Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Positive Psychological Needs in Organisational Commitment of Secondary School Teachers in Nigeria

Based on positive psychology perspective, the relationships of self-efficacy and self-esteem, with organisational commitment were investigated in a sample of 210 secondary school teachers in Nigeria. Measures of organisational commitment, self efficacy, and self-esteem were the instrument of data collection. Linear multiple regression model and t-test for independent sample were used to test the hypotheses. The results revealed significant influence of self-efficacy, self-esteem, age, and tenure on organisational commitment. The findings imply that psychological strategies for enhancing teachers’ levels of organisational commitment would be more effective when self-efficacy and self-esteem of teachers are considered. Since teachers are a valuable resource to schools, management must invest significant resources in providing training programmes to enhance their self-efficacy and self-esteem. To maximise service delivery, specific psychological activities to improve teachers’ self-efficacy and self-esteem are suggested.
Robust Speed Control of Magnetic Drive-Trains With Low-Cost Drives

The paper presents a methodology to improve the operating robustness of low-cost magnetic drive-train (MDT) systems in which load-side sensing is not a preferred option for addressing pole-slipping and variable torsional stiffness issues. Firstly, through dynamically analysing the relative displacement angle between both sides of the MDT (resulting from the developed electromagnetic- and load-torque), the paper offers an operating criteria using the inertia ratio, electromagnetic- and load-torque excitations to prevent the MDT from pole-slipping. Subsequently, the relationship between controller parameters and dominant/resonant poles of closed-loop MDT control system, is discussed. It is shown that controller parameters for MDTs to accommodate a wide range of torsional stiffness variations can be determined from natural frequencies that are bounded by operating constraints. Using the presented principles, desired performance with respect to speed reference tracking and load-torque disturbance accommodation can be achieved by simply determining the natural frequency of the dominant pole. Simulation studies and experimental measurements on a custom MDT test facility are used to underpin the efficacy of the proposed analysis and design techniques.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome Complicated With Gastric Ulcer Perforation in a 30-Year-Old Saudi Female: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Gastrointestinal perforation is a well-addressed complication of exogenous hypercortisolism; however, patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) do not usually experience this condition in clinical practice. The literature on this subject is limited and consists solely of clinical case reports/series with only 23 instances of gastrointestinal perforation occurring in individuals with endogenous Cushing's syndrome. This is mainly attributed to the rarity of Cushing's syndrome itself and the low chance of occurrence of such complications. We report a case of a recently diagnosed adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome in a 30-years-old female who presented initially with a three-month history of progressive weight gain, generalized weakness, acne, menstrual irregularity, and severe hypokalemia, and then developed a gastric ulcer perforation only one month after her ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome diagnosis and was managed through emergent surgery.
Survival, Treatment Outcome, and Safety of Multiple and Repeated Courses of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Pulmonary Oligometastases of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Simple Summary The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is safe and effective when applied for the treatment of oligometastatic pulmonary metastases (PM) exclusively derived from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Excellent local control of 92 treated single and multiple lesions was achieved even after repeated courses of SBRT of newly emerging metastases. Overall survival of the 46 included patients was in the upper range of previously reported results. Toxicities were limited to grade 2 and no functional lung impairment was observed. Based on the presented findings in this largest investigated cohort of exclusively HNSCC-derived PMs to date, SBRT can be recommended as a safe and effective treatment alternative to surgical resection for inoperable and resectable lesions. Abstract Current literature regarding survival and treatment outcome of SBRT in patients with pulmonary oligometastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is limited. Additionally, most of the published studies include metastatic lesions deriving also from primaries with histologies other than SCC when investigating the outcome of SBRT. The aim of the present retrospective study is to explore local control (LC) of treated metastases, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) of exclusively pulmonary oligometastatic HNSCC-patients treated with SBRT. Between 2006 and 2021, a total of 46 patients were treated with SBRT for a maximum of four pulmonary oligometastases (PM) concurrently (mean PM per patient = 2.0; range 1 to 6 PM, total of 92). Of these, 17 patients (37.0%) developed new pulmonary metastases after their first SBRT. Repeated courses of SBRT were required once in 15 patients (88.2%) and twice in 2 patients (11.8%). Median follow-up was 17 months (range, 0–109 months). One year after completion of SBRT, LC rate, PFS, and OS were 98.7%, 37.9%, and 79.5%, respectively. After two years, LC rate, PFS, and OS were 98.7%, 28.7%, and 54.9%; as well as 98.7%, 16.7%, and 31.0% after five years. Radiochemotherapy (HR 2.72, p < 0.001) or radiotherapy as primary treatment (HR 8.60; p = 0.003), as well as reduced patient performance status (HR 48.30, p = 0.002), were associated with lower PFS. Inferior OS correlated with poor performance status (HR 198.51, p < 0.001) and surgery followed by radiochemotherapy (HR 4.18, p = 0.032) as primary treatment, as well as radiotherapy alone (HR 7.11, p = 0.020). Treatment of more than one PM is an independent predictor of impaired OS (HR 3.30, p = 0.016). SBRT of HNSCC-derived PMs results in excellent LC rates and encouraging OS rates of 54.9% at two years along with good tolerability (no more than grade 2 toxicities). Favourable outcome and low toxicity also apply to repeated courses of SBRT of newly emerging PMs.
Surges vs. Waves: Presidents, Popularity, and the Diffusion of Conditional Cash Transfers in Latin America

