Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exposure to smoking and general health problems among university students: mediating role of positive affect and moderating role of parenting

ABSTRACT Objectives Based on the Social Learning Theory (SCL), the current study examined the mediating role of positive affect (feelings) and the moderating role of parenting between exposure to smoking and general health problems in University Students. Method A quantitative cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted on (n = 200) university students of Lahore. By using of Classifying a Smoking Scale, Positive Negative Affect Schedule (adopted only positive feelings items), Parenting Style Questionnaire, and Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ). The mediation and moderation analysis was run by using Andrew Hayes Model no 1 and 4. Results The major results revealed that exposure to smoking has a negative impact on general health problems of university students and there is no indirect relation found between positive feelings and exposure to smoking and general health. Whereas, parenting has been found to have a direct positive effect on the exposure to smoking and general health problems in university students. Conclusion Moreover, the study concluded that parenting plays a pivotal role in the initiation and cessation of smoking and other substance-related problems.
Assessing the shelf-life of a prototype reference material for product emissions testing | NIST

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Virginia Tech (VT) are developing a volatile organic compound (VOC) reference material to validate product emissions chamber testing. To verify the storage method of the material and determine its potential shelf-life, a series of tests was completed to measure the film’s emission rates after storage times of up to 6 months. The emission rate of toluene was measured from each film in a 50 L stainless steel chamber after storage times of 1 day, 13 days, 23 days, 41 days, 62 days, 104 days, 139 days, and 181 days. Although an inverse relationship between material sample age and toluene emission rate was observed at 2 h and 24 h, the difference in the amount of toluene emitted from each of the different aged samples becomes less evident and eventually statistically indistinguishable at 48 h and beyond.
ENSO Impact on Winter Precipitation in the Southeast United States through a Synoptic Climate Approach

The ENSO impact on winter precipitation in the Southeast United States was analyzed from the perspective of daily weather types (WTs). We calculated the dynamic contribution associated with the change in frequency of the WTs and the thermodynamic contribution due to changes in the spatial patterns of the environmental fields of the WTs. Six WTs were obtained using a k-means clustering analysis of 850 hPa winds in reanalysis data from November to February of 1948–2022. All the WTs can only persist for a few days. The most frequent winter weather type is WT1 (shallow trough in Eastern U.S.), which can persist or likely transfer to WT4 (Mississippi River Valley ridge). WT1 becomes less frequent in El Niño years, while the frequency of WT4 does not change much. WTs 2–6 correspond to a loop of eastward propagating waves with troughs and ridges in the mid-latitude westerlies. Three WTs with a deep trough in the Southeast U.S., which are WT2 (east coast trough), WT3 (off east coast trough) and WT6 (plains trough), become more frequent in El Niño years. The more frequent deep troughs (WTs 2, 3 and 6) and less frequent shallow trough (WT1) result in above-normal precipitation in the coastal Southeast U.S. in the winter of El Niño years. WT5 (off coast Carolina High), with maximum precipitation extending from Mississippi Valley to the Great Lakes, becomes less frequent in El Niño years, which corresponds to the below-normal precipitation from the Great Lakes to Upper Mississippi and Ohio River Valley in El Niño years, and vice versa in La Niña years. The relative contribution of the thermodynamic and dynamic contribution is location dependent. On the east coast, the two contributions are similar in magnitude.
Leaf Bacteriome in Sugar Beet Shows Differential Response against Beet curly top virus during Resistant and Susceptible Interactions

Beet curly top virus (BCTV) significantly reduces sugar beet yield in semi-arid production areas. Genetic resistance to BCTV is limited; therefore, identification of additional resistance-associated factors is highly desired. Using 16S rRNA sequencing and BCTV resistant (R) genotypes (KDH13, KDH4-9) along with a susceptible (S) genotype (KDH19-17), we investigated leaf bacteriome changes during BCTV post inoculation (pi). At day 6 (~6-week-old plants), Cyanobacteria were predominant (~90%); whereas, at week 4 (~10-week-old plants) Firmicutes (11–66%), Bacteroidetes (17–26%), and Verrucomicrobia (12–29%) were predominant phyla and genotype dependent. Both Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia, increased post infection only in the R lines. The bacterial genera Brevibacillus increased at 6 dpi, and Akkermansia and Bacteroides at 4 wkpi in the R lines. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) identified potential biomarkers in the R vs. S lines. Functional profiling revealed bacterial enrichment associated with the TCA cycle, polyisoprenoid, and L-methionine biosynthesis pathways only in KDH4-9 at 6 dpi. At 4 wkpi, bacteria associated with tryptophan and palmitate biosynthesis in the R lines, and uridine monophosphate, phosphatidyl glycerol, and phospholipid biosynthesis in the S line, were enriched. Future characterization of bacterial genera with antiviral properties will help establish their use as biocontrol agents/biomarkers against BCTV.
Spare part management for wind farms

