Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A semi-analytical method for bending, buckling and free vibration analyses of sandwich panels with square honeycomb cores

A semi-analytical method for bending, global buckling and free vibration analyses of sandwich panels with square honeycomb cores is presented. The discrete geometric nature of the square honeycomb core is taken into account by treating the core sheets as thin beams and the sandwich panel as composite structure of plates and beams with proper displacement compatibility. Based on the classical model of sandwich panels, the governing equations of motion of the discrete structure are derived using Hamilton’s principle. Closed-form solutions are developed for bending, global buckling and free vibration of simply supported square-honeycomb sandwich panels by employing Fourier series and the Galerkin approach. Results from the proposed method agree well with available results in the literature and those from detailed finite element analysis. The effects of various geometric parameters of the sandwich panel on its behaviour are investigated. The present method provides an efficient way of analysis and optimization of sandwich panels with square honeycomb cores.
Beyond The Competency Model of Therapist Trainings - Developing Expertise Through Deliberate Practice

The purpose of the present paper is to describe how Deliberate Practice (DP) can be used to assist individual therapists develop expertise and improve their ability to effect change in their clients' psychotherapy outcomes. The author provides a targeted review of this literature and articulates a method of training therapists based on this relatively new and exciting concept. The initial training of psychotherapists represents an important milestone in an often lifelong career and one that is marked with a continuous professional development trajectory. While it is particularly important to achieve competency in many foundational skills and techniques during training, this method of training and continuous development of therapists does relatively little to engage individual practitioners based on their individual needs, which are said to be vast. Individual therapist effects account for a large proportion of the variance of client outcomes. However, historically, the individual therapist has been given little consideration. DP seeks to move beyond the standardized competency framework and provide a highly individualized training regime to therapists based on their individual deficits identified through data mining and linked to factors of therapy practice that have demonstrated to impact client outcomes; and as such, they can be leveraged by therapists. The findings of this review are used to inform seven recommendations for practitioners, training institutes, and regulatory bodies to consider for the initial and continuous development of therapists.
Individualism, Collectivism, and Well-being Among a Sample of Emerging Adults in the United States

An increasing body of research suggests that emerging adults living in Western societies are becoming more individualistic and such increases in individualism are associated with reduced well-being. The present study examined relationships between well-being and individualism and collectivism among 1906 emerging adults in the US, aged 18–25. We measured individualism and collectivism distinguishing horizontal and vertical dimensions of these constructs, and we measured well-being in terms of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and neuroticism. Regression analyses found that individualism was negatively related to well-being, and these relationships varied somewhat between horizontal and vertical individualism. Horizontal collectivism was positively related to all measures of well-being, and vertical collectivism was positively related to three measures. These findings increase our understanding of the roles individualism and collectivism play in the psychological well-being of emerging adults, including the importance of distinguishing horizontal and vertical dimensions of individualism and collectivism.
Diversification of yellow-flowered Sempervivum (crassulaceae) species from the Balkan Peninsula: Evidence from the morphometric study of the epidermal structures of rosette leaves

Several related yellow-flowered houseleek species which occur on the Balkan Peninsula are divided into two complexes: Sempervivum ciliosum (S. ciliosum, S. jakucsii, S. klepa, S. octopodes, and S. galicicum) and the S. ruthenicum complex (S. ruthenicum, S. leucanthum, S. kindingeri, and S. zeleborii). Due to strong phenotypic plasticity and a limited number of studies, it is difficult to assert at this point whether all the above species are well defined in the taxonomic sense. Detailed studies of the epidermal structures have not been conducted for any of the species in either complex. The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of variability of the epidermal structures together with their potential usefulness for the taxonomic characterization of the species studied. A total of 18 quantitative characters of the epidermal structures of the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the rosette leaves were analysed within 16 populations. In all species, the epidermal cells are polygonal or irregularly shaped, with straight or sinuous anticlinal walls, while the rosette leaves are amphistomatic with anisocytic stomata. Simple biseriate multicellular glandular trichomes were found on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces and the margins of the rosette leaves. The results of the descriptive statistics, univariate (ANOVA) and multivariate statistical analysis (CDA, AHC) showed low to high variability in the epidermal cells, guard cells and trichomes. The multivariate analysis showed diversification among the complexes and species. The length of the marginal and apical trichomes of the rosette leaves contributed most to diversification.
The Intervention and Mechanism of Action for Aloin against Subchronic Aflatoxin B1 Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats

As a class of difurancoumarin compounds with similar structures, aflatoxins (AF) are commonly found in the environment, soil, and food crops. AF pose a serious threat to the health of humans, poultry, and livestock. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect and detailed mechanism of aloin on hepatic injury induced by subchronic AFB1 in rats. The result showed that aloin could significantly inhibit the decrease in food intake, body weight growth, immune organ index, and serum albumin content caused by long-term AFB1 exposure. Meanwhile, aloin reduced the level of serum liver function and improved renal swelling and pathological changes of liver tissue. Aloin could also inhibit liver lipid peroxidation and improve liver antioxidant capacity. Further investigation revealed that aloin inhibited the activity and expression of hepatic CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 and down-regulated IL-1β expression in subchronic AFB1-induced liver injury rats. The above study demonstrated that aloin played an important role in blocking or delaying the development process of subchronic AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, aloin is considered to have a potential role as a protective agent against AFB1.
Treatment of Endometriosis and Leiomyoma with the Association of Miodesin and Gestrinone in Pentravan Through the Vaginal Route

Introduction: The effects of Myodesin™ (Fagron, Brazil) on uterine volume and pain scores were investigated in a group of patients with leiomyoma and endometriosis. Myodesin™ was used either alone or in combination with vaginal gastronone. Patient and Methods: Forty two patients with uterine leiomyoma and endometriosis were enrolled for this study and divided into 3 groups according to the treatment scheme. In Group A (n=16) they were treated with a higher dose of vaginal Gastronome alone (5mg twice a week). In Group B (n=16) patients received a lower dose of Gestrinone (2.5 mg twice a week) together with vaginal Miodesin™ (500 mg/dose daily) (Fagron Brazil). In Group C (n=10) patients were treated only with Miodesin™. All medications were dispensed vaginally dissolved in Pentravan™ (Fagron, Netherland). Results: The average uterine sizes before treatment were 200 cm3, 334 cm3, 242cm3 in group A, B and C respectively and they were not statistically different. After the second month a significant reduction in uterine volume was observed in all treated groups. However the reduction in uterine volume was greater in group than in group C. The proliferation rates in both stroma and endometrial gland measured by Ki-67 were low with a mean value of 2% with no significant differences between groups A and B. Treatment with Gestrinone decreased significantly total pain scores (VAS) when used either alone or in combination with Myodesin™. However this decrease was significantly greater in Group B than in Group A.Treatment with Miodesin alone (Group C) also decreased significantly pain scores. Conclusion: Miodesin treatment increased the efficacy of Gestrinone to reduce pelvic pain and uterine volume in patients with endometriosis and leiomyoma.
Entrepreneurial Specific Characteristics and Access to Finance of SMEs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) help and support the country in financial and business aspects and employs in the country, overcomes unemployment, and creates job opportunities in different sectors of the country. The study aims to know the entrepreneurial-specific factors like age, gender, education, experience, and skills used as predictors for access to financing of small firms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The questionnaire is used for data collection, and about 204 questionnaires were distributed, of which 192 returned and analyzed through binary logistic regression. The study results reveal that age and level of education have been found significant while gender, experience and skills have insignificant with the access to finance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Proactive measures to eradicate Malaysia’s poverty in IR4.0 era: a shared prosperity vision

Background: In the country’s shared prosperity vision, Malaysia aspires to uplift the bottom 40% household income group (B40) by addressing wealth and income disparities. By 2030, the nation seeks to eradicate poverty through the provision of employment opportunities and career progression plans. A grey area between the nation’s aspirations and actions in practice can be observed because the goals have not been achieved despite numerous efforts aimed at the upliftment of the B40 group. The nation is still way behind its targeted outcomes despite various policies being implemented, which could be attributed to the mismatch between government policies and that of organisational practice. Thus, this study explores the rationale of strategic government intervention in managing B40 talent in the IR4.0 era. Methods: A general qualitative inquiry method that used 11 semi-structured interviews was carried out with representatives of Malaysia’s policy makers’, training providers, and trainees. All Interview questions centred around measures, importance and outcomes of B40 youth training from a multi-stakeholder perspective. Data were thematically analysed in five stages using NVivo. Results: Training, which includes IR4.0 era digital skills, is the key to uplifting the B40 youth to eradicate poverty. Proactive measures are imperative in the success of B40 youth training towards poverty eradication. Conclusions: This study contributes to the existing literature and helps practitioners by addressing the current gap in Malaysia’s aspirations versus organisational practice. Stakeholders should formulate proactive strategies to ensure that the right trainees are matched with the right training providers and government policies. A linkage between government policies and industry requirements needs to be established as opposed to the present discontinuity. A structured training needs analysis should be applied through a collaboration between industries and governments. Then, B40 individuals commonly found in lower-level positions can be pooled into the career pathway towards a shift into M40.
Job demands and burnout: The multilevel boundary conditions of collective trust and competitive pressure

