Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Running Head: An Exploration of Residential Youth and Education. An Exploration of Residential Youths' Views Regarding Their Education.

The purpose of this study was to hear the views of youth in care regarding their educational experiences. The academic achievement of youth in care is lower than other youth and their rate of school drop out is higher (NYICN, 2001; Vacca, 2008). Understanding the youths’ perceptions regarding their educational experiences may help to increase awareness of their learning needs and assist in developing strategies that may contribute to improving their rate of school completion. Six youth, aged 13 to 16, living at the residential facilities of the HomeBridge Youth Society in Nova Scotia participated in this study. Five of the youth were enrolled full-time in an alternative educational program, called Bridges for Learning, and one was enrolled part-time in this program and part-time in the public school system. Qualitative, phenomenological methodology was employed and individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. The main theme the youth expressed was that they wanted to be seen the same as everyone else and not treated any differently at school or in the community because they were in care. They felt that most people did not have an accurate understanding of who they were or their situations and stigmatized them because they were in care. They also believed that they had specific learning needs that were not being met in the public school system and they gave specific suggestions to address this, such as smaller class sizes, more one-on-one support, and greater flexibility with deadlines and expectations around school work. Although participants stated that they did not think they could be successful in the public school system, all of them intended to finish high school and had career plans that depended on post-secondary study. Residential Youth and Education 3 Acknowledgement I would like to thank my supervisor Dr. Elizabeth Church for all her guidance and support throughout the process of completing this thesis. I would also like to thank Joanna Buisseret-McKinnon for her contributions and support. The youth who participated in this study also deserve thanks for without them none of this would have been possible. I am grateful that they allowed me into their lives and provided me with the opportunity to get to know them. Finally, thanks to my family and friends, who helped to motivate me and especially my two daughters Gabi and Isabelle, who were my source of inspiration for completing this thesis. Residential Youth and Education 4 Table of
Adaptation Patterns to High Speed Rail Usage in China and Taiwan

Understanding the gradual changes in travel behavior over time is essential to comprehending the association between travelers’ adaptation process and travel demand. However, observing long-term travel behavior is generally difficult, details that triggered the changes might be missing via traditional cross sectional surveys. This paper proposes a different data collection methodology, which aims at analyzing the gradual changes of travel behavior. As a case study the authors focus on high speed rail (HSR) in Taiwan and China over the last 8 years. By developing graphical long-term usage patterns with detailed usage descriptions, changes and reasons to such usage were identified and the behavioral dynamics were captured from the overall sample. The results show that usage patterns can capture 98% of travelers’ usage patterns and disclose detailed information on different degrees of adaptation. The analysis further indicates that the adaptation process is influenced by a variety of factions including attitudinal factors, past experiences, and preferences that are generally difficult to take into account in modelling.
Influence of Soil Moisture on the Asian and African Monsoons. Part I: Mean Monsoon and Daily Precipitation

Abstract Soil moisture responds to precipitation variability but also affects precipitation through evaporation. This two-way interaction has often been referred to as a positive feedback, since the water added to the land surface during a precipitation event leads to increased evaporation, and this in turn can lead to further rainfall. Various numerical experiments have suggested that this feedback has a major influence on tropical climate variability from the synoptic to the interannual timescale. In the present study, ensembles of seasonal simulations (March–September) have been performed in order to investigate the sensitivity of the Asian and African monsoon rainfall to regional soil moisture anomalies. After a control experiment with free-running soil moisture, other ensembles have been performed in which the soil water content is strongly constrained over a limited area, either south Asia or Sudan–Sahel. Besides idealized simulations in which soil moisture is limited by the value at the wilting poi.
International Monetary Fund Programs and Tuberculosis Outcomes in Post-Communist

