Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic correlates of intention to quit smoking for good among U.S. adult menthol and non-menthol smokers: Evidence from the 2013–2014 National Adult Tobacco Survey

INTRODUCTION In the U.S. significant progress has been made to reduce cigarette use, yet menthol cigarette use is a continuing public health problem, especially among young adults and Black/African Americans. Smoking cessation is warranted to reduce smoking-related diseases and premature death. Ample evidence has demonstrated that having an intention to quit smoking is strongly associated with attaining cessation. The objective of this study was to identify and compare the sociodemographic correlates of intention to quit smoking for good between menthol and non-menthol adult smokers in the U.S. METHODS A cross-sectional secondary data analysis was conducted on the 2013– 2014 National Adult Tobacco Survey. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze individual factors and their relation to intention to quit smoking for good. The total sample was nationally representative of the U.S. population and included 10 121 adult smokers aged ≥18 years. RESULTS Among menthol smokers, non-Hispanic Blacks (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=1.31, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03–1.67) were significantly (p=0.03) more likely to have an intention to quit smoking for good compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Young adults aged 18–25 years (AOR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.58–0.85) were significantly (p=0.01) less likely to have an intention to quit compared to adults aged 50 years and older, and sexual minorities (i.e. lesbian, gay, bisexual) (AOR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.49–0.93) were significantly (p=0.03) less likely to have the intention to quit compared to heterosexuals. Among non-menthol smokers, adults aged 26–34 years (AOR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.13–1.88) and 35–49 years (AOR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.34–2.20) were significantly (p=0.01; p< 0.001, respectively) more likely to have an intention to quit smoking for good compared to those aged 50 years and older. CONCLUSIONS Study findings provide insight into the association of menthol cigarette consumption with intention to quit smoking for good, notably among Black Americans, young adults and sexual minorities. Smoking cessation efforts should consider demographics and menthol smoking status.
Structural factors of size contrast in the Ebbinghaus illusion

Size contrast was studied in the Ebbinghaus illusion with inducing circles (ICs) that were either larger or smaller than the central test circle ITC). Four ICs formed either squares or diamonds; or in a mixed-size condition four large ICs alternated with four small ICs. Figures were presented on printed cards and studied as a function of IC-TC distance, or displayed on a computer screen at various angles of orientation. A separate circle, presented left or right of an Ebbinghaus figure and varying in size, served for simultaneous comparision. A general overestimation was found for figures presented right from the comparison circle. Size contrast diminished with increasing IC-TC distance for small ICs, hut increased for large ICs. Square arrays had stronger inducing effects than diamonds with small ICs, but weaker with large ICs; the mixed-size condition resulted in a small underestimation. Furthermore, size contrast depended systematically on the angle of ICarray orientation, The Ebhinghaus illusion thus obeys structural factors in a rather peculiar way, suggesting the necessity of a compound model of size contrast.
Estimating the volcanic emission rate and atmospheric lifetime of SO 2 from space: a case study for Kīlauea volcano, Hawai`i

Abstract. We present an analysis of SO2 column densities derived from GOME-2 satellite measurements for the Kīlauea volcano (Hawai`i) for 2007–2012. During a period of enhanced degassing activity in March–November 2008, monthly mean SO2 emission rates and effective SO2 lifetimes are determined simultaneously from the observed downwind plume evolution and meteorological wind fields, without further model input. Kīlauea is particularly suited for quantitative investigations from satellite observations owing to the absence of interfering sources, the clearly defined downwind plumes caused by steady trade winds, and generally low cloud fractions. For March–November 2008, the effective SO2 lifetime is 1–2 days, and Kīlauea SO2 emission rates are 9–21 kt day−1, which is about 3 times higher than initially reported from ground-based monitoring systems.
Inactivation of the Medial-Prefrontal Cortex Impairs Interval Timing Precision, but Not Timing Accuracy or Scalar Timing in a Peak-Interval Procedure in Rats

