Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Line-transect estimation of abundance of narwhal (Monodon monoceros) in Scoresby Sund and adjacent waters

An aerial line transect survey of narwhal (Monodon monoceros) abundance in Scoresby Sund and adjacent fjords in East Greenland was conducted in September 1983 and 1984. An effort of 1747 and 1973 linear kilometers resulted in 66 and 19 primary sightings of narwhal pods in 1983 and 1984. respectively. The mean pod size increased slightly but not significantly from 1.99 to 2.56 between the two years. The resulting estimates of abundance of narwhals (not corrected for submerged animals) were 300 (95% Cl 165- 533) and 102 (95~ Cl 36-276) in 1983 and 1984, respectively. These two estimates are not significantly different. The difference between the two estimates is most likely due to annual variation, perhaps in combination with the formation of new ice in 1984, which could have forced the narwhals out of the study area.
The Effect of Bumper Stickers Strategy to Improve Students’ Reading Comprehension Viewed from Students’ Reading Interest

Reading is essential for information acquisition, but students often struggle with understanding descriptive writing. To improve reading comprehension, educators could employ the Bumper Sticker strategy, using color-coded lists to help students grasp the text's main ideas. This study reports the effectiveness of the bumper sticker reading strategy in fostering students' reading interests. The quasi-experimental study comprised two groups of seventh-grade students, each consisting of 40 students. Data were gathered through a reading interest questionnaire and a multiple-choice reading comprehension test. Results reveal that the Bumper Sticker strategy effectively enhances reading comprehension aligned with students' interests. Notably, the conventional strategy also improves comprehension in alignment with students' interests. Lastly, the Bumper Sticker strategy is particularly effective for highly interested students. The recommendation is to employ the bumper sticker strategy, enabling students to create color-coded lists, thereby enhancing their comprehension of the material.
Some Aspects of the Modelling of Dried Red Beets Rehydration Process

Some dehydrated products must be rehydrated before consumption or further industry processing. Optimization of the rehydration process needs mathematical models of the process. Despite the widespread use of computers and their associated software, empirical equations are still widely used in view of their simplicity and ease of computation. The mathematical description of the kinetics of mass gain, volume increase, dry matter loss, and moisture content increase and changes of rehydration indices during the rehydration of dried red beets was investigated. The effects of drying air temperature (Td), drying air velocity (vd), characteristic dimension (L), and rehydration temperature (Tr) on model constants were also examined. Red beets cubes (10 mm) and slices (5 and 10 mm) were dried in natural convection (vd = 0.01 m/s), forced convection (vd = 2 m/s), and fluidization (vd = 6 m/s) at Td = 50, 60, and 70 °C. The rehydration was conducted in distilled water at Tr = 20, 45, and 70 °C. The kinetics of rehydrating dried red beets was modelled applying five empirical models: Peleg, Lewis (Newton), Henderson–Pabis, Page, and modified Page. Equations were developed to make the model constants dependent on Td, vd, L, and Tr. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) (feedforward multilayer perceptron) were adopted to condition the rehydration indices on Td, vd, L, and Tr. The following models can be recommended as the most acceptable: (1) the modified Page model for mass gain (RMSE = 0.0236–0.0897) and for volume increase (RMSE = 0.0213–0.0972), (2) the Peleg model for dry mass loss (RMSE = 0.0161–0.610), and (3) the Henderson–Pabis model for moisture content increase (RMSE = 0.0350–0.1062). The ANNs performed the rehydration indices in an acceptable way (RMSE = 0.0528–0.2285). Both the rehydration indices and model constants depended (but to a different degree) on the investigated drying and rehydration conditions.
Risk Factors for Subclinical Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose To investigate the risk factors associated with subclinical diabetic peripheral neuropathy (sDPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients and Methods This cross-sectional, retrospective study involved 311 patients with T2DM who were successively admitted from January 2018 to December 2021 without any neurological symptoms. All participants underwent a nerve conduction study (NCS), and those asymptomatic patients with abnormal nerve conduction were diagnosed with sDPN. Differences between groups were evaluated by the chi-squared, Wilcoxon, or Fisher’s exact test. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors for sDPN. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed, and the areas under curves (AUCs) were detected. Results Among 311 asymptomatic patients with T2DM, 142 (45.7%) with abnormal nerve conduction were diagnosed with sDPN. Patients with sDPN significantly differed from those without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in age, history of hypertension, duration of diabetes, anemia, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, fasting C-peptide level, serum creatinine level, and albuminuria (all p<0.05). Furthermore, the duration of diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 1.062, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.016–1.110), fasting C-peptide level (OR: 2.427, 95% CI: 1.126–5.231), and presence of albuminuria (OR: 2.481, 95% CI: 1.406–4.380) were independently associated with the development of sDPN (all p<0.05). The AUCs for fasting C-peptide level, duration of diabetes, and the two factors combined were 0.6229 (95% CI: 0.5603–0.6855, p=0.0002), 0.6738 (95% CI: 0.6142–0.7333, p<0.0001), and 0.6808 (95% CI: 0.6212–0.7404, p<0.0001), respectively. Conclusion For patients with T2DM and longer duration of diabetes, lower fasting C-peptide levels, and presence with albuminuria, the risk for developing DPN is higher even if they have no clinical signs or symptoms. Identifying potential risk factors for the development of sDPN and effectively controlling them early are critical for the successful management of DPN.
MicroRNA biomarkers in leprosy: insights from the Northern Brazilian Amazon population and their implications in disease immune-physiopathology

