Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Countries’ governance and competitiveness: business environment mediating effect

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze how institutional governance and business environment affect countries’ competitiveness and their relative importance. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the authors analyze how institutional governance and business environment affect countries’ competitiveness, their relative importance and what are the implications for Brazil. The authors have collected data from 131 countries related to the institutional governance, business environment and competitiveness of these countries. For the analysis of the mentioned influences, the technique of partial least squares structural equations modeling is used. Findings Results indicate that the main role in countries’ competitiveness is played by the quality of institutional governance. The quality of the business environment reinforces the positive effect of the quality of institutional governance on countries’ competitiveness (mediation effect). Brazil has poor governance quality indicators when compared to high-middle income countries, especially regarding government effectiveness, political stability and control of corruption. Research limitations/implications The study provides a better understanding of the relative importance of governance quality and business environment quality for countries’ competitiveness. One limitation of this study is that the research was restricted to data related to the year 2019. Practical implications For strategists and decision-makers, understanding these effects on countries’ competitiveness and their relative importance is fundamental to understanding what makes their companies internationally competitive. Social implications The presence and appreciation of institutional governance quality need to be cultivated in society. Originality/value Instead of using the original diamond model, which presents circular relationships, the authors have used the business environment construct, composed of elements of the diamond model to test the relationships between the quality of institutional governance, competitiveness and the business environment.
Self-powered UV photodetectors based on ZnO nanomaterials

Self-powered photodetectors can work with low power consumption or even without any supply from external power sources, and they are recognized as one of the developing trends of next-generation optoelectronic devices. As one of the most-known n-type metal oxides applied in electronic devices, ZnO nanostructures and their heterostructures with other appropriate materials have been widely applied in the assembly of self-powered UV photodetectors. In this review, the recent research on different types of ZnO-based self-powered UV photodetectors is outlined. ZnO nanostructures with different dimensionalities adopted in these photodetectors are discussed in detail. The inﬂuences of speciﬁc effects, such as the piezo-phototronic effect, the pyro-phototronic effect, the photo-gating effect, and even their fusions, on modulating the self-powered photo-response of these photodetectors have also been demonstrated. The applications of these photodetectors in UV sensing, environmental recognition, wearable devices, functional devices, and light communication are displayed. Finally, possible opportunities and directions for the future developments of these photodetectors are proposed.
Evaluation of the efficacy of botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of infantile esotropia

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes and complications of botulinum toxin injection (BTX) as the primary treatment of infantile esotropia (IET). METHODS: We included patients with IET who underwent BTX from 2015 to 2020. IET was defined as esotropia present before 12 months of age, with no significant refractive error, or limitation of rotations. We defined success as a postoperative angle of 0–10 prism diopters (PD). RESULTS: Sixty-three patients met our inclusion criteria (38 male patients [60.3%]). The mean age was 18 ± 8 months (range: 10–26), onset 6 ± 4 months (range: 2–10), and follow-up of 29 ± 25 months (range: 4–54). Amblyopia was present in 45 patients (71.4%). Number of BTX was, 1 in 42 (66.7%), 2 in 17 (27%), 3 in 4 (4.8%), and 4 in 1 (1.6%). The 1st BTX mean dose was 7 ± 3 international unit (range: 4–10) and a mean duration of 4 ± 1 min (range: 3–5). The mean preoperative angle of deviation was 42.30 ± 13.73 PD. The mean postoperative angle of deviation was 16.07 ± 16.15 PD (P = 0.0001). At the final follow-up, BTX was successful in 32 (51%) (success after 1st BTX 33.3%, 2nd BTX 46.03%, and 3rd BTX 50.79%). Twelve patients (19%) had undergone surgery due to the failure of BTX. Postoperative observations included transient ptosis 29 (49.2%), transient exotropia 36 (57.14%), inferior oblique overaction 13 (20.6%), vertical deviation 8 (12.7%), and persistent ptosis 1 (1.6%). CONCLUSION: The success rate of BTX for IET was 51%. BTX can be offered as an alternative to surgery to those who cannot undergo prolonged anesthesia or where accurate measurements could not be obtained.
Development of Local Economy through the Strengthening of Small-Medium-Sized Forest Enterprises in KPK, Pakistan

