Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Technostress impact on the intention to adopt blockchain technology in auditing companies

For many professionals, blockchain technology is important. However, the adoption of blockchain technology has not been effectively prepared for by auditors. Blockchain can disturb the accounting profession due to inappropriate integration, leading employees to encounter “technostress” (Smith, 2018; Fischer & Riedl, 2017). This study aims to examine how technostress affects auditors’ plans to adopt blockchain technology. The technology acceptance model (TAM) and technostress are combined in a proposed model. Accordingly, the study developed hypotheses suggesting that: technostress negatively affects the ease of use and perceived utility of the blockchain; perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness have a positive effect on favorable attitudes towards the use of the blockchain; a favorable attitude towards technology adoption impacts positively on the behavioral intention to adopt blockchain. A group of auditors (142) from Big Four (Big 4) and non-Big 4 audit firms provided information via questionnaires that were already administrated and validated. The findings support the hypotheses that technostress affects the perceived usefulness and ease of use of blockchain technology. Attitude toward adoption decision is significantly predicted by perceived usefulness and ease of use, whereas attitude toward adoption decision significantly predicts the behavioral intention to adopt blockchain technology. Overall, the findings can benefit accountants, auditors, and managers of audit firms.
Molecular Characteristics of the Fatty-Acid-Binding Protein (FABP) Family in Spirometra mansoni―A Neglected Medical Tapeworm

Simple Summary The purpose of this study was to investigate the members, gene expression patterns, and molecular characteristics of the Spirometra mansoni fatty-acid-binding protein family. We screened and characterized 11 new SmFABP genes and divided them into two groups based on conservative motifs. All 11 genes were highly expressed in the adult stage. We found that SmFABPs had a high genetic diversity and the FABPs in medical platyhelminthes were relatively conserved. When rSmFABP is combined with palmitic acid, a more stable holographic morphology can be established to protect the hydrolysis site of FABP. Abstract The plerocercoid larva of the tapeworm Spirometra mansoni can parasitize humans and animals, causing serious parasitic zoonosis. The molecular characteristics and adaptive parasitism mechanism of Spirometra tapeworms are still unknown. In this study, 11 new members of the fatty-acid-binding protein (FABP) family were characterized in S. mansoni. A clustering analysis showed 11 SmFABPs arranged into two groups, and motif patterns within each group had similar organizations. RT–qPCR showed that SmFABPs were highly expressed in the adult stage, especially in gravid proglottid. A high genetic diversity of SmFABPs and relative conservation of FABPs in medical platyhelminthes were observed in the phylogenetic analysis. Immunolocalization revealed that natural SmFABP is mainly located in the tegument and parenchymal tissue of the plerocercoid and the uterus, genital pores, and cortex of adult worms. rSmFABP can build a more stable holo form when binding with palmitic acid to protect the hydrolytic sites of the protein. A fatty acid starvation induction test suggested that SmFABP might be involved in fatty acid absorption, transport, and metabolism in S. mansoni. The findings in this study will lay the foundation to better explore the underlying mechanisms of FABPs involved in Spirometra tapeworms as well as related taxa.
TDP-43 Epigenetic Facets and Their Neurodegenerative Implications

Since its initial involvement in numerous neurodegenerative pathologies in 2006, either as a principal actor or as a cofactor, new pathologies implicating transactive response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) are regularly emerging also beyond the neuronal system. This reflects the fact that TDP-43 functions are particularly complex and broad in a great variety of human cells. In neurodegenerative diseases, this protein is often pathologically delocalized to the cytoplasm, where it irreversibly aggregates and is subjected to various post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, polyubiquitination, and cleavage. Until a few years ago, the research emphasis has been focused particularly on the impacts of this aggregation and/or on its widely described role in complex RNA splicing, whether related to loss- or gain-of-function mechanisms. Interestingly, recent studies have strengthened the knowledge of TDP-43 activity at the chromatin level and its implication in the regulation of DNA transcription and stability. These discoveries have highlighted new features regarding its own transcriptional regulation and suggested additional mechanistic and disease models for the effects of TPD-43. In this review, we aim to give a comprehensive view of the potential epigenetic (de)regulations driven by (and driving) this multitask DNA/RNA-binding protein.
Corrosion-Induced AC Impedance Elevation in Front Electrodes of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells Within Field-Aged Photovoltaic Modules