Background Previous studies have indicated that International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic programs have influenced health-care infrastructure in recipient countries. The post-communist Eastern European and former Soviet Union countries experienced relatively similar political and economic changes over the past two decades, and participated in IMF programs of varying size and duration. We empirically examine how IMF programs related to changes in tuberculosis incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates among these countries. Methods and Findings We performed multivariate regression of two decades of tuberculosis incidence, prevalence, and mortality data against variables potentially influencing tuberculosis program outcomes in 21 post-communist countries for which comparative data are available. After correcting for confounding variables, as well as potential detection, selection, and ecological biases, we observed that participating in an IMF program was associated with increased tuberculosis incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates by 13.9%, 13.2%, and 16.6%, respectively. Each additional year of participation in an IMF program was associated with increased tuberculosis mortality rates by 4.1%, and each 1% increase in IMF lending was associated with increased tuberculosis mortality rates by 0.9%. On the other hand, we estimated a decrease in tuberculosis mortality rates of 30.7% (95% confidence interval, 18.3% to 49.5%) associated with exiting the IMF programs. IMF lending did not appear to be a response to worsened health outcomes; rather, it appeared to be a precipitant of such outcomes (Granger- and Simscausality tests), even after controlling for potential political, socioeconomic, demographic, and health-related confounders. In contrast, non-IMF lending programs were connected with decreased tuberculosis mortality rates (� 7.6%, 95% confidence interval, � 1.0% to � 14.1%). The associations observed between tuberculosis mortality and IMF programs were similar to those observed when evaluating the impact of IMF programs on tuberculosis incidence and prevalence. While IMF programs were connected with large reductions in generalized government expenditures, tuberculosis program coverage, and the number of physicians per capita, non-IMF lending programs were not significantly associated with these variables. Conclusions IMF economic reform programs are associated with significantly worsened tuberculosis incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates in post-communist Eastern European and former Soviet countries, independent of other political, socioeconomic, demographic, and health changes in these countries. Future research should attempt to examine how IMF programs may have related to other non-tuberculosis–related health outcomes.
Mineral chemistry and thermobarometry of the staurolite-chloritoid schists from Poshtuk, NW Iran

Abstract The Poshtuk metapelitic rocks in northwestern Iran underwent two main phases of regional and contact metamorphism. Microstructures, textural features and field relations indicate that these rocks underwent a polymetamorphic history. The dominant metamorphic assemblage of the metapelites is garnet, staurolite, chloritoid, chlorite, muscovite and quartz, which grew mainly syntectonically during the later contact metamorphic event. Peak metamorphic conditions of this event took place at 580 °C and ~3–4 kbar, indicating that this event occurred under high-temperature and low-pressure conditions (HT/LP metamorphism), which reflects the high heat flow in this part of the crust. This event is mainly controlled by advective heat input through magmatic intrusions into all levels of the crust. These extensive Eocene metamorphic and magmatic activities can be associated with the early Alpine Orogeny, which resulted in this area from the convergence between the Arabian and Eurasian plates, and the Cenozoic closure of the Tethys oceanic tract(s).
16th International Conference on Harmonisation within Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling for Regulatory Purposes

We analyze the temporal variations which can be observed within time series of variogram parameters (nugget, sill and range). Datasets have been obtained from previous geostatistical analysis of country wide datasets of daily air quality data (PM10) over a ten years time frame. Applying the Kolmogorov-Zurbenko filtering method, time series are being decomposed into their short-, mid-, and long-term component. Furthermore, the significance of a long term trend component is investigated by a block-bootstrap-based approach combined with linear regression. It is discussed if within these datasets the times series of nugget variance can provide information about the evolution of the mean measurement uncertainty of the related air pollutant, whereas the sill and the range parameter could contain information about the spatial representativeness of the monitoring stations.
Review Ecological value of coastal habitats for commercially and ecologically important species

grounds, nursery areas, spawning areas, and migration routes of 59 taxa, for which the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) gives management advice, and another 12 commercially or ecologically important species. In addition, we provide detailed information on coastal habitat use for plaice ( Pleuronectes platessa ), cod ( Gadus morhua ), brown shrimp ( Crangon crangon ), and European lobster ( Homarus gammarus ). Collectively, 44% of all ICES species utilized coastal habitats, and these stocks contributed 77% of the commercial landings of ICES-advice species, indicating that coastal habitats are critical to population persistence and ﬁshery yield of ICES species. These ﬁndings will aid in deﬁning key habitats for protection and restoration and provide baseline information needed to deﬁne knowledge gaps for quantifying the habitat value for exploited ﬁsh and invertebrates.
Improving streamflow estimation in ungauged basins using a multi-modelling approach

ABSTRACT In this study, a multi-modelling approach is proposed for improved continuous daily streamflow estimation in ungauged basins using regionalization—the process of transferring hydrological data from gauged to ungauged watersheds. Four regionalization models, two data-driven and two hydrological, were used for continuous daily streamflow estimation. Comparison of the individual models reveals that each of the four models performed well on a limited number of ungauged basins while none of them performed well for the entire 90 selected watersheds. The results obtained from the four models are evaluated and reported in a deterministic way by a model combination approach along with its uncertainty range consisting of 16 ensemble members. It is shown that a combined model of the four individual models performed well on all 90 watersheds and the ensemble range can account for the uncertainty of models. The combined model was more efficient and appeared more robust compared to the individual models. Furthermore, continuous ranked probability scores (CRPS) calculated for the ensemble model outputs indicate better performance compared to individual models and competitive with the combined model. EDITOR A. Castellarin ASSOCIATE EDITOR G. Di Baldassarre
A Size-Based Ecosystem Model

