Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information Literacy as a Predictor of Work Performance: The Mediating Role of Lifelong Learning and Creativity

This study examined the effect of information literacy (IL) on work performance with mediating role of lifelong learning and creativity among journalists in Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted in the press clubs of four provinces (e.g., Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Baluchistan) and the federal capital Islamabad for data collection. The received 1084 responses were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results indicated that IL of journalists had a direct and indirect but positive influence on their work performance. The lifelong learning and creativity skills also mediated the relationship between IL and work performance. This study provided empirical evidence for how IL directly influence work performance and indirectly with the mediated role of lifelong learning and creativity. These pragmatic insights may inform academicians and enterprises about the IL importance at workplace for enhancement of organizational performance and achieving a competitive advantage. Such results may also initiate an instruction program for existing as well as for prospective journalists to impart IL education. This study could be a worthy contribution to the existing IL research in the workplace context in general and of journalists’ workplace in particular as no such study has appeared so far.
Management of Rat Lungworm Disease (Neuroangiostrongyliasis) Using Anthelmintics: Recent Updates and Recommendations

While there have been legitimate concerns in the past regarding the use of anthelmintics for the management of neuroangiostrongyliasis (rat lungworm disease), recent studies demonstrate that they can be considered safe and efficacious, particularly albendazole, which is regarded as the choice anthelmintic for its management. However, physician hesitancy to prescribe, as well as problems of availability persist, at least in Hawaii, which is considered the epicenter of this disease in the US. As a result, many patients suffer a diminished quality of life or even death. Here, we discuss recent studies that provide insights into new treatments and preventative interventions, which can be more rigorously used for the management of neuroangiostrongyliasis. In summary, results from recent studies suggest that albendazole and avermectins are beneficial for post-exposure management, pyrantel pamoate is beneficial as a post-exposure prophylactic, and levamisole is deserving of further study for the treatment of neuroangiostrongyliasis.
Immunogenetic Predisposition to SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Simple Summary Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2020, numerous data with respect to the influence of immunogenetics on the predisposition to and severity of infection have been reported worldwide (PubMed; n = 228; 6 November 2022). Immunogenetics play a pivotal role in infection, vaccination, its failures, and/or vaccination breakthrough. Factors including the major histocompatibility complex and the common ABO blood group system have been discussed. Herein, we describe the association of HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DRB345, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1, DPB1, and HLA-E, F, G, and H on the results of molecular detection of COVID-19, or, in some cases, on antibody detection upon first testing. Furthermore, we molecularly defined 22 blood group systems comprising 26 genes and 5 platelet antigen genes. Herein, 37% tested COVID-19 negative while 63% tested positive by PCR. Within the negative subjects, HLA-B*57:01, HLA-B*55:01, DRB1*13:01, and DRB1*01:01, were enriched, and in the positive group, homozygosity for DQA/DQB, DRB1*09:01, and DRB1*15:01 was observed. For HLA-DQA1, we observed an enrichment for DQA1*01:01, DQA1*02:01, and DQA1*01:03. For HLA-DQB1, we found that HLA-DQB1*06:02 was enriched in the positive group, while HLA-DQB1*05:01 and HLA-DQB1*06:03 were enriched in the negative group. The homozygous platelet antigen HPA-1a was significantly enriched in the negative group, contrasting with the HPA-1ab, which was enriched in the COVID-19 infected group. Abstract Herein, we included 527 individuals from two Hospitals, Chemnitz and University-Hospital Leipzig. In total, 199 were negative for PCR and 328 were positive upon first admission. We used next generation sequencing for HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DRB345, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1, and DPB1, and in some cases, HLA-E, F, G, and H. Furthermore, we molecularly defined 22 blood group systems comprising 26 genes and 5 platelet antigen genes. We observed a significant enrichment of homozygosity for DQA/DQB in the positive group. Within the negative subjects, HLA-B*57:01, HLA-B*55:01, DRB1*13:01, and DRB1*01:01 were enriched, and in the positive group, homozygosity for DQA/DQB, DRB1*09:01, and DRB1*15:01 was observed. DQA1*01:01, DQA1*02:01, and DQA1*01:03 were enriched in the negative group. HLA-DQB1*06:02 was enriched in the positive group, and HLA-DQB1*05:01 and HLA-DQB1*06:03 were enriched in the negative group. For the blood group systems MNS, RH, LE, FY, JK, YT, DO, and KN, enrichment was seen in both groups, depending on the antigen under observation. Homozygosity for D-positive RHD alleles, as well as the phenotypes M-N+ of the MNS blood group system and Yk(a-) of the KN system, were enriched in the positive group. All of these significances disappeared upon correction. Subjects who carried homozygous HPA-1a were more frequent in the negative group, contrasting with the finding that HPA-1ab was enriched in the positive group.
Magnetic structure of Er6Fe23

