Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Communicating science through entertainment television: How the sitcom The Big Bang Theory

This study aimed to explore whether entertainment television can increase the public’s engagement with science. The motivation for the study was the 2010 Inspiring Australia report, a national strategic plan to engage the Australian public with science. One of the ‘key principles’ stated in Inspiring Australia was the need to strengthen the media’s role in communicating science, including entertainment television. However, there has been little empirical research into how adults engage with the science content in entertainment television shows to validate (or to refute) the effectiveness of this key principle. In order to investigate whether and how entertainment television has influenced audiences’ perceptions of science and scientists, I chose the American sitcom The Big Bang Theory as a case study since it is scientifically accurate and its main characters are scientists. Data were collected using 18 focus groups with 74 regular viewers of the show. Overall the program made science seem less dry and more interesting to the participants, and made scientists seem less socially isolated, humanising them. It positioned science and scientists as part of society rather than separate from it. With respect to whether the show influenced people’s information seeking behaviours related to science, and science knowledge, personal experiences had a larger impact than watching The Big Bang Theory. However, the show did stimulate some people to find out more about the science information the show presented, and responses demonstrated that people can learn about aspects of the nature of science from watching entertainment television. Participants felt the scientist characters in The Big Bang Theory both conformed to and contradicted their preconceived images of scientists and their understanding of scientist stereotypes. They were surprised the characters had personal lives and romantic relationships, and as a result, felt scientists were more approachable. Participants indicated their frustration that the female scientist characters were introduced and written as love interests, but appreciated that they were shown as successful scientists too. People had mixed feelings about them being mainly in the biological sciences (rather than being
COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Pregnant and Lactating Women and Mothers of Young Children in Poland

Purpose The World Health Organization indicated vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health. The success of a vaccine depends not only on its efficacy but also on its acceptance. Our study aims to define COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in a sample of pregnant and lactating women in Poland. Since mothers are often key decision-makers for whether their children will receive vaccination, it is vital to measure vaccine confidence among this group. Patients and Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed to assess the level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant and lactating women for themselves and their children in Poland. Results The trust of pregnant and breastfeeding women and women who have offspring in government, in healthcare professionals, in scientific authorities, and sound scientific data is strongly associated with vaccine acceptance and may influence an individual’s decision to perceive recommended actions as beneficial to the society as a whole. Conclusion Acceptance and confidence in receiving the COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant and lactating women and mothers with young children is strongly associated with feelings of trust in government, health professionals, scientific authorities, and sound scientific data. The dissemination of professional and reliable information regarding the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine uptake by qualified health care personnel can significantly increase the level of trust and public awareness regarding the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and mothers with young children.
Culture, Executive Thinking Style, and Knowledge Fixation in the Development of Creativity in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT Within Hong Kong educational reforms, creativity is defined as the ability to generate original ideas and solve problems, with schools implementing creativity development in accordance with their own needs. This study tested the hypothesis that Hong Kong Chinese students’ adherence to Confucian cultural beliefs and their functions of personal cognitive resource affect their creativity. Based on the Creative Inventions Test, an instrument with demonstrated construct validity in the Hong Kong Chinese context, students (N = 324) from one secondary school in Hong Kong created four inventions with each evaluated by non-expert judges for originality and practicality, and extent of knowledge fixation. To estimate their adherence to Confucian cultural beliefs, students also completed a simplified version of the Eastern-Western Perspective Scale and, finally, a subset from the Thinking Styles Inventory. Path models showed that knowledge fixation and social conformity are significant negative predictors of originality and practicality. Furthermore, adherence to Confucian beliefs and executive thinking styles contribute indirectly and negatively to originality and practicality. We conclude that the development of creativity in Hong Kong is influenced by the tensions that exist between students’ Confucian cultural beliefs and social conformity and executive thinking, hence demanding a reimagining of the education reform in Hong Kong.
Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Retrolaminar Block and Erector Spinae Plane Block in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose Retrolaminar block (RLB) and erector spine plane block (ESPB) share a similar block site, but their analgesia principle may differ. This study compared the postoperative analgesic effects of ultrasound-guided RLB and ESPB for retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery. Patients and Methods The study included patients who scheduled for laparoscopic nephrectomy from July 2020 to January 2021. Patients in RLB group received a three-point block at the posterior surface of T8-T10 lamina, and those in ESPB group received at the T9 level. The primary result was the score of visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary results included information on intraoperative and postoperative analgesia consumption and rescue analgesia usage, skin temperature, serum interleukin (IL)-1β, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level and the occurrence of safety events. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in the postoperative VAS scores at both the rest and cough state (All P>0.05). The skin surface temperature of the affected side and the healthy side in ESPB group was higher than that in the RLB group at the end of the surgery (P=0.002) and after surgery (P=0.016). The RLB group had a higher ephedrine usage than the ESPB group (P=0.027). Compared with the ESPB group, the RLB group had a shorter time to exhaust (P=0.045) and lower serum IL-1β level (P=0.049). Patients in neither group developed severe adverse event. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided RLB and ESPB can provide safe and effective postoperative analgesia for retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery. ESPB has more stable intraoperative hemodynamics, while RLB has more potential research value for patients’ rapid recovery.
The Interest Rate Targeting; A Way Out to Curb Price Instability in Pakistan

