Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical and perceptual cushioning sensitivity based on mechanical running shoe properties

Abstract Mechanical shoe properties impact running biomechanics, triggering subjective shoe perception. Regarding midsole hardness little is known about the minimal mechanical alteration needed to change running biomechanics and perception. Three ethylene-vinyl acetate midsoles differing in rearfoot hardness (47, 53, 57 Asker C), and peak rearfoot impact acceleration (11.65, 12.40, 12.96 g), were used to create experimental shoe conditions (softer, medium, harder), featuring differing peak rearfoot impact accelerations (12.83, 13.49, 13.95 g) when measured with insoles. Twenty-five male rearfoot runners ran on a concrete loop, while capturing ground reaction forces and lower extremity kinematics of eight valid right foot ground contacts in each shoe. Perception of shoe cushioning and shoe rebound was also assessed during these runs using a 15 cm visual analogue scale. Variable magnitude means were compared for main effects (p < 0.05) by repeated measures analysis of variance, Bonferroni post-hoc tests, and effect size estimation (ηp2). No lower limb kinematic effects were induced by the shoes. Kinetically the softer shoe significantly reduced maximal vertical loading rate 1 compared to the medium and harder shoe (131.28 to 138.40 and 139.54 bw/s). Runners significantly perceived the difference in shoe cushioning between the softer and harder shoe (6.32 to 8.06 cm). For the running shoe model in this research a difference in mechanical peak impact acceleration of 0.66 g was sufficient to elicit different biomechanical loading. To elicit different cushioning perception a mechanical difference of 1.12 g was sufficient, resulting in a maximal vertical loading rate 1 difference of 8.26 bw/s. Knowing a shoe model’s biomechanical and perceptual sensitivity to mechanical alteration allows better informed design, development, and manufacturing decisions.
Negative Social Ties: Prevalence and Consequences

Recent decades have seen a surge of interest in negative ties and the negative aspects of social relationships. Researchers in different fields have studied negative ties and their consequences for various individual outcomes, including health and well-being, social status in schools and other organizations, and job performance and satisfaction, but they have mainly done so in disconnect. The result is a dearth of theoretization, manifested in a multitude of concepts and measures, that has made synthesis difficult and left numerous questions unanswered. By critically assessing these literatures, this review maps unresolved issues and identifies important lacunae in current investigations of negative ties. It is organized around three key issues: What are negative ties? How prevalent are they and where do they come from? And what are their consequences? The review concludes by proposing an agenda for future research.
Fostering Financial Inclusion in a Developing Country: Predicting User Acceptance of Mobile Wallets in Cameroon

Financial inclusion is a vital development priority for countries worldwide. Mobile wallet (m-wallet) is considered as a disruptive payment method that will substitute the traditional physical wallet to achieve the so-called cashless society and enables financial inclusion. This study aims at developing and testing a research model that integrates a set of technology factors (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, fun to use, monetary value), external factors (peer influence and perceived status benefit), and cultural factors (humane orientation and societal collectivism) to assess the intention to adopt and use m-wallet, for financial inclusion, in a developing country. The proposed conceptual model is tested using data collected from 621 m-wallet users in Cameroon. The model explains 47.5% of the variance of the actual use of m-wallet and 32.90% of the variance of financial inclusion. Eight out of the 10 proposed hypotheses were supported. Finally, implications for research and practice are discussed.
Lifestyle of Generation Y in Thailand’s Rural Society

The research aimed to analyze the component of lifestyle of generation Y and explore factors affecting the lifestyle of generation Y in Thailand’s rural society. Data were collected by questionnaire from 393 samples who are generation Y (18 to 37 years old in 2018) and lived in rural areas of Thailand, that were the communities in service areas of the graduate volunteer students, Class 49, Thammasat University. In this study, data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, factor analysis by employing principal component analysis and multiple regression analysis (Enter Method). The results showed that in each lifestyle; activities, interests and opinions of generation Y can be classified into 9 groups and factors affecting the lifestyle of generation Y in Thailand’s modern rural society were age, marital status, education level, income adequacy, the membership of a group or organization in the community, affected by state policy, the impact of modern development and using social media. These variables could predict the lifestyle of generation Y in Thailand’s modern rural society at 31.5% at the . 05 level of significance.
Information Technology/Systems Adoption in the Public Sector: Evidence From the Illinois Department of Transportation

