Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The consequences of work-family conflict in families on the behavior of the child

The balancing act between work and family life can be a challenge that affects both the parents and other members of a family. This study investigates the effect of a parent’s experience of work-family conflict on the behavior of the child. Parental well-being and parenting act as mediators, as previous studies have suggested that this relationship does not run directly. Data from 969 children in the Pairfam database were analyzed using structural equation modelling. The results reveal that both directions of work-family conflict (WIF and FIW) have a negative impact on parental well-being, and only the specific negative spillover from family to work (FIW) influencing parenting performance. In addition, although good levels of well-being and adequate parenting have a positive influence on the behavior of children, the specific spillover effects from work responsibilities to the family (WIF) are apparently unrelated to parenting.
Data‐driven robust backstepping control of unmanned surface vehicles

In this article, a novel data‐driven robust backstepping control (DRBC) approach for tracking of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) with uncertainties and unknown parametric dynamics has been developed. Main contributions are fourfold: (a) Unlike previous approaches, within the DRBC scheme, backstepping decoupled technique and data‐driven sliding‐mode control (DSMC) can be effectively cohered. (b) Using backstepping philosophy, a new data‐driven PI‐type sliding‐mode surface is devised, such that strong robustness with simple structure can be ensured. (c) Complex unknowns including couplings, uncertainties and parametric dynamics are sufficiently lumped, and are totally compensated by the extended state observer. (d) The entire DRBC scheme eventually achieves accurate tracking of USVs with strong couplings, uncertainties and unknown parametric dynamics. The efficacy and superiority of the proposed DRBC approach is validated on a prototype USV.
Urban sprawl measurement with use of VMT pattern: A longitudinal method in case of Famagusta

Article history: Received 15 November 2019 Received in revised form 3 February 2020 Accepted 5 February 2020 The sprawl as a result of rapid population growth appears when the city expands unplanned in the form of low-density development. The urban sprawl increase auto-dependency and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) because sprawl is a single-use and low-density development. Therefore, measuring urban sprawl is vital, since planners get the benefit of this measurement to curb future unplanned developments. The current study aims to measure sprawl with the VMT pattern. Accordingly, the non-traffic method provides a practical solution for estimating the annual VMT in the case of Famagusta. Secondly, the build-density calculated using GoogleTM Earth and Geographical Information System. Finally, the VMT will be coupling with build-density for measuring the urban sprawl. The current study in compared to the similar kinds has the following advantages: a) current method can be performed in case of developing countries; b) this method is independent of traffic odometers, high-resolution census data, and land-use maps; and c) current method able to measuring the urban sprawl together with pattern of accessibility.
Effect of Magnetic Water on Semen Quality, Blood Constituents, Antioxidant Capacity and Immunity of Rabbit Bucks

This study sought to evaluate the effects of receiving magnetized water on reproductive performance, blood constituents, antioxidant capacity and immunity of rabbit bucks. Sexually mature NZW bucks were (n=30) were allotted into 3 groups (10/group). Bucks in the first group received natural drinking water (NW, G1), while bucks in the second and third groups were received magnetic water (MW, 1500 and 3000 Gauss) for 30 days pre-semen collection, respectively. Semen was collected twice/week for 2 months. Reaction time (RT), and blood constituents, testosterone, antioxidants and immunity status were determined at the last collection week. Semen was evaluated and sperm outputs/ejaculate were calculated. Results showed the RT reduced (P<0.05) and testosterone increased (P<0.05) in MW groups. Red blood cells and packed cell volume, percentage of neutrophils and eosinophils, total proteins, albumin, globulin, high density lipoproteins, total antioxidant capacity and antibody titer increased, while white blood cells and percentages of lymphocytes, monocytes and acidophils, urea, creatinine, total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, malondialdehyde and lysozyme decreased (P<0.05) in MW groups. Treatment of MW improved (P<0.05) semen quality, litter size at birth and at weaning, bunny and litter weights at birth and at weaning. In conclusion, magnetizing water with 1500 Gauss for drinking rabbit bucks (30 days pre-semen collection) lead to significant improvement in water characteristics and antioxidant capacity, immunity, semen quality and fertility of rabbit bucks.
The Efficiency of Industrial and Laboratory Anaerobic Digesters of Organic Substrates: The Use of the Biochemical Methane Potential Correction Coefficient

