Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in the Relationship between Interpersonal Trust and Innovative Behavior: The Mediating Effects of Affective Organizational Commitment and Knowledge-Sharing

The innovative behavior of employees is the micro-foundation of enterprise innovation. The objective of this study was to assess the role of gender differences in the effect of interpersonal trust on employee innovation and the mediating roles of organizational commitment and knowledge-sharing. This study tested research hypotheses with a multi-group structural equation model, using data collected from 688 participants in Shanghai, China. The results showed that interpersonal trust had significant impacts on affective organizational commitment, knowledge-sharing and innovation behavior. Affective organizational commitment and knowledge-sharing mediated the effect of interpersonal trust on employee innovation. Furthermore, the direct impact of interpersonal trust on innovative behavior was significantly higher for women than for men, whereas males’ affective organizational commitment increased their knowledge-sharing behaviors. In addition, there were no significant gender differences in the effect of interpersonal trust on organizational commitment and in the effect of knowledge-sharing on innovative behavior. These results confirmed that interpersonal trust was more important for female knowledge-sharing and innovative behavior, and affective organizational commitment was more important for male knowledge-sharing.
Changing social attitudes with virtual reality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Although it has been shown that Virtual Reality (VR) can positively impact political, civic and environmental views, the question of whether and how VR influences social attitudes more effectively than less immersive conditions has been a subject of debate. To address this question, this article provides a systematic review with meta-analysis of social attitude research in VR by examining 50 separate findings from 39 studies. We find that VR influences social attitudes significantly more than non-immersive interventions, while embodiment has no moderation effect. Further, outgroup VR perspective-taking fosters positive social attitudes more effectively than ingroup VR perspective-taking. Findings are categorized according to social attitude object and discussed in the light of emerging challenges and opportunities for VR attitude research.
Analysis of the Current Zimbabwe’s Secondary School Two Path-Way Education Curriculum

The study sought to examine the micro- implementation of the Two Path-Way Education structure in Zimbabwean secondary schools. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A total of 100 teachers and 10 school heads were involved in the study. Questionnaires, documentary analysis and an interview guide were enlisted to solicit information from respondents. Purposive sampling was applied to select the schools and their respective heads, whereas a census was used to select teachers for the study. The situation on the ground with respect to the implementation of the Two Path-Way Education structure is not inline with Policy Circular Number P 77 of 2006, due to lack of information, lack of support, mode of channeling pupils into form 3 level, lack of both material and human resources, and congested time tables. For effective curriculum implementation of the two path-way the study recommends that teachers be in-serviced and supported, decision makers adopt a holistic approach to implementation, channeling of students into form 3 level be based on continuous assessment and ZJC public examinations, computer studies be made compulsory from at least form 1 level and that parents be mobilized through School Development Committees to mobilize funds for material resources and infra-structure. Lastly, that a national survey be conducted on the implementation of the two path-way Education structure to make the findings more generalized.
Influence of Leadership, Motivation, Organizational Culture on Work Satisfaction and Teacher Satisfaction in Dayun District, Siak District

This research aims to test and analyze the “Influence of Leadership, Motivation, Organizational Culture on Job Satisfaction and Teacher Performance in the Dayun District of Siak Regency”. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires and carried out on 92 respondents. SEM & PLS and SPSS 19 were used for analysis. The results showed that the leadership style variable has no effect on job satisfaction significantly; the motivation variable influences significantly employee job satisfaction; the leadership style influences significantly employee performance; and job satisfaction also influences significantly the performance of Dayun teachers in Siak Regency.
Reading the Mind through the Nose: Mentalizing Skills Predict Olfactory Performance

A growing body of literature suggests a close link between olfaction and social expertise. The current study examines whether mentalizing skills are related to olfactory discrimination performance. In order to assess their mentalizing ability, 21 women and 20 men completed the “Reading the Mind in the Eyes” test (RMET). Here, the participants have to infer other persons’ mental state from photographs of eye regions. Odor discrimination was assessed using the “Düsseldorf Odour Discrimination Test” (DODT). The DODT consists of 15 items, each containing mixtures of four monomolecular substances. Within each item, two bottles contain the same mixing ratio, while the third contains the reversed mixing ratio. The participants had to identify the deviating odor. Women’s expertise in mentalizing (RMET score) is strongly related to olfactory discrimination performance (DODT score): The better women are in mentalizing, the better their performance in olfactory discrimination (rho = 0.572, p = 0.042, Bonferroni-corrected). Men’s mentalizing capability was unrelated to olfactory discrimination (rho = −0.117, p > 0.999, Bonferroni-corrected). The current results suggest that the social skill of mentalizing might underly the link between olfaction and social integration, at least in women, and are discussed with regard to the social nature of human olfaction.
Metabolic Profile, Biotransformation, Docking Studies and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Bioactive Compounds Secreted by CG3 Strain