Analyses of neutron powder diffraction data for Er6Fe23 at several temperatures are described. We find that the Er and Fe moments are essentially collinear throughout the ordered temperature regime, in contrast to other Er‐transition metal systems. Our results are compatible with molecular field theory analyses of the Er6Fe23 magnetization.
Assessing the Flow Reduction of Low Impact Development Controls in a Residential Setting

The widespread development in recent years has resulted in the expansion of impervious surfaces, allowing runoff to accumulate and cause flooding issues. To reduce the impacts of runoff accumulation, the concept of low impact development (LID) has been adopted to restore the hydrological balance of urbanized areas. The objective of this study was to assess the flow reduction of the LID combinations in a residential park in Cavite, Philippines using Stormwater Management Model (SWMM). The 90th percentile of historical rainfall from the years 1975-2019 was used in the assessment. The bioretention (BR), infiltration trench (IT), and permeable pavement (PP) LID controls, which captured 43%, 42%, and 14% of the park area respectively, were selected for implementation alongside their different combinations. Results of this study have shown that most LID scenarios reached their maximum reduction capability once it takes up around 20-40% of the total available area. The highest reduction, at around 90%, was attained by the BR+IT+PP scenario. The use of the PP scenario, however, only yielded a 20% flow reduction due to its small capture area. Implementing LID controls in urbanized locations can help in reducing runoff buildup, thereby alleviating the potential impacts of flooding.
Reversible fluxoid motion in a superconducting Bi-2223 tape with fine filaments

The energy loss density was measured for a Bi-2223 tape with superconducting filaments of average thickness 3 µm which were separated by about 40 µm so as to eliminate bridging of filaments. The result was compared with the prediction of the modified Kim model. Although it was lower than the prediction owing to the reversible fluxoid motion at temperatures above 77.3 K, it slightly increased at around 1 mT. It is considered that an increase in the pinning strength and a resultant shortening of the ac penetration depth suppressed the effect of the reversible fluxoid motion at such low ac magnetic field amplitudes.
Role of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System and Cortisol in Endometriosis: A Preliminary Report

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with pelvic pain, infertility, and increased cardiovascular risk. Recent studies suggest a possible role of aldosterone as a pro-inflammatory hormone in the pathogenesis of the disease. Cortisol is also an important mediator of stress reaction, but its role is controversial in endometriosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate aldosterone and cortisol levels and blood pressure values in women with endometriosis. We measured blood pressure, plasma aldosterone, renin, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in 20 women with untreated minimal or mild pelvic endometriosis compared with 20 healthy controls matched for age and body mass index. Aldosterone values were similar in the two groups, while renin was significantly lower and the aldosterone to renin ratio was significantly higher in patients with endometriosis than in controls. Systolic blood pressure was in the normal range, but significantly higher in patients with endometriosis. Morning plasma cortisol was normal, but significantly lower in patients with endometriosis compared with controls, while DHEAS to cortisol ratio was similar in the two groups. These preliminary results are evidence of increased biological aldosterone activity and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in early stages of endometriosis. These alterations could play a role in disease development, suggesting new therapeutic targets for aldosterone receptor blockers.
Studies of the Crystal Structure of Ammonium Sulfate in Connection with Its Ferroelectric Phase Transition

The crystal structure of ammonium sulfate is studied at -140, -90, -64 and -53.5°C in the ferroelectric phase, and at -48.5 and -40°C in the paraelectric phase, by the use of the data collected by a four-circle diffractometer. The difference Fourier synthesis at -53.5°C shows a clear indication of the disordering of the ammonium ion I but does not show the disordering of the sulfate ion. The configuration of the sulfate ion below T c can be derived from that above T c by a condensation of one of the librational B 1 u symmetry modes. The order parameters of two kinds of ammonium ions are determined by the use of the reflection data below T c . From the temperature dependence of the displacement of the sulfate ion and order parameters of two kinds of ammonium ions below T c , a pseudospin-phonon coupled model is proposed.
Islamic Education and Intention of Sharia Stock Investment in Pandemic COVID-19: The Role of Islamic Motivation As Mediating Variable