This study is an elaboration on the conference article written by the same authors, which presented the results of laboratory tests on the biogas efficiency of the following substrates: maize silage (MS), pig manure (PM), potato waste (PW), and sugar beet pulp (SB). This article presents methane yields from the same substrates, but also on a technical scale. Apart from that, it presents an original methodology of defining the Biochemical Methane Potential Correction Coefficient (BMPCC) based on the calculation of biomass conversion on an industrial scale and on a laboratory scale. The BMPCC was introduced as a tool to enable uncomplicated verification of the operation of a biogas plant to increase its efficiency and prevent undesirable losses. The estimated BMPCC values showed that the volume of methane produced in the laboratory was overestimated in comparison to the amount of methane obtained under technical conditions. There were differences observed for each substrate. They ranged from 4.7% to 17.19% for MS, from 1.14% to 23.58% for PM, from 9.5% to 13.69% for PW, and from 9.06% to 14.31% for SB. The BMPCC enables estimation of biomass under fermentation on an industrial scale, as compared with laboratory conditions.
A study on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with schizophrenia at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Background: Vitamin D is considered a neurosteroid hormone which can impact brain development and normal brain function, as well as inflammatory and immunological process. Several risk factors of schizophrenia such as season of birth, latitude and migration are linked to vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with schizophrenia and investigate relationship between vitamin D levels and schizophrenia.Objective: To study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients with schizophrenia at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study, data were collected from schizophrenic patients at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Questionnaire on personal data and sun exposure, assessment of psychological illness based on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale in Thai version (PANSS-T) were obtained and blood 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25 (OH) D) levels were analyzed. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was assessed and presented in frequency and percentage, Chi-square test was used to identify factors contributing to vitamin D levels. Pearson’s correlation was used to identify factors relating to vitamin D levels. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to assess the relationship between vitamin D levels and PANSS-T score. Multiple linear regression analysiswas used to identify factors predicting vitamin D levels.Results: There were 88 subjects who participated in this research project: mean age of 40.8 10.8 years old; 62.5% male; mean vitamin D level of 21.53 8.568 ng/ml. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is 45.5% - mean PANSS-T score of 45.56 9.56. Based on the correlation analysis, vitamin D levels are negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r = - 0248, P = 0.017). Vitamin D levels are not related to PANSS-T scores. In addition, Factors predicting vitamin D levels are BMI, sex and duration of illness (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The study reveals that 45.5% of schizophrenic patients treated at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital had vitamin D deficiency. There is a negative correlation between vitamin D levels and BMI, sex and duration of illness. Factors predicting vitamin D levels are BMI, sex and duration of illness. The study demonstratesno relationship between vitamin D levels and PANSS-T score.
Toward an Understanding of the Formation and Desolvation of Methanol Solvate, and Structure of Methanolysis Product: A Case Study of Nicosulfuron

Nicosulfuron (NS) is a widely used sulfonylurea herbicide because of its high selectivity, broad spectrum of herbicide activity, and excellent performance. In this work, nicosulfuron methanol solvate (NS-MeOH) and [[3-[(Dimethylamino)carbonyl]-2-pyridinyl]sulfonyl]carbamic acid methyl ester (PCM) as a product of methanolysis of NS were obtained. Both of their structures were determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction. A broad range of analytical techniques was applied to characterize the NS-MeOH, such as Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and hot stage microscopy (HSM). Combined with the analysis of the Independent gradient model (IGM), Atom-in-molecules (AIM), and Hirshfeld surface (HS), direct insights into the role of solvent played in the formation of NS-MeOH and the mechanism of solid-to-solid phase transformation of NS-MeOH could be obtained. In addition, the aqueous solubility of NS was improved through the formation of NS-MeOH. A systematic investigation of herbicidal activity of NS and PCM was carried out. It was found that NS and NS-MeOH had similar herbicidal activities at the experimental concentrations while PCM exhibited significantly lower activity. It was suggested that methanolysis of the sulfonylurea bridge in the NS molecule exerted a great influence on the herbicidal activity.
Leaf life span of a fast- and a slow-growing grass as dependent on nitrogen supply

The differences in relative growth rate of inherently fast- and slow-growing plants have been related to differences in specific leaf area (SLA, mm 2 mg -1 ). The low SLA of slow-growing plants is assumed to be linked to a high leaf longevity, which is advantageous in low-productive environments. To test these predictions two forage grasses with differing relative growth rate, Lolium perenne and Festuca rubra, were grown under high and low nitrogen supply. Differences in relative growth rate between the species could be attributed to a 1.8 fold higher SLA of L. perenne compared to F rubra, while the net assimilation rate and the leaf weight ratio were slightly higher for F rubra, both under high and low nitrogen supply. The leaf life span of F rubra was higher than that of L. perenne, but the extent of difference between the species was strongly influenced by nitrogen supply. Under high nitrogen supply, leaf life span of F. rubra was 6.4 days longer than that of L. perenne, whereas under low nitrogen supply the difference was only 1.8 days. It is concluded, that the influence of nitrogen supply on leaf life span should be taken into account in interspecific comparisons of fast- and slow-growing plant species.
Effect of Dietary Methylseleninic Acid and Se-Methylselenocysteine on Carcinogen-Induced, Androgen-Promoted Prostate Carcinogenesis in Rats

