Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Easing, Accounting and Prudential Frameworks, and Bank Lending

A new paper by Andrea Orame, Rodney Ramcharan, and Roberto Robatto shows that widely used regulations that rely on historical cost accounting (HCA)—to insulate banks ’ balance sheets from financial market volatility—significantly affect the transmission of monetary policy. Using detailed supervisory data from Italian banks, the authors find that HCA mutes the transmission of quantitative easing on bank lending supply, weakening the effectiveness of monetary policy in reducing firm credit constraints. In addition, the paper suggests regulations alternative to HCA that might impose a much smaller policy tradeoff.
Developing an academic writing creativity and self-efficacy among Indonesian TVET instructors: Evaluating an online genre analysis-based academic writing workshop

Abstract This study designed a five-session online Academic Writing Workshop to help 27 Indonesian TVET instructors prepare the Introduction and Method sections of their publication manuscripts. The instructors’ academic writing creativity and self-efficacy were evaluated and analysed statistically before and after the workshop, using a Rasch-based t-test to examine the workshop’s impact. The findings revealed that there was statistical difference between TVET instructors’ academic writing creativity and self-efficacy before and after attending the academic writing workshop (Mann—Whitney U = 0.00, n1 = n2 = 27, p < 0.05) with a relatively small effect size (r < 0.3). The instructors did benefit from the workshop, albeit with relatively limited improvements in aspects of academic writing self-efficacy. Particularly, it was reported that they had increased ability to find ways to overcome their writing difficulties (logit value = 55.10), and to accept or reject feedback they had received (logit value = 53.35). Unfortunately, TVET instructors were unlikely to benefit from the development of their academic writing creativity, and more specifically, the utilization of technology to support their academic writing and creativity. Besides the need for sustainable, genre-based academic writing workshop planning and application, providing a long-term commitment to academic writing education, with provision, personalised, and sustainable writing and technological support for scholarly writing for publication from expert and related governing institution should be made to promote effective ways of promoting career and professional development for TVET instructors.
Experiencing (Shared) Decision Making: Results from a Qualitative Study of People with Mental Illness and Their Family Members

(1) Background: There is a fundamental shift in healthcare toward shared decision making (SDM). This study explores SDM from the perspective of individuals affected by mental illness and their family members and investigates factors which promote and hinder the process. (2) Methods: We conducted N = 15 telephone interviews (n = 4 adults affected by mental illness, n = 5 family members, n = 6 both applicable, the majority reporting experiences with affective and anxiety disorders). Data were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed according to procedures established by Mayring. (3) Results: Individuals affected by mental illness and their family members have a strong desire to be involved in treatment decisions and to participate in finding a diagnosis. Often these stakeholders are denied the opportunity to participate; sometimes enabling behaviors impede participation. The stigmatization of mental illnesses is a major barrier. There are also structural barriers to SDM within the healthcare system. Peer support, self-help associations, and psychosocial counseling services are important to empowering individuals and promoting SDM. (4) Conclusions: SDM has the potential to improve the quality of mental healthcare. Barriers can be mitigated and new approaches for interventions in the psychiatric sector have been identified. This study has also shown the importance of understanding SDM as a process that should begin at the diagnostic phase.
VirFace∞: A Semi-Supervised Method for Enhancing Face Recognition via Unlabeled Shallow Data

The semi-supervised face recognition problem has become a popular research topic in recent years. However, one common and important situation, in which the unlabeled data is shallow, has rarely been considered in most existing works. In this paper, shallow data means there are only few images per identity. In the unlabeled shallow situation, the existing semi-supervised face recognition methods generally do not work well. Thus, how to effectively utilize the unlabeled shallow face data for improving face recognition performance is an important issue. In this paper, we propose a novel semi-supervised face recognition method, namely VirFace $^{\infty} $ , to enhance the face recognition performance effectively with the unlabeled shallow data. VirFace $^{\infty} $ consists of VirClass and VirDistribution components. In VirClass, we inject the unlabeled data as virtual classes into the feature space to enlarge the inter-class distance. In VirDistribution, we predict the distribution of each virtual class, namely virtual distribution, and then enhance the inter-class discriminativeness by enlarging the distances between the labeled features and the virtual distributions. To the best of our knowledge, we are among the first to tackle the face recognition problem on unlabeled shallow face data. Extensive experiments demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method.
Application of an Enhanced Whale Optimization Algorithm on Coverage Optimization of Sensor

