Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The association between food insecurity and social capital under the lockdowns in COVID-hit Shanghai

As an emergency, food insecurity threatens people’s well-being, while social capital is expected to enhance their resilience in this situation. This study examined the relationship between food insecurity and social capital during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Shanghai. We collected a dataset of 1064 participants by random sampling. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the dynamics of social capital before and after lockdowns. The results show that the level of post-lockdown social capital was higher than that of pre-lockdown social capital. Pre-lockdown social capital predicted the extent to which people suffered from food insecurity and their approaches to obtaining food. Participation in group purchases and food exchange with other residents predicted the levels of post-lockdown social capital. The results shed light on the interaction between emergencies and social capital. Our study theoretically contributes to understanding social capital through a dynamic perspective.
Behçet’s Disease Uveitis

Uveitis in Behçet’s disease (BD) is frequent (40% of cases) and is a major cause of morbidity. The age of onset of uveitis is between 20 and 30 years. Ocular involvement includes anterior, posterior, or panuveitis. Uveitis may be the first sign of the disease in 20% of cases or it may appear 2 or 3 years after the first symptoms. Panuveitis is the most common presentation and is more commonly found in men. Bilateralization usually occurs on average 2 years after the first symptoms. The estimated risk of blindness at 5 years is 10–15%. BD uveitis has several ophthalmological features that distinguish it from other uveitis. The main goals in the management of patients are the rapid resolution of intraocular inflammation, the prevention of recurrent attacks, the achievement of complete remission, and the preservation of vision. Biologic therapies have changed the management of intraocular inflammation. The aim of this review is to provide an update to a previous article by our team on pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, and the therapeutic strategy of BD uveitis.
Gamma Ray Fields in the Air Due to Sources in the Ground

Air kerma per unit source density at 12 heights up to 300 m above the ground was calculated using a Monte Carlo method for monoenergetic plane sources in and on the ground and for natural radionuclides uniformly distributed in the ground. In the case of plane sources, calculations were performed for 18 photon energies from 10 keV to 5 MeV and for 22 source depths expressed in mass per unit area ranging from 0 to 200 g.cm −2 . For natural nuclides, the whole lines compiled in a recent nuclear data file were taken into account. Double differential photon fluences in air with respect to energy and incident angle were also calculated for all cases, and the general features were discussed. The influence of soil composition upon air kerma was investigated for two different kinds of soil
Effect of pea hull flour incorporation and salt replacement on quality characteristics of functional restructured chicken meat rolls

The present study was conducted to develop low sodium, high dietary fibre functional restructured chicken meat rolls (FRCMR). Pea hull flour (PHF) at three different levels viz., 7.5, 10 and 12.5% (1:1 hydration, w/w) was incorporated by replacing the lean meat in prestandardized restructured chicken meat rolls (RCMR) formulation and observed their effect on quality characteristics and textural properties of treatment products. Both control and functional chicken meat rolls (FRCMR) were analyzed for physico-chemical properties such as cooking yield, pH, moisture, protein, fat, ash and shear force value, and also sensory attributes. Common salt replacement along with incorporation of pea hull flour caused significant (P<0.05) decrease in cooking yield, pH, moisture, protein, fat, ash, shear force and hardness value. Mean sensory scores for general appearance, flavour, binding, texture, saltiness and over all acceptability showed declining trend with increase in level of pea hull flour but Juiciness scores increased with increase in level of pea hull flour. FRCMR with 7.5% level of pea hull flour also had comparable adhesiveness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness values to control restructured chicken meat rolls(RCMR), but significantly(P<0.05) lower value for hardness as compared to control. On the basis of physico-chemical, sensory and textural attributes, the optimum incorporation level of pea hull flour for preparation of FRCMR was adjudged as 7.5%.
Effectiveness of a Smoking Cessation Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic has caused major obstacles for effective smoking cessation programs by significantly limiting access to healthcare. This cross-sectional analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of a self-developed smoking cessation program during the pandemic. The program was based on remote lectures, educational interventions, and hybrid services provided by an outpatient clinic. We assessed 337 participants enrolled to the program between January 2019 and February 2022. Data on demographic characteristics, medical history, and smoking status at baseline and after at least 1-year follow-up were collected from medical records and a standardized self-developed questionnaire. Participants were classified into two groups according to their current smoking status. The smoking cessation rate at 1 year was 37% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31–42%). Major predictors of smoking cessation were the place of residence, ability to refrain from smoking during severe illness, and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The proportion of participants with high levels of nicotine dependence at baseline was 40.8% (95% CI: 34.5–47.5%) vs. 29.1% (95% CI: 23.4–35.5%) after the program. In the group that did not quit smoking, there were more participants who smoked within 5 min after waking up than before the program (40.4% [95% CI: 34.0–47.1%] vs. 25.4% [95% CI: 19.9–31.6%]). Effective smoking cessation interventions can be performed using remote counseling and education.
Effect of extracellular vesicles derived from hypoxia-preconditioned human mesenchymal stem cells on osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis in vitro

