Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
eHealth literacy and Cancer Screening: A Structural Equation Modeling

Many people use the Internet for their health information needs. Individuals searching for health information can bombarded with resources. Some of these resources can me poor or give misinformation. It is important for individuals to be able to understand what resources are reputable and give the most accurate information. eHealth Literacy Scales (eHEALS) were developed to address some of these challenges. This study examined how eHealth literacy (direct and indirect) and affected the eHealth literacy on colon cancer screening test using Structure Equation Modeling (SEM). This study also analyzed what other factors, such as socioeconomic characteristics (SES) and Internet usage, influenced eHealth literacy and the colon cancer screening. The study examined the data of 108 adult participants. Among SES, race has a direct affect on the Internet usage and also a direct affect on the eHealth literacy. However, eHealth literacy does not directly affect on colon cancer screening.
Characterization of Radio Propagation Channel in Urban Vehicle to Infrastructure Environments to Support WSNs

Vehicular ad hoc Networks (VANETs) enable vehicles to communicate with each other as well as with roadside units (RSUs). Although there is a significant research effort in radio channel modelling focused in vehicle to vehicle (V2V), not much work has been done for vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) using 3D ray-tracing tools. This work evaluates some important parameters of a V2I wireless channel link such as Received Power, Power Delay Profile, Delay Spread and Coherence Bandwidth, in an urban scenario using a deterministic simulation model based on an in-house 3D Ray-Launching algorithm. Analysis using Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) at 868MHz, 2.4 and 5.9 GHz are presented. Results show the highly impact that the distance, link frequency, location of RSUs and obstacles in the LoS (Line of Sight) have in V2I channel propagation. These results constitute the start point in the deployment of radio-planning in V2I environments.
Risk Adjusted Production Efficiency of Maize Farmers in Ethiopia: Implication for Improved Maize Varieties Adoption

This study analyzes the technical efficiency and production risk of 862 maize farmers in major maize producing regions of Ethiopia. It employs the stochastic frontier approach (SFA) to estimate the level of technical efficiencies of stallholder farmers. The stochastic frontier approach (SFA) uses flexible risk properties to account for production risk. Thus, maize production variability is assessed from two perspectives, the production risk and the technical efficiency. The study also attempts to determine the socio-economic and farm characteristics that influence technical efficiency of maize production in the study area. The findings of the study showed the existence of both production risk and technical inefficiency in maize production process. Input variables (amounts per hectare) such as fertilizer and labor positively influence maize output. The findings also show that farms in the study area exhibit decreasing returns to scale. Fertilizer and ox plough days reduce output risk while labor and improved seed increase output risk. The mean technical efficiency for maize farms is 48 percent. This study concludes that production risk and technical inefficiency prevents the maize farmers from realizing their frontier output. The best factors that improve the efficiency of the maize farmers in the study area include: frequency of extension contact, access to credit and use of intercropping. It was also realized that altitude and terracing in maize farms had influence on farmer efficiency.
Power Consumption Assessment in Mobile Ad-Hoc Network’s Routing Protocols

Traditional routing protocols in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) face the high-energy resources consumption due to process of route discovery. In a MANET, a mobile node consumes its power mainly because of message communication and message processing. The power consumption of a mobile node for communication is the highest and the dominant in comparison to what a node consumes for other tasks. In this paper we evaluate the performance of three main traditional protocol of MANET. A discussion and comparison highlighting their particular merits and drawbacks are also presented. Evaluation study and simulations are performed for analysis and investigation of results.
Employment chances and changes of immigrants in Belgium: The impact of citizenship

This article looks at the impact of citizenship acquisition on the labour market position of immigrants in Belgium. Citizenship is open to all immigrants with a sufficient period of legal residence, without any language or integration requirements. In that respect, this study is an important complement to existing studies which have mostly focused on countries with strict acquisition rules. Based on Labour Force Survey data for 2008, this study uses probit regression to estimate the static and dynamic employment probabilities and unemployment risks. We find that citizenship acquisition is associated with better labour market outcomes for non-Western immigrants in general. This effect remains after controlling for years of residence since migration, indicating the existence of a citizenship premium in Belgium.
Spectroscopic investigations of Eu 3+ :Y 2 SiO 5 for quantum memory applications

