Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Strategies to Displacement and Environmental Change Among the Kaiabi Indigenous People of the Brazilian Amazon

ABSTRACT Environmental change, geographical displacement, and disputes over land and resources have increased around the world. This article focuses on strategies developed by the Kaiabi indigenous people to cope and adapt to environmental change after development-forced displacement and resettlement in the Brazilian Amazon. A mixed methods approach was adopted, combining ethnographic and quantitative methods. Semistructured interviews were performed among 214 individuals in a study on the dynamics of indigenous knowledge (IK) and natural resource management across three Kaiabi lands. We identified seven main coping and adaptive strategies developed by the displaced group: leadership and reciprocity networks, mobility, maintenance and innovation of native language, knowledge articulation, substitution of strategic resources, transmission across genders, and revitalizing diversity. These strategies have helped to enhance social–ecological resilience at different scales. Policies for resettlement and adaptation to environmental change must be developed with indigenous communities based on local knowledge and institutions.
Sudden cardiac arrest in sports – need for uniform registration: A Position Paper from the Sport Cardiology Section of the European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation

There are large variations in the incidence, registration methods and reported causes of sudden cardiac arrest/sudden cardiac death (SCA/SCD) in competitive and recreational athletes. A crucial question is to which degree these variations are genuine or partly due to methodological incongruities. This paper discusses the uncertainties about available data and provides comprehensive suggestions for standard definitions and a guide for uniform registration parameters of SCA/SCD. The parameters include a definition of what constitutes an ‘athlete’, incidence calculations, enrolment of cases, the importance of gender, ethnicity and age of the athlete, as well as the type and level of sporting activity. A precise instruction for autopsy practice in the case of a SCD of athletes is given, including the role of molecular samples and evaluation of possible doping. Rational decisions about cardiac preparticipation screening and cardiac safety at sport facilities requires increased data quality concerning incidence, aetiology and management of SCA/SCD in sports. Uniform standard registration of SCA/SCD in athletes and leisure sportsmen would be a first step towards this goal.
Enhancing corporate reputation through corporate philanthropy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine factors affecting the relationship between annual changes in the amount of corporate foundation giving and changes in corporate reputation. The factors investigated included the existing corporate reputation and the economic conditions. Design/methodology/approach Published data were obtained for 77 US corporations during both an upward and downward economic trend. Data for corporate foundation giving were obtained from IRS tax records while data on corporate reputation were obtained from the Reputation Institute’s RepTrak scores. Findings Linear mixed model analyses demonstrated that a firm’s prior reputation moderates the relationship between corporate philanthropy and changes in corporate reputation during a downward trend. That is, changes in corporate charitable giving and corporate reputation covaried positively for firms with an existing favorable reputation. However, for firms with an unfavorable reputation, there was an inverse relationship between changes in corporate giving and corporate reputation. The interaction between the variables was prevalent only during an economic downturn. Practical implications The findings provide firms with relevant information on conditions that affect how changes in charitable giving are likely to impact corporate reputation. Originality/value This study is the first to look at the effects of annual changes in corporate charitable giving on corporate reputation and adds to the research literature by demonstrating the complexity of the relationship by identifying two key factors that should be taken into considerations when developing annual budgets for charitable giving.
Optimum power flow using flexible genetic algorithm model in practical power systems

This paper aims at providing a solution to Optimum Power Flow (OPF) in practical power systems by using a flexible genetic algorithm (GA) model. The proposed approach finds the optimal setting of OPF control variables which include generator active power output, generator bus voltages, transformer tap-setting and shunt devices with the objective function of minimising the fuel cost. The proposed GA is modelled to be flexible for implementation to any practical power systems with the given system line, bus data, generator fuel cost parameter and forecasted load demand. The GA model has been analysed and tested on the standard IEEE 30-bus system and two real practical power systems which are an industrial park power system and a gold-copper mining power system both located in Indonesia. These case studies of real power systems have been performed using actual data and the demand pattern. The results obtained outperform other approaches from the literature which was recently applied to the IEEE 30-bus system with the same control variable limits and system data. Better results are also found when compared against the configurations used in the two real power systems which are heuristic based on the practical expertise of power plant engineers. These superior results are achieved due to the robust and reliable algorithm of the proposed GA which utilises the elitism and non-uniform mutation rate.
Effects of Vitamin C Supplementation on Plasma and Urinary Vitamin C Concentration in Korean Women

