Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Online Grocery Shopping in Germany: Assessing the Impact of COVID-19

Online grocery shopping in Germany has shown a strong growth in the past years and is expected to further develop in the future, especially through the influence of COVID-19. The main purpose of this study was to examine six theoretical customer-oriented factors and their influence on consumer online grocery purchase intentions. Additionally, this study compares consumer perceptions before and since the COVID-19 outbreak. Since the health crisis is very recent, the research on its impact on online grocery purchasing behavior is limited. A total of 402 valid questionnaires were collected in Germany. The data were analyzed using the software SPSS IBM 28. The results indicate that perceived risk still has a negative influence on purchase intentions, thus remaining relevant in online grocery shopping. However, the consumers’ perceived risk is considered lower compared to the pre-COVID-19 scenario. Moreover, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived trust, convenience, as well as situational factors were found to have a positive relationship with purchase intention, both before the COVID-19 crisis and since then. The COVID-19 pandemic shows a strong reduction in perceived risk, while the remaining characteristics increase at moderate levels. Online grocery businesses could use the insights of this study to reduce perceived risks as well as successfully communicate the benefits of online shopping to consumers.
Bayesian approach for modeling global magnetic parameters for the solar active region

Context. Active regions (ARs) appear in the solar atmosphere as a consequence of the emergence of magnetic ﬂux tubes. The presence of elongated magnetic polarities in line-of-sight (LOS) magnetograms indicates the existence of twist in the ﬂux tubes that form them. These polarity elongations, referred to as magnetic tongues, bias the measurement of AR characteristics obtained during their emergence phase (e.g., their tilt angle and magnetic ﬂux). In particular, obtaining a good estimation of the tilt angle evolution plays a key role in constraining ﬂux-transport dynamo models. Aims. In this work, we aim to estimate the intrinsic properties of the twisted ﬂux tubes, or ﬂux ropes, that form ARs by quantitatively comparing observed LOS magnetograms with synthetic ones derived from a toroidal magnetic ﬂux tube model. Methods. We developed a Bayesian inference method to obtain the statistical distributions of the inferred model parameters. As an example, we applied the method to NOAA AR 10268. Next, we tested the results using a synthetic-AR generator to quantify the e ﬀ ect of small-scale perturbations over the inferred parameter distributions. Results. We conclude that this method can signiﬁcantly remove the e ﬀ ects of magnetic tongues on the derived AR global characteristics, providing a better understanding of the intrinsic properties of the emerging ﬂux rope. Conclusions. These results provide a framework for future analyses of the physical properties of emerging ARs using Bayesian statistics.
E-logistic Practices and Health Care Supply Chain Management for Public Referral Hospitals in Uganda

This paper examined e-logistic practices and health care supply chain management in the context of Ugandan public referral hospitals. The prime objective was to examine the relationship between e-logistics operations and performance of health care supply chain management. A quantitative research approach was utilized to gather data from public referral hospitals respondents using structured survey questionnaires. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling were utilised, aided by SmartPLS 3. Findings showed a positive significant relationship between e-logistics operations and performance of health care supply chain management in the context of Ugandan public referral hospitals. This study implies that the key e-logistics operations in relation to the performance of health care supply chain management, are central management of drugs, the correct order picking of drugs given to the right patients for quality control, and presence of an electronic system to update stock daily. Additionally, the findings designated that, e-logistics operations are related to the performance of health care supply chain management in terms of ICTs tracking systems and data transparency. The practical implication to the health sector- stakeholders, is to consider ICT-tracking systems and data transparency for e-logistics operations and performance of health care supply chain management.
Liposome Formulation and In Vitro Testing in Non-Physiological Conditions Addressed to Ex Vivo Kidney Perfusion

This work focuses on formulating liposomes to be used in isolated kidney dynamic machine perfusion in hypothermic conditions as drug delivery systems to improve preservation of transplantable organs. The need mainly arises from use of kidneys from marginal donors for transplantation that are more exposed to ischemic/reperfusion injury compared to those from standard donors. Two liposome preparation techniques, thin film hydration and microfluidic techniques, are explored for formulating liposomes loaded with two model proteins, myoglobin and bovine serum albumin. The protein-loaded liposomes are characterized for their size by DLS and morphology by TEM. Protein releases from the liposomes are tested in PERF-GEN perfusion fluid, 4 °C, and compared to the in vitro protein release in PBS, 37 °C. Fluorescent liposome uptake is analyzed by fluorescent microscope in vitro on epithelial tubular renal cell cultures and ex vivo on isolated pig kidney in hypothermic perfusion conditions. The results show that microfluidics are a superior technique for obtaining reproducible spherical liposomes with suitable size below 200 nm. Protein encapsulation efficiency is affected by its molecular weight and isoelectric point. Lowering incubation temperature slows down the proteins release; the perfusion fluid significantly affects the release of proteins sensitive to ionic media (such as BSA). Liposomes are taken up by epithelial tubular renal cells in two hours’ incubation time.
Self-adaptive memory foam switches for piezoelectric synchronous harvesting circuits

