Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Magnitude and causes of visual impairment amongst school children in the Bono Region of Ghana

Background: Information on the visual health of school children can assist in developing strategies to reduce preventable causes of visual impairment (VI) and maintain good vision. Aim: This study aimed to determine the magnitude and causes of VI amongst basic school children aged 6–16 years in the Bono Region of Ghana. Setting: The study site included five basic schools in 12 administrative districts of the Bono Region of Ghana. Methods: A multistage random sampling technique was used to enrol 645 participants from five selected public schools. Results: Overall, 1.4% of the sample had some form of VI that was worse than mild or no VI, and ocular conditions were present amongst 45.1% of the participants. Uncorrected refractive error (URE) was found amongst 9.8% of the study participants ( n = 63) and was an important cause of VI. Other ocular conditions detected in the sample included allergic conjunctivitis ( n = 174), cataract ( n = 2) and keratoconus ( n = 2). Overall, 632 (98.0%) participants recorded a visual acuity (VA) of 20/20 – 20/60, 11 (1.7%) participants had a VA of < 20/60 – 20/200, 1 (0.15%) participant had a VA of < 20/200 – 10/200 and 1 (0.15%) participant had a VA of < 10/200. Conclusion: The presence of ocular conditions was high amongst the study participants (45.1%). However, the prevalence of VI was found to be low (1.4%) with URE being the most common cause. This study supports the need to intensify awareness of ocular conditions and/or VI in basic schools through regular vision health screening and education.
Reciprocal associations between executive function and academic achievement: A conceptual replication of Schmitt et al. (2017)

The goal of the current study was to conduct a conceptual replication of the reciprocal associations between executive function (EF) and academic achievement reported in Schmitt et al. (2017). Using two independent samples (N (STAR) = 279, and N (Pathways) = 277), we examined whether the patterns of associations between EF and achievement across preschool and kindergarten reported in Schmitt et al. (2017) replicated using the same model specifications, similar EF and achievement measures, and across a similar developmental age period. Consistent with original findings, EF predicted subsequent math achievement in both samples. Specifically, in the STAR sample, EF predicted math achievement from preschool to kindergarten, and kindergarten to first grade. In the Pathways sample, EF at kindergarten predicted both math and literacy achievement in first grade. However, contrary to the original findings, we were unable to replicate the bidirectional associations between math achievement and EF in either of the replication samples. Overall, the current conceptual replication has revealed that bidirectional associations between EF and academic skills might not be robust to slight differences in EF measures and number of measurement occasions, which has implications for our understanding of the development EF and academic skills across early childhood. The present findings underscore the need for more standardization in both measurement and modeling approaches – without which the inconsistency of findings in published studies may continue across this area of research.
The Effects of Ice Floe‐Floe Interactions on Pressure Ridging in Sea Ice

The mechanical interactions between ice floes in the polar sea‐ice packs play an important role in the state and predictability of the sea‐ice cover. We use a Lagrangian‐based numerical model to investigate such floe‐floe interactions. Our simulations show that elastic and reversible deformation offers significant resistance to compression before ice floes yield with brittle failure. Compressional strength dramatically decreases once pressure ridges start to form, which implies that thicker sea ice is not necessarily stronger than thinner ice. The mechanical transition is not accounted for in most current sea‐ice models that describe ice strength by thickness alone. We propose a parameterization that describes failure mechanics from fracture toughness and Coulomb sliding, improving the representation of ridge building dynamics in particle‐based and continuum sea‐ice models.
Influence of the Population Density of Cities on Energy Consumption of Their Households

36% of the energy consumed and 40% of emissions are due to buildings in the residential and tertiary sectors. These antecedents have forced governments to focus on saving energy and reducing emissions in this sector. To help government decision-making and facilitate energy planning for utilities, this work analyzes the energy consumption that occurs in city buildings. The information used to carry it out is publicly accessible. The study is carried out from the point of view of the population density of the cities, and these are analyzed individually. Furthermore, the area actually occupied by the city has been considered. The results are studied by inhabitant and household. The proposed method has been applied to the case of Spanish cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants. The results show that the higher the population density, the higher the energy consumption. This occurs both per inhabitant and per household. Furthermore, the consumption of electrical energy is inelastic, which is not the case with the consumption of thermal origin.
It’s Practice. But is it Strategy? Reinvigorating strategy-as-practice by rethinking consequentiality