Objectives: mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are characterized by their anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive activity, and their ability to differentiate. This makes them an interesting therapeutic tool in cell therapy and regenerative medicine. In part, the therapeutic effect of MSC is mediated by the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EV). The preconditioning of MSC in hypoxia can enhance the regenerative capacity of the secreted EV. In this context, the aim of the study was to evaluate whether EV derived from human MSC cultured in normoxic and hypoxic conditions affect the osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis of MSC. Material and methods: EV were isolated from MSC maintained for 48 hours in normoxic or hypoxic conditions (3 % O 2 ) using ultrafiltration and size exclusion chromatography. The EV were characterized by Western blot, electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. In MSC cultures, the effect of the EV on viability was evaluated using an MTT assay, migration was assessed with the Oris assay while differentiation into osteoblasts and adipocytes was also studied. Results: the EV increased viability and migration, but no differences were seen between those derived from normoxic and hypoxic culture conditions. The EV, mainly those derived from hypoxia, increased both mineralization, and the expression of osteoblastic genes. However, they did not affect adipogenesis significantly. Conclusions: the EV derived from MSC in hypoxia do not affect adipogenesis but have a greater ability to induce osteo-blastogenesis. Therefore, they could potentially be used in bone regeneration therapies and treatments for bone conditions like osteoporosis.
Measuring the response of the property price index to monetary policy shock: Evidence from emerging market economies

This study examined the response of the residential property price index (RPPI) to monetary policy shocks. The analysis utilized a panel vector autoregressive (VAR) estimation covering the markets of 12 emerging countries over a quarterly period from 2000 Q1 to 2022 Q4. In a dynamic data model, the panel VAR estimation could be biased when the coefficients of the endogenous variables differ across countries. The results of the pooling assumption showed that the models contain heterogeneity among samples, indicating the need for a solution to address this problem. Consequently, a mean group estimation for the panel VAR was performed to resolve the heterogeneity issue. The residential property price index negatively responded to changes in housing loan (HL) and central bank (CB) interest rates. In contrast, it positively responded to changes in inflation, gross domestic product, and population. This research provided policymakers with recommendations on emerging market demand. To successfully interfere in the property market, policymakers must pay greater attention to formulating monetary policy, notably central bank interest rates. A steady central bank policy rate prevents growth in the property sector. Future research should include macroprudential policy as an endogenous component in the model.
Verification and Sensitivity Experiments for the WISP94 MM5 Forecasts

Abstract A statistical verification of real-time forecasts from the Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model version 5 (MM5) examines several model biases noted in numerical forecasts prepared for the Winter Icing and Storms Project’s 1994 field experiment. Verification of MM5 forecasts against satellite and radiosonde data reveals a strong cloudy bias in the mid- to upper troposphere, significant moist biases aloft and near the surface, and a deep cold bias through much of the troposphere. The cloudy bias and upper-level moist bias are traced to an inappropriate assumption in the microphysical parameterization. Simple changes to the parameterization greatly improve the cloud forecast. A portion of the deep cold bias is attributed to the simple parameterization of atmospheric radiation used for the forecasts. The low-level cold and moist biases are in large part due to the climatological values of soil moisture availability as a function of land-use category.
The Importance of Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Mammary Tumors in Bitches