This thesis describes the spare part management of the component: blades of the wind turbines. This thesis is made in cooperation with Fraunhofer IWES and researches the optimal policy parameters to organize the spare part management of the blades in the most cost-efficient way. Furthermore the sensitivity of each of the input factors is analyzed, which shows the average demand rate and lead time are the most influential input values that influence the policy parameters.
Land Surface Temperature and its Relationship to Population Density

Population density due to urbanization contributes to the SUHI phenomenon and urban climate change. Understanding the SUHI phenomenon that brings enormous negative impacts to the environment and human life, Land Surface Temperature (LST) assessment is essential for creating a feasible and livable city. By utilizing the data of 1999 and 2018, this study aims to assess the LST value and its relationship to population density in Tanjungpinang city over two decades. As an island, Tanjungpinang has a vulnerability to SUHI and the climate change phenomenon. This study applied GIS and remote sensing models based on the mathematical formula of digital remote sensing images to calculate the LST value, and the relationship between LST and population density was examined using correlation analyses with Microsoft Excel. The results showed that Tanjungpinang city had increased 3.5oC in LST and 94.80% in density population over two decades. SUHI phenomenon has occurred during this period. It also indicated that there was a significant relationship between population density and LST. The LST spatial pattern spread from west to east of Tanjungpinang city was in line with the population density distribution pattern. The area with the highest percentage of population density addition and experienced the highest LST was Tanjungpinang Barat District. This study considers local governments to create effective population control and adaptive planning strategies for SUHI phenomenon mitigation.
Research gaps in Lean manufacturing: a systematic literature review

Purpose Literature contributions to Lean manufacturing (LM) are fragmented and show some significant limitations. The purpose of this paper is to identify the existing research gaps in LM as well as to group them into respective themes. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) of peer reviewed journal articles in LM was carried out by the authors, based on four major publishers, namely, Emerald Online, Science Direct, Springer Link and Taylor & Francis. In total, 120 articles published in 30 journals during 2005–2016 were collected which revealed LM research gaps. A simple affinity diagram was applied in order to group the research gaps into logical themes. Findings A large number of research gaps are identified in the LM literature and meaningful themes of these gaps are also revealed. Research limitations/implications The SLR carried out by the authors is based on only four academic journal publishers and some of other publishers might have been missed out in this search. Excluding articles focusing on an individual Lean principle or tool/technique is also a limitation of the present SLR. Practical implications Researchers and practitioners can use the LM research gaps presented in this study for further development of LM methodology. Originality/value Presenting LM research gaps analytically and grouping them into meaningful themes, significantly differentiates the present SLR study from those published so far.
HERITABILITY ESTIMATES FOR PEARL MILLET (Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br.) CHARACTERS UNDER DOWNY MILDEW (Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet) INFESTATION

A study was conducted at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Dry land farm, Sokoto and Bui village in Arewa local government area of Kebbi State to evaluate pearl millet parental lines and their hybrids under downy mildew disease infestation. The treatment consisted of 42 entries, made up of 12 parents and 30 F1 hybrids combined in randomized complete block design with 6 blocks per replication, 8 plots per block (7 test rows +1 infector row), 1 row per plot and 10 stands per row replicated 2 times. Data was collected on 12 characters of pearl millet. Analysis of variance indicated significant difference (P < 0.05) among the genotypes for all 12 characters studied in each location while combined analysis of variance across locations showed that the genotypes differ significantly (P < 0.05) with respect to all characters except for Downy mildew severity (DMS) and threshing percentage (THR%). In terms of the broad sense heritability most of the characters were moderately heritable as panicle circumference (PCIR) recorded the highest (84.32%) in UDUS, grain weight (GWT) recorded (71.4%) in Bui and panicle length (PLEN) recorded (78.54%) in the combined
The Effect of Option Grants on Managerial Risk Taking: A Review

This article presents a systematic review of the theoretical and empirical literature on option grants and managerial risk taking. One of the objectives is the motivation of further research on the topic. Risk-averse managers hold less diversified portfolios and, thus, tend to take less risk than optimal for shareholders. More option grants may encourage risk taking and result in higher firm value or alternatively increase the sensitivity of wealth to stock-price fluctuations mitigating overall risk-taking incentives. The net effect of options on risk-taking behavior is, therefore, ambiguous and calls for more empirical investigation. This is crucial for fiscal policymaking and regulation reforms. Yet, establishing a causal link between option granting and managerial risk taking has been challenging due to reverse causality, omitted correlated variables and measurement errors. In this review, we revisit the VegaDelta question by synthesizing the relevant research in economics, finance and accounting. We find that the empirical literature has successfully utilized natural experiments (e.g., regulation changes) to better establish causality, even though some mixed results are also documented. Finally, we also emphasize potential future research avenues especially relating to accounting disclosure, earnings management and tax policy.
Characterization of Methodologies for the Integrated Assessment of Urban Transportation Sustainabilityª

