Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Philippine Television Network Companies’ Corporate Social Responsibility Engagements and Electronic Word-of-Mouth: The Intervening Role of Consumer-Company Identification

ABSTRACT This study aims to identify the interrelationships among the three variables – corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement, consumer-company identification (C-C identification), and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) in the Philippine television network industry. This study also investigates whether C-C identification can act as a mediator between CSR and eWOM. The participants were viewers and supporters of two leading television networks (ABS-CBN and GMA) in the Philippines (sample size = 433). Quantitative research and a causal predictive approach were utilized in this study. The survey-based data were analyzed through partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to estimate the parameters of the structural model. The results showed that CSR engagement has a significant and positive effect on consumer company identification (C-C identification). A significant relationship between CSR engagement and positive eWOM is also supported. Moreover, C-C identification also positively influences eWOM. The mediation analysis also revealed that C-C identification mediates the relationship between CSR engagement and eWOM.
Thermoelectric Performance of Polypropylene/Carbon Nanotube/Ionic Liquid Composites and Its Dependence on Electron Beam Irradiation

The thermoelectric behavior of polypropylene (PP) based nanocomposites containing single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and five kinds of ionic liquids (Ils) dependent on composite composition and electron beam irradiation (EB) was studied. Therefore, several samples were melt-mixed in a micro compounder, while five Ils with sufficiently different anions and/or cations were incorporated into the PP/SWCNT composites followed by an EB treatment for selected composites. Extensive investigations were carried out considering the electrical, thermal, mechanical, rheological, morphological and, most significantly, thermoelectric properties. It was found that it is possible to prepare n-type melt-mixed polymer composites from p-type commercial SWCNTs with relatively high Seebeck coefficients when adding four of the selected Ils. The highest Seebeck coefficients achieved in this study were +49.3 µV/K (PP/2 wt.% SWCNT) for p-type composites and −27.6 µV/K (PP/2 wt.% SWCNT/4 wt.% IL type AMIM Cl) for n-type composites. Generally, the type of IL is decisive whether p- or n-type thermoelectric behavior is achieved. After IL addition higher volume conductivity could be reached. Electron beam treatment of PP/SWCNT leads to increased values of the Seebeck coefficient, whereas the EB treated sample with IL (AMIM Cl) shows a less negative Seebeck coefficient value.
A simple experimental approach to simulate drought stress conditions in agar Petri dishes: characterization of the response in Medicago truncatula plantlets

Drought stress is the major factor in the reduction of crop yields causing significant economic losses. However, this stress is difficult to standardize under controlled conditions for research purposes. For molecular biology studies, which usually need highly standardized protocols for screening of large populations, PEG, mannitol or NaCl are employed to apply water deficit conditions. However, these osmolites do not properly simulate drought stress effects. In the present study, a simple experimental approach employing different agar concentration to simulate drought stress conditions in Petri dishes is tested with Medicago truncatula seedlings. The response of root morphology, respiration and drought stress markers is characterized under mild (≈ -1.0 MPa) and moderate drought (≈ -1,5MPa). Mild drought provoked an increase of root length that was not observed under moderate drought. Root area, volume and diameter decrease progressively with the increase of drought severity. Respiration rate was only significantly affected under moderate drought conditions, without changes in cytochrome and alternative pathways capacity. According to this, sucrose, malate and-ketoglutarate content decreased concomitantly with the increase of stress severity. Typical drought stress markers, as proline and amino acids, were also accumulated. Overall, these results validate this simple protocol to study drought stress response of seedlings under controlled conditions.
Functional capacity and risk of frailty syndrome in 85-year-old and older women living in nursing homes in Poland

Abstract Maintaining sufficient physical fitness to prevent any limitations in performing activities of daily living and to be functionally independent is of great importance for both longevity and quality of life in older adults. Aim of the study was to evaluate functional physical fitness of women aged 85 years and older, residents of nursing homes, in the Polish population and to assess the risk of frailty syndrome. The study involved 17 women aged 85 years or older, residents of nursing homes in the Lower Silesian voivodeship. The Senior Fitness Test was used to assess functional fitness. The results of functional fitness tests were related to the standards for the elderly population in Poland and to the reference standards for maintaining independence. In addition, hand grip strength level was measured using a hand dynamometer, height and weight were measured, and BMI was calculated. 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess the level of depression. We used 3 of the 5 proposed criteria from the Cardiovascular Health Study Frailty Index to assess the presence of frailty syndrome: gait speed, level of hand grip strength, and the presence of depression. The results of the Senior Fitness Test demonstrate the low level of functional fitness of female nursing home residents. A large percentage of the women surveyed are below the standard values developed for Polish seniors. The weakest results were in the timed up and go test, with more than 94% of the women tested falling outside the standard ranges. The mean results of all samples do not meet the developed reference standards for maintaining independence. No non-frail person was found among the study participants and the vast majority were at risk for frailty syndrome. Most of the studied women do not meet functional fitness standards developed for the Polish population, as well as reference standards for maintaining independence. Nursing home residents over the age of 85 are at risk for frailty syndrome.
Elucidating Hexanucleotide Repeat Number and Methylation within the X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP)-Related SVA Retrotransposon in TAF1 with Nanopore Sequencing

