Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of trust and power are associated with tax compliance: A cross-cultural study

Abstract The slippery slope framework (SSF) of tax compliance postulates that taxpayers’ compliance behaviour depends on the two dimensions: trust in authorities and power of authorities. In an attempt to overcome common-method biases, the present study tests the main assumptions of the SSF with a sample of 44 countries/regions. Country/region-level trust and power indices are calculated based on experimental data involving 14,509 participants and related to shadow economy estimates and – as an alternative indicator of non-compliance – corruption indices. The results indicate that both trust and power are negatively related to the size of the shadow economy and the extent of corruption. These results emphasise the importance of both SSF dimensions in combating tax evasion and counterproductive behaviour within a society in general.
Galaxy evolution in merging clusters: The passive core of the “Train Wreck” cluster of galaxies, A 520⋆

Aims. The mergers of galaxy clusters are the most energetic events in the Universe after the Big Bang. With the increased availability of multi-object spectroscopy and X-ray data, an ever increasing fraction of local clusters are recognised as exhibiting signs of recent or past merging events on various scales. Our goal is to probe how these mergers affect the evolution and content of their member galaxies. We specifically aim to answer the following questions: is the quenching of star formation in merging clusters enhanced when compared with relaxed clusters? Is the quenching preceded by a (short-lived) burst of star formation? Methods. We obtained optical spectroscopy of >400 galaxies in the field of the merging cluster Abell 520. We combine these observations with archival data to obtain a comprehensive picture of the state of star formation in the members of this merging cluster. Finally, we compare these observations with a control sample of ten non-merging clusters at the same redshift from The Arizona Cluster Redshift Survey (ACReS). We split the member galaxies into passive, star forming or recently quenched depending on their spectra. Results. The core of the merger shows a decreased fraction of star forming galaxies compared to clusters in the non-merging sample. This region, dominated by passive galaxies, is extended along the axis of the merger. We find evidence of rapid quenching of the galaxies during the core passage with no signs of a star burst on the time scales of the merger (≲0.4 Gyr). Additionally, we report the tentative discovery of an infalling group along the main filament feeding the merger, currently at ~ 2.5 Mpc from the merger centre. This group contains a high fraction of star forming galaxies as well as approximately two thirds of all the recently quenched galaxies in our survey.
ABSTRACT FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS IN BANACH SPACES

The existence of a unique local generalized solution for the abstract functional evolution problem of the type $$ (FDE:\phi) x'(t) + A(t, x_t)x(t) \ni G(t, x_t), t \in [0, T], x_0 = \phi $$ in a general Banach spaces is considered. It is shown that $(FDE:\phi)$ could be considered with well-known fixed point theory and recent results for the functional differential equations involving the operator A(t).
Indirect Selection for Seed Yield in Sacha-Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) in Brazil

Breeding programs for improvement of sacha-inchi, Plukenetia volubilis L. , generally aim to select individuals with greater seed yield since there is a strong correlation between seed yield and oil production. However, the manual removal of seed husks for evaluating this trait is laborious and costly, thereby discouraging breeding efforts. Accordingly, the objective of the present study was to estimate gains from indirect selection of seed production in sacha-inchi progenies, focusing on maximizing efficiency in improvement programs. Genetic parameters along with direct and indirect selection gains were estimated for seed yield traits in 12 open-pollinated progenies. Strong genetic correlations were observed between total number of fruits (TNF), total weight of fruits (TWF), and total weight of seeds (TWS) per plant (r > 0.96). Notably, all three traits demonstrated high heritability (h2 > 0.81). Therefore, plants with high TNF and TWF (Cuzco, Dos de Mayo, Shanao, Aucaloma, and AM-7) can be used to indirectly select the genetic traits of higher seed yields (GS% = 23%). Genetic gain for dry seed production with a selection index of 42% was estimated at 23%, which corresponds to 118 kg.ha−1. Future sacha-inchi improvement programs can select progenies with high TNF and TWF to facilitate the selection of progenies with high TWS.
Measurement of tune spread in the Tevatron versus octupole strength

