Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Option B 1 for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection in developing countries : a review of published cost-effectiveness analyses

Objective: To review the published literature on the cost effectiveness of Option Bþ (lifelong antiretroviral therapy) for preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV during pregnancy and breastfeeding to inform decision making in lowand middle-income countries. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar and Medline were searched to identify studies of the cost effectiveness of the World Health Organization (WHO) treatment guidelines for PMTCT. Study quality was appraised using the consolidated health economic evaluation reporting standards checklist. Eligible studies were reviewed in detail to assess the relevance and impact of alternative evaluation frameworks, assumptions and input parameter values. Results: Five published cost effectiveness analyses of Option Bþ for the PMTCT of HIV were identified. The reported cost-effectiveness of Option Bþvaries substantially, with the results of different studies implying that Option Bþ is dominant (lower costs, greater benefits), cost-effective (additional benefits at acceptable additional costs) or not cost-effective (additional benefits at unacceptable additional costs). This variation is due to significant differences in model structures and input parameter values. Structural differences were observed around the estimation of programme effects on infants, HIV-infected mothers and their HIV negative partners, over multiple pregnancies, as well assumptions regarding routine access to antiretroviral therapies. Significant differences in key input parameters were observed in transmission rates, intervention costs and effects and downstream cost savings. Conclusions: Across five model-based cost-effectiveness analyses of strategies for the PMTCT of HIV, the most comprehensive analysis reported that option Bþ is highly likely to be cost-effective. This evaluation may have been overly favourable towards option Bþwith respect to some input parameter values, but potentially important additional benefits were omitted. Decision makers might be best advised to review this analysis, with a view to requesting additional analyses of the model to inform local funding decisions around alternative strategies for the PMTCT of HIV.
A QUAD-BAND MONOPOLE ANTENNA WITH DEFECTED GROUND PLANE FOR L-BAND/WIMAX/WLAN APPLICATIONS

In this paper, a planar quad band monopole antenna excited by the microstrip line feed is proposed for L-band, WiMAX and WLAN applications. The proposed antenna is composed of radiating element in the form of L, U and inverted L-shaped strips on the top surface of substrate and defected ground plane on the bottom surface. By adjusting the length of the strips, the resonant frequencies can be reformed individually. The overall dimension of the prototype of the proposed quad band antenna is 50x35x1. 6mm³. From the measured results it is found that the proposed antenna has exhibited four distinct operating bands (return loss less than -10dB) of 170MHz (from 1.16 to 1.33GHz), 550MHz (from 1.53 to 2.08GHz), 470MHz (from 2.43 to 2.90GHz) and 3930MHz (from 3.77 to 7.70GHz). First two bands operated in L-band, third band can be used for WiMAX lower band (2.5GHz) and bandwidth of fourth band may be used for WLAN (5.2/5.8 GHz) and WiMAX (5.5GHz) applications. It is also observed that the proposed antenna has good radiation patterns and acceptable gains over the whole operating bands. The design process and parametric analyses are explained with the help of simulation software HFSS v.11.
Heterosis for yield and agronomic attributes in diverse maize germplasm