Motor sequence learning, planning and execution of goal-directed behaviors, and decision making rely on accurate time estimation and production of durations in the seconds-to-minutes range. The pathways involved in planning and execution of goal-directed behaviors include cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuitry modulated by dopaminergic inputs. A critical feature of interval timing is its scalar property, by which the precision of timing is proportional to the timed duration. We examined the role of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in timing by evaluating the effect of its reversible inactivation on timing accuracy, timing precision and scalar timing. Rats were trained to time two durations in a peak-interval (PI) procedure. Reversible mPFC inactivation using GABA agonist muscimol resulted in decreased timing precision, with no effect on timing accuracy and scalar timing. These results are partly at odds with studies suggesting that ramping prefrontal activity is crucial to timing but closely match simulations with the Striatal Beat Frequency (SBF) model proposing that timing is coded by the coincidental activation of striatal neurons by cortical inputs. Computer simulations indicate that in SBF, gradual inactivation of cortical inputs results in a gradual decrease in timing precision with preservation of timing accuracy and scalar timing. Further studies are needed to differentiate between timing models based on coincidence detection and timing models based on ramping mPFC activity, and clarify whether mPFC is specifically involved in timing, or more generally involved in attention, working memory, or response selection/inhibition.
Double-Helix , High-Frequency Gravitational Wave Generator Utilizing Nano Piezoelectric Crystals

The Double-Helix, High-Frequency Gravitational Wave (HFGW) Generator is described that makes use of a newly developed nano/quartzdeposited-on-silicon fabrication technique. This new technique suggests that the integration of quartz with silicon may provide a route to fabricate advanced (and much smaller) piezoelectric devices. Gravitational waves or GWs can be generated by a pair of masses acted upon by equal and opposite force changes or sudden movements or “jerks”. Centrifugal force changes of orbiting neutron-star pairs produce jerks and GWs, as observed by Hulse and Taylor, and was the basis for the indirect confirmation of the existence of GWs. The laboratory HFGW generator concept is to produce the two equal and opposite jerks at two masses by microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) under the influence of a high-frequency microwave beam. The MEMS could be film-bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs). An FBAR is a rather standard oscillator found in almost every cell phone and manufactured by the billions! They involve an oscillating mass that undergoes repeated jerks (force changes as it oscillates) and would be placed in pairs on opposite ribbons of the HFGW generator’s Double Helix windings. Using the new technique a conventional FBAR could have each dimension reduced by a factor of one thousand and the approximate 50 μm piezoelectric size of conventional FBARs reduced to 5nm for an overall 10 reduction in FBAR size! The number of FBARs is proportional to the inverse cube of a dimension of an FBAR (the smaller the FBAR, the more you can pack in the apparatus). The generated HFGW flux, Wm, is proportional to the square of the number of FBARs due to the focusing effect of a string of HFGW sources called “Superradiance” and can be relatively large. The best fabrication means for such a generator would be 3D printing of the nano-quartz-crystal FBARs and associated circuits. Estimates of the improvement in Double-Helix flux generation using the new technique are discussed as is its application to global HFGW
Unsteady sheet fragmentation: droplet sizes and speeds

Understanding what shapes the drop size distributions produced from fluid fragmentation is important for a range of industrial, natural and health processes. Gilet & Bourouiba (J. R. Soc. Interface, vol. 12, 2015, 20141092) showed that both the size and speed of fragmented droplets are critical to transmission of pathogens in the agricultural context. In this paper, we study both the size and speed distributions of droplets ejected during a canonical unsteady sheet fragmentation from drop impact on a target of comparable size to that of the drop. Upon impact, the drop transforms into a sheet which expands in the air bounded by a rim on which ligaments grow, continuously shedding droplets. We developed high-precision tracking algorithms that capture all ejected droplets, measuring their size and speed, as well as the detachment time from, and link to, their ligament of origin. Both size and speed distributions of all ejected droplets are skewed. We show that the polydispersity and skewness of the distributions are inherently due to the unsteadiness of the sheet expansion. We show that each ligament sheds a single drop at a time throughout the entire sheet expansion by a mechanism of end-pinching. The droplet-to-ligament size ratio $R\approx 1.5$ remains constant throughout the unsteady fragmentation, and is robust to change in impact Weber number. We also show that the population mean speed of the fragmented droplets at a given time is equal to the population mean speed of ligaments one necking time prior to detachment time.
Spinal Control of Locomotion: Individual Neurons, Their Circuits and Functions

