Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multivariate analysis of soils: microbial biomass, metabolic activity, and bacterial-community structure and their relationships with soil depth and type

A multivariate statistical approach based on a large data set of abiotic and biotic variables was used to classify four contrasting-land-use soils. Soil samples were collected at increasing depth from a calcareous agricultural soil, a temperate upland grassland soil, a moderately acidic agricultural soil, and an acidic pine forest soil. Analytical investigations were carried out by using a combination of conventional physical, chemical, and biochemical methods coupled with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) community fingerprinting of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene-coding fragments from soil-extracted total-community DNA. The data set of soil physical, chemical, and biochemical variables was reduced in dimensionality by means of a principal-component-analysis (PCA) procedure. Compositional shifts in soil bacterial-community structure were analyzed through a clustering algorithm that allowed identifying six main bacterial-community clusters. DGGE fingerprinting clusters were further analyzed by discriminant analysis (DA) using extracted PCA components as explanatory variables. Soil organic matter–related pools (TOC, TN) and functionally related active pools (microbial biomass C and N, K2SO4-extractable C) significantly decreased with soil depth, and resulted statistically linked to one other and positively related to enzymatic activities (acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase, β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase, hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate) and silt content. Besides organic-C gradients, pedogenetic-driven physico-chemical properties, and possibly soil thermal and moisture regimes seemed to play a key role in regulating size and energetic ecophysiological status of soil microbial communities. DGGE analysis showed that contrasting horizons were conducive to the dominance of particular bacterial ribotypes. DA revealed that the bacterial-community structure was mainly influenced by organic matter–related variables (TOC, TN, CEC, Cflush, Nflush, Extr-C), chemical properties such as pH, CaCO3, and EC, together with textural properties. Results indicate that, beyond land use or plant cover, pedogenetic-driven physico-chemical conditions changing with soil type and depth are the key factors regulating microbial size and activity, and determining the genetic structure of bacterial community.
Favipiravir biotransformation in liver cytosol: Species and sex differences in humans, monkeys, rats, and mice

Favipiravir is an antiviral agent effective against several RNA viruses that is converted into an inactive oxidative metabolite (M1), mainly by aldehyde oxidase, in humans. In the present study, the biotransformation of favipiravir into M1 in male and female humans, monkeys, rats, and mice was examined in an in vitro system using liver cytosolic fractions. The kinetics for M1 formation followed the Michaelis–Menten model in all species. The Km, Vmax, and CLint values in humans were 602 µM, 466 pmol/min/mg protein, and 776 nl/min/mg protein in males, respectively, and 713 µM, 404 pmol/min/mg protein, and 567 nl/min/mg protein in females, respectively. Species differences in CLint values were monkeys > humans > mice > rats in both males and females, and the variations for males and females were 120‐ and 96‐fold, respectively. Sex differences in CLint values were males > females in humans and mice, females > males in monkeys and rats, and marked variation (4.3‐fold) was noted in mice. This suggests that the roles of aldehyde oxidase in the hepatic metabolism of favipiravir differ extensively depending on the species and sex, and this study will aid in the assessment of the antiviral activities of favipiravir against novel and/or variant viruses.
Development of a peer review process to reduce maternal and infant adverse events associated with midwifery.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to establish a midwifery peer review (MPR) process to continuously improve and standardize the midwifery delivery process, thereby reducing maternal and infant adverse events. MATERIAL AND METHODS First, the MPR committee (MPRC) was established. The co-chairs of our MPRC were the Head of the Nursing Department and the Nursing Director of the Obstetrics Department. Peer review targets included preventing the occurrence of nursing adverse events, improving nursing quality, and optimizing nursing management. We have established a specially digitized case submission system. All cases that met the evaluation criteria formed corresponding midwifery process improvement measures after a discussion at the meeting to continuously improve the level of midwifery. RESULTS Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 240 referrals were received by our committee, 211 of which met the criteria for peer review. Our analysis showed that the proportion of adverse events evaluated gradually decreased over time. The percentage of reviewed cases in 2014 was 7.543% of all deliveries (n = 63), which decreased to 6.747% in 2015 (n = 46). The rates in 2016 and 2017 were 5.310% (n = 51) and 5.280% (n = 51), respectively, and the MPRC recommendations resulted in positive practice changes. After reviewing more than 200 cases, the committee recommended the implementation of 20 new rules and regulations through summary and discussion, thus reducing or preventing many problems that are easily ignored during clinical service. CONCLUSIONS MPR could be an effective tool to improve obstetric quality and midwifery skills. The implementation of MPR promoted a safer environment for mothers and infants and led to a decrease in adverse events related to midwifery.
Glial Hedgehog signalling and lipid metabolism regulate neural stem cell proliferation in Drosophila

