Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EEM-MAC: Enhanced Energy E�cient Mobility aware MAC protocol for Mobile Internet of Things

: Mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs) have become a foremost solution in many emerging applications both in industry and academia. Moreover, considering the mobile node in WSN is a challenging task to designing efficient communication protocols, specifically at a medium access control (MAC) layer. Most of the existing protocols consider only for static and slow mobility. To meet with future MIoT applications, in this paper we propose Enhanced Energy Efficient Mobility aware MAC (EMM-MAC) protocol. Our EMM-MAC protocol consists of 3 contributions i) static synchronization and mobility handling phase to support both environments, ii) By using queue length-based channel access priority for static nodes, and iii) the combined highest signal strength and node status-based channel access priority for mobile nodes without any control packet overhead. The simulation results verify that EMM-MAC yields a notable improvement in the average power consumption, packet latency, and packet
Use of off-label and unlicensed drugs in pediatric patients: A longitudinal prevalence survey from Lahore, Pakistan

Purpose: To assess the extent of use of unlicensed/off-label drug in the children hospitalized in The Children’s Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A prospective prevalence study was carried out in the selected hospital. A total of 1946 pediatric patients were hospitalized during study period. The patients’ demographic data and unlicensed/off-label drug use were noted by the researcher using a structured questionnaire and then analyzed. Results: During the survey period, 102 (5.24 %) pediatric patients received at least one off-label drug/unlicensed drug. The unlicensed drug was administered to 65 patients (63.7 %) while off-label drug was administered to 37 patients (36.3%). Milrinone (23.5%) was the most frequently prescribed unlicensed drug. Conclusion: The administration of unlicensed/off-label drug to treat different diseases in pediatric population is widespread in the health facility studied. These findings will provide guidance to new researchers in clinical trials, especially on cardiovascular drugs, opioid analgesic, antiemetic and anticancer drugs.
Optimized Application of Sustainable Development Strategy in International Engineering Project Management

The aim of this paper is to establish an international framework for sustainable project management in engineering, to make up the lack of research in this field, and to propose a scientific theoretical basis for the establishment of a new project management system. The article adopts literature review, mathematical programming algorithm and case study as the research method. The literature review applied the visual clustering research method and analyzed the results of 21-year research in this field. As a result, the project management system was found to have defects and deficiencies. A mathematical model was established to analyze the composition and elements of the optimized international project management system. The case study research selected large bridges for analysis and verified the superiority and practicability of the theoretical system. Thus, the goal of sustainable development of bridges was achieved. The value of this re-search lies in establishing a comprehensive international project management system model; truly integrating sustainable development with project management; providing new research frames and management models to promote the sustainable development of the construction industry.
A VAR analysis of the effects of Al-Shabaab’s pledge to Al-Qaeda on bombings and fatalities

ABSTRACT Pledging allegiance to a larger terrorist group is assumed to increase activities of religious terrorist groups because of cooperative relationships and further support. In a competing theory, a pledge to another group is viewed as symbolic to motivate a group’s supporters. Taking Al-Shabaab terrorism as a case, the current study tests the extent to which those competing theories are valid for frequencies of bombings and relevant fatalities. Even though Al-Shabaab pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda since 2012, the literature lacks an empirical test of whether or not a significant change occurred in Al-Shabaab’s attacks after the pledge. Drawing on data from the Global Terrorism Database results from our vector autoregressive (VAR) analysis indicate that the frequency and lethality of Al-Shabaab’s bombing attacks and fatalities did not change significantly in the post-pledge period. The contributions of our findings to the terrorism literature are discussed and policy implications for counterterrorism efforts are considered.
Impact of Price, Product Quality, and Promotion on Consumer Satisfaction in Cosmetics and Skincare

Currently, cosmetics are one of the important needs for most women. In addition to beauty reasons, cosmetics are often associated with professionalism where professional workers are required to look attractive so that the use of cosmetics is one way to support appearance. The purpose of the study was to determine and analyze the effect of price, product quality, and promotion on consumer satisfaction at Alfabelenskin Pusat Banyuwangi. This research is a quantitative descriptive study using purposive sampling method with a sample of 100 respondents. Validity test and reliability test are used to test the measuring instrument in the form of a questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the effect of independent variables consisting of price, product quality, and promotion on customer satisfaction. The results showed that price, product quality and promotion had a positive and significant influence on consumer satisfaction at Alfabelenskin Pusat Banyuwangi
The Relation Between Trading Volume Concentration and Stock Returns

