Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationships amongst phenyltiocarbamide sensitivity, body composition, coffee and tea consumption

Polymorphisms of TAS2R38 gene responsible for bitter taste perception elicit a bimodal receptor response in the population upon the detection of phenylthiocarbamide and 6-n-propylthiouracil, respectively. Genetic differences in sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide and 6-n-propylthiouracil may affect body composition, food preferences, and frequency of consuming different food types. To date, no publication has been published in Hungary on the joint study of these factors. The aim of the present research is to find correlations between phenylthiocarbamide taster status and body composition, and the frequency of consumption of different bitter-tasting foods. In the study, a taster status survey of participants (n = 170), a bioimpedance-based body composition analysis (n = 96) and completed a food frequency questionnaire of bitter foods (n = 170) were conducted. Descriptive statistical methods, cross-tabulation analysis, multiple correspondence analysis, and Mann-Whitney test were used for data analysis at 5% significance level. The proportions of the taster and non-taster categories proved to be the same as reported by international literature (70%/30% respectively). There were no significant correlations among taster status and the other examined parameters, however, based on the multiple correspondence analysis, the observed trends are in accordance with the international literature. There were significant correlations among gender, body composition and some variables describing food preference. Based on the literature data and our own results, there can be a relationship between genotype and body composition, and genotype and food choice. Further analyses with large-sample size and representative research are needed to substantiate these assumptions.
Implications of Value Creation for Customers of Social Firms in the Service Sector in Mexico

Introduction: While social enterprises meet human needs and create social value, they need to focus on value creation, customer satisfaction, and loyalty, as they can facilitate the generation of long-term relationships with the social enterprise and its survival. Objective: This research explores the effect of life purpose on customer value creation and its influence on satisfaction and loyalty among customers of social firms operating in the service sector in two Mexican cities, Puebla and Jalapa, both located in the Centre-East of Mexico. Materials and methods: An explanatory and cross-sectional investigation was conducted with 392 active customers. Structural equation modelling was used treating all variables as latent. Results: It was found that purpose in life was a significant and positive antecedent of customer value creation. In addition, customer value creation had a substantial effect on customer satisfaction and loyalty. Conclusions: The findings have implications for understanding the complexity of value creation in social firms focused on the delivery of services and the nature and dimensionality of customer value creation for social enterprises and its positive impact on customer retention. The results can help academics and social enterprises to develop better strategies to meet the needs of consumers belonging to vulnerable groups
Online synchronous focus group interviews: Practical considerations

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a sudden shift was warranted from face-to-face to digital interviewing. This shift is in line with the existing trend of digitalization. However, limited literature is available on how to conduct focus group interviews online successfully. This research note provides practical guidelines, tips, and considerations for setting up and conducting online synchronous focus groups for eight relevant factors: preparation, the number of participants, the duration, a break, the usability of the online platform, the interaction between participants and researchers, support and roles of the research team, and privacy considerations. These guidelines were formulated based on the available literature and our own positive hands-on experiences. We consider online focus groups to be an excellent option when taking into account the considerations related to the eight factors.
Hand-Wing Index as a surrogate for dispersal ability: the case of the Emberizoidea (Aves: Passeriformes) radiation

Measuring the dispersal ability of birds is particularly challenging and thus researchers have relied on the extended use of morphological proxies as surrogates for such ability. However, few studies have tested the relationship between morphological proxies and other dispersal-related traits. In this study, we test the relationship of the most commonly used morphological proxy for dispersal—the Hand-Wing Index (HWI)—with traits highly associated with dispersal abilities, such as geographic range size, migratory behaviour and migratory distances. We used the Emberizoidea superfamily to evaluate these relationships and measured the HWI of 2520 individuals from 431 species (almost half of all the species in the superfamily). We first estimated the phylogenetic signal of HWI and searched for the best evolutionary model to explain its variation. We then performed PGLS analyses to assess the relationships between HWI and dispersal abilities. Our results showed that HWI has a strong phylogenetic signal and is positively related to dispersal abilities. Our findings support the use of HWI as a viable morphological proxy for dispersal in birds.
The relationship between innovation and total quality management and the innovation effects on organizational performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between innovation and total quality management (TQM), and also to identify the effects of innovation on organizational performance. This research proposes a conceptual model that intends to study several research hypotheses. Design/methodology/approach The data were obtained through an online questionnaire, sent to small- and medium-sized Portuguese companies, having being conducted the study based on responses received from 287 valid questionnaires, and using a multivariate statistical analysis for statistical development. Findings The findings indicate that companies that adopt strategies of process innovation get improvements in their performance, both operationally and financially, while product innovation only provides improvements in the financial performance of organizations. It was also found that TQM practices encourage the definition of innovation strategies of products and processes. On the other hand, it was found that only companies that adopt innovation strategies of their processes promote the adoption of TQM practices, and there is a statistically significant relationship between product innovation and the implementation of TQM practices. Originality/value This research analyzed the dimensions studied in different aspects. It considered product innovation and process innovation, and with respect to performance, this dimension was analyzed through two different perspectives, namely, financial performance and operational performance. This research also provides a particular contribution to the literature with the analysis of the interdependencies between innovation and TQM in small- and medium-sized Portuguese companies.
The Possible Neurodegeneration of the CA3 and CA1 of Hippocampus in STZ - Induced Diabetes Mellitus Type1 on Male Wistar Rats

