Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effects of climate and landscape change on the conservation of Amazonian lizards

The leading causes of the worldwide decline in biodiversity are global warming, allied with natural habitat loss and fragmentation. Here, we propose an analysis of the synergistic effects of these two factors in 63 species of Amazonian lizards. We predicted that the high-climatic suitability areas of species would be significantly impacted by different deforestation scenarios and the resultant landscape structure and considered that forest-dwelling species would be especially susceptible to deforestation scenarios. We also pointed out species threatened by both drivers and suggested critical areas for their future conservation. According to our results, most species will face future reductions in suitable areas for their occurrence according to five different patterns, two of which represent significant risks for 15 species. Some of these species already deal with severe habitat loss and fragmentation of their current distribution ranges, whereas others will suffer a considerable area reduction related to future range shifts. We emphasize the importance of protected areas (PAs), especially indigenous lands, and the need to plan combined strategies involving PAs’ maintenance and possible implementation of ecological corridors. Finally, we highlight eight species of thermoconformer lizards that constitute present and future conservation concerns related to the combined effects of climate change and habitat loss and that should be carefully evaluated in extinction risk assessments.
Increased prognostic value of clinical–reproductive model in Chinese female patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND In China, it has been well recognized that some female patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have different overall survival (OS) time, even with the same tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, challenging the prognostic value of the TNM system alone. An effective predictive model is needed to accurately evaluate the prognosis of female ESCC patients. AIM To construct a novel prognostic model with clinical and reproductive data for Chinese female patients with ESCC, and to assess the incremental prognostic value of the full model compared with the clinical model and TNM stage. METHODS A new prognostic nomogram incorporating clinical and reproductive features was constructed based on univariatie and Cox proportional hazards survival analysis from a training cohort (n = 175). The results were recognized using the internal (n = 111) and independent external (n = 85) validation cohorts. The capability of the clinical–reproductive model was evaluated by Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), Kaplan–Meier curve, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis. The correlations between estrogen response and immune-related pathways and some gene markers of immune cells were analyzed using the TIMER 2.0 database. RESULTS A clinical–reproductive model including incidence area, age, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis (N) stage, estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and beta (ESR2) expression, menopausal age, and pregnancy number was constructed to predict OS in female ESCC patients. Compared to the clinical model and TNM stage, the time-dependent ROC and C-index of the clinical–reproductive model showed a good discriminative ability for predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-years OS in the primary training, internal and external validation sets. Based on the optimal cut-off value of total prognostic scores, patients were classified into high- and low-risk groups with significantly different OS. The estrogen response was significantly associated with p53 and apoptosis pathways in esophageal cancer. CONCLUSION The clinical–reproductive prognostic nomogram has an incremental prognostic value compared with the clinical model and TNM stage in predicting OS in Chinese female ESCC patients.
Empirical Analysis of Factors Effecting Brand Switching in Telecom Sector of Afghanistan

Telecommunication industry is growing dramatically along with increase in customer base. Given that the market is mature, the firms are in increasing pressure to retain their customers or steal the competitor’s customers in order to enhance their customer base. In fact, this has become one of strategies in this competitive environment. With this background, the present study aims to identify relationship between the factors that influence the customers to switch from their particular service providers to others and to access the problems generally faced by the service users and their satisfaction towards the different cell phone (GSM) service providers The study adopted quantitative methodology and population of study was telecom industry’s customers. The convenience sampling has been adopted to choose customers for the survey. The questionnaire has been developed for investigation of the factors that influence brand switching in the telecom industry of Afghanistan. Around 100 customers responded to the surveyed. Overall findings revealed that price, service quality, brand image and product feature are significant factors influencing consumers brand switching behavior in telecommunication industry among Afghanistan customers. Product features are the main reason as more the number of features that are being provided by a cellular network service provider, the more customers they can attract. JEL Classification: M3, M37, M39
The Effect of Supplemental Reading Instruction on Fluency Outcomes for Children With Down Syndrome: A Closer Look at Curriculum-Based Measures

Research supports the efficacy of intensive literacy instruction for children with moderate intellectual disabilities and Down syndrome (DS). However, much of the literature features measures closely aligned with evaluated interventions. Despite their increasing role in instruction, curriculum-based measures (CBM) are rarely featured in reading studies involving DS. Increasing the use of CBM in research has the potential to provide insight into the effectiveness of intervention and address concerns regarding the utility of approaches predicated on CBM. This single-case design study used CBM to examine the performance of children with DS (N = 17) who had largely exhibited gains on intervention-aligned measures following an intensive reading intervention. Results of multilevel modeling were mixed, with significant (p < .05) effects relegated to letter- and first-sound fluency. No more than 29% of participants met goals created using a procedure derived from CBM. Findings have implications for future studies and implementation of literacy interventions for children with DS.
Post-harvest quality assessment of freshly harvested and processed kola nuts [Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott & Endl.] from selected growing regions in Ghana

