Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model Calculations of Aerosol Transmission and Infection Risk of COVID-19 in Indoor Environments

The role of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 viruses in airborne transmission of COVID-19 has been debated. The aerosols are transmitted through breathing and vocalization by infectious subjects. Some authors state that this represents the dominant route of spreading, while others dismiss the option. Here we present an adjustable algorithm to estimate the infection risk for different indoor environments, constrained by published data of human aerosol emissions, SARS-CoV-2 viral loads, infective dose and other parameters. We evaluate typical indoor settings such as an office, a classroom, choir practice, and a reception/party. Our results suggest that aerosols from highly infective subjects can effectively transmit COVID-19 in indoor environments. This “highly infective” category represents approximately 20% of the patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. We find that “super infective” subjects, representing the top 5–10% of subjects with a positive test, plus an unknown fraction of less—but still highly infective, high aerosol-emitting subjects—may cause COVID-19 clusters (>10 infections). In general, active room ventilation and the ubiquitous wearing of face masks (i.e., by all subjects) may reduce the individual infection risk by a factor of five to ten, similar to high-volume, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtering. A particularly effective mitigation measure is the use of high-quality masks, which can drastically reduce the indoor infection risk through aerosols.
Organizational identification perceptions and millennials' creativity: testing the mediating role of work engagement and the moderating role of work values

PurposeMillennial-generation employees need to stimulate their creativity to produce innovative ideas, services and products for organizations to flourish and succeed. The main purpose of this research was to discover the mechanism through which organization identification influences employees' creativity in the Chinese organizational context. Particularly, we proposed the mediating role of work engagement and the moderating role of work values in the relationship.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was utilized to collect the data from 281 employees working in China. Hierarchical regression was utilized to analyze the data.FindingsThe findings reveal that organizational identification significantly influences the creativity of millennial employees; work engagement plays a positive mediating role between organizational identification and employee creativity. Moreover, work values of millennial generation employees, specifically utilitarian orientation, intrinsic preferences, interpersonal harmony and innovation orientation have a positive moderating effect between work engagement and employee creativity.Originality/valueThis study recognizes and analyzes the mechanism underlying the influence of organizational identification and recommends that work engagement is a crucial mediator of the complicated relationship between organizational identification and employee creativity. Consequently, this study is the key effort for millennial employees’ work values and engagement to explore employee creativity in Chinese cultural context and also suggests important theoretical and practical implications.
Contrasting fundamental and realized niches: two fishes with similar thermal performance curves occupy different thermal habitats

Human alteration of thermal regimes of freshwater ecosystems is creating an urgent need to understand how freshwater ectotherms will fare under different thermal futures. Two key questions are: 1) how well do the fundamental thermal niches of ectotherms map to their realized thermal niches, and 2) which axes of the fundamental thermal niche must be modeled to predict temperature-dependent fitness in real ecosystems? The first question is particularly challenging in riverine systems, where gradients in temperature are strongly confounded by gradients in other biotic and abiotic drivers. To address these questions, we compared the realized and fundamental thermal niches of 2 congeneric riverine fish: Gadopsis marmoratus and Gadopsis bispinosus. We characterized their realized thermal niches by examining their distributions in relation to environmental temperature at multiple scales. We characterized their fundamental thermal niches by doing laboratory experiments on the thermal sensitivity of swimming performance and metabolic rates, particularly aerobic scope. The distributions of the 2 species supported the idea that they have different realized thermal niches, with G. bispinosus occupying cooler habitats than G. marmoratus. Despite this, we detected no significant differences in the shapes of thermal performance curves defining 2 axes of their fundamental niches: swimming performance and aerobic scope. Our results suggest that either the distributions of these 2 species are driven by factors other than temperature or that swimming performance and aerobic scope were not suitable proxies of their fundamental thermal niches. Our study shows that modeling the thermal niches of ectotherms along the river continuum is not straightforward. If we are to forecast effects of thermal futures effectively and efficiently, we must do more to decipher the relative influence of temperature and other abiotic drivers on the fitness of riverine ectotherms.
Karyotypes of the mammals of Turkey and neighbouring regions: a review

Abstract. Available data on karyotypes of the mammals from Turkey and neighbouring regions (the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Middle East) were summarized and reviewed in respect of their implications to taxonomy and systematics. In this review, previously unpublished data are presented in 20 species. Terrestrial mammals were taken into consideration, both the native and introduced. Altogether, 156 species occurring in the region concerned were included. The karyotype was studied in 109 of these species in Turkey, in most other species data are available from other geographic regions, and only three species remain unstudied cytogenetically. Intraspecific chromosomal variation (polymorphism or polytypy) was reported in 22 species. A karyotype different from the findings made in other regions was reported in Turkish populations of 17 species. Possible future directions of the cytogenetic investigations of mammals in the region are proposed.
Variations in patterns of internode and branch lengths for several bamboo species

