Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sleep Quality and its Associated Factors in Iranian Patients with Breast Cancer

Background: Sleep disturbances are common, but widely underdiagnosed in cancer patients. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate sleep quality and its associated factors among women with breast cancer.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on women with breast cancer referring to 2 outpatient clinics in Isfahan, Iran. Sleep quality [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)], severity of anxiety and depression [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)], cancer symptoms [M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASIâ€Ž)], and quality of life (QOL) [European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-â€ŽCore 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30)] were assessed in the present study.Results: The study population consisted of 101 patients with mean age of 49.7 years and mean cancer duration of 2.3 years. The mean global PSQI score of patients was 8.5 and 80.2% had poor sleep quality. Factors associated with global PSQI score in univariate analyses were body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.445), severity of cancer symptoms (r = 0.580), anxiety (r = 0.363), and depression (r = 0.332). BMI and symptom severity were independently associated with poor sleep quality (standardized coefficient = 0.388 and 0.480, respectively). With regards to QOL, patients with poor sleep quality had lower physical and psychosocial functioning than good sleepers.Conclusion: Sleep disturbances are highly common in women with breast cancer in our society and significantly affect their QOL. Obesity, cancer symptoms, and psychological symptoms are important factors associated with and contributing to sleep problems in these patients. Cancer care programs must have a comprehensive approach, including sleep assessment and management, toward the treatment of these patients.
Beef Credence Attributes: Implications of Substitution Effects on Consumers’ WTP

type="main" xml:id="jage12067-abs-0001"> Consumers’ food choices are influenced by a wide variety of credence attributes, but the food industry faces problems assessing whether the price premiums that consumers are willing to pay for these attributes will be sufficient to offset higher production costs. In this context, consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for safer, cleaner and animal friendlier beef was investigated through a choice experiment. The relative importance of WTP for these attributes shows that consumers place the highest values on food safety, followed by animal welfare and finally environmental protection. WTP for different combinations of the three attributes cannot be obtained by independent valuation and summation due to the presence of significant substitution relationships. However, some suggestions for the relationships between these attributes can be proposed through an after-survey analytical solution. The bias involved in separately valuing closely related attributes can potentially jeopardise the success of a differentiation strategy.
AN INVENTORY CONTROL POLICY WITH TRACKING INFORMATION FOR DUAL-CHANNEL SUPPLY CHAINS

Recently, many products have been sold through retail stores and direct sales via the Internet. For dual-channel supply chains, Chiang and Monahan (2010) and Chiang (2010) have proposed an inventory control policy; however, they assumed one-for-one replenishment and short replenishment lead times. For single-channel supply chains with long and uncertain replenishment lead times, Liu et al. (2009) have introduced tracking information into inventory control. However, they did not consider the cost of tracking information. Therefore, in this paper, a Markov chain model for dual-channel supply chains with long and uncertain replenishment lead times is developed, and an inventory control policy is proposed that considers tracking information and its cost. The performance of the proposed policy is evaluated and compared with two policies, one without tracking information and the other without reduplicated normal replenishment. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed policy.
Development of Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Silicon-Germanium Alloys for Improving Long-Wavelength Absorption in Si-Based Thin-Film Solar Cells

Hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon-germanium (μc-:H) alloys were developed for application in Si-based thin-film solar cells. The effects of the germane concentration and the hydrogen ratio on the μc-:H alloys and the corresponding single-junction thin-film solar cells were studied. The behaviors of Ge incorporation in a-:H and μc-:H were also compared. Similar to a-:H, the preferential Ge incorporation was observed in μc-:H. Moreover, a higher significantly promoted Ge incorporation for a-:H, while the Ge content was not affected by in μc-:H growth. Furthermore, to eliminate the crystallization effect, the 0.9 μm thick absorbers with a similar crystalline volume fraction were applied. With the increasing , the accompanied increase in Ge content of μc-:H narrowed the bandgap and markedly enhanced the long-wavelength absorption. However, the bias-dependent EQE measurement revealed that too much Ge incorporation in absorber deteriorated carrier collection and cell performance. With the optimization of and , the single-junction μc-:H cell achieved an efficiency of 5.48%, corresponding to the crystalline volume fraction of 50.5% and Ge content of 13.2 at. %. Compared to μc-Si:H cell, the external quantum efficiency at 800 nm had a relative increase by 33.1%.
A transformative approach to systems theory in caregiving research

