Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary evaluation of a culturally adapted CBT-based online programme for depression and anxiety from a lower middle-income country

Abstract Online cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), self-help and guided self-help (GSH) interventions have been found to be efficacious and cost-effective for treatment of anxiety and depression, but there are limited data from low- and middle-income countries on culturally adapted digital interventions for these common mental disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of an online culturally adapted CBT-based guided self-help (CaCBT-GSH) for patients with anxiety and depression in Pakistan. This randomized controlled trial recruited 39 participants from primary care in Karachi, Pakistan and randomized them to two groups. The intervention group received seven modules of CaCBT-GSH plus treatment as usual (TAU) over 12 weeks. The control group was a waitlist control plus TAU. The primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability. Clinical outcomes included results from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2 (WHODAS 2). Assessments were carried out at baseline and at 12 weeks. All 39 individuals who met eligibility criteria for the study agreed to participate. Adherence to the intervention was excellent, with 85% (17/20) completing more than five modules. Statistically significant improvements were found in all clinical outcomes in the intervention group. This was the first trial of an online CaCBT-GSH intervention, which was found to be feasible and acceptable to Pakistani patients with anxiety and depression. CaCBT-GSH may help improve symptoms, depression, anxiety and overall functioning in this population. The results provide rationale for a larger, confirmatory randomized controlled trial of digital CaCBT-GSH. Key learning aims (1) Leveraging digital and virtual platforms to deliver psychosocial interventions may contribute to addressing the significant treatment gap in low-resource settings. (2) CBT-informed guided self-help is feasible and acceptable in the treatment of common mental disorders in Pakistan. (3) The results of this study merit a larger, appropriately powered confirmatory randomized controlled trial to determine clinical and cost effectiveness.
Categorical encoding of voice in human superior temporal cortex

The ability to recognize abstract features of voice during auditory perception is a complex, yet poorly understood, feat of human audition. For the listener, this occurs in near-automatic fasion to seamlessly extract complex cues from a highly variable auditory signal. Voice perception depends on specialized regions of auditory cortex, including superior temporal gyrus (STG) and superior temporal sulcus (STS). However, the nature of voice encoding at the cortical level remains poorly understoood. We leverage intracerebral recordings across human auditory cortex during presentation of voice and non-voice acoustic stimuli to examine voice encoding in auditory cortex, in eight patient-participants undergoing epilepsy surgery evaluation. We show that voice-selectivity increases along the auditory hierarchy from supratemporal plane (STP) to the STG and STS. Results show accurate decoding of vocalizations from human auditory cortical activity even in the complete absence of linguistic content. These findings show an early, less-selective temporal window of neural activity in the STG and STS followed by a sustained, strongly voice-selective window. We then developed encoding models that demonstrate divergence in the encoding of acoustic features along the auditory hierarchy, wherein STG/STS responses were best explained by voice category as opposed to the acoustic features of voice stimuli. This is in contrast to neural activity recorded from STP, in which responses were accounted for by acoustic features. These findings support a model of voice perception that engages categorical encoding mechanisms within STG and STS. Significance Statement Voice perception occurs via specialized networks in higher order auditory cortex, yet how voice features are encoded remains a central unanswered question. With human intracerebral recordings of auditory cortex, we provide evidence for categorical encoding of voice in STG and STS and occurs in the absence of linguistic content. This selectivity strengthens after an initial onset response and cannot be explained by simple acoustic features. Together, these data support the existence of sites within STG and STS that are specialized for voice perception.
Statistical behavior of a fading signal

A general analysis of the statistical behavior of the envelope of a fading signal V (t)eiϕ(t) is presented in this paper. The statistics include the probability P(V ≤ L) that the amplitude V (t) will fade below a specified signal level L; the expected number N(L) of fades of V (t) below L per unit time; and the average duration t(L) of fades below L. The model for the fading signal is a constant vector plus a random interfering vector which represents the resultant of all the received extraneous signals and noise. The theoretical results agree with three empirically observed power relationships obtained in deep fades of nondiversity signals: P(V ≤ L) ∝ L2, N(L) ∝ L and t(L) ∝ L. The theoretical results are applicable to a wide class of fading problems. The analysis includes the previous works of Rice, Nakagami, Norton, Vogler, Mansfield, and Short as special cases.
Revision And Validation Of A Culturally-Adapted Online Instructional Module Using Edmundson's CAP Model: A DBR Study

