Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Online Training of Salespeople: Impact, Heterogeneity, and Spillover Effects

The authors use data from a field study concerning an online salesperson training program to investigate (1) the overall impact of program participation on sales performance for two kinds of products, “Focus” and “Other” (the direct impact); (2) heterogeneity in the impact of program participation across salespeople; and (3) spillover effect of program participation by others in the vicinity on salesperson performance (the indirect impact). The program contains short-duration training modules accessed via an online platform. Salespeople choose whether to take any module, how many modules to take, and when to take them. Results show that although training improved sales performance, the average impact of training on Other product sales was immediate, significant, and positive, and that on Focus product sales was delayed. Further, the impact of training diminishes over time. The authors find significant heterogeneity in the impact of training across salespeople and regions. Finally, the results show a mixed spillover effect of training by peers. There is a positive spillover effect on sales of the focal salesperson with an increase in the total number of trainings taken by peer salespeople, and a negative or no spillover effect with an increase in the number of peer salespeople taking training.
Bridging the Gap in Teacher Education Curriculum in Promoting Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of Undergraduate Students of Kwame Nkrumah University, Kabwe-Zambia

: The purpose of this study was to investigate how teacher education curriculum of undergraduate students of tertiary education institutions promotes entrepreneurship. The study was guided by the following specific objective to examine the extent to which entrepreneurship education is being practiced at Kwame Nkrumah University, to discover how the teacher education curriculum being used at Kwame Nkrumah University is being used to promote entrepreneurship culture. This case study was anchored on pragmatism as its research paradigm; it used a mixed method approach and employed the concurrent triangulation design. The study used simple random sampling on students, random sampling for Lecturers and purposive sampling for Administrator. Data collection instruments were questionnaires and interview guides and analysed data was eventually presented if form of frequency tables, bar graphs and pie charts. The study’s findings are that majority of students of Kwame Nkrumah University are aware of the importance of mentorship in entrepreneurship and are willing to acquire entrepreneurial skills, only a minority of students who belong to the category of business studies formally have access to the said mentorship and that this mentorship is merely theoretical. The study also established that the curriculum in application for training of students is as a matter of fact not inclusive in the provision of mentorship in entrepreneurship and that there is a missing link between the secondary and the tertiary education in the provision of the aforementioned mentorship. In view of building the gap in promoting in entrepreneurship at the university and in other similar institutions of tertiary education, the study has recommended curriculum revision .
Seasonal Influence of the Atmosphere and Ocean on the Fall Sea Ice Extent in the Barents‐Kara Seas

The fall sea ice in the Barents and Kara (B‐K) Seas has shown important influence on the northern extratropical climate in the following winter. Utilizing the reanalysis and observational data, we investigate the role of the atmosphere and ocean in shaping the fall B‐K sea ice extent with 1–12 months lead time. In the ocean, the warm sea surface temperature in the B‐K open water from the previous winter to early fall is the most important and persistent contributor to sea ice melt. In the atmosphere, the relatively warm air and dynamic weather systems over the B‐K Seas have potential to directly drive the sea ice variability at the lead time of 1–2 months. Furthermore, significant signals are found as early as the previous winter, although they might become weak during the melting season. Empirical models are constructed with different optimal predictors selected based on these physical mechanisms. These models produce skillful predictions of the fall B‐K sea ice extent on seasonal and monthly scales. These results can enhance the understanding of the fall sea ice variability and provide helpful information for making stakeholder‐relevant decisions.
Extending differences-in-differences frameworks to Granger equations: evidence from cutback management during three recessions

PurposeThe authors show how to extend difference-in-differences (DiD) frameworks to Granger (1969) equations, a technique that tests for the parallel trends assumption and measures changes in effect sizes over time. To illustrate how these equations work, they apply them to state cutback management decisions in three recessions.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies quantitative methods. The authors estimate DiD frameworks as Granger (1969) equations.FindingsAfter empirically analyzing recessions that started in 1990, 2001 and 2007, the authors find that states deepen expenditure cuts when economic declines lengthen and tend to make large cuts to specific expenditure categories instead of spreading cuts equally over all service areas.Originality/valueThe authors offer two contributions of methodological value. First, they introduce the estimation of Granger equations to the study of topics in public administration. Second, they show how this technique helps to evaluate the impact of economic declines on state spending. By instituting these contributions, they offer a unique way of analyzing cutback management decisions.
‘Stay Safe-Feel Positive’ on the frontline: An online positive psychology intervention for police officers during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The current study investigated the effectiveness of an online Positive Psychology group intervention for police officers intending to mitigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to enhance their personal strengths and resilience. Participants were 95 Greek police officers, assigned to the intervention (n = 49) and the control (n = 45) group. All participants completed an online questionnaire at four time-points. The results indicated a significant increase in the intervention group’s empathy, resilience, and positive emotions, as well as a significant decrease in fear of the coronavirus, negative emotions, loneliness, depressive symptoms and anxiety emotions compared to the control group. Changes remained significant in the long-term. The intervention assisted police officers in developing their personal strengths in a difficult period, indicating that personal growth can be triggered even in adverse situations.
The Psychological Effect of a Math Signal