Abstract Bamboos are an important plant resource both economically and ecologically and it is, therefore, important to fully understand their biosystem characteristics. In this study, the variations in patterns of internode and branch lengths for twelve bamboo species were examined. The results indicated that node distribution along the culm is not always dense near the ends of the culm and sparse in the middle part of the culm. There were variations in the position of maximum internode length among the 12 bamboo species. For most bamboo species, maximum internode lengths correlated with total culm heights. Similar relationships existed between log (node number) and log (accumulated internode length) at the individual and species levels, and these relationships can be fitted by a linear or sigmoid function of the third-order function. Scaling exponents changed gradually during internode growth for individuals. The relationships between log (average of internode length) and log (variance of internode length) were complicated between individuals and species. The frequency distribution of bamboo branches followed power laws, but the exponents varied with species and individuals. The results may provide a new understanding of the optimal design in the unique biosystem of bamboos.
The complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of Pectenocypris sp. (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae) from Serkap River, Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract The whole mitochondrial genome of a small cyprinid freshwater fish Pectenocypris sp. collected from Serkap River, Central Sumatra, Indonesia was sequenced. This mitochondrial genome consisted of 16,589 bp and included 37 genes in the same order as in many other vertebrates including the human. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that this taxon clusters with Boraras maculatus among several Rasbora species.
“I am tired of the disease and eating too many medicines”: seeking adolescent’s lived experiences about chronic renal disease

Chronic renal disease (CRD henceforth), results from a range of conditions that cause irreversible damage to the kidneys and is a recognised major medical problem worldwide. Patients with CRD can progress to end-stage renal failure resulting in a severe and irrevocable reduction in renal function, which requires dialysis or renal transplantation to prevent death. Even when this does not occur; CRD’s have an indirect impact on the global morbidity and mortality by increasing the risks associated with other major killer diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus. Individuals who have CRD are at a 20% higher risk of cardiovascular complication than healthy individuals. Thus, a higher number of individuals die from cardiovascular complications than have renal replacement therapy in the form of dialysis.
ABC-NET: Avoiding Blocking Effect & Color Shift Network for Single Image Dehazing Via Restraining Transmission Bias

In recent years, single image dehazing methods based on Atmospheric Scattering Model (ASM) have achieved state-of-the-art results. But the dehazing outputs of those methods suffer from color shift and blocking effect. Our preliminary experiments show that the negative bias of the estimated transmission and the bias of tiny transmission value will cause serious color shift. Therefore, in this study, a new loss function (TransLoss) and a new natural activation function (NAF) are proposed to restrain negative bias of transmission and avoid tiny transmission value from being activated, respectively. Moreover, it is noted that the block effect is caused by patch-level transmission estimation mechanism in existing dehazing models. To address this issue, a new pixel-level transmission estimation module (ETM) is dedicated designed to avoid blocking effect. In the end, an end-to-end CNN dehazing network avoiding color shift and blocking effect is developed, termed as ABC-Net. Experimental results indicate that the ABC-Net outperforms four comparison methods on both synthetic and real-world images.
Structural and optical properties of Ti and Cu co‐doped ZnO thin films for photovoltaic applications of dye sensitized solar cells

ZnO, 1% Ti doped ZnO and 1% Ti and (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) Cu co‐doped ZnO thin films are deposited on fluorine doped tin oxide glass substrates using sol‐gel technique. The impact of Ti and Cu co‐doping on optical, structural, and photovoltaic properties of ZnO thin films have been analyzed. X‐ray diffraction also confirms the hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure of the film. The 1% Ti and 1% Cu co‐doping percentage has an astonishing impact on the structural properties of the doped film, such as large grain size (19 nm), d‐spacing (2.48 Å), small dislocation line density (2.96 × 1015 m−2), lattice parameters (a = b = 3.2 Å, c = 5.2 Å), bond length (1.9 Å) and positional parameter (3.7 × 10−1) of the ZnO thin film. Optical parameters like reflectance, absorbance, transmittance, refractive index, and dielectric constants are calculated in the range of spectral from (250‐750) nm by using an ultraviolet ‐ visible spectrophotometer. In the visible region, all the films have approximately 85% transmittance, which is excellent for solar cells. The ZnO film prepared at the co‐doping percentage of 1% Ti and 1% Cu has high absorbance, high refractive index (2.09) and small band gap energy (3.37 eV) as compared to other doped films. The dye‐sensitized solar cells of these films as a Photoanode have been fabricated and studied the efficiency variation of films. It is found that the performance of the dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) using a Ti‐Cu co‐doped film is much better than a pure ZnO film. The highest efficiency of DSSC 2.38% is achieved in the dye‐sensitized solar cell by using a 1% Ti and 1% Cu co‐doped ZnO thin film. When Ti is doped in ZnO then the surface area and pore size of the ZnO increased, which increase the dye loading ability. Cu reduces the recombination rate and enhances the electron injection efficiency rate from the dye to the conduction band of ZnO. Therefore, it is suggested that the thin films prepared by co‐doping of Cu and Ti into ZnO will upgrade the efficiency of cell.
The EU Trust Fund for Africa: Geopolitical Space Making through Migration Policy Instruments