An experiment was performed in the Tevatron to measure the tune spread versus octupole strength. The experiment is sensitive to the relationship between octupole strength and current in the T:OZF circuit and to the octupole (and other non-linear focusing fields) in the Tevatron. The major motivation for the experiment was to determine the value of octupole excitation that minimizes the tune spread: this value is an estimate of the value required to obtain ''zero'' total octupole excitation in the extraction process. The experiment was performed using the strip-line kickers at A17 and the resonant Schottky pickups. The horizontal proton kicker was excited with a sine-wave from a vector signal analyzer (HP-89440A) and the horizontal proton signal was received. The gating circuitry normally used to select proton or antiproton bunches was by-passed. The response function was measured and recorded on a floppy disk. Measurements were initially made with a 200 Hz span (0.250 Hz frequency bins) and later with a 100 Hz span (0.125 Hz frequency bins).
On limit distributions of normalized truncated variation, upward truncated variation and downward truncated variation processes

In the paper we introduce the truncated variation, upward truncated variation and downward truncated variation. These are closely related to the total variation but are well-defined even if the latter is infinite. Our aim is to explore their feasibility to studies of stochastic processes. We concentrate on a Brownian motion with drift for which we prove the convergence of the above- mentioned quantities. For example, we study the truncated variation when the truncation parameter c tends to 0. We prove in this case that for "small" c's it is well-approximated by a deterministic process. Moreover we prove that error in this approximation converges weakly (in functional sense) to a Brownian motion. We prove also similar result for truncated variation processes when time parameter is rescaled to infinity. We stress that our methodology is robust. A key to the proofs was a decomposition of the truncated variation (see Lemmas 11 and 12). It can be used for studies of any continuous processes. Some additional results like an analog of the Anscombe-Donsker theorem and the Laplace transform of time to given drawdown by c (and analogously drawup till time) are presented.
Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure and Investment Decisions: Evidence from Saudi Indexed Companies

This study investigated the investment decisions of Saudi corporations in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) context and examined the moderated role of corporate governance quality. The panel dataset consisted of 82 firms and 328 Saudi firm-year observations listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange over the period of 2018–2021, and feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) regression was used for model estimation. The empirical findings indicated that companies with higher levels of CSR reporting invested more effectively than companies with lower CSR reporting levels. The empirical analysis suggested two main findings: (i) corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting has a significant effect on investment decisions and (ii) this relationship depends on corporate governance practices. This research presents new evidence that improves the discussion around CSR involvement and corporate investment decision making in the emerging market of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it presents practical and managerial implications for policymakers and standard setters who are interested in ameliorating sustainable development in Saudi Arabia under the Kingdom Vision of 2030. Additionally, this work provides suggestions for firm management regarding the importance of CSR commitment and corporate governance mechanisms in enhancing corporate investment decisions. Finally, the outcomes of this research are beneficial for investors, as they represent the factors to be considered before making investment decisions.
Variants of HCMV UL18 Sequenced Directly from Clinical Specimens Associate with Antibody and T-Cell Responses to HCMV

Around 80% of adults worldwide carry human cytomegaloviris (HCMV). The HCMV gene UL18 is a homolog of HLA class I genes and encodes a protein with high affinity for the NK and T-cell cytotoxicity inhibitor LIR-1. UL18 was deep sequenced from blood, saliva or urine from Indonesian people with HIV (PWH) (n = 28), Australian renal transplant recipients (RTR) (n = 21), healthy adults (n = 7) and neonates (n = 4). 95% of samples contained more than one variant of HCMV UL18, as defined by carriage of nonsynonymous variations. When aligned with immunological markers of the host’s burden of HCMV, the S318N variation associated with high levels of antibody reactive with HCMV lysate in PWH over 12 months on antiretroviral therapy. The A107T variation associated with HCMV antibody levels and inflammatory biomarkers in PWH at early timepoints. Variants D32G, D248N, V250A and E252D aligned with elevated HCMV antibody levels in RTR, while M191K, E196Q and F165L were associated with HCMV-reactive T-cells and proportions of Vδ2− γδ T-cells—populations linked with high burdens of HCMV. We conclude that UL18 is a highly variable gene, where variation may alter the persistent burden of HCMV and/or the host response to that burden.
Asymmetric thin current sheets in the Earth's magnetotail

In a frame of self‐consistent model of thin current sheets (TCSs), where the tension of magnetic field lines is balanced by the inertial force of ion motion, we investigated the influence of the asymmetry of plasma sources on the structure and spatial localization of the equilibrium solution. For simplicity only one ion source is considered. It is shown that the asymmetry of plasma sources does not modify dramatically the bulk of the current carried by ions at meandering orbits. Negative diamagnetic currents are significantly stronger at the side of a plasma source due to enhanced plasma density in this region. The center of TCS is displaced to the opposite side of the plasma source to keep the pressure balance. One could speculate that this phenomenon might be a cause of flapping motions of the TCS due to the natural variability of plasma sources.
The Demographic Context of Hiring Discrimination: Evidence from a Field Experiment in 50 Metropolitan Statistical Areas

