Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
International Journal of Information Management

Organizations, of all types, live in an increasingly dynamic world. Much of this dynamism is generated by developments or innovations in technology, especially information and communication technology (ICT). Some organizations take advantage of this dynamism and create new products and business models and thrive. Others ignore it or take a long time trying to adapt to it and struggle, often with negative consequences. Some of these innovations, to use the terminology of Christensen, are of a “disruptive” nature such as the telephone, the Web and recently cloud computing. This paper explores the innovation phenomenon of cloud computing and Web 2.0 and speciﬁcally examines their impact on organizational knowledge.
Cooperative Transmission for Wireless Relay Networks Using Low-Rate Feedback

To achieve the available performance gains in half-duplex wireless relay networks, several cooperative schemes have been earlier proposed using either distributed space-time coding or distributed beamforming for the transmitter without and with channel state information (CSI), respectively. However, these schemes typically have rather high implementation and/or decoding complexities, especially when the number of relays is high. In this paper, we propose a simple low-rate feedback-based approach to achieve maximum diversity with a low decoding and implementation complexity. To further improve the performance of the proposed scheme, the knowledge of the second-order channel statistics is exploited to design long-term beamforming coefficients through maximizing the receiver signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with appropriate constraints. This maximization problem is approximated by a convex feasibility problem whose solution is shown to be close to the optimal one in terms of the error probability. Subsequently, to provide robustness against feedback errors and further decrease the feedback rate, an extended version of the distributed Alamouti code is proposed. It is also shown that our scheme can be generalized to the differential transmission case, where it can be applied to wireless relay networks with no CSI available at the receiver.
Water and water clusters in biological systems.

Water is inherently a simple substance, but from Aristotle's time until today it raises a lot of questions. Living cells are about eighty per cent water. Organisms consist essentially of liquid water, which fulfils a lot of functions and should never be considered just an inert diluent. The unique properties of water are of fundamental relevance for human life and play a substantial role in many biochemical and biological systems. In the second half of the previous century, researchers came to an understanding about the differences between biological water and ordinary water. This article reviews previous studies on water function and its significance in biological systems. Present knowledge about water clusters, the understanding of water cluster role in biological systems and common methods used in the analysis of determining water clusters are examined in this paper.
Optimizing the Comet Assay-Based In Vitro DNA Repair Assay for Placental Tissue: A Pilot Study with Pre-Eclamptic Patients

The comet assay-based in vitro DNA repair assay has become a common tool for quantifying base excision repair (BER) activity in human lymphocytes or cultured cells. Here, we optimized the protocol for studying BER in human placental tissue because the placenta is a non-invasive tissue for biomonitoring of early-life exposures, and it can be used to investigate molecular mechanisms associated with prenatal disorders. The optimal protein concentration of placental protein extracts for optimal damage recognition and incision was 2 mg protein/mL. The addition of aphidicolin did not lead to reduced non-specific incisions and was, therefore, not included in the optimized protocol. The interval between sample collection and analysis did not affect BER activity up to 70 min. Finally, this optimized protocol was tested on pre-eclamptic (PE) placental tissues (n = 11) and significantly lower BER activity in PE placentas compared to controls (n = 9) was observed. This was paralleled by a significant reduction in the expression of BER-related genes and increased DNA oxidation in PE placentas. Our study indicates that BER activity can be determined in placentas, and lower activity is present in PE compared with healthy. These findings should be followed up in prospective clinical investigations to examine BER’s role in the advancement of PE.
The residence time of water in the atmosphere revisited