vi Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Statement of the Problem 1 Instructional design and culture. 2 Conceptual Framework 4 Henderson’s (2007) Multiple Cultures Instructional Design Model (MCM). 5 Edmundson’s Cultural Adaptation Process Instructional Design Model (CAP). 6 CAP Model Research Framework. 9 Design-Based Research (DBR) 11 Purpose 12 Research Questions 13 Significance of the Study 14 Definition of Terms 15 Delimitations 17 Limitations 17 Chapter 2: Literature Review 19 Culture and Instructional Design for Online Learning 19 Culture 20 Hofstede cultural values or dimensions. 21 Online learning and culture. 24 The ADDIE Model. 29 Design-Based Research 33 DBR Definition. 34 DBR Characteristics 36 Types of DBR. 37 Expectations of a DBR Proposal. 38 Summary 39
CYBER CRIME AWEARNESS AMONG ADOLESCENTS

The increased dependence on internet has led to the rise of cybercrime. Cybercrime is a new wave of crimes using internet facilities. Problems such as lack of proper training and education, the poor awareness of cybercrime among Indians have also contributed to the growth in cybercrime. The aim of this paper is to explore the cyber crime awareness among adolescents with respect to their gender and locality. In the present study researcher adopted descriptive survey method to collect the data for the cybercrime awareness among adolescents. The sample comprised 80 adolescents, out of which 40 were boys and 40 were girls belonging to rural as well as urban areas equally. Samples selected using “Cybercrime awareness scale” constructed and validated by Rajasekar S. (2011). Attempts have been made to assess the impact of gender and residential area upon cyber crime awareness level of adolescents. The finding of the study shows that there is no significant difference towards cybercrime awareness among adolescents with respect to their gender and locality. However urban adolescents have shown more familiarity on many cybercrime terms as compared to their rural counterparts. As adolescents are at high risk of becoming cyber crime victim so proper awareness and training provision should be imparted among them about cybercrime.
Lot sizing, preventive maintenance, and warranty decisions for imperfect production systems

Purpose – Sets out to develop an integrated model that considers simultaneously inventory production decisions, PM schedule, and warranty policy for a deteriorating system that experiences shifts to an out of control state. The time to shift follows a general probability distribution with increasing hazard rate, so that time‐based PM is effective in improving the system reliability.Design/methodology/approach – A profit function is used to model the production system. Optimization techniques are used to generate optimal solutions for the problem. Although global optimality cannot be guaranteed, empirical results show that global optimal solutions are obtained.Findings – The integrated model provides decisions on inventory levels, production run length, and PM schedule simultaneously. It is illustrated through numerical examples that investment in PM can lead to savings in warranty claims for repairable products. As a result, the overall profit per unit, in certain cases, is higher with PM than without PM.
Revisiting the Urbanization-Violence Nexus: The Mediating Effect of Local Ethnic Diversity

The worldwide trend of urbanization is becoming increasingly important for social stability. For many, urban concentration and rapid rural-urban migration are often considered factors that trigger violence and conflicts. The empirical evidence for this link, however, is often mixed. Some posit that intensified competition for limited resources and infrastructure in cities causes grievances and social unrest. Yet most quantitative analyses find either an undetermined or even a negative relationship between urbanization and violence. In this study, we argue that the effect of urbanization on violence is conditional on the level of local ethnic diversity. In ethnically homogenous areas, urbanization increases economic welfare and facilitates the provision of public goods and services, therefore lowering the chances of violence. In ethnically diverse areas, increased economic welfare by urbanization is often distributed along ethnic lines, which increases between-group grievances and chances of violence. Using a county-level dataset of ethnic violence in Xinjiang, China between 1997 and 2008, our empirical analysis confirms the theoretical expectation: urbanization decreases the chances of violence in counties with low ethnic diversity but increases chances of violence in those with high levels of ethnic diversity.
RAAE 2/2021, Regular Article, Gachuhi et al

Research background: Soybean commercialization plays a vital role in enhancing the livelihoods, and income of smallscale farmers. Despite the government efforts to boost agricultural commercialization in Kenya, the intensity of soybean commercialization in the Butere Sub-County has remained low for unknown reasons. Purpose of the article: This study investigates factors influencing the intensity of soybean commercialization in Butere Sub-county with an aim of recommending policies for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the soybean commercialization process to improve rural livelihoods as well as realize major economic goals. Methods: A sample of 201 smallholder soybean farmers was selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Face to face interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and a double hurdle regression model. Findings & Value added: The results revealed a relatively low soybean commercialization level (56.72 %) among soybean-producing households in the study area with schooling years, the number of extension contacts, and total land size under soybean production positively and significantly influencing soybean commercialization decisions. Similarly, schooling years, the number of extension contacts, and total land size under soybean production positively and significantly determined the intensity of soybean commercialization. The study, therefore, recommends equitable access to agricultural resources by all gender, the creation of exclusive land ownership rights, and the structuring and strengthening of the extension system.
Gap Analysis of Public Transport Needs:Measuring Spatial Distribution of Public Transport Needs and Identifying Gaps in the Quality of Public Transport Provision