Leprosy, or Hansen’s Disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite persistent efforts to combat it leprosy remains a significant public health concern particularly in developing countries. The underlying pathophysiology of the disease is not yet fully understood hindering the development of effective treatment strategies. However, recent studies have shed light on the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules that can regulate gene expression, as promising biomarkers in various disease, including leprosy. This study aimed to validate a set of nine circulating miRNAs to propose new biomarkers for early diagnosis of the disease. Hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-miR-106b-5p, hsa-miR-1291, hsa-miR-144-5p, and hsa-miR-20a-5p showed significant differential expression between non-leprosy group (non-LP) and leprosy group (LP), accurately discriminating between them (AUC > 0.75). In addition, our study revealed gender-based differences in miRNA expression in LP. Notably, hsa-miR-1291 showed higher expression in male LP, suggesting its potential as a male-specific biomarker. Similarly, hsa-miR-16-5p and hsa-miR-20a-5p displayed elevated expression in female LP, indicating their potential as female-specific biomarkers. Additionally, several studied miRNAs are involved in the dysregulation of apoptosis, autophagy, mitophagy, cell cycle, and immune system in leprosy. In conclusion, the validation of miRNA expression highlights several miRNAs as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and provides new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease.
ChatGPT Behaviours among Nepalese Users: An Application of Hedonic Motivation System Adoption Model

Drawing from Hedonic Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM), this paper purposes to investigate factors influencing ChatGPT adoption behaviour among Nepalese users. The paper utilised a cross-sectional survey research design to gather data from 350 users of ChatGPT in Nepal. The researchers employed purposive sampling to select respondents for the paper. To test hypotheses, this paper applied the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique. This paper found that Joy and Perceived Usefulness (PU) have a significant influence on Behaviour Intention (BI). Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) on Confirmation (CON) and Joy. Likewise, PEOU has a significant influence on Control (CON) and Joy. However, CON, curiosity (CU) and Joy do not significantly influence Immersion (IMM). CU does not influence BI and IMM, and PEOU does not influence CU and Perceived Usefulness (PU) among Nepalese ChatGPT users. This paper offers a significant outlook for the developers of ChatGPT to focus on the ease of using and joyfulness of using ChatGPT.
Goodwill Impairment Losses and Audit Fees

