Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Study of Fiber Diameter in Alpacas

Simple Summary The aim of this study was the identification of candidate genomic regions associated with fiber diameter in alpacas. DNA samples were collected from 1011 female Huacaya alpacas from two geographical Andean regions in Peru (Pasco and Puno), and three alpaca farms within each region. The samples were genotyped using an Affymetrix Custom Alpaca genotyping array containing 76,508 SNPs. After the quality controls, 960 samples and 51,742 SNPs were retained. Three association study methodologies were performed. Four candidate regions with adjacent SNPs identified via two association methods of analysis are located on VPA6, VPA9, VPA29 and one chromosomally unassigned scaffold. This study represents the first analysis of alpaca whole genome association with fiber diameter, using a recently developed alpaca SNP microarray. Abstract The aim of this study was the identification of candidate genomic regions associated with fiber diameter in alpacas. DNA samples were collected from 1011 female Huacaya alpacas from two geographical Andean regions in Peru (Pasco and Puno), and three alpaca farms within each region. The samples were genotyped using an Affymetrix Custom Alpaca genotyping array containing 76,508 SNPs. After the quality controls, 960 samples and 51,742 SNPs were retained. Three association study methodologies were performed. The GWAS based on a linear model allowed us to identify 11 and 35 SNPs (−log10(p-values) > 4) using information on all alpacas and alpacas with extreme values of fiber diameter, respectively. The haplotype and marker analysis method allowed us to identify nine haplotypes with standardized haplotype heritability higher than six standard deviations. The selection signatures based on cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) allowed us to identify 180 SNPs with XP-EHH values greater than |3|. Four candidate regions with adjacent SNPs identified via two association methods of analysis are located on VPA6, VPA9, VPA29 and one chromosomally unassigned scaffold. This study represents the first analysis of alpaca whole genome association with fiber diameter, using a recently assembled alpaca SNP microarray.
Dividend Policy and Ownership Concentration: An Empirical Analysis of the Non-Financial Sector of Pakistan

A concentrated ownership structure is likely to raise the agency problem between large and minority shareholders. This situation allows dividends to work as a tool to fix agency problems. The underlying objective of this study is to check the relationship of ownership concentration with dividend payouts based on the agency theory. The study used data from 56 non-financial firms listed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) for nine years from FY2011 to FY2019. The dependent variable is the dividend payout ratio, while ownership concentration as proxied by institutional shareholders and foreign shareholders is the independent variable. Profitability ratio, liquidity ratio, and firm size are the control variables. The Hausman test suggested using the fixed-effect model with Driscoll-Kraay standard error. The findings confirm a positive association between ownership concentration and dividend payout. Institutional and foreign shareholders also posit a strong positive association with the dividend payout ratio. Ownership concentration was found to be significantly affecting Pakistan's non-financial sector regardless of the identity of the concentrated owner. This means that concentration contributes positively to dividend policy to mitigate agency problems. Despite this positive association, it also favors the assumption that large shareholders can influence management, and the impact could be vice versa. It is recommended that businesses with concentrated ownership structures should leverage dividends strategically to address agency problems.
The Role of Competitive Advantage on Marketing Performance as mediator variable of Social Capitalin SMEs

This study aims to analyze the role of competitive advantage in mediating social capital to increase the marketing performance of SMEs. Many studies have found that SME social capital can increase marketing performance. Does this effect also apply if the relationship between these two variables is mediated by competitive advantage? This research was conducted in Malang Raya, East Java, Indonesia on SMEs who are followers of the Facebook account: Aneka Usaha and Bisnis Malang Raya (AUBMR) until January 2023, as many as 40.156 followers, with a sample of 100 SMEs. Research analysis using Partial Least Squares (PLS) method. The results of the study are: social capital directly affects competitive advantage but not on marketing performance. And competitive advantage has a significant positive effect on marketing performance. Indirectly, social capital has a significant positive effect on marketing performance through competitive advantage. These results indicate that the role of the competitive advantage variable is important in increasing the influence of social capital on marketing performance as a mediating variable. The influence of social capital variable only increasing marketing perfomance if via competitive advantage variable.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Utilization of Public Sector Radiological Services in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

