Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environmental Risk Factors for Childhood Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Multicenter Case-Control Study

Objective: Multiple environmental factors can be linked to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With an increase in the cases of IBD, the objective of this research is to investigate environmental risk factors for IBD in the Saudi population. Methods: A retrospective multicenter case–control study was performed among IBD children from 2009 to 2021.The variables analyzed to be the possible risk factors included their socioeconomic status, living and demographic characteristics, and lifestyle related to IBD. The questionnaire included a list of IBD risk factors that was given to the control and the patient group. For every variable, the 95% confidence interval (CI) and odds rations were also estimated. Results: There were 335 individuals considered in this study: 168 controls (50.1%) and 167 IBD patients (49.9%). Of these, 93 IBD patients (56%) had CD and 74 patients (44%) had UC. Most of participants were female (72.1%) and were aged above 10 years (51.5%). Vaginal delivery (OR 0.551, 95% CI: 1.59–4.14), age above 10 years (OR 1.040, 95% CI: 1.012–1.069), deficient fruit intake (OR 2.572, 95% CI: 1.59–4.14), no exposure to antibiotics (OR 2.396, 95% CI: 1.51–3.81), appendectomy (OR 2.098, 95% CI: 1.87–2.35), less physical activity (OR 2.033, 95% CI: 1.05–3.93) and gastroenteritis admissions > 2 times/year (OR 0.107, 95% CI: 0.037–0.311) were the risk factors for IBD. These factors depicted a more significant link with CD than UC (p < 0.05). Interestingly, sleep disturbance was estimated to be a CD risk factor (adjusted OR: 3.291, 95% CI = 0.97–11.22). Pets in house was risk factor for UC (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study highlights association between vaginal delivery, age above 10 years, deficient fruit intake, low physical activity, exposure to antibiotics, appendectomy, and frequent gastroenteritis admissions as risk factors for IBD. Knowledge of these risk factors can help pediatricians to prospectively identify patients at risk of environmental exposure.
Cyberbullying: A Systematic Literature Review on the Definitional Criteria

Nowadays, there are a lot of research being done regarding cyberbullying issues. However, there are debates among researchers due to inconsistencies in defining cyberbullying. The development of cyberbullying definition is difficult to establish because there are no agreements among the researchers on the similarities and differences between traditional bullying and cyberbullying. Cyberbullying tends to borrow the definition from traditional bullying and extends the definition by adding criterion which suits the cyber world, where it happens through the use of electronic communications. The definitional criteria of cyberbullying is important to establish the definition of cyberbullying that may help to understand the concept of cyberbullying in depth and differ the cyberbullying from traditional bullying in an aspect of its definition. The aim of this study is to classify the criteria of cyberbullying using the conceptual definitions developed by researchers from all around the world. This study is based on systematic literature review by using PRISMA flowchart and a table of analysis on the criteria of cyberbullying. The findings identified on the criteria of cyberbullying are intentional, repetition, power imbalance, anonymity, publicity, aggression, and electronic devices and media. As the technology development is become more advanced in a short time, the research on the criteria of cyberbullying should be updated by time in order to align with the technology advancement. Besides, the research on other areas in cyberbullying may be developed as this paper may help in depth understanding on the criteria of cyberbullying to other researchers.
Humans and Goats: Improving Knowledge for a Better Relationship

Simple Summary A good relationship between humans (e.g., farmers, owners) and farm animals is vital for the well-being of both parties: on the one hand, people are satisfied with their work, which becomes less stressful and more profitable, and may receive social benefits in terms of education or animal-assisted therapy; on the other hand, animals are rewarded by the presence of humans and are not afraid of them. Goats have high cognitive and communicative abilities towards humans: recognising these abilities helps humans to work properly on the quality of this relationship that is built from the first hours of the goat kids’ life, thanks to frequent and positive contacts (e.g., stroking, talking in a calm voice). Improving the quality of this relationship is an investment in the future of livestock farming and meets public demands for ethical and sustainable production. This review outlines the characteristics and predisposing factors for the establishment of a good human–goat relationship and for its evaluation. Abstract There is consensus that the quality of the human–animal relationship (HAR) is relevant to guarantee appropriate levels of animal welfare. Given the impact that HAR may have on both goats and human beings, the aim of the present review is to elucidate: (1) how humans and goats communicate; (2) which are the factors affecting human–goat interactions; (3) how we can measure the quality of this relationship. The systematic review led to the selection of 58 relevant articles. Effective human–goat communication takes place by means of visual, tactile and auditory stimuli and, to a less extent, via olfactory and gustative stimuli. Goats have well-developed socio-cognitive abilities and rely on humans to get relevant information. A deep knowledge of goats’ communication means and socio-cognitive abilities may greatly help improving the human–goat relationship. Management practices (e.g., rearing methods, amount and quality of interactions), as well as genetic selection for suitable individual traits, may contribute to improving HAR. Several measures to assess the quality of HAR have been validated, including avoidance in the pen and at the feeding rack and latency to first contact. Finally, farmers’ attitudes and empathy with goats, as well as their motivation to work with animals, should be improved through appropriate training.
m6A Methylases Regulate Myoblast Proliferation, Apoptosis and Differentiation

