Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts of credit constraint on small holder farmer’s technology adoption in Ethiopia

The study is conducted using a primary data which was collected from 252 randomly selected households found in two woredas (districts) of Gedeo zone with the objective of analysing determinants of smallholder farmers’ participation in the credit market from both demand and supply sides and its implication on agricultural technology adoption and intensity of adoption. Probit and double-hurdle models are employed to analyse the data. Being young, number of oxen and distance to credit market are found to reduce the probability of being credit constrained. Age, number of oxen, family size and technology adoption are found to increase credit demand while land size, tropical livestock unit and distance to credit market have negative (unexpected) signs. In the double-hurdle model estimation while credit market participation, being literate, being young and livestock holdings are found to determine the probability of technology adoption positively having oxen, being credit constrained and far from input market affected probability of technology adoption negatively. In the last estimation, education, land size and livestock holdings turned out to affect intensity of adoption positively while number of oxen and distance to input market are found to reduce expenditure of farm technology.
Additive manufacturing of collagen scaffolds by three-dimensional plotting of highly viscous dispersions

Additive manufacturing (AM) allows the free form fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) structures with distinct external geometry, fitting into a patient-specific defect, and defined internal pore architecture. However, fabrication of predesigned collagen scaffolds using AM-based technologies is challenging due to the low viscosity of collagen solutions, gels or dispersions commonly used for scaffold preparation. In the present study, we have developed a straightforward method which is based on 3D plotting of a highly viscous, high density collagen dispersion. The swollen state of the collagen fibrils at pH 4 enabled the homogenous extrusion of the material, the deposition of uniform strands and finally the construction of 3D scaffolds. Stabilization of the plotted structures was achieved by freeze-drying and chemical crosslinking with the carbodiimide EDC. The scaffolds exhibited high shape and dimensional fidelity and a hierarchical porosity consisting of macropores generated by strand deposition as well as an interconnected microporosity within the strands as result of the freeze-drying process. Cultivation of human mesenchymal stromal cells on the scaffolds, with and without adipogenic or osteogenic stimulation, revealed their cytocompatibility and potential applicability for adipose and bone tissue engineering.
Spatio-temporal Analysis of the Street Crime hotspots in faisalabad city of Pakistan

The Geographic Information System has become an important and useful tool in the implementation of crime control and monitoring activities in crimes affected areas and it has the ability to examine spatial relationships of phenomena. The present study has been taken up for detecting the hotspots of street crimes and developing the crime control strategies in the Faisalabad city of Pakistan. The spatial patterns of urban street crimes were analyzed. The crime reports of 2012 were geocoded and the crime maps were prepared in ArcGIS 10. The strategic crime analysis was done in a series of meetings with police department and crime controlling strategies were built. The Compstat model with some modifications was followed for the accountability and performance management of the police department. Operational analysis was carried out for resource allocations and deployment. After implementing crime control strategies it has been observed that there was a remarkable reduction in the street crimes. The crime data of 2013 was plotted on map and the hotspot changing patterns were observed.
Not All Errors are Created Equal: Factors that Impact Acceptance of an Indoor Navigation Aid for the Blind

Large indoor spaces continue to pose challenges to independent navigation for people who are blind. Unfortunately, assistive technologies designed to support indoor navigation frequently make errors that are technically difficult or impossible to eliminate. We conducted a study to explore whether there are strategic ways designers can minimize the impact of inevitable errors on user experience. This paper summarizes an online survey of 41 blind individuals regarding their projected acceptance to three types of errors expected of these devices. We found that some errors were more acceptable than others. Factors that impacted results included the error type and the social/environmental setting.
Risk factors for somnolence, edema, and hallucinations in early Parkinson disease

