Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mother to Child HIV Transmission and Its Predictors among HIV-Exposed Infants: A Retrospective Follow-Up Study in Southwest Ethiopia

Despite the marked progress in coverage of prevention of mother to child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs, mother to child HIV transmission (MTCT) rate is not well documented in Southwest Ethiopia. A retrospective follow up study was carried at Jimma University Specialized Hospital PMTCT clinic to quantify MTCT rate and its predictors among HIV-exposed infants. Data were extracted from medical records of HIV-infected women and exposed infants between September 2010 and December 2012. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify potential factors predicting MTCT. A total of 146 infants born to HIV-infected mothers were included in the analysis. Out of 146 infants, 25 (17%, 95% CI: 11%-23.2%) were HIV positive. In the adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, mothers being on late AIDS stage (AOR=5.8; 95% CI: 1.6-16.5), absence of maternal PMTCT interventions (AOR=4.9; 95% CI: 1.4-16.5), home delivery (AOR=8.1; 95% CI: 2.1-31.9) and mixed infant feeding (AOR=5.6; 95% CI: 1.4-41.2) were independently associated with MTCT. We documented a high rate of MTCT among exposed infants in Southwest Ethiopia. All pregnant HIV positive mothers should be enrolled in PMTCT programs at earlier stage and exclusive breast feeding should be encouraged so as to decrease MTCT.
The presence of cagA genome in blood of infected patient with Helicobacter pylori as new marker

Helicobacter pylori is a motile and gram negative bacterium, that has been associated with gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric adenocarcinoma. The strains ofHelicobacter pylori contain CagA associated with severe infections. To investigate the presence of cagA gene in Helicobacter pylori strains among patients’ sera, about 100 serum specimens that had positive antibody against H. pylori were collected. Serum samples were studied using designed primers. The scale of triglyceride and cholestrol serum samples was measured. PCR method was done on sera of H. pylori samples that had antibody titers against H. pylori . The results indicated that 18% from all the serum samples contain cagA DNA. This study indicates that 12 serum samples contain triglyceride and cholesterol (TG & Chol) titers higher than normal scale. According to the findings, it is suggested that the presence of CagA DNA in strains of Helicobacter pylori may play an important role in aggravating disorders. In this investigation we were able to detect H. pylori cagA DNA in patients’ sera. H. pylori probably attaches to red blood cell and causes bacteremia, but is also able to secrete CagA protein and cagA DNA to host cells by T4 secretory system. Thus, there is risk of integrating cagA DNA in host cell chromosome and inducting antibodies against it. Between the presence of cagA DNA and increase of triglyceride and cholesterol, there exists rational relation. Key words: Detection, cagA genome, blood, marker.
A Moderator's Perspective From Service Quality and Purchase Intentions Relationship: A Case Study of AirAsia Airlines

In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationships between service quality, brand loyalty and intention to buy among AirAsia passengers in Malaysia. The results obtained indicate that there is a positive relationship between service quality, brand loyalty and purchase intentions, while there is a moderator effect of ticket price affecting the relationship between service quality and intention to buy among customers. With more scrutinizing, it was revealed that the effect of service quality on intention to buy is not significant for passengers when there is a higher ticket price.
The link between different kindergarten attendance modesand the type of educational programs offered by teachers.

Eighty six kindergarten teachers from three Tasmanian school districts participated in a study to investigate differences in the teacher-directed learning program provided for children who attend differing modes of kindergarten, and to ascertain whether these teachers have different perceptions of the learning program. Data collection was undertaken through the use of postal surveys and small group interviews. Results from the study indicated that many children in Kinder/Prep classes were being provided with structured academic programs, whilst their halfday peers were receiving less didactic programs. The use of big books for the teaching of early reading was undertaken on a weekly basis in the majority of kindergartens involved in the study. Kinder/Prep groups and classes taught by halfday/ full-day teachers were the highest users of photocopied worksheets each week. Kindergarten teachers who taught full days were found to hold similar perceptions regarding the learning program to teachers who only taught half-day sessions, although the practices of both teacher groups differed from their perceptions. Keywords: full-day kindergarten, half-day kindergarten, early literacy practices, literacy-based worksheets in kindergarten, academic pressure in kindergarten
A Hybrid Simulation Model of Inbound Logistics Operations in Regional Food Supply Systems