Actinobacteria isolated from untapped environments and exposed to extreme conditions such as saltpans are a promising source of novel bioactive compounds. These microorganisms can provide new molecules through either the biosynthetic pathway or the biotransformation of organic molecules. In the present study, we performed a chemical metabolic screening of secondary metabolites secreted by the new strain CG3, which was isolated from a saltpan located in the Sahara of Algeria, via high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-HRMS). The results indicated that this strain produced five new polyene macrolactams, kenalactams A–E, along with two known compounds, mitomycin C and 6″-hydroxy-4,2′,3′,4″ tetramethoxy-p-terphenyl. Furthermore, the CG3 isolate could have excellent properties for converting the aglycone isoflavone glycitein to the compounds 6,7-dimethoxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)chromen-4-one (50) and 6,7-dimethoxy-3-phenylchromen-4-one (54), and the isoflavone genistein can be converted to 5,7-dimethoxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)chromen-4-one (52). Docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that these three isoflavones, generated via biotransformation, are potent inhibitors of the target protein aromatase (CYP19A1); consequently, they can be used to prevent breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women.
A Determinant of the Effectiveness of Performance-Based Budgeting Implementation and Budget Absorption in Regional Government of Bengkulu Province

---This study aimed to find out the effect of understanding, training, external pressure and organizational commitment on the effectiveness of performance-based budgeting implementation and budget absorption in the Regional Government of Bengkulu Province. This study was based on the importance of information on performance-based budgeting and budget absorption. The samples taken were from 17 Regional Apparatus Organizations in the Regional Government of Bengkulu Province with a questionnaire that could be researched totalling 90 respondents. The technique of collecting data was using quantitative data by distributing questionnaires and giving them to each respondent with the criteria of having an interest in compiling, using and reporting budget realization or executing the budget from the Regional Government. Hypothesis testing used Smart PLS 3.3. The results of hypothesis testing showed that understanding and training had a significant effect on the effectiveness of performance-based budgeting implementation and had a positive effect on budget absorption. Meanwhile, the external pressure variable had a significant influence on the budget absorption variable but had a negative effect on the effectiveness of performance-based budgeting implementation. In the organizational commitment and effectiveness of performance-based budgeting implementation variables, it had a negative or no significant effect on budget absorption.
Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Anaemia: A Neglected Association Outside the Tropics

Anaemia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Among infectious agents responsible for anaemia, helminthic infections are often neglected, particularly in non-endemic countries. However, they should not be neglected in this setting, as international travel and migration are on the rise. In this narrative review, we aimed to describe soil-transmitted helminths as a cause of or contributing factor to anaemia, focusing on hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale), the whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), the roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), and the threadworm (Strongyloides stercoralis). A general review on the epidemiology, lifecycle, and clinical spectrum of anaemia is proposed, with a special focus on helminthic infections’ association with anaemia as well as the diagnostic approach, which are both particularly important in non-endemic settings.
Effects of Iron Supplementation on Testicular Function and Spermatogenesis of Iron-Deficient Rats