Small–medium-sized forest enterprises (SMFEs) have historically played an essential role in developing countries’ economies worldwide because most businesses start as small businesses, and government support and knowledge-based recourse are critical to the sustainable development of SMFEs and local economies. The current studies examined the effects of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) government’s (Pakistan) support (GS) and entrepreneur knowledge (EK) on the development of small–medium-sized forest enterprises (SD) and their contribution to the local economic development (LED) of the region. Primary data were collected from 350 SMFEs in KPK, Pakistan. The model was developed by using a structural equation model (SEM) to investigate the impact of GS, EK, and SMFEs on the growth, SG, and sustainable development of the local economy. This study concludes that EK and GS could increase growth in SMFE businesses and contribute to LED. On the other hand, crediting loans and equipping businesses with training could not directly affect SMFE businesses and LED growth. The government needs to use natural resources and the SMFE communities as leaders among suppliers in the local market for the sustainable development of LED and SMFEs, alongside focusing on preserving and taking initiatives to develop. This study discusses several practical implications for policymakers, business owners, and academics, with recommendations for future research.
Comparative Evaluation of Red Wine from Various European Regions Using Mass Spectrometry Tools

ABSTRACT The goal of this work was to assess differences in the composition of red wine produced in Poland, Hungary, Moldova, and Bulgaria, related to their geographical origin. Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry results obtained for 23 elements were submitted to principal component analysis, indicating the association of Li, Co, Se, Cu, Sr with Moldovan products; Hungarian and Moldovan wines were characterized by V, As, Al, Fe variables, whereas Be was distinctive for Hungarian products. Polish wines were grouped with Cd and Pb and Bulgarian with Tl, Ba, Rb, and Mo; U and Mn were found as characteristic variables for wines from Bulgaria and Moldova. According with current legislation, the investigated wines were not contaminated with heavy metals and might be even considered a good source of essential elements (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cr, and Co). Gas chromatography–high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used as a complementary analytical tool, targeting nonvolatile organic compounds amenable for silylation. Statistical data analysis revealed that geographical factors strongly affected the metabolic profiles. Specifically, 15 compounds presenting higher abundances in Bulgarian as compared to Polish wines were found, including monosaccharides, polyols, organic acids, sugar acids, and the amino acid proline. The highest fold change was obtained for ribose (37.9), followed by proline (12.2) and inositol (5.68), suggesting that these compounds might be especially useful for discrimination purposes. The obtained results encourage for further studies aimed at the discrimination of wine produced over the entire Central-East European region based on metal/metalloid profiling and on the evaluation of specific metabolites.
Molar Incisor Hypomineralization Prevalence and Distribution in School Going Children in UAE

Objective: Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is observed on permanent molars as demarcated opacities that vary from creamy-white or yellow to yellowish-brown discoloration. MIH is of systemic origin, usually affecting one to four permanent first permanent molars. The current study was designed to determine the prevalence, pattern, and distribution of MIH in school-going children of United Arab Emirates. Materials and Methods: A total of 1200 children with 656 boys and 544 girls were included in the study. The children belonged to the age group of 8-12 years of age. The children were examined for prevalence and distribution of MIH. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: The prevalence of MIH was reported at 21.16%. It was seen that MIH is more prevalent in girls when compared to boys, with the p value being <0.001. The mandibular molars had a higher prevalence when compared to the maxillary molars, with the results being statistically significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of MIH in Arab children in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) was 21.6%. Mandibular molars are affected more commonly than maxillary molars. Further studies are recommended to better understand the possible etiologies of this condition in children.
Inbound tourism and bilateral trade, evidence from China

ABSTRACT This paper examines the nexus between inbound tourism and bilateral trade in the context of China. Within a gravity model framework, both the cointegration approach and fixed-effects panel technique is applied to conduct the research. The long-run equilibrium relationship between China’s inbound tourism and its bilateral trade flows is ascertained through cointegration tests. Results also show that foreign tourists are positively associated with trade flows between China and its tourism origin countries, while inbound leisure tourists to China have a larger effect on bilateral trade than business tourists. In addition, China’s export activity is more elastic to inbound tourism than is its import activity. These findings reveal important patterns that are useful for policymakers to promote international trade regarding the different influences of inbound tourism. Further, this study extends research on China’s inbound tourism and bilateral trade by providing new empirical developments.
Overactive Bladder: Where We Are and Where We Are Going

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a heterogeneous syndrome estimated to affect approximately 10% to 15% of men and women globally. OAB not only negatively impacts quality of life but also results in a significant financial burden to both patients and health systems. Therefore, it is crucial that OAB is properly addressed. This manuscript provides a general review of the diagnostic algorithm for OAB and treatment per the AUA/SUFU guidelines, and an overview of new developments in OAB therapy. Given the wide array of therapeutic options that currently exist and those that are currently under development, there is tremendous opportunity to treat OAB successfully and positively affect our patients’ lives.
A histological investigation of dental crown characters used in mosasaur phylogenetic analyses

