Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
English Validation of a Short Scale Designed to Detect Negative Attitudes towards Trans People (EANT)

(1) Background: Negative attitudes towards sexual minorities are widespread in our society. The Scale of Negative Attitudes towards Transgender people (EANT) has been tested in Spanish-speaking countries in order to assess its applicability as a measure of harmful predispositions towards trans individuals. Understanding these predispositions is important because of transformations in the rights of people in terms of respect for gender diversity. (2) Methods: For the validation of this scale, an online survey was developed and distributed to 362 UK university students aged 18 to 45 years (M = 21.43, SD = 3.42). The sample was randomly divided in half, carrying out the exploratory factor analysis for the first 180 students and performing the confirmatory factor analysis for the remaining 182. (3) Results: The validation of this unifactorial instrument in English was obtained, with a high internal consistency (α = 0.810) that suggests high applicability to measuring this construct, as well as showing expected relationships with typical variables (HATH, TIBS, gender, sexual orientation, religion and education). (4) Conclusions: This study assesses attitudinal tendencies and reveals how sexual prejudice is still implicit in our societies and makes the stigmatisation and discrimination of trans people visible. These findings support the development of strategies to tackle these predispositions.
Critical Reflection: An Imperative Skill for Social Work Practice in Neoliberal Organisations?

Social work practice and education have been significantly impacted by neoliberal governmentality, which can greatly undermine the espoused social justice mission of social work. This study explores the research questions: How might critical reflection support social work practice in neoliberal organisations? And how might critical analysis using insights from critical theorists fortify the findings of critically reflective research? This study uses critical reflection on a critical incident (from Author 2’s practice) as a methodology to respond to the first research question. It further analyses the findings of the critically reflective inquiry by drawing on relevant concepts from critical theorists to respond to the second question and expand the possibilities for practitioners to develop emancipatory practices in neoliberal organisations. The findings suggest critical reflection on the critical incident examined was effective in improving social work practice, and that additional critical analysis of the wider issues raised by the research findings may enhance social work as a value-driven, client-centred and social change-oriented profession. The article highlights the benefits and outcomes of working in a critically reflective way, and makes an original contribution to the growing literature that suggests critical reflection is a vital skill for social work practice in neoliberal organisations.
Nonclassical Pathogens as Causative Agents of Proctitis in Men who Have Sex With Men

Abstract Background This study aimed to identify enteric and sexually acquired rectal pathogens, other than chlamydia and gonorrhea, associated with symptomatic proctitis in men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods Anorectal swab samples were obtained from MSM presenting with rectal symptoms and a clinical diagnosis of proctitis at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between January 2017 and March 2019. Samples that tested positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis were excluded. As a comparison group, anorectal samples were also obtained from MSM not reporting symptoms of proctitis between November 2018 and February 2019. Samples from both groups were tested for 15 viral, bacterial, and protozoal enteric pathogens using polymerase chain reaction. Results Anorectal samples from 499 men with symptomatic proctitis and 506 asymptomatic men were analyzed. Age, HIV status, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use did not differ between men with proctitis and asymptomatic men. Treponema pallidum was more common in men with proctitis (risk difference [RD], 3.6%; 95% CI, 2.0%–5.2%). Most men with anorectal T. pallidum presented with painful anal primary infections. Shigella spp. was more common among men with proctitis compared with asymptomatic men (RD, 1.8%; 95% CI, 0.1%–3.5%). Most men with Shigella did not report diarrhea. Mycoplasma genitalium was more common in men with proctitis (RD, 4.3%; 95% CI, 1.1%–7.5%). Herpes simplex virus (HSV)–1 (RD, 10.1%; 95% CI, 6.8%–13.3%) and HSV-2 (RD, 7.2%; 95% CI, 4.5%–10.0%) were more common with proctitis. Conclusions Testing for T. pallidum, Shigella, and HSV should be considered in MSM presenting with symptomatic proctitis. These data provide support for M. genitalium as a significant cause of proctitis. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is required for MSM with proctitis.
Rethinking the Role of Employment Barriers in Active Labor Market Policy: Evidence from a Fixed Effects Analysis

ABSTRACT Using a panel dataset from a five-wave survey of participants in Singapore’s Work Support Programme (WSP) from 2010 to 2016, we quantify the cumulative negative impact of facing multiple employment barriers and demonstrate the association between the individual stressors and labor market indicators. Using a fixed effects model to reduce the confounding effects of unobservables, we find that a one standard deviation increase in the number of employment barriers brings about a 2.7 to 3.5 percentage point increase in the probability of being unemployed and a 58 SGD to 78 SGD decrease in individual earnings.
Antibacterial, anti-oxidant and in vitro anticancer analysis of Zingiber officinale (L.) Rosc.

