Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acceptability of Breast Milk Donor Banking: A qualitative study among Health Workers in Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ghana

Despite the compelling evidence demonstrating the immediate and long-term health advantages of prompt breastfeeding beginning, not all newborns are breastfed exclusively for a variety of reasons. As a result, the World Health Organization has made new recommendations for the adoption of breastmilk donor banks to make sure that children receive breastmilk when mothers are unable to produce it. In order to better understand how health professionals at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, who would be leading the charge in putting this policy into practice, perceive and accept the practice of storing breastmilk, this study was conducted. At the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, 18 healthcare professionals were chosen using maximum variation purposive sampling procedures. They were made up of eleven midwives, a medical officer, six nurses, and two nutritionists and all participants were interviewed face to face using a semi structured interview guide. Data was transcribed verbatim and was analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants in the study admitted that they would be open to using or contributing to a bank of breastmilk. Participants also said that if safety precautions are taken, they would urge their customers to give breastmilk and recommend breastmilk from a breastmilk bank to them when the situation calls for it. Health professionals recommended that education be provided prior to the installation of breast milk donor banking to lessen or eliminate any misconceptions people may have about it. The concept of breastmilk donor banking was fairly accepted among health workers. Misconceptions about the safety of breast milk was the main concern. The results emphasize the necessity of greater stakeholder engagement and education prior to the implementation of this policy in order to boost acceptance and uptake.
A Dynamic Event-Triggered Approach to State Estimation for Switched Memristive Neural Networks With Nonhomogeneous Sojourn Probabilities

This paper investigates the state estimation for switched memristive neural networks with nonhomogeneous sojourn probabilities. Essentially different from most current literature, a novel switching law is developed to depict the dynamic behavior of switched memristive neural networks, in which the sojourn probabilities of each subsystem are assumed to be nonhomogeneous, and a higher-level deterministic switching signal is proposed to regulate proper feedback switching information by means of the average dwell time approach. Meanwhile, to alleviate the constraint network bandwidth resource efficiently, a dynamic event-triggered mechanism with a novel threshold parameter is proposed in determining if the current data should be released or not. By resorting to the Lyapunov functional technique and the stochastic analysis strategy, some sufficient conditions are addressed to ensure the stochastic stability of the augmented switched memristive neural networks. In the end, the effectiveness and superiority of the developed results are verified by a numerical example.
Determining the Number of Slots to Submit to a Market Mechanism at a Single Airport

Title of Document: DETERMINING THE NUMBER OF SLOTS TO SUBMIT TO A MARKET MECHANISM AT A SINGLE AIRPORT Andrew Michael Churchill, M.S., 2007 Directed By: Professor David J. Lovell Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering In this thesis, several stochastic optimization models are presented to determine the number of airport arrival slots that should be made available for distribution via a market mechanism. Considerable attention is paid to the structure and mathematical properties of each of these models, with regards to obtaining integer-valued solutions. Calibration of the various parameters is undertaken using historical data. In addition, an analysis of the average pecuniary valuations assigned to each slot is presented, as this is an essential input to these models. Several methods are suggested by which each of these values can be estimated. The models are intended to be taken in a general context, but extensive computational examples making use of data for LaGuardia Airport are provided as a case study in the application of the various techniques presented herein. DETERMINING THE NUMBER OF SLOTS TO SUBMIT TO A MARKET MECHANISM AT A SINGLE AIRPORT
Characterization of binding mechanisms and mobility of metals and metalloids under the influence of increased carbon dioxide in mofette soils

VIII for Mn) occurred due to surface protonation, however, overall mobilization remained low. After depletion of other electron acceptors, microbially triggered reductive dissolution of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides began, mobilizing large amounts of Fe and incorporated metal(loid)s like As. In a last study, Cu mobility was investigated both by studying a transect over the mofette site and by conducting a Cu-spike experiment with natural, SOM-rich topsoil from this transect. Sorption isotherms for Cu were determined and Cu solid-phase speciation was investigated using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Copper mobility was highest in soils from the transition between oxic (reference) and anoxic (mofette) conditions, while strong Cu sequestration and high adsorption coefficients were determined for soil from the degassing center. Solid-phase speciation revealed that Cu reduction and precipitation of Cu sulfides was the main sequestration process in the permanently anoxic degassing center. In transition and reference soils, Cu binding to SOM was the dominating process. The lower degradation state of SOM in the mofettes has a negative effect on SOM stability, which could be seen by an increasing dissolved-to-solid-phase ratio of organic carbon with increasing CO2. Thus, also Cu mobility increased with increasing CO2 influence since Cu both complexed with DOM and solid-phase SOM. Mobility was highest in some meters distance from the degassing center, where micro-oxic conditions prevented Cu sulfide precipitation. Overall, both metal(loid) mobilization and immobilization were found to occur in CO2-influenced soils, necessitating risk assessment with regard to potential ground water contamination or trace element limitations at such sites. Desorption and mineral dissolution are the main mobilization processes while sulfide mineral precipitation of chalcophilic metals is the main immobilizing process in mofette soils. Carbon dioxide influence on these processes is primarily indirect, via soil acidification and creation of anoxic conditions. Fast metal(loid) mobilization via desorption and reductive dissolution of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides are dominating processes on a short-term scale. Ongoing CO2 exhalation will induce further metal(loid) release via silicate weathering and subsequent leaching. The highest mobilization risk on a long-term scale arises from metal(loid) complexation with DOM, which can exhibit strongly elevated concentrations close to the degassing center.
Electricity Rate Structures and the Economics of Solar PV: Could Mandatory Time-of-Use Rates Undermine California’s Solar Photovoltaic Subsidies?

