Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Morocco’s Basic Medical Coverage on Individual’s Healthcare Expenditures: A Censored Tobit Model

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of Basic Medical Coverage (BMC) on the expenditures of Healthcare in Morocco based upon data from the Moroccan Household Panel Survey Data. The Censored Tobit Model (CTM) has been used to estimate the BMC effect on the expenditures of healthcare. For this purpose, we have used a cross-sectional data which came from the Moroccan Household Survey Panel Data (HSPD) particularly from the 3rd wave (2015). Our research revealed that the access to healthcare expenses remain correlated upon the individual’s demographic, social and economic conditions. In fact, our statistical modelling revealed that BMC is significantly correlated with increased of use of healthcare services when they are needed. Indeed, a person in households that had Compulsory Health Insurance (AMO) coverage used health services exactly like those in households that had no insurance coverage. Generally, the findings of the adopted model suggested that RAMed health plan could significantly increase the individual expenditures of healthcare.
Estimating aggregated nutrient fluxes in four Finnish rivers via Gaussian state space models

Reliable estimates of the nutrient fluxes carried by rivers from land‐based sources to the sea are needed for efficient abatement of marine eutrophication. Although nutrient concentrations in rivers generally display large temporal variation, sampling and analysis for nutrients, unlike flow measurements, are rarely performed on a daily basis. The infrequent data calls for ways to reliably estimate the nutrient concentrations of the missing days. Here, we use the Gaussian state space models with daily water flow as a predictor variable to predict missing nutrient concentrations for four agriculturally impacted Finnish rivers. Via simulation of Gaussian state space models, we are able to estimate aggregated yearly phosphorus and nitrogen fluxes, and their confidence intervals.
Recurrent Network Model of the Neural Mechanism of Short-Term Active Memory

Two decades of single unit recording in monkeys performing short-term memory tasks has established that information can be stored as sustained neural activity. The mechanism of this information storage is unknown. The learning-based model described here demonstrates that a mechanism using only the dynamic activity in recurrent networks is sufficient to account for the observed phenomena. The temporal activity patterns of neurons in the model match those of real memory-associated neurons, while the model's gating properties and attractor dynamics provide explanations for puzzling aspects of the experimental data.
Relationships between Power and Strength of the Upper and Lower Limb Muscles and Throwing Velocity in Male Handball Players

Chelly, MS, Hermassi, S, and Shephard, RJ. Relationships between power and strength of the upper and lower limb muscles and throwing velocity in male handball players. J Strength Cond Res 24(6): 1480-1487, 2010-This study aimed to investigate relationships between peak power (PP) as measured by upper limb (PPUL) and lower limb (PPLL) force-velocity tests, maximal upper limb force assessed by 1 repetition maximum bench press (1RMBP), and pullover (1RMPO) exercises, estimates of local muscle volume and 3-step running handball throwing velocity (T3-Steps). Fourteen male handball players volunteered for the investigation (age: 19.6 ± 0.6 years; body mass: 86.7 ± 12.9 kg; and height 1.87 ± 0.07 m). Lower and upper limb force-velocity tests were performed on appropriately modified forms of a Monark cycle ergometer, with measurement of PPUL and PPLL, and the corresponding respective maximal forces (F0UL and F0LL) and velocities (V0UL and V0LL). T3-Steps was assessed using a radar Stalker ATS system™. Muscle volumes of the upper and lower limbs were estimated with a standard anthropometric kit. T3-Steps was closely related to absolute PPUL and to F0UL (r = 0.69, p < 0.01 for both relationships). T3-Steps was also moderately related to 1RMBP and 1RMPO (r = 0.56, p < 0.05; r = 0.55, p < 0.05 respectively), and to PPLL and F0LL (r = 0.56, p < 0.05; r = 0.62, p < 0.05, respectively). When PPLL was expressed per unit of limb muscle volume, the relationship with T3-Steps disappeared. This suggests the importance of muscle volume to performance in throwing events. Force-velocity data may prove useful in regulating conditioning and rehabilitation programs for handball players. Our results also highlight the contribution of both the lower and the upper limbs to handball throwing velocity, suggesting the need for coaches to include upper and lower limb strength and power programs when improving the throwing velocity of handball players.
Social accountability in maternal health services in Baglung district, Nepal: a qualitative study

