Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rapid replacement of the Beta variant by the Delta variant in South Africa

The Beta variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in South Africa in late 2020 and rapidly became the dominant variant, causing over 95% of infections in the country during and after the second epidemic wave. Here we show rapid replacement of the Beta variant by the Delta variant, a highly transmissible variant of concern (VOC) that emerged in India and subsequently spread around the world. The Delta variant was imported to South Africa primarily from India, spread rapidly in large monophyletic clusters to all provinces, and became dominant within three months of introduction. This was associated with a resurgence in community transmission, leading to a third wave which was associated with a high number of deaths. We estimated a growth advantage for the Delta variant in South Africa of 0.089 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.084-0.093) per day which corresponds to a transmission advantage of 46% (95% CI 44-48) compared to the Beta variant. These data provide additional support for the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant relative to other VOC and highlight how dynamic shifts in the distribution of variants contribute to the ongoing public health threat.
What drives customers to continue using ride-sharing apps during the COVID-19 pandemic? The case of Uber in Egypt

Abstract The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused big changes to customers’ perceptions and attitudes towards ride-sharing apps. The purpose of this article is to examine the factors that influence customers’ intention to continue using ride-sharing services during the pandemic. A conceptual model was developed based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and an extensive literature review. An online survey was used to collect data from 398 users of Uber ride-sharing services in Egypt. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test and validate the proposed model. The findings showed that customers’ intention to continue using the ride-sharing apps during the pandemic is influenced by four factors which are performance expectancy, economic benefits, facilitating conditions and social influence. It indicated that customers’ effort expectancy, perceived infectability and fear of COVID-19 do not affect their intention to use these services. The article contributes by examining the UTAUT in the context of ride-sharing apps during the pandemic. It provides some guidelines for companies that provide ride-sharing services to follow to help them survive with the big challenges they have faced during the pandemic.
Mn-Ce-V-WOx/TiO2 SCR Catalysts: Catalytic Activity, Stability and Interaction among Catalytic Oxides

A series of Mn-Ce-V-WOx/TiO2 composite oxide catalysts with different molar ratios (active components/TiO2 = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.6) have been prepared by wet impregnation method and tested in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO by NH3 in a wide temperature range. These catalysts were also characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), in situ Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (in situ FTIR), H2-Temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show the catalyst with a molar ratio of active components/TiO2 = 0.2 exhibits highest NO conversion value between 150 °C to 400 °C and good resistance to H2O and SO2 at 250 °C with a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) value of 40,000 h−1. Different oxides are well dispersed and interact with each other. NH3 and NO are strongly adsorbed on the catalyst surface and the adsorption of the reactant gas leads to a redox cycle with the valence state change among the surface oxides. The adsorption of SO2 on Mn4+ and Ce4+ results in good H2O and SO2 resistance of the catalyst, but the effect of Mn and Ce are more than superior water and sulfur resistance. The diversity of valence states of the four active components and their high oxidation-reduction performance are the main reasons for the high NO conversion in this system.
Estimates of genetic parameters of economic traits in murrah buffaloes

Data from 1991 to 2017, pertaining to early performance traits was collected from 659 Murrah buffaloes, sired by 188 bulls, maintained at Directorate of Livestock Farms, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab. Least squares means and effect on non-genetic factors were evaluated for economic traits. Moderate heritability estimates of 0.217 ± 0.00, 0.231 ± 0.00, 0.260 ± 0.046 were calculated for first calving interval (FCI), First 305 day milk yield (F305MY) and first peak yield (FPY) respectively and low heritability values of 0.015± 0.025 and 0.043 ± 0.03 were estimated for age at first calving (AFC) and first lactation length (FLL) respectively. The phenotypic and genetic correlation of AFC was found to be positive with FLL and FCI and negative with F305MY and FPY. Although the production efficiency traits like F305MY, FLL and FPY had high positive genetic and phenotypic correlation among themselves.
Manipulation of Band Structure and Interstitial Defects for Improving Thermoelectric SnTe

Many efforts are recently devoted on improving thermoelectric SnTe as an environment—friendly alternative to conventional PbTe and successful approaches include valence band convergence, nanostructuring, and substantial/interstitial defects. Among these strategies, alloying SnTe with MnTe enables the most effective reduction in the valence band offset (between L and Σ) for a convergence due to its high solubility of ≈15%, yet there is no indication that the solubility of MnTe is high enough for fully optimizing the valence band structure and thus for maximizing the electronic performance. Here, a strategy is shown to increase the MnTe solubility up to ≈25% by alloying with 5% GeTe, which successfully locates the composition (20% MnTe) to optimize the valence band structure by converging a more degenerated Λ (as compared with band L) and Σ valence bands. Through a further alloying with Cu2Te, the resultant Cu‐interstitial defects enable a sufficient reduction in lattice thermal conductivity to its amorphous limit (0.4 W m−1 K−1). These electronic and thermal effects successfully realize a record‐high thermoelectric figure of merit, zT of 1.8, strongly competing with that of PbTe. This work demonstrates the validity of band manipulation and interstitial defects for realizing extraordinary thermoelectric performance in SnTe.
PYROLYSIS OF SOLID WASTE AND ITS COMPONENTS IN A LAB SCALE INDUCTION-HEATING REACTOR

