Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soil macrofauna diversity and weed dynamics in response to different methods of weed control in smallholder rubber farming

Abstract. Chaniago I, Yulistriani, Umami IM, Bukhari ZZ. 2023. Soil macrofauna diversity and weed dynamics in response to different methods of weed control in smallholder rubber farming. Biodiversitas 24: 3106-3113. Weeds interference in rubber farmland may reduce latex yield. Farmers apply herbicides to control weeds. However, the herbicide not only controls weed but also affects the presence of soil macrofauna. A study has been conducted to determine the effect of different method of weed control on soil macrofauna and weeds at smallholder rubber farming at Pulau Punjung, Dharmasraya District, West Sumatra, Indonesia. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with 6 treatments and 4 pseudo-replications. Treatment was mechanical control, without weed control, and 4 doses of herbicide glyphosate+metsulfuron-methyl (1.5 L ha-1 + 15 g ha-1, 2 L ha-1 + 15 g ha-1, 2.5 L ha-1 + 15 g ha-1, 3 L ha-1 + 15 g ha-1) with 400 L ha-1 of volume. Pitfall traps were used to collect the soil macrofauna. Data were analysis with ANOVA for weed and soil macrofauna in response to different methods of weed control. Results demonstrated that the application of glyphosate+metsulfuron-methyl herbicide significantly suppressed weeds higher than that of other methods of weed control (p<0.05). Para grass (Brachiaria mutica (Forssk.) Stapf) was the most dominant weed but has been affected most by 3 L ha-1 + 15 g ha-1 herbicide mixture. Soil macrofauna of the order Hemiptera was affected most by the application of herbicide with a total reduction of 71.58% of number of individuals at 12 weeks after application of herbicide. In general, different weed control methods resulted in varied numbers of orders and individuals of the soil macrofauna.
Detecting change point in linear regression using jackknife empirical likelihood

Data generated in quite a few examples can be described using a linear regression model with a change point. In this paper for such a model, we develop a nonparametric method based on the jackknife empirical likelihood (JEL) to detect the change in regression coefficients. Under mild conditions, we show that the null distribution of the JEL ratio test statistic is asymptotically Gumbel. The test and the estimator of change point are shown to be consistent under the alternative hypothesis. Simulation suggests that the proposed method is computationally much more affordable than the alternative based on empirical likelihood. We also demonstrate the proposed method using two real datasets.
Instability of a parallel array of orthotropic simply-supported rectangular microplates with interactions

We study the structural instability of a parallel array of identical elastically orthotropic simply-supported rectangular microplates, each of which interacts with two neighboring plates through surface attractive forces. By means of a Stroh-type formalism and by considering the fact that the shear stress on the surfaces of each plate is zero, a 2×2 transfer matrix for a plate is derived. The transfer matrix can be directly obtained from the 6×6 fundamental elasticity matrix without resolving the Stroh eigenvalue problem. A generalized eigenvalue problem can then be conveniently constructed to determine the critical interaction coefficient. The in-plane edge compression acting on the four sides of each plate can also be incorporated in our analysis. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the effects of material and geometric parameters and edge compression on the critical interaction coefficient and meanwhile to validate the correctness of the solution.
IFRS integration into accounting education: Academics’ perspective: Evidence form Yemeni universities

Abstract This study aims to assess academics’ comprehension of the relevance of international financial reporting standards (IFRS) integration, as well as its implications on how IFRS are included into accounting curricula and academics’ awareness of these plans. This research also sought to examine the impact of academics’ plans to include IFRS into the curriculum. These statistics were submitted by 119 academics teaching at the undergraduate level in the accounting departments of Yemeni University. The findings indicate that academics’ expertise has a positive impact on their IFRS integration objectives. The data indicate that while stakeholders have a substantial and positive impact on IFRS integration and academic objectives, this effect is not uniform.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Emergency Department Visits in a Tertiary Hospital

Purpose This study aimed to highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on emergency department (ED) visits of non-COVID-19 patients in a tertiary hospital and evaluate protocol development during this period. Patients and Methods Clinical data of patients who visited the ED of Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine during the first-level response in Foshan, Guangdong province in 2020 (from January 23 to February 24) and the same period in 2019 and 2021 were collected. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was performed to understand the characteristics of critically ill patients and compare the proportion of hospitalizations, deaths, and emergency ambulance calls (EACs). Results The number of patients presenting to the ED was significantly decreased, with a 37.75% reduction in 2020 (6196) compared to the same period in 2019 (9954). A rise in patient ED presentations was observed in the same period in 2021 (10,503). This decline was mostly in the 15–45 age group. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, critically ill patients treated by the ED totaled 568 (5.706%), 339 (5.495%), and 590 (5.617%), respectively. Compared to the same period in 2019 and 2021, the proportion of critically ill patients with respiratory system involvement, severe trauma, and poisoning decreased most significantly in 2020 (P<0.05). In contrast, the rates of EACs, hospitalizations, and deaths increased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion The number of ED visits to hospitals was decreased during the 2020 lockdown, while the rates of EACs, hospitalizations, and deaths increased significantly though there were no documented COVID-19 cases. Optimizing emergency medical resources and ensuring the safety of healthcare providers and patients were essential to provide efficient emergency diagnosis and treatment during the lockdown.
Is the information on green hotel websites aligned with the drivers affecting customers’ intention to visit green hotels? A mixed-methods approach

