Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perspective of Health Care Providers about Barriers of Instructional Programs: A Qualitative Study

Background: The education presented to the clients by the health care personnel can guarantee the well-being of the individuals andstimulatesoundhealthcarebehaviorsinthem. Recognizingthebarrierstohealtheducationenhancestheunderstandingand knowledge of preventive services. Objectives: The present study aimed at investigating the perspective of health care providers about barriers of instructional programs in Iran. Methods: This qualitative study wasconducted inthe urbanhealth carecenters of Sanandaj, Westof Iran, in 2016. Usingpurposive sampling, 15 experienced employees in charge of health care education were included in the study. Data were collected through individual interview and group discussions, observation and ﬁeld notes, were and analyzed by conventional content analysis. To conﬁrm the accuracy and strength of the data, credibility, conﬁrmability, and transferability components were taken into account. Results: The results of data analysis yielded 5 major categories: (1) health center related problems; (2) lack of preparation for education; (3) clients’ problems; (4) personal problems of the personnel; and (5) organizational factors. The participants reported the signiﬁcance of intra- and intersectoral cooperation and coordination in implementation of health care education programs and the need for further attention from authorities to health care education. Conclusions: Theﬁndingsrevealedthatpresentationof healthcareeducationisacomplicatedissue,whichisinﬂuencedbyvarious factors. Also, the success of educational programs in health care centers is not merely an intrasectoral enterprise rather it requires the cooperation of the public media and related organizations, support of the society and attention of families and authorities to health education.
Análisis del rendimiento termodinámico de una bomba de calor asistida por energía solar utilizando un condensador con recirculación

This research studied a direct-expansion solar-assisted heat pump with a water recirculation system. The installed heat exchangers were a copper collector/evaporator of 0.75 m2 and a coil condenser built in copper pipe with a length of 2.49 m and 8 turns, submerged in a tank with 5 liters of water. It was used a centrifuge pump of 20 L/min at 110 V was used for the water recirculation. The installed compressor is a variable speed one at 12-24 V DC that uses R600a as working fluid. The throttling device installed was an electronic expansion valve. The experimental tests were carried out for a water recirculation setup and without recirculation, considering similar weather conditions. In this manner, it can be determined which configuration gives a higher performance to the system. To obtain data about incident solar radiation, wind speed and ambient temperature, a WS-1201 climatological station was employed. The system provided domestic hot water at 45 °C, delaying between 40 to 50 minutes, depending of the weather conditions. The maximum COP of the recirculation system was 9.83 an 8.04 % higher than the non-recirculation system. The heating time lasted 10 minutes less for the recirculation system, 16.67 % less than using the non-recirculation system.
Prolonged Low Interest Rates and Banking Stability

Banks in developed countries share a common concern that prolonged low nominal interest rates may pose a threat to their business, as the level of nominal interest rates is often positively correlated with bank profits in the data. It is not well understood, however, how low nominal interest rates impact bank profits and what they imply for banking stability. To address these issues, this study theoretically explores how the level of nominal interest rates affects bank profits and banking stability in the long run by extending a model of bank runs constructed by Gertler and Kiyotaki (American Economic Review, 2015). The model, calibrated to Japan and other developed countries, makes three predictions: (1) low interest rates do indeed reduce bank profits by compressing the deposit spread; (2) due to the presence of the effective lower bound of the policy rate and a slow recovery of bank net worth after a run, low interest rates bring the economy closer to a state where a bank run equilibrium can exist; (3) although there are quantitative differences across countries, a decline in nominal interest rates does not necessarily bring the economy to a state with a bank run equilibrium on its own, except for in severe cases where the TFP growth rate or the target inflation rate falls below zero.
Comparative analysis of game parameters between Italian league and Israeli league football matches

ABSTRACT The purpose of the current study was to determine the differences between top and average football playing. To do so we analysed 1,240 matches from the top Israeli and Italian leagues; each match included information on 455 game parameters. A two-phase analysis was performed. In Phase 1 of the analysis we found that the ball movement (e.g., higher number of passes into the box, higher number of key passes), as well as the attack efficiency (higher absolute and relative number of shots from the box, higher number of attacks that entered the box), are significantly superior in the Italian football league. In Phase 2, we identified which game parameters are most important for winning in both leagues. Our results revealed that the success of the matches in both leagues is determined by similar parameters, such as key passes, shots on target, actions up the pitch, and pass precision.
Photosynthetic and respiratory response of potato leaves of different ages during and after an episode of high temperature