This paper illustrates how systems theory can be used in social work research design to understand the systemic issues associated with spousal care in rural Australia. Spousal caregiving is embedded within multiple formal and informal systems, including family, community, health and aged care practice, social policy, and social and cultural norms. It is therefore a complex phenomenon to explore in social research, with each of these systems interacting with and influencing other aspects of the care system. The purpose of this paper is to provide an illustration of a research design that explores this systemic complexity. The design is conceptually underpinned by the transformative paradigm; a critical approach that reflects social work principles of social justice. The methodology is based on an ecosystems approach to assessment, using multiple methods to explore interactions between systems of care at policy, practice and individual levels. This application of systems theory to research presents an innovative opportunity for social work research to reflect long-established practices of understanding complex phenomenon within its sociocultural context.
Reproductive Success and Soil Seed Bank Characteristics of Astragalus ampullarioides and A. holmgreniorum (Fabaceae): Two Rare Endemics of Southwestern Utah

Reproductive Success and Soil Seed Bank Characteristics of Astragalus ampullarioides and A. holmgreniorum (Fabaceae), Two Rare Endemics of Southwestern Utah Allyson Searle Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, BYU Master of Science Astragalus ampullarioides and A. holmgreniorum are two rare endemics of southwestern Utah. Over two consecutive field seasons (2009-2010) we examined preemergent reproductive success, based on F/F and S/O ratios, from populations of both Astragalus ampullarioides and A. holmgreniorum, estimated the density of the soil seed bank of A. holmgreniorum as a measure of potential post-emergent reproductive success, and estimated seed persistence within the soil seed bank. Fruit/flower (F/F) ratios and seed/ovule (S/O) ratios varied significantly between populations and among years in both species, and showed low reproductive output in both taxa. In Astragalus ampullarioides F/F and S/O were 0.06±0.01 and 0.16±0.02, respectively (2009), and 0.14±0.01 and 0.41±0.02, respectively (2010). For Astragalus holmgreniorum F/F and S/O ratios were 0.11±0.01 and 0.38±0.02, respectively (2009), and 0.23±0.01 and 0.66±0.02, respectively (2010). Although Astragalus holmgreniorum exhibited a low soil seed bank density (4.3 seeds m-2), seed persistence data showed low a low percentage of seeds germinated during the first year in the soil seed bank. Seeds remaining in the seed bank maintained high percent viability. Soil seed persistence of Astragalus ampullarioides differed from A. holmgreniorum in that a high percentage of seeds germinated during the first year in the soil seed bank. A high percentage of viability in ungerminated seeds was also maintained in A. ampullarioides. Although these species differ in life histories and dependence on soil seed banks, an understanding of the strategies unique to each species will prove useful in management plans.
Accelerated Mean Shift for static and streaming environments

Mean Shift is a well-known clustering algorithm that has attractive properties such as the ability to find non convex and local clusters even in high dimensional spaces, while remaining relatively insensitive to outliers. However, due to its poor computational performance, real-world applications are limited. In this thesis, we propose a novel acceleration strategy for the traditional Mean Shift algorithm, along with a two-layers strategy, resulting in a considerable performance increase, while maintaining high cluster quality. We also show how to to find clusters in a streaming environment with bounded memory, in which queries can be answered at interactive rates, and for which no Mean Shift-based algorithm currently exists. Our online structure can be updated at very minimal cost and as infrequently as possible, and we show how to detect the time at which this update needs to be performed. Our technique is validated extensively in both static and streaming environments.
Flight Test Evaluation of Flutter Prediction Methods