Although vitamin C supplements were consumed for health maintenance and fatigue recovery, the effects of high doses of vitamin C supplement remains controversial. Our study performed the effects of 100 mg and 2,000 mg vitamin C supplements on plasma and urinary vitamin C concentration in Korean women. Twenty-four women completed the 4 weeks intervention. Anthropometric data, plasma and urinary vitamin C concentrations, superoxide dismutase activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) level, and fatigue severity scale (FSS) were collected, and the statistical analyses compared between- and within-group findings at pre- and post-intervention. Concentrations of vitamin C in plasma and urinary excretion were significantly increased with 100 mg and 2,000 mg of vitamin C supplementation (p < 0.050). TBARS level was decreased significantly with 2,000 mg of vitamin C supplementation (p < 0.050). In addition, FSS was declined significantly in 100 mg of vitamin C supplementation group (p < 0.050). Our result showed that vitamin C supplementation of either 100 mg or 2,000 mg led to an increase in vitamin C concentrations in plasma and vitamin urinary excretion but not statistically significant among groups. TBARS level was decreased in 2,000 mg and FSS was decreased in 100 mg of vitamin C supplementation in Korean women. We suppose that additional clinical trial is needed to examine the effects of vitamin C supplements for a wide range of doses on plasma and urinary vitamin C concentrations in Korean.
Impaired glucose tolerance and abnormal movements in patients with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE Diabetes mellitus has been implicated as a risk factor for tardive dyskinesia. The authors examined the association between abnormal movements and impaired glucose metabolism, which often precedes the development of overt diabetes, in patients with schizophrenia. METHOD Twenty-one patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia receiving neuroleptic medication were given oral glucose tolerance tests involving serial glucose and insulin levels. These values were analyzed in relationship to abnormal involuntary movement ratings. RESULTS Patients with impaired glucose tolerance had higher mean abnormal movement scores than those without glucose intolerance, but this difference was not statistically significant. There was, however, an association between the magnitude of the fasting insulin level and abnormal movements after the authors controlled for fasting glucose level. Additionally, the fasting glucose level predicted abnormal movements after the authors controlled for age. CONCLUSIONS Hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia associated with insulin resistance may potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of tardive dyskinesia. Findings from this small cross-sectional study suggest a possible relationship that requires clarification through larger, longitudinal studies.
Reuse of Animal Manure: A Case Study on Stakeholders’ Perceptions about Pelletized Compost in Northwestern Italy

The present study aimed at investigating perceptions and preferences about the use and the chemical characteristics of pellets made from composted animal manure in a sample of Italian farmers and agricultural advisors (Piedmont region, Northwestern Italy). The study encompassed two different steps: At first, the participants were administered a questionnaire about their actual use of pellets and preferences about their chemical characteristics. Then, a subgroup participated into a hands-on experience with different pelletized animal manures and some final questions. Concerning the use of pellets made from composted animal manure, even if the participants affirmed to be interested in using organic pellets and declared to own the appropriate equipment needed for their application, the results indicated that pelletized compost utilization had not yet become a common practice for agricultural crops. The obtained results highlighted a lack of knowledge, especially among farmers, about the importance of some chemical properties of this pelletized organic material. The participants, both farmers and advisors, were particularly attracted by the total nitrogen content of organic pelletized fertilizers, probably because the supplying of nutrients, nitrogen particularly, is the function of fertilizers they were interested in the most due to its direct connection with crop production. The hands-on session allowed the participants to better understand the benefits of the principal chemical properties—organic matter and carbon to nitrogen ratio—of pelletized animal manure compost. On the other hand, organic matter content and carbon to nitrogen ratio, more related with biological fertility and biodiversity of soils, are immediately less interesting and, as the hands-on experience pointed out, require more effort to be appreciated by agricultural operators. Targeted information campaigns and training activities may be developed among the agricultural community to make them aware of the importance of increasing soil organic matter content, and the possible use of pelletized composted animal manure. Further studies should be addressed toward gaining more insights into the beneficial effects of the information and training activities for pelletized compost adoption.
α-Synuclein Controls Mitochondrial Calcium Homeostasis by Enhancing Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondria Interactions*

