Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-border cooperation in the border region of Germany, France, and Luxembourg in times of Covid-19

ABSTRACT The process of European integration has tended to diminish the significance of borders within the EU. In that respect, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in spring 2020 was all the greater: 35 years after the signing of the Schengen Agreement, checks and closures suddenly reappeared at many former border crossing points; long queues at crossing points, families and friends cut off from each other, and complex individual fates descended like a pall on European societies. At the same time, the advanced state of integration of borderlands became apparent - a striking example being the SaarLorLux region across the common borders of Germany, France, and Luxembourg. The article inquires into the political response to the impact of the Corona crisis across this border region. The analysis shows that on many levels SaarLorLux is perceived as a tightly meshed integration area in which functional exchange is normal, and that a corresponding ideational shock was felt at all political levels when border controls were reintroduced. However, the situation also had positive effects in terms of cross-border cooperation. Many political actors see the institutionalization of cross-border integration as having grown in the pandemic and are unanimous in wanting future developments in this respect.
Non-technical dimensions of communal wastewater treatment plant sustainability in peri-urban Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Background: This study focuses on identifying non-technical aspects that influence the sustainability of communal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in a peri-urban area of Indonesia. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted by random sampling using a method of descriptive analysis that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. Economic support for communal WWTPs was measured by the community’s Willingness to Pay (WTP) and Ability to Pay (ATP). Results: The results indicate that social dimension, such as a community’s level of participation are critically important in sustaining communal WWTPs. In addition, institutional dimension influences the degree of satisfaction a community has toward the WWTP management. This support is reinforced by social capital in the form of a philosophy of mutual cooperation, like gotong royong (cooperation by members of a community to achieve a common goal) and swadaya (self-reliance). Conclusions: The findings of this study can be used in Indonesia to make policy recommendations for managing and ensuring sustainability of communal WWTPs on a non-technical dimension. Additionally, gotong royong deserves to be promoted internationally as a fundamental value for fostering participation and contribution.
Evaluating the use of alternative maritime power in Taiwan

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate the impacts of institutional pressures on the use of alternative maritime power (AMP) and which in turn enhance environmental performance in the maritime shipping context. Design/methodology/approach Factor analysis was used to identify the key coercive pressure, normative pressure, mimetic pressure, AMP practice and green performance dimensions. The author collects data from a survey of 184 maritime shipping operators in Taiwan and applies a structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the research hypotheses. Findings The findings show that AMP practice act as mediator variables between institutional pressures and environmental performance. Originality/value Theoretical contributions and managerial implications are drawn to help maritime shipping operators to improve environmental performance.
Using a baseline with the probability of agreement to compare distribution characteristics

Abstract Comparing the center or spread of two samples is a common problem with established solutions in the statistics literature. There exist many methods for comparing two samples, including parametric and non-parametric hypothesis tests, equivalence tests, and the probability of agreement. In this paper, we propose a new probability of agreement solution that combines the merits of the existing methods to allow flexible comparisons across a variety of distributional characteristics, the ability for the user to specify and explore what sizes of difference are practically important, with a straightforward decision rule for easy implementation. We focus on applications where interest lies in comparing a new or “comparison” sample with an existing “reference” sample. The new approach introduces a baseline summary that allows one to contextualize an observed difference between two samples by also considering the anticipated difference between two samples taken from the same distribution, accounting for uncertainty due to sample size and the context-specific equivalence threshold. The method is evaluated with a detailed simulation study and then illustrated with an example comparing two samples of powder, where the goal is to evaluate if multiple aspects of the distribution of the particle sizes for a new sample match those of the established reference sample. A Shiny app implementing the methods is provided to facilitate convenient use for new applications.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Algal and Cyanobacterial Extracts: An In Vitro Study

