Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Examining the Effects of Information Systems Usage and Managerial Commitment on Supply Chain Performance: The Mediating Role of Supply Chain Integration

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of Information Systems Usage on Supply Chain. Information systems involve creating specific environment for the fulfilment of organizational strategy. However, information system affords an organization an enormous benefit that materializes in the long-run. Unfortunately, realization of information system is also accompanied with risk which mostly deters management from taking the initiative hence missing out on the intended benefits of implementing information system usage in organizations. Without overemphasizing the crucial role played by information system in the supply chain performance, this study seeks to focus on investigating the effect of Explorative Information Systems Usage and Exploitative Information Systems Usage on Supply Chain Performance. Even though Information Systems is an increasingly important element of academic research and discussions, there seems to be no consensus in the extant literature on the impact of information systems (IS) usage on the supply chain. Most importantly the study investigates moderating functions of supply chain integration (SCI) and managerial commitment (MC). Survey instruments were collected from manufacturing companies in Ghana. Simple random sampling was used to select 100 companies of which 1,300 respondents were identified, and questionnaires were administered. The study showed that Managerial Commitment, Explorative Information Systems Usage, and Exploitative Information Systems Usage impact significantly and positively on Supply Chain Performance. Additionally, the findings concluded that Supply Chain Integration, specifically operational integration significantly and positively mediates the relationship between the usage of Information Systems and Performance of Supply Chain. In this regard, these results imply that operational integration between partners can help influence the performance of supply chains.
Reinventing reverse logistics through blockchain technology: a comprehensive review and future research propositions

ABSTRACT Blockchain Technology (BCT) has effectively evolved in reverse logistics (RL) to speed up its operation by decentralising, tracing, and monitoring the goods delivered to the end consumers. This study outlines the current research fashion of BCT applicability in RL from 2015 to 22. A wide range of 226 research papers is selected from the SCOPUS database to conduct the bibliometric and network analysis for offering a comprehensive literature review on research clusters and fashions of BCT in RL. Some primary research clusters such as infrastructure development, sustainable manufacturing, logistics, circular supply chain, and waste management are identified. The network analysis has helped identify pioneer authors, journals, and countries actively involved in BCT research in RL. The content analysis findings indicate the evolution of BCT in various themes of RL. The articles also develop a result systematisation framework to concisely offer the outcomes of this research. Further, the current study provides recommendations for future research work for academic and industry practitioners based on the existing literature.
The Effect of Sargassum angustifolium Brown Seaweed Extracts on Gut Microbiota in Induced Obese Male Rats

Marine organisms, especially brown algae are good dietary complements with probiotic and anti-obesity activities. The objective of this study was to find the effects of Persian Gulf marine algae Sargassum angustifolium (SA) on the intestinal microbiota of animals exposed to a high-fat diet (HFD). Rats were fed with hot water (HW) and ethanolic (E) extracts of Sargassum angustifolium for two months. At the end of the experimental period, serum indices, food intake, and weight loss were measured. We also analyzed the intestinal microorganisms through 16SrRNA sequencing in all groups. The distribution ratio of intestinal microorganisms showed that Bacteroides and Firmicutes as dominant phyla in the intestinal rats, and obesity-associated bacteria were decreased and leanness-associated genera were increased in all treatment groups compared with the control obese group. Clostridium and Lactobacillus were the dominant genera in all groups with pathogenic potentials, and lactic acid genera, respectively. In addition, all the extracts could decrease the level of cholesterol, inflammatory factors including IL1 and TNF-α, and liver enzymes, and also led to reduction of the food intake and weight loss due to high fibers. Our results indicate that consumption of Sargassum angustifolium seaweeds can balance intestinal microbiota as well as decrease serum indices.
Preclinical In Vitro Model to Assess the Changes in Permeability and Cytotoxicity of Polarized Intestinal Epithelial Cells during Exposure Mimicking Oral or Intravenous Routes: An Example of Arsenite Exposure

