Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Religious versus secular coping in university students adjusting to stress.

The present study examined the ability of religious coping to predict lower levels of depression and anxiety, and higher levels of life satisfaction and self-esteem, over and above the effects of secular coping. A sample of 18 first-year students from the University of Windsor who have moved to this location from a different county filled out questionnaires in October (time 1) and again in March (time 2). Religious coping was measured using the subscales of collaborative coping subscale, benevolent religious reappraisal, and seeking spiritual support from the RCOPE (Pargament, Koenig, & Perez, 2000). Secular coping was measured using the subscales of problem-focused coping, positive reappraisal, and social support from the COPE (Carver, Sheier, & Weintraub, 1989). Outcome variables included depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Results indicated that a decrease in collaborative religious coping predicted an increase in depression and an increase in life satisfaction, and a decrease in benevolent religious reappraisal predicted an increase in life satisfaction. The relations between religious coping, depression, and life satisfaction are discussed, along with the clinical applications of religious coping. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Virtual Instrumentation Based Active Fin Control for Roll Stabilization

The objective of this work is to develop a non-traditional strategy for providing control of ship roll motion in a seaway using active fins. This is based on a multidisciplinary approach. It consists of the assessment of the hydrodynamic coefficients of a ship using a numerical package [SEDOS], representation of the hydrodynamic coefficients by suitable polynomial functions, identification of the time dependent fundamental frequency in the roll disturbance signal sample, generation of control signal for an appropriate fin angle based on the fin lift characteristics of the chosen fin and employment of feedback control to maintain the fin at the appropriate angle for maximum control. Once the ship based hydrodynamic coefficients are generated, the entire control algorithm is developed in the virtual instrumentation mode using LabVIEW environment. One of the disadvantages of the traditional stabilizer system is the enormous hardware involved in the controllers and instrumentation panels, which makes maintenance and troubleshooting difficult. With the help of virtual instrumentation, design of the stabilization controller and instrumentation panels can be carried out much more effectively, in comparison with the traditional hardware approach. Key words : Roll stabilization, Active fin control, Virtual instrumentation doi:10.3329/jname.v2i2. 1869 Â Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 2(2005) 11-24
Factors predictive of abnormal semen parameters in male partners of couples attending the infertility clinic of a tertiary hospital in south-western Nigeria

Background. Infertility is a common gynaecological problem and male factors contribute significantly to its aetiology. Semen analysis has remained useful for investigation of male factor infertility. Objective. To assess the pattern of semen parameters, and predictive factors associated with abnormal parameters, in male partners of infertile couples attending a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Methods. A descriptive study of infertile couples presenting at the clinic between January 2012 and December 2015 at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria was done. Seminal fluid from the male partners was analysed in the laboratory using the World Health Organization 2010 criteria for human semen characteristics. Data were analysed using SPSS 17 and logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictive factors associated with abnormal semen parameters. Results. A total of 443 men participated in the study and 38.2% had abnormal sperm parameters. Oligozoospermia (34.8%) and asthenozoospermia (26.9%) were the leading single-factor abnormalities found, and astheno-oligozoospermia occurred in 14.2% and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in 3.6% of cases. The prevalence of azoospermia was 3.4%. Smoking habit, past infection with mumps and previous groin surgery significantly predicted abnormal semen parameters ( p =0.025, 0.040 and 0.017, respectively). Positive cultures were recorded in 36.2% of cases and Staphylococcus aureus was the most common. Conclusion. Male factor abnormalities remain significant contributors to infertility and men should be encouraged, through advocacy, to participate in investigations into infertility, to reduce stigmatisation and ostracising of women with infertility, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
IoT Enabled Low Cost Wearable Device for Location and Information Tracking System

An internet-of-things (IoT) enabled low cost wearable device for location and information tracking system is developed to monitor and ensure the safety of the children while their parents are away either to work or abroad. This system aims to ensure human safety especially the children and efficiently initiate search and rescue in the event of emergencies. The device will notify the parents on the condition of the surroundings of the children, specifically inside the house and notify the parents if the children are outside the target area by using the application developed in the smartphone. The system uses a microcomputer called Beagle-Bone Black (BBB) as the processor while GPS and LTE technology for wireless communication. Future improvement mainly focuses on reducing the size and power consumption of the device, improving communication module, and optimizing microcomputer’s specification.
Innovation Studies Utrecht ( ISU ) Working Paper Series A Review of the European Offshore Wind Innovation System

