Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bringing the Global to the Local: the challenges of multi-level governance for global policy implementation in Africa

ABSTRACT The New Urban Agenda (NUA) and Agenda 2030’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognise the key role of ‘sub-national entities’, including cities, in achieving sustainable development. However, since these global policy agendas were agreed and signed by national governments, implementing them at the local level requires a process of localisation to fit local realities. This paper analyses the national guidance (or lack of) and the resultant collaborations emerging between various levels of government in the implementation of these agendas in African cities, namely Kisumu, Kenya and Cape Town, South Africa. It argues that effective implementation of the SDGs requires a strong framework for multi-stakeholder engagement and coordination at all levels of governance, which is possible if both top-down and bottom-up approaches are used concurrently and harmonised.
Influence of low and high dosages of methyl and propyl parabens on membrane bioreactor (MBR) performance

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the degradation of methylparaben (MeP) and propylparaben (PrP) in synthetic wastewater in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) whose operation involved three stages: stage 1 (stabilization period), with no addition of parabens; stage 2, in which the MBR was fed with 0.5 mg L−1 of each paraben; and stage 3, in which both MeP and PrP were added, at 10 mg L−1each. The system performance was assessed by monitoring pH, temperature, effluent flow rate, transmembrane pressure, BOD, COD, suspended solids, and paraben concentration. The results confirmed that the MBR showed a good organic matter removal efficiency (> 92.2% for BOD; >91.6% for COD) and was not significantly affected by the addition of parabens at either low or high dosages. The volatile to total suspended solids ratio remained nearly constant, suggesting that the addition of parabens at a high concentration did not negatively impact the control of suspended solids. It was possible to achieve 96.0% of MeP and PrP removal in stage 2 ([parabens]0 = 0.5 mg L−1), and 86.0% of PrP removal in stage 3 ([PrP]0 = 10 mg L−1). Finally, biodegradation was found to be the main removal mechanism of parabens in the investigated MBR.
On the spectrum of fractional difference operator

This work mainly explores the idea of the spectrum of the fractional difference operator (of order ) over the Banach space ℓ1. The difference operator via the sequence x = (x k ) is defined by where (α) i denotes the Pochhammer symbol, and ν = (ν k ) is either a constant or strictly decreasing sequence of positive real numbers with some conditions. Sets comprising of the point, the residual and the continuous spectrum of the operator on the Banach space ℓ1 are computed.
The 2020 Italian Spring Lockdown: A Multidisciplinary Analysis over the Milan Urban Area

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected human life worldwide and forced the implementation of lockdown periods in order to reduce the physical interactions of people. Italy has been heavily affected by a large number of deaths. The government had to impose a long lockdown period during the spring of 2020. In this paper, we provide a critical analysis of the 2020 Italian spring lockdown (ISL) through observation of the spatiotemporal NOx pattern differences in connection with the social changes imposed by such restrictions. Different freely available sources of information are used: European Space Agency (ESA) TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) measurements, ground-based measurements, and model estimates. The results show high NOx pollution levels, even during the lockdown, that suggest new approaches to sustainable mobility policies.
Environmental DNA as a detection and quantitative tool for stream‐dwelling salamanders: A comparison with the traditional active search method

