Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Sectoral Output Volatility on Economic Growth in Ethiopia

This study examined the effect of sectoral output volatility on economic growth and the determinants of economic growth in the Ethiopian economy. The study used annual time series data spanning from 1981 to 2018 and included capital stock, working-age population, trade balance, and sectoral output volatility as anexplanatory variable. Using the Exponential General Autoregressive ConditionalHeteroscedasticity (EGARCH) and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) cointegration test, the study found a long-run relationship between economic growth and economic growth explanatory variables. From the ARDL model, capital stock and trade balance (which has been negative throughout the study period) was found to have a positive and negative significant effect on the economic growth of Ethiopia, respectively. In the long-run, volatility of industrial and service sector output growth had a negative and statistically significant effect on the economic growth of Ethiopia. In recent years the role of agriculture in the Ethiopian economy, particularly in terms of contribution to the national GDP, has been declining—indicating the growing importance of service and industrial sectors. Therefore, smoothening and maintaining the positive sectoral output growth is advisable for the betterment of the economy. Besides, balancing the foreign trade and curbing unrestricted importation is recommended as long as economic growth is concerned.
Thin concrete overlays wit carbon reinforcement on deteriorated concrete pavements

In many countries, concrete pavements are normally built as Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements. Due to a lack of alternatives, repairing deteriorated concrete pavements usually requires the replacement of the complete pavement structure and maintaining the joints, which is labour- and resource-intensive. To increase the durability of repairs and to save resources concrete overlays with carbon reinforcement are developed. By the application of non-corrosive carbon-textile reinforcement cracks might be distributed so fine, that such an overlay can be executed jointless, unlike in previous repair methods. For a durable repair the bond behaviour between the retained concrete and the overlay as well as between the overlay-concrete and the textile reinforcement have to be considered. In this paper, the basic principles and feasibility of such a repair method are examined. On the one hand, the decisive influencing variables and parameters such as bond behaviour and cracking behaviour within the overlay are pointed out and discussed. On the other hand, the performed special lab tests will be presented. These tests include cyclic loadings on large-scale beams with integrated overlays of such types, evaluating the bond behaviour and the durability after a few millions of load cycles. Furthermore, the crack formation in the overlay is determined by means of tensile and flexural tensile strength tests.
DYNAMICS OF MILLET STRAW CULTIVATED AT DIFFERENT SOWING DATES IN THE OFF-SEASON

The millet straw dynamics at different sowing dates in the off-season were evaluated in an experiment conducted in Rio Verde-GO. The experimental design used was randomized blocks arranged in a split-plot scheme, with four replications and four sowing dates. Five millet genotypes, two cultivars (ADR300 and ADR500) for biomass production, a dual-purpose hybrid (ADR8010) for grain and biomass production, and two hybrids (ADR9010 and ADR 9020) for grain production were used. Biomass production was performed at 0, 60, 94, 140, and 178 days after grain harvest. The millet cultivars and hybrids showed similar dry biomass production at different sowing dates, with an average production of 8,917 kg ha-1. The ADR300 and ADR500 cultivars and the ADR8010 hybrid showed similar dry biomass decomposition rates at all sowing dates. The hybrids ADR9010 and ADR9020 showed lower rates of straw decomposition in the fourth sowing date than the other genotypes. The hybrids ADR9010 and ADR9020, specific for grain production, have the potential for biomass production similar to the cultivars, regardless of the sowing dates.
A Complex Competitive Exclusion Culture Reduces Campylobacter jejuni Colonization in Broiler Chickens at Slaughter Age In Vivo

