Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soft skills in university education: a real experience. “Behave yourself!” Soft Skills Development Student Program at the Department of Economics and Business Studies, University of Genoa

Soft skills are getting more and more important in companies’ talent supply rush. Increasing global competition, growing digitalization, fast developing technologies, are just some of the reasons why the labour market strives for employees possessing and showing that special “alchemy” of social and communication competencies, personality traits somehow, and emotional intelligence. Though highly regarded, soft skills seem to be a long way from a clear‐cut arrangement, and the same applies for their learning and development. University courses rarely provide soft skills devoted programs, while the business world would claim for fully equipped newly hired graduates, thus highlighting a potential gap to fill. On this basis, the Department of Economics and Business Studies (DIEC) of University of Genoa gave life to two Soft Skills Development Student Programs (Soft Skills Development I and II) in 2019. Both programs are provided in the present academic year as well. The paper provides a fast overview of cognitive and motivational frameworks for soft skills learning and development. Then it describes the DIEC experience with the “Behave Yourself! ” Program, in terms of methodology, contents, and process. Finally, it summarises main achievements and the ongoing improvement process.
Seed inoculation with effective root‐nodule bacteria enhances revegetation success

Summary 1. Extensive clearing of native vegetation in Australia has contributed to major environmental problems, including land degradation, dryland salinity, soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. Re-establishing cover with deep-rooted perennial species is a major focus for conservation and sustainable land management, particularly with regard to hydrological control of recharge and saline discharge areas. However, considerable expense is involved in large-scale revegetation programmes and cost effectiveness is a real concern. 2. Low-cost revegetation approaches are needed that require little maintenance yet can substantially enhance reliable establishment and growth of native trees and shrubs. We evaluated results from direct-seeding field trials that examined the benefits of using native Australian Acacia species inoculated with effective strains of nitrogen-fixing rootnodule bacteria to revegetate degraded landscapes. 3. On average, inoculation led to a 118% increase in establishment of acacia seedlings, indicating that the use of elite strains of native bacteria can substantially reduce seed requirements. This is a major benefit given the expense of collecting sufficient native seed and the impacts of this activity on remnant population viability. 4. Particularly at sites experiencing harsher climatic conditions, subsequent survival of inoculated seedlings was significantly greater than for uninoculated controls. Moreover, inoculated acacias grew 10‐58% faster than uninoculated controls during the critical early phase of establishment, although this varied among species and sites. 5. Synthesis and applications . Inoculation of Acacia species or other native leguminous shrubs and trees with elite strains of native rhizobia as part of direct-seeding techniques has the potential to increase the scope, rate and success of land restoration world-wide. Re-establishment of important plant‐soil interactions in degraded soils can contribute significantly to the development of biodiverse self-regenerating native ecosystems in agricultural landscapes.
Forecasts of ENSO evolution using spatial–temporal projection model

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) prediction is one of the most debated and challenging tasks, whilst its real‐time operational prediction skill still has room for improvement. In this study, spatial–temporal projection model is applied to predict Niño3. 4 index at lead time of one to six months. By regressing variable fields onto Niño3. 4 index month by month, physical‐based predictability sources, that is, the mixed‐layer oceanic temperature, sea surface temperature, thermocline depth, and accumulated westerly‐wind‐events index over the specific regions are detected as the predictors. Based on the temporal evolution of coupled modes of predictors and Niño3. 4 index, the Niño3. 4 index from JAS (July, August, and September) to DJF (December, January, and February) can be predicted once a year. The model could nicely reproduce the evolution of Niño3. 4 index from JAS to DJF. It also achieved high prediction skills for the year‐to‐year DJF Niño3. 4 index, with a root‐mean‐square error of 0.46 in the training period (1950–2000) and 0.52 in the independent‐forecast period (2001–2016). Further investigation shows that the forecast is more reliable when the forecasted ENSO amplitude is much larger.
Pengaruh Biaya Politik, Cash Holding, dan Kualitas Auditor terhadap Income Smoothing

This paper examines the determinants of income smoothing focusing on consumer goods industry sector of BEI of 2014 to 2018 for 24 firms, including 120 observations. The independent variables used are political costs, auditor quality and cash holding. Political costs are proxied by variables of firm size, income tax, and number of employees. Test data analysis using logistic regression. The findings show that firm size indicated negative effect on income smoothing, income tax and number of employees have no effect on income smoothing. Cash holding indicated positive effect on income smoothing, auditor quality indicated negative affect on income smoothing
The use of two enrichment forms (Brachionus plicatilis enrichment and rearing water enrichment) with probiotic bacilli spore on growth and survival of Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