In this essay we revisit the radical agenda proposed by strategy-as-practice scholars to study strategy as it emerges within people’s practices. We show that, while much progress has been made, there is still a dominant focus on articulated strategies, which has implications for what is seen as strategic. We anchor our argument in the notion of consequentiality – a guiding yet, ironically, constraining principle of the strategy-as-practice agenda. Our paper proposes a deeper understanding of the notion of strategy as ‘consequential’ in terms of both what is important to a wider range of actors and also following the consequences of these actors’ practices through the patterns of action that they construct. In doing so, we offer a conceptual and an empirical approach to reinvigorating the strategy-as-practice agenda by inviting scholars to take a more active role in field sites, in deciding and explaining what practices are strategic.
The future of food tourism in a post-COVID-19 world: insights from New Zealand

PurposeThis paper considers two sectors critical to New Zealand's economy and identity – food and tourism – and addresses the question: what role will – or could – food and drink play in a more resilient tourism future for the country? Design/methodology/approachThis is largely a conceptual paper, informed by the academic literature, media commentary and recent market research.FindingsThe paper concludes that there are trends apparent in the food and tourism sectors prior to the COVID-19 pandemic that have intensified during lockdown and which are likely to influence the resetting of tourism on a more resilient and regenerative pathway. Three potential trends in food and drink tourism are identified, labelled “Getting back to basics”, “Valuing local and locals” and “Food for well-being”. Originality/valueBy synthesising recent research and academic, industry and media commentaries, this paper provides a timely assessment of a potential future role of food and drink tourism in a reimagined tourism sector for New Zealand, with this assessment offering a starting point for further discussions about a more regenerative, equitable and inclusive tourism future.
Qualitative Components of Dyspnea during Incremental Exercise across the COPD Continuum

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. ABSTRACT Introduction Evaluation of the intensity and quality of activity-related dyspnea is potentially useful in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present study sought to examine associations between qualitative dyspnea descriptors, dyspnea intensity ratings, dynamic respiratory mechanics, and exercise capacity during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in COPD and healthy controls. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 261 patients with mild-to-very severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, 62 ± 25%pred) and 94 age-matched controls (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, 114 ± 14%pred) completed an incremental cycle CPET to determine peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak). Throughout exercise, expired gases, operating lung volumes, and dyspnea intensity were assessed. At peak exercise, dyspnea quality was assessed using a modified 15-item questionnaire. Results Logistic regression analysis revealed that among 15 dyspnea descriptors, only those alluding to the cluster “unsatisfied inspiration” were consistently associated with an increased likelihood for both critical inspiratory mechanical constraint (end-inspiratory lung volume/total lung capacity ratio ≥0.9) during exercise and reduced exercise capacity (V˙O2peak < lower limit of normal) in COPD (odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 3.26 (1.40–7.60) and 3.04 (1.24–7.45), respectively; both, P < 0.05). Thus, patients reporting “unsatisfied inspiration” (n = 177 (68%)) had an increased relative frequency of critical inspiratory mechanical constraint and low exercise capacity compared with those who did not select this descriptor, regardless of COPD severity or peak dyspnea intensity scores. Conclusions In patients with COPD, regardless of disease severity, reporting descriptors in the unsatisfied inspiration cluster complemented traditional assessments of dyspnea during CPET and helped identify patients with critical mechanical abnormalities germane to exercise intolerance.
Physical, morphological, and biological studies on PLA/nHA composite nanofibrous webs containing Equisetum arvense herbal extract for bone tissue engineering

A series of herbal extract incorporated into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite nanofibrous scaffolds were successfully prepared by using electrospinning technique. Equisetum arvense extract (EE) and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) in different quantities were loaded into PLA solution to fabricate composite nanofibrous webs under various electrospinning conditions. Uniform nanofibers were obtained with an average diameter of 157 ± 47 nm in the case of those containing the herbal extract. Characterization of the webs was carried out by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Mechanical properties, porosity, and contact angle of the prepared webs were also determined. Releasing behavior was investigated in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.2) medium. Moreover, cell studies and osteogenic capacity were assessed in vitro using human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AT-MSC). Evaluations of cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation of AT-MSC were done by SEM observation and thiazolyl blue (MTT) assay. Osteogenic differentiation capability of AT-MSC on the nanofibrous webs was analyzed by alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium content assay. It was found that with the addition of nHA and EE to PLA nanofibrous webs, their surface hydrophobicity was reduced while the tensile strength and Young's modulus were increased satisfactorily. Regarding the samples containing EE and nHA, cellular adhesion was observed with flattened normal morphology. Osteogenic differentiation of AT-MSC on PLA/nHA/EE webs showed the highest mineralization capacity after 3 weeks which, was about 1.8 and 3 times higher than that of PLA/nHA and tissue culture polystyrene as control, respectively. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45343.
Object Control Skills Training for Children With Intellectual Disability: An Implementation Case Study