Algae and cyanobacteria, other than their nutritional value, possess different beneficial properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial ones. Therefore, they can be considered functional ingredients in animal feed and natural substitutes for antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity against porcine O138 E. coli of Ascophyllum nodosum, Chlorella vulgaris, Lithotamnium calcareum, Schizochytrium spp. as algal species and Arthrospira platensis as cyanobacteria. The antioxidant capacity was determined by ABTS Radical Cation Decolorization Assay testing at three different concentrations (100%; 75%; 50%). The growth inhibition effect of the extracts at concentrations of 25%, 12.5%, 6%, 3% and 1.5% against porcine O138 E. coli was genetically characterized by PCR to detect the presence of major virulence factors; this was evaluated by following the microdilution bacterial growth method. The ABTS assay disclosed that Ascophyllum nodosum was the compound with the major antioxidant properties (57.75 ± 1.44 percentage of inhibition; p < 0.0001). All the extracts tested showed growth inhibition activity at a concentration of 25%. Among all extracts, A. nodosum was the most effective, showing a significant growth inhibition of E. coli; in particular, the log10 cells/mL of E. coli used as a control resulted in a significantly higher concentration of 25% and 12.5% after 4 h (8.45 ± 0.036 and 7.22 ± 0.025 log10 cells/mL, respectively; p < 0.005). This also suggests a dose-dependent relationship between the inhibitory activity and the concentration. Also, a synergistic effect was observed on antioxidant activity for the combination of Ascophyllum nodosum and Lithotamnium calcareum (p < 0.0001). Moreover, to determine if this combination could affect the viability of the IPEC-J2 cells under the normal or stress condition, the viability and membrane integrity were tested, disclosing that the combination mitigated the oxidative stress experimentally induced by increasing the cell viability. In conclusion, the results obtained highlight that the bioactive compounds of algal species are able to exert antioxidant capacity and modulate O138 E. coli growth. Also, the combination of Ascophyllum nodosum and Lithotamnium calcareum species can enhance their bioactivity, making them a promising functional feed additive and a suitable alternative to antibiotics.
A comparison of the two approaches of the theory of critical distances based on linear-elastic and elasto-plastic analyses

The problem of determining the strength of engineering structures, considering the effects of the non-local fracture in the area of stress concentrators is a great scientific and industrial interest. This work is aimed on modification of the classical theory of critical distance that is known as a method of failure prediction based on linear-elastic analysis in case of elasto-plastic material behaviour to improve the accuracy of estimation of lifetime of notched components. Accounting plasticity has been implemented with the use of the Simplified Johnson-Cook model. Mechanical tests were carried out using a 300 kN electromechanical testing machine Shimadzu AG-X Plus. The cylindrical un-notched specimens and specimens with stress concentrators of titanium alloy Grade2 were tested under tensile loading with different grippers travel speed, which ensured several orders of strain rate. The results of elasto-plastic analyses of stress distributions near a wide variety of notches are presented. The results showed that the use of the modification of the TCD based on elasto-plastic analysis gives us estimates falling within an error interval of ±5-10%, that more accurate predictions than the linear elastic TCD solution. The use of an improved description of the stress-strain state at the notch tip allows introducing the critical distances as a material parameter.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Corporate Dividend Policy of Sustainable and Responsible Investment in Indonesia: Static and Dynamic Panel Data Model Comparison

This research investigates the impact of crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the dividend policy of green index companies in Indonesia, namely the Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) by Biodiversity (KEHATI) Foundation, or SRI-KEHATI indexed companies. The purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from companies listed from 2014 to 2020, using static and dynamic panel data models. From the several panel data models tested, the static panel data regression with random effects model (REM) and fixed effect model (FEM) uses the least square dummy variable-robust standard error (LSDV-RSE) technique are the best econometric models feasible. The system generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM) is used as a suitable econometric model with a robustness test used to determine static panel data regression. It is reported that SRI-KEHATI indexed companies tend to distribute dividends positively during this crisis, and is also statistically proven robust. This gives a positive signal to the capital market concerning the sluggish trading activity. The market reaction test, using two-approaches, showed that this business did not provide a positive reaction to the capital market, which turned out to be pessimistic. Furthermore, profitability and financial leverage have a robust effect, while dividends from the previous year affect dividend policy on the static panel data model, and firm size affect dividend policy on SYS-GMM. Predictors that proved influential with a direction not in line with the hypothesis were investment opportunities on REM and SYS-GMM, and firm age on SYS-GMM. The parameter estimation that passes the model specification test is feasible, whiles the biased and inconsistency of parameter estimation due to the alleged correlation between ui,t and PYDi,t failed to occur in static panel data regression. The endogeneity issue was resolved by dynamic panel data regression with the strongest corrective effect. This research can be used as a reference for investors to obtain optimal returns on green index companies in the country. An optimal dividend policy can increase the value of the SRI-KEHATI indexed companies; therefore, it can contribute optimally to sustainability and responsibility for social and environmental aspects.
Do strategy and content matter? Restaurant firms’ corporate social responsibility communication on Twitter: A social network theory perspective

