Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Diversification Strategy on Organizational Performance

In today’s dynamic and turbulent business environment, diversification has become a catalyst for achieving competitive advantages and the creation of synergy in market operations. This is because manufacturing companies operate in a highly competitive environment, especially among firmsthat produce the same or similar goods. This study examines the effect of a diversification strategy on an organization’s performance in the manufacturing sector. A quasi-experimental study with an ex-post facto research design were used for the study. The respondent populationconsists of thirty-one organizations listed in Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for a period of 20 years (1997-2017), while the sample size is comprised of six organizations purposively selected based on their life-span and level of diversification. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using ratio analysis, while performance was measured in terms of ROA, ROI and ROE; organization size, organizationvalue and growth; as well asleverage and liquidity. Data was drawn from the financial reports of the selected organizations, with E-View version 9 used for the data analysis. The study revealed that diversified organizations outperformundiversified ones in terms of ROA and ROI. While related diversified organizations were discovered to be positive in terms of ROA (26.8%), unrelated and hybrid diversified organizations were positive in ROE (81.7% and 20.5%). A diversification strategy leads to growth and profitability (20%) and a strong capital structure to cover liabilities (26%). The study concluded that diversification is a strategic tool for achieving strategic relevance and spontaneous performance.
Prevalence of feather-degrading Bacillus spp. on the plumage of birds in Australia

ABSTRACT Bird plumage hosts a diverse microbial community, including microbes capable of degrading the β-keratin in feathers (i.e. feather-degrading bacteria). The prevalence and effects of feather-degrading bacteria have primarily been studied in the Northern Hemisphere, and knowledge of the occurrence of these bacteria on Southern Hemisphere bird species is lacking. We explored the prevalence of feather-degrading bacteria on wild birds in Australia by sampling feathers from 254 individuals representing 25 species. First, to determine the total plumage bacterial load, we sampled bacteria from three body regions and identified and enumerated three presumed feather-degrading Bacillus spp. (B. licheniformis, B. cereus, and B. subtilis) based on morphology. Second, we collected a feather from each bird and in laboratory tests confirmed the presence of feather-degrading bacteria. Third, we tested for a relationship between the number of presumed feather-degrading Bacillus spp. counted and the presence of feather-degrading bacteria on the following variables: habitat type, foraging behaviour, flocking status, and feather wear. We found 85% of birds sampled harboured presumed Bacillus spp. Of the feather samples that tested positive for Bacillus in lab experiments, 62% were confirmed as feather-degrading Bacillus spp. The total plumage bacterial load varied with habitat type, with birds in heath habitats harbouring fewer bacteria. This study is the first report of feather-degrading bacteria on the plumage of wild Australian birds in vivo.
Neighborhood characteristics and effects on physical activity in an urban minority community – application of Health Belief Model to findings from Creighton University Center for Promoting Health and Health Equity (CPHHE-REACH) initiative

ABSTRACT Physical activity has been strongly associated with better physical and mental health outcomes. However, physical activity for better health outcomes depends on many factors, including the nature of the environment. In resource-challenged settings, the configurations of physical activities for salutogenic effects is rarely characterized. Using the Health Belief Model (HBM), this paper reviews and analyses factors that influence 150–300 minutes per week of Mild to Moderate Physical Activity (MMPA-150) among urban minority residents. Residents of a Racial and Ethnic Approach to Community Health (REACH)-targeted campaign funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including schools, housing projects, community health center and faith-based organizations in minority neighborhoods in a mid-west city were surveyed with a REACH Health Activity Assessment questionnaire. Using HBM constructs, multinomial logistic regression analyses were applied to determine levels of factors that impact MMPA-150. Black/African Americans were significantly more likely than others to engage in MMPA-150. Perceived vulnerability also predicted MMPA-150 in the bivariate model. There is need for planning and implementation, based on differences in resource access/availability. It is essential to clearly identify salutogenic activities that are living style based, which may not be vulnerable to lack of ‘resources’, for their implementation. Targeting these living style-based activities with health promotion and education interventions may help move the needle forward regarding the salutogenic effects of physical activities, and engaging in them.
A clinico-pathological study of pigmented cutaneous lesions: a one-year prospective study in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Pigmented lesions are group of lesions which have melanocytic proliferation with very common clinical presentation. Diagnosing these pigmented lesions and differentiating cutaneous melanocytic lesions from nonmelanocytic lesions poses a great challenge for the pathologist. Methods: A Prospective study was conducted for one year from June 2016 to June 2017 sent to the Department of Pathology, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, a tertiary care centre in southern India consisting of 44 pigmented lesions. Specimens were formalin fixed and the tissue was adequately processed for histopathological examination. The sections were stained routinely with hematoxylin and eosin stain and examined under light microscopy. Results: Out of 44 cases, 24 cases were cutaneous melanocytic lesions which include benign naevi 22 (50%) and 2 (4.6%) malignant melanoma cases. The other 20 cases were cutaneous non melanocytic lesions which include 5 (11.4%) pigmented seborrheic keratosis, 6 (13.7%) pigmented basal cell carcinoma, 1 (2.3%) pigmented actinic keratosis and 8 (18%) cases of naevus sebaceous. Most common effected age group was <21 years (31.81%), male: female ratio is 1:2 and most common site involved was face 29 cases (65.9%). Most common pigmented lesions were benign melanocytic nevi 22 (50%) followed by naevus sebaceous 8 (18%) cases. 32 (72.71%) cases were consistent with both clinico-histopathological correlation. Conclusions: Benign melanocytic nevi are most common lesions obtained, seborric keratosis and pigmented basal cell carcinoma were most common mimickers of melanocytic lesions, hence a careful histopathological diagnosis is important.
Non albicans Candidemia: an emerging menace in neonatal intensive care unit

