Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular characteristic of rifampin-sensitive and resistant isolates and characteristics of rpoB gene mutations in MRSA

BackgroundMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections have become a leading cause of bacterial infections in both healthcare and community settings. Mutations in the rpoB gene cause resistance to rifampin (RIF R ), a critical antibiotic for treatment of multidrug-resistant S. aureus . The aim of this study was to detect the molecular characteristics of RIF R MRSA and analysis the rpoB gene mutations involved in RIF resistance. MethodsA total of 49 RIF R MRSA and 38 RIF S MRSA isolates collected from seven cities in China were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing, staphylococcus chromosomal cassette mec (SCC mec ) typing, spa typing, and rpoB gene mutations. ResultsST239-III-t030 (35/49, 71.4%), the major clone in RIF R MRSA isolates; ST45-IV-t116 (16/38, 42.1%), the major clone in RIF S MRSA isolates with rpoB mutations. RIF R MRSA isolates were resistance to erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, gentamicin, and clindamycin. By contrast, RIF S MRSA isolates with rpoB mutation were more susceptible to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and gentamicin. Forty-three (87.8%) isolates present the mutational change H481N and L466S, conferring 128-512 μg/ml RIF resistance. The four isolates with RIF MIC > 1024 μg/ml had additional amino acid substitution: H481N, L466S, A473T (n=2); H481Y (n=2), associated with a high-level RIF resistance. Of 38 RIF S MRSA isolates, two mutations were observed, including H481N (n=37) and A477D (n=1). ConclusionThe predominant RIF R MRSA clones in China were ST239III-t030. Molecular character, antibiotic resistant profiles, and rpoB mutations between RIF R MRSA and RIFS MRSA were diverse. Antibiotics for treating patients with MRSA infections can be selected based on molecular characteristics.
Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and Social Influence: Intention to Use e-Wallet

Research on the acceptance of the use of information technology often uses the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theories of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, which provide an excellent theoretical basis for understanding consumer intentions to use non-cash payment transactions. Non-cash payment methods used in this study were e-wallets such as OVO, Go-Pay, T-cash, and others. This study combined these two theoretical models mentioned above and aimed at determining the effect of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and social influence on the intention to use e-wallets. The survey was conducted involving STMIK Rosma Karawang students in the information system study program (2019-2020) with a population of 160 students. Samples taken by purposive sampling obtained 137 respondents. The analysis technique used was multiple linear regression using SPSS V23. The results showed a positive and significant influence on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on intention. However, it turned out that social influence did not have a significant effect. This study's results serve as a guideline or reference for companies developing e-wallet applications in the future. The company expects to make a more comfortable and easier to use applications and always be consistent in providing users.
The observant android: Limited social facilitation and inhibition from a copresent social robot.

Human–robot collaborations that operate in shared spaces are anticipated to become increasingly common in coming years. Decades of social psychological research have revealed that human observers positively influence people’s performance in dominant and negatively in nondominant tasks. While studies indicate moderate support for social facilitation/inhibition effects with robot observers, this evidence is hotly debated. Addressing known methodological criticism, this study investigates how a copresent robot-observer affects Stroop task performance and whether perceptions of that robot’s mental capacities have explanatory value. Results reveal limitations in transferring social facilitation/inhibition theory to robots. Since participants reported high task attention levels across conditions, emerging flow states may have helped them circumvent social facilitation/inhibition mechanisms. It may thus be recommended for future research to consider flow dynamics when investigating social performance effects.
Effects of 6-weeks Bhastrika Pranayama Intervention on health-related components of physical fitness

Background and Study Aim. The present study investigated the effects of 6-weeks bhastrika pranayama intervention (BPI) program on health-related components of physical fitness. Material and Methods. We used a quasi-experimental design with fifty-two healthy girls (Mean ± SD; age, 23.6346±1.1551 yrs; body height, 158.0961±3.8616 cm; body weight, 55.6826±3.4002 kg) from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India. The subjects were divided into two groups: Group-A: Bhastrika Pranayama Intervention (BPI); (n1=26) and Group-B: Control; (n2=26). The sample size (N=52) was calculated using the G*Power 3.1. 9.7 software. A power of 0.80 (1-β err prob) and significance level (α) of 0.05. Subjects from both groups (pranayama and control) were assessed at baseline and right after 6-weeks. Group-A: (n1=26) subjected to BPI and Group-B: (n2=26) with no training. Results. As compared BPI with the control group, the BPI group had a positive effect on selected health-related components of physical fitness (maximal oxygen consumption - VO2 max 1.3%; flexibility 1.8%; muscle strength 0.2.%). The 6-weeks Bhastrika Pranayama intervention program had no effect on the BPI group with respect to the parameter muscular endurance. Conclusions. Daily practice of Bhastrika pranayama helps to keep lungs more efficient. Additional research is required to completely comprehend the consequences of this breathing exercise. Bhastrika pranayama is known for oxygen-based breathing exercise which helps to fill up the lungs with more oxygen. Bhastrika pranayama interventions with short as well as long duration in future research studies could be beneficial for healthy individuals with respect to health-related fitness components.
Exploring the Possibility of Achieving Partially Premixed Charge Compression Ignition Combustion of Biodiesel in Comparison to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel on a High Compression Ratio Engine

