Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Socio-Economic Determinants of Health Literacy in High School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Today, a person’s health literacy (HL) is perceived as a critical determinant for their health. It is well known that limited health literacy is associated with harmful health behaviours, the lower use of preventive services, problems in making use of healthcare resources and poor skills for the self-management of chronic disorders. This study analysed the level and factors associated with HL in high school students in southern Poland. The study is based on the data from a paper-and-pencil survey of high schools students in the Malopolska Voivodshop. The students were selected using a two-stage cluster random sampling procedure. The level of HL was assessed with the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire, consisting of 47 items. Univariate logistic and linear regression models were applied to analyse the association between general HL score and the main domain-specific indices. The respondents whose parents had attended University and came from more affluent families were less likely to demonstrate limited HL. There was a significant positive relationship between the self-assessment of the economic situation, size of accommodation, the level of expenditure on a mobile phone and receiving external support, the size of the book collection at home, and domain-specific HL sub-indices. In conclusion, among socio-demographic factors, the parents’ education is the only consistent predictor of the level of HL in high school students. Furthermore, most variables reflecting the economic status of the respondent’s family are significantly associated with the general HL score and its sub-indices.
Vertical Differences in the Long-Term Trends and Breakpoints of NDVI and Climate Factors in Taiwan

This study explored the long-term trends and breakpoints of vegetation, rainfall, and temperature in Taiwan from overall and regional perspectives in terms of vertical differences from 1982 to 2012. With time-series Advanced Very-High-Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data and Taiwan Climate Change Estimate and Information Platform (TCCIP) gridded monthly climatic data, their vertical dynamics were investigated by employing the Breaks for Additive Seasonal and Trend (BFAST) algorithm, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and the Durbin–Watson test. The vertical differences in NDVI values presented three breakpoints and a consistent trend from positive (1982 to 1989) to negative at varied rates, and then gradually increased after 2000. In addition, a positive rainfall trend was discovered. Average and maximum temperature had similar increasing trends, while minimum temperature showed variations, especially at higher altitudes. In terms of regional variations, the vegetation growth was stable in the north but worse in the central region. Higher elevations revealed larger variations in the NDVI and temperature datasets. NDVI, along with average and minimum temperature, showed their largest changes earlier in higher altitude areas. Specifically, the increasing minimum temperature direction was more prominent in the mid-to-high-altitude areas in the eastern and central regions. Seasonal variations were observed for each region. The difference between the dry and wet seasons is becoming larger, with the smallest difference in the northern region and the largest difference in the southern region. Taiwan’s NDVI and climatic factors have a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05), but the maximum and minimum temperatures have significant positive effects at low altitudes below 500 m. The northern and central regions reveal similar responses, while the south and east display different feedbacks. The results illuminate climate change evidence from assessment of the long-term dynamics of vegetation and climatic factors, providing valuable references for establishing correspondent climate-adaptive strategies in Taiwan.
Assessment and Factors Influencing Protein Content of Human Breast Milk at Various Stages of Lactation in Yobe State Nigeria

Aims: Aim: Protein in breast milk has diverse functions which gives short and long term benefits. This means human milk must adequately supply the nutritional needs of infants especially during the period of exclusive breast feeding as mandated for lactating mothers. The study assessed quantity of proteins in lactating stages of mother’s breast milk and the factors that influence its availability in Yobe State, Nigeria. Study Design: Quantitative experimental and descriptive survey methods were adopted for the study. Quantitative experimental design was used for the analysis of breast milk samples collected while descriptive survey method was used to derive primary and secondary data to determine factors influencing protein in breast milk. Place and Duration of Study: The collection of the samples was done in three stages of lactation from October to December (2019) in Yobe State, Nigeria. Methodology: Primiparous women residing in Nguru (n= 49/town) were recruited base on agreement with the hospitals prior to their delivery. Breast milk samples were collected at three stages of lactation; colostrums (1-2 days), transition (12 day) and mature (30 day) for protein analysis. Descriptive survey through structured questionnaire was adopted to derive primary data which was used to determine nutrition during pregnancy and factors influencing breast milk composition. Results: The mean proteins are 3.88%, 1.79% and 1.23% for colostrum, transition and mature milk respectively. It showed that breast milk is a dynamic fluid with changes in its protein content over the course of lactation and varies within and between nutrition and between mothers. Those with low, normal and high BMI accounted for 6.1%, 81.6% and 12.2% respectively. Based on WHO standard, 82% of the women has normal BMI during pregnancy which translate good nutrition. Conclusion: The nutrition of the pregnant women influenced breast milk proteins. Age, ethnicity, religion and parity have no significant effect on protein quantity in breast milk. Increased education stratification and income levels contribute positively to proteins in lactation stages.
Stator Windings Fault Diagnostics of Induction Machines Operated From Inverters and Soft-Starters Using High-Frequency Negative-Sequence Currents