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency in the world. Previous studies have shown that iron deficiency increases oxidative stress and decreases antioxidant enzymes, and studies of male infertility indicated that oxidative stress may affect male reproductive functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of iron supplementation on spermatogenesis and testicular functions in iron-deficient rats. Three-week-old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups: an iron-adequate control (AI group, 35 ppm FeSO4) and an iron-deficient group (ID group, <5 ppm FeSO4). After three weeks, the iron-deficient group was divided into an original iron-deficient group and five iron-supplemented groups, the latter fed diets containing different doses of FeSO4 (6, 12, 18, 24, and 35 ppm). After five weeks, blood and testis tissue were analyzed. We presented as median (interquartile range, IQR) for continuous measurements and compared their differences using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Mann–Whitney U test among groups. The results showed that as compared with the AI group, the ID group had significantly lower serum testosterone and poorer spermatogenesis (The medians (QR) were 187.4 (185.6–190.8) of AI group vs. 87.5 (85.7–90.4) of ID group in serum testosterone, p < 0.05; 9.3 (8.8–10.6) of AI group vs. 4.9 (3.4–5.4) of ID group in mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS], p < 0.05); iron supplementation reversed the impairment of testis tissue. In the testosterone biosynthesis pathway, iron supplementation improved the lowered protein expressions of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases caused by iron deficiency. Additionally, decreased activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase, and increased cleaved-caspase 8 and caspase 3 expression, were found in the iron-deficient rats. The iron-supplemented rats that received > 12 ppm FeSO4 exhibited improvements in antioxidant levels. In conclusion, iron supplementation can abrogate testis dysfunction due to iron deficiency through regulation of the testicular antioxidant capacity.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on MS-Based Proteomics Applied to Human Peripheral Fluids to Assess Potential Biomarkers of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a clinically heterogeneous condition, presenting a complex underlying etiopathogenesis that is not sufficiently characterized. Without molecular biomarkers being used in the clinical environment, several large screen proteomics studies have been conducted to provide valuable molecular information. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques can be a powerful tool for the identification of disease biomarkers, improving prediction and diagnosis ability. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of MS proteomics applied to human peripheral fluids to assess BD biomarkers and identify relevant networks of biological pathways. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched for studies using MS proteomics to identify proteomic differences between BD patients and healthy controls (PROSPERO database: CRD42021264955). Fourteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, allowing the identification of 266 differentially expressed proteins. Gene ontology analysis identified complement and coagulation cascades, lipid and cholesterol metabolism, and focal adhesion as the main enriched biological pathways. A meta-analysis was performed for apolipoproteins (A-I, C-III, and E); however, no significant differences were found. Although the proven ability of MS proteomics to characterize BD, there are several confounding factors contributing to the heterogeneity of the findings. In the future, we encourage the scientific community to use broader samples and validation cohorts, integrating omics with bioinformatics tools towards providing a comprehensive understanding of proteome alterations, seeking biomarkers of BD, and contributing to individualized prognosis and stratification strategies, besides aiding in the differential diagnosis.
Response of four market classes of dry bean to acifluorfen, bentazon, and bentazon/acifluorfen applied postemergence

Three distinct studies consisting of a total of 11 field trials were carried out from 2016 to 2019 in Ontario to assess the tolerance of four market classes of dry bean to acifluorfen, bentazon, and bentazon/acifluorfen applied postemergence (POST) at various rates. In Study 1, acifluorfen (265 and 530 g ai ha−1) and bentazon (577 and 1144 g ai ha−1) caused up to 13% and 8% visible injury, respectively, but did not affect the relative stand, height, seed moisture, or yield of dry bean. Bentazon/acifluorfen (842 and 1684 g ai ha−1) caused up to 32% visible injury in dry bean but did not affect the relative stand, height, moisture, or seed yield except at the 2× rate which reduced dry bean biomass, height, and yield 43%, 11%, and 11%, respectively. The preformulated mixture of bentazon/acifluorfen caused a synergistic increase in dry bean injury. In Study 2, acifluorfen (600 and 1200 g ai ha−1) and bentazon (1080 and 2160 g ai ha−1) injured dry bean up to 12% and to 9%, respectively, but did not affect the relative stand, height, moisture, or yield. Bentazon/acifluorfen (840 and 1680 g ai ha−1) injured dry bean up to 16% but did not affect the relative stand, height, moisture, or yield of dry bean except at the high rate which reduced biomass, height, and yield 17%, 9%, and 5%, respectively. In Study 3, acifluorfen (420 and 480 g ai ha−1) and bentazon (1080 and 2160 g ai ha−1) injured dry bean up to 24 and 16%, respectively, but did not affect the relative stand, height, seed moisture content, or yield except for the relative biomass which was reduced up to 17%. Bentazon/acifluorfen (840 and 1680 g ai ha−1) injured dry bean up to 45% but did not affect the relative stand, height, seed moisture, or yield except for biomass, height, and seed yield which were decreased 44%, 11%, and 12% at the high rate. This study concludes that acifluorfen alone or preformulated with bentazon applied POST at rates assessed cannot be safely used dry bean.
Agri-Food Waste as a Method for Weed Control and Soil Amendment in Crops

The continued and extensive use of synthetic herbicides to control weeds to maximize crop yield is no longer sustainable, as it results in negative impacts on the environment and human health. Innovative sustainable and resilient food production systems should preserve resources and environmental health by incorporating alternative natural herbicides, recycling waste, and favoring a circular economy. The present work assesses the value of different organic waste (Urtica dioica residues, Vicia faba pods, spent coffee grounds, and corn cobs) as bioherbicides and fertilizers in different seasons through pot and field two-year sequential experiments. Pot assays revealed that V. faba pods, spent coffee grounds, and corn cob waste showed the best inhibitory effect, which were subsequently evaluated in the Spring–Summer and Autumn crops. In the field, spent coffee grounds reduced the biomass of total naturally-emerged weeds and stimulated crop growth under scarce rainfall and warm days. However, its effect varied under different environmental conditions. Spent coffee grounds can partially control weeds in the field, which valorizes them as a bioherbicide and boosts sustainable agriculture.
Nitric Oxide Mobilizes Intracellular Zn2+ via the GC/cGMP/PKG Signaling Pathway and Stimulates Adipocyte Differentiation