Simple Summary Mammary tumors are one of the most common neoplasms in bitches and represent an important concern in small animal practice. Clinical staging requires an extensive clinical evaluation and definitive diagnosis is obtained by means of histopathological evaluation. Ultrasonography is a well-established imaging technique in veterinary medicine that allows detailed evaluation of the genital system. Other advanced sonographic techniques, such as Doppler, elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) have raised interest in the scientific community and researchers have been performing studies to evaluate whether these techniques can accurately differentiate tumoral lesions. This paper reviews current information regarding the sonographic findings of mammary tumors in each different ultrasound technique. Overall, based on the information present to this date, elastography is the most reliable ultrasound technique to distinguish benign lesions from malignant tumors. Nevertheless, each technique demonstrates important findings that could guide the therapeutic approach and can be applied in veterinary practice. Additionally, further studies are required to evaluate the potential of each technique to monitor therapeutic progression. Abstract The high incidence of mammary tumors in small animals is concerning. Patient history, clinical examination, physical evaluation, and imaging studies are important for clinical staging. Ultrasonography is commonly applied to investigate the presence of abdominal metastasis. However, it has been shown to provide important information regarding mammary tumors’ architecture and advanced sonographic techniques can provide information regarding neovascularization, stiffness, and perfusion. Different techniques have been investigated to determine accuracy to predict the lesions’ histological classification. This paper reviews the information regarding each sonographic technique in the evaluation of mammary tumors, describing the most common findings and their potential to accurately assess and predict malignancy. Even though the gold standard for the diagnosis of mammary lesions is the histopathological examination, some ultrasonographic features described can predict the potential of a lesion being malignant. Among the different sonographic techniques, elastography can be considered the most reliable modality to accurately differentiate benign from malignant tumors when malignant lesions present increased stiffness. However, the combination of all sonographic techniques can provide important information that can lead to a better therapeutic approach and clinical staging. Furthermore, the potential of the sonographic study, especially CEUS to monitor therapeutic progression, demonstrate the need of further studies.
The Effect of Organizational Structure on Employee Creativity: The Moderating Role of Communication Flow: A Survey Study

This survey study examines the effect of organizational structure on employee creativity. A total of 230 employees from various industries were surveyed to gather data on their perceptions of their organization's structure and their own creativity levels. The study found that a flatter organizational structure, characterized by a decentralized decision-making process, autonomy, and flexibility, was positively associated with employee creativity. In contrast, a hierarchical structure, characterized by strict rules, centralized decision-making
Preparation and Characterization of Iron Nanoparticles by Green Synthesis Method and its Application in Water Treatment

The synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles by green synthesis method have been widely favored because of highly bio-degradable, ecofriendly, environmentally, low toxicity and highly reactive surfaces. The aim of this study, the magnetite iron nanoparticles (Fe/NPs) were preparing by waste natural materials such as banana, orange, and pomegranate peels, that’s consider as reducing agent. In this study, evaluate of the magnetite nanoparticles for removal of pollutants from wastewater, and determined of efficiency, yield, size, shape and morphology of the synthesized iron nanoparticle. The synthesized nanoparticle was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Energy disperse X-ray (EDX), and UV spectroscopy (UV-vis). The characterization of synthesized magnetite NPs was also done through-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Energy disperses X-ray (EDX), and UV spectroscopy (UV-vis). The FT-IR spectra confirmed the association of biological molecules from waste materials. The EDX and XRD data presented the elemental configuration matched with the iron element. Finally, the synthesized iron nanoparticles with pomegranate more efficiency than banana, and orange for removal of pollutants from wastewater.
Cognitive Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress in Children 6 Months after Paediatric Intensive Care Unit Admission

This study aimed to identify predictors, especially cognitive predictors, of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children 6 months after Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admission. Participants were 55 children aged 6–16, admitted to PICU for at least 8 h. Medical data were collected from patient charts. Cognitive variables (peri-trauma affect, cognitive processing and trauma memory) were assessed by interview and self-report questionnaires 2–4 weeks and 6 months following PICU admission. Acute PTSS at 2–4 weeks were assessed by self-report questionnaire and PTSD at 6 months was assessed by clinical interview. Receiving ketamine in PICU was the only non-cognitive variable associated with PTSS at 6 months. Peri-trauma affect, cognitive processing, and trauma memory significantly and independently accounted for 21% of the variance in PTSS at 6 months even after controlling for acute PTSS (and ketamine). A mediation analysis showed that peri-trauma affect indirectly influenced PTSS at 6 months through its effect on cognitive processing. Conclusions: Cognitive variables significantly contribute to PTSS in children, following PICU admission. Peri-trauma affect influenced PTSS only via disrupted cognitive processing. Prevention or early intervention strategies aimed at helping children develop a complete, contextual trauma narrative may be effective in reducing persistent posttraumatic stress responses in children following PICU.
Overnutrition and COVID Prevalence in India: Evidence and Implications

Overnutrition has emerged as a major public health issue in India. Being overweight or obese lowers immunity and has been linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which in turn is associated with vulnerability and severe illness due to COVID. This paper investigates the association of overnutrition indicators with COVID prevalence and case fatality rates in India. Analysis of data from the nationally representative dataset National Family Health Survey-5 and COVID data shows that overnutrition is significantly associated with NCDs and, therefore, overnutrition indicators are also utilised as a surrogate for NCDs. District-level analysis indicates strong and significant relationships between overnutrition and COVID prevalence and fatality rate. Results underscore the importance of addressing obesity in general for successful NCDs prevention strategies, targeting messages of COVID prevention among obese individuals as well as the development of additional vaccination strategies for COVID that take into account the link between COVID and obesity.
Helicity and celestial magnetism