The Taiwan Stock Exchange discloses data on daily trading volume across brokerage firms for each listed stock. Market practitioners suggest that the concentration of trading volume contains information on the trading behaviors of big players. We use the Gini Coefficient to measure the degree of concentration, upon which a trading strategy is proposed. We conduct an event study to examine whether such a strategy will yield abnormal returns. Our sample contains 375 listed companies with events identified during the sample period from February 2020 to August 2020. The empirical results show that the trading signal based on the Gini coefficient is informative and that most of the average abnormal returns after the event date are significantly positive with the cumulative average abnormal returns increasing almost monotonically up to the end day of the event window. Consistent with prior studies in which different measures of concentration are utilized, our findings provide additional evidence that the Gini Coefficient could help investors to develop profitable stock selection and market timing strategies.
Clinical And Plantar Fascial Morphologic Changes After Proximal Medial Gastrocnemius Release Treatment of Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used as a diagnostic and prognostic instrument to evaluate the results of conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis. However, there are scarce data available relative to changes in the plantar fascia after operative treatment. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the imaging changes in patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis treated operatively by means of proximal medial gastrocnemius release. Methods: Thirteen patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis were studied with MRI preoperatively and 1 year after operative treatment. Quantitative (plantar fascia thickness) and qualitative variables (hyperintensity in the plantar fascia, insertional calcaneus bone edema, a plantar fascia tear, and the presence of perifascial collections) were assessed by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists. Clinical results were also measured with American Orthopaedic Ankle & Society (AOFAS), visual analog scale (VAS) pain, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scales. Results: The mean plantar fascia thickness was 6.59 mm preoperatively and 6.37 mm postoperatively (P = .972). No statistically significant differences were found in any of the qualitative variables on comparing the pre- and postoperative periods. Patients reported clinical improvements in pain VAS, AOFAS measurement, and the physical subdomains of the SF-36 scale. Conclusion: Quantitative and qualitative variables assessed for the plantar fascia on MRI did not show any significant change after medial gastrocnemius release despite clear clinical improvement. Level of Evidence: Level II, perspective cohort study.
Analysis of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Bismuth-Doped SAC305 Lead-Free Solder Alloy at High Temperature

SAC305 lead-free solder alloy is widely used in the electronic industry. However, the problems associated with the growth formation of intermetallic compounds need further research, especially at high temperatures. This study investigates the doping of Bismuth into SAC305 in the various compositions of 1, 2, and 3 wt. %. The microstructure in terms of intermetallic compound particles and mechanical properties was examined after thermal aging at temperatures of 100 °C and 200 °C for 60 h. The microstructure examination was observed using scanning electron microscopy, and the chemical composition of each alloy was confirmed with an energy dispersive X-ray. Tensile tests were performed to find the mechanical properties such as yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. The intermetallic compound’s phase analysis was identified using X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry was done to study the temperature curves for melting points. Results showed that the addition of Bismuth refined the microstructure by suppressing the growth of intermetallic compounds, which subsequently improved the mechanical properties. The thermal aging made the microstructure coarsen and degraded the mechanical properties. However, the most improved performance was observed with a Bismuth addition of 3 wt. % into SAC305. Furthermore, a decrease in the melting temperature was observed, especially at Bismuth compositions of 3 wt. %.
Avoidance, ambiguity, alternation: Position blurring strategies in multidimensional party competition

In a multidimensional environment, parties may have compelling incentives to obscure their preferences on select issues. This study contributes to a growing literature on position blurring by demonstrating how party leaders purposively create uncertainty about where their party stands on the issue of European integration. By doing so, it theoretically and empirically disentangles the cause of position blurring—parties’ strategic behavior—from its intended political outcome. The analysis of survey and manifesto data across 14 Western European countries (1999–2019) confirms that three distinct strategies—avoidance, ambiguity, and alternation—all increase expert uncertainty about a party's position. This finding is then unpacked by examining for whom avoidance is particularly effective. This study has important implications for our understanding of party strategy, democratic representation, and political accountability.
Effect of dietary inulin in the gut microbiota of whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei

The effect of dietary inulin on the intestinal bacterial communities of Penaeus vannamei by 16S metagenomic analysis was assessed. PCR amplified the V3 region of the bacterial 16S rDNA. Sequencing reads were generated using the 2×150 (300 cycles) for the base-read length chemistry of the Illumina MiniSeq platform. The software Shaman and MicrobiomeAnalyst were used to analyze the sequences. The phylum Proteobacteria and the genus Vibrio were among the most abundant taxonomic ranks for control and inulin treatment. The relative abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes and genus Ruegeria was lower in inulin treatment concerning the control condition. Alpha and beta indices did not show significant differences between inulin treatment and control conditions. For all samples, most of the bacterial organisms showed the presence of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism-related genes, and to a lesser extent, of energy, lipid, and cofactors and vitamin metabolism-related genes. The principal metabolic functions were glycine, serine, threonine, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate, purine, pyrimidine, pyruvate, and quorum sensing. The interaction network analysis showed fewer interactions in the inulin treatment concerning control condition. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Vibrio, and Ruegeria predominated in all samples, and inulin did not change the net microbial diversity in the intestine of P. vannamei. Streptomyces, Roseobacter, and Ruegeria showed negative interactions with Vibrio, suggesting their use as probiotics. This study sheds light on the inulin supplement on the essential role of microbiota in the shrimp.
Graphene nanoplatelets: Thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity by the flash method

The present work deals with the measurement of thermo-physical properties of a freestanding sheet of graphene (thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity), and their dependence on sample density as result of uniform mechanical compression. Thermal diffusivity of graphene nano-platelets (thin slabs) was measured by the pulse flash method. Obtained response data were processed with a specifically developed least square data processing algorithm. GNP specific heat was assumed from literature and thermal conductivity derived from thermal diffusivity, specific heat and density. Obtained results show a significant difference with respect to other porous media: the thermal diffusivity decreases as the density increases, while thermal conductivity increases for low and high densities, and remain fairly constant for the intermediate range. This can be explained by the very high thermal conductivity values reached by the nano-layers of graphene and the peculiar arrangement of platelets during the compression appl.
The exclusionary character of remote teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. An exploration of the challenges faced by rural-based University of KwaZulu Natal students

Abstract Covid-19 has altered the way countries operate in unprecedented ways. In Africa, South Africa is leading in terms of the number of infected cases. The lockdown that was introduced in March 2020 meant that all sectors except the essential services grounded to a halt as a containment measure. The education sector at both the basic and tertiary levels was also affected. Even though higher education in South Africa continues to be among the best in Africa and beyond, students enrolled in higher education come from diverse backgrounds. Students represent different classes, cultural diversity, and varying levels of computer literacy. The call to exclusively migrate learning to digital platforms remains a practical solution to salvage a difficult situation in many ways. However, not all students have the capacity to actively participate in digital learning for varying reasons. This paper focuses on rural-based UKZN first-year students. It draws from data collected through telephonic interviews. The contribution of the paper is twofold. Firstly, it addresses the rural-based students’ experiences with the exclusivity of electronic-based platforms adopted for teaching and learning at UKZN. Secondly, it contends that the acclaimed ‘one size fits all’ remote teaching and learning appears to be ‘phony’ and ‘counterproductive’ because it failed to address the pertinent needs of rural-based UKZN first-year students. The major question raised thus is whether online teaching is meant to reinforce the already existing geo-spatial inequalities in the education system of South Africa or is genuinely meant to salvage an already dire situation.
COVID-19 stress, health issues, and correlations with different genders and age groups

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study was conducted during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and aimed to investigate how perceived vulnerability to COVID-19 at the early stages of the pandemic is associated with perceptions of stress and accompanying health issues among different population groups. This study found the top five stressors for the sample population: difficulties/problems with work; social media news, emotional problems; non-social media news; and financial issues. The ANOVA test reveals that female respondents were impacted by the stressors at a higher degree than male respondents. This study found that female respondents were impacted by interpersonal stressors (relationships with friends and emotional problems) to a higher degree than male respondents. The ANOVA analysis shows that young adults had higher mean values in the perception of the following stressors during the COVID-19 crisis: emotional problems, family problems, difficulties/problems with work, and unemployment. Learning about how people perceive COVID-19 related stress and its impact on their health, particularly in the pandemic early and the most uncertain stages, can allow business and health professionals to develop targeted interventions for different population groups, including strategies that can influence pandemic preventative behavioural patterns.
Investigation of Characteristics of a Novel Torque Motor Based on an Annulus Air Gap

