Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Distraction on Usability Testing Results in a Laboratory Environment

THE EFFECTS OF DISTRACTION ON USABILITY TESTING RESULTS IN A LABORATORY ENVIRONMENT Brady A. Thrift University of Guelph, 2012 Advisor: Dr. J. McCuaig Hand held device users encounter various forms of distraction in their daily lives. Distractions may prevent them from correctly using the hand held device. Usability evaluations are meant to identify issues prior to end-users experiencing them. However the laboratory environment, which usability evaluations are conducted, may not reflect the real-world conditions that devices are used. The experiment involved each participant performing tasks in both a quiet and a noisy environment. The noisy environment emulated part of a real-world experience by adding social noise in the background during the participant’s tasks. The goal was to compare how much insight each participant was able to achieve from the data in each of the environments. It was found that task performance accuracy was higher in a quiet environment as opposed to the noisy environment. The mental demands and frustration of participants were found to be higher during the noisy environment evaluation.
What Faculty Want: Academic and Community Emergency Physicians’ Perceptions of Learner Feedback

Introduction Faculty development is often deployed by central medical schools, with little guidance from end-users. How and what faculty members can use to improve their performance requires a deeper understanding from this user group. This study aims to explore how faculty perceive learners’ feedback about their performance as educators. Methods This study is an explanatory mixed-method research, wherein community- and academic-based emergency medicine faculty members from nine regional hospitals were surveyed about their perceptions of various outcome measures for faculty development. Selected participants were invited to follow-up interviews. We analyzed the physicians’ perceptions toward teaching and performance feedback data based on faculty’s gender, role as academic or community physician, and work experience. Results The quantitative phase has 104 participants, and 15 of these were followed up with interviews. The gender of faculty does not have statistical or practical differences regarding their perceptions of learner feedback. Type of practice contains meaningful insights about the perception of learner feedback although it does not have a statistical difference. Moreover, an inverse trend exists between the physicians’ years of experience and their perceived value of learner feedback. Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference in the faculty’s experience level and their perceived value for the metric “quantity of feedback commentary compared to their peer group” (H(4) = 12.21, p = 0.02), specifically between junior and senior faculty (p = 0.007). Some faculty stated that experienced faculty may perceive they have a very well-established style. Conclusions Diversifying feedback sources and delivery may be useful for different groups of faculty members. Junior physicians are more interested in gaining feedback about the quantity of their written feedback to students compared to more senior physicians. Learner feedback holds promise to trigger continuous improvement in community sites for those who fall behind compared to the academic sites.
Information Communication Technology and Social Studies Instruction in Delta State, Nigeria

Introducing Information Communication Technology (ICT) resources and skills to Social Studies as instructional materials and aids can provide an accessible and flexible Social Studies education at the primary and secondary school levels in Delta State. Hence the aims of this study were to consider various ICT resources that can be harnessed and used by Social Studies teachers for social studies instructions; outline the benefits of ICT to students and teachers of Social Studies and identify the challenges affecting its usage for Social Studies instructions in Delta State. The study employed the survey research design, a sample of sixty (60) Social Studies teachers from six primaries and six Junior Secondary Schools selected randomly from six Local Government Areas of the state. The main instrument for data collection was a well- structured questionnaire designed to obtain data and centered around the main objectives of the study. Sixty (60) copies of the questionnaire were distributed and sixty (60) copies were retrieved and used for data analysis. While data gathered were analyzed using statistical tools of mean and percentages. The result revealed that ICT resources and skills such as android phones, internet browsing, power point projection, virtual learning and computers assist in teaching Social Studies concepts. Secondly, the study revealed that ICT skills and facilities contribute meaningfully to Social Studies instructions when used by teachers, students will derive holistic knowledge when taught with ICT tools. Meanwhile the findings showed that there exist many setbacks and challenges in ICT usage such as funding, capacity building and lack of electricity supply amongst others. Based on these findings, one of the recommendations made was that stakeholders in the education sector both government and private organizations, should be concerned with the provision of ICT facilities in primary and junior secondary schools across Delta State.
Research Note: Choice behaviour in online hotel booking

The objective of this study is to analyse how people process information and make decisions with regard to booking hotel rooms via online booking systems. The authors propose a nested decision process and compare it with the approach of previous literature in analysing the determinants in choosing a hotel. This research attempts to model online hotel bookings in the real market using discrete choice modelling. The methodology is based on the estimates of nested logit models, and the results show that tourists choose a hotel by going through a number of staged decision structures, which is in line with Associative Network Theory and the Cybernetic decision-making model.
Detection of rheumatoid arthritis in the finger joints by thermoacoustic tomography