Background: X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive dystonia and parkinsonism. It is caused by a SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposon insertion in the TAF1 gene with a polymorphic (CCCTCT)n domain that acts as a genetic modifier of disease onset and expressivity. Methods: Herein, we used Nanopore sequencing to investigate SVA genetic variability and methylation. We used blood-derived DNA from 96 XDP patients for amplicon-based deep Nanopore sequencing and validated it with fragment analysis which was performed using fluorescence-based PCR. To detect methylation from blood- and brain-derived DNA, we used a Cas9-targeted approach. Results: High concordance was observed for hexanucleotide repeat numbers detected with Nanopore sequencing and fragment analysis. Within the SVA locus, there was no difference in genetic variability other than variations of the repeat motif between patients. We detected high CpG methylation frequency (MF) of the SVA and flanking regions (mean MF = 0.94, SD = ±0.12). Our preliminary results suggest only subtle differences between the XDP patient and the control in predicted enhancer sites directly flanking the SVA locus. Conclusions: Nanopore sequencing can reliably detect SVA hexanucleotide repeat numbers, methylation and, lastly, variation in the repeat motif.
An examination of the individual and interaction effect of absorptive capacity and corporate political activity on product innovation

ABSTRACT To improve their innovative performance in the emerging economy, firms develop absorptive capacity and corporate political activity to gain useful resources and maintain a beneficial environment. As the limited resources of firms and resource-consuming nature of absorptive capacity and corporate political activity, firms need to distribute resources wisely. However, the comparaion of their individual effect and the investigation of their interaction effect are limited. To fill up the research gap, based on the resource-based view, this study examined (1) the heterogeneous individual effect, and (2) the interaction effect of absorptive capacity and corporate political activity on innovation performance. Based on 165 pharmaceutical firms, this study found that the positive effect of absorptive capacity is stronger than that of corporate political activity on incremental innovation, while the positive effect of corporate political activity is stronger than the absorptive capacity on radical innovation. What’s more, the interaction effect is negatively related to radical innovation. These results shed light on how to conduct different innovations better by managing internal and external sources wisely, which extends the research of resource based innovation and enriches the study of the interaction effect of absorptive capacity and political strategy. This research also help managers to manage different resource sources based on their innovation strategy.
Evaluating the level of professional moral courage of pre-hospital emergency staff in the management of patients with COVID-19

A – Study design, B – Data Collection, C – Statistical Analysis, D – Data Interpretation, E – Manuscript Preparation, F – literature Search, G – Funds Collection Background. emergency medical Services (emS) are an important part of the healthcare system. decision making is the most important part of their profession, as they often have to make a quick decision and act upon it, despite the critical conditions of the patient. They are often the first to deal with COVID-19, and they experience severe physical, mental or moral stress. Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the level of Professional Moral Courage (PMC) of Pre-Hospital Emergency (PHE) staff in the management of patients with COVID-19. Material and methods. This descriptive, analytical study was conducted in 2020. A total of 200 PHE staff entered the study, recruited by the census sampling method. Data collection was undertaken using a validated moral courage questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS version/21 with descriptive and analytic tests. Results. The mean age of the participants was 34.42 ± 7.14, and mean of their work experience was 10.29 ± 6.59 years, of the mean moral courage score was 90.77 ± 2.97. There was a significant relationship between the mean score of moral courage and age, type of employment and participation in disaster exercises and training courses ( p < 0.001). Conclusions. The findings of the study showed a significant relationship between various variables and level of moral courage in PHE staff. Awareness of the moral courage of PHE staff is the first step to improve their preparedness. This study provides evidence of the need and potential positive impact of moral education opportunities for healthcare team. the
Conflicting interests and growing importance of non‐indigenous species in commercial and recreational fisheries of the Mediterranean Sea

