Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sustainable HRM Practices in Corporate Reporting

Shaped by the current turbulent era of macroeconomic forces, inclusive of the technological challenges of Industry 4.0, and ubiquitous uncertainties, the business environment and its stakeholders hold high expectations for sustainable organizational practices, including harmonized and comprehensible sustainability reporting. Increasingly, responsible behavior towards internal stakeholders comes from within organizations, valuing employees as a key asset and introducing sustainable human resource management (S-HRM) practices to motivate their workforce. Reporting on these S-HRM practices and sustainability is in the highest interests of managers and investors alike. Focusing on the involved parties, employees most particularly, the paper contributes to the stakeholder theory. The literature review, previous S-HRM studies’ interpretation and their critical assessment, the GRI standards’ comparative analysis, and Lawshe’s content validity approach have been applied as the methodological framework. With the purpose to extend the scientific literature on S-HRM and its reporting, the authors aim to close the gap between purely theoretical S-HRM treaties and more practically oriented studies on reporting. The findings on the key areas of S-HRM practices give rise to the S-HRM Practices Model, the main goal of this study. This comprehensible model may serve as a harmonized instrument for sustainable HRM reporting analysis and auditing for academia and practitioners alike.
Produção textual, revisão e reescrita: uma proposta com bilhetes orientadores

Este artigo discute o ensino de producao textual, mais especificamente, a importância da revisao e reescrita para o aprimoramento de um texto. O objetivo e analisar o desempenho em producao textual de alunos de 6o ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola publica de Parnaiba-PI, quanto a realizacao das etapas de revisao e reescrita. Para alcancar esse objetivo, recorremos a BNCC (BRASIL, 2017), Antunes (2003;2010), Marcuschi (2008), Ruiz (2015), Serafini (2001), entre outros. Quanto a metodologia, trata-se de uma pesquisa de campo, de natureza descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa, na qual usamos bilhetes orientadores como estrategia de intervencao. Os resultados evidenciam o aumento do desempenho dos alunos na versao reescrita em relacao aos aspectos de textualidade e aos elementos basicos do genero textual.
Community versus family support in caregiving of older adults: implications for social work practitioners in South-East Nigeria

ABSTRACT Nigeria is home to the highest number of older adults in Africa. The country will continue to experience an upward trend in the size of this sub-population, yet there are limited government measures to address their well-being. Studies have shown that families and communities are predominant sources of support in caregiving for older adults in Nigeria. However, there seems to be a few studies that ascertain the extent to which these support systems provide support to older adults, especially in the South-East Nigeria. This study, therefore, will attempt to fill this significant gap because access to justice, a high standard of living, quality of life, and well-being of all citizens including older adults constitute a crucial point in the African Union and the 2030 global agenda. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to collect data from older adults and their caregivers (N = 40). The data were analysed thematically. Most of the support in caregiving for older adults is filial with minimal support from community members. Thus, we advocate for welfare policies that will augment the filial efforts in supporting older adults. Social workers also should facilitate the implementation of the policies and equally help to strengthen supportive relationships among community members.
Experimental and numerical investigation on convective heat transfer in actively heated bundle-pipe

The present work investigates heat transfer through natural convection using a series of experiments and computational modeling using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations in a one-meter bundle pipe with three internal pipes. The exact complex geometry is modeled where the flow channel is reduced through a spiral groove attached to a rod inside the internal tubes which was challenging compared to the flow in circular pipes in previous studies. To support the computational modeling investigations, convective heat transfer analysis is also studied through experiments with water as the production and heating fluids. Further, simulations are carried out with water-crude oil and aqueous ethylene glycol-water as the heating mediums and production fluids, respectively. Based on the heat transfer rates estimated from experimental data and CFD simulation results for the respective tubes, a modification to an existing Nusselt number is proposed for the range of temperature and flow rates used in the experiments. The proposed model, Nui = Pri m Rai n , was validated against experimental data and a good agreement with R2 values of more than 0.94 was achieved.
Ants as Bioindicators of Riparian Ecological Health in Catalonian Rivers

In this study, we assess the potential of ants as bioindicators of riparian ecological health in two river types (upland and lowland type) located in the Catalonian region. We proposed to understand to what extent do metrics based on ant responses provide useful information that cannot be presented by traditional biophysical assessments while attempting an approach to creating an ant-based multimetric index (ant-based MMI) of the riparian ecological health. A total of 22 ant species were identified, and 42 metrics related to ant foraging activity, species richness, and functional traits were evaluated as potential core metrics of the index. Riparian features and proximal land use land cover (LULC) were used to distinguish disturbed from less disturbed sites. We found that ant communities strongly responded to human disturbance. When compared with an exclusively physical-based index for the assessment of the riparian health, the ant-based MMI was more sensitive to human disturbance, by also reacting to the effects of the surrounding LULC pressure. This study provides a preliminary approach for an ant-based assessment tool to evaluate the health of riparian corridors although additional research is required to include other river types and a wider stressor gradient before a wider application.
A Fault-Tolerant Workflow Composition and Deployment Automation IoT Framework in a Multicloud Edge Environment

