Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the success of highway construction projects: the case of Malaysia

Highways are often high-risk projects due to its importance to a nation’s economic, societal, and political development. Therefore, highway projects need to be successful. Numerous researchers have identified the key factors affecting their local highway projects to identify opportunities for improvements. However, the current body of literature lacks that type of information in regards to Malaysia’s construction industry. This study’s objective is to identify factors that are affecting Malaysia’s highway projects from industry practitioners’ perspective. To achieve this objective, interview data with highway project managers are analyzed. Eleven factors affecting the success of highway projects in Malaysia were identified. The factors are: workflow for the design process, competencies of project managers, availability of workforce, availability of materials, availability of equipment, weather, site location, involvement from upper management, support from clients, public acceptance, and efficiency of authorities. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge by providing researchers and practitioners with a set of alternative factors that are affecting highway project success. The lesson of this study would help the industry to promote project success of highway projects in Malaysia.
Monetary Policy Through Production Networks: Evidence from the Stock Market

Monetary policy shocks have a large impact on stock returns in narrow windows around press releases by the Federal Reserve. We use spatial autoregressions to decompose the overall effect of monetary policy shocks into a direct effect and an indirect (network) effect. We attribute 50%-85% of the overall effect to indirect effects. The decomposition is a robust feature of the data and we confirm large indirect effects in realized cash-flow fundamentals. A simple model with intermediate inputs guides our empirical strategy. Our findings indicate that production networks might be an important propagation mechanism of monetary policy to the real economy.
Trans-complementation of yellow fever virus cytopathogenicity by cells expressing subgenomic flavivirus (sf)RNA

All flaviviruses produce a small, non-coding RNA derived from viral 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) during infection. This RNA is denoted subgenomic flavivirus (sf)RNA, and is produced from incomplete degradation of the viral genomic RNA by the host exoribonuclease XRN-1. XRN-1 processing was predicted to be stalled by a non-H-type RNA pseudoknot structure formed at the 5’ border of the viral 3’-UTR core region. Although the precise function of sfRNA remains to be elucidated, sfRNA production correlates with cytopathogenicity and pathogenesis during viral infection. In this study, expression plasmids for the production of the yellow fever virus (YFV) and West Nile virus (WNV) sfRNAs were constructed and were shown to produce sfRNAs that were identical to those derived from viral infection both in vitro and in vivo. With the expression plasmids, SW13 cell populations constitutively expressing WNV or YFV sfRNA were established and shown to enhance cytopathic effect upon infection by wildtype YFV-17D or a mutant virus YFV-17D-BB that was deficient in sfRNA production. These cell lines could be used to test other hypothesis regarding sfRNA functionality in the presence or absence of viral infection and provide more insight into the molecular determinants for cytopathogenicity of flaviviruses.
Spacialization of the Degradation Risk in the Natural Monument of the São Francisco River

Understanding changes related to environmental degradation by parameters such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Surface Albedo (α) and Moving Standard Deviation Index (MDSI) has been of great relevance in the study of environmental impacts. The objective of the present study was to analyze the evolution of soil degradation and also of the soil use and occupation in the San Francisco River Natural Monument, using surface data and images from Landsat-5 and Landsat-8, for the 1987, 1997, 2007 and 2017 years. Remote sensing techniques were used to estimate indices such as NDVI, albedo (α) and MDSI. The change detection technique and decision tree classification based on predefined rules in NDVI, albedo and MDSI were applied to infer degradation, soil use and occupation. There was a significant increase in degradation, especially for areas with high degradation. Vegetation indices showed the lowest values for areas of low vegetation and exposed soil, being the highest values found for Caatinga dense vegetation. It was concluded that the change detection technique and decision tree classification were efficient in identifying the degradation during the study period. The change detection technique algorithm was more sensitive to water bodies than the change intensity technique.
Open for business: The impact of creative team environment and innovative behaviour in technology-based start-ups

Rather than the view of the entrepreneur as a ‘lone ranger’, recent work has focused on the importance of teams in bringing a start-up to growth and success. Here, we aim to bridge the gap between the individual characteristics of entrepreneurs and the characteristics of their teams by examining openness of founders in relation to creative team environment (CTE), innovative work behaviour (IWB) and performance. On the basis of upper echelon theory and integrating other complementary theories such as the attention-based view, we develop a theoretical framework and test this using a survey of 322 high-tech entrepreneurs. Our findings suggest a mediating role of CTE and IWB in the relation between openness of entrepreneurs and performance. The implications of the results for managerial practices and future research directions are discussed.
A Building Inspection System to evaluate the technical performance of existing buildings