Rare-earth-ion-doped solids are promising materials as light-matter interfaces for quantum applications. Europium doped into an yttrium orthosilicate crystal in particular has interesting coherence properties and a suitable ground-state energy-level structure for a quantum memory for light. In this paper we report on spectroscopic investigations of this material from the perspective of implementing an atomic frequency comb (AFC)-type quantum memory with spin-wave storage. For this goal we determine the order of the hyperfine levels in the 7 F0 ground state and 5 D0 excited state, and we measure the relative strengths of the optical transitions between these levels. We also apply spectral hole burning techniques in order to prepare the system as a well-defined Λ system, as required for further quantum memory experiments. Furthermore, we measure the optical Rabi frequency on one of the strongest hyperfine transitions, a crucial experimental parameter for the AFC protocol. From this we also obtain a value for the transition dipole moment which is consistent with that obtained from absorption measurements.
Empirical study reveals deficits in the choice of formwork

The choice of suitable construction techniques and methods must be made prior to construction commencing. Since sufficiently detailed plans are frequently not available at such an early phase, this decision – which significantly impacts the subsequent construction process – often has to be based on assumptions or suppositions. Since a sub-optimal construction method ultimately results in sub-optimal construction processes and, in consequence, in increased costs, the choice of method should not depend on subjective criteria. A rigorous application of the existing approaches to systematically and, as such, objectively choosing the optimal method should produce similar results, even if the issue is addressed by different people. Given the actual occurrences in the construction industry, and based on the authors’ experience as well as on a survey of representative construction companies, it can be assumed, however, that the existing approaches are, in practice, scarcely applied at all to selecting the optimal formwork. An empirical study focusing on the state of the art in selecting project-specific formwork systems is therefore being conducted as a basis for inductively obtaining information. The study focuses, in particular, on the methods applied to selecting the formwork and on the requirements for a decision-making aid in practice. The study pinpointed four main faults: lack of objectiveness, mostly unstructured selection procedures, an inadequate consideration of reciprocal interferences as well as an inadequate consideration of uncertainties.
Effects of brown coatings on the absorption enhancement of black carbon: a numerical investigation

Abstract. Using the numerically exact multiple sphere T-matrix (MSTM) method, we explored the effects of brown coatings on absorption enhancement (Eabs) of black carbon (BC) at different wavelengths (λ). In addition, the ratio of the absorption of BC coated by brown carbon (BrC) to an external mixture of BrC and BC (Eabs_internal) is also investigated. In this work, thinly coated BC is defined as that with a BC volume fraction over 20 %, and other BC is considered to be thickly coated. Eabs increases with the absorption of coatings, while an opposite trend is observed for Eabs_internal. A much wider range of Eabs is observed for BC with brown coatings compared to that with non-absorbing coatings. As the mass ratio of BrC to BC (MR) is over 13.9, Eabs can exceed 5.4 for BC with brown coatings at λ=0.35 µm under a typical size distribution. Specifically, as MR increases to approximately 13.9, Eabs values of larger than 3.96 can be observed at 0.532 µm, which is a little higher than the commonly measured Eabs of 1.05–3.5 at this wavelength. Previous studies have focused on the lensing effects of coatings but neglected the blocking effects of absorbing coatings. Eabs_internal can be below 1 at an ultraviolet spectral region for BC with brown coatings, which indicates that the absorption of internally mixed BC is less than that of an external mixture of BrC and BC due to the blocking effects of outer coatings, and we named the blocking effect of absorbing coatings the “sunglasses effect”. In addition, the applicability of a core–shell sphere model is also evaluated for BC with brown coatings. The absorption cross section (Cabs) of thickly coated BC is underestimated by the core–shell sphere model for all wavelengths while the underestimation becomes negligible as the imaginary part of the refractive index of brown carbon (kBrC) becomes very large. The lensing effect and the sunglasses effect are clearly defined. Moreover, the effects of composition ratios and the size distribution are explored at different wavelengths. Our findings can improve the understanding of the absorption enhancement of BC with brown coatings.
Assessment of Groundwater Chemistry and Quality Characteristics in an Alluvial Aquifer and a Single Plane Fractured-Rock Aquifer in Bloemfontein, South Africa