This paper studies the application of high-frequency voltage excitation-based stator winding diagnostic methods to three-phase ac machines operated from power converters that create the necessary high-frequency excitation as part of their normal operation. This paper focuses on two specific operating modes: 1) machines operated from inverters in the overmodulation region and 2) machines operated from soft-starters during startup. In both cases, high-frequency (in the range of the hundred hertz) voltage components at well-defined frequencies are created. The negative-sequence currents induced from these high-frequency voltages are shown to contain accurate information on the level of asymmetry (fault) in the machine. This information is significantly richer than exists in other modes of operation, i.e., inverters working in the linear modulation region or soft-starters in the steady state, and provides interesting opportunities to complement other diagnostic methods.
Adaptive Agricultural Strategies for Facing Water Deficit in Sweet Maize Production: A Case Study of a Semi-Arid Mediterranean Region

Maize is a crucial global commodity, which is used not only for food, but also as an alternative crop in biogas production and as a major energy-supply ingredient in animal diets. However, climate change is jeopardizing current maize production due to its direct impact on weather instability and water availability or its indirect effects on regional climate suitability loss. Hence, new areas for sweet maize cultivation should be considered in the future. Therefore, this study focuses on the possibility of producing maize in a challenging environment in Southern Italy considering rainfed cultivation and two irrigation regimes (full and deficit). The experiment was conducted during two subsequent growing seasons under semi-arid Mediterranean climate conditions. The overall results indicated a significant difference in biomass and yield between irrigated and non-irrigated treatments, and between full and deficit irrigation. Sweet maize cultivated under deficit irrigation gained less biomass than under full irrigation and its development and fruit maturation were delayed. Under deficit irrigation, the plants gave lower yields and a higher percentage of the panicle weight consisted of kernels. Irrigation water productivity was higher for deficit than for full irrigated treatment. These findings indicate the feasibility of sweet maize production in semi-arid areas of Southern Italy using adaptive agricultural strategies including deficit irrigation and controlled water stress. Given the importance of maize production, understanding of maize growth and productivity in a challenging environment may support future agricultural programming and thereby contribute e to mitigation of the direct and indirect effects of climate change.
Environmental management and practises in Zimbabwe’s Chivi district: A political ecology analysis

Abstract Zimbabwe is currently suffering from a myriad of environmental conservation problems in addition to destabilising economic and political problems. As a result of the growing crisis of environmental degradation, the government has developed divergent policies, acts and resolutions to address the problems. While scholars have emphasised the significance of environmental legislation, the continual environmental degradation in the country questions the resource management strategies currently in use. This paper seeks to examine the symbiotic relationship between society, politics and the environment in Chivi District, Southern Zimbabwe. The paper uses political ecology lens to interrogate the policies and regulations whose implementation is often caught up in a web of political interactions as diverse stakeholders seek to maximise the use of natural resources with negative repercussions on the environment. The paper addresses these aspects by adopting a qualitative approach while using Chivi District as a case study. Data were gathered through desktop review and in-depth interviews with 15 purposively sampled key informants and 30 conveniently sampled community members. Data collected were analysed using the thematic analysis method. The findings demonstrate that some regulatory frameworks on environment did not only protect sustainable use of natural resources but they also engender degradation of the same resources. Results of the study show that the existing environmental regulations are fragmented and difficult to enforce and there are some provisions that sanction people to degrade the environment. Unless addressed through deliberate policy intervention, natural resources in Chivi district will severely deteriorate and thus affecting development of the community.
Assortment of kaempferol and zinc gluconate improves noise-induced biochemical imbalance and deficits in body weight gain

Abstract This study investigated the effects of pretreatment with antioxidants, kaempferol, and zinc gluconate on serum biochemical changes and impairment in body weight gain following noise-exposure in Wistar rats. Thirty-five animals were evenly grouped into five cohorts: Groups II, III, IV, and V were exposed to noise stress, induced by exposing rats to 100 dB (4 hr/day) for 15 days, from days 33 to 48 after starting the drug treatments. Treatment with kaempferol and/or zinc mitigated noise-induced deficits in body weight gain, and levels of serum lipid and protein fractions. The combined treatment significantly (p < .05) decreased malondialdehyde concentration in kaempferol + zinc gluconate treated group, compared to the group administered deionized water + noise. This result demonstrates that biochemical dyshomeostasis and lipid peroxidation may be involved in the molecular mechanism underlying noise stress and the assortment of kaempferol and zinc gluconate produced an improved mitigating outcome in Wistar rats.
Dual distribution systems: Investigating their effects on independent manufacturers’ representatives’ perceptions of manufacturers