How do the demographic contexts of urban labor markets correlate with the extent to which racial and ethnic minorities are disadvantaged at the hiring stage? This paper builds on two branches of labor market stratification literature to link demographic contexts of labor markets to race- and ethnicity-based hiring discrimination that manifest within them. Relying on a unique large-scale field experiment that involved submitting nearly 12,000 fictitious resumes to real job postings across 50 major urban areas, I found that Black population size is associated with greater discrimination against Black candidates, providing support for the “visibility-discrimination” thesis. I also show that this thesis cannot be extended straightforwardly to comparisons between Whites and other ethnic minority groups: I found no evidence of an association between Latino and Asian concentration and the labor market outcomes of those groups relative to Whites. The paper concludes with theoretical implications for studies of race and stratification, labor markets, and urban inequalities.
Sports Supplements User Profile Based on Demographic, Sports, and Psychological Variables: A Cross-Sectional Study

Despite the high prevalence of sports supplement (SS) use, efforts to profile users have not been conclusive. Studies report that 30–95% of recreational exercisers and elite athletes use SS. Research found has mostly focused on demographic and sports variables to profile SS users, but little research has studied the psychological factors that may influence the use of SS. The purpose of this investigation was to classify, describe, and differentiate the profile of users and non-users of SS, considering demographic, sports, and psychological variables. A total of 554 participants completed the questionnaire. Overall, 45% of recreational exercisers and elite athletes reported using supplements. There were significant differences found regarding the use of SS between men and women (51% vs. 49%, p = 0.002; OR = 1.799), and when training 4 or more days per week (p ≤ 0.001; OR = 1.526). Findings regarding the psychological variables have been found in the Adonis Complex. These results indicate that participants with greater concerns regarding physical appearance, tend to be SS users (p = 0.001; OR = 1.200). The results of this study fill a gap in previous research, and provide an approximate profile, including demographic, sports, and psychological variables of SS users.
Local defects and ferromagnetism in graphene layers

We study the changes in the electronic structure induced by lattice defects in graphene planes. In many cases, lattice distortions give rise to localized states at the Fermi level. Electron-electron interactions lead to the existence of local moments. The RKKY interaction between these moments is always ferromagnetic, due to the semimetallic properties of graphene.
The Impact of Chlorine Disinfection of Hospital Wastewater on Clonal Similarity and ESBL-Production in Selected Bacteria of the Family Enterobacteriaceae

Hospitals are regarded as ecological niches of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). ARB can spread outside the hospital environment via hospital wastewater (HWW). Therefore, HWW is often disinfected in local stations to minimize that risk. Chlorine-based treatment is the most popular method of HWW disinfection around the world, however, recent research has suggested that it can contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of this study is to determine the impact of HWW disinfection on the clonal similarity of Enterobacteriaceae species and their ability to produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). The study was conducted in a hospital with a local chlorine-based disinfection station. Samples of wastewater before disinfection and samples of disinfected wastewater, collected in four research seasons, were analyzed. Bacteria potentially belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family were isolated from HWW. The Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR) method was used to generate DNA fingerprints of all bacterial isolates. The isolates were phenotypically tested for the production of ESBLs. Antibiotic resistance genes (blaSHV, blaTEM, and blaOXA, blaCTX-M-1-group, blaCTX-M-2-group, blaCTX-9-group and blaCTX-M-8/25-group) were detected by PCR in strains with confirmed phenotypic ability to produce ESBLs. The ESBL+ isolates were identified by the sequencing of 16S rDNA. In the present study, the same bacterial clones were isolated from HWW before and after disinfection and HWW was sampled in different seasons. Genetic and phenotypic variations were observed in bacterial clones. ESBL+ strains were isolated significantly more often from disinfected than from non-disinfected HWW. The blaOXA gene was significantly more prevalent in isolates from disinfected than non-disinfected HWW. Enterobacter hormaechei and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the dominant species in ESBL+ strains isolated from both sampling sites. The results of this study indicate that chlorine-based disinfection promotes the survival of ESBL-producing bacteria and/or the transmission of genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance. As a result, chlorination increases the proportion of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in disinfected wastewater. Consequently, chlorine-based disinfection practices may pose a risk to the environment and public health by accelerating the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Detection of magnetic fields in He-rich early B-type stars using HARPSpol