Background Despite there being many state and non-governmental organisation (NGO) health programs, Nepal still has a high maternal mortality ratio of 258. Previous research has indicated that social accountability mechanisms can improve maternal health. However, the functioning of these mechanisms has not yet been explored in Nepal. Social accountability mechanisms can be identified and analysed through the information, dialogue & negotiation model. Objective To identify the role of social accountability mechanisms in maternal health and the challenges regarding these mechanisms in Baglung district, Nepal. Methods Ten semi-structured interviews were held with healthcare officials, healthcare providers, NGO staff and mothers at the community level, and four focus group discussions were held with pregnant women and recent mothers, healthcare providers and Health Facility Operation and Management Committee (HFOMC) members. Data was coded and analysed with ATLAS.ti using the information, dialogue & negotiation model. Results Mothers’ Groups, Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) and the HFOMC function as a two-step social accountability mechanism. The FCHVs act as a bridge between Mothers’ Groups at the community level and the HFOMC. The HFOMC holds dialogues and negotiations with the district and central government. There seem to be two main obstructions in the information flow from the central or district levels to the community. They are located between the central government level and/or district level and the HFOMC, and between the HFOMC and the FCHV and Mothers' Groups. The information from the community to higher levels seems to have an obstruction in the voicing of service-related needs/complaints in the Mothers’ Groups and another obstruction of HFOMCs rarely interacting with health sector actors other than the local health facility. Conclusions The information, dialogue & negotiation model is a sensitive analytical model to understand the functioning and challenges of social accountability in the maternal health care system of Nepal. The community-based accountability chain of HFOMC, FCHVs and Mothers’ Groups presents a structure that facilitates the optimisation of maternal health services. Recommendations are given to improve gaps in this accountability chain.
Semiparametric pseudoscore for regression with multidimensional but incompletely observed regressor

We study the regression fβ(Y|X,Z), where Y is the response, Z∈Rd is a vector of fully observed regressors and X is the regressor with incomplete observation. To handle missing data, maximum likelihood estimation via expectation‐maximisation (EM) is the most efficient but is sensitive to the specification of the distribution of X. Under a missing at random assumption, we propose an EM‐type estimation via a semiparametric pseudoscore. Like in EM, we derive the conditional expectation of the score function given Y and Z, or the mean score, over the incompletely observed units under a postulated distribution of X. Instead of directly using the ‘mean score’ in estimating equation, we use it as a working index to construct the semiparametric pseudoscore via nonparametric regression. Introduction of semiparametric pseudoscore into the EM framework reduces sensitivity to the specified distribution of X. It also avoids the curse of dimensionality when Z is multidimensional. The resulting regression estimator is more than doubly robust: it is consistent if either the pattern of missingness in X is correctly specified or the working index is appropriately, but not necessarily correctly, specified. It attains optimal efficiency when both conditions are satisfied. Numerical performance is explored by Monte Carlo simulations and a study on treating hepatitis C patients with HIV coinfection. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
ANALISIS PENGARUH VARIABEL MODERASI SWITCHING COSTS TERHADAP HUBUNGAN SERVICE PERFORMANCE DAN CUSTOMER LOYALTY MEMBER CELEBRITY FITNESS JAKARTA

The purpose of this research to determine the effect of moderating variables on the relationship between Switching Costs, Service Performance and Customer Loyalty among Celebrity Fitness members. This research was carried out in a service company Celebrity Fitness. The respondents were limited to the members of Celebrity Fitness in Jakarta. Data obtained by distributing questionnaires to the sample. The method used in sampling is simple random sampling by means of draws. The sample are 165 active members of Celebrity Fitness. The results showed that there is significant influence of the moderating variable on the relationship between Service Performance and Customer Loyalty. The results also show the Service Performance as an independent variable has a significant effect on customer loyalty. Switching Costs serves as a quasi moderator (serves as the independent variable and moderation) significantly affects customer loyalty and has a significant influence as a moderating variable in the relationship between Service Performance and Customer Loyalty. Keywords : Service Performance, Switching Costs, Customer Loyalty
Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in women by Amplicor PCR: comparison of diagnostic performance with urine and cervical specimens

We used the Roche Amplicor PCR assay to compare urine and cervical swabs as sample material in the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis causing genital infections. The diagnostic performance of Amplicor PCR was compared with that of cell culture and the Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay with cervical specimens. If discrepant from other results, the specimens negative by PCR were diluted and reanalyzed to reveal PCR inhibitors. Of 666 patients, 39 (5.9%) were confirmed to have chlamydial infection. The respective sensitivity and specificity of Amplicor PCR were as follows: urine specimens, 82.0 and 99.7%; cervical specimens, 82.0 and 99.8%. Those for cell culture with cervical specimens were 84.6 and 100%. For the Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay, the sensitivity and specificity with cervical specimens were 79.5 and 100%, respectively. Without the effect of PCR inhibitors, the sensitivity of PCR with urine would have been 97.4%. Provided that the problems currently caused by inhibitors will be solved, the Amplicor PCR assay with urine specimens offers a tempting alternative for the diagnosis of C. trachomatis infection in women.
A Youth-Led, Social Marketing Intervention Run by Adolescents to Encourage Healthy Lifestyles among Younger School Peers (EYTO-Kids Project): A Protocol for Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (Spain)

