Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Risk Management Practices on Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises

The main objective of the research is to examine the effect of risk management practices on performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). The convenience sampling method was used for the study. The study used a sample size of 285 small and medium scale enterprise businesses for the analysis. The study used primary data obtained through questionnaire administration which was analysed using SPSS 25 and Microsoft Excel 2019. The study used both descriptive and inference analysis to analyse the data. According to the findings, low educational level of respondents helped to conclude that risk management is not widely practiced in SME businesses. Risk management practices are not well practiced in SME business because the SME owners possess low level of knowledge in the areas of identifying, assessing, treating and monitoring key operational risks. The positive relationship between risk management practices and performance is indicative that the proper practice of risk management by SME managers or owners influences performance. The significant relationship between the dependent variable (performance) and independent (risk management practices) provided the conclusion that, the more SME businesses improve on their risk management, the more they improve upon their performance. The study recommends an improvement in risk management knowledge for SME business owners and managers. The government should take adequate steps to provide risk management support for SMEs sectors. The study recommends SME businesses to put in place systems that enable the documentation of the business operations.
Subclinical Atherosclerosis Measure by Carotid Ultrasound and Inflammatory Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spondylarthritis

Objective: To compare the effect of inflammation on subclinical atherosclerosis using carotid ultrasound in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods: Cross-sectional study including 347 participants (148 RA, 159 SpA, and 40 controls). We measured the carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) and detection of atheromatous plaques using carotid ultrasound. We recorded disease activity (DAS28-CRP/ASDAS-CRP) and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. We performed descriptive, bivariate, and linear multivariate analyses (dependent variable: cIMT) to evaluate the influence of diagnosis on cIMT in all patients. Two additional multivariate analyses were performed by stratifying patients according to their inflammatory activity. Results: cIMT correlated with the mean CRP during the previous 5 years in RA, but not with CRP at the cut-off date. We did not find such differences in patients with SpA. The first multivariate model revealed that increased cIMT was more common in patients with RA than in those with SpA (β coefficient, 0.045; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.0002–0.09; p = 0.048) after adjusting for age, sex, disease course, and differential cardiovascular risk factors (arterial hypertension, smoking, statins, and corticosteroids). The second model revealed no differences in cIMT between the 2 groups of patients classified as remission–low activity (β coefficient, 0.020; 95% CI, −0.03 to 0.080; p = 0.500). However, when only patients with moderate–high disease activity were analysed, the cIMT was 0.112 mm greater in those with RA (95% CI, 0.013–0.212; p = 0.026) than in those with SpA after adjusting for the same variables. Conclusions: Subclinical atherosclerosis measured by carotid ultrasound in patients with RA and SpA is comparable when the disease is well controlled. However, when patients have moderate–high disease activity, cIMT is greater in patients with RA than in those with SpA after adjusting for age, sex, disease course, and cardiovascular risk factors. Our results point to greater involvement of disease activity in subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with RA than in those with SpA.
Identifying Behavioural Determinants to Uptake and Adherence to a Whey Protein Supplement for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Interview Study

Interventions targeting diet and physical activity have demonstrated to be effective for improving glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. However, initiating and sustaining these changes remains a challenge. Ingestion of whey protein has shown to be effective for improving glycaemic control by increasing insulin and incretin secretion, and influencing appetite regulation; however, little is known about what influences uptake and adherence. We conducted a qualitative interview study to explore behavioural determinants of uptake and adherence to a commercially made whey protein supplementation. In total, 16/18 adults with type 2 diabetes who participated in an RCT took part in a semi-structured interview. Seven themes were generated from the data following thematic analyses. The most frequently reported determinant of uptake was the expectation that the supplement would improve health status (e.g., type 2 diabetes management), as a consequence of appetite suppression and weight loss. Determinants of adherence included palatability; the belief that the supplement was an appetite suppressant; and receiving positive reinforcement on the effects of the supplement. Frequency of consumption led to reduced adherence with some participants. Findings support that the whey protein supplement is a viable management option for adults with type 2 diabetes; however, uptake will be driven by conveying information on the positive effects of the supplement on appetite suppression and glycaemic control. Adherence will be determined by palatability, behavioural prompting, and positive reinforcement.
A longitudinal study of corporate social responsibility expenditure and ownership structure of financial firms

