Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a case-control study in the Lebanese population

Background: Genetic factors represent the major etiological contributor in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) but several studies also support the involvement of environmental factors. This last hypothesis is reinforced by the evident increase in the prevalence of this disorder in the last decades. Thus, in our study, we aimed to identify the correlation between factors related to sociodemographic elements, to child and mother’s health and ASD in order to dress a best detailed profile of the patients. Methods: We conducted a case-control study including 64 Lebanese patients with ASD and 67 matched controls recruited from all the Lebanese districts. Our data has been analyzed by SPSS 23.0 and the statistical tests carried out were the Independent Sample t-test and the Chi-Square test. In addition, a multivariate logistic regression analysis has been carried out using variables that showed a p<0.05 in the bivariate analysis. Results: Our findings suggest that consanguinity (OR=4; 95% CI [1.3-12.04]), familial history of ASD (6.7 [1.1- 39.3]), stress during pregnancy (3.6 [1.5 8.2]) and fetal prematurity (6.3 [1.2-33.01]) were significantly associated with increased odds of ASD. However, our results have shown no association between siblings suffering from diseases such as mental retardation, child’s infections and ASD. Conclusion: This pilot study carried out in all the regions of Lebanon allowed us to shed the light on factors associated with ASD which might be preventable.
Radical local treatment for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in older adults: a propensity-score matched analysis of the SEER database

Background Increased incidence of lung cancer in older adults is attributed to increased life expectancy, increased risk for many types of cancer, age-associated comorbidities and physical performance status. Contraindicatory tumor resection is suggested to benefit survival outcomes in stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We analyzed the clinical characteristics of older adults ≥70 years old with stage IV NSCLC and investigated whether radical local treatment may benefit this population. Methods This retrospective, population-based cohort study analyzed patient data from the USA Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program during 2004–2016. Eligible patients were aged ≥70 years and diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC. Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and lung-cancer-specific survival (LCSS). Propensity-score matching (PSM) and Cox regression analysis were performed to assess the prognostic role of surgical resection of primary tumor or metastasis. Results Among 54,310 stage IV NSCLC older patients, 7.50% received radical local treatment of the primary tumor or metastasis. PSM resulted in a balanced study population consisting of a treatment group (n=4,037) and a matched no-local-treatment group (n=15,658). After adjusting for confounders, radical local treatment was significantly associated with increased LCSS [hazard ratio (HR): 0.85, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.72–1.00] but decreased OS (HR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.31–2.97, P=0.0012). Conclusions In older adults ≥70 years old with stage IV NSCLC, radical local treatment is associated with increased LCSS but decreased OS. Additional prospective studies are warranted to confirm the benefit of radical local treatment for primary or metastatic NSCLC.
Using a Two-Stage DEA Model to Measure Tourism Potentials of EU Countries and Western Balkan Countries: An Approach to Sustainable Development

The concept of sustainable tourism development is imposed as an inevitable way of improving the tourism industry as a whole. This study tries to offer an adequate inclusion of sustainable factors in overall tourism development efficiency results. Through the detection and estimation of potential sources of efficiency, the paper will do the efficiency benchmarking of tourism services on the level of countries as destinations. In order to complete the task, data collection was focused on 27 EU countries and five Western Balkan countries over the period from 2011 to 2017. This paper utilized an output-oriented data envelopment analysis (DEA) procedure to estimate efficiency scores for each country, and a panel data Tobit regression model to emphasize the (in)significance of each individual tourism development indicator. The results in the first stage show relatively high-efficiency scores, particularly in the case of EU 15 countries and with room for improvement in the case of the others. The second stage reveals positive and significant effects on relative tourism efficiency by the sustainability of tourism development, the share of GDP, tourist arrivals and inbound receipts, as well as visa requirements and rate of use. Policymakers should gradually take control of the mentioned variables to protect the interests of all relevant stakeholders involved in the tourism development process.
Perception of Tour Operators on the Rural Tourism Products: To sell or not to sell?

