Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Monitoring and Feedback Tool to Support Patients in Achieving a more Active Lifestyle

The paper describes the process of development of an innovative monitoring and feedback tool to improve the level of physical activity of chronically ill patients. The tool aims to support chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetic patients’ self-management in achieving an active lifestyle. The tool consists of a sensor that transfers data to a Smartphone; subsequently the Smartphone is connected to a server. Patients wearing the sensors will receive feedback on their Smartphones based on pre-set activity goals. Use of the tool will be embedded in a healthcare model to be executed by practice nurses in primary care. Both the tool and the healthcare model are developed in an iterative way based on user requirements research. An intensive cooperation has been set up between the research team, two enterprises that produce the technology, healthcare professionals, and patient representatives. From the very first phase onwards, patients, professionals, and technology developers are actively involved in the project in order to increase the probability of effective use of the tool in practice. The tool will be validated and tested in pilot studies. Eventually a randomized controlled trial will be set up to measure the effects of embedding the tool in
The Relationship Between Exercise Knowledge and Exercise Self-Efficacy for the Prevention of Osteoporosis

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXERCISE KNOWLDEGE AND EXERCISE SELF-EFHCACY FOR THE PREVENTION OF OSTEOPOROSIS By Suzanne M. Leclaire The conceptual framework for this study was Self*efi5cacy (Bandura, 1977), based on Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986). The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between exercise knowledge and exercise self-e£5cacy for the prevention of osteoporosis in young adults. Population selection was based on clinical research foldings that bone health is affected by habits early in life, such as calcium intake and establishing regular exercise, which affect bone health in later years. Thestudy was a secondary data analysis o f353 females and males 18 to 35 years of age, primarily Caucasian (92.9%). Results from descriptive statistics demonstrated no statistically significant relationshfo between osteoporosis knowledge and exercise selfefBcacy for the prevention of osteoporosis. (i=0.02). Additional findings revealed a generally low level of osteoporosis knowledge, mean OKT score was 10.81 (SD=2.27), and a moderately high level of exercise selfiefQcacy, mean OSE-Exercise score was 71.43 (SD=20.62). Dedication Special gratitude is due to my dearest friend, Nancy wlwse patience, siqiport and understanding persisted throughout this endeavor. A special thanks is extended to my 6mily and friends for their love and enthusiastic support of this project
Efficiency and Input- and Output-Substitutability in English Higher Education 1996/97 to 2007/08: A Parametric Distance Function Approach

HEIs are likely to face tight fiscal constraints in the future. This paper uses random effects and stochastic frontier techniques to estimate an output distance function over the period 1997/97 to 2007/08 in order to investigate the efficiency of higher education institutions (HEIs) and to examine the opportunities for substitution between inputs. Mean efficiency across the whole sector is estimated to be 70%, and further investigation reveals that the pattern of production in the typical institution in the highest efficiency quartile is closest to the pattern of production of the average pre-1992 university. The Morishima elasticities calculated from the parameter estimates suggest that the main possibilities for substitution are out of undergraduates into other inputs and from administration into other inputs (except academic services). Opportunities for substitution are generally much more limited from postgraduate inputs, staff and academic services. A simple examination of the effects of merger activity reveals that it takes place amongst institutions which are typically performing at the same level as non-merging HEIs, and that it has beneficial effects in terms of efficiency.
Reduction of Optimum Bitumen Content in Polyethylene Modified Bituminous Mixes

Using plastic as additive in pavement has gained popularity for the past several years. Plastics waste is a serious environmental issue due to its non-biodegradable properties and hard to be disposed. There is a high demand of plastics in the industries as a packaging and disposable consumer items due to its inexpensive, lightweight and durable properties. Polyethylene (PE) has been extensively used in packaging, pipes, toys, garbage bags and bottles. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the properties of PE modified bituminous mixture in comparison to conventional bituminous mixture. This study utilized both High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) granules in order to achieve optimum benefits. Wearing course samples were prepared using Marshall Mix design method and according to Standard Specification for Road Works as guidelines. Laboratory study was performed on the compacted mixtures to determine the optimum bitumen content (OBC) and evaluate the effect of PE on its properties. The modified mixes show promising results: higher stability and lower optimum bitumen content (OBC) when compared to a conventional mix. The results indicate that the addition of 2% Polyethylene by weight of aggregate reduce the amount of OBC by 4.2%. Hence, Polyethylene modified bituminous mixture not only can helps reduce the waste plastics but also results in saving in pavement material costs.
3 D Flower-Like Hierarchitectures Constructed by SnS / SnS 2 Heterostructure Nanosheets for High-Performance Anode Material in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Sn chalcogenides, including SnS, Sn 2 S 3 , and SnS 2 , have been extensively studied as anode materials for lithium batteries. In order to obtain one kind of high capacity, long cycle life lithium batteries anode materials, three-dimensional (3D) flower-like hierarchitectures constructed by SnS/SnS 2 heterostructure nanosheets with thickness of ∼20 nm have been synthesized via a simple one-pot solvothermal method. The obtained samples exhibit excellent electrochemical performance as anode for Li-ion batteries (LIBs), which deliver a first discharge capacity of 1277mAhg and remain a reversible capacity up to 500mAhg after 50 cycles at a current of 100mAg.
The concept of “Comprehensive security” as a draft for reconstructing security in a system of international relations

