Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diabetes, hypertension, body mass index, smoking and COVID-19-related mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Objectives We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of observational studies to investigate the association between diabetes, hypertension, body mass index (BMI) or smoking with the risk of death in patients with COVID-19 and to estimate the proportion of deaths attributable to these conditions. Methods Relevant observational studies were identified by searches in the PubMed, Cochrane library and Embase databases through 14 November 2020. Random-effects models were used to estimate summary relative risks (SRRs) and 95% CIs. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane methods and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework. Results A total of 186 studies representing 210 447 deaths among 1 304 587 patients with COVID-19 were included in this analysis. The SRR for death in patients with COVID-19 was 1.54 (95% CI 1.44 to 1.64, I2=92%, n=145, low certainty) for diabetes and 1.42 (95% CI 1.30 to 1.54, I2=90%, n=127, low certainty) for hypertension compared with patients without each of these comorbidities. Regarding obesity, the SSR was 1.45 (95% CI 1.31 to 1.61, I2=91%, n=54, high certainty) for patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 compared with those with BMI <30 kg/m2 and 1.12 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.17, I2=68%, n=25) per 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI. There was evidence of a J-shaped non-linear dose–response relationship between BMI and mortality from COVID-19, with the nadir of the curve at a BMI of around 22–24, and a 1.5–2-fold increase in COVID-19 mortality with extreme obesity (BMI of 40–45). The SRR was 1.28 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.40, I2=74%, n=28, low certainty) for ever, 1.29 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.62, I2=84%, n=19) for current and 1.25 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.42, I2=75%, n=14) for former smokers compared with never smokers. The absolute risk of COVID-19 death was increased by 14%, 11%, 12% and 7% for diabetes, hypertension, obesity and smoking, respectively. The proportion of deaths attributable to diabetes, hypertension, obesity and smoking was 8%, 7%, 11% and 2%, respectively. Conclusion Our findings suggest that diabetes, hypertension, obesity and smoking were associated with higher COVID-19 mortality, contributing to nearly 30% of COVID-19 deaths. Trial registration number CRD42020218115.
Synthesis and spectroscopic study of terbium(III) and neodymium(III) complexes with tetra-15-crown-5-phthalocyanine

Neodymium(III) and terbium(III) complexes with tetra-15-crown-5-phthalocyanine of different structures-the monophthalocyaninates [M(R 4 Pc)] . OAc . nDBU; the neutral radical and one-electron reduced forms of double-deckers, [(R 4 Pc 2 - )M 3 + (R 4 Pc - . )] 0 and [M 3 + (R 4 Pc 2 - ) 2 ] - , respectively; and the triple-decker tetra-15-crown-5-phthalocyaninates M 2 (R 4 Pc) 3 (M 3 + = Nd, Tb; R 4 Pc 2 - is the 4,5,4',5',4",5",4''',5'''-tetrakis(1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxatridecamethylene)phthalocyaninate ion, DBU is 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4. 0]undec-7-ene)-were synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic methods. A new efficient and selective method of synthesis of lanthanide crownphthalocyaninate triple-deckers was developed. The method involves the direct reaction of H 2 R 4 Pc with Ln(III) acetylacetonate in high-boiling solvents (trichlorobenzene, 1-chloronaphthalene). The composition and structure of the resulting compounds were established with the use of different spectral methods: UV, visible, and near-IR electronic absorption spectroscopy; 1 H NMR; and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Under the same conditions, complexes of different structures are formed depending on the position of a lanthanide. The neodymium and terbium crownphthalocyaninates are shown to be applicable as shift reagents in NMR.
CSR disclosure and firm performance: evidence from an emerging market

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure on firm performance, considering both firm profitability and firm value in an emerging market, India. Design/methodology/approach The study examines the effect of CSR disclosure on firm performance using panel regressions for the final sample that consists of 386 companies listed in the BSE 500 index, India. It covers all major players in the capital market for ten years from 2007–2016. Findings The result shows a trend toward the negative effect of CSR disclosure on firm profitability and firm value in India; this negative effect is mainly influenced by environmental disclosure score and social disclosure score. An adverse effect of firm profitability and firm value on CSR disclosure is also observed to underline the inverse relationship. Practical implications The study provides implications to consumers, investors, managers and policymakers. Firstly, consumers have to be more aware of CSR initiatives of companies, and they should support those companies to do more. Secondly, investors can use the ESG disclosure score as a signal for the level of CSR activities, which negatively affects firm performance. Thirdly, managers have to consider CSR more seriously and spend CSR amount wisely after proper research and not just to meet the mandatory limit. In addition, managers have to take necessary actions to make the public aware of the CSR activities of the company to gain an advantage in the future. Finally, policymakers have to give more emphasis on the promotion of CSR activities to reach the ultimate consumers who lie in the remote areas of the country, and more awareness has to be given to them regarding CSR activities. Originality/value The findings contribute to the literature by providing insights on CSR disclosure and firm performance relationship in India, an emerging market with increasing international attention where such studies are scant and less clear, especially after the amendments in the Companies Act, 2013. Furthermore, the measurement of CSR disclosure using environmental, social and governance (ESG) score is novel in the Indian context.
Study of composition and properties of duck meat