Combining ability estimation are important genetic attributes for maize breeders in anticipating improvement in productivity via hybridization and selection. Maize exhibits heterosis for all traits and the extent of heterosis is significantly variable depending on the choice of parents and the trait(s) measured. We developed hundreds of S 2 lines in 2009 and out of these S 2 lines, several selected lines were crossed with three different testers in three isolations to generate testcrosses (spring 2010). The testcrosses were evaluated in a partial lattice square design with two replications to divulge combining ability and heterosis for particular traits of economic importance (summer-2010). Phenotypic data were recorded for flowering time, morphological traits and total yield to calculate total variability, combining abilities and mid parent (MPH) and better parent (BPH) heterosis. The 87 testcrosses possessed highly significant differences (P � 0.01) for the investigated traits. Proportional contribution of lines, tester and their interaction to the total variability for anthesis silking interval (ASI) was 38.33, 2.34 and 59.33%, respectively. Means yield ranged from 2547.45 to 9842.02 kg ha -1 . Maximum yield was observed for CMI-76, using OPV Jalal as a tester, while minimum yield was detected for CMI-190-2, using WD3x 6 as a tester. In general, tester parent OPV Jalal showed better heterotic effect with each line as compared to other testers. Based on these results we conclude that maize unveiled excessive ability for heterotic expression, even several inbred lines exhibit enough variability to find out appropriate genotypes for a successful breeding program and generating stable inbred lines for production of commercial hybrids. Genetic variability and harboring of excessive hybrid vigor makes maize as a model crop for all kind of studies. Furthermore, these results suggested that the input cost of hybrids can easily be minimized by avoiding losses of resources and time in production of desirable inbred lines, as it is obvious that the breeding community always preferred hybrids maize rather than OPV or synthetics varieties because of its high productivity.
Implications of land policies for rural-urban linkages and rural transformation in Ethiopia

In this discussion paper, we explore the policy environment related to rural-urban linkages and migration in Ethiopia, and analyze how the policies are impacting rural transformation. Section 2 describes conceptual issues and the theoretical framework that establishes the connection between RULs, rural-urban migration, and rural transformation. Section 3 outlines the policy landscape pertaining specifically to land and labor in Ethiopia, and analyzes the impact these policies have on migration behavior and rural transformation. Section 4 presents an analytic description of the macro development policy scene in Ethiopia, and critiques its role in fostering rural transformation. It also presents some key recommendations that address the shortcomings of current policies, and stimulate discussion of future policy reforms. Section 5 concludes the discussion.
Multiple beam steering using dynamic zone plates on a micromirror array

Abstract. Three-dimensional (3-D) laser beam steering of focal position has been demonstrated using a single optical device—a DMD micromirror array. Laser beam focus position is controlled using dynamically adjustable zone plates. These zone plates take the form of elliptical Fresnel zone plates or other variations such as binary Gabor zone plates. Active beam pointing and control can be realized without the need for a pair of galvanometer mirrors and a focusing lens. Focusing efficiencies into an off-axis diffraction order of a few percent are typically seen and continuity between neighboring orders increases the effective field of regard. Writing multiple zone plate patterns to the DMD enables multiple focused spots to be generated and controlled independently.
Dynamic source inversion of the M6.5 intermediate‐depth Zumpango earthquake in central Mexico: A parallel genetic algorithm

We introduce a method for imaging the earthquake source dynamics from the inversion of ground motion records based on a parallel genetic algorithm. The source model follows an elliptical patch approach and uses the staggered‐grid split‐node method to simulate the earthquake dynamics. A statistical analysis is used to estimate errors in both inverted and derived source parameters. Synthetic inversion tests reveal that the average rupture speed (Vr), the rupture area, and the stress drop (Δτ) may be determined with formal errors of ~30%, ~12%, and ~10%, respectively. In contrast, derived parameters such as the radiated energy (Er), the radiation efficiency (ηr), and the fracture energy (G) have larger errors, around ~70%, ~40%, and ~25%, respectively. We applied the method to the Mw 6.5 intermediate‐depth (62 km) normal‐faulting earthquake of 11 December 2011 in Guerrero, Mexico. Inferred values of Δτ = 29.2 ± 6.2 MPa and ηr = 0.26 ± 0.1 are significantly higher and lower, respectively, than those of typical subduction thrust events. Fracture energy is large so that more than 73% of the available potential energy for the dynamic process of faulting was deposited in the focal region (i.e., G = (14.4 ± 3.5) × 1014J), producing a slow rupture process (Vr/VS = 0.47 ± 0.09) despite the relatively high energy radiation (Er = (0.54 ± 0.31) × 1015 J) and energy‐moment ratio (Er/M0 = 5.7 × 10− 5). It is interesting to point out that such a slow and inefficient rupture along with the large stress drop in a small focal region are features also observed in both the 1994 deep Bolivian earthquake and the seismicity of the intermediate‐depth Bucaramanga nest.
A COMPARISON OF SURFACE OBSERVATIONS AND ECHAM4-GCM EXPERIMENTS AND ITS RELEVANCE TO THE INDIRECT AEROSOL EFFECT