Conditional cash transfers (CCTs) are a striking case of policy diffusion in Latin America. Almost all countries in the region adopted the model within one decade. While most theories of diffusion focus on the international transference of ideas, this article explains that surge of adoptions by analyzing presidents’ expectations. Out of all ideas transmitted into a country, only a few find their way into enactment and implementation, and the executive has a key role in selecting which ones. Policies expected to boost presidents’ popularity grab their attention. They rapidly enact and implement these models. A process-tracing analysis comparing CCTs and public-private partnerships (PPPs) shows that presidents fast-tracked CCTs hoping for an increase in popular support. Adoptions of PPPs, however, followed normal procedures and careful deliberations because the policy was not expected to quickly affect popularity—which, in the aggregate, leads to a slower diffusion wave.
Achieving High Activity and Long-Term Stability towards Oxygen Evolution in Acid by Phase Coupling between CeO2-Ir

The development of efficient and stable catalysts with high mass activity is crucial for acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this study, CeO2-Ir heterojunctions supported on carbon nanotubes (CeO2-Ir/CNTs) are synthesized using a solvothermal method based on the heterostructure strategy. CeO2-Ir/CNTs demonstrate remarkable effectiveness as catalysts for acidic OER, achieving 10.0 mA cm−2 at a low overpotential of only 262.9 mV and maintaining stability over 60.0 h. Notably, despite using an Ir dosage 15.3 times lower than that of c-IrO2, CeO2-Ir/CNTs exhibit a very high mass activity (2542.3 A gIr−1@1.53 V), which is 58.8 times higher than that of c-IrO2. When applied to acidic water electrolyzes, CeO2-Ir/CNTs display a prosperous potential for application as anodic catalysts. X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) analysis reveals that the chemical environment of Ir nanoparticles (NP) can be effectively modulated through coupling with CeO2. This modulation is believed to be the key factor contributing to the excellent OER catalytic activity and stability observed in CeO2-Ir/CNTs.
Alterations to Kidney Physiology during Cardiopulmonary Bypass—A Narrative Review of the Literature and Practical Remarks

Introduction: According to different authors, cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) incidence can be as high as 20–50%. This complication increases postoperative morbidity and mortality and impairs long-term kidney function in some patients. This review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding alterations to renal physiology during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and to discuss possible nephroprotective strategies for cardiac surgeries. Relevant sections: Systemic and renal circulation, Vasoactive drugs, Fluid balance and Osmotic regulation and Inflammatory response. Conclusions: Considering the available scientific evidence, it is concluded that adequate kidney perfusion and fluid balance are the most critical factors determining postoperative kidney function. By adequate perfusion, one should understand perfusion with proper oxygen delivery and sufficient perfusion pressure. Maintaining the fluid balance is imperative for a normal kidney filtration process, which is essential for preserving the intra- and postoperative kidney function. Future directions: The review of the available literature regarding kidney function during cardiac surgery revealed a need for a more holistic approach to this subject.
Soil water distribution characteristics of alfalfa with different planting years in the gully region of loess plateau

The distribution characteristics of soil water of alfalfa with different planting years in the gully region of the loess plateau were studied. The results showed that the soil water content in 0—2m layer was affected by annual precipitation. Soil layer below 2m was drier without water supplying, forming a dry layer. Alfalfa had used the soil water of (upper) layers on first growing season years, and the soil water had been renewed from upper layers, however renewing the soil water of the lower layers was difficult. The soil water content of 10,15 and 23 years alfalfa didn't change (significantly) in 9m,10.8m and 11m soil layers respectively, and the dry layer was disappear. The variance coefficient of soil water decreased with the increase of depth. It pointed that the great water deficit caused by evapo-transpiration was significant in 0—9m layer, the amount of deficiency was more than annual precipitation.
Advancements in the treatment of geographic atrophy: focus on pegcetacoplan in age-related macular degeneration