Candida infection is the third most common cause of late onset sepsis in NICU patients and accounts for 9-13% of blood stream infection (BSI) in neonates. Mortality associated with candidemia in newborn was as high as 20-34%. Any amount of sepsis introduced during NICU stay would essentially increase the hospital days and cause socio economic burden on the parents. Early antifungal therapy can improve intact survival. Hence, it is very important for us to recognize these babies early, who are at risk of developing candidemia. Neonates are more vulnerable to develop candidemia due to their critical underlying conditions, immature immune system and invasive procedure during the stay in NICU. These neonates in would have one or two umbilical catheter or central line for prolonged period which helps in breeching the protective barrier of skin flora. Thus, the skin colonizer can gain entry into the circulation and establish fungaemia gradually. Other predisposing factors ABSTRACT
Prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk behaviors among people who inject drugs in Kermanshah, Iran: 2017

ABSTRACT Background: Globally, the prevalence of HIV infection among People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) is higher than the general population due to high-risk behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk behaviors among male PWIDs in Kermanshah city in 2017. Methods: We surveyed 606 male PWIDs in Kermanshah city. Data on demographic characteristics and risk behaviors associated with HIV infection were gathered through structured interviews. HIV was also measured through venous blood testing. Eligible participants were recruited from two drop-in centers using snowball sampling. Simple and multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the risk behaviors of HIV infection. Results: Among 606 male PWIDs in this study, prevalence of HIV infection was 6.40% (95% CI: 1.61–4.32). Older age (Adjusted Odds Ratio; AOR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.15) and older age at first drug injection (Adjusted Odds Ratio; AOR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85–0.97) were risk factors for HIV infection. Conclusion: This study implies that prevalence of HIV among male PWIDs is higher than the general population. Older age and older age at first drug injection were risk factors for HIV infection.
Changes in smoking patterns in the UK.

An analysis was made of smoking habits and changes in these habits in Great Britain in the 20th century. Data on prevalence broken down by sex age and socioecomic class is graphed and tabulated. Tobacco expenditure and tar content data are also presented. The index gradually recovered until consumption was back to the 1970 level a year later. There is a switch to filtered cigarettes but the switch is continuing at a decling rate. Consumption charts from 1920 show a continous increase in smoking among women since women 1st started smoking. Consumption among women remains however at much lower levels than among men. Regular smoking seems to be starting at earlier and earlier ages. Consumption has fallen off in the upper social classes but remains as common in 1973 as it was in 1961 among the unskilled classes. A discussion of the sources for this data is presented.
Community structure and functional group of root‐associated Fungi of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica across stand ages in the Mu Us Desert

Abstract Root‐associated fungi (RAF) are an important factor affecting the host's growth, and their contribution to Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantation decline is substantial. Therefore, we selected three age groups of P. sylvestris plantations (26, 33, and 43 years), in the Mu Us Desert, to characterize the community structure and functional groups of RAF, identified by Illumina high‐throughput sequencing and FUNGuild platform, respectively. The effects of soil properties and enzyme activities on fungal diversity and functional groups were also examined. The results indicated that (a) 805 operational taxonomic units of RAF associated with P. sylvestris belonged to six phyla and 163 genera. Diversity and richness were not significantly different in the three age groups, but community composition showed significant differences. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota dominated the fungal community, while Rhizopogon dominated in each plot. (b) The proportion of pathotrophs decreased with increasing age, while that of symbiotrophs increased sharply, which were mainly represented by ectomycorrhizal fungi. (c) Stand age and soil enzyme activity had a greater influence on fungal community composition than did soil properties, whereas environmental variables were not significantly correlated with fungal diversity and richness. Dynamics of fungal community composition and functional groups with the aging plantations reflected the growth state of P. sylvestris and were related to plantation degradation.
Doppler ultrasound of umbilical artery in prediction of fetal outcome in pregnancy induced hypertension Sudanese population