Abstract. This paper revisits the knowledge on the residence time of water in the atmosphere. Based on state-of-the-art data of the hydrological cycle we derive a global average residence time of 8.9 ± 0.4 days (uncertainty given as 1 standard deviation). We use two different atmospheric moisture tracking models (WAM-2layers and 3D-T) to obtain atmospheric residence time characteristics in time and space. The tracking models estimate the global average residence time to be around 8.5 days based on ERA-Interim data. We conclude that the statement of a recent study that the global average residence time of water in the atmosphere is 4–5 days, is not correct. We derive spatial maps of residence time, attributed to evaporation and precipitation, and age of atmospheric water, showing that there are different ways of looking at temporal characteristics of atmospheric water. Longer evaporation residence times often indicate larger distances towards areas of high precipitation. From our analysis we find that the residence time over the ocean is about 2 days less than over land. It can be seen that in winter, the age of atmospheric moisture tends to be much lower than in summer. In the Northern Hemisphere, due to the contrast in ocean-to-land temperature and associated evaporation rates, the age of atmospheric moisture increases following atmospheric moisture flow inland in winter, and decreases in summer. Looking at the probability density functions of atmospheric residence time for precipitation and evaporation, we find long-tailed distributions with the median around 5 days. Overall, our research confirms the 8–10-day traditional estimate for the global mean residence time of atmospheric water, and our research contributes to a more complete view of the characteristics of the turnover of water in the atmosphere in time and space.
Local Insights into Rural Tourism: A Study of Heeloya in the Knuckles Mountain Range

With its natural attractiveness and cultural prosperity, the Knuckles Mountain Range presents an exclusive opportunity for rural tourism, which Heeloya, a village nestled within this biodiverse area, has begun to embrace. This article investigates the local community's perceptions and attitudes towards tourism, examining the meaning of tourism in their traditional lifestyle, economy, and environment. Employing a mixed-methodological approach, the study integrates qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys analyzed through qualitative descriptive analysis and descriptive statistics. The qualitative descriptive analysis enabled the emergence of concepts underlying rural tourism. These concepts were further validated with selected quotations. A concept map created using Leximancer further substantiated these underlying conceptions and clarified the interconnectedness between the concepts. The findings suggest that the community is thoughtfully optimistic about the potential of rural tourism, encouraging a participatory approach to tourism development and engagement to ensure that it remains in congruence with Heeloya’s cultural essence and the grand Knuckles Mountain Range. This research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable rural tourism, providing valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities considering tourism as a pathway for rural development.
The use of spectroscopic methods in combination with multivariate data analysis for determination of omega fatty acids: A review

Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs), typically found in fish oils and marine-based products, are important fatty acids due to their beneficial activities toward human health, such as anti-inflammation, immune-stimulant, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and reducing blood pressure. Therefore, the determination of ω-3 FAs for quality control of products containing these FAs is very important. Molecular spectroscopic methods offered simple, fast, and reliable analytical methods for quality controls of food and pharmaceutical products containing ω-3 FAs since a large amount of information could be retrieved from molecular spectra. This review highlighted the employment of molecular spectroscopy such as near-infrared (NIR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer combined with multivariate data analysis or chemometrics for analysis of ω-3 FAs in fish oil-based products. From this review, it is reported that the combination of molecular spectroscopy and chemometrics could be used as effective analytical techniques for the analysis of ω-3 FAs, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5, ω-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6, ω-3), with high accuracy and high precision. The results of quantitative analysis of ω-3 FAs from NIR, FTIR, Raman, and NMR were comparable to those reference results obtained from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry measurement. In the future, collaborative studies through proficiency testing should be performed to get standardized methods based on molecular spectroscopy and chemometrics.
Evaluation of homeopathic protocols for the treatment of subclinical mastitis in lactating cows