The technical performance assessment of a building is essential for planning maintenance actions to improve its condition and functionality. The aim of this study is to present a Building Inspection System to evaluate the technical performance of existing buildings. To do so, a questionnaire survey to identify the defects that majoritarily affect the technical performance of a building was conducted. The system was then validated in a university campus including 22 buildings. The results revealed three main applications of the proposed system: a comprehensive asset analysis, a building operating analysis and a risk analysis system. Author keywords: defect, anomalies, inspection system, performance, maintenance, facility management, fieldwork, diagnosis
Effects of Pamidronate Treatment on Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a congenital disorder of type I collagen, with variable phenotypes, due to increased bone fragility and low bone mass. Previous pharmacological treatments for OI have been attempted with calcitonin and growth hormone but with little beneficial effects. Recently, Glorieux reported the beneficial effects of bisphosphonates in OI. Methods: In this study, the effects of pamidtonate treatment were evaluated in 9 patients with OI. All patients received intravenous pamidtonate infusions, which was dose adjusted according to the patients' age. The outcome measures included the biochemical bone markers; serum alkaline phosphatase, urine deoxy-pyridinoline, urine Ca/Cr ratio, and bone mineral density (BMO). Results: Serum alkaline phosphatase, urine deoxypyridinoline, and urine Ca/Cr ratio were slightly decreased after I year of therapy, although these changes were not statistically significant. The BMOs of the lumbar spine and proximal femur were significantly increased after 1-year of pamidtonate treatment. No fractures were reported during the 1 year treatment periods. Conclusion: Pamidronate treatment had an effect on the BMO in osteogenesis imperfecta, probably due to decreasing bone resorption.
Sutureless and Glue-free Conjunctival Autograft in Pterygium Surgery: A Case Series

Foreign materials used in ocular surface surgery may lead to local complications such as discomfort, scarring, or infection. Plasma-derived products such as fibrin glue may produce possible hypersensitivity reactions whereas the risk of viral transmission remains. We describe a simple method of achieving conjunctival autograft adherence during pterygium surgery avoiding potential complications associated with the use of fibrin glue or sutures. Pterygium excision with limbal conjunctival autografting without using glue or sutures was performed in all the patients followed by bandaging for 24 hours. The patients were followed up post operatively on 2nd day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 month and 6 months. They were examined for haemorrhage, wound gape, graft shrinkage, chemosis, graft dehiscence, recurrence or any other complications. Total 100 cases were included in this case series. Patient age in ranged from 23 to 78 years (mean 50. 08 ± 12.76 years). Surgical Time was (in Minutes) from 20-28; mean & SD 23.76 ± 1.89. Total graft dehiscence occurred in 1 eye (1%), graft retraction in 12 eyes (12%) and recurrence was seen in 1 eye (1%). At 3 month postoperatively, the gain in uncorrected visual acuity ranged from 2-3 line in Snellen chart in 13 eyes. No other complication was noted. This simple technique for pterygium surgery may prevent potential adverse reactions encountered with the use of foreign materials and in this case series provided safe and comparable results to current methods. TAJ 2019; 32(2): 56-61
Towards Supporting Collaborative Spatial Planning: Conceptualization of a Maptable Tool through User Stories

Geographic information-based planning support tools implemented in a maptable have the potential to mediate collaborative spatial planning processes. However, available tools for a maptable either lack advanced analytical functions or have usability shortcomings. Given these limitations, this research aims to conceptualize an interactive planning support tool intended to fully exploit maptable capabilities while providing spatial analytical functions to better support planning and decision-making processes with a larger group of participants. To do so, we conducted a literature review of reported maptable-based applications and semi-structured interviews with identified intended user groups of such applications, and derived Agile user stories. We identified a) principal spatial analyses, b) must-have functionalities, c) required support for individual contributions, and d) preferred space-time settings for group work collaboration, and based on that conceptualized an interactive tool for a maptable. By involving the intended users in the conception of the tool we revealed a discrepancy between the understanding of scholars and developers with respect to what users need and what they do. Intended user groups require tailored but straightforward instruments, rather than complicated or time-consuming models. Our research has laid down the foundation for future maptable tool development to support collaborative planning processes.
Impact of Manufacturing Flexibility on Business Performance: Malaysian’s Perspective