The pregnancy induced hypertension increase the fetal mortality and morbidity and the using of Doppler umbilical artery indices decrease the fetal mortality and morbidity however, there is few complete data about the most frequently altered Doppler US parameters to predict fetal outcome in pregnancy induced hypertension . Methods This ia cohort prospective study done in two hundred and six women of second and third trimester presenting to antenatal clinic in Soba University Hospital at the department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, in the fetus unit and critical pregnancy in the period From June 2008 to April 2013 to assess the Doppler indices of umbilical artery in pregnancy induced hypertension for prediction of prenatal outcome; 105 pregnancy induced hypertension patients and 101 women with uneventful pregnancies as normal control group included in this study . Baseline investigations and color Doppler of umbilical artery were done. Statistical analysis of data were done using SPSS, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed and the area under the curve (AUC) used to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of umbilical artery Doppler indices to predict fetal outcome.Results The study determine that there was significant difference in Doppler indices in PIH and control group ( p<0.01, the mean indices of umbilical artery is higher in PIH group compared with normal pregnancy group , the mean different of S/D ratio was 0.40, mean difference of RI was 0.06 and the mean different of PI index was 0.16, high percentage of adverse fetal outcome had been reported in in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension group than in control , which was more in absent and reversed flow velocity in umbilical artery in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension compared with group of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension with present end diastolic flow velocity. Systolic/Diastolic ratio was most accurate in predicting adverse outcome in pregnancy induced hypertension patients, followed by the Pulastility index then the Resistance index (75%, 66% and 57% respectively). ConclusionThis study concluded that pregnancy induced hypertension leads to worsen placental insufficiently, which appears on the higher Doppler indices of umbilical artery to PIH patients when compared with normal pregnancy. A low diastolic flow and higher indices characterized the pregnancies with abnormal outcomes. Doppler of the umbilical artery was useful to predict fetal well being in PIH patients, high percentage of adverse fetal outcome had been reported in absent and reversed end diastolic flow velocity in umbilical artery compared with group of present flow velocity.
GC-FID Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of the Calyptranthes concinna Essential Oil against MDR Bacterial Strains

Presently, results from a study carried out in this area using the essential oil from the Calyptranthes concinna species, a representative from the Myrtaceae family, are reported. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was used to identify its chemical constituents. Antibacterial activity was determined using the broth microdilution method, thus obtaining the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value, from which the subinhibitory concentration (MIC/8) was derived. The C. concinna essential oil presented antibacterial activity against both standard and multiresistant bacteria. In addition, the oil demonstrated an antibiotic activity potentiation against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli when in combination with the antibiotic gentamicin, reducing the MIC from 141.38 μg/mL and 208.63 μg/mL to 64 μg/mL and 128 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: Findings from the present study suggest this oil is promising in terms of its antimicrobial activity.
Digitalization and International Online Sales: Antecedents of Purchase Intent

Abstract This paper seeks to contribute to the literature on consumers’ online purchasing behavior as an international phenomenon. Specifically, to address consumers’ Internet skills, website perceived ease of use, and website trust as antecedents of purchase intent. With a cross-national dataset of 788 consumers from different countries, five hypotheses are tested, and a model is suggested. The findings highlight that consumers’ Internet skills and website perceived ease of use positively impact purchase intent. Interestingly, trust in the website does not. To overcome the cases where consumers feel a lack of trust, this study highlights the need for website usability and adapting to consumers’ Internet skills. The findings also illustrate that online shopping is a global phenomenon, a finding that was made possible by analyzing a large international dataset. Future studies can benefit from an online international purchasing approach, which takes the internationality of consumers’ purchasing into account.
Decision-Level Data Fusion in Quality Control and Predictive Maintenance

