Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the customers' dining attitudes, e-satisfaction and continuance intention toward mobile food ordering apps (MFOAs): evidence from Bangladesh

PurposeThis study was designed to specifically explore confirmation and perceived usefulness associated with mobile food ordering apps (MFOAs) in consideration of their impacts upon attitudes, satisfaction and intention to continuously use.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilized the convenience sampling to gather data from 250 respondents having prior experience with MFOAs during COVID-19 pandemic period in Bangladesh. The Structural Equation Modeling technique was applied to analyze the data using SmartPLS 3 software.FindingsThis study's results showed that customers' perceived confirmation and usefulness were significant in determining their dinning attitudes. Besides, customers' dining attitudes were positively related to e-satisfaction. Finally, the customers’ continuance intention to use MFOAs was significantly influenced by their e-satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsRestaurants managers should focus on online sales through MFOAs during the pandemic period since social distancing is a key strategy to manage COVID-19. Customers should be assured that the safety measures are undertaken while delivering the food.Originality/valueThis study incorporated the expectation-confirmation theory and technology acceptance model and tested it in the context of MFOAs.
Trans-Oral Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery and Trans-Areola Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery: Which Offers A Better Quality of Life?

Background: Endoscopic thyroidectomy via the oral vestibular approach (ETVOA) and endoscopic thyroidectomy via the areola approach (ETAA) are becoming more favored in China. Compared with conventional open surgery, both methods avoid the scarring on the neck, but only ETVOA obviates scarring of the skin, which may helps patients achieve a better quality of life (QOL). However, the benefit of the QOL from this technique has not been adequately investigated, therefore this study compared the QOL outcomes between ETVOA and ETAA. Methods: We enrolled 131 patients in this study. ETAA surgery and ETVOA surgery were performed in 74 patients and 57 patients, respectively. These patients were followed up at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks, and their QOL was evaluated using a thyroid surgery-specific questionnaire and a short-form health survey (SF-36). Results:There were no differences in clinical characteristics such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and tumor size between the two groups. The volume of intraoperative blood loss, cost of hospitalization, and complications between the two procedures showed no differences. Compared with ETAA, ETVOA has a longer operation time, no drainage, and shorter hospital stay. In the QOL questionnaire, several parameters in ETVOA were better. The satisfaction scores of patients undergoing ETVOA were higher. In addition, the cosmetic satisfaction in patients who received ETOVA was significantly better than that of patients who underwent ETAA. The degree of neck movement disorder in patients with ETVOA was milder. Patients who received ETVOA had higher score on the SF-36. Conclusions: Compared with ETAA, ETVOA can acquire better cosmetic results and make patients quick return to normal life.Patients who underwent ETVOA achieved high-level QOL.
Socioeconomic impact of migraine in Italy: Results of a national survey

Background: Literature data indicate that migraine has a stronger impact on both healthcare consumption and quality of life (QoL) in women. Objectives: The objective of this article is to evaluate out-of-pocket (OoP) costs, productivity losses and cost of informal care of migraine in Italy, with a special focus on the detection of potential differences between male and female subjects. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected via a web-based survey platform, which included a socioeconomic questionnaire (five sections: clinical history; occupational status; informal assistance; visits, exams and treatments; and loss of productivity) and two questionnaires on QoL (EuroQol 5D 5L and Migraine-Specific Questionnaire, MSQ). Results: Six hundred and seven participants took part in the survey (average age of 42 years; female 70%). The duration of the attack (4-72 hours) was significantly much longer in women than in men (71% vs. 49%; p < 0.001). Seventy per cent of the sample reported to be employed. Lower income was associated with women (p < 0.001). Men received more informal assistance days than women (5.2 vs. 3.9 days; p = 0.007). The quarterly cost including OoP costs, informal assistance and lost productivity averaged €1,088 and was higher for men compared to women (€1,515 vs. €908; p < 0.001). The MSQ reported a significantly worse QoL for women. Conclusion: The results seemed to prove that migraine is a gender disease. Moreover, a potentially unequal access to informal assistance and healthcare resources not covered by the Italian National Health Service is highlighted for women because of their lower average income and purchasing power compared to men.
Kinetic modeling of formation and evaporation of secondary organic aerosol from NO3 oxidation of pure and mixed monoterpenes