Abstract—The evolution of groundwater chemistry and its quality is largely controlled by hydrogeochemical processes and their understanding is therefore important for groundwater quality assessments and protection of the water resources. A study was conducted in Bloemfontein town of South Africa to assess and compare the groundwater chemistry and quality characteristics in an alluvial aquifer and single-plane fractured-rock aquifers. 9 groundwater samples were collected from monitoring boreholes drilled into the two aquifer systems during a once-off sampling exercise. Samples were collected through low-flow purging technique and analysed for major ions and trace elements. In order to describe the hydrochemical facies and identify dominant hydrogeochemical processes, the groundwater chemistry data are interpreted using stiff diagrams and principal component analysis (PCA), as complimentary tools. The fitness of the groundwater quality for domestic and irrigation uses is also assessed. Results show that the alluvial aquifer is characterised by a Na-HCO3 hydrochemical facie while fracturedrock aquifer has a Ca-HCO3 facie. The groundwater in both aquifers originally evolved from the dissolution of calcite rocks that are common on land surface environments. However the groundwater in the alluvial aquifer further goes through another evolution as driven by cation exchange process in which Na in the sediments exchanges with Ca2+ in the Ca-HCO3 hydrochemical type to result in the NaHCO3 hydrochemical type. Despite the difference in the hydrogeochemical processes between the alluvial aquifer and singleplane fractured-rock aquifer, this did not influence the groundwater quality. The groundwater in the two aquifers is very hard as influenced by the elevated magnesium and calcium ions that evolve from dissolution of carbonate minerals which typically occurs in surface environments. Based on total dissolved levels (600-900 mg/L), groundwater quality of the two aquifer systems is classified to be of fair quality. The negative potential impacts of the groundwater quality for domestic uses are highlighted.
Symptoms in Daily Life and Activity Level of Women with and without Hypermobility

Objective: Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) is defined as a condition in which several joints move beyond their normal limits. It seems to be associated with musculoskeletal disorders, pain, reduced activity level in sports and reduced strength. The aim of the current study was to record specific problems and disorders of hypermobile women and to build subgroups based on these results. As a second objective, the study aimed to identify differences in activity level between these subgroups. Methods: A total of 195 women were included in this exploratory study: 67 normomobile (NM) and 128 hypermobile. Of these, 56 were classified as hypermobile with symptoms and 47 as hypermobile without symptoms. Symptoms were first recorded with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and then monthly over a period of 6 months with a face validated questionnaire including general impairment, localization, type, intensity and frequency of problems. Activity level was determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: On the COPM there was no significant difference between patients in the NM and HM groups. The face validated questionnaire identified the most important problem to be pain in different localizations after remaining in one position for too long. The highest activity level was found in the HM group (p=0.021). Conclusion: Hypermobile women are active for longer during the day than women with normal mobility, but the type and degree of activity needs further evaluation. More detailed recording of symptoms in women with GJH is required to identify the discrete differences between the groups. To build subgroups in GJH the procedure of screening has to be more comprehensive. Widespread pain and level of activity are aspects that have to be included in the holistic approach to the management of patients with GJH.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF INHABITANTS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC WITH REGARD TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT

Background: The absence of a paid job has been especially in economically advanced countries associated with a range of negative factors. Unemployment is not only a factor influencing the quality of life but it is also a correlate of physical activity (PA). Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze physical activity in a random sample of inhabitants of the Czech Republic with regard to employment. It focuses not only on total PA but also on PA intensity and its different types. Methods: The level of performed PA and its types were assessed using the IPAQ questionnaire, internationally standardized long administrative version of the questionnaire (Craig et al., 2003). The questionnaire estimates PA and sitting done in last seven days and compares PA of vigorous and moderate intensity, walking and sitting in the context with other personal, demographic and environmental factors. The data were gathered in autumn 2007. This study comprises data of 1514 women and 1458 men aged 25-54 years old. Results: Employed men and women show more vigorous PA and walking than the unemployed. In moderate PA, there are no differences regarding employment and age. PA carried out at home and around the house, and leisure time PA are the same in both employed and unemployed women. Significant differences in total weekly PA between employed and unemployed respondents have been found only in women in the age category of 30-34 years. Conclusions: There are no difference in moderate PA regarding employment and age. Significant differences in vigorous PA advocate for involving the unemployed into community service and similar work activities.
Investigation of house price in Eskisehir (Turkey) by using semiparametric additive regression model

In this paper, different regression models are obtained to examine relation between house price and house features in Centrum of Eskisehir Province (Turkey). The statistical analyses of this paper indicate that some of explanatory variables affect the response variable parametrically and some of them nonparametrically. Therefore, obtained suitable model has both parametric and nonparametric variables and the model is semiparametric additive regression model. It has concluded that this model has given better results than linear model.
On the nucleation of amyloid β‐protein monomer folding