Objective: To characterize methodologies for the integrated assessment of urban transportation sustainability and to identify research opportunities in developing countries. Materials and methods: A three-stage structured literature review is presented, and a taxonomy is proposed to characterize conceptual frameworks, analytical models, and indices and indicators. An analysis of indicators based on the eleven categories proposed is also presented. Results and discussion: The increase of scientific and institutional literature studying methodologies for sustainability assessment in the last two decades is evidenced. However, the methods still lack the integral inclusion of the economic, environmental, and social dimensions, particularly in the sustainability assessments of urban transportation. Most works are focused on introducting new indices and indicators and applying methodologies in European and North American countries. Conclusions: The characterization identifies the methodologies, institutions, and countries that have implemented methodologies for the integrated assessment of urban transportation sustainability. Likewise, the most frequent sustainability dimensions are identified, and research opportunities in developing countries are outlined. para la evaluación de la sostenibilidad en las últimas dos décadas. Sin embargo, se observa también la carencia de métodos que permitan incluir las dimensiones económica, ambiental y social de manera integral, en particular para evaluar la sostenibilidad de los sistemas de transporte urbano. La mayor parte de los trabajos está centrada en el desarrollo de índices e indicadores, y en la aplicación en países europeos y norteamericanos. Conclusiones: La caracterización identifica cuáles son las metodologías, las instituciones y los países que han implementado evaluaciones integradas de la sostenibilidad del transporte urbano. Igualmente, se identifican las dimensiones de la sostenibilidad estudiadas, y se reseñan las oportunidades de investigación en países en desarrollo.
Streptococcus pyogenes NAD+-Glycohydrolase Reduces Skeletal Muscle βNAD+ Levels Independently of Streptolysin O

Necrotizing soft tissue infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus [GAS]) are characterized by rapid and extensive necrosis of fascia and muscle. Molecular epidemiological studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between GAS isolates that cause invasive infections and the production of S. pyogenes NAD+-glycohydrolase (SPN), an NADase secreted by GAS, but the effect of SPN on muscle cells has not been described. Thus, using standard βNAD+ and ATP quantification assays, we investigated the effects of SPN on cultured human skeletal muscle cell (SkMC) βNAD+ and ATP with and without streptolysin O (SLO)–a secreted cholesterol-dependent cytolysin known to act synergistically with SPN. We found that culture supernatants from GAS strains producing SLO and SPN depleted intracellular βNAD+ and ATP, while exotoxins from a GAS strain producing SLO and an enzymatically-inactive form of SPN had no effect on βNAD+ or ATP. Addition of purified, enzymatically-active SPN to NADase-negative culture supernatants or sterile media reconstituted βNAD+ depletion but had no effect ATP levels. Further, SPN-mediated βNAD+ depletion could be augmented by SLO or the homologous cholesterol-dependent cytolysin, perfringolysin O (PFO). Remarkably, SPN-mediated βNAD+ depletion was SkMC-specific, as purified SPN had minimal effect on epithelial cell βNAD+. Taken together, this study identifies a previously unrecognized role for SPN as a major disruptor of skeletal muscle βNAD+. Such activity could contribute to the rapid and widespread myonecrosis characteristic of severe GAS soft tissue infections.
Possible Role of GnIH as a Novel Link between Hyperphagia-Induced Obesity-Related Metabolic Derangements and Hypogonadism in Male Mice

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a reproductive inhibitor and an endogenous orexigenic neuropeptide that may be involved in energy homeostasis and reproduction. However, whether GnIH is a molecular signal link of metabolism and the reproductive system, and thus, regulates reproductive activity as a function of the energy state, is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of GnIH in glycolipid metabolism and reproduction in vivo, and in the coupling between these two processes in the testis level. Our results showed that chronic intraperitoneal injection of GnIH into male mice not only increased food intake and altered meal microstructure but also significantly elevated body mass due to the increased mass of liver and epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), despite the loss of testicular weight. Furthermore, chronic intraperitoneal administration of GnIH to male mice resulted in obesity-related glycolipid metabolic derangements, showing hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance through changes in the expression of glucose and lipid metabolism-related genes in the pancreas and eWAT, respectively. Interestingly, the expression of GnIH and GPR147 was markedly increased in the testis of mice under conditions of energy imbalance, such as fasting, acute hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia. In addition, chronic GnIH injection markedly inhibited glucose and lipid metabolism of mice testis while significantly decreasing testosterone synthesis and sperm quality, inducing hypogonadism. These observations indicated that orexigenic GnIH triggers hyperphagia-induced obesity-related metabolic derangements and hypogonadism in male mice, suggesting that GnIH is an emerging candidate for coupling metabolism and fertility by involvement in obesity and metabolic disorder-induced reproductive dysfunction of the testes.
Experimental Conditions That Influence the Utility of 2′7′-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein Diacetate (DCFH2-DA) as a Fluorogenic Biosensor for Mitochondrial Redox Status