To explain how applicable the concept of "comprehensive secu-rity" is in Kosovo, at first, I will try to analyze the term of security, and development of international relations in relation to the phe-nomenon of "Security". Initially the term “security” is to be elabo-rated, in theoretical terms, the impact "national security" had du-ring the Cold War, and the development of the international rela-tions system, especially after "the fall of the Berlin Wall,” and the fall of communism. In the broadest sense, the post- modern securi-ty is characterized by many threats, such as terrorism, failing sta-tes, climate change etc. The elements of comprehensive security will be part of the analysis of developments in Kosovo after the war and briefly transformation of the security sector after inde-pendence.
Rapid westernization of Warsaw (Poland) children obesity prevalence comparison with Australian and USA population

Changes in mean body mass index (BMI) and prevalence of overweight and obesity in Warsaw children and adolescents in two samples, 6 years apart, were compared using the new standard international definitions of the International Obesity Task Force Childhood Obesity Working Group. The dynamic of changes over time was compared with USA and Australian data. Reported results are: per decade increase of mean BMI of Warsaw boys was higher compared to USA boys aged: 7, 8, 10–12, 15–17 and girls aged: 7–11, 14 and 16. Warsaw children obesity prevalence increased between 1996–1999 and 2002 in case of boys from 2.8% to 5.3%, in case of girls from 1.9 to 3.3%. Percent Change Annualized (PCA) of obesity prevalence increase were 14.9% and 12.7% for boys and girls, respectively. This was higher compared to the USA (PCA in range 3.3%÷4.5% both sexes) and Australian boys (11.0%). In case of Australian girls PCA of obesity prevalence increase was the same as Warsaw girls – 12.7%.
THE EFFICIENCY OF RANDOM FOREST METHOD FOR SHORELINE EXTRACTION FROM LANDSAT-8 AND GOKTURK-2 IMAGERIES

Abstract. Coastal monitoring plays a vital role in environmental planning and hazard management related issues. Since shorelines are fundamental data for environment management, disaster management, coastal erosion studies, modelling of sediment transport and coastal morphodynamics, various techniques have been developed to extract shorelines. Random Forest is one of these techniques which is used in this study for shoreline extraction. This algorithm is a machine learning method based on decision trees. Decision trees analyse classes of training data creates rules for classification. In this study, Terkos region has been chosen for the proposed method within the scope of "TUBITAK Project (Project No: 115Y718) titled "Integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Sustainable Coastal Zone Monitoring Model – Three-Dimensional Automatic Coastline Extraction and Analysis: Istanbul-Terkos Example". Random Forest algorithm has been implemented to extract the shoreline of the Black Sea where near the lake from LANDSAT-8 and GOKTURK-2 satellite imageries taken in 2015. The MATLAB environment was used for classification. To obtain land and water-body classes, the Random Forest method has been applied to NIR bands of LANDSAT-8 (5th band) and GOKTURK-2 (4th band) imageries. Each image has been digitized manually and shorelines obtained for accuracy assessment. According to accuracy assessment results, Random Forest method is efficient for both medium and high resolution images for shoreline extraction studies.
ERP Initiation - A Historical Perspective

In a competitive environment, firms continually need to find better business solutions with flexible and marketing-oriented structures. They need to establish new business objectives to fulfill their corporate visions. A whole organization should be aligned to achieve these objectives. Information technology (IT) needs to be aligned to the organization's mission. IT professionals have provided systems to the organization and in most cases, these systems consist of individual functions, which should be used in an integrated manner. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software has emerged to offer an integrated solution. It is suggested that ERP could facilitate the compatibility between task characteristics and technology characteristics, a long overdue IT solution. Some useful information about ERP can be found by examining the evolution of ERP from MRP.
Revolutionizing Space Propulsion Through the Characterization of Iodine as Fuel for Hall-Effect Thrusters

