Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activation in Visual Cortex Correlates with the Awareness of Stereoscopic Depth

Using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging, we studied the activation correlating with the awareness of stereoscopic depth using a bistable slanted surface (slant rivalry). Bistability resulted from incongruence between two slant-defining cues: binocular disparity and monocular perspective. The stimulus was perceived as alternating between the perspective-dominated percept (monocular depth) and the disparity-dominated percept (stereopsis), while sensory input remained constant, enabling us to study changes in awareness of depth associated with either cue. Transient activation relating to perceptual alternations was found bilaterally in the caudal part of the intraparietal sulcus, in the right-hemispheric anterior intraparietal sulcus, within visual area V4d-topo, and inferior to area MT . Transient activation correlating specifically with alternations toward the disparity-dominated percept was found in a number of visual areas, including dorsal visual areas V3A, V7, and V4d-topo and visual areas MT and lateral occipital complex. No activation was found for alternations toward the perspective-dominated percept. Our results show that of all visual areas responsive to disparity-defined depth, V4d-topo shows the most robust signal changes correlating with the instigation of stereoscopic depth awareness (stereopsis).
Does Internal Audit Quality Improve Firm Performance? The Moderating Effect of Chief Audit Executive Gender

This study aims to investigate the association between the quality of the Internal Audit Function (IAF) and firm performance and to examine whether the gender of the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) affects this relationship. Based on a sample of 75 Tunisian-listed companies from 2015 to 2019, the authors use GLS regression methods to analyze the data. The results show that internal audit quality has a positive and significant relationship with firm performance proxied by Tobin's Q. There is also evidence that the presence of a female CAE positively moderates the relationship between internal audit quality and firm performance. This study provides useful insights to regulatory authorities concerning the role of women in the internal audit function in improving the firm's financial performance. Our study is the first to examine the moderating effect of CAE gender on the relationship between internal audit quality and firm performance in the Tunisian context.
Satellite observations of the onset and growth of severe local storms

The mesoscale nature of the forcing and evolution of these storms was investigated, with emphasis on techniques to aid in the early detection of such severe events. In the pre-storm environment (t-4 to t-2 hours), the satellite wind fields were combined with moisture parameters to derive horizontal moisture flux information. Low level moisture convergence was indicative of regions of subsequent severe storm genesis. Dynamic parameters such as boundary layer vorticity production and relative vorticity were also useful prognosticators of subsequent severe activity.
Adjustable versus non-adjustable suture techniques for concomitant horizontal strabismus: a comparative study Estudo comparativo das técnicas de sutura ajustável e não ajustável para o estrabismo comitante horizontal

Purpose: To compare the surgical results of adjustable and non-adjustable hori- zontal strabismus surgery for concomitant horizontal strabismus. Methods: The charts of 231 patients, who underwent horizontal strabismus sur gery, selected using probabilistic sampling, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical technique used and strabismus type. The adjustable suture technique was used for 107 patients (Group 1), and non-adjustable or conventional surgery was performed in the remaining 124 patients (Group 2). Patients with esotropia (ET ) or exotropia (XT ) of 5 PD, syndromes, restrictive or paretic strabismus, reoperations, botulinum toxin injection, and patients postoperatively followed up for 50% was present in all subgroups. Significant differences between strabismus groups submitted to adjustable technique and non-adjustable on postoperative day 1 were observed (p=0.00 for ET and p=0.01 for XT ) and at the last visit for the XT group with a follow-up of at least 1 year (p=0.05). Conclusion: The adjustable suture technique produced a higher success rate than non-adjustable strabismus surgery for both ET and XT groups on postoperative day 1. For XT patients, the adjustable suture technique appears to produce better surgical results than non-adjustable surgery, when the surgical goal is long-lasting maintenance of a small hypercorrection.
Fish adaptation to oxygen variations in aquaculture from hypoxia to hyperoxia.

