Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduced Life Expectancy Model Analyses of Exposure Time Effects of Endocrine Disruptors to Teleost Fishes Based on Effect Concentration of Hepatic Biomarkers

In this current paper, the exposure time effects on four endocrine disruptors and teleost fishes were evaluated using the reduced life expectancy (RLE) model based on the effect concentration (EC50) of available literature published. The result on the regression analysis over different exposure times has demonstrated that the EC50 of hepatic biomarkers falls with increasing exposure times in a predictable manner. The slopes of the regression equations reflect the strength of the toxic effects on the various teleost fish. The EC50 reduction over time can be interpreted based on the bioconcentration process, which can be used to understand transfer routes of the compounds from water to fish body. RLE model also provides useful information in assessing the toxic effects on fish life expectancy as a result of the occurrence of compounds.
Role of medical thoracoscopy in diagnosis of pleuropulmonary lesions

Objectives: To assess the analytic utility and wellbeing of pleuroscopy in patients with pleuropulmonary diseases.Patients and Methods: A retrospective and prospective observational clinical study including 179 patients divided into 2 groups; group 1 included 139 patients in Nagoya medical center and Toyota Kosei hospital, Japan with undiagnosed pleural effusions. Group 2 included 40 patients with diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLD) of unknown etiology admitted in Kasr Alainy Hospital, Cairo University. All patients were exposed to clinical assesment, routine laboratory investigation, coagulation profile, arterial blood gases, collagen profile, chest X-ray and CT, pleural fluid analysis in cases with pleural effusion and Spirometry in cases with DPLD.Results: The Final histopathological diagnosis in G1 revealed malignancy in 53.2% and benign diagnosis in 46.8% and in G2, hypersensitivity pneumonitis in 20%, UIP in 17.5%, NSIP in 15%, DIP in 10%, LAM in 10%, COP in 7.5%, alveolar proteinosis in 5%, sarcoidosis in 5%, invasive mucoid adenocarcinoma in 5%, Metastatic adenocarcinoma (gastric) in 2.5% and silicosis in 2.5%. Thoracoscopic complications; in G1, bronchopleural fistula in 10.8%, fever in 3.6%, HAI in 1.44%, lung laceration in 2.2% and Subcutaneous emphysema in 0.72% and in G 2; Pneumomediastinum in 2.5%, Surgical emphysema in 7.5%, bronchopleural fistula in 10%, Pneumothorax in 10% and Pulmonary embolism in 2.5%. Conclusions: VAMT is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of undiagnosed pleural diseases, management of empyema and malignant pleural effusion. It is a promising, inexpensive and safe technique in DPLD
Integrating Sustainability into Corporate Strategy: A Case Study of the Textile and Clothing Industry

This paper aims to explore a set of institutional, organizational, and individual drivers of and barriers to the integration of sustainability into the corporate strategy of a European textile and clothing (T&C) company. The methodology is based on a case study of the exemplar VAUDE, a family-owned sustainable outdoor outfitter company. The results are in accordance with institutional theory and stakeholder theory as a theoretical framework explaining why companies deal with sustainability. The determined drivers depend on coherence at all levels of analysis, i.e., institutional, organizational, and individual. The barriers found are of an institutional and organizational nature only. The findings present significant practical implications for other T&C companies that seek to integrate sustainability into their corporate strategy and for the T&C industry to create a sustainability-friendly environment to drive more companies to become sustainable. It further supports T&C companies in identifying potential barriers, determining how to overcome them, and successfully integrating sustainability into their corporate strategy. To conclude, the results suggest that it only works if sustainability is strongly integrated into the corporate strategy and deeply anchored in all departments and daily tasks of a T&C company.
The Cross-Level Effect of Shared Leadership on Tourism Employee Proactive Behavior and Adaptive Performance

Shared leadership has emerged as a new style that has been proven to contribute to employee performance. However, the underlying mechanism of shared leadership on employee performance and its possible correlates have not received sufficient academic attention in the literature. To narrow the related research gaps, the current study aims to establish a multi-level framework incorporating shared leadership, team reflexivity and employee performance, and examined the cross-level mediation mechanism between shared leadership and adaptive performance. A questionnaire survey consisting of 301 valid employees’ samples from 31 work teams in the hotel industry in China validated the proposed model. Multilevel analysis with Mplus was applied. The current study found that shared leadership positively influences team reflexivity, and share leadership influences employee’s adaptive performance through proactive behavior. The current study sheds light on the role of shared leadership in tourism organizations. The practical implications regarding how to improve the organizational environment to enhance productivity are further discussed.
Unveiling the mystery: assessing the evolutionary trajectory of the Apaporis caiman population (Caiman crocodilus apaporiensis, Medem 1955) via mitochondrial molecular makers