The work is devoted to the essential task of scientific justification of the use of waterfowl meat in the meat products technology. The objects of the study were the white Peking ducks, the muscovy ducks and the mulard hybrid ducks. In the comparative aspect, the gravimetric parameters of the main dressing parts of the duck carcasses, their tissue composition, total chemical composition (moisture, protein, fat, mineral substances), the fractional composition of meat proteins, the content of macroelements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus) and microelements (Ferrum, zinc) were studied. The energy value of the duck meat, its functional and technological properties was determined, and the microstructure of the muscle tissue of the breast and thigh parts of the carcass was studied. The comparative analysis showed that the meat of the Peking duck is inferior to the meat of the muscovy duck and the mulard duck in protein content, but exceeds it in fat content. The most significant portion of the muscle tissue is concentrated in the breast and leg quarter. The meat of the Peking duck has a higher caloric content compared to that of the muscovy and the mulard duck. Duck meat is rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, as well as Ferrum and zinc. Duck meat can be used as a functional raw material because these mineral substances are often scarce in the diet of a modern human. High functional and technological properties of duck meat provide high-quality indicators of the finished product.
Frequency of Esophageal Carcinoma and Delay in Diagnostic Workup; A Multi-centre Experience from Southern Pakistan

Objective: Esophageal carcinoma is one of the most lethal and yet least studied malignancies in South Asian region. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of Esophageal Carcinoma and to identify factors responsible for late stage diagnosis of this malignancy. Methods: A multi-institutional prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Oncology department, JPMC and Atomic Energy Medical Centre, Karachi. Association between risk factors of delayed diagnosis with ethnic groups, grade and stage of tumour was statistically assessed. Results: A frequency of 3.83% of esophageal cancer was recorded. Squamous cell carcinoma as the most common (80.6%) subtype, moderately differentiated grade in 67.7% and lower 1/3rd involvement was noted in 53.8% cases. Representation of Sindhi speaking ethnicity was 33.3%. First visit to a general physician was within a month of onset of symptoms in 54.8% patients. In 21.5%, first visit was delayed by more than 2 months. Biopsy was delayed in 19.4% cases. Significant association was found between delayed diagnosis and late referral to oncologist (P 0.003), non-availability of laboratory (P 0.018), location of tumour (P 0.000), age and size of tumour (P 0.001). Conclusion: Esophageal carcinoma is a common malignancy with squamous cell carcinoma as the most common subtype. Initial diagnosis of most of the patients was made in the late stage. Important contributing factors of late diagnosis were unawareness of patients, delayed initial diagnostic workup, poor socioeconomic status and late referrals to oncologists by General Physicians. No significant association was observed between ethnicity and grading or staging of tumour.
River Terrace Evidence of Tectonic Processes in the Eastern North American Plate Interior, South Anna River, Virginia

We show that long-recognized seismicity in the central Virginia seismic zone of the eastern North American intraplate setting arises primarily from tectonic processes predicted by new, fully coupled plate tectonic geodynamic models. The study leverages much new geophysical and geologic data following the 2011 Mineral, Virginia, earthquake that ruptured a steeply dipping, northwest-verging reverse fault traversed by the South Anna River. The data are primarily assembled from a flight of six fluvial terrace geomorphic markers identified and correlated on texture, relative weathering, and numeric ages including one terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (TCN) profile and 30 luminescence dates. Terrace thickness, stratigraphic age models, and incision rates downstream and upstream of the 2011 rupture are different. Long-term river incision rates of ∼25–30 m/My are superimposed on regional TCN-determined erosion rates of ∼8.5 m/My; however, there are at least 10 m of tectonically driven incision in the epicentral region at rates of ∼30–94 m/My. The inferred deformation resembles a hanging wall anticline above a blind reverse fault with a diffuse overlying carapace of minor brittle faults, an interpretation supported by seismology as well as bedrock and saprolite mapped across the epicentral region. These results are further supported by channel metrics that show nonuniform channel steepness (ksn) and a predicted steady-state channel elevation different from the actual channel elevation across the epicentral region. If all of the observed deformation is a consequence of the fault that ruptured in 2011, the recurrence interval of Mineral-sized events would be ∼5.5 ky.
THE EFFECT OF HEALTH EDUCATION AS NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL THERAPY ON PHYSICAL FITNESS, BLOOD CHEMISTRY AND BRAIN FUNCTION AMONG SENIOR CITIZEN IN BOTH RURAL AND URBAN AREAS OF BALI, INDONESIA