To identify the common degradation mechanism(s) between field-aged photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV cells/modules exposed to artificial corrosive stress, the ac impedance associated with the corrosion in the front electrodes was analyzed in the individual PV cells laminated within the PV modules, fielded for 21 years. By evaluating the ac impedance together with the PV performance for these PV cells, we found that the short-circuit current (Isc) remarkably decreased, depending on the expression and elevation of the ac impedance relevant to the front-electrode corrosion. This Isc-reduction can be explained by the formation of rectifying contacts to restrict the current conduction between the front electrodes and the associated silicon wafer. Since the Isc-reduction was primarily observed in the PV cells with extensive loss of fill factor, we suggest that the power-loss is induced by the gap formation underneath the front electrodes, followed by the emergence of rectifying contacts, even in the PV cells/modules degraded in field. The ac impedance parameters of the PV cells/modules could be a valuable predictor of the service lifetime of PV modules, as our findings in this study mean the equivalency of the failure attained by extended damp-heat testing with that observed in the field.
Recent Changes at the Northwest Margin of the Barnes Ice Cap, Baffin Island, N.W.T., Canada

A climate change monitoring site has been established at the northwest margin of the Barnes Ice Cap, in the vicinity of the Lewis Glacier. Three years of climatic data (1989 to 1992) and field observations, supplemented by satellite imagery, provide the basis for updating previous studies of local change at the ice cap margin, including climatology and substrate colonization by lichens. Climatic data from the ice cap summit permit extrapolation of seasonal temperatures from the ice marginal station as a basis for equilibrium line altitude estimates. Results are discussed against the background of studies from the 1960s. Retreat of the Lewis Glacier continues at about 25 m yr[sup [minus]1], whereas other areas of the northwest margin are retreating by 10 to 30 m yr[sup [minus]1]. Lower regional summer temperatures over the past three decades have not significantly slowed the recession that has been underway in this sector of the ice cap for the past three centuries. 41 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.
Trait anxiety modulates the detection sensitivity of negative affect in speech: an online pilot study

Acoustic perception of emotions in speech is relevant for humans to navigate the social environment optimally. While sensory perception is known to be influenced by ambient noise, and bodily internal states (e.g., emotional arousal and anxiety), their relationship to human auditory perception is relatively less understood. In a supervised, online pilot experiment sans the artificially controlled laboratory environment, we asked if the detection sensitivity of emotions conveyed by human speech-in-noise (acoustic signals) varies between individuals with relatively lower and higher levels of subclinical trait-anxiety, respectively. In a task, participants (n = 28) accurately discriminated the target emotion conveyed by the temporally unpredictable acoustic signals (signal to noise ratio = 10 dB), which were manipulated at four levels (Happy, Neutral, Fear, and Disgust). We calculated the empirical area under the curve (a measure of acoustic signal detection sensitivity) based on signal detection theory to answer our questions. A subset of individuals with High trait-anxiety relative to Low in the above sample showed significantly lower detection sensitivities to acoustic signals of negative emotions – Disgust and Fear and significantly lower detection sensitivities to acoustic signals when averaged across all emotions. The results from this pilot study with a small but statistically relevant sample size suggest that trait-anxiety levels influence the overall acoustic detection of speech-in-noise, especially those conveying threatening/negative affect. The findings are relevant for future research on acoustic perception anomalies underlying affective traits and disorders.
Estimating parameters in multichannel fundamental frequency with harmonics model