Simple Summary N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent methylation modification in eukaryotic mRNA, and it plays an important role in regulating gene expression. Previous studies found that m6A methylation plays a role in mammalian skeletal muscle development. Skeletal muscle is an important factor that regulates livestock muscle quality and maintains metabolic homeostasis, and skeletal myogenesis is regulated by a series of transcription factors. However, the role of m6A in bovine skeletal myogenesis is unclear. In this study, we examined the expression patterns of the m6A methylase genes METTL3, METTL14, WTAP, FTO and ALKBH5 in bovine skeletal muscle tissue and during myogenesis in myoblasts. Furthermore, we used bovine skeletal muscle myoblasts as the object of study to discover the regulatory role of these genes in the process of skeletal myogenesis in vitro. Our findings indicate that these five m6A methylases have pronounced and diverse functions in regulating bovine skeletal myoblast proliferation, apoptosis and myogenic differentiation, which can contribute to further understanding the roles of m6A in skeletal muscle development. Abstract N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays an important role in regulating gene expression. Previous studies found that m6A methylation affects skeletal muscle development. However, the effect of m6A methylases on bovine skeletal myogenesis is still unclear. Here, we found that the expression of m6A demethylases (FTO and ALKBH5) was significantly higher in the longissimus dorsi muscle of adult cattle than in newborn cattle. In contrast, the expression of m6A methyltransferases (METTL3, METTL14 and WTAP) was reduced. The mRNA expression of all five genes was found to be increased during the myogenesis of myoblasts in vitro. Knockdown of FTO or METTL3 promoted myoblast proliferation, inhibited myoblast apoptosis and suppressed myogenic differentiation, whereas ALKBH5 knockdown had the opposite effect. METTL14 knockdown enhanced myoblast proliferation and impaired myogenic differentiation. WTAP knockdown attenuated proliferation and contributed to apoptosis but did not affect differentiation. Furthermore, the functional domains of these five m6A methylases are conserved across species. Our results suggest that m6A methylases are involved in regulating skeletal muscle development and that there may be a complex network of m6A methylation regulating skeletal myogenesis.
Board diversity and firm performance: An empirical analysis of Italian small-medium enterprises

This paper aims to empirically verify if the board of directors’ (BoD) diversity (i.e., gender, age, and nationality) affects firm performance, which we calculate referring to ROE, ROA, and EBITDA margin. So far, scholars do not converge on a single answer about the effects of observable diversity in the boardrooms on corporate performance. Therefore, this study — referring to a significantly bigger sample — applies machine learning models following a data-driven approach based on a three-year (2017–2019) dataset composed of 59,229 Italian small-medium enterprises (SMEs). The analysis conducted shows that board diversity does not impact firm results, either positively or negatively. The lack of a correlation suggests that there is no reason to not appoint females, young people, and foreigners as directors. The involvement of these “minorities”, which, as shown, does not negatively impact economic-financial results, could on the opposite improve firm reputation as well as enhance the intellectual capital, solving in the meantime a social matter
Cow and Ewe Cheeses Made with Saffron: Characterization of Bioactive Compounds and Their Antiproliferative Effect in Cervical Adenocarcinoma (HeLa) and Breast Cancer (MDA-MB-231) Cells

