Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extending Intention to Use Electronic Services Based on the Human–Technology Interaction Approach and Social Cognition Theory: Emerging Market Case

After several years of providing extensive e-banking services, customers' acceptance and use of e-banking systems are major competitive advantages for banks and other IT-based institutions. Reports are indicated, a wide range of people is reluctant to use e-banking services effectively. Accordingly, this research aims to improve users’ attitudes and intentions to use e-banking in a transition economy. To achieve this aim, the social cognition theory is employed within the framework of human–technology interaction as a novel approach to extend the technology acceptance model. To this effect, partial-least-squares structural equation modeling is applied to study survey data of five Iranian banks. The results show that users’ innovativeness, compatibility, vicarious experience, and flexibility in electronic learning significantly influenced their attitude, but technophobia inversely influenced the intention to use e-banking. Regarding technology aspects, quality of functional structure was the sole factor that significantly influenced intention to use e-banking while the influence of online interactive structure, innovative structure, and security structure on users' intention was not confirmed. We conclude that banks in most transition economies that have similar socioeconomic conditions could influence users’ attitudes and intentions toward e-banking by drawing from the insights of this study, thus enabling the banks to make more informed choices about investing in Internet banking.
Culturally-based community tourism ventures in Southern Africa and rural women entrepreneurs’ skills

ABSTRACT Rural women entrepreneurs are tapping into the abundant cultural tourism resources in Southern Africa to support household livelihoods. This research focuses on the entrepreneurship skills, demonstrated by rural women entrepreneurs when managing culturally-based tourism ventures in Southern Africa. The ventures enable rural women entrepreneurs to earn income, create employment and also help to sustain the case communities' cultural resources. A qualitative research design was adopted to capture the narratives of rural women entrepreneurs' experiences. The entrepreneurship skills were identified guided by the researchers' subjective and reflex interpretation of the entrepreneurs' experiences, and understanding of contextual factors that influence performance. The results indicate that the participants' skills are heterogeneous and are mainly shaped by tacit processes and social networks. The dominant entrepreneurship skills among the participants are resilience and product development, with tourism legislation and computer skills lacking. This research provides insight into the existing strengths and resources that rural women have access to. More importantly, the research sheds light on the skills that need to be improved to enhance service quality. Policy makers can use this information to support further development, and capacity building by providing opportunities to improve the skills lacking among rural women entrepreneurs in Southern Africa.
Teaching multimodal metadiscourse in academic English as a foreign language

Even though both visual and textual elements create multimodal discourse, the former have received less attention (Kumpf, 2000) than the latter (Hyland, 2005) when teaching a foreign language. The hypothesis of this study is that teaching how multimodal metadiscourse is organized in academic writing may be beneficial if implemented in English for specific purposes. The objectives of this analysis are to identify the patterns of multimodal metadiscourse and to study if teaching the categories of multimodal metadiscourse could improve performance at communicating effectively in an increasingly multimodal world. Thus, a corpus of sixty-four academic papers on engineering written by native English speakers was compiled. Then, the visual and textual metadiscourse elements were classified with a tool and manually to identify patterns that could be used for teaching multimodal metadiscourse. Additionally, the frequencies of the textual and visual elements were identified. Tasks based on the results were proposed and carried out with an experimental group at Universitat Politècnica de València. The results show the patterns of multimodal metadiscourse, the classifications and the outcomes of the experiment with the students. Finally, conclusions shown that multimodal literacy is not implicit or associated to language proficiency, it should be instructed.
Roasted Malt for Distilling: Impact on Malt Whisky New Make Spirit Production and Aroma Volatile Development

Abstract Scotch malt whisky is typically produced using lightly kilned malted barley that imparts a relatively subtle aroma to the final product. Recently, there has been increased interest in exploring the feasibility of using roasted malts during whisky production to control congener profile. Although roasted malts are used widely within the brewing industry to develop product color and aroma in beer, applications and challenges have not yet been established for whisky production. This study investigated a role for roasted malt as a tool to impact whisky volatile composition and the consequences of such use for production efficiency of whisky new make spirit. Pot still malt was roasted at laboratory scale (0–60 min at 80–220 °C) and incorporated into a grist (≤50% w/w) for production of new make spirit. The influence of roasting conditions on malt processing characteristics and the impact on the concentration of key roasted malt volatile compounds in distillate were assessed using response surface modelling. Concentration of aroma active pyrazines and furans increased in the distillate produced using roasted malts (particularly when using malt heated >150 °C). Key indicators of process efficiency such as wort fermentability and alcohol yield reduced as intensity of malt roasting increased. Process efficiency when using low proportions of roasted malt (10% w/w) was comparable to that when using only pot still malt, but distillate volatile profile still differed significantly.
Comparison of MRI/US Fusion Targeted Biopsy and Systematic Biopsy in Biopsy-Naïve Prostate Patients with Elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen: A Diagnostic Study