Systematic research on the physiological and anatomical characteristics of spinal cord interneurons along with their functional output has evolved for more than one century. Despite significant progress in our understanding of these networks and their role in generating and modulating movement, it has remained a challenge to elucidate the properties of the locomotor rhythm across species. Neurophysiological experimental evidence indicates similarities in the function of interneurons mediating afferent information regarding muscle stretch and loading, being affected by motor axon collaterals and those mediating presynaptic inhibition in animals and humans when their function is assessed at rest. However, significantly different muscle activation profiles are observed during locomotion across species. This difference may potentially be driven by a modified distribution of muscle afferents at multiple segmental levels in humans, resulting in an altered interaction between different classes of spinal interneurons. Further, different classes of spinal interneurons are likely activated or silent to some extent simultaneously in all species. Regardless of these limitations, continuous efforts on the function of spinal interneuronal circuits during mammalian locomotion will assist in delineating the neural mechanisms underlying locomotor control, and help develop novel targeted rehabilitation strategies in cases of impaired bipedal gait in humans. These rehabilitation strategies will include activity-based therapies and targeted neuromodulation of spinal interneuronal circuits via repetitive stimulation delivered to the brain and/or spinal cord.
Potentially Bioavailable Iron Delivery by Iceberg-hosted Sediments and Atmospheric Dust to the Polar Oceans

Abstract. Iceberg-hosted sediments and atmospheric dust transport potentially bioavailable iron to the Arctic and Southern oceans as ferrihydrite. Ferrihydrite is nanoparticulate and more soluble, as well as potentially more bioavailable, than other iron (oxyhydr)oxide minerals (lepidocrocite, goethite, and hematite). A suite of more than 50 iceberg-hosted sediments contain a mean content of 0.076 wt % Fe as ferrihydrite, which produces iceberg-hosted Fe fluxes ranging from 0.7 to 5.5 and 3.2 to 25 Gmoles yr−1 to the Arctic and Southern oceans respectively. Atmospheric dust (with little or no combustion products) contains a mean ferrihydrite Fe content of 0.038 wt % (corresponding to a fractional solubility of ∼ 1 %) and delivers much smaller Fe fluxes (0.02–0.07 Gmoles yr−1 to the Arctic Ocean and 0.0–0.02 Gmoles yr−1 to the Southern Ocean). New dust flux data show that most atmospheric dust is delivered to sea ice where exposure to melting/re-freezing cycles may enhance fractional solubility, and thus fluxes, by a factor of approximately 2.5. Improved estimates for these particulate sources require additional data for the iceberg losses during fjord transit, the sediment content of icebergs, and samples of atmospheric dust delivered to the polar regions.
What Is Resilience and How Can It Be Nurtured? A Systematic Review of Empirical Literature on Organizational Resilience

Background: Recent health system shocks such as the Ebola outbreak of 2014–2016 and the global financial crisis of 2008 have generated global health interest in the concept of resilience. The concept is however not new, and has been applied to other sectors for a longer period of time. We conducted a review of empirical literature from both the health and other sectors to synthesize evidence on organizational resilience. Methods: We systematically searched for literature in PubMed, Econlit, EBSCOHOST databases, google, and Google Scholar and manually searched the reference lists of selected papers. We identified 34 papers that met our inclusion criteria. We analysed data from the selected papers by thematic review. Results: Resilience was generally taken to mean a system’s ability to continue to meet its objectives in the face of challenges. The concepts of resilience that were used in the selected papers emphasized not just a system’s capacity to withstand shocks, but also to adapt and transform. The resilience of organizations was influenced by the following factors: Material resources, preparedness and planning, information management, collateral pathways and redundancy, governance processes, leadership practices, organizational culture, human capital, social networks and collaboration. Conclusion: A common theme across the selected papers is the recognition of resilience as an emergent property of complex adaptive systems. Resilience is both a function of planning for and preparing for future crisis (planned resilience), and adapting to chronic stresses and acute shocks (adaptive resilience). Beyond resilience to acute shocks, the resilience of health systems to routine and chronic stress (everyday resilience) is also key. Health system software is as, if not more important, as its hardware in nurturing health system resilience.
Very short-lived bromomethanes measured by the CARIBIC observatory over the North Atlantic, Africa and Southeast Asia during 2009–2013