Summary This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of probiotic (Bacillus latrospores and Bacillus licheniformis) on growth and survival of Silver carp larvae (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). Rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) were used as live prey vehicle for probiotic transport. They were cultured in sea water with 15 ppt salinity and Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae was used as feed. Five treatments were prepared with three replicates (four experimental treatments and one control). Silver carp larvae were obtained from a local fish farm (Golestan, Iran). Rotifers were filtered from intensive cultivation tanks with 200 rotifer/ml density and then transferred to conical glasses for the enrichment process, and were kept under enrichment conditions for 24 h. Two forms of enrichment were carried out: rotifer biocapsulation and rearing water enrichment. T1 and T2 were fed with biocapsulated rotifers and T3 and T4 were fed non-biocapsulated rotifers. Instead of biocapsulation, the same density of bacteria was injected directly into the rearing water of T3 and T4. T3 (4.4 ± 1.2 mg) and T4 (5.05 ± 1.95 mg) treatments of probiotic injected water had significantly higher growth rates than T1 (2.21 ± 0.94 mg) and T2 (3.9 ± 0.36 mg), (P<0.05). T1 (3.9 ± 1.03 mg) and T2 (3.3 ± 0.36 mg) had higher growth rates than the control (2.21 ± 0.94 mg) and were also significantly different from each other (P<0.05).
Effect of Tactile Stimulation on Hand Mental Rotation Among Young Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: In the hand mental rotation task, images and line drawings of hand at different angles are shown to the subjects, and they are asked to choose which hand (left or right) it is. Tactile stimulation is an appropriate technique to improve sensory and motor functions. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of tactile stimulation on the hand mental rotation task. Methods: To meet the study objectives, 91 right-handed university students were selected to participate in this study. They were randomly divided into control (n = 41) and tactile stimulation (n = 50) groups. Participants were asked to perform a hand mental rotation task before and after tactile stimulation. The task required participants to judge the laterality (left or right) of hands as quickly and accurately as possible. The tactile stimulation was applied to the right index fingertip (16 Hz for 30 min). Results: In the tactile stimulation group, all angles for both right- and left-hand participants were analyzed, demonstrating significant decreases in the reaction time (P = 0.004) after tactile stimulation (mean: 1,908.24 ± 375.42 to 1,721.21 ± 428.99 milliseconds). In this group, the response accuracy rate increased considerably (P < 0.001) after tactile stimulation (mean: 78.43% ± 16.58 to 84.38% ± 18.15). In the control group, no significant differences were found between the measured parameters before and after sham stimulation. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that tactile stimulation could improve hand mental rotation in healthy young adults, probably due to increased brain excitability and plasticity.
Measuring engagement in a collaborative learning health system: The case of ImproveCareNow

Collaborative learning health systems have demonstrated improved outcomes for a range of different chronic conditions. Patient and healthcare provider engagement in these systems is thought to be associated with improved outcomes. We have adapted an observational framework to measure, and track over time, engagement in ImproveCareNow, a collaborative learning health system for children with inflammatory bowel disease.
Multi-wavelet level comparison on compressive sensing for MRI image reconstruction

In this study, we proposed compressive sampling for MRI reconstruction based on sparse representation using multi-wavelet transformation. Comparing the performance of wavelet decomposition level, which are Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. We used gaussian random process to generate measurement matrix. The algorithm used to reconstruct the image is . The experimental results showed that the use of wavelet multi-level can generate higher compression ratio but requires a longer processing time. MRI reconstruction results based on the parameters of the peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) show that the higher the level of decomposition in wavelets, the value of both decreases.
The effect of demographic characteristics on anxiety and hemodynamic response during intubation in patients undergoing septoplasty

Aim: To investigate whether the demographic characteristics of patients scheduled for septoplasty had an effect on their trait and preoperative state anxiety and hemodynamic response caused by endotracheal intubation. Material and Methods: In our prospective observational study, after the demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was administered three times to measure preoperative trait (STAI-1), preoperative state (STAI-2) and postoperative state (STAI-3) anxiety. The preoperative basal hemodynamic parameters were noted. The percentage changes in the hemodynamic responses of the patients during intubation (systolic arterial pressure, diastolic arterial pressure, and mean arterial pressure) were evaluated. The relationship between the severity of anxiety and hemodynamic changes was investigated. Results: Preoperative state anxiety was present in 85% of the patients (STAI-2≥50). The mean STAI-1 score was found to be statistically significantly lower in men (42.81) than in women (45.46) (p=0.005). The mean STAI-2 score, showing preoperative state anxiety, was statistically significantly lower in males (53.89) than in females (57.72) (p=0.001). The mean STAI-2 score was 58.05 in patients aged 45 and over and 54.15 in those under 45 years (p<0.001). In addition, the percentage changes in hemodynamic response were significantly higher in the group aged 45 and over (systolic arterial pressure: 16.32 mm-Hg, diastolic arterial pressure: 23.88 mm-Hg, mean arterial pressure: 20.34 mm-Hg) (p<0.001). Conclusion: In this study, we observed that preoperative state anxiety was more prevalent in elderly and female patients, and the vital changes during endotracheal intubation were seen at a higher rate in elderly patients.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Using Interdigitated Gold–Polypyrrole Electrode Combination