Hypoxia refers to low dissolved oxygen (DO) in an environment while the hyperoxia occurs when DO is beyond saturation in water. This paper reviews how fish adapt to environmental hypoxia and hyperoxia, and describes fish behavioral and physiological changes under these conditions. No adverse effects and abnormal behavior are found when fish are exposed to hyperoxia (<200% saturation), though there are some changes in the acid balance of fish blood. The abilities of fish to tolerance temperature, salinity, stocking density and ammonia in different O2 conditions are discussed. Although the growth and physiological changes of fish in hypoxia have been thoroughly studied, research on how fish cope with hyperoxia is rare. In general, environmental hyperoxia is beneficial to fish growth especially at high ammonia and stocking density. However, it is necessary to further examine the implication of hyperoxia in fish culture in an attempt to improve aquaculture production efficiency. This review suggests future research be focused on the interaction between hyperoxia and other environmental factors to explore the feasibility of using hyperoxia in aquaculture.
Preliminary Study of Utilizing Polyaniline as Electrode Material for Supercapacitor Application: Juxtaposition of Electrochemical Performances

Polyaniline (PANI) were prepared via a one-step electrochemical polymerization method in 0.2 M aniline and 0.2 M dopants for supercapacitors (SCs) application. To determine the appropriate conditions and materials for SCs application, the type of substrate, scan rate, dopants, and electrolyte on PANI were varied. The PANI composite's potential to store energy was conducted and evaluated using cyclic voltammetry in a three-electrode setup. The PANI-carbon felt demonstrated the best electrochemical performance compared to other substrate namely carbon and stainless steel. It is found that utilising H2SO4 as both dopant and electrolyte results in high specific capacitance.
Causal Relationship Between Spot Price & Future Derivative Prices – Case of Crude Oil

This research aims to examine the theoretical and empirical connections between current and future crude oil prices using cutting-edge econometric methods. It surveys existing literature and theoretical frameworks, exploring theories like arbitrage, market efficiency, and risk management techniques. The study then conducts a comprehensive empirical investigation using a large dataset, including data from extreme market volatility and other significant events in the financial world. Time series econometric methods like Granger causality tests, Vector Autoregression (VAR), and impulse response functions are used to capture the causal connections between spot and future prices. The analysis uncovers insights on lead-lag dynamics, volatility spillovers, and both short- and long-term causal impacts between current and future crude oil prices. Market fundamentals, geopolitical developments, and speculative behavior are also highlighted as influencing the causal relationships studied. The findings shed light on the link between future and current crude oil prices and provide valuable insights into the factors influencing these prices. This paper examines the relationship between future and spot crude oil prices, offering valuable insights for energy policy, risk management, hedging techniques, investment allocation, and governmental interventions.
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology

Purpose: (1) To determine the specific functional characteristics of individuals with neurological impairments that may predict successful use of Keeogo dermoskeleton and (2) to quantify the specific benefit Keeogo provides to a regular user of the device. Methods: Thirteen individuals (seven males; six females; 52±4.6 years old) with mobility impairments due to neurological disease or injury were recruited. Berg Balance Sale (BBS) score and Timed Up and Go (TUG) performance were used to identify baseline characteristics in participants. The 6-min walk test (6MWT) and 25-foot walk test (25FWT) were performed with the participants wearing and not wearing the dermoskeleton; a successful user of Keeogo displayed a 5% improvement in walking performance while wearing the device. A chronic stroke survivor (hemiparesis on left side) completed the stair climb test (SCT) and the 30-second chair stand test (30CST) with and without Keeogo. Muscle activity, kinetics and postural control were analyzed during the sit-to-stand (sitTS), and compared to an ageand sexmatched healthy control. Results: Successful users of Keeogo have a moderate level of functionality (BBS: 46–51 s and/or TUG: 8–12 s). Wearing Keeogo improved performance on the 30CST, SCT and improved motor control, postural control and movement kinetics during the sitTS task in a chronic stroke survivor with significant hemiparesis. Conclusion: This is the first study providing data to help to identify which individuals with neurological impairment might benefit from using Keeogo dermoskeleton, together with new information quantifying its functional benefit to the user. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Keeogo is a user-initiated dermoskeleton that has been designed to assist individuals with mobility impairments to participate more effectively in activities of daily living (ADLs). Moderately impaired individuals have the greatest potential to benefit from using the device. Benefits of wearing the device include improvements in walking speed and endurance, performance on ADLs, motor control, kinetics, and postural control. ARTICLE HISTORY Received 17 August 2017 Revised 19 October 2017 Accepted 22 October 2017
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology

Purpose statement: The article explores assistive technology sources, services and outcomes in South Africa, Namibia, Malawi and Sudan. Methods: A survey was done in purposively selected sites of the study countries. Cluster sampling followed by random sampling served to identify 400–500 households (HHs) with members with disabilities per country. A HH questionnaire and individual questionnaire was completed. Country level analysis was limited to descriptive statistics. Results: Walking mobility aids was most commonly bought/provided (46.3%), followed by visual aids (42.6%). The most common sources for assistive technology were government health services (37.8%), “other” (29.8%), and private health services (22.9%). Out of the participants, 59.3% received full information in how to use the device. Maintenance was mostly done by users and their families (37.3%). Devices helped a lot in 73.3% of cases and improved quality of life for 67.9% of participants, while 39.1% experienced functional difficulties despite the devices. Conclusion: Although there is variation between the study settings, the main impression is that of fragmented or absent systems of provision of assistive technology. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Provision of assistive technology and services varied between countries, but the overall impression was of poor provision and fragmented services. The limited provision of assistive technology for personal care and handling products is of concern as many of these devices requires little training and ongoing support while they can make big functional differences. Rural respondents experienced more difficulties when using the device and received less information on use and maintenance of the device than their urban counterparts. A lack of government responsibility for assistive device services correlated with a lack of information and/or training of participants and maintenance of devices. ARTICLE HISTORY Received 4 August 2016 Revised 23 September 2016 Accepted 29 September 2016 Published online 4 November 2016
Trends and global prospects of the Earth’s aquatic ecosystems

The Earth's organisms have depended on water since they arose 3.5 billion years ago. In the last 10000 years, human development of stone tools, learning of food cultivation, growth of civilizations and trade, and migration among others have increasingly impinged on aquatic ecosystems. During the last century, the human population has tripled, and water use for human purposes increased six-fold. Approximately half of all available fresh water is now used to meet human ends, twice what it was 40 years ago (World Water Council [WWC] 2000), and by 2025, the withdrawal of water is projected globally to increase by at least 50% (Martinez Austria & van Hofwegen 2006).
Formulation and evaluation of valsartan solid dispersion for improvement of dissolution profile

In terms of physicochemical factors, solubility is the most crucial to medication absorption and therapeutic efficacy. Bioavailability is low because the medicine is poorly soluble in water and is absorbed poorly in aqueous GIT fluid. In this research, a solid dispersion version of the hypertension drug valsartan was developed to improve its bioavailability and blood pressure-lowering effects. The solubility of Valsartan is improved by using the solid dispersion (kneading method) technique using Soluplus as a carrier (also act as taste masking agent). They were distinguished from one another based on studies examining solubility, in vitro dissolution, dissolving efficiency, and stability. X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, and differential scanning Calorimetry were used to investigate the solid state properties of dispersions (XRD). A 1:1 medication-to-polymer solid dispersion showed 97.77% drug release after 30 minutes. FTIR, DSC, and XRD analyses of solid dispersions all corroborated their formation. A DSC study shown that under accelerated climate settings, kneaded solid dispersion remained stable for 30 days longer than other solid dispersions.
Primary Productivity in Sea Ice of the Weddell Region

Abstract : Physical and biological measurements were made of sea ice cores taken from 68 deg S to 78 deg S in the Weddell Sea. Fluorescence measurements indicated an algal community that was strongly associated with salinity maxima within the ice. Maximum concentration of chlorophyll a ranged from 0.306 to 4.65 mg/cu m. Comparisons with the water column standing crop indicated that the standing crop within the ice represents a minor but significant percentage of the total standing crop for the region. The ice algal community is apparently distinct from others that have been described for land-fast ice in McMurdo Sound, sea ice in the Arctic and pack ice off East Antarctica. The highest concentrations of biological material are found in the bottom or top of the sample in those regions whereas the Weddell Sea samples are concentrated at intermediate depths (.65 m to 2.15m) within the ice. A qualitative model indicating the relationship between thermally-induced brine migration and subsequent algae growth is presented. This model indicates the distribution of algae within the ice is dependent on the unique thermal and physical setting for Weddell Sea pack ice where brine drainage processes are initiated by spring and summer warming, but are not carried through as completely as in other regions. (Author)
Optimizing Learning Pathway in Human Capital Development Programs with BERT Transformer