Background Coronavirus (COVID-19) was officially declared a pandemic in March 2020 and has had a major impact on global healthcare services, including radiology. However, little is known about the full impact of COVID-19 on the utilization of diagnostic imaging in Africa’s public healthcare sector. Objectives The objective of this study was to compare public sector diagnostic imaging utilization by modality for the whole Western Cape Province (WCP) of South Africa (SA), as well as its metropolitan and rural areas, in 2019 and 2020 in terms of the absolute number of investigations and investigations per 1000 people. Method We performed a retrospective analysis of Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness and Stats SA District Council 2021 Mid-Year Population Estimates data. All diagnostic imaging investigations performed in 2019 and 2020 were collated and stratified by imaging modality, geographic region (metropolitan/rural), and calendar year. Data are presented as the total number of investigations and investigations per 1000 people. We calculated mammography utilization for women aged 40-70 years and compared data for 2019 and 2020. Results Between 2019 and 2020, the provincial population increased by 1.9%, while total imaging investigations and investigations per 1000 people decreased by 19% (1,384,941 vs. 1,123,508, −261,433) and 20% (262/103 vs. 208/103), respectively. Total numerical decline was highest in plain radiographs (1,005,545 vs. 800,641, −204,904), accounting for more than three-quarters (78%) of the total reduction. Percentage decline was most pronounced for mammography, as utilization was almost halved (15.7/103 vs. 8.9/103, −43%), whereas computed tomography was the least impacted (17.9/103 vs. 16.7/103, −12%) with the remaining modalities decreasing between approximately one-quarter and one-fifth (magnetic resonance imaging = 26%, fluoroscopy = 25%, general radiographs = 23%, ultrasound = 16%, chest radiographs = 18%). Proportional metropolitan (−18.7%) and rural decreases (−19.3%) were similar. Conclusion COVID-19 had a substantial impact on WCP imaging services, decreasing overall radiological investigations by almost one-fifth. The greatest impact was on elective investigations, particularly mammography. Although the proportional impact was similar for the metropolitan and rural areas, COVID-19 nonetheless exacerbated existing discrepancies in imaging utilization between the geographical regions. The medium- and long-term clinical impacts of decreased imaging are still to be defined.
Social Network Characteristics and Depressive Symptoms of Italian Public Health Medical Residents: The Public Health Residents’ Anonymous Survey in Italy (PHRASI)

Despite the high impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social interactions and healthcare workers’ (HWs’) mental health, few studies have investigated the association between social network characteristics and HWs’ mental health, particularly during the pandemic. Therefore, we aimed to assess the associations between public health residents’ (PHRs’) social network characteristics and depression. We used data from the Public Health Residents’ Anonymous Survey in Italy (PHRASI), a nationwide cross-sectional study. Social network characteristics were self-reported. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Linear and logistic models adjusted for age, sex, physical activity, and alcohol were used. A moderation analysis by sex was also performed. A total of 379 PHRs participated in the survey (58% females, median age of 30 years). More peer-to-peer (odds ratio OR = 0.62 (0.47–0.83)) and supervisor support (OR = 0.49 (0.36–0.68)), more social participation ((OR) = 0.36 95% CI (0.25–0.50)), and having a partner (OR = 0.49 (0.25–0.96)) were significantly associated with a lower risk of clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Work-to-private-life interference was significantly associated with a higher risk of clinically relevant depressive symptoms (OR = 1.77 (1.28–2.45)). Promoting a supportive work environment and social participation as well as reducing work-to-private life interference can contribute to reducing the high burden among PHRs.
Analysis of Energy Efficiency Potential of Hollow Brick Building Envelope Filled with PCM

The energy efficiency in the building sector is becoming a real issue to be handled to minimize the energy consumption and contribute to prevent the global warming influencing all the world. In this context different researchers have developed solutions to improve the use of solar energy in building envelopes. Phase change materials (PCM) have shown their ability to store energy during the day and release it during the night allowing indeed a significant reduction of energy load. The present paper aims for the performance analysis and energy saving potential of a building envelope composed by hollow brick filled with PCM considering different scenarios. This innovative material has been developed in previous studies considering just the material scale or the component scale, but the building scale has not been considered in enough studies, where it concerns just the use of PCM as a layer or a mortar. Results found by conducting a numerical simulation with difference finite method showed a good energetic performance when incorporating PCM into bricks envelope described by a reduction in temperature fluctuations by about 3°C on average and energy saving rate reaching 41% with the optimum disposition of the appropriate type of hollow brick materials.
Hyaluronic Acid Conjugated with 17β-Estradiol Effectively Alleviates Estropause-Induced Cognitive Deficits in Rats