Background: We analyzed the effects of a homeopathic therapies to control subclinical mastitis in two dairy herds. Two experimental herds were used, one in the municipality of São Carlos, SP (Herd A) and the other in Bagé, RS (Herd B), with 46 and 37 lactating animals, respectively. Milk yield, somatic cell count (SCC), and levels of fat, protein, lactose and total solids were evaluated. Milk samples were collected for microbiological confirmation of mastitis. The lactating cows were divided into four groups formed on each of the two farms: cows with mastitis, treated and untreated, and healthy cows, also with and without homeopathic treatment. The occurrence of mastitis was compared between groups using the chi-square test. Means of continuous variables were compared by means of the Tukey-Kramer test. The herd effect on SCC, milk yield, and other compositional aspects was determined in treated and untreated animals, using multiple correspondence analysis. Results: No difference was found in the occurrence of mastitis between treated and untreated animals in Herd B, but in Herd A, mastitic cows were more commonly cured in the untreated group (P<0.05). No differences were detected in milk production and composition between treated and untreated cows with mastitis. Differences in SCC were observed only between mastitic and healthy animals because of heightened cellular response to the invasion of the mammary gland by microorganisms. Conclusions: No correspondence was found between the treated and untreated groups. Overall, our findings suggest that homeopathic treatment did not improve milk quality and production of experimental animals.
Seasonal and Interannual Changes in Sediment Transport Identified through Sediment Rating Curves

AbstractSediment dynamics of lowland rivers are of importance in building resilient strategies to manage environmental change. Yet the effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on sediment dynamics are poorly understood. Here a low-frequency suspended sediment sampling data set is used to assess the spatial and temporal variations of suspended sediment fluxes in the River Thames (United Kingdom). Sediment rating curves (SRCs) were used to analyze both the spatial and the temporal variation of catchment-suspended sediment transport. SRC exponents for the River Thames were found to be between 0.21 and 1.13. The 95% confidence interval was also determined through a bootstrapping technique. The seasonal and interannual variability of SRC parameters were analyzed to reveal seasonal and secular changes. The results are used to quantify the seasonal flushing effect, in which suspended sediment concentrations are typically substantially higher during the first floods after the summer dry period. The suspe.
Supports for survival in school for ‘lower-attaining’ children: how an Autonomous Orientation to learning can help

Self-determination theory proposes that having an autonomous learning orientation will positively in ﬂ uence one ’ s learning and well-being. When we conducted a unique study among 23 ‘ lower-attaining ’ primary schoolchildren who struggled in the core subjects (literacy/numeracy), only four children aligned with this orientation. Signi ﬁ cantly, our ﬁ ndings revealed that they: were all from the same school; all had the con ﬁ dence to critique their schools; all participated in absorbing outside-school hobbies; and that for three of these children, they struggled in one core subject only. Recommendations are made as to how such protective factors can support the development of an autonomous learning orientation
A phenomenological study of gardening practices and invasive plant management in the Sydney Basin

i CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT . iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iv TABLE OF CONTENTS . v LIST OF FIGURES . xi LIST OF PLATES . xi CHAPTER 1 . 2 INTRODUCTION . 2 1.1 Background to the research . 2 1.2 Research aims . 4 1.3 Overview of methodology . 7 1.4 Location and significance of the research . 8 1.4. 1 Location . 8 1.4. 2 Significance . 10 1.5 Thesis structure . 11 CHAPTER 2 . 16 LITERATURE REVIEW: Reframing gardening as a practice and rethinking current approaches to garden escapes management. 16 Introduction . 16 2.1 Gardening as an everyday activity. 16 2.1.1 A brief history . 16 2.1.2 Changing perceptions and driving motivations . 18 2.2 Gardening research orientations . 20 2.2.1 The human-centred approach . 21 2.2.2 Attending to non-human components . 22 2.2.3 A practice orientation . 24 2.3 Domestic gardening as a pathway to the spread of garden escapes . 25
CCDC78: unveiling the function of a novel gene associated to hereditary myopathy