This study reports the empirical investigation of Malaysian tour operator's behaviour in promoting rural tourism products. The tour operator’s perception of rural tourism products and how they translate their perception into behaviour was tapped using a quantitative approach. The sample population was among the selected Malaysian tour operators selling inbound and domestic rural tourism packages. The findings revealed that rural tourism cultural, natural and historical products positively influence tour operators’ action behaviour. This promising indicator highlighted the varying consequences and implications not only for the individual tour operators but tourism organisations—tour operators and travel agencies—tourism policy makers and government authorities. Understanding the tour operator’s perceptions of the importance of rural tourism products is crucial in helping the government to collaborate with them in promoting Malaysian rural tourism products to the international market. Keywords: Rural tourism, cultural, natural, historical, tour operator, action behaviour
Single-injection method for evaluation of renal function with /sup 14/C-inulin and /sup 3/H-tetraethylammonium bromide in dogs and cats

A double-isotope single-injection method without urine collection for the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) in dogs and cats was evaluated. The GFR was determined, using /sup 14/C-inulin and ERPF was determined, using (/sup 3/H)tetraethylammonium bromide. Using a modified single exponential, 1-compartment mathematical model, the renal clearance of these solutes was estimated with a plasma radioactivity disappearance curve constructed from samples collected over a 150-minute time period. In 25 dogs, GFR, ERPF, and filtration fraction were 3.55 +/- 0.14 ml/kg/min, 10.51 +/- 0.72 ml/kg/min, and 0.34 +/- 0.02, respectively. In 25 cats, GFR, ERPF, and filtration fraction were 3.24 +/- 0.14 ml/kg/min, 8.14 +/- 0.53 ml/kg/min, and 0.39 +/- 0.02, respectively. This time-efficient and reliable method, using beta-emitting isotopes, yielded renal functional values well within the normal ranges reported by a variety of other isotopic and nonisotopic procedures. The advantages of the present procedure over previous double-isotope single-injection methods include the use of less costly, lower energy-using, and less penetrating beta emittors, as well as a shortened blood sampling schedule.
Polyhedral Results and Branch-and-Cut for the Resource Loading Problem

We study the resource loading problem, which arises in tactical capacity planning. In this problem, one has to plan the intensity of execution of a set of orders to minimize a cost function that penalizes the resource use above given capacity limits and the completion of the orders after their due dates. Our main contributions include a novel mixed-integer linear-programming (MIP)‐based formulation, the investigation of the polyhedra associated with the feasible intensity assignments of individual orders, and a comparison of our branch-and-cut algorithm based on the novel formulation and the related polyhedral results with other MIP formulations. The computational results demonstrate the superiority of our approach. In our formulation and in one of the proofs, we use fundamental results of Egon Balas on disjunctive programming.
Characteristics of classroom discourse in physics lessons

ABSTRACT Background Discourse is the teacher’s principal pedagogical tool in class. Studies stress the importance of research on discourse in science education and demonstrate its cruciality for understanding science. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate characteristics of the classroom discourse in lessons on physics. Sample Classroom discourse was studied in five classes at five high schools in Israel, 110 students in all. Altogether, seventeen lessons comprising 373 discourse episodes and 1,892 questions were analyzed. Design and Methods The discursive characteristics examined were patterns of discourse episodes and their frequency in each lesson, the initiator of discourse (teacher or student), and the types, frequency, and initiators of questions asked. Results The findings show that despite variance in teachers’ and students’ traits, all lessons were similar in various parameters of discourse. Most classroom discourse was dynamic and continual; many questions were asked and were of diverse types that induced large numbers of discourse episodes. The lessons differed mainly in the number of teacher-initiated higher-order thinking questions and the number of open discourse episodes – elements indicative of dialogic teaching. However, even among teachers who asked more high-order questions and initiated open discourse with higher frequency, the discourse episodes were brief and rarely led to meaningful discussions and deep thinking. Conclusions Investing more in dialogic discourse may be useful in building knowledge and effective learning of abstract ideas in a challenging subject such as physics.
An innovative approach in combating economic crime using forensic accounting techniques

The purpose of this study is to develop an innovative approach of combating economic crime using the forensic accounting techniques. ,The approach considered the identification of the effective forensic accounting techniques from the available literature and also explored the anti-economic crime policy, capable of assisting in the combating of economic crime. This brought about the development of two conceptual models, which incorporate all the requirements for the implementation of forensic accounting and the integration of forensic accounting technique into the organizational control system for effective fraud mitigation. ,The analysis of the literature review indicated that one of the drawbacks, which has continue to mitigate the implementation of forensic accounting as a tool for combating fraud is lack of a suitable framework. This was the major focal point of this work, which produced two simplified conceptual models suitable for effective fraud mitigation. ,This study is limited to the development of conceptual models for fraud mitigation only. ,The simplified model can easily be adopted into the structure of an organization to provide a sustainable solution to mitigate fraud occurrences. ,The novelty of this study lies in the development of two simplified conceptual models. The first model addressed the incorporation of forensic accounting into the organization structure while the second captured the detailed investigation and comprehensive data analysis processes of uncovering fraud. The development of conceptual models with all these peculiarities for fraud mitigation has not been widely reported by the existing literature.
EFFECT OF FERTILIZER DOSE AND SPLIT APPLICATION OF FERTILIZER ON GROWTH, YIELD AND NUTRIENT USE EFFICIENCY IN MULBERRY

