Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measurements of aerosols and charged particles on the BEXUS18 stratospheric balloon

Abstract. This paper describes the aerosol measurement setup and results obtained during the BEXUS18 (Balloon-borne Experiments for University Students) stratospheric balloon within the A5-Unibo (Advanced Atmospheric Aerosol Acquisition and Analysis) experiment performed on 10 October 2014 in northern Sweden (Kiruna). The experimental setup was designed and developed by the University of Bologna with the aim of collecting and analyzing vertical profiles of atmospheric ions and particles together with atmospheric parameters (temperature, relative humidity, and pressure) all along the stratospheric ascent of the BEXUS18 stratospheric balloon. Particle size distributions were measured with the MeteoModem Light Optical Aerosol Counter (LOAC) and air ion density was measured with a set of two commercial and portable ion counters. Though the experimental setup was based upon relatively low-cost and light-weight sensors, vertical profiles of all the parameters up to an altitude of about 27 km were successfully collected. The results obtained are useful for elucidating the relationships between aerosols and charged particles between ground level and the stratosphere, with great potential in collecting and adding useful information in this field, also in the stratosphere where such measurements are rare. In particular, the equipment detected coherent vertical profiles for particles and ions, with a particularly strong correlation between negative ions and fine particles, possibly resulting from proposed associations between cosmic rays and ions as previously suggested. In addition, the detection of charged aerosols in the stratosphere is in agreement with the results obtained by a previous flight and with simulations conducted with a stratospheric ion–aerosol model. However, further measurements under stratospheric balloon flights equipped with a similar setup are needed to reach general conclusions about such important issues.
A Novel NOX Inhibitor Alleviates Parkinson’s Disease Pathology in PFF-Injected Mice

Oxidative stress-mediated damage is often a downstream result of Parkinson’s disease (PD), which is marked by sharp decline in dopaminergic neurons within the nigrostriatal regions of the brain, accounting for the symptomatic motor deficits in patients. Regulating the level of oxidative stress may present a beneficial approach in preventing PD pathology. Here, we assessed the efficacy of a nicotinamide adenine phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) inhibitor, an exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulator synthesized by Aptabio therapeutics with the specificity to NOX-1, 2 and 4. Utilizing N27 rat dopaminergic cells and C57Bl/6 mice, we confirmed that the exposures of alpha-synuclein preformed fibrils (PFF) induced protein aggregation, a hallmark in PD pathology. In vitro assessment of the novel compound revealed an increase in cell viability and decreases in cytotoxicity, ROS, and protein aggregation (Thioflavin-T stain) against PFF exposure at the optimal concentration of 10 nM. Concomitantly, the oral treatment alleviated motor-deficits in behavioral tests, such as hindlimb clasping, rotarod, pole, nesting and grooming test, via reducing protein aggregation, based on rescued dopaminergic neuronal loss. The suppression of NOX-1, 2 and 4 within the striatum and ventral midbrain regions including Substantia Nigra compacta (SNc) contributed to neuroprotective/recovery effects, making it a potential therapeutic option for PD.
Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook

Written in a lively, accessible style, this step-by-step guide provides answers to all the questions students ask when beginning their first research project. David Silverman demonstrates how to learn the craft of qualitative research by applying knowledge about different methodologies to actual data. He provides practical advice on key issues, such as: defining `originality' and narrowing down a topic; keeping a research diary and writing a research report; and presenting research to different audiences. Packed with case studies and examples of students' experiences, the book has many features to aid study, including overviews, summaries of key skills and a glossary of terms. Each stage in the research process is grounded in worked examples, with exercises designed both to test students' knowledge and to encourage the development of practical skills.
KAJIAN MENGENAI KESEDIAAN PELAJAR SEMESTER EMPAT POLIMAS DALAM MENGHARUNGI CABARAN REVOLUSI INDUSTRI 4.0