Abstract Elucidating the post-harvest quality of marketable kola nuts is essential in developing standards for grading the nuts. This was done in the present study by quantifying the phytochemicals and determining the moulds associated with kola nuts using standard laboratory methods. Mould and phytochemical assessments have both health and safety implications to marketers and consumers. Fresh and cured (3 months) kola nuts of three colour types (red, white, pink) were obtained from three different kola growing regions (Eastern, Ashanti, Ahafo) in Ghana for assessment. There were no significant differences in the amount of phytochemicals in fresh and cured nuts except for moisture (fresh = 56.21 − 59.42%; cured = 53.70–57.99%) and total polyphenol (fresh = 42.6–59.30 mg g-1; cured = 45.51–73.01 mg g-1) contents. Phytochemicals in the nuts after curing were as follows: pH 5.81–5.92, fat 0.49–0.60%, crude fibre 4.62–8.44%, total ash content 2.85–3.01%, alkaloids 0.40–0.99%, saponins 0.29–1.27%, terpenoids 0.30–1.09%, flavonoids 0.76–0.82% and tannins 38.67–45.22 mg g-1. These values are comparable to limits reported in kola nuts consumed in other countries. However, moisture, crude fibre, total polyphenols, alkaloids, saponins and terpenoids contents significantly (p < 0.05) differed across the sampled regions in Ghana. A total of 30 moulds belonging to 14 genera were isolated from the kola nuts. These were Absidia, Aspergillus, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Fusoma, Geothricum, Gliocladium, Mucor, Neurospora, Penicillium, Rhizoctonia, Rhizopus, Syncephalastrum and Trichoderma. Most Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium species detected are known mycotoxin-producing moulds. The information serves as a useful basis to optimize post-harvest processes of kola nuts to maintain high quality and safety nut for consumption.
Developing entrepreneurial career intention in entrepreneurial university: the role of counterfactual thinking

ABSTRACT This study addressed the question of how the counterfactual thinking of a student in an entrepreneurial university affects his/her future entrepreneurial career intention. In addition to testing this relationship, we also test how counterfactual thinking moderates the influence of attitude and opportunity identification in entrepreneurial career intention in an entrepreneurial university. We found that in an entrepreneurial university, counterfactual thinking is modifying the influence of attitude and opportunity identification in entrepreneurial career intention, but counterfactual thinking has no significant direct influence on entrepreneurial career intention of the students.
Sustainability of Islamic Rural Banks: A Social Qardh Financing Approach

Unlike Islamic commercial banks, Islamic rural bank emphasizes on small-medium enterprise financing along with providing a unique contract feature, namely social qardh financing. This paper investigates a way of finding the sustainability of Islamic rural banks through social financing and halal small-medium enterprise lending. We use OLS (ordinary least squares) and TSLS (two-stage least square) analysis. The time-series data is used from the period of 2010 to 2020. The result revealed that social qardh financing and small-medium halal enterprise lending have a positive and significant impact on the sustainability of Islamic rural banks. The Islamic rural banks' ratios are also found to be negative in influencing sustainability except the liquidity ratio that has a significant positive effect. Besides, the macroeconomic variables are also significant in explaining sustainability of Islamic rural banks. Recommendation for the policymaker that the regulation is needed to push Islamic rural banks in enhancing the social qardh financing toward small-medium enterprises.
Peer support facilitates post-traumatic growth in first responders: A literature review

