Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
From Bricks and Mortar to Bits and Bytes: Examining the Changing State of Reference Services at the University of Toronto Libraries During COVID-19

Before the pandemic, the University of Toronto was predominantly an in-person experience. The closure of physical libraries and shift to remote learning required library staff and users to adapt to new modes of supporting teaching, learning, and research. A survey was conducted about reference service delivery, staffing models, resources and tools, which asked the respondents to describe reference services at their libraries before and during the pandemic. The objectives of this survey were to capture the state of reference services at the University of Toronto Libraries (UTL), and to compare data about reference practices during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods with the goal of identifying challenges and opportunities for the future of reference services at UTL. 70% of libraries surveyed used reference desks for reference services pre-pandemic, and during the pandemic, 75% of libraries used virtual reference appointments by video conferencing. The survey results show that reference service staffing and service hours in most surveyed libraries were reduced during the pandemic. Many respondents reported that while they offered fewer reference service hours during the pandemic, they continued to provide assistance outside of scheduled hours. Online tools and platforms that were already familiar to librarians remained popular during the pandemic, allowing service providers to quickly adapt to the virtual environment and ensure seamless service continuity. While the rapid transition in services at the University of Toronto was not without its challenges, it has also offered many new opportunities for re-envisioning reference services at the University of Toronto Libraries.
Oxidative stress profile following the co-administration of cisplatin and resveratrol in female rats: a preliminary study

Introduction: Cisplatin is one of the most widely used drugs for the treatment of various cancers but has oxidative tissue damage as one of its side effects. This study investigated the oxidative stress profile in some important body tissues following the co-administration of cisplatin (CIS) and resveratrol (RSV). Methods: Thirty-five adult female rats with an average body weight of 162g were divided into 5 groups (n=7) and used for this experimental study. Group A served as the normal control group and received distilled water only. Group B received only a single dose intraperitoneal injection of 10mg/kg CIS. Groups C, D and E were orally given 5, 10 and 20mg/kg of RSV respectively for 7 days, starting 24h after a single CIS dose intraperitoneal injection of 10mg/kg. Selected body tissues were harvested for oxidative stress profiling at the end of the experiment. Results: CIS significantly increased malondialdehyde levels and decreased glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase levels in all the tissues assessed (ovary, uterus, liver, kidney, pancreas, stomach and spleen) when compared to the normal control. The RSV treatment caused the reversal of these effects; malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased, while glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were significantly increased across all the examined tissues. Conclusion: RSV at different doses could be effective in the management of CIS-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation across some body tissues. However, this effect may be dependent on the dose of CIS and RSV.
Factors Affecting Sustainable Intention to Use Mobile Banking Services

This study aims to (a) identify perception factors that affect current mobile banking (M-banking) consumers’ continuous use of the technology, (b) explain the self-service technology (STT) dimensions that affect customers’ behavioral intention, and (c) be able to offer recommendations to the banking industry or other organizations related to M-banking in terms of developing M-banking services in the future. Analyzed data were collected from 688 existing Thai M-banking users through online questionnaires. This study used the SPSS and AMOS statistical programs to analyze the data by applying structural equation modeling based on SSTs’ service qualities and the technology acceptance model (TAM). From the results, this analysis shows positive and significant relationships among SSTs’ service qualities, perception, and sustainable intention to use M-banking services. This study provides vital knowledge related to essential characteristics of M-banking as an STT that could assist banking institutions and application providers in enhancing their M-banking products. Moreover, this study adds to the knowledge area of SSTs’ service qualities in financial mobile application dimensions.
When Technocratic Appointments Signal Credibility

How do prime ministers manage investors’ expectations during financial crises? We take a novel approach to this question by investigating ministerial appointments. When prime ministers appoint technocrats, defined as non-partisan experts, they forgo political benefits and can credibly signal their willingness to pay down their debt obligations. This reduces bond yields, but only at times when the market is sensitive to expected repayments—that is, during crises. To examine the theory, we develop an event study analysis that employs new data on the background of finance ministers in 21 Western and Eastern European democracies. We find that investors reward technocratic appointments by reducing a country’s borrowing costs. Consistent with the theory, technocratic appointments under crises predict lower bond yields. Our findings contribute to the literature on the interplay of financial markets and domestic politics.
Assessment of Modified Rice Husks for Removal of Aniline in Batch Adsorption Process: Optimization and Isotherm Study