Background: α-Synuclein has a central role in Parkinson disease, and it has been proposed to regulate mitochondrial morphology and autophagic clearance. Results: α-Synuclein overexpression augments mitochondrial Ca2+ transients by enhancing endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria interactions. Conclusion: Physiological levels of α-synuclein are required to sustain mitochondrial function and morphology integrity. Significance: Mitochondrial Ca2+ represents an important site where α-synuclein can modulate cell bioenergetics and survival. α-Synuclein has a central role in Parkinson disease, but its physiological function and the mechanism leading to neuronal degeneration remain unknown. Because recent studies have highlighted a role for α-synuclein in regulating mitochondrial morphology and autophagic clearance, we investigated the effect of α-synuclein in HeLa cells on mitochondrial signaling properties focusing on Ca2+ homeostasis, which controls essential bioenergetic functions. By using organelle-targeted Ca2+-sensitive aequorin probes, we demonstrated that α-synuclein positively affects Ca2+ transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum to the mitochondria, augmenting the mitochondrial Ca2+ transients elicited by agonists that induce endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release. This effect is not dependent on the intrinsic Ca2+ uptake capacity of mitochondria, as measured in permeabilized cells, but correlates with an increase in the number of endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria interactions. This action specifically requires the presence of the C-terminal α-synuclein domain. Conversely, α-synuclein siRNA silencing markedly reduces mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, causing profound alterations in organelle morphology. The enhanced accumulation of α-synuclein into the cells causes the redistribution of α-synuclein to localized foci and, similarly to the silencing of α-synuclein, reduces the ability of mitochondria to accumulate Ca2+. The absence of efficient Ca2+ transfer from endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria results in augmented autophagy that, in the long range, could compromise cellular bioenergetics. Overall, these findings demonstrate a key role for α-synuclein in the regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis in physiological conditions. Elevated α-synuclein expression and/or eventually alteration of the aggregation properties cause the redistribution of the protein within the cell and the loss of modulation on mitochondrial function.
Board interlocking and firm performance: the role of foreign ownership in Saudi Arabia

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate what effect, if any, foreign ownership has on the relationship between board interlocking and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach Data on 131 firms from various sectors listed in the Saudi Financial Market during the period of 2016 were collected. Board interlocking was measured using two indicators (number of interlocks and number of interlocks per member) and then it was divided into three levels (1-6/7-14/15 or more). As for the performance of firms, it was measured using two indicators: one operational (return on assets and the other financial (return on equity)). Foreign ownership was considered as a moderator variable. In addition to firm and board characteristics, a set of control variables related to ownership structure was used. Findings Results provide some support for the “busyness hypothesis” which postulates deterioration in the effectiveness of directors, in terms of their monitoring role, when increasing the number of interlocks per director. Results also manifest a positive effect exerted by foreign ownership in terms of turning around the otherwise negative relationship between board interlocking and firm performance in the second level of interlocking (7-14) Code Article 12’s limit on the number of interlocking per director to a maximum of five directorships. However, there is limited compliance to this code among Saudi firms. The study indicates the need to comply with the governance code in order to enhance governance which undercut performance. Originality/value Highlighting the role of foreign ownership in enhancing corporate governance in a conservative business environment characterized by relational networks with gaps in corporate governance.
Combination of Vascular Intervention Surgery and Free Tissue Transfer for Critical Diabetic Limb Salvage

BackgroundComplex, nontraumatic diabetic foot ulcers with peripheral vascular compromise often lead to extensive lower-limb amputation. The aim of this study is to determine the outcome of combined vascular intervention and free tissue transfer for critical diabetic limb salvage. Materials and MethodsA total of 26 consecutive diabetic patients with 28 legs with diabetic foot ulcers who underwent limb salvage with a combination of revascularization (bypass surgery or endovascular angioplasty) and free flap transfers were reviewed. There were 14 male and 12 female patients. The average age was 58.8 years (range, 35–85 years). Amputation-free survival and complete wound healing were defined as the primary endpoints. All preoperative and postoperative data were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsThirty flaps were used for reconstruction in 28 legs, including 21 free anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flaps, 3 ALT myocutaneous flaps, 5 gracilis muscle flaps, and 1 latissimus dorsi muscle flap. All flaps used end-to-side anastomoses for the recipient artery and end-to-end anastomoses for the recipient vein. The overall flap success rate was 90% (27/30). Two flaps failed completely because of severe arteriosclerosis, which resulted in anastomosed vessel thrombosis. New flaps were applied in both cases after debridement and trimming of necrotic tissue. One flap failed because of restenosis and inadequate perfusion combined with severe infection, resulting in pedicle thrombosis. A below-knee amputation was subsequently performed. Seven flaps exhibited a partial loss, including 6 ALT perforator flaps and 1 latissimus dorsi flap, because of inadequate margin perfusion. After debridement, the flap revision and wound care, 5 flaps healed uneventfully without additional intervention. The remaining 2 ALT perforator flaps required debridement with a skin graft. The limb-salvage rates were 92.8% after 1 year and 89.2% after 5 years. ConclusionsThe combination of peripheral arterial intervention and free tissue transfer resulted in successful wound healing and limb salvage instead of amputation in select diabetic patients with difficult-to-heal wounds.
Examination of organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behaviour among local government civil servants in Uganda