Introduction First responders are routinely exposed to traumatic workplace incidents that can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). First responder organizations utilize different types of peer led programs to support first responders following a critical incident including the Critical Incident Stress Management Program (CISM) and stand-alone peer support programs. Little research has been done to determine the benefits or limitations of stand-alone peer support programs on the mental health of first responders. The aim of this project was to understand what characteristics of peer support facilitate post-traumatic growth (PTG) in first responders. Methods A literature search was completed using the City University of Seattle library database, ResearchGate and Google Scholar. The studies used in this review were found on EBCSOhost, ProQuest, PubMed and Wiley Online. This review includes literature published since 2006 that references post-traumatic growth in first responders, and/or their preferences for support, their coping styles and organizational impacts on growth. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify the themes and patterns in the final 10 research papers. Results This literature review identified five themes of formal and informal peer interactions that support PTG in first responders. (1) Peer support assists first responders with the processing of traumatic events and (2) managing organizational stressors. (3) Peer support alone may not lead to PTG and requires the use of adaptive coping behaviours. (4) First responders who actively engage with peer support experience increased well-being and (5) relational safety with peers encourages disclosure that leads to post-traumatic growth. Conclusion Formal and informal peer support contribute to post-traumatic growth (PTG) in first responders. Further research needs to be done to differentiate between the effects of trained peer support and support from colleagues.
A Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor Based on β-cyclodextrin Functionalized Multi-wall Carbon Nanotubes and Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Rutin Detection

A functionalized nanocomposite composed of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4), and β-cyclodextrin (CD) was prepared. The MWCNTs-CD-Fe3O4 modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) displayed good electrochemical response toward rutin (Ru). The detection linear range and the detection limit of the electrochemical sensor for Ru were 0.02-10 µM and 16.4 nM, respectively. The results of actual sample detection were consistent with those of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). The modified materials were also analyzed by UV-visible spectroscopy，transmission electrode microscope, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, respectively. The prepared nanocomposites integrate the excellent electric conductivity and electrocatalytic activity of MWCNTs and Fe3O4, as well as the disperse ability of CD, and may play a synergistic role in the electrochemical response of the modified electrode towards Ru. Moreover, the prepared sensor had good anti-interference ability and potential application in the actual content detection of drugs.
Activating assets of foreignness in compressed developing markets: evidence from New Zealand SMEs entering the Chinese market

ABSTRACT The methods Western SMEs can use to activate assets of foreignness in compressed developing markets are not well understood. To fill this gap, this study identifies three main mechanisms for such activation: conforming to home-country institutions, creating distancing narratives and accentuating foreignness. It contributes knowledge about SME internationalization into compressed developing markets through two findings. First, SMEs can benefit from contrasting country practices and norms between home and host countries. Second, SMEs can activate institutional resources of their home country, which requires between-market learning because the value of these resources arises from their use in a different context.
A monitoring-mining-modeling system and its application to the temperature status of the Xiluodu arch dam

Knowledge of the concrete temperature of a dam is necessary for the implementation of improved construction methodologies. A monitoring-mining-modeling system is proposed in this article to study the thermal state of a super high arch dam in China. The monitoring-mining-modeling system includes an in situ monitoring network setup, data mining methods, and numerical finite element analysis. Two engineering cases are surveyed in detail using monitoring-mining-modeling system. The first case is the long-term temperature rise phenomenon, whose cause is determined from the data mining result, and the numerical modeling of the external boundary condition is improved using the result. The modeling result then shows that the effect of the TRP is also a dangerous factor for the deformation and stress state of the dam. The second case is the performance of cooling pipes. The energy absorption capability of the cooling pipes is revealed by the data mining result, as well as the performance difference between high-density polyethylene and iron pipes. The numerical modeling result shows good agreement with the monitored result, which demonstrates the closed-loop validity of the monitoring-mining-modeling system.
Differences in the obesity screening ability of 19 anthropometric parameters in young Japanese females: Comparisons of direct measurements, conventional and novel indices