As amphibians are showing significant signs of decline, adequate information and understanding of target species are essential for taking appropriate conservation measures. In recent years, environmental DNA has seen notable growth as a monitoring tool and testing this emergent method with various species has become an important step toward a better understanding of its benefits and limits for studying specific taxa. This study focused on using species-specific qPCR assays developed in our research group to test the eDNA method for three stream-dwelling salamander species of the Plethodontidae family: the Spring salamander ( Gyrinophilus porphyriticus ), the Northern dusky salamander ( Desmognathus fuscus ), and the Northern two-lined salamander ( Eurycea bislineata ). The traditional active search method and the eDNA method were compared for both their ability to detect species as well as to provide a quantitative assessment of populations in 24 headwater streams in Québec, eastern Canada. For all three species, eDNA was detected in every stream where the target species was observed during the active search method. Moreover, eDNA was detected in nine streams where the target species was not identified with the active search. A marginally significant association was found between eDNA concentration and salamander density for D . fuscus only. All species showed high variability for eDNA concentration between qPCR technical replicates and between samples of a given stream. The results of this study lead us to conclude that eDNA can be an excellent method for detection of stream-dwelling salamanders. Given the inconsistent quantitative aspect of eDNA with the studied species, the future of these stream-dwelling salamander monitoring most likely lies in the combined use of both eDNA and active search methods. Hence, active search could continue to offer useful small-scale detection and reliable quantitative data while eDNA could be implemented as an efficient and promising tool for large-scale detection.
Effect of Oromotor Stimulation on Sucking and Feeding Performance of Preterm Neonates Admitted in Neonatal Care Unit of Selected Hospital, West Bengal

Feeding problem remains a common problem among preterm neonates. An experimental study was undertaken to assess the effect of oromotor stimulation on feeding and sucking performance of preterm neonates admitted in selected hospital, west Bengal. Quasi experimental time series design was adopted. From the population of preterm neonates 60 samples (30 in experimental group and 30 in control group) were selected by non-probability purposive sampling. After selection, initially the baseline data was collected using a record analysis proforma. On the 1st day sucking and feeding performance scoring was done before giving the oromotor stimulation to ascertain the homogeneity of the experimental and control group. After that in two consecutive feeding, oromotor stimulation was given to the neonates in experimental group before 15 minutes of the feeding. The intervention was given to the neonates in experimental group for the next two days, twice only in two consecutive feeding. Neonates in control group received routine care. Sucking and feeding performance scoring was done in both groups using a standardized non-nutritive sucking scoring scale and a validated and reliable early feeding performance scale. The result showed that there is significant difference in sucking performance (t=3.60, p<0.05) and feeding performance (t=3.78, p<0.05) among experimental and control group in final observation. It can be concluded that oromotor stimulation is effective to improve the feeding and sucking abilities of preterm neonates. In the neonatal care units, nurses can provide oromotor stimulation to improve feeding and sucking abilities of the preterm neonates. Keywords: Feeding, Sucking, Performance, Preterm, Oromotor stimulation, Neonates, Preterm neonates.
Heat Treatment and Changes in Siliceous Rock Quality in the Southern End of the Deseado Massif (Patagonia, Argentina)

ABSTRACT The use of high-quality rocks and heat-treatment by hunter-gatherers during the initial exploration of America has been emphasized by different authors. Here we present the case of the Southern End of the Deseado Massif (Patagonia, Argentina), where human occupations have been dated from the Pleistocene-Holocene transition until historical times. An intense survey of lithic resources has shown the presence of primary and secondary sources of high quality siliceous rocks, most of them of hydrothermal origin. These siliceous rocks have a highly localized occurrence. In most cases, their quality does not match the one found at the archaeological record, which encompasses caches of artifacts, logistic and multiple activity sites. We present the results of heat treatment experiments on samples from local primary sources. Results obtained are compared with the artifacts found, in order to evaluate the potential utilization of the sources and the presence of heat treatment in the archaeological record.
Factors Affecting the Achievement of Twelve-Year Basic Students in Mathematics and Science in Rwanda