ABSTRACT Understanding enablers and barriers influencing customers’ intention to use green hotels can help managers formulate better online green marketing strategies. However, existing studies fail to capture these aspects. The present multi-method-based multi-study explored customer perspectives from different sources (qualitative interviews of 20 participants and quantitative surveys of 311 respondents) to explore the enablers/barriers and compared it with the website content of 27 green hotels from India (user-generated content). The participants/respondents were mainly Indian tourists who have either stayed in green hotels or have knowledge about green hotels. Study 1 and Study 2 found enablers “value-for-nature” (“environmental preservation”), “voluntary reduction-in-tourist eco-behavior” (“contributes-to-environment”), “emotional values” (“closer-to-nature”), and barriers “traditional” (“operational difficulties”) and “risk” (“expectations-vs-reality”) affecting customers’ intention to use green hotels. However, the website content of green hotels (in Study 3) failed to capture what all green initiatives are implemented and how it will not compromise with the luxury.
A consolidated working classification of gastric cancer for histopathologists (Review)

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a disease with poor prognosis despite increasing availability of more effective targeted treatment. This may be in part due to the difficulty in selecting patients for appropriate treatment. Conventional taxonomic classifications of GC are ill-suited to make full use of recent advances in personalised therapy. In the past decade a number of molecular classifications have been proposed to address this; however, to date, there has been little implementation in the diagnostic routine. The lack of harmonisation between these classifications, the complexity and unavailability of some of the tests required plus the demands on time and resources, all contribute to poor uptake in the diagnostic routine. In the present study, these classifications were reviewed and an inclusive working classification that includes their main points, focuses on prognosis and treatment options and can be delivered using four on-slide tests (in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr encoding region and immunohistochemistry for mismatch repair, E-cadherin and p53) is proposed. These tests can be performed on paraffin-embedded tissue and could be available in the majority of histopathology laboratories. The proposed classification also includes reflex testing for specific biomarkers relevant to treatment selection.
An Empirical Study on the Relationship Between Credit Rating and Banks´ Performance: Evidence from an Emerging Market

This paper provides new empirical evidence with respect to the influence of banks´ long- and short-term credit ratings and their volatility performance in the emerging market of Pakistan covering 10-year analysis and a unique and comprehensive data set derived from a sample of Islamic and conventional banks with Islamic windows. The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of the relationship between Islamic banks´ performance and banks´ credit rating focusing on the emerging market of Pakistan over the period of 2010-2019. To achieve the describing goal, researchers use various quantitative approaches, namely the ordinary least square (OLS) and the Granger causality test. Sample consists of nine conventional banks with Islamic windows and three fully-fledged Islamic banks listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange with credit ratings assigned by the PACRA. Results reveal that banks with higher financial performance have higher long- and short-term ratings, higher GDP growth rates, lower equity to assets ratio, and are smaller in size. Results also array the existence of bidirectional Granger causality between short- and long-term ratings and ROE and a unidirectional Granger causality between trend ROE and trend short- and long-term ratings, respectively.
Causal effect of vitamin D on myasthenia gravis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Introduction Observational studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation may be effective in preventing myasthenia gravis (MG). However, the causal relationship between circulating vitamin D levels and MG remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the genetic causality of circulating vitamin D and MG using data from large population-based genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Methods SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) strongly associated with exposure were selected. Two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) was performed with inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger (Mendelian randomization-Egger), weight median and MR-PRESSO (Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier) methods. Heterogeneity was tested via IVW and MR-Egger. Pleiotropy was tested using MR-Egger intercept test and MR-PRESSO method. MR-PRESSO was also used to detect outliers. Leave-one-out analysis was used to identify SNPs with potential effect. Reverse MR analysis was also performed. Result In IVW, circulating vitamin D levels had no causal effect on MG [OR = 0.91 (0.67–1.22), p = 0.532] and MG had no causal effect on circulating vitamin D [OR = 1.01 (099–1.02), p = 0.663]. No heterogeneity or pleiotropy was observed (p > 0.05). Other MR methods also agreed with IVW results. Conclusion This study provides the causal relationship between genetically predicted circulating vitamin D levels and MG and provides new insights into the genetics of MG.
Terahertz-induced photothermoelectric response in graphene-metal contact structures