Geographic atrophy (GA) is a progressive form of age-related macular degeneration characterized by the degeneration of retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptor death. The dysregulation of the complement cascade has been implicated in GA progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of age-related macular degeneration and GA, discusses current therapeutic options, and focuses on the recent breakthrough drug, pegcetacoplan (SYFOVRE). Pegcetacoplan is a complement inhibitor that selectively targets the C3 complement protein, effectively modulating complement activation. Clinical trials, including the OAKS and DERBY studies, have demonstrated the efficacy of SYFOVRE in reducing the growth of GA lesions compared to placebo. The FDA approval of SYFOVRE as the first and only definitive therapy for GA marks a significant milestone in the management of this debilitating condition. The review also explores potential future treatment strategies, including immune-modulating agents and ocular gene therapy. While SYFOVRE offers new hope for GA patients, further research is needed to evaluate its long-term benefits, safety profile, and optimal treatment regimens.
Adoption of Energy Conservation Practices and their Effects on the Performance of Kenyan Lodges and Camps

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess energy conservation practices implemented by lodges and camps in Kenya and to determine their effect on performance of Kenyan lodges and camps. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive correlation research design where data was collected from 294 lodge and camp managers in Kenya using self-administered questionnaires. Sample selection was through multistage sampling technique consisting of stratification, proportionate and simple random sampling. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis in SPSS. Findings: Lodges and camps in Kenya mainly implemented energy conservation practices related to daylighting (M = 4.06, SD =.88) and use of renewable sources of energy (M = 4.02, SD =.87). Further results indicate that energy conservation practices (F [1, 292] = 124.76, p < .001, R2 = .30) significantly effected performance of Kenyan lodges and camps (β = .55, t = 11.17, p < .01). the findings imply that energy conservation practices accounts for 30% of the variation in performance of Kenyan lodges and camps. Recommendations: The current study makes theoretical and empirical contributions to eco-friendly practices and the performance of lodging facilities by providing insights into implementation of energy conservation practices, which seems to be lacking in the Kenyan context. As a result, the study recommends that lodging facilities should focus on implementing energy conservation practices, such as use of renewable sources of energy and installation of energy efficient systems in order to achieve positive performance ratings by stakeholders in the industry.
Dermatological Complaints of Contact Dermatitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2019-2021) Among Healthcare Workers of an Isfahan University-Affiliated Hospital, Iran

Background and aims: Using anti-septic and personal protective equipment (PPE) may cause contact dermatitis (CD) in hospital staff. During COVID-19, the team used PPE and hand washing more frequently. This study investigated the prevalence of CD and its related factors among hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Overall, 360 participants were selected by proportion sampling from an Isfahan University-affiliated hospital (Alzahra hospital) between 2019 and 2021. A checklist about demographic and workplace variables, skin signs, and symptoms was distributed to samples. We assessed associations between the frequencies of the worksite and cleaning product exposures and a symptom-based definition of CD among current hospital workers. Results: The prevalence of hand dermatitis in participants and their mean age were 84% and 35.7±8.6 years, respectively. In addition, the most reported symptoms were itching (147, 40%) and redness of the hand (141, 39%). Using gloves, especially latex and vinyl gloves, had a significant association with the incidence of CD (P<0.03). The frequency and time of hand washing had no significant relationship with dermatitis (P>0.05). Conclusion: Setting up preventive actions and managing this condition are better to be influential among the policies of hospital managers given the high prevalence of CD among hospital workers.
Holocene relative sea-level changes and glacial isostatic adjustment of the U.S. Atlantic coast

The first quality-controlled Holocene sea-level database for the U.S. Atlantic coast has been constructed from 686 sea-level indicators. The database documents a decreasing rate of relative sea-level (RSL) rise through time with no evidence of sea level being above present in the middle to late Holocene. The highest rates of RSL rise are found in the mid-Atlantic region. We employ the database to constrain an ensemble of glacial isostatic adjustment models using two ice (ICE-5G, ICE-6G [global ice sheet reconstructions]) and two mantle viscosity (models VM5a,VM5b [VM—radial variation of viscosity in the sublithospheric mantle]) variations to assess whether the spherically symmetric viscoelastic models are able to survive intercomparison with a more refined database of postglacial RSL history. We identify significant misfits between observations and predictions using ICE-5G with the VM5a viscosity profile. ICE-6G provides some improvement for the northern Atlantic region, but misfits remain elsewhere. Decreasing the upper mantle and transition zone viscosity by a factor of 2 to 0.25 × 10 21 Pa s (VM5b) removes significant discrepancies between observations and predictions along the mid-Atlantic coastline, although misfits remain in the southern Atlantic region. These may be an indication of the importance of laterally heterogeneous viscosity in the upper mantle.
Deep learning approaches for object recognition in plant diseases: a review