ABSTRACT The combustion characteristics of biodiesel operating in the Low Temperature Combustion (LTC) regime, via Partially Premixed Charge Compression Ignition Combustion (PPCI), is relatively unknown. Therefore, this study compares engine performance and emissions of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and waste cooking oil biodiesel through an attempted PPCI methodology. The Fuel Injection Timing (FIT) was gradually altered from conventional combustion timing (12.0° for biodiesel and 12.5° for ULSD) to 35.0° before top dead center. Results indicated that the fuel consumed to maintain the required load condition increased gradually for both ULSD and biodiesel due to the start of combustion shifting further into the compression stroke for each injection advancement. Nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide, and total hydrocarbons were marginally lower for biodiesel compared to ULSD. There was limited success in reducing both NOx and PM emissions simultaneously by varying the FIT alone for both fuels. The high compression ratio of the engine utilized was a major limiting factor in achieving LTC. Importantly, the Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) behavior of biodiesel and its impact on ignition delay was successfully captured. The operating conditions used in this study are closer to a production engine as compared to shock tube and constant volume combustion systems typically used to validate chemical kinetic (CK) models. Moreover, data surrounding NTC and its influence on ignition delay with biodiesel in CI engines is limited in the literature. Thus, the results presented provide valuable data that could be utilized to help validate CK models investigating the behavior of biodiesel fuels.
Environmental Tax, SME Financing Constraint, and Innovation: Evidence From OECD Countries

This article examines the impact of an environmental tax on small and medium enterprise (SME) innovation and how SME financing constraint moderates this relationship. Given the paucity of research on the implications of financing constraints on SMEs’ green innovative activities, the article adopts cross-country panel data to investigate the impact of environmental tax on SME's innovative activities across 24 OECD countries for the period 2000–2019. Results from our article indicate that an increase in environmental tax leads to a decrease in SME innovation. Furthermore, we also find that financing constraint positively moderates the relationship between environmental tax and SME innovation. Our findings shed new light on the theoretical and practical implications of financing constraints on SMEs’ green innovative activities.
Factors associated with suppression of Fusarium basal rot of onion in New Zealand soils: literature review and greenhouse experiments

ABSTRACT Fusarium basal rot, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae, is an important onion disease worldwide. Greenhouse pot experiments were conducted during two growing seasons to determine if field soils from New Zealand’s main onion growing regions had different fusarium basal rot suppressive capabilities, and identified factors involved in disease suppression This study demonstrated that soils naturally suppressive to fusarium basal rot were present in New Zealand and that soil organic matter content, total soil carbon, total nitrogen and soil phosphorous concentrations were associated with disease incidence. Soil microorganisms were shown to be involved in disease suppression since when they were eliminated or reduced by soil heat treatment, fusarium basal rot incidence markedly increased. This study provided an increased understanding of how soil physical, chemical and biological factors affect the suppressiveness of selected New Zealand soils to fusarium basal rot of onion, and demonstrated that certain bacterial and fungal taxa may be involved in suppression of this disease.
EIA decision-making and administrative justice: an empirical analysis

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is implemented in most countries as an administrative procedure. In this context, it is subject to the principles of administrative justice. However, to date, no empirical research has been conducted to determine the extent to which EIA decisions comply with the principles of administrative justice. In this paper, empirical data from 42 EIA cases in South Africa are used to establish EIA compliance with the administrative justice principles of lawfulness, procedural fairness and reasonableness. This is achieved by measuring EIA decisions against specially developed key performance indicators (KPIs). Overall, decisions were found to mostly comply with the principles of administrative justice. However, questions arise with regards to the quality and substance of the information feeding into the decision-making process and on which decisions are ultimately based.
Nests of Eufriesea aff. auriceps (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossini) in remnants of Atlantic Forest and reforested areas