Field experiment was conducted at Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Berhampore- 742 101 during 2016 to study the effect of fertilizer dose and split application of fertilizer on growth, yield and nutrient use efficiency of mulberry leaves. The treatments comprised of four levels of fertilizer (75, 100, 125 & 150% RDF), two types of split application (2 splits: 15th & 45th day after pruning and 3 splits: 15th, 30th & 45th day after pruning). A control plot of 100% RDF with one time application of fertilizer on 15th day after pruning was also maintained. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Recommended dose of fertilizer was used at 67.2:36: 22.4 kg NPK ha-1 crop-1. The required nutrient as per treatments were applied through Urea, DAP and MOP. The experimentation was done under existing S-1635 mulberry garden with 2'×2' spacing. The results revealed that mulberry showed positive response to fertilizer levels and split application of fertilizer. Growth and yield attributes were significantly higher under 125% RDF with 2 split application and this was on par with 150% RDF with in both 2 split and 3 split applications. Significantly higher leaf yield of 506.40 g/plant (14.07 t ha-1 crop-1) was registered under fertilizer dose at 125% RDF with 2 splits. Total soluble protein (mg/g of fresh green weight) was 31.82% higher in 125% RDF with 2 splits than control. Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) was markedly decreased with higher fertilizer dose (i.e. 150% RDF) than lower fertilizer dose (75% RDF). The results indicated that 11.10% higher NUE was registered under 125% RDF with 2 splits compared to control. From the above study, it could be concluded that application of 84:45:25 kg NPK ha-1 crop-1 in 2 split was found to be a suitable technology for achieving higher mulberry leaf yield with enhanced fertilizer use efficiency. However, split application of fertilizer could reduce total nitrate emissions from mulberry field due to better nutrient use efficiency and this could one of the climate change mitigation option.
Advancements in 3D Printing Technology: Applications and Options for Prosthetic Dentistry

The use of additive manufacturing systems in dentistry is becoming a widespread phenomenon. Additive manufacturing technology is defined as the fabrication of a 3D model or prototype by agglomerating the biomaterials layer by layer in a specific pattern dictated by the computer-aided design software. With the aid of this technology; structures with superior biocompatibility are rapidly, precisely, and inexpensively fabricated for direct medical utilization. In contemporary dentistry, manifold additive manufacturing techniques have been developed for the fabrication of fixed prosthetic restorations, removable dentures, surgical guides, individualized implants, custom impression trays, and anatomical models. Of these; stereolithography, selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, fused deposition modeling, and electron beam melting are commonly used. However, scientific data regarding their material options and working principles are still insufficient. Therefore, the aim of this review is to study the current status of common additive manufacturing techniques in prosthetic dentistry.
Influence of in ovo and pre-starter zinc and copper supplementation on growth performance and gastrointestinal tract development of broiler chickens

This experiment was on 350 uniform sized Cobb broiler hatching eggs (60 g) to assess the response of trace mineral supplementation (Zinc and copper) on growth performance and gastrointestinal tract development in broiler chicken. The fertile eggs were divided into groups with in ovo trace mineral solution containing zinc (80 µg) and copper (16 µg) and without in ovo administration. After hatching, the chicks were further divided into four groups: Group I served as control without in ovo and without post-hatch supplemented diet (WoINOVO-WoPHS), birds in Group II were without in ovo and with post-hatch supplemented diet (WoINOVO-WPHS) (100 % higher level of zinc 200 ppm, copper 30 ppm in diet), birds in Group III had in ovo (zinc, 80 µg; copper,16 µg) and without post-hatch supplemented diet (WINOVO-WoPHS) and birds in Group IV had in ovo and with post-hatch supplemented diet (WINOVO-WPHS). Data collected were subjected to completely randomized design. Hatchability, live weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio at 0–3 wk were not affected (p > 0.05) by in ovo administration of the mineral. Post-hatch supplementation of zinc and copper without in ovo supplementation showed better feed conversion ratio at 3–5 wk of age. It could be recommended that for improved post-hatch performance, broiler chickens diets could be supplemented with inorganic zinc and copper.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Group Intervention to Reduce Burnout among Caregivers in Nursing Home