The present study investigates the thermochemical conversion of Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF), represented by selected “model materials”. A laboratory-scale induction heated device was specifically developed to achieve fast pyrolysis conditions close to those encountered in a fluidized bed reactor. The novel device can handle up to 5 grams of solid, allowing fast heating rates (near 70°C/s) and a homogeneous distribution of temperature all along the reactor. Pyrolysis tests of a SRF sample and four model materials (Polyethylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate, beech wood, cardboard) were performed at 800°C. The yield and composition of the produced gas for each sample were determined. Experimental results will help to elucidate the relation between the initial components of waste derived fuels and the obtained reaction products.
Dysexecutive Behavior in First-Episode Schizophrenia

Background: Dysexecutive syndrome is a prominent and functionally significant cognitive feature of schizophrenia. This study assesses and correlates executive function (EF) deficits and dysexecutive behavior (DB) in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients and healthy participants. Methods: We evaluated 22 FES patients (aged 17–29 years, history of single episode of schizophrenia, treated with atypical antipsychotics) and 20 controls matched for gender, age, and education. EF was evaluated using the Modified Six Elements Test (MSET), Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (M-WCST), and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). DB was evaluated using the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) and Behavioral Dysexecutive Syndrome Inventory (BDSI). Results: FES patients had marked dysexecutive behaviors and executive function impairments as compared to controls. Our findings suggest that executive function scores on standardized neuropsychological tests may be ecologically valid predictors of dysexecutive behavior. Conclusion: DB is common during first-episode schizophrenia and may be a primary impairment throughout disease progression. The present results inform clinical practice by providing insight into first-episode schizophrenia specific features of dysexecutive behavior. Understanding the associations between executive function tests and dysexecutive behaviors helps to explain the social adjustment disorders associated with schizophrenia. This knowledge may be used to improve diagnostic and therapeutic tools; for example, clarifying the implications of specific DEX and BDSI dimensions could increase the efficacy of individual or familial psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation interventions.
Dynamic Panel Data Analysis of Capital Structure Determinants: Evidence from Iraqi Banks

This study investigates if the choice of capital structure of Iraqi banks could be interpreting through factors which have been studied by prior studies, which represented by determinants of capital structure choice (i.e., bank size, bank profitability, bank growth, tangibility, bank age). Using dynamic panel GMM for the period 2005 to 2019, this study maintains the explore on the determinants of capital structure of Iraq banks "developing country" that has circumstances likely to be quite different from those in developed and other major developing countries, particularly in terms of it deteriorating economic environment. The findings indicate that the bank size, bank profitability, bank age have a dominant role in explaining the variation in the long-term debt ratios of Iraqi banks. Meanwhile, only bank size, bank profitability, bank growth, bank age has a leading role in interpreting the variation of short-term debt ratios in the Iraqi banks. The current study has initiated some basis to discover the capital structure determinants of Iraqi banks upon which a more detailed evaluation could be based. Moreover, the experimental results can help Iraqi banks directors to choose the optimum structure of capital.
Changes in Finnish ninth graders’ positive psychological capital (PsyCap) in a strength-based student guidance intervention

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to implement the strength-based student guidance among ninth graders by using a Power Zone tool and to analyse what kind of impact the guidance had in students. The especial focus was on the analysis of positive psychological capital (PsyCap). The test group (n = 57 students) and the control group (n = 46 students) were selected from two ordinary mainstreaming comprehensive schools with grades from 1 to 9 located in West-Finland. In the test group, the students’ scores in PsyCap, strengths and resources, and student guidance increased positively and more than in the control group. The statistically significant change was found in the test group regarding their strengths and resources and a very significant change in the experiences of student guidance. The findings were encouraging. The positive changes encourage using the Power Zone tool in student guidance. It is possible to increase PsyCap through the strength-based guidance.
The Role of Transformational and Transactional Leadership as Predictors of Organizational Citizenship Behavior in Education System