Ginger is considered as an important spice with many clinical potential activities. The present study was undertaken to determine antimicrobial, antioxidant and in vitro anticancer activities of rhizome extract of Zingiber officinale . Antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Vibrio cholera, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Entero toxigenic Excherichia coli (ETEC) and Salmonella typhi by disc diffusion assay. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay and ABTS free radical scavenging assay. The ethanolic extract showed more activity against Vibrio cholera, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, ETEC and Salmonella typhi at 5–25 mg/well. The extract also exhibited dose dependent scavenging of DPPH and ABTS radicals. Scavenging of DPPH radicals was more efficient than that of ABTS radicals as revealed by the low IC 50 value. MCF-7 breast cancer cells were used to investigate the in vitro anticancer activity of ethanol extracts of ginger. The inhibitory activity of the extracts against MCF-7 was carried out using colorimetric tetrazolium salt (MTT) assay . The results showed considerable anticancer activity in MCF–7 cancer cells, with an IC 50 value of 10 µg/ml. Ginger extract effectively inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner over 24h. Thus the compounds of ginger displaied potential for antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer agents.
Simple febrile seizures in toddlers: Do they have low serum calcium levels?

of was aimed toward establishing any serum ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of the study was to study the serum calcium levels at presentation in two subgroups of febrile toddlers; one with and the other without febrile seizures. Materials and Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center. The mean serum calcium level was compared at presentation between the two subgroups of febrile toddlers; one group with and the other without febrile seizures during the presentation for current illness. Based on a previous study of micronutrients in febrile seizures and a pilot study from our center, a sample size of 35 toddlers in each group was included in the study. Main outcome measure was to see the number of children with serum calcium less than 9 mg/dl in each group and compare the proportions for any significant difference. Results: Serum calcium levels of less than 9 mg% was seen in 13 (37.1%) toddlers who presented with febrile seizures compared to the group of febrile toddlers without seizures 7 (20%). The difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our study noted a significant proportion of low serum calcium levels of less than 9 mg/dl in patients presenting with febrile convulsions when compared to controls.
Predicting mobile learning acceptance: An integrated model and empirical study based on higher education students' perceptions

This research extends the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model based on expectation-confirmation and self-determination theories. It aims at exploring students' perspectives regarding the acceptance of mobile learning (m-Learning) in higher education. Although UTAUT receives considerable attention in technology acceptance research, this study unlike previous work as it is among the first to integrate self-determination and expectation-confirmation theories with this model in understanding m-Learning adoption, particularly in a case of developing countries. A total of 246 undergraduate students responded voluntarily to an online questionnaire. The findings suggest that integrating the UTAUT model with variables represent learners' basic psychological needs can highly affect their acceptance of m-Learning technology. The findings are further being discussed for theoretical and practical implications.
Farmer knowledge, perception and management of soils in the Las Vegas agricultural district, Madrid, Spain

A sample group of 119 farmers from a semi‐arid district of Madrid was interviewed to determine the knowledge of individuals about soil conservation and management. Farmers commonly identify physical factors in the landscape that are visually recognizable and those chemical factors that clearly affect productivity. Often, factors, such as salinity or pH that require laboratory analysis, are less readily identified. Farmer knowledge of soils is influenced by their main source of income, gender, education and age. Although there is a high degree of correspondence between scientific and traditional knowledge of soil, some gaps have been identified, notably those related to erosion. Key steps identified for promoting the adoption of sustainable soil management practices to farmers were as follows: involvement of public institutions, the need for increased agricultural prices and an improvement in training and public awareness. Farmers were aware of their own limitations and demanded capacity building, technical and policy support.
Reflecting the Sustainability Dimensions on the Residential Real Estate Prices

The paper analyzes the reaction of residential property prices to sustainability attributes and the extent to which they capitalize the effects of sustainability on real estate markets in EU-28 countries in the period 2000–2018. Given that the sustainable real estate market is mainly driven by demand, the sustainability attributes included in the study reflect both buyers’ expectations and their investment potential in sustainable residential properties, and developers’ efforts to become more “sustainable” through responsible property investment. In order to correspond to the current meaning of sustainable development, the variables capture the four dimensions that give content to the concept of the quadruple bottom line: economic, social, environmental and institutional. Using panel data and the two-stage least squares (2SLS) method, the research reveals a pronounced sensitivity of residential property prices to all sustainability dimensions in countries considered leaders in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), characterized by a strong institutional environment, and efficient and transparent real estate markets. In countries less committed to SGD implementation, weak governance and higher corruption negatively affect the transparency of real estate markets, and the dynamics of the price of residential transactions are determined only by the economic and social dimensions of sustainability.
Information technology as a resource to counter domestic sex trafficking in the United States