Diminishing Campylobacter prevalence in poultry flocks has proven to be extremely challenging. To date, efficacious control measures to reduce Campylobacter prevalence are still missing. A potential approach to control Campylobacter in modern poultry productions is to occupy its niche in the mucosal layer by administering live intestinal microbiota from adult chickens to dayold-chicks (competitive exclusion (CE)). Therefore, this in vivo study investigates the efficacy of a complex CE culture to reduce Campylobacter (C.) jejuni colonization in broiler chickens. For this purpose, the complex CE culture was applied twice: once by spray application to day-old chicks immediately after hatching (on the 1st day of life) and subsequently by an additional application via drinking water on the 25th day of life. We observed a consistent and statistically significant reduction of C. jejuni counts in cloacal swabs throughout the entire fattening period. At the end of the trial after necropsy (at 33 days of age), C. jejuni cecal counts also showed a statistically significant decrease of 1 log10 MPN/g compared to the control group. Likewise, colon counts were reduced by 2.0 log10 MPN/g. These results suggest that CE cultures can be considered a practically relevant control strategy to reduce C. jejuni colonization in broiler chickens on poultry farms.
Hydration Dynamics of Model Peptides with Different Hydrophobic Character

The multi-scale dynamics of aqueous solutions of the hydrophilic peptide N-acetyl-glycine-methylamide (NAGMA) have been investigated through extended frequency-range depolarized light scattering (EDLS), which enables the broad-band detection of collective polarizability anisotropy fluctuations. The results have been compared to those obtained for N-acetyl-leucinemethylamide (NALMA), an amphiphilic peptide which shares with NAGMA the same polar backbone, but also contains an apolar group. Our study indicates that the two model peptides induce similar effects on the fast translational dynamics of surrounding water. Both systems slow down the mobility of solvating water molecules by a factor 6–8, with respect to the bulk. Moreover, the two peptides cause a comparable far-reaching spatial perturbation extending to more than two hydration layers in diluted conditions. The observed concentration dependence of the hydration number is explained considering the random superposition of different hydration shells, while no indication of solute aggregation phenomena has been found. The results indicate that the effect on the dynamics of water solvating the amphiphilic peptide is dominated by the hydrophilic backbone. The minor impact of the hydrophobic moiety on hydration features is consistent with structural findings derived by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements, performed in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) configuration. Additionally, we give evidence that, for both systems, the relaxation mode in the GHz frequency range probed by EDLS is related to solute rotational dynamics. The rotation of NALMA occurs at higher timescales, with respect to the rotation of NAGMA; both processes are significantly slower than the structural dynamics of hydration water, suggesting that solute and solvent motions are uncoupled. Finally, our results do not indicate the presence of super-slow water (relaxation times in the order of tens of picoseconds) around the peptides investigated.
Comparing Protection of Remote Limb with Resveratrol Preconditioning following Rodent Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background: Preventing delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains an important therapeutic target. Preconditioning stimulates multiple endogenous protective mechanisms and may be a suitable treatment for DCI following SAH. We here compare remote limb conditioning with resveratrol conditioning in a clinically relevant SAH model. Methods: We produced a SAH in 39 male Sprague Dawley rats using a single injection model. Animals were randomized to four groups: repetitive limb conditioning with a blood pressure cuff, sham conditioning, intraperitoneal resveratrol (10 mg/kg) or intraperitoneal vehicle administered at 24, 48 and 72 h after SAH. On day 4 neurological and behavioral scores were obtained, and animals were euthanized. The cross-sectional area of the basilar artery was measured at the vertebrobasilar junction, and at the mid and distal segments. Hippocampal cells were counted in both hemispheres and normalized per mm length. We compared true limb preconditioning with sham conditioning and resveratrol with vehicle preconditioning. Results: The cross-sectional area of the mid-basilar artery in the true limb preconditioning group was significantly larger by 43% (p = 0.03) when compared with the sham preconditioning group. No differences in the cross-sectional area were found in the resveratrol-treated group when compared to the vehicle-treated group. We found no differences in the neuro score, behavioral score, and in mean hippocampal neuron counts between the groups. Conclusion: We found beneficial vascular effects of remote limb preconditioning on SAH-induced basilar artery vasoconstriction. Our findings support further studies of limb preconditioning as a potential treatment after SAH.
The Impact of the Universal Infant Free School Meal Policy on Dietary Quality in English and Scottish Primary School Children: Evaluation of a Natural Experiment