Background: The CALM-PD trial evaluated the development of motor complications in subjects with early Parkinson disease (PD) randomized to initial treatment with either pramipexole or levodopa. A secondary finding of the trial was a higher than anticipated development or worsening of somnolence and edema and development of hallucinations. Objectives: To investigate risk factors for somnolence, edema, and hallucinations in patients with early PD initiating dopaminergic therapy. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data from the CALM-PD trial. Baseline patient characteristics were evaluated for their associations with the development or worsening of somnolence and edema and the development of hallucinations using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: Kaplan-Meier estimates of the 4-year incidence of the development or worsening of somnolence and edema and the development of hallucinations were 35%, 45%, and 17%. Initial pramipexole treatment (hazard ratio [HR] 2.22, 95% CI 1.41, 3.50, p < 0.001), male gender (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.09, 2.93, p = 0.02), and >5 systems with a comorbid illness (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.04, 2.51, p = 0.03) were associated with somnolence. Initial pramipexole treatment (HR 3.18, 95% CI 1.95, 5.18, p < 0.0001), female gender (HR 1.46, 95% CI 0.94, 2.27, p = 0.09), and comorbid cardiac disease (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.02, 2.47, p = 0.04) were associated with edema. Age ≥65 (HR 2.06, 95% CI 0.98, 4.32, p = 0.06), Mini-Mental State Examination score >28 (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.19, 0.91, p = 0.03), and >5 systems with a comorbid illness (HR 3.42, 95% CI 1.59, 7.38, p = 0.002) were associated with hallucinations. Conclusions: Comorbid illnesses are important and overlooked risk factors for the development of somnolence, edema, and hallucinations. When initiating therapy with pramipexole, patients should be counseled about and monitored for somnolence and edema. Slight decrements in cognitive function and older age are associated with an increased risk of hallucinations.
Discrimination of Ventricular Tachycardia from Supraventricular Tachycardia by a Downloaded Wavelet‐Transform Morphology Algorithm: A Paradigm for Development of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Detection Algorithms

Morphology Download. Introduction: Present implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have algorithms that discriminate supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) from ventricular tachycardia (VT). One type of algorithm is based on differences in morphology of ventricular electrograms during VT and SVT. Prior SVT‐VT discrimination algorithms have not undergone real‐time evaluation in ambulatory patients until they were incorporated permanently into ICDs. This approach may result in incomplete testing of electrogram morphology algorithms because they are influenced by posture, activity, and electrogram maturation. We downloaded software into implanted ICDs to study a novel algorithm that compares morphologies of baseline and tachycardia electrograms based on differences between corresponding coefficients of their wavelet transforms. This comparison is expressed as a match‐percent score.
Changes in benthic nutrient sources within a wetland after hydrologic reconnection

Removing dams and levees to restore hydrologic connectivity and enhance ecosystem services such as nutrient removal has been an increasingly common management practice. In the present study, the authors assessed geochemical and biological changes following engineered levee breaches that reconnected eutrophic Upper Klamath Lake and Agency Lake, Oregon, USA, to an adjacent, historic wetland that had been under agricultural use for the last seven decades. Over the three‐year study, the reconnected wetland served as a benthic source for both macronutrients (dissolved organic carbon [DOC], soluble reactive phosphorus [SRP], and ammonia) and micronutrients (dissolved iron and manganese). The magnitude of those benthic sources was similar to or greater than that of allochthonous sources. The highest DOC benthic flux to the water column occurred immediately after rewetting occurred. It then decreased during the present study to levels more similar to the adjacent lake. Dissolved ammonia fluxes, initially negative after the levee breaches, became consistently positive through the remainder of the study. Nitrate fluxes, also initially negative, became negligible two years after the levee breaches. In contrast to previous laboratory studies, SRP fluxes remained positive, as did fluxes of dissolved iron and manganese. Our results indicate that the timescales of chemical changes following hydrologic reconnection of wetlands are solute‐specific and in some cases extend for multiple years beyond the reconnection event. During the present study, colonization of the reconnected wetlands by aquatic benthic invertebrates gradually generated assemblages similar to those in a nearby wetland refuge and provided further evidence of the multiyear transition of this area to permanent aquatic habitat. Such timescales should be considered when developing water‐quality management strategies to achieve wetland‐restoration goals. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1995–2013. © 2012 SETAC
Trust-Based Formal Delegation Framework for Enterprise Social Networks

Collaborative environments raise major challenges to secure them. These challenges increase when it comes to the domain of Enterprise-Social-Networks (ESNs) as ESNs aim to incorporate the social technologies in an organization setup while asserting greater control of information security. In this context, the security challenges have taken a new shape as an ESN may not be limited to the boundaries of a single organization and users from different organizations can collaborate in a common federated environment. In this paper, we address the problem of the authorization's delegation in federated collaborative environments like ESNs. In contrast to traditional XML based languages, such as XACML, our approach is based on event-calculus, a temporal logic programming formalism. Further, the traditional approaches are either user-centric or organization-centric. However, the domain of ESN requires to bridge the gap between them and the proposed framework deals with this challenge. In order to enhance the delegation scheme, we have proposed a behavior monitoring mechanism, that permits to assess principals' trust level within the federated collaborative environment. We evaluate our trust computing approach based on simulated principals' behaviors and discuss the obtained results.
Few notes towards making honeyword system more secure and usable