The observations of solar irradiance at the surface, total cloud cover, and precipitation rates have been used to evaluate aerosol‐cloud interactions in a GCM. Records from Germany and the United States were available for the time period from 1985 to 1990 and 1960 to 1990. The model used here is the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts‐Deutsches Klimarechenzentrum: Hamburg (ECHAM4) GCM as run for a 5-yr period with a fully coupled sulfur chemistry‐cloud scheme by Lohmann and Feichter. Two experiments— one with an annual mean sulfate load of 0.36 Tg S for the preindustrial simulation and one with 1.05 Tg S for the present day simulation were studied. The goal was to confirm indirectly the existence of the indirect aerosol effect by finding indices for a better agreement of observations with the present-day experiment as compared with the preindustrial experiment. The authors were able to draw such a conclusion only for the German data but not for the United States. The model correctly predicts the annual mean total cloud cover in Germany and the United States, whereas global solar radiation is underestimated by 13 W m22. This deficiency stems from cloudy conditions. Clouds are either optically too thick or the vertical distribution of clouds is erroneous. This is confirmed by the modeled overcast solar irradiance, which is 27 W m22 lower than observed, whereas, for the clear sky, model and observations agree. Precipitation rates are underestimated by 42% in the United States. The seasonal cycle of the precipitation rate is incorrect in all U.S. regions. The modeled cloud cover is too low over the central United States in July and August, and consequently the solar irradiance exceeds the observations during these months. The opposite occurs in winter, when the model overestimates the cloud cover and thus underestimates solar irradiance. The nonseasonality of vegetation and soil parameters is suggested as a possible cause for these deficiencies. The convective precipitation formation might also contribute to these discrepancies. On the other hand, this drying out effect of the inner continent is not as pronounced in coastal regions, and, in particular, the comparisons for the German grid box provide indications for the validity of the indirect aerosol effect. The modeled annual cloud cover and solar radiation cycles for the present-day aerosol load are in better agreement with observations. Furthermore, the model shows an interesting shift from low-cloud reduction to cirrus formation in spring as a consequence of the indirect aerosol effect, a result that is confirmed by observational data.
A strain dependent stiffness of stiff cohesionless and cohesive soils

Abstract In the last three decades an interest has grown in prediction of soil stiffness. In case of dense cohesionless soils or natural overconsolidated cohesive soils the working strain to which soil stiffness is referred to covers the range 0.01-1.0%. On the basis of results of comprehensive experimental worked based on advanced triaxial tests results two formulae for Young’s modulus distribution accounting for strain range were derived for fine dense sand and heavy overconsolidated sandy clay. The formula for sand accounts also for stress level. In case of overconsolidated sandy clay, stress history, in the form of yield stress, is also accounted for.
Assessing the Influence of Education Attainment on the Performance of Small Business Entrepreneurs in Thailand and New Zealand

The influence of education on the performance of entrepreneurs has been the focus of much discussion and debate amongst entrepreneurship researchers. Most of the formal studies on this topic have been undertaken in the USA and overall they find that the anecdotal stories of the successful poorly educated entrepreneur are the exception rather than the rule. In fact these studies find that education has been an important determinant of entrepreneurial success. Due to the recognition of the importance of entrepreneurship to a country’s development by policy makers throughout the world, and the consequent desire to create education programs and economic conditions that promote entrepreneurship, an international comparison of the contribution of entrepreneur education to business success is worthwhile. This paper compares the importance of entrepreneur education in the performance of New Zealand and Thailand small businesses. The findings suggest that in these two countries entrepreneur education may be negatively correlated with
An Applied Study on Brand Equity: Factors Affecting Brand Equity Case Study of Mtn Telecom Cameroon

