Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is the diaphragm a viable option for women in Turkey

Diaphragms were offered to women as a contraceptive option during counseling sessions at four family planning clinic sites in western Turkey: two public-sector clinics (one in Capa Istanbul; the other in Izmir) and two private-sector clinics (one in Incirli Istanbul; the other in Denizli). Women who chose the diaphragm were interviewed at enrollment and were invited for follow-up visits with a physician at 2 weeks and at any time thereafter. Demographic information was also collected from an additional 740 women who chose another contraceptive method and focus-group discussions were conducted with diaphragm users and their partners with users of other methods and with service providers. Overall 166 women selected the diaphragm and 161 enrolled in the study. Initial acceptance rates were higher at the two private clinics (14% and 6%) than at the two public clinics (3% and 1%). At the public-sector clinics diaphragm users were better educated and more likely to be professionally employed than were women who selected other contraceptive methods. In Capa 42% of women who chose the diaphragm were university graduates compared with 7% of those who chose another method. Despite differences between the two private clinics in clients educational levels no such differences existed between diaphragm acceptors and users of alternative methods at each site. Among women who chose the diaphragm 47% said they had sex four times or more per week compared with 29% of those using another contraceptive. More than half of the women who selected the diaphragm (59%) cited safety and freedom from side effects as the reason for their choice of contraceptive. A similar percentage of clients who used other methods (58%) cited effectiveness. 50% of diaphragm users had discontinued by 6 months and 66% had done so by 12 months. A small proportion of clients in both private- and public-sector clinics were interested in using the diaphragm and found it acceptable. In less-developed countries the diaphragm may be a viable contraceptive option when providers are able to provide adequate information and support. (authors)
ALMA Observations of Gas-rich Galaxies in z ∼ 1.6 Galaxy Clusters: Evidence for Higher Gas Fractions in High-density Environments

We present ALMA CO (2–1) detections in 11 gas-rich cluster galaxies at z ∼ 1.6, constituting the largest sample of molecular gas measurements in z > 1.5 clusters to date. The observations span three galaxy clusters, derived from the Spitzer Adaptation of the Red-sequence Cluster Survey. We augment the >5σ detections of the CO (2–1) fluxes with multi-band photometry, yielding stellar masses and infrared-derived star formation rates, to place some of the first constraints on molecular gas properties in z ∼ 1.6 cluster environments. We measure sizable gas reservoirs of 0.5–2 × 1011 M☉ in these objects, with high gas fractions (fgas) and long depletion timescales (τ), averaging 62% and 1.4 Gyr, respectively. We compare our cluster galaxies to the scaling relations of the coeval field, in the context of how gas fractions and depletion timescales vary with respect to the star-forming main sequence. We find that our cluster galaxies lie systematically off the field scaling relations at z = 1.6 toward enhanced gas fractions, at a level of ∼4σ, but have consistent depletion timescales. Exploiting CO detections in lower-redshift clusters from the literature, we investigate the evolution of the gas fraction in cluster galaxies, finding it to mimic the strong rise with redshift in the field. We emphasize the utility of detecting abundant gas-rich galaxies in high-redshift clusters, deeming them as crucial laboratories for future statistical studies.
An Investigation into a Squall Line over Complex Terrain

The British Columbia (BC) Interior is characterized by numerous mountain ranges. Organized thunderstorms such as squall lines tend to be infrequent in areas of complex terrain found in BC. Although lines of convection are often observed during the convective season when linear forcing mechanisms exist, it is quite rare that these lines further develop into organized squall lines producing severe weather. Only four squall lines over the BC Interior have been reported since 2000. On 10 July 2008, a line of convection was initiated over the Central Interior and further evolved into an organized squall line in the morning. When the storm crossed the Southern Interior early in the afternoon, widespread tree damage and power outages were reported over southern BC. However, the most severe property damage and downed trees occurred over the populated Okanagan Valley. Boats on a number of the larger lakes in the valley were overturned with extensive damage at the Kelowna Marina. Record winds at Penticton Airport to 109 km/h were observed breaking the old July gust of 97 km/h set on July 12, 1958. Lundquist and Dudley (2008) conducted a damage survey for the storm. Charbonneau and Kohanyi (2008) did a case study for the storm mainly focusing on the forecast aspects.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) Technique for Medium-Speed BLDCM in Electric Vehicle Application