Although a two-dimensional (2D) valve has excellent performance, the processing of its spiral groove has a high cost and is time-consuming. This paper proposes a novel torque motor based on an annulus air gap (TMAAG) to replace the negative feedback function of the spiral groove to reduce the machining difficulty. In order to study the torque change law of the TMAAG, the air gap permeance was analyzed, and then a qualitative analytical model was established. Orthogonal tests were carried out to initially select the crucial parameters, which were further optimized through a back propagation (BP) neural network and genetic algorithm. The prototype of TMAAG was machined, and a special experimental platform was built, and experiment results are similar to the simulation values, which verifies the accuracy of the air gap analysis and qualitative model. For torque-angle characteristics, the output torque increases with both current and rotation angle and reaches about 0.754 N·m with 2 A and 1.5°. While for torque-displacement characteristics, due to the negative feedback mechanism, the output torque decreases with increasing armature displacement, which is about 0.084 N·m with 2 A and 1 mm. The research validates the unique negative feedback mechanism of the TMAAG and indicates that it can be potentially used as an electro-mechanical converter of a 2D valve.
Integrated Health Care and Value Co-Creation: A Beneficial Fusion to Improve Patient Outcomes and Service Efficacy

This conceptual article integrates value co-creation concepts with dimensions of integrated care demonstrating how a marketing framework and a framework originated in health can achieve a beneficial fusion to enhance health outcomes. Using midwifery health care services as the context, we contend that integrated care models focus only on co-production overlooking the complex, value co-creation potential of value-in-use for improved health outcomes. We add four new dimensions of value-in-use: client–provider shared principles, client agency, empowerment, and relationship equality. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, a value co-creation perspective advances our understanding of the activities and processes of integrated care at the various levels in the patient’s lifeworld beyond the patient–carer interface. We argue that adding value-in-use dimensions to health care’s integrated care model adds conceptual clarity and will improve service delivery and patient health care outcomes.
WAIS-IV short form applied to a mixed neurological Swedish clinical sample

Abstract The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, fourth version (WAIS-IV), is a frequently used instrument for neuropsychological assessment. The aim was to assess the degree of conformity between the Scandinavian adaptation of the WAIS-IV and a short form of this scale (SF) in a mixed sample of neurological diagnoses. The SF comprised Block Design, Similarities, Digit Span, Arithmetic, Information, Digit Symbol (in the WAIS-IV named Coding), and Picture Completion, the latter here replaced by Matrix Reasoning. The sample consisted of 150 patients and included multiple sclerosis (n = 27), brain tumor (n = 15), traumatic brain injury (n = 60) and vascular brain damage (n = 48). There was a lack of congruence between the WAIS-IV and the SF in the entire sample, revealing selectively significantly higher scores for the SF on Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) and Processing Speed Index (PSI). On a diagnostic group level, the discrepancies were as follows: in the traumatic brain injury group on FSIQ, Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) and PSI, in the vascular damage group the FSIQ was significantly higher on SF compared to the WAIS-IV. Since the results revealed several mismatches between the SF and the WAIS-IV, except for the MS and traumatic brain tumor group, there is a lack of interchangeability between these two sets of tests. Thus, generally the SF cannot be recommended as a substitute for the WAIS-IV in this type of mixed Swedish neurological sample. The small sample sizes make the generalizability of this study limited.
Orbital Cellulitis in West Texas

Purpose: Identify the risk factors, microbiology, complications, and treatment outcomes of orbital cellulitis in West Texas Study type: Retrospective chart review Main findings: 46 patients over a 10-year period were treated for orbital cellulitis. The majority of patients were adult and male. The most common causative organisms were staphylococcus aureus and polymicrobial infections. Abscess formation, either subperiosteal or intraorbital, were the most common complications. The majority of patients regained normal visual acuity following resolution of the infection. Conclusion: Prompt treatment of orbital cellulitis results in limited complications and resolution of visual loss
Effects of affective arousal on risky sexual decision-making in US emerging adult college students

ABSTRACT Affect has been linked to risky sexual decision-making and may be particularly important for college students. Research has overlooked the role of affective arousal, rather focusing exclusively on affective valence. Other decision-making factors that may be impacted by affective states, such as sexual abdication (i.e. yielding sexual decision-making), have also been disregarded. Using a 2 × 2 randomized-factorial design, this experimental study investigated the effects of affective arousal on intentions to engage in condomless sex with heterosexual college students (N = 136; 50% women). Potential indirect effects of sexual abdication were also explored. Results demonstrated no main effect of affective arousal on intentions to engage in condomless sex, yet indicated an indirect effect through sexual abdication. This is the first experimental data about the relationship between affective arousal and sexual decision-making. Findings suggest affective causes of sexual risk warrant further investigation.