Abstract This study investigates how manufacturers’ (principals’) use of dual distribution systems—house accounts and house territories managed by in-house salespeople—influence independent manufacturers’ representatives’ (IMRs’) perceptions of sales controls, psychological climate, and overall satisfaction. Research on the use and effects of dual distribution selling systems has previously focused nearly exclusively on the perspective of manufacturers (principals). The study is based on a nationally representative sample of IMR practitioners, is grounded in and proceeds from the opposing dyadic perspective (the IMR [agency] view), and generates new and useful strategic insights related to how best to manage critical manufacturer-IMR relationships. The study reveals that manufacturers’ use of house territories, outside the domain of the focal IMR imposed favorable effects on IMR’s perceptions of sales controls and psychological climate, and contributed directly to higher IMR satisfaction with the principals they represent. House accounts inside IMR territories negatively influenced IMR perceptions of sales controls and psychological climate, and contributed directly to lower IMR satisfaction with the principals. Managerial implications and future research opportunities are developed and discussed.
Speed control of interior permanent magnet synchronous motor drive for flux weakening operation

A novel flux-weakening scheme for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) is proposed. It is implemented based on the output of the synchronous PI current regulator-reference voltage to PWM inverter. The onset of flux weakening and the level of the flux are adjusted inherently by the outer voltage regulation loop to prevent the saturation of the current regulator. Attractive features of this flux weakening scheme include no dependency on the machine parameters, the guarantee of current regulation at any operating condition, and smooth and fast transition into and out of the flux weakening mode. Experimental results at various operating conditions including the case of detuned parameters are presented to verify the feasibility of the proposed control scheme.
Performance Assessment of Construction Companies Integrating Key Performance Indicators and Data Envelopment Analysis

The web benchmarking systems broadly used in the construction industry (CI) are designed to provide results based on key performance indicators (KPIs). No insights concerning organization overall performance and improvements targets are available. This research aims to fulfill this gap using data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a method to complement the information provided by a set of KPIs. The methodology proposed is useful to all organizations involved in benchmarking routines. To enable a more realistic assessment of CI companies, two types of DEA models were used, one allows factor weights to vary freely and the other includes weight restrictions. These models assign an efficiency score to each organization, identifying efficient organizations and providing performance improvements targets for the others. To enable suggesting targets for all organizations, expert opinion was used to specify virtual units which were included in the efficiency assessment to define a practical frontier located beyond the productivity levels of the original DEA frontier. Based on a sample of 20 Portuguese leading contractors, the Portuguese web benchmarking system for CI, icBench, was used to demonstrate the advantages of integrating the DEA method with KPIs benchmark scores.
Building knowledge-sharing cultures: strategies, behaviour and incentive systems

This paper focuses on knowledge-sharing, one of the most important processes in managing knowledge, through an investigation of applied Knowledge-Management strategies. Moreover, the nature of the knowledge-sharing environment, as well as the approaches to sharing knowledge are examined, aiming to shed light on current organisational practices. Extensive reference is also made to the relevant literature and to research concerning knowledge-sharing behaviour, the barriers to sharing knowledge, as well as to suggestions regarding the augmentation of the organisational knowledge-sharing culture. Finally, an empirical study investigating the knowledge-sharing behaviour of bank employees in Greece is briefly presented.
Effects of Ir electrodes on barium strontium titanate thin-film capacitors for high-density memory application

Excellent electrical characteristics of RF-sputtered Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) thin-film capacitors with iridium (Ir) electrodes were obtained and the influence of Ir on device properties was investigated. In contrast to conventional Pt-electroded system, BST capacitors with Ir electrodes exhibit higher polarization and slightly higher leakage current. The stronger crystallinity of a thin BST layer (/spl sim/70 /spl Aring/) initially grown on Ir substrate is believed to be the cause for higher charge storage density of the Ir-electroded capacitors. However, this higher polarization is accompanied by higher dielectric dispersion (3.12% per decade for Ir versus 1.98% for Pt electrodes). On the other hand, leakage current appears to be dominated by the Schottky barrier formed by Ir-BST and Pt-BST contacts, respectively, at high field. The analysis from temperature-dependent J-V data indicates a lower barrier height for the Ir-BST contact than Pt-BST contact. The slightly higher leakage current density of the BST capacitors with Ir electrodes can thus be attributed to the lower barrier height.
OBIC Analysis of Different Edge Terminations of Planar 1.6 kV 4H-SiC Diodes