Abstract Selenomethionine (SeMet) did not prevent prostate cancer in the SELECT trial and in two hormone-driven rat models. However, we have shown that daily oral bolus administration of next-generation selenium forms, methylseleninic acid (MSeA) and Se-methylselenocysteine (MSeC) at 3 mg Se/kg body weight, inhibits prostate carcinogenesis in the TRAMP and pten-deficient mouse models and In Vivo growth of human prostate cancer cells. Here, we determined whether these Se forms prevent prostate cancer in a chemically induced-androgen promoted carcinogenesis rat model in which SeMet was not preventive. WU rats were treated with methylnitrosourea, and one week later, slow-release testosterone implants when they were randomized to groups fed AIN-93M diet supplemented with 3 ppm selenium as MSeA or MSeC or control diet. Mean survival, tumor incidence in all accessory sex glands combined (dorsolateral and anterior prostate plus seminal vesicle) and the incidence of tumors confined to dorsolateral and/or anterior prostate were not statistically significantly different among the groups. Thus, MSeA and MSeC feeding was not preventive in this model. The contrast with the inhibitory effects of MSeA and MSeC in mouse models may be due to differences in carcinogenic mechanisms, selenium dosage, delivery mode, and pharmacokinetics or fundamental rat-mouse differences in selenium metabolism.
Price Gap Anomaly in the US Stock Market: The Whole Story

This paper analyses the price gap anomaly in the US stock market (comprised of the DJI, S&P 500 and NASDAQ) covering the period 1928 to 2018. This paper aims to investigate whether or not price gaps create market inefficiencies. Price gaps occur when the current day’s opening price is different from the previous day’s closing price due orders placed before the opening of the market. Several hypotheses are tested using various statistical tests (Student’s t-test, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney test), regression analysis, and special methods, that is, the modified cumulative returns and the trading simulation approaches. We find strong evidence in favour of abnormal price movements after price gaps. We observe that during a gap day prices tend to change in the direction of the gap. A trading strategy based on this anomaly was efficient in that its results were not random, indicating that this market was not efficient. The momentum effect was found to be temporary and no evidence of seasonality in price gaps was found. Lastly, our results were also contrary to the myth that price gaps tend to get filled.
Sustainable Economic Growth Based on R&D Amplification and Technological Content of Exports. Evidences from Romania and The V4 Economies

A vast body of literature recognizes the importance of exports as a driver of economic growth. The increasing share of more sophisticated exports gave birth to the idea that the composition of exports, and not just exports per se, could be crucial for economic dynamics. The aim of this paper was to estimate the relative importance of exports with different technological content on economic growth in Romania and V4 economies, considering R&D (Research and Development) expenditure as a predictor of the pattern of these exports. We used a panel analysis on a data set covering the period of 1995–2017 for Romania and V4 economies. The overall results outline significant differences among selected countries in terms of how the composition of exports influenced economic growth in selected countries. In addition, significant differences were found among selected countries in how R&D expenditure influenced the composition of exports. This paper has clearly shown that the composition of exports has different effects on economic growth in selected countries, mostly explainable by country-specific factors. At the same time, the R&D activity, as the main input in the innovation process, can determine the pattern of the structure of exports. The conclusions of such research could become useful tools in shaping macroeconomic policies focused on sustained growth and long-term economic development, especially in countries concerned about improving their status in the global value chain.
Assessment of Prevalence and Risk Factors for Intestinal Parasitosis, Malnutrition, and Anemia among School Children in Ghindae Area, Eritrea