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is exposed to xenobiotics, including drugs, through both: local (oral) and systemic routes. Despite the advances in drug discovery and in vitro pre-clinical models, there is a lack of appropriate translational models to distinguish the impact of these routes of exposure. Changes in intestinal permeability has been observed in different gastrointestinal and systemic diseases. This study utilized one such xenobiotic, arsenic, to which more than 200 million people around the globe are exposed via their food, drinking water, work environment, soil, and air. The purpose of this study was to establish an in vitro model to mimic gastrointestinal tract exposure to xenobiotics via oral or intravenous routes. To achieve this, we compared the route (mimicking oral and intravenous exposure to GIT and the dose response (using threshold approach) of trivalent and pentavalent inorganic arsenic species on the permeability of in vitro cultured polarized T84 cells, an example of intestinal epithelial cells. Arsenic treatment to polarized T84 cells via the apical and basolateral compartment of the trans-well system reflected oral or intravenous routes of exposure in vivo, respectively. Sodium arsenite, sodium arsenate, dimethyl arsenic acid sodium salt (DMAV), and disodium methyl arsonate hydrate (MMAV) were assessed for their effects on intestinal permeability by measuring the change in trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of T-84 cells. Polarized T-84 cells exposed to 12.8 µM of sodium arsenite from the basolateral side showed a marked reduction in TEER. Cytotoxicity of sodium arsenite, as measured by release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), was increased when cells were exposed via the basolateral side. The mRNA expression of genes related to cell junctions in T-84 cells was analyzed after exposure with sodium arsenite for 72 h. Changes in TEER correlated with mRNA expression of focal-adhesion-, tight-junction- and gap-junction-related genes (upregulation of Jam2, Itgb3 and Notch4 genes and downregulation of Cldn2, Cldn3, Gjb1, and Gjb2). Overall, exposure to sodium arsenite from the basolateral side was found to have a differential effect on monolayer permeability and on cell-junction-related genes as compared to apical exposure. Most importantly, this study established a preclinical human-relevant in vitro translational model to assess the changes in permeability and cytotoxicity during exposure, mimicking oral or intravenous routes.
Caught in the Middle: Internal and External Pressures on the Coverage of Organized Crime in Mexico

With 33 journalists killed since the beginning of Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s presidential term in December 2018, Mexico heads the list of the most violent countries for journalists in Latin America—and that of countries not at war. While journalist organizations demand a meaningful protection apparatus to safeguard their physical safety, official corruption, and criminal impunity continue to escalate the pressures to which media staff are exposed, especially in Mexican states where cartels and criminal groups have the largest footprint. This study aims to precisely identify the pressures, both internal and external, facing journalists who report on organized crime in Mexico. To do this, we drew from the Hierarchy of Influences Model, and interviewed 22 Mexican journalists who work on the organized crime beat in the country’s capital and in the most violent states in the Republic. The results suggest that the most influential forces they face are associated with the organizational level (such as editorial line or institutional censorship), and the extramedia level (e.g., anti-press violence from cartels/authorities, and government advertising contracts).
Examining Treatment Effects for Single-Case ABAB Designs through Sensitivity Analyses

CRUMBACHER, CHRISTINE A. , Ph.D., May 2013, Educational Research and Evaluation Examining Treatment Effects for Single-Case ABAB Designs thorough Sensitivity Analyses Director of Dissertation: John H. Hitchcock Single-case designs (SCDs) are often used to examine the impact of an intervention over brief periods of time (Kratochwill & Stoiber, 2002; Segool, Brinkman, & Carlson, 2007). The majority of SCDs are inspected using visual analysis (Kromrey & Foster-Johnson, 1996; Morgan & Morgan, 2009). Although the single-case literature suggests that visual analyses have merit (Brossart, Parker, Olson, & Mahadevan, 2006; Kratochwill & Brody, 1978) there are concerns regarding the reliability of the procedure (Shadish et al., 2009). Recent advances in hierarchical linear models (HLM) allow for statistical analyses of treatment effects (Nagler, Rindskopf, & Shadish, 2008), thus making it possible to compare and contrast results from HLM and visual analyses to ascertain if the different methods yield consistent conclusions. This work performed a series of sensitivity analyses while also exploring ways in which HLM can be used to examine new and different questions when dealing with published single-case data. The work applied analyses to ABAB designs only. In addition to reporting the results of visual analysis performed by the original authors, it also utilized recently published guidelines by the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) that standardize visual analysis processes (Kratochwill, Hitchcock, Horner, Levin, Odom, Rindskopf, & Shadish,
Role of Presenilin-1 in Aggressive Human Melanoma

Presenilin-1 (PS-1), a component of the gamma (γ)-secretase catalytic complex, has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and in tumorigenesis. Interestingly, AD risk is inversely related to melanoma, suggesting that AD-related factors, such as PS-1, may affect melanomagenesis. PS-1 has been shown to reduce Wnt activity by promoting degradation of beta-catenin (β-catenin), an important Wnt signaling partner. Since Wnt is known to enhance progression of different cancers, including melanoma, we hypothesized that PS-1 could affect Wnt-associated melanoma aggressiveness. Western blot results showed that aggressive melanoma cells expressed significantly lower levels of both PS-1 and phosphorylated-β-catenin (P-β-catenin) than nonaggressive melanoma cells. Immunohistochemistry of human melanoma samples showed significantly reduced staining for PS-1 in advanced stage melanoma compared with early stage melanoma. Furthermore, γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) treatment of aggressive melanoma cells was followed by significant increases in PS-1 and P-β-catenin levels, suggesting impaired Wnt signaling activity as PS-1 expression increased. Finally, a significant reduction in cell migration was associated with the higher levels of PS-1 and P-β-catenin in the GSI-treated aggressive melanoma cells. We demonstrate for the first time that PS-1 levels can be used to assess melanoma aggressiveness and suggest that by enhancing PS-1 expression, Wnt-dependent melanoma progression may be reduced
Insights into Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) growth and pigment formation with high‐throughput online monitoring