Offshore wind has the potential of becoming an important pillar of the future European energy system, contributing to policy objectives on climate change, energy security, green growth and social progress. However, the large potential of offshore wind does not automatically lead to a large share in future energy systems; neither does the emergent stage of development of the technology. Recent insights in innovation studies suggest that the success chances of technological innovations are, to a large extent, determined by how the surrounding system the innovation system is built up and how it functions. In this paper we assess the offshore wind innovation systems of four countries: Denmark, the UK, the Netherlands and Germany with the objective to provide recommendations for strengthening the overall European offshore wind innovation system. We use the Technological Innovation System (TIS) approach to analyze the system in 2011. Based on the analysis we identify a number of challenges that the European offshore wind sector faces. Some of them include: a serious deficiency of engineers; fragmented policies and poor alignment of national regulatory frameworks; cost of the technology and limited grid infrastructure. Since the problems hinder the entire system development we call for a systemic policy instrument that would support the innovation system around this technology and contribute to its wider diffusion in Europe.
Influence of the fleece on thermal homeostasis and on body condition in Comisana ewe lambs

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of shearing on the thermal homeostasis of Comisana ewe lambs during summer. The rectal temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, average arterial pressure, percentage of oxygen saturation in blood (SpO2%), haematocrit value, live weight and body condition score in two similar groups of 9-month-old ewe lambs were compared. Immediately after initial measurements (day 0), ewe lambs in one group were shorn while those in the other group were left unshorn. All the measurements taken on day 0 were repeated after 20, 40, 60 and 80 days from the beginning of the experiment. Rectal temperature and arterial pressure of ewe lambs did not differ (P > 0.05) on any of the examination days. Respiration and heart rates were higher (P < 0.05) in the unshorn group of ewe lambs. The haematocrit value and the SpO 2 % were always higher (P < 0.05) in the shorn group. The live weight of ewe lambs increased in both groups, while the body condition score of the lambs at the end of the trial period was lower (P < 0.05) in comparison to the initial score. Shearing the fleece of ewe lambs resulted in a lower heat stress during the summer while thermal homeostasis was not influenced. fleece / dairy ewe lamb / shearing / summer / thermal homeostasis
Theoretical multi node numerical model for thermal solar collector with forced circulation

The Thermal analysis of flat plate solar water heater is a complex task, because of a large numbers of parameters affecting its performance. In the last years, a lot of studies have been developed, using numerical approaches to describe and analyze the behavior and thermal mechanism of the thermal solar collector. In this paper, we develop a numerical model of the flat plate collector in forced circulation regime. We describe the basis of the model and show the comparisons with other bibliographic model. The main goal of this work is to simulate the efficiencies of the solar collector using an "4n-node model". The results are giving a very good agreement with the literature. The model is used to examine the impact of different parameters, which may affect the performance of the solar collector with single glass cover.
Review on exposure, absorption and elimination of pyrethroids in humans

Insecticidal properties were found in the flowers of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium. Toxicity of these flowers designated as Pyrithrum. Pyrethrum was intending to overcome the number of agro-medical pests like flies, mosquitoes, ticks etc. In regard of its properties, it is considered to be less persistent and readily degradable molecule in the atmosphere. Synthetically prepared analogue, Pyrethroids had tremendous effects on plant foliage and fruits. Human consumption of pyrethroid treated plants was significantly responsible for number of diseases. Occupational exposure to pyrethroids by the human, poses inhalation exposure, dermal and oral exposure or the combination of these various routes. Acute and chronic symptoms were the result of different exposures by pyrethroids. Following exposure, absorption and elimination or excretion of various pyrethroids from the body of human beings were extensively deliberated. Pyrethroids are responsible for respiratory effects, immunological or lymphoreticular effects, neurological effects, gastrointestinal effects, hematological effects and even cause death to the human
Optimal Parameters for DEM Extraction from IKONOS Data: A Case Study of a Coastal Area