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the leading cause of disability among people over 50-year-old. However, the diagnosis of RA is a complex problem because of the complexity of symptoms and structures. While current clinical imaging techniques play an important role in the diagnosis of RA, they do have several limitations. As an emerging hybrid modality, thermoacoustic tomography (TAT) provides high electromagnetic contrast and high ultrasonic resolution. Our early work showed that TAT could provide high quality anatomic structures of peripheral joints in healthy human fingers. In this study, we applied TAT to the detection of RA in the finger joint. Ultrasound imaging (US) was performed to verify TAT findings. The TAT images of the RA joint displayed abnormalities compared to the healthy ones, and they matched well with the US images. The initial results demonstrate that TAT has the potential to be conducive to detection of RA in vivo, which also provide a foundation for its clinical application to the diagnosis of RA.
Online retailers’ ethics and its effect on repurchase intention: The mediating role of perceived risk

Abstract Online shopping presents a different environment, atmosphere, and experience compared to offline shopping due to the convenience provided when transacting at any location through the internet from web browsers or mobile applications. However, ethical violations are more likely to occur during this mode of transaction compared to direct shopping. Consumers’ perceptions towards online retail ethics and the perceived risk caused by the uncertainties of transactions have been identified as the major problems causing hesitancies in making decisions for online shopping. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of consumers’ perception of retail ethics and the perceived risk on repurchase intention. In addition, to investigate the role of perceived risk in mediating the relationship between consumers’ perception of retail ethics and repurchase intention in the context of online shopping. An online survey was conducted on customers that have experience in purchasing products on the marketplace website, while a structural equation model was also used to test the conceptual model of the study. The results showed that consumers’ perceptions of online retail ethics had positive effects and perceived risk had negative effects on repurchase intention. Additionally, it was observed that the perceived risk partially mediated the relationship between consumers’ perception and repurchase intention.
Shelf life and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruits as affected by neem leaf extract dipping and beeswax coating

ABSTRACT The effect of Beeswax (BW) coating and Neem leaf extract (NLE) dipping on the shelf life of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) was investigated over a storage period of 36 days. The experiment was done by a factorial combination of four levels of NLE dipping (0, 15%, 20% and 25%) and BW coating (0, 3%, 6% and 9%) in randomized complete block design with three replications. It was observed that BW9*NLE25 significantly (P < .001) extended the shelf life of tomato fruits by eight days and effectively reduced weight loss by 55–68%, the changes in TA by 20–66.7%, PH by 6.3–14.1%, and TSS by 2.8–6.9%. Toward the end of the storage period (on the 28th day), BW9*NLE25 found to have 39.4% higher marketable fruits while reducing the percent decay by 96.1% compared to untreated tomato fruits. The study result showed that BW9*NLE25 could potentially be utilized to extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of tomato fruits by farmers, retailers, and wholesalers.
Pharmacokinetic interactions: The effects of selected herbal extracts on permeation of P-glycoprotein substrate drugs across excised pig intestinal tissue

Introduction: There is growing concern that co-administered herbal medicines may alter the pharmacokinetics and, therefore, the efficacy and toxicity of Western drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential membrane permeation modulating effects of four herbal extracts, i.e., Harpagophytum procumbens, Hoodia gordonii, Leonotis leonurus, and Vitis vinifera on a model compound, Rhodamine 123 (RH-123). Methods: An in vitro permeation model, i.e., excised pig intestinal tissue, mounted to test chambers in a Sweetana-Grass diffusion apparatus, was used to measure the bi-directional transport of RH-123 in the presence and in the absence of four herbal extracts. The concentration of transported RH-123 in each sample was determined by means of fluorescence spectroscopic analysis. The integrity of the mounted jejunum tissue during experimentation was confirmed by measuring the permeation of Lucifer Yellow through these membranes. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of the mounted membranes was also measured at the onset and termination of each experiment to monitor whether tight junction modulation occurred. Results: H. procumbens extract increased the secretory transport of RH-123, indicative of the induction of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated efflux. H. gordonii extract also increased RH-123’s absorptive transport, coupled with a subsequent decrease in its secretory transport, indicating the P-gp related efflux inhibition. Contrary, L. leonurus extract reduced RH-123’s absorptive transport, accompanied by an increase in its secretory transport. V. vinifera seed extract, however, increased both the absorptive and secretory transport of RH-123. A reduction in TEER was observed in the presence of V. vinifera extract, indicating the modulation of tight junction integrity. Conclusion: The ex vivo pharmacokinetics interactions recorded in the current study suggest that the co-administration of herbal medicines could alter the extent of membrane permeation of Western drugs.
Barriers to gaining support: a prospect of entrepreneurial activity of family and non-family firms in Poland

