Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating Consumer Concept in a Niche Retail Market

This paper examines the relationship between self-concept, store image, service quality, loyalty, and share of wallet in a high-end niche retail market. Data was obtained from a high-end outdoor retail store customer email database. Partial Least Squares (PLS) was used to assess the psychometric properties of the measurement model and to test the hypotheses. A significant positive relationship was found between actual self-concept and store image; store image and loyalty; service quality and loyalty; and loyalty and share of wallet. This research suggests service quality perceptions, and particularly store image will enhance loyalty and increase share of wallet. The concurrent examination of the constructs in a niche retail context provides unique insights into the importance of self-concept, store image, and service quality as drivers of loyalty and share of wallet. Store image was the most substantial driver of loyalty behavior, followed by self-concept and service quality perceptions, respectively.
Playfully Assessing Lower Extremity Selective Voluntary Motor Control in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Psychometric Study

Background Objective measures specifically assessing selective voluntary motor control are scarce. Therefore, we have developed an interval-scaled assessment based on accelerometers. Objective This study provided a preliminary evaluation of the validity and reliability of this novel gamelike assessment measuring lower limb selective voluntary motor control in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods Children with CP and their neurologically intact peers were recruited for this psychometric evaluation of the assessgame. The participants played the assessgame and steered an avatar by selective hip, knee, or ankle joint movements captured with accelerometers. The assessgame’s scores provide information about the accuracy of the selective movement of the target joint and the amplitude and frequency of involuntary movements occurring in uninvolved joints. We established discriminative validity by comparing the assessgame scores of the children with CP with those of the neurologically intact children, concurrent validity by correlations with clinical scores and therapists’ opinions, and relative and absolute test-retest reliability. Results We included 20 children with CP (mean age 12 years and 5 months, SD 3 years and 4 months; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to IV) and 31 neurologically intact children (mean age 11 years and 1 month, SD 3 years and 6 months). The assessgame could distinguish between the children with CP and neurologically intact children. The correlations between the assessgame’s involuntary movement score and the therapist’s rating of the occurrence of involuntary movements during the game were moderate (Spearman ρ=0.56; P=.01), whereas the correlations of the assessgame outcomes with the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity and Gross Motor Function Classification System were low and not significant (|ρ|≤0.39). The intraclass correlation coefficients were >0.85 and indicated good relative test-retest reliability. Minimal detectable changes amounted to 25% (accuracy) and 44% (involuntary movement score) of the mean total scores. The percentage of children able to improve by the minimal detectable change without reaching the maximum score was 100% (17/17) for the accuracy score and 94% (16/17) for the involuntary movement score. Conclusions The assessgame proved reliable and showed discriminative validity in this preliminary evaluation. Concurrent validity was moderate with the therapist’s opinion but relatively poor with the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity. We assume that the assessment’s gamelike character demanded various other motor control aspects that are less considered in current clinical assessments.
The Time Scale of Shallow Convective Self‐Aggregation in Large‐Eddy Simulations Is Sensitive to Numerics

Numerical simulations of the tropical mesoscales often exhibit a self‐reinforcing feedback between cumulus convection and shallow circulations, which leads to the self‐aggregation of clouds into large clusters. We investigate whether this basic feedback can be adequately captured by large‐eddy simulations (LESs). To do so, we simulate the non‐precipitating, cumulus‐topped boundary layer of the canonical “BOMEX” case over a range of numerical settings in two models. Since the energetic convective scales underpinning the self‐aggregation are only slightly larger than typical LES grid spacings, aggregation timescales do not converge even at rather high resolutions (<100 m). Therefore, high resolutions or improved sub‐filter scale models may be required to faithfully represent certain forms of trade‐wind mesoscale cloud patterns and self‐aggregating deep convection in large‐eddy and cloud‐resolving models, and to understand their significance relative to other processes that organize the tropical mesoscales.
Why do firms purchase directors and officers liability insurance? – a perspective from short selling threats

This study examines the role of increased short selling threats in firms’ directors and officers liability insurance (D&O insurance) purchase decision against the backdrop of the Chinese deregulation of short sale. Using a difference-in-differences (DiD) research design, we demonstrate a positive effect of short selling threats on firms’ likelihood of purchasing D&O insurance policies after controlling for the known determinants of D&O insurance. We then perform tests to validate the DiD analysis result, including a test of the parallel trend assumption and placebo tests. To shed light on the mechanism through which the effect of short selling takes place, we perform a path analysis. The results reveal that firms’ litigation risk explains the effect of short selling pressure on D&O insurance purchase decision. Further cross-sectional analyses show that the positive effect of short selling threats on D&O insurance is ameliorated when firms have strong internal control or have great analyst coverage.
Minimally Invasive Microglial and Neuronal Imaging in Mouse Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn

The spinal cord dorsal horn is a relay hub that receives sensory information from the peripheral nervous system and transmits bioelectrical signals to the brain. In vivo imaging of neuronal and glial activity in the dorsal horn can provide insights into both functions and dysfunctions of the neuronal network in the spinal cord. With multimodal NLO microscopy, we identified a thin-myelin sheath region allowing to image over 200 μm deep below pia with subcellular resolution. By using an optically cleared intervertebral window, dorsal horn neuron and microglia activities can be observed without activating spinal cord inflammation. Two-photon imaging of neurons and microglia as well as the optical clearing improvement at different tissue depths were further characterized over time. Using this inflammation-free imaging method, we conducted a longitudinal study of dorsal horn microglia dynamics following sciatic nerve transection. Furthermore, stable in vivo calcium imaging of neurons in the dorsal horn was performed with electrical stimulation on the mouse's hind paw. The subcellular-resolution imaging enabled characterization of the distinct calcium transients of neuronal somas and dendrites. This minimally invasive imaging approach to spinal dorsal horn through an optically cleared intervertebral window provides a reliable platform for studying and understanding cellular activities in the spinal dorsal horn.
Effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) partial substitution by potassium chloride (KCl) in combination with high pressure on sensory and chemical properties of beef sausage during cold storage at 4°C

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of partial substitution of 25% and 50% NaCl with KCl coupled with high pressure processing (100 MPa for 5 min at 25°C), on sensory and chemical qualities of beef sausage for 28 days’ storage at 4°C. Three sausage formulations were produced with different concentrations of NaCl (100%, 75% and 50%) and KCl (0%, 25% and 50% respectively). High pressure application reduced the total NaCl content and improved the sensory acceptance for taste and flavor compared to control beef sausages. The addition of KCl showed the lowest values for Na+ content; the highest scores for all sensory parameters, improved hardness and chewiness, with results not statistically different from the results obtained by combining HPP and KCl. Therefore, the use of HPP in combination with KCl was considered a technological and sensorial viable alternative to produce low sodium beef sausages.
Dysbiosis in Head and Neck Cancer: Determining Optimal Sampling Site for Oral Microbiome Collection

Recent research suggests that dysbiosis of the oral microbial community is associated with head and neck cancer (HNC). It remains unclear whether this dysbiosis causes chemo-radiotherapy (CRT)-related complications. However, to address this question, it is essential to determine the most representative oral site for microbiome sampling. In this study, our purpose was to determine the optimal site for oral sample collection and whether the presence of HNC is associated with altered oral microbiome from this site. In 21 newly diagnosed HNC patients and 27 healthy controls, microbiome samples were collected from saliva, swabs from buccal mucosa, tongue, hard palate, faucial pillars and all mucosal sites combined. Microbial DNA was extracted and underwent 16S rRNA amplicon gene sequencing. In healthy controls, analysis of observed taxonomic units detected differences in alpha- and beta-diversity between sampling sites. Saliva was found to have the highest intra-community microbial diversity and lowest within-subject (temporal) and between-subject variance. Feature intersection showed that most species were shared between all sites, with saliva demonstrating the most unique species as well as highest overlap with other sites. In HNC patients, saliva was found to have the highest diversity but differences between sites were not statistically significant. Across all sites, HNC patients had lower alpha diversity than healthy controls. Beta-diversity analysis showed HNC patients’ microbiome to be compositionally distinct from healthy controls. This pattern was confirmed when the salivary microbiome was considered alone. HNC patients exhibited reduced diversity of the oral microbiome. Salivary samples demonstrate temporal stability, have the richest diversity and are sufficient to detect perturbation due to presence of HNC. Hence, they can be used as representative oral samples for microbiome studies in HNC patients.
Comparison of Some Flux Corrected Transport and Total Variation Diminishing Numerical Schemes for Hydrodynamic and Magnetohydrodynamic Problems

Two versions of flux corrected transport and two versions of total variation diminishing schemes are tested for several one- and two-dimensional hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic problems. Two of the schemes, YDFCT and TVDLF are tested extensively for the first time. The results give an insight into the limitations of the methods, their relative strengths and weaknesses. Some subtle points of the algorithms and the effects of selecting different options for certain methods are emphasised.
Precise VLA positions and flux-density measurements of the Jupiter system