With the increasing popularity of IoT application, e.g., smart home, smart manufacturing, the importance of underlying system availability, safety, reliability, and maintainability become crucial in the development processes. IoT applications are expected to continuously provide reliable services and features, which put the fault-tolerance mechanism as a priority. Current IoT fault-tolerant systems are designed to overcome any faults caused by human activities and physical errors to preserve the correct IoT workflow execution. However, addressing fault-tolerant interaction in multicloud edge environment and failed service deployment automation remains challenging. This article proposes a novel fault-tolerant model that offers the self-detection and automatic recovery of faults to increase IoT applications’ reliability and to address the infrastructure level failure in the heterogeneous IoT environments. Based on the proposed model, we implement a fault-tolerant workflow composition and deployment automation system, which is empowered by a layered architecture and a time-dependent failure model. The efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed system are validated and evaluated with a real-world IoT application.
Design of dual‐band filtering power dividers with designable port‐to‐port isolation network

In this article, a class of dual‐band filtering power dividers is proposed with simultaneous realization of good designable port‐to‐port isolation. A filtering branch, including two cascaded stub‐loaded half‐ wavelength resonators and coupled‐line sections, are introduced together with the proposed isolation network to simultaneously achieve controllable bandwidth, frequency ratio in dual‐band power division, as well as the port‐to‐port isolation. To construct dual‐wideband power division, two coupled multimode resonators could be used to form the filtering branches, while the proposed isolation network with additional open stub at each output port is utilized to obtain a wide port‐to‐port isolation band. Theoretically, a design method for analyzing the dual‐band frequency response of the power division is presented, while a dual‐ or wide‐band isolation is achieved by introducing multiple transmission zeros in the S32‐magnitude. Finally, two prototype power dividers on the microstrip‐line structure are designed and fabricated. The simulated and measured results agree well with each other, which verify the theoretical predications.
Evaluation of optical constants in oxide thin films using machine learning

This paper describes an inverse analysis method using neural networks on optical spectroscopy, and its application to the quantitative optical constant evaluation. The present method consists of three subprocesses. First, measurable UV–visible spectroscopic quantities were calculated as functions of the optical constants of the solid based on the Tomlin equations [J. Phys. D 1 1667 (1968)] by carefully eliminating the unpractical combinations of optical constants. Second, the backpropagation neural network is trained using the calculated relationships between the measurable quantities and the optical constants. Finally, the trained network is utilized to determine the optical constants from measured responses. The conventional (Newton–Raphson) method tends to require the judgment of a well-experienced analyst, while machine learning shows automatically human-free performance in data conversion.
Indoor and Outdoor Performance Study of Metallic Zinc Particles in Black Paint to Improve Solar Absorption for Solar Still Application

In this study, the effects of metallic zinc (Zn) particles were studied to increase surface temperature on a solar-still absorber, which is a major component of increased production. Various concentrations of Zn particles were mixed in black paint and applied to the absorber plate. SEM and XRD were used to examine and confirm the surface morphology and phase identification of as-received powder. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to examine light-absorption properties. Finally, extensive indoor testing (using an improvised solar emulator) and outdoor testing were conducted to optimize the concentration. The specimens containing 10 wt% Zn in black paint showed the highest increase in temperature, i.e., 103.53 °C in indoor conditions at 1000 W/m2 irradiation, which is 59.17% higher than a bare aluminum plate and 17.57% higher than an only black-paint-coated aluminum plate. On the other hand, specimens containing 10 wt% Zn reached just 87.53 °C, compared to 80.00 °C for an only black-paint-coated aluminum plate and 60.62 °C for bare aluminum.
The Moderating Effect of Halal Traceability System on Halal Food Supply Chain Management and Halal Integrity Assurance Relationship

Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the effect of halal food supply chain management on halal integrity assurance with moderating variable of halal traceability system. Design/ methodology/ approach: This study employed a quantitative research approach, in which survey questionnaires were distributed to 475 Malaysian halal food and beverages companies. A moderated hierarchical regression technique was applied to examine the moderating effect of the hypotheses. Findings: The results revealed that halal traceability system was found to moderate the halal food supply chain management and halal integrity assurance. Halal traceability system had also been found to significantly moderate the supply chain logistics control and supply chain resources on halal integrity assurance relationships. Research Limitations/ Implication: This study focuses on the halal industry in Malaysia specifically for food and beverages producers, its findings cannot be generalized to other business categories. Issues of applicability of this study to other countries also need to be considered. Practical Implication: This study addresses the assurance of halal integrity as a crucial element in managing a halal food supply chain in halal food industry. It has empirically identified the moderating role of halal traceability system to strengthen the halal food supply chain integrity assurance in halal food industry. Social Implications: The study has successfully filled the gap in literature by empirically establishing the moderating role of halal traceability system on halal food supply chain integrity assurance. This result has presented a better understanding of halal integrity assurance concept application in society. Originality/Value: This study is one of very few studies which have empirically link halal traceability system, halal integrity assurance and halal food supply chain management in the halal food industry. The paper’s primary contribution is the finding support to the integration Journal of Contemporary Issues in Business and Government Vol. 27, No. 2,2021 https://cibg.org. au/ P-ISSN: 2204-1990; E-ISSN: 1323-6903 DOI: 10.47750/cibg.2021. 27.02. 519 5061 of halal integrity context as an important determinant in present halal food supply chain model in accordance with Islamic requirements.
Microbial Ecotoxicity of Biochars in Agricultural Soil and Interactions with Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates

Large-scale application of biochar on agricultural land offers the prospect of soil improvement and carbon sequestration for climate-change mitigation. However, negative side-effects on the soil microbial ecosystem are poorly understood, notably in relation to the functions of native microbiomes under realistic routes of biochar exposure. Due to divergent properties, different biochars might interact with soil in complex ways. This might result in decreased or increased ecotoxicity from biochar contaminants, such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Using five biochars produced from straw and wood under contrasting pyrolysis conditions, we traced their ecotoxicological dose-effect using a bioassay for potential ammonia oxidation (PAO), through microorganisms that are sensitive stress indicators. Assays were made after soil/biochar interaction for up to 3 weeks, where straw biochar with the lowest PAH content (<0.5 mg kg−1) showed the most pronounced dose-effects to PAO, corresponding to a 10% effect concentration (EC10) of 4.6% (dry weight biochar/dry weight soil). In comparison, straw biochar with the highest PAH content was least ecotoxic (EC10, 15.2% after 3 weeks) and wood biochars pyrolysed at high temperature (700–725 °C) showed no ecotoxicity to PAO. Interactions between biochars and anionic surfactants, i.e., linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, which are common soil pollutants, resulted in varying effects on PAO, but the effects were small and of limited ecological importance for soil-amended biochars. In conclusion, the results showed that short-term microbial side-effects of biochar in the soil ecosystem were minor at relevant field application rates (such as <30 Mg ha−1 mixed into a plough layer of 20 cm), and that inherent PAHs in biochar were not a likely source of short-term ecotoxicity. However, there were notable differences in the effects eventually observed at very high biochar rates, stressing that individual biochars need specific ecotoxicological assessment before their safe application at large scale in agricultural soils.
Complexation of Calix[4]arene bis-Hydroxymethylenediphosphonic Acid with Amino acids. Binding Constants Determination by RP HPLC Method

Host-Guest complexation of calixarene-bis-hydroxymethylenediphosphonic acid with 17 amino acids in water solution had been studied by the RP HPLC and molecular modelling methods. It had been shown the binding constants of the complexes are depended on the nature of the amino acid residue, log P and pKa of the acids. The complexation is mainly determined by the electrostatic interactions between the positively charged nitrogen atom of the amino acid and the negatively charged oxygen atom of phosphonic acid residue of the calixarene, the Host-Guest p-p, СН-p and solvophobic interactions.
Equilibrium and Kinetic Study of the Removal of Cadmium from the Human Blood Plasma Using Dried Allium cepa Biomass

The therapeutic importance of Allium cepa has been reported in previous studies. However, little has being known of its efficiency to remove heavy metal from the human blood plasma. Thus this study seeks to investigate the efficiency of Allium cepa biomass in detoxification of Cadmium ions from aqueous solution of human blood plasma in-vitro. The biosorbent was prepared and identified using FTIR which revealed the presence of carbonyl group, amide group, sulphoxide group, ether and aromatic groups. The optimum sorption was investigated and the experimental data revealed an equilibrium pH 4, optimum Cd2+ concentration 70 mgL-1 and optimum biosorbent dose 0.80 g were obtained and used to study the equilibrium sorption rate which occurred at 80 mins with 99.98% removal at ambient temperature. The experimental data fitted Pseudo Second order kinetic as indicated by the correlation coefficient value (R2)=0.9961 with a rate constant K2=0.3730 g.mg-1.min-1. The experimental data conforms to Freundlich isotherm and Jovanovis isotherm, however Freundlich isotherm showed best fit with correlation coefficient (R2)=0.632, sorption capacity (KF)=3.3113 and sorption intensive (n)=1.870. The separation factor of the Langmuir isotherm (RL)=0.0141, which suggests that the overall adsorption process was favourable.
Retinal involvement of coronavirus disease (COVID-19): A systematic review