The Universal Infant Free School Meal (UIFSM) policy was introduced in September 2014 in England and January 2015 in Scotland and offered all infant schoolchildren (ages 4–7 years) a free school lunch, regardless of income. Yet, impacts of UIFSM on dietary intakes or social inequalities are not known. A difference-in-differences study using the National Diet and Nutrition Survey assessed pooled pre-UIFSM (2010–2014) and post-UIFSM (2014–2017) dietary data. English or Scottish infant schoolchildren (4–7 years; n = 458) were the intervention group, with junior schoolchildren (8–11 years; n = 401) as controls. We found that implementation of UIFSM led to an increase in infant schoolchildren having a school meal. Impacts on key food groups such as fruit and vegetables or sweetened beverages were not seen. However, there was evidence that the UIFSM policy lowered consumption of foods associated with packed lunches, such as crisps, and some nutrients, such as total fat and sodium. Policy impacts differed by income group, with larger effect sizes in low-income children. In conclusion, evaluation of UIFSM demonstrated some improvements in dietary quality but the findings suggest school meal quality needs to be improved to fully realise the benefits of UIFSM.
Awareness of Jordanian Surgical Patients about COVID 19 During Peak of Epidemic at JUH

Around the first COVID-19 epidemic in Jordan, we aimed to explore awareness of COVID-19 (knowledge and attitudes) disease, treatment options, and preventive measures among patients who were admitted to Jordan University Hospital (JUH) and planned to undergo elective surgery over a period of 3 months in 2020. This prospective cross-sectional article uses a questionnaire based survey which was provided to and was answered by patients themselves, then collected data was migrated to computer software and analyzed. The sample resulted in 292 patients. More than 95% were aware of the disease and and given age, educational levels and gender, we found no significant differences in knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 and protective and preventive measures. More than 60% of those surveyed were aware of COVID-19 serious complications and risk factors for developing them. Around 28% of patients who were admitted had significant anxiety from having COVID-19. The media appears to largely influence and spread some misconceptions about COVID-19 transmission and claimed therapies.
Green Synthesis and Antibacterial Activities of Silver Nano particles Mediated by Extract of Cucurbita maxima (Pumpkin) Fruit Pith

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has become a necessary field of applied science. Biological method for synthesis of AgNPs by cucurbita maxima fruit pith extracts was used. The AgNPs were identified by UV–visible spectrometry; X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR). The presence of surface plasmon band around 420 nm indicates AgNPs formation. Parameter optimization showed the smallest size of AgNPs (2.86 ± 0.3 nm) was obtained with 0.1 M AgNO3 at 40oC. The present study provides the proof that the molecules within aqueous cucurbita maxima fruit pith extracts facilitate synthesis of AgNPs and highlight on value-added from cucurbita maxima fruit pith and fruit peel extracts for cost effectiveness. Also, eco-friendly medical and nanotechnologybased industries could also be provided. Size of prepared AgNPs could be controlled by temperature and AgNO3 concentration. Further studies are required to study effect of more parameters on size and morphology of AgNPs as this will help in the control of large scale production of biogenic AgNPs. The synthesized silver nanoparticles are screened antibacterial activities
Discourses of blame in strategic narratives: the case of Russia’s 5G stories

ABSTRACT Governments spread strategic narratives via media to influence foreign audiences and policy makers. A frequent but understudied feature of strategic narratives is the discursive construction of blame. In this article, we use the coverage of the adoption of 5G cellular technology in Russian state-funded news portals as an example to show how to interpret blame narratives about international security issues. We combine methods and insights from the discourse-analytic studies of blame and the research into the uses of strategic narratives in international relations to reveal how various articulations of blame are used to (de)legitimise particular actors and actions, sow discord, and foster alliances. Our analysis sheds new light on blame discourses that are more sophisticated and indirect than straightforward accusations and may serve multiple strategic goals at once. It also contributes to scholarship on Russia’s strategic communication about China as well as the United States and its allies.
Can Digital Technologies Increase Consumer Acceptance of Circular Business Models? The Case of Second Hand Fashion