VLA C array configuration observations at 2 and 6 cm are presented for Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto at eastern and western elongations with respect to Jupiter, which allowed measurements in right ascension and declination of the satellites with an rms precision of about + or - 0.03 arcsec. The transfer of the mean offsets of Ganymede to Jupiter yields offsets of -0.185 + or - 0.03 arcsec and -0.06 + or - 0.03 arcsec, with respect to JPL-DE-200, at the mean epoch of April 28, 1983; the large offset in right ascension is a combination of the Jupiter ephemeris error and the error in the frame tie of the Jovian planets with the VLBI system of precise positions which was used as the absolute reference frame for the observations. A significant error is noted in the orbital position of Callisto with respect to Ganymede. 12 references.
Structural equation modeling with EQS : basic concepts, applications, and programming

Contents: Part I: Introduction. Structural Equation Models: The Basics. Using the EQS Program. Part II: Single-Group Analyses. Application 1: Testing for the Factorial Validity of a Theoretical Construct (First-Order CFA Model). Application 2: Testing for the Factorial Validity of Scores From a Measuring Instrument (First-Order CFA Model). Application 3: Testing for the Factorial Validity of Scores from a Measuring Instrument (Second-Order CFA Model). Application 4: Testing for the Validity of a Causal Structure. Part III: Multiple-Group Analyses. Application 5: Testing for the Factorial Invariance of a Measuring Instrument. Application 6: Testing for the Invariance of a Causal Structure. Application 7: Testing for Latent Mean Differences (First-Order CFA Model). Application 8: Testing for Latent Mean Differences (Second-Order CFA Model). Part IV: Other Important Topics. Application 9: Testing for Construct Validity: The Multitrait-Multimethod Model. Application 10: Testing for Change Over Time: The Latent Growth Curve Model. Application 11: Testing for Within- and Between-Level Variance: The Multilevel Model.
Lower Hepatic Fat Is Associated With Improved Insulin Secretion in a High-Risk Prediabetes Subphenotype During Lifestyle Intervention

The objective of this work was to investigate whether impaired insulin secretion can be restored by lifestyle intervention in specific subphenotypes of prediabetes. We assigned 1,045 participants from the Prediabetes Lifestyle Intervention Study (PLIS) to six recently established prediabetes clusters. Insulin secretion was assessed by a C-peptide–based index derived from oral glucose tolerance tests and modeled from three time points during a 1-year intervention. We also analyzed the change of glycemia, insulin sensitivity, and liver fat. All prediabetes high-risk clusters (cluster 3, 5, and 6) had improved glycemic traits during the lifestyle intervention, whereas insulin secretion only increased in clusters 3 and 5 (P < 0.001); however, high liver fat in cluster 5 was associated with a failure to improve insulin secretion (Pinteraction < 0.001). Thus, interventions to reduce liver fat have the potential to improve insulin secretion in a defined subgroup of prediabetes.
Stochastic Event-Triggered Algorithm for Distributed Convex Optimization

This article investigates the problem of distributed convex optimization under constrained communication. A novel stochastic event-triggering algorithm is shown to solve the problem asymptotically to any arbitrarily small error without exhibiting Zeno behavior. A systematic design of the stochastic event processes is then derived from the analysis on the optimality and communication rate with the help of a meta-optimization problem. Finally, a numerical example on distributed classification is provided to visualize the performance of the proposed algorithm in terms of convergence in optimization error and average communication rate with comparison to other algorithms in the literature. We show that the proposed algorithm is highly effective in reducing communication rates compared with algorithms proposed in the literature.
Relating discrete element method parameters to rock properties using classical and micropolar elasticity theories

Micro–macro relations for discrete element method (DEM) media are derived using both classical and micropolar elasticity theories. The DEM media are classified into two main categories: dense packing, and loose packing. For both categories, relations for Young modulus (E), Poisson's ratio (ν) to represent static behaviors, and wave velocities (P‐wave and S‐wave) to represent dynamic behaviors are derived using the internal DEM parameters (kn, ks) and compared with values obtained from static and dynamic numerical tests. Whereas the dynamic behaviors for the two categories and the static behaviors for the dense packing match the analytical relations, the static behavior for the loose packing does not. Micropolar elasticity theory is also used to study the behaviors of the DEM media, where it is shown that if element rotation is included, DEM media behave according to linear elasticity theory. However, if element rotation is constrained, asymmetrical stresses arise in the DEM media, and a new expression is derived for the S‐wave, which allows it, under certain conditions, to travel faster than the P‐wave. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Limiting exposure to radiofrequency radiation: the principles and possible criteria for health protection