Globally, millions of individuals are victims of sex trafficking and are compelled to perform sexual acts through force, fraud, or coercion. Law enforcement agencies, non‐profit organisations, and social entrepreneurs increasingly are using information technology as a resource to locate, identify, and rescue victims and find, arrest, and convict traffickers. In this qualitative case study, we partnered with a non‐profit organisation that trains law enforcement officers to use information technology to counter sex trafficking. For this research study, we observed training courses, interviewed law enforcement officers and non‐profit staff, and reviewed technology usage logs and other data sources. Some officers readily used the new information technology post‐training, while others failed to use the new technology. Using conservation of resources theory as a sensitising lens, we identify two factors affecting the use of new technology post‐training: the level of organisational resources available to individuals and the individual's perceptions of the new information technology as a resource. With these findings, we develop the Resources Model of Information Technology Use to explain how perceptions of organisational and technology resources affect information technology usage patterns and outcomes.
Evaluation of Spin in the Abstracts of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Covering Treatments for Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Background: Approximately 18 in every 100 000 people have experienced a ruptured Achilles tendon. Despite the prevalence of this condition, treatment options remain contested. Hypothesis/purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of spin—reporting practices that may exaggerate benefit or minimize harm—in abstracts of systematic reviews related to Achilles tendon repair. We also evaluated whether particular study characteristics were associated with spin. Study design: Cross-sectional. Methods: We developed a search strategy for Ovid MEDLINE and Ovid Embase for systematic reviews focused on Achilles tendon treatment. Following title and abstract screening of these search returns, these reviews were evaluated for spin (according to a previously developed classification scheme) and received AMSTAR-2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews–2) appraisals by 2 investigators in a masked, duplicate manner. Study characteristics for each review were also extracted in duplicate. Results: Our systematic search returned 251 articles of which 43 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were eligible for data extraction. We found that 65.1% of included studies contained spin (28/43). Spin type 3 was the most common type, occurring in 53.5% (23/43) of abstracts. Spin types 5, 6, 1, and 4 occurred in 16.3% (7/43), 9.3% (4/43), 7% (3/43), and 5.3% (1/43), respectively. Spin types 2, 7, 8, and 9 did not occur. AMSTAR-2 appraised 32.6% (14/43) of the studies as “moderate” quality, 32.6% (14/43) as “low” quality, and 34.9% (15/43) as “critically low” quality. No systematic reviews were rated as “high” quality. There was no significant association between the presence of spin and the following study characteristics: intervention type, article discussing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) adherence, journal recommending PRISMA adherence, funding sources, journal 5-year impact factor, year the review was received for publication, or AMSTAR-2 critical appraisals. Conclusion: Spin was present in abstracts of systematic reviews and meta-analyses—covering Achilles tendon tear treatment. Steps should be taken to improve the reporting quality of abstracts on Achilles tendon treatment as well as other common orthopedic conditions. Clinical relevance: In order to avoid negative patient outcomes, articles should be free of spin within the abstract.
Supply Chain Viability and the COVID-19 pandemic: a conceptual and formal generalisation of four major adaptation strategies

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged supply chains (SC) on an unprecedented scale testing viability and adaptation under severe uncertainty. However, the literature on the adaptation strategies and quantification of their impacts is still scarce. Mixing literature analysis, case study approach, and quantitative techniques for performance assessment under disruptions, our study generalises four adaptations strategies – intertwining, scalability, substitution, and repurposing – to maintain SC viability when facing a pandemic, and offers a model to analyse and quantify deployment and impact of adaptation. First, we analyse the recent literature and identify some of the general characteristics of adaptation strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. We then describe case studies to illustrate the practical context and supplement the literature analysis in order to derive relevant determinants for building of a conceptual framework and construction of a formal model. In the conceptual framework, we show how the adaptation strategies can be aligned with the SC viability, encompassing the levels of the ecosystem, network, and resources. In the generalised model, we formalise the impacts and efforts in deploying and assessing the adaptation strategies as both a process and an outcome. We close by proposing some open research questions and outline several future research directions.
Salmonids as Natural Functional Food Rich in Omega-3 PUFA