To attain sustainable economic growth stability in prices is considered as the key instrument. The SBP is considering interest rate targeting as most suitable strategy to control price instability in Pakistan. Present research will make analysis of interest rate targeting in the country. The study empirically investigates long and short run impact of interest rate targeting on inflation. Estimated outcomes of present research indicate the significance of interest rate targeting for the country. Inflation rate is considered as dependent variable. Main proposed variable to influence inflation is interest rate. The controlled variable of present research is real GDP growth. Annual data covering the period from 1980-2019 has been used. The techniques of Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model and pair wise causality approach to assess the nature of causation among variables have been used. The results of the study propose that interest rate is best instrument to achieve target of less volatile prices in economy.
Infertility rate and relationship between infertility status and microbial infections among women in Baquba City

Backgrounds: Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after twelve months of normal and unprotected sexual intercourse, It is estimated that between 8% -12% of couples of childbearing age in the world are impacted and a variety of factors have a role, including microbial infections. Objectives: To determine the infertility rate and relation with microbial agents among women in Baquba city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 308 women who were admitted to outpatient in Al-Batool Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children in Baqubah City, Diyala. Iraq during the period from January till December 2018. Urine and vaginal swabs were taken from 70 infertile women aged between 18-48 years, clinical diagnosis was done as well as laboratory through examining different microbial agents. Results: The infertility rate among women in Baquba city was 22.7%, primary infertility constitute 69.60% while secondary infertility was 30.40%. A high percentage of 65.7% were with microbial infections while 34.3% were without infection.
Calling the Shots: Determinants of Financial Decision-making and Behavior in Domestic Migrant Households in India

This article explores financial decision-making and behavior in migrant households. Literature on migration and financial inclusion usually focuses on either migrant workers and their financial needs or remittance flows and their effects on development, leaving the subject of household decision-making significantly underresearched. Using primary data from two sample surveys, one with migrant workers and one with their household members, we employ descriptive analysis to study the financial decision-making processes and outcomes. Our sample is mostly composed of male Indian domestic migrants from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Our analysis considers the following migrant typology dimensions: duration of migration cycle, skills, and destination. Key household characteristics explored in our study include household size, the number of financial contributors in the household, the presence of an older male and children below the age of 18, and overall household income. Our results show that household members compete for influence over financial decisions and power balances change significantly whether the migrant is at home or at destination. These dynamics play an important role in determining household financial preferences. This suggests that financial products and interventions targeting specific financial behavior (for instance, financial literacy programs) need to take these factors into account since different households and different migrant types make these choices differently. JEL Codes: D14, O15, O16
Sleep and vaccine administration time as factors influencing vaccine immunogenicity

The immunogenicity of vaccines is affected by host, external, environmental, and vaccine factors; in addition, sleep or circadian rhythms may also have effects. With the use of vaccines to mitigate the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, research is underway to clarify what time of the day is optimal for COVID-19 vaccination and how disturbances of circadian rhythms will affect the immunogenicity of the vaccine in shift workers. Studies on the relationship between sleep time and the immunogenicity of vaccines for influenza and hepatitis have demonstrated that less sleep time and sleep deprivation tended to adversely affect immunogenicity. In some studies, there were even sex differences in these effects. When comparing shift workers with disturbances in their circadian rhythms and those who only worked during the day, one study found less antibody formation in shift workers; however, further studies on the relationship between shift work and the immunogenicity of vaccines are needed. Studies on the relationship between vaccine administration time and immunogenicity have shown different results according to age and sex. Therefore, future studies on vaccine administration time and immunogenicity may require an individualized approach for each vaccine and each population to be vaccinated. There is accumulating evidence on the effects of sleep and vaccine administration time on the immunogenicity of vaccines. However, further studies are needed to determine whether the association between immunogenicity and circadian rhythms and vaccine administration time can be used as a basis to increase the immunogenicity for individual vaccines.
The Influence of Brand Loyalty on Customers’ Repurchase Decisions of Green Beauty Product

