFOs were consistent on the IT knowledge and skills required by management accounting graduates, i.e., intermediate proficiency in some Microsoft tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and familiarity with an ERP system to understand transaction processing. Of those requirements Excel for analysis was by far the most important. Our contribution challenges the literature and the professional associations, and clarifies what educators should provide to management accounting students.
Improved wide-band Schiffman phase shifter

In this paper, one improved wide-band Schiffman phase shifter is presented by modifying the ground plane underneath the coupled lines. In this new design, with the ground plane under the coupled lines removed, the even-mode impedance will be increased substantially. Meanwhile, we propose that one additional isolated rectangular conductor is placed under the coupled lines to act as one capacitor so that the odd-mode impedance is decreased. The proposed new design was simulated by the full-wave electromagnetic software IE3D and validated by the measurement. Compared with the cascading microstrip multisection coupled-line configuration, our newly proposed planar one with a patterned ground plane is small in size and, meanwhile, has a good performance. As an example, one Schiffman phase shifter on a double-sided printed circuit board is designed, simulated, fabricated, and measured. The measured amplitude and phase imbalance between the two paths are within 0.5 dB and 5/spl deg/, respectively, over the frequency band from 1.5 to 3.1 GHz, or around 70% bandwidth. The measured return loss is found to be better than -12 dB over the operating frequency band.
Performance of Early Fruit-Zone Leaf Removal in Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in an Arid Climate

Summary Goals: Our goals were to evaluate how the timing of early fruit-zone leaf removal, done between prebloom and post-fruit set, influenced the risk of reduced fruit set, sunburn, and fruit quality in Vitis vinifera Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grown in the hot, arid, and irrigated region of eastern Washington State. Key Findings: Fruit set was reduced in V. vinifera Cabernet Sauvignon when fruit-zone leaf removal was completed during bloom. Prebloom and postbloom fruit-zone leaf removal did not reduce fruit set. Sunburn occurred on fruit on the westside of the canopy in both V. vinifera Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Sunburn severity increased with later-timed fruit-zone leaf removal. Overall, the maximum severity of sunburn was 15% of the cluster surface area. Vintage had a greater effect on fruit quality than timing of leaf removal for both varieties. This emphasizes the need to make canopy management decisions that are informed by weather forecasts to achieve desired management goals. Impact and Significance: Early fruit-zone leaf removal was traditionally avoided in eastern Washington, in favor of completing the practice after berries have reached pea-size. The later timing of leaf removal, however, can result in sudden exposure of the fruit during the typically warmest and sunniest time of the growing season. Results from this study show that many of the assumed risks associated with early fruit-zone leaf removal, such as extreme reduction in fruit set and sunburn, are not fully realized. This means that early fruit-zone leaf removal could be adopted in this hot, arid climate without a high risk of reduction in fruit quantity or quality.
Restraint device for airway management in low-birthweight infants

Low-birthweight infants are at an increased risk of a compromised airway when restrained in a child safety seat (CSS). Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) use rolled towels and other positioning aids with a variety of unique techniques and methodologies to adapt a CSS to the specialised needs of this particular population at the time of discharge. A preemie positioning device (PPD) was developed as an enhancement to the existing occupant restraints, taking into consideration infant anthropometry, materials with suitable properties and analyses of infant airway patency. A numerical model consisting of a five-point CSS with the PPD and a novel anthropomorphic testing device representing a small infant weighing less than 2.5 kg was developed. The performance of the PPD was assessed through observation of the angle of the neck in flexion–extension bending during driving scenarios which may inhibit the respiratory function of a low-birthweight infant. Three foam materials and three PPD geometries exhibited more favourable neck angles with the PPD. In braking and roundabout scenarios the neck angle was increased in the range of 10°–30°. A sharp-turn manoeuvre yielded similar results with and without the PPD in terms of the final position of the head with respect to the torso. The proposed positioning aid is predicted to reduce the likelihood of respiratory compromise resulting from repositioning of the infant due to vehicle excitations. Analyses of crash performance indicate that with proper selection of the foam the PPD has similar or improved performance over a commercial CSS.
Can machine learning bring cardiovascular risk assessment to the next level? A methodological study using FOURIER trial data

Abstract Aims Through this proof of concept, we studied the potential added value of machine learning (ML) methods in building cardiovascular risk scores from structured data and the conditions under which they outperform linear statistical models. Methods and results Relying on extensive cardiovascular clinical data from FOURIER, a randomized clinical trial to test for evolocumab efficacy, we compared linear models, neural networks, random forest, and gradient boosting machines for predicting the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. To study the relative strengths of each method, we extended the comparison to restricted subsets of the full FOURIER dataset, limiting either the number of available patients or the number of their characteristics. When using all the 428 covariates available in the dataset, ML methods significantly (c-index 0.67, P-value 2e−5) outperformed linear models built from the same variables (c-index 0.62), as well as a reference cardiovascular risk score based on only 10 variables (c-index 0.60). We showed that gradient boosting—the best performing model in our setting—requires fewer patients and significantly outperforms linear models when using large numbers of variables. On the other hand, we illustrate how linear models suffer from being trained on too many variables, thus requiring a more careful prior selection. These ML methods proved to consistently improve risk assessment, to be interpretable despite their complexity and to help identify the minimal set of covariates necessary to achieve top performance. Conclusion In the field of secondary cardiovascular events prevention, given the increased availability of extensive electronic health records, ML methods could open the door to more powerful tools for patient risk stratification and treatment allocation strategies.
Relative Importance Index (RII) In Ranking the Factors of Employer Satisfaction Towards Industrial Training Students