The gap between aerial and satellite photogrammetry is getting smaller as both systems have benefited from great technology improvements in the last years. However, the major advantage of earth observation satellites continues to be the possibility to acquire data virtually anywhere on the planet without considering border and logistical restrictions and over huge extensions. A pair of stereo images corresponding to a coastal area in the NW of Spain is the basis for this paper, which analyzes certain influential variables in the process of generating a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) from stereoscopic pairs of IKONOS images. The mathematical model, the number of Ground Control Points (GCPs) and their accuracies are analyzed through a sequence of experimental trials. Twomain methods are applied for math modeling: a CCRS model (rigorous model) and a Rational Functions model. The influence of the GCPs’ positional quality is compared using two different information sources: points measured in 1:5,000 cartography and points surveyed via GPS. The number of GCPs tested variesbetween 0 and 20. Using different configurations of these variables, 17 models are generated. The best results are achieved with the rigorous model and 16 GCPs measured with GPS with an RMSE of 1.01 m (or an LE95 –Linear Error in Z at 95% confidence level- of 2 m), which is approximately the pixel size of the initial pair. The mathematical model was determined to be the variable with the most influence on accuracy. Moreover, the results suggest that the use of 10-16 GCPs is sufficient. Additional points do not improve the DEM accuracy or may even worsen it in certain cases. Although the study is carried out in a coastal zone, which restricts the GCPs’ distribution possibilities, the results are comparable with similar results from inland areas.
A Study on the Optimization of Chain Supermarkets’ Distribution Route Based on the Quantum-Inspired Evolutionary Algorithm

The chain supermarket has become a major part of China’s retail industry, and the optimization of chain supermarkets’ distribution route is an important issue that needs to be considered for the distribution center, because for a chain supermarket it affects the logistics cost and the competition in the market directly. In this paper, analyzing the current distribution situation of chain supermarkets both at home and abroad and studying the quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithm (QEA), we set up the mathematical model of chain supermarkets’ distribution route and solve the optimized distribution route throughout QEA. At last, we take Hongqi Chain Supermarket in Chengdu as an example to perform the experiment and compare QEA with the genetic algorithm (GA) in the fields of the convergence, the optimal solution, the search ability, and so on. The experiment results show that the distribution route optimized by QEA behaves better than that by GA, and QEA has stronger global search ability for both a small-scale chain supermarket and a large-scale chain supermarket. Moreover, the success rate of QEA in searching routes is higher than that of GA.
The Effect of Logistics Outsourcing Practices on the Performance of Large Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi, Kenya

Outsourcing of services has become a common practice among large manufacturing firms worldwide and this is due to the various benefits that accrue to a firm as a result of outsourcing. Contracting out production of goods and services to a firm with competitive advantages in terms of reliability, quality and cost was found out to be the main driver of outsourcing. However the various studies covered have not extensively delved into logistics outsourcing practices in relation to the performance of large scale manufacturing firms. As a result, this study explored outsourcing practices viz a viz the performance of large manufacturing firms Nairobi, Kenya. The population of the study in this research was all the large scale manufacturing companies that are based in Nairobi. Stratified random sampling method was applied to come up with the sample size, since the population in different large manufacturing firms is considered heterogeneous, implying that a simple random sample would have been unrepresentative. The response rate was 83%. The results established that the firms were outsourcing transportation management, warehouse management and material handling management. The firms opted to outsource their services due to its advantages and its possible influence on organizational performance, as it enables the firms to focus on its core competencies. The outsourcing practices adopted by the large manufacturing firms will in the long run determine their survival as they would seek to reduce operating costs, improved customer satisfaction and timely delivery of services to clients which in turn increase productivity and reduce lead time and improved profits. The study confined itself to large manufacturing firms in Nairobi and the findings may not be applicable in other sectors as a result of uniqueness of the manufacturing firms. It is therefore recommended that the study is replicated in other service sectors to establish the logistics outsourcing services and performance.
Predicting Growth Rate of Students’ Achievement in Mathematics Using Mathematical Growth Model

Students’ mathematics achievements in secondary school have an influential effect on their performance in university and their future careers. There are numerous innovative teaching strategies which are promising and have shown to improve students’ achievement in mathematics; one will wonder if there will be corresponding achievement growth in mathematics. Therefore, this paper predicts growth rate of students’ achievement in mathematics using mathematical growth model. A developmental survey design was employed where students’ WAEC mathematics achievement results from 1991-2016 were collected from the Development Division, West African Examination Council (WAEC) Lagos, Nigeria. The Logistic growth mathematical model was used to compute predicted achievement growth rate. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was also used to plot the graph of the achievement data from 1991 to 2016. The result indicates that the predicted growth rate of students’ achievement in mathematics is approximately increased by 25.3% per year. This shows a weak upward trend in predicted rate of achievement at credit level and consequently indicates unsteady sustainability in mathematics achievement as well as economic growth. It is recommended among others that there should be investigation into factors responsible for the weak and unsteady achievement growth in WAEC general mathematics in Nigeria. Also, effective teaching and learning of mathematics at all levels of schooling should be ensured by all concerned in other to sustain the achievement growth in the subject.
Assessment of Body perception, Psychological Distress, and Subjective Quality of Life Among Obese and Nonobese Subjects in Turkey