This paper examines whether goodwill accounting is related to auditor compensation. Specifically, it investigates whether goodwill impairment losses reported by auditees are associated with audit fees they have to pay their auditors. I predict a positive link between the amount of goodwill impairments reported by client firms and audit fees that auditors charge them. Goodwill impairment charges are likely to diminish financial reporting quality because they are susceptible to managerial opportunism and, thus, auditors are likely to consider them posing higher audit risk. Responding to higher risk of material misstatements in the financial statements of auditees, auditors are likely to increase audit effort as well as audit fees. Consistent with the prediction, the results show that goodwill impairment losses are positively associated with audit fees.
Dynamic immune signatures of patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer for infection prediction after immunotherapy

Background Pulmonary infections are a crucial health concern for patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Whether the clinical outcome of pulmonary infection is influenced by immunotherapy(IO) remains unclear. By evaluating immune signatures, this study investigated the post-immunotherapy risk of pulmonary infection in patients with lung cancer and identified circulating biomarkers that predict post-immunotherapy infection. Methods Blood specimens were prospectively collected from patients with NSCLC before and after chemotherapy(C/T) and/or IO to explore dynamic changes in immune signatures. Real-world clinical data were extracted from medical records for outcome evaluation. Mass cytometry and ELISA were employed to analyze immune signatures and cytokine profiles to reveal potential correlations between immune profiles and the risk of infection. Results The retrospective cohort included 283 patients with advanced NSCLC. IO was associated with a lower risk of pneumonia (odds ratio=0.46, p=0.012). Patients receiving IO and remained pneumonia-free exhibited the most favorable survival outcomes compared with those who received C/T or developed pneumonia (p<0.001). The prospective cohort enrolled 30 patients. The proportion of circulating NK cells significantly increased after treatment in IO alone (p<0.001) and C/T+IO group (p<0.01). An increase in cell densities of circulating PD-1+CD8+(cytotoxic) T cells (p<0.01) and PD-1+CD4+ T cells (p<0.01) were observed in C/T alone group after treatment. In IO alone group, a decrease in cell densities of TIM-3+ and PD-1+ cytotoxic T cells (p<0.05), and PD-1+CD4+ T cells (p<0.01) were observed after treatment. In C/T alone and C/T+IO groups, cell densities of circulating PD-1+ cytotoxic T cells significantly increased in patients with pneumonia after treatment(p<0.05). However, in IO alone group, cell density of PD-1+ cytotoxic T cells significantly decreased in patients without pneumonia after treatment (p<0.05). TNF-α significantly increased after treatment with IO alone (p<0.05) but decreased after C/T alone (p<0.01). Conclusions Our results indicate that the incorporation of immunotherapy into treatment regimens may potentially offer protective effects against pulmonary infection. Protective effects are associated with reduction of exhausted T-cells and augmentation of TNF-α and NK cells. Exhausted T cells, NK cells, and TNF-α may play crucial roles in immune responses against infections. These observations highlight the potential utility of certain circulating biomarkers, particularly exhausted T cells, for predicting post-treatment infections.
Mild obstructive sleep apnoea in females: post hoc analysis of the MERGE randomised controlled trial

