Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Curbing cost overruns in infrastructure investment

Infrastructure projects around the world have long been notorious for exceeding their budgets. To address persistent cost overruns, the American Planning Association urged planners to adopt reference class forecasting alongside traditional methods but the practice has not caught on in the U.S. Conversely, the U.K. adopted Kahneman’s Nobel Prize-winning theory to challenge biases in human judgment and mandated reference class forecasting for major projects in 2003. Has reference class forecasting, originally developed to rectify honest mistakes, brought the promised success in the public sector wherein political pressure is significant? Through before-and-after and with-and-without comparisons of 107 major projects, this empirical study examines the practical relevance of reference class forecasting for infrastructure investments. A before-and-after comparison reveals that the average cost overrun declined from 38% to 5% following the introduction of reference class forecasting. A with-and-without comparison also demonstrates that the U.K. surpassed its targeted probability of completing projects within budget by 12% using reference class forecasting, whereas the U.S. underperformed by 17%. Thus, reference class forecasting has engendered notable improvements in estimation in the U.K. This empirical study demonstrates the benefits of supplementing or replacing the current forecasting method. The findings can be used to reduce substantial financial risks for the government as well as social and economic welfare losses for society.
Oral Health-related Quality of Life in Patients with Irreversible Pulpits

Aims: Toothache can deteriorate the quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients with irreversible pulpitis before and after root canal therapy using the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 100 patients (64 females and 36 males) with painful irreversible pulpitis who seeking treatment. Data were collected using demographic andOHIP-14 questionnaires and a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: The mean OHIP score changed from 15.89±9.42 to 1.49±2.64, with improvement in the quality of life (p<0.0001). The mean pain score decreased from 5.61±2.87 to 0.17±0.53 postoperatively (P<0.0001). Before treatment, physical pain and psychological disability domains had the greatest adverse effect on the quality of life. Preoperatively, the pain related to mandibular teeth was higher than that of maxillary teeth (p<0.04). Males (β =0.466, P<0.0001) and lower education (β=1.3, P=0.026) show better change in OHIP. The impact of root canal therapy on the level of pain was still significant after controlling for demographic and oral-dental variables (β=5.4, P<0.0001) Conclusion: root canal therapy significantly improves the quality of life in all related aspects by alleviating dental pain.
Effect of In Vitro Digestion on the Antioxidant and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE)-Inhibitory Potential of Buffalo Milk Processed Cheddar Cheese

The purpose of this study was to develop an in-vitro digestion protocol to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the peptides found in processed cheddar cheese using digestion enzymes. We studied first antioxidant and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and antioxidant activities of processed cheddar cheese with the addition of spices e.g. cumin, clove and black pepper made from buffalo milk and ripened for 9 months. Then we conducted an in vitro digestion of processed cheddar cheese by gastric and duodenal enzymes. Freeze dried water (WSE) and ethanol soluble fractions (ESE) of processed cheddar cheese were also monitored for their ACE inhibition activity and antioxidant activities. In our preliminary experiments, different levels of spices (cumin, clove and black pepper) were tested into cheese matrix and only one level 0.2g/100g (0.2%) on the basis of cheese weight was considered good concerning sensory evaluation. Significant increase in ACE-inhibition (%) of processed Cheddar cheese as well as its WSE and ESE was obtained. Lower IC50 values were found after duodenal phase digestion compared to oral phase digestion.
Fostering innovation and involvement among Korean workers in problem solving through trust and psychological safety: the role of paradoxical leader behaviours

ABSTRACT This study examines the paradoxical leader behaviours’ (PLB) effect upon generating a favourable environment for workers’ participation in innovation and problem-solving activities. We hypothesize that PLB will affect workers’ trust in management. Trust will then lead to psychological safety, which will encourage workers’ innovative behaviours and participation in problem-solving activities. Survey results from 214 Korean workers confirmed these hypotheses. This is one of the leading studies in examining PLB through an empirical study, and the results should encourage researchers and practitioners alike to take a careful note of the construct and its practical applications.
On the enormous enhancement in water evaporation rates obtained by employing a different polar ambient