High torque and high efficiency are two factors used as a consideration of why many electric vehicles (EV) use brushless DC motor (BLDCM) as a propulsion system. Likewise, Amtenar car -a PENS's electric car- use this kind of motor as its propulsion. BLDCM can be driven by two techniques. They are Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technique. Both techniques are applied to the Amtenar car using the STM32F4 microcontroller to observe the dynamic speed response and efficiency which is operated under no-load conditions and on a load of Amtenar car. PWM scheme uses H-PWM-L-ON while PAM technique employes DC-DC buck converter. When PAM technique is applied to a no-load condition, PAM technique produces higher speed and efficiency and also produces a better dynamic speed performance as compared to PWM technique. While, when both techniques are applied to Amtenar car in the same line-to-line RMS voltage reference, PAM technique generates higher speed and has better dynamic speed performance than PWM technique. According to the comparative study of two techniques that have been observed in this paper, an efficient and high-performance technique for the BLDCM drive as an EV propulsion can be determined.
Corporate Pension Plans as Takeover Deterrents

Abstract We use UK data to show that firms that sponsor a defined-benefit pension plan are less likely to be targeted in an acquisition and, conditional on an attempted takeover, they are less likely to be acquired. Our explanation is that the uncertainty in the value of pension liabilities is a source of risk for acquirers of the firm's shares, which works as a takeover deterrent. In support of this explanation we find that these same firms are more likely to use cash when acquiring other firms, and that the announcement of a cash acquisition is associated with positive announcement effects.
Indirect effects of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on the planktonic food web

The exotic zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) has caused dramatic reductions in phytoplankton density in lakes with dense mussel populations. However, the indirect effects of this invader on other trophic groups have been inconsistent and difficult to interpret. In some lakes, zebra mussels appear to have had little effect on zooplankton den - sity, despite decreasing the abundance of their phytoplankton prey. We analyze food web models to test hypothesized mechanisms for the absence of a strong effect of dreissenids on zooplankton. Our results suggest that neither reduced inedible algal interference with zooplankton filtering nor reduced phytoplankton self-shading is sufficient to explain the insensitivity of zooplankton populations to dreissenid competition. Instead, we show how the impact of benthic filter feeders can be influenced by the rate of mixing within a basin, which limits phytoplankton delivery to the benthos. We explore the predictions of a simple spatially structured model and demonstrate that differences in abiotic factors that control mixing can result in large differences in direct and indirect effects of zebra mussel filtering. Resume : Les lacs qui possedent de grandes densites de moules zebrees (Dreissena polymorpha), une espece exotique, subissent de fortes reductions de la densite du phytoplancton. Cependant, les effets indirects de cette espece envahis - sante sur les autres groupes trophiques sont variables et difficiles a interpreter. Dans certains lacs, les moules zebrees semblent avoir peu d'effet sur la densite du zooplancton, malgre le declin de l'abondance du phytoplancton qui leur sert de nourriture. Des modeles de reseaux alimentaires nous permettent de verifier les mecanismes suggeres pour expliquer l'absence d'effets significatifs des dreissenides sur le zooplancton. Nos resultats montrent que ni la reduction de l'interference des algues non comestibles sur la filtration du zooplancton, ni la diminution de l'auto-ombrage par le phytoplancton ne sont assez importantes pour expliquer que les populations de zooplancton ne soient pas affectees par la competition des dreissenides. Plutot, l'impact des filtreurs benthiques est influence par le degre de brassage dans le bassin, ce qui limite l'apport de phytoplancton au benthos. L'examen des predictions d'un modele simple a structure spatiale nous permet de demontrer que des differences dans les facteurs abiotiques qui controlent le brassage peuvent amener des differences importantes dans les effets directs et indirects de la filtration des moules zebrees.
Hirsutella thompsonii and Pochonia chlamydosporia (Syn. Verticillium chlamydosporium) Mycelia Growth and Predation on Panagrellus redivivus

This research aimed to evaluate the nematophagous ability of 4077-Verticillium chlamydosporium var. chlamydosporium and 4466-Hirsutella thompsonii isolates and relate mycelia growth to the influence provoked by movement of nematodes. Each fungus grew in PDA (potato, dextrose, agar) medium end up to pure colonization. Then, ten mycelia plugs of 8 mm diameter were removed from colony borders and transferred to the center of ten Petri plates containing water-agar 2% medium. These plates were previously divided into four quadrants that received a number of 25 individuals of free-living nematodes (Panagrellus redivivus), composing a total of 100 nematodes per plate. Evaluations started after 24 hours of interaction, considering predation percentage and mycelia growth as stimuli of nematodes presence. Results showed growing predation performance to both isolates, being higher for V. chlamydosporium var. chlamydosporium since from first evaluation time, controlling more than 50% of nematode population initially added. Its predation potential was 39.2%, 38.4% and 48.35% higher than H. thompsonii at first, second and third evaluation day, respectively. Generally, nematodes did not stimulate mycelia growth, unless for H. thompsonii at 72 hours of interaction compared to control plates (without nematodes). Stress resulting from isolates transference from PDA to water-agar 2% resulted in sparse mycelia growth and it could have affected the predation performance of H. thompsonii that controlled nematodes in low levels throughout experiment. Independently of predation level, pictures revealed that both isolates has ability to control P. redivivus through hyphae penetration.
Students' Learning Outcomes in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): Some Suggestions for Course Design