Research aims: This study aims to examine the mediating role of Islamic Motivation on the relationship between Islamic Education and the Intention of Sharia Stock Investment during the COVID-19 Pandemic.Design/Methodology/Approach: This research using purposive sampling method with 101 observations of students at University of Muhammadiyah Malang. The data was tested using Smart PLS through several tests, such as Outer Model, Inner Model and Hypothesis Testing.Research findings: The results showed that Islamic education had no effect on Intention of Sharia Stock Investment, but had an effect on Islamic motivation. Islamic motivation influences the intention of sharia stock investment. Furthermore, Islamic Motivation is also able to mediate the relationship between Islamic Ecation and Intention of Sharia Stock Investment. Thus the mediation that occurs is full.Theoretical contribution/Originality: This research can be essential information for higher education in the Intention of Sharia Stock Investment, especially in the COVID-19 Pandemic.Research Implication: This research has implications for policies in the field of education, especially universities in generating investors in Islamic stocks by strengthening understanding and developing Islamic education and Islamic stock investment skills for students.
Establishment in productive occupations and perceived work ability among former students with special educational needs one year after upper secondary education

BACKGROUND: Establishment in productive occupations i.e. work and further studies, is challenging for students who experience special educational needs (SEN). OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to investigate productive occupations and perceived work ability one year after upper secondary education among former students with SEN who had received a student-centred information and communication technology (ICT) intervention. METHODS: Questionnaire data on productive occupations (n = 81) were complemented with the semi-structured Worker Role Interview (WRI) concerning perceived work ability (n = 20), in an embedded mixed methods design. Group comparisons between participants who were and were not established in productive occupations were performed. Written notes from the WRI were analysed with a deductive content analysis. RESULTS: Findings demonstrated that almost two-thirds (63% n = 51) of the former students with SEN were established in productive occupations. The established group had to a higher extent obtained pass grades and had to a lesser extent received time-assisting ICT. Managing daily routines in combination with a productive role in a satisfactory manner was perceived as most challenging for the participants in relation to their work ability. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that students with SEN need person-centred support to handle difficulties both in and outside upper secondary school to promote the transition from school to establishment in productive occupations.
Efficient Parameterization of the Observation Error Covariance Matrix for Square Root or Ensemble Kalman Filters: Application to Ocean Altimetry

Abstract In the Kalman filter standard algorithm, the computational complexity of the observational update is proportional to the cube of the number y of observations (leading behavior for large y). In realistic atmospheric or oceanic applications, involving an increasing quantity of available observations, this often leads to a prohibitive cost and to the necessity of simplifying the problem by aggregating or dropping observations. If the filter error covariance matrices are in square root form, as in square root or ensemble Kalman filters, the standard algorithm can be transformed to be linear in y, providing that the observation error covariance matrix is diagonal. This is a significant drawback of this transformed algorithm and often leads to an assumption of uncorrelated observation errors for the sake of numerical efficiency. In this paper, it is shown that the linearity of the transformed algorithm in y can be preserved for other forms of the observation error covariance matrix. In particular, quit.
The Impact of Mental Health Predictors of Internet Addiction among Pre-Service Teachers in Ghana

This study examined the prevalence of addictive Internet behavior and its links with mental health among pre-service teachers in Ghana. A descriptive, correlational design was employed with 405 pre-service teachers from colleges of education and a public university in Ghana participating in this study. The sample completed a sociodemographic survey about loneliness, life satisfaction, depression, self-esteem, and the Internet addiction scales (abridged form). The results revealed that there was a significant relationship between pre-service teachers’ Internet addiction, depression, life satisfaction, and loneliness; however, depression was the least influential factor in addictive Internet use. Additionally, there was a statistically significant nexus between self-esteem, loneliness, depression, and life satisfaction. In addition, all the above-mentioned variables were discovered to explain 56.3% of the absolute variance in addiction to the Internet. Among the variables linked with Internet addiction and its dimensions, loneliness appeared to be the most significant. Institutional coping programs with Internet addiction should be established within the scope of the university administration, supporting pre-service teachers’ mental health. Finally, the development of awareness campaigns on the menaces associated with Internet usage and mental health through extracurricular programs is recommended.
A Simple Taste Test for Clinical Assessment of Taste and Oral Somatosensory Function—The “Seven-iTT”

Taste dysfunctions may occur, for example, after viral infection, surgery, medications, or with age. In clinical practice, it is important to assess patients’ taste function with rapidity and reliability. This study aimed to develop a test that assesses human gustatory sensitivity together with somatosensory functions of astringency and spiciness. A total of 154 healthy subjects and 51 patients with chemosensory dysfunction rated their gustatory sensitivity. They underwent a whole-mouth identification test of 12 filter-paper strips impregnated with low and high concentrations of sweet, sour, salty, bitter (sucrose, citric acid, NaCl, quinine), astringency (tannin), and spiciness (capsaicin). The percentage of correct identifications for high-concentrated sweet and sour, and for low-concentrated salty, bitter and spicy was lower in patients as compared with healthy participants. Interestingly, a lower identification in patients for both astringent concentrations was found. Based on the results, we proposed the Seven-iTT to assess chemo/somatosensory function, with a cut-off of 6 out of 7. The test score discriminated patients from healthy controls and showed gender differences among healthy controls. This quantitative test seems to be suitable for routine clinical assessment of gustatory and trigeminal function. It also provides new evidence on the mutual interaction between the two sensory systems.
The Effects of Zumba Fitness® on Respiratory Function and Body Composition Parameters: An Eight-Week Intervention in Healthy Inactive Women