The demand for increased performance in space propulsion systems is higher than ever as missions are becoming more advanced. As the global supply of xenon depletes, missions demanding high thrust will require alternatives. The research presented here examines iodine as an alternate propellant. The propellant was successfully operated through a BHT-200 thruster in the T6 vacuum facility at Busek Co. Inc. A feed system for the iodine was developed for controlled thruster operation at varying conditions. An inverted pendulum was used to take thrust measurements. Thrust to power ratio, anode efficiency, and specific impulse were calculated. Iodine performance is compared to xenon. Plume measurements were taken by a nude Faraday probe, which measured current density, and an ExB probe, also known as a Wein filter, which measured individual species properties. The data validated anode efficiency from performance measurements. Plume comparisons were made between iodine and xenon. Iodine was found to perform similarly to xenon, but with superior performance at high voltage. Possible effects of iodine operation on spacecraft, thrusters, and power systems were explored.
Renewable Energy System with High performance Hybrid Cascaded Inverter

In this paper, Renewal energy system with high performance Hybrid cascaded inverter is proposed. It is based on two kinds of power devices those are MOSFET and IGBT and also the cascaded inverter consists of three H-bridges. The DC voltage of each H-bridge meets the proportional relationship of 1:2:4 and the three modules are connected in series at the AC side. The low voltage bridge is composed of MOSFETs, while the medium and high voltage bridges are composed of IGBTs. This hybrid cascaded inverter can output at most 15 voltage levels at the AC side with rather low switching frequency. At the same time, it can fully exhibit the advantages of different power devices and make the inverter operation flexible. Voltage gradational and PWM carrier modulation methods are adopted in this paper. With different combination of switching states, the distribution of input active power in each H-bridge can be adjusted. As a result, for renewable energy system, larger control freedom is provided and the need of power balance is satisfied. The inverter system is verified with simulation results.
Comparison of Antibiotic, Probiotic and Great Plantain (Plantago major L.) on Growth Performance, Serum Metabolites, Immune Response and Ileal Microbial Population of Broilers

The objective of the study was to compare the effects of antibiotic virginiamycin, probiotic Protexin® and Plantago major L. (plantain) on performance, serum metabolites, immune response, and the ileal microbial population of broilers. The experiment was carried out with a total of 200 day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens in a completely randomized design. Chickens were allocated to five groups consisting of T1: control diet (Con), T2: Con+0.02% virginiamycin, T3: Con+0.01% Protexin, T4: Con+0.5% plantain and T5: Con+1% plantain. Each group was divided into four replicates consisting of ten chicks each. In comparison with the control group, body weight gain increased in chickens fed Protexin and 0.5% plantain groups in the starter period, as well as by antibiotic in grower and finisher periods and by 1% plantain in all periods (P < 0.01). Supplementation of plantain and virginiamycin increased (P < 0.01) feed intake in the starter and finisher periods, respectively. Feed conversion ratio improved (P < 0.05) in finisher period only by virginiamycin. All treated birds showed an elevated relative weight of carcass and bursa, and plantain increased relative weight of the spleen (P < 0.01). All treatments demonstrated a hypocholesterolemic effect (P < 0.01) and higher level of plantain (1%) decreased (P < 0.05) serum glucose, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol as well. The inclusion of Protexin and plantain enhanced immune system with increased white and red blood cells as well as second anti-SRBC immune response and reduced heterophil/lymphocyte ratio in SRBC injected birds (P < 0.05). Virginiamycin decreased ileal microbial population of Lactobacillus while Protexin and plantain increased it (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, 1% plantain suppressed ileal E. coli counts. In conclusion, 1% Plantago major L. performed the best in this study because it led to increased body and carcass weight, lowered serum cholesterol and triglyceride, reduced heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, improved immune response, and ileal microflora.
Analysis of the package dependency on Debian GNU/Linux

We build the network of more than 18,000 software packages of Debian GNU/Linux operating system, for its current three releases, along with their dependence interactions. We measured the degree connectivity distribution, modularity and detect some communities. The scale-free nature of the dependency network and the results for the betweenness centrality can confirm the stability of the system to random bugs. Also the communities we have found can be used for determining the packages that could be mantained by teams rather than developers.
Hematologic Hazards and Community Petroleum Exploration Exposures in Ogoni Territory Nigeria

Leukemia remains one of the most misunderstood malignancies despite remarkable advances in molecular biology and immunology. Progress made in understanding its etiology and pathophysiology has been limited by its low incidence rate and the potential for multiple etiological factors. Some of the described etiological factors include environmental factors (benzene, ionizing radiation, non-ionizing electromagnetic fields, pesticides, occupational or parental occupational exposures), diet factors (vitamins A and D), infection factors (retroviruses), medical and iatrogenic factors (diagnostic radiographs, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy agents) and hereditary and genetic factors.
Reducing the User Cognitive Load on Mobile Website Design

The landscape of technology has changed since the advancement of smart devices such as smart phones, tablets and personal computer. Devices like smart phones, tablets and personal computers have different types of specification in screen size, thus it would be difficult to design for each and every device. This will increase the cognitive load of the users end and will reduce the attention span of the
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF 2,6,4’-TRIHYDROXY-4-METHOXY BENZOPHENONE FROM ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF MAHKOTA DEWA ( Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl.)