Several methods have been formulated to predict the onset of e utter during e ight testing. These methods have been demonstrated using data from simulations; however, a rigorous evaluation that includes data from e ight testing must be performed. The ability of several methods to predict the onset of e utter by analyzing data from e ight tests of the aerostructures test wing is evaluated. The evaluated methods include data-based approaches that use damping extrapolation, an envelope function, the Zimmerman‐ Weissenburger e utter margin, and a discretetime autoregressive moving-average model. Also, a model-based approach that uses the π-method e utterometer is evaluated. The data-based methods are demonstrated to be unable to predict e utter accurately using data from low-speed test points, but converge to the accurate solution as airspeed is increased. Conversely, the e utterometer isdemonstrated tobeimmediatelyconservativeusing data from low-speed testpoints,butthesepredictionsremain conservative and do not converge to the true e utter speed as the envelope is expanded. The operation of a e ight test should note theproperties of each method to perhaps adjust test points based on the predicted e utter margins.
Research in and DSP Implementation of Channel Estimation Techniques for IEEE 802.16e OFDMA Downlink

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has been successfully applied to a wide variety of digital communications applications over the past several years. One of the main reasons to use OFDM is its robustness when facing channel multi-path dispersion. We focus on the OFDMA downlink channel estimation with a reference framework of IEEE 802.16e. Also, we implemented OFDMA downlink channel estimation schemes on a digital signal processor. The DSP is a Freescale Semiconductor’ MSC8126ADS, which is a four-core signal processor. We study three channel estimation methods; two are based on two-dimensional linear and non-linear interpolations, then another is formulated as a least squares problem. After channels are estimated by aforementioned methods, we used a block MMSE equalizer to reduce inter-carrier interference in mobile environment. We verify the performance with numerical simulations on both static and time-variant fading
ATTITUDES OF FOOTBALLERS OF DIFFERENT SPORTS EXPERIENCE TO TRAINING MEANS OF RECOVERY

Training means of sportsmen recovery are considered to be the means (exercises) of training that can be used equally for raising the level of training and the optimal recovery of sportsmen. Various means and methods should be used in order to increase the efficiency of training means of recovery. The dosage and methods of their application should be changed, i.e., their application should always be complex, variable and specific, depending on sports and the structure of training process. The aim of the research consists of testing and analyzing the attitudes of footballers of different sports experience to training means of recovery. The sample of examinees consists of 120 footballers, of nine different league teams, from the area of the Football Association of Vojvodina, divided into two groups after their experience: I group (62) - 4-8 years of sport experience, II group (58) - 9 - 14 years of sports experience. The sample of variables constitutes a system of 10 items (statements), and each paragraph (statement) contains 5 verbal categories (indicated by -2 to +2). To determine the multivariate and univariant significance of differences between footballers of different sports experience, the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and the univariant analysis of variance (ANOVA) are applied. Generally, it can be concluded that the footballers of different sports experience differ and do not agree on the confirmation of the proposed items.
Optimizing quantum process tomography with unitary 2-designs

We show that weighted unitary 2-designs define optimal measurements on the system-ancilla output state for ancilla-assisted process tomography of unital quantum channels. Examples include complete sets of mutually unbiased unitary-operator bases. Each of these specifies a minimal series of optimal orthogonal measurements. General quantum channels are also considered.
ELECTRICAL BEHAVIOR OF SEMICONDUCTING NANOPOWDERS VERSUS ENVIRONMENT