In recent decades, the use of the trap-nest technique has helped to increase knowledge on the nest architecture of many orchid bee species. This study describes the nest architecture of Eufriesea aff. auriceps constructed in trap-nests made of dried bamboo internodes (canes). The nests were placed in remnants of Atlantic forest and in reforested areas next to forest remnants and monitored monthly from August 2015 to August 2016 and from August 2018 to August 2019 in southern Brazil. The bamboo internodes occupied by bees varied in internal diameter from 1.0cm to 2.0 cm (`X = 1.7; SD = 0.3; N = 12) and in length from 11.0 cm to 28.0 cm (`X = 19.5; SD = 4.8; N = 12). The total size of the nests inside the bamboo internodes ranged from 9.0 cm to 19.9 cm (`X = 14.3; SD= 3.9; N = 12). The number of brood cells constructed per nest varied from 1 to 10 (`X = 4.0; SD = 2.3; N = 15). The cells were built with small pieces of bark cemented with resin, linearly arranged along the bamboo tube. Internally, the cell wall was lined with resin. The cells measured 1.5-3.0 cm (`X = 2.3 ± 0.5; N = 48) in length and 1.4-1.7 (`X = 1.5 ± 0.1; N = 17) cm in width. The internal contour of the cells was elliptical. Females of Eufriesea aff. auriceps occupied trap-nests in both the forest remnants and in areas undergoing restoration.
Consumer versus Organic Products in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Opportunities and Barriers to Market Development

The main objective of this study was to determine the behavior of the Polish consumer of organic products during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify preferred channels of distribution of organic products in the situation of restricted freedom of movement as well as to assess what information displayed on the labels of organic food was most important to the customer. The research was conducted on a sample of 1108 respondents with the use of CAWI technique collected in an online survey carried out in February–August 2020. To analyze the obtained results, cluster analysis, linear regression model and duplication method were used to verify the substitute channels for purchasing organic goods. The pandemic has intensified the health value of consumers when making decisions about choosing food products. Consumers are sensitive shoppers who read the content of the labels and pay attention to the ingredients of the products they buy. The price is also of significant importance for consumers; however, it is less important than, for example, the expiration date of the purchased product. With the use of PCA analysis, it was possible to identify 18 factors that could be divided into three segments: marketing, practical and sensory. The proposed factors, according to the respondents, had an effect on the purchase of organic products by Polish consumers. Regarding the preferred purchasing channels, the Internet is becoming more and more important. Almost one-quarter of the respondents confirmed that they bought organic products via the above-mentioned distribution channel. Nearly 17% of the surveyed consumers considered the Internet to be an alternative way of doing their shopping. The results obtained in the research can be used in the sector of organic food producers to design marketing strategies and to adapt their offer to the proposed four groups of purchasers of organic products: eco-activists, eco-dietitians, eco-traditionalists, eco-innovators.
Synthesis and magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles formed under hydro and solvothermal conditions

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized both in hydro and in solvothermal conditions from Co and Fe salts of different chemical nature (nitrates and chlorides) taken in a 1:2 cation ratio. Varying the chemical prehistory, synthesis temperature, isothermal holding time, and the reaction medium composition made it possible to obtain a set of Co x Fe 3 − x O 4 nanoparticles of different average diameters and isomorphic substitution degree x . The resulting nanoparticles’ elemental composition, crystal structure, sizes, and magnetic properties were determined using EDX analysis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and SQUID magnetometry. The temperature dependences of the coercivity, remanent magnetization, squareness on both the average diameter and the stoichiometry of nanoparticles are considered. Co x Fe 3 − x O 4 nanocrystals ranged from 11 to 29 nm were single magnetic domains and showed ferrimagnetic behavior at room temperature. The hardest magnetic nanoparticles with maximum squareness values in the high-temperature region were formed with x = 0 . 79 using solvothermal treatment of cobalt and iron nitrates at 250 ◦ C, 7 MPa for 10 hours.
Determinants of Companies’ Board Composition in Emerging Markets

This paper examines the determinants of female board representation for a sample of Brazilian listed companies for the year of 2018. Using count data models, we find that greater firm size, performance and board size lead to higher woman representation on companies’ boards. Also, that private control is associated with a lower number of women on boards. Most studies related to board composition focus on independent directors and are conducted in a developed countries’ setting. This work contributes to the extant literature in understanding what drives woman representation on corporate boards in an emerging market context and also would help to support the definition and implementation of gender diversity policies by showing possible impacts.
An empirical study stepping towards ethnographic research for e-commerce websites: A perspective of user-centred design

User-centred design denotes human-centred design processes for interactive systems that intend to meet consumers’ demand for web interface design and usability in human–computer interactions. Perceptions of user interface quality, security, trust, and loyalty were examined in this study. Cross-sectional data were collected from a convenience sample of online consumers in South Africa. A total of 200 self-administered questionnaires were distributed, yielding a 75.5% response rate. Data were analyzed using the multivariate technique. The findings indicate that user interface quality affects perceived security and trust. Perceived security influences trust and customer loyalty, while concern about a perceived low level of security moderates the significant effect of trust on customer loyalty. This implies that reducing perceptions of low security and increasing user interface quality instil trust and develop customer loyalty towards the website. Reducing perceptions of low security contributes in the relationship between trust and customer loyalty in online shopping.
Characteristics of Soil C, N, and P Stoichiometry as Affected by Land Use and Slope Position in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Southwest China

Land use change and slope position are commonly identified as the key factors affecting the soil organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), and total phosphorus (P) traits in distinct ecological scales. However, the directions of these effects are still unclear in some fragile terrestrial ecosystems. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of soil C, N, and P concentrations and stoichiometry as affected by different land uses and slope positions in a representative purple soil hillslope in Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA), China, which is experiencing severe soil erosion and non-point source pollution. A total of 108 soil samples were collected from secondary forest, orchard plantation, and cropland on the upper, middle, and lower slopes, respectively. Soil C, N, and P concentrations and their stoichiometric ratios were determined. The results showed that soil C concentration was not affected by land use, while soil N and P concentrations were both the highest in orchard plantation rather than in secondary forest and cropland, resulting in the lowest C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios in the orchard plantation. Soil C and N concentrations synchronously decreased from upper slope to the lower slope, and soil P concentration was not markedly different among slope positions. This also caused the insignificant difference in soil C:N ratio and the remarkably lowest C:P and N:P ratios on the lower slope. There were significant interactive effects of land use and slope position on the study soil variables except soil P concentration. Our results highlight the effects of land use and slope position on soil C, N, and P traits and point to the decoupling of linkages between soil P and soil C as well as N due to the severe soil erosion and overuse of fertilization in the TGRA.
Understanding the key antecedents of users’ continuance intention in the context of smart factory

ABSTRACT With the rapid prevalence of the fourth industrial revolution, the use of the smart factory has been stressed to improve the organisation’s competence in manufacturing. This study explores the antecedents of users’ continuance intention towards the smart factory. The theoretical framework clarifies the role of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and commitment to learning in enhancing users’ continuance intention. The proposed theoretical framework is validated using the survey data collected from 167 smart factory users. The findings show that perceived usefulness has a significant impact on continuance intention. The analysis results indicate that system quality and information quality affect the perceived usefulness while they are not significantly related to perceived ease of use. This study found that service quality has influenced perceived ease of use significantly while it is not significantly associated with perceived usefulness. Moreover, personal innovativeness has a significant effect on perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, commitment to learning, and continuance intention. The findings provide academic and practical implications.
Knowledge, Attitude And Preventive Behavior Towards Toxoplasmosis Among Kuwaiti Women With/Without Pregnancy Experience: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Toxoplasmosis is caused by an obligate intracellular opportunistic protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, with a worldwide distribution. T. gondii infection among pregnant women during the first trimester may transmit infection to the fetus with serious congenital consequences. No data is available on knowledge, attitude and preventive behavior towards toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Kuwait. This cross-sectional study evaluated knowledge, attitude, and preventive behavior towards toxoplasmosis among women in Kuwait, and reviewed the situation in the Middle east.Methods: Data related to socioeconomic status, knowledge and attitude towards toxoplasmosis were collected from 326 adult female school/university students, and 86 pregnant women through a self-administered online questionnaire during 2019-2021. Participants were divided into two main groups: women with pregnancy experience (PEG) and never-pregnant group (NPG). Results: PEG (n=212) included 114 currently pregnant and 98 women with history of an earlier pregnancy. NPG included 200 subjects. All participants belonged to a medium-to-high social status and minimum high school education. Nearly 50% of PEG women had inadequate knowledge towards toxoplasma infection, and only 33 (15.6%) knew its mode of transmission compared to 35 (17.5%) in the NPG (P=0.597). A significantly higher number of women in PEG (97 of 212, 45.8%) knew it can be prevented compared to 66 of 200 (33%) in NPG (P= 0.008). Only 35 (16.5%) of PEG women knew about screening tests for toxoplasma infection, and their main source of information on toxoplasmosis was healthcare professionals and family/friends compared with NPG women who got information through newspapers/books. PEG Women exhibited enhanced preventive behavior towards toxoplasmosis. Nearly 50% of all PEG participants lacked basic knowledge towards toxoplasmosis but >90% of them avoided most high-risk activities during their pregnancy. In addition, this is the first study in the Middle east conducted through an online survey to collect relevant information related to toxoplasmosis from pregnant women. Conclusions: This study highlights inadequate knowledge and preventive behavior towards toxoplasmosis among Kuwaiti women. Thus, health education on toxoplasmosis should be offered to all adult/pregnant women to reduce congenital toxoplasmosis.