This informal article discusses the central role of magnetic and kinetic helicity in relation to the evolution of magnetic fields in geophysical and astrophysical contexts. It is argued that the very existence of magnetic fields of the intensity and scale observed is attributable in large part to the chirality of the background turbulence or random-wave field of flow, the simplest measure of this chirality being non-vanishing helicity. Such flows are responsible for the generation of large-scale magnetic fields which themselves exhibit magnetic helicity. In the geophysical context, the turbulence has a ‘magnetostrophic’ character in which the force balance is primarily that between buoyancy forces, Coriolis forces and Lorentz forces associated with the dynamo-generated magnetic field; the dominant nonlinearity here arises from the convective transport of buoyant elements erupting from the ‘mushy zone’ at the inner core boundary. At the opposite extreme, in a highly conducting low-density plasma, the near-invariance of magnetic field topology (and of associated helicity) presents the challenging problem of ‘magnetic relaxation under topological constraints’, of central importance both in astrophysical contexts and in controlled-fusion plasma dynamics. These problems are reviewed and open issues, particularly concerning saturation mechanisms, are reconsidered.
The DNA barcode reveals cryptic diversity and a new record for the genus Leporinus (Characiformes, Anostomidae) in the hydrographic basins of central northern Brazil

Leporinus is one of the most speciose genera of the order Characiformes, with 81 valid species distributed throughout much of Central and South America. The considerable diversity of this genus has generated extensive debate on its classification and internal arrangement. In the present study, we investigated the species diversity of the genus Leporinus in central northern Brazil, and conclude that six valid species—Leporinus maculatus, Leporinus unitaeniatus, Leporinus affinis, Leporinus venerei, Leporinus cf. friderici, and Leporinus piau—are found in the hydrographic basins of the Brazilian states of Maranhão, Piauí, and Tocantins. We analyzed 182 sequences of the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I gene, of which, 157 were obtained from Leporinus specimens collected from the basins of the Itapecuru, Mearim, Turiaçu, Pericumã, Periá, Preguiças, Parnaíba, and Tocantins rivers. The species delimitation analyses, based on the ABGD, ASAP, mPTP, bPTP, and GMYC methods, revealed the presence of four distinct molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), identified as L. maculatus, L. unitaeniatus, L. affinis, and L. piau (from the Parnaíba River). The bPTP method restricted L. venerei to a single MOTU, and confirmed the occurrence of this species in the rivers of Maranhão for the first time. The separation of L. cf. friderici into two clades and the subsequent formation of different operational taxonomic units was consistent with polyphyly in this species, which indicates the existence of cryptic diversity. The arrangement of L. cf. friderici and L. piau in two different clades supports the conclusion that the L. piau specimens from Maranhão were misidentified, based on their morphological traits, reflecting the taxonomic inconsistencies that exist among morphologically similar species. Overall, then, the species delimitation methods employed in the present study indicated the presence of six MOTUs—L. maculatus, L. unitaenitus, L. affinis, L. cf. friderici, L. venerei, and L. piau. In the case of two other MOTUs identified in the present study, one (L. venerei) is a new record for the state of Maranhão, and we believe that the other represents a population of L. piau from the basin of the Parnaíba River.
Adolescents’ Lifestyle Determinants in Relation to Their Nutritional Status during COVID-19 Pandemic Distance Learning in the North-Western Part of Romania—A Cross-Sectional Study

Several studies have examined how the lockdown restrictions enforced to halt the spread of COVID-19 have affected adults’ movement behaviors; however, there is limited information regarding the effects on youth. This study aimed to report on the lifestyle habits of adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic remote learning and explore associations between the participants’ bodyweight and lifestyle behaviors. We used a cross-sectional study applied to 285 students studying in the gymnasium. The response rate was 74.21%. They completed an online questionnaire regarding lifestyle, eating habits, and nutritional status (assessed by the Body Mass Index—BMI). The study was conducted in January–February 2021. The percentage of overweight and obese was higher among boys (p = 0.001). The mean sleep duration was 8.12 (SD:1.284) hours per night, and was higher in boys than in girls. The respondents met the physical activity (PA) recommendation for their age, based mainly on unorganized PA. The screen time was 4–6 h or more for the majority of the respondents. Dietary habits included a high consumption of comfort food, like cereals, sweets, soft drinks, snacks, and fried food, but a lower consumption of vegetables and fast food. The regression analyses showed that the BMI was correlated with the BMI of the parents and the number of hours spent in front of the computers in free time. The study identified behavioral and environmental factors that can be modified with effective strategies to reduce overweight and obesity among school students and to promote a healthy lifestyle.