Background: Women are considered less active than men, and a sedentary lifestyle particularly affects middle-aged women and affects their overall health. Recommending group fitness programs that have a positive effect on women’s overall health is an important strategy of any health policy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate how the Zumba Fitness® workout affects healthy inactive women’s respiratory function and body composition. Methods: The research was conducted for eight weeks on a sample of 41 females aged 35 to 45 divided into two groups: experimental (21 subjects: age 38.52 ± 2.29) and control (20 subjects: age 39.45 ± 3.01). They were tested before, four weeks, and eight weeks after the intervention period. The respiratory functions were tested using spirometry and the body composition parameters by the Tanita body analyzer. The experimental group practiced Zumba Fitness® three times per week for 60 min (24 training sessions in total). The control group was not physically active during the intervention period. Results: After the Zumba Fitness® program, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the following respiratory function parameters: forced expiratory volume in the first second (M = 4.02 ± 0.69; MD = 0.65, p = 0.01, ES = 0.14), vital capacity (M = 4.10 ± 0.65: MD = −0.63, p = 0.03, ES = 0.11) and lung age (M = 30.95 ± 10.30; MD = 8.52, p = 0.04, ES = 0.10). The body composition parameters were significantly decreased: body mass (M = 60.09 ± 7.57; MD = 6.32, p = 0.03, ES = 0.11), body mass index (M = 20.44 ± 2.63; MD = 2.61, p = 0.01, ES = 0.13) and fat mass (M = 16.07 ± 4.87; MD = 3.95, p = 0.03, ES = 0.11). Conclusions: The results of the current study suggest that the Zumba Fitness® workout is a beneficial exercise method not only for reducing body parameters but also for improving respiratory function in inactive women.
Forecasting of Winter Wheat Yield: A Mathematical Model and Field Experiments

An increase in world population requires growth in food production. Wheat is one of the major food crops, covering 21% of global food needs. The food supply issue necessitates reliable mathematical methods for predicting wheat yields. Crop yield information is necessary for agricultural management and strategic planning. Our mathematical model was developed based on a three-year field experiment in a semi-arid climate zone. Wheat yields ranged from 4310 to 6020 kg/ha. The novelty of this model is the inclusion of some stochastic data (weather and technological). The proposed method for wheat yield modeling is based on the theory of random sequence analysis. The model does not impose any restrictions on the number of production parameters and environmental indicators. A significant advantage of the proposed model is the absence of limits on the yield function. Consideration of the stochastic features of wheat production (technological and weather parameters) allows researchers to achieve the best accuracy. The numerical experiment confirmed the high accuracy of the proposed mathematical model for the prediction of wheat yield. The mean relative error (for the third-order polynomial model) varied from 1.79% to 2.75% depending on the preceding crop.
Increased Caveolin-2 Expression in Brain Endothelial Cells Promotes Age-Related Neuroinflammation

Aging is a major risk factor for common neurodegenerative diseases. Although multiple molecular, cellular, structural, and functional changes occur in the brain during aging, the involvement of caveolin-2 (Cav-2) in brain ageing remains unknown. We investigated Cav-2 expression in brains of aged mice and its effects on endothelial cells. The human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) showed decreased THP-1 adhesion and infiltration when treated with Cav-2 siRNA compared to control siRNA. In contrast, Cav-2 overexpression increased THP-1 adhesion and infiltration in HUVECs. Increased expression of Cav-2 and iba-1 was observed in brains of old mice. Moreover, there were fewer iba-1–positive cells in the brains of aged Cav-2 knockout (KO) mice than of wild-type aged mice. The levels of several chemokines were higher in brains of aged wild-type mice than in young wild-type mice; moreover, chemokine levels were significantly lower in brains of young mice as well as aged Cav-2 KO mice than in their wild-type counterparts. Expression of PECAM1 and VE-cadherin proteins increased in brains of old wild-type mice but was barely detected in brains of young wild-type and Cav-2 KO mice. Collectively, our results suggest that Cav-2 expression increases in the endothelial cells of aged brain, and promotes leukocyte infiltration and age-associated neuroinflammation.