Abstract. Organic aerosol constitutes a major fraction of the global aerosol burden and is predominantly formed as secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Environmental chambers have been used extensively to study aerosol formation and evolution under controlled conditions similar to the atmosphere, but quantitative prediction of the outcome of these experiments is generally not achieved, which signifies our lack in understanding of these results and limits their portability to large-scale models. In general, kinetic models employing state-of-the-art explicit chemical mechanisms fail to describe the mass concentration and composition of SOA obtained from chamber experiments. Specifically, chemical reactions including the nitrate radical (NO3) are a source of major uncertainty for assessing the chemical and physical properties of oxidation products. Here, we introduce a kinetic model that treats gas-phase chemistry, gas–particle partitioning, particle-phase oligomerization, and chamber vapor wall loss and use it to describe the oxidation of the monoterpenes α-pinene and limonene with NO3. The model can reproduce aerosol mass and nitration degrees in experiments using either pure precursors or their mixtures and infers volatility distributions of products, branching ratios of reactive intermediates and particle-phase reaction rates. The gas-phase chemistry in the model is based on the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM) but trades speciation of single compounds for the overall ability of quantitatively describing SOA formation by using a lumped chemical mechanism. The complex branching into a multitude of individual products in MCM is replaced in this model with product volatility distributions and detailed peroxy (RO2) and alkoxy (RO) radical chemistry as well as amended by a particle-phase oligomerization scheme. The kinetic parameters obtained in this study are constrained by a set of SOA formation and evaporation experiments conducted in the Georgia Tech Environmental Chamber (GTEC) facility. For both precursors, we present volatility distributions of nitrated and non-nitrated reaction products that are obtained by fitting the kinetic model systematically to the experimental data using a global optimization method, the Monte Carlo genetic algorithm (MCGA). The results presented here provide new mechanistic insight into the processes leading to formation and evaporation of SOA. Most notably, the model suggests that the observed slow evaporation of SOA could be due to reversible oligomerization reactions in the particle phase. However, the observed non-linear behavior of precursor mixtures points towards a complex interplay of reversible oligomerization and kinetic limitations of mass transport in the particle phase, which is explored in a model sensitivity study. The methodologies described in this work provide a basis for quantitative analysis of multi-source data from environmental chamber experiments but also show that a large data pool is needed to fully resolve uncertainties in model parameters.
Disaster Safety Assessment in Primary Healthcare Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study, Kurdistan, Iran

Primary Healthcare facilities in Iran deliver health services at all levels nationwide. Resiliency and flexibility of such facilities is important when a disaster occurs. Thus, evaluating functional, structural, and non-structural aspects of safety of these facilities is essential. In this cross-sectional study, using the safety evaluation checklist of primary healthcare centers provided by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, 805 health centers in Kurdistan Province were evaluated in terms of functional, structural, and non-structural safety. The levels of total, functional, structural, and non-structural safety were equal to 28.7, 23.8, 20.2, and 42.3 out of 100 respectively. Regarding the functional preparedness, the highest score was related to rapid response team, while the lowest score was belonged to financial affairs. Nevertheless, in structural and non-structural areas, the scores of different items were almost similar to one another. Both Iran and Kurdistan Province are disaster-prone areas. This study concluded that the safety score of primary healthcare facilities in total was unsatisfactory. Thus, promoting preparedness, resilience and continuity of service delivery is essential during disasters and emergencies. The finding of this study could be beneficial for national and provincial decision-makers and policymakers in this regard
Job quality, fair work and gig work: the lived experience of gig workers

Abstract Despite growing interest in the concept of gig work, the nature and quality of gig work is not well understood. The article builds on recent research by exploring gig work through an application of notions of job quality associated with Scotland’s Fair Work Convention. Further, in recognising the multidimensional nature of job quality and the divide between objective versus subjective approaches to job quality, the article adopts a checklist or job characteristics approach, focusing on objective aspects of quality work, whilst drawing on subjective experiences to capture lived experience of gig work. A key finding is, in spite of a deficit in objective characteristics of Fair Work, the subjective experience varies between platforms as well as in accordance with individual worker characteristics, such as between those undertaking gig work as a primary or supplementary source of income. A further key finding suggests the growth in gig work reflects the normalisation of what in the past would constitute poor working conditions. Taken together, the findings highlight limitations of theoretical models of job quality due to an emphasis on traditional employment.
Demystifying Members’ Social Capital and Networks within an Agritourism Association: A Social Network Analysis

Membership associations are vital to build social capital and networks among their members through the exchange of information and resources, roles especially valuable for emerging entrepreneurs. That is the case of associations catering to professionals in agritourism, an enterprise bringing farming and tourism together. However, whether the exchange of information and resources among members holds true within agritourism associations is yet to be known. Filling this knowledge gap is critical given the stated benefits agritourism delivers to society and farmers’ necessity to expand their business networks to increase entrepreneurial success. Therefore, this study evaluated the extent of social capital and networks within a prominent agritourism-focused association in North America. Data were collected from members using a web-based survey in 2016. Analyses included descriptive statistical tests and Social Network Analysis (SNA). Results showed high levels of social capital among members, especially related to its relational dimension (e.g., share professional advice), as well as strong bi-directional (to/from) trust, cooperation, and reciprocity among members. SNA indicated members were well connected and had a healthy information exchange, without the organization intervention. Study results are discussed to provide managerial intelligence towards strengthening social capital and networks within associations catering to agritourism and other niche-tourism professionals.
Sustained of mir-499-5p delivery from injection alters the muscle metabolomic profiles in broiler chicken