Purpose This study aimed to compare the detection rate of prostate cancer (PCa) between targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy. Patients and Methods A total of 671 patients who underwent both targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy were included in this study. The stratified analysis was conducted based on Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) scores, region of interest load (ROI-load). Results There was no statistical difference in the detection rate of PCa patients between systematic biopsy and targeted biopsy (44.41% vs 45.6%, P>0.05), while the detection rate of targeted biopsy in clinically significant PCa (csPCa) patients was slightly higher than that of systematic biopsy (40.83% vs 38.15%, P=0.033). Stratified analysis indicated that targeted biopsy was more advantageous in csPCa patients with PIRADS score ≥ 4 and ROI-load > 5%. The comparison of diagnostic sensitivity of systematic biopsy and targeted biopsy demonstrated that targeted biopsy was more sensitive than systematic biopsy to diagnose PCa (Z=2.110, P=0.035) at ROI-load ≤ 5%. In addition, ROI-load may be a better targeted biopsy indicator than ROI diameter for the diagnosis of PCa (Z=2.168, P=0.030). Conclusion MRI/US fusion targeted biopsy may be more suitable for PCa detection than systematic biopsy in patients with low ROI-load.
Experimental design approach to off-line quality control in filament winding

Wet filament winding is a common composite manufacturing process for quasi-axisymmetrical components. Thanks to CAD and CIM developments, wet winding has evolved towards an advanced level with respect to design and automation capabilities. However, from a technological point of view, quality control in filament winding remains rather poor. Within the framework of a Brite/Euram project, this quality problem has been dealt with in an experimental way. Large statistically designed experiments have been performed at different partners’ sites to create a data bank. These data have been analysed to find new, functional mechanisms. Parameters identified as being significant have been integrated in a mathematical model. This model can be used to select the best material, process and design parameter levels as to optimise the performance of filament wound components. Througout the experiments, several high quality tubes have been wound, with reproducible quasi-zero void content. In this paper the general approach followed in the project is described and the subsequent phases of experimentation are discussed, together with their most relevant results.
Evaluation of Heart Rate Variability Parameters During Awake and Sleep in Refractory and Controlled Epileptic Patients

Background Alterations of heart rate variability (HRV) in epileptic patients were the field of interest of several studies for many reasons, particularly the contribution toward sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Aim We aimed at evaluation of autonomic dysfunction in epileptic patients during awake and sleep in addition to studying the association between SUDEP risk with different Holter parameters. Patients and Methods The study included eighty epileptic patients (40 controlled epileptic patients and 40 refractory epileptic patients) compared to 30 volunteers as control group. They underwent detailed epileptic history, Chalfont seizure severity scale, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)-7 risk score and 24 hour Holter monitoring to assess HRV parameters. Results Patients with refractory epilepsy had longer duration of epilepsy with increased number of used AEDs compared to controlled epileptic group. Both controlled and refractory epileptic patients had significantly higher average heart rate (AV.HR), sympatho-vagal ratio (low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio in 24 hours, daytime, and nighttime), and LF and HF values compared to controls. The rMSSD (the root mean square of difference between successive normal intervals), Tri.Index (triangular index), and pNN50 (percentage of the number of pairs of consecutive beat-to-beat intervals that varied by 50 ms) were significantly reduced in both epileptic groups compared to controls. Among refractory epileptic patients, patients with generalized epilepsy had significantly higher severity epileptic scale, average heart rate, minimum heart rate, and LF/HF night, in addition to lower rMSSD and pNN50 compared to patients with focal epilepsy. We found positive correlation between the following Holter indices (LF/HF 24, LF/HF day, and LF/HF night) and the duration of the epilepsy, while negative correlations between Tri.Index, LF, and HF and the epileptic duration were detected. SUDEP-7 risk was negatively correlated with pNN50 and rMSSD; meanwhile, it was positively correlated with LF/HF 24. The severity of epilepsy among refractory epileptic patients was positively correlated with average heart rate but negatively correlated with pNN50 and rMSSD. Using linear regression analysis, we found that pNN50 and rMSSD could predict SUDEP-7 risk and severity of epilepsy in refractory epileptic patients. Conclusion Epileptic patients (particularly refractory patients with generalized EEG findings and long duration) had reduced heart rate variability and hence impairment of parasympathetic activity with increased susceptibility for adverse outcomes. Moreover, pNN50 and rMSSD could be used as predictors for SUDEP-7 risk as well as severity of epilepsy in refractory epileptic patients.
Safety Assessment of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TWK10 Based on Whole-Genome Sequencing, Phenotypic, and Oral Toxicity Analysis