The present work is aimed at investigating the capability of chemically modified rice husks (MRH) for the reduction of aniline ions from industrial wastewater. The experiments have been conducted to examine the influence of four operating parameters in the batch adsorption technique. The effect of initial concentrations of aniline (10–100) mg·L-1, MRH dose (0.1–1) g/100 ml, pH (3–9), and contact time (10–90) min has been studied. The selected range of operating factors was designed using the response surface method to establish a mathematical model that describes the adsorption process. The optimum parameters were 25 mg·L-1 initial concentration of aniline, 0.68 g MRH dose, 6.6 pH, and 70 min contact time. The point of zero charge was found equal to 6.8. The maximum removal efficiency of 84.97% was found under optimum conditions. The consistency of the mathematical model has been examined and the equilibrium results confirmed with the standard adsorption isotherm models, Langmuir and Freundlich, with a high correlation coefficient.
Bringing Sports Coaches’ Experiences of Primary Appraisals and Psychological Well-being to Life using Composite Vignettes

ABSTRACT Research attention has been directed towards coaches’ stressor experiences, yet less is known about the role of stress appraisals and psychological well-being (PWB). Considering the links between PWB, mental health, and retention in the coaching profession, this study will explore primary appraisals and PWB among sports coaches. Guided by our constructivist paradigm that underpinned our relativist ontology and subjectivist epistemology, we conducted theoretically informed semi-structured interviews with six coaches (five men and one woman) who represented both team and individual sports. We analysed data thematically using an abductive approach and constructed 10 composite vignettes that describe a powerful and shared account of the coaches’ lived experiences. The vignettes offer insight to the coaches’ primary appraisals and the impact of stress transactions on PWB. For example, benefit appraisals had a positive impact on environmental mastery and self-acceptance, threat appraisals had a negative impact on autonomy and environmental mastery, and harm/loss appraisals are shown to influence health. Based on these findings, we propose several impactful recommendations for researchers, practitioners, and National Governing Bodies (NGBs). For example, we recommend that practitioners working with coaches should foster positive working relationships with athletes to support coaches’ PWB. Further, we encourage NGBs to work closely with coaches and practitioners to promote safe and favourable working environments, increasing coaches’ autonomy, and maximise flexible working conditions.
Multiplication Through a Single Look-Up-Table (LUT) in CNN Inference Computation

Parameter quantization with lower bit width is the common approach to reduce the computation loads in CNN inference. With the parameters being replaced by fixed-width binaries, multiplication operations can be replaced by the look-up-table (LUT), where the multiplier-multiplicand operands serve as the table index, and the precalculated products serve as table elements. Because the histogram profiles of the parameters in different layers/channels differ significantly in CNN, previous LUT-based computation methods have to use different LUTs for each layer/channel, and consequently demand larger memory space along with extra access time and power consumption. In this work, we first normalize the parameters Gaussian profiles of different layers/channels to have similar means and variances, and further quantize the normalized parameters into fixed width through nonlinear quantization. Because of the normalized parameters profile, we can use one single compact LUT ( $16\times 16$ entries) to replace all multiplication operations in the whole network. Furthermore, the normalization procedure also reduces the errors induced from quantization. Experiments demonstrate that with a compact 256-entry LUT, we can achieve the accuracy comparable to the results from 32-bit floating-point calculation; while significantly reducing the computation loads and memory spaces, along with power consumption and hardware resources.
The Relative Contribution of Mindfulness and Gratitude in Predicting Happiness among University Students

The present study aims at identifying the separate and interactive contribution of gratitude and mindfulness in predicting happiness; examining the relationship between these variables; identifying differences between students with high happiness and students with low happiness in gratitude and mindfulness; and identifying the levels of gratitude, mindfulness, and happiness among the students of Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University. The research sample consisted of 447 female students aged 18-25 years. The research instruments included the Toronto Mindfulness Scale, the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, as well as the Gratitude, Resentment, and Appreciation Test-Short form. The study found out that gratitude and mindfulness had a significant contribution in predicting happiness among university students (31% and 41.5%, respectively). The interaction between the total scores of mindfulness and gratitude contributed 51.5% of the variance in happiness among university students. The interaction between mindfulness, sense of abundance, and simple appreciation contributed 54.4% of the variance in happiness among university students. The study found a positive correlation between mindfulness, gratitude (sense of abundance, simple appreciation, appreciation of others), and happiness. Additionally, it was found that students at Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University had moderate levels of mindfulness and moderate to high levels of gratitude and happiness. The sense of abundance domain was moderate, the simple appreciation domain was high, and the appreciation of others domain was moderate. Mindfulness, gratitude, sense of abundance, simple appreciation, and appreciation of others increased among the students with high happiness. Received: 8 March 2021 / Accepted: 22 June 2021 / Published: 8 July 2021
Optimal Installation Location of Escape Route Signs at T-Type Intersections