Despite of economic downturn in recent years, the Telecommunication industry has performed well in Cameroon and has grown by 4.1% in 2014 [1] . Now, Telecom players in Cameroon like Mtn, Orange, Yoome, Creolink, Camtel, Equacomm, Foris Cameroon, Vodacom, Ringo, are in a battle of differentiating their products/services and offers, as the degree of competition are moderately high in the market. Hence, building a strong brand image has apparently become a foremost competitive tactics in industry. This study help to apprehend the factors affecting telecom sector which is increasingly growing in Africa and enables telecommunication operators to understand market, consumers and to control strategies of differentiation toward competitors. The study presents the findings of empirical research sampling consumers of mobile communication brands. We proposed a brand equity model with four dimensions (brand awareness, perceived quality, brand trust and brand loyalty) and the relationship among those four dimensions and their effects on brand equity is empirically investigated. The model is tested by structural equations and the sample of 215 students was selected from Cameroon. Data was gathered by the 22-items questionnaire in self-reporting and online way. The finding shows that relations among brand awareness, perceived quality, brand trust and brand loyalty on brand equity are significant and positive effect. Brand awareness has a positive effect on perceived quality; Perceived quality, brand trust and brand loyalty will mediate the effect between brand awareness and brand equity. Keyword: Brand, Brand Equity, Factors affecting brand equity, MTN Telecom Cameroon. [1] BuddeComm based on various sources
An Open Economy DSGE Model with Search-and-Matching Frictions: The Case of Hungary

ABSTRACT This article builds and estimates a medium scale, small open economy DSGE model augmented with search-and-matching frictions in the labor market, and different wage setting behavior in new and existing jobs. The model is estimated using Hungarian data between 2001–2008. We find that: (i) the inclusion of matching frictions significantly improves the model’s empirical fit; (ii) the extent of new hires wage rigidity is quantitatively important for key macro variables; (iii) labor market shocks do not play an important role in inflation dynamics, but the structure of the labor market influences the monetary transmission mechanism.
Weight watching:Morphometric indices of ontogenetic and reproductive stages in Weddell seals

approved: _________________________________________________ Markus Horning We investigated ontogenetic changes in body morphology of Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) using three three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetry, to estimate surface areas and body volumes for 42 Weddell seals. We sampled ten weaned pups, twelve juveniles (age one or two years), 11 non-breeding adult females, and 9 adult females who had recently weaned a pup. We developed predictive values for surface-area-to-volume (SA:V) ratios of juvenile seals using a morphological growth projection based on data from pups and adult females, then compared to measured values. Juveniles were longer than pups but groups overlapped at their extremes. Juveniles had significantly smaller SA:V ratios than pups. However, the shortest juveniles had larger SA:V ratios than the longest pups. Within both groups, SA:V ratios declined with increasing body length. Juveniles and post-reproductive female SA:V ratios consistently exceeded values predicted from the pup-to-adult growth projection, suggesting that morphological changes as well as increasing body length influenced SA:V ratios in juveniles. Ultrasonically measured blubber thickness indices were lower in juveniles and post-reproductive females, but mean body densities estimated from mass and volume did not differ. We suggest that surface area, volume, and blubber morphometrics may provide meaningful indicators of body condition not identified with ratios of adipose to lean tissue.
El Sitio Cerro Casa de Piedra 7: algunos aspectos de la tecnología lítica y las estrategias de movilidad

Se trabaja en el estudio de la organizacion de la tecnologia litica que puede observarse en el sitio Cerro Casa de Piedra 7 (CCP7), ubicado en el Parque Nacional Perito Moreno, provincia de Santa Cruz. Se discuten las tendencias en el comportamiento de instrumental litico en el lapso comprendido entre 3400 y 4200 AP, en relacion con dos modelos de asentamiento diferentes que fueron propuestos para el area de investigacion.
Development of a blended wing configuration MAV