Salmonids are valuable fish in the human diet due to their high content of bioactive omega-3 very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (VLC PUFA). The aim of this study was to assess the omega-3 VLC PUFA content in selected salmonid fish present on the food market regarding whether they were farm-raised or wild. It was assumed that farm-raised fish, by eating well-balanced feed enriched with omega-3 PUFA, might contain omega-3 VLC PUFA in levels similar to that of wild fish. Fat content, fatty acid composition and omega-3 VLC PUFA content in fish fillets were measured. Farm-raised salmon from Norway, wild Baltic salmon, farm-raised rainbow trout and brown trout were bought from a food market whereas wild trout (rainbow and brown) were caught alive. The fat content in fish ranged from 3.3 to 8.0 g/100 g of fillet. It was confirmed that although wild salmonid fish contain 10–25% more omega-3 VLC PUFA in lipid fraction, the farm-raised ones, due to the 60–100% higher fat content, are an equally rich source of these desirable fatty acids in the human diet. One serving (130 g) of salmonid fish fillets might provide a significant dose of omega-3 VLC PUFA, from 1.2 to 2.5 g. Thus, due to very high content of bioactive fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic (DPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) in their meat, salmonid fish currently present on the food market, both sea and freshwater as well as wild and farm-raised, should be considered as natural functional food.
The Role of Public Relations in sensitizing public on Government Projects in Kenya: Case of Nairobi County

Public relations is a vital tool for the government because it emphasizes on democracy and good governance. This study sought to establish the role of public relations tools in sensitizing the public on government projects in government ministries in the Central Government in Nairobi. Specifically, the study examined: the effects of media relations on sensitizing the public on government projects in Nairobi County, Kenya; the effects of community relations on sensitizing the public on government projects in Nairobi County, Kenya; the effects of sponsorships on sensitizing the public on government projects in Nairobi County, Kenya; the effects of community events on sensitizing the public on government projects in Nairobi County, Kenya. For this study, the researcher used descriptive survey design. The target population comprised heads of departments in state corporations in Kenya which totals 162. This study was a census survey of all 162 state corporations in Kenya. The unit of analysis comprised all the state corporations whereas the unit of observation consisted of 162 heads of departments (Public Relations Officers) of each State Corporation, thus forming a sample size of 162 respondents. Primary data was collected using questionnaires as the main data collection instruments. The study also collected data using an interview schedule. SPSS version 20 was adopted in the analysis of quantitative data. Data was presented in the form of pie charts, graphs and tables. Themes were used to analyze qualitative data. The study found that media relations positively and significantly influence sensitisation on government projects; community relations positively and significantly influence sensitisation on government projects; sponsorships positively and significantly influence sensitisation on government projects and community events positively and significantly influence sensitisation on government projects. The study, therefore, recommends that stronger communication mechanisms should be installed and well integrated in the system to ensure easier and convenient dissemination of information to the public. PR department of any organisation contributes to its development and enhances
Seismic performance evaluation of Cu-Al-Mn shape memory alloy concentrically braced frame

Abstract Cu-Al-Mn is one of the shape memory alloys (SMAs), which has been newly studied in recent years. This material can be used instead of typical Ni-Ti SMA since it can reduces material cost and dependence on temperature and loading rate, also, increases machinability and cold workability. In the present study, the seismic application of Cu-Al-Mn bars was evaluated as a part of the steel brace, selecting a 2D two-story split-X braced frame. FEMA P-695 methodology used to compare the collapse performance of two systems in the special concentrically braced frame (SCBF) and Cu-Al-Mn SMA braced frame (SMABF). Then the seismic response of the two systems was investigated at the different levels of earthquake intensity under nonlinear incremental dynamic analysis. The results showed that the SMABF had an allowable and more significant margin collapse compared to the SCBF system. The fragility curve of the two systems showed that the Cu-Al-Mn brace decreased the collapse probability of the frame. The collapse probability of Cu-Al-Mn brace was reduced by 82% and 45% at the maximum considered earthquake (MCE) and 1.5 times of MCE, respectively, compared to the collapse probability of the SCBF system. The SMABF had an allowable maximum inter-story drift ratio, having more distribution over the height of the frame in collapse point under all records but under 21% of records, the maximum inter-story drift ratio of the SCBF reached over 2.5%. The Cu-Al-Mn brace reduced the axial strain demand of the brace and inter-story drift of the 1st floor and residual drift. The result showed that the decreasing percentage of axial strain was 36% on average under the MCE intensity level of earthquakes. Also, the application of Cu-Al-Mn SMA in the braced frame increased the maximum top acceleration about 69% at the MCE level. Therefore, increasing acceleration in this system must be considered in the design of non-structural components. Despite the effectiveness of this new material, low ductility and poor energy dissipation were two weak points of this system. Therefore, this new alloy suggested using with other damping systems, or boundary frame with rigid connections to provide extra energy dissipation.