Introduction: Hippocampus is one of the most sensitive region of central nervous system to metabolic disorders. Structurally it is composed of cornu ammonis and dentate gyrus. CA3 and CA1 play critical role in cognitive performance and psychosis. Aim: The aim of this study was to study the effects of diabetes mellitus on bilateral CA3 and CA1. Materials and Methods: Male adult wistar rats were randomly into two groups as diabetic and control. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of STZ at a dose of 60 mg/kg. The control animals only received saline. Two months after uncontrolled diabetes, the animals were anesthetized. The harvested whole brains were stained with cresyl violet. Results: The number of degenerated neurons in right side CA3 (600±25) showed significant level of difference with left CA3 (0) ( P<0.001 ). The count of degenerated neurons in right side CA1 (90±5) showed significant difference with left side CA1 region (5±2) ( P<0.001 ). Conclusion: Our study showed that experimental diabetes mellitus type 1 leads to unilateral neurodegeneration in pyramidal layer of CA3 and CA1 regions of right hippocampus.
A high-resolution, 1250-year long drought record from Ea Tyn Lake, Central Highlands of Việt Nam

An understanding of past climatic variability at regional to local scales is mandatory for a proper evaluation of current and potential future repercussions from global climate change. The Southeast Asian tropics remain severely under-represented in paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic reconstructions, although a few recent paleoclimate studies evaluated the variability, position and strength of the main Asian monsoon systems at different timescales from modern records to the last 15,000 years. Comparable data from Việt Nam, however, are scarce although Việt Nam and its Central Highlands are critically located at the intersection of the East Asian Summer Monsoon and the Indian Summer Monsoon with highly important socio-ecological consequences from changes in the climate system. This study presents a high-resolution sedimentary climate record from Ea Tyn Lake in Việt Nam’s Central Highlands covering the last 1250 years. Using geochemical and sedimentological proxies and principal component analysis, we reconstructed at least 12 drought events, some of which appear to be of supraregional significance as they coincide with historically documented droughts in India, China, and Cambodia. Beyond tracking short-term climate events, the Rb/Sr elemental ratio along the Ea Tyn Lake sediment sequence reflects long-term monsoon variability throughout the last millenium, which was previously only reconstructed via δ18O speleothem records from China and India. Our Ea Tyn Lake record shows that the East Asian Summer Monsoon was relatively strong between ~1000 and 1350 cal CE and weaker between 1350 and 1850 cal CE, followed by renewed intensification after ~1850 cal CE.
Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia Associated With COVID-19 Infection

The knowledge about COVID-19 infection and sequelae is evolving. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is not a well-recognized complication of COVID-19 infection, with few cases reported in the literature. We report a case of a 60-year-old male with a history of an orthotopic heart transplant on chronic immunosuppression who had AEP three weeks after a COVID-19 infection. He presented with diarrhea and acute kidney injury without respiratory symptoms. After discharge, the patient experienced progressive fevers, dyspnea, and cough resulting in a second admission to the hospital with acute hypoxic respiratory failure requiring supplemental oxygen. Imaging demonstrated ground-glass opacities with areas of consolidation and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid demonstrated AEP. The patient was treated with steroids resulting in the resolution of his symptoms and radiographic findings. This case highlights the potential for AEP to complicate COVID-19 infections.
Effect of an 11-Week Resistance Training Program on Arterial Stiffness in Young Women