In this paper, we introduce a special multichannel model in the class of multichannel sinusoidal model. In multichannel sinusoidal model, the inherent frequencies from distinct channels are the same with different amplitudes. The underlying assumption here is that there is a fundamental frequency that is the same in each channel and the effective frequencies are harmonics of this fundamental frequency. We name this model as multichannel fundamental frequency with harmonics model. It is assumed that the errors in individual channel are independently and identically distributed whereas the signal from different channels are correlated. We propose generalized least squares estimators which become the maximum likelihood estimators also, when the error distribution of the different channels follows a multivariate Gaussian distribution. The proposed estimators are strongly consistent and asymptotically normally distributed. We have provided the implementation of the generalized least squares estimators in practice. Special attention has been taken when the number of channels is two and both have equal number of components. Simulation experiments have been carried out to observe the performances of the proposed estimators. Real data sets have been analysed using a two-channel fundamental frequency model.
Discussion on the Evaluation of Equipment System Contribution Rat

The evaluation of equipment system contribution rate is a hot topic in current military equipment research. This article analyzes the current research status, existing controversies, and problems from the perspective of conceptual connotation, and finally proposes the author's thoughts and suggestions. The article believes that understanding the concept of contribution rate of equipment system should fully consider its research purpose. It is a relatively comprehensive concept that includes both the connotation of equipment construction system and equipment combat system. It can be understood and applied from these two perspectives to achieve the research purpose of improving combat efficiency. Finally, it proposes considerations and suggestions for overall top-level design, unified concept definition, and improved theoretical system.
Languages and conforming tax avoidance: The roles of corruption and public governance

Abstract This paper investigates the empirical relationship between language structures and prevalent tax avoidance practices, specifically focusing on the influence of linguistic future time reference (FTR) on conforming tax avoidance. It also explores how corruption and public governance modulate this relationship. This study uses a cross-country analysis of 33 sample countries. The empirical evidence obtained shows that conforming tax avoidance is mostly practiced by companies in countries whose grammar requires speakers to give signs related to future events (Strong Future Time References/Strong FTR) than companies in countries that do not require speakers to give related signs future (Weak Future Time References/Weak FTR). This study also found that low levels of corruption and strong public governance played a role in suppressing high conforming tax avoidance behavior in countries with strong FTR speakers. These insights underscore the significance of national anti-corruption efforts and governance structures. Policymakers should consider these socio-cultural and institutional factors when addressing corporate tax avoidance. This research augments accounting, economics, and finance discourses by integrating linguistics—a perspective often overlooked.
Comparison Of Menstrual Cycle Changes With The Copper Intrauterine Device And Subdermal Implant One Year After Insertion

52) and the number of pads used on the 2nd day of the cycle (3.66 ± 1.53) were significantly higher in the patients in the 'Cu-IUD' group compared to the patients in the 'Implant' group (4.36 ± 3.26, 2.33 ± 1.55, respectively) (p<.001 and p<.001, respectively). Conclusion: Intermenstrual period was longer, and menstrual bleeding was lower in the implant group when compared with the Cu-IUD. Etonogestrel-bearing subdermal contraceptive implant can be favorable choice in women who prefer to have lighter and less frequent menstruation.
Invasion by the annual grass, Ventenata dubia does not impact mycorrhizal fungal abundance in an endangered prairie