Women are at a higher risk of cognitive impairments and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), particularly after the menopause, when the estrous cycle becomes irregular and diminishes. Numerous studies have shown that estrogen deficiency, especially estradiol (E2) deficiency, plays a key role in this phenomenon. Recently, a novel polymeric drug, hyaluronic acid–17β-estradiol conjugate (HA-E2), has been introduced for the delivery of E2 to brain tissues. Studies have indicated that HA-E2 crosses the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and facilitates a prolonged E2 release profile while lowering the risk of estrogen-supplement-related side effects. In this study, we used ovariohysterectomy (OHE) rats, a postmenopausal cognitive deficit model, to explore the effect of a 2-week HA-E2 treatment (210 ng/kg body weight, twice a week) on the cholinergic septo-hippocampal innervation system, synaptic transmission in hippocampal pyramidal neurons and cognitive improvements. Our study revealed an 11% rise in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression in both the medial septal nucleus (MS nucleus) and the hippocampus, along with a 14–18% increase in dendritic spine density in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, following HA-E2 treatment in OHE rats. These enhancements prompted the recovery of cognitive functions such as spatial learning and memory. These findings suggest that HA-E2 may prevent and improve estrogen-deficiency-induced cognitive impairment and AD.
Antarctic palynology and palaeoclimate - a review

The first exciting clues that Antarctica had not always been ice-covered were the leaf fossils of Glossopteris plants that Scott’s party brought back from the Beardmore Glacier region in 1912. Since dated at ~ 250 million years old, it has become evident that Antarctica has been vegetated longer than it has been ice-covered. These first plant fossils from the Beardmore have led to over 100 years of scientific investigation of the rich macro- (e.g. leaves and fossil wood) and micro- (terrestrial and marine palynomorph) fossil record of Antarctica. Palynomorphs from the sedimentary record of Antarctica continue to provide an exceptionally detailed interpretation of high latitude vegetation and climate from Devonian to Neogene times, complementing and extending the macrofossil record. They document the transition from the Glossopteris-dominated Gondwanan flora to more modern conifer and then beech-dominated polar forests, followed eventually by a less diverse and lower stature vegetation as climates cooled and ice sheets became large and relatively stable into the Neogene. Continued research into terrestrial and marine palynomorphs provides essential insight into the environmental sensitivity of the polar regions in a future warmer world.
Preoperative Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels and Risk of Thyroid Cancer in Post-thyroidectomy Patients for Thyroid Nodules: A Study From a Tertiary Hospital in Western Saudi Arabia

Background Although serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is one of the basic investigations to assess thyroid nodules, its role in thyroid oncogenesis remains unclear. Previous literature has conflicting findings regarding TSH levels and the prediction of malignancy. This study aims to investigate the association between TSH levels and the risk of malignancy and advanced staging in patients who underwent thyroidectomy for nodular thyroid disease. Additionally, it aims to assess if higher TSH correlates with malignancy in Bethesda staging III, IV, and V. Methodology This retrospective cohort study was conducted among participants who underwent near-total/total thyroidectomy or hemithyroidectomy at King Abdulaziz Medical City between 2016 and 2021. Results A total of 378 cases were included, and 50.3% of the cases had malignant nodules in the surgical histopathology findings. The median TSH levels were higher in malignant nodules compared to benign ones (1.64 mIU/L versus 1.49 mIU/L; p < 0.001). Additionally, higher TSH levels were not associated with advanced staging or malignancy in patients with Bethesda stage III-V. Conclusions Higher TSH levels are associated with an increased risk of malignancy in patients with nodular thyroid disease. Using TSH levels as an adjunctive tool for identifying high-risk patients with thyroid nodules would aid in management planning.
Clinical study of Edaravone Dexborneol combined with Tirofiban in treatment of Acute Cerebral Infarction

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of edaravone dexborneol combined with tirofiban in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction. Methods: This is a retrospective study. A total of 80 patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) treated in Cangzhou People’s Hospital from March 2018 to December 2021 were selected, and randomly divided into the routine group(n=40) and intervention group(n=40) according to the principle of random draw. Neurological deficits in the two groups were evaluated and compared before and after treatment using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The quality of life of the patients was evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results: Before treatment, NIHSS and mRS scores of the two groups were not statistically significant(p>0.05); the levels of Vmin and Qmin in the two groups showed no statistical significance(p>0.05); no statistical significance was found in CRP or IL-6 levels between the two groups(p>0.05). After treatment for 14 days, the NIHSS and mRS scores of the two groups both decreased, which was more significant in the intervention group(p<0.05); Vmin and Qmin levels increased in both groups, which was more obvious in the intervention group(p<0.05); CRP and IL-6 levels reduced in both groups, which was more remarkable in the intervention group(p<0.05). The incidences of relevant adverse drug reactions presented no differences between the two groups during treatment(p>0.05). Conclusion: Edaravone dexborneol combined with tirofiban in the treatment of ACI can effectively improve patients’ neurological deficits, quality of life and cerebral blood flow, and reduce inflammatory factor levels, have significant clinical efficacy and high clinical treatment safety.
Clinical, Histological, and Molecular Perspective on Regenerating Nonvital Immature Teeth