Neurotoxic assemblies of the amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) have been linked strongly to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we sought to monitor the earliest step in Aβ assembly, the creation of a folding nucleus, from which oligomeric and fibrillar assemblies emanate. To do so, limited proteolysis/mass spectrometry was used to identify protease‐resistant segments within monomeric Aβ(1–40) and Aβ(1–42). The results revealed a 10‐residue, protease‐resistant segment, Ala21–Ala30, in both peptides. Remarkably, the homologous decapeptide, Aβ(21–30), displayed identical protease resistance, making it amenable to detailed structural study using solution‐state NMR. Structure calculations revealed a turn formed by residues Val24–Lys28. Three factors contribute to the stability of the turn, the intrinsic propensities of the Val‐Gly‐Ser‐Asn and Gly‐Ser‐Asn‐Lys sequences to form a β‐turn, long‐range Coulombic interactions between Lys28 and either Glu22 or Asp23, and hydrophobic interaction between the isopropyl and butyl side chains of Val24 and Lys28, respectively. We postulate that turn formation within the Val24–Lys28 region of Aβ nucleates the intramolecular folding of Aβ monomer, and from this step, subsequent assembly proceeds. This model provides a mechanistic basis for the pathologic effects of amino acid substitutions at Glu22 and Asp23 that are linked to familial forms of AD or cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Our studies also revealed that common C‐terminal peptide segments within Aβ(1–40) and Aβ(1–42) have distinct structures, an observation of relevance for understanding the strong disease association of increased Aβ(1–42) production. Our results suggest that therapeutic approaches targeting the Val24–Lys28 turn or the Aβ(1–42)‐specific C‐terminal fold may hold promise.
SPACE PARTITIONING FOR PRIVACY ENABLED 3D CITY MODELS

Abstract. Due to recent technological progress, data capturing and processing of highly detailed (3D) data has become extensive. And despite all prospects of potential uses, data that includes personal living spaces and public buildings can also be considered as a serious intrusion into people’s privacy and a threat to security. It becomes especially critical if data is visible by the general public. Thus, a compromise is needed between open access to data and privacy requirements which can be very different for each application. As privacy is a complex and versatile topic, the focus of this work particularly lies on the visualization of 3D urban data sets. For the purpose of privacy enabled visualizations of 3D city models, we propose to partition the (living) spaces into privacy regions, each featuring its own level of anonymity. Within each region, the depicted 2D and 3D geometry and imagery is anonymized with cartographic generalization techniques. The underlying spatial partitioning is realized as a 2D map generated as a straight skeleton of the open space between buildings. The resulting privacy cells are then merged according to the privacy requirements associated with each building to form larger regions, their borderlines smoothed, and transition zones established between privacy regions to have a harmonious visual appearance. It is exemplarily demonstrated how the proposed method generates privacy enabled 3D city models.
The effect of exercise on anxiety of college students

Physicians believe that physical fitness as a proper ground to achieve appropriate psychological conditions, accordingly the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise on anxiety of college students. In this study 60 untrained male college students were randomly divided in to two groups. 30 male students participated in a 6 week physical fitness programme with a frequency of 3 session per week and 60 minutes per session. The average age of students in the experimental and control groups were 19.74 and 20.36 years respectively. Data were collected from students using a Sports Competitive Anxiety Test (SCAT) consists of fifteen items which include 5 spurious items, 8 positive items and 2 negative items. The t-test was used to test the effect of anxiety level between experimental and control group. The significance level was determined as p<0.01. The result of the study reveals that there was significant difference in 0.01 levels effect of exercise on anxiety among male college students.
Addressing a global nursing perspective in an undergraduate nursing program : Student learning in clinical education

Objective: Although many educational student activities addressing global awareness are highlighted in the literature, the global nursing approach and how it is applied by students in clinical education is not widely described. After the implementation of a new global nursing curriculum, nursing students educated at The Swedish Red Cross University College are now engaged in counteracting inequalities in health. This paper aims to describe how nursing students apply the global nursing perspective during their clinical education. Methods: The study is based on students’ written individual reflective reports. The procedure for data analysis was inspired by a thematic and interpretive data synthesis. The four stages in Kolb’s learning cycle was used as a framework. Results: Four themes were identified: 1) Experiencing frailty, suffering and vulnerability; 2) Advocating quality of life and priorities in health; 3) Conceptualizing autonomy, involvement and participation; 4) Making a difference and acting with respect and an open mind. Conclusions: Consequently, students at the The Swedish Red Cross University College are confident in applying global nursing perspective in care actions. Nursing educators have a mutual responsibility to facilitate students’ knowledge transfers in global competencies and strategies to reduce the impact on the environment and on humans.
Direct Torque Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors - An Overview

In high-performance servo applications a rapid and accurate torque control is desired, preferably without the use of a motion-state sensor. The use of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) combined with the direct torque control (DTC) scheme offers many opportunities to achieve this goal. Recently several authors have proposed possible implementations of direct torque control for permanent magnet synchronous motors. In this paper an overview is given. The basic principles of DTC for PMSMs are explained. Topologies and algorithms described in the literature for interior PMSMs as well as surface mounted PMSMs are discussed. Estimations of stator flux linkage and initial rotor position are needed in these control schemes. Tech- niques to achieve these estimations are discussed in this paper as well. The main goal of the paper is to give an outline of what is already achieved and to determine points of interest for further research.