Mosasaur researchers have used varieties of tooth crown ornamentation as diagnostic and phylogenetic characters for decades. Such tooth crown features include facets, flutes, striations, serrated carinae, and coarse anastomosing texture. This study investigates the relative contribution of dentine and enamel to the development of these dental characters and assesses possible homologies between these structures. Histological analysis of isolated mosasaur teeth revealed that flutes and facets develop initially from the dentine, and the external enamel morphology we observe macroscopically mirrors the shape the underlying dentine. Striations combine underlying contributions from the dentine with additional and irregular enamel deposition that results strictly from amelogenesis. In both serrated carinae and anastomosing texture the border between the dentine and the enamel is smooth, and these external ornamentations form through variations in enamel development. Based on these observations, we infer that flutes and facets are part of a morphological spectrum and should not be treated as separate phylogenetic characters. Conversely, striations develop differently than flutes and facets, and should therefore be treated as a distinct character. We recommend referring to the “serrations” on mosasaur carinae as crenulations to differentiate these enamel-only structures from true denticles possessing a dentine core. Anastomosing texture can also coincide with significant apical thickening, both of which could be adaptations for processing hard-shelled prey. Care must be taken when using tooth crown features as diagnostic or phylogenetic characters because seemingly different morphologies can have similar developmental origins, and tooth morphology can be more closely tied to diet than to common ancestry.
The Restorative Justice Attitudes Scale: Development and Initial Psychometric Evaluation

Restorative justice as an applied and theoretical construct has received growing public attention; yet, little research on restorative justice has been conducted within psychology, including counseling psychology—a subfield devoted to social justice, advocacy, and the promotion of human rights and dignity for all people. This may in part be due to the lack of established empirical measurement concerning restorative justice. We developed the Restorative Justice Attitudes Scale (RJAS) using data collected from 650 US adults. Exploratory analyses yielded a 5-factor structure composed of 20 items within five dimensions: (a) Empathic Understanding, (b) Harm and Needs, (c) Restoration Processes, (d) Accountability, and (e) Community Engagement. However, confirmatory analyses suggested the use of a total scale score. Evidence of construct validity was established as the RJAS score was related to measures of empathy and perspective-taking. We discuss implications for the use of the RJAS in practice, advocacy, education, training, and research.
Development of simple techniques for determining the extent of coal cleaning-part 2: Estimating coal washability characteristics and separator performance

ABSTRACT The extent of coal cleaning is primarily dependent upon three core factors; (1) coal liberation, (2) coal washability, and (3) separator performance. The first factor has been dealt with in part 1. This part focuses on the second and third core factors. Coal washability data are typically generated by the standard float-sink test. Many researchers have proposed different washability indices based on float-sink data to describe coal amenability to washing, but most of these involve cumbersome mathematical calculations while relying on an error-prone graphical technique. Probable error (Ep) is generally used to represent coal separator efficiency but its calculation requires float-sink analysis of both feed and separator products. This paper proposes a simple equation for quantitative estimation of the degree of coal washing based on the feed coal washability data, clean coal yield, and ash. The proposed equation was applied to quantify and compare the washability characteristics of coals from different countries and provides an alternative method for measuring separator efficiency (in percentage).
The effect of NaCl concentration on the ionic NaCl solutions electrical impedance value using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods

NaCl solution is a strong electrolyte that can produce Na+ and Cl− ions. Measurements of impedance values of dielectric materials have been widely applied, but for materials containing many ions such as electrolyte solutions still carried out today. This paper analyzes the relationship between concentrations and the electrical impedance value of NaCl solutions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method is applied by injecting an electrochemical stimulus in the form of an electric current of one milli-ampere into NaCl solutions. Response output voltage was recorded using PicoScope S-5000. The impedance measurement uses two needle electrodes made of gold in the frequency range 1 Hz to 1 MHz. The sample of NaCl solutions used in NaCl and water ratio is 0.01-3.00%. The electrical impedance of the NaCl solutions decreases with the increase in concentration of NaCl solutions.NaCl solution is a strong electrolyte that can produce Na+ and Cl− ions. Measurements of impedance values of dielectric materials have been widely applied, but for materials containing many ions such as electrolyte solutions still carried out today. This paper analyzes the relationship between concentrations and the electrical impedance value of NaCl solutions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method is applied by injecting an electrochemical stimulus in the form of an electric current of one milli-ampere into NaCl solutions. Response output voltage was recorded using PicoScope S-5000. The impedance measurement uses two needle electrodes made of gold in the frequency range 1 Hz to 1 MHz. The sample of NaCl solutions used in NaCl and water ratio is 0.01-3.00%. The electrical impedance of the NaCl solutions decreases with the increase in concentration of NaCl solutions.
Study on adsorption of phenol from aqueous media using biochar of Chinese herb residue