Little is known about net photosynthetic rates (Pn) of potato during and after the end of a high‐temperature episode. We investigated Pn of potato leaves exposed to a high‐temperature episode. Plants were grown in the greenhouse at 22°C. Shortly after tuber initiation, plants were transferred to 30°C for 9 days and then returned to 22°C. High temperatures reduced Pn of older leaves but not of the youngest leaves. Effects were transitory; Pn of leaf 7 initially fell, but then increased to be higher than the control plants. High temperature increased respiration per unit area during the night and morning relative to the control plants. Leaves that emerged during the 30°C episode had higher Pn than the control plants when returned to 22°C. Results emphasise that it is not possible to use single‐leaf measurements to infer effects on photosynthesis throughout the canopy. Similarly, the diurnal variation in effects on respiration means that Pn measurements made only at midday are inadequate. Finally, the dynamic response of Pn to the high temperature and the persistent effects after the end of the episode mean that the impact of high‐temperature episodes cannot be extrapolated from experiments using constant temperature treatments.
How will the key marine calcifier Emiliania huxleyi respond to a warmer and more thermally variable ocean?

Abstract. Global warming will be combined with predicted increases in thermal variability in the future surface ocean, but how temperature dynamics will affect phytoplankton biology and biogeochemistry is largely unknown. Here, we examine the responses of the globally important marine coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi to thermal variations at two frequencies (1 d and 2 d) at low (18.5 ∘C) and high (25.5 ∘C) mean temperatures. Elevated temperature and thermal variation decreased growth, calcification and physiological rates, both individually and interactively. The 1 d thermal variation frequencies were less inhibitory than 2 d variations under high temperatures, indicating that high-frequency thermal fluctuations may reduce heat-induced mortality and mitigate some impacts of extreme high-temperature events. Cellular elemental composition and calcification was significantly affected by both thermal variation treatments relative to each other and to the constant temperature controls. The negative effects of thermal variation on E. huxleyi growth rate and physiology are especially pronounced at high temperatures. These responses of the key marine calcifier E. huxleyi to warmer, more variable temperature regimes have potentially large implications for ocean productivity and marine biogeochemical cycles under a future changing climate.
Board Gender Diversity and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya

Institutions are managed by board of directors who have delegated authority from the owners of the firm to enhance corporate governance. Board of directors manage the firms on behalf of the owners. Despite control measures being instituted by CBK as a regulator Kenyans have witnessed 40 commercial banks collapsing in the past. Most recent was 2015 and 2016 where three commercial banks collapsed with a combined asset valuation of Kshs 187.9 Billion. This caused panic in the sector. Eliciting examination of the influence of board gender diversity on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The target population was 43 commercial banks in operation in Kenya as at 31st December 2017. The study collected secondary data on board gender diversity as independent variable and return on equity as a dependent variable from 34 commercial banks for the years 2008 to 2017. Panel data was collected from the internet and perusal of the annual accounts of the individual commercial banks. The study adopted causal research design. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. For descriptive statistics: mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation was used to indicate the nature of both independent variable and dependent variable. For inferential statistics fixed effect regression model was adopted. Using STATA Version 13 to analyse data, the study revealed that board gender diversity had a negative but significant influence on return on equity across peer and across banks. However, in regard to time, board gender diversity had insignificant influence on return on equity across time. In regard to individual years, board gender diversity had a positive and significant variability on return on equity across time, across peer and across banks. This imply that board gender diversity had generally a negative influence on return on equity across time, across peer and across banks. Whereas, in regard to individual years, peer and bank, board gender diversity had a positive and significant variability on return on equity across time, across peer and across banks. Based on the analysis, the study concluded that board gender diversity had a negative but significant influence on return on equity on commercial banks in Kenya. The study recommended a board gender diversity to be embraced by commercial banks since as their increased presence might bring some positive influence in financial performance especially in small banks where currently some banks have not embraced board gender diversity. CBK Act stipulate that commercial banks diversify their boards.
Self-medication practices and predictors for self-medication with antibiotics and antimalarials among community in Mbeya City, Tanzania