Experimentation with, and the implementation of, circular business models (CBMs) has gained rapid traction within the textiles and fashion industry over the last five years. Substitution of virgin materials with bioderived alternatives, extending the lifecycle of garments through resale, and rental services and the recycling or upcycling of garments are some of the strategies being used to reduce the 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and 92 million tonnes of waste associated with the sector in 2017. However, whilst CBMs demonstrate environmental and economic benefits, low consumer acceptance is considered by business professionals and policymakers to be one of the main barriers to the transition towards a circular economy. Digitisation is widely acknowledged as a catalyst for innovation in many sectors and digital technologies are driving new ways to exchange and share goods and services, enabling companies to match the supply, and demand for, otherwise underused assets and products. Online platforms, in particular, have played a crucial role in driving the growth of used goods and resale in other consumer goods markets, such as consumer technology. A mixed methods approach, including a review of 40 organisations operating second hand fashion models, a consumer survey of over 1200 respondents and in-depth interviews with 10 organisations operating second hand fashion models, is adopted to reveal (a) the barriers to consumer acceptance of reuse models in the fashion industry, and (b) how digital technologies can overcome these barriers. Findings highlight the significant progress that organisations have made in using digitalisation, including data analytics, algorithms, digital platforms, advanced product imagery and data informed customer communications, to address barriers associated with convenience, hygiene, trust and security. Furthermore, the study identifies opportunities for the development of more sophisticated digital technologies to support increased transparency and address concerns associated with the quality, authenticity and sourcing of materials. Positioned at the interface of digitisation and consumer acceptance of circular business models, this study makes an important contribution to understanding consumer barriers and how to address them and concludes with a set of recommendations for practitioners.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Generation Z Employees’ Perception and Behavioral Intention toward Advanced Information Technologies in Hotels

This study explores Generation Z hotel employees’ perception of and behavioral intention to use advanced information technologies (ITs) before and during COVID-19. The relationship between perception and intention moderated by COVID-19 is investigated. The technology acceptance model (TAM) and innovation diffusion theory (IDT) are integrated, and compatibility is added as an additional construct to conduct this longitudinal study. Data were collected in Hong Kong in April 2019 (pre-pandemic stage) and March 2021 (pandemic stage). Regression analysis, t-test, Cochran’s Q test, and correspondence analysis are applied. Follow-up in-person interviews are conducted to validate the results. The results reveal significant differences between the pre-pandemic and pandemic stages and the moderating effect of COVID-19 on the relationship between the perception of and behavioral intention to use advanced ITs. This study addresses the gap in hospitality research by integrating TAM and IDT to examine Generation Z hotel employees’ behavioral intention to use advanced ITs.
Identification of Volatile Compounds and Insecticidal Activity of Essential Oils from Origanum compactum Benth. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. against Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.)

This work was undertaken to investigate the volatile compounds and insecticidal activity of essential oils (EOs) from Origanum compactum Benth. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. against the crop pest Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.). Essential oils of Origanum compactum (EOC) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (EOR) were extracted by use of hydrodistillation, and their volatile compounds were profiled by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The insecticidal activity of extracted EOC and EOR was evaluated against C. maculatus. GC-MS analysis revealed that carvacrol (70.88%) and 1,8-cineole (62.35%) were the major constituents of EOC and EOR, respectively. EOC exhibited a potent insecticidal activity with calculated LC50 values of 6.77 and 3.57 μL/L air, 24 and 48 h posttreatment, respectively. Comparable LC50 values were obtained for EOR recording 6.25 and 3.82 μL/L, 48 h posttreatment. The effects of fumigation by the tested EOs on fertility (egg hatching) and the emergence of adult C. maculatus were also investigated. Notably, EOC completely abolished egg fertility judged by the abrogation of emergence of adults, regardless of the tested dose. By contrast, EOR completely inhibited the fertility and the emergence of C. maculatus adults at the dose of 16 μL/10 g. The outcome of the present study highlights the utility of the EOs from O. compactum Benth. and R. officinalis L. as natural sources of effective and ecofriendly pest-control agents.
A Comparative Analysis Between Two Varieties of Wheat By Means of in-vitro Propagation