The wireless sensor network (WSN) is an essential technology of the Internet of Things (IoT) but has the problem of low coverage due to the uneven distribution of sensor nodes. This paper proposes a novel enhanced whale optimization algorithm (WOA), incorporating Lévy flight and a genetic algorithm optimization mechanism (WOA-LFGA). The Lévy flight technique bolsters the global search ability and convergence speed of the WOA, while the genetic optimization mechanism enhances its local search and random search capabilities. WOA-LFGA is tested with 29 mathematical optimization problems and a WSN coverage optimization model. Simulation results demonstrate that the improved algorithm is highly competitive compared with mainstream algorithms. Moreover, the practicality and the effectiveness of the improved algorithm in optimizing wireless sensor network coverage are confirmed.
Are gender-science stereotypes barriers for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics? Exploring when, how, and to whom in an experimentally-controlled setting

Based on Social Cognitive Career Theory principles, the present study sought to investigate whether stereotype threat experiences could act as a barrier and reduce the persistence of women in math-intensive activities. More specifically, we assessed whether the experimental activation of stereotypes about women’s lower math capabilities affected the performance, persistence, and self-selected difficulty of engineering students in a math task which required sustained effort. We also evaluated the relationships between these effects and the participants’ pre-testing gender-science stereotypes and math self-concept. A sample of 340 engineering students (175 and 165 self-identified as males and females, respectively) were recruited and randomly assigned to a control (Con) or stereotype threat (StA) condition to form four similarly sized groups. All participants rated their self-concept in four academic domains (math, chemistry, physics, and coding), completed the gender-science Implicit Association Test, and a “reading comprehension task” that served to promote the stereotype threat manipulation immediately before facing a modified version of the Math Effort Task (M-MET). We observed that, in the control condition, M-MET performance, self-selected difficulty, and persistence were similar in female and male participants, independent of their gender-science implicit stereotypes but correlated to their math self-concept scores. In contrast, the StA condition triggered opposite effects in female and male students, so they showed decreased/enhanced M-MET performance and self-selected difficulty, respectively. This experimental condition also resulted in enhanced persistence of the male students without affecting the number of trials completed by female students. These effects were correlated with the strength of the participants’ gender-science implicit stereotypes but not with their math self-concept scores. In fact, as revealed by finer-grain analyses, stereotype threat only had a significant impact on individuals harboring stereotypical gender-science implicit associations. Therefore, it is concluded that: (1) stereotypes can promote differences between male and female engineering students in their performance, self-confidence, and persistence in math-related activities; (2) These effects seem to be more prominent in individuals implicitly perceiving science as a masculine domain. The relevance of these findings to explain women’s enhanced abandonment rates of math-intensive studies is discussed.
Impact of Remimazolam versus Sevoflurane Anesthesia on Cerebral Oxygenation and Intracranial Pressure during Gynecological Laparoscopy with Mild Hypercapnia

Background Remimazolam has the advantage of better hemodynamic stability compared with other anesthetics. We compared the effects of remimazolam and sevoflurane on cerebral oxygenation, intracranial pressure, and intraoperative hemodynamic parameters during mild hypercapnia in patients undergoing laparoscopy in the Trendelenburg position. Material/Methods Sixty-two patients (20–65 years old) scheduled for gynecological laparoscopy were randomly allocated to either the remimazolam (n=31) or sevoflurane (n=31) group. Respiratory and hemodynamic parameters and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) were recorded. Intracranial pressure was measured using the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). Results The change over time in rSO2 did not differ between groups (P=0.056). The change in ONSD over time showed a significant intergroup difference (P=0.002). ONSD significantly changed over time (P=0.034) in the sevoflurane group but not in the remimazolam group (P=0.115). The changes in mean arterial pressure and heart rate over time showed significant intergroup differences (P=0.045 and 0.031, respectively). The length of stay and the use of rescue antiemetics and analgesics in the postanesthetic care unit were significantly lower in the remimazolam group than in the sevoflurane group (P=0.023, 0.038, and 0.018, respectively). Conclusions Remimazolam can provide a favorable hemodynamic profile and attenuate the increase in ONSD during gynecological laparoscopy compared with sevoflurane anesthesia during lung-protective ventilation with mild hypercapnia. Remimazolam can provide faster and better postoperative recovery than sevoflurane anesthesia.
L'effet Caméléon comme outil de prévention de l'obésité infantile : l'imitation une nouvelle stratégie de soumission comportementale ?