In this study, literature concerning students’ learning outcomes in MOOCs was explored with the aim of identifying a set of suggestions to design open online courses. The review was accomplished through a systematic search within scientific literature databases followed by a critical analysis with the main components of 3P ( presage-process-product ) model of teaching and learning (Biggs, 2003). Findings of the 56 publications were synthesized which resulted in the formulation of 13 course design suggestions in order to enhance students’ engagement, academic achievement and lower attrition rate attrition. Some implications are proposed for further research and for providers to improve and enrich the current context of MOOCs to optimize students’ learning outcomes
Position of Agriculture in Sub-Saharan GDP Structure and Economic Performance

Africa is a continent with specific problems differentiating this part of the world from other regions. Low economic performance ranks most of African countries among the poorest. On the other hand, African resources and unexploited opportunities offer a potential for a considerable economic development. Agricultural sector plays a specific role in African economic development because its share in total employment and GDP formation is enormous high. The aim of the paper is to analyze main changes in area of GDP structure formation (agricultural, industrial and services sector) which have occurred in selected African (Sub-Saharan) countries during a twenty-year period. The GDP and GDP per capita in Sub-Saharan countries are compared with the world GDP and GDP per capita. The comparative analysis is performed through logarithmic regression and elasticity analysis. The idea is to analyse the relationship existing between GDP and GDP per cap in relation to the GDP value generated by agriculture, industry and services sectors. The special attention is devoted to the position of agricultural sector in relation to the other sectors. The results indicate main trends in economic development and point to the specifics that while many Sub-Saharan countries have reached the modern type of economy with prevailing services in GDP composition, agriculture still dominates in most countries in terms of employment. From the economic point of view it is worth noting that the transformation process in Sub-Saharan Africa still has not reached the level of the global economic transformation. A significant reduction of agricultureâ€™s share in total GDP is to be expected in the future, it is also possible to expect an increasing role of processing industry and especially of services in the regional GDP.
Influence de la position corporelle sur la perception des espaces corporel et extrapersonnel et sur la conscience de soi How body position influences the perception and conscious experience of corporeal and extrapersonal space Résumé

The present article reviews data in healthy subjects as well as otological and neurological patients indicating the possibility to manipulate the perception of the visual vertical, as well as the perception of personal and extrapersonal space by changing body position in space. As a general rule, the supine position leads to decreased performance in visual vertical judgments and tactile perception probably because vestibular otolith receptors and muscular proprioceptive receptors are less sensitive to gravity in this specific orientation. By contrast, in patients with unilateral brain damage (neglect and extinction patients), the supine position reduces spatial symptoms during visual vertical judgments, exploration of the extrapersonal space (line bisection) and personal space (tactile perception). We also highlight evidence suggesting that body position influences bodily self-consciousness, such as embodiment and the first-person perspective, concluding by showing that artificial vestibular stimulation allows to manipulate bodily self-consciousness.
Improving the Sustainability of Low-Income housing Projects: The case of Residential Buildings in Musaffah Commercial City in Abu Dhabi

The focus on improving the sustainability of low-income building projects is increasing and its contribution towards adding more values is becoming visible. Government authorities responsible for the construction process need to deliver sustainable buildings in terms of being: on time, cost effective, high quality, good indoor environment, durable, cheaper maintenance, and user friendly. On the long run continuous improvement to achieve year-on-year reduction in project cost and time is expected to be accomplished. In order to improve sustainability for low-income building projects, it is necessary to assess the performance of these buildings to identify their deficiencies and faults to take corrective actions and enable government authorities improve the performance of new projects. Towards this aim, the paper attempts to accomplish three main objectives: First, to propose a set of Key Performance Indicators to Assess Building Performance (KPI_ABP). This objective is achieved through the review of literature related to assessing building performance and sustainable development in construction. Second, to test the proposed KPI_ABP set in assessing the performance of actual buildings. To achieve this objective, a field study is carried out on a sample of 36 low-income buildings projects constructed by the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the city of Musaffah, Abu Dhabi. Finally, to outline learned lessons and recommendations useful to government authorities and construction professionals as to how to enhance the performance of new low-income projects.
Alle dagen internet - beheersen door beheren

Rede uitgesproken bij de aanvaarding van het ambt van hoogleraar Network Operations and Management aan de faculteit Elektrotechniek, Wiskunde en Informatica van de Universiteit Twente op donderdag 13 november 2014 door Prof. Dr. Ir. Aiko pras
Using a Mixed Methods Approach to Investigate University Student Success after Support Service Interaction: A Case Study and Analysis