There is a dearth of longitudinal studies of corporate social responsibility expenditure (CSRE) and corporate governance in Bangladesh, which has been the impetus for this study. The study aims to identify the relationship between ownership structure and CSR expenditure. The empirical study considered a longitudinal period of 2007–2019 of listed financial firms (banks and non-banking financial institutions) of Bangladesh. The final sample consisted of 461 firm-year observations for 53 firms. The study incorporated a set of theories, including agency cost theory and stakeholder theory. The study applied the ordinary least square (OLS) regression technique to test hypotheses. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that foreign ownership and managerial ownership contribute positively and significantly to CSRE. However, the study did not document any relationship between institutional ownership and CSRE. The study used rigorous and alternative measurement techniques to further verify the findings. It was concluded that value creation from CSRE is highly dependent on the ownership structure of financial firms. The empirical study has significant theoretical and managerial implications. AcknowledgmentComments and suggestions from the discussants and paper presenters and audiences of International Conference on Sustainable Innovation (ICoSI 2020) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia, have been gratefully acknowledged, which helps us to improve the quality of this paper.
Genome-wide regulation of KSHV RNA splicing by viral RNA-binding protein ORF57

RNA splicing plays an essential role in the expression of eukaryotic genes. We previously showed that KSHV ORF57 is a viral splicing factor promoting viral lytic gene expression. In this report, we compared the splicing profile of viral RNAs in BCBL-1 cells carrying a wild-type (WT) versus the cells containing an ORF57 knock-out (57KO) KSHV genome during viral lytic infection. Our analyses of viral RNA splicing junctions from RNA-seq identified hundreds of novel viral RNA splicing events, including the splicing events spanning large parts of the viral genome and production of vIRF4 circRNAs. We found that the 57KO alters the viral RNA splicing efficiency of affected RNA splicing events. Two most susceptible RNAs to ORF57 splicing regulation are the K15 RNA with multiple exons and introns and the bicistronic RNA encoding both viral thymidylate synthase (ORF70) and membrane-associated E3-ubiquitin ligase (K3). ORF70-K3 RNA bears two introns, of which the first intron is positioned in the ORF70 coding region as an alternative intron and the second intron in the intergenic region as a constitutive intron. In WT cells expressing ORF57, most ORF70-K3 transcripts retain the first intron to maintain an intact ORF70 coding region. In contrast, in the 57KO cells, the first intron is substantially spliced out without affecting the splicing efficiency of the second intron. Using a minigene comprising of ORF70-K3 locus, we further confirmed ORF57 regulation of ORF70-K3 RNA splicing, independently of other viral factors. By monitoring protein expression, we showed that ORF57-mediated retention of the first intron leads to the expression of full-length ORF70 protein. The absence of ORF57 promotes the first intron splicing and expression of K3 protein. Altogether, we conclude that ORF57 regulates alternative splicing of ORF70-K3 bicistronic RNA to control K3-mediated immune evasion and ORF70 participation of viral DNA replication in viral lytic infection. Author summary Like other herpesviruses, the expression of KSHV genes is in a tightly regulated manner during viral infection. The contribution of RNA splicing in the regulation of KSHV gene expression was extensively investigated in this report. We found that approximately one-third of all viral gene transcripts are spliced, with many undergoing RNA alternative splicing. We identified a subset of viral RNA splicing events susceptible to the regulation of viral RNA-binding protein ORF57. This led to the discovery of ORF57-mediated regulation of the bicistronic ORF70-K3 RNA splicing and production of viral thymidylate synthase ORF70 and viral E3-ubiquitin ligase K3. Such regulation allows timely but mutually exclusive expression of these two viral proteins to execute their unique roles in immune evasion and viral genome replication during the KSHV lytic cycle. Thus, these data provide new insight into KSHV biology. Finally, our study represents a blueprint for RNA splicing studies of other pathogens in infected cells.
Determination and seasonal analysis of physicochemical characterization and metal(oid)s of landfill leachate in Bushehr port along the Persian Gulf

Abstract This study focused on the investigation of physicochemical characterization and metal(oid)s in landfill leachate of Bushehr port along the Persian Gulf. TDS, BOD5, COD, Hg, and Cd concentrations in fresh leachate were above leachate discharge standards. Significant differences were detected among alkalinity, EC, COD, and Na+ levels in various seasons. Furthermore, the high leachate pollution index (LPI) value showed a significant amount of pollutants present in landfill leachate. The results of this study help in understanding the pollution potential of landfill leachate of Bushehr port along the Persian Gulf. Thus, decision-makers should manage landfill leachate to reduce further environmental pollution.
Integrated omics analysis: the relationship between significantly increased Klebsiella post-hepatectomy and decreased hub-metabolite 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoic acid is associated with induced liver failure.