Oxidative stress has been causally linked to various diseases. Electron transport chain (ETC) inhibitors such as rotenone and antimycin A are frequently used in model systems to study oxidative stress. Oxidative stress that is provoked by ETC inhibitors can be visualized using the fluorogenic probe 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH2-DA). Non-fluorescent DCFH2-DA crosses the plasma membrane, is deacetylated to 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH2) by esterases, and is oxidized to its fluorescent form 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) by intracellular ROS. DCF fluorescence can, therefore, be used as a semi-quantitative measure of general oxidative stress. However, the use of DCFH2-DA is complicated by various protocol-related factors that mediate DCFH2-to-DCF conversion independently of the degree of oxidative stress. This study therefore analyzed the influence of ancillary factors on DCF formation in the context of ETC inhibitors. It was found that ETC inhibitors trigger DCF formation in cell-free experiments when they are co-dissolved with DCFH2-DA. Moreover, the extent of DCF formation depended on the type of culture medium that was used, the pH of the assay system, the presence of fetal calf serum, and the final DCFH2-DA solvent concentration. Conclusively, experiments with DCFH2-DA should not discount the influence of protocol-related factors such as medium and mitochondrial inhibitors (and possibly other compounds) on the DCFH2-DA-DCF reaction and proper controls should always be built into the assay protocol.
Observations of Polymer Foam Development during Rotational Moulding

Large scale buoyant structures typical of offshore wave energy generation devices may be produced using the rotational foam moulding process. Due to the challenging environmental conditions these parts experience during their lifetime at sea, it is important that the structures are optimised to ensure acceptable mechanical performance. Foams containing large cells suffer a reduction in mechanical properties; therefore, an optimal foam contains small, evenly sized, and well distributed bubbles in large numbers. Due to the lower pressures used in the process, this can be challenging to achieve. Careful selection of material and processing conditions is required to achieve an optimal structure. A unique bench-based rig was used to observe developing foam structures. A camera was used to record the foam height change at intervals. Foam height change was obtained using digital image analysis. Several parameters were studied such as the polymer particle size or the mould pressure for example. In addition to the foam height change, foam density were analysed. It is found that mould pressure, polymer particle size, chemical blowing agent concentration, and polymer rheology may be used to control the foamed structures.
Uptake of COVID-19 Booster Dose among Saudi Arabian Population

Backgroundand objectives: Although several vaccines have been produced and administered around the world, new SARS-CoV-2 worsened the COVID-19 infection risk and impacted the initial vaccine dosage effectiveness. Based on studies indicating that the third and fourth COVID-19 vaccine doses significantly reduced COVID-19 transmission, Saudi Arabia has been administering COVID-19 booster vaccine doses to its citizens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine booster in relation to the socio-demographic characteristics and other associated factors among the Saudi population. Materials and Methods: This study was an online analytical cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire. Pearson Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with the uptake of COVID-19 booster dose vaccines. Results: A total of 2332 responded to our study. Overall, 527 (22.6%) participants had received a booster dose. An age of 55 and above (aOR: 5.415; 95% CI: 2.719–10.783), Eastern region (aOR: 2.513; 95% CI: 1.566–4.033), history of influenza vaccination at annual intervals (aOR: 2.387; 95% CI: 1.730–3.293), the first dose of Moderna vaccine (aOR: 1.324; 95% CI: 1.160–1.510), and cancer (aOR: 2.161; 95% CI: 1.218–3.879) were independent factors most associated with a higher uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. In contrast, the second dose of Moderna vaccine (aOR: 0.794; 95% CI: 0.683–0.922), AstraZeneca vaccine (aOR: 0.691; 95% CI: 0.509–0.939), strong symptoms from side effects after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (aOR: 0.615; 95% CI: 0.404–0.935) were independent factors most associated with a lower uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. Conclusions: Our findings indicate low COVID-19 vaccine booster uptake. This necessitates the need for strategies to address discouraging factors of the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose uptake and engage the Saudi population to raise awareness about the importance of the booster dose.