Although there is an invaluable growth of science and technology across the world, many young people appear to lose interest in Mathematics and science-related subjects due to poor academic achievement caused by different factors. The factors affecting students' achievement in science subjects among sub-Saharan Africa countries,including Rwanda, have been an issue for stakeholders on investigating how to improve the teaching and learning of science in basic education. In this study, a purposive cluster sampling of 261 participants, including 210 students, 23 teachers, seven head teachers, seven Sector Education Inspectors (SEIs), and 14 parents were used. Data were collected through a questionnaire addressed to learners; analyzed using SPSS via descriptive statistics. An interview was conducted with students' representatives, teachers, head teachers,Sector Education Inspectors, and focus group discussion with 14 parents which was analyzed using content analysis. The analysis indicated that key factors of low performance in science subjects include the level of teachers' education; family's economic background; availability of teaching and learning materials; distance covered by learners from home to school; learner's prior knowledge; and level of parents'education and absenteeism of learners. Thus, the above seem to affect the academic achievement of students in the advanced level of Twelve-Year Basic Education in Rwanda. Views about how to improve learning achievements in science such as equipping the laboratories, constructing more 12YBE schools in various areas to curb the problem of long distances covered by learners to and from school, training teachers on innovative teaching methods were suggested. The results informed that in-service teachers' training and parental involvement should be encouraged to track and sustain learners’ learning.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Making it CLEAR Questionnaire: A Resilience Measure for Older Adults

Abstract Background and Objectives Previous efforts to develop a resilience measure for older adults have largely failed to consider the environmental influences on their resilience, and have primarily concentrated on the resilience of community-dwelling older adults. Our objective was to validate a new multidimensional measure of resilience, the Making it CLEAR (MiC) questionnaire, for use with older adults at the point of discharge from hospital. Research Design and Methods This study tested the structure, validity, and reliability of the MiC questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 34 items, which assess the “individual determinants of resilience” (IDoR) and the “environmental determinants of resilience” (EDoR) across 2 subscales. 416 adults aged 66–102 years participated. Exploratory factor analysis, item analysis, and linear regression were undertaken. Results The IDoR subscale contained six factors which were labeled “Self-efficacy,” “Values,” “Interpersonal skills,” “Life orientation,” “Self-care ability,” and “Process skills. ” The EDoR subscale contained five factors related to “Person–environment fit,” “Friends,” “Material assets,” “Habits,” and “Family. ” Both subscales demonstrated acceptable convergent validity and internal consistency, while individual items showed acceptable levels of discrimination and difficulty. Discussion and Implications The study provides evidence supporting the validity and quality of the MiC questionnaire. The results suggest that the MiC questionnaire could be used to identify the resilience needs of older adults at the point of hospital discharge. However, future research should identify which items of the MiC questionnaire are associated with hospital readmission, in order to develop an easily applicable screening tool for clinical practice.
Tankyrase inhibitors hinder Trypanosoma cruzi infection by altering host-cell signalling pathways

Abstract Abstract Chagas disease is a potentially life-threatening protozoan infection affecting around 8 million people, for which only chemotherapies with limited efficacy and severe adverse secondary effects are available. The aetiological agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, displays varied cell invading tactics and triggers different host cell signals, including the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) can be synthetized by certain members of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family: PARP-1/-2 and Tankyrases-1/2 (TNKS). PAR homoeostasis participates in the host cell response to T. cruzi infection and TNKS are involved in Wnt signalling, among other pathways. Therefore, we hypothesized that TNKS inhibitors (TNKSi) could hamper T. cruzi infection. We showed that five TNKSi (FLALL9, MN64, XAV939, G007LK and OULL9) diminished T. cruzi infection of Vero cells. As most TNKSi did not affect the viability of axenically cultivated parasites, our results suggested that TNKSi were interfering with parasite–host cell signalling. Infection by T. cruzi induced nuclear translocation of β-catenin, as well as upregulation of TNF-α expression and secretion. These changes were hampered by TNKSi. Further signals should be monitored in this model and in vivo. As a TNKSi has entered cancer clinical trials with promising results, our findings encourage further studies aiming at drug repurposing strategies.
The Firm-Specific Factors Influencing the Tax Haven Operations of Indian Multinationals