Background This study sought to evaluate the association between intestinal Klebsiella and post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (B-HCC), and identify the inner relationship. Methods Patients with B-HCC were divided into Groups A and B based on the presence or absence of PHLF. 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid surveys were used to identify gut microbiome alterations. PICRUST2 was used to examine the metagenomic data in PHLF patients. Fecal and serum samples were processed by chromatography-mass spectrometry based non-targeted metabonomics, then comprehensively analyzed to obtain hub metabolites. A Spearman correlation analysis was then conducted to find any associations between fecal differential metabolites and the relative abundance of differential microbes. Results Hepatectomies were significantly associated with a gut microbial imbalance in B-HCC patients, and a significant elevation of Klebsiella abundance was observed in PHLF patients. Klebsiella appears to act on 13 amino acid-related pathways, especially significantly observed in branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolic pathways. Additionally, Klebsiella was found to be highly correlated with 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoic acid shared by feces and serum in the BCAA metabolic pathway. Conclusions Hepatectomy can lead to an imbalance of intestinal microflora in B-HCC patients. Due to its potential connections with 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoic acid in the BCAA pathway, significantly increased Klebsiella has the potential to be an evaluation indicator of PHLF in B-HCC patients. Moreover, 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoic acid has research value in PHLF-targeted treatments.
The Barriers of Adoption the E-Banking in the Libyan Banks—A Case Study of Commercial Banks in Tobruk City

The goal of this study is to identify the major barriers to E-Banking adoption at Libyan commercial (public and private) banks. According to the results, there are significant barriers to E-Banking adoption: (Electronic Barriers, Regulatory Barriers and Cultural Barriers). The study also found that there were no differences between the respondents’ answers in the presence of these Barriers due to the Ownership of the Bank, where, almost all participants, whether from publicly or privately banks, seemed to agree on the Barriers to E-Banking Adoption. This research suggests that in order to effectively execute E-Banking in Libyan commercial banks, the following process needs to be taken, necessity Increasing staff of banks awareness of modern banking technologies . The government should create a favorable environment for this industry. It provides adequate education and technological support, and banks should build their own E-Banking strategic plans.
Physical Fitness Performance Comparison based on Body Mass Index between Individual Sports and Team Sports Athletes

Individual sports and team sports have their own characteristic and require specific fitness level and optimum anthropometry component such as body composition to be fit in the sports. The purpose of this study to differentiate the physical fitness performance based on BMI of individual sport and team sport athletes. A total of 147 Terengganu junior male athletes aged 13 to 21 who are participate in the Malaysian Games participated different types of individual and team sports. BMI was distributed according to World Health Organization (WHO) standard as < 18.5 kg/m2 under-weight, 18.5– 24.9 kg/m2 normal weight, 25–29.9 kg/m2 over weight and >3 0 kg/m2 obesity. Tests were used in this study is Sit and Reach (flexibility), Sit Up (upper muscle endurance), Maximum Push Up (upper muscular strength), Handgrip (handgrip strength), Predicted VO2max (cardiovascular), Standing Medicine ball Throw (upper body strength), 20 meter Sprint Test (speed), Vertical Jump (leg power), Stork Stand (balance), Standing Broad Jump (leg explosive power), and T test (agility). Result showing all test except sit up test and stork stand test have a significant difference between type of sport and the athlete’s respectively BMI class. For summary, each type of sports with representative BMI class have their own specialities in physical fitness performance. More studies are needed to understand the complexity of this topic especially focusing on the recognize the specificity requirement of physical fitness on different type of sport and BMI class. Keyword: Body Mass Index, Physical Fitness Performance, Individual Sports, Team Sports International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and
Selbständige Beschäftigung geht zurück

In the 1990s, self-employment in Germany increased significantly. This trend continued - due, as well, to the increase in unemployed entrepreneurs - until 2007, after which the number of self-employed workers remained constant, to a large extent, until 2012, at which point it began to decline. Both the long-term growth of self-employment as well as its decline in recent years was significantly influenced by the growth in the number of solo self-employed individuals - that is, entrepreneurs with no employees. In contrast to the declinein self-employment, the number of regular, dependent employees has increased significantly in recent years. Diverging developments between independent and dependent employment are evident in nearly all sectors and age groups. Only among the elderly was there an increase in the number of self-employed individuals. An important reason for the decline is that fewer individuals are taking up self-employment than are giving up self-employment; the number of entrepreneurs has decreased in recent years. Given the now-favorable situation in the labor market, many dependent employees are likely to try to transition into self-employment. This may also be related to the fact that there are not many self-employed individuals - especially many solo self-employed individuals - who earn low incomes. The share of low-earners in this group has become smaller in the course of the overall decline that has been in effect since 2012. As well, it is probably more difficult in favorable labor markets for companies to outsource activities to self-employed individuals as a way of saving costs.
Borosilicate Frit Addition Impact on the Structure and Electric Behavior of ZnO Nanoparticle-Based Varistors