Mahkota dewa plant (Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl. ) which is included into family of Thymelaeaceae is one of Indonesia's traditional medicines. Chemical constituent has been isolated from ethyl acetate extract of leaves of mahkota dewa. Sample was extracted with methanol, concentrated then extracted by n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract was separated and fractionated by column chromatography. The first fraction was purified by TLC preparative and recrystalization. Compound was isolated as red-brown spherical crystal in 8 mg (m.p. 129-131 °C). Its spot gave dark fluoroscence at TLC plate (UV366) with Rf of 0.3 at TLC chromatogram with eluent of n-hexane : ethyl acetate (7:3); 0.6 with n-hexane : ethyl acetate (1:1); 0.9 with –hexane : ethyl acetate (4:6). This compound was dissolved in methanol. Compound was identified by UV, IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and NMR 2 dimension (HMQC, COSY, HMBC and DEPT-135) spectroscopic as 2,6,4’-trihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenon. This compound as well as the ethyl acetate extract showed antioxidant activity on DPPH with IC50 was 10.57 and 101.06 μg/mL, respectively. This compound showed strong antioxidant activity on DPPH, almost to the standard antioxidant activity of quercetin (IC50 of 2.93 μg/mL)
On Increasing Computational Efficiency of Local Integral Equation Method Combined with Meshless Implementations

: The paper deals with diminishing the prolongation of the computational time due to procedural evaluation of the shape functions and their derivatives in weak formulations implemented with meshless approximations. The proposed numerical techniques are applied to problems of stationary heat conduction in functionally graded media. Besides the investigation of the computational efﬁciency also the accuracy and convergence study are performed in numerical tests.
Hybrid multi-walled carbon nanotubes-alginate-polysulfone beads for adsorption of bisphenol-A from aqueous solution

AbstractIn recent years, the potential application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as sorbent materials in wastewater treatment has garnered tremendous attention. Concerns that CNTs may be toxic to living organism, however, necessitate that the containment of CNTs to prevent their release into the environment in order to realize their practical application in wastewater treatment. In this study, we immobilized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) within macro-calcium alginate beads. The composite beads were coated with an additional polysulfone (Psf) layer both to provide an external barrier to MWCNTs release into the effluent and also to improve the mechanical integrity of the beads. The hybrid beads were tested for their capacity to remove the bio-refractory endocrine disruptor compound bisphenol-A (BPA) using batch and packed bead column experiments. Maximum BPA removal was achieved at 22% MWCNTs, which was the dispersion limit of MWCNTs in our study. The adsorption of BPA followed Langmuir isotherm model.
FARM LEVEL ANALYSIS OF PESTICIDE USE IN SWEET CHERRY (Prunus avium L.) GROWING IN WEST MEDITERRANEAN REGION OF TURKEY

Pesticides are chemicals that are used to control and avoid fruit losses from pests and diseases in fruit production. Various kinds of pesticides have been used in sweet cherry growing to increase yield and farm income in Turkey. This study was conducted to analyze the farm-level of pesticide use in sweet cherry growing in West Mediterranean region of Turkey. Data was collected from 89 growers using the simple random sampling method. Results of this research show that the average usage of agricultural chemicals are 53 349.50 g per hectare as an active ingredient in the sweet cherry growing. The percent- ages of used agricultural chemicals are 79.82, 19.11 and 1.07% copper sulphates, pesti- cides and winter & mineral oils +DNOC, respectively. It was calculated that economic loss was €162.92 per hectare due to overdose of agricultural chemicals. Chi square test analysis showed that, there was a significant relationship between farmers' pesticide use practices and farm size, listening agriculture related program on radio, information needs in disease, insects and pests management, applying protective pesticides and use personal protecting equipment.
Custom and Capital: A Financial Appraisal of Alternative Arrangements for Large-Scale Oil Palm Development on Customary Land in Sarawak, Malaysia

The oil palm boom in Southeast Asia has increased demand for institutional arrangements facilitating large-scale plantation development on customary lands. A financial model of an oil palm plantation in Sarawak, Malaysia, is used to explore six project types, including managed smallholders, three different joint-venture arrangements, renting, and (for comparison) a private plantation on state land. Benefit-cost analysis is used as the basis for project, private (shareholder), and stakeholder analyses. There is a trade-off between the efficiency and equity outcomes of the alternative arrangements as modelled. While joint venture projects provide higher aggregate net benefits, managed smallholder projects provide more benefits to landholders. When the actual performance of the alternative schemes is taken into account, the managed smallholder approach is superior on both efficiency and equity grounds. The joint venture approach could be improved by paying advance dividends or combining a fixed rent with a share of dividends to reduce the income risk faced by landholders. In all cases, improved management is needed for the schemes to achieve their developmental potential.