A new approach to assessing the performance of public transport in meeting the needs of transport-disadvantaged people in the community is described. It reviews previous and current research in this area and describes how a new approach has been developed and applied with Hobart, Australia, as a study area. The approach aims to identify geographical gaps in public transport provision where travel needs are high but services are poor or nonexistent. It involves the use of readily available socioeconomic statistics to quantify the distribution of needs in the community with a single transport needs index. A public transport network model measures the public transport accessibility to these groups and a geographical information systems approach is used to display the distribution of the identified gaps between service and needs. The technique is highly relevant for smaller urban centers where the justification of public transport subsidies is largely social-needs-based—that is, where congestion and environmental benefits of transit are less critical. It is also relevant to recent work in transport accessibility audits and in the assessment of community impacts of alternative transit development strategies.
Does Student Behavior Differ In Relation To Perception / Evaluation of Campus Environments? A Post-occupancy Research in Two University Campuses

A Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) survey was applied to 93 students at two universities; Dokuz Eylul University and Karadeniz Technical University. The survey consists questions on: (1) participants’ characteristics, (2) physical environmental characteristics, (3) favorite places, (4) the most and the least liked features and possibilities for improvement, (5) physical activity engagement level, and (6) time spent in the campus. Results showed that users ’ subjective evaluations of their campuses are reflected in their behavior. The students of the negatively evaluated campus reported that they spent less time in campus compared to students of the more positively evaluated campus. Keywords: post occupancy evaluation, campus setting, environmental evaluation, campus outdoor
Ultrasonographic examination of equine fetal growth parameters throughout gestation in pony for Equine-Assisted Therapy

Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) is gaining popularity. Ultrasound examination is used to decrease the abortion rate in horses. In this study, to monitor fetal well-being throughout the gestation for EAT, we measured fetal heart rate (FHR), fetal eye orbit (FEO), fetal gonad length (FGL), fetal kidney length (FKL), and the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) by ultrasonography in pony mares. Additionally, we measured the plasma progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) concentrations in pregnant horses using enzyme immunoassay. The FGL peaked at week 32 and then decreased to term, and a strong correlation (r=0.72, P<0.001) between the FGL and E2 concentration was observed. A strong correlation with gestational age was detected among the FEO (r=0.96, P<0.001), FKL (r=0.85, P<0.001), and CTUP (r=0.96, P<0.001). The P4 concentration peaked at week 10, decreased to low levels (below 5 ng/ml), and peaked before parturition. In conclusion, this study provides information on fetal growth throughout gestation in pony mares for EAT. In addition, it revealed the relationship between ultrasonographic profile and plasma hormone concentrations during gestation.
Genotyping Diversity of Proteus vulgaris by using RAPD- PCR and Study of Some Factors on the Activity of Bacteria

P. vulgaris causes variety of infection such as, UTIs, wound infections, burn infections, bloodstream infections, and respiratory tract infections, bacteremia and brain abscesses. A total 120 specimen, were collected from clinical samples (urine, vagina, wound, and burn). only 18 isolates of Proteus vulgaris were recovered. The relationship between 18 Proteus vulgaris isolated using RAPD-PCR was performed. The ten primer showed polymorphism among the isolates generating 86 bands, 54 of which were polymorphic with sizes ranging between 150-30000bp. The mean percentage of ten primer 62.79%. Proteus vulgaris isolates identified were screened for biofilm production by TCP method. Among the isolates, 55.55% were biofilm producer and 44.44% were non/weak biofilm producer. Regard the effect of NAC (10%) on biofilm formation was also studied, this study proved that NAC effectively reduced the viability of biofilm formation from (55.55) to (5.55%). On the other hand, the effect of NAC and green tea at concentration (0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 mg/mL) on urease was also investigated, it was state the high concentration of it could cause inhibition to urease production.
Low Friction and High Load Support Capacity of Slider Bearing With a Mixed Slip Surface