Regional food hubs aggregate, distribute, and market local food, with a goal of promoting environmental and social sustainability. They provide an alternative distribution channel through which small-scale producers can access wholesale markets. However, food hubs face many barriers to growth and success. In particular, they are often unable to achieve the logistical and operational efficiencies that characterize conventional large-scale food distribution. One possible method of improving food hub efficiency targets inbound logistics operations – specifically, the scheduling of producer deliveries to the food hub. In this paper, we describe a hybrid simulation model of the inbound logistics operations of a food hub. Using this model, we observe the scheduling behavior of the producers under different conditions and explore the effectiveness of implementing incentives to encourage producers to schedule their deliveries in advance.
Coaches’ and Young soccer players' training load perceptions during different training phases

Objective: To our Knowledge, information about the agreement between coaches’ and the young soccer players’ session rating of perceived exertion is not consistent during specific periods of training (intensification and taper) and has not been established. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the internal training load and session rating of perceived exertion between coaches’ and young soccer players’ during three weeks in different training phases. Method: Participants were 16 male elite Under19 soccer players and their coaches. Before each training session, the coaches reported a session rating of perceived exertion using the Borg CR-10 scale as well as the planned duration (min) of the training based on prior planning, while the athletes responded the scale after each training session. Results: No differences in intensity session rating of perceived exertion (t = 0.49; p = 0.62) and training load (t = 0.18; p = 0.86) were observed between coaches and players during the training period analyzed. During different training phases, no significant differences were found during intensification (t = 0.18; p = 0.85) and taper (t = -0.19; p = 0.85) in training loads and in the session rating of perceived exertion prescribed by coaches and perceived by players. A very large correlation was observed between coaches training load (r= 0.84) and players training load. However, a trivial correlation was found between players training load and changes in the Yo-yo IR1 performance (r= -0.09), age (r= -0.06) and years of competitive experience (r= -0.08). Stepwise linear regression revealed that coaches training load (F1; 238= 582.7; R2= 0.710; p<0.001) explained 71% of the variance in players training load. Conclusion: The results suggest that the session rating of perceived exertion and training load prescribed during three weeks in different training phases (by coaches) was not different from perceived by young soccer players. Moreover, coaches training load seem to be effective to predict the training load in soccer players.
Idealized Simulations of a Squall Line from the MC3E Field Campaign Applying Three Bin Microphysics Schemes: Dynamic and Thermodynamic Structure

AbstractThe squall-line event on 20 May 2011, during the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds (MC3E) field campaign has been simulated by three bin (spectral) microphysics schemes coupled into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. Semi-idealized three-dimensional simulations driven by temperature and moisture profiles acquired by a radiosonde released in the preconvection environment at 1200 UTC in Morris, Oklahoma, show that each scheme produced a squall line with features broadly consistent with the observed storm characteristics. However, substantial differences in the details of the simulated dynamic and thermodynamic structure are evident. These differences are attributed to different algorithms and numerical representations of microphysical processes, assumptions of the hydrometeor processes and properties, especially ice particle mass, density, and terminal velocity relationships with size, and the resulting interactions between the microphysics, cold pool, and dynamics. This study.
Neurofeedback-Based Moral Enhancement and the Notion of Morality

Some skeptics question the very possibility of moral bioenhancement by arguing that if we lack a widely acceptable notion of morality, we will not be able to accept the use of a biotechnological technique as a tool for moral bioenhancement. I will examine this skepticism and argue that the assessment of moral bioenhancement does not require such a notion of morality. In particular, I will demonstrate that this skepticism can be neutralized in the case of recent neurofeedback techniques. This goal will be accomplished in four steps. First, I will draw an outline of the skepticism against the possibility of moral bioenhancement and point out that a long-lasting dispute among moral philosophers nourishes this skepticism. Second, I will survey recent neurofeedback techniques and outline their three features: the variety of the target human faculties, such as emotion, cognition, and behavior; the flexibility or personalizability of the target brain state; and the nonclinical application of neurofeedback techniques. Third, I will argue that, by virtue of these three unique features, neurofeedback techniques can be a tool for moral bioenhancement without adopting any specific notion of morality. Fourth, I will examine the advantages and threats that neurofeedback-based moral enhancement may have. Finally, I will conclude that neurofeedback-based moral enhancement can become a new and promising tool for moral bioenhancement and requires further ethical investigations on its unique features.
Service Quality’s Role in Students’ Decisions to Study at Further Education and Training Colleges

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper was to explore student expectations and perceptions about Further Education and Tra ining colleges with specific reference to reasons for the stu dents’ choice of college. A tota l of 301 respondents participated in a survey which used a questionnaire based upon the SERVQUAL instrument. All the service quality dimensions measured in the students’ survey contain negative mean gap scores, indica ting a high level of dissatisfaction with the quality of service received. From these findings, the authorities at the FETs can better understand the gaps in their service quality dimensions and how to close them in their attempts to improve on service quality. The reliability dimension, which emerged as the most important service quality predictor, needs the most attention.
A review of ecological effects of remnant trees in degraded forest ecosystems after severe disturbances