We report on the photoresponse of a graphene-metal contact device under terahertz (THz) illumination. The device has an extremely simple structure consisting of a large-area monolayer graphene stripe contacted with two gold electrodes. A significant position-dependent photovoltage is observed across the device by THz excitation, exhibiting a linear relationship with the incident beam power. Experimental results show that the graphene channel length and the substrate thermal conductivity have obvious influence on the photovoltage amplitude and response time, which is consistent with the photothermoelectric mechanism. This compact and powerless device is expected to have a promising application in THz detection. Our work provides theoretical and experimental evidence for the development of high-performance graphene-based THz photodetectors.
A Narrative Inquiry of Two English Teachers’ Identity Construction

Teacher identity is one of the essential aspects influencing the form and quality of educational processes. The present study examines the narratives of one of the writers, Devia, and an English teacher, Trisa, throughout their learning and teaching experiences and the process that were involved as they negotiated their identities as teachers. The data were collected from an autobiographical narrative of Devia as an English teacher, as well as intensive life-history interviews with Trisa. Analysis of the narratives and interview data led to four major themes: inspiring figures, teaching practicum experiences, becoming an English teacher, and pursuing a postgraduate study. The findings revealed that Devia’s and Trisa’s engagement in the practices and activities of learning and teaching shaped their teacher identity constructions. Keywords: narrative inquiry, teacher identity, teacher identity construction
Calculation of plasticity index of two-process surfaces

This paper presents the method of plasticity index calculation of isotropic two-process surfaces on the basis of index developed by Greenwood and Williamson for random surfaces of Gaussian ordinate distribution. This method was applied to computer generated isotropic two-process textures. The proposed plasticity index of two-process surface was compared with that of plateau surface and of the whole surface calculated by traditional manner. It was shown that plasticity index and generally the contact properties of two-process surfaces depended not only on plateau but also in a smaller degree on valley roughness. The method of estimation of summit radius of plateau surface from the analysis of two-process surface was presented too.
How to Protect Your Daughters from "Stranger Marriage": Palestinian Families in Germany Betwixt Kinship Endogamy and Intercultural Exogamy

Abstract:This article is about marriage stories collected from Palestinian Muslim families making a new life in Germany while seeking to retain their transnational ties and cultural roots. They belong to the Arab and Muslim diaspora whose disposition to integrate into the fabric of European society has been persistently questioned. Arab and Muslim immigrants and their offspring largely seem to prefer staying amongst themselves, taking spouses from their home countries rather than intermingling with the local population. However, faced with transnational exchange and intercultural crossover in much the same way, those who do intermarry and those who do not may have more in common than often suggested. Combining narrative inquiries with quantitative comparisons, three issues are addressed in this article: the impact of migration histories on marriage preferences and prerogatives, intergenerational dynamics of marriage stories unfolding at the family level, and shifting boundaries of "protection" and "strangeness" evolving in the course of change from below.
Change over Time in Learners’ Mindsets about Learning a Foreign Language

: Inspired by the recent avenues for longitudinal research in second language acquisition (SLA), in this study we aimed to trace changes in language mindsets over time via a curve of factors model. The data were collected from 437 adult English as a foreign language learners’ response to the Language Mindsets Index in four time points. The model fit was accepted and the invariance of the latent factor was attested over time. The findings indicated a negative covariance between the initial level language mindsets and the growth level of the construct. This finding implies that learners with a highly initial level of language mindsets experienced less change in the construct over time and those with a lower level of the construct changed their mindsets more over time. Pedagogical implications of the findings such as language teachers’ consideration of growth language mindsets interventions are discussed.
Effects of Error Modulation-Based Visual and Haptic Feedback Fusion Strategies on Motor Learning and Motivation