Background Research studies on determination of risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections and related malnutrition and anemia in various tropical areas are necessary for appropriate preventive resource allocation and cost effective control. This study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitosis, malnutrition, and anemia amongst elementary and junior school students in Ghindae area, Eritrea. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 schools around Ghindae from February to April 2018. 460 children were selected randomly for analysis and consent was taken from guardians. The pertinent sociodemographic data was collected using a pretested questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were carried out to determine the proportion of students with malnutrition, stunting, and thinness. Fecal samples were examined by formal-ether concentration technique, and blood specimen was collected and analyzed for the assessment of hemoglobin using Hemocue analyzers. The association between predictors and outcome variables were measured with a stepwise logistic regression model. Result The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 45.3%. Protozoan infections (38.2%) were more prevalent than soil-transmitted helminthic infections (10.4%). The presence of different intestinal parasitic infections had statistically significant association with the residence area, hand washing habits, source of drinking water, and type of latrine used. The prevalence of malnutrition was 36.9% with 18.5% stunting and 21.2% thinness. Students of rural areas had 2.03 times more odds of having malnutrition. The current prevalence of anemia was 12.4%, out of which 7.6% had mild anemia while 4.4% of them had moderate anemia and 0.4% were severely anemic. Conclusion The prevalence of parasitic infection among school-age children in Ghindae area was high. Unsafe drinking water sources from streams and springs were among the core problems for increased prevalence along with decreased awareness on personal hygienic and sanitation practices. Undernutrition was widely prevalent among students in Ghindae area. Height for age and BMI for age scores of all participants were found to be below the WHO growth standards. Malnutrition was in higher prevalence in rural areas outside Ghindae, which is attributed to two times higher odds than their counterparts. The magnitude of anemia found in this study is considered a mild public health problem.
Stress Response in Both of Laparoscopic and Open Cholecystectomy in Dogs (An Experimental Study)

This study was conducted to compare the serum level of Cortisol and Interleukin-6 (Stress Response) on eighteen clinically healthy mongrel male dogs of different ages (1-2 years old) with body weight ranged between 17-25 kg. Dogs were classified into two main groups open cholecystectomy and laparoscopic one. Anesthesia and postoperative management were identical in both groups. Serum level of cortisol was evaluated as a marker to assess surgical trauma and pain where it was measured before the operation (time 0) to obtain base line value and at 4 hours postoperatively. In addition, serum level of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was evaluated also before the operation and at 4 and 24 hours after the surgery as a marker for the degree of systemic reaction to wide range of trauma. There was a significant (P < 0.05) lower concentration of serum cortisol in the laparoscopic group at four hours postoperatively than in the open surgery group. Serum levels of IL-6 during laparoscopic cholecystectomy were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that during open cholecystectomy at 4 and 24 hrs postoperatively. The current study concluded that the laparoscopic cholecystectomy with small skin incisions with the avoidance of open laparotomy and excessive manipulation of tissues, can minimize surgical stress and provide more favorable postoperative conditions for dogs. This indicated that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is more recommendable than traditional open cholecystectomy.
Prozac for Depressed States? Effect of Mood on Local Economic Recessions

This paper examines whether people's mood and optimism affects economic activity. We consider two sets of exogenous proxies for optimism that are unrelated to the economic environment: (i) weather (average temperature and cloud cover) and (ii) sports and political optimism. We show that economic recessions are weaker, expansions are stronger, and the economic recovery is faster in U.S. states where local individuals are more optimistic. Further, local optimism has a stronger impact on state-level business cycles of smaller states and regions with low levels of risk sharing. In contrast, the incremental effects of local optimism are weaker in states where people are younger, more educated and sophisticated, and socially more connected. States with larger concentration of minority and urban population also exhibit lower sensitivity to variations in mood and optimism. Alternative explanations based on state's industrial composition, tax environment, migration, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), oil shocks, and direct economic impact of weather cannot explain these findings.
Identification of priority areas for landscape connectivity maintenance in the Xingu Area of Endemism in Brazilian Amazonia

Forest fragmentation has been intense in the eastern Amazon region, which has negatively affected wildlife populations. The speed of deforestation in this region underscores the urgent need to understand the effects of such changes on populations of endemic species, and to implement measures for ecosystem conservation. We analyzed the extent to which fragmented forests are still connected in the Xingu Area of Endemism, in the eastern Brazilian Amazon, and assigned conservation priority to fragments most important for connectivity maintenance. We structurally classified the Xingu landscape using the Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis and ranked each fragment according to its importance using an Index of Connectivity. Our data revealed important differences in conservation potential across the region. Although most of the study area already receives some degree of protection, future conservation actions should prioritize the connection of habitat fragments to maximize dispersal potential and minimize genetic isolation of biodiversity components. We produced a map of prioritary areas for connectivity maximization. These areas include fragments with large core areas and high-quality fragments that provide connection among habitats which, together, should maintain crucial corridors for gene flow in a biologically-rich region of the Amazon.