The present study measures the role of firm-specific factors influencing the likelihood of establishing a subsidiary in tax haven countries. The panel data of Indian companies, which have business operations in foreign countries, are used for the study. The firm-level data for the period from 2007 to 2018 are analysed by using binary logistic regression model. The result shows that the intangible assets, long-term debt, number of subsidiaries and service sector dummy have significant and positive impact on tax haven operations of multinational companies, but the experience of the firm and return on equity are insignificant, and a firm’s size deters the likelihood of setting a tax haven subsidiary. The results also show that firms from high-technology manufacturing and knowledge-intensive sector have more influence on the likelihood of owning a tax haven subsidiary by Indian multinationals. JEL Codes: F21, F23, H25, H26
Adsorption of Natural Organic Matter and Phosphorus from Surface Water Using Heated Aluminum Oxide (Predeposited) Dynamic Membrane Adsorber

The paper reports the removal of phosphorus and natural organic matter (NOM) from surface water by dynamic membrane (DM) adsorber. DM filter builds up as a layer of particles deposited via permeation through the membrane’s surface. This study reports the application of Heated Aluminium Oxide Particles (HAOPs) as a dynamic membrane adsorber. Filtration experiments were conducted with surface water and batch tests were carried out with synthetic water. The efficiency of phosphorus removal along with the efficiency of organics (represented as UV-254) removal was evaluated. Additionally, the impact of HAOPs surface loading on the changes of transmembrane pressure (TMP), the kinetics, isotherm modeling of the adsorption and the effect of the pH, the effect of ionic strength, the effect of coexisting organic matter on phosphorus removal efficiency were studied. In the case of phosphorus removal in batch adsorption experiments, its sorption kinetic and isotherm data were analyzed using pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order models and Langmuir and Freundlich models, respectively. The results indicated that Langmuir adsorption isotherm fits the experimental data best (0.9894). The kinetics of phosphorus adsorption on HAOPs was best described by the pseudo-second-order model and the best removal was achieved at the pH 6–7 (96.65% on average). An increase in ionic strength did not impact the efficiency of phosphorus removal significantly. The outcome of this study highlights HAOPs efficiency in NOM removal up to 92% in filtration experiments. In the case of phosphorous, removal efficiency varied. For the highest HAOPs dose, the degree of phosphorus removal ranged up to 93 ± 5%. The same removal efficiency was observed for the lowest dose while for 17 g/m2 of HAOPs the fluctuations were larger and varied from 64.7% to 92%. The results demonstrate that HAOPs could potentially be applied in the removal of phosphorus from surface water, especially when there is a high concentration of phosphorus in the water. However, this process requires further research and optimization of its parameters.
Foliar application of 5-aminolevulinic acid alleviated high temperature and drought stresses on wheat plants at seedling stage

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedling establishment is very sensitive to temperature and drought stresses. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of foliar exogenous 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) application on wheat seedling under different temperature (25, 30, and 35 °C) and water regimes (normal and 65% watering). Five different levels of 5-ALA (0, 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg L-1) were applied as foliar application. Leaf area, stem diameter, shoot and root lengths, fresh and dry weights of shoot and root, and physiological parameters were measured. Drought stress (W2) decreased leaf area by 14.9% compared with normal watering (W1). High temperature (35 °C) increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 72.1% compared with control (25 °C). 35 °C with W2 reduced root and shoot dry weights by 71.8% and 51.9% relative to 25 °C and W1. At 35 °C, 25 mg L-1 5-ALA increased root length by 17.1% and 3.4% at W1 and W2, respectively. 150 mg L-1 5-ALA increased root fresh weight by 101.0% compared with 0 mg L-1 5-ALA at W1 and 35 °C. The highest protein content (8.35 mg g-1 FW) was achieved at the interaction between W2, 35 °C and 50 mg L-1 5-ALA. At W2 and 35 °C, 150 mg L-1 5-ALA increased proline content by 66.5% relative to 0 mg L-1. The results of the present study suggest that foliar application of 5-ALA could be useful to alleviate the temperature and/or drought stresses of wheat seedling.
Semi-Stochastic Aircraft Mobility Modelling for Aeronautical Networks: An Australian Case-Study Based on Real Flight Data