Professional caregivers are prone to experience burnout. Burnout is a condition of physical, emotional, and mental fatigue caused by prolonged stress due to work negatively impacts work performance and well-being of professional caregivers. The present study aims to explore the effectiveness of group intervention using Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in reducing burnout and enhancing the psychological well-being of professional caregivers in a nursing home. Five caregivers (four males and one female) participated in four intervention sessions and a follow-up session. Maslach Burnout Inventory and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale was used to measure burnout and psychological well-being, respectively. Qualitative data were also obtained through interviews at the end of the intervention. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test indicated that MBSR was not significantly effective in reducing burnout and enhancing psychological well-being. However, a trend of positive improvement was observed, indicating the potential benefits of MBSR for reducing burnout in professional caregivers. Limitations of this study are explained in the discussion section.
Antecedents of Cybersecurity Implementation: A Study of the Cyber-Preparedness of U.K. Social Enterprises

The cybersecurity of organizations is a subject of perennial concern as they are subject to mounting threats in an increasingly digitalized world. While commercial and charitable organizations have been the objects of cybersecurity research, social enterprises (SEs) have remained unexplored. As SEs have become increasingly important features of social and economic development, so their prominence as potential targets of cybercrime also increases. In order to address this knowledge gap, this article examines the factors that influence the cyber-preparedness of SEs in the U.K. Through the use of semistructured interviews with SE owner-managers, these factors are found to comprise the characteristics of the enterprise, the characteristics of the enterprise management, resource constraints, experience of cyberattacks, usage of IT, and awareness of cybersecurity schemes and resources. These insights provide valuable guidance for SE owner-managers, SE support agencies, and policy-makers when considering the cybersecurity of SEs. These findings are of immediate concern to SEs but also to other organizations that are engaged in partnerships with them as SEs may afford “gateway” opportunities to those with malicious intent.
Adopting regional calibration scenarios for ensuring reliable ETo estimates in semi-arid regions: assessing the ancillary data supply method

ABSTRACT Reference evapotranspiration (ETo ) is an essential parameter of the hydrologic cycle that plays a key role in the water resources management, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where the total amount of annual precipitation is low. Accurate information on ETo values would be essential for irrigation scheduling and water resources planning as well as water allocation policies. Due to the difficulties involved in the precise direct measuring of this parameter, indirect methods should be adopted and validated in different data completeness scenarios. Although local estimation of ETo using indirect methods is a way to achieve reliable estimations of this parameter, assessing external/regional scenarios for evaluating these methods would be necessary, since lots of regions suffer from the lack of necessary meteorological records for the ETo estimation. The present paper evaluated different spatial (external) data management scenarios for adopting the most commonly used empirical equations under ancillary data supplanting in semi-arid regions. The obtained results revealed that when designed properly, the external data supplying structure for ETo estimations in a target point would be a suitable way to obtain reliable estimates.
Experiences to Voluntarily Adopt Malaysian Business Reporting System MBRS: A Case Study of SMPs

The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) has established the eXensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) which is the Malaysian Business Reporting System (MBRS). This study examines the technological, organisational and environmental factors influencing the usage of MBRS among the practitioners. Using interview as the data collection among 12 respondents which are practitioners from selected Corporate Secretaries fom small medium practices (SMPs). Data from interview has analysed based on descriptive coding and pattern coding that developed by Technological, Organisational and Environmental (TOE) theory using the Atlas.ti. The findings of this study indicates seven (7) technological factors which are assurance for data quality, relative advantage and the availability of regulator’s platform and system, limited tools and software, compability of format, compatibility of content and how the mTool could provide ease of use to the corporate secretary. In related to organisational factors, There are seven (7) challenges that can be considered discovered from organisational which are challenge to face attitude of preparers, limited practitioners that have own sufficient skills and knowledge, limited capable resources and preparers to manage the MBRS. In addition, there are six (6) environmental factors which are the technical support from regulator, the provision of incentive that should be given to the practitioners or SMPs, the effective strategies for promotion and educate practitioners method of voluntary submission. However, the lack of readiness on the use MBRS among trading partners and other stakeholder involvement would also challenge the adoption of MBRS. Therefore, this TOE factors would be important to practitioners to be ready on the enforcement of MBRS.
Investigating the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on Risk Management Practices

To date, the value of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities has primarily been measured through the company’s reputation, with little attention given to exploring whether there are internal influences between CSR and other management practices. We argue that the efficacy of CSR extends beyond a company’s reputation for managing social and environmental concerns; in particular, it can influence other business practices such as risk management. Our results suggest that (a) overall, firms with better CSR performance are more likely to adopt integrated risk management practices and (b) CSR activities that target both primary stakeholders and secondary stakeholders are equally important in facilitating the adoption of such risk management practices. Theoretically, we contribute to the CSR literature by providing a possible mechanism for risk reduction and insurance-like effects of CSR. Practically, we provide managerial implications demonstrating that the efficacy of CSR should not be viewed in isolation of other business practices.