Background A post hoc analysis of the MERGE trial was conducted, to investigate whether sex differences are evident at the mildest end of the disease spectrum, for symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and the response to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. Methods MERGE participants with mild OSA (apnoea–hypopnoea index 5–15 events·h−1; American Academy of Sleep Medicine 2012 criteria) were randomised to either CPAP plus standard care (sleep hygiene counselling) or standard care alone for 3 months. Quality of life (QoL) was measured by questionnaires completed before and after the 3 months. This post hoc analysis of participants of the MERGE trial compared the symptom presentation, and response to CPAP, between the sexes. Results 233 patients were included; 71 (30%) were female. Females were more symptomatic at baseline in all QoL questionnaires. Specifically, females had lower 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Vitality scores (mean±sd 39.1±10.1 versus 44.8±10.3) and higher Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores (mean±sd 11.0±4.2 versus 9.5±4.4). Both sexes experienced snoring, but more females reported fatigue and more males reported witnessed apnoeas. All symptoms improved with CPAP for both sexes; however, females had larger improvements in SF-36 Vitality scores, which was the primary outcome of the MERGE trial (mean change 9.4 (95% CI 6.8–12.0) versus 6.0 (95% CI 4.3–7.7); p=0.034), and ESS (mean change −4.1 (95% CI −5.1– −3.0) versus −2.5 (95% CI −3.1– −1.8); p=0.015), after adjustment for baseline scores and CPAP usage. Conclusions Sex differences are apparent in patients with mild OSA. Females experience worse QoL symptoms than males at presentation to the sleep clinic; however, these improve significantly with CPAP treatment.
Inhomogeneous Boundary Value Problems for the Generalized Boussinesq Model of Mass Transfer

We consider boundary value problems for a nonlinear mass transfer model, which generalizes the classical Boussinesq approximation, under inhomogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions for the velocity and the substance’s concentration. It is assumed that the leading coefficients of viscosity and diffusion and the buoyancy force in the model equations depend on concentration. We develop a mathematical apparatus for studying the inhomogeneous boundary value problems under consideration. It is based on using a weak solution of the boundary value problem and on the construction of liftings of the inhomogeneous boundary data. They remove the inhomogeneity of the data and reduce initial problems to equivalent homogeneous boundary value problems. Based on this apparatus we will prove the theorem of the global existence of a weak solution to the boundary value problem under study and establish important properties of the solution. In particular, we will prove the validity of the maximum principle for the substance’s concentration. We will also establish sufficient conditions for the problem data, ensuring the local uniqueness of weak solutions.
Investigating Factors Affecting the Low Uptake of Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA) Membership Among Insurance Professionals in Botswana.

Purpose: This study investigates the factors contributing to the low uptake of Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA) membership among insurance professionals in Botswana. The goal is to comprehend this phenomenon and provide insights into improving membership rates. Design / Methodology / Approach: A questionnaire-based survey targeting insurance professionals, students, and lecturers was employed. This approach aimed to gather comprehensive perspectives on membership uptake and related factors. The survey identified primary influences on low membership uptake, including lack of awareness, high fees, perceived limited value, and inadequate networking opportunities. The study explored the importance of membership, benefits, barriers, and suggestions for boosting participation. Findings: The study reveals crucial factors contributing to low IISA membership rates. Challenges include insufficient awareness of benefits, high fees deterring potential members, perceived value gaps, and limited networking prospects. These insights provide a holistic understanding of obstacles faced by insurance professionals in joining IISA. The research underscores the significance of professional organization membership for networking, skill enhancement, and career growth. However, financial, and perceptual barriers hinder potential members from joining.
Feasibility and sustainability analysis of a hybrid microgrid in Bangladesh

The demand for renewable sources-based micro-grid systems is increasing all over the world to address the United Nation’s (UN) sustainable development goal 7 (SDG7) “affordable and clean energy”. However, without proper viability analysis, these micro-grid systems might lead to economic losses to both customers and investors. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the feasibility and sustainability of a hybrid micro-grid system based on available renewable resources in remote hill tracts region of Bangladesh. Nine different scenarios are analyzed here, and a combination of solar, hydro, biogas, and diesel generator systems are found to be the best feasible solution in regard to the least cost of electricity and emission. The optimized result shows that with a renewable fraction of 0.995, the unit levelized cost of energy of the micro-grid system is $0.182 and it emits 54 and 117 times less CO2 compared to grid-based and diesel-based systems. Further, the fuel share of the system being 0.5% and greenhouse gas per energy being 0.06425 kg/KWh, validate the system as highly sustainable and eco-friendly. With the ability to fulfill load demands without interrupting supply, and reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the designed microgrid can provide sustainable energy solutions to any hill-tracts of Bangladesh.
Occupational risk perception of construction workers: a cross sectional study