Children with intellectual disability (ID) tend to have difficulty with mastering fundamental movement skills, associated with cognitive deficits that impair skill acquisition. In this case study, motor learning evidence was transformed into an object control skills training program for children with ID in a school context. An implementation framework was used for program design, pilot, and evaluation. Research evidence on error-reduced motor learning was combined with practitioners’ insights to inform the program design. Children with ID in the participant school were allocated to a training or control group for the pilot; object control skills proficiency was the measured outcome. The lead trainer was interviewed and their notes were reviewed for process evaluation. Significant improvements in participants’ object control skills proficiency were found following training. The process evaluation confirmed fidelity and identified implementation factors. The systematically designed application was found beneficial for children with ID. Implementation criteria were identified for future iterations of an error-reduced approach to training movement skills of children with ID.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on fecal sludge resource recovery and reuse in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Resource recovery and reuse (RRR) of fecal sludge (FS) from onsite sanitation systems describes the concept of turning human waste into valuable end products. However, studies on peoples' perceptions of FS-derived products are still limited. Guided by the knowledge, attitudes and practices framework, and data from a survey of 395 households, focus group discussions and key informant interviews, this article explores how residents in three unplanned settlements of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania view FS RRR (FS-RRR). Results indicate that residents' knowledge about FS-RRR is moderately low. Moreover, residents generally have negative attitudes toward using FS-derived products, except for those not directly consumed, such as biogas or FS-briquettes. Additionally, only a few residents have engaged in any FS-RRR practices. We conclude that to increase local acceptance of FS-RRR will require significant efforts by a multitude of actors, not least to dispel myths linked to human waste, but also to raise awareness and demonstrate the benefits and safety of FS-derived products. The Tanzanian government must take the lead in this process and should start by prioritizing the improvement of fecal sludge management (FSM) to enable such a shift.
Suicide prevention gatekeeper training for those supporting refugees and asylum seekers: perspectives of participants

ABSTRACT This research explored participants’ experience and perceptions of a two-day suicide prevention education programme, and any impact that it has had on them and their work with refugees and asylum seekers since. At approximately six months post-training (May to September 2018), semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 15 participants. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Thematic analysis of the data identified two overarching themes and five subthemes. The two overarching themes were: (1) Changes to the individual and their practice; and (2) The culture and context of the work. Participants described a range of impacts that the training had on them and their workplace, in both personal and professional domains. The study findings suggest that equipping workers with skills and knowledge in culturally tailored and evidence-based suicide prevention can lead to an increased sense of hope, optimism, confidence, and agency and reportedly enabled workers to more readily intervene when presented with clients directly or indirectly communicating suicidal ideation. Findings support existing literature regarding gatekeeper training effectiveness. However, given the unique context of asylum seeker and refugee suicide, they also extend our understanding of the impact of bespoke or tailored approaches to gatekeeper training.
Psychological contract and work outcomes during COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThe purpose of the current research is to examine the impact of psychological contract fulfillment on work outcomes i.e. organizational commitment and job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also aims to check the mediating role of co-worker support and work engagement on organizational outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe current study has adopted a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional research design has been used with a snowball sampling technique. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire through Google Docs from 926 respondents working at different capacities in the service sector. The study includes those respondents who are working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). FindingsResults indicated that psychological contract fulfillment was positively impacting work outcomes i.e. organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Co-worker support and work engagement positively mediated the relationship between psychological contract fulfillment and work outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Multi-group analysis proved that there was a difference in opinion regarding the impact of psychological contract fulfillment on organizational commitment and job satisfaction amongst males and females.Originality/valueThe novel contribution of the study is integrating social exchange theory, organization support theory and social information processing theory during the pandemic situation. The results highlighted meticulous empirical evidence, which answers the question as to how the met expectations cause an advantageous effect on the employees as well as the organizations in this COVID-19 pandemic situation.
Knowledge of mothers about use of fissure sealant therapy and professional fluoride therapy among children in Saudi Arabia