Social media allows restaurants practitioners to distribute corporate social responsibility (CSR)-related information to interested individuals. However, it is unclear which types of CSR activities or communication strategies are more effective in terms of influencing consumers’ behavioral and emotional responses, especially in the restaurant industry. To shorten this research gap, the current study collected 136 CSR-related posts alongside 3408 stakeholders’ replies from the U.S. green restaurants’ Twitter accounts. Content analysis, ANOVA, and sentiment analysis using R studio were conducted for data evaluation. It was found that CSR activities related to the local community and society were as important as the activities related to the environment. Moreover, the engagement CSR communication strategy had a stronger influence on customers’ behavioral responses, generating more positive sentiments than broadcasting or reactive strategies on Twitter. The research findings may help restaurant practitioners communicate CSR-related information more effectively on social media.
Train the worst or train the best? The determinants of employer-sponsored training in five European countries

The paper investigates the effectiveness of training initiatives by checking whether a measure of employee-job fit and a measure of employee potential are significant determinants of participation in employer-sponsored training undertaken for job-related reasons. The empirical analysis, extended to five large EU countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK), is based on OECD PIAAC Survey.
Can we face the challenge: how to implement a theoretical concept of green infrastructure into planning practice? Warsaw case study

Abstract While green infrastructure (GI) is now a widely referenced concept, in Poland it is still only discussed among academics and has yet to be implemented. In 2013, the EC recommended that Member States promote the implementation of GI approaches. In recent decades, ecological discourse has dominated Polish cities’ planning practice. In Warsaw, this discourse has evolved into the formation of the Warsaw Natural System (WNS) concept. This study examines means of transforming the WNS, which is strictly related to ecological discourse, into a Warsaw Green Infrastructure (WGI). In doing so, we utilise basic principles of GI, namely: integration, multifunctionality, connectivity, and multi-scale and multi-object approaches. The authors expose the main challenges associated with utilising the WNS concept as a point of departure for WGI implementation.
DNA barcoding reveals deep divergent molecular units in Pomatomus saltatrix (Perciformes: Pomatomidae): implications for management and global conservation

Pomatomus saltatrix is a high-value marine pelagic coastal fish, that is fished throughout subtropical and temperate coastal waters around the world. Despite its large economic potential, there are no global data on its genetic diversity, which could compromise the conservation of the species. The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic-evolutionary structuring of the species, with the intention of evaluating different genetic P. saltatrix stocks that may indicate potential species. Based on 157 Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit 1 sequences, the molecular delimitation analyses of species (distance and coalescence methods), as well as the haplotype network, found profound geographic structuring related to five distinct units with high and significant FST pairwise values. The divergence of these molecular units is mostly related to the Pleistocene glacial and interglacial cycles of climatic oscillations. It is hypothesized that one ancestral lineage, adapted to cold water environments, diversified into two lineages, with one more adapted to warmer environments. The high values of global genetic diversity (π = 0.016; h = 0.96) may be related to the existing profound genetic differentiation. Due to the presence of five Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) within the species it is necessary to employ different regional management strategies. Traits of low haplotype richness and shallow population contraction were identified in the MOTUs V (Venezuela and Brazil) and III (Turkey and Australia), respectively, representing conservation priorities. Other molecular markers, as well as morphological data, should be explored with the aim of defining the taxonomic status of P. saltatrix stocks.
Differential Associations of Intakes of Whole Grains and Coarse Grains with Risks of Cardiometabolic Factors among Adults in China

There is a lack of studies on the association between whole grain intake and cardiometabolic risk factors in China and the current definition of whole grains is inconsistent. This study defined whole grains in two ways, Western versus traditional, and examined their associations with the risks of major cardiometabolic factors (CMFs) among 4706 Chinese adults aged ≥18 years, who participated in surveys both in 2011 and in 2015. Diet data were collected by consecutive 3 d 24 h recalls, together with household seasoning weighing. Whole grains were defined as grains with a ratio of fiber to carbohydrate of ≥0.1, while coarse grains were defined as grains except for rice and its products, and wheat and its products. Multivariable logistic regressions were modeled to analyze the associations of intakes of whole grains and coarse grains, respectively, with risks of major CMFs including obesity-, blood pressure-, blood glucose- and lipid-related factors, which were defined by International Diabetes Federation and AHA/NHLBI criteria. After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds of elevated LDL-C decreased with the increasing intake levels of whole grains (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.46–0.88, p-trend < 0.05). Moreover, adults with the whole grain intake of 50.00 to 150.00 g/day had 27% lower odds of overweight and obesity (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54–0.99) and 31% lower odds of elevated LDL-C (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49–0.96), as compared with non-consumers. In conclusion, given the significant nutrient profiles of whole grains and coarse grains, the adults with higher intakes of whole grains only may have a lower risk of LDL-C and overweight and obesity.
The variability of emotions, physical complaints, intention, and self-efficacy: an ecological momentary assessment study in older adults