Saffron is a widespread consumed spice containing many phytochemicals. It is often used in dairy technologies to enhance color and flavor of cheeses, but it is also known for its several therapeutic effects, as well as its antiproliferative and anticancer properties. In this study High Performance Liquid Chromatography was used to characterize saffron bioactive compounds in cow and ewe cheeses made with saffron, and the antiproliferative effect of the crocin-rich extracts from cheeses was investigated on different cellular lines (CaCo2, MDA-MB-231 and HeLa) by MTT assay. Crocins were observed in all cheese samples, with the total content ranging between 0.54 and 30.57 mg trans-4-GG/100 g cheese, according to the different cheese making process. Picrocrocin was detected in no cheese (probably due to its degradation during cheese making), while safranal was detected only in one ewe cheese (mainly due to its high volatility). HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cells were sensitive to treatment with crocin-rich extracts from cheeses, while no effect was observed on CaCo2 cells. The chemical environment of the food matrix seems to have a great influence on the crocin antiproliferative effect: the crocin-rich extracts from cheese with both high residual N/protein and fat contents showed increased antiproliferative effect compared to pure crocin (trans-4-GG), but cheeses from different milk species (type of fats and proteins) could also play an important role in modulating crocin’s antiproliferative effects.
Graphene Nanoplatelets as a Replacement for Carbon Black in Rubber Compounds

In this work, we evaluated the processing and reinforcement characteristics of both carbon black (CB) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) within a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) matrix. The aspect ratio of the GNPs was measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and related to the dispersion and agglomeration within the NBR matrix, as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The relationship between GNP aspect ratio and mechanical properties was studied by micromechanical modelling. The tensile and tear properties of NBR after compounding with GNPs were enhanced to a greater extent compared to carbon black, while curing times were smaller and scorch times longer, indicating some of the advantages of using GNPs. Overall, the inherent properties of GNPs along with their geometry led to the production of better-performing rubber compounds that can replace their CB-filled counterparts in applications where flexibility, tear strength and compliance are important. The influence of processing on dispersion, orientation and agglomeration of flakes was also highlighted with respect to the Young’s modulus of the NBR compounds.
Overcoming the “Dark Side” of Technology—A Scoping Review on Preventing and Coping with Work-Related Technostress

In the course of the digitalisation of work, the phenomenon of technostress is increasingly being examined. While there is a plethora of research on its causes and consequences, a growing body of research on mitigating work-related technostress is emerging. In order to identify opportunities to overcome this “dark side” of technology, this scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on how to prevent and cope with work-related technostress. The databases PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, PSYNDEX, and Web of Science were searched in the time period between 2008 and 2021. The studies were screened independently by two authors and selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sixty-two studies were included and their methodological quality was assessed using standardised checklists. Resources were identified at the technical, organisational, social and personal level, including, e.g., leadership, organisational and technical support as well as self-efficacy and IT mindfulness. Problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies were, e.g., seeking support or distancing from IT. None of the included studies investigated prevention measures, emphasising a dearth of research that needs to be addressed in the future. Nevertheless, the identified resources and coping strategies provide starting points to address adverse work- and health-related consequences and reduce work-related technostress.
Conversion of Carbon Dioxide into Methanol Using Cu–Zn Nanostructured Materials as Catalysts

Nowadays, there is a growing awareness of the great environmental impact caused by the enormous amounts of carbon dioxide emitted. Several alternatives exist to solve this problem, and one of them is the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide into methanol by using nanomaterials as catalysts. The aim of this alternative is to produce a value-added chemical, such as methanol, which is a cheaply available feedstock. The development of improved materials for this conversion reaction and a deeper study of the existing ones are important for obtaining higher efficiencies in terms of yield, conversion, and methanol selectivity, in addition to allowing milder reaction conditions in terms of pressure and temperature. In this work, the performance of copper, zinc, and zinc oxide nanoparticles in supported and unsupported bimetallic systems is evaluated in order to establish a comparison among the different materials according to their efficiency. For that, a packed bed reactor operating with a continuous gas flow is used. The obtained results indicate that the use of bimetallic systems combined with porous supports, such as zeolite and activated carbon, is beneficial, thus improving the performance of unsupported materials by four times.
Smart Injectable Chitosan Hydrogels Loaded with 5-Fluorouracil for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

The treatment of breast cancer requires long chemotherapy management, which is accompanied by severe side effects. Localized delivery of anticancer drugs helps to increase the drug concentration at the site of action and overcome such a problem. In the present study, chitosan hydrogel was prepared for local delivery of 5-Fluorouracil. The in vitro release behavior was investigated and the anticancer activity was evaluated against MCF-7 cells using MTT assay. The in vivo studies were investigated via intra-tumoral injection of a 5-FU loaded hydrogel into breast cancer of female rats. The results indicated that the modified hydrogel has excellent physicochemical properties with a sustained in vitro release profile matching a zero-order kinetic for one month. In addition, the hydrogel showed superior inhibition of cell viability compared with the untreated control group. Moreover, the in vivo studies resulted in antitumor activity with minor side effects. The tumor volume and level of tumor markers in blood were inhibited significantly by applying the hydrogel compared with the untreated control group. In conclusion, the designed injectable hydrogels are potential drug delivery systems for the treatment of breast cancer with a controlled drug release profile, which could be suitable for decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy agents.
Corporate governance and voluntary disclosures in annual reports: a post-International Financial Reporting Standard adoption evidence from an emerging capital market