Research background: This paper explores the approach that focuses on entrepreneurial activities suppressed by restraining forces or different barriers. We investigated a particular type of obstacles reported by entrepreneurs, i.e., those which prevented their gaining access to support instruments. This paper delved into the specificity of family businesses and explained why perceptions of access to support could differ between family and non-family firms. Purpose of the article: This paper seeks to identify the differences between family and non-family businesses in terms of their perceptions of different barriers that hinder access to support instruments. Methods: The main research processes were based on logistic regression models with a dependent variable: 0 for a non-family firm and 1 for a family firm. As dependent variables 13 barriers to the access of public support instruments were adopted. The study was conducted on a sample of 386 Polish business entities. Findings & value added: The results confirmed the existence of differences between family and non-family businesses in perceptions of barriers towards gaining support in entrepreneurial endeavours. Obstacles, such as overly-complex bureaucratic procedures and requirements, lack of access to information disseminated by business support institutions, and complicated support settlement procedures, were perceived as far less crucial by family businesses than non-family businesses. Family businesses demonstrated a lower propensity to use real property as collateral for transactions. Additionally, family businesses with financial resources that overlap with their own familial resources declared that they found it easier to make their own contributions to satisfy the requirements for support programmes or services. This paper makes several novel and significant contributions to the field. First, we add to existing research focusing exclusively on family entrepreneurial activity by drawing a comparison between family and non-family firms in terms of the perceived barriers towards gaining support. Second, we address different types of barriers. Our findings provide further evidence that different types of businesses perceive certain types of barriers differently. Third, we extend current knowledge on family businesses study in Poland.
An investigation of allelopathic effects of Artemisia herba-alba Asso, aqueous extract on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of allelopathic potentials of aqueous extract of Artemisia herba-alba aerial parts on germination and secondary metabolites accumulation in common bean seedlings. Quantitative analysis of aqueous extract of Artemisia showed the phenolic compounds and flavonoids that might be concerned as allelo-chemicals agents. After 8 days, the germinated common bean seedlings were significantly inhibited with the increase in concentration of Artemisia extract. However, the phenolic compounds in common bean seedlings increases when the concentration of Artemisia extract increased. Degradation of storage carbohydrates of common bean seedlings was significantly increased with increasing the concentration of Artemisia extract. It seems that the enhance-ment of total carbohydrates was attributed to the inhibition of amylase activity that reduced the contents of reducing and non-reducing sugars. However, the polysaccharides remained at high level when compared with those of the control. Inhibition of protease activity led to accumulation of free amino acids and protein contents in germinated seedlings of common bean. Although, 4% aqueous extract of Artemisia shoots contains allelopathic chemicals and phytotoxic, this effect led to an increase in unsaturated and saturated fatty acids in germinated common bean seedlings.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Financial Performance in Foods and Beverage Companies Listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange 2018-2020 Period

His study has a goal, namely to examine the effect of the Current Ratio, Debt to Equity Ratio, Net Profit Margin, and Return On Equity on the Financial Performance of a manufacturing company listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. This study was carried out using a Quantitative Research approach. The research category is Descriptive Research. The population of this research is 75 Manufacturing Companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange 2018-2020. The sampling technique used was the purposive sampling technique and 45 sample companies were obtained within 3 years. Related variables in this study are Liquidity (Current Ratio), Solvency (Debt to Equity Ratio), Profitability (Net Profit Margin), Profitability (Return On Equity), and Financial Performance (Return On Assets). The results of this study prove that the partial (t-test): CR, DER, NPM, and ROE have no significant effect on financial performance (ROA). Simultaneously (f test), the probability scale (Sig.) is 0.000 < 0.05, and the results from Fount 401.450 > 2.60 are Ftable results. Then the result of the calculation is 2.60. And the results of statistical testing can be concluded that the Independent Variables: Current Ratio, Debt to Equity Ratio, Net Profit Margin, and Return On Equity have a significant influence on financial performance (Return On Assets).
A Qualitative Exploration of Information and Communication Technology Use among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Emerging Adult Migrants Before and After Arrival in the United States