CCDC78 was indicated about ten years ago as novel candidate gene for the autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy-4 (CNM4). However, to date, only one family has been described and CCDC78 function remains unclear. Here we deeply analyze for the first time a family harbouring a CCDC78 nonsense mutation. Histopathological features included, as novel histological hallmark, peculiar sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) abnormalities. We provided evidence of nonsense mediated mRNA decay, defined novel CCDC78 transcripts and, through transcriptome profiling, detected 1035 muscular differentially expressed genes including a series of genes involved in SR. Through coimmunoprecipitation assay and mass spectrometry studies we demonstrated that CCDC78 interacts with two pivotal SR proteins: SERCA1 and CASQ1. We also found an interaction with MYH1, ACTN2 and ACTA1. Our findings shed light on interactors and possible role of CCDC78 in skeletal muscle, thus allowing us to locate the protein in SR and to consider CCDC78 as CNM4 causative gene.
Healthcare utilisation in people with long COVID: an OpenSAFELY cohort study

Background: Long COVID, characterised by various symptoms and complications, potentially increases healthcare utilisation and costs. However, its impact on the NHS remains to be determined. Objective: This study aims to assess the healthcare utilisation of individuals with long COVID. Methods: With the approval of NHS England, we conducted a matched cohort study using primary and secondary care data via OpenSAFELY, a platform for analysing anonymous electronic health records. The long COVID exposure group, defined by diagnostic codes, was matched with five comparators without long COVID between Nov 2020 and Jan 2023. We compared their total healthcare utilisation from GP consultations, prescriptions, hospital admissions, A&E visits, and outpatient appointments. Healthcare utilisation and costs were evaluated using a two-part model adjusting for covariates. Using a difference-in-difference model, we also compared healthcare utilisation after long COVID with pre-pandemic records. Results: We identified 52,988 individuals with a long COVID diagnosis, matched to 264,867 comparators without a diagnosis. In the 12 months post-diagnosis, there was strong evidence that those with long COVID were more likely to use healthcare resources (OR: 8.07, 95% CI: 7.54 - 8.64), and have 49% more healthcare utilisation (RR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.47 - 1.50). Our model estimated that the long COVID group had 30 healthcare visits per year (predicted mean: 29.23, 95% CI: 28.58 - 29.92), compared to 16 in the comparator group (predicted mean visits: 16.04, 95% CI: 15.73 - 16.36). Individuals with long COVID were more likely to have non-zero healthcare expenditures (OR = 7.47, 95% CI = 7.02 - 7.95), with costs being 43% higher than the comparator group (cost ratio = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.38 - 1.49). The long COVID group costs approximately 2,500 pounds per person per year (predicted mean cost: 2,562.50, 95% CI: 2,335.60- 2,819.22 pounds), and the comparator group costs 1,500 pounds (predicted mean cost: 1,527.43, 95% CI: 1,404.33 - 1,664.45 pounds.) Historically, individuals with long COVID utilised healthcare resources more frequently, but their average healthcare utilisation increased more after being diagnosed with long COVID, compared to the comparator group. Conclusion: Long COVID increases healthcare utilisation and costs. Public health policies should allocate more resources towards preventing, treating, and supporting individuals with long COVID.
UK medical students’ self-reported knowledge and harm assessment of psychedelics and their application in clinical research: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To capture UK medical students' self-reported knowledge and harm assessment of psychedelics and to explore the factors associated with support for changing the legal status of psychedelics to facilitate further research. Design: Cross-sectional, anonymous online survey of UK medical students using a non-random sampling method. Setting: UK medical schools recognised by the General Medical Council. Participants: The sample consisted of 132 medical students who had spent an average of 3.8 years (SD=1.4; range: 1 to 6) in medical school. Results: Most students (83%) reported that they were aware of psychedelic research and only four participants (3%) said that they were not interested in learning more about this type of research. Although medical students' harm assessment of psychedelics closely aligned with that of experts, only 17% of students felt well-educated on psychedelic research. Teachings on psychedelics were only rarely encountered in their curriculum. Time spent at medical schools was not associated with more knowledge about psychedelics. On average, this sample of medical students showed strong support for changing the legal status of psychedelics to facilitate further research into their potential clinical applications. Regression modelling indicated that greater knowledge of psychedelics, lower estimated harm scores, more time spent in medical school, and lower perceived effectiveness of nonpharmacological mental health treatments were associated with a support for legal status change. Conclusions: This is the first study to explore UK medical students' self-reported knowledge and attitudes towards psychedelics and their application in clinical research. Our findings reveal a significant interest among medical students to learn more about psychedelic research and a strong support for further psychedelic research. Future studies are needed to examine how medical education could be refined to adequately prepare medical students for a changing healthcare landscape in which psychedelic-assisted therapy could soon be implemented in clinical practice.
State-wise Economic Burden of Road Traffic Accidents in India