ABSTRACT As a response to the migration crisis, the EU has not only revised its policies but also mobilized resources, introduced new tools, or adapted the existing ones to the changing context. While the debate at the policy level is burgeoning, instruments have been limitedly explored. What kind of geopolitical dynamics are EU migration policy instruments producing? How do they contribute to redesigning the EU-African geopolitical space? The article combines a policy instruments approach with a spatial perspective on the EU migration policy. Through the analysis of the 2015 EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, it raises the argument that migration policy instruments are powerful spatial practices that are shaping the EU-African geopolitical space by coordinating the EU’s and Member States’ priorities and understandings of migration. Overall, the paper suggests that research on the EU external relations, particularly in the realm of migration, should not only pay more attention to policy instruments but also map them in the targeted territories to avoid “cartographic traps” and better understand the impact of the policies under scrutiny.
Quantile Estimation of Regression Models with GARCH-X Errors

This section provides the detailed proofs of Theorems 1-3 and Corollaries 1-3. To show Theorems 1-3, we introduce Lemmas S.1-S.5 with proofs. Specifically, Lemma S.1 contains some preliminary results. Lemma S.2 will be used to handle initial values in GARCH-X models. Lemma S.3 verifies the stochastic differentiability condition defined on Page 298 of Pollard (1985), and its proof mainly uses the bracketing method; see also Lee and Noh
Characterization of Kallikrein 6 N-glycosylation Patterns and Identification of Sialylated Glycoproteins in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among all gynecological disorders. Aberrant glycosylation, or more specifically, increased sialylation of proteins has been observed in this malignancy. Several sialyltransferase genes have been shown to be up-regulated at both mRNA and and protein levels in a number of cancers, including that of the ovary. In the present study, we have analyzed the glycosylation patterns of kallikrein 6 in the context of ovarian cancer. We have discovered that the carbohydrate structures found at the single N-glycosylation site of kallikrein 6 derived from ovarian cancer cells found in the ascites fluid of ovarian cancer patients is enriched in sialic acid moieties and has an increased branching pattern when compared to controls. We have also developed a reliable anion-exchange HPLC-based methodology capable of quantifying different glycoform subpopulations of kallikrein 6 in serum and other biological fluids, which was capable of differentiating between samples from ovarian cancer patients and healthy controls. A variety of classic molecular biology and mass spectrometry based techniques were utilized in these experiments. Based on the results of the analysis of kallikrein 6 glycosylation and other literature reports showing upregulated sialylation of proteins in ovarian cancer, we have also identified sialylated glycoproteins from ovarian cancer proximal fluids and
Impact of nurse supervisor on social exclusion and counterproductive behaviour of employees

