Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Economic, Labour, and Management Effects of COVID-19 on Rural Accommodation: An Application to a Rural European Province (Cáceres, Spain)

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the consumption habits of tourists to benefit sustainable destinations that are not overcrowded, such as rural tourism destinations. However, the periods of compulsory lockdown have had devastating effects on tourism businesses operating in rural areas and have even jeopardised their economic viability. The aim of this article is to quantify in relative terms the effects that the period of compulsory lockdown in a markedly tourist country, such as Spain, between March and May 2020 has had on rural accommodation in one of the most rural provinces of Spain (Cáceres). Based on a random sample of 225 rural accommodation establishments and the consideration of various factors, statistical techniques of comparison of means and proportions were used to detect differences in the intensity of the effects of the compulsory lockdown on the economic-financial management, bookings, facilities, and input of rural accommodation establishments in the province. The results obtained show that the economic, labour, and management effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural tourism businesses in the province of Cáceres have been very substantial. In particular, the businesses with the highest level of tourist services on supply, i.e., those that, in addition to accommodation, also offer other tourist activities, have been the most affected. In view of this situation, urgent emergency measures have been put in place at a provincial level to alleviate the economic loss and the destruction of jobs caused by this pandemic.
Near Real-Time Estimation of High Spatiotemporal Resolution Rainfall from Cloud Top Properties of the Msg Satellite and Commercial Microwave Link Rainfall Intensities

High spatiotemporal resolution rainfall is needed in predicting flash floods, local climate impact studies and agriculture management. Rainfall estimation techniques like satellites and the commercial microwave links (MWL) rainfall estimation have independently made significant advancements in high spatiotemporal resolution rainfall estimation. However, their combination for rainfall estimation has received little attention, while it could benefit many applications in ungauged areas. This study investigated the usability of the random forest (RF) algorithm trained with MWL rainfall and Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) based cloud top properties for estimating high spatiotemporal resolution rainfall in the sparsely gauged Kenyan Rift Valley. Our approach retrieved cloud top properties for use as predictor variables from rain areas estimated from the MSG data and estimated path average rainfall intensities from the MWL to serve as the target variable. We trained and validated the RF algorithm using parameters derived through optimal parameter tuning. The RF rainfall intensity estimates were compared with gauge, MWL, Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) and European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) Multisensor Precipitation Estimate (MPE) to evaluate its rainfall intensities from point and spatial perspectives. The results can be described as good, considering they were achieved in near real-time, pointing towards a promising rainfall estimation alternative based on the RF algorithm applied to MWL and MSG data. The applicative benefits of this technique could be huge, considering that many ungauged areas have a growing MWL network and MSG and, in the future, Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) coverage.
N-Graphene Sheet Stacks/Cu Electrocatalyst for CO2 Reduction to Ethylene

Renewable energy resources (wind, solar) are unpredictable, so it is wise to store the electricity they generate in an energy carrier X. Various PtX (power to useful energy-intensive raw material such as hydrogen, synthetic natural gas, fuel) applications have been proposed. At the heart of our work is widely used idea to convert residual CO2 from biogas plant into higher hydrocarbons using electricity from renewables (e.g., sun, wind, hydro). The specific goal is to produce ethylene-highly demanded hydrocarbon in plastics industry. The process itself is realised on electrocatalytic carbon/copper cathode which must be selective to reaction: 2CO2 + 12e− + 12H+→C2H4 + 4H2O. We propose a bottom-up approach to build catalyst from the smallest particles-graphene sheet stacks (GSS) coated with metallic copper nanocrystals. Composite GSS-Cu structure functions as a CO2 and proton absorber, facilitating hydrogenation and carbon–carbon coupling reactions on Cu-nanocluster/GSS for the formation of C2H4. In our design electrocatalytic electrode is made from nitrogen-doped graphene sheet stacks coated with copper nanostructures. The N-GSSitself can be drop-casted or electrophoretically incorporated onto the carbon paper and gas diffusion electrode. Electrochemical deposition method was recognized as successful and most promising to grow Cu nanocrystals on N-GSS incorporated in conducting carbon substrate. Gaseous products from CO2 electro-catalytic reformation on the cathode were investigated by mass-spectrometer but the electrode surface was analysed by SEM/EDS and XRD methods.
Impact of Rainfall on Tropical Cyclone‐Induced Sea Surface Cooling