Enhancing evaporation rates are of great practical interest in many technological applications, such as water desalination or drying in industry. Evaporation mass flux is a function of ambient temperature, relative humidity, and velocity of the air passing over it. Since the conventional methods of increasing evaporation, namely increasing temperature, surface area, and so on, may not be always practically feasible or economical, novel methods of evaporation enhancement are necessary. The current study proposes that the introduction of a polar gas ambient above an evaporating liquid can drastically enhance its evaporation rate when the dipole moments of the evaporating liquid and the ambient gas are comparable. Thus, we explore the possibility of evaporation enhancement of water by introducing a polar Tetrafluoroethane gas ambient. The weight loss of water due to evaporation as well as the ambient temperature and air circulation conditions were measured. For each case, a companion experiment was carried out simultaneously under the same ambient conditions but without the presence of polar gas ambient. Each experiment lasted for 4 h. The evaporation rate has been found to be crucially dependent upon the polar gas ambient, the temperature as well as circulation conditions. Depending upon the temperature and circulation conditions, an enhancement of 59%–373% in evaporation rate has been recorded by the introduction of tetrafluoroethane gas ambient over the water surface. Some insights into the underlying mechanisms have been suggested in light of the physics of the evaporation process. Finally, some comparisons in the measured enhancement in evaporation rates under different experimental conditions are observed to concur with the suggested physical mechanism.
Examining the nonlinear impact of the banking sector on economic growth: evidence from China’s Provinces

ABSTRACT This study examines the nonlinear impact of banking sector development on economic growth in China’s provinces from 1990 to 2017 using dynamic panel estimators. China has experienced rapid economic growth since its reforms; however, China has a repressed financial system as its banking sector reforms have lagged behind other reforms. Meanwhile, the finance-growth literature traditionally posits a positive relationship between the two. Consequently, China presents an interesting case study on the relationship between banking sector development and economic growth. This study investigates whether the relationship is nonlinear, and identifies whether a threshold level exists, where the impact of the banking sector becomes insignificant or negative. The results show that the relationship between banking sector development and growth is nonlinear, suggesting that there is an optimal level. Furthermore, the results show that high levels of banking sector development crowd out the positive impact of private investment. Policy implications are discussed.
High Pollen Sterility Relatable to Structural Heterozygosity, and SEM Study in Poison Devil Tree (Alstonia venenata R.Br.)

Alstonia venenata R. Br. (Family: Apocynaceae), a paleoendemic under ex situ conservation in north India has been cytologically investigated for chromosome counts. This study recorded chromosome count (n=11) for the species. The species existed at the diploid level. Most chromosomes were involved in the bivalent formation (67.65%) of the pollen mother cells (PMCs) observed at meiosis. However, two additional types (7ll+2IV and 9II+1IV) of chromosome association (multivalents) were observed in 32.35% of PMCs. The quadrivalents formed as a consequence of reciprocal translocations are either ring or chain type. Chiasma frequency is also studied. PMCs with more multivalents depicted relatively higher chiasma frequency than others. These chromosome associations resulted in high pollen sterility (80.33%). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis has also been performed in pollen grains. Here in this paper, we are also presenting first time analysis of the meiotic course and occurrence of multivalents in an accession of the species. We also discuss the previous cytological studies done in the genus Alstonia. In spite of the occurrence of high pollen sterility, seed setting is normal which shows that the species has acclimatized to a greater extent in north India climatic conditions.
RETINAL NEURODEGENERATION IN PATIENTS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND ALZHEIMER S DISEASE AN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY STUDY

Introduction: Recent developments suggest that optical coherence tomography can play an important role in diagnosing and following-up neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. This study evaluates optical coherence tomography findings in mild cognitive impairment and middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease patients. Materials and Method: Seventy patients with amnestic type mild cognitive impairment, 54 patients with middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease, and 54 cognitively healthy individuals were included. All study participants were evaluated with neuropsychological tests, ophthalmological examination, and optical coherence tomography. Ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses were measured, and comparisons were made between groups. Results: Inferior temporal and inferior retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses were thinner in the middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease group than in the control and mild cognitive impairment groups. After statistical corrections, the inferior and inferior temporal retinal nerve fiber layers were thinner in the middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease group compared to the control and mild cognitive impairment groups. Besides, the nasal and nasal lower retinal nerve fiber layers were thicker than the control group. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of mean, superior and inferior ganglion cell complex thickness. Conclusion: The results showed that retinal axon loss might develop in Alzheimer’s disease. This loss may be focal, and the inferior temporal region may have selective sensitivity. Optical coherence tomography might reflect the neuropathological process in Alzheimer’s disease, contribute to the diagnosis and follow-up. However, it is not helpful in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease because of the lack of difference between mild cognitive impairment and control groups.
The Effectiveness of Official Methods to Measure the Real Glazing Percentage in Frozen Seafood: An Analysis with Frozen Pacific White Shrimp (L. vannamei)