Research aims: This study examined the relationship between green beauty products and customers’ repurchase decisions. However, this study used brand loyalty as the intervening variable.Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employed purposive sampling to collect the primary data. The object of this study was The Body Shop. Questionnaires were distributed to 236 respondents aged 14-39 years old. SEM analysis was then utilized to analyze the results of the questionnaire.Research findings: The findings of this study showed that green beauty products had a significant impact on customers’ repurchase decisions. Similarly, brand loyalty has been proven to mediate the relationship between green beauty products and customers’ repurchase decisions.Theoretical contribution/Originality: The previous study has investigated the relationship between green products and customers’ repurchase decisions, but little literature involves green products in terms of the beauty industry and customers’ repurchase decisions. Another contribution is that this study revealed that it could affect the customers’ repurchase decisions on green beauty products through brand loyalty. Practitioner/Policy implication: The authors suggest that The Body Shop maintain their added value so that customers perceive more added value and do consistent purchasing in The Body Shop rather than the other brands.Research limitation/Implication: This study has limitations when developing the structural model fit. One indicator did not meet the good fit criteria: the AGFI with the marginal fit result.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of 6′-sialolactose-modified nanobody

Abstract 6′-Sialolactose-modified mono- and bivalent nanobodies were designed and synthesized by a chemoenzymatic strategy. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting 7D12 nanobodies, including mono- and bivalent 7D12, were recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli. Triglycine-modified 6′-sialolactose derivative was synthesized in nine steps. The conjugation of carbohydrates with nanobodies was achieved by Sortase-A mediated ligation with high conversion rates. The obtained glycoengineered nanobodies were finally verified by SDS-PAGE, western blot, and mass spectrometry. Graphical Abstract
RELATIONSHIP OF SELF-EFFICACY TO IMPROVING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE: A STUDY IN MEDAN CITY

To form a superior organization, it is necessary to place employees as the main supporting factor for success. This is because employees are the spearhead of implementing organizational activities to be able to achieve goals effectively. The work behavior of employees who are oriented towards high performance will be directly proportional to organizational goals. This article provides a discussion on aspects of the role of motivation as a mediating variable. The antecedent variables of motivation are leadership style, work environment, and self-efficacy. Meanwhile, the motivational consequence variable is employee performance. The sample of this research totaling 242 employees from 6 (six) financial companies in Medan City. Sampling method, using a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis, using path analysis with the help of Lisrel. The results showed that motivation was proven to play a mediating role in influencing employee performance t-count 8.93 ≥ 1.96.
Somatotype and its association with body mass index, body fat, and muscle mass among adult male elite weightlifters of Merida, Mexico

Aim: To evaluate somatotype and its association with body mass index (BMI), body fat (%), and muscle mass (%) among adult male elite weightlifters in Merida, Mexico. Methods: Eight elite male weightlifters, age ranged from 20-29 year were studied at Yucatan State Sports Institute of Mexico. Height, weight, skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, iliac crest, supraspinale, thigh, and calf), girths (mid-upper arm relaxed and flexed, mid-thigh, and calf) and breadths (humerus, femur) were recorded. BMI, body fat (%), muscle mass (%), and somatotype were estimated. Phantom Z-score values (Zp scores) were calculated to estimate similarity of body size and proportionality. Results: Average age of the participants was 25.80±1.6 years. Average endomorphic mesomorph somatotype (3.8-7.1-0.5) was observed in the present study. Endomorphy showed significant (p<0.05) correlation with BMI (r= 0.80), percent body fat (r= 0.98), and percent muscle mass (r= -0.91). Mesomorphy was significantly correlated with percent muscle mass (r= 0.65, p<0.05). BMI had correlation with percent body fat (r= 0.70, p<0.05) and percent muscle mass (r= -0.55, p>0.05). Simultaneous increase of body fat and muscle mass with the rise of body weight of the weightlifters were evident. Body weight, breadths and circumferences had positive Zp scores whereas skinfolds had negative Zp scores. Conclusions: Somatotype of elite weightlifters showed higher relative muscularity and lower body fatness. Somatotype was observed to be a reliable indicator to distinguish between body fatness and leanness.
Teacher collaboration and elementary arts integration: policy and possibility

