Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Netnography and design thinking: development and illustration in the vegan food industry

Purpose This paper aims to strengthen the process of design thinking by aligning it with netnography, specifically auto-netnography, which this paper asserts is particularly suited to the task of studying and enriching the actions of “designerly types” who seek to fashion monetisable businesses. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts an auto-netnography with a structure divined from established design thinking theory – that of empathising, defining, ideating, prototyping and testing – to afford an understanding of how a popular health food influencer designs a successful vegan restaurant. Findings This paper illustrates the empathetic relationship between a long-term audience member and an entrepreneur/designer/marketer. The intimate cultural analysis reveals the nature of their symbiotic entwinement. In a way that few other methods could, the method shows how this sense of reciprocity, deepens over time. Research limitations/implications Conducting an auto-netnography is a prolonged and difficult task. Nonetheless, by revealing the rituals, expectations, roles and routines of content creators, designers and followers, this paper illustrates exciting possibilities for the enactment and development of design thinking in the marketing field. Practical implications Designerly types such as marketers and content creators should closely study, listen to and interact with consumers by using a similarly staged process that draws equally from design thinking and auto-netnography. Originality/value Prior to this study, existing research has not previously linked design thinking with either netnographic or auto-netnographic research.
Host-guest molecular interactions in the phase transition of liquid crystals

ABSTRACT Phase transition dynamics of liquid crystal (LC) was measured by the heterodyne transient grating (HD-TG) method to clarify the difference between the photochemical and photothermal phase transitions. The phase transition was induced by the photo-excitation of different guest dyes doped in the host liquid crystals; azobenzene and solvent red were used as photochemical and photothermal dyes as guest dyes. The photochemical phase transition was partly induced even at much lower temperature than the nematic – isotropic phase transition temperature (TNI) and the region was gradually increased as the temperature, while photothermal phase transition was induced in the whole area just when reaching TNI. Furthermore, the anisotropic re-alignment of molecules was observed in the phase recovery process.
PS-InSAR based validated landslide susceptibility modelling: a case study of Ghizer valley, Northern Pakistan

Abstract Northern Pakistan is a rugged mountainous area that is seismically active, high gradients, disintegrated lithology, and glaciers in the high peaks. District Ghizer lies among the most vulnerable areas and experience landslides every year due to different causative factors. This study has carried out to prepare a detailed landslide inventory and to develop a susceptibility model for the area. The most followed and probabilistic approach, Frequency Ratio (FR) model and a semi-qualitative Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach were applied to find the correlation between causative factors and mapped landslides. Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technique was applied to check deformation movement in the susceptible zones of extracted models, which showed the high Line of Sight (LOS) deformation velocity in high susceptible zones of both models. The extracted Landslide Susceptibility Index (LSI) models showed 82.82% and 73.43% of prediction accuracy for FR and AHP method calculated by Area Under Curve (AUC) of Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method. The models revealed Slope, barrenness, and Geology are the main causative factors of landslide activities in the study area. Finally, both Landslide susceptibility index maps were classified into five susceptibility classes. As the study area is very prone to landslide disasters so these susceptibility models will be helpful to delineate hazardous zones for the medication of future landslides disasters in the area as well as it can be used as a tool in the planning strategies by decision-makers in development projects in the area.
Does politicization influence senior public officials’ work attitudes? Different forms and effects of politicization in the civil service

ABSTRACT Despite a large body of literature on the effects of politicization, relatively little is known about its relationship with the work attitudes of public employees. This study investigates how different forms of politicization relate to senior executives’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Using data from a large-scale executive survey conducted in Europe, we found that senior public officials exhibit negative work attitudes when there is political intervention in civil service staffing, when they have little policy influence, and when political actors interfere in their managerial activities. In particular, politicians’ disrespect for bureaucratic expertise had the largest effect on work attitudes.
Evaluation of GeneXpert MTB/Rif Assay and the Conventional Methods for Detection of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Gombe State