Abstract Morgan, B, Mirza, AM, Gimblet, CJ, Ortlip, AT, Ancalmo, J, Kalita, D, Pellinger, TK, Walter, JM, and Werner, TJ. Effect of an 11-week resistance training program on arterial stiffness in young women. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 315–321, 2023—The current investigation was conducted to determine the effect of 2 resistance training models on indices of arterial stiffness in young, healthy women. Twenty-four women, untrained college students, aged 18–22 years were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: control (CON) group (n = 8), high-intensity (HI) resistance exercise group (n = 8), and high-volume (HV) resistance exercise group (n = 8). Subjects randomized to resistance training groups were required to perform strength training exercises 3–5 days a week for 11 weeks. The exercise regimen consisted of 2–3 sets of 3–8 repetitions (80–90% of 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) for the HI group and 3–4 sets of 10–15 repetitions (50–70% of 1RM) for the HV group. All subjects were instructed to continue their normal diet and avoid cardiovascular exercise during the study. After the intervention, there was a significant increase in carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) (6.39 ± 0.73 to 8.40 ± 2.31 m·s−1; p < 0.05) and carotid radial PWV (9.77 ± 1.74 to 12.58 ± 2.09 m·s−1; p < 0.05) in the CON group alone. Both the HI and HV groups increased their maximum squat (36.6 ± 7.9 vs. 41.3 ± 31.8 percent change; p < 0.05), bench press (34.4 ± 12.6 vs. 23.4 ± 11.1 percent change; p < 0.05), and seated row (22.0 ± 12.6 vs. 21.9 ± 12.5 percent change; p < 0.05), respectively. Our findings support the use of resistance training exercise without undue impact on vascular compliance in otherwise healthy women.
Automated Remote Pulse Oximetry System (ARPOS)

Current methods of measuring heart rate (HR) and oxygen levels (SPO2) require physical contact, are individualised, and for accurate oxygen levels may also require a blood test. No-touch or non-invasive technologies are not currently commercially available for use in healthcare settings. To date, there has been no assessment of a system that measures HR and SPO2 using commercial off-the-shelf camera technology that utilises R, G, B, and IR data. Moreover, no formal remote photoplethysmography studies have been performed in real-life scenarios with participants at home with different demographic characteristics. This novel study addresses all these objectives by developing, optimising, and evaluating a system that measures the HR and SPO2 of 40 participants. HR and SPO2 are determined by measuring the frequencies from different wavelength band regions using FFT and radiometric measurements after pre-processing face regions of interest (forehead, lips, and cheeks) from colour, IR, and depth data. Detrending, interpolating, hamming, and normalising the signal with FastICA produced the lowest RMSE of 7.8 for HR with the r-correlation value of 0.85 and RMSE 2.3 for SPO2. This novel system could be used in several critical care settings, including in care homes and in hospitals and prompt clinical intervention as required.
IMPACT OF MASS MEDIA MESSAGING ON COMPLIANCE WITH COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS AMONG RESIDENTS OF OSOGBO, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

This study seeks to investigate the efficacy of media information dissemination during a pandemic. The study adopted the survey method with the questionnaire as research instrument. A sample size of 300 Osogbo residents was drawn through non-probability convenience sampling techniques. Descriptive analysis was employed in the analysis of the obtained data. Findings from the study shows that 60% of respondents are persuaded to comply with the COVID-19 safety protocols as a result of mass media messaging on the pandemic and that wearing of facemask is where the media placed emphasis. Another major finding of the study is that 195 respondents (65%) were not vaccinated compared to 105 (35%) vaccinated. The reason for non-vaccination ranges from non-belief in the efficacy of vaccine to non- availability. The study recommends reinforcing COVID-19 safety campaign messages on other platforms and urges the government to devise means of curtailing news and misinformation on COVID-19 pandemic, especially on the social media.
‘You’re still on mute’. A study of video conferencing fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic from a technostress perspective

ABSTRACT The global social restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a dramatic increase in the use of video conferencing for activities such as work, study, and personal relationships. Alongside its many benefits, video conferencing can also have adverse effects on users. Video conferencing fatigue is a commonly cited problem, especially for those individuals forced by COVID-19 to adopt the technology. Drawing from the technostress perspective, this paper examines the causes and consequences of VCF during a pandemic situation. A research model is developed and tested quantitively with data collected from 429 users of common video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Teams, and WebEx. The results suggest the relationship between video conferencing stressors and the outcomes of user satisfaction and continuance intentions, are mediated by video conferencing fatigue. In addition, the strengths of these relationships vary depending on whether video conferencing is mainly used for work, study, or social purposes.
Exploring Students Reversible Reasoning when Sketching an Original Graph Involving Derivatives Concept