Abstract Arts education can be an important part of the elementary child’s experience. However, keeping the arts in schools is often a challenge because of funding concerns and competing academic priorities. An important strategy in arts education advocacy and policy is arts integration. Arts integration creates a rationale for the arts based on the enhancement of the educational experience for all students and the potential to engage underserved or less engaged students with academic disciplines through the arts. This article examines teacher experiences within a statewide program that funds arts specialists in elementary schools with the requirement that they integrate the arts with other subjects. The researchers describe how the program works with particular focus on collaboration between arts specialists and classroom teachers. This is a multifaceted study across four school districts with 640 participants including classroom teachers and arts specialists. An understanding of both arts integration and how collaboration happens between elementary teachers and arts specialists was gained through interviews, classroom visits, and surveys. The data suggest that effective integration and collaboration can enhance teachers’ professional growth but require structural and policy support as well as the creativity and energy of individual teachers. The professional life of arts specialists, teacher knowledge, and professional development emerged as important issues for teachers, school leaders, and arts advocates.
Coupled fdm and fem simulation of high-speed foil bearings for micro gas turbines

Foil bearings are a very promising bearing technology for micro gas turbines. Although a lot of papers about foil bearing modelling exist, basic aspects are not yet fully clarified. A good example is the influence of the mechanical structure and more specifically of the top foil on the bearing characteristics. Moreover, not much attention is paid to the simulation of the no-contact zone in a foil bearing. In this paper we propose a more advanced method to handle the no-contact zone. Based on a small parameter study we show that the top-foil stiffness is not negligible. Furthermore we propose a new calculation scheme where FEM for the mechanical structure is combined with FDM for the air film calculations. Also the influence of a top-foil with finite dimensions on the steady-state properties is discussed.
Multi-pair two-way massive MIMO AF relaying with ZFR/ZFT beamforming and imperfect CSI over ricean fading channels

This paper investigates the spectral and energy efficiencies of a multi-pair two-way amplify-and-forward (AF) relay system over Ricean fading channels, where multiple user-pairs exchange information within pair through a relay with very large number of antennas, while each user equipped with a single antenna. Firstly, beamforming matrixe of zero-forcing reception/zero-forcing transmission (ZFR/ZFT) with imperfect channel state information (CSI) at the relay is given. Then, the unified asymptotic signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) expressions with imperfect CSI are obtained analytically. Finally, two power scaling schemes are proposed and the asymptotic spectral and energy efficiencies based on the proposed power scaling schemes are derived and verified by the Monte-Carlo simulations. Theoretical analyses and simulation results show that with imperfect CSI, if the number of relay antennas grows asymptotically large, we need cut down the transmit power of each user and relay to different proportion when the Ricean K-factor is non-zero and zero (Rayleigh fading) in order to maintain a desirable rate.
TALENT RETENTION IN SLOVAK COMPANIES: EXPLORATIVE STUDY

The success of talent management is based on keeping talented individuals in a company. Attractive work, suitable working environment, strong organizational culture, work flexibility, effective leadership, as well as financial or non-financial benefits are factors that a company can significantly influence in order to retain talent for future tasks. On the other hand, companies should avoid mistakes that complicate retention of talent, for example, extreme workload, conflicts with executives, lack of opportunities for self-development, as well as inadequate financial remuneration. The goal of presented study is to explore differences in talent retention in various types of companies according to several factors. Realized questionnaire study obtained data from 381 companies represented by managers. Data were analyzed quantitatively by ANOVA and results were completed and described by Focus groups qualitative research. The research model was set according to outcomes of previous researches with following most important factors: financial requirements, motivation system, communication and self-development. Also, the challenges from outside and specific procedures provided inside the company to retain talents were added. Obtained outcomes shows interesting differences between companies in successful retention of talents which can be found: in private companies, in companies with foreign capital, in companies with a HR unit, and companies with a better financial situation. Surprising findings were seen in the comparison of companies by size. Despite the better chances of retaining talents in larger companies, the talent retention process is more successful in small ones. Our study helps to understand the current situation in talent retention in different types of Slovak companies and find ways to improvement. Outcomes are significant for managers, researchers and education of future entrepreneurs. However, despite good knowledge of practical implementation of talent retention in Slovak companies there are still limited financial resources and regulations which impede the application of the results obtained.