Ecosystem Management requires models that can link the ecosystem level to the operation level. This link can be created by an ecosystem production model. Because the function of the individual fish in the marine ecosystem, seen in trophic context, is closely related to its size, the model groups fish according to size. The model summarises individual predation events into ecosystem level properties, and thereby uses the law of conservation of mass as a framework. This paper provides the background, the conceptual model, basic assumptions, integration of fishing activities, mathematical completion, and a numeric implementation. Using two experiments, the model’s ability to act as tool for economic production analysis and regulation design testing is demonstrated. The presented model is the simplest possible and is built on the principles of (i) size, as the attribute that determines the predator–prey interaction, (ii) mass balance in the predator–prey allocation, and (iii) mortality and somatic growth as a consequence of the predator–prey allocation. By incorporating additional assumptions, the model can be extended to other dimensions of the ecosystem, for example, space or species. The formulation and description of the present model can serve as a reference for future work.
Effects of cattle grazing on upland nesting duck production in the Aspen Parkland

The beef industry is growing rapidly throughout the Aspen Parkland of Canada, leading to higher stocking rates on pastures and use of previously idled areas. Conversely, increased demand for pastureland has led to conversion of cropland that may have benefited upland nesting ducks by increasing the amount of perennial cover. We undertook the current study to evaluate the relationships of nest-site selection and nesting success of upland-nesting ducks to cattle grazing in the Aspen Parkland. Nearly 4,000 ha of upland cover were searched during the study. Vegetation physiognomy was quantified at each nest and at random points within each field. Despite extensive drought, nest searches located 309 duck nests. Grazing demonstrated a strong negative effect on duck nest densities, as did declining pasture health. Our best model of nesting success indicated an interaction between nest-site vegetation and residual cover. Across most values of residual cover, nesting success was positively influenced by nest-site vegetation. However, at high values of residual cover, nest-site vegetation negatively affected nesting success. Other negative effects on nesting success included cattle presence and grassland area within a 1-km radius. Field-scale wetland area, however, demonstrated a positive relationship with nesting success. Although previous work has demonstrated higher nesting success in pastures than other habitats in the Aspen Parkland, our study is the first that we know of that investigated grazing intensity as a continuous factor along the gradient from idle to > 90 % utilization across a large number of fields (n = 97).
Stakeholders são importantes na tomada de decisão estratégica em uma organização desportiva

This study aims to identify and prioritize the stakeholders involved in making decisions in a sports organization. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the influence of the attributes of power, legitimacy and urgency on the salience of the various stakeholders. The results showed a convergence of external and internal decision makers’ perceptions, concerning the three main stakeholder groups: top management, sponsors and member association. Pearson correlations identified four types of stakeholder: definitive, dangerous, demanding and non-stakeholders. A generalized differentiation was also found in stakeholder classification, regarding evaluation of attributes, between external and internal decision makers. In addition, the study suggests the success of organizations’ management will depend on correct identification of stakeholders and consequent assessment of their relevance, in order to highlight who should get priority, and how, in strategic decision making.
Querying and maintaining a compact XML storage

As XML database sizes grow, the amount of space used for storing the data and auxiliary data structures becomes a major factor in query and update performance. This paper presents a new storage scheme for XML data that supports all navigational operations in near constant time. In addition to supporting efficient queries, the space requirement of the proposed scheme is within a constant factor of the information theoretic minimum, while insertions and deletions can be performed in near constant time as well. As a result, the proposed structure features a small memory footprint that increases cache locality, whilst still supporting standard APIs, such as DOM, and necessary database operations, such as queries and updates, efficiently. Analysis and experiments show that the proposed structure is space and time efficient.
The Changing Landscape of Agriculture in Ghana: Drivers of Farm Mechanization and its Impacts on Cropland Expansion and Intensification

This study assesses whether the recent public and private efforts to improve farmersâ€™ access to mechanical power in Ghana have had the intended effects on the countryâ€™s agricultural sector. Using panel survey data, this paper analyses the drivers of farm mechanization and its net impacts on cropland expansion and farming system intensification in northern Ghana. Several factors explain the use and use intensity of agricultural mechanization, including landholding size, total labor and fertilizer use per hectare, chemical use, and amount of land left fallow. More importantly, the results suggest that farm mechanization did have a positive impact on cropland expansion during the survey period. The results presented here support the existence of a labor substitution effect resulting from tractor use.
of insulin