Aim: The present study aimed to examine the usefulness of anthropometric parameters for obesity screening in young Japanese females by assessing their associations with indicators of adiposity obtained from a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Methods: Screening ability of 19 anthropometric parameters was examined using a total of 50 young Japanese females who completed detailed anthropometry and a whole-body DXA scan. Anthropometric parameters were categorized into 1) measured variables, 2) conventional indices, and 3) novel indices and their correlations with body fat variables obtained from DXA were investigated. Using a percentage body fat (%BF) of 30.0% as a cut-off point of obesity, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) was observed from the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis and cut-off points of anthropometric parameters were determined. Results: While body mass correlated highly with total fat tissue mass in this sample (r = 0.847), body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) correlated most strongly with trunk fat and android fat tissues respectively (r = 0.820 and 0.865). However, all body composition variables were correlated with the sum of eight skinfolds (Sum8SF) if %BF was used (r ranged 0.672 – 0.834). Among anthropometric parameters examined, Ʃ8SF showed highest AUC for %BFTotal, %BFGynoid and %BFIAAT while Ʃ2SF and abdominal circumference (AbC) showed highest AUC for %BFTrunk and %BFAndroid respectively. Conclusion: Directly measured variables and conventional indices showed moderate to strong correlations with results from DXA. However, the sum of skinfolds, particularly Sum8SF, showed stronger correlations and superior screening ability for obesity. Although many novel indices have been utilized to screen obesity and metabolic abnormalities, observed results indicated that these indices may not necessarily better than measured values or conventional indices. Further investigations to confirm proposed cut-off points are warranted.
Screening of antibiotic residue in transported live fish and water collected from different fish markets in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the persistence of oxytetracycline (OTC) residue in common fish species (Catla, Rui, Mrigal, and Pangas) available in local fish markets and the corresponding transport water of the Mymensingh region. Materials and Methods: Live fish and corresponding transport water samples were analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography for qualitative and quantitative detection of OTC residue, respectively. A total of 240 fish samples and 60 water samples were randomly collected from three local fish markets during the summer and winter seasons. Results: OTC residues were detected in 18 samples (13 fish and 5 water samples) in the summer and 8 samples (only fish samples) in the winter. The overall percentage of antibiotic residue positive in fish samples was 5.42%, and in water samples, it was 8.33%. In fish, OTC concentrations of TLC-positive samples ranged from 34.7 to 56.85 parts per billion (ppb) in Catla, 23.45–35.37 in Rui, 11.02–26.80 in Mrigal, and 10.80–77.55 in Pangas during summer. The concentrations were 18.5 ppb in Catla, 15–16.09 in Rui, 10–14.63 in Mrigal, and 21.02–40.11 in Pangas during the winter season. On the other hand, the range of OTC concentrations of TLC-positive samples for water was 12.9–59.18 ppb during summer and below the detection level during winter. The highest prevalence of antibiotic residues among fish samples was found in Pangas (16.67%). The highest percentage of samples (15% in the fish sample and 30% in the water sample) found to be positive were collected from Mechua Bazar. The comparison between the summer and winter seasons showed that the percentage of positive antibiotic residue in the summer season (10.38% for fish and 16.67% for water) is higher than that of the winter season (6.67% for fish samples only). This variation indicates that fish transporters use more antibiotics during the summer than in the winter season. The difference between the means of fish species and water samples was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In addition, no samples exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRL) of OTC (100 ppb) in fish set by the European Commission. Conclusion: Although the concentrations of antibiotic residues in fish edible tissues are below MRL values, the presence of antibiotic residues in transported water may lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance bacteria that are detrimental to humans, animals, and aquatic animals.
Digital leadership and organizational capabilities in manufacturing industry: A study in Malaysian context

The research is conducted to study the outcome of digital leadership on dynamic capabilities, innovation capabilities, and alliances capabilities in manufacturing industries within the Malaysian context. Today, developing corporations and industries, at the least, require a virtual transformation to have greater organizational abilities in shaping and growing their new and present commercial enterprise to healthy the brand-new generation paradigm. A cross-sectional quantitative method has been used in this study with a sample of 132 respondents with different industry back grounds. These respondents are organizations, which are based on the nature of a business role like authorized representative, distributor, importer, manufacturer, combination authorized representative, distributor and importer, and combination distributor and importer that located in Selangor, Malaysia. The research used the SMART PLS software to analyze and interpret the results. There main hypotheses are proposed and tested. The results showed that digital leadership positively affects dynamic capabilities, innovation capabilities, and alliances capabilities.
Seasonal Variations in the Concentration of Particulate Matter in the Air of Cracow Affect the Magnitude of CD4+ T Cell Subsets Cytokine Production in Patients with Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disorders

Recently, the increased prevalence of chronic civilization diseases triggered by environmental pollution has been observed. In this context, the role of air pollution in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and/or inflammatory disorders is poorly elucidated. Here, we asked whether seasonal changes in the air quality of the city of Cracow affect the polarization of T cell subsets in healthy donors (HD) and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and atherosclerosis (AS). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HD and patients were exposed in vitro to particulate matter isolated from the air of Cracow (PM CRC). Blood samples were collected in two seasons (winter and summer), with differences in air concentration of particulate matter of 10 μm (PM10) (below or above a daily limit of 50 µg/m3). The obtained data showed a significantly elevated frequency of CD4+ lymphocytes specific for IFN-γ and IL-17A after the exposure of PBMCs to PM CRC. This was observed for all patients’ groups and HD. In the case of patients, this effect was dependent on the seasonal concentration of PM in the air, paradoxically being less pronounced in the season with a higher concentration of air pollution. These observations may suggest the role of air pollution on the course of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.