L’obesite est consideree par l’OMS comme une « epidemie mondiale ». En France, comme dans d’autres pays europeens, elle touche en particulier les enfants. Le surpoids de l’enfant est multifactoriel : l’environnement nutritionnel, familial, social ainsi que les evolutions economiques sont autant de facteurs determinants. On sait egalement que les facteurs psychologiques jouent un role majeur dans la genese de certaines obesites (Inserm 2003). Le recours aux connaissances issues de la psychologie sociale experimentale et en particulier a l'imitation (Chartrand et van Baaren, 2009 ; Tanner et al. 2008) nous semble susceptible de permettre d’ameliorer l’impact des actions de sensibilisation et de prevention de l’obesite conduites en milieu scolaire. Nous essayons ici de promouvoir de nouveaux comportements alimentaires conforment a ceux recommandes par le PNNS. L'objectif principal de cette these consiste a elaborer et evaluer des outils et une methodologie de prevention de l'obesite infantile qui s'averent efficaces a court et moyen terme. Dans un second temps, nous voulons voir si l'imitation peut entrainer des changements comportementaux perennes ainsi que des changements attitudinels a l'instar des techniques de soumission comportementale connues. Enfin nous souhaitons, d'un point de vue plus theorique, mettre en evidence un nouveau facteur susceptible de renforcer l'effet de l'imitation : la similarite. Nous nous attachons egalement a mettre en evidence de nouveaux effets de l'imitation sur les comportements tant du point de vue de leur perennite que de leur possible diffusion a la sphere familiale.
Bridging the Gap between Strategic Planning and SMEs 1 Performance: Role of External Business Environment

7 Given the fact that strategic planning takes a central position in firm? s operational activities, 8 particularly in a rapidly changing business environment, but research into circumstance under 9 which key strategic planning elements enhance firm performance is lacking in the extant 10 literature. As a result, this study investigates the moderating role of external business 11 environment in strategic planning elements-SMEs performance relationship. A survey research 12 design was used via self-administered questionnaire with a view to collecting data from 497 13 registered SMEs operating in Lagos-Nigeria. The sample was chosen using a simple random 14 sampling technique Data was analysed by SPSS and Partial Least Square-Structural 15 Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM via PLS3). Findings revealed that significant positive 16 relationships exist between strategy formulation, strategy implementation and SMEs 17 performance. Findings further revealed that external business environment moderated the 18 relationship between strategy implementation and SMEs performance. The implications, 19 limitations and suggestions for future research were also discussed. 20
CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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Agronomic and environmental performance of 6 energy crops in a close loop with digestate fertilization

ABSTRACT This study examines the growth performances, nutrient uptake and potential methane yield of six energy crops fertilized with the digestate liquid fraction (DLF) with or without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation. The 3-year-experiment involved the four perennial (Arundo donax L. Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu, Heliantus tuberosus L. Lolium perenne L.) and two annual (Zea mays L. and Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench × sudanense Stapf. ) crops. The cumulative highest yield was observed for A. donax (128.1 ± 8.4 Mg ha−1), followed by M. × giganteus and S. bicolor (83.0 ± 8.0 Mg ha−1), H. tuberosus and Z. mays (66.2 ± 7.7 Mg ha−1) and L. perenne (31.4 ± 2.9 Mg ha−1). A. donax showed the highest estimated methane yield per hectare (11.030 Nm3 ha−1). After 3 years, the fertilization with DLF increased the initial soil Na+ content by 76.9%. During the experiment, only temporary and marginal effects were shown by AMF inoculation, which did not affect biomass production by any crop. Interestingly, AMF significantly increased the NO3-N concentration (+70%) while it reduced the NH4-N concentration in percolation water (−32.8%). DLF could be considered a viable organic fertilizer for biomass production, but the soil Na+ concentration should be carefully monitored.
Evaluation of phytogenic feed additive on egg production performance in Hy-Line commercial brown layers

The current study was carried out to evaluate the effect of phytogenic feed additive (PFA) on egg production performance in Hy-Line brown layer birds. A flock size of 14190 birds was selected in commercial poultry farm which was maintained with standard management practices at Spain. The baseline data (T1) was recorded for 20 days, thereafter, birds were fed with PFA (500 g/ton) (T2) supplemented feed for 11 days. The parameters viz. number of eggs , hen day egg production (HDEP) and egg size were recorded. Results revealed that PFA supplementation improved the production parameters viz. no. of eggs/day (204 eggs/day) and HDEP (3%) when compared to baseline. Additionally, the gap between standard HDEP and actual HDEP was reduced (-11.75 Vs. -15.80) in Hy-Line brown layer birds. Also, PFA supplementation augmented the medium sized egg production as compared to baseline (4223 Vs. 3700; Diff. +523). In conclusion, PFA can be used to improve the egg production performance and egg quality traits in Hy-Line commercial layer birds.
Experiences of Health Service Access and Use for People Living with Parkinson’s Disease in Ireland: A National Survey

