Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local firms spillovers from multinationals’ exports in Switzerland

This paper aims to examine how local firms can learn from the export activities of large multinational corporations (MNCs). Arguing that MNCs’ export activities could act as catalysts for local firms, allowing them to start exporting or intensify their export volume, we hypothesize that the size and extent of export spillovers depend on the linkage between local firms and MNCs, the geographical distance between them in the home country, and the foreign export market destination in terms of psychic distance from the home market. Using Swiss manufacturing firm-level data, we found support to this learning by exporting effect through which local firms benefit from the presence of MNCs’ exporter counterparts and the export activities of their upstream MNCs’ suppliers, with particular effects of the nature and the physical location of destinations. From these findings, several important academic and practical implications are exhibited and discussed
Potential Therapeutic Effects of Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 on Alzheimer’s Disease Pathologies in AppNL-G-F Mice

We previously demonstrated that orally supplemented Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 (B. breve MCC1274) mitigated Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathologies in both 7-month-old AppNL-G-F mice and wild-type mice; thus, B. breve MCC1274 supplementation might potentially prevent the progression of AD. However, the possibility of using this probiotic as a treatment for AD remains unclear. Thus, we investigated the potential therapeutic effects of this probiotic on AD using 17-month-old AppNL-G-F mice with memory deficits and amyloid beta saturation in the brain. B. breve MCC1274 supplementation ameliorated memory impairment via an amyloid-cascade-independent pathway. It reduced hippocampal and cortical levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase as well as heat shock protein 90, which might have suppressed tau hyperphosphorylation and chronic stress. Moreover, B. breve MCC1274 supplementation increased hippocampal synaptic protein levels and upregulated neuronal activity. Thus, B. breve MCC1274 supplementation may alleviate cognitive dysfunction by reducing chronic stress and tau hyperphosphorylation, thereby enhancing both synaptic density and neuronal activity in 17-month-old AppNL-G-F mice. Overall, this study suggests that B. breve MCC1274 has anti-AD effects and can be used as a potential treatment for AD.
Roots and Nutrient Distribution under Drip Irrigation and Yield of Faba Bean and Onion

Drip irrigation proved to efficiently provide irrigation water and nutrients to the roots of plants, while maintaining high yield production. This research was established to study the root and nutrient distribution under drip irrigation. Faba bean and onion plants were cultivated in the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture of Suez Canal University in Ismailia city with the application of normal fertilizers to soil. The data showed that soil moisture content in the soil planted with faba bean increased with the horizontal distance between drippers, contrariwise moisture content decreased with horizontal distance with the soil planted with onion. The data showed the vertical distribution of root length, root length density and specific root length of faba bean and onion decreased with increasing soil depth. The data showed that ammonium and nitrate pattern at the soil planted with the both plants increased between drippers and laterals. The peak concentration was recorded 35 mg/kg at 60 - 80 cm soil depth for faba bean and onion, indicating that the NO3-N leaching was low by drip irrigation. Available phosphorus was higher at the surface layer than the subsurface layer at the soil planted with faba bean and onion. Available potassium tended to move both horizontally and downward under drip irrigation.
Promoting Nutrition and Food Sustainability Knowledge in Apprentice Chefs: An Intervention Study at The School of Italian Culinary Arts—ALMA

Chefs’ decisions can greatly improve the quality of food provided and positively guide diners’ choices. Culinary students’ knowledge of healthy and sustainable nutrition is still scarcely investigated and is limited to the nutritional aspect of the diet, without considering food sustainability or the environmental impact of foods. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of an educational program designed for apprentice chefs. Two questionnaires were administered twice to each student who followed dedicated lectures about nutrition and food sustainability and to other students enrolled as the control group. A total of 264 and 252 apprentice chefs of The School of Italian Culinary Arts—ALMA were enrolled in the control and intervention groups, respectively. At baseline, both groups showed a good level of nutrition knowledge, whereas food sustainability knowledge was lower in all students, regardless of the group. This educational intervention proved to be effective in improving knowledge about nutrition and the environmental impact of food production and consumption. However, a small but significant improvement in nutritional knowledge was also found over time in the control group. Finally, a food sustainability knowledge questionnaire was developed and validated for this study, providing interesting results to be treated as a guide for future developments.
Protective Antioxidant Effects of N-acetylcysteine on Testicular Tissue and Serum Testosterone in Paranonylphenol-Treated Mice (A Stereological Analysis)

Paranonilphenol (p-NP) is an environmental pollutant that affects the male reproductive system through induction of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant against impairment of testicular tissue caused by p-NP. In this study, 24 adult male NMRI mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=6 each groups): 1-Control, 2- p-NP (250 mg/kg/day), 3-NAC (150 mg/kg/day) and 4-p-NP+NAC. After 35 days of orally treatment a significant decrease in the diameter (P<0.01), germinal epithelium height (P<0.04), basement membrane thickness and volume of seminiferous tubules (P<0.02) and as well as a significant decrease in serum testosterone level (P<0.04) were observed. Also a significant decrease in the count of sertoli (P<0.04), leydig (P<0.02), spermatogonia (P<0.04), spermatocyte (P<0.04), round and long spermatid (P<0.02) cells in the p-NP group compared to other group were observed. In the p-NP group, atrophy, edema, reduction in lumens sperm density and vacuoled were observed. While in this group a significant increase in the interstitial tissue volume (p<0.01), level of testis MDA (p<0.01) and count of the positive-TUNEL cells (p<0.01) in the seminiferous tubules were observed. NAC can significantly compensate the parameters mentioned above in NAC +p-NP group compared to the p-NP group. The findings of this study showed that NAC, as a potent antioxidant, can compensate the adverse effects of p-NP on testicular tissue.
Profile and Predictors of Psychological Manifestations of COVID-19 among Adults in Selected Communities of Southwest Nigeria

Background: The Corona Virus Disease-2019 caused by the virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus - 2 resulted in a global public health problem. Various strategies and interventions were implemented to contain the spread around the world. Despite this, the pandemic persisted with fear and anxiety leading to worsening psychological state. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the profile and predictors of psychological manifestations of COVID-19 among adults in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select adults aged 18 years and above. A pre-tested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23 was used for data analysis and spatial mapping. Level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: More than a tenth (15.3%) of the respondents had experienced severe psychological manifestations due to COVID-19. Younger age (p<0.001), higher level of education (p<0.001), higher monthly income (p=0.013), smaller household size (p=0.001), working in the hospital environment (p=0.001), and rural residence (p=0.005) were significantly associated with psychological manifestations due to COVID-19. Younger age (p=0.030), tertiary education (p=0.020), rural location (p<0.001) and working in the hospital environment (p=0.021) were significant predictors of severe psychological manifestations due to COVID-19. Conclusion: Psychological manifestations due to COVID-19 was high among the study population and this cuts across socio-demographic and socio-economic groups. Awareness campaigns by the Ekiti State government and other relevant stakeholders could help to reduce this in the population
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Chestnut and Quebracho Tannin Supplementation on Neonatal Diarrhoea in Preweaning Calves

Neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD) poses a significant health challenge in cattle herds, resulting in considerable economic losses and antimicrobial use. In response to the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance, viable alternatives are imperative, aligning with European policies. This study evaluated the in-milk supplementation of the chestnut and quebracho tannin extract in preweaning calves on performance, diarrhoea occurrence, Cryptosporidium spp. shedding, protein digestibility, and intestinal health. Twenty newborn calves were divided, after colostrum administration, into two experimental groups for 30 days as follows: the control (CTRL) was fed with whole milk and solid feed, and tannins (TAN) were fed whole milk supplemented with 6/g day of tannin extract and solid feed. Faecal samples were collected on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 30 for the evaluation of Cryptosporidium oocyst shedding and protein digestibility. Faecal consistency was evaluated during the sampling using the faecal score scale (0–3 scale, considering diarrhoea > 1). The results showed a significant reduction in diarrhoea frequency in the TAN compared to the CTRL group (p < 0.05) over 30 days of the trial. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was generally low (12%), considering all analysed samples. Protein digestibility revealed comparable values for the TAN and CTRL groups, suggesting that tannins did not negatively affect milk protein availability. In conclusion, the in-milk supplementation of 6/g day of the chestnut and quebracho tannin extract could be considered a valuable functional feed additive to decrease NCD occurrence, thus supporting animal health and decreasing antibiotic use in livestock.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Intention to Recommend RSV Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Cardiologists and Cardiac Nurses in Southern Italy

As respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine distribution gains traction in Europe and Italy, healthcare workers (HCWs) can strategize about vaccine promotion to increase uptake among patients at risk of RSV consequences, such cardiac patients. This cross-sectional survey investigated the knowledge about and attitude towards RSV and RSV vaccines, and the intention to recommend vaccination within a cardiological hospital in Italy. To explore factors associated with the outcomes of interest, multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Of 197 invited HCWs, 78.2% returned the survey. The knowledge about market authorisation for new RSV vaccines for older adults (present in 46.9% of respondents) was significantly associated with the HCWs’ age, education, and previous update on vaccinations. HCWs with a higher educational level and those with a positive attitude towards RSV vaccines safety reported a higher attitude towards the importance of vaccinating people at risk. The willingness of recommending RSV vaccination to patients (70.5% of respondents) was more likely in HCWs who were knowledgeable about market authorisation for RSV vaccines and in physicians. This tempestive research sheds light on current factors influencing the strategies of cardiac HCWs regarding RSV vaccination. The results suggest the need for training events on the protective role of RSV vaccination in cardiac patients.
Young adults’ views on the mechanisms underpinning the impact of pets on symptoms of anxiety and depression

Introduction Emerging adulthood is considered a peak age for the onset of mental health difficulties with approximately 75% of mental health disorders being diagnosed during this developmental period. Companion animals confer both risk and benefits to mental health yet the potential underpinning mechanisms which explain such impacts are not fully understood. This study aimed to gather an in-depth understanding of young adults’ lived experience of how their companion dogs and cats may impact their mental health symptoms and the perceived mechanisms which explain their effects. Methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 16 young adults aged 18-26 years, from the United Kingdom, who either had a companion dog, cat, or both. All participants had difficulties with anxiety and or depression, and 12 had received a formal diagnosis of an affective disorder. Results Five overarching themes and one subtheme were identified through reflexive thematic analysis using an inductive approach: Theme 1: Pet impact on generalized anxiety and panic, Subtheme 1A: Pet impact on social anxiety and loneliness; Theme 2: Pet impact on low mood, depression, and stress; Theme 3: Pet impact on severe mental health and suicide prevention; Theme 4: Staying well; Theme 5: Positive outlook and successful futures. Several perceived mechanisms underpinning the impacts of pets for mental health were also identified. Discussion These findings have relevance for the development and evaluation of mental health interventions and treatment protocols aimed at young adults with mental health difficulties, where companion animals may prove to be effective for symptom management and improvements in positive wellbeing.
A Laboratory Experiment on beach profile evolution induced by two wave conditions dominated in the Haeundae Coast of Korea

ABSTRACT Choi, J.; Roh, M. , and Kim, Y.T. , 2016. A Laboratory Experiment on beach profile evolution induced by two wave conditions dominated in the Haeundae Coast of Korea. In: Vila-Concejo, A. ; Bruce, E. ; Kennedy, D.M. , and McCarroll, R.J. (eds.), Proceedings of the 14th International Coastal Symposium (Sydney, Australia). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 75, pp. 1327 - 1331. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. A laboratory experiment was performed by using the scaled-down conditions (i.e., 1/10) of the two dominant waves (i.e, a storm wave and a normal wave) obtained from the statistical analysis of wave data measured at the Haeundae coast during 3 years. The storm and normal waves did alternately evolve the beach profile from a constant slope and each of the wave conditions was maintained to reach its quasi-equilibrium state. The observation was conducted in the surf zone and the swash zone during the alternation of the 1-hr storm-erosion condition and the 2-hr normal-accretive condition. The storm-erosion condition generated the longshore bar-crest and trough and the steep berm, and the normal-accretion condition reduced the bar and trough. The subsequent quasi-equilibrium beach profile was reasonably agreed to the beach profile of the Haeundae beach.
Step-wise Sensitivity Analysis: Identifying Partially Distributed Representations for Interpretable Deep Learning

We introduce a novel framework for interpreting Deep Neural Networks (DNN) classification decisions that constructs a dependency graph between the relevant neurons across the network to enhance the understanding of the interactions between DNN’s internal features. For instance, class-specific dependency graphs share subgraphs across 10 classes, which can cluster the classes into semantically related groups. We propose to use these subgraphs to identify partially-distributed representations. Further, a class-specific dependency graph can compress a suboptimal DNN in half into a binary classifier for that class. Our work enables the building of more sophisticated techniques that are capable of translating blackbox DNNs into interpretable decision trees. Such capabilities would empower DNN developers to address incorrect predictions through informed architectural and design choices.
Respiratory symptoms from particulate air pollution related to vehicle traffic in Amman, Jordan

The most air-polluted area in Jordan is Amman city. Total suspended particulate (TSP) and particulate matter 10μm (PM10) in the city mainly originate from motor vehicle sources. The study respondents were 598 residents (cross-sectional comparative study); they were selected using a two-stage simple random sampling method from two study locations with different magnitude of air pollution as high and low air pollution area. Data on respiratory symptoms were collected through (ATS-DLD-78-A). The findings indicate that TSP and PM10 were still significantly correlated with traffic count even after controlling for meteorological parameters (p
Sibling Violence and Bullying Behaviors in Peers: The Mediational Role of Self-Esteem

In the context of the existing research on families, sibling violence is a less explored area. However, it has seemingly received more attention recently, and it can assume a relevant role in understanding the maladaptive behavior of youngsters and bullying. Additionally, adolescents involved in bullying and self-esteem are associated with disruptive violence inside the family context. This study’s sample consisted of 286 students, aged between 12 and 17 years, from both sexes. This study intends to explore the association between sibling violence and bullying behavior in peers and the mediator effect of self-esteem. The measures for data collection were a demographic questionnaire, the Social Exclusion and School Violence Questionnaire, The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (Portuguese version for siblings), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The results show a negative effect between negotiation in the sibling relationship (victimization) and social exclusion and verbal aggression related to bullying behavior. Self-esteem represents a total and negative mediator in this connection. Our results also show a variety of indirect outcomes amongst the negotiation dimension, psychological aggression and injury between siblings, and the social exclusion and verbal aggression dimensions (on the aggression and victimization scales). The results will be discussed according to the attachment theory but considering the importance of affective bonds with siblings as a predisposing factor to an adaptive development course.
Ecological studies of the cyclorrhaphous flies under urban and suburban environments in Tokyo and a neighbouring city

Community structure and ecological distribution of flies (Diptera, Cyclorrhapha) attracted to putrid fiesh traps in the urban and suburban areas in Tokyo were studied from January 1990 to November 1992. Trapping sites were classified into eight types, and 179 species of fiies belonging to twenty four families were collected. The trapping site similarities were clustered by Pianka's a index. Composition rate of 47 dominant species in each trapping site was analyzed.
An Assessment of Cadmium Removal from Simulated Waste Water Using Leftover Biomass of Water Hyacinth Immobilized via Emericella nidulans

Aims: To study Cadmium removal from simulated waste water using water hyacinth biomass immobilized with Emericella nidulans . Place and Duration of Study: Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar. June 2012 and July 2013. Methodology: The spent biomass left after enzyme production was immobilized with Emericella nidulans and dried at 50°C. Furthermore, the dried biomass was utilized for the removal of heavy metals i.e. cadmium, chromium, copper and nickel. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied for screening and optimization of process parameters for heavy metal removal. Results: Previously, production of enzyme from cellulosic biomass was done with the help of Original Research Article fungus Emericella nidulans using solid state fermentation method. In the present study, the leftover water hyacinth biomass was further assessed to be used as biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals. To accomplish the same, four heavy metals viz. cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu) were screened out. It was revealed that the removal efficiency was maximum for Cd, followed by Cu, Ni and Cr, respectively. Percent removal was 97.2, 96.3, 95 and 94.6 for Cd, Cu, Ni and Cr, respectively. Furthermore, different process parameters were optimized using one factor at a time and box behnken design (BBD) of RSM. From the optimization studies it was concluded that removal efficiency was maximum at 40°C and pH 6. Optimum values of initial metal concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time were found to be 118 mg/L, 1% and 142 min. Conclusion: The spent biomass immobilized with Emericella nidulans left after enzyme production effectively removes cadmium from simulated waste water.
Fungal succession on senescent leaves of Castanopsis diversifolia in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Thailand

Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, 136 Xuanthuy, Caugiay, Hanoi, Vietnam Mushroom Research Centre, 128 Bahn Phadeng, Papae, Maetaeng, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand Landcare Research, Private Bag 92170, Auckland, New Zealand Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Tasud, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand International Fungal Research & Development Centre, The Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Balongsi, Kunming 650224, PR China
Stock Assessment and Management of Tenualosa ilisha in Bangladesh

The stock assessment of Tenualosa ilisha of Bangladesh water is studied using length based analysis to evaluate growth parameters, mortality rates, exploitation rate, maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and the corresponding fishing pressure. The study reveals that the fishery is harvested at a higher level than the optimum fishing pressure. This fishing pressure may be reduced near to 1.76/yr i.e., 21.08% from the present level of 2.23/yr, to obtain an average MSY of 1,65,271 t.
Multisite bias correction of precipitation data from regional climate models

The characteristics of precipitation in regional climate model simulations deviate considerably from those of the observed data; therefore, bias correction is a standard part of most climate change impact assessment studies. The standard approach is that the corrections are calibrated and applied separately for individual spatial points and meteorological variables. For this reason, the correlation and covariance structures of the observed and corrected data differ, although the individual observed and corrected data sets correspond well in their statistical indicators. This inconsistency may affect impact studies using corrected simulations.