Aims. We focus on early-B type stars with helium overabundance, for which the presence of a magnetic field has not previously been reported. Methods. The measurements were carried out using high-spectral-resolution spectropolarimetric observations obtained with the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS) in polarimetric mode, installed at the ESO La Silla 3.6 m telescope. Results. For five He-rich stars, the longitudinal magnetic field was detected for the first time. For one target, HD 58260, the presence of a longitudinal magnetic field of the order of 1.8 kG has already been reported in the literature, but the magnetic field has remained constant over tens of years. Our measurement carried out using the polarimetric spectra obtained in 2015 March indicates a slight decrease of the longitudinal magnetic field strength compared to measurements reported in previous works. A search for periodic modulation in available photometric data allowed us to confidently establish a period of 2.64119 ± 0.00420 d in archival ASAS3 data for CPD–27°1791. No period could be determined for the other five stars. Conclusions. The obtained results support the scenario that all He-rich stars are detectably magnetic and form an extension of the Ap star phenomenon to higher temperatures.
Autoantibodies against contactin‐associated protein 1 and complexes of paranode‐specific proteins in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

To investigate the frequency of serum autoantibodies targeting contactin‐associated protein 1 (Caspr1) and its complexes with other paranode antigens, contactin‐1 (CNTN1) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), in Japanese patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP).
COVID-19: Physical Activity Behavior Change among Athletes in Québec (Canada)

The context of the COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented restrictions. Within Canada, which is among the most stringent countries in terms of sanitary rules, Québec was among the provinces that imposed the strictest sanitary measures. The impacts of some measures were felt the most among athletes since they made it difficult, if not impossible, to practice their sports. This article therefore aimed to (1) evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the athletes’ overall level of physical activity, (2) look at the relationship between overall level of physical activity and the level of psychological well-being and (3) analyze post-pandemic physical activity intentions. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted among 1456 athletes aged 3 to 61 years old. The results of this study show that the limitations imposed during the pandemic led to half of athletes decreasing their overall level of physical activity, leading to a deterioration in their psychological well-being (F(2.1438) = 54.707, p < 0.001). The current research provided further evidence that it is essential to implement strategies that favor practicing physical activities in a pandemic context. Furthermore, since almost all individuals who increased their practice of wheeled sports during the pandemic intend to continue after the pandemic, this is a great opportunity to promote active transportation among athletes by ensuring that the perception of the benefits associated with it does not decrease with time.
Maximizing free energy gain

Free energy is energy that is available to do work. Maximizing the free energy gain and the gain in work that can be extracted from a system is important for a wide variety of physical and technological processes, from energy harvesting processes such as photosynthesis to energy storage systems such as fuels and batteries. This paper extends recent results from non-equilibrium thermodynamics and quantum resource theory to derive closed-form solutions for the maximum possible gain in free energy and extractable work that can be obtained by varying the initial states of classical and quantum stochastic processes. Simple formulae allow the comparison the free energy increase for the optimal procedure with that for a sub-optimal procedure. The problem of finding the optimal free-energy harvesting procedure is shown to be convex and solvable via gradient descent.
The Prevalence and Pattern of Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Saudi Patients With Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in Saudi Arabia. Patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, tend to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) either as an addition or alternative to their medical therapy. Many studies have evaluated the CAM herbal products used by patients with diabetes; however, there have been few and inconsistent studies on other types of CAM, and most studies on CAM have focused on their use in type 2 diabetes. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence and patterns of CAM use among patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in an adult Saudi population at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from December 2019 to February 2020 using a data collection form and patient interviews. Results We included 332 patients, 43% of whom had type 1 diabetes; 26% of the patients had previously used one or more types of CAM. Approximately 53% of CAM users had glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of ≥9%. Among CAM users, 51% mentioned that their blood sugar readings were improved with CAM treatments. Mind-body therapy was the most commonly used CAM (54%), followed by biologically based CAM, including herbs (46%). The most commonly used herbal supplements were black cumin (42%), followed by fenugreek (28%), myrrh (24%), frankincense (22%), cinnamon (15%), garlic (15%), and onion (15%). Older age and employment status were predictors of CAM use in Saudi patients with diabetes. The main sources of knowledge about CAM were from family and friends. Conclusions CAM use is common among Saudi Arabian patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes who are aged >65 years and employment status were the main predictor of CAM use. Assessing CAM use is an important aspect of clinical encounters with Saudi patients, especially patients with type 1 diabetes.