This paper tests whether barely obtaining a pass score in at least one of two midterm tests has an effect on subsequent achievement in a Math course. To estimate the effect, we created a novel dataset by linking administrative and survey data on students at a medium size Spanish University and used a regression discontinuity design in which the cutoff is 5, i.e. the pass score in the national grading system. Although obtaining a score just equal to or barely greater than 5 in midterm tests has no immediate consequence for students, it may have a psychological effect by acting as a (de)motivating signal to study and pass the course, with the sign of the effect being unclear ex-ante. We find that obtaining a pass score in at least one midterm has a positive effect on the final exam score. The result seems to be explained by students' study strategy, i.e. the ability to obtain a value in the final exam score that when averaged along with the midterm tests scores leads to an overall passing score in the course. Overall, our results suggest that partly unexplored psychological mechanisms may help us deepen our understanding of the determinants of achievement in higher education.
Immunomodulatory effects of selenium‐enriched peptides from soybean in cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressed mice

Abstract In this study, selenium‐enriched soybean peptides (<3 kDa, named Se‐SPep) was isolated and purified from the selenium‐enriched soybean protein (Se‐SPro) hydrolysate by ultrafiltration. The in‐vivo immunomodulatory effects of Se‐SPep were investigated in cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressed mice. Se‐SPep treatment could alleviate the atrophy of immune organs and weight loss observed in immunosuppressive mice. Besides, Se‐SPep administration could dramatically improve total protein, albumin, white blood cell, immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG, and IgA levels in blood. Moreover, Se‐SPep strongly stimulated interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), nitric oxide (NO), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate productions by up‐regulating mRNA expressions of IL‐2, IFN‐γ, and inducible NO synthase in spleen tissue. Furthermore, Se‐SPep exhibits more effective immunomodulatory activity compared to Se‐SPro and SPep. In conclusion, Se‐SPep could effectively enhance the immune capacity of immunosuppressive mice. These findings confirm Se‐SPep is an effective immunomodulator with potential application in functional foods or dietary supplements.
Ethno Medicinal Plants Used for Wound Healing Properties in Tinsukia District, Assam: A Comprehensive Review

Wound healing is a vital physiological process that helps to retain the integrity of the skin after it has been damaged, whether by accident or by a deliberate operation. In Tinsukia district, Assam, tribal people and folklore traditions employ a wide variety of plants/plant extracts/decoctions or pastes to cure wounds. This study is designed to explore the ethnomedicinal plants used for the wound healing properties by the people of Tinsukia district, Assam. The Documentation of potential ethnobotanical information of traditionally used medicinal plant with wound healing activity will facilitates the scientific evaluation to look forward into a leading scientific prospect for the development of new herbal therapy for wound healing.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee Green Behavior in the Hospitality Industry: A Cross-Country Study

This study empirically investigates the role of employees’ perceptions of CSR in improving their green behavior in the hospitality industry. In addition, this study investigates the mediating role of employee well-being and the moderating role of hotels’ environmental strategy in this relationship. Empirical analysis is performed in a cross-country setting using evidence from Pakistan and Italy. The study model is tested through PLS-SEM using survey data of 485 hotel employees. Findings from the overall sample and country-specific samples reveal that CSR is positively and significantly related to employee green behavior. Moreover, employee well-being serves as a significant mediator in the relationship between corporate social responsibility and employee green behavior, while hotels’ environmental strategy significantly moderates this relationship in the overall and country-specific samples. These results suggest that paradoxically, though the selected countries have different tourism implementation levels, economic development, and cultures, the employees’ perceptions of CSR and its effect on their green behavior do not vary significantly across both countries.
Eventos de precipitación intensa en Paraguay: aspectos climáticos y estudio de casos