A novel electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) sensor design, based on a standard interdigitated electrode arrangement in which the working electrode consists of gold and the combined counter and reference electrodes of polypyrrole doped with polystyrene sulfonate (PPy:PSS), is evaluated for biosensing applications. The performance is successfully proved by immobilization of a thiolated biotin as a self‐assembled monolayer (SAM), followed by streptavidin and a biotinylated horseradish peroxidase. It is shown that specific binding of biomolecules takes place only at the gold electrode. The binding activities are not influenced by the addition of small amounts of the nonionic surfactant Pluronic F‐68. The immobilization process is monitored online with EIS showing an excellent repeatability of the EIS signals in comparison with Au–Au electrode configuration even after electrode regeneration.
Geospatial analyses to determine academic success factors in California’s K-12 education

ABSTRACT Standardized test scores are often used to measure students’ academic success. Although factors that affect student success involve teaching techniques, classroom dynamics, and study skills, there are other factors outside the classroom that could influence students’ overall academic performance. Oftentimes, these factors are overlooked or easily deemed uncontrollable by educators. Prior studies have identified and examined such factors; however, for this analysis, we will use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyse and display spatial patterns of these external factors, such as household income and average household size, which were not previously possible. Utilizing GIS and variations of demographic and lifestyle data allows us to take a closer look into understanding the factors that positively or negatively correlate with academic achievement. We use a sample of 2015–2016 Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) scores from the California Department of Education and location-based household spending, socioeconomic, and demographic data from Environmental Systems Research Institute, also known as Esri, to develop statistical models in order to understand factors that influence SAT scores. Our results indicate that two parent households and spending on health insurance have a positive effect on student academic achievement. In addition, students that are surrounded by educational businesses score higher on the SAT. We also learn that diversity, household size, and multigenerational households have negative impacts on students’ SAT scores.
Evaluation of Photovoltaic System Performance: A Case Study in East Azerbaijan, Iran

Solar energy is a feasible and efficient way to reduce environmental pollution which, in turn, can decrease the production of greenhouse gases. Iran with over 300 sunny days has a high potential for producing energy, including electricity through photovoltaic (PV) systems. Regarding this fact that Iran has the enormous resources of fossil fuels such as oil and gas, the government tends to expand its energy production by renewable systems, including photovoltaics. This paper is to evaluate the efficiency of photovoltaic system in one of the major provinces of Iran. In this study, a 4.8 kW photovoltaic power station in East Azerbaijan province was investigated. First, a simulation-analysis is carried out. Then the verification of the study is done using extracted experimental data. According to the results, the photovoltaic power plant generates 8334 kWh annually. Finally, the station is economically investigated. This economic analysis is carried out in accordance with the existing tariffs and policies in Iran.
The Effect of Access to Debt on Lebanese Small and Medium Enterprises Performance

Since thirties access to debt has been considered as one of the main challenges facing the growth of Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, empirical studies focused on how facilitating access to debt affects SMEs financial performance in developed countries. However, this is not the case in the developing economies countries such as Lebanon due to the lack of financial transparency and poor financial reporting. In addition, very few studies discussed the theoretical pillar behind SMEs financial behavior on how access to debt affects firm performance in developed and developing countries. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate the effect of access to debt on Lebanese SMEs financial performance in terms of profitability and tangibility. In addition, the study explores the theoretical explanation of how Lebanese SMEs access to debt affects profitability (PR) and tangibility (ST) using trade-off theory (TOT) and pecking order theory (POT). Data of 102 SMEs for the period 2014 till 2017 from 12 official audit firms located in Beirut-Lebanon. Additionally, generalized least squares (GLS) method was used to conduct regression analysis. The analysis reveals the positive effect of Lebanese SMEs access to debt on SMEs profitability and tangibility confirming the adoption of trade-off theory as an approach by Lebanese SMEs and lenders. It is concluded that facilitating Lebanese SMEs access to debt to reach proper debt level improves SMEs performance which in return affects positively the lenders and economy as whole.
INTERFACE GESTÃO DO CONHECIMENTO E APRENDIZAGEM ORGANIZACIONAL: uma revisão de literatura