The final size and function of the adult central nervous system (CNS) are determined by neuronal lineages generated by neural stem cells (NSCs) in the developing brain. In Drosophila, NSCs called neuroblasts (NBs) reside within a specialised microenvironment called the glial niche. Here, we explore non‐autonomous glial regulation of NB proliferation. We show that lipid droplets (LDs) which reside within the glial niche are closely associated with the signalling molecule Hedgehog (Hh). Under physiological conditions, cortex glial Hh is autonomously required to sustain niche chamber formation. Upon FGF‐mediated cortex glial overgrowth, glial Hh non‐autonomously activates Hh signalling in the NBs, which in turn disrupts NB cell cycle progression and its ability to produce neurons. Glial Hh’s ability to signal to NB is further modulated by lipid storage regulator lipid storage droplet‐2 (Lsd‐2) and de novo lipogenesis gene fatty acid synthase 1 (Fasn1). Together, our data suggest that glial‐derived Hh modified by lipid metabolism mechanisms can affect the neighbouring NB’s ability to proliferate and produce neurons.
Polyploidy: an evolutionary and ecological force in stressful times

Abstract Polyploidy has been hypothesized to be both an evolutionary dead-end and a source for evolutionary innovation and species diversification. Although polyploid organisms, especially plants, abound, the apparent nonrandom long-term establishment of genome duplications suggests a link with environmental conditions. Whole-genome duplications seem to correlate with periods of extinction or global change, while polyploids often thrive in harsh or disturbed environments. Evidence is also accumulating that biotic interactions, for instance, with pathogens or mutualists, affect polyploids differently than nonpolyploids. Here, we review recent findings and insights on the effect of both abiotic and biotic stress on polyploids versus nonpolyploids and propose that stress response in general is an important and even determining factor in the establishment and success of polyploidy.
Impact of Missing Teeth on Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life: A Prospective Bicenter Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE To investigate the effect of missing teeth on patients' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 151 patients participated in this prospective bicenter clinical study (mean age: 64.7 ± 10.5 years; 71 women). Four subgroups were defined based on the number of missing teeth. OHRQoL was assessed using the German version of the Oral Health Impact Profile-49/53 (OHIP-G49/53) and visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires. The effect of missing teeth on OHIP (total and by dimension) and VAS scores before and after prosthetic treatment was investigated at baseline (T0), 1 week (T1), and 3 months (T2) after prosthetic treatment. Scores were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Correlations were assessed using Spearman rho correlation. The level of significance was set at P = . 05. RESULTS Initial OHIP and VAS scores were highest for patients with 11 to 28 missing teeth. Scores improved among all groups between T0 and T1/T2. After prosthetic rehabilitation (T1), improvements in total OHIP scores were greatest for patients with no missing teeth or with 11 to 28 missing teeth. Patients with no missing teeth or with 1 to 4 missing teeth before treatment had the lowest posttreatment OHIP scores. Total OHIP scores among the groups were in the same value range (P > .185). No direct correlation was found between the VAS and total OHIP scores. CONCLUSION OHIP and VAS scores for OHRQoL were associated with the number of missing teeth. Prosthetic treatment resulted in improved OHRQoL and oral function among all groups. The use of a VAS yielded additional detailed information.
Games based learning in accounting education – which dimensions are the most relevant?

ABSTRACT As new technologies pave the way to increasingly sophisticated and academically relevant experiences, gamification of the learning process, regardless of the field of expertise, becomes more and more important. This study aims to express several constructs that explain how one can apply Game-Based Learning to education while granting motivational success, attitudes, flow and learning. In this sense, in the present article, several theories have been used and related to each other, namely Landers’ Theory of Gamified Learning, Self Determination Theory, Flow Theory, and Planned Behaviour. The aim was to understand how Motivation, Flow and Attitude dimensions, which were obtained by applying Games Based Learning resources to the teaching of Accounting, can influence Perceived Learning. These constructs were examined to see how they influenced the Perceived Learning of Accounting (N = 816) college undergraduates who used AccountinGame like a quiz with contents learned in the classes. This research contributes to the current body of literature on Game-Based Learning in Accounting Education. Results clearly showed there is a robust relationship between the proposed framework dimensions. In this sense, after students had used games in Accounting curricular units, it was observed that Motivation and Attitudes influenced Perceived Learning, unlike Flow, which had no statistical influence.
The rise of non-communicable disease (NCDs) in Mozambique: decolonising gender and global health