Background : Self-medication with antimalarials and antibiotics is highly practiced worldwide particularly in developing countries including Tanzania. This study was carried out to determine self-medication practices with antimalarials and antibiotics, and as well as predictors for self-medication among urban communities of Mbeya in Tanzania. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive community survey was conducted in Mbeya City in the South-western highlands of Tanzania from April to June 2016. The study population comprised of adults participants aged 18 years and above. Face to face interviews were conducted using a structured pre-tested questionnaires. Data on self-medication practices and predictors of self-medication was assessed. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used s to assess predictors associated with self-medication with either antibiotic or antimalarials. Results: A total of 300 individuals (mean age= 35.4 ± 13.4 years) were involved in the study. Prevalence of self-medication with either of the drugs, antibiotic only and antimalarial only was 55.7%, 19.7% and 19.0%, respectively. Participants who were employed had higher odds of self-medicating with antibiotics than students (OR=4.13, 95% CI: 1.14-14.96). Participants who kept medicines at home had lower odds of self-medicating with either antibiotic or antimalarial than those who do not keep. The main reason that was indicated for the self- medication was emergency illness. The main source of medicines was the private pharmacies. Conclusion: There is generally high self-medication practice among urban communities of Mbeya, Tanzania. Community awareness on the practice of self-medication and its implications especially on the harmful effects of self-medication that are less known. The self-medication rates with antibiotics and antimalarials are higher among urban communities of Mbeya, Tanzania. There is an urgent need for the government to enforce regulations on pharmacies dispensing medications, especially antibiotics, without prescriptions. Public education on the implication of self-medication is equally important to address to reduce self-medication with antibiotics and antimalarials among Tanzanian populations.
Analogues on the Sphere of the Affine-Equivariant Spatial Median

Abstract Robust estimation of location for data on the unit sphere is an important problem in directional statistics even though the influence functions of the sample mean direction and other location estimators are bounded. A significant limitation of previous literature on this topic is that robust estimators and procedures have been developed under the assumption that the underlying population is rotationally symmetric. This assumption often does not hold with real data and in these cases there is a needless loss of efficiency in the estimator. In this article, we propose two estimators for spherical data, both of which are analogous to the affine-equivariant spatial median in Euclidean space. The influence functions of the new location estimators are obtained under a new semiparametric elliptical symmetry model on the sphere and are shown to be standardized bias robust in the highly concentrated case; the influence function of the companion scatter matrix is also obtained. An iterative algorithm that computes both estimators is described. Asymptotic results, including consistency and asymptotic normality, are also derived for the location estimators that result from applying a fixed number of steps in this algorithm. Numerical studies demonstrate that both location estimators may be expected to perform well in practice in terms of efficiency and robustness. A brief example application from the geophysics literature is also provided. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Removal of Scanner Effects in Covariance Improves Multivariate Pattern Analysis in Neuroimaging Data

To acquire larger samples for answering complex questions in neuroscience, researchers have increasingly turned to multi-site neuroimaging studies. However, these studies are hindered by differences in images acquired across multiple scanners. These effects have been shown to bias comparison between scanners, mask biologically meaningful associations, and even introduce spurious associations. To address this, the field has focused on harmonizing data by removing scanner-related effects in the mean and variance of measureXments. Contemporaneously with the increase in popularity of multi-center imaging, the use of multivariate pattern analysis has also become commonplace. These approaches have been shown to provide improved sensitivity, specificity, and power due to their modeling the joint relationship across measurements in the brain. In this work, we demonstrate that the currently available methods for removing scanner effects are inherently insufficient for MVPA. This stems from the fact that no currently available harmonization approach has addressed how correlations between measurements can vary across scanners. Data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is used to show that considerable differences in covariance exist across scanners and that the state-of-the-art harmonization techniques do not address this issue. We also propose a novel methodology that harmonizes covariance of multivariate image measurements across scanners and demonstrate its improved performance in data harmonization, which further facilitates more power for detection of clinically relevant associations.
Re-challenge with BRAF-directed treatment: A multi-institutional retrospective study.

9512Background: Most patients treated with BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) +/- MEK inhibitors (MEKi) eventually progress on treatment. Along with genetic acquired resistance, epigenetic mechanisms that could be reversed after BRAFi discontinuation have been described. The purpose of this study was to analyse outcomes for patients (pts) retreated with BRAF-directed therapy. Methods: 116 pts who received BRAFi based therapy and, after a break, were re-challenged with BRAFi +/- MEKi treated at 14 centres in Europe, US, and Australia were analysed for progression free survival (PFS) and response rate (RR), as well as factors predicting overall survival (OS) (demographics, disease stage, treatment, LDH level, duration of first BRAFi treatment, reason for first BRAFi discontinuation and interval between BRAFi stop and re-challenge). Multivariate Cox regression, regression trees and Kaplan Meier method were used. Results: Median duration of 1st BRAFi +/- MEKi treatment was 9.4 months (mts) and 7.7 mts for the subsequent.
Drainage and Sedimentary Responses to Dynamic Topography