This study analyzed the decision-making times (DMTs) of participants at T-type indoor intersections according to the horizontal/vertical installation locations and the arrow directions of escape route signs. A total of 120 university students participated in the study. We analyzed the DMTs and following rates (FRs) required for the participants to observe the visual stimuli of the signs installed in front of the T-type indoor intersections and then properly select a path according to the arrow direction of the signs. The results are as follows: (1) the participants exhibited shorter DMTs for the right arrow direction of the signs, (2) the Simon effect occurred when the horizontal installation location of the signs was more than 60 cm away from the center of the T-type indoor intersection on both sides, (3) the DMTs of participants increased when the vertical installation location of the signs was low. Finally, we proposed an optimal installation location of the signs to support the shortest DMTs at T-type indoor intersections. It is expected that the results of this study will provide a database of DMTs, based on the locations of the signs during emergency evacuations, and will be utilized to improve the installation guidelines and regulations of signs.
Comparison between Single Mesh and Double Mesh Placement in Huge Inguinal Hernia

Background: Recurrence after surgical treatment of inguinal hernia is still a challenge facing surgeons during their daily practice. Aim of the Work: The current trial aims to compare single and double mesh placement in huge inguinal hernia repair. Patients and Methods: 40 cases were involved in the study. They were classified into two equal groups according to the operative technique [A for single mesh and B for double mesh]. The study's candidates were examined and investigated thoroughly regarding their complaint, the presence of a clinically detectable hernia in the inguinal region, its size, characters, onset, duration, and associated symptoms. Then, all were examined clinically and prepared for surgical intervention after lab investigations. Results: The mean ages were 56 and 56.9 years for groups A and B. Both groups were comparable to body mass index, risk factors, type of hernia, hernia side, and intraoperative blood loss. There was a significant decrease in operative time in group A when compared to group B [54.50 ± 8.256 vs. 61.25 ± 6.664 minutes, respectively]. The overall rate of complications was lower in group B when compared to group A [30.0% vs. 50.0%, respectively]. Complications in group A were seroma [10.0%], wound infection [5.0%], scrotal edema [25.0%], and chronic pain [10.0%]; while in group B, seroma [10.0%], scrotal edema [5.0%], chronic pain [15.0%]. Recurrence was confined to group A, and reported to three patients [15.0%]. However, the difference was statistically nonsignificant. Conclusion: Double mesh technique is a safe and efficacious approach for managing huge inguinal hernia. It is associated with lower rate of recurrence than the single mesh approach with comparable operative time, complications, and outcomes.
Forecasting Variations in Profitability and Silviculture under Climate Change of Radiata Pine Plantations through Differentiable Optimization

Climate change might entail significant alterations in future forest productivity, profitability and management. In this work, we estimated the financial profitability (Soil Expectation Value, SEV) of a set of radiata pine plantations in the northwest of Spain under climate change. We optimized silvicultural interventions using a differentiable approach and projected future productivity using a machine learning model basing on the climatic predictions of 11 Global Climate Models (GCMs) and two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). The forecasted mean SEV for future climate was lower than current SEV (∼22% lower for RCP 4.5 and ∼29% for RCP 6.0, with interest rate = 3%). The dispersion of the future SEV distribution was very high, alternatively forecasting increases and decreases in profitability under climate change depending on the chosen GCM. Silvicultural optimization considering future productivity projections effectively mitigated the potential economic losses due to climate change; however, its ability to perform this mitigation was strongly dependent on interest rates. We conclude that the financial profitability of radiata pine plantations in this region might be significantly reduced under climate change, though further research is necessary for clearing the uncertainties regarding the high dispersion of profitability projections.
Comparative Evaluation of Calcium, Magnesium, Copper and Zinc Removal by Wood Ash, Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Hydrogen Phosphate

Remediation via adsorption process has been proven to be one of the best water treatment technologies globally. Many adsorbents, including agricultural wastes, have been considered for the removal of a variety of pollutants from water. However, most of the studies reported in the literature used metal concentrations below 1000 ppm. It is also known that initial metal concentrations in polluted aqueous solutions, as well as metal and adsorbent type, are some of the factors that affect metal removal. Therefore, this project examined the remediation of water contaminated by 1000 ppm of lead, zinc, copper, magnesium, and calcium ions using wood ash, sodium hydrogen phosphate (dibasic), and sodium carbonate (dibasic). Comparative analysis of the results showed the order of order of metal removal by the adsorbents as: dibasic phosphate (Ca > Cu > Pb > Zn > Mg); dibasic Carbonate (Pb ~ Ca > Zn > Cu > Mg); Wood ash (Mg > Cu > Zn > Pb > Ca). These results suggest that metal and adsorbent type as well as the inherent chemical properties of these metal cations may contribute to the varying binding affinity of the metals to the adsorbent ligand(s) and thus, affect the extent of metal removal. It is equally worthy to note that wood ash more effectively removed hardness metals (Mg and Ca) from water than the inorganic phosphate and carbonate ions.
Leader-Preneur: A Key to Successful Independent Character Education for Small and Medium Enterprise Practitioners Within a Village-Owned Enterprise Community in the Malang Regency