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TWK10 (TWK10), isolated from Taiwanese pickled cabbage, has been demonstrated to exert beneficial probiotic effects in both mice and humans. Here, we comprehensively assessed the safety of TWK10 using both in vivo and in vitro approaches, including whole-genome sequence analysis, an assessment of hemolytic activity, and performing an antimicrobial susceptibility test, the Ames bacterial reverse mutation assay, the chromosomal aberration test, a rodent peripheral blood micronucleus test, and the 28-day subacute oral toxicity assay. The results showed that there was no significant increase in the incidence of reverse mutations or chromosomal aberrations following exposure to TWK10. Moreover, no significant changes were detected either in the number of reticulocytes or the incidence of micronuclei in ICR mice, and no subacute toxicity was recorded in SD rats at the oral TWK10 dosage of 2000 mg/kg body weight/day repeated for 28 days. Additionally, TWK10 exhibited no hemolytic activity and was susceptible to all the antibiotics tested, except kanamycin. However, no antimicrobial resistance genes, virulence factors, or genes involved in biogenic amine synthesis were found in the genome of TWK10. Our findings demonstrated that TWK10 has high potential of being safe for human consumption as a probiotic.
Development of PVA–Psyllium Husk Meshes via Emulsion Electrospinning: Preparation, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and psyllium husk (PSH)/D-limonene electrospun meshes were produced by emulsion electrospinning for use as substrates to prevent the growth of bacteria. D-limonene and modified microcrystalline cellulose (mMCC) were preferred as antibacterial agents. SEM micrographs showed that PVA–PSH electrospun mesh with a 4% amount of D-limonene has the best average fiber distribution with 298.38 ± 62.8 nm. Moreover, the fiber morphology disrupts with the addition of 6% D-limonene. FT-IR spectroscopy was used to analyze the chemical structure between matrix–antibacterial agents (mMCC and D-limonene). Although there were some partial physical interactions in the FT-IR spectrum, no chemical reactions were seen between the matrixes and the antibacterial agents. The thermal properties of the meshes were determined using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermal stability of the samples increased with the addition of mMCC. Further, the PVA–PSH–mMCC mesh had the highest value of contact angle (81° ± 4.05). The antibacterial activity of functional meshes against Gram (−) (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram (+) bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) was specified based on a zone inhibition test. PPMD6 meshes had the highest antibacterial results with 21 mm, 16 mm, and 15 mm against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. While increasing the amount of D-limonene enhanced the antibacterial activity, it significantly decreased the amount of release in cases of excess D-limonene amount. Due to good fiber morphology, the highest D-limonene release value (83.1%) was observed in PPMD4 functional meshes. The developed functional meshes can be utilized as wound dressing material based on our data.
Influence of Wall Compliance on the Flow Patterns in a Patient-Specific Brachio-Cephalic Arterio-Venous Fistula

Patients with end stage renal disease require some form of vascular access for treatment, with Arterio-Venous Fistulas (avf) being the preferred form available due to better patency rates. However, they continue to present complications after creation, leading to early or late failure. While many studies are examining the flow in patient-specific fistulas, they often neglect the influence of vessel compliance on its hemodynamics. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of wall compliance on the complex hemodynamics of a patient-specific brachio-cephalic avf and how it differs from a rigid fistula. Particle Image Velocimetry (piv) was used to capture the flow pattern within the fistula for both steady (Re = 1817) and pulsatile (Reav=1817, Remax=2232) flow conditions. The results were compared to rigid model measurements performed under the same Reynolds number. The streamline plots and coefficient of variation results did not differ significantly between the models; however, the non-dimensional velocity and directional variability results did vary between the two fistulas. A difference of approximately 8% was seen between the two models for both steady and pulsatile flow. The findings of this study suggest that to determine the bulk flow, a rigid model is adequate, but to capture the finer details of the flow, a compliant model is necessary.
Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Fitness and Resistance Stability to Diamide and Pyrethroid Insecticides in the United States