A interface Gestao do Conhecimento e Aprendizagem Organizacional foi o objetivo desta pesquisa qualitativa em periodicos cientificos da base de dados Emerald Insight nos ultimos cinco anos, epoca do surgimento da Industria 4.0. O metodo escolhido foi o bibliografico, que identificou, em 25 artigos, por meio de software de analise qualitativa, que a Aprendizagem Organizacional foi incorporada a Gestao do Conhecimento. As tematicas encontradas englobam varias localidades de estudo, diferentes areas de aplicacao, diversas situacoes de aprendizagem e a relacao com a tecnologia da informacao. Nao foi localizada mencao a Industria 4.0 no corpus pesquisado. Palavras-chave: Gestao do Conhecimento. Aprendizagem Organizacional. Analise qualitativa. Repositorio digital. Artigos de periodico.
Vegetated Ditch Habitats Provide Net Nitrogen Sink and Phosphorus Storage Capacity in Agricultural Drainage Networks Despite Senescent Plant Leaching

The utility of vegetated ditch environments as nutrient sinks in agricultural watersheds is dependent in part on biogeochemical transformations that control plant uptake and release during decomposition. We investigated nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake and release across four P enrichment treatments in ditch mesocosms planted with rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides) during the summer growing and winter decomposition seasons. Measured N retention and modeled denitrification rates did not vary, but P retention significantly increased with P enrichment. At the end of the growing season, root biomass stored significantly more N and P than aboveground stem and leaf biomass. Decomposition rates were low (<10% organic matter loss) and not affected by P enrichment. Nitrogen and P export during winter did not vary across the P enrichment gradient. Export accounted for <10% of observed summer N uptake (1363 mg m−2), with denitrification potentially accounting for at least 40% of retained N. In contrast, net P retention was dependent on enrichment; in unenriched mesocosms, P uptake and release were balanced (only 25% net retention), whereas net retention increased from 77% to 88% with increasing P enrichment. Our results indicate that vegetated ditch environments have significant potential to serve as denitrification sinks, while also storing excess P in agricultural watersheds.
Gene Transcription: Mechanisms and Control

1. Introduction 2. The RNA Polymerases 3. DNA Recognition By Transcription Factors 4. Basal Transcription By RNA Polymerase II 5. Activating Pol II Transcription 6. Transcription By RNA Polymerase I 7. Transcription By RNA Polymerase III 8. The Influence Of Chromatin On Transcription 9. Controlling Transcription Factor Production 10. Regulation Of Transcription Factor Localisation 11. Regulation Of Transcription Factor Activity 12. Cell Cycle Regulation Of Transcription 13. Interactions Between Transcription And Other Nuclear Processes 14. Transcription Factors And Development
The knowledge and importance of Lean Education based on academics’ perspectives: an exploratory study

Abstract This paper presents an exploratory study on the knowledge and importance of integrating Lean Education in curricula from the Academy perspective. The study was based on the analysis of participants’ outcomes of workshops settled in international conferences. These workshops were used to promote Lean Education as a fundamental content and competency to be taught to the new professionals, independently of their future activity. Having in their DNA Lean content and competency, professionals will be thinkers adopting whole system-thinking, a sustainable conscious and ethical behaviour prepared to face Fourth industrial revolution demands. The authors believe that Lean Education provides such competencies to the new professionals and have been settling and operationalized such workshops in different contexts, involving more than 100 participants (mainly, academics) with teaching responsibilities in training the future workforce. Workshops outcomes were obtained from participants’ active discussions and through a satisfaction assessment questionnaire filled by all participants at the end of the workshop. Results show that Lean Education is valuable by academics (more than 50% of the participants gave a high score to the practicality, value, and timeliness of the workshop contents). Nevertheless, a small percentage (12%) knows what Lean Education is or teaches Lean in the classes (10%).
Estimating communication by position information in office

This study shows that it is possible to use position information to estimate the volume of communication in offices to some degree based on (1) office position information from sensing technology and (2) data from daily questionnaires from a survey of 308 employees in a corporate office. The relationship between the office environment and communication has come to the fore in recent years, and the findings of this study suggest how communication within an office can be estimated for a large sample at a low cost.