One of the challenges in ecological restorations is that some native plant species are difficult to reestablish in disturbed or invaded landscapes. Some invasive plant species negatively impact soil biota, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, which can lead to feedbacks that facilitate their dominance in a landscape. The winter annual grass, Ventenata dubia, is rapidly invading North American grasslands, however, the effect of its invasion on AM fungi, plant communities, and soil properties is not well known. In a greenhouse and field experiment, we tested (1) whether the abundance of viable AM fungal propagules is altered in soil invaded by V. dubia; (2) how plant community composition, species richness, and/or diversity may be impacted by V. dubia; and (3) whether soil properties, such as pH and organic matter (OM) vary across invasion levels. We found that the effect of V. dubia on the abundance of mycorrhizal propagules varied among sites and did not reduce the species richness or diversity of resident plant communities. Higher canopy cover of V. dubia was associated with higher soil pH and OM, which suggests either V. dubia invasions change these soil properties, or that V. dubia preferentially invades these areas. Our findings suggest V. dubia does not consistently alter above‐ or belowground communities; however, the potential link between V. dubia invasions and soil pH and OM deserves additional investigation. A better understanding of how invasive annual grasses impact plant and soil communities will be useful in informing restoration efforts in landscapes impacted by invasive species.
What’s childhood asthma in French Guiana? A cohort study based on children referred for allergology consultations at the Cayenne hospital center

Background Asthma is a multifactorial chronic disease, whose most frequent etiology is allergy, especially to Blomia tropicalis. In French Guiana, the childhood prevalence of Blomia T sensitization is unkwown. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of sensitization to Blomia T and other mites in asthmatic children, and to describe the characteristics of childhood asthma in French Guiana. Methods A retrospective cohort study focused on children from 0 to 18 years of age, followed for asthma at the Department of Pediatrics of the Cayenne Hospital Center in French Guiana. All asthmatic children followed by the same paediatric allergist were systematically skin-tested with Bt total extract, and Bt-specific IgE tests were additionally performed to confirm specific sensitization. All follow-up variables were collected from medical records. The outcome was sensitization to Blomia tropicalis and other allergens, and the explanatory variables were those of asthma follow-up. Patients were categorized into Blomia tropicalis sensitization yes/no. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between follow-up variables and the outcome. Results 302 patients were followed: 177 cases of allergic rhinitis, 135 allergic conjunctivitis, 105 atopic dermatitis, 153 food allergy, and 14 cases of drug allergy. Poly-allergy (respiratory, food, skin, and medicinal) was present in 239 children. There were 158 children followed for asthma, of whom 103 (65%) were sensitized to Blomia tropicalis. The median age of the asthmatic children sensitized to Blomia tropicalis was 7 years, and 3 years for those who were not sensitized (p < 0.001). Among the girls (n = 58), 67% were sensitized to Blomia; 97 (92%) asthmatic children co-sensitized to Blomia tropicalis, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Dermatophagoides farinae. Multivariate analysis showed that the childhood asthma in French Guiana is characterized by a median age of 7 years (p < 0.001), a high prevalence of Blomia tropicalis (p < 0.001), co-sensitization to other mites (p < 0.001), and a high prevalence of co-sensitization to cockroaches (p = 0.006). The area under the ROC curve was close to 0.9, confirming the quality of our model. Conclusion In French Guiana, asthma is characterized by a high prevalence of Blomia tropicalis sensitization.
Bodenkunde in Stichworten

Die Bodenkunde in Stichworten gehört seit mehr als 40 Jahren zur geowissenschaftlichen Standardliteratur an Universitäten, Fachhochschulen, Schulen und weiteren Bildungsstätten. Das kleine Lehrbuch wurde 1969 von Prof. Dietrich Schröder konzipiert und bis zu seinem Tode 1988 aktualisiert. Nachfolgend wurde diese Aufgabe von Winfried E. H. Blum übernommen und 1992 eine überarbeitete, ergänzte und erweiterte Aufl age herausgebracht.
Assessment of Teratogenic Effects of Sappan Wood (Caesalpinia Sappan L.) Extract In Rats (Rattus novergicus)