Do high job demands help employees to stay challenged at work, or do they challenge their well-being? Despite burnout being an ever-pressing matter in contemporary workspaces, the understanding of the link between job demands and burnout remains limited, especially considering the important multilayered role of context in organizations. Our study develops an integrated perspective on the antecedents of burnout, rather than viewing various elements in isolation. Specifically, we uncover a three-way interaction among job demands, collective trust, and competitive pressure across the three levels of study via a multilevel analysis of 5485 employees, nested into 2872 units in 89 German organizations. The three-way interaction of individual-level job demands with unit-level collective trust depends on the magnitude of competitive pressure at the organizational level. In a condition of low organizational-level competitive pressure, unit-level trust can mitigate the positive effect of individual job demands on burnout. Our findings indicate that job demands can be a double-edged sword, bringing with them both benefits and burdens. From a practical perspective, we provide guidance for organizations on how to maintain high job demands by emphasizing collective trust and open communication about organizational-level competitive pressure to mitigate burnout at work.
THE EFFECT OF SAVING ACCOUNT OWNERSHIP AND ACCESS TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ON HOUSEHOLD LOANS IN INDONESIA

This study investigates whether saving account ownership and access to financial institutions influence household credit in Indonesia. Using a multinomial logit regression model and a sample of 294,426 households from the 2018 national socioeconomic survey and the village potential data, we find that account ownership is essential in encouraging formal credit and reducing informal credit. Access to commercial banks, rural banks, and cooperatives can then improve formal credit without significantly reducing informal credit. Hence, the government needs to encourage bank account ownership and facilitate access to financial institutions in order to promote formal credit and reduce informal credit.
Equally at risk? Perceived financial differences, risk assessment and containment measures in the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly everybody around the world. The risk of getting infected as well as the risks posed by the economic consequences of the containment measures do not stop at borders or class differences. How do citizens react to such a transboundary crisis? Do such crises have an equalising effect across different social strata of the population? And who are the groups who favour strong government containment measures such as lockdowns? To answer these questions, we conducted an original survey in Germany and the U.S. during the first wave of the virus in June 2020. We find no support for an equalising effect of the crisis, as our conceptual point of departure – the notion of risk society – would presume. Rather, our results indicate that citizens who perceive that they are financially less well-off have greater economic and health-related fears. They also differ in their preferred government response from those who are economically satisfied.
Perception of the Educational Environment and Its Correlation with Academic Performance of Medical Students in a Public Sector Medical Institute of Pakistan

Objective: The study aims to assess their correlation and provide recommendations for a conducive educational environment (EE). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a public sector medical institute of Pakistan in which EE of 320 students from 2 till 5 years was assessed using Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM). Results: The mean DREEM score was 98.32/200 indicating the perception to be on the less positive side. Students’ academic self-perception (SASP) domain scored highest (16.97/32, 53%) while students' perception of teaching (SPT) domain scored the lowest (20.07/44, 45.5%). The difference in mean DREEM and subdomains scores across academic years were statistically significant (p<0.001) with 2-year having the lowest (86.4) and 4 year having the highest (110.22) mean scores. There was a significant positive correlation between academic performance and total DREEM score (r=0.661, p<0.01) The simple linear regression for predicting obtained scores in recent professional exams by total DREEM score was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Academic performance was strongly correlated with the perception of the educational environment. Improving the perception of the educational environment will lead to better academic performance. Interventions such as training of teaching faculty, promotion of research-oriented learning, and the establishment of a support system for stressed students will help the administration to provide a better educational environment and improve the academic performance of students.
Effectiveness, Efficiency and Executive Directors’ Compensation Among Listed Companies in Malaysia

This paper examines whether or not there is any relationship between executive directors’ compensation and the effectiveness and efficiency ratios of non-financial companies in Malaysia. Two variables are used in this study as independent variables (IVs), that is, company effectiveness ratio (return on equity) and company efficiency ratio (asset turnover); and six control variables, that is, firm visibility, liquidity, profitability, working capital, firm net-worth, and leverage. The executive directors’ compensation is the dependent variable (DV). Data are collected from 360 observations (120 companies’ annual reports for 3 years). STATA software analysis is used to examine the collected data. The results show that company effectiveness is one of the determinants of executive directors’ compensation but not company efficiency. Firm visibility, firm net-worth, and profitability also have strong relationships with executive directors’ compensation. However, liquidity and leverage do not show any significant relationship with executive directors’ compensation in Malaysian listed companies. This study focuses on Malaysia during the period of 2012 to 2014 because Malaysia is one of the developing countries in Asia, and in 2010, the Malaysian economy exhibited strong signs of recovery from the global financial crisis. However, the period between 2012 and 2014 was a critical period for the Malaysian economy; the Ringgit experienced depreciation and was devalued by more than 40%, which negatively affected the Malaysian economy as a whole. In addition, this study examines new variables in the Malaysian context, that is, firm efficiency, firm visibility, and firm net-worth.
Synthesis of ferrian and ferro-saponites: Implications for the structure of (Fe,Mg)-smectites formed under reduced conditions