Objective: The population of senior citizens has increased and needs more care for the quality of life. Health education is a non-pharmacological therapy to improve physical fitness, blood chemistry and brain function. This research was performed to evaluate the effect of health education on the physical fitness, blood chemistry and brain function of senior citizens in rural and urban Bali. Methods: A total of 60 people aged 67.9±1.2 y were recruited from Tabanan, Indonesia, and 72 people aged 67.3±0.6 y were recruited from Denpasar, Indonesia. The health education program lasted 8 mo, used Japanese-style healthcare modified for the Balinese culture, and measured physical fitness, blood chemistry, and brain function before and after the educational period. Results: The average number of steps in Tabanan was 4247.2±98.9, and those in Denpasar were 4336.1±102.4. The weight and waist circumference were not significantly different between the Tabanan and Denpasar samples. The physical fitness of senior citizens in Tabanan and Denpasar improved significantly. Blood chemistry in the Tabanan sample was not significantly different after the program. In Denpasar, High-Density Lipoprotein and Low-Density Lipoprotein significantly improved. Brain function was significantly improved after the program. Conclusion: Health education using Japanese-style healthcare programs based on Balinese culture as non-pharmacological therapy has beneficial effects on physical fitness, blood chemistry and brain function in senior citizens in both urban and rural areas in Bali, Indonesia. It is suggested that senior citizens should continue our health education program to maintain their health.
Costs and Benefits of Improving Farm Animal Welfare

It costs money to improve the welfare of farm animals. For people with animals under their care, there are many factors to consider regarding changes in practice to improve welfare, and the optimal course of action is not always obvious. Decision support systems for animal welfare, such as economic cost–benefit analyses, are lacking. This review attempts to provide clarity around the costs and benefits of improving farm animal welfare, thereby enabling the people with animals under their care to make informed decisions. Many of the costs are obvious. For example, training of stockpeople, reconfiguration of pens, and administration of pain relief can improve welfare, and all incur costs. Other costs are less obvious. For instance, there may be substantial risks to market protection, consumer acceptance, and social licence to farm associated with not ensuring good animal welfare. The benefits of improving farm animal welfare are also difficult to evaluate from a purely economic perspective. Although it is widely recognised that animals with poor welfare are unlikely to produce at optimal levels, there may be benefits of improving animal welfare that extend beyond production gains. These include benefits to the animal, positive effects on the workforce, competitive advantage for businesses, mitigation of risk, and positive social consequences. We summarise these considerations into a decision tool that can assist people with farm animals under their care, and we highlight the need for further empirical evidence to improve decision-making in animal welfare.
Characteristics of human agency in liberal and Islamic religious education based on the national core curricula of Finland and Iran

ABSTRACT This article aims to identify and compare the characteristics of human agency in liberal and Islamic religious education, comparing Iran as a religious context influenced by Islamic state ideology with Finland as a liberal context and a secular state ideology. This comparison will be accomplished by document analysis of the national curricula for education in Iran and Finland. Methodologically, a comparative study and a deductive content-analysis approach will be employed. The paper will provide an analytical framework for human agency mainly based on Biesta’s and Halstead’s views as interpreters of liberal perspectives and Bagheri’s view as an Islamic scholar. The comparison will be considered in the light of three categories: the foundation of agency, the requirements of agency and the educational consequences of agency. The results show that in all curriculum documents human agency is always considered but with distinct concepts and emphasis. In Iran, the focus is on spiritual aspects based on wisdom whereas in Finland the focus is on social aspects based on pure reasoning. The study suggests some points about the compatibility of Islam and liberal thought through the concept of human agency.
Mandatory CSR Disclosure, CSR Assurance, and the Cost of Debt Capital: Evidence from Taiwan

This study examined the impact of mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure, CSR assurance and the reputation of assurance providers (accounting firms) on the cost of debt capital. Our difference-in-difference research design in conjunction with univariate and multiple regression analysis was assessed using a large sample of firms listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and the Taipei Exchange. Our empirical results revealed that mandatory CSR assurance on CSR disclosure provided by accounting firms tended to reduce the cost of debt capital. However, contrary to expectations, the reputation of the accounting firm (Big 4 accounting firms vs. non-Big 4 accounting firms) tasked with providing CSR assurance did not have a significant effect on the cost of debt capital. These results have implications for firms seeking an assurance provider as well as for Big 4 accounting firms. These results also provide specific evidence relevant to government agencies seeking to update policies and extend the scope of mandatory CSR assurance to other environmentally sensitive industries.
Integrated remediation approach for metal polluted soils using plants, nanomaterials and root-associated bacteria