State government has been moving from manual and paper-based processes to digital services. However, digital divide, declining trust in technology, and low IT/IS adoption rates by public sector employees are important challenges for successful delivery of e-government services to citizens. Previous studies in the area of IT/IS adoption and e-government have mainly focused on citizens. This paper examines IT/IS adoption by employees rather than citizens and the focus is on non-market environment and state government agencies. A research model has been proposed based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and technology acceptance model (TAM) which has been extended to include digital divide related constructs and trust in technology. To test the proposed model, a survey was conducted among early adopters of Office 365 at Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in Springfield and Chicago. The paper contributes to research on IT/IS adoption in public sector. The findings also provide insightful design and practical implications for successful IT/IS deployment in public sector.
Alkali treatment of fungal pretreated wheat straw for bioethanol production

Abstract Bioconversion of lignocellulosic materials into ethanol requires an intermediate pretreatment step for conditioning biomass. Sugar yields from wheat straw were previously improved by the addition of a mild alkali pretreatment step before bioconversion by the white-rot fungus Irpex lacteus. In this work, an alternative alkaline treatment, which significantly reduces water consumption, was implemented and optimized. Sugar recovery increased 117% with respect to the previously developed alkaline wash process at optimal process conditions (30°C, 30 minutes and 35.7% (w/w) of NaOH). In order to further reduce operational costs, a system for alkali recycling was implemented. This resulted in the treatment of 150% more wheat straw using the same amount of NaOH. Finally, enzymatic hydrolysis was optimized and resulted in a reduction of enzyme dose of 33%.
Pharmacokinetic Study of Ethambutol and Amikacin in Rat Lung Tissue Detected by UPLC-MS Method

Lower drug concentrations at tuberculosis (TB) infection sites may result in drug resistance. Understanding the tissue penetration of anti-TB drugs will offer new clues for optimizing drug dose. In this work, we performed pharmacokinetic study of ethambutol (EMB) and amikacin (AMK) in rat lung. Herein, a total of 160 rats were randomized to 16 time points, including before dosing (0h), and after dosing 0.25, 0.33, 0.5, 0.67, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 8.0, 9.0, 12.0, 16.0 and 24.0h. The drug doses were 90mg/kg intragastric administration for EMB, and 0.20mg/kg intramuscular injection for AMK. The lung homogenate was precipitated with 15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA), diluted with 20% acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid and 2% heptafluorobutyric acid. The compounds were detected by UPLC-MS/MS. The linear range detected by UPLC-MS/MS was from 10 to 5000 ng/mL (r 2 ≥ 0.99) for both drugs. The maximum tissue concentrations (C max ) were 39890 and 13855ng/mL at 2.25h for EMB and 0.40h for AMK, respectively. The terminal elimination half-life (t1/2 z ) was approximately of 3.43h and 14.56h, respectively. Their estimated tissue penetration ratios were 107% for EMB and 0.1% for AMK. In conclusion, in this work, a simple UPLC-MS method was developed to perform PK study of EMB and AMK in rat model. Although it is animal PK study, our work might provide a reference for the lung lesion concentration in TB patients. It is necessary to pay attention to AMK usage in severe pulmonary tuberculosis due to its low penetration. Pharmacokinetic Study of Ethambutol and Amikacin in Rat Lung Tissue Detected by UPLC-MS Method.
Audit Committee Attributes, Audit Quality, and Financial Reporting Quality: Evidence from the GCC Stock Markets

The main objective of this study is to empirically investigate whether the audit committee (AC) attributes and the quality of external auditor are associated with financial reporting quality (FRQ) of companies listed on the gulf cooperation council (GCC) countries’ stock markets. To achieve the study’s objectives, data was collected from a sample of 115 companies from four GCC countries during the period from 2017-2019 that represents 345 firm-year observations. Five hypotheses were tested, FRQ as dependent variable was regressed with five independent variables. For measuring the FRQ, the author adopted the qualitative approach using checklist developed by Beest, et al. 2009 sponsored by Nijmegen Center for Economics (NiCE) with limited modification based on the new amendments of IASB conceptual framework in 2018. The study findings reveal that the level of FRQ on the study sample averaged 63% while the minimum and the maximum valued 40% and 86% respectively. The findings indicate that FRQ are positively and significantly associated with the four AC attributes and quality of external auditor so, all hypotheses are accepted, which infer that FRQ will be enhanced if a company formed AC having, bigger size, more independence, financial experience, meetings frequently, and hiring high quality external auditor. The findings of this study have wide implications to all stakeholders especially, investors, creditors, auditors, management, in addition to stock markets regulators and standard-sitting bodies for the role of AC attributes and external auditor on improving FRQ
Effect of Benzothiadiazole and Methyl Jasmonate on the Volatile Compound Composition of Vitis vinifera L. Monastrell Grapes and Wines