Terrestrial Internet access is gradually becoming the norm across the globe. However, there is a growing demand for Internet access of passenger airplanes. Hence, it is essential to develop aeronautical networks above the clouds. Therefore, the conception of an aircraft mobility model is one of the prerequisite for aeronautical network design and optimization. However, there is a paucity of realistic aircraft mobility models capable of generating large-scale flight data. To fill this knowledge-gap, we develop a semi-stochastic aircraft mobility model based on large-scale real historical Australian flights acquired both on June 29th, 2018 and December 25th, 2018, which represent the busiest day and the quietest day of 2018, respectively. The semi-stochastic aircraft mobility model is capable of generating an arbitrary number of flights, which can emulate the specific features of aircraft mobility. The semi-stochastic aircraft mobility model was then analysed and validated both by the physical layer performance and network layer performance in the case study of Australian aeronautical networks, demonstrating that it is capable of reflecting the statistical characteristics of the real historical flights.
Morphological Aspects of the Maxillary Sinus

The development of modern surgical methods and techniques for treatment of the diseases of the paranasal sinuses and the edentulous ridge of the maxilla requires detailed knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the maxillary sinus. The sinus dimensions and volume, thickness of the mucosa, height of the inferior wall and presence of septa and root prominence are important indicators for the pneumatization of the maxillary sinus and have essential role by performing sino-nasal and dental implant surgery. The preliminary assessment of some morphological aspects of the maxillary sinus is essential for the proper diagnosis and treatment of a number of diseases in maxillofacial region, including treatment of the chronic rhinosinusitis and the edentulous ridges of the distal maxilla.
Environmental sustainability disclosure and accounting conservatism

In this article, we analyzed whether the level of accounting conservatism of a firm is affected by its environmental sustainability information disclosure. For that purpose, we developed two Environmental Disclosure Indices (EDI), one obtained from the mandatory reporting (annual report) and the other from the voluntary reporting (sustainability report), and compared the effects on conditional conservatism. Content analysis was used to develop two indices to evaluate the level of environmental disclosures. Moreover, the technique of multiple linear regression, using panel data, was applied to provide original empirical evidence for Portuguese companies listed on the stock exchange. We found evidence that higher environmental sustainability information disclosure enhances the conservative accounting practice, which is consistent with the argument that a higher level of Corporate Social Responsibility tends to increase financial statements transparency. In addition, we found that environmental information disclosed in specific and voluntary reporting has a superior impact on the level of conditional conservatism. These results showed that managers tend to engage in earnings management activities by being more accounting conservative in order to meet shareholders' expectations and disclose higher levels of environmental information. Therefore, this article brings some insights to the debate about the usefulness of accounting conservatism and the contribution of sustainability goals to monitor and guide managers’ activities.
Critical realism: an explanatory framework for small-scale qualitative studies or an ‘unhelpful edifice’?

ABSTRACT This paper describes how critical realism was operationalized to provide an explanatory framework for a small-scale qualitative study in the field of teacher education in a sub-Saharan African context. Critical realism combines a realist ontology (there is something to find out about) with a relativistic epistemology (different people will come to know different things in different ways). An attraction of this approach is that it seeks to explain observed phenomena through processes of inference, thus providing the opportunity to make changes for the better in the situation under investigation. The stratified view of reality provided a framework for the analysis of data, which led to the identification of two underlying causal mechanisms and new understandings of teacher education in sub-Saharan Africa. The approach is not without challenges, including the potentially intrusive nature of the enquiry and the positioning of the researchers. Despite these challenges, the evidence from this study is that the approach has the potential to provide new insights which have informed on-going international development projects in teacher education in sub-Saharan Africa.