Background: Disinfection and dentin conditioning promote a favorable scenario for regenerative endodontic treatment. Clinical reports have confirmed periapical normality with high variability in disinfection protocols; nevertheless, the nature of neoformed tissue varied between them. Thus, this study aimed to present the impact of disinfection protocols on the clinical, histological, and molecular outcomes of regenerative endodontics procedures in permanent teeth with incomplete root formation. Materials and Methods: Eighteen teeth with incomplete root formation which required endodontic regenerative treatment were treated with different disinfection and conditioning agents and followed under clinical control. One case was evaluated under histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: Clinical outcomes revealed periapical repair in 17/18 cases. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the neoformation of the dentinal matrix and its mineralization. Conclusions: Chemical conditioning could impact the outcome of regenerative endodontic procedures. The histological and immunohistochemical analysis showed the nature of the newly formed tissue that correlates with the clinical outcome.
Assessing of exercise intensity for a rhythmik exercise program based on cardiopulmonary functions

This study investigated the determination of exercise intensity for a rhythmik exercise program based on cardiopulmonary functions. Nine female participants in their 20s to 40s performed a rhythmik exercise program for 60 min per session, three sessions weekly, for 8 weeks. All participants underwent a grade exercise test to measure their minute ventilation (VE), oxygen uptake (VO2), maximal volume of minute oxygen consumption (VO2max), heart rate (HR), and oxygen pulse (O2 pulse) at the time of anaerobic threshold (AT) and maximal exercise time (ETmax). To determine the exercise intensity of the rhythmik exercise program, the Polar Heart Monitor was used for quantification, and the Borg Scale was used to measure the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). We did not observe any significant effects on the reaching time of AT, VE, VO2, VO2max, HR, and O2 pulse at either AT or ETmax. However, maximal value of VE (VEmax) was significantly enhanced at ETmax. The exercise intensity of the rhythmik exercise program was found to be low at 62.85% of HRmax with an RPE of 12.22. Our results suggest that the rhythmik exercise program did not directly improve cardiopulmonary functions; however, considering the unstructured nature of the rhythmik exercise program, anticipated positive effects on cardiopulmonary fitness are achievable through changes in the program contents and exercise time according to the goals of the participants.
Evaluating the Usability of Common Warnings across Industries Using the System Usability Scale

This study evaluated people’s perceived usability of warning signs and labels using the System Usability Scale (SUS), to understand how textual and visual factors of warnings contribute to SUS scores. 30 warning signs/labels across various industries were selected and 135 participants evaluated these warnings on their usability and familiarity. Each warning’s textual and visual complexity was also assessed. The resulting SUS scores for the warnings covered a broad range (min = 26.1, max = 92.4). Familiarity with the system and the number of words on the warning significantly correlated with SUS scores. Warnings with higher lexical density, a measure of how informative a written text is, related to higher SUS scores. There was no significant relationship between warnings’ visual complexity and SUS scores. The results suggest that the SUS might prove to be a simple and useful way to measure the usability of warnings.
Crustal structure of rifted and convergent margins : the U.S. east coast and Aleutian margins

Abstract : Processes that create and modify continental crust occur at continental margins. We investigate the crustal structure across the U.S. East Coast rifted margin and the convergent margin of Alaska using modem marine seismic techniques. Rifling of the U.S. East Coast margin was characterized by voluminous volcanism. We constrain the landward extent of crustal extension and rift magnetism to within a narrow region beneath the shelf and slope. The crust thinned here by 50-80% and then spreading began. Constraints from seismic imaging show that initial volcanism was accompanied by rapid margin subsidence, suggesting a limited and finite mantle source for the volcanism. We study the evolution of continental crust through terrane accretion and arc magnetism along transects across the Alaska Peninsula, where subduction occurs beneath accreted oceanic arc crust, and across older Bristol Bay crust. The velocity structure of the Peninsular accreted terranes is similar to intraoceanic arc crust and more mafic than continental crust. Accretion has apparently not modified the terranes' composition. The Bristol Bay crust is also composed of accreted oceanic arc terranes but has a continental velocity structure. If this crust was originally more mafic, then both crustal thickening and removal of a mafic component are required to explain its current structure processes consistent with the region's history.