Dynamic topography due to mantle flow contributes to shaping Earth's evolving landscapes by affecting sediment routing, which has rarely been explored in source‐to‐sink contexts. Here we design a generic model to investigate the impact of dynamic topography on both landscape evolution and stratigraphic formations. An imposed wave of dynamic topography propagates laterally under a fixed continent, exerting transient surface uplift and subsidence. We find that a migrating dynamic topography can induce significant drainage reorganizations and affect sediment routing from source to sink. Variations in sediment supply driven by the lateral migrating dynamic topography contribute to the formation of diachronous unconformities along the margin. The predicted sediment flux histories are then put into perspective with the Cretaceous sedimentary records along the Southern African margins. Finally, we demonstrate that correlating offshore depositional hiatuses and unconformities has the potential to constrain the spatiotemporal evolution of past dynamic topography events.
Prenatal smoke exposure is associated with increased anogenital distance in female infants: a prospective case–control study

Abstract Objectives To investigate the effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy on newborn infants’ anogenital distance (AGD). Methods Fifty-six female and sixty-four male newborn infants from mothers who smoked during pregnancy were included in this study. A control group for each sex was selected from infants whose mothers had no active or passive (in either the household or the workplace) smoke exposure before or during pregnancy. Questionnaire data on maternal demographic characteristics and information about cigarette use were collected. We assessed genital anthropometry which included AGD for both male and female neonates, and stretched penile length (SPL), penile girth for males within the first 48 h after birth. AGD measurements were also normalized according to birth weight (AGD/weight in grams), length (AGD/height in millimeters), and ponderal index [AGD/(weight in grams/height in cubic centimeters)]. Anogenital index (AGI) was calculated by dividing the AGD by cube root of birth weight. Results In female infants, prenatal smoke exposure was associated with significantly increased weight-adjusted AGD (p=0.03). There was also a significant correlation between mothers’ daily smoking rates and weight-adjusted AGD (r=0.27/p=0.03). In male infants, fetal smoke exposure was not associated with any AGD measurements, SPL and penile girth. Conclusions A significant increase in weight-adjusted AGD in female infants exposed to maternal smoking may be an indicator of antenatal androgen exposure and may pose a risk for short and long-term endocrine, metabolic and behavioral problems.
Development of Demerit Score-Based Fish Quality Index (FQI) for Fresh Fish and Shelf Life Prediction Using Statistical Models

ABSTRACT A demerit score-based fish quality index (FQI) has been developed to assess the quality/freshness of fresh fish by considering five general characteristics in the demerit score like appearance of fish outer surface, fish eye, gills, belly and vent. These characteristics were normalized in the range 0 to 1, where 0 represents excellent/best quality of the characteristic and 1 represents bad/worst quality of the characteristic since the quality assessment is based on the demerit score. The value 0 of FQI represents fish with excellent/best quality, and 1 represents fish with bad/worst quality. A theoretical model with auto-correlated errors was also developed to estimate the shelf life for a predicted value of FQI score. The developed FQI was validated with real time data on milk fish (Chanos chanos) stored in chilled condition. It was found that appearance of outer surface and fish gills were the important quality attributes affecting the quality/freshness of milk fish.
The characteristics of the consumption of medicinal herbs

Introduction: Our research we aimed to examine a topic that has so far not been explored. In our study we analysed consumer habits related to herbs in Hungary. Methods: The national representative questionnaire involved 1050 individuals in Hungary between 2015 and 2016. Several multivariable statistical techniques were applied for the analysis of the data: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), cluster analysis. Results: In our analysis we found that one third of the respondents are regular consumers. Typically, they turn to herbs for colds, flu or stomach upsets. The most popular are chamomile, rosehip, and lime flowers (consumed in the form of dried or essential oils). As a new element in our research, we studied health attitudes to the use of medicinal herbs. Based on health attitudes, we identified a total of 5 influencing factors: health awareness, sport, healthy nutrition, medical check-ups and the presence of some illness. A total of 5 clusters were defined for these factors. Conclusion: The most important element of our conclusions is that strengthening preventive healthcare can be one of the key factors in the growth of medicinal herb consumption. Medical feedback about the state of health makes people more willing to purchase herbs. The expert recommendation as the key communication channel is an important element too.