With increasing population, world is facing a decrease in food production and increase in huger. Scientist and researchers are now trying to developing techniques to isolate the high yield varieties of staple food crops and enhance the cropping structure. In this study two varieties of wheat (T. aestivum L.) are selected and made a comparative analysis of them is carried out by making callus culture. Callus culture will give the idea about growing capabilities of each variety. Methods: In vitro propagation technique is used to induce callogenesis with the help of PGR. Auxin is used as a PGR, whereas embryos were explants used for the experiment. The experiment is divided into these stages: Surface sterilization, Stock solution formation, Media formation, Embryo excision and Frequency of Callogenesis (%). Results: Out of 60 excised embryos 18 and 12 calli were formed for Galaxy-2013-2013 and Faisalabad-2008-2008 respectively. Calli of Galaxy-2013-2013 was visible after 8 days and calli of Faisalabad-2008 were visible after 14 days. The frequency of callogenesis of both varieties was found to be 30 and 20% respectively. Conclusion: Both varieties of wheat can be cultivated on large scale and are able to generate greater yields as compared to other wheat varieties.
The risk-benefit trade-off in local excision of early rectal cancer

Local excision (LE) is an important treatment option for clinical T1 rectal cancer. When performed in highly indicated patients, LE can preserve anorectal function with relatively low surgical morbidity and avoid permanent stoma [1]. As a result, it may lead to better quality of life. However, despite these benefits, there is concern that it cannot offer oncologic results equivalent to total mesorectal excision (TME). Because LE cannot remove regional lymph nodes, it carries the risk of potential lymph node metastasis. Lymph node metastasis has been reported in as many as 16% of patients with pathologic (p) T1 rectal cancer [2]; moreover, patients with T1 rectal cancer treated by LE were observed to have a 3to 5-fold higher risk of tumor recurrence compared with patients treated by TME [3]. Until now, no randomized trials of LE and TME have been reported. In particular, there is little current comparative data to assess the oncologic outcomes in patients with clinical (c) T1 not treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. In accordance with previous studies, the current study reported that the local recurrence rate after LE is higher than that after TME [4]. The authors reported that the 5-year local recurrence-free survival rate was 83.3% in the LE group compared with 98.9% in the TME group (P=0.001). Interestingly, although the local recurrence was high, there was no significant difference in the overall survival rate between LE and TME in patients with pT1. In pT2, however, the cancer-specific survival was worse in the LE group than in the TME group. After experiencing local recurrence in the LE group, the authors suggested that salvage operation could be a good treatment option. They showed that all local recurrence could be treated with salvage surgery, with good prognosis, especially in patients with pT1. In patients with a cT1 tumors appearing pathologically as pT2, approximately 32% experienced tumor recurrence. The authors reported that local recurrence arising from pT2 may also be a good candidate for salvage surgery; 1 patient died due to cancer. Because there were only 22 pT2 patients, a convincing conclusion could not be drawn. The authors showed that besides tumor depth, age and angiolymphatic invasion were independent risk factors for overall survival. This was similar to the findings of a previous study [5]. If preoperative imaging shows no risk factors, LE, which leads to fewer complications and good functional results, could be achieved in a large proportion of patients [6]. If histopathological examination identifies a worse prognosis, adjuvant treatment or salvage surgery should be recommended. Currently, salvage surgery remains the standard of care in high-risk pT1 and pT2 tumors, but the benefit of additional treatment including chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy remains unclear. In the near future, the role of LE in clinical practice may expand due to the implementation of LE combined with other treatment strategies.