Micro Air vehicles "MAV" belong to a class of aircraft currently designated with a maximum size of 300mm and are capable of operating at speeds of not less than 12 m/s. MAVs are expected to find applications in battlefield reconnaissance, visual surveillance, border patrol, etc. MAVs are typically characterized by a low aspect ratio wing operating at low Reynolds numbers (104~105). A camber plate MAV of 300mm wing span generates Cl of 0.7-0.8, comparatively Blended Wing MAV generates Cl of 1-1.3 this motivates the work to be carried out. This work contains the aerodynamic design, planform optimization, airframe modeling, production and development of a BLENDED WING MAV. Numbers of airfoils are analyzed using XFLR5 code and Martin Heppler-45 (MH-45) airfoil is selected due to its reflex at the trailing edge, very less camber of 1.17%, hence greater stability and also matches the requirements of the MAV. 2D CFD analysis is done using NAL RANS 3D code to validate the XFLR5 results of MH 45. Winglets were designed empirically using vertical tail volume coefficient (CVT). Polymer and Composite materials like- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Kevlar & Rohacell, are used for fabrication of airframe and skin structure. An advanced technique like Rapid prototyping is used to produce the airframe and composite sandwich method is used for the skin material. Flight tests have been carried successfully and results are also discussed in this paper.
Is Voluntary Profiling Welfare Enhancing?

Although consumer profiling advocates tout benefits from personalization, consumer advocacy groups oppose profiling in online markets because of concerns about privacy and price discrimination. Policies such as opt-out or opt-in that provide consumers the option to voluntarily participate in profiling are the favored compromise. We compare voluntary profiling to no profiling and show that voluntary profiling leads to some counterintuitive results. Consumers that do not participate in profiling and some that participate are worse off under voluntary profiling. Neither social welfare nor aggregate consumer surplus is necessarily higher under voluntary profiling; even when voluntary profiling leads to an increase in social welfare, it may come at the expense of consumer surplus. If the seller cannot price discriminate and charge only a uniform price for everyone or the seller can only charge different prices based on the consumer's participation status, then aggregate consumer surplus under voluntary profiling is higher and a reduction in privacy cost has a positive impact on all consumers as well as the seller. However, when personalized pricing is possible, reducing privacy cost alone may reduce aggregate consumer surplus. The primary reason for these results is that voluntary profiling allows the seller to identify high valuation consumers that have no incentive to participate and set a higher price for them (compared to no profiling) while simultaneously benefitting from the profile information of low valuation consumers that participate. However, a positive privacy cost mitigates the participation incentives of even low valuation consumers and hence sellers' ability to engage in price discrimination.
Flutuante em Erythrodiplax basalis ( Libellulidae : Odonata ) ( Kirby )

Constituted by simple and cheaply techniques, measures of changes in ontogenetic development are good biomonitoring tools. One of these techniques commonly used is the Fluctuating Asymmetry (FA). In this study, we explore the effects of riparian vegetation removal on the levels of FA on hind wings traits of Erythrodiplax basalis (Kirby). The results showed that traits present normal distribution and zero mean, which allows us to assume that observe levels of asymmetry are FA. It was also evident that FA indexes are not correlated to the wing length, and present low levels of measurement error. There is no significantly evidence of increase in the FA levels in degraded areas in comparison with preserved areas for the measured variables (wing length, wing width on the nodus level, distance between triangle and nodus and distance between anal loop and nodus). The hypothesis that individuals collected in altered areas present higher levels of FA in wing traits was not corroborated. This may result from the fact that E. basalis is a species with good dispersal capability, and the specimens sampled in disturbed areas may have developed elsewhere and were only using the areas as a point of foraging and therefore was not detected AF. Another factor that corroborates this prediction is the fact that other studies using Zygoptera species that have lower dispersal ability, significant levels of physical activities has been detected.