COVID-19 has wide-ranging manifestations which involve various organs. Although COVID-19 is known to affect mainly the respiratory system, many patients suffered from ocular manifestations following SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially conjunctivitis. However, there was some evidence of broader ocular involvement, which could involve the retinal layer. This review aims to analyze the possible explanation of retinal involvement in COVID-19 and whether comorbidities increase the risk of retinal involvement in COVID-19. We conducted a systematic literature search during September 2020 using the PUBMED database and other additional sources (e.g., Google Scholar). There was no year of publication nor language restriction. Six papers are used in this literature review: two studies reported retinal lesions in COVID-19 patients, one study detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in retinal biopsies and three studies proposed possible mechanisms of retinal involvement in COVID-19. Ocular structures express ACE-2, such as the aqueous humor, pigmented epithelium, and retina. This is supported by the finding of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in postmortem patients. Retinal involvement in COVID-19 patients includes hyperreflective retina lesions, subtle cotton wool spots, and microhemorrhage. However, these findings do not necessarily indicate the specificity of retinal involvement. Diabetes mellitus may be associated with disease severity in patients with COVID-19. Some evidence of retinal involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection involves the detection of retinal lesions, the expression of ACE-2 in the retina, and the role of comorbidities.
The Sustainable Purchase Intention in a New Normal of COVID-19: An Empirical Study in Malaysia

The study investigated the effect of food safety knowledge, food safety trust and the factors influencing organic food purchase intention in the 'new normal' of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employed non-contrived and cross-sectional methods. The data was collected in Malaysia using convenience sampling. A total of 330 valid questionnaires were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and PROCESS for hypothesis testing. The study revealed a significant relationship involving food safety knowledge on personal attitude, perceived social pressure, and perceived autonomy. Moreover, organic food purchase intention was found to be influenced by personal attitude, perceived social pressure, and perceived autonomy. Interestingly, trust in organic food safety moderated the relationship between perceived autonomy and organic food purchase intention. The study proved valuable for stakeholders and organic food producers to understand the 'new normal' COVID-19 market scenario for a sound understanding of the market and the sustainability of the organic food industry. A new research framework is proposed and validated, related to individual purchase decision in global health issues which is limited in current literature. Hence, the study contributed to a better comprehension of green consumerism mainly in the Asian market.
Calibration of non‐catching precipitation measurement instruments: A review

Non‐catching type gauges are the emerging class of in situ precipitation measurement instruments. For these instruments, rigorous testing and calibration are more challenging than for traditional gauges. Hydrometeors characteristics like particle size, shape, fall velocity and density must be reproduced in a controlled environment to provide the reference precipitation, instead of the equivalent water flow used for catching‐type gauges. They are generally calibrated by the manufacturers using internal procedures developed for the specific technology employed. No agreed methodology exists, and the adopted procedures are rarely traceable to internationally recognized standards. The EURAMET project 18NRM03 ‘INCIPIT’ on ‘Calibration and accuracy of non‐catching instruments to measure liquid/solid atmospheric precipitation’, funded by the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research (EMPIR), was initiated in 2019 to investigate calibration and accuracy issues of non‐catching measuring instruments used for liquid/solid atmospheric precipitation measurement. A survey of the existing models of non‐catching type instruments was initially performed and this paper provides an overview and a description of their working principles and the adopted calibration procedures. Both literature works and technical manuals disclosed by manufacturers are summarized and discussed, while current limitations and metrological requirements are identified.
A 2D approach to surface-tension-confined fluidics on parylene C

In the present study a new, facile and cheap method to obtain a 2D surface-tension-confined fluidic system on substrates conformally coated by parylene C is presented. It is based on the use of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based soft masks obtained by molds produced by a 3D-printer. These masks, applied alternatively onto a parylene C-coated silicon substrate together with appropriate plasma treatments permit to obtain a superhydrophilic pattern on a superhydrophobic background, in which pure water, water-based solutions and polar solvents can flow. The flow of these liquids is strictly confined and is driven into the superhydrophilic pattern only by the differences in surface energy between it and the background, without any confinement effect provided by walls or capillary-driven channel, that are completely missing. According to the proposed fabrication method, all the desired fluidic systems can be fabricated in an easy and cheap way. The developed method for 2D surface-tension-confined fluidics on parylene C permits to obtain a highly versatile platform which can be applied on all desired substrates, without the need to etch the polymer surface in order to obtain channel walls, paving the way to employ green, easily available and cheaper substrates, such as cellulose for paper-based fluidics applications, improving, at the same time, the biopolymer surface properties.