Remnant trees, which remain as a biological legacy in degraded forest ecosystems after severe disturbances, have been found to have had many positive ecological effects on the maintenance and recovery of ecosystem structure and functions. Remnant trees serve to reduce the impacts of human disturbances such as logging and habitat transformation on elements of biodiversity. This paper presents an overview on the main ecological effects of remnant trees on abiotic and biotic factors in degraded forest ecosystems based on relevant studies. With regard to abiotic factors, usually, remnant trees serve to regulate local micro-climate and site conditions and improve soil microbial activities and soil nutrient cycle through input of litter from leaves, branches, fruits, etc. However, the effects of remnant trees on the preservation of non鄄biological environments and improvement of micro鄄habitat conditions vary significantly in different forest ecosystems. With regard to impact on biotic factors, first, remnant trees in fields may facilitate natrual regeneration by attracting seed dispersers and creating favorable site conditions for re鄄establishment of woody vegetation. Remnant trees serve as seed dispersal foci and thus as starting points of a spatial pattern process initiating forest regeneration. These forest regeneration foci of remnant
Flow Injection Analysis for Boron Determination by Using Methyl Borate Generation and Flame Atomic Emission Spectrometry

Boron is one of the least sensitive elements in atomic emission spectrometry. As various refractory substances interfere in the analysis and because of the low sensitivity, sample enrichment and the separation of the interfering matrix is needed. Methyl borate has many advantages because of its simple generation conditions and its stability in the absence of moisture. New procedures for the generation of methyl borate without using external heating have also been investigated to produce a more rapid determination of boron. The on-line combination of flow injection analysis using methyl borate generation with flame atomic emission spectrometry as the detector is proposed to provide sufficient enrichment factors in order to determine boron in different matrices. In order to obtain as much moisture-free medium as possible, all standard solutions were prepared in 60% H2SO4 (v/v) according to the experimental results. The effect of Ar flow rate, peristaltic pump rate, size of the tubings used, and length of the mixing coil to the emission signal were all studied. Furthermore, the design of the gas liquid separator, and several ways to transfer the signal to AES were also examined in detail. A linear calibration graph was obtained between 10 and 2000 \m g/mL with the equation y = 0.1105X - 1.496 . The detection limit of the method was calculated as (3S) 2.96 \m g/mL or 0.74 \m g B.
Innovation and the precautionary principle

Recent environmental policies favour the polluter pays principle. This principle points out the pollutant financial liability for the eventual incidents induced by his activities. In this context, we analyse the decision of an agent to invest in new industrial activities, the consequences of which on human health and the environment are initially unknown. It is not possible for him to delay investing, but the agent has the opportunity to acquire information and to reduce the cost of an accident. This allows the agent to reduce uncertainty regarding dangers associated with the project and to limit potential damages that it might cause. However, the agent's chosen level of these actions may be considered as insufficient and not acceptable by society as response in the face of a possible danger. Precautionary state regulation may then be introduced. We appreciate that this regulation may slow down innovation and may favour innovation in countries with less safety requirements. We find that the agent may get around the goal of the regulation by ignoring the information on the dangerousness of its project. We then propose some policy tools which stimulate innovation and impose a certain level of risk considered as acceptable for society to the agent. Finally, we use a numerical analysis based on the Monsanto Company for studying the agent's behaviour with different regulatory frameworks.
Obstacle detection and avoidance on a mobile robotic platform using active depth sensing

The ability to recognize and navigate surrounding environments free from collision with obstacles has been at the forefront of mobile robotic applications since its inception. At the price of nearly one tenth of a laser range finder, the Xbox Kinect uses an infrared projector and camera to capture images of its environment in three dimensions. The objective of this thesis was to investigate if the Xbox Kinect can be utilized to detect thin or narrow obstacles that are often invisible to the P3-DX mobile robotic platform. We present an algorithm to process and analyze point cloud data from the Xbox Kinect sensor and transform it into a two-dimensional map of the surrounding environment for further use with the P3-DX. Obstacle avoidance scenarios were then performed using two separate algorithms: a narrow corridor following algorithm and a potential fields algorithm. The results demonstrate that in a structured testing environment, the Xbox Kinect can be used to detect and avoid narrow obstacles that are not immediately recognized by the onboard sonar array of the P3-DX.
Towards a model to enhance destination competitiveness : a Southern African perspective