Introduction: The EYTO-kids (European Youth Tackling Obesity in Adolescents and Children) study aims to increase fruit and/or vegetable consumption and physical activity, decrease sedentary lifestyles, and reduce the intake of sugary drinks and fast food using an innovative methodology based on social marketing and youth involvement. Methods: This study is a pilot school-based cluster randomized controlled 10-month intervention spanning two academic years (2015–2016 and 2016–2017), with eight primary schools and three high schools randomized into and designated the control group and eight primary schools and four high schools designated the intervention group in Reus, Spain. At least 301 younger school peers per group should be included. At the intervention high schools, the adolescent creators (ACs) receive an initial 16-h training session. In total, 26–32 high school ACs (12–14 years) from the four high schools will design and implement four health-promotion activities (1 h/each) for their younger (8–10 years), primary school peers. The control group will not receive any intervention. The outcomes (fruit, vegetable, fast food and sugary drink consumption; physical activity; and sedentary behaviors) of the control and intervention groups will be measured pre- and post-intervention. Conclusion: This study describes a protocol for pilot, peer-led, social marketing and youth-involved intervention, where adolescents design and implement activities for their younger peers to promote healthy lifestyles.
Package to board interconnection shear strength (PBISS) behavior at high strain rates approaching mechanical drop

Interconnection shear strength tests performed on three different package constructions at two different test speeds indicate that the deformation of the package to board interconnection is sensitive to these variables. The faster deformation rate used in this study approaches that observed in mechanical drop or shock loading of portable electronic products. The failure mechanisms observed during high rates of deformation include build-up layer and trace fracture for the two ball grid array packages studied, while the land grid array package exhibited primarily solder shear. Results indicate that by choosing the appropriate package type and shear deformation rate, the PBISS test can be used to measure the strength of different elements of the interconnection. Thus the PBISS test can be used as a proxy for the performance of the package under different kinds of mechanical loading.
A Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy Mercury Continuous Emission Monitor Quarterly

SRD tested a number of different length cavities during this past quarter. Continuous transmission was observed with cavity lengths from 65 to 12 cm. The 65 cm cavity was replaced with a 39 cm cavity for work performed during this quarter. Flue gas components were tested for background absorptions and any interference with the determination of accurate mercury concentrations. Sulfur dioxide was found to absorb fairly strongly in the region of the mercury transition, but the Cavity Ring-Down (CRD) instrument was still able to detect mercury at subparts-per-billion by volume (ppb) levels. Additional flue gases tested included H2O, CO, CO2, NO, NO2. None of these flue gas constituents showed any observable absorption in the ultraviolet region near the atomic mercury transition. Work was also initiated in speciation studies. In particular mercury chloride (HgCl2) was tested. A mercury signal was detected from a gas stream containing HgCl2. SRD was not able to determine definitively if there exists a spectral shift great enough to separate HgCl2 from elemental mercury in these initial tests.
RED BLOOD CELL ALLOANTIGENIC SYSTEMS IN THE RAT

A new alloantigenic system on red blood cells, Ag‐S, is described: the Ag‐S1 allele is present in the SHR strain, and all other strains tested possess the allelic Ag‐S2 specificity. The Ag‐C system, which was previously described using xenogeneic antisera, was shown to be an alloantigenic system. The appropriate strain combinations are needed to elicit detectable antibodies, and the variability of the antigenic strength of this system can lead to problems in histocompatibility (Ag‐B, H‐1) typing. The Ag‐D system was explored using both allogeneic and xenogeneic antisera. All three red cell systems are not linked to each other and are not linked to Ag‐B (H‐1). They are not isoantigenic systems, at least in the classical sense, since a variety of normal rat sera did not contain agglutinating antibodies to these antigens. Antibodies raised in various strain combinations are haemagglutinating but are not cytotoxic. The three antigenic systems serve as useful markers in delineating strains and substrains, and a variety of inbred strains of animals were typed using these reagents.
Complete mitochondrial genome sequences of two endangered Indian catfish species, Clarias batrachus and Pangasius pangasius

Abstract Complete mitogenome sequences for Clarias batrachus (magur) and Pangasius pangasius (family Claridae and Pangasiidae, respectively) were generated, which were 16,511 and 16,476 bp, respectively. Both the mitogenomes contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs and 1 non-coding (control) region. The order of the genes was identical to that observed in most other vertebrates. The genome resource of complete mitogenome sequence of Indian catfish species generated during this study would be useful in phylogenetic studies.
Observation of a Train of Attosecond Pulses from High Harmonic Generation

In principle, the temporal beating of superposed high harmonics obtained by focusing a femtosecond laser pulse in a gas jet can produce a train of very short intensity spikes, depending on the relative phases of the harmonics. We present a method to measure such phases through two-photon, two-color photoionization. We found that the harmonics are locked in phase and form a train of 250-attosecond pulses in the time domain. Harmonic generation may be a promising source for attosecond time-resolved measurements.
Enabling Virtualization on Scalable Multicore Systems