When applied to the study of semiconducting nanosized particles, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy allows the simultaneous analysis of the chemical reactions occurring at the nanoparticle surface and the resultant variations of the electrical conductivity. This technique has been used to compare the sensing potentiality of three semiconductors (tin oxide, indium oxide and tungsten oxide nanoparticles) before they are integrated in the fabrication process of actual gas sensors. It has been found that the sensitivity to CO of tin oxide and indium oxide nanoparticles is fairly good, whereas that of tungsten oxide is quasi nil. However, tungsten oxide, like indium oxide, is very sensitive to oxygen and reducing treatments. The presence of humidity irreversibly affects the response of tin oxide to CO and oxygen, whereas that of indium and tungsten oxides to both gases seems to be relatively independent from the moisture content. It is generally observed that a higher operating temperature leads to a more stable baseline and a faster response. Moreover, the formation of surface carbonate groups observed in several cases under CO adsorption does not imply a larger response, thus confirming that the carbonate formation is not a significant factor in the CO detection mechanism.
Virtualization Model of a Large Logical Database for Diffused Data by Peer-to-Peer Cloud Computing Technology

In this paper, we propose the use of peer-to- peer cloud computing technology to integrate databases that are distributed (diffused) throughout the Internet. We also propose the use of a large, virtualized, logical database that is managed using Structured Query Language (SQL). Combining databases into larger collections of data-"big-data" can make possible wonderful new services. Our proposed model has two main characteristics: First, SQL controls and manages data relationships using relational database management systems and key value stores, but discards location information. Second, service is made scalable by collaborations among distributed nodes. From the results of our evaluation, our model has suf- ficient service scalability for collaboration between distributed nodes, but not sufficient performance for big-data platforms. Keywords-Distributed Databases, Peer-to-Peer, Cloud Com- puting, Service Virtualization
Cloning and expression of bovine p47-phox and p67-phox by Peggy Lee Ohmstede Bunger A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Veterinary Molecular Biology

Neutrophils play an essential role in bovine cellular host defense, and compromised leukocyte function has been linked to the development o f respiratory and mucosal infections. During the host defense process, neutrophils migrate into infected tissues where they become activated, resulting in the assembly o f neutrophil membrane and cytosolic proteins to form a superoxide anion-generating complex known as the NADPH oxidase. Two o f the essential cytosolic components o f the NADPH oxidase are yAl-phox and y61-phox. Currently, only the human and murine homologues o f these proteins have been sequenced. Because o f the important role neutrophils play in bovine host defense, I carried out studies to clone, sequence, and express bovine yAl-phox and ^61-phox. Using PCR cloning techniques and a bovine bone marrow cDNA library, I cloned both of these bovine NADPH oxidase cytosolic components. Comparison o f the bovine sequences with those o f the human and murine homologues showed that they were highly conserved, but also revealed important information regarding key structural features o f pAl-phox and p67-phox, including location of putative phosphorylation sites. Functional expression o f bovine p47-phox and p67-phox showed that these proteins could substitute for the human proteins in reconstituting NADPH oxidase activity in a cell-free assay system, again demonstrating the high degree o f conservation between human and bovine homologues. This study greatly contributes to our understanding of the potential stmctural/fimctional regions o f p47-phox and p67-phox as well as gives us information that can be used to study the role o f neutrophils in bovine inflammatory diseases.
Capture Efficiency of Blue Catfish Electrofishing and the Effects of Temperature, Habitat, and Reservoir Location on Electrofishing-Derived Length Structure Indices and Relative Abundance

Abstract Current sampling methods for blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus are suspected of being strongly biased against preferred-length fish (≥762 mm in total length [TL]), making it difficult to accurately determine the species' population density and size structure. To understand this potential bias with respect to electrofishing, we conducted seasonal and habitat-specific sampling on three Oklahoma reservoirs using 15-pulse/s DC at the 100–1,000 V setting (the percent of range being adjusted to achieve 4-A output). Temperature, habitat, and reservoir section were analyzed to determine which variables were associated with the highest total catch per unit effort (CPUETotal), the CPUE of preferred-length blue catfish (CPUE762), and the relative stock density of preferred-length fish (RSD762). Total CPUE and CPUE762 were significantly higher when the water temperature was 18°C or more, but the variability increased as the temperature exceeded 28°C. Catch rates were significantly higher in the upper reservoir.
Paternal care behaviour of sand gobies is determined by habitat related nest structure