Introduction: Road traffic accidents (RTA) cause multifarious detrimental consequences including loss of life and serious injuries. Further RTAs cause considerable financial strain on healthcare systems due to high costs of medical care, long-term care for the injured, and lost productivity. To assess this economic burden, we estimated state-wise economic costs of RTA in India. We followed the CHEERS Checklist 2022 to present our study's methodology and outcomes concisely and comprehensively. Methods: Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease injuries and risk factors study, Government of Indias budget documents, annual report of the controller general of accounts and National Health Authority's annual reports 2019 and that of Economic Surveys. Cost per disability-adjusted life years (DALY), direct cost, indirect costs and total costs associated with RTA burden were estimated for India and by its States. Results: RTA burden declined in all Indian states except Jammu and Kashmir (with a minor increase from 1,458 to 1,564 DALYs per 100,000) and Rajasthan (from 1,275 to 1,394 DALYs per 100,000) during 2010-19 period. Estimated mean cost per DALY in India due to RTA (95% CI) was {rupee}1,821({rupee}1,606 to {rupee}2,036) [US$ 22(19 to 24)] with a median (IQR) of {rupee}1,609(551) [US$ 19 (7)]. As of 2019, the estimated mean total cost of RTA burden in India was {rupee}1,017 billion [US$ 12 billion], with a median (IQR) of {rupee}731 billion (1,220 billion) [US$ 9 billion(15 billion)]. Conclusion: Burden of RTAs declined across the Indian States during 2010-2019 and same was not observed with fiscal implications. The study reiterates the need for strategic road safety interventions to ameliorate socio-economic and health impacts of RTAs in India.
A Phenome-wide association study of a genetic score for the nicotine metabolite ratio

Background Faster nicotine metabolism associates with heavier smoking and challenges in cessation. Understanding which variables and diseases associate with the rate of nicotine metabolism, defined as the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR), the 3-hydroxycotinine-to-cotinine-ratio, is crucial for drug development and personalized interventions for nicotine addiction. Methods We performed a hypothesis-free phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) of over 21 000 outcome variables from UK Biobank (UKB) to explore how the NMR associates with the phenome. As the exposure variable, we used a genetic score for faster nicotine metabolism based on 10 putatively causal genetic variants, explaining 33.8 % of the variance in the NMR. We analyzed ever and never smokers separately to assess whether the association had a causal pathway through smoking. Additionally, we performed complementary PheWASs in FinnGen and MRBase. Results Faster nicotine metabolism was associated with a greater number of cigarettes smoked per day, increased smoking compared to ten years ago, and greater smoking in the past. We found, inconsistently with previous literature, faster nicotine metabolism to be associated with higher odds of quitting. Notably, we also found associations that did not appear to differ between ever and never smokers, suggesting the association pathway may not go through smoking: faster nicotine metabolism was associated with worse liver enzyme and lipid values with respect to associated diseases, as well as increased coffee and tea consumption. Conclusions We observed expected associations with several smoking and nicotine -related phenotypes, but could not replicate prior findings on cessation. Our other findings support a possibility that a future therapy converting fast metabolizers to slower ones could work without adverse side effects and potentially even provide other health-related benefits. Further research using different data and study designs is warranted to validate and extend these discoveries. Keywords: Nicotine metabolism, Nicotine Metabolite Ratio, Nicotine, PheWAS, phenome, Smoking, FINEMAP, PHESANT, GxE-MR-pheWAS, UK Biobank