Plant diseases pose a significant threat to the economic viability of agriculture and the normal functioning of trees in forests. Accurate detection and identification of plant diseases are crucial for smart agricultural and forestry management. In recent years, the intersection of agriculture and artificial intelligence has become a popular research topic. Researchers have been experimenting with object recognition algorithms, specifically convolutional neural networks, to identify diseases in plant images. The goal is to reduce labor and improve detection efficiency. This article reviews the application of object detection methods for detecting common plant diseases, such as tomato, citrus, maize, and pine trees. It introduces various object detection models, ranging from basic to modern and sophisticated networks, and compares the innovative aspects and drawbacks of commonly used neural network models. Furthermore, the article discusses current challenges in plant disease detection and object detection methods and suggests promising directions for future work in learning-based plant disease detection systems.
Leadership, Change and Conflict: An Examination of Informal Human Resources Theory for Policy Capacity

In recent times, academics and practitioners have focused on the optimal processes and capabilities required to increase an organization’s policy capacity, but there is little research on the human resource theory adopted by practitioners to improve public policy and its development. This article presents the results of a 2018 case study of policy capacity involving thirty-one interviews with civil servants in a small provincial government in Canada. An informal theory of policy capacity and human resources centering on leadership, conflict management, change management, and analytical capabilities is articulated using the language of practitioners. For practitioners, the findings of this article provide guidance and context for human resource strategies for policy capacity. The article concludes that there is an opportunity for academics to expand the paradigmatic boundaries of human resources research in public administration for the purposes of improving policy capacity.
CSR Disclosure in Indonesian SOEs

As sustainable development is echoed, environmental and social matters and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are increasingly being considered. Some companies are increasingly aggressive in disclosing their CSR, but some still need to be more optimal. This study aims to determine what factors can influence the disclosure of CSR in Indonesian SOEs. This study used multiple linear regression analysis with 51 samples observed. The results obtained in this study show that the size of the company, the type of sector, and the size of the board of directors positively affect CSR disclosure. In contrast, the involvement of female board members and green accounting have no influence. This research is expected to add insight and increase further references for future researchers and investors to discover the factors that affect CSR disclosure and can help decision-making. Keywords: CSR Disclosure, SOEs, Sectors Type, Directors Abstrak Seiring dengan digaungkannya pembangunan berkelanjutan, hal-hal yang berkaitan dengan lingkungan dan sosial semakin diperhatikan, begitu juga dengan tanggungjawab sosial perusahaan. Beberapa perusahaan semakin gencar dalam mengungkapkan tanggung jawab sosial perusahaannya, namun ada juga yang masih kurang maksimal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mencari tahu faktor apa saja yang dapat memengaruhi pengungkapan tanggungjawab sosial perusahaan pada BUMN Indonesia. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis regresi linier berganda dengan total sampel yang diobservasi sebanyak 51 buah. Hasil yang diperoleh pada penelitian ini adalah ukuran perusahaan, jenis sektor usaha, dan ukuran dewan direksi berpengaruh secara positif terhadap pengungkapan tanggungjawab sosial perusahaan, sedangkan keterlibatan anggota dewan perempuan dan green accounting tidak memiliki pengaruh. Penelitian ini diharapkan dapat menambah wawasan dan menambah referensi bagi peneliti selanjutnya maupun bagi investor untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi pengungkapan tanggungjawab sosial perusahaan dan dapat membantu dalam pengambilan keputusan. Kata kunci: Pengungkapan Tanggungjawab Sosial Perusahaan, BUMN, Jenis Sektor Usaha, Dewan Direksi
Human response to earthquake shaking: Analysis of video footage of the 2010-2011 Christchurch earthquake sequence

ii Acknowledgements iii List of Figures vii List of Tables ix Chapter 1-Introduction to the study 1 1.1. Context of Study 1 1.2. Motivation for this study 2 1.3. Research Aims 3 1.4. Conceptual Framework 4 1.5. Thesis Structure 5 Chapter 2-Literature Review 7 2.
Preparation of Ocimum Sanctum-Based Hydrogel and Evaluation of Its Cytotoxicity: An In Vitro Study

Introduction: While traditional periodontal treatments like scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and surgical intervention remain the primary approaches, herbal medicine is continuously evolving as an alternative for the management of periodontal diseases. This study focused on the evaluation of the cytotoxicity of Ocimum sanctum (OS)-based hydrogel for its use in local drug delivery in periodontitis. Methods: OS-based hydrogel was prepared using 50 g of OS powder and 200 ml of ethanol, along with carboxymethyl cellulose gel and sorbitol. The prepared formulation was evaluated for its cytotoxicity by using the MTT assay, cell viability, cell morphology, and brine shrimp egg assessment. Results: Cell viability was assessed, and it was above 95% for the control and 85% for the OS hydrogel by the 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Brine shrimp egg assessment also showed a survival rate of 80% at low concentrations. The cell morphology test showed round and uniform cells growing in a monolayer shape. Conclusion: The findings of this study confirmed that OS-based hydrogel is cytocompatible and, hence, can be used as a local drug delivery agent for periodontitis management, especially in resource-constrained settings where affordable and natural treatment options are highly valued.