The tourism environment is becoming increasingly competitive, dynamic and impacted by various global issues. Key factors such as changing consumer preferences, the increasing involvement of host communities, safety and health concerns, globalisation of the airline industry, technological innovation and environmental pressures are changing the face of international tourism and by implication are posing new challenges to tourism destinations in Southern Africa. Against this background, this paper will firstly focus on the potential role of tourism in addressing one of Southern Africa's key challenges, namely poverty alleviation. Thereafter the key observations made and lessons learnt from twenty-six stakeholder-involvement strategic planning processes that were facilitated for destinations in Southern Africa will be articulated. A sustainable destination competitiv eness model will then be proposed that can be used as frame of reference to enhance Southern Africa's tourism competitiveness. The proposed competitiveness model is based on the outcomes of the strategic planning processes facilitated in the Southern African destinations and an analysis of leading international tourism destination development and marketing strategies. From these destination facilitation processes and plans and strategies, 'best practice' trends and destination competitiveness success indicators were identified. Furthermore, key destination competitiveness models, including recent models developed by Crouch and Ritchie (2000), Kim (2000) and Dwyer (2001) were evaluated, and where appropriate, elements of these models were also included in the proposed competitiveness model. The longer-term benefits of the development and further refinement of this model along with an associated set of indicators that enables identification of the relative strengths and weaknesses of different tourism destinations, is that it could be used by Governments and industry at large to increase tourism numbers, expenditure and positive social, economic and environmental impacts in Southern Africa.
Screening of a Soil Bacteria Collection for the Production of Alkali Thermostable Xylanases

This work aimed to evaluate a collection of common and rare soil bacteria regarding to extracellular xylanases production and to characterize the stability in contrasting conditions of temperature and pH of these enzymes. This collection consists of 120 isolates belonging to six phyla that were subjected to screening for xylanase activity in pure cultures and in the extracellular proteic extract (EPE). The ratio between the halos diameters of xylan hydrolysis and in the colonies on solid medium (ratio H:C) was used for the evaluation of cultures as selection criteria. EPEs of isolates with highest ratios H:C were evaluated for the specific xylanases activity at 50 °C for 1 h. EPE of the three isolates with the highest potential for activity under this condition were evaluated for optimum activity, stability at 60 °C and different pH values. Twenty-two isolates showed xylanase activity under these conditions. Xylanases from TC21 and TC119 showed high relative activity at temperatures up to 70 °C and were less sensitive to changes in pH. Soil bacteria show high potential as a source of extracellular xylanases adapted to extreme pH and temperature conditions, which are required in agroindustrial processes.
INTERNATIONALIZATION STRATEGIES AND PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION IN THE JAPANESE FOOD INDUSTRY

The purpose of this study is to determine whether different levels of product diversification have an impact on internationalization strategies. We conducted a case study that included three food companies that have different positions regarding the features of internationalization and product diversification. We found three obstacles to the progress of overseas expansion in the food manufacturing industry in Japan. Based on the literature review, it seems that performance becomes high as product and market diversification is increased. However, under certain circumstances, these merits can also have limits.
Modelling spatial distributions of moisture and quality during drying of granular baker's yeast

A distributed parameter model was developed to predict the drying behaviour of granular baker's yeast by setting up material and heat balances at the particle level. Temperature and moisture gradients were calculated for cylindrical and spherical granules. The performance of the model with two granule sizes was compared with experimental measurements. The model was initially used for non-shrinking granules but later modified to take shrinkage into account. The reduction in granule size during the course of drying was estimated and good correspondence with experimental measurements was obtained. In addition to temperature and moisture gradients, the product quality was predicted during drying and compared to experimental results. The accuracy of the model was better than the lumped parameter model. On a mis au point un modele a parametres distribues afin de predire le sechage de la levure de boulanger granulaire en etablissant les bilans de matiere et de chaleur au niveau des particules. Les gradients de temperature et d'humidite ont ete calcules pour des granules cylindriques et spheriques. La performance du modele avec les deux tailles de granules est comparee aux mesures experimentales. Le modele a d'abord ete utilise pour les granules indeformables mais a ete ensuite adapte pour prendre le retrecissement en compte. On a estime la reduction de taille des granules lors du sechage et un bon accord a ete trouve avec les mesures experimentales. Outre les gradients de temperature et d'humidite, la qualite de produit a ete predite lors du sechage et comparee aux resultats experimentaux. La precision du modele est meilleure que pour le modele a parametres regroupes.