Abstract Clay minerals are widely distributed on the surface of Earth, Mars, and Ceres in the solar systems. Among numerous clay minerals, smectites can record the history of the environment through the exchange of interlayer cations with those in water or through redox reactions with the atmosphere. Therefore, characterization of chemical compositions and crystal structures of smectites is crucial for revealing the paleoenvironment. For instance, the crystal structure within octahedral sheets of iron-bearing smectites changes to trioctahedral sheets under reduced or dioctahedral sheets under oxidizing conditions. Orbital infrared and X‑ray diffraction (XRD) analyses by Mars orbiters/rovers revealed the presence of (Fe,Mg)-smectites on the surface of Mars; however, it has been difficult to characterize the properties of these (Fe,Mg)-smectites, which are rare on the surface of Earth. In this study, we synthesized ferrian (ferric ion-rich) and ferrous (ferrous ion-rich) (Fe,Mg)-saponite and revealed the effect of valence states and iron contents on the crystal structures. These saponites were synthesized using a hydrothermal method under reduced conditions. The crystal structures and valence states of iron were analyzed by XRD, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and X‑ray absorption near edge measurements. The synthesized clays were trioctahedral swelling clays and were identified as saponites. The valence state of iron in these synthesized saponites is altered by oxygen and a reducing agent in water; however, the trioctahedral structures are maintained under both oxidizing and reduced conditions, following a reversible reaction. This mechanism can be interpreted by the desorption and adsorption of hydrogen in the hydroxyls of the octahedral sheets of the smectite layers. The maximum basal spacing of the (02l) lattice plane in the octahedral sheets was defined by compiling various smectite data. When the basal spacing of (02l) is larger than the maximum in dioctahedral smectites, smectite can be identified as trioctahedral smectite. The redox state of iron in the octahedral sheet cannot be determined from the basal spacing of (02l). We revealed that the iron content in the trioctahedral sheet has a linear relationship with lattice parameter b. This provides a method to estimate the iron content in saponite from XRD data. The XRD profiles of smectites found at the Yellowknife Bay on Mars can be explained only by trioctahedral smectites, and the iron content in the octahedral sheet is roughly estimated to be 0.5–1.7 in a half-unit cell. These results indicate that the presence of (Fe,Mg)-saponite implies a reduced environment during the formation and that this iron-bearing saponite has both oxidation and reduction capabilities depending on the environment.
Unnecessary antibiotic treatment of children hospitalized with RSV-bronchiolitis: risk factors and prescription patterns

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a main cause of respiratory tract infections, especially affecting young children. Antibiotics are often unnecessarily prescribed for the treatment of RSV. Such treatments can have effects on antibiotic resistance in future bacterial infections of treated patients and the general population. Objectives: We sought to understand the risk factors for and patterns of unnecessary antibiotic prescription in children with RSV. Methods: In a single center retrospective study in Israel, we obtained data of children aged <2 years (n=1015) hospitalized for RSV-bronchiolitis during 2008-2018, and ascertained not to have bacterial coinfections. Antibiotic misuse was defined as prescription of antibiotics during hospitalization of the study population. Patient and clinical variables were assessed as predictors of unnecessary antibiotic treatment in a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: Unnecessary antibiotic treatment rate of children infected with RSV and ascertained not to have a bacterial coinfection was estimated at 33.4% (95% CI 30.5%-36.4%). Increased likelihood of antibiotic misuse was associated with drawing bacterial cultures, and with variables indicative of a severe patient status: lower oxygen saturation, higher body temperature, tachypnea and prior recent emergency room visit. Older age and female sex were also associated with increased likelihood of unnecessary antibiotic treatment. Conclusions: Unnecessary antibiotic treatment in RSV patients was highly common and may be largely attributed to the physicians' perception of patients' severity. Improving prescription guidelines, implementing antibiotic stewardship programs and utilizing decision support systems may help achieve a better balance between prescribing and withholding antibiotic treatment.