In this study, ZnO-Bi2O3-Mn2O3 varistors fabricated from the nanoparticle size of ZnO powder and doped with borosilicate frit were prepared via the conventional ceramic processing method. The influence of different borosilicate frit concentrations (0-3.0 mol%) on the sintering, microstructure enhancement, and nonlinear behavior of the ZnO-Bi2O3-Mn2O3 system was investigated. Results show that the borosilicate frit was liquefied to improve the density of the ceramic during sintering and found to have significant effects on the ZnO varistors, especially on enhancing grain growth even at a low doping concentration of only 0.5% mol. The strong solid-state reaction in the varistor made from 20 nm ZnO powder during sintering may be attributed to the high surface area of the 20 nm ZnO nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the addition of borosilicate frit to the ZnO-Bi2O3-Mn2O3 varistor system results in the formation of Zn4O(BO2)6 during sintering if too much borosilicate frit was added (over 0.5% mol). Borosilicate frit doping also significantly influenced the electrical properties of the varistor with a marked drop in the breakdown voltage from 545 V to 188 V with increase of borosilicate frit doping concentration. The resistivity also experienced a dramatic drop from 535.7 kΩ. cm to 133.5 kΩ. cm with increase of borosilicate frit doping contents. Therefore, borosilicate frit doping can be used to control the structural properties and breakdown voltage of ZnO-Bi2O3-Mn2O3 varistor system fabricated from 20 nm ZnO powder.
Individual healing from infidelity and breakup for emerging adults: a grounded theory

Objective: Infidelity is a relationship betrayal that can lead to significant negative individual and relational outcomes. When infidelity leads to relationship dissolution, this can further exacerbate these challenges. The purpose of the present study is to develop a grounded theory of the process of healing from infidelity and consequent relationship dissolution for non-straying partners who are emerging adults. Methods: We employed constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz, 2014) to conduct and analyze semi-structured interviews with 22 emerging adults who had experienced infidelity in a dating relationship and were no longer with their former partner. Results: We present a grounded theory of the process of healing from infidelity and breakup for emerging adults consisting of four stages and three interrelated dimensions—emotional, relational, and personal—within a healing context of supportive relationships. Unhelpful contact with the former partner constituted a significant setback to healing. Conclusion: This study builds on previous research about healing from infidelity (O’Connor & Canevello, 2019) and relationship breakup (Hebert & Popadiuk, 2008) for emerging adults and highlights the importance of supportive relationships and attending to emotional, relational, and personal dimensions of healing. Our findings also suggest that clinical assessment and intervention should address these aspects of healing and be informed by elapsed time since infidelity and relationship dissolution.
The Impact of Academic Stress and Spiritual Intelligence on Subjective Well-Being in Students During the Pandemic Period

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in the learning system from offline to online. Online learning in the long term can affect the subjective well-being of students. Several previous studies have linked students’ subjective well-being with academic stress or spiritual intelligence. Thus far, studies have not examined whether academic stress and spiritual intelligence can simultaneously contribute to students’ subjective well-being. This research intended to determine the contribution of academic stress and spiritual intelligence to students’ subjective well-being. 116 students in one municipality in East Java province completed three measuring instruments, specifically the subjective well-being scale, academic stress scale, and spiritual intelligence scale. Data were tested using multiple linear regression. The findings illustrated that academic stress partially affected subjective well-being (t = 8.567; p <0.05), spiritual intelligence partially affected subjective well-being (t = 3.677; p <0.05), and academic stress and spiritual intelligence in combination affected subjective well-being (F = 44.567; p < 0.05; R2 = 0.386). These results suggested that 38.6% of the variation in subjective well-being in students could be explained by academic stress and spiritual intelligence. Therefore, in order to maintain their subjective well-being during this long pandemic, students are advised to improve their capacity to deal with academic stress and develop their spiritual intelligence. Keywords: subjective well-being, academic stress, spiritual intelligence