Background Myogenic miRNAs (myomiRs) which dramatically increased during myogenesis have been shown to play critical roles in many aspects of muscle function. As a myomiR, miR-499-5p, has been identified to be highly expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscle. The study focused on the effects of miR-499-5p on muscle metabolism in broiler chicken. Methods In the current study, we assigned 16 broiler chicks to control group and treatment group and then monitored the effects using metabolomics. Chicks were fed basal diets without or with miR-499-5p delivery. Muscle samples were collected and analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Results Our findings revealed that miR-499-5p injection altered the concentrations of a variety of metabolites in the muscle. Thereinto, a total of 46 metabolites were identified at higher (P < 0.05) concentrations and 30 metabolites were identified at lower (P < 0.05) concentrations in the treatment group as compared with the control group. These metabolites were primarily involved with the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Further metabolic pathway analysis revealed that fructose and mannose metabolism, galactose metabolism, inositol phosphate metabolism and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis were the most important and critical pathway which may partially interpret the effects of miR-499-5p. Conclusions To our knowledge, this research is the first report of metabolic signatures and related metabolic pathways in the skeletal muscle for miR-499-5p injection and provide new insight into the effect of miRNA on growth performance.
Multimodal Second-Language Communication: Research Findings and Pedagogical Implications

This article reviews research findings involving visual input in speech processing in the form of facial cues and co-speech gestures for second-language (L2) learners, and provides pedagogical implications for the teaching of listening and speaking. It traces the foundations of auditory–visual speech research and explores the role of a speaker’s facial cues in L2 perception training and of gestural cues in listening comprehension. There is a strong role for pedagogy to maximize the salience of multimodal cues for L2 learners. Visible articulatory gestures that precede the acoustic signal and the preparation phase of a hand gesture that precedes the acoustic onset of a word provide a priming effect on perceivers’ attention to signal upcoming information and facilitate processing, and visible gestures that co-occur with speech aid ongoing processing and comprehension. L2 learners benefit from an awareness of these visual cues and exposure to input.
Synthesis, characterization, and dispersion properties of hydroxyapatite prepared by mechanochemical–hydrothermal methods

Thermodynamic modeling was utilized to identify reaction conditions to prepare phase-pure hydroxyapatite particulates (HA) by mechanochemical–hydrothermal (M–H) methods using Ca(OH)2 and (NH4)2HPO4 as precursors. The resulting HA powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infra-red spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption and dynamic light scattering methods. Choosing reaction conditions in the 99% yield region of the CaO–P2O5–NH4OH–H2O phase-pure equilibrium system, nearly stoichiometric and nanostructured HA powders were prepared at room temperature in as little as 1 h. The minimum time to obtain phase-pure HA was 8 h from the conventional attrition mill. As-prepared powders were found to be highly agglomerated with a mass-weighted mean diameter of 2.6 µm in deionized water and average agglomeration number (AAN) as high as 4.5 × 106. Dispersion studies revealed that the appropriate use of dispersants could reduce the mass-weighted mean diameter and AAN. In the presence of sodium polyacrylate, the mass-weighted mean diameter and AAN were 217 nm and 1600, respectively.
The outcome of the Trendelenburg procedure with stripping vs. no stripping in the management of varicose veins

Background: Varicose veins is a common problem in Pakistan with multiple treatment options. One of its recommended and commonly performed surgical treatment includes the flush ligation of Saphenofemoral junction (Trendelenburg procedure) with stripping of great saphenous vein and avulsion of varicosities which is a cumbersome process. This study aims to evaluate the effect of stripping of great saphenous vein on the recurrence rate. Patients and methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Surgical Unit I, Services Hospital, Lahore over a period of 22 months from 20-09-2016 to 20-07-2018. Seventy patients were divided equally into two groups of 35 patients each i.e. Trendelenbrug procedure and avulsion of varicosities with stripping down to the knee, (Group A) versus Trendelenbrug procedure and avulsion of varicosities without stripping (Group B). Recurrence at 12 weeks was noted. SPSS version 17.0 was used to analyze data. Comparison of recurrence and stratified confounding factors such as age, gender, and BMI were assessed by the chi-square test (significant p-valve ≤0.05). Results: In group A, 32 out of 35 patients were male (91.43%) and 3 (8.57%) were female. While in group B, 31 out of 35 patients were male (88.87%) and 4 (11.43%) were female. Four out of 35 (11.43%) patients in group A whereas 6 (17.14%) group B patients (p-value=0.494) had a recurrence in the perforators below the knee at 12 weeks. Stratification (p-values) of recurrence rate with respect to age (<40 years: 0.41 versus ≥ 40 years:0.905), gender (female: p-value not applicable versus male: 0.96) and BMI was done (<25 kg/m2: 0.36 versus ≥ 25 kg/m2: 0.901) Conclusions: Stripping does not significantly affect the outcome of varicose vein surgery in relation to the recurrence rate at 12 weeks and recurrence was independent of age, gender, and BMI of patients.
Belowground biomass C outweighs soil organic C of perennial energy crops: Insights from a long‐term multispecies trial