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of official methods to quantify the real glazing percentage in frozen Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) with different glazing percentages. Samples of frozen peeled shrimp were glazed with cold water (0 ± 1°C) at glazing levels of 15, 30, 40, 50, and 60%. The glazing percentage was quantified based on Brazilian methodologies (INMETRO and MAPA) and International methodologies (CODEX, AOAC, and NIST). The official methods were inefficient in quantifying the real glazing percentage, especially with regard to the samples containing higher glazing percentages (> 30%). As an alternative, changes were done to improve the glazing measurement method (mix of the best parameters from all methodologies), which best describes the reliable value of the glazing percentage of frozen shrimp samples and confirms that this methodology can be an alternative used by inspectors after collaborative study for validation. In this sense, a critical review and possible changes in the official methodologies may be suggested in order to improve them for use to combat economic fraud in the seafood frozen products.
Traditional Husbandry Practices of Goats in Selected Districts of Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to describe goat production system in two districts of Sidama zone of southern Ethiopia using two production systems. Semi-structured questionnaire was developed and employed to gather information regarding the management activities, purpose of keeping goats and selection criteria of farmers to select breeding animals. A total of 240 households were interviewed to collect relevant information for the study. Data collected from questionnaire was statistically analyzed and summarized into descriptive statistics. Indexes was calculated to clarify rankings by using indexes formula. The number goat population is more in Loka Abaya than Aroresa. The primary purpose of keeping goats study area are mainly for their milk, meat and income generation. The reproductive potential of Does reared in the Aroresa district was lower. Broad shoulders, compact frame and short and thick necks of the Bucks were considered as the most important characteristics for selection. Communal grazing and crop aftermath were the most common feed sources reported by farmers in the study area. River was the major water source for goats in the study districts. The major factors limiting the productivity of goats are feed shortage, diseases, labour shortage and lack of improved goat breeds.
Attachment, Religiosity, and Perceived Stress Among Religious Minorities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Impact of Cultural Context

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on stress levels around the world. In developing nations such as Pakistan, lack of resources and socioeconomic inequalities have compounded the negative impact of the pandemic, especially for minorities. Religion in the developing, collectivistic, Muslim-majority nation of Pakistan is a powerful identity marker inherited at birth and reflected in all identifying documents. A well-developed conceptual framework for religion is attachment to God, which has demonstrated strong predictive value for perceived stress in Western samples. Given the importance of other attachment relationships as well, this study has examined the predictive value of attachment to parents, attachment to God, and religiosity on perceived stress in Christian minorities within a Pakistani context. The sample consisted of 183 adult Christian Pakistanis. Multiple regression indicated that religiosity, attachment to father, and attachment to God were the strongest predictors of perceived stress, though not in the same pattern as expected in Western contexts. This finding demonstrates the importance of the impact of culture, attachment relationships, and religious context on perceived stress, indicating a need to consider both religion and culture in psychological care, as well as local and international public policy, to mitigate stress along minorities in developing nations in such uncertain times.
Exploring the Relationship Between Critical Access Hospitals and Rural County Health

Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) were developed as a model to improve the access and availability of hospital services in rural counties. There has been limited research on clinical outcomes to evaluate the impact of CAHs since they were authorized through the Balanced Budget Act. This study evaluates CAH’s performance on clinical outcomes, and compares health outcomes between rural counties with CAHs and rural counties without established federally supported hospitals. The American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Annual Survey Database was used to identify CAHs within rural counties and their characteristics. The County Health Rankings (CHR) data were used to quantify health outcomes by county. US rural counties with CAHs versus remaining US rural counties without CAHs were correlated with measures of Clinical Care (p < 0.001). US rural counties with CAHs presented greater health status with regard to All Health Outcomes, p < 0.0001; Length of Life, p < 0.0001; Quality of Life, p < 0.0001; All Health Factors, p < 0.0001; Health Behaviors, p < 0.0001; Social and Economic Environment, p < 0.0001 and Physical Environment, p < 0.0001, than compared to US rural counties without CAHs. Rural counties serviced by CAHs demonstrate better overall health status scores, on several CHR metrics, as compared to rural counties without CAHs. The only exception to this conclusion being that rural counties without CAHs performed superiorly in the CHR metrics related to primary care and mental health services, demonstrating capacities in which CAHs could improve the impact on health in the counties they serve.
Factors influencing the intention to give zakāt on employment income: evidence from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