) patients. The evidence supporting a choice between available insulin preparations is still limited. We performed a systematic review of clinical data comparing efficacy and safety of insulin aspart (IAsp) and regular human insulin (RHI) in both types of diabetes. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) directly comparing IAsp with RHI after ≥ 12 weeks of treatment in patients with either T1DM or T2DM receiving prandial insulin regimens were retrieved within systematic search of medical databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane’s CENTRAL) carried out up to May 2013. Results from individual studies were meta-analyzed and presented as weighted mean difference (WMD) or relative risk (RR). Results: Of 16 RCTs considered relevant for the current review, 11 papers referred to T1DM and 5 were representative for T2DM patients. Pooled results for T1DM population demonstrated that IAsp as compared with RHI provided larger reduction of the HbA1c level (9 RCTs; WMD[95%CI] = -0.11% [-0.16, -0.05]) as well as better postprandial glucose level following breakfast (4 RCTs; WMD[95%CI] = -1.40mmol/L [-1.72, -1.07]), lunch (3 RCTs; WMD[95%CI] = -1.01mmol/L [-1.61, -0.41]) and dinner (4 RCTs; WMD[95%CI] = -0.89mmol/L [-1.19, -0.59]). The risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia was lower in T1DM patients treated with IAsp (4 RCTs; RR = 0.76 [0.64, 0.91]), while no difference was observed for severe hypoglycemic events. In T2DM patients IAsp lead to a larger HbA1c reduction (5 RCTs; WMD[95%CI] = -0.22% [-0.39, -0.05]) and provided superior postprandial blood glucose control. The risk of hypoglycemia, either overall or severe events was comparable between arms. ConClusions: IAsp provided better glycemic
Effect of nutritionally modified infant formula on academic performance: linkage of seven dormant randomised controlled trials to national education data

Abstract Objective To compare differences in academic performance between adolescents who were randomised in infancy to modified or standard infant formula. Design Linkage of seven dormant randomised controlled trials to national education data. Setting Five hospitals in England, 11 August 1993 to 29 October 2001, and schools in England, September 2002 to August 2016. Participants 1763 adolescents (425 born preterm, 299 born at term and small for gestational age, 1039 born at term) who took part in one of seven randomised controlled trials of infant formula in infancy. Interventions Nutrient enriched versus standard term formula (two trials), long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) supplemented versus unsupplemented formula (two trials), high versus low iron follow-on formula (one trial), high versus low sn-2 palmitate formula (one trial), and nucleotide supplemented versus unsupplemented formula (one trial). Main outcome measures The primary outcome, determined by linkage of trial data to school data, was the mean difference in standard deviation scores for mandated examinations in mathematics at age 16 years. Secondary outcomes included differences in standard deviation scores in English (16 and 11 years) and mathematics (11 years). Analysis was by intention to treat with multiple imputation for participants missing the primary outcome. Results 1607 (91.2%) participants were linked to school records. No benefit was found for performance in mathematics examinations at age 16 years for any modified formula: nutrient enriched in preterm infants after discharge from hospital, standard deviation score 0.02 (95% confidence interval −0.22 to 0.27), and nutrient enriched in small for gestational age term infants −0.11 (−0.33 to 0.12); LCPUFA supplemented in preterm infants −0.19 (−0.46 to 0.08) and in term infants −0.14 (−0.36 to 0.08); iron follow-on formula in term infants −0.12 (−0.31 to 0.07); and sn-2 palmitate supplemented formula in term infants −0.09 (−0.37 to 0.19). Participants from the nucleotide trial were too young to have sat their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations at the time of linkage to school data. Secondary outcomes did not differ for nutrient enriched, high iron, sn-2 palmitate, or nucleotide supplemented formulas, but at 11 years, preterm and term participants randomised to LCPUFA supplemented formula scored lower in English and mathematics. Conclusions Evidence from these randomised controlled trials indicated that the infant formula modifications did not promote long term cognitive benefit compared with standard infant formulas.
Socioeconomic Status and Health Care Utilization : A Study of the Effects of Low Income , Unemployment and Hours of Work on the Demand for Health Care in the E

The purpose of this study is to shed light on the individual socio-economic status (SES) and demographic determinants of the demand for health care in a crosscomparison study of nine E.U. countries. It focuses on the effects of the individual employment status on alternative indicators of demand for health care that constitutes a largely unexplored area. The evidence supports the existence of an employment statusdemand for health care relationship although it varies with respect to the type of health care examined and the institutional and environmental settings of the countries utilised in the study. JEL Classification Code: C23, C25, I12, I19
CANCER DETECTION USING HISTOPATHOLOGY IMAGES

In this paper we propose a method for the classification of histopathology images into Benign and malignant cancer. The system starts with the preprocessing of the image, which includes filtering and mask preparation of the images. The mask prepared in the preprocessing stage is used as the input of the segmentation process. Active contour without edge model is used for the segmentation. The features such as Area, Perimeter, Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) are extracted. Linear Discriminate Analyzer (LDA) used as the classifier used and performance of which is compared with SVM and KNN classifier. The experimental results show that LDA classifier outperforms over others with 100% classification result. The compared result of the classifications helps for the identification of better classifier.