Abstract Soil is a major sink for heavy metals released into the environment. The remediation of Pb-polluted soils brings a techno-economical challenge for researchers and decision makers. Phytoremediation enhanced by PGPR or nanomaterials, individually, have been studied to remove contaminants such as heavy metals from soil, but association of both PGPR and nanomaterials in phytoremediation of Pb contaminated soil has remained scant.Association of plants, nanomaterials and plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPR) was investigated for the first time in this research to support remediation of Pb, while optimizing the quantity of used nanomaterials. Seedlings of S. bicolor were exposed to different regimes of TiO2 NPs (0, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) and the PGPR, separately and in combination, to investigate the effects on plant growth, Pb uptake and accumulation and physiological response of the plant in contaminated soil. Greater accumulation of Pb in the roots compared to the shoots of S. bicolor was observed in all treatments. Application of PGPR enhanced Pb uptake by roots. Using TiO2 NPs significantly increased accumulation capacity of S. bicolor for Pb with the greatest accumulation capacity of 1377.18 µg per pot achieved in the “PGPR + 500 mg/kg TiO2 NPs” treatment (p < 0.05). Adverse effects of using high concentration of TiO2 NPs i.e., 1000 mg/kg were found on plant growth and phytoremediation performance. Significant beneficial effect of integrated use of TiO2 NPs and PGPR on plant photosynthesis was also found. Promoted physiological response like relative growth and production of chlorophyll content was found for plants treated with association of TiO2 NPs and the PGPR. Co-application of TiO2 NPs and PGPR could reduce the required amounts of TiO2 NPs for successful phytoremediation of heavy metalloid polluted soils. Results of this study presented a promising novel technique by combined application of TiO2 NPs and PGPR in phytoremediation of Pb contaminated soils. Intelligent uses of plants in accompany with nanomaterials and PGPR have great application prospects in dealing with soil remediation. Graphical Abstract
Do Strong Stakeholders Keep Firms Out of Trouble? Evidence From Major Customer Relationships

We examine whether economic links with major customers, a group of strong stakeholders, act as a deterrent to corporate misconduct. We show that firms with a concentrated customer base are less likely to commit misconduct and face lower penalties. These findings continue to hold with numerous robustness checks and different attempts to mitigate endogeneity concerns. Consistent with a risk management motive of customers, the negative effect of customer concentration on corporate misconduct is more pronounced when perceived supplier misconduct risk is higher, and firms with a concentrated customer base don’t do more corporate goodness. Exploring underlying economic mechanisms, we find that firms with major customers exhibit improved worker safety, more employee-friendly workplace practices, and less aggressive financial and investment policies. We also provide suggestive evidence that major customers discipline supplier misconduct through both external influence and internal control.
Comprehensive changes of nutritional
 constituents and antioxidant activities of ginseng
 sprouts according to the roasting
 process

This study comprehensively investigated the physicochemical properties, nutritional constituents, and antioxidant activity of ginseng sprouts (GS) according to the roasting process. The fatty acid and mineral contents of GS were almost unchanged, but the free amino acid contents decreased. Moreover, ginsenoside contents decreased during the roasting process, whereas total phenolics and flavonoids, Maillard reaction products, phenolic acid and flavonol contents increased. In particular, the contents of ginsenoside Re, Rb1, and Rd decreased by 41%/18%, 32%/30%, and 13%/23% (above/below ground), respectively, during roasting. In contrast, the values of Rg3, compound K, chlorogenic acid, epigallocatechin, and quercetin increased by 167%/229%, 287%/196%, 190%/231%, 370%/229%, and 250%/387% (above/below ground), respectively. Finally, the antioxidant effects of DPPH and ABTS, the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and the ferric reducing/antioxidant power of GS increased during the roasting process.
Transformational Leadership on Employee Creativity in Five-Star Hotels in Sri Lanka: Moderating Role of Personal Initiatives

The study focused on the moderating role of personal initiative in projecting employees' creativity through transformational leadership in five-star hotels in Sri Lanka. The data was collected from a sample of 312 employees and their immediate supervisors were collected and analyzed. The outcomes reveal that the transformational leadership style enhances creativity among their followers. Besides, a significant moderating role of the personal initiative was found in the association between transformational leadership and employee creativity. The outcomes highlighted the influence of employees' creativity working under transformational leaders when they perceive high personal initiative.