Background: Tuberculosis is a global health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis is essential for early disease management. Aim: This study evaluated the performance of gene expert MTB/ RIF assay for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampin (RIF) resistance with conventional methods. Methods: A total of 130 sputum samples from suspected tuberculosis patients were examined from July 2019 to August 2019. Results: Fifty-nine patients 59(45.4%) were males and seventy-one 71 patients (54.6%) were females. Seventeen patients (13.07%) had tuberculosis. Of the 17 Confirmed tuberculosis patients, 6(35.2%) were ZN positive, 11(64.7%) were GeneXpert positive and 17(100%) were positive to TB Culture. One sample showed false-positive GeneXpert result. The GeneXpert assay achieved Original Research Article Maori et al.; AJOB, 11(1): 29-35, 2021; Article no.AJOB. 65367 30 47.1% sensitivity, 97.3% specificity, 72.7% Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and 92.4% Negative Predictive Value (NPV) while ZN Staining method had 35.3% Sensitivity, 97.27% Specificity, 100% PPV and 91.1% NPV. GeneXpert detected 5(29.41%) Rifampicin resistant TB. The risk factors associated with tuberculosis in this study had HIV (17.6%), Malnutrition (13.8%) and Overcrowding (15.3%). Conclusion: GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay is a helpful tool for rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment of TB. However, the use of Genexpert does not eliminate the need of conventional microscopy, culture and anti-tubercular sensitivity that are required to monitor the progression of treatment.
PUBLIC DEBT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN EURO AREA COUNTRIES. A WAVELET APPROACH

In this paper we propose to analyze the dynamic of the relation between public debt and economic growth rate for Euro area countries by employing a wavelet approach, establishing thus both short-term and long-term correlations between these two variables. In this way we will present time-frequency dependencies between debt and economic growth and differentiate between short term and long-term effects. High levels of public debt have a negative impact on the economic output, because they entail concerns about debt sustainability. Non-linear analysis of the debt-growth nexus shows the existence of thresholds from which rising indebtedness can hamper economic growth. Using wavelet analysis, we demonstrate that there is a strong relation between public debt and economic growth, especially for high frequencies, public debt having a significant impact on economic growth in case of periods situated above 2 years for most Euro Zone member states. High debt levels can cause serious effects on fiscal stability and therefore require fiscal consolidation in order to restore economic growth. Therefore, Euro Zone member states should implement prudent debt policies and establish clear limits for debt increase, in order to comply with fiscal sustainability and ensure conditions for preserving economic growth.
Ovulation induction in polycystic ovarian syndrome - basics for gynecologist

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common problem related to infertility among women. This review looked into the evidence and options available for ovulation induction. The management protocol and their respective efficacy was looked into during the write up of the review. Weight reduction, along with metformin therapy are the initial and efficient way to regain ovulation among obese female. This should be complemented by use of first line medicine like aromatase inhibitors and selective estrogen receptor modulators. The first line is effective in significant proportion of female to induce ovulation and increase live birth rate. However, for those not responding should initially undergo the use of gonadotropins and ovarian drilling. Finally, controlled ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilization should be considered as it is an invasive, expensive and there are risks of ovarian hyperstimulation and multiple gestation.
Characterization and potential for reducing optical resonances in Fourier transform infrared spectrometers of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC)

Abstract. Although optical components in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers are preferably wedged, in practice, infrared spectra typically suffer from the effects of optical resonances (“channeling”) affecting the retrieval of weakly absorbing gases. This study investigates the level of channeling of each FTIR spectrometer within the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC). Dedicated spectra were recorded by more than 20 NDACC FTIR spectrometers using a laboratory mid-infrared source and two detectors. In the indium antimonide (InSb) detector domain (1900–5000 cm−1), we found that the amplitude of the most pronounced channeling frequency amounts to 0.1 ‰ to 2.0 ‰ of the spectral background level, with a mean of (0.68±0.48) ‰ and a median of 0.60 ‰. In the mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) detector domain (700–1300 cm−1), we find even stronger effects, with the largest amplitude ranging from 0.3 ‰ to 21 ‰ with a mean of (2.45±4.50) ‰ and a median of 1.2 ‰. For both detectors, the leading channeling frequencies are 0.9 and 0.11 or 0.23 cm−1 in most spectrometers. The observed spectral frequencies of 0.11 and 0.23 cm−1 correspond to the optical thickness of the beam splitter substrate. The 0.9 cm−1 channeling is caused by the air gap in between the beam splitter and compensator plate. Since the air gap is a significant source of channeling and the corresponding amplitude differs strongly between spectrometers, we propose new beam splitters with the wedge of the air gap increased to at least 0.8∘. We tested the insertion of spacers in a beam splitter's air gap to demonstrate that increasing the wedge of the air gap decreases the 0.9 cm−1 channeling amplitude significantly. A wedge of the air gap of 0.8∘ reduces the channeling amplitude by about 50 %, while a wedge of about 2∘ removes the 0.9 cm−1 channeling completely. This study shows the potential for reducing channeling in the FTIR spectrometers operated by the NDACC, thereby increasing the quality of recorded spectra across the network.
Facing and responding to the COVID-19 threat – an empirical examination of MSMEs