Synchronous extraction circuits are effective in improving the performance of piezoelectric generators. In comparison with dedicated electronic circuits to correctly operate the switches of these circuits, synchronous mechanical switches provide an alternative solution with less electronic components and lower voltage threshold. In this technique note, a self-adaptive mechanical switch design by utilization of the viscoelastic memory foam is proposed. It possesses favorable self-adaptive peak-detection ability in different amplitude or frequencies, which is believed to be a significant improvement to the previous researches. A synchronized switch harvesting on the inductor circuit using the proposed self-adaptive mechanical switches demonstrated a maximum power ratio of 292.3% in comparison with the standard circuit.
New composites based on aluminum alloy 5083 (TiO2(x)/AA): investigation of plasmonic effect, semiconductor thickness, and calcination temperature on photodegradation process

Abstract Aluminum alloy (AA5083) is found to demonstrate high mechanical properties, welding capability, corrosion resistance, and extremely high toughness both at room and cryogenic temperatures. In this study, we designed and proposed a photocatalytic structure composed of titanium dioxide (TiO2) layers coated on AA5083. AA substrate was employed to enhance light absorption thanks to its plasmonic effect. A chemical etching process was employed to scratch the AA5083 surface before the coating of TiO2 layers. Then the various number of TiO2 layers were deposited on the etched AA using the spin-coating method. The effect of the TiO2 layer thickness on the photocatalytic behavior was studied in the photodegradation of rhodamine B as a dye pollutant model. Photocatalytic activity of a series of TiO2(x)/AA5083 composites prepared at two different calcination temperatures of 400 and 550 °C was compared. We observed that TiO2(3)/AA, fabricated at a calcination temperature of 550 °C, with three layers of TiO2 and thickness of 19.05 µm has the highest photocatalytic performance in different concentrations of RhB (2, 5, and 10 ppm) under visible light. Moreover, this composite has nearly two times higher photocatalytic activity than that of the similar composite prepared at a calcination temperature of 400 °C.
Ultra-Low-Inductance Power Module for Fast Switching Semiconductors

An ultra-low-inductance power module using silicon carbide (SiC) devices has been developed by using an advanced packaging technology. The switching cell inductance was reduced significantly due to the absence of bond wires for chip interconnection. This was achieved by using PCB technologies on a DCB substrate to provide more interconnection layers and design freedom. The test result after fabrication showed the superiority of advanced packaging methods relating to switching behaviour. Almost no overshoot voltage and no ringing during turn-off were detected. The measured switching cell inductance went below 1nH which allows high speed switching and/or high efficiency applications by virtue of low switching losses.
Hybrid online learning for a software practice course and how it affects students with different self-regulated learning levels

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities to make a radical switch from face-to-face traditional teaching (TT) to completely online learning (OL). Thus, many studies proposed the proper OL environment for a specific subject and evaluated its effectiveness. However, few studies have empirically compared the proposed OL environment with TT to determine which has better learning effectiveness. More importantly, an OL environment and the self-regulated learning (SRL) ability of a student interactively influence the student’s learning effectiveness. However, few studies have investigated how an OL environment influences the learning behaviours of the students with different SRL abilities. Thus, the aims of this study were to compare the adopted hybrid OL environment with TT and examine how the hybrid OL environment individually influences students with different SRL levels. This study has three significant findings. First, students have better participation rate and work quality in the OL than in TT. Second, the high-SRL and middle-SRL students have higher work quality under the OL than under TT, while the middle-SRL and low-SRL students have higher participation rates under the OL than under TT. Third, while students overall do not particularly favour OL or TT, the middle-SRL students particularly prefer OL. Implications for practice or policy Educators could consider hybrid OL on software practice courses (e.g., Microsoft Office) and programming courses during the COVID-19 pandemic, because most students benefit more from OL than from TT. Educators could provide proper assistance for the low-SRL students under the hybrid OL, which could enhance their learning. Educators in a TT environment could consider giving students more private space to reduce disturbances, which could particularly benefit introverted students with high-SRL and middle-SRL.
The influence of self-efficacy on training effectiveness in cooperative organizations