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are often accompanied by strong winds and torrential rains. While the winds associated with TCs tend to enhance mixing in the upper ocean, the freshwater input from rain can stratify the water column and limit mixing. However, the extent to which the stabilizing effect of rainfall can compete with wind‐induced mixing and to what degree it modulates TC‐induced sea surface cooling remain unknown. Here we show, using a suite of observations, that heavy rains under weak TCs can significantly reduce the magnitude of cold wakes induced by them. When compared to storms with low rain rates, the ocean surface under TCs with high rain rates freshens significantly and cools less. High‐resolution climate model simulations and idealized experiments with an ocean mixed layer model support these results and reveal that oceanic mixing processes are primarily responsible for reduced cooling under TCs, with a lesser role for surface fluxes.
Identifying safety factors associated with crash frequency and severity on nonurban four-lane highway stretch in India

ABSTRACT Crash scenario in India is quite alarming and presents an urgent need to understand and mitigate the risk contributing factors leading to these crashes. This in turn depends on the reliable quality data pertaining to crashes and its injury severity correlated with other contributing factors available for scientific analysis and modelling of crashes. Here an attempt has been made to develop a scientific database with in-depth crash details required for modelling of crashes for divided four lane nonurban highway. This article describes the effect of safety factors including highway geometric parameters, traffic parameters, temporal parameters, environment parameters, and different land use types on monthly crashes and crash severity model for 3 years (2011–2014) National Highway crash data. The results of the analysis present the critical safety parameters that need to be considered for highway development projects in future. This article also highlights the need and significance of detailed crash information in analyzing the crashes and understanding the effect of different engineering, temporal, and environmental parameters on crashes occurring in India. Crash frequency was predicted using Poisson-gamma model and crash severity using ordered probit model using Bayesian inference. The study results are applied to rank hazardous crash locations and to develop crash modification factors.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Efficacy of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Advanced Melanoma

Simple Summary Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been shown to improve survival in patients with advanced melanoma; however, a proportion of patients do not experience durable clinical benefit with these agents. Findings from a previous study suggested that the use of proton pump inhibitors while receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors may lead to worse clinical outcomes. To validate those results, we performed this retrospective analysis using data from three clinical trials involving patients with advanced melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We found that there is not enough evidence to conclude that proton pump inhibitors influence the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Prospective studies are needed to conclusively determine if the use of proton pump inhibitors has any meaningful impact on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced melanoma. Abstract The impact of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on clinical outcomes with first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with metastatic melanoma was previously analyzed in the phase II study, CheckMate 069. This retrospective analysis utilized data from three phase II/III studies of first-line ICI therapy in untreated advanced melanoma: CheckMate 066, 067, and 069. All randomized patients with PPI use ≤ 30 days before initiating study treatment were included in the PPI-use subgroup. Possible associations between baseline PPI use and efficacy were evaluated within each treatment arm of each study using multivariable modeling. Approximately 20% of 1505 randomized patients across the studies reported baseline PPI use. The median follow-up was 52.6–58.5 months. Objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival analyses provided insufficient evidence of a meaningful association between PPI use and efficacy outcomes with nivolumab-plus-ipilimumab, nivolumab, or ipilimumab therapy. In five of the six ICI treatment arms, 95% confidence intervals for odds ratios or hazard ratios traversed 1. Significant associations were observed in the CheckMate 069 combination arm between PPI use and poorer ORR and PFS. This multivariable analysis found insufficient evidence to support meaningful associations between PPI use and ICI efficacy in patients with advanced melanoma.
The Role of Multiple Large Shareholders in Dividend Payouts: Evidence from India

This study examines the impact of multiple large shareholders (MLS) on a firm’s dividend payouts in a low-investor protection regime, India, where minority shareholders’ expropriation concerns are severe and firms have an incentive to build a capital market reputation. Therefore, we purport for the prevalence of the substitution hypothesis, whereby MLS cooperate in paying larger dividends to assuage expropriation concerns for reputation-building. The empirical analysis using non-financial firms with MLS listed on NIFTY 500 from 2009 to 2019 yields that both the controlling owner and MLS positively influence dividend payout intensity. Additional analyses also demonstrate that the positive effect of MLS is prominent in growing firms that undertake equity issuances and firms with lower board independence. We also find that firms make relatively lower payouts when an institutional investor is the second largest shareholder. Further, it is shown that MLS engage in greater dividend smoothing. Lastly, it is observed that dividends are more valuable for firms with higher MLS ownership. Altogether, these findings support the substitution hypothesis.
Perceived Exertion during Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity While Mask Wearing: A Quantitative and Qualitative Pilot Study