Simple Summary Spodoptera exigua is a polyphagous pest, commonly known as beet armyworm. This pest is distributed worldwide and causes yield reduction in a variety of crops. Chemical control using synthetic insecticides is the primary strategy to manage beet armyworm. In the United States, beet armyworm resistance to both chlorantraniliprole and bifenthrin insecticides was first reported in 2020. Here we examined beet armyworm fitness and stability of resistance to chlorantraniliprole and pyrethroid insecticides, since knowledge of the stability of resistance is a crucial aspect when recommending rotation of insecticides with different mode of action. Our results have indicated no decrease in bifenthrin resistance for at least a three-year period (i.e., 27 generations) when insecticide exposure was suspended. However, susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole dropped approximately 160-fold through this three-year period. Our results indicate that beet armyworm resistance to bifenthrin is stable, but unstable to chlorantraniliprole. Unstable resistance can be successfully managed at field level by switching off the selection pressure with replacement of the insecticide other than a pyrethroid. Abstract In the United States, beet armyworm resistance to both chlorantraniliprole and bifenthrin insecticides was first reported in 2020. Here we examined beet armyworm fitness and stability of resistance to chlorantraniliprole and pyrethroid insecticides since knowledge of the stability of resistance is a crucial aspect when recommending rotation of insecticides with different mode of action. Concentration-mortality bioassays were performed with field and laboratory susceptible populations. The F2, F13, and F27 generations of the field-derived population, maintained in the laboratory without insecticide, were exposed to commercial formulations of bifenthrin and chlorantraniliprole using the leaf-dip bioassay method (IRAC n. 007). Insects from F27 had the fitness components (survival, body weight, development time) documented and compared by LSM in each insecticide concentration tested. The resistance ratio to chlorantraniliprole reached 629, 80, 15-fold at F2, F13, and F27, respectively. These results contrast with an over 1000-fold resistance ratio to bifenthrin in all generations. The field-derived population had fitness reduced by chlorantraniliprole, but not by bifenthrin. In summary, the resistance of beet armyworm to bifenthrin was stable with no shift in fitness. In contrast, resistance to chlorantraniliprole was not stable through the generations kept in the laboratory without selection pressure, likely due to fitness cost.
Sick sinus syndrome concomitant with myopathy associated with anti-mitochondrial antibodies: a case report

Abstract Background Anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA)-associated myopathy is known to be concomitant with primary biliary cirrhosis and to cause both skeletal muscle disorders and arrhythmias, myocardium disorders, and respiratory muscle disorders. We report a case of AMA-associated myopathy in which the bradycardia-related symptoms preceded the skeletal muscle symptoms. Case summary A 59-year-old woman visited the emergency room in our hospital following a syncopal event. The patient was bradycardiac (45 b.p.m.) with a junctional rhythm resulting from sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and was suffering from heart failure. Blood tests revealed elevated creatine kinase (CK) and hepatic enzymes. She underwent permanent pacemaker implantation. However, it proved difficult to detect the electrical potential in the right atrium. Although successful atrial pacing was achieved at the lower right atrial septum, the atrial threshold was markedly high and she depended on ventricular pacing. One year later, neurological examination and muscle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of AMA-associated myopathy. Following this diagnosis, steroid pulse therapy was initiated. Steroid administration relieved her symptoms and lowered the CK levels but the atrial standstill persisted. The patient takes low-dose prednisolone and has had an uneventful course for 3 years. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of AMA-associated myopathy diagnosed by the first symptom related to bradycardia due to SSS. Patients with AMA-associated myopathy can experience a variety of cardiac symptoms, including arrhythmias, and initially complain of cardiac symptoms without symptoms of skeletal myopathy. This disease should be considered when diagnosing patients with arrhythmia and elevated CK.
Optimal Medical Therapy for Secondary Prevention of Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Hospital in Sudan

Background Five-medication regimen is recommended for patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as a secondary prevention strategy at discharge to reduce recurrence and improve mortality. Objective This study aimed to assess prescribing of optimal medical therapy (OMT) as five-medication regimens for secondary prevention at discharge after ACS in Sudan. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary hospital located in Wad Medani, Sudan, in the period between January and December 2019. Data were collected from patients’ files. OMT was defined as a combination of five medications; aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors, statins, beta-blockers (BBs), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or if a valid contraindication was documented. Results Of the 619 patients throughout the study period, 591 were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The median age of patients was 60 years, and 58.9% of patients were male. Diabetes (44.5%) and hypertension (42%) were the most common risk factors. Most patients (58.4%) were diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. About 99.7% of patients were on aspirin, 99.5% on statins, 97% on clopidogrel, 96.8% on dual antiplatelet therapy, 70.4% on BBs, and 57.9% on ACEIs/ARBs. OMT for secondary prevention was prescribed to 267 (45.2%) patients with ACS at discharge. Conclusion Although prescriptions for all five guideline-recommended medications after ACS were suboptimal, the study showed a positive trend in prescribing most individual medications.