Plasma and tissue zinc ion levels are associated with the development of obesity. Previous studies have suggested that zinc ions may regulate adipocyte metabolism and that nitric oxide (NO) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of adipocyte physiology. Our previous study showed that chronic NO deficiency causes a significant decrease in adipose tissue mass in rats. Studies also suggested that zinc ions play an important modulatory role in regulating NO function. This study aims to explore the role of zinc ions in NO-regulated adipocyte differentiation. We hypothesized that NO could increase intracellular Zn2+ level and then stimulate adipocyte differentiation. ZnCl2 and the NO donor, NONOate, were used to explore the effects of Zn2+ and NO on adipocyte differentiation. Regulatory mechanisms of NO on intracellular Zn2+ mobilization were determined by detection. Then, Zn2+-selective chelator TPEN was used to clarify the role of intracellular Zn2+ on NO-regulated adipocyte differentiation. Furthermore, the relationship between adipocyte size, Zn2+ level, and NOS expression in human subcutaneous fat tissue was elucidated. Results showed that both ZnCl2 and NO stimulated adipocyte differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. NO stimulated intracellular Zn2+ mobilization in adipocytes through the guanylate cyclase (GC)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/protein kinase G (PKG) pathway, and NO-stimulated adipocyte differentiation was Zn2+-dependent. In human subcutaneous adipose tissue, adipocyte size was negatively correlated with expression of eNOS. In conclusion, NO treatment stimulates intracellular Zn2+ mobilization through the GC/cGMP/PKG pathway, subsequently stimulating adipocyte differentiation.
Low Oxygen Saturation of COVID-19 in Patient Case Fatalities, Limpopo Province, South Africa

On 1 August 2020, South Africa’s Minister of Health announced that more than half of a million coronavirus cases were confirmed in the country. South Africa was by far the hardest-hit country in Africa, accounting for half of all infections reported across the continent. The prevalence of underlying conditions such as fever and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) has been known known to be a significant determinant in the hospitalisation of COVID-19 patients. Low oxygen saturation on admission was reported as a strong predictor of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. The study sought to assess the association between body temperature and other clinical risk factors with low SpO2 among COVID-19 inpatient case fatalities. A quantitative retrospective study was carried out in Limpopo Province, employing secondary data from the Limpopo Department of Health (LDoH) on COVID-19 inpatients case fatalities across all districts in the province. The chi-square test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used to assess the relationship between body temperature and clinical risk factors with SpO2 levels. The findings of this paper indicated that age (older age), chills, sore throat, anosmia, dysgeusia, myalgia/body aches, diarrhoea and HIV/AIDS were associated with low SpO2 in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. Nasal prongs and a face mask with a reservoir for respiratory support cannula were commonly used patient interfaces to provide supplemental oxygen, with the use of only a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) being minimal (7%). The majority of COVID-19 inpatient fatalities had normal body temperature (<38 °C) and SpO2, with no correlation between the two variables. Considering temperature screening as a possible strategy to combat the spread of COVID-19 or suspicious COVID-19 cases appeared, then, to be a pointless exercise. This study aimed to recommend new clinical criteria for detecting COVID-19 cases.
Innovative construction and the role of boundary objects: a Gehry case study

Physical objects have long been used in addressing the challenges involved in constructing innovative buildings, yet their significance for collaborative problem solving in inter-organizational projects is rarely acknowledged. The aim of this research is to investigate what happens when a project team has to collaboratively innovate to address radical design challenges in a construction setting. We focus on the role of a full-scale mock-up of a façade in transforming the design intent for a building by Frank Gehry into design realization. The concept of boundary objects is used as an analytical lens via a case study methodology utilizing non-participant observation of weekly meetings and workshops over a period of 10 months covering client, consultant and contractor involvement. The research shows the role of mock-ups in radical construction settings is in tension along three delivery dimensions: performance, aesthetic and technical construction. Task completion competed with the requirements for experimentation around innovative problem solving with the how to construct it problem left unresolved. The findings suggest that co-location and synchronicity are critical conditions for collaborative and innovative problem solving in radical construction contexts. Project teams need to create open-ended ‘moments’ for iterating critical objects and the interactions that take place around them.