There is limited research examining the perception of exertion during exercise while wearing a facemask. The current study examined if mask usage during moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) changed the self-reported perception of exertion. Seventy-two adults (18 years and older) who were physically active before the COVID-19 pandemic completed a questionnaire that assessed exercise habits and perceptions of mask wearing during MVPA. Participants reported their ratings of perceived exertion (RPE, on a scale of 1–10) while exercising. Wearing a mask resulted in higher RPE vs. no mask during both vigorous (8.4 ± 0.2 vs. 7.4 ± 0.1; p < 0.001) and moderate PA (6.6 ± 0.2 vs. 5.6 ± 0.2; p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis revealed mostly negative perceptions of exercising while wearing a mask, including respiratory issues, detriments to cardiovascular endurance, and general discomfort. A total of 40% of participants reported that they stopped exercising in an indoor/public setting because of a mask mandate in their region. Participants reported participating in less vigorous PA (4.7 ± 0.4 vs. 4.0 ± 0.4 h/week; p = 0.046), but not less moderate PA (3.3 ± 0.3 vs. 3.0 ± 0.3 h/week; p = 0.443) pre vs. during the pandemic. Our study suggests that facemask usage during MVPA causes an increase in RPE and may be one reason for a decrease in vigorous PA during the COVID-19 pandemic.
EVALUATION OF THE PREEMPTIVE ANALGESIC EFFICACY OF ULTRASOUND GUIDED QUADRATUS LUMBORUM BLOCK IN NEPHRECTOMY

: Background: Nephrectomy is a particularly painful procedure especially the open type rather than the laparoscopic type. There are multiple techniques for postoperative pain management after nephrectomy; opioid therapy, neuraxial analgesia and Quadratus lumborum block. Aim of the study: to evaluate the preemptive analgesic efficacy of ultrasound guided lateral quadratus lumborum block during the intraoperative period of nephrectomy regarding opioids sparing effect and at the early postoperative period regarding pain relief, early mobilization and opioids sparing effect. Patients and Methods: This study included forty patients aging 18-65 years old, admitted to operating room in Ain Shams University hospitals for elective open and simple nephrectomy. The patients were divided into two equal groups, Group 1: The patients received general anesthesia with conventional pain management by intravenous opioids, Group 2 : received preoperative unilateral ultrasound guided quadratus lumborum block using 0.4 ml/kg bupivacaine 0.25% combined with general anesthesia. Results: The current study showed significant decrease of the opioid consumption in the patients of the quadratus lumborum block group in both the intraoperative and postoperative periods with less pain score compared to the patients of the opioid group. Conclusion: Our results showed that the ultrasound guided quadratus lumborum block was an effective technique in providing preemptive analgesia in patients undergoing nephrectomy surgery. The patients who received QLB required less intraoperative and postoperative analgesic requirements, as well as postoperative rescue analgesia.
Valsalva Maneuver: Reducing Procedural Pain and Anxiety for Patients Undergoing Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation

Introduction: Peripheral intravenous cannulation is one of the most prevalent invasive procedures used to treat diseases and it is often painful and distressing for the patients. In patients undergoing IV cannulation the valsalva maneuver is helpful in minimizing pain and anxiety Aim : Evaluate the effectiveness of valsalva maneuver on procedural pain and anxiety for patients undergoing peripheral venous cannulation. Methods : A quasi-experimental research design was utilized to conduct this study on 100 patients undergoing peripheral intravenous cannulation at the Medical Research Institute in Alexandria Hospital. Tools : Three tools were used in this study to collect data. Tool I: Structured Interview sheet, Tool II: Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS): and Tool III Visual Analogue scale for anxiety (VAS-A) Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in pain severity and anxiety level total mean scores in the study group after application of valsalva maneuver than the control group. Also, there was a significant association between pain level and a total mean score of anxiety. Conclusion : Valsalva Maneuver can be applied during peripheral intravenous cannulation as an effective nursing intervention in decreasing pain and anxiety Recommendations: Valsalva Maneuver should be incorporated in nursing intervention protocols during performing the peripheral intravenous cannulation for reducing pain and anxiety levels.
Gene-Based Methods for Estimating the Degree of the Skewness of X Chromosome Inactivation

Skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI-S) has been reported to be associated with some X-linked diseases, and currently several methods have been proposed to estimate the degree of the XCI-S (denoted as γ) for a single locus. However, no method has been available to estimate γ for genes. Therefore, in this paper, we first propose the point estimate and the penalized point estimate of γ for genes, and then derive its confidence intervals based on the Fieller’s and penalized Fieller’s methods, respectively. Further, we consider the constraint condition of γ∈[0, 2] and propose the Bayesian methods to obtain the point estimates and the credible intervals of γ, where a truncated normal prior and a uniform prior are respectively used (denoted as GBN and GBU). The simulation results show that the Bayesian methods can avoid the extreme point estimates (0 or 2), the empty sets, the noninformative intervals ([0, 2]) and the discontinuous intervals to occur. GBN performs best in both the point estimation and the interval estimation. Finally, we apply the proposed methods to the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research data for their practical use. In summary, in practical applications, we recommend using GBN to estimate γ of genes.
Asymptotic is Better than Bollen-Stine Bootstrapping to Assess Model Fit: The Effect of Model Size on the Chi-Square Statistic