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Transformational and Transactional Leadership on Organizational Citizenship Behaviors (OCBs) among secondary school Teachers. The survey conducted among Teachers in Eight Secondary schools located in the Heet City of Iraq. The study utilized the questionnaire as a tool to collect the data. Likewise, the study employed a stratified technique sample due to the different number of teachers in each school. However, to ensure equal distribution, the stratified technique was more suitable for this study. 174 valid questionnaires analyzed by analysis of moment structures (AMOS). The results indicated both leadership style, Transformational and Transactional had a positive and significant impact on OCBs. However, the results showed that transformational leadership more essential to enhance the OCBs among teachers than the Transactional leadership style.
Optical Properties of 2D Semiconductor WS2

2D semiconductor tungsten disulfide (WS2) attracts significant interest in both fundamental physics and many promising applications such as light emitters, photodetectors/sensors, valleytronics, and flexible nanoelectronics, due to its fascinating optical, electronic, and mechanical properties. Herein, basic exciton properties of monolayer WS2 are reviewed including neutral excitons, charged excitons, bounded excitons, biexcitons, and the effects of electrostatic gating, chemical doping, strain, magnetic field, circular polarized light, and substrate on these excitonic structures. Besides basic excitonic emission, single‐photon emission, exciton–polaritons, and stimulated emission in monolayer WS2 are also discussed. The understanding of these optical phenomena is critical for the development of potential optical applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Finally, a summary and future prospective of the challengers and developments regarding 2D semiconductor WS2 is presented.
Environmental Issues and Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility for Organizational Competitiveness

The objective of this study is to examine a multi-dimensional modified conceptual model based on stakeholder theory & previous literature. The work represents an attempt to evaluate the association of environmental issues and practices of an organization’s corporate social responsibility and the impact of these two factors on overall competitiveness. We have taken four corporate social responsibility (CSR) factors regarding the environment that affect competitive organizational performance. Additionally, we incorporated green innovation as a mediator and social media marketing apps as a moderator to examine the impact on organizational competitiveness. We collected 906 responses from the manufacturing and services sectors from the regional developing Asian countries China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the UAE for more generalizable and robust results. We developed a modified questionnaire and conceptual framework to empirically test organizational performance & competitiveness. For the analysis, we employed SEM-based multivariate modeling. The study’s findings reveal that all the considered CSR factors of the environment positively and significantly impact organizational performance for competitiveness. The results further show that both green innovation as a mediator and social media marketing apps as moderators significantly impact the relationship of CSR factors of environment and organizational competitiveness. Thus, the modified conceptual model demonstrates that the environmental CSR factors are beneficial for the manufacturing and service sectors of developing economies, which create value for competitive business, society, and environment. The findings provide valuable directions for the senior management in the manufacturing and services sector to devise and implement environmental strategies for competitiveness.
Nutritional status as a risk factor of elevated blood pressure in preschool children

Background: High blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and neurological disease among children and adults. The American Heart Association recommended blood pressure evaluation among children aged more than 3 years for early detection of complications. Nutritional status was considered to have association with elevated blood pressure in children. Objective: To assess the association between nutritional status and the blood pressure of preschool children in Denpasar, Bali. Methods: This was a descriptive analytic cross-sectional study. Four hundred and fifty-six children aged 3-6 years who attended Kindergarten 2019 in Denpasar were enrolled by the cluster random sampling design. Results: From 456 samples obtained ratio between boys and girls was 1,1: 1. Median age of the sample was 5 years (3-5 years old). The majority of nutritional status was well nourished (52.2%) and obesity was found 11.8%. majority children had normotension (64%), and followed by pre-hypertension (25.4%), hypertension stage 1 (8.6%) and hypertension stage 2 (2%). Bivariate analysis showed that obesity and sex were risk factor for toddler having higher level of blood pressure with. Multivariate analysis showed children with obesity and boys are 2.8- and 1.8-times more likely to have hypertension (CI 95% 1.72-4.81; CI 95% 1.24-2.76, respectively). Low birth weight and prematurity were not found to be significantly related to level of blood pressure. Conclusion: Children with obesity were found to be significantly related to elevated blood pressure (hypertension).
Gut Microbiome-Based Diagnostic Model to Predict Diabetes Mellitus