Benzothiadiazole and methyl jasmonate have been described as exogenous elicitors of some plant defence compounds. The objective of this study was to determine whether the application of benzothiadiazole and methyl jasmonate to Vitis vinifera L. Monastrell grape clusters at the beginning of the ripening process affects the synthesis of volatile compounds in grapes (as has been observed in other fruits) and whether this effect has a technological significance in the resulting wines. Results indicated that both treatments increased the levels of volatile compounds in grapes, especially terpenes and norisoprenoids in benzothiadiazole-treated grapes. The wines obtained from the treated grapes also showed higher levels of terpene and norisoprenoids. Wines from methyl jasmonate-treated grapes had levels of these volatile compounds almost two times higher than the wines made from control grapes. These differences in the volatile compound levels could be sensorially detected.
The influence of pistia powder (Pistia stratiotes L.) in ration on the performance index and red blood cell profile of male Magelang duck

The research aims at studying the influence of pistia powder ( Pistia stratiotes L. ) as feed material on the performance index and red blood cell profile of male Magelang duck. The materials used were 100 heads of 4-week old male Magelang duck. The treatments were: T0 (basal), pistia powder in T1, T2 and T3 of ration for male Magelang duck at 6%, 12% and 18%. The parameters observed were Performance Index (PI), number of erythrocytes, amount of hemoglobin, hematocrit level, MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume), MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) and MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration). The research results showed that using pistia powder up to 18% significantly (P≤0.05) increased performance index (PI) and generally insignificantly (P>0.05) influenced the number of erythrocytes, amount of hemoglobin, hematocrit level, MCV and MCHC, but significantly decreased (P<0.05) MCH . The research concludes that pistia powder may be used up to 18% in ration to increase the performance index without influencing the red blood cell profile of male Magelang duck.
Processing Characterization of Sisal/Epoxy Prepregs

: Quality control to obtain composite laminates is frequently applied to synthetic fibers/epoxy prepregs. The gel time test, resin, volatiles and fiber content, drape measurement and tack tests together with water absorption capacity are methods currently employed. However, for natural fibers prepregs there is a gap in the literature, which makes their application difficult. Thus this work will investigate sisal fibers, which have low cost, high biodegradability and low specific weight, following the common methods to manufacture composites from natural fibers/epoxy prepregs. First, the prepregs were prepared by hand lay-up, aligning the fibers with epoxy, keeping 15% by weight content of fiber. After the quality control characterization, 3 mm thickness composite was prepared by using a press, and tensile tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied. As a result, the resin fraction values and the solid content of the matrix showed little variation between the different samples. The natural fibers prepregs absorbed water quickly in the initial stage until reaching the saturation level. The NaOH-treated sisal/epoxy prepreg had a tension of 71.06 ± 8.28 kPa for the tack test and tensile strength of 69.24 ± 11.69 MPa. Finally, the NaOH-treated sisal 15 wt%/epoxy resulted in composites with a better performance than the neat epoxy resin. There was good adhesion between the fibers and matrix, as confirmed by SEM and mechanical tests.
Theoretical Approach to the Study of Thiophene-Based Discotic Systems As Organic Semiconductors

The main parameters that control charge transport at the molecular level have been studied for a series of columnar mesophase, thiophene-based discotic systems at semiempirical and DFT levels using different approximations, i.e., the dimer model and isolated molecule calculations. Charge carrier mobility was estimated through the charge transfer constant evaluated according to the semiclassical Marcus theory and compared to that obtained for a reference compound, i.e., triphenylene derivative. A set of different density functionals has been essayed in order to search for general patterns for charge transport related properties. In summary, only the compound with four thiophene rings, RO-TetraT, shows a significant increase in p character in comparison to the triphenylene derivative.
Calyceal Diverticulum: A Case Report

Calyceal diverticulums are often benign and asymptomatic. On the other hand, some interventions are necessary in several symptoms. Radiological imaging is performed to made dianoses, but somehow can pose misinterpretation of radiological imaging results and mistreatment from the urologist. To present a case of a calyceal diverticulum treated with open diverticulectomy. This study reported a case of a calyceal diverticulum in a 30-year-old man with an almost 1-month history of left flank pain. The patient undergone several imaging diagnostics, before finally diagnosed calyceal diverticulum with a stone inside it. The patient had underwent open diverticulectomy. Initially, cystoscopy and insertion of Double J Stent (DJ Stent) were done, and then using the lumbotomy approach the incision that had been made. This case demonstrated the use of imaging combined with urologist interpretation and surgical management which was successfully treated the patient’s clinical problems.
Extraction of Trace Amounts Copper (II) Using Octadecyl Silica Membrane Disks Modified Isocyanate-Treated GOs (iGOs)