El conocimiento del comportamiento de la precipitación y las causas que desencadenan eventos de lluvias intensas es de extrema necesidad para permitir medidas ambientales apropiadas para mitigar las consecuencias negativas a la sociedad. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar climatológicamente la precipitación intensa diaria en Paraguay y las características sinópticas que influencian los eventos intensos en las localidades de Villarica (23/07/2014) y Capitán Meza (26/01/2002). Aquí, el análisis climático se realizó mediante la distribución de los eventos superiores al percentil 99 (denominados eventos de precipitación intensa) para la serie histórica entre 1999 a 2019 y para los sistemas sinópticos se realizó mediante análisis de campos meteorológicos utilizando datos de reanálisis del ERA5 e imágenes satelitales. En relación al comportamiento estacional de la precipitación, los eventos intensos se presentan más homogéneos durante todo el año en la región Oriental y en mayor número, en discrepancia con la región Occidental que se presentan más en verano y en primavera. Para los eventos sinópticos, se observó sistemas convectivos, manifestándose por medio de forzantes térmicas de bajos niveles, influenciado por el Jet de bajos niveles y por las forzantes dinámicas con la presencia de una vaguada de gran amplitud en altos niveles, siendo más visible para el caso de invierno.
On the Practical Evaluation of the Switching Loss in the Secondary Side Rectifiers of LLC Converters

The switching loss of the secondary side rectifiers in LLC resonant converters can have a noticeable impact on the overall efficiency of the complete power supply and constrain the upper limit of the optimum switching frequencies of the converter. Two are the main contributions to the switching loss in the secondary side rectifiers: on the one hand, the reverse recovery loss (Qrr), most noticeably while operating above the series resonant frequency; and on the other hand, the output capacitance (Coss) hysteresis loss, not previously reported elsewhere, but present in all the operating modes of the converter (under and above the series resonant frequency). In this paper, a new technique is proposed for the measurement of the switching losses in the rectifiers of the LLC and other isolated converters. Moreover, two new circuits are introduced for the isolation and measurement of the Coss hysteresis loss, which can be applied to both high-voltage and low-voltage semiconductor devices. Finally, the analysis is experimentally demonstrated, characterizing the switching loss of the rectifiers in a 3 kW LLC converter (410 V input to 50 V output). Furthermore, the Coss hysteresis loss of several high-voltage and low-voltage devices is experimentally verified in the newly proposed measurement circuits.
Graphene-Enhanced Battery Components in Rechargeable Lithium-Ion and Lithium Metal Batteries

Stepping into the 21st century, “graphene fever” swept the world due to the discovery of graphene, made of single-layer carbon atoms with a hexagonal lattice. This wonder material displays impressive material properties, such as its electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength, and it also possesses unique optical and magnetic properties. Many researchers see graphene as a game changer for boosting the performance of various applications. Emerging consumer electronics and electric vehicle technologies require advanced battery systems to enhance their portability and driving range, respectively. Therefore, graphene seems to be a great candidate material for application in high-energy-density/high-power-density batteries. The “graphene battery”, combining two Nobel Prize-winning concepts, is also frequently mentioned in the news and articles all over the world. This review paper introduces how graphene can be adopted in Li-ion/Li metal battery components, the designs of graphene-enhanced battery materials, and the role of graphene in different battery applications.
Real‐time monitoring and diagnosis of photovoltaic system degradation only using maximum power point—the Suns‐Vmp method

The uncertainties associated with technology‐specific and geography‐specific degradation rates make it difficult to calculate the levelized cost of energy, and thus the economic viability of solar energy. In this regard, millions of fielded photovoltaic modules may serve as a global testbed, where we can interpret the routinely collected time series maximum power point (MPP) data to assess the time‐dependent “health” of solar modules. The existing characterization methods, however, cannot effectively mine/decode these datasets to identify various degradation pathways. In this paper, we propose a new methodology called the Suns‐Vmp method, which offers a simple yet powerful approach to monitoring and diagnosing time‐dependent degradation of solar modules by using the MPP data. The algorithm reconstructs “IV” curves by using the natural illumination‐dependent and temperature‐dependent daily MPP characteristics as constraints to fit physics‐based circuit models. These synthetic IV characteristics are then used to determine the time‐dependent evolution of circuit parameters (eg, series resistance), which in turn allows one to deduce the dominant degradation modes (eg, solder bond failure) of solar modules. The proposed method has been applied to a test facility at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Our analysis indicates that the solar modules degraded at a rate of ~0.7%/year because of discoloration and weakened solder bonds. These conclusions are validated by independent outdoor IV measurements and on‐site imaging characterization. Integrated with physics‐based degradation models or machine learning algorithms, the method can also serve to predict the lifetime of photovoltaic systems.
Sustainable competitive advantage strategy in hospital industry to response policy change in Indonesia: A narrative review

In response to policy changes, the hospital as an organization is expected to establish a strategy to stay afloat in business competition. However, the health industry, especially hospitals, has certain determinants that are different from other industries. This article is a literature review that focuses on business strategy management, namely sustainable competitive advantage in the hospital industry. This review is aimed at managers nowadays in building and maintaining their hospital positions. In conclusion, changes in strategy can be made specifically according to the type of hospital and positioning results.
Sensitivity Assessment of Chemotherapeutic Agents for Ovarian Tumors Based on Test in Vitro Culture: A Blind Study