In May 2007, a Los Angeles Times newspaper article reported that the California Solar Initiative (CSI), commonly called the million solar roofs program, was being hobbled by a requirement that recipients of the solar PV subsidies go on time-of-use (TOU) rates. TOU rates charge higher prices for electricity at peak demand times (primarily weekday summer afternoons in California) and lower prices at off-peak times than the more common flat-rate tariff, which imposes the same price for a kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity at all times. The LA Times story reported that orders for solar installations had dropped 78% since January 1, 2007 when the TOU-mandate went into effect for solar-rebate recipients. By June, California regulators had eliminated the TOU mandate. I examine data from a sample of 274 medium- to high-use residential customers of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE) to see if the TOU mandate makes the solar rebate program less attractive financially. Among PG&E customers, I find that the vast majority would be better off on TOU than on a flat rate tariff. For SCE customers, however, the effect of a switch to TOU is complicated by the fact that SCE's flat rates are tiered (ie, increasing marginal electricity price with greater total level of monthly consumption), but its TOU rates are not. Thus, even though solar PV production is greatest during TOU peak periods, many customers' value from the system is maximized on a flat-rate tariff. I then examine the overall economics of installing a solar PV system for these customers. The financial return to solar PV depends very much on how retail rates will change over the 20-30 year life of the panels, a very difficult path to predict. If inflation-adjusted rates were to remain at current levels, however, I find that a solar PV installation might generate a positive financial return for up to half of PG&E's medium- and high-consumption residential customers, but not for any of the SCE customers, regardless of whether they are on TOU or flat rates. Together, these results suggest that the TOU mandate is unlikely to have been a significant cause of declining demand for solar PV installations. Finally, returning to the claims in the newspaper article that demand for solar installations declined after January 1, 2007, an examination of California's solar rebate databases indicates that there was a large dropoff in orders early in 2007, but it had already rebounded before public discussion of the repealing the TOU mandate even began.
Assessment of Risk Factors for Type II Diabetes Mellitus on Patients Attending at Three Hospitals in Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic metabolic disorders of carbohydrates, proteins and fat in almost all countries, and it continues to be increased in magnitude and clinical significance, as lifestyle changes lead to reduce physical activity and increased obesity. A cross sectional study was conducted from July1 to August 15, 2011 in three Hospitals of Wolaita Zone using purposive sampling technique until required sample size of 348 was achieved. Patients with type II diabetes mellitus were selected based on sample size determination technique for single population. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 16.0. Frequencies and graphs were used to describe selected variables.348 study subjects have participated in the study. As per the age distributions 188 (54 %) of study participants were found to be above age of 50 years. The mean ± SD age of type II patients was 51.9±13.6 and age range between 19 years and 83 years. Hundred and seventy nine (51.4%) of the study participants were males. With respect to educational levels 86 (24.7%) of the study participants have completed primary school (grade 1-4) followed by illiterates 75 (21.6%). Regarding income, 106 (30.5%) of type II diabetic patients have monthly income more than 1500 ETB. A high proportion of risk factors observed in type II diabetes mellitus were being male, older age group greater than 50, overweight and with higher monthly income. The risk rate of type II diabetes mellitus was higher among urban residence, primary level of education. Most of the diabetic cases had BMI >25 kg/m 2 which is a risk factor for the development of type II Diabetes.
Dapagliflozin Induced Acute Tubulo-Interstitial Nephritis: A Case Report and Literature Review