This study aims to examine the level of employer satisfaction towards industrial training students of the UiTM Pahang Civil Engineering Diploma Program and identify employer satisfaction factors for industrial training students from aspects of knowledge, personality, generic skills, and soft skills. This study is focused on semester four students undergoing industrial training. This study was conducted on 158 respondents from various organizations. Using the important relative index (RII), the level of important factors was ranked through the value of the index. Findings show the highest employer satisfaction is towards the student mastering their knowledge, adhering to the working hours, improving their skills and knowledge, and communicating well with co-workers. Besides, it also shows a good correlation between knowledge and personality among industrial training students. This study found that industrial training students of the Civil Engineering Diploma Program had a good level of control over all four domains. Overall findings showed that employers are satisfied with the industrial training students of the UiTM Pahang Civil Engineering Diploma Program. This study is important to measure the effectiveness of the industrial training syllabus in terms of achieving the program outcomes addressed in the syllabus
Psychoradiological abnormalities in treatment‐naive noncomorbid patients with posttraumatic stress disorder

Neuroimaging studies in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have identified various alterations in white matter (WM) microstructural organization. However, it remains unclear whether these are localized to specific regions of fiber tracts, and what diagnostic value they might have. This study set out to explore the spatial profile of WM abnormalities along defined fiber tracts in PTSD.
Mix Proportion of Concrete Containing Oil Palm Wastes as Replacement for Conventional Constituents

Oil palm waste materials which consist of palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and oil palm shell (OPS) are contributing negatively towards the environment as they are normally disposed in landfills. In recent years, research studies found that POFA and OPS can be used as potential replacements for cement and coarse aggregates respectively in the effort to solve the environmental problems contributed by these wastes. In this study, POFA was used to replace ordinary Portland cement at 15% by weight of binder while OPS fully replaced the coarse aggregates to produce lightweight concrete. A suitable mix proportion for OPS concrete was determined through several trial mixes and then cement was partially replaced by POFA to produce POFA OPS concrete. The POFA OPS concrete registered density of 1870 kg/m3 which categorises it as a lightweight concrete. This concrete also produced slump value of 100 mm and compressive strength of 25.50 and 30.50 MPa at age 7 and 28 days respectively.
On the recovery of a band-limited signal, after instantaneous companding and subsequent band limiting

If f(t) is a band-limited function, with band limit −Ω to Ω, the result of instantaneously companding f(t) is in general no longer band-limited. Nevertheless, it has been proved that knowledge of merely those frequencies of the compandor output which lie in the band from — Ω to Ω is sufficient to recover the original signal f(t). An iteration formula has been proposed that, in theory, performs the desired recovery. In this paper we study in detail some of the practical questions raised by that formula. We show that the successive approximations converge to the solution f(t) at a geometric rate, uniformly for all t, and that the iteration procedure is stable. We then describe a method of performing the recovery in real time and a successful simulation, of it on a general-purpose analog computer. The circuit used in the simulation serves as a first approximation to a practical realization of the recovery scheme.
Primary Care Continuity and Wait Times to Receiving Breast Cancer Chemotherapy: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study Using CanIMPACT Data

(1) Background: Wait times to chemotherapy are associated with morbidity and mortality in breast cancer patients; however, it is unclear how primary care physician (PCP) continuity impacts these wait times, or whether this association is different in immigrants, who experience cancer care inequities. We assessed the association between PCP continuity and the contact-to-chemotherapy interval (wait time from when a patient first presents to healthcare to the first day of receiving breast cancer chemotherapy), with a specific look at the immigrant population. (2) Methods: Population-based, retrospective cohort study of women who were diagnosed with stage I–III breast cancer in Ontario who received surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. We used quantile regression at the median and 90th percentile to quantify the effect of PCP continuity on the contact-to-chemotherapy interval, performing a separate analysis on the immigrant population. (3) Results: Among 12,781 breast cancer patients, including 1706 immigrants, the median contact-to-chemotherapy interval (126 days) was 3.21 days shorter (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47–5.96) in symptom-detected patients with low PCP continuity, 10.68 days shorter (95% CI 5.36–16.00) in symptom-detected patients with no baseline PCP visits and 17.43 days longer (95% CI 0.90–34.76) in screen-detected immigrants with low PCP continuity compared to the same groups with high PCP continuity. (4) Conclusions: Higher PCP continuity was not associated with a change in the contact-to-chemotherapy interval for most of our study population, but was associated with a marginally longer interval in our symptom-detected population and a shorter contact-to-chemotherapy interval in screen-detected immigrants. This highlights the importance of PCP continuity among immigrants with positive screening results. Additionally, having no PCP visits at baseline was associated with a shorter contact-to-chemotherapy interval in symptom-detected patients.