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been shown to facilitate LGBTQ+ emerging adult development as well as international migration. Nonetheless, few studies have examined pre- and post-migration ICT use among LGBTQ+ emerging adult migrants. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted online interviews with 37 LGBTQ+ individuals (ages 20–25) who migrated from various countries to different U.S. states. Constructivist grounded theory was used to identify four themes: In and out: Balancing identity exploration with identity concealment when using ICTs in the country of origin; relying on ICTs to prepare for migration to the United States; using ICTs to find housing, work, and friends in the United States; and drawbacks of using ICTs in the United States. ICTs facilitated identity development and eased integration but exposed participants to harassment and scams. Findings indicate that closely investigating ICT use can enhance developmental and migration theories, improve research, and inform programs and services.
Protective properties of Rydingia persica in reproductive complications induced by diabetes in male rats: An experimental study

Abstract Background In Iranian traditional medicine, Rydingia persica (R.P) is commonly used to treat diabetes mellitus (DM). Objective We assessed the protective effects of R.P against testis and epididymis oxidative stress and the hormonal changes induced by DM. Materials and Methods Forty male Wistar rats (12 wk old) weighing 230-270 gr were divided into five groups (n = 8/each): 1. Control (C); 2. diabetic (D); 3. diabetic + R.P200 (D+R200); 4. diabetic + R.P400 (D+R400); and 5. diabetic + R.P600 (D+R600). Groups C and D received 2 ml of normal saline orally daily for two wk and groups D+R200, D+R400, and D+R600 received 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight of R.P powder, respectively, orally daily for two wk. DM was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at 60 mg/kg body weight. We assessed malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, hydrogen peroxide, and glutathione in both the testis and epididymis and also the histological changes of the testis. Results Diabetic rats showed a significantly increased and decreased level of oxidant and antioxidant factors, respectively, and a significantly lower level of serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone than the control group. In the histological study of the testis, deteriorations were observed. Treatment with R.P reversed these changes toward the state of the control group with the highest effectiveness shown by group D+R600. Conclusion The data obtained suggest that R.P powder has antioxidant effects on testis and epididymis tissues in diabetic rats and that it improves histological testicular structure in diabetics. It can also correct testosterone and luteinizing hormone changes induced by DM
Performance Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Frame under Close-In Blast Loading

The need for assessing and retrofitting structures increased with time as terrorism-induced explosion trends rose with time. This paper presents a numerical investigation on performance assessment of a two-story, one-bay seismic resistant reinforced concrete framed building under close-in blast loading. ANSYS AUTODYN, an explicit nonlinear finite element software program, was used for 3D model development and analysis. The experimental results reported in the literature were used to validate proposed FE models. Furthermore, parametric studies on close-in explosive story-to-story locations and charge masses were performed on both conventional and seismically detailed RC framed structures. FEA results showed that a decrease in scaled distance raised effective plastic strain and damage index values. Furthermore, simultaneous use of close-spaced transverse steel reinforcement spacing in mid-height and ends of reinforced concrete columns is found to be effective in reducing both effective plastic strains and damage index values.
The Efficacy of Neck and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Manual Therapy in Comparison With a Multimodal Approach in the Patients with TMJ Dysfunction: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs) are the main musculoskeletal cause of orofacial pain. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of manual therapy and routine treatment compared with routine treatment on pain, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and cervical range of motion (ROM) in patients with the temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). Methods: This study was performed at the biomechanics laboratory of the physiotherapy department of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. A total of 30 patients with TMJD were randomized into 2 groups: an intervention group (manual therapy plus routine treatment) and a control group (conventional treatment). Treatment included 10 sessions. The primary outcome was pain intensity and the secondary outcomes were MMO, and range of cervical flexion and extension. The outcomes were measured at the baseline, at the end of the treatment, and after a 4-week follow-up period. The repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess group × time interaction, and the Bonferroni adjustment was used for between-group comparisons. The effects size of Cohen's d was used to determine the magnitude of between-group differences. Results: The results showed that there were significant group × time interactions for pain, MMO, and the cervical flexion ROM (P<0.001). In comparion with the baseline, the intervention group showed significant improvements in jaw pain, MMO, and cervical flexion ROM (P<0.001), while in the control group, compared with the baseline, only pain and MMO significantly improved (P<0.05). Results of between-group comparisons revealed that there were significant and clinical differences between the 2 groups after treatment, and the intervention group had lower jaw pain, more MMO, and cervical flexion than the control group (P<0.001). In addition, the efficacy of manual therapy based on the Cohen's d was large for the outcomes of pain, MMO, and cervical flexion. Conclusion: The findings showed that adding manual therapy of the upper cervical spine and TMJ to the routine treatment could be an effective intervention for patients with TMD.