Background: Ovarian cancer is common malignant tumors but the survival rate has not been improved well for a long time. One of the important reasons is that the current clinical guidelines for treatment still do not solve the problem of patient heterogeneity and drug resistance, which are exactly the key factors affecting the efficacy of chemotherapy. In addition, there are limited research data that can help accurately identify patients' preferred drugs and combination regimen, which fails to meet the needs of individualized treatment. Methods：The objective was used the Hydrogel Embedded Histoculture Drug Sensitivity Test (HDST), to verified its accuracy in predicting the response to chemotherapy in ovarian tumors and evaluate the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs. Tissue samples of 82 ovarian tumor patients were tested for HDST drug sensitivity and follow-up who were included in randomized study. The consistency of drug sensitivity results and clinical outcomes were analyzed through preliminary study to determine the feasibility of this technology, and then a comprehensive blind study was conducted to evaluate Drug sensitivity.Result: HDST in determining the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs were consistent with the actual clinical efficacy of patients (Kappa=0.535), and the sensitivity, specificity, AUC were 82.14%, 100.00%, 0.911. Single-drug resistance rates of TXL, DOC, CDDP, CBP, Lobaplatin, and VP-16 were 21.95%, 74.39%, 62.20% , 52.44%, 39.02%, 60.98%, respectively. Highest Secondary drug resistance rate of CBP was 44.44%, followed by CDDP and VP-16 (22.22%). TXL’s IR was significantly higher than DOC wherever the location, and Loplatin’s was higher than CDDP (P<0.05). TXL’s IR was higher than VP-16 in primary foci, but VP-16’s was not only higher than DOC, but also CDDP, and similar to the CBP and Lobaplatin in abdominal metastases(P<0.05). Conclusion: HDST can effectively predict the response to existing chemotherapy regimens as new tool to screen individualized treatment for patients. Paclitaxel combined with Lobaplatin regimen may have more advantages in chemotherapy and Etoposide should not be ignored in ovarian tumors.
Structure of the Pacific Walker Circulation Depicted by the Reanalysis and CMIP6

The Pacific Walker circulation (PWC) is one of the most important components of large-scale tropical atmospheric circulations. The PWC and its influences have been studied extensively by numerical models and reanalysis. The newly released ERA5 and NCEP2 are the most widely used reanalysis datasets and serve as benchmarks for evaluation of model simulations. If the results of these datasets differ significantly, this could lead to a bias in projected long-term climate knowledge. For better understanding of future climate change, it is necessary to evaluate PWC reanalysis productions. As a result, we compared the PWC structures between the ERA5 and NCEP2 datasets from month to seasonal time scales. We used the zonal mass streamfunction (ZMS) over the equatorial Pacific to indicate the strength of the PWC. The PWC’s average monthly or seasonal cycle peaks around July. From February to June, the NCEP2 shows a higher PWC intensity, whereas the ERA5 shows greater intensity from July to December. The circulation center in the NCEP2 is generally stronger and wider than in the ERA5. The ERA5, however, revealed that the PWC’s west edge (zero line of ZMS over the western Pacific) had moved 10 degrees westward in comparison to the NCEP2. In addition, we compared the PWC mean state in the reanalysis and CMIP6 models; the mean state vertical structures of the tropical PWC in the CMIP6 multi-model ensemble (MME) are similar to those of the reanalyses in structure but weaker and wider than in the two reanalysis datasets. The PWC is broader in CMIP6, and the western boundary is 7 and 17 degrees farther west than in the ERA5 and NCEP2, respectively. This study suggests that, when using reanalysis datasets to evaluate PWC structural changes in intensity and western edge, extreme caution should be exercised.
Ocorrência de Bruquíneos (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) em Sementes de Emmotum nitens (Benth.) Miers

Emmotum nitens (Benth.) Miers, conhecida popularmente como Sobre, Carvalho-do-Cerrado, Salgueiro, entre outros, pertence à família Icacinaceae, está amplamente dispersa pelos Cerrados do Brasil, sendo uma das espécies de maior importância. Os coleópteros da subfamília Bruchidae (Chrysomelidae) são importantes predadores de sementes, principalmente de leguminosas, sendo que suas larvas se alimentam exclusivamente de sementes, atacando principalmente o embrião. O objetivo neste trabalho foi elucidar a oviposição, desenvolvimento e ciclo completo de coleópteros da subfamília Bruchidae em frutos e sementes de E. nitens. Foi observada uma porcentagem de 47% de frutos com a presença de oviposição na face externa (exocarpo) e 21,4% de sementes predadas por estes bruquíneos. Após o seu ciclo completo, os coleópteros adultos emergem pelo orifício presente na parede do mesocarpo. O tempo de seu ciclo e seus instares levam em torno de seis meses.