ABSTRACT Health and gender are two significant areas of the global development system. They share entangled epistemological histories typically drawn from the global North. We examine how these global entanglements of gender in global health act to veil local epistemologies and explanatory systems of understanding of disease, simultaneously advancing and complicating local responses to the changing epidemiological burdens in Mozambique. This paper draws on research from Mozambique conducted as part of a large three-country study of the double burden of disease. We focus in this paper on the connected conditions of hypertension and stroke. The research was conducted in areas that have faced a double burden of disease: the persistence of diseases that attract international intervention, where community-based health centres are sometimes referred to as ‘Global Fund’ clinics, and a new burden of non-communicable disease (NCDs). The reach and penetration of particular sets of knowledge derived somewhat from the global North have been accompanied by particular renderings of gender that have brought with them social constructivist theorising that eschews non-Western configurations of sex and gender in the context of illness, disease, and well-being. Drawing on critical African gender studies, we begin to re-examine global health and its epistemological assumptions about disease presentation and explanatory models. Such discussion is necessary to engage in calls to de-colonise global health, as well as the mainstreaming of gender in global health. Reflecting on measures to decolonise feminisms and ensuring that African feminisms inform future gendered understanding and programming around NCDs should be central to responses to the new onslaught and double burden of NCDs across Mozambique and sub-Saharan Africa more widely.
Gender, health, and development in post-war Sri Lanka: access to health care for resettled women in Jaffna

ABSTRACT Health significantly supports human development, which is particularly critical in countries affected by armed conflict. Health and health care are equally important for women hoping to be effective agents of change in their post-war societies. Through a grounded case study conducted in the district of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, in 2017, we aimed to understand the challenges resettled (formerly internally displaced) women faced when accessing health services. We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 54 women from two villages, one predominantly Tamil and the other predominantly Muslim. To capture complex gender and health dimensions, we employed the framework of intersectionality. While the comparative nature of the participants’ cultural identity, specifically their ethnicity and religion, was a part of the analysis, the findings illuminate particular ways that income and gender affected women’s health care-seeking behaviours, regardless of ethnicity. These encompassed: (1) prioritising caretaking over health care; (2) seeking permission when leaving home; (3) travelling with companions to health facilities; and (4) discussing health-care decisions with family members. We found that the intersection of the participants’ gender with their income, and gender aspects like marital status, greatly affected their health-seeking behaviours. Findings underscore the importance of considering multiple factors, including social determinants like gender and income, in the provision of basic services that support women’s health and development following war.
An extension of Hawkes processes with ephemeral nearest effects

Abstract Hawkes processes have been widely studied in both theory and applications because of their self-exciting effects, but there are still some questions and room left for exploring the self-exciting point processes. In this paper, an ephemeral self-exciting Hawkes process is developed, which contains 1-memory and 0-memory self-exciting point processes. After giving the definition of the ephemeral self-exciting Hawkes process, some explanations on this new point process, properties, declustering of the occurrences of events, positive and negative self-exciting effects are presented. Moments of this point process are derived as well in the paper by using the Laplace transforms and the elementary method. Some special cases are considered and the computation methods of moments are also presented by the difference method and inverse Laplace transforms, respectively. Combining dynamics of the self-exciting point process and the delayed renewal process is an important feature of the proposed ephemeral self-exciting Hawkes process, which may shed light on the related studies in the future.
A Review: Metal Filled Thermoplastic Composites

ABSTRACT In current years, metal-filled thermoplastic composites have gained increasing consideration due to their superior properties such as high fatigue and fire resistance, high impact damage, high corrosion resistance as well as low environmental degradation. The combination of the favorable characteristics of metal and thermoplastic making them an ideal candidate in the various advanced application including automotive, aerospace, and electronic equipment. The final properties of metal-filled thermoplastic composites are influenced by few factors such as porosity, distribution, shape, and morphology of metal particles. This review article provides some important information. First, this article covers the information on structure and types of thermoplastic. There are three types of thermoplastics: standard thermoplastic, engineering thermoplastic, and high standard thermoplastics. Second, the periodic table of metals and nonmetals elements as well as their properties are covered. Third, properties of metal-filled thermoplastic composites as well as packing arrangement distribution of metal-filler particles in polymer matrix were discussed. Moreover, preparation, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties as well as the application of metal-filled thermoplastic composites in various industries are covered in this article.
Mediating effect of use perceptions on technology readiness and adoption of artificial intelligence in accounting