We report a case of an elderly male patient, who presented with acute kidney injury on background of diabetic nephropathy, secondary to dapagliflozin induced acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis requiring hemodialysis sessions. Histopathological findings are consistent with moderate tubulo-interstitial inflammation with mixed lymphocytic and eosinophilic inflammatory deposits. The patient responded well to cessation of causative medication and upon initiation of high dose steroids. The direct cause and effect relationship between dapagliflozin initiation and development of acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis is indicative of dapagliflozin being responsible for marked renal deterioration, as seen in this patient.
Confounding physiologic parameters in pulse transit time monitoring of children

Pulse Transit Time (PTT) measurement has showed potential in non-invasive monitoring of changes in blood pressure. In children, the common peripheral sites used for these studies are a finger or toe. Presently, there are no known studies conducted to investigate any possible physiologic parameters affecting PTT measurement at these sites for children. In this study, PTT values of both peripheral sites were recorded from 64 children in their sitting posture. Their mean age with standard deviation (SD) was 8.2 2.6years (ranged 3 to 12years). Subjects' peripheries path length, heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured to investigate any contributions to PTT measurement. The peripheral pulse timing characteristic measured by photoplethysmography (PPG) shows a 59.5 8.5ms (or 24.8 0.4%) difference between the two peripheries (p<0.05). The results also revealed PTT is directly proportional to age (p<0.05). HR, SBP, peripheral path length and peripheral site also contributed significantly (p<0.05) to PTT variations, except for DBP. Results also suggest an upward trend in PTT with age. Hence, changes in any of these physiologic parameters can affect the nominal PTT value of a child.
Parametric study of the bond between fiber reinforced polymers and concrete using finite element analysis

PARAMETRIC STUDY OF THE BOND BETWEEN FIBER REINFORCED POLYMERS AND CONCRETE USING FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS Nathan P. Holmer, B.S.C.E. Marquette University, 2010 Ever since Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) have been used to externally reinforce concrete beams, it has been known that the strength of the bond is what controls the design. Recently, it has been proven that the primary mode of debonding failure is cohesive failure within the concrete substrate close to the FRP/concrete interface. To further enhance the research in this area, finite element analysis has been used to help study this debonding phenomenon. This thesis is a parametric study of the FRP/concrete interface using finite element analysis software. The finite element model was calibrated using experimental data. The parameters taken into consideration were the geometric configuration of the materials (thickness), the material properties (Young’s modulus), the effects of the cohesive zone elements (maximum stress and its corresponding displacement), and finally mixed mode loading conditions. Conclusions were then made concerning the effects of adjusting the parameters of the model. By increasing the respective thicknesses of the FRP, adhesive, and residual thickness of concrete, the maximum peel load was increased, however, debonding was also faster. In general, increasing Young’s modulus of the individual materials had the same effect, increasing the maximum peel load. Mode II loading in the mixed mode loading conditions has a severe impact on the bond behavior, reducing the maximum peel load for initial debonding.
The Relationship between Believing in Resurrection (Ma’ad in Islam) and Self-efficacy in Mothers of Children with Thalassemia

Thalassemia limitations problems for patients and their families, which decease their self-efficacy, but believing in resurrection can help to alleviate stressful conditions in the of effected people. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between believing in resurrection and self-efficacy in mothers of children with thalassemia. Method: This descriptive correlational study was performed on 155 parents of adolescents with thalassemia in Golestan province of Iran in 2017, who had been selected by convenience sampling method. Data collection tools included; believing in resurrection questionnaire and Domka’s parental self-efficacy questionnaire. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, tables) and statistical tests (correlation coefficient of Spearman, U-Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis) using SPSS software version 21. Results: The mean score of believing in resurrection was 33.11 ± 6.25 and the mean score of mothers’ self-efficacy was 41.44 ± 6.55. Also, Spearman’s correlation coefficient did not show any significant relationship with parental self-efficacy and believing in resurrection (r = 0.1 and p = 0.17). Conclusion: Believing in resurrection shapes the behavior and performance of people in using all their capacities in difficult situations. Therefore, health managers and practitioners need to pay more attention to the importance of believing in resurrection and the concept of self-efficacy.
Assessing workforce perception of total quality-based performance measurement: A case study of a customer equipment servicing organization