A number of functionalized graphite oxides were prepared by treatment of graphite oxide (GO) with organic isocyanates. A simple and reproducible method for the rapid extraction and determination of trace amounts of copper (II) ions using octadecyl-bonded silica membrane disks modified by isocyanate-treated GOs (iGOs) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry is presented. The method is based on complex formation on the surface of the ENVI-18 DISK disks followed by stripping of the retained species by minimum amounts of appropriate organic solvents. The elution is efficient and quantitative. The effect of potential interfering ions, pH, ligand amount, stripping solvent, and sample flow rate were also investigated. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the break-through volume was found to about 1000mL providing a preconcentration factor of 500. The maximum capacity of the disks was found to be 389± 4 μg for Cu.The limit of detection of the proposed method is 5ng per 1000mL.The method was applied to the extraction and recovery of copper in different water samples.
Political Connection, Corporate Governance, and Firm Value: Indonesian Evidence

The article aims to examine the effect of political connections and corporate governance on firm value. Political connections are measured by (1) government share ownership, (2) politically connected president commissioners, and (3) politically connected independent commissioners. Meanwhile, Tobin’s Q represents firm value. Seventeen government-owned firms and 17 private firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2013 to 2017 were used as samples, with a total of 170 firms over five years of observation. Results of Moderated regression analysis indicate that government ownership positively affects firm value in all three models. It indicates that companies whose shares are directly owned by the central government (state-owned companies) are likely to increase company value. Politically connected president commissioners and politically connected independent commissioners are likely to enhance corporate value. Corporate governance practices stand-alone do not influence firm value; however, when the variable interacts with politically related independent commissioners, corporate governance also increases firm value significant at 5 per cent level. Meanwhile, the interaction between corporate governance and the politically connected independent commissioner positively affect corporate value. The result indicates that corporate governance is a pure moderating variable that strengthens the positive association between politically related independent commissioners and firm value. This study provides evidence regarding politically connected independent commissioners' role in enhancing firm value in a country where corruption is remaining high, and the law enforcement of property right is weak.
Competitive factors between local and foreign national small business retailers in South Africa: The case of Cape Town’s Townships

This paper is based on the study that sought to identify the core competitive factors that differentiate foreign national small business retailers from local South African small business retailers in the way they operate their small retailing businesses. Primary research was conducted in two of Cape Town’s (South Africa) townships, Delft and Eindhoven. The population of the study comprised two groups, namely, South African and foreign national small business retailers operating grocery retailer stores. The first group consisted of 55 South African small business retailers while the second group consisted of 75 migrant small business retailers. A random sample was targeted from each group and the quantitative research methodology was used in this study using a structured questionnaire with close-ended questions. The results showed growth of foreign national retailers and decline in the number of the local retailers in the two townships. The study showed that migrant retailers have a competitive edge over local retailers. The study also revealed that most local traders have a lower level of education compared to their migrant trader counterparts. Furthermore, the study revealed that most of local small business retailers have never had a business finance mentor in their entire trading life. The study revealed that there is a need for a targeted funding model for potential and current local small business retailers. The study proposes a three-stage business intervention model to assist South African small business retailers to become more competitive in township retailing environments. Corresponding author: Maphelo Malgas Email addresses for the corresponding author: Malgasma@cput.ac. za; Maphelo.Malgas@gmail.com The first submission received: 3rd March 2021 Revised submission received: 13th April 2021 Accepted: 19th April 202
Hospital Management Information System Usefulness in The Health Services Industry at Indonesia: Mandatory or Voluntary?

This study aiming to obtain empirical evidence of usefulness, ease of use, Computer Self-Efficacy (CSE), and intend to use towards Actual Technology Use (ATU) as an issue of high complexity of healthcare organizations services. We use causality explanatory research for hypothesis testing with quantitative approach as methods. Data were analyzed by Path Analysis. Result is Perceived Usefulness (PU) had positive effect on Behavioral Intention to Use (BITU). Perceive Ease of Use (PEOU) had significant positive effect on ATU. The Conclusion is BITU is an intervening variable that can mediate the effect of PU toward ATU. These findings suggested that there is mandatory behavior toward users to apply Hospital Management Information System (HMIS).
Did they stay or did they go: The role of intention behind re-migration behaviour

In terms of re-migration among international migrants, knowledge of how intention relates to actual behaviour remains scarce, as intention and behaviour are largely separated in the literature. In this paper we examine the extent to which intentions might predict actual behaviour, compare their main determinants, and analyse what factors are related to the realization (or not) of re-migration intentions. The data is comprised of a unique linkage of survey data on foreign-born individuals’ future mobility intentions, combined with prospective, high-quality register data from Sweden. Our findings show that intention is a poor proxy of re-migration behaviour, especially after a long time at the destination. Whilst social and economic destination country attachments are relevant for explaining both intention and behaviour, origin country ties are mostly related to re-migration intentions. Moreover, we show that realizing intentions of both staying and leaving the destination country is hindered by unemployment and economic difficulties.