ABSTRACT The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing rapidly in accounting practice, and firms desire new hires who have adopted this technology. Universities can prepare students to adopt AI. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine whether perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) have an effect on the relationship between accounting students’ level of technology readiness and their decision to adopt AI. The study involved an examination of individual students’ perceptions of technology readiness and technology adoption. An online questionnaire consisting of 31 items gathering demographic information and perceptions of technology readiness, technology adoption, PEOU, and PU was administered to student participants. The findings from the study indicated that technology readiness has a significant influence on technology adoption. However, mediation analysis using hierarchical regression showed that the relationship between technology readiness and technology adoption of Artificial Intelligence is affected by both PEOU and PU.
Conflict and cooperation with trade partners

ABSTRACT Escalating political conflict between major trade partners such as the US and China appears puzzling given theories linking trade to pacific international relations. We reconsider theories on bilateral trade, exposure to the global economy, and politics in order to explain contemporary events. Our approach departs from previous work in three key ways: we examine a broader range of conflictual and cooperative interactions together; we assume leaders are responsive to interests opposed to trade as well as to those who benefit; and we reconceptualize what it means to be a “major trade partner,” presenting a new definition that varies with the dispersion of a state’s trade across partners rather than merely dollar value or GDP composition of trade. We demonstrate that states generally initiate more conflict and more cooperation with major trade partners; and while higher exposure to the global economy reduces conflict initiation against major trade partners, it also reduces cooperation. Simultaneously, higher exposure to the global economy is associated with more initiation of cooperation with non-major trade partners. Using events data spanning 1995–2012, we find empirical support for our expectations.
Structural and spectroscopic characterization of CeO2–TiO2 mixed oxides

Mixed CeO2–TiO2 systems have been synthesized using the sol–gel technique in a symmetric range of nominal compositions (10, 50 and 90 mol% CeO2). The solid materials were characterised using a variety of diffractometric and spectroscopic techniques. The intimate contact between the two components during the synthesis leads to heterogeneous systems which are based on the presence, besides the two individual oxide phases, of a mixed phase of a cerium titanate (Ce2Ti2O7, pyrochlore structure) which contains Ce3+ ions that impart particular optical properties to the solid (a pronounced red shift with respect to the band gap transition of the two oxides). Ce3+ ions are present at the surface of the systems together with tetravalent Ce and Ti ions. The mixed solids can be reduced by annealing under vacuum and, upon reoxidation under mild conditions with O2, form superoxide species adsorbed on Ce4+ which have, as already reported for low loading CeO2–TiO2 systems, peculiar spectroscopic properties with respect to superoxide adsorbed on bare cerium dioxide.
Switching diffusion approximations for optimal power management in parallel processing systems

Abstract In this paper, we investigate optimal power management in parallel processing systems composed of one queue and several identical processing stations. Power consumption is controlled by setting some of the stations into an inactive state, where they consume less power but are unable to provide service. This way, we are faced with the conflicting objective of minimizing power consumption while maintaining a desired quality of service. A distinguishing feature here, regarding most previous literature on this subject, is that we consider systems operating a policy that may turn the reserve machines on or off with setup times and under general inter-arrival or service time distributions, subject to some conditions. When these condition fail, we also provide a model with general inter-arrival times and exponentially distributed service times. To some extent, a controlled switching diffusion obtained in this paper via heavy traffic analysis and stochastic optimal control theory are the technical underpinning of the paper. We also propose a numerical approach to the solutions of the optimal control problems based on the Markov chain approximation method. Finally, we consider some numerical experiments that illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Formation of graphene oxide-based ordered structures in epoxy: effect of grafted polymer chains

ABSTRACT Graphene oxide (GO) has high potential for grafting of polymer chains. This mostly enhances exfoliation or controls structure-directing effects in thermoplastic blends, whereas various complex arrays may be formed in the case of epoxy thermosets. This study reveals that the structure of these arrays is markedly influenced by parameters of grafted polymer chains and geometry of grafting. The best-balanced properties were found for nacre-mimicking lamellar arrays with an important role of internal structure and elasticity of grafted chains. Beneficial is s relatively thick “elastic interlayer” of grafted butadiene‐acrylonitrile copolymer with toughening effect comparable to much higher content of free polymer addition. Graphical abstract