The biochar adsorbent was prepared at 400, 500 and 600 °C using the discarded Chinese herb residue as raw material to remove the phenol in the waste water. The results of adsorption experiments show that the initial concentration of phenol in wastewater, the preparation temperature of biochar, the temperature and time of adsorption can affect the adsorption effect of biochar on phenol. The adsorption capacity with three kinds of biochar to phenol was BC600> BC500> BC400. When the initial concentration of phenol was 50 mg/L and the temperature was 45 °C, the removal rate of phenol was up to 97% after BC600 adsorption. The isothermal adsorption line for phenol conforms to the Langmuir mode and the Freundlich mode.
Effect of maltodextrin concentration and slurry temperature on pineapple powder using ultrasonic spray dryer

In order to prolong the shelf life of the pineapple, one of the methods that can be applied is spray drying. Ultrasonic Spray Drying (USD) relies on an electromechanical device that vibrates at a very high frequency. The main objective of this work is to study the effect of maltodextrin concentrations and pre-heat slurry temperature in order to improve pineapple powder yield and moisture content. The spray dryer model used was equipped with ultrasonic system and the samples were run at different preheat slurry temperatures of 30° C, 40°C, and 50°C. Maltodextrin (MD) was used as a carrier agent at different concentrations ranging from 10% to 30% w/w. The pineapple powder then was analyzed for its yield, moisture content and colour. It was found that at higher pre-heat slurry temperature and MD concentration, the drying yield of pineapple powder had also increased. The moisture content of pineapple powder decreased with an increase of preheat slurry temperatures and MD concentration. The pineapple was found to be spray dried best at 40°C pre-heat slurry temperature with 20% w/w MD concentration highest yield recorded was 127 g. It was observed that the lightness colour of the powder is the highest at 40°C of slurry temperature and 20% w/w MD concentration. The pineapple slurry with high water to pineapple ratio resulted in low moisture content. In addition, the result shows that an increased amount of pineapple slurry and MD concentrations gives higher pineapple powder.
УДК 577.359 DO CARBON NANOTUBES INHIBIT OR PROMOTE AMYLOID FIBRILS FORMATION?

Background: Carbon nanotubes, due to their unique physical properties, have been widely used in materials science and electronics; however, numerous attempts to create systems for delivering drugs or complexes of therapeutic drugs with nanotubes for improving their effectiveness and specificity have not succeeded. It is primarily due to the high cytotoxicity of nanotubes for living cells as well as the lack of mechanisms for their biodegradation. On the other hand, carbon nanotubes can form stable compounds with such biologically important molecules as DNA, phospholipids, proteins. In this paper, the possibility of the formation of amyloid fibril structures in lysozyme due to the interaction with carbon nanotubes is shown. The obtained results have both a fundamental and an applied value, since this may be a method for obtaining model amyloid fibrils for further study. Objectives: The purpose of the work was to study the effect of carbon nanotubes on the formation of fibril structures in lysozyme at room temperature under different pH values. Materials and methods: For the preparation of the samples, hen egg-white lysozyme protein (HEWL, Fluka), as well as single-walled (SWCNT, Sigma-Aldrich) and multi-walled (MWCNT, OOO TM “Spetsmash”, Kyiv, Ukraine) carbon nanotubes were used. Used techniques: IR-Fourier Absorption Spectroscopy; confocal microscopy. Results: In this paper, the study of molecular mechanisms of interaction of lysozyme with carbon nanotubes by vibrational spectroscopy was carried out and a conformational analysis of the formed complexes was performed. It is shown that carbon nanotubes can affect the structure of lysozyme even at room temperature and normal pH values, as evidenced by conformational changes in lysozyme due to interaction with carbon nanotubes. Complexes which are formed as a result of such interaction, have characteristic features of amyloid fibrillar structures. It reveals one of possible mechanisms of carbon nanotubes cytotoxicity. On the other hand, such a technique can be introduced to obtain model amyloid fibrils for further study. Conclusion: The method of vibtarional spectroscopy has shown that carbon nanotubes can influence the structure of lysozyme, as it is shown by the conformational analysis of the absorption band Amide I. After the interaction of lysozyme with CNT, an increase in the contribution of antiparallel β-conformation in the structure of lysozyme is observed, and the contribution of the α-helix conformation is reduced, which are characteristic features in the formation of fibrillar structures. The possibility of amyloid fibril formation without the use of high temperatures at different pH values with the interaction of lysozyme and carbon nanotubes, which can be applied as a method for obtaining the model amyloid fibrils, is shown.