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of intestinal microflora and its correlation with clinical parameters in diabetic patients and healthy subjects and to assess the importance of intestinal flora in patients with diabetes. Forty-four patients with diabetes were included. The control group included 47 healthy people. Their data, biochemical indicators and results from 16S rRNA sequencing of their fecal samples were collected. Compared with the healthy population, the intestinal flora of the diabetic patients was obviously abnormal. Within the diabetes group, the abundances of the genera Faecalibacterium, Prevotella, and Roseburia were higher, and the abundances of the genera Shigella and Bifidobacterium were lower. In the correlation analysis between bacteria and clinical indicators, it was found that the genera Veillonella and unclassified_Enterobacteriaceae were negatively related to blood glucose, while the genera Phascolarctobacterium, unidentified_Bacteroidales and Prevotella were significantly positively correlated with fasting blood glucose. Twelve microbial markers were detected in the random forest model, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 84.1%. This index was greater than the diagnostic effect of fasting blood glucose. This was also supported by the joint diagnostic model of microorganisms and clinical indicators. In addition, the intestinal flora significantly improved the diagnosis of diabetes. In conclusion, it can be concluded from these results that intestinal flora is essential for the occurrence and development of diabetes, which seems to be as important as blood glucose itself. Abbreviations: PCoA: principal coordinate analysis; NMDS: non econometric multidimensional scaling analysis; LEfSe: linear discriminant analysis effect size; LDA: linear discriminant analysis; POD: probability of disease; BMI: body mass index; DCA: decision curve analysis
Hacia una nueva realidad laboral para las mujeres: soluciones para recuperar el empleo femenino en ALC

La crisis económica y sanitaria asociada con el COVID-19 ha afectado con mayor fuerza la participación laboral femenina, exacerbando las brechas de género existentes y revirtiendo el progreso logrado en las últimas décadas. El desafío hoy es doble: pasar de medidas de mitigación, precipitadas y sin perspectiva de género, hacia iniciativas consistentes y de largo plazo que propicien igualdad de oportunidades y mejores condiciones laborales. Este documento repasa el perfil de medidas de mitigación que tuvo lugar en la región y ofrece un panorama de las soluciones de política de mediano y largo plazo necesarias para abordar las brechas estructurales de género en el mercado laboral.
Effect of Organic Acid-Modified Mesoporous Alumina toward Fluoride Ions Removal from Water

Mesoporous alumina (MA) was prepared via the sol–gel process at 40 °C/48 h followed by calcinations at 550 °C/5 h, in the absence of organic acids and in the presence of malic, tartaric, and citric acids (sample IDs: A-550, AM-550, AT-550, and AC-550, respectively). For fluoride ion adsorption on MA, the effects of different parameters such as contact time, concentration of adsorbate (F– ions), pH, temperature, and competing ions were studied. The adsorption kinetics of fluoride ions followed the pseudo-second-order model. The prepared MA showed the maximum F– ions adsorption capacity of 47.2, 49, 51.2, and 62.5 mg g–1 for the samples A-550, AM-550, AT-550, and AC-550, respectively. The adsorption efficiency of MA followed the order AC-550 > AT-550 > AM-550 > A-550, corroborating to their BET surface area and pore volume. The competing anions (PO43–, Cl– and SO42–) have a slight effect of reducing the F– ions adsoption in the order of PO43– > SO42– > Cl–. For interpretation of adsorption isotherms, both L.
Mobile Evaluation of Heart Rate Variability Using the Diver's Reflex

Introduction. Heart rate variability (HRV) is considered a marker of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function and a biomarker of interest in evaluating nervous system function following traumatic brain injury. This study validates prior research with larger sample sizes and proposes a model for establishing baseline HRV reactivity in healthy participants. Methods. Sixty-two healthy collegiate athletes were recruited for this study. Following informed consent, they were evaluated supine using the Elite HRV CorSense monitor and platform to record low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio and root means square of successive differences (RMSSD) over 5 min. A bag of ice was placed on their face, then RMSSD and LF/HF ratio were collected over three successive 1-min intervals. Results. RMSSD was elevated at 1 and 2 min (+47.4 ms, p < .0001; +16.5 ms, p = .014) following face cooling and fell to baseline at 3 min (+4.6 ms, p = .52). LF/HF ratio decreased following face cooling at 2 and 3 min (change from rest %: 2 min, −33%, p = .007; 3 min, −50%, p = < .0001). Conclusion. The Elite HRV platform can detect an elevation in RMSSD in the first minute following face cooling with a return to baseline in the second and third minutes. It can also detect a consistent decrease in LF/HF following face cooling.
An investigation into the role of specimen geometry when undertaking tribological testing on seal fin components

Labyrinth seal systems are used in aeroengines to seal the clearance, the understanding of the wear mechanism of labyrinth seal system is necessary to achieve better sealing performance. In this work a series of tests are conducted on a high-speed test rig capable of fin tip speeds of 100 m/s. With force and temperature measurements recorded in each case, the influence of specimen geometry is investigated. Surface examination and debris analysis is also performed using microscopy post-test. The wear mechanism was found to be influenced by fin geometry. A discrete fin was observed to trigger a more efficient material removal mechanism at both incursion conditions. Where the fin segment and ring-shaped fin leading to increased temperatures and material smearing. The heat dissipate role of fin was also observed during test where longer contact time of fin and abradable gives better heat removal performance.