Abstract Previous research on bootstrapped p-values for the chi-square test of model fit has been limited to small models (around 10 variables), revealing that these p-values are accurate provided the sample size is not too small. For small sample sizes (N < 100), usual p-values, obtained using asymptotic methods, are more accurate. However, as the number of variables increases asymptotic p-values incorrectly suggest that models fit poorly. We investigate whether Bollen-Stine (1992) bootstrapped p-values can overcome this problem using normal and non-normal data. We found that as model size increases, Bollen-Stine bootstrapped p-values become too conservative and less accurate than asymptotic p-values obtained using robust methods (i.e., mean and variance corrections). Bollen-Stine p-values cannot be recommended to assess model fit.
Evaluate the effects of smart classroom on Chinese academic achievements of junior high school students with potential growth model

In the era of big data and artificial intelligence, the Smart Classroom, a new type of classroom, is becoming popular in primary and secondary schools. Meanwhile, the evaluation of its effects has gradually attracted much research interest. Through two years of follow-up and data mining, this study evaluated three consecutive semesters' final Chinese grades of 195 junior school students who participated in the experimental teaching of Smart Classroom with algorithm called latent growth model(LGM). The results showed that despite the significant individual differences in starting grades, Smart Classroom produced significant positive potential growth rates which averagely increased 5.536 points per semester. This study conducted a more accurate algorithm compared traditional analysis of means and variances of educational dates, as well providing a more precise empirical evidence literature of effect of smart technologies on Chinese language educational in junior high school.
Predictors of Success in Information Security Policy Compliance

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to build on the ISP compliance literature by creating a prediction model that includes four predictor variables, namely, leadership, supportive organizational culture, engagement, and role values with one dependent variable – ISP compliance. We then seek to find out which of the predictor variables are most influential in predicting ISP compliance. An instrument with 5 constructs was administered electronically to a diverse set of employees in the U.S.A. ranging in work experience from new hires to CEOs and from many industries. Collected data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The results showed that all predictor variables in the model were significant. Supportive organizational culture followed by role values offered the largest explanatory power of the four predictor variables. We discuss the implications of the findings and offer suggestions for future research opportunities.
Productive and reproductive performance of crossbred dairy heifers with induced lactation and efficacy of antimicrobial therapy associated with internal teat sealants

This study evaluated (a) the efficacy of an association between injectable antibiotic therapy and sealant (ATBS) on milk yield (MY), somatic cell count (SCC), and prevalence of intramammary infections (IMI); and (b) the efficacy of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on follicular cyst (FCs) resolution (cyclicity at the 45th day in milk; DIM) and cumulative pregnancy rate (CPR) in heifers submitted to a lactation induction protocol (LIP). A total of 114 crossbred (Holstein × Jersey) heifers, with 34.7 ± 4.8 months and 439 ± 56.35 kg were submitted to LIP. On the 5th day of the LIP, the heifers were assigned to (i) ATBS (n = 57) with 7 mg/kg of norfloxacin associated with sealant and (ii) Control 1 (n = 57; CONT1) with no treatments. Lactation began on the 21st day of LIP and the 15th DIM, FCs were diagnosed and 106 heifers were randomized into two treatment groups with 53 heifers each: (i) GnRH (5 mL injectable GnRH) and (ii) Control 2 (CONT2; no treatment). Of the 114 heifers initially induced, 83.33% (n = 95) responded to LIP with an average MY of 15.19 kg/milk/day during 22 weeks of lactation. In the first 14 DIM, the IMI prevalence was 18% and 28% for heifers ATBS and CONT1 treated, respectively. Additionally, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most frequently isolated group of pathogens. Mammary quarters that received ATBS treatment had a lower risk of IMI and SCC than CONT1. The cyclicity at 45 DIM was 68% (ATBS) and 35% (CONT1), and 57% and 46% for animals in the GnRH and CONT2. CPR was 60% in the ATBS group and 89% in CONT1, but GnRH treatment did not affect the CPR. In conclusion, LIP was effective in stimulating MY in heifers, and the IMI prevalence decreased with ATBS treatment. Also, the use of GnRH did not affect the FC regression, cyclicity at 45 DIM, and CPR.