Streptomyces species are intensively studied for their ability to produce a variety of natural products. However, conditions influencing and leading to product formation are often not completely recognized. Therefore, in this study, high‐throughput online monitoring is presented as a powerful tool to gain in‐depth understanding of the cultivation of the model organism Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2). Through online measurements of oxygen transfer rate and autofluorescence, valuable information about availability of nutrients and product formation patterns of the pigments actinorhodin and undecylprodigiosin can be obtained and explained. Therefore, it is possible to determine the onset of pigmentation and to study in detail the influencing factors thereof. One factor identified in this study is the filling volume of the cultivation vessel. Slight variations led to varying pigmentation levels. By combining optical and metabolic online monitoring techniques, the correlation of the filling volume with pigmentation could be explained as a result of different growth trajectories caused by varying specific power inputs and their influence on the pellet formation of the filamentous system. Finally, experiments with the addition of supernatant from unpigmented and pigmented cultures could highlight the applicability of the presented approach to study quorum sensing and cell‐cell interaction.
Relationship Quality Between Stepdaughters and Stepfathers from the Children’s Perspective

Stepfather–stepdaughter relationship quality is linked to the child’s psychological well-being and stepfamily stability. However, there is still a lack of understanding of the dynamics of these relationships among sociodemographically diverse stepfamilies including families in different cultures. The aim of this research was to explore two Indonesian young women’s interpretations of the quality of their relationships with their stepfathers. The phenomenological study was conducted via interviews, and the women discussed their experiences in depth. The women’s perceptions of the quality of their connections with their stepfathers were primarily influenced by their stepfathers’ to build the relationships. The five dimensions of the theory of relationship quality were applied to assessing the women’s relationships with their stepfathers, and both women reported their relationships as largely negative, although one did have some positive memories. Suggestions are offered for future research that can expand on these findings, for instance through collecting data from all involved biological parents and stepparents.
ANGPTL4 Expression Is Increased in Epicardial Adipose Tissue of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is known to affect atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) pathogenesis, persistently releasing pro-inflammatory adipokines that affect the myocardium and coronary arteries. Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is a protein secreted from adipose tissue and plays a critical role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Here, the expression of ANGPTL4 in EAT was investigated in CAD subjects. Thirty-four consecutive patients (13 patients with significant CAD; 21 patients without CAD) undergoing elective open-heart surgery were recruited. EAT and pericardial fluid were obtained at the time of surgery. mRNA expression and ANGPTL4 and IL-1β levels were evaluated by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The expression of ANGPTL4 (p = 0.0180) and IL-1β (p < 0.0001) in EAT significantly increased in the CAD group compared to that in the non-CAD group and positively correlated (p = 0.004). Multiple regression analysis indicated that CAD is a contributing factor for ANGPTL4 expression in EAT. IL-1β level in the pericardial fluid was significantly increased in patients with CAD (p = 0.020). Moreover, the expression of ANGPTL4 (p = 0.004) and IL-1β (p < 0.001) in EAT was significantly increased in non-obese patients with CAD. In summary, ANGPTL4 expression in EAT was increased in CAD patients.
Effect of Internet Addiction on Female Employee Performance: The Regulatory Role of Social Support

The primary purpose of this study is to determine the effect of internet addiction on females’ job performance. Additionally, the results were analysed by adding social support as a regulatory variable. The survey technique has been used to obtain the data, and surveys have been applied to 408 female employees in two private enterprises operating in the information and communication sector. According to the results, it has been found that internet addiction adversely affects individual performance. However, a decrease in adverse effects and an increase in personal performance have been identified with the addition of the regulatory variable to the model.
Full Spectral Range Raman Signatures Related to Changes in Enameling Technologies from the 18th to the 20th Century: Guidelines, Effectiveness and Limitations of the Raman Analysis

This study investigates the comparison of the Raman signatures of different phases used in underglaze, inglaze and overglaze decors of selected European, Chinese and Japanese porcelains and enameled metalworks, which are particularly representative of technological developments in enameling. Specifically, the article deals with the main structural types or host networks (corundum/hematite, spinels, zircon, cassiterite, pyrochlore, apatite, sphene, etc.) used for colored enamels on porcelain, earthenware or metal rather than considering all types of pigments and opacifiers. According to the results, Raman microspectroscopy allows identifying of the fingerprint spectra of milestone technologies and represents a simple and rapid tool for detecting copies. Particular attention is paid to the information deduced from the examination of the associated ‘background’ and signatures from electronic transitions induced by uncontrolled traces or voluntary addition of rare earths (luminescence). The relationship between the grinding procedure and Raman signature is also discussed.
Optimization of geometrical design of clinching tools in flat-clinching