The Apaporis caiman (Caiman crocodilus apaporiensis) has been of particular interest due to its highly differentiated morphology. However, no molecular research has been done to clarify its taxonomy. We characterized the genetic variation within C. crocodilus by assessing the evolutionary trajectory of Apaporis caiman populations using mitochondrial molecular markers. We collected ten Apaporis caiman samples from the middle basin of the Apaporis River, Colombia, sequenced two mitochondrial genes [cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome B (CytB)], and analysed them together with all available sequences from homologous gene fragments at GenBank for the species. Phylogenetic reconstructions revealed three main clades clearly differentiated across the C. crocodilus complex. These clades matched genetically and geographically with three of the four subspecies currently recognized (C. c. chiapasius, C. c. fuscus and C. c. crocodilus). However, we found low to almost non-existent genetic differentiation between C. c. crocodilus and the until-now morphologically recognized C. c. apaporiensis, suggesting that the latter is part of the genetic spectrum present within C. c. crocodilus. We reject the hypothesis of an expected elevated level of genetic variation due to isolation (supported by morphological differentiation) and support the idea of Apaporis caiman populations as a C. crocodilus ecomorph.
Influence of Five Adulterants on Detection and Quantification of Tramadol in Urine Samples

Background: There is a growing evidence of abuse of tramadol in some African and West Asian countries considering large seizures of such preparations in North and West Africa especially in Egypt. Urine testing for drugs of abuse has become an integral weapon in the nation’s war against drugs. A limitation inherent in all urine drug testing is the possibility of sample adulteration or substitution. Aim of study: To detect qualitative and quantitative effects of five adulterants on positive urine samples for tramadol. Subject and Method(s): This study was conducted in Clinical Toxicology Laboratory in Sohag University Hospitals. The samples were tested for its integrity by checking PH, specific gravity and creatinine. The samples were tested by RIA then confirmed and quantified by HPLC. Results: Urine samples adulterated with vinegar, drano and liquid hand soap generated false negative results by immunoassay testing. HPLC confirmation showed decrease tramadol conc. below limit of quantification in urine samples adulterated with 40%vinegar and 40% drano. Conclusion: Some adulterants make it easy to produce false negative results and the specimen integrity testing is inadequate in detection of these adulterants.
Cow's functional traits and physiological status and their relation with milk yield and milk quality in a compost bedded pack barn system

ABSTRACT We aimed to determine the relationship of milk yield, milk composition, and somatic cell score (SCS) with functional traits (lameness score, udder cleanliness score, udder depth, and teat end hyperkeratosis score) and physiological status (parity and days in milk (DIM) of cows housed in compost bedded pack barn system (CBP) using multivariate analysis. Data were collected in September and October of 2017 and evaluated using factor and cluster analysis. Four factors were formed, with the first factor showing the [. ]
Molecular dissection of flavivirus membrane fusion by structure-based mutational analysis

Flaviviren sind kleine membran-umhullte RNA Viren, die in vielen Fallen durch Stechmucken oder Zecken auf ihre Vertebratenwirte ubertragen werden. Die wichtigsten humanpathogenen Vertreter sind das Fruhsommer-Meningo-Enzephalitis (FSME) Virus, das Gelbfieber Virus, das West Nil Virus, das Japanische Encephalitis Virus und die Dengue Viren. Die Infektion einer Wirtszelle durch umhullte Viren erfordert die Verschmelzung (Fusion) der viralen mit einer zellularen Membran um die genetische Information der Viren in das Zellzytoplasma freizusetzen. Im Fall der Flaviviren erfolgt diese Membranfusion mit einer endosomalen Membran – nach Aufnahme durch Rezeptor-vermittelte Endozytose – und wird durch den sauren pH-Wert im Endosom ausgelost. Dieser Prozess wird durch das virale Oberflachenglykoprotein E – ein Klasse II Fusionsprotein – gesteuert, das auf der Oberflache infektioser Viren als metastabiles, dimeres Molekul vorliegt. Saurer pH lost in diesem Protein dramatische Anderungen der Konformation und Oligomerstruktur aus, die die beiden Membranen in Kontakt bringen und schlieslich zu ihrer Fusionierung fuhren. Es wurde die Hypothese aufgestellt, dass hochkonservierte Histidine in E als molekulare pH Sensoren fungieren und durch ihre Protonierung die Fusions-relevanten Konformationsanderungen auslosen. Im Hauptteil dieser Dissertation wurden die funf bei allen Flaviviren konservierten Histidine des E Proteins in rekombinanten Virus-ahnlichen Partikel (RSPs) des FSME Virus mutiert und die Auswirkungen der Substitutionen auf die verschiedenen Schritte des Fusionsprozesses analysiert. Dabei stellte sich heraus, dass einem Histidin (H323) an der Grenzflache zwischen zwei Domanen von E eine zentrale und essentielle Rolle als pH Sensor zur Fusionsauslosung zukommt, wahrend Histidine ausserhalb dieser Region keine Rolle bei der Initiierung der Membranfusion spielen. Weitere Experimente waren der Aufklarung der Rolle des Membranankers des E Proteins im Fusionsmechanismus gewidmet. Im Gegensatz zu allen anderen bekannte viralen Fusionsproteinen, ist das Flavivirus E Protein nicht nur uber eine, sondern uber zwei transmembranale Helices (TM1 und TM2) in der Virusmembran verankert. Die Deletion von TM2 hatte zwar keinen Einfluss auf die Initiation und die fruhen Phasen der Fusion, aber der Prozess wurde in einem intermediaren Stadium blockiert und es kam nicht zur Bildung einer Fusionspore. Die experimentellen Befunde weisen darauf hin, dass dieser Effekt auf einen Stabilitatsverlust des in spaten Stadien der Fusion gebildeten E Trimeren zuruckzufuhren ist. Die genaue Kenntnis der einzelnen Schritte des Fusionsmechanismus kann einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Entwicklung antiviraler Agenzien leisten, wie das Beispiel des AIDS Erregers HIV zeigt, gegen den bereits ein fusionshemmendes Medikament zur Verfugung steht.
Feeling Good and Functioning Well in Mathematics Education: Exploring Students’ Conceptions of Mathematical Well-Being and Values