High voltage SiC semiconductor devices have been successfully fabricated and some of them are commercially available [1]. To achieve experimental breakdown voltage values as close as possible to the theoretical value, i.e. value of the theoretical semi-infinite diode, it is necessary to protect the periphery of the devices against premature breakdown due to locally high electric fields. Mesa structures and junction termination extension (JTE) as well as guard rings, and combinations of these techniques, have been successfully employed. Each of them has particular drawbacks. Especially, JTE are difficult to optimize in terms of impurity dose to implant, as well as in terms of geometric dimensions. This paper is a study of the spreading of the electric field at the edge of bipolar diodes protected by JTE and field rings, by optical beam induced current.
A very low operation current InGaAsP/InP total internal reflection optical switch using p/n/p/n current blocking layers

A very low operation current (20 mA) has been achieved for the first time with an InGaAsP/InP total-internal-reflection optical switch. The optical switch is fabricated on an n/sup +/-InP substrate using p/n/p/n current blocking layers. This switch has a large effective contact area and is a self-aligned structure. This is a promising result for making optical integrated circuits. >
Active Structural Acoustic Control of a Launch Vehicle Fairing Using Monolithic Piezoceramic Actuators

This study investigated the feasibility of using active structural acoustic control with monolithic piezoceramic actuators to reduce the low frequency noise transmission through rocket fairings during launch. Closed-loop simulation results are presented using a fully coupled structural acoustic model of a lightly damped composite fairing structure with integrated piezoceramic actuators. Constraints were placed on controller mass and maximum allowable actuator voltage in order to provide a baseline of reasonable expected performance. Realistic disturbance levels were used in the simulations, and two disturbance cases were considered with significantly different spectral characteristics. Simulations were conducted to compare the effects of actuator thickness, covered surface area, and maximum actuator voltage on controller performance and energy requirements. Linear Quadratic Regulator control laws were computed assuming full-state feedback using three design approaches. The results provide significant insight into the noise transmission problem and to the physical dynamics of the control approach. The best-case reduction in the spatially averaged interior acoustic response was determined to be approximately 2.5 dB over the 0-300 Hz bandwidth.
A low‐profile circularly polarized curl antenna over an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) surface

An electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) surface is utilized as a ground plane for a curl antenna to achieve a low‐profile design as well as a circularly polarized pattern. The antenna height is greatly reduced compared to a normal curl antenna over a PEC ground plane. The frequency bandgap and ground plane size are discussed. Experimental results demonstrate the applicability of this concept. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 31: 264–267, 2001.
Shadow of Your Former Self: Exploring Project Leaders’ Post-Failure Behaviors (Resilience, Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy) in High-Tech Startup Projects

Globally, demands for sustainable strategies in the ICT industry have attracted greater momentum as high-tech projects continue to fail in large numbers. Recent studies have underpinned project resilience as a major factor for overcoming these increasing project failures, delays, or termination. However, the complex behaviors of resilient project leaders, especially in post-failure conditions, have been largely overlooked. To address this critical research gap, the present study identifies the direct relationships between three potential behavioral traits of project leaders (i.e., resilience, self-esteem, and self-efficacy) and examines how they move forward beyond project failures. The present study also explored whether self-esteem mediates project leaders’ resilience and self-efficacy. Drawing on data from 232 project leaders in Pakistan’s high-tech start-ups, the new findings suggest that there are significant positive effects of project leaders’ resilience and self-esteem on their self-efficacy, and that project leaders’ resilience and self-efficacy is significantly mediated by their self-esteem. As the project resilience theory gains traction, the present study findings have pinpointed major steps for meeting project challenges ahead of time, allowing leaders and teams to learn from failures, and also for improving organisations’ ability to implement successful and sustainable high-tech projects especially in emerging economies.
Laser Ablation and Fluid Flows Show a Single Force Mechanism Governs Spindle Positioning

Few techniques are available for elucidating the nature of forces that drive subcellular behaviors. Here we develop two complementary ones: 1) femtosecond stereotactic laser ablation (FESLA), which rapidly creates complex cuts of subcellular structures, thereby allowing precise dissection of when, where, and in what direction forces are generated; and 2) assessment of subcellular fluid flows, by comparing direct flow measurements, using microinjected fluorescent nanodiamonds, to large-scale fluid-structure simulations of different models of force transduction. We apply these to study centrosomes in Caenorhabditis elegans early embryos, and use the data to construct a biophysically-based model of centrosome dynamics. Taken together, we demonstrate that cortical pulling forces provide a general explanation for many behaviors mediated by centrosomes, including pronuclear migration/centration and rotation, metaphase spindle positioning, asymmetric spindle elongation and spindle oscillations. In sum, this work establishes new methodologies for disentangling the forces responsible for cell biological phenomena.