Abstract Purpose The current paper is aimed to discuss the principles and criteria for health protection to radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) considering both thermal and non-thermal mechanisms to evaluate the reasonable level for the limits relevant to control the level of RF EMF for the general public in the living environment. The study combines the conclusions of analyses published in recent reviews on RF EMF effects and the data from RF EMF measurements in different countries to select the possible criteria and to derive proposals for the health protection limits on the level of RF EMF following the ALARA principle – as low as reasonably achievable. Conclusions Consideration of not only energetic but also coherent qualities of RF EMF leads to two different models for determining the impact of non-ionizing radiation on human health. The thermal model, based on absorption of electromagnetic energy, has a threshold limiting the heating of tissues. The non-thermal model, based on the ability of coherent electric fields to introduce biological effects at constant temperature, has no threshold. Therefore, the impact of RF EMF on human health cannot be excluded but can be minimized by limiting the level of the radiation. The limits can be selected based on indirect criteria. The minimal level of RF EMF that has caused a biological effect is about 2 V/m. The level of long-term broadcast radiation is 6 V/m and the people can be assumed to be adapted to that level without observable health problems. The level of RF EMF measured during last years does not exceed 5 V/m and the level is decreasing with newer generations of telecommunication technology. Limiting the level of RF EMF to the peak value of 6 V/m hopefully reduces the health risk to a minimal level people are adapted to and does not restrict the further development of telecommunication technology.
Brown Adipose Tissue Biodistribution and Correlations Particularities in Parathyroid Pathology Personalized Diagnosis

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) participates in the regulation of whole-body metabolism by producing a variety of adipokines. This study investigates into the BAT pattern and the clinical aspects of overweight and obese (OOB) vs. non-obese (NO) hyperparathyroidism (HPT) patients with the aim of assessing the impact of BAT and obesity on HPT. Parathyroid scans performed on 441 HPT patients between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed in order to select the images with active BAT. Based on their BMI, the patients with active BAT were divided into OOB vs. NO. The results showed that BAT was present in cervical and supraclavicular regions, with a single localization especially among NO vs. multiple sites among OOB. The (total counts/pixels)BAT/(total counts/pixels)non-BAT ratio in the right cervical localization showed a significant difference between the groups with higher values in OOB. BMI, PTH, FT4, vitamin D, magnesium, creatinine, and urea had significant correlations with BAT ratios. The predictive values showed that right cervical ratios higher than 1.52 and right supraclavicular ratios lower than 1.15 indicated an increased probability of being OOB. The significant correlations between BAT activation in OOB vs. NO and HPT clinical parameters could be useful for developing potential treatments based on this tissue.
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Antimicrobial Utilization in Hospitals among African Countries and Implications for the Future

There are serious concerns with rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across countries increasing morbidity, mortality and costs. These concerns have resulted in a plethora of initiatives globally and nationally including national action plans (NAPs) to reduce AMR. Africa is no exception, especially with the highest rates of AMR globally. Key activities in NAPs include gaining a greater understanding of current antimicrobial utilization patterns through point prevalence surveys (PPS) and subsequently instigating antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). Consequently, there is a need to comprehensively document current utilization patterns among hospitals across Africa coupled with ASP studies. In total, 33 PPS studies ranging from single up to 18 hospitals were documented from a narrative review with typically over 50% of in-patients prescribed antimicrobials, up to 97.6% in Nigeria. The penicillins, ceftriaxone and metronidazole, were the most prescribed antibiotics. Appreciable extended prescribing of antibiotics up to 6 days or more post-operatively was seen across Africa to prevent surgical site infections. At least 19 ASPs have been instigated across Africa in recent years to improve future prescribing utilizing a range of prescribing indicators. The various findings resulted in a range of suggested activities that key stakeholders, including governments and healthcare professionals, should undertake in the short, medium and long term to improve future antimicrobial prescribing and reduce AMR across Africa.
First-principles investigation of the structural and vibrational properties of vitreous GeSe2

Using a density-functional scheme, we study the structural and vibrational properties of vitreous germanium diselenide (v-GeSe2). Through the use of classical and first-principles molecular-dynamics methods, we generate a set of structural models showing a varying degree of chemical disorder. In particular, two types of structural concepts are represented: one in which the tetrahedral order is preserved to a very large extent, and one which reproduces the high degree of disorder in first-neighbor shells found in first-principles molecular-dynamics simulations of the liquid. The investigated structural properties include the angular distributions, the atomic arrangements in the first-neighbor shells, and the pair-correlation functions. In reciprocal space, we have calculated the x-ray and neutron total structure factors and the partial structure factors. Comparison with experiment gives overall good agreement for the models of either structural conception. We then investigate the vibrational properties via the vibrational density of states and the inelastic neutron spectrum. The considered models yield similar spectra and agree with experimental data. We also obtain infrared and Raman spectra through a density-functional scheme based on the application of finite electric fields. For these spectra, significant differences appear among the models. The comparison with experiment favors a model showing a high degree of chemical order. The Raman intensity is analyzed in terms of the underlying atomic vibrations. The assignment of the Raman companion line to Se motions in edge-sharing tetrahedra is supported.