This article discusses methods for assessing academic success after a student’s initial interaction with university support services. Student services are an important part of institutional support within Australian higher education and service efficacy and effectiveness assessments are likewise important for delivering optimal support. Methods of service assessment may vary in application but are likely to target academic performance, social wellbeing and/or mental health as potential success outcomes after service interaction. The author presents a mixed methodological approach as a novel way to counter potentially ineffective investigative techniques that can fall short of considering the broad contributions that a support service interaction can make to student success. The potential drawbacks of single-method approaches are considered, as are the obstacles to a mixed-methods design. The article draws on the work of previous mixed-method research to demonstrate the benefits of its application in examining support service influence on student success while paying particular attention to the work of Stone, Walton, Clark and Ligertwood (2016), whose methodology is unpacked and discussed in detail.
Growing Soybean Prior to Corn Increased Soil Nitrogen Supply and N Fertilizer Efficiency for Corn in Cold and Humid Conditions of Eastern Canada

Growing soybean (Glycine max L.) prior to corn (Zea mays L) can enhance corn grain and nitrogen (N) use efficiency compared to continuous corn. This two year study (2007-2008) was conducted at 62 sites in Quebec (Eastern Canada) to assess the effect of crop rotations [soybean-corn, soybean-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.,)-corn and corn-corn] on corn yield, N uptake, N fertilizer efficiency (NFE), and the economic optimum N rate (EONR). Plots within each crop rotation received N fertilizer rates from 0 to 250 kg N ha -1 to assess the N contribution from the preceding soybean crop. Corn grain yields ranged from 8.4 to 10.8 Mg ha -1 and were lower in continuous corn than in the crop rotations. Corn N uptake and NFE varied from 89 to 164 kg N ha -1 and from 45 to 80 kg grain per kg N fertilizer, respectively. A significant interaction of crop rotation and year on corn N uptake and NFE was obtained implying that annual variations influenced soil N supply. The EONR for corn was lower under crop rotations than continuous corn in 2008 only. No difference in corn yield, NFE and EONR was observed for soybean-corn and soybean-wheat-corn crop sequences. In conclusion, crop rotations including soybean increased soil N availability and reduced EONR from 32 to 45 kg ha -1 for corn grown in 2008.
CAN BITCOINS ’ PRICES BE PREDICTED BY GOOGLE TRENDS DATA ? AN EXAMPLE OF TURKEY WITH COMPARISION OF USA

Makale Geliş Tarihi Article Arrival Date 04/05/2017 Makale Yayın Kabul Tarihi The Published Rel. Date 10/05/2017 Bitcoin is a very popular crypto currency primarily due to its ease of use, ability to remove intermediaries and also for many other reasons. Merchants, investors and academics are interested in bitcoin in various respects. But there aren’t so many researches about the investigation of bitcoin prices in the literature. In this study, we aimed at finding if “bitcoin” searches on Google in Turkey and USA can help to predict current bitcoin price or not. Besides that, we desired to examine the effects of prior bitcoin prices on current bitcoin prices. We run weekly historical data of bitcoin prices and also weekly data of “bitcoin” queries on Google which are searched for in Turkey and in USA separately between 20112016 years. We benefited from eviews program for our analysis. ARIMA method is used for model selection and least squares methods are used for evaluating the overall significance or separated significance of every variable. Our findings imply that when USA Google “bitcoin” searches increase, bitcoin prices drops. However, when Turkey Google “bitcoin” searches drop or increase bitcoin prices don’t affected by these movements. Anahtar Kelimeler
Achieving Performance Speed-up in FPGA Based Bit-Parallel Multipliers using Embedded Primitive and Macro support

Modern Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) are fast moving into the consumer market and their domain has expanded from prototype designing to low and medium volume productions. FPGAs are proving to be an attractive replacement for Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) primarily because of the low Non-recurring Engineering (NRE) costs associated with FPGA platforms. This has prompted FPGA vendors to improve the capacity and flexibility of the underlying primitive fabric and include specialized macro support and intellectual property (IP) cores in their offerings. However, most of the work related to FPGA implementations does not take full advantage of these offerings. This is primarily because designers rely mainly on the technology-independent optimization to enhance the performance of the system and completely neglect the speed-up that is achievable using these embedded primitives and macro support. In this paper, we consider the technology-dependent optimization of fixed-point bit-parallel multipliers by carrying out their implementations using embedded primitives and macro support that are inherent in modern day FPGAs. Our implementation targets three different FPGA families viz. Spartan-6, Virtex-4 and Virtex-5. The implementation results indicate that a considerable speed up in performance is achievable using these embedded FPGA resources.