Traditionally the passwords are stored in hashed format. However, if the password file is compromised then by using the brute force attack there is a high chance that the original passwords can be leaked. False passwords -- also known as honeywords, are used to protect the original passwords from such leak. A good honeyword system is dependent on effective honeyword generation techniques. In this paper, the risk and limitations of some of the existing honeyword generation techniques have been identified as different notes. Three concepts -- modified tails, close number formation and caps key are introduced to address the existing issues. The experimental analysis shows that the proposed techniques with some preprocessing can protect high percentage of passwords. Finally a comparative analysis is presented to show how the proposed approaches stand with respect to the existing honeyword generation approaches.
A high-order finite element method for forward problem in diffuse optical tomography

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a non-invasive imaging modality for visualizing and continuously monitoring tissue and blood oxygenation levels in brain and breast. DOT includes an ill-posed inverse problem. The image reconstruction algorithm in the inverse problem involves generating images by means of forward modeling results and the boundary measurements. A for ward model describes the dependence of the photon intensity data on the distribution of absorbing and scattering coefficients. The ability of the forward model to generate the corresponding data efficiently plays an important issue in DOT image reconstruction. Small measurement or forward modeling errors can lead to unbounded fluctuations in the image reconstruction algorithm. Using a first-order finite element method for forward modeling, the discretization error is reduced by increasing the number of elements. However, increasing the number of elements may cause a critical issue in the ill-posed inverse problem. This paper focuses on applying the high-order finite element method for forward modeling. In this method, the polynomial degree of shape functions is increased and the mesh size is kept fixed. Numerical results are compared with an analytical solution.
A critical discourse analysis of the reasons underlying Arab student-teachers’ inadequate English language proficiency

Abstract Despite the emphasis laid on demonstrating English language proficiency by Non-Native English Speaking Teachers (NNESTs), research has shown that for various reasons English language teachers graduating from a state-owned university in an Arab country for the past 25 years or so have been found lacking communication skills due to reasons pertinent to their preparation. This Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) study combines data from two different sources and examines from an ideological perspective the reasons underlying those student-teachers’ (STs) deficient English language proficiency. Results have revealed that there have been conflicting and contesting ideological among the various involved agents leading to manipulating the factors affecting those STs’ English language proficiency. The findings have implications for shaping the STs’ language proficiency.
Amino acid sequence variations of signaling lymphocyte activation molecule and mortality caused by morbillivirus infection in cetaceans

Morbillivirus infection is a severe threat to marine mammals. Mass die‐offs caused by this infection have repeatedly occurred in bottlenose dolphins (Turiops truncatus) and striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), both of which belong to the family Delphinidae, but not in other cetaceans. However, it is unknown whether sensitivity to the virus varies among cetacean species. The signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) is a receptor on host cells that allows morbillivirus invasion and propagation. Its immunoguloblin variable domain‐like (V) region provides an interface for the virus hemagglutinin (H) protein. In this study, variations in the amino acid residues of the V region of 26 cetacean species, covering almost all cetacean genera, were examined. Three‐dimensional (3D) models of them were generated in a homology model using the crystal structure of the marmoset SLAM and measles virus H protein complex as a template. The 3D models showed 32 amino acid residues on the interface that possibly bind the morbillivirus. Among the cetacean species studied, variations were found at six of the residues. Bottlenose and striped dolphins have substitutions at five positions (E68G, I74V, R90H, V126I, and Q130H) compared with those of baleen whales. Three residues (at positions 68, 90 and 130) were found to alternate electric charges, possibly causing changes in affinity for the virus. This study shows a new approach based on receptor structure for assessing potential vulnerability to viral infection. This method may be useful for assessing the risk of morbillivirus infection in wildlife.
A loop-centric profiling method for embedded applications

Embedded applications usually impose tight constraints upon their code efficiency, which entail elaborate code optimization on the hotspot of the programs. In order to identify the hotspot, we propose an effective and easy-use loop-centric profiling method in this paper. In our proposed method, a code isolation step is first applied on the original code, which extracts all the candidate loops at source level and keeps the original semantic unchanged. Then we can use an off-the-shelf profiling tool to identify our interested loops in the program on a given platform. Our method is retargetable as long as the profiler for the target platform is available. In our experiments, we tested our method using the MPEG-2 decoder application on ARM platform, and we can see that the results provide helpful information for further optimization on the application code.
Low b-Value Diffusion-Weighted Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Initial Results in Humans Using an Optimal Time-Window Imaging Approach