Treatment using plant materials has been widely researched and observed to assist in curing a disease. Medicinal products derived from herbal plants are proven useful as drugs must follow guidelines not to cause acute or chronic toxicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the teratogenic potential of an ethanolic sappan wood extract on the growth of unborn rats. Six groups of pregnant rats are created: Aquadest was administered to the Control group, whereas the Treatment groups received 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 mg.kg-1 BW of an ethanolic extract of Sappan wood. On the twenty-first day of gestation, pregnant rats were CO2-euthanized and delivered vaginally. Rats' body weight during pregnancy was observed, along with fetal growth measurements, viscoelastic examination, and skeletal development. Wistar rats' reproductive systems, fetal body weight, body length, and tail length were all unaffected by ethanol extract of Sappan wood at doses from 100 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg. In fetuse rat from the control group and the five dosage groups, no skeletal development had taken place and there were no obvious external abnormalities. Even at the maximum dose of 500 mg, sappan wood extract demonstrated no teratogenic effects on the development of fetal rats.kg-1 BW.
An Investigation of the effects of increased tidal inundation, competition, and facilitation on salt marsh systems

viii CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION 1 Abiotic Interactions 1 Marsh Zonation 2 Biotic Interactions 4 Sea-Level Rise 5 Experimental Studies 7 Literature Cited 12 CHAPTER 2 – THE EFFECTS OF INCREASED TIDAL INUNDATION, COMPETITION, AND FACILITATION ON SALT MARSH FRINGING PLANTS 17 Synopsis 17 Introduction 19 Materials and Methods 22 Study System 22 Seaward Transplantation 24 Neighbor Manipulation 25 Soil Characteristics 26 Plant Performance and Survival 26 Results 28 Pre-treatment Comparisons 28 Effects of Seaward Transplantation 28 Soil characteristics 28 Plant performance and survival 28 Effects of Neighbor Manipulation 30 Soil characteristics 30 Plant performance and survival 31 Discussion 32 Effects of Seaward Transplantation 32 Effects of Neighbor Manipulation 35 Acknowledgments 37 ii Literature Cited 37 CHAPTER 3 – INUNDATION AND SOIL SALINITY INFLUENCE THE IMPORTANCE OF FACILITATION AND COMPETITION IN SALT MARSH FRINGING SPECIES 47 Synopsis 47 Introduction 48 Materials and Methods 53 Study System 53 Experimental Plots 54 Increased Salt 55 Increased Salt and Inundation 55 Decreased Salt and Inundation 56 Neighbor Manipulation 57 Soil Characteristics 57 Plant Growth and Survival 58 Chlorophyll Fluorescence 58 Analysis 59 Results 60 Pre-treatment Comparisons 60 Effects of Increased Salt 60 Soil characteristics 60 Plant performance and survival 61 Effects of Increased Inundation 62 Soil characteristics 62 Plant performance and survival 62 Effects of Decreased Salt and Inundation 63 Soil characteristics 63 Plant performance and survival 64 Effects of Neighbor Manipulation 65 Soil characteristics 65 Plant performance and survival 65 Discussion 67 Effects of Abiotic Stress 67 Effects of Biotic Interactions 70 Acknowledgments 73 Literature Cited 73 CHAPTER 4 – ABIOTIC STRESS AND INTERSPECIFIC INTERACTIONS INFLUENCE SURVIVAL OF SALT MARSH PLANTS IN SALT MARSH FRINGING HABITAT 86 Synopsis 86 Introduction 87 Materials and Methods 92 Study System 92 Decreased Salt and Inundation 94 iii Decreased Inundation 94 Neighbor Manipulation 95 Soil Characteristics 95 Plant Growth and Survival 96 Chlorophyll Fluorescence 96 Analysis 97 Results 98 Pre-treatment Comparisons 98 Effects of Salt 98 Soil characteristics 98 Plant performance and survival 99 Effects of Inundation 99 Soil characteristics 99 Plant performance and survival 100 Effects of Neighbor Manipulation 101 Soil characteristics 101 Plant performance and survival 101 Discussion 103 Effects of Abiotic Interactions 103 Effects of Biotic Interactions 104 Acknowledgments 107 Literature Cited 107