Visual or haptic feedback based on error modulation has been used to improve the effect of robot-assisted rehabilitation training. However, there are several investigations on the effects of error modulation-based visual and haptic feedback fusion strategies on motor learning and motivation. To observe the influence of different feedback fusion strategies on motor learning and motivation, a parallel controlled study was conducted, dividing 30 healthy subjects into three groups with similar skill levels. The no error modulation group received visual and haptic feedback without error modulation; the visual amplification haptic reduction group received visual error amplification combined with haptic error reduction, and the visual reduction haptic amplification (VRHA) group received visual error reduction combined with haptic error amplification. Each subject implemented a trajectory-tracking task with an upper limb rehabilitation robot. They went through baseline, training, assessment, and generalization tests and completed 340 consecutive tracking movements. To evaluate motor learning and motivation, the average tracking error, the root mean square (RMS) of surface electromyography (sEMG) signals, and the intrinsic motivation inventory scale were all examined. In the assessment tests, the average tracking error was significantly decreased in all three groups. In particular, the VRHA group had a larger reduction in average tracking error in the generalization test, lower RMS of sEMG signals both in the assessment and generalization tests and higher perceived competence in the assessment tests. The VRHA fusion strategy significantly improved the subjects’ motor learning and transfer ability, decreased muscle activation, and increased motor learning motivation. These findings may provide some new insights for multisensory feedback fusion technology in the application of rehabilitation robots.
Clinical Outcomes After Joint-Preserving and Joint-Sacrificing Surgery for Hallux Rigidus

Introduction Hallux rigidus (HR) is a degenerative condition affecting the first metatarsal phalangeal joint, causing stiffness and pain. Surgery is indicated for those who have failed a trial of conservative management. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the functional outcomes at short and medium term after surgery for HR. Methods All patients who underwent surgical treatment for HR between 2017 and 2022 at the time of this study were identified and invited to return for a follow-up evaluation. Outcomes were assessed by comparison of pre-operative and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. Results A total of 26 patients were included in our study with a mean follow-up of 31 months. There was a mean improvement in VAS score by 5.6 (p-value < 0.0001) and 5.7 (p-value = 0.0012) in patients who underwent joint-preserving (JP) and joint-sacrificing (JS) surgery, respectively. Patients who underwent JP surgery had a mean increase of 28.1 points (p-value < 0.0001) in the AOFAS Hallux score, while patients who underwent JS surgery had a mean increase of 27.29 points (p-value = 0.0066). Conclusion Functional outcomes after surgical management for HR are good at short- and medium-term follow-up. Good outcomes are seen with both JP and JS procedures. JP procedures should be considered as a first-line surgical option for HR as it allows revision procedures if required.
The Effects of Seed Pretreatment with Endophytic Bacteria Bacillus subtilis on the Water Balance of Spring and Winter Wheat Seedlings under Short-Time Water Deficit

We investigated the effect of pre-sowing seed treatment with endophytic Bacillus subtilis 10-4 (B. subtilis) on spring and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; cultivars Ekada-70 (Ek) and Scepter (Sc), respectively) growth and tolerance under 1–24 h of drought stress, modulated by 12% polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG). The results showed that drought decreased transpiration intensity (TI), root relative water content (RWC), osmotic potential (Ψπ) of cell sap, and induced proline accumulation and electrolyte leakage (EL) in both wheat cultivars. It was revealed that Sc was more responsive to PEG and B. subtilis treatments than Ek. Under drought, Ek did not significantly change root length, shoot height, or dry biomass. The pretreatment of wheat plants with B. subtilis performed significantly better under drought conditions through the enhanced TI, RWC, and Ψπ of the cell sap in comparison with the plants treated with 12% PEG alone. B. subtilis also reduced stress-caused EL, especially in the Sc cultivar. Under water deficit wheat seedlings, pretreated with B. subtilis, have a higher proline accumulation in comparison to untreated stressed plants. Taken together, our results demonstrate the crucial role of endophytic B. subtilis in ameliorating the adverse effects of water stress on the water balance of both winter and spring wheat cultivars.
Satisfaction among patients seeking services at an urban health training center during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Delhi, India

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges to the provision of routine health services. As we continue providing non-COVID services, it is essential that the community perceives them to be satisfactory and safe to ensure optimum uptake. The objective of the study was to determine the satisfaction and perceived safety among patients availing services at an urban health training center (UHTC) during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Delhi. Methods: UHTC, Aliganj caters to a population of over 6000, in an urbanized village of South Delhi. A pre-designed, semi-structured questionnaire incorporating the North Indian OPD Satisfaction Scale along with questions on sociodemographic details and perception of safety was used. Systematic random sampling was used to select the patients from the study population which included those above 18 years attending UHTC from November–December 2020. Exit interviews were done by a trained independent interviewer to reduce bias. Data were analyzed in SPSS using Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests. Results: Out of 218 patients, 161 (73.7%) were satisfied, 174 (79.8%) felt safe to visit UHTC during the pandemic and 143 (65.6%) felt both satisfied and safe. Patients were dissatisfied with screening for COVID-19 (29.5%), amenities (47.1%), cleanliness (51.8%), and waiting and registration (62.9%). Conclusion: The majority of patients were satisfied and found the UHTC services safe. A large proportion of patients found location, doctor–patient interaction, and COVID-appropriate behavior at the center to be satisfactory, but there was scope to improve waiting and registration, cleanliness, and effectiveness of screening for COVID.