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects and ways to confront the devastating effects of the COVID-19 crisis and develop a theoretical framework to facilitate understanding of these aspects from the perspective of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) In doing so, the fundamental insights of entrepreneurial self-efficacy, bricolage and improvisation are considered Design/methodology/approach: The study draws on data from 56 business owners-managers operating in eight different nations and representing three geographical regions;the data were gathered through an online questionnaire Findings: Various differences in responses from participants operating in the featured geographical settings were revealed For instance, whereas a higher percentage of South American participants acknowledged financial impacts, they and their European counterparts were also more engaged Originality/value: The study provides various original and valuable elements First, by gathering data from business owners-managers operating in different countries and geographical regions, it provides an international perspective concerning ways in which business operators confront an extreme event Second, and related to the previous point, the study focusses on a business group (MSMEs), which is fundamental for many nations’ economies Moreover, the experiences of MSMEs could be timely and insightful to industry and business stakeholders Third, the proposed theoretical framework highlights various emerging dimensions associated with adaptation and responsiveness, with both theoretical and practical implications © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited
Dialogue Journal Writing in Emergency Remote Teaching: Effect on Writing Competency and Students’ Perception towards Implementation

The current study intended to explore the effect of dialogue journal writing (DJW) on students’ writing and identifying their perception towards the implementation of DJW in emergency remote teaching (ERT) setting. The method of the current study is a mix method. The design of the quantitative study is experiment with pretest-posttest design, and for qualitative study is using case study. The data were collected through writing competency test and interview guide. This study used descriptive and inferential analysis for the quantitative data and follow O’Connor & Gibson (2003) guidance in analysing qualitative data. The result quantitative analysis showed that the mean score of students' writing competency in posttest (7.4) is higher than pretest (6.6). A significant mean difference is indicated from the result of t test (Sig. =.000). The qualitative analysis identified three themes from the interview (1) encouragement & confidence, (2) motivation, and (3) improvement on writing. Thus, DJW is encouraged to be implemented in ERT setting.
Reactive Power Optimization of Power System Based on Improved Differential Evolution Algorithm

This paper presents a novel differential evolution (DE) algorithm, with its improved version (IDE) for the benchmark functions and the optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) problem. Minimization of the total active power loss is usually considered as the objective function of the ORPD problem. The constraints involved are generators, transformers tapings, shunt reactors, and other reactive power sources. The aim of this study is to discover the best vector of control variables to minimize power loss, under the premise of considering the constraints system. In the proposed IDE, a new initialization strategy is developed to construct the initial population for guaranteeing its quality and simultaneously maintaining its diversity. In addition, to enhance the convergence characteristic of the original DE, two kinds of self-adaptive adjustment strategies are employed to update the scaling factor and the crossover factor, respectively, in which the detailed information about the two factors can be exchanged for each generation dynamically. Numerical applications of different cases are carried out on several benchmark functions and two standard IEEE systems, i.e., 14-bus and 30-bus test systems. The results achieved by using the proposed IDE, compared with other optimization algorithms, are discussed and analyzed in detail. The obtained results demonstrated that the proposed IDE can successfully be used to deal with the ORPD problem.
Double-edged effects of work-related technology use after hours on employee well-being and recovery: The role of appraisal and its determinants

Research suggests that work-related use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) after hours involves both harms and benefits for employee well-being. Yet, these findings are mainly based on examining the extent of ICT use as the focal construct of interest. Based on cognitive appraisal theories of stress, we argue that research needs to include individuals’ evaluation of their work-related ICT use after hours as well as the conditions shaping this appraisal to explain double-edged effects of ICT use on well-being. Thus, we investigate (1) how situational and personal factors influence whether work-related ICT use after hours is evaluated as positive or negative, and (2) how these factors and ICT use appraisal relate to employee well-being and recovery, beyond the extent of ICT use. We collected data in a daily diary study over five consecutive days. Multilevel path analyses with data from 51 employees and 151 daily observations indicated that goal progress and autonomous motivation for ICT use were positively related to positive ICT use appraisal. Besides, goal progress predicted less and overload predicted more negative ICT use appraisal. In turn, ICT use appraisal was associated with employees’ affective states and psychological detachment in the evening, beyond the extent of ICT use. Additionally, we found several indirect effects of goal progress and overload on employee well-being and recovery via ICT use appraisal. Our findings emphasize the need to investigate ICT usage experiences to explain the double-edged consequences of work-related ICT use after hours on employee well-being.
Carpool Services for Ride-sharing Platforms: Price and Welfare Implications