Purpose: The high incidence of mathematics anxiety and disengagement in mathematics points to poor student well-being in many mathematics classrooms. Poor well-being may arise in part from poor alignment between student values and classroom experiences. Yet, what student well-being is and how to support it within specific subjects is poorly understood, and intersection between students’ values and well-being in mathematics education is unclear. This article proposes a seven-dimensional framework of student well-being in mathematics education and examines alignment between well-being and values. Design/Approach/Methods: One hundred nineteen eighth-grade Australian students responded to three open-ended questions investigating their conceptions of mathematical well-being (MWB) and what they valued most when learning or doing mathematics. Responses were analyzed using a combined deductive/inductive thematic analysis. Findings: Findings supported the MWB framework and confirmed an alignment between students’ values and well-being in mathematics education. Originality/Value: Our study provides a framework for conceptualizing student well-being in mathematics education, points to areas that aim to improve student well-being, and highlights congruences and discordances between well-being and values.
On Computer Simulations, with particular Regard to their Application in Contemporary Astrophysics — some Science-Philosophical Considerations: DISCUSSION ABSTRACT

A BSTRACT : In this survey contribution, which extends [GBa19], we consider and discuss computer simulations from a variety of perspectives with particular attention to computer simulations in astrophysics and cosmology. We begin by reviewing earlier, related science-philosophical literature on this topic. Then we point out several fundamental limitations which computer simulations are, as a matter of principle, not able to overcome. We conclude our considerations with the conjecture that computer simulations are technically amplified gedankenexperiments (thought experiments). Another important insight which follows from our considerations concerns the epistemic value of such simulations: the more complex the underlying models, the less we are able to learn from them.
The Positive Impact of Pharmacist Interventions Using Educational Video Technology on Patient Knowledge of and Satisfaction with Warfarin Therapy

Sireen A. R. Shilbayeh*1, Abrar F. Al-Qarni2, Malak M. Al-Turki2, Meshael N. Al-Nuwisser2, Ohud A. Al-Nuwaysir2, Wejdan F. Al-Muhraj2, Miteb A. Alanazi3 1Department of Pharmaceutical Practice, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia 2College of Pharmacy, PNU, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 3Department of Pharmacy, King Khalid Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Moderating effects of social learning on the usage of formal financial services in Kampala, Uganda

The use of formal financial services has been associated with increased financial wellbeing and overall economic growth. Efforts to increase financial inclusion have emphasized financial literacy provided through formal training and education without due recognition that people’s financial behaviors and practices may be motivated by social interactions. The current study examines the moderating effects of social learning on the relationship between financial literacy and formal financial services usage within a developing country context. Survey data collected from a sample of 351 adults in Kampala, Uganda, was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, hierarchical regression, and ModGraph. Findings reveal significant positive relationships between financial literacy, social learning, and usage of formal financial services. Results indicate that social learning moderates the relationship between financial literacy and financial services usage among people in Kampala. The study finds peers and friends to be critical socializing agents with a significant influence on formal financial services usage. Beyond the promotion of financial literacy, financial inclusion initiatives should recognize the effects of social learning to increase the use of formal financial services in countries such as Uganda. The study integrates aspects of the social learning theory into the financial services domain hitherto dominated by finance and economic models. Key words: Financial literacy, financial inclusion, Uganda
Fiber-matrix interface improvement via glycidyl methacrylate compatibilization for rotomolded poly(lactic acid)/agave fiber biocomposites