Background: Reversible reasoning, a key aspect of mental activity, is important for students at all levels of mathematics. Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterise students’ reversible reasoning when sketching graphs involving derivatives. Setting and participants: The data for this research was generated from a qualitative approach. We conducted clinical interviews with four students aged 18-19 who had completed and graduated in advanced calculus courses. They were selected for their high scores in the course. Data collection and analysis: Think aloud methods and task-based interviews were used to collect data. The analysis covered two original graph sketch assignments involving the graph of the derivative and its properties. Results: Through data analysis, we discovered two characteristics of reversible reasoning: Initial Reversible and Ongoing Reversible, which provide the initial framework for future research. These two characteristics are rooted in the student’s perspective of the problem at hand, where the Initial Reversible student is dominated by the accommodation process, while the Ongoing Reversible student tends to experience cognitive conflicts that cause him to change his direction of thinking. Conclusions: We discuss the implications of our findings for future teaching and curriculum development in calculus.
A processual framework for analysing liberal policy interventions in conflict contexts

The article proposes a heuristic framework based on processual sociology to analyse policy interventions aimed at change within conflict contexts. Such a framework is valuable because it creates an opportunity for a more open approach to empirical research that may allow us to research evolving processes and to see things we might miss otherwise. The article aims to complement goal-oriented and predominantly relational approaches and to contribute to debates that warn against the reification of actors and structures in research. It also points to a lack of attention to politics in the analysis of policy interventions. The argument derives from a discussion of transitional justice and peacebuilding and is empirically illustrated for the context of the Tunisian transitional justice process.
Determinants of GDP Growth in Asean-5 Using Panel Method

The spread of COVID-19 throughout the world has caused concerns around the world. This study’s aim is to assess the impact of COVID-19, especially on the economic sector. We examined the economic impact of the coronavirus in various ASEAN-5 countries by analyzing their respective economies from 2018 to 2020. The data was processed using the Panel Method. The results indicated that foreign exchange reserves and net exports have a negative and significant effect on the economic growth of ASEAN-5. While the exchange rate and stock price index have a positive and significant impact on the economic growth of ASEAN-5, it was found that FDI has no significant effect on the economic growth of ASEAN-5.
Board Gender Diversity and Corporate Innovation: Evidence from Indonesian Family Firms

The study examines the relationship between board gender diversity and corporate innovation. A Quantitative method with OLS analysis technique, using an 868 samples data observation of Indonesia public companies listed from 2010-2019. This study found that board gender diversity has increased corporate innovation. Furthermore, using a family firm as a moderating variable, this study suggests that a family firm has weakened the positive relationship between board gender diversity and corporate innovation. Therefore, this study implies that board gender diversity is important to increase corporate innovation. In addition, this study provides that the gender diversity of CEOs in high family ownership companies can decrease corporate innovation. There are several research limitations. First, innovation, measured by R&D investment, does not particularly determine corporate innovation, as it can be measured in several other forms of intangible assets such as patents, trademarks, copyright, and franchises. Second, gender diversity association with corporate innovation was measured merely by the number of women and did not do further investigate the other factors such as their business ties, social ties, and educational background. Third, the sample only consists of companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, leaving out the other companies that did not go public.
Investigating values of green marketing tools in predicting tourists’ eco-friendly attitudes and behavior

ABSTRACT The environment often suffers harmful consequences caused by the irresponsible behavior of individuals and businesses. In this sense, neither the tourism industry nor tourists are spared these accusations. Therefore, tourism literature highlights the significance of exploring tourists’ eco-friendly attitudes and behavior and determinants of the formation of both eco-friendly attitudes and behavior. Additionally, consumer literature sheds light on how important green marketing is in changing consumers’ behavior and leading them towards greener consumption behavior. Nevertheless, existing tourism literature on the role of green marketing approaches in predicting tourists’ eco-friendly attitudes and behavior is quite scarce. Hence, the principal aim of the research was to investigate whether the green marketing tool – green packaging and branding, influences tourists’ eco-friendly attitudes and behavior. Additionally, the present paper focused on tourists’ preferences toward green packaging. In an effort to establish this, survey research was conducted among 368 Serbian tourists. The results showed that green packaging and branding positively shape tourists eco-friendly attitudes and behavior, and that attitudes represent significant predictor of behavior. The valuable contribution of this paper lies in practical implications for destination marketers, which highlight how the promotion of green products in tourism could enhance potential tourists’ eco-friendly attitudes and behavior.