Non- indigenous species (NIS) are spreading and reshaping Mediterranean Sea biological communities and fishery resources. The present study used fisheries data and structured interviews to assess the impacts of NIS on recreational and commercial fishers in Cyprus. NIS that have been present in Cyprus for more than two decades were mostly perceived by local fishers as native, NIS with high market value were considered to be beneficial, and venomous or poisonous NIS were considered to be deleterious. Pufferfishes (Tetraodontidae) were identified by fishers as causing significant economic damage, which undermines the sustainability of the commercial fishing sector. The most popular and highly priced NIS were rabbitfishes ( Siganus spp.). In terms of commercial landings, six non- indigenous taxa contributed over a quarter of the total landing value and more than half during the summer season. The results of the present study emphasised the multifaceted interactions of NIS with the fishing sector, and how policy objectives may not align with social and commercial fishery interests.
An In-Vitro Evaluation of Articulation Accuracy for Digitally Milled Models vs. Conventional Gypsum Casts

With the advent of a digital workflow in dentistry, the inter-occlusal articulation of digital models is now possible through various means. The Cadent iTero intraoral scanner uses a buccal scan in maximum intercuspation to record the maxillomandibular relationship. This in-vitro study compares the occlusion derived from conventionally articulated stone casts versus that of digitally articulated quadrant milled models. Thirty sets of stone casts poured from full arch polyvinyl siloxane impressions (Group A) and thirty sets of polyurethane quadrant models milled from digital impressions (Group B) were used for this study. The full arch stone casts were hand-articulated and mounted on semi-adjustable articulators, while the digitally derived models were pre-mounted from the milling center based on the data obtained from the buccal scanning procedure. A T-scan sensor was used to obtain a bite registration from each set of models in both groups. The T-scan data derived from groups A and B were compared to that from the master model to evaluate the reproducibility of the occlusion in the two groups. A statistically significant difference of the contact region surface area was found on #11 of the digitally articulated models compared to the master. An analysis of the force distribution also showed a tendency for a heavier distribution on the more anterior #11 tooth for the digitally articulated models. Within the limitations of this study, the use of a digitally articulated quadrant model system may result in a loss of accuracy, in terms of occlusion, the further anteriorly the tooth to be restored is located. Care must be taken to consider the sources of inaccuracies in the digital workflow to minimize them for a more efficient and effective restorative process.
Chlorogenic Acid Improves Quality of Chilled Ram Sperm by Mitigating Oxidative Stress

Simple Summary Sheep sperm is extremely sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and can produce a large amount of ROS during chilling storage, leading to a decline in semen quality. Adding antioxidants is an important method to improve semen quality. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a kind of plant extract with an antioxidant capacity, which can effectively eliminate free radicals and improve the antioxidant capacity of semen. However, its role in the chilling storage of Hu ram semen is not clear. Therefore, CGA with different concentrations was added to chilling storage extender to investigate its effect on chilled ram sperm. The results of this study revealed that CGA with proper concentration had a positive effect on chilled Hu ram sperm and 0.8 mg/mL CGA had the best effect. Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the addition of chlorogenic acid (CGA) to a sheep semen extender could improve the quality of chilled sheep sperm. Ejaculates (n = 80) were collected from five Hu rams with an artificial vagina. The ejaculates were mixed and divided into five equal parts, diluted with a CGA-free Tris–egg yolk extender (control), or supplemented with 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 mg/mL. The sperm kinematic parameters (viability, progressive motility), functional integrity of plasma membrane and acrosome, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration and antioxidant parameters (Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), ROS level and Malondialdehyde (MDA) content) were evaluated during storage of the semen. The results indicated that: PM, plasmatic membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity in 0.8 mg/mL CGA were higher (p < 0.05) from day 1 to 5. The ROS level in CGA groups was lower than the control (p < 0.05). CAT, SOD, ATP, and T-AOC were highest at 0.8 mg/mL concentration within 1 to 5 days. The above results indicated that the right concentration of CGA improved the quality of Hu ram sperm during chilling storage.
Developmental patterning function of GNOM ARF-GEF mediated from the plasma membrane

The GNOM (GN) Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factor for ARF small GTPases (ARF-GEF) is among the best studied trafficking regulators in plants, playing crucial and unique developmental roles in patterning and polarity. The current models place GN at the Golgi apparatus (GA), where it mediates secretion/recycling, and at the plasma membrane (PM) presumably contributing to clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). The mechanistic basis of the developmental function of GN, distinct from the other ARF-GEFs including its homologue GNOM-LIKE1 (GNL1), remains elusive. Insights from this study redefine the current notions of GN function. We show that GN, but not GNL1, localizes to the PM at long-lived structures distinct from clathrin-coated pits, while CME and secretion proceed normally in gn knockouts. The functional GN mutant variant GNfewerroots, absent from the GA, suggests that PM is the major place of GN action responsible for its developmental function. Following inhibition by Brefeldin A, GN, but not GNL1, relocates to the PM likely on exocytic vesicles, suggesting selective molecular associations. A study of GN-GNL1 chimeric ARF-GEFs indicate that all GN domains contribute to the specific GN function in a partially redundant manner. Together, this study offers significant steps towards the elucidation of the mechanism underlying unique cellular and development functions of GN.
A multi-proxy Holocene palaeoenvironmental record of climate change and prehistoric human activity from Lough Cullin, southeast Ireland