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) among local government civil servants. ,This paper adopts a cross-sectional survey research design with a response of 239 civil servants in the local government sector; data was collected using a questionnaire and quantitative approaches were used in analysis. ,The findings reveal that there is a significant positive relationship between organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behaviour. The predictive power of organizational commitment on OCB is, however, lower than other similar studies in extant literature. Despite being significant, the coefficient of determination in the final model was very low raising thoughtful concerns hence recommendation for further analytical studies in the local government context in the African setting. ,The results in this study cannot be without limitations. The authors take a note of the sector that the authors studied, i.e., local governments, in which the authors may not have contextualized the concepts very well and had challenges of interpretation by the respondents. The authors were also limited by the lack of context-specific literature to underpin our discussion. The paper is also limited by the narrow scope of one region in Uganda and thus generalizability to the African level may be done with caution. ,This study provides important implications to policy, practice and research. While policies provide for expected efficiencies and productivity, the authors note that an environment in which these are to be achieved is important when it promotes OCB. Policy makers should bear in mind behavioural elements for affective, normative and continuance commitment. ,This study contributes to the body of knowledge by finding further support for the relationship between organizational commitment and OCB, and advances a likely debate that among local government civil servants in a developing country context the predictive power could be very low. This possibly explains the efficiency gaps at this level of state governance.
Non-fatal injury rates among the “left-behind children” of rural China

Objective: To investigate patterns of non-fatal unintentional injuries among “left-behind children” in Macheng, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in September and October, 2006. Age-specific and sex-specific injury rates were calculated. Results: 3019 students were interviewed in six schools. Of these, 1182 were identified as “left-behind”; 62.3% had both parents away from home, and 37.7% had one parent away from home. The annual injury rate per 1000 among left-behind children was more than twice that of children living with both parents: 252.9 (95% CI 233.0 to 273.0) and 119.8 (95% CI 105 to 134), respectively. Male left-behind children had the highest annual injury rate: 316.4 (95% CI 295 to 338) per 1000. The three leading external causes of injury were similar for both groups of children: falls (33.8%); mechanical injuries (16.2%); and animal bites (14.5%). The location where injuries occurred were home (32.0%), school (26.0%) and roadways (23.9%) for left-behind children. There were no significant associations between the identified guardian and injury mechanism. Conclusions: A large proportion of students in the schools of rural Macheng are left-behind children. Left-behind children have a higher injury rate than those in the care of both parents. This may be important in the development of injury prevention strategies in rural communities in China.
Jakarta Composite Index, Sharia Stock Index and Rupiah Exchange Rate before and after the Indonesian Presidential Election 2014

Stock is capital shares sign to a limited liability company. Yet, the Indonesia Composite Index was still depends on Rupiah (IDR) Exchange Rate. Rupiah Exchange Rate remains unstable in some circumstances such as presidential election. The purposes of this research were: (1) to analyze the differences of Jakarta Composite Index; (2) to analyze the differences Sharia Share Index; and (3) to analyze the difference of Rupiah Exchange Rate before and after the presidential election. The research used descriptive statistic method. It used different tests of the two paired samples average (Paired Sample T-Test) either before or after the 2014 presidential election. The conclusions are: (1) there were significant differences of Jakarta Composite Index after the presidential election. It tended to increase, contrast with the condition before the presidential election. (2) Indonesia Sharia Stock Index tended to increase after the Presidential election that all were based on closing price. (3) Indonesia Rupiah Exchange Rate tended to increase after the Presidential election that based on middle rate.