The classical Reynolds theory reveals that a converging gap is the first necessary condition to generate a hydrodynamic pressure in a viscous fluid film confined between two solid surfaces with a relative sliding/rolling motion. For hundreds of years, the classical lubrication mechanics has been based on the frame of the Reynolds theory with no slip assumption. Recent studies show that a large boundary slip occurs on an ultrahydrophobic surface, which results in a very small friction drag. Unfortunately, such a slip surface also produces a small hydrodynamic pressure in a fluid film between two solid surfaces. This paper studies the lubrication behavior of infinite width slider bearings involving a mixed slip surface (MSS). The results of the study indicate that any geometrical wedges (gaps), i.e., a convergent wedge, a parallel gap, and even a divergent wedge, can generate hydrodynamic pressure in an infinite slider bearing with a mixed slip surface. It is found that with an MSS, the maximum fluid load support capacity occurs at a slightly divergent wedge (roughly parallel sliding gap) for an infinite width slider bearing, but not at a converging gap as what the classical Reynolds theory predicts. Surface optimisation of a parallel sliding gap with a slip surface can double the hydrodynamic load support and reduce the friction drag by half of what the Reynolds theory predicts for an optimal wedge of a traditional slider bearing.
Human system interface (HSI) issues in assisted target recognition (ASTR)

Because of the relative capabilities and limitations of automatic target recognizers and the human operator, there is an emerging consensus that assisted (rather than automated) target recognition systems are most appropriate to near- and mid-term target acquisition and reconnaissance system concepts. This paper explores some of the human systems interface issues associated with assisted target recognition.
How Reproducible Is the Data from Sysmex DI-60 in Leukopenic Samples?

Digital morphology (DM) analyzers are widely applied in clinical practice. It is necessary to evaluate performances of DM analyzers by focusing on leukopenic samples. We evaluated the analytical performance, including precision, of a Sysmex DI-60 system (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) on white blood cell (WBC) differentials in leukopenic samples. In a total of 40 peripheral blood smears divided into four groups according to WBC count (normal, mild, moderate, and severe leukopenia; each group n = 10), we evaluated precision of WBC preclassificaiton by DI-60. %coefficients of variation (%CVs) of precision varied for each sample and for each cell class; the fewer cells per slide, the higher %CV. The overall specificity and efficiency were high for all cell classes except plasma cells (95.9–99.9% and 90.0–99.4%, respectively). The largest absolute value of mean difference between DI-60 and manual count in each group was: 10.77, normal; 10.22, mild leukopenia; 19.09, moderate leukopenia; 47.74, severe leukopenia. This is the first study that evaluated the analytical performance of DI-60 on WBC differentials in leukopenic samples as the main subject. DI-60 showed significantly different performance depending on WBC count. DM analyzers should be evaluated separately in leukopenic samples, even if the overall performance was acceptable.
Is There Job Polarization in Developing Economies? A Review and Outlook

In this paper we analyze the evidence of job polarization—the relative decline of mid-wage jobs—in developing and emerging economies. We carry out an extensive literature review, revealing that job polarization in these countries is only incipient compared to advanced economies. We then examine the possible moderating aspects explaining this lack of job polarization. We distinguish three groups of explanations: Limited technology adoption; structural change; and changes in the global value chains. Finally, we suggest new microeconomic data and empirical analyses that should be developed in order to guide evidence-based policy-making addressing those issues in developing and emerging economies.
Minimum time control of conductive heating systems for microelectronics processing

A minimum time control scheme is designed to improve repeatability by minimizing the loading effects induced by the common processing condition of placement of a semiconductor wafer at ambient temperature on a large thermal-mass bake plate at processing temperature. The minimum time control strategy provides an optimal solution for minimizing the worst case deviation from a nominal temperature set-point during the load disturbance condition. This results in a predictive controller that performs a predetermined heating sequence prior to the arrival of the wafer as part of the resulting feedforward/feedback strategy to eliminate the load disturbance. The controller is easy to design and implement and makes it more suitable for online implementation such as automatic online tuning of a feedforward controller. Experimental results depict an order-of-magnitude improvement in the settling time and the integral-square temperature error between the optimal predictive controller and a feedback controller for a typical load disturbance.
Model-based Fuzzy Control for Buildings Installed with Magneto-rheological Dampers:

The article presents a model-based fuzzy controller design method for seismic response reduction of building structures using MR dampers. Firstly, the MR damper model is obtained as a fuzzy model using T-S fuzzy modeling technique; then, this model is integrated with the linear structural model to formulate a fuzzy system; at last, the optimal control strategy, such as GH2 (generalized H2 or energy-to-peak) control of which objective is to minimize the peak value of control output under energy-bounded disturbance, is applied to design the fuzzy controller. The advantage of this new control strategy is that the optimal control theory can be directly applied to design a fuzzy controller such that the closed-loop system stability and performance can be theoretically guaranteed. In addition, the command signal can be obtained directly from the measured feedback signals. A numerical example is used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. It is confirmed by the simulations that the designed cont.