Abstract This study aimed to examine how ostracism and narcissistic nursing supervisors affect the counterproductive work behaviour of junior nurses, with political skills as a moderator, in a country-specific context. This study achieved its objectives by reviewing the literature on ostracism, narcissism, counterproductive work behaviour, and political skills as well as the outcomes of relevant previous studies. The social exchange theory and conservation of resources theory were drawn upon to explain the relationships under study. An adapted questionnaire was used to gather responses using a5-point Likert scale. The obtained data were analysed using Smart-PLS 3. Ostracism and narcissistic nursing supervisors were found to contribute to the counterproductive work behaviour of nurses. The moderating roles of political skills on the proposed relationships were also assessed. Based on asample of junior nurses, the obtained results appeared to support the hypothesised relationships. Conclusively, when nurses encounter ostracism and narcissistic nursing supervisors, they are more likely to react with counterproductive work behaviour with alow level of political skills, and vice versa. The use of external self-reporting measure for narcissism produced more concise results. The dark aspects of human behaviour in the organisational and behavioural contexts were also revealed. Finally, the moderating role of political skills in the behavioural context was proved in this study.
ONLINE DATA COLLECTION AS ADAPTATION IN CONDUCTING QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study was conducted to identify online data collection methodologies as an adaptation in the conduct of quantitative and qualitative research amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. While data collection has been hampered by the restrictions posed by the quarantine measures of the local governments around the globe, researchers need to strategize and adapt remote tools in data collection. Analyzing from the responses of 25 highly engaged researchers who served as participants of this study through videoconferencing, it was found out that data collection for quantitative research may be conducted by using online development tools via personal or institutional subscriptions, using google forms as a free and conventional platform, and by using QR Code to generate the electronic survey questionnaire. On the other hand, the data collection for qualitative research may be conducted by using diaries and reflections of participants to replace the typical direct observation, using telephone or mobile phone to conduct an interview, and by using video-conferencing for key informant interview and focus group discussion. Considering the practicality and feasibility of these data collection methods, researchers cannot be constrained by the quarantine and health protocols in pursuing reliable, honest, and high-quality research outputs. Article visualizations:
Haemosporidian parasites of Neotropical birds: Causes and consequences of infection

ABSTRACT Haemosporidian parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon are among the best studied parasites of Neotropical birds. Here, we describe variation in haemosporidian prevalence (i.e. the proportion of infected individuals in a sampled population) in Neotropical birds. We review correlates of haemosporidian prevalence (including several avian life-history traits, climate, and season) and the population and evolutionary consequences of infection for Neotropical birds. We find that prevalence varies among avian taxonomic families, genera, and even among species within the same genus, suggesting that prevalence reflects multiple factors, some of which (e.g., avian incubation period) are associated with avian family-level variation in prevalence while others (e.g., avian abundance) are associated with variation in prevalence among closely related host species. We find few correlates of prevalence that have been consistently demonstrated across studies. Prevalence in populations of many Neotropical birds has been estimated by microscopic examination of blood smears, which affords limited opportunity for comparison with data generated by molecular methods. However, at one site in the Brazilian Cerrado for which we have data, prevalence determined by microscopy does not correlate with prevalence determined by molecular methods for Plasmodium, but the 2 data types are positively correlated for Haemoproteus. Haemosporidians have been hypothesized to play a role in avian sexual selection, and we find the prevalence of Haemoproteus to be lower in polygynous species than in socially monogamous species in the Neotropics, confirming a pattern shown previously among Nearctic birds. LAY SUMMARY Many Neotropical birds are infected by insect-vectored blood parasites belonging to the order Haemosporida. These haemosporidian parasites, commonly known as “avian malaria” parasites, infect bird species to varying degrees. The proportion of birds in a population that are infected (parasite prevalence) has been related to variation in several avian traits, including length of incubation period and nesting height, climate, and other factors, but the patterns are not consistent among studies. We review proposed causes of variation in haemosporidian prevalence and potential consequences of infection for bird populations. Haemosporidian parasites have plausibly been involved in the evolution of colorful plumage and mating systems in birds. Here we find evidence for lower prevalence of haemosporidian infection associated with polygyny (where individual males mate with multiple females) in the Neotropics. Avian haemosporidian parasites exert an important influence on the health and adaptive responses of Neotropical birds.
The nexus between demographic correlates, career and organizational commitment: the case of real estate employees in Nigeria

This study aims to investigate the influence of socioeconomic characteristics as well as organisational profile as predictors of the organisational and career commitments of real estate employees in the employment of private estate surveying and valuation firms. ,A total of 333 closed-ended questionnaires were administered on estate surveyors and valuers practicing in private real estate firms in Lagos State, Nigeria, out of which 124 (37.2%) were retrieved and found suitable for analysis. The data were analysed using frequencies, percentage, mean rating, one sample t-test and ANOVA. ,The findings showed that though the male real estate employees rated a higher level of organisational commitment than their female counterparts, the female employees showed a higher level of career commitment. Besides, the results showed that across both genders and on an overall basis, there was a significant relationship between career commitment and organisational commitment. Also, while demographic factors such as age, management level and professional qualification have a statistically significant relationship with career commitment, factors relating to marital status, academic qualification, management level and firms’ year of the establishment were statistically significant with employees’ organisational commitment. ,The study deepens the understanding of the influence of demographic and firms’ correlates in explaining the performance of real estate employees in Nigeria, an emerging African market, where issues of absenteeism, poor remuneration and low retention appear prevalent. ,To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt at examining the influence of demographic variables on the organisational and career commitment of real estate employees in Nigeria.