This research aims to investigate the impact of manufacturing flexibility on business performance. The manufacturing flexibility dimensions are mix, new product, labor, machine, material handling, routing and volume flexibility. The measures for the business performance are product market performance, customer satisfaction and profitability. The impact of manufacturing flexibility on business performance has been tested using a cross sectional study employing survey methodology, conducted within five manufacturing industries in Malaysia. Data were obtained from 137 returned questionnaires, which were analyzed using correlational and regression analyses. The results of the correlation analyses indicated that the manufacturing flexibility dimensions were positively and highly correlated among themselves, thus suggesting that the dimensions were interdependent. Meanwhile, the findings of the regression analyses provided support for the idea that manufacturing flexibility has a positive and significant impact on business performance. In other words, manufacturing flexibility improves business performance. In conclusion, this empirical research provides insights and a better understanding about the relationship between manufacturing flexibility and business performance. This research allows researchers/practitioners to gain in-depth knowledge about the concept of manufacturing flexibility and its impacts.
Case Reports of Familial Non-autoimmune Hyperthyroidism in Two Malaysian Families due to Germline-activating Mutations in the Thyrotropin Receptor Gene

1. Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia; 2. Institute for Pathology, Laboratory and Forensic Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia; 3. Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 4. Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activites and chemical profile of species of Miconia Ruiz Pav., Clidemia D. Don and Tibouchina Aubl. (Melastomataceae)

The resistance of microorganisms to current antimicrobials, and the deleterious effects caused by the excessive free radical manufacturing in the human body and their relationship with increasing global incidence of cancer, has led to a continuous search for new chemical agents that can contribute to the fight against these ills. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities and determine the chemical profile of ethyl acetate extract of ten species of the family Melastomataceae. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by the methods of disk diffusion in agar and microdilution in broth (MIC-µg/mL). Antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH free radical capture assay while toxicity was evaluated with Artemia salina Leach. Cytoxicity was evaluated by in vitro tests with THP-1-cells. Identification of the classes of metabolites was performed using chemical reagents, while quantification of total phenols (EGA/g) and total flavonoids (EQ/g) was done by spectrophotometry. The extract of Clidemia capitellata exhibited activity against Micrococcus luteus with MIC = 62.5-μg/mL. The extract of C. hirta had the highest sequestering activity of DPPH free radicals (63.54-%). The toxicological assay revealed high toxicity for Miconia alborufescens extract (CL50 61.6-μg/mL). Cytotoxic activity of extracts for THP-1-cells was observed through visualization of apoptotic bodies and cell death. Phytochemical analysis detected the presence of condensed tannins, terpenes, steroids and polyphenols, and the absence of alkaloids. The assays performed provided promising results, suggesting the continuation of new chemical-pharmacological evaluations and the isolation of the active principle of the extracts. Key words: Bacteria, Artemia, total phenols, THP-1 cells, toxicity.
In-Field Observation of Root Growth and Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency of Winter Oilseed Rape

Field trials were conducted with two nitrogen applications (0 or 240 kg N ha−1) and three modern cultivars of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) previously selected from a root morphology screen at a young developmental stage. The purpose is to examine the relationship between root morphology and Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency (NUpE) and to test the predictiveness of some canopy optical indices for seed quality and yield. A tube-rhizotron system was used to incorporate below-ground root growth information. Practically, clear tubes of one meter in length were installed in soil at an angle of 45°. The root development was followed with a camera at key growth stages in autumn (leaf development) and spring (stem elongation and flowering). Autumn was a critical time window to observe the root development, and exploration in deeper horizons (36–48 cm) was faster without any fertilization treatment. Analysis of the rhizotron images was challenging and it was not possible to clearly discriminate between cultivars. Canopy reflectance and leaf optical indices were measured with proximal sensors. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was a positive indicator of biomass and seed yield while the Nitrogen Balance Index (NBI) was a positive indicator of above-ground biomass N concentration at flowering and seed N concentration at harvest.
Forest structure and carbon stocks of Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Nigeria

Forest trees and soil are considered for climate change mitigation. Forest structure of the grove is required to predict its capacity to mitigate climate change. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the forest structure and carbon stocks of Osun-Osogbo Sacred grove. Five (30 × 30 m2) plots were demarcated in Old-growth forest (OF) and Re-growth forest (RF). Trees with ≥10 cm diameter-at-breast-height (dbh) were identified to species level and enumerated. Tree height and dbh were measured and stem volumes were converted to carbon stock. Soil samples were collected with cores at three soil depths, oven-dried and carbon content estimated. The tree species diversity and richness indices of OF was higher than OR. Diameter distribution of OF and RF expressed reverse J-shaped and rotated sigmoid curves, respectively. The stem carbon stock ranged from 0.12±0.00 (OF) to 0.02±0.00 Mg/ha (RF). The soil carbon stock ranged from 0.65 (OF) to 0.90 Mg/ha (RF). Stand structure of OF was more develop than RF. The OF and RF contained high stem and soil carbon stocks, respectively. Forest structure enhances stem carbon stock of Old-growth forest while soil of Re-growth forest is also an option for carbon sequestration. Key words: Carbon sequestration, stem diameter distribution, carbon stock, forest structure, old-growth forest.
Ja n 20 20 Sequential measurements and entropy