Owing to the importance of geometrical design of clinching tools, the flat-clinching were investigated numerically and experimentally to determine the optimal geometrical parameters in this study. The geometrical parameters in flat-clinching, including punch corner radius, draft angle of the punch, blank holder corner radius, blank holder radius, and punch velocity, were optimized using the orthogonal experimental design simulation method based on the evaluation of interlocking. The simulation results show that the punch corner radius and the blank holder radius have a significant impact on the clinched joint, whereas the draft angle of the punch and blank holder corner radius have little influence on the clinched joint. The simulation results were validated through an experimental setup testing on material aluminum alloy Al5052. The experimental results have a good agreement with the orthogonal experimental design simulation.
Physical Properties of Extrudates with Fibrous Structures Made of Faba Bean Protein Ingredients Using High Moisture Extrusion

Faba bean is a potential ingredient due to its high protein yield and its possible cultivation in colder climate regions. In this study, meat analogues made from faba bean protein isolate (FPI) and concentrate (FPC) blends were produced using high moisture extrusion. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the FPI content (FPIc), feed water content (FWC), and temperature of the long cooling die (LT) during extrusion on the mechanical and physicochemical properties as well as on the structure of the meat analogues. Increased FPIc resulted in higher values in hardness, gumminess, chewiness, and cutting strengths as well as in darker colour and decreased water absorption capacity. The effect of increased FWC on these properties was weaker and the opposite. Images from microtomography revealed that higher FPIc led to a less organised fibrous structure. In conclusion, fibrous structures can be achieved by utilising a mixture of faba bean protein ingredients, and a higher FPC content seemed to promote fibre formation in the meat analogue.
Examination of the Relationship between Self and Choice of Coping Strategies among U.S. Active Duty Military Wives

Previous research indicates that one’s identity relates to one’s use of specific coping strategies. Exploring the relationship between self and coping in military wives is crucial to understanding how they manage military lifestyle-related stressors. The researchers hypothesized that identity status, self-concept clarity, self-monitoring, mastery, and role conflict will be related to choice of emotion-focused coping or problem-focused coping strategies. Two hundred two participants completed an anonymous online survey containing standardized scales. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyses revealed that emotion-focused coping had positive relationships with achieved identity status and role conflict. Problem-focused coping had positive relationships with moratorium status, self-concept clarity, self-monitoring, and mastery. Findings provide preliminary support that sense of self is important in understanding how military wives choose to cope with particular challenges.
A Data Mining Technique for Prediction of Coronary Heart Disease Using Neuro-Fuzzy Integrated Approach Two Level

Cardiovascular disease remains the biggest cause of deaths worldwide and the Heart Disease Prediction at the early stage is importance. As large amount of data is generated in medical organizations (hospitals, medical centers) but as this data is not properly used. There is a wealth of hidden information present in the datasets. This unused data can be converted into useful data. For this purpose we can use different data mining techniques. In this paper, we have defined a two layered approach for identifying the disease possibility. The critical factors that are mandatory for occurrence of coronary heart disease are taken at first level and the rest one are taken at second level. This two level approach increases the performance of our work as it helps in predicting disease chances accurately. The heart disease dataset is taken from UCI machine learning repository to train the neural network and then fuzzy rules are applied to predict the chances of coronary heart disease as low, medium or critical.
Assessment of Post – COVID 19 Sequelae: A Retrospective Study

Background: COVID–19 is an acute respiratory illness caused by SARS–CoV–2. COVID-19 created a major impact on physical, cognitive, mental health and social status in patients with SARS–CoV–2. Aim and Objective : To assess the post COVID sequelae in COVID19 recovered individuals. To assess the functional limitations using post COVID functional status scale after 4weeks of onset of illness. Materials and Methods : Subjects were selected from compiled list of Triage OP from Chengalpattu Medical College and Hospital. The semi structured questionnaire enclosed with Socio – demographic details, physical and socio – psychological domains based on COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Screening tool (C19-YRS) were assessed and the impact of each domain was graded using a Likert scale. Post – COVID 19 functional status scale (PCFS) to assess functional limitations was also sent through Google form and the details were collected. Analysis: Collected data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel with descriptive statistics. Result: 1044 individuals participated in the study. On Assessment of post COVID sequelae fatigue was major symptom reported followed by cough and other neuropsychiatric symptoms. 53.4% of COVID recovered individuals had functional limitations and 2.4% of these individuals had severe functional limitations and they require assistance for daily living. Conclusion: Most COVID–19 recovered individuals had persistence of some clinical symptoms. From PCFS it was observed that 23% individuals had moderate to severe functional limitations, therefore early detection and rehabilitation measures are recommended.