Objectives:Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using low b-values permits imaging of intravoxel incoherent motion in tissues. However, low b-value DWI of the human heart has been considered too challenging because of additional signal loss due to physiological motion, which reduces both signal intensity and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We address these signal loss concerns by analyzing cardiac motion during a heartbeat to determine the time-window during which cardiac bulk motion is minimal. Using this information to optimize the acquisition of DWI data and combining it with a dedicated image processing approach has enabled us to develop a novel low b-value diffusion-weighted cardiac magnetic resonance imaging approach, which significantly reduces intravoxel incoherent motion measurement bias introduced by motion. Materials and Methods:Simulations from displacement encoded motion data sets permitted the delineation of an optimal time-window with minimal cardiac motion. A number of single-shot repetitions of low b-value DWI cardiac magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired during this time-window under free-breathing conditions with bulk physiological motion corrected for by using nonrigid registration. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on the registered images to improve the SNR, and temporal maximum intensity projection (TMIP) was applied to recover signal intensity from time-fluctuant motion-induced signal loss. This PCATMIP method was validated with experimental data, and its benefits were evaluated in volunteers before being applied to patients. Results:Optimal time-window cardiac DWI in combination with PCATMIP postprocessing yielded significant benefits for signal recovery, contrast-to-noise ratio, and SNR in the presence of bulk motion for both numerical simulations and human volunteer studies. Analysis of mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps showed homogeneous values among volunteers and good reproducibility between free-breathing and breath-hold acquisitions. The PCATMIP DWI approach also indicated its potential utility by detecting ADC variations in acute myocardial infarction patients. Conclusions:Studying cardiac motion may provide an appropriate strategy for minimizing the impact of bulk motion on cardiac DWI. Applying PCATMIP image processing improves low b-value DWI and enables reliable analysis of ADC in the myocardium. The use of a limited number of repetitions in a free-breathing mode also enables easier application in clinical conditions.
Demystifying Beneficiary Participation and Its Effects in International Development

Beneficiary participation has become popular in international development generally, and it is an essential feature of sustainable development. But there are diverse definitions of and motivations for using beneficiary participation, and empirical literature on its effects is underdeveloped. This dissertation aims to clarify what beneficiary participation is and whether there is empirical support for claims about its benefits. I review historical trends in international development that led to the popularity of both sustainable development and beneficiary participation. This review identifies central themes in defining beneficiary participation and motivations for using it. I also developed a new typology of beneficiary participation based on a literature review of how scholars define beneficiary participation. I found that the main dimensions of beneficiary participation are (1) participants, (2) channels, (3) types of inputs, (4) timing, and (5) goals. By making these dimensions explicit, this work helps researchers and development practitioners more clearly describe the types of beneficiary participation they study, employ, and advocate for. To contribute to empirical literature about beneficiary participation, I conducted a case-study of two urban development projects in Bhopal, India. I collected data with a structured survey of project beneficiaries in four slums (two slums from each project) and semi-structured interviews with each project’s organizers. And project documents provided secondary data on both projects. The results indicate that local elites did not capture a disproportionate share of either project’s benefits, at least with respect to individual household toilets. Because project organizers rather than beneficiaries selected households that would receive toilets, both cases serve as counterexamples to the claim that beneficiaries must intensely participate for projects’ benefits to be distributed equitably.
Evaluation of the BACTEC radiometric method for recovery of mycobacteria and drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from acid-fast smear-positive specimens

A total of 463 respiratory specimens, all smear positive for acid-fast bacteria, were inoculated onto routine solid media and into BACTEC 7H12 Middlebrook medium for detection of mycobacterial growth. Conventional drug susceptibility testing (1% proportion method) was performed on Middlebrook 7H10/7H11 medium, and radiometric susceptibility testing was performed on BACTEC 7H12 medium. The average detection times for BACTEC-positive cultures were 8.3 days for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 5.2 days for mycobacteria other than tuberculosis; by conventional methods, they were 19.4 and 17.8 days, respectively. These detection times do not include time required for identification, which was done by the conventional method only. There was an excellent correlation in the recovery rates of mycobacteria by the two methods. Drug susceptibility test results of M. tuberculosis isolates by the two methods showed 95.1 to 100% overall agreement. The average reporting time for drug susceptibility results ranged from 4.2 to 6.9 days for the BACTEC method and 13.7 to 21 days for the conventional methods. An average of 18 days was required by the BACTEC method for complete recovery and drug susceptibility testing of M. tuberculosis, as compared with 38.5 days for the conventional methods.
Pharmacokinetics of hydromorphone after intravenous, peroral and rectal administration to human subjects

The pharmacokinetic properties of hydromorphone in healthy young male subjects were studied after i. v. , peroral, and rectal administration. After i.v. administration the following pharmacokinetic parameters were found: elimination half‐life 2.36 ± 0.5 h, hepatic extraction ratio 0.51, apparent volume of distribution 2.9 ± 1.3 L kg−1 and volume of central compartment 0.23 ± 0.2 L kg−1. The absolute bioavailability after peroral administration was 50.7 ± 29.8 per cent, and that after rectal administration was 33 ± 22 per cent.