Purpose – This research aims to analyze the relationship between the effectiveness of training at work and self-efficacy in cooperative organizations. Theoretical framework - Considering its complexity and the conceptual gaps regarding the topic, it was decided to conduct an analysis of the relationship between a variable of the affective dimension (self-efficacy), and a performance variable (training effectiveness). Design/methodology/approach – The research was conducted in the form of a survey and the data were obtained through questionnaires applied to employees from cooperatives in Paraná State who participated in acts of training and development. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings – The confirmation of the general hypothesis evidenced a positive relationship between self-efficacy and training effectiveness, demonstrating that, for cooperative organizations, investing in the development of people with high-efficacy results in learning and improves the outcome of their work. Practical implications – The main practical contribution of this study lies in the importance of the affective dimension in the individual development process, as individual beliefs about the benefits of learning enable the development of new skills that influence work performance. Originality/value – The results indicate the need for more in-depth studies of affective indicators of training and its impact on work, notably in relation to self-efficacy, through its capacity for modifying behavior and generating concrete actions through an individual’s belief regarding what he is capable of achieving.
Iwasawa Theory for $p$-adic Representations

Several years ago Mazur and Wiles proved a fundamental conjecture of Iwasawa which gives a precise link between the critical values of the Riemann zeta function (and, more generally, Dirichlet L-functions) and the ideal class groups of certain towers of cyclotomic fields. Probably the first hint of such a link is Kummer's well-known criterion for irregularity of primes. In Iwasawa's theory one defines for each prime p certain modules over the Iwasawa algebra A (which we will describe in Section 1). Iwasawa's conjecture then relates the structure of these A-modules to the p-adic L-functions constructed by Kubota and Leopoldt which interpolate critical values of Dirichlet L-functions. Mazur realized that, following Iwasawa's model, one could formulate a similar conjecture for an elliptic curve E ( defined over Q) and for any prime p where E has good, ordinary reduction. Mazur and Swinnerton-Dyer constructed p-adic L-functions attached to E for such p (assuming Eis a Weil curve). The Iwasawa modules which Mazur's conjecture relates to these p-adic L-functions are defined in terms of Selmer groups for E, again in towers of cyclotomic fields. This time the hint of such a relationship is the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture. · There are now several other cases where p-adic analogues of complex L-functions have been constructed-for example, Manin's p-adic L-functions attached to classical modular forms. It seems worthwhile then to search for appropriate Iwasawa modules in a much more general context and that is our purpose in this paper. We will consider a compatible system of 1-adic representations V={Vi} over Q. Thus Vi is a finite dimensional vector space over Qi (the 1-adic numbers) of dimension d=dv on which Ga=Gal(Q/Q) acts. (For any field k, Gk denotes Gal(f/k), where le is an algebraic closure of k. ) If q is any prime, then one can also consider Vi as a representation space of Gaq by choosing a place lj_ of Q over q and identifying Ga, with the decomposition group for that place. We will usually assume that pis an "ordinary" prime for Vin the follow-
Safety Profile of Methotrexate Therapy in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the safety profile of methotrexate (MTX) therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis Study design This was a cross-sectional observational study. Place and duration of the study The study took place in the Division of Rheumatology, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, from May 2020 to August 2021. Methodology A total of 411 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and receiving MTX in the dose of 10-20 mg/week for at least four months were included by consecutive sampling. All patients were followed for four months for the development of cytopenias, deranged liver function tests, renal function tests, fever, and gastrointestinal upsets. Data were recorded on a pro forma. Results There were 237 (57.6%) females and 174 (42.4%) males. The female to male ratio was 1.4: 1. The average age of patients was 43.01 years + 17.1 SD with a range of 18-72 years. Gastrointestinal side effects were the most common, found in 49 patients (11.9%), followed by mucocutaneous side effects in 35 patients (8.5%) and fever (34 patients, 8.3%). Conclusion Every one in three patients developed some adverse effect within six months of methotrexate therapy. Moreover, we conclude that gastrointestinal side effects were the most common side effects seen.
Clinical Presentation of Thyroglossal Cysts and Sinuses

Objective: To see the clinical presentation of thyroglossal cysts and sinuses. Methods: Observational type of Cross sectional study. Department of ENT & Head-Neck Surgery in Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barishal from September 2014 to February 2015. All patients attended in the Department of ENT and Head Neck Surgery in Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Serum TSH, USG of thyroid swelling and FNAC were done for diagnoses and for evaluation. Results: Thyroglossal cysts and sinuses were found in 23(63.9%) and 13(36.1%) cases respectively. The mean age of presentation was found 16.6±11.3 years in cysts group and 15.5±7.2 years in sinus group. Regarding the site of cysts 4(17.4%) cases was suprahyoid, 11(47.8%) infrahyoid and 8(34.8%) at the level of hyoid. Regarding the site of sinus 1(7.7%) case was suprahyoid, 9(69.2%) infrahyoid and 3(23.1%) at the level of hyoid. All the patients had normal thyroid gland in both group, all of them had normal serum TSH level. FNAC was done in all cyst patients and shows normal cystic lesion with no malignancy. But in sinus patients only one FNAC was done and reported as cystic lesion. Conclusion: Thyroglossal cysts and sinuses were more common in 2nd decade and male predominant. Majority of the cysts are Infrahyoid and on the right side of midline and majority of sinuses are Infrahyoid and on the right side. Development of sinuses is due to operation following abscess formation in majority of cases. Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 28(1): 7-15
Characterizing Incident Responder Crashes Involving Move Over Law Violations