A multiproxy (pollen, microcharcoal, loss-on-ignition, magnetic susceptibility and geochemistry) sequence from Lough Cullin, southeast Ireland, supported by a high-resolution radiocarbon chronology, modelled using Bayesian approaches, provides a record of environmental change for much of the Holocene. Following the establishment of mixed deciduous woodland, climatic deterioration was likely responsible for pronounced vegetation change and erosion, 7615–6500 cal. BC to 6245–5575 cal. BC, evidence for the ‘8.2 Kyr’ BP climate event. The so-called ‘elm decline’ is dated to 4220–3980 cal. BC and whilst there are possible indications of an anthropogenic cause, clear evidence of woodland clearance with cereal pollen is recorded at 3900–3700 cal. BC, 3790–3580 cal. BC and 3760–3650 cal. BC, during a period of clearance and farming of 320–450 years duration. A reduction in farming/settlement and woodland regeneration during the Middle Neolithic parallels the archaeological record, with low levels of activity during the Late Neolithic/Chalcolithic after 2960–2525 cal. BC, prior to increases during the Bronze Age then woodland clearance and agriculture between 1500–1410 and 1275–1000 cal. BC, corresponding with the archaeological evidence. A subsequent ‘step-wise’ reduction in human activity follows, from the latter date to 815–685 cal. BC, and a brief but pronounced cessation at 690–535 cal. BC. Renewed woodland clearance and agriculture commenced until 415–250 cal. BC. From the latter date until cal. AD 390–540, the Late Iron Age/Early Medieval period, a phase of woodland recovery is attested, followed by renewed landscape disturbance and arable agriculture in particular, continuing to the close of the record at cal. AD 780–1035.
Effects of Coal and Sewage Sludge Ashes on Macronutrient Content in Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown on Soil Contaminated with Eco-Diesel Oil

Petroleum hydrocarbons, as aggressive components of diesel oils, after migration to the land environment can alter the activity and efficiency of ecosystems. They can also be dangerous to animal and human health. Eco-friendly methods for the reclamation of affected soils is necessary to manage degraded lands. One such method is the use of ashes. The aim of this research was to determine how soil pollution with diesel oil (brand name, Eco-Diesel) affects the chemical composition of maize (Zea mays L.) and whether the application of ash from a combined heat and power plant, as well as from sewage sludge incineration, could reduce the potentially adverse impact of diesel oil on plants. The research results demonstrated that soil contamination with Eco-Diesel oil modified the content of selected macronutrients in the analyzed crop plant. Eco-Diesel oil had a negative effect on maize yield. The highest diesel oil dose in a series without neutralizing substances had a positive effect on the accumulation of most elements, except nitrogen and sodium. Soil enrichment with ash differentiated the content of macronutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, in the aerial biomass of maize. The ashes increased the yield of maize and content of some macronutrients, mainly nitrogen but also calcium, the latter in a series where soil was treated with ash from sewage sludge thermal recycling. Both types of ash also resulted in a decrease in the plant content of phosphorus, while ash from hard coal caused a slight reduction in the content of potassium in maize. Ash of different origins can be an effective solution in the reclamation of degraded soils, which may then be used for growing energy crops.
All-arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament is comparable to open reconstruction: a systematic review

The aim of this study was to determine whether all-arthroscopic repair would lead to improved clinical outcomes, lower complication rates, shorter postoperative immobilization and earlier return to activity compared to open Broström repair in the surgical treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). A systematic literature search was conducted using Pubmed and Embase to identify studies dealing with a comparison of outcomes between all-arthroscopic and open Broström repair for CLAI. The search algorithm was ‘ankle instability’ AND ‘Brostrom’ AND ‘arthroscopic’ AND ‘open’. The study had to be written in English language, include a direct comparison of all-arthroscopic and open Broström repair to treat CLAI and have full text available. Exclusion criteria were former systematic reviews, biomechanical studies and case reports. Overall, eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Clinical outcomes did not differ substantially between patients treated with either arthroscopic or open Broström repair. Studies that reported on return to activity and sports following surgery suggested that patients that had all-arthroscopic Broström repair returned at a quicker rate. Overall complication rate tended to be lower after arthroscopic Broström repair. Similar to open repair, all-arthroscopic ligament repair for CLAI is a safe treatment option that yields excellent clinical outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level III evidence (systematic review of level I, II and III studies).