The cultivation of perennial energy crops (PECs) couples the production of ligno‐cellulosic biomass to the provision of multiple ecosystem services, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the mitigation of climate change through carbon (C) sequestration in soil. Though C sequestration in soil by PECs has been widely studied, the contribution of their belowground biomass (BGB) to soil C sequestration and their influence on soil nitrogen (N) storage potential has received very little attention. In this study, C and N stocks in soil and BGB fractions (plant belowground organs and fine roots) were measured for six PECs (Populus spp. ‘Poplar’, Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Black locust’, Salix spp. ‘Willow’, Arundo donax ‘Giant reed’, Miscanthus × giganteus ‘Miscanthus’ and Panicum virgatum ‘Switchgrass’) grown on marginal soil, 11 years after establishment. All PECs had a higher soil organic carbon (SOC) stock and soil total nitrogen (STN) stock than arable land in the top (0–10 cm) soil layer. In this same top layer, woody crops had the highest SOC stock. The increase in SOC under PECs led to increased soil porosity in the top‐soil layer. On average, 43% of the belowground C stock of PECs was allocated in the plant belowground organs (PBO; i.e. in the rhizomes of herbaceous PECs and the stump for woody PECs). Giant reed had the highest C stock in PBO, whereas switchgrass the lowest (22.7 vs. 5.9 Mg C ha−1). On the contrary, switchgrass had the highest C stock in fine roots. Giant reed had the highest belowground C stock (sum of soil and BGB contribution) and black locust the highest belowground N stock. After 11 years of PEC cultivation, 68% of the belowground C stock was allocated in the BGB, and 32% was as SOC.
Improved mulberry productivity and resource efficiency through low-cost drip fertigation

ABSTRACT Improving efficiencies of water and nutrients is considered as a most vital factor for augmenting mulberry productivity. In this study, low-cost drip fertigation (LCDF) systems were evaluated on leaf yield, quality, water use efficiency (WUE), and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) utilizing 12 year-old S1635 mulberry plantation. Treatments were drip tape and drum-kit drip fertigation in different quanta of Recommended Dose (at 50%, 75% & 100%; RD: 67 kg N, 36 kg P2O5, and 22 kg K2O ha−1 crop−1). A plot with surface irrigation at 100% RD was maintained as control. Fertigation of 100% RD produced the best results in terms of growth, leaf yield, and quality, but is statistically at par with 75% RD fertigation under LCDF. Fertigation of 75% RD through LCDF increased the leaf yield by 26% and leaf quality by 56% (TSP: Total soluble protein) and 28% (TSS: Total soluble sugar) as compared to control. LCDF reduced water requirement by 24% resulting in increased WUE (61%) and NUE (63%). Fertigation at 75% RD could be the optimal quantum for sustainable mulberry leaf production in Eastern India; might equally be the climate-smart-sericulture option for economically poor and marginal stakeholders.
Oxidative Adsorption of Elemental Mercury by Activated Carbon from Coconut Shell in Simulated Flue Gas

The change of mercury speciation was measured by a continuous emission monitor when elemental mercury (Hg°) was adsorbed by activated carbon (AC-CS, made from coconut shell) in simulated coal-fired flue gas on a bench-scale adsorption experiment. Results showed that Hg° was oxidized to divalent mercury (Hg2+) and escaped as Hg2+ completely during the adsorption process in simulated flue gas. The components, such as NO, NO2, etc., had double influences on the Hg° adsorption on AC-CS. The positive way was that they could oxidize Hg° to Hg2+ with the catalysis of AC-CS surface, which promotes the Hg° adsorption, and the negative way was that they had competitive adsorption with Hg2+ on the AC-CS surface to inhibit the adsorption to a certain degree. It is economical to use the original AC to capture Hg in a complete flue gas with oxidization components and to use chemically treated AC in a clean flue gas.