This study presents a novel approach to assist learning analysts in identifying suitable learning pathways based on historical training data through the utilization of text mining techniques. The dataset utilized in this research comprises training data from the year 2021 and the Course Development Management Program (CDMP) catalogue. The BERT 'bert-base-nli-mean-tokens' model is employed for encoding purposes. By comparing the training data names from 2021 with the CDMP catalogue using cosine similarity and dot score, valuable insights are obtained. The findings indicate that cosine similarity is a more effective measure for interpreting the data, thereby simplifying the process for learning analysts and managers in identifying appropriate learning paths for their employees. This research provides a practical solution that leverages text mining techniques to optimize the analysis and decision-making processes in learning and development domains, enabling organizations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of their training programs.
Intercultural Communication Competence in Business: Communication between Japanese and Americans

This paper summarizes the results of interviews and questionnaires of 20 American business people who have experience in doing business with Japanese people and discusses how Americans with a high degree of intercultural awareness made compromises or could make compromises in order to conduct business negotiations more efficiently. While acknowledging that one’s intercultural communication competence is context-dependent and there is no panacea for resolving cultural differences, the constructive responses given by the American business people will certainly help deepen Japanese and American mutual understanding. This paper examines intercultural awareness and accommodation from a broader perspective, going beyond the previous fixed unilateral accommodation by Japanese business people. The results of these surveys offer many insights for business people who wish to do business internationally.
The bactericidal effect of green macroalgae Cladophora sp. from freshwater toward Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria

Aims: The development of new antimicrobial agents towards multidrug-resistant bacteria is one of the most significant challenges facing the healthcare system today. The continuous increase of antimicrobial resistance rates worldwide is a significant threat to public health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effect of filamentous macroalgae Cladophora sp. The sample was collected from an Algerian fountainhead of fresh water. A crude hydromethanolic extract (methanol-water) was tested against two standard Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli ATCC25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853 , and two standard Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 2921. Methodology and results: The antibacterial effect of the hydromethanolic extract of Cladophora sp. was investigated using the well diffusion method to determine the inhibitory diameters and the dilution methods to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the bactericidal inhibitory concentration (MBC). The results indicated that the hydromethanolic extract of Cladophora sp. is more effective towards Gram-positive bacteria, with a significant effect on S. aureus ATCC 25923, where an inhibitory diameter of 35 mm was recorded. For the Gram-negative, E. coli ATCC25922 was more susceptible with inhibitory diameters of 46 mm, followed by P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 with 28 mm. The MIC value of hydromethanolic extract of Cladophora sp. was 50 µg/mL for Gram-positive bacteria ( S. aureus ATCC25923 and E. faecalis ATCC29212). However, it was 100 µg/mL for Gram-negative bacteria ( E. coli ATCC25922 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853). The best bactericidal effect was observed with Gram-positive with an MBC of 100 µg/mL. The MBC for Gram-negative bacteria was 150 µg/mL. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The Cladophora sp. macroalgae represent a potential source of bioactive compounds, which could be used in the management and treatment of various microbial infections.
Prophylaxis for exit site / tunnel infections using mupirocin

Catheter exit site/tunnel infections are a major cause of S. aureus peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Hence, the prevention of exit site infection (ESI) and tunnel infection due to S. aureus is important. A number of studies have reported that the application of mupirocin ointment nasally or to the catheter exit site prophylactically, reduces S. aureus ESI and peritonitis when compared with historical controls. This guideline is limited to patients with proven nasal carriage.
POVERTY, INCOME, AND EDUCATIONAL LEVEL: A CASE STUDY IN BERA DISTRICT, PAHANG, MALAYSIA

Low levels of education and low income are often associated with communities located in rural areas. This is because rural communities have many constraints in obtaining education, employment opportunities, and earning a high income. This study aims to examine the factors that cause poverty in rural communities and investigate the socio-economic position and level of educational achievement of parents and children in rural communities in Bera District, Pahang, Malaysia. This study used a quantitative method for data collection. Questionnaires were administered to 100 respondents from the community living in the Bera district. Data obtained from respondents were analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software through the Chi-square method. The study found that almost 51 percent of respondents agreed that the factors that drive poverty in rural families are the low education of household heads and the income earned by household heads based on their education level. In addition, a total of 59 respondents agreed with the issue of low education standards affecting the low level of income; 74 respondents agreed with the lack of employment opportunities in rural areas; and 59 respondents agreed that the education of the household heads makes it difficult for the children to get a good and higher education. As a result, the emphasis and opportunities on education, income, and employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, must be increased more precisely.