Purpose: To evaluate mothers’ knowledge of the use of fissure sealant (FS) and topical fluoride (TF) therapy among children aged between 7 to 12 years in Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants (n = 350) were selected based on simple random sampling method from the mothers’ of children aged from 7 to 12 years old, attending outpatient pediatric dental clinics in College of Dentistry King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Results: The age group of mothers included are as follows: 31.7 % in 20 - 30 years age group, 53.1 % in 31 - 40 years age range, and 15.1 % in 41 - 50 years. On FS therapy benefits in the prevention of caries in children, 22 % responded that it was beneficial. When participants were asked regarding FS wearing out easily after application on the tooth, 8 % agreed while 13.4 % disagreed. A majority of mothers (40.9 %) agreed that TF therapy prevents caries, while 47.7 % stated that they brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. The mothers that disagreed that fluoride gel is recommended only for children, not for adults were 32.9 %. When the mothers were asked about the benefit of fluoride if its cost is taken into consideration, 46.6 % disagreed that fluoride gel was worth its cost, while 22.3 % took the opposite view. Conclusion: Positive knowledge of FS and TF therapy have been observed among mothers. However, mothers demonstrated greater positive knowledge of TF therapy than FS therapy.
Changes in the body size of black-veined white, Aporia crataegi (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), recorded in a natural population in response to different spring weather conditions and at different phases of an outbreak

Changes in body size in response to environmental factors (especially temperature) is one of the crucial traits studied in connection with insect adaptation to climate change. However, current data on the strength and direction of temperature-size responses in Lepidoptera are inconsistent and the reasons for this are unclear. This study investigates the relationship between the adult size of Aporia crataegi L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) and spring weather conditions (temperature and rainfall) at different phases in its outbreak cycle (low population density or high abundance). The forewing area of A. crataegi, a univoltine and irruptive Lepidopteran species, was used as a proxy for overall body size. It was found that temperature in the last month before imago emergence (May) and temperature in the larval growth period following overwintering (April) had differing effects on imago size. The fact that the wing size of both male and female A. crataegi increased following higher temperatures in May corresponds with the converse temperature-size rule and is consistent with the predictions of life history theory for univoltine species. Conversely, while imago size decreased following higher temperatures in April, increased rainfall had a slightly positive effect on imago size. The wings of A. crataegi at the peak of abundance were larger than when sampled during periods of low population density, contradicting available data on changes in the body weight of A. crataegi recorded during outbreaks.
Effects of temperature on the extraction of U(VI) and Pu(IV) by tris(2-methylbutyl) phosphate from nitric acid media

Abstract Extraction behavior of tris(2-methylbutyl) phosphate (T2MBP), a higher homologue of tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP), in the extraction of U(VI) and Pu(IV) from nitric acid media has been evaluated in the present study. Distribution ratios for the extraction of these metal ions by T2MBP were measured as a function of equilibrium aqueous phase nitric acid concentration, extractant concentration and temperature to understand the temperature effects on extraction. Enthalpies of extraction of T2MBP/n-dodecane-U(VI)-HNO3 and T2MBP/n-dodecane-Pu(IV)-HNO3 systems were calculated from the distribution ratio data using “second law” method. The data reveal that the extraction of U(VI) by T2MBP is exothermic in nature, whereas that of Pu(IV) is endothermic.
User participation, knowledge management capability and service innovation: e-commerce enterprises in the digital age

PurposeDespite the fact that user participation (UP) has been highlighted as an important aspect in innovation, previous findings on its relationship with service innovation performance (SIP) are inconsistent. This study aims to investigate the relationships among UP, knowledge management capability (KMC) and SIP, especially in the digital age, inspired by the theories of knowledge-based and absorptive capacity.Design/methodology/approachBased on a sample of 252 Chinese e-commerce enterprises, this study adopts a hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrap method to test the theoretical framework and research hypotheses.FindingsUP and KMC have positive effects on SIP, respectively. KMC plays a mediating role in the effect of UP on SIP. Furthermore, the intermediary role of KMC varies in different sub-paths between UP and SIP.Originality/valueFirst, this study provides some explanations for inconsistent arguments on the relationship between UP and service innovation. Second, with the consideration of specific dimensions of UP and SIP, the mediation role of KMC varies in different sub-paths has been recognized, which provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between UP and SIP. Third, this study opens the discussion about how to realize SIP more effectively in the digital age, advancing theoretical and practical developments on service innovation.