Short-lived organic brominated compounds make up a significant part of the organic bromine budget in the atmosphere. Emissions of these compounds are highly vari- able and there are limited measurements, particularly in the extra-tropical upper troposphere/lower stratosphere and trop- ical troposphere. Measurements of five very short-lived bro- momethanes (VSLB) were made in air samples collected on the CARIBIC project aircraft over three flight routes; Ger- many to Venezuela/Columbia during 2009-2011, Germany to South Africa during 2010 and 2011 and Germany to Thai- land/Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during 2012 and 2013. In the tropical troposphere, as the most important en- trance region to the stratosphere, we observe a total mean organic bromine derived from these compounds across all flights at 10-12 km altitude of 3.4 ± 1.5 ppt. Individual mean tropical tropospheric mixing ratios across all flights were 0.43, 0.74, 0.14, 0.23 and 0.11 ppt for CHBr3, CH2Br2, CHBr2Cl, CHBrCl2 and CH2BrCl respectively. The highest levels of VSLB-derived bromine (4.20± 0.56 ppt) were ob- served in flights between Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur indi- cating that the South China Sea is an important source region for these compounds. Across all routes, CHBr3 and CH2Br2 accounted for 34 % (4.7-71) and 48 % (14-73) respectively of total bromine derived from the analysed VSLB in the trop- ical mid-upper troposphere totalling 82 % (54-89). In samples collected between Germany and Venezuela/Columbia, we find decreasing mean mixing ratios with increasing potential temperature in the extra- tropics. Tropical mean mixing ratios are higher than extra-tropical values between 340-350 K indicating that rapid uplift is important in determining mixing ratios in the lower tropical tropopause layer in the West Atlantic tropics. O3 was used as a tracer for stratospherically influenced air and we detect rapidly decreasing mixing ratios for all VSLB above 100 ppb O3 corresponding to the extra- tropical tropopause layer.
Strengthening the Capacity of Education Staff to Support the Wellbeing of Indigenous Students in Boarding Schools: A Participatory Action Research Study

In meeting the social and emotional learning (SEL) needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, the capacities of school staff are critical. There is very limited evidence for relevant capacity development initiatives. This evaluation reports a multicomponent SEL training intervention delivered to staff of an Australian education service that operates independently of any particular school to assist with the transitions of students from remote communities to boarding schools. A participatory action research (PAR) approach was implemented over 13-months with 21 staff participants. Results from a pre-, mid- and six months post-training survey and staff interviews were analysed and fed back through reflective group discussions. The training was associated with improved staff attitudes to mental health and skills to support student wellbeing. Sixteen participants received a tertiary qualification. Despite ‘working in challenging environments’, staff were ‘dedicated to help’ students, and ‘acknowledged the need for change’ to better support student wellbeing. However, given the service's brokering role between families and schools, fewer staff members reported feeling empowered to influence issues in their workplace. The evaluation demonstrated the value of SEL training for education staff and potential utility for school teachers and boarding staff who have direct duty of care for Indigenous students. The multicomponent training described in this study would need to be condensed for school settings.
Promoting Researchers and Policy-Makers Collaboration in Evidence-Informed Policy-Making in Nigeria: Outcome of a Two-Way Secondment Model between University and Health Ministry