Background. Despite the growing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the need to plan for future health service provision, little is known in the Irish context about PD patients’ experiences of service access/use. Methods. A cross-sectional survey, with multiple formats, i.e., online, pen-and-paper, and telephone. Data were collected from May 2020 to July 2021 using a multipronged recruitment strategy. The survey was completed by people with PD alone or with the support of a carer/support person. Results. A total of 1402 responses were included. Over half (53%) were male. Approx. 10% were diagnosed with young-onset PD. A minority (6%) reported attending only their GP to manage their PD, with the rest attending a generic or specialist outpatient clinic. Almost 1-in-5 reported it took more than 12 months to obtain the diagnosis. Most were diagnosed by neurologists (84%), followed by GPs (8%) and geriatricians (7%); 1% indicated “other. ” Of those diagnosed privately, 37% of these patients subsequently switched to the public system for ongoing management. The majority (97%) reported currently taking PD medications, but just 52% believed these were working effectively. Access to the range of health and social care professionals, including PD nurse specialists and clinical therapies is universally poor. Conclusions. A number of significant gaps in PD care are discussed, which require urgent attention. A reconfigured model of PD care is necessary to accommodate the growing need for specialist, integrated care at the population level. Specifically, more PD nurse specialists are needed within the public health system.
Impact of Quality Assurance Measures on Students’ Performance in Refrigeration and Airconditioning Works in Technical Colleges in Southwest, Nigeria

This study was designed to assess students’ productivity in refrigeration and air conditioning works as correlate of quality assurance measures in technical colleges. The study adopted a survey research design. The population for the study was all 223 refrigeration and air conditioning (R&A) works students in state owned technical colleges in south west Nigeria. One research questions and three hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. The instruments used for data collection was the Quality Assurance (QA). The QA instrument developed by the researcher, has a total of 34 items. The sample for the study was all 150 year two and three refrigeration and Air conditioning students in the state owned technical colleges in south west Nigeria. The trial test of the instrument was carried out on 10 technical college R&A students who are not part of the study. Face and content validity were carried out on the structured questionnaire by three specialists in test construction. The reliability coefficient computed for the QA with the use of the Cronbach Alpha was 0.79. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The study revealed a positive impact of curriculum implementation as an indices of Quality Assurance Measures but however observed a no-adequate and negative impact of physical and infrastructural facilities as available in the colleges among other findings. The study thereafter recommended that in-service teachers should be given training in developing and using continuous assessments through refresher courses and that philanthropist and alumni associations of the colleges be attracted to support the schools with relevant learning facilities such as laboratory, workshop, furniture and equipment among other recommendations.
Evolution of Status of Trace Elements and Metallothioneins in Patients with COVID-19: Relationship with Clinical, Biochemical, and Inflammatory Parameters

The inflammatory reaction and pathogenesis of COVID-19 may be modulated by circulating trace elements (Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn)) and Metallothioneins (MTs). Thus, the present study aimed to investigate their relationship with clinical, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters in patients with COVID-19 at the early Intensive Care Unit (ICU) phase. Critically ill patients (n = 86) were monitored from the first day of ICU admission until the third day of stay. Serum samples were used to assess mineral levels via Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and MT levels via differential pulse voltammetry. Levels of Cu and MTs were significantly decreased after 3 days (p < 0.05), increasing the prevalence of Cu-deficient values from 50% to 65.3% (p = 0.015). Fe and Zn were shown to have a predictive value for mortality and severity. The present study suggests trace element deficiency may be a risk factor during early ICU treatment of COVID-19, as it is related to different biochemical and clinical parameters, indicating a possible beneficial effect of restoring proper levels of these micronutrients.
Coupled effect of waste glass powder and glass fibers on mechanical properties of concrete: A step towards the elimination of non‐biodegradable waste

Silica, a principal component of waste glass powder (GP) reacts with calcium hydroxide to form the hydration products, and the process is affected by the fineness of GP and the percentage of cement replaced. This study investigates the structural behavior of concrete incorporating GP in reinforced concrete members by 0%–25% (by weight) replacement of cement with GP along with 0%–0.45% addition of glass fibers (GFs). The compressive and tensile strengths, strength activity index (SAI), and failure mode of treated concrete mixtures have revealed the optimum values as 15% replacement of cement with GP with 0.3% of GF. In the second stage of experiment, reinforced concrete beams were cast at various percentages of GP and GF to investigate the load–deflection response. It was observed that the beam specimen treated with GP exhibited considerably less mid‐span deflection (14.8 mm) at failure as compared to the control beam (with no GP and GF) which failed at 29.4 mm. The beam specimen treated with GP only showed significant degradation in stiffness after the peak load due to the fact that a part of GP remains unreacted and acts as a filler. Moreover, the beam specimen cast at optimum percentages of GP (15%) and GF (0.3%) showed large mid‐span deflection and higher failure load as compared to the control beam. These results suggest that the partial replacement of cement with GP should be accompanied by the addition of fibers to avoid unwanted brittle responses of GP concrete, with the additional advantage of reducing the non‐biodegradable waste.