Current trends in computer architecture encourage rethinking of the system software design principles. Recent research on operating systems (OS) indeed confirms that the scale, diversity and associated complexities of the emerging hardware represent a tremendous challenge. However, as the traditional OS design techniques get influenced by the modern hardware, virtualization being a well-established technique in computer systems is also likely to evolve. Increasingly scalable and diverse multicores, as well as the recent OS refactoring proposals, both question the survival of virtualization we know today. This document gives a brief overview of the approaches to building scalable system software and points out some of the concerns with respect to the future of virtualization.
Trapezius activity and intramuscular balance during isokinetic exercise in overhead athletes with impingement symptoms

We compared normalized trapezius muscle activity and intramuscular balance ratios between overhead athletes with impingement symptoms and non‐injured athletes during isokinetic abduction and external rotation movements. Thirty‐nine overhead athletes with chronic impingement symptoms and 30 non‐injured athletes participated in the study. Electromyographic activity of upper, middle, and lower trapezius was measured during isokinetic abduction and external rotation, using surface electrodes. The results show a significant increase of upper trapezius activity during both movements in the patient group, with decreased activity in the lower trapezius during abduction, and in the middle trapezius during external rotation. Analysis of the intramuscular activity ratios revealed muscle imbalance on the injured side of the patient group for upper/middle trapezius and upper/lower trapezius during abduction, and for all three muscle activity ratios during external rotation. These results confirm the presence of scapular muscle imbalances in patients with impingement symptoms and emphasize the relevance of restoration of scapular muscle balance in shoulder rehabilitation.
TRANSFORMING CONGREGATIONAL CULTURE: SUBURBAN LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES WITHIN A CIRCUIT OF THE DRC

On 27 April 2014 we celebrated twenty years of democracy in South Africa. Celebrating this important day in our history also afforded us the opportunity to reflect on what has transpired in our country during the past two decades. From theories in theology and social sciences we learned that what is happening in the broader context in society directly influences the way we congregate in faith communities. And the way we congregate and structure faith communities once again influence the way leadership is exercised. In this contribution different theoretical constructs are used as interpretive frameworks to view the trans-formations that occurred in a Circuit of sub-urban congregations of the Dutch Reformed Church during the past twenty years, specifically concentrating on the leadership processes. The results of the data are also interpreted through the lenses of Mary Douglas’s ‘enclavement theory’ and do not only open up a window on the past but also provide some clues for looking at the factors involved in the processes of transformation that is so prevalent in these congregations. The article will conclude with some theological reflection on leadership practices related to these processes of transformation.
Open data: An International comparison of strategies

Ever more governments around the world are defining and implementing ``open data'' strategies in order to increase transparency, participation and/or government efficiency. The commonly accepted premise underlying these strategies is that the publishing of government data in a reusable format can strengthen citizen engagement and yield new innovative businesses. However, as these open data strategies\n\nare relatively new, evidence of this expected impact is still limited. Important questions currently debated are: What is an appropriate open data strategy for governments? Why are some governments succeeding in opening up their databases and others struggling? How can open data policies contribute to increase citizens' trust and participation in government and provide an economic spur? In an inquiry for the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, TNO (the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research)1 examined the open data strategies in five countries and gathered anecdotal\n\nevidence of its key features, barriers and drivers for progress and effects.2 In this article we will give a brief overview of the research results and define key challenges for effective open data policy. Two of the main conclusions are that sound evidence of the precise effects is lacking (e.g. economic, social and democratic effects) and that the acquisition of more knowledge could strengthen a well-informed debate, remove governments' reluctance to invest in open data strategies and help them to develop an effective policy.
Deep neural network approach to frog species recognition

Automatic frog species recognition based on acoustic signal has received attention among biologists for environmental studies as it can detect, localize and document the declining population of frog species efficiently compared to the manual survey. In this study, we investigate the possibility of the use of Deep Neural Network (DNN) as a classifier for a frog species recognition system. The Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs) is utilized as features and prior to the feature extraction, we also investigate the capability of automatic segmentation of syllables based on the Sinusoidal Modulation (SM), Energy with Zero Crossing Rate (E+ZCR) and Short-Time Energy with Time Average Zero Crossing Rate (STE+STAZCR). We also evaluate several DNN parameter's setting so as to discover the optimum parameter values for our developed system. 55 different species of frog with 2674 syllables from our in-house database have been tested. Experimental results based on DNN classifier showed that the STE+STAZCR method gives the accuracy of 99.03%, which reveals the viability of DNN as a classifier. In future, further research on DNN parameter optimization will be conducted for system improvement.