Data fusion integrates data from multiple sources to improve prediction performance. While significant research has been conducted to develop data-level and feature-level fusion methods, very few studies are performed to develop more effective decision-level data fusion methods. This research aims at developing a decision-level data fusion approach that transforms low-dimensional decisions (i.e., predictions) made based on individual sensor data such as temperature and vibration to high-dimensional decisions. Integration of these high-dimensional decisions is formulated as a convex optimization problem rather than a traditional multivariate linear regression problem. The proposed decision-level data fusion approach is demonstrated in two cases: 1) quality control in additive manufacturing and 2) predictive maintenance in aircraft engines. Experimental results have shown that the proposed decision-level fusion method can reduce prediction variance by at least 30% as well as increase prediction accuracy by 45%. Note to Practitioners—This article was motivated by a need to make more accurate predictions with multiple sensors. Traditional data-level and feature-level fusion methods integrate raw sensor data from individual sensors and statistical features extracted from individual sensors, respectively. This article suggests a novel decision-level fusion approach as opposed to the traditional data- and feature-level fusion methods. In the first case study, temperature and vibration sensor data are integrated to predict the surface roughness of additively manufactured components. In the second case study, multiple sensor data are fused to estimate the remaining useful life (RUL) of aircraft engines. To implement the decision-level fusion technique, it is critical to determine optimal weights by solving the convex optimization problem. In future research, we will demonstrate the proposed decision-level fusion approach in real-time prognostics and health-monitoring applications.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the Rana kukunoris (Anura: Ranidae) from Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract We determined the whole mtNDA genome of the Plateau brown frog (Rana kukunoris) in Helan Mountains, Inner Mongolia. The complete mitochondrial genome consists of 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 control region (CR), and its total length is 16,644 bp. Three overlaps among the 13 protein-coding genes were found: ATP8/ATP6, ND4L/ND4, and ND5/ND6. The CR is 837 bp in length. The nucleotide composition is 27.49% A, 29.06% T, 14.77% G, 28.68% C. The result of phylogenetic analysis showed that there was close genetic relationship between R. kukunoris and Rana chensinensis.
Voters reward hard-working MPs: empirical evidence from the French legislative elections

Abstract This paper studies the relationship between incumbent MPs’ activities and their electoral fortune. We address this question in the context of the French political system characterized by an executive domination, a candidate-centered electoral system, and an electoral schedule maximizing the impact of the presidential elections. Given the contradictory influence of these three institutional features on the relationship between MPs’ activities and electoral results, the overall link can only be assessed empirically. We test the effects of several measurements of MPs’ activities on both their vote share and reelection probability in the 2007 legislative election. We show that MPs’ activities are differently correlated to both the incumbents’ vote shares in the first round and their reelection. Despite the weakness of the French National Assembly, several parliamentary activities, especially bill initiation, have a significant effect on MPs’ electoral prospects.
A Hybrid Event-Triggered Approach to Consensus of Multiagent Systems With Disturbances

This article investigates the event-triggered consensus problem for multiagent systems (MAS) with external disturbances. A hybrid event-triggering mechanism (ETM) is proposed, which utilizes time regularization to force the minimum interevent time to be strictly positive, such that Zeno freeness is ensured in the presence of disturbances. Model-based control protocol is used to avoid continuous communication between neighboring agents. With the proposed hybrid ETM, the closed-loop MAS contains both flow dynamics and jumping dynamics, which cannot be described by the existing MAS models. By means of hybrid system framework and auxiliary variables, a hybrid model of the MAS is constructed to describe the flow dynamics and jumping dynamics. Based on this model, the Lypuanov-based consensus analysis and hybrid ETM design are developed, and the finite-gain $\mathcal {L}_2$ stability property is guaranteed. An example of spacecraft formation is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Assessment of Maxillary Sinus Wall Thickness with Paranasal Sinus Digital Tomosynthesis and CT

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucosal layers of the paranasal sinuses (PNS). Obstruction of the draining pathways, such as the ostiomeatal complex or the sphenoethmoidal recess of the sinuses, is thought to be the main cause of sinusitis (1-4). The diagnosis of sinusitis is made by evaluation of the patient’s history and physical examination. Imaging studies may also be useful. Imaging findings suggestive of sinusitis include the presence of mucosal thickening, opacification, or a mass within the sinus cavities and associated bony erosion or sclerosis. Also, the radiologist should search carefully for potential causes and complications of sinus disease, such as an obstructing tumor and spread of infection to the orbits, brain, or bone (5). Plain radiography is frequently used initially in patients with suspected sinusitis; however, the reliability of plain radiograph findings has been questioned. Even experienced radiologists have difficulty in interpreting these images correctly, particularly in judging whether or not mucosal thickening is present and whether or not the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses are inflamed (6). Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) demonstrates high image quality and provides much more detailed informaAssessment of Maxillary Sinus Wall Thickness with Paranasal Sinus Digital Tomosynthesis and CT 부비동 디지털 토모신테시스와 컴퓨터단층촬영을 이용한 상악동 벽 두께의 평가