There has been rapid growth in on-demand ride-hailing platforms that serve as an intermediary to match individual service providers (drivers) with consumer demand (riders). Several major players of this market have introduced carpool services that allow passengers heading towards the same direction to share a ride at a discounted fare. In this paper, we develop an analytical model to study the pricing issues of ride-sharing platforms in the presence of carpool services, and their economical and social implications. We show that the carpool service should be provided when its quality and/or the pooling efficiency is high. Adopting carpool services enables the platform to achieve a larger market coverage and allows the customers to enjoy more affordable rides without any sacrifice in service quality. Our analysis reveals that the provision of carpool services benefits the platform and the riders in general, but may hurt the drivers. Our extensive numerical studies suggest that the carpool service and surge pricing, which are two operational levers to match supply with demand, are strategic complements when the demand-supply imbalance is severe, and they become strategic substitutes with balanced demand and supply.
Impact Assessment of Whole Body Vibration and Physiological Stress Factors on Dumper Operator during Different Phases of Operating Cycle as per ISO 2631-1

Introduction: In the mining industry, the dumper vehicle plays a vital role in material handling tasks. During the various operations, the dumper operators are subjected to Whole-Body Vibrations(WBV) which also affects their physiological factors. The present study investigates the dumper operator discomfort during various dumper operations such as Material-Loading(ML), Loaded-Travel(LT), Material-Unloading(MU) and Unloaded-Travel(UT). Methodology: The experimental study is carried out in iron ore opencast mine with a 25 number of operators volunteered to participate in this ergonomic assessment, and the evaluation is performed as per ISO 2631:1 Results: During the ML, and MU task, the measured crest factor value is greater than the recommended values. However, the measured aw(8) and VDV(8) magnitude are within the HGCZ limit. In the LT, it is observed that the VDV is within the limit of HGCZ, although the measured value is 4.08 times greater than MU task. The maximum WBV is observed during the UT, and the measured value of VDV falls above the HGCZ limit, and experience a greater amplification of source vibration at 1.6Hz. Moreover, the demand for the operation cycle increases the risk of neck pain and back pain among the study population. Further, operators immediately after the WBV exposure showed a significant increase in Heart Rate by 2.04 bpm. Whereas, no significant influence on the increase in blood pressure (SYS/DIA: 1.56/0.72 mmHg) and a decrease in oxygen saturation level (SpO2) by 1% was observed. Conclusion: Therefore, the present study reveals that the prolonged sitting and constant experience of WBV force the operator to change the posture more frequent. The combined effect of WBV with asymmetric posture can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Practical Applications: The experimental findings support the health and safety officer to make a productive work plan for labour workforce to reduce health-related risk from WBV exposures.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Farm Households’ Vulnerability to Multidimensional Poverty in Rural China

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the economy and livelihoods of people worldwide. To analyze the impact of the pandemic on material conditions, income levels, health conditions, industrial development and employment opportunities of farmers in China’s rural areas, especially poor areas and explore whether farmers can achieve stable poverty eradication during the COVID-19 pandemic, we interviewed 2662 farm households in poverty-stricken areas of China and used the multidimensional poverty measurement model, three-step feasible generalized least squares and propensity score matching to analyze data. We achieved the following results. First, the overall level of multidimensional poverty vulnerability index (MPVI) of the surveyed households was low and the MPVI of each dimension varied significantly. The MPVI of households in the treated group was higher than that of the control group. Second, COVID-19 increased farm households’ vulnerability to multidimensional poverty in poverty-stricken regions; MPVI increased by 27.9%. Third, COVID-19′s impact on various dimensions differed: the greatest impact was on the vulnerability to health deprivation, followed by industrial development, employment and income deprivation. However, the pandemic slightly reduced the vulnerability to material deprivation. Finally, we proposed various measures in response to the impact of the pandemic to assist farm households in poverty-stricken areas.