Entropy and its increase in closed systems, the socalled 2 law, historically arose in classical thermodynamics and statistical physics of many-body systems. The status of these concepts in quantum theory is not completely clear despite the vast amount of literature on this subject. The time-honoured definition of the von Neumann entropy S(ρ) = −Tr(ρ log ρ) has the following properties: It remains constant under unitary time evolution and increases (always understood in the sense of including the case of remaining constant) during projective measurement [1]:
EFFECT OF DISAGGREGATED COUNTRY RISK SHOCKS ON FINANCING DECISIONS OF THE JSE LISTED FIRMS

Firms in South Africa and other developing countries are facing a rapid increase in capital cost accompanied by an increase in leverage as a result of operating in uncertain environments, which complicate firms’ financing decisions and strategies. This paper examined the impact of rising leverage levels on firm’s cost of capital and the effect of country risk shocks on cost of capital and financing decisions among JSE listed firms. A dynamic panel model estimated with two-step system generalised methods of moments (GMM) was used to analyse panel data from 198 listed non-financial firms. The results suggest that the rising debt levels of JSE listed firms are negatively associated with weighted average cost of capital and cost of debt. Cost of equity was found to be an increasing function of firm leverage. High financial risk was found to be associated with an increase in cost of capital, high political risk associated with an increase in cost of equity and weighted average cost of capital (WACC), while an increase in economic risk is associated with high WACC and cost of debt. The study establishes that disaggregated country risk shocks significantly affect firms financing decisions.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Wheezy Infants Predicts Persistent Atopic Asthma and Exacerbations at School Age

Background There are limited data assessing the predictive value of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) in infants/toddlers with recurrent wheezing for asthma at school age. Objectives In a cohort of infants/toddlers with recurrent wheezing determine the predictive values of sedated single-breath FENO (SB-FENO) and awake tidal-breathing mixed-expired FENO (tidal-FENO) for active asthma, severe exacerbations, and lung function at age 6 years. Methods In 44 infants/toddlers, SB-FENO was measured under sedation at 50 mL/sec in conjunction with forced expiratory flow and volume measurements, and tidal-FENO was measured during awake tidal breathing. Clinical outcomes and lung function were assessed at age 6 years in 36 subjects. Results Enrollment SB-FENO was significantly higher among subjects with active asthma at age 6 years than among subjects without asthma (36.4 vs. 16.9 ppb, p < 0.0001), and the odds of asthma was 7.6 times greater (OR 7.6; 95% CI 1.8–31.6) for every 10 ppb increase in enrollment SB-FENO. A ROC analysis demonstrated that an enrollment SB-FENO > 31.5 ppb predicted active asthma at age 6 years with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.82–1). SB-FENO was also higher among subjects who experienced severe asthma exacerbations during the year preceding age of 6 years. SB-FENO at enrollment and lung function measures at age 6 years were modestly correlated (FEV1: r = −0.4; FEF25-75: r = −0.41; FEV1/FVC ratio: r=−0.46), and SB-FENO was significantly higher among subjects with bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) at age 6 years. Tidal-FENO was not predictive of active asthma, exacerbations, or lung function at age 6 years. Conclusion In wheezy infants/toddlers, SB-FENO was predictive of school-age asthma and associated with lung function measures at age 6 years.
The effect of statins on psoriasis severity: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Introduction Statins may reduce the severity of psoriasis, but the available evidence is unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies (RCTs) that investigated the effect of statins on psoriasis severity assessed with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Material and methods Two investigators searched independently the following databases: Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to February 2019. Additionally, reference lists from all available articles were searched manually. We included only RCTs carried out among adult (≥ 16 years) patients with psoriasis who received oral statins for ≥ 8 weeks and had psoriasis severity assessed with the PASI at baseline and at the end of follow-up. We used random effects meta-analysis to calculate the mean difference (D) in PASI change between patients who received either a statin or a comparator. Results Of 279 records identified, there were 5 eligible RCTs, with a total of 223 patients, including 128 patients who received a statin (atorvastatin or simvastatin). The improvement in psoriasis severity (PASI) was significantly greater in patients who received statins than in those who received comparators (D = 2.76, 95% CI: 0.49–5.04, p = 0.017). In subgroup analyses, the improvement in PASI values was significant for simvastatin (D = 3.70, 95% CI: 2.52–4.89, p < 0.001) but not for atorvastatin (D = 2.30, 95% CI: –1.28–5.88, p = 0.210). Conclusions Oral statins may improve psoriasis, particularly in patients with severe disease. This observation should be verified in long-term, well-designed studies that will enable analyses adjusted for clinical variables.