Background Many theoretical frameworks have been used in order to understand health behaviors such as physical activity, sufficient sleep, healthy eating habits, etc. In most research studies, determinants within these frameworks are assessed only once and thus are considered as stable over time, which leads to rather ‘static’ health behavior change interventions. However, in real-life, individual-level determinants probably vary over time (within days and from day to day), but currently, not much is known about these time-dependent fluctuations in determinants. In order to personalize health behavior change interventions in a more dynamic manner, such information is urgently needed. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the time-dependent variability of emotions, physical complaints, intention, and self-efficacy in older adults (65+) using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). Methods Observational data were collected in 64 healthy older adults (56.3% men; mean age 72.1 ± 5.6 years) using EMA. Participants answered questions regarding emotions (i.e., cheerfulness, relaxation, enthusiasm, satisfaction, insecurity, anxiousness, irritation, feeling down), physical complaints (i.e., fatigue, pain, dizziness, stiffness, shortness of breath), intention, and self-efficacy six times a day for seven consecutive days using a smartphone-based questionnaire. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess the fluctuations of individual determinants within subjects and over days. Results A low variability is present for the negative emotions (i.e., insecurity, anxiousness, irritation, feeling down) and physical complaints of dizziness and shortness of breath. The majority of the variance for relaxation, satisfaction, insecurity, anxiousness, irritation, feeling down, fatigue, dizziness, intention, and self-efficacy is explained by the within subjects and within days variance (42.9% to 65.8%). Hence, these determinants mainly differed within the same subject and within the same day. The between subjects variance explained the majority of the variance for cheerfulness, enthusiasm, pain, stiffness, and shortness of breath (50.2% to 67.3%). Hence, these determinants mainly differed between different subjects. Conclusions This study reveals that multiple individual-level determinants are time-dependent, and are better considered as ‘dynamic’ or unstable behavior determinants. This study provides us with important insights concerning the development of dynamic health behavior change interventions, anticipating real-time dynamics of determinants instead of considering determinants as stable within individuals.
Contrast sensitivity at different background brightness levels and objective scattering index changes in patients before and after cataract removal surgery

Purpose: Neurosensory vision tests can be an additional test to define the progression of cataract. Contrast vision tests can be a useful method to determine if the surgery is needed and the tests help to understand patient complaints about daily life tasks like driving. Our aim was to estimate the contrast vision sensitivity at different background levels and compare light scattering in patients before and after cataract surgery. Methods: Our research investigated 82 patients (73 eyes) with cataract and 56 (112 eyes) control group patients. The contrast sensitivity was measured with alternative forced choice test design (AFC) before and two weeks after Femto laser cataract surgery. The objective scattering index (OSI) was measured with HD Analyzer (Version 2.7.0.0). Contrast vision measurements were performed under mesopic conditions at different background brightness levels: 60 cd/m2 ; 85 cd/m2 ; 100 cd/m2 , and spatial frequencies:4 cpd; 6 cpd; 12 cpd; 18 cpd. Results: At the background brightness level 60, 85 and 100 cd/m2 there was statistically significant difference in all the spatial frequencies results, between all the groups (p<0.0001). The average OSI before the cataract surgery was 3.75 ± 1.62 units and OSI had a negative correlation with visual acuity (r=0.80) Conclusion Cataract-induced light scattering significantly decreased contrast sensitivity at all spatial frequencies There were no statistically significant differences between the Weber constants at the different background lighting levels, between all the groups. At a lighting level of 60 cd/m2 , cataract surgery provided significant improvement at the average spatial frequencies.
Family and Individual Quality of Life in Parents of Children with Developmental Disorders and Diabetes Type 1

Background: This cross-sectional study assessed both family and individual quality of life (QOL), and their association with self-esteem, optimism, chronic psychological stress, anxiety, and depression in parents of children with chronic conditions. Methods: Parents of children with Down syndrome (DS), autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy (CP), diabetes mellitus type 1 (DMT1), and parents of children without chronic diseases with typical development (TD) were included. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to assess parental characteristics associated with the domains of individual and family QOL. Results: Compared to the parents of TD children, parents of children with ASD and DS were more likely to report reduced family QOL in all domains, while parents of children with DMT1 had lower parental perception. Self-esteem was positively associated with all domains of individual QOL, while optimism was associated with the overall individual QOL perception and health. Higher stress perception was negatively associated with most of the domains of individual and family QOL. Conclusions: This study confirmed that parents of children with chronic conditions are more likely to have lower perception of both individual and family QOL, which were associated with self-esteem, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Interventions should focus not only on the child with a chronic condition but on parents too.