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical evidence concerning the influence of Corporate governance and voluntary disclosures in annual reports: a post-International Financial Reporting Standards adoption evidence from an emerging capital market. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from the annual reports of all 22 listed non-financial firms over a five-year period. Using content analysis, the audited annual reports of the firms were scored on the extent of overall and four specific types of voluntary disclosures made. The panel data obtained were analyzed using a generalized ordinary least squares regression model. Findings The findings of the study show that voluntary disclosures among the firms are low even after the adoption of IFRS. Corporate governance attributes of board size and board leadership structure are significant determinants of the extent of voluntary disclosures made by the firms. However, board independence and auditor type exhibit only a significant positive effect on voluntary financial and forward-looking information disclosures. Research limitations/implications Firms’ voluntary information disclosure and governance variables were restricted to those in annual reports, which may partially reflect the reality of firms’ disclosure and governance practices. Practical implications The present study offers useful insights to regulators of the capital market to strengthen monitoring of firms to ensure strict adherence to corporate governance best practice guidelines as a means of improving information environment. Originality/value This study is one of the very few ones in Africa, especially in the context of Ghana Stock Exchange, to use post-IFRS data and examine a disaggregated voluntary disclosure by firms.
Brand equity trend analysis for fashion brands (2001-2021)

ABSTRACT This paper aims to present the brand equity trends of top fashion brands using Interbrand’s annual list of top 100 global brands (2001 to 2021). Thirty fashion brands from eight countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US) appeared. Analyses were made using Interbrand’s brand equity, brand ranking, and brand equity growth rate. This paper makes a unique contribution to the concept of the fashion industry and its segments. First, to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that has described the four different segments within the global fashion industry with live examples of fashion brands. These four segments include Apparel, Cosmetics, Sportswear, and Luxury. Secondly, this paper also illustrates that both the global financial crisis (2008–09) and global pandemic (2019–20) had affected the growth rate of brand equity among fashion brands, but brand equity amount kept increasing during both occasions. Furthermore, the apparel segment was more affected than other segments (sportswear, cosmetics, and luxury). Two minor findings include the emergence of France as a global center of fashion brands with a recent surge in brand equity and has housed more fashion brands than any other country. Similarly, Europe has proved its dominance in the fashion industry over the USA.
Hybridization between Alpine Ibex and Domestic Goat in the Alps: A Sporadic and Localized Phenomenon?

Simple Summary The Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) is a protected wild ungulate. The species is known to have a low genetic variability and to occasionally suffer from local population decline as a consequence of epidemic diseases. Another, less investigated, threat for the species’ long-term conservation is represented by the hybridization with feral domestic goats that may breed with ibex if abandoned in the mountain at the end of the summer pasture. Further reproduction and the spread of hybrids may jeopardize the genetic integrity of wild Alpine ibex. By means of an online survey and using a network of experts, we mapped unpublished evidence on observed hybridization events between Alpine ibex and feral domestic goats. The results of this study suggested that hybrids are currently distributed in several countries, and their presence is not a rare event, with some clusters including 4–20 probable hybrids. This calls for more studies clearly quantifying hybrids in Alpine ibex colonies, but also highlights the need for conservation actions aimed at controlling this phenomenon, such as the effective management of domestic herds grazing in Alpine ibex core areas and clear guidelines on hybrid management. Abstract The Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) is a mountain ungulate living in the European Alps. Although being currently classified as a species of Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, a potential threat for its long-term conservation is introgression following hybridization with domestic goats (Capra hircus). Hybridization has been documented in Switzerland in captive and free ranging animals, although accurate data to assess the extent of this phenomenon in natural conditions in the Alps are lacking. Using an online survey and a network of experts, we collected and mapped unpublished evidence of hybridization events that occurred between Alpine ibex and feral domestic goats from 2000 to 2021. The results of this study showed that hybrids are distributed in most of the Alpine countries, and their presence is not a sporadic event, with some clusters including 4–20 probable hybrids. Our results illustrated the need for establishing a standardized and effective protocol to identify hybrids in the field (such as a formal description of the morphological traits characterizing hybrids), as well as clear guidelines for hybrid management. Even more importantly, this study also highlighted the need for actions aimed at avoiding hybridization, such as the effective management of domestic herds grazing in Alpine ibex core areas.