Performance measurement has been identified as a key agent in attempts to manage organizational learning and business strategic change. The introduction of total quality (TQ)-based management frequently requires a change in organizational culture and management style, and performance measurement can be seen either to inhibit or facilitate this. A case study analysis is reported for performance measurement in the Division of Customer Equipment Services (CES) at Company K International, including a survey of workforce perception of the effectiveness of the existing approach to performance measurement and a 5-step model of performance measurement process. These steps are: TQM strategy development and goal deployment, performance information received, process management measurement, key results extraction, and reward and recognition of performance. Organizational learning and teamwork are also involved. The workforce survey found generally positive attitudes to performance measurement but there were some perceived problems, including a generally perceived over-emphasis on financial measures, and under-emphasis on Customer Satisfaction, Quality, and Employee Relations. There were perceived deficiencies in personal performance measurement and, by implication, in the linkage to Reward and Recognition. These may reflect the exclusion of 58% of the respondent sample from the company's formal appraisal system, which only extends down as far as middle management. The reports by Field Engineers are likely to be the main customer-facing contact and, at the operational "sharp end', their potential alienation from the TQM process should be of special concern. Involvement of the workforce in the choice of performance measures is generally regarded as critical for effective performance measurement design and implementation. It could be expected that employees would have a greater regard for the use of performance information within CES if they were part of the measurement design process.
Evaluation of Newly Released Soybean Varieties (Glycine max.) under Smallholder Farmers’ Condition in Western Ethiopia

Soybean is a miracle legume crop in the world due to its multipurpose use. The global demand of the crop is increasing rapidly because of its growing demand particularly in the animal feed industries. But, the current production status of the commodity is not comparable to the rapidly increasing demands. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of improved soybean varieties under smallholder farmers’ condition in western Ethiopia. Six kebeles were selected purposively in Pawe and Jawe districts based on their potential and suitability for soybean production. A total of 24 hosted farmers were selected purposively by considering their willingness and performance to implement the demonstration. Pawe-1, Pawe-2, Pawe-3 and Ethio-Yugoslavia varieties were the materials used in the evaluation. Grain yield, seed size, pod number per plant, seed number per pod, plant height, disease resistant and maturity date were the main preference traits for farmers. Bothe qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 41 farmers (17 control group). The collected data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics by using SPSS software package. Farmers’ preference ranking also conducted based of their selection criteria. The combined results over locations show that 1767.58, 1723.46, 1619.58 and 1600.08 kg ha -1 mean grain yield recorded from Pawe-3, Ethio-Yugoslavia, Pawe-1 and Pawe-2 varieties respectively. Overall mean grain yield of improved varieties was 1677.68 kg ha -1 . The least (927.41 kg ha -1 ) mean grain yield observed from the local variety. Findings revealed that all the demonstrated improved varieties have significant yield advantage over the control at (p<0.01) in all locations. Farmers put Pawe-3 variety in the first rank based on the total score of their preference traits. Agricultural professionals and other concerned bodies have to give more emphasis to promote the newly released proven soybean varieties with full recommended packages to increase the production status further to ensure the demands of domestic processing and export marketing and this will contribute to the overall economic growth. Findings of this study suggest that 61% of yield gain and income increment achieved for adopters of improved varieties(Tufa et al., 2019). Adoption of improved soybean variety/ies couple with new management practices positively and significantly impacted on soybean productivity and farmers’ income. The results of propensity score matching (PSM) in this study revealed that soybean productivity increased by 15% for those farmers who adopted improved soybean variety(Teshale, 2019). Planting of soybean in the optimal dates potentially increased the productivity of soybean varieties(Fedorova et al., 2020). Benishangul Gumuz is one the potential regions of Ethiopia in soybean production. The crop is producing in all the three administrative zones of the region.
Risk Topography: Systemic Risk and Macro Modeling

The recent financial crisis and the difficulty of using mainstream macroeconomic models to accurately monitor systemic risk have stimulated new analyses of how we measure economic activity and the development of more sophisticated models in which the financial sector plays a greater role. Markus Brunnermeier and Arvind Krishnamurthy have assembled contributions from researchers, central bankers, and other financial-market experts to explore the possibilities for advancing macroeconomic modeling in order to achieve more accurate measurement. Essays focus on the development of models capable of highlighting the vulnerabilities that have never been systematically measured before.
Born to Buy: The Commercialized Child and the New Consumer Culture

Over the last fifteen years children's spending power has mushroomed to an estimated USD30 billion in direct purchases and another USD600 billion of influence over parental purchases. Advertising and marketing has exploded alongside expenditures and now totals more than USD12 billion a year. Ads targeted at children are virtually everywhere - in schools, museums and on the internet - and strategies for capturing the child wallet have become ever more sophisticated. Marketers are intruding into a child's most private space, organizing stealthy peer-to-peer viral marketing efforts, and using high tech scientific research methodologies. Together, these trends have led to a pervasive commercialisation of childhood in the West. By eighteen months babies can recognize logos, by two they ask for products by brand name. During their nursery school years children will request an average of twenty-five products a day, by the time they enter primary school the average child can identify 200 logos and children between the ages of six and twelve spend more time shopping than reading, attending youth groups, playing outdoors or spending time in household conversation. On the basis of first-hand research inside the advertising industry, BORN TO BUY lays bare the research, messages and marketing strategies being used to target children, and assesses the impact of those efforts.