Summary This study examines the effects of habitat-dependent nest structure on male parental behaviour in a small marine fish, the sand goby (Pomatoschistus minutus). In the northern Baltic, the sand goby breeds in two different habitats: on soft sand bottoms and on rocky beaches. We compared in laboratory conditions the behaviour of nest-guarding males occupying either a typical sand or rock habitat nest. We found that males with a rock habitat nest fanned their eggs considerably less and with shorter bouts than males in the sand habitat treatment. Hence, our study shows that nest structure can be an important factor determining parental care behaviour. The differences in nest structure may result in divergent selection pressures on male sand gobies occupying the two habitats.
Carbon monoxide (CO) maximum over the Zagros mountains in the Middle East: Signature of mountain venting?

We report an intriguing feature observed in daytime measurements of CO over the Middle East, in spring and summer, by the Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) satellite instrument. Enhanced CO is observed over the Zagros mountains of Iran, following the local topography over this region (25–40N, 40–60E). The MOPITT averaging kernels do not seem to indicate any data artifacts in this area. We argue that this feature likely forms by the process of mountain venting by thermal winds caused by strong daytime differential heating. This is consistent with an analysis of vertical velocity in the NCEP reanalysis data in this region. The phenomenon was observed in all the years of available MOPITT measurements and may have implications for the pollution episodes in the region and the Middle East ozone maximum that has been observed earlier.
HYDROGELS FROM N,N'-DIMETHYLACRYLAMIDE-co-2-ACRYLAMIDO-2-METHYL-1-PROPANESULFONIC ACID WITH SALT-, TEMPERATURE- AND pH-RESPONSIVENESS PROPERTIES

The synthesis of copolymer hydrogels of N, N′-dimethylacrylamide (NNDMAAm) with 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) were prepared by solution free radical polymerization at different feed mole ratios (mole ratios of n NNDMAAm /n AMPS = 0.5/0.5; 0.33/0.66; 0.66/0.33; 0.25/0.75; 0.75/0.25). In this reaction ammonium persulfate (APS) and N,N´-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) were used as initiator and cross-linking reagents respectively. These copolymers were insoluble in water and it were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Aqueous solutions of the copolymers showed lower critical solution temperature behavior (LCST). The phase transition temperatures of aqueous solutions of these copolymers increased with increasing of hydrophilic AMPS comonomer content in the copolymers. The effects of reaction parameters, including the concentration of cross-linking reagent, the monomer concentration, pH, temperature, salt solutions, and solvent polarity on the water absorption have been also studied. Under the experimental conditions, the copolymer poly(NNDMAAm-co-AMPS) with a feed mol ratio 1:2 presents the best swelling properties. The monomer reactivity ratios for poly(NNDMAAm-co-AMPS) are the following: r 1 = 0.217 and r 2 = 2.20, (r 1 x r 2 = 0.48).
Models for Credit risk in Static Portfolios

Models for Credit Risk in Static Portfolios In this thesis we investigate models for credit risk in static portfolios. We study Vasicek’s closed form approximation for large portfolios with the mixed binomial model using the beta distribution and a two-factor model inspired by Merton as mixing distributions. For the mixed binomial model we estimate Value-at-Risk using Monte-Carlo simulations and for the one-factor model inspired by Merton we analytically calculate Value-at-Risk, using Vasicek’s large portfolio approximation. We find that the mixed binomial beta model and Vasicek’s large portfolio approximation yields similar results. Furthermore, we find that Value-at-Risk is lower in the two-factor model than in the one-factor model, but when the loss given default depends on the factors the results are mixed. However, when the factors are positively correlated, Value-at-Risk is higher in the two-factor model than in Vasicek’s large portfolio approximation.