PurposeThis study aims to apply the extended theory of planned behaviour (ETPB) to investigate the factors influencing the intention to give zakāt on employment income.Design/methodology/approachThis study draws the required data through a survey in three main cities Makkah, Medina and Jeddah in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The final data sample is consisting of 650 useable questionnaires to analyse the objective of this study.FindingsThe study finds that moral norm, injunctive norm, descriptive norm and past behaviour have a significant influence on the intention to pay zakāt on employment income. The perceived behavioural control and attitude have a negative and weak impact on the intention to give zakāt on income.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study can be useful for the policymakers and regulators to enhance peoples' awareness to give zakāt to eradicate poverty and inequality in Muslim societies. zakāt is for the deprived people, so the consequences of this study might help to improve their liveability.Originality/valueThis study is unique because it identified the behavioural factors that affect the peoples' intention to give zakāt in KSA have yet to be profoundly explored in the literature. This study has gathered primary data and applied the ETPB to identify the factors influencing the zakāt compliance behaviour in KSA.
Interpreting the Factors in Forming the Sense of Place: The Case of Kuzguncuk Neighbourhood, Istanbul

Purpose Over the past few decades, cities have been subject to dramatic interventions such as rapid developments, increased modernization and capitalist production of spaces. These changes, occurring in parallel with globalization, have changed the long-lasting environmental perception and damaged the sense of attachment by transforming urban spaces into unidentified areas. In this regard, the main purpose of this paper is to explore the components of the sense of place and identifying its factors under the changing conditions. This conception aims to develop an integrated proposal that provides a better understanding of fluxional urban areas. Design/Methodology/Approach The methodology of this study consists of two parts; literature review and, field survey which adopts a qualitative approach through a web-based survey and semi-structured short interviews with locals. Within this scope, by chronologically reviewing the literature, the first part of the article questions how the sense of place can be defined and what components can serve to define its perception. In the second part, Kuzguncuk, which is one of the historical and most liveable neighbourhoods of Istanbul, is examined as the case study of this research. Due to its recent designation as an urban transformation area, the study focuses on to reinterpret Kuzguncuk according to its residents’ sense of place. Findings After the findings are obtained and evaluated with a five-point Likert scale, the effect levels of the components on the quality of urban areas and the satisfaction of the people in the neighbourhood are determined. Research Limitations/Implications Due to the pandemic measures, the survey conducted to the residents of Kuzguncuk was carried out digitally, and the interviews were realized by taking into account social distance. Originality/Value This paper foresees to contribute to the literature by developing an empirical study on the concept of sense of place with its descriptive and interpretive approach. Further studies, which can utilize the results of this article, may answer questions about how the components related to sense of place sought out and reinterprets these factors over historical places.
Analysis of Rainfall and Temperature Variations between 1956 and 2016 for Papua New Guinea

The aim of the research was to assess the trend and variations in rainfall and temperature in Papua New Guinea between 1956 and 2016 (60 years) and project the trends from 2017 to 2047 (30 years). Meteorological data obtained from the World Bank Climate Database Headquarters in Washington, United States, from 1956 to 2016 were used in the models. The general linear model analysis was used to investigate the trend in both rainfall and temperature and to predict the future trends. Over the period of study period, 1956 to 2016, the study found that the climatic factors, rainfall and temperature pattern in Papua New Guinea have been changing. It was found that there is an increasing trend in rainfall and temperature. Projections revealed a further increase in rainfall and temperature into the future. Rainfall in Papua New Guinea has been increasing. The projection revealed that rainfall was trending upward with a linear model equation: Rainfall = 0.0093x + 252.38. The increased trend in rainfall suggests that there is an increased trend in evaporation and transpiration. For temperature, although it does not come down to zero and to negative at nights or go up to 40°C or 50°C during the day time as in other countries, the change is clear in the analysis made in the study that there is an increasing trend. If nothing is done to combat the current rate of climate change in the country, the increasing trend in rainfall and temperature would continue. This calls for immediate actions as the issue needs to be addressed in time. Therefore, it is recommended that the government of Papua New Guinea consider incorporating climate change policies into their development plans.