This research sought to understand secondary crashes involving incident responders in which a citation was issued for violation of Florida’s Move Over Law. From 2011 to 2020, there were 519 crashes involving a Move Over Law citation, for which the circumstances of the crashes had required a driver to slow or change lanes because of a stopped responder vehicle. The majority occurred during times other than daylight, and driver distraction and alcohol were notably present in the data. Alcohol increased crash and injury severity and the likelihood of injury. Law enforcement traffic stops were the most common precipitating activity, followed by previous crashes and vehicle disablements. Over two-thirds of crashes involved a law enforcement vehicle, the remainder comprised other responder vehicle types. A distribution of posted speed limits showed that more than half of move over violation crashes occurred on roadways with a posted speed of 45 mph or less. In 41 crashes, a pedestrian was struck, including 32 involving incident responders. In responder struck-by crashes, law enforcement officers, lack of high-visibility safety apparel, and operating on the traffic side of incident scenes were prominent. Local roadways comprised a significant number of struck-by crashes, but higher-speed roadways were more dangerous for towing operators and had higher incidence of serious injuries. The move over violation approach to filtering crash data for responder-involved incidents was valid, however, not every crash involving a responder resulted in a move over citation, so the approach was more representative of the responder-involved crash type than comprehensive.
Integration of optimization methodology to evaluate pavement maintenance strategies for deteriorated low-volume roads

Low-volume roads (LVRs) are restricted with limited maintenance funding due to the recent national economic downturn. Only few selected LVRs with deteriorated pavements are typically rehabilitated in which poor LVRs are expected to continue deteriorating to extreme levels of distress. Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is evaluating pavement treatments on LVRs to find the most cost-effective maintenance strategies. As part of these efforts, a comprehensive optimization analysis is adopted in this paper to investigate alternative maintenance strategies and define the capital improvement plans for deteriorated LVRs with marginal pavement conditions. A proposed strategy was found to enhance the effectiveness of current policies followed by CDOT. However, the results emphasize the need for additional resources at network level for dealing with deteriorated LVRs. The optimization procedure described in this paper can be followed by other agencies nationwide to identify strategies and establish funding needs that secure higher funding from decision makers.
Engaging multiple identity frames in political discussion

ABSTRACT Many partisans identify with social groups more typically associated with the opposing party. When both social and partisan identities are made salient in a political environment, this can complicate how people discuss politics and form opinions, as they confront multiple, often competing frames for interpreting political issues and events. This study examines how individuals negotiate cross-cutting frames from partisan and LGBT groups when communicating about political events that make both identities salient. Using a quantitative text analysis of tweets following major political events, the study compares communications from accounts associated with LGBT Republican groups to those from accounts related to other LGBT, Democratic, and Republican groups. The results show that after events that make LGBT and partisan identity salient, users associated with LGBT Republican groups depart from other Republican-associated users in their communications and are uniquely likely to adopt frames in their communication that are associated with both LGBT and Republican interests. The findings have implications for theories of framing effects, cross pressure, and the boundaries of partisanship's influence on behavior.
Fuel in Tasmanian Dry Eucalypt Forests: Prediction of Fuel Load and Fuel Hazard Rating from Fuel Age

This paper presents equations for fuel load and fuel hazard rating (FHR) models based on the time since last fire for dry eucalypt forests in eastern Tasmania. The fuel load equations predict the load of the surface/near-surface and elevated fine fuel. The FHR equations predict the surface, near-surface, combined surface and near-surface, bark, and overall FHR. The utility of the “Overall fuel hazard assessment guide” from Victoria, Australia, is assessed for Tasmanian dry eucalypt forests: we conclude that, when fuel strata components are weighted according to their influence on fire behaviour, the Victorian guide provides a rapid, robust, and effective methodology for estimating FHR. The equations in this paper will be used for operational planning and on-the-ground performing of hazard reduction burning, prediction of fire behaviour for fire risk assessments and bushfire control, and providing inputs into the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System.