1302 © 2017 Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice | Published by Wolters Kluwer ‐ Medknow Background: Obesity can lead to psychological, social, and medical problems that may negatively affect the quality of life Aim: In our study, we aimed to evaluate the body perception, psychological distress, and subjective quality of life of obese subjects in comparison with normal weighted ones. Methods: A total of 494 subjects, aged between 18 and 64 years, were included to the study. Patients with the body mass index (BMI) of ≥18.5–24.9 kg/m2 were assigned to the control group; BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were assigned to the obese patient group. An ethical committee approval with protocol No. of 2011/242 was obtained from the Ethical Committee of Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine. Interviews were performed two times with obese subjects in the 1st and the 6th month of weight loss program, once with the control group. Data identification form, the form which included the biochemical parameters, Trait Anxiety inventory, State anxiety scale, Quality of Life scaleShort Form [(SF-36)(QOL)], Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), Zung Depression Rating Scale, and Zung Anxiety Rating Scale were applied to participants. Results: Obesity is more common in women. Obesity reduces the quality of life, negatively affects body perception, and triggers anxiety. Because of their body structure, obese individuals are exposed to social pressure and unethical attitudes. Conclusions: Both health risks and social implications of obesity are important. Further studies are needed to ethically evaluate the psycho-social problems caused by obesity.
Drug dependence and psychological distress in Portuguese patients entering a substance abuse treatment center

In the current state of art of drug dependence treatment programs, psychopathological features seem to be associated with negative therapeutic outcome. Drug abuse and especially drug dependence are complex disorders that include cognitive, behavioral and physiologic signs and symptoms. The wide spectrum of symptoms that characterize these disorders are responsible for clinical heterogeneity in terms of clinical presentation, severity, vulnerability, sequelae, and comorbidity which by itself accounts for great suffering and need for help in several areas. Assessment of both drug abuse and psychological distress constitutes a major challenge for professionals working with drug addicts. In the present descriptive study we tried to explore some key characteristics of individuals with a drug addiction when starting a treatment program. A total of 107 participants visiting a large metropolitan Portuguese addiction treatment center participated in this study, 90.7% were male, aged between 22 and 55 years (M = 34.84, SD = 6.44). The results indicate the existence of some relationships between severity of drug addiction and psychopathological symptoms.
Biosorption of Heavy Metal Cu2+ and Cr2+ in Textile Wastewater by Using Immobilized Algae

The objective of this research was to utilize microalgae Chlorella sp. and Spirulina sp. , as biosorption agents for heavy metals removal available in textile waste water. The biosorption of Cu and Cr ions from textile waste water solutions by immobilized algae (Spirulina and Chlorella) were tested under laboratory conditions as a function of waste concentration (15-50% dilution) and ratio of bead and waste water (1:1-1:3). Experimental results showed that the Langmuir adsorption models were suitable for describing the short-term biosorption of by all algal species. The best ratio of bead: wastewater (v/v) for removal heavy metal in textile wastewater was 1:3. The maximum Cu removed from the waste was 89% while Cr was removed with 90% by using Chlorella sp. The algae Spirulina showed a higher removal capacity of 90%. The maximum absorption capacity of Cu was achieved at 16.2 and 13.6 mg/g by using Spirulina and Chlorella, respectively, while the maximum sorption capacity for Cr was achieved at 1.95 and 1.45 mg/g for algae Spirulina and Chlorella, respectively.
Design Strategy for the Reverse Supply Chain Based on Time Value of Product

Design strategies for reverse supply chains are relatively unexplored and underdeveloped. The losses due to time delays represent a significant opportunity for asset recovery. Reverse supply chain design decisions should reflect the differences in the marginal value of time among products. The anthors propose that reverse supply chain can be designed for cost efficiency or quick response, and the decision pivots on the product’s time value. The paper analyzes the time value of return product in reverse supply chain, and the products are classified into low and high MVT based time value. In the paper both the efficient, centralized reverse supply chain matching the low MVT product and the responsive, decentralized reverse supply chain matching the high MVT product are designed In addition, the paper presents some key technologies for designing the reverse supply chain.