Introduction Construction workers are often exposed to significant injury risk. The aim of our study is to assess their occupational hazards and injury risk perception. Methods We administered 256 questionnaires to construction workers. The survey was aimed at collecting information regarding occupational risk and hazard exposure perception, risk control and behavioral self-assessment. We analyzed the data obtained in order to highlight any associations between injury risk perception and anamnestic, occupational, behavioral or perceptual factors. Results Participants were prevalently males (92.37%) aged 21–60 years (94%). They showed a job seniority level of 21.3 (11.51) on average and, ranging from a 1 to 10 score, a danger awareness of 6.8 (2.9), a lack of prevention measures 6.0 (3.3), an improper behavior of 7.3 (2.7), an unpredictable fate of 6.0 (2.9). These factors resulted significantly associated with the injury risk perception. Multivariable analysis highlighted that the injury risk perception was associated with the lack of prevention measure and unpredictable fate. On the other hand, we found a negative association with the workers’ improper behaviors. Conclusion Workers’ perception showed fairly uniform average values even when occupational risk was demonstrated. Our analysis suggests a positive correlation between injury risk perception and the idea that injuries are due both to fate and to chance; it also shows a negative correlation between injury risk perception and the idea that injuries are due to improper behavior. A lack of fully comparable studies confirms the need for further studies on the injury risk perception of construction workers.
The Lived Experiences of Women Leaders at the University of Dar es Salaam and the State University of Zanzibar

This paper explores the lived leadership experiences of women leaders at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA). The study employed the phenomenology research design, and involved a total of 31 participants. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews and documentary review. The study findings revealed that, to become a leader, there are obstacles such as loopholes in university policies, guidelines and leadership, university charters, as well as stated leadership attributes. It was also revealed that leadership capacity-building, self-efficacy and self-esteem and accountability were the strategies used by women to remain in university leadership positions. This paper concludes that women leaders pass through a labyrinth to become and remain leaders. The study recommends that university managements should facilitate the provision of leadership capacity-building, supported by favourable policy environments to enhance the nurturing of women leaders.
The geothermal ventilation of passive house

Reduction of dependence on expensive imported energy resources causes the need to use energy-saving technologies at construction of the new and renovation of existing buildings. Thermal insulation of facades and the use of sealed windows are widely used to reduce the load on the heating system now. However, the lack of supply of fresh air through leaks in the outer fence negatively affects the hygiene indicators of indoor air. Design of supply-exhaust ventilation is a must for maintaining regulatory of air quantity and improving air quality in rooms of passive houses. Reduce of the load of the ventilation system allows the use of thermo ground-air heat exchangers. This article describes the possibility of using geothermal ventilation in the passive house by the ground-air heat exchangers.
Beyond the pixelated mirror: Understanding avatar identity and its impact on in-game advertising and consumer behavior

This article examines the complex dynamics between avatars and in-game advertising, probing how virtual representations influence consumer behavior within digital environments. It delves into the psychological interplay between self-perception and avatar embodiment, suggesting that while younger users may treat avatars as accessories showcasing personal interests, adults tend to opt for idealized selves, affecting their interaction with and responsiveness to virtual marketing. The study contemplates the avatar’s function as both a consumer and influencer in the expanding metaverse, considering the escalating integration of branded items in games. It also highlights potential shifts in consumption patterns as digital and physical realities converge. The article advocates for future research to explore the multifaceted impacts of avatars, such as age-related differences, the role of artificial intelligence in self-representation, and cross-platform avatar utilization, utilizing longitudinal data from sources like Second Life and social media profiling. In synthesizing these perspectives, the article underscores the necessity to further understand how avatars contribute to shaping digital consumerism, paving the way for a new domain in consumer psychology that navigates the evolving interface of the metaverse. The findings suggest that the nuances of digital identity formation are significant factors in the effectiveness of in-game advertising and indicate a transformative phase in marketing strategies tailored for virtual worlds.