Background: There is need to strengthen institutions and mechanisms that can more systematically promote interactions between researchers, policy-makers and other stakeholders who can influence the uptake of research findings. In this article, we report the outcome of a two-way secondment model between Ebonyi State University (EBSU) and Ebonyi State Ministry of Health (ESMoH) in Nigeria as an innovative collaborative strategy to promote capacity enhancement for evidence-to-policy-to-action. Methods: This study was an exploratory design with a quantitative cross-sectional survey technique. A secondment memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between heads of EBSU and ESMoH. The secondment program lasted six months with ten researchers and ten policy-makers spending up to two days per week in each other’s organization. The secondee researchers got engaged in policy-making and implementation activities in ESMoH, while the policy-maker secondees got involved in research activities in EBSU. Secondees evidence-to-policy capacity enhancement meetings were held and questionnaires designed in 5-point Likert scale were used to assess their impact. Results: The secondee policy-makers and researchers admitted having considerable knowledge of secondment with mean ratings (MNRs) of 3.40 and 3.74 respectively on the 5 points scale. Secondment appeared to be more common in the policy-makers’ organization (MNRs: 2.80-3.07) than in the researchers’ institution (MNRs: 2.58-2.84). The secondee policy-makers participated in some academic and research activities including serving in research ethics committee in EBSU and provided policy-making perspective to the activities. The secondee researchers supported the policymaking process in ESMoH through policy advisory roles, and provided capacity enhancement for staff of the ministry on the use of research evidence in policy-making. There was a noteworthy increase on knowledge of policy analysis and contextualization among the secondees ranging from 20.7% to 50.4% and 31.3% to 42.8% respectively following a training session. A Society for Health Policy Research and Knowledge Translation was established by mutual agreement of secondees as a platform to permanently institutionalize the collaboration. Conclusion: The outcome of this study clearly suggests that secondment has great potential in promoting evidence informed policy-making and merits further consideration.
Observation and modelling of HOx radicals in a boreal forest

Abstract. Measurements of OH and HO2 radicals were conducted in a pine-dominated forest in southern Finland during the HUMPPA-COPEC-2010 (Hyytiala United Measurements of Photochemistry and Particles in Air – Comprehensive Organic Precursor Emission and Concentration study) field campaign in summer 2010. Simultaneous side-by-side measurements of hydroxyl radicals were conducted with two instruments using chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), indicating small systematic disagreement, OHLIF / OHCIMS = (1.31 ± 0.14). Subsequently, the LIF instrument was moved to the top of a 20 m tower, just above the canopy, to investigate the radical chemistry at the ecosystem–atmosphere interface. Comprehensive measurements including observations of many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the total OH reactivity were conducted and analysed using steady-state calculations as well as an observationally constrained box model. Production rates of OH calculated from measured OH precursors are consistent with those derived from the steady-state assumption and measured total OH loss under conditions of moderate OH reactivity. The primary photolytic sources of OH contribute up to one-third to the total OH production. OH recycling, which occurs mainly by HO2 reacting with NO and O3, dominates the total hydroxyl radical production in this boreal forest. Box model simulations agree with measurements for hydroxyl radicals (OHmod. / OHobs. = 1.00 ± 0.16), while HO2 mixing ratios are significantly under-predicted (HO2mod. / HO2obs. = 0.3 ± 0.2), and simulated OH reactivity does not match the observed OH reactivity. The simultaneous under-prediction of HO2 and OH reactivity in periods in which OH concentrations were simulated realistically suggests that the missing OH reactivity is an unaccounted-for source of HO2. Detailed analysis of the HOx production, loss, and recycling pathways suggests that in periods of high total OH reactivity there are additional recycling processes forming OH directly, not via reaction of HO2 with NO or O3, or unaccounted-for primary HOx sources. Under conditions of moderate observed OH reactivity and high actinic flux, an additional RO2 source of approximately 1 × 106 molec cm−3 s−1 would be required to close the radical budget. Nevertheless, a major fraction of the OH recycling occurs via the reaction of HO2 with NO and O3 in this terpene-dominated environment.