ABSTRAK Kemunculan gelombang teknologi baharu yang dikenali sebagai ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution’ atau Revolusi Perindustrian Keempat (IR 4.0) menyebabkan perkembangan semasa teknologi yang meramalkan 50 bilion peranti elektronik akan saling berinteraksi antara satu sama lain. Mendepani cabaran IR 4.0, semua pelajar di institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT) perlu keluar daripada kebiasaan dan bersedia dengan era baru ini. Revolusi Industri 4.0 juga dapat mengatasi masalah kebergantungan terhadap sumber tenaga yang secara signifikan akan mengubah masa depan dunia pekerjaan. Sehubungan itu, satu kajian telah dijalankan kepada 173 orang pelajar semester empat (4) dalam bidang kejuruteraan Elektrik (JKE) , kejuruteraan Mekanikal (JKM) dan kejuruteraan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (JTMK) Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Mu`adzam Shah, Jitra (POLIMAS). Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenalpasti pengetahuan dan kesediaan pelajar bagi menempuh cabaran Revolusi Industri 4.0. Kajian berbentuk deskriptif ini menggunakan instrumen soal selidik yang berasaskan Skala Likert. Data yang diperolehi diproses dan dianalisa menggunakan Excel 2003. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan pengetahuan pelajar semester empat (4) POLIMAS terhadap IR 4.0 adalah sederhana. Kajian juga mendapati bahawa kesediaan pelajar bagi menempuh IR 4.0 juga berada ditahap yang sederhana. Penyelidik mencadangkan agar pihak pengurusan POLIMAS memperbanyakkan bilangan kursus atau seminar berkaitan cabaran IR 4.0 kepada pelajar. Bagi menggalakkan pelajar POLIMAS meningkatkan kemahiran dalam teknologi maklumat dan pengetahuan TVET, adalah disarankan agar semua pelajar semester empat memilih tajuk projek akhir mereka yang menjurus ke arah cabaran IR 4.0. KATA KUNCI : Revolusi Industri 4.0, Cabaran Industri, Pelajar POLIMAS.
Proxy Respondents in Household Travel Surveys

Most current transportation planning models use household travel/activity data that are collected through household/activity surveys. These surveys collect travel and activity information from each person in the sampled households. Because data from complete households are desired, travel/activity information about a house member who is unable or unwilling to cooperate is sometimes accepted from another person, i.e., a proxy response. A problem with proxy responses in surveys is that there may be differences in the types of people who are likely to respond for themselves and those who have some other person respond for them. If proxy respondents answer differently from self respondents, and the proportion of proxy respondents is large, or concentrated in particular subgroups of respondents, then the travel estimates based on these data may be biased. Knowledge of the accuracy of proxy records is important because, if records obtained by proxy differ significantly from records that are self reported, transportation planners need to be aware of, and adjust for these differences when using these data in modeling and planning applications.
Behavioral and Environmental Conditions associated with Shark Attacks on Humans

Animation controls according to the present invention introduce a predictable level of control for animation without the need for iterating the simulation. Controls include shape controls that permit the effect of the simulation to be overridden for cloth and soft body materials. The effect of shape tacks are to control the local shape of objects such as cloth and soft body materials, the shape may be weighted and time varying. Shape tacking is relative to the reference coordinate system of the object being shaped. Position tacks provide control in absolute space and permit accurate placement of an object to be animated overriding the control of the simulation.
Branding Slovenia: "You can't spell Slovenia without love..."

The newly created nation-states of the former Yugoslavia have recently joined a number of other poorer nations around the world-from Nigeria and Rwanda to Romania and Turkey-that have become a hot market for so-called nation branders. Nation branders argue that smaller and poorer nations in particular need to work on developing their recognizable image in the global marketplace (Anholt, 2003, 2007; Holt, 2004; Kotler & Gertner, 2002; Olins, 1999; Papadopoulos & Heslop, 2002) in order to increase visibility, attract tourists and foreign investors, expand exports, promote their international profiles among members of international organizations, and, importantly, mobilize patriotism at home.
Feasibility, usability, and acceptance of “Brain-IT”—A newly developed exergame-based training concept for the secondary prevention of mild neurocognitive disorder: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Background Exergames provide a promising new approach to implement simultaneous motor–cognitive training, which may support preventing the decline in cognitive functioning in older adults who have a mild neurocognitive disorder (mNCD). Objectives To evaluate feasibility, system usability, and acceptance of “Brain-IT”, a newly developed training concept combining exergame-based motor-cognitive training and heart rate variability (HRV) guