Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing Business Model Performance Using Scalability and Replicability as Performance Indicators: A Case of an Electric Commercial Vehicle Ecosystem

In recent decades, the concept of a business model (BM) has attracted much attention as a strategic tool for understanding firm competitiveness. As organizations face increasing complexities and uncertainties, assessing performance of BMs has become increasingly important for understanding how firms can leverage their strengths, address weaknesses, and adapt to changing industry dynamics. However, assessing BMs’ performance presents inherent challenges due to multifaceted dimensions and quantification complexities, as well as the absence of well-defined and appropriate performance indicators. This study thus responds to the recent calls for research on assessing BMs’ performance by proposing an assessment framework using two BM outcomes, scalability and replicability, as potential performance indicators. Using an electric commercial vehicle (ECV) ecosystem as a case study, we employ an assessment framework, exploring the determinants of scalability and replicability in ECV BMs, which are then categorized as technical, economic (or business-oriented), and regulatory. This article contributes to the emerging BM literature by proposing scalability and replicability as two performance indicators for a comprehensive understanding of BM performance. It further illuminates both concepts of scalability and replicability, concluding with practical implications for managers designing scalable and replicable BMs.
Building Nursing Students’ Confidence through the Integration of Night-Shift Clinical

Background. With a shortage of clinical placements, nursing faculty, and a growing nursing shortage, alternate clinical placements and experiences must be explored. Traditionally, students have been placed on day shifts, leading to competitive and saturated units with limited ability to participate in care and translate the knowledge they have acquired in the clinical setting. This study examined the satisfaction and confidence of students on both day- and night-shift clinical placements. Methods. A comparative quasiexperimental study was conducted using a modified version of the National League of Nursing’s Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning tool to compare students’ satisfaction and confidence in 40 students who participated in day- and night-shift medical-surgical clinical rotations. This was examined using statistics for each of the survey’s 12 questions. Results. One of the questions related to overall confidence with the clinical experience had higher means in the night-shift clinical group than the day-shift clinical group but was not statistically significant. The remainder of the questions related to confidence with the clinical demonstrated no statistical difference between the groups. There was no statistical difference between the groups for any questions related to satisfaction. Conclusion. Nursing programs should consider supplementing night-shift clinical as an alternative to day-shift clinical.
Differential responses of selectively bred mussels (Perna canaliculus) to heat stress—survival, immunology, gene expression and microbiome diversity

New Zealand’s green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is an ecologically and economically important species. Marine heatwaves are increasing in frequency around NZ’s coastline, and these events are correlated with increased stress and mortality of some aquaculture species. This study aimed to identify general biomarkers of heat stress in P. canaliculus and to assess whether responses differed between genetically distinct selectively bred mussels. We exposed three families of selectively bred mussels (families A, B and C) to three seawater temperature regimes in the laboratory: 1) a “control” treatment (ambient 12°C), 2) a 26°C heat challenge with a subsequent recovery period, and 3) a sustained 26°C heat challenge with no recovery. We investigated whether the survival, immune response (hemocyte concentration and viability, oxidative stress and total antioxidant capacity), hemocyte gene expression and gill microbiome differed between the families during the temperature challenges. In the sustained heat-stress treatment, family A had the highest survival rate (42% compared with 25% and 5% for families C and B, respectively). Gene expression levels significantly shifted during thermal stress and differed between families, with family A more dissimilar than families B and C. Family C had substantially more genes impacted by temperature treatment and timepoint than the other families, while family B had very little genes/pathways that responded to thermal stress. Genes related to heat shock proteins and immune responses (e.g., AIF1, CTSC, TOLL8, CASP9, FNTA, AHCY, CRYAB, PPIF) were upregulated in all families during heat stress. Microbiome species-richness differed between families before and during heat-stress, with family A having a distinctly different microbiome flora than the other families. Microbial diversity changed similarly in all families exposed to prolonged heat-stress, with species of Vibrio and Campylobacter increasing in these mussels. Our study highlights the use of non-lethal sampling of hemocytes as a diagnostic tool to explore the immune response and gene expression of selectively bred mussels, to predict their response to ocean warming. This approach can identify potential thermotolerant candidates for further selective breeding, which may increase the resilience of the mussel aquaculture industry in a warming ocean.
Activity and distribution of the mushroom phorid fly, Megaselia halterata, in and around commercial mushroom farms

The mushroom phorid fly, Megaselia halterata (Wood) (Diptera: Phoridae), is a key pest in mushroom farming in most parts of the world. Studies on the mushroom phorid fly have focused on its life history within mushroom growing houses, but little is known about the fly's activity outside mushroom growing houses. In this study, daily activity and distribution of adult M. halterata in the areas surrounding mushroom growing houses was studied using yellow sticky traps. Results suggest that M. halterata focuses its flight activity over turf areas rather than windbreaks and spent compost piles, possibly for mating purposes. Our study found no evidence of M. halterata breeding in turf areas surrounding mushroom growing houses. In addition, flight activity is highest in the afternoon until midnight at higher temperatures, yet at lower temperatures activity ceases after sunset. Establishing temperature and daylight thresholds for M. halterata flight activity may be useful in developing integrated pest management (IPM) tactics for this species. The most successful IPM tool that mushroom growers use at present is fly exclusion. Exclusion can be improved by focusing farm operations around temperature and daylight thresholds when fly activity is at its lowest.
Microbiological quality assessment of milk and its fermented derivatives produced in the Sfax region, Tunisia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial quality and safety of milk and its derivatives in the Sfax area, Tunisia. Two hundred and forty samples of ultra-high temperature sterilized milk (UHT) and pasteurized milk, and its derivatives (yoghurt, fermented milk, cheese, and butter), collected from in-dustrial sale sites and traditional small-scale dairy processing units, were microbiologically analysed and the results compared to the European commission (EC, 2004) maximum limits. All the UHT steri-lized milks analysed were free of microbial contamination and packaging-stable. However, pasteurized milk by thermal treatment at 63 °C for 30 min showed that 41 and 13% of samples were contaminated with total microbial count (TMC) and Escherichia coli. In the analysed samples, total and faecal coliform bacteria (TC and FC) counts exceeded the EU limits in 17 and 9% of industrial yoghurts; 85 and 54% of traditional yoghurts, and 57 and 29% of traditional butters, respectively. Furthermore, all studied fermented milks (Lben and Raieb) exceeded the EU coliform limits. Considering the traditional soft cheese made with pasteurized milk, 61% of the analysed samples respected EU limits in TC except one sample contaminated with both of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes detection showed that only one pasteurized milk sample was contaminated by L. mon-ocytogenes, without any Salmonella detection. Traditional producers must implement good manufac-turing practices and hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) to ensure integral safety and quality of dairy products.
TESTING FOR MULTIPLE BUBBLES: HISTORICAL EPISODES OF EXUBERANCE AND COLLAPSE IN THE S&P 500 By

Recent work on econometric detection mechanisms has shown the effectiveness of recursive procedures in identifying and dating financial bubbles. These procedures are useful as warning alerts in surveillance strategies conducted by central banks and fiscal regulators with real time data. Use of these methods over long historical periods presents a more serious econometric challenge due to the complexity of the nonlinear structure and break mechanisms that are inherent in multiple bubble phenomena within the same sample period. To meet this challenge the present paper develops a new recursive flexible window method that is better suited for practical implementation with long historical time series. The method is a generalized version of the sup ADF test of Phillips, Wu and Yu (2011, PWY) and delivers a consistent date-stamping strategy for the origination and termination of multiple bubbles. Simulations show that the test significantly improves discriminatory power and leads to distinct power gains when multiple bubbles occur. An empirical application of the methodology is conducted on S&P 500 stock market data over a long historical period from January 1871 to December 2010. The new approach successfully identifies the well-known historical episodes of exuberance and collapse over this period, whereas the strategy of PWY and a related CUSUM dating procedure locate far fewer episodes in the same sample range.
Fiscal Unions

We study cross-country insurance in a currency union with nominal price and wage rigidities. We provide two results that build the case for the creation of a fiscal union within a currency union. First, we show that, if financial markets are incomplete, the value of gaining access to any given level of insurance is greater for countries that are members of a currency union. Second, we show that, even if financial markets are complete, private insurance is inefficiently low. A role emerges for government intervention in macro insurance to both guarantee its existence and to influence its operation. The efficient insurance arrangement can be implemented by contingent transfers within a fiscal union. The benefits of such a fiscal union are larger, the bigger the asymmetric shocks affecting the members of the currency union, the more persistent these shocks, and the less open the member economies.
International Prices, Costs, and Markup Differences

Relative cross-border retail prices, in a common currency, comove closely with the nominal exchange rate. Using product-level prices and wholesale costs from a grocery chain operating in the United States and Canada, we decompose this variation into relative costs and markup components. The high correlation of nominal and real exchange rates is driven mainly by changes in relative costs. National borders segment markets. Retail prices respond to changes in costs in neighboring stores within the same country but not across the border. Prices have a median discontinuous change of 24 percent at the border and 0 percent at state boundaries. (JEL F31, L11, L81)
Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of the Essential Oils Derived from Artemisia Annua Against the Red Flour Beetle

Tribolium casteneum is the most resistant stored grains pest causing more than 40% grains loss per year. Replacement of the conventional fumigants with an eco-friendly alternative seemed an intelligent move to control the pest which has inclined global research towards the efficacy of pesticidal plants. In the race of finding a better insecticidal candidate, we focused on to the chemical composition of the essential oils (EO) derived with polar and non-polar solvents from Artemisia annua and their possible bioactivity against the pest species. GC-MS analyses of Chloroform and n-Hexane derived EOs showed the dominance of Oxygenated Sesquiterpene in the extract. Adults were found more vulnerable to n-Hexane EO (LD50= 0.71 mg adultˉ1) than to chloroform derived EO (LD50= 0.97 mg adultˉ1) in contact toxicity assays. In the fumigant bioassay both the adults and larvae were found susceptible towards n-Hexane EO with LD50 0.66 & 0.53 mg L airˉ1 respectively. Evaluation of the biomolecular profile of adults and larvae at their lethal doses to understand the molecular mechanism underlying oxidative stress has shown significant downfall (p˂0.01) in the activities of protein, AChE, GST, GSH whereas up regulation of LPO was distinctly marked. The basic knowledge of employing potential solvent in eluting EOs of A. annua would prove to be an efficient environmental friendly management tool against T. casteneum.
Preoperative Vitamin D and Calcium Administration in Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract Objective This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess whether preoperative administration of calcium and vitamin D prevents postoperative hypocalcemia. Data Sources A computerized search in Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL databases was performed. Review Methods Trials comparing preoperative calcium and vitamin D administration with either placebo or nothing were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcomes were the occurrence of laboratory hypocalcemia, mean postoperative calcium level, and symptomatic hypocalcemia. The secondary outcomes were the development of permanent hypoparathyroidism and length of hospitalization. Continuous outcomes were represented as standardized mean difference (SMD), and dichotomous outcomes were represented as risk ratio (RR). Results Nine trials that enrolled 1079 patients were found eligible. Postoperative laboratory hypocalcemia occurred less in patients who received preoperative calcium and vitamin D, but it was not statistically significant (RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60‐1.00; P = .05). Mean postoperative calcium level was significantly higher in the intervention group (SMD = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.07‐0.12; P < .00001). The number of patients with symptomatic hypocalcemia was significantly lower in the intervention group (RR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.38‐0.76; P = .0005). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism and length of hospitalization. Conclusion Administration of calcium and vitamin D preoperatively achieves lower rates of postthyroidectomy symptomatic hypocalcemia in comparison with no intervention.
Lemierre-like syndrome after soft tissue infection due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A case report and literature review

Rationale: Lemierre-like syndrome (LLS) is characterized by bacteremia, septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, and metastatic abscesses. In contrast to classic Lemierre syndrome, sources of infection are not related to oropharyngeal infections, as are frequent soft tissue infections. In recent years, Staphylococcus aureus has been identified as an emergent pathogen that causes this syndrome. The mortality rate of LLS caused by this pathogen is approximately 16%. Timely diagnosis, antibiotic treatment, and infection control are the cornerstones to treat LLS. Anticoagulant therapy as adjuvant treatment remains controversial. Patient concerns: A 31-year-old woman from California, United States (US), was admitted to the emergency room with a history of 2 days of fever and severe throbbing pain in the left cervical region. Thorax and neck CT tomography revealed confluent cavities suggestive of septic embolism in the lungs and a filiform thrombus in the lumen of the left internal jugular vein, with moderate swelling of the soft and muscular tissues. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated from the blood culture. Diagnosis: The thrombus in the internal jugular vein associated with cellulitis in the neck and multiple cavitary lesions in the lungs support the diagnosis of LLS caused by MRSA with septic embolization. Interventions: During treatment, the patient received vancomycin IV for 25 days and returned to the US with linezolid orally. In addition, assisted video-thoracoscopy and bilateral mini-thoracotomy with pleural decortication were performed for infectious source control, where 1700cc of purulent pleural fluid was drained. Outcomes: The patient was discharged with optimal evolution. Lessons: LLS should be suspected in patients with skin and soft tissue infections who develop thrombosis or metastatic infections. MRSA infections should be considered in patients from areas where this pathogen is prevalent.
Plio-Pleistocene fossils from Femur Dump, Bolt's Farm, Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site

Bolt's Farm is a fossiliferous area in the Cradle of Humankind (Gauteng, South Africa), adjacent the well-known hominid sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans and Kromdraai. One particular site on Bolt's Farm has been named 'Femur Dump', located in 2001 during exploratory fieldwork of the HOPE (Human Origins and Past Environments) programme, associated with the HOPE Research Unit (HRU). Femur Dump is possibly the dump of Pit 23 discovered by the Californian African Expedition led by C. Camp between 1947 and 1948. Femur Dump has yielded an important collection of primate and felid remains, similar to those recovered from Pit 23, but new taxa such as hyaenids and tortoises have also been discovered. As was suggested by Cooke (1991), the site was probably a death trap in which faunal remains accumulated. Numerous microfaunal remains as well as macrofaunal fossils have been discovered. Our results confirm a date of between 1.5 and 2 Mya for the deposit, and suggest a mosaic environment and the proximity of water.
Simultaneous species detection and discovery with environmental DNA metabarcoding: A freshwater mollusk case study

Abstract Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling is a powerful tool for rapidly characterizing biodiversity patterns for specious, cryptic taxa with incomplete taxonomies. One such group that are also of high conservation concern are North American freshwater gastropods. In particular, springsnails of the genus Pyrgulopsis (Family: Hydrobiidae) are prevalent throughout the western United States where >140 species have been described. Many of the described species are narrow endemics known from a single spring or locality, and it is believed that there are likely many additional species which have yet to be described. The distribution of these species across the landscape is of interest because habitat loss and degradation, climate change, groundwater mining, and pollution have resulted in springsnail imperilment rates as high as 92%. Determining distributions with conventional sampling methods is limited by the fact that these snails are often <5 mm in length with few distinguishing morphological characters, making them both difficult to detect and to identify. We developed an eDNA metabarcoding protocol that is both inexpensive and capable of rapid, accurate detection of all known Pyrgulopsis species. When compared with conventional collection techniques, our pipeline consistently resulted in detection at sites previously known to contain Pyrgulopsis springsnails and at a cost per site that is likely to be substantially less than the conventional sampling and individual barcoding that has been done historically. Additionally, because our method uses eDNA extracted from filtered water, it is non‐destructive and suitable for the detection of endangered species where “no take” restrictions may be in effect. This effort represents both a tool which is immediately applicable to taxa of high conservation concern across western North America and a case study in the broader application of eDNA sampling for landscape assessments of cryptic taxa of conservation concern.
Effects of microhabitat features on the intraspecific variability of the distribution and functional traits in a highest elevational distributed lizard

Abstract Exploring the microhabitat determinants of organisms distribution and functional traits differences can help us better understand the importance of intraspecific variations in ecological niches. Investigations on animals functional niche primarily focused on differences among species and tended to neglect the potential variability within species, despite the fact that the ecological and evolutionary importance of intraspecific variations was widely recognized. In this study, we examined the influence of microhabitat features on the intraspecific variability of the distribution and functional traits of a highest elevational distributed lizard species Phrynocephalus erythrurus. To do so, field work was conducted between July and August, 2020 and August and September, 2021 in Namtso watershed in central Xizang, China. Specifically, 11 transects were sampled for P. erythrurus individuals, which were measured for a set of 10 morphological traits. Moreover, 11 microhabitat variables that potentially affect the distribution of lizards were also measured for each transect. Our results indicated that juveniles, males, and females exhibited different functional traits, allowing them to occupy distinct functional space. The distribution of juveniles, males, and females was determined by different microhabitat variables such as illuminance and air temperature. More importantly, these variables also determined the intraspecific functional traits variability in this lizard species. All of these results supported previous claims that intraspecific traits variation should be incorporated into functional ecological studies, and diverse microhabitat features should be conserved to maintain high intraspecific diversity. Future studies can focus on the food analysis to explore the linkage between functional traits and resources utilization within animal populations.
Effects of hip abductor with external rotator strengthening versus proprioceptive training on pain and functions in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Strengthening the hip muscles, particularly the abductors and rotators, has been reported beneficial for treating Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Proprioceptive training (PT) is also shown to improve musculoskeletal pain and function in PFPS. The most appropriate treatment from these 2 is unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of hip abductors and external rotator strengthening exercises along with conventional physical therapy (CPT) vs the proprioceptive training of the knee along with CPT in patients with PFPS. Methods: Forty-five participants were divided into 3 groups, experimental group 1 (EG 1), experimental group 2 (EG 2), and control group (CG), with fifteen participants in each group. EG 1 received hip abductor and external rotator strengthening exercises in addition to CPT. EG 2 received proprioceptive training and CPT. CG received CPT alone. Intervention programs lasted for 4 weeks. The pain was measured by Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS). The study was registered retrospectively in the protocol registration and results system (clinicaltrials.gov, ID: NCT05698797 on 26/01/2023). Results: AKPS scores significantly (P < .001) improved in all 3 groups. A significant (P < .05) difference was also observed between all 3 groups. The greatest improvement was observed in EG 1, followed by EG 2 and CG. Conclusion: The addition of hip abductor and external rotator strengthening exercises to a 4-week CPT program showed a more significant improvement in AKPS scores than the addition of proprioceptive training in patients with PFPS.