Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Topological contact dynamics I: symplectization and applications of the energy-capacity inequality

We introduce topological contact dynamics of a smooth manifold carrying a cooriented contact structure, generalizing previous work in the case of a symplectic structure [MO07] or a contact form [BS12]. A topological contact isotopy is not generated by a vector field; nevertheless, the group identities, the transformation law, and classical uniqueness results in the smooth case extend to topological contact isotopies and homeomorphisms, giving rise to an extension of smooth contact dynamics to topological dynamics. Our approach is via symplectization of a contact manifold, and our main tools are an energy-capacity inequality we prove for contact diffeomorphisms, combined with techniques from measure theory on oriented manifolds. We establish non-degeneracy of a Hofer-like bi-invariant pseudo-metric on the group of strictly contact diffeomorphisms constructed in [BD06]. The topological automorphism group of the contact structure exhibits rigidity properties analogous to those of symplectic diffeomorphisms, including C^0-rigidity of contact and strictly contact diffeomorphisms.
Optimisation of Graphene Nanofiller Addition on the Mechanical and Adsorption Properties of Woven Banana/Polyester Hybrid Nanocomposites by Grey-Taguchi Method

Throughout history, techniques have shifted from mainstream metals and minerals to nanocomposites to generate smaller, more practical elements for particular purposes. Natural fibres have greater advantages than glass fibres, such as being cheaper, recyclable, and nonflammable. The main objective of the current experiment is to determine how the accumulation of graphene to hybrid polyester composites reinforced with woven banana fibre affects their mechanical properties. Composites were constructed utilising the hand lay-up process with the following limitations: (i) graphene filler weightiness, (ii) woven banana fibre thickness in gsm, and (iii) number of woven banana layers, all at three different levels. Using the L9 (33) orthogonal design, nine composite samples are generated and tested according to the ASTM standard. According to the grey research, hybrid composites having 5% graphene powder and 350 grammes per square metre of woven banana fibre in three layers have high mechanical strength. Adding fibre content to immaculate polyester increased its mechanical properties in general. As the fibre and filler concentrations grew, more energy was required to break the fibre bundles between the matrix and its resin. The confirmation test by the optimal process value utilising the grey relation analysis is considerably better than the actual test data. Tension strength has improved by 17.14%, bending strength has improved by 96.75%, and impact energy has increased by 16.17%.
Research framework for the impact of total quality management on competitive advantage

The purpose of this paper is to apply a more accurate competitive advantage construct to study the impact of total quality management on firms’ competitive advantage in the context of the weakening of the competitive advantage of firms that are renowned for the excellent quality management. It also aims to find a better explanation for the source of competitive advantage through mediating constructs. ,The authors use iterative methodology by reviewing, analyzing, synthesizing and refining the current state of the literature and propose a research framework which allows for overcoming the limitation encountered in previous empirical research. ,The use of two second-order constructs including the incremental innovation performance and radical innovation performance which enable the researchers to have a better explanation about the mediating role of innovation performance. ,This study is seeking to contribute to the practice of total quality management area of research. Specifically, this study applies two second-order measurement scales of innovation in use, actualize the use of the new measurement scale of competitive advantage and explain clearly the role of total quality management on competitive advantage in the current context. ,This is one of the few papers investigating the impact of total quality management on competitive advantage, developing the conceptual model that examines the mediating role of innovation performance.
Work Needs Satisfaction Scale- Spanish Version: Psychometric Properties and Validity Evidence

With a growing Latinx workforce in the U.S., many of whom are Spanish-speaking, there is a pressing need to examine key constructs related to vocational well-being in this population. The aim of the current study was to validate a Spanish language version of the Work Needs Satisfaction Scales (WNSS; Autin et al., 2019). The WNSS comprises a set of scales developed to measure satisfaction of survival, social contribution, autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs, all of which are theorized to be key mediators in the link from decent work to well-being and work fulfillment. Using cross-sectional data across two samples of Latinx workers, we tested the reliability and validity of a Spanish language version of the WNSS (WNSS-SV). In Study 1 we conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with a sample of 195 participants. This resulted in a 19-item scale with five factors mirroring those of the English language scale. In Study 2 (N = 377), we examined factor structure and model fit using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA); measurement invariance across gender, language, and social class group; and concurrent validity. Results from Study 2 demonstrated the model was a good fit to the data; showed concurrent validity; and provided support for measurement invariance. Thus, overall results indicated that the WNSS-SV may serve as a useful tool for future research on work-related need satisfaction among Latinx workers. A discussion regarding the importance of these findings and implications for practice and research are provided.
We Need to Talk About Mechanical Turk: What 22,989 Hypothesis Tests Tell Us About Publication Bias and P-Hacking in Online Experiments