This study aimed to reveal how the village head and the management of the Bumdes Village-Owned Enterprises internalize entrepreneurial values and support Small and Medium Enterprises in the community, and the supporting and inhibiting factors. A descriptive qualitative approach was used to study Bumdes Maju Bersama in Malang Regency, and data were collected through case studies, in-depth interviews, observations and review of supporting documents. The data were analyzed using the 6P simultaneous stages, namely approach, extracting, deepening, matching, interpreting and presentation. The results of the study found that entrepreneurship education became meaningful if it was carried out by instructors who, in addition to having a position as the highest formal leader, were also experienced in the field of business and could provide examples and concrete solutions to participants. To succeed, community businesses needed support and assistance from top leaders. The supporting factors needed were individual motivation, intensity of interaction and communication between business units, as well as good expectations for future business development. The main challenge in managing SMEs in the Bumdes community was the mental attitude of wanting to be successful but being too lazy to learn new things. Keywords: Leader-preneurship, entrepreneurial values, the success of village-owned enterprises
Influence of Lubrication and Cooling on the Quality of Single-Point Incremental Forming Parts of Polycarbonate Sheets

Without ensuring high productivity, single-point incremental forming allows obtaining cavities in sheet-type workpieces by rotating and moving a rotary forming tool along a predetermined path. The process can be used in the case of both metal and plastic sheets. The heat generated in the processing area is expected to cause different elongations and contractions, affecting the final dimensional accuracy of the surfaces obtained. A full factorial experiment with three independent variables at two levels was used to investigate the correlations between the values of some of the process input factors and the results of thermal processes developed at the contact between the rotating tool and the workpiece. Experimental research was performed in dry single-point incremental forming, using lubricants and, respectively, with the generation of a decrease in temperature by the use of coolants. Empirical mathematical models were determined, and they confirmed the influence of the values of considered input factors on the thermal processes developed at the contact between the tool and the workpiece material. Temperatures of up to 147 °C were recorded in the processing area of the plastic workpiece.
Endothelin B Receptor Mutant Exhibits Craniofacial Dysmorphology Resembling Domestication Syndrome

Background: ETB-/- mutation is a major cause of HSCR, a neurocristopathy known for its enteric nervous system failure. Other than regulating ENCC migration, ETB mediates ET-1 clearance. Consequently, ETB may indirectly affect ET-1/ETA signaling, which controls CNCC migration and craniofacial development. Interestingly, it was hypothesized that “domestication syndrome” arise from changes in neural crest determining genes, including ETA and ETB. While ETA-/- animals are known to suffer severe dysmorphology resembling CATCH22 syndrome, we hypothesize that sl/sl rat, an ETB-/- HSCR model animal, may exhibit subtle craniofacial changes through indirect control. These features may share resemblance to those of domestication syndrome. Methods: Ten rat pups with an average age of 88 hours were anaesthetized with 5% isoflurane and culled via exsanguination. Tail tips were removed for genotyping. Head tissue were stained in 1.5% iodine for two weeks prior to micro-CT scanning. In vivo micro-CT scanning of cranial specimen was performed followed by ex vivo micro-CT scanning of 2 samples for image quality control. 3D visualization and analyses were performed using open-source program, Drishti. Cephalometric measurements were made based on selected craniofacial landmarks. Comparisons were made between sl/sl rats and the control group, which consisted of wild-type and heterozygotes. Results: Subtle reductions in facial measurements were seen in sl/sl rats when compared with the control group, ranging from 1.4% to 15%. These changes were observed in cranial, maxillary and mandibular parameters: total skull length, nasal length, nasal width, nasal cavity width, interorbital width, interlens distance, inner and outer canthal distance, maximal skull height, cranial length, intracranial length and width, interorbital width, and interzygomatic width. Consistently, craniofacial ratio indices showed sl/sl rat has a flatter cranium (skull height/skull length: 0.393 vs 0.413) and a shorter but broader nose (nasal-width/nasal-length: 0.794 vs 0.874). Additionally, subtle dystopia canthorum may be presented in sl/sl rat based on increased W index. While there was no discrepancy in dental number and morphology between the control and sl/sl groups, dimensional difference was detected. Conclusions: This study demonstrated subtle craniofacial changes are presented in ETB-/- HSCR model, supporting the idea that ETB regulates CNCC migration. The findings also implicate HSCR patient may have predisposing risks for conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, cleft palate, or dental malocclusion. Lastly, these changes share resemblance with described domestication syndrome, supporting NCC-determining gene, ETB, may play a role in the formation of domestication.