The growing interest in research and development of eco-friendlier materials makes attractive the use of bio-based and biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA). However, the higher cost of PLA compared to conventional polymers limits its applications. Moreover, raw materials for rotational molding must be in a powder form, which further increases their cost. So, the main objective of this study was to use agave fibers to produce lower-cost PLA based rotomolded biocomposites (BC) without compromising its bio-sourced origin and to compare with a standard rotomolding resin: linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE). To improve the fiber-matrix interface, a chemical surface treatment of the fibers with glycidyl methacrylate grafted polylactic acid (GMA-g-PLA) in solution was evaluated. The results showed that a better biocomposites’ morphology was obtained, especially with the fibers treated twice. The surface treatment was also shown to substantially improve the flexural and tensile properties of treated fiber biocomposites at higher fiber content (25% wt.) compared to those with untreated fiber. The surface treatment also led to a substantial reduction of the biocomposites porosity and water absorption. Overall, the samples were shown to have better mechanical properties than neat LMDPE while being eco-friendlier due to their bio-nature.
Low Dose Radiotherapy to Thorax for COVID 19 Patients: A Potential Weapon to Put the Dagger in Devil's heart

The novel coronavirus SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a major healthcare burden to the entire world. At the moment there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19, and no vaccine is currently available. The clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection ranges from asymptomatic infection, mild upper respiratory tract illness to severe pneumonia with respiratory failure, multi organ failure and death. The inflammatory response induced in pneumonia is complex and involves a variety of mechanisms to defend against pathogens and repair tissue. During inflammation, activation of inflammatory cells releases cytokines and this intense inflammatory reaction can further to life threatening condition know acute respiratory distress syndrome. In the past, low dose radiotherapy has successfully cured patients with unresolved viral pneumonia. It was associated with reduction of mortality in unresolved pneumonias. Radiotherapy at low doses exerts anti-inflammatory effects which have potential to r duce the cytokine storm in COVID pneumonia patients. We hereby briefly touch upon COVID 19 infection and potential of low dose radiotherapy to reverse unresolved pneumonia, prevent deve opment of acute respiratory distress syndrome as well as multi-organ failure.
Board Characteristics and Corporate Social Responsibility: A Meta-Analytic Investigation

Boards of directors affect corporate strategy and decision-making through monitoring of management and resource provision. Recently, an increasing number of studies have examined the relationships between board characteristics and corporate social responsibility (CSR). These studies have yielded inconsistent findings. This article therefore reports the results of a study applying meta-analytical techniques to a sample of 82 empirical studies to help clarify the relationships between board characteristics and CSR. Although prior research has tended to apply relatively simplistic models investigating the impact of individual board characteristics independently and only directly, we adopt a more complex perspective to shed new light on the board characteristics–CSR nexus. Specifically, we use a meta-analytic path model that accounts for the potential interplay between board characteristics in determining CSR and tests whether the presence of a CSR committee plays a meditating role. Our findings suggest that board size, board independence, and female board representation are partially interrelated with each other and jointly influence CSR directly as well as indirectly via the presence of a CSR committee. In addition, we find that country-level institutional factors act as moderators and that the relationships differ with regard to the specific dimension of CSR (i.e., social, environmental, or aggregate).
Spatio-temporal Analysis of Noise Levels across Hotspot Areas in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study examined spatial and temporal variations of noise levels across hot spot areas in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State Nigeria. It employed a quasi-experimental design. The noise level was captured using Mobile Application known as decibel (dB) X in infinix note 3 android smart phone, which was calibrated with a digital noise meter SET 1350, with a measuring level range of 20–120 decibel while the sampling points were captured with the use of handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) Garmin 78sc which was calibrated to UTM zone 32N. The Geographic Information System (GIS) was the main tool in manipulating surface prediction modeling Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) in the morning and evening noise levels using Environmental Science Research Institute’s (ESRI) software ArcGIS 10.4 version. In the twelve areas investigated, two sample points were captured in each, making a total of twenty four points. Analyses was done using ANOVA and t-test for the hypotheses and the finding of the results in mean noise levels in the morning and evening indicate that there were no statistical significant difference in the noise level as P =. 89 and P =. 124 respectively while the t-test indicates statistical significant difference in the Original Research Article Ajoku and Amadi-Wali; JGEESI, 24(5): 30-40, 2020; Article no.JGEESI. 58081 31 majority of the hotspot areas. Therefore, hypotheses of significant mean noise levels were accepted. The finding of the IDW reveals that noise pollution occurs in the morning than in the evening periods in most areas, as they exceed the allowable noise limit of WHO standard is 85 dB (A). Based on the findings, the study recommended among others: that noise pollution planning controls should not be compromised but operates at higher dimension through planting of trees and monitoring in order to ensure strict compliance.