IZA DP No. 15478 AUGUST 2022 We Need to Talk about Mechanical Turk: What 22,989 Hypothesis Tests Tell Us about Publication Bias and p-Hacking in Online Experiments* Amazon Mechanical Turk is a very widely-used tool in business and economics research, but how trustworthy are results from well-published studies that use it? Analyzing the universe of hypotheses tested on the platform and published in leading journals between 2010 and 2020 we find evidence of widespread p-hacking, publication bias and over-reliance on results from plausibly under-powered studies. Even ignoring questions arising from the characteristics and behaviors of study recruits, the conduct of the research community itself erode substantially the credibility of these studies’ conclusions. The extent of the problems vary across the business, economics, management and marketing research fields (with marketing especially afflicted). The problems are not getting better over time and are much more prevalent than in a comparison set of non-online experiments. We explore correlates of increased credibility. JEL Classification: B41, C13, C40, C90
BV associated bacteria specifically BVAB 1 and BVAB 3 as biomarkers for HPV risk and progression of cervical neoplasia

Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with high-risk HPV (hrHPV) genotypes. There is a proposed bidirectional relationship between hrHPV and vaginal microbial diversity. This study investigated the association between BV associated bacteria in women co-infected with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hrHPV. Methods Stored cervical cytobrush samples were used for real time PCR detection of eight BV associated bacteria. Analysis of BV bacteria detected against HPV infection, socio-demographics and HIV data were conducted in R Statistical computing software of the R Core Team, 2020, version 3.6. 3. Results A total of 190 samples were analysed. A. vaginae (p <0.001) BVAB 1 (p <0.001), BVAB 2 (p =0.428), BVAB 3 (p <0.001), Lactobacillus species (p =0.016) and S. sanguinegens (p =0.007) were associated with prevalent hrHPV. Increasing CIN severity was independently associated with detection of BVAB 1 OR 1.51(95% CI: 0.42-5.55), BVAB 3 OR 2.72(95% CI:0.90-8.55) and S. sanguinegens OR 1.02(95% CI:0.37-2.80). All HPV genotypes/groups, gravida <2, A. vaginae (p =0.002) and BVAB 1 (p =0.026) were significantly associated with HPV persistence. BVAB 3, p =0.010 and HPV 16 were significantly associated with HPV reinfection. Conclusion There is a significant association of A. vaginae, BVAB 1, BVAB 3, S. sanguinegens and Lactobacillus spp to prevalent hrHPV. BVAB 1, BVAB 3 and S. sanguinegens had an increased odds for increasing CIN severity. A vaginae, BVAB 1, gravida and all the HPV genotypes/groups were significantly associated with HPV persistence. Only BVAB 3 and HPV 16 were significantly associated with hrHPV reinfection at 1 year review. BVAB 1 and BVAB 3 are possible biomarkers for HPV infection and CIN progression.
Profiling Physical Activity Motivation Based on Reasons for Exercise: A Cluster Analysis Approach

The purpose of this study is to identify profiles based on the reasons adults have for being physically active. A secondary purpose was to examine how profiles differ on motivational regulation and physical activity (PA). A total of 1275 (46.5 ± 16.8 years) participants were solicited from a hospital-affiliated wellness center, social media promotions, and a research volunteer registry. The Reasons to Exercise (REX-2) scale, International PA Questionnaire, Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-3, and demographic questionnaire were utilized to assess variables of interest with a cross-sectional survey. Using SPSS Version 26, K-cluster analysis was used to identify profiles based on the reasons for exercise that individuals identified as important. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to assess profile differences followed by ANOVA. Four profiles were derived based on reason for exercise scores: a multi-reason positive (N = 361), a multi-reason negative (N = 232), an autonomous-focused (N = 259), and a control-focused cluster (N = 382) (p < .001). These unique clusters differed significantly (p < .001) from each other with respect to motivation to be active and PA. The multi-reason positive cluster engaged in higher levels of total moderate and vigorous PA minutes/week compared to the other clusters. Therefore, adult’s motivation for PA may be likely to be affected by a combination of different informal goals and valuing a number of goals that are both extrinsic/controlling (e.g., to look good) and autonomous/intrinsic (e.g., to feel good), may promote greater autonomous motivation regulation and greater PA levels than highly autonomous/intrinsic goals alone.
State ownership, sustainable supply chain management, and firm performance: A natural experiment of the US–China trade conflict

Under the increased global uncertainty, this study extends prior research on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and firm performance by investigating the divergent performance outcomes between state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and non-SOEs, before and after the US–China trade conflict. Based on a sample of 7647 firm-year observations of Chinese listed firms, we found that SOEs experienced less severe performance impact from the trade conflict. Moreover, SOEs with more SSCM practices, including supplier management and customer cooperation, could harvest more performance improvement after the trade conflict, while non-SOEs receive performance reduction by doing so. Theoretical and practical implications are provided. JEL classification: C12, D21, F51, L33
Evidentiality through reported speech: Pragma-linguistic factors affecting its reliability

This study focuses on reportative evidential that contains statements of a specific and commonly known individual with interlocutors regarding the quality of evidence s/he claimed to have, his/her trustworthiness as a person, linguistic markers, turn designs, emotional state, epistemic authority, as factors which determine the reliability of information vouched through reported speech. We collected 28 conversations in which informants were asked to convey information derived from someone well or weakly known. Topics were chiefly related to events expected to occur, films and other informative assertions. Then, respondents delivered their main reasons about (not) trusting the reported speech/speaker and regarding the modals within RS or in the assessment part. They were urged to share common conclusions about its reliability. We found out that epistemological assessment of reported speech originally derived by a well-known person is crucially related to the reported speaker’s usual shown sincerity, words chosen, while of a weakly known individual with his/her competency and quality of evidence, which can define the information as “first-hand” or not worth considering.
Privacy Calculus Theory in the Digital Government Context: The Case of Taiwan’s New eID Policy

Based on the case of the national electronic identification card (New eID) policy in Taiwan, this study integrated the government’s components with a privacy calculus model to analyze factors which affect personal data disclosure intention. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the survey data and explore how citizens balance benefits and risks associated with the New eID issue. The research results suggested that financial compensation, personalized services, and service compatibility can enhance cognition of privacy-related benefits of citizens, while this cognition will further increase willingness to authorize their personal data. Moreover, the impact of government elements on citizens’ willingness to authorize their personal information also has statistical backings. Citizens’ cognition of privacy-related risks, however, has no statistical effect within the model, which is contrary to findings from previous studies. The study attempted to make contributions to supplementing the connotation of an extant theoretical framework, and discussed the privacy-related questions concerning digital government.
Towards biodegradable barrier packaging: Production of films for single-use primary food liquid packaging

This research aimed to obtain bio-degradable microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) films from a pine sawdust pulp for use as liquid containers. The films were combined with food-grade polyols (sorbitol, glycerol, and mannitol) to improve the hydrophobicity and provide barrier properties. Pine sawdust (a by-product of primary wood industrialization, highly available, and inexpensive) was treated with soda-ethanol and a 2-stage oxygen sequence. The resulting pulps were mechanically fibrillated to produce MFC with a disk refiner. The polyols were added to improve crosslinking and achieve a plasticizing effect. The films were dried at 25, 50, and 60 °C. The mechanical and barrier properties (tensile strength, elongation, vapor permeability, and water absorption), the crystallinity, and the transparency of the films were evaluated. Total migration tests were carried out to verify the compliance of the films with current regulations. Finally, the film’s biodegradation properties in soil under normal climatic conditions were evaluated.
K-3 Teachers’ Competencies Addressing Learners’ Literacy and Numeracy Gaps in the Global South

Patterned after the Learning and Development Needs Assessment, this sequential explanatory design mixed method research was conducted to identify the competency gaps or priority learning needs and compelling reasons of the K-3 public school teachers in Eastern Visayas. The approach of this study was group needs assessment using functional competency models. A total of 6,428 K-3 teachers responded to this study. Results demonstrated that crafting action research that focuses on literacy and numeracy was highly prioritized learning need. Others were on recommending learners with difficulty in reading to be enrolled in special reading program, encouraging students to learn Math using technology, and performing interventions for learners who have difficulty in reading and at risk of dropping out. Further, it also found out that the compelling reasons of having such priority learning needs were insufficient knowledge in performing tasks, lack of resources, school-related activities as hindrance, and lack of parental support. This suggests that a Learning and Development Planning be conducted in order to identify interventions and their implementation requirements to address identified priority learning needs of K-3 teachers with regards to competencies on literacy and numeracy.
Reproducibility of Neuroretinal Rim Measurements Obtained from High-Density Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Volume Scans

Purpose To compare the reproducibility of two-dimensional (2D) peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and three-dimensional (3D) neuroretinal rim measurements using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) in normal and glaucoma subjects. Methods One eye per subject for 27 normal and 40 glaucoma subjects underwent repeat SDOCT RNFL thickness scans and optic nerve volume scans on the same day. From the volume scan, custom software calculated five neuroretinal rim parameters: 3D minimum distance band (MDB) thickness, 3D MDB area, 3D rim volume, 2D rim area, and 2D rim thickness. Within-subject variance (Sw), coefficient of variation (CV), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were analyzed. Results MDB thickness and RNFL thickness have similar reproducibility among normal and glaucoma subjects (eg, global MDB thickness CVs of 2.4% and 3.6%, and global RNFL thickness CVs of 1.3% and 2.2%; P > 0.05 for both comparisons). Reproducibility of MDB thickness was lower in glaucoma patients for the superior and inferior quadrants compared to normal subjects (CVs of 9.6% versus 3.4% and 6.9% versus 2.7%; P < 0.05, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences between both groups for RNFL thickness in the four quadrants. For both patient groups and for all regions, MDB thickness had the lowest CVs among all five neuroretinal rim parameters (eg, global MDB thickness CVs of 2.4% and 3.6% versus 3.0% and 18.9% for the other four neuroretinal rim parameters). Conclusion Global MDB and global RNFL thickness are similarly reproducible among normal and glaucoma subjects, though MDB thickness for the superior and inferior quadrants is less reproducible among glaucoma subjects.
Lassa fever in Nigeria: Social and Ecological Risk Factors Exacerbating Transmission and Sustainable Management Strategies

With the advent of COVID-19, infectious diseases are increasingly a cause of concern to both national and international governments as well as non-governmental organizations. This review focusses on Lassa fever incidence, prevalence, and socioecological factors influencing the spread and management of the disease in Nigeria using data mined from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and other public databases. Lassa fever and the causative agent Lassa virus (LASV) and vector, Mastomys natalensis is becoming a topical issue despite the neglected tropical disease status. The primary transmission mode of LASV has not been fully comprehended but several social and environmental factors have been implicated to either play a major role in determining the rate of transmission or exacerbating transmission risks. Nonetheless, some transmission route includes faeco-oral, rodent bites, and the consumption of rodent meat. From epidemiolocal studies and surveillance, it is glaring that LASV is a West African phenomenon. In West Africa, about 100,000 to 300,000 new cases of Lassa fever have been reported with a mortality rate of 5,000 persons per year. In Nigeria, Lassa fever has occurred in several states across the six geopolitical zones and the federal capital territory. However, Edo State in the Southsouth geopolitical zone and Ondo State in the Southwest geopolitical zone is the core epicentre of the virus since December 2016 in Nigeria. Some environmental conditions that contribute to exacerbating the incidence of Lassa fever include weak environmental hygiene laws, poor housing, and regional planning, indiscriminate disposal of wastes, poor food handling, and storage, absence of a law against eating Mastomys natalensis , deforestation, and poor agricultural practices as well as climate change.
Entrepreneurship education: Which educational elements influence entrepreneurial intention?

Entrepreneurship is considered a critical factor in stimulating economic growth and creating employment. Entrepreneurship education is viewed as one of the key instruments for increasing entrepreneurial intention and activities. However, it remains unclear which elements of entrepreneurship education are most influential in shaping a participant’s intention to start a venture. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the impact of entrepreneurship education and the mediating role of alertness, inspiration, social networks and the acquisition of knowledge and skills (the rational “learning” component of entrepreneurship education) in a participant’s intention to start a venture. Drawing on entrepreneurship education theory, the author proposes that entrepreneurship education increases entrepreneurial intention if it induces a perceived increase in alertness, inspiration, social networks or knowledge and skills among participants. The empirical results of the multiple hierarchical regression analysis provide support for a full mediation effect of inspiration, social networks and knowledge and skills on the relationship between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intention. These findings contribute to research in entrepreneurship education, enhance understanding of the main success factors in entrepreneurship education and offer useful insights for practitioners when developing effective entrepreneurship programs.
Impact of Periodontitis on Glycemic Control and Metabolic Status in Diabetes Patients: Current Knowledge on Early Disease Markers and Therapeutic Perspectives

Diabetes mellitus and periodontitis are two of the most common chronic diseases affecting the world's population, and they are intimately linked. For several years, in fact, it has been known that there is an interdependent relationship between the two diseases: Diabetes promotes the destruction of periodontal tissues, and periodontal disease negatively affects glycemic control. In relation to the control of dental plaque and oral dysbiosis responsible for periodontal disease, both nonsurgical and surgical therapy associated with proper home hygiene procedures have emerged as essential for good glycemic control. Moreover, several evidences suggest the essential role played by the control of periodontal disease in preventing the onset of the most common complications of diabetes: cardiovascular diseases, retinopathies, and other systemic diseases. The aim of this study is to update the current knowledge on the bi-univocal relationship between diabetes and periodontitis and the impact of therapy in the optimal management of these two disorders. From the information found in the literature, it has emerged that the correct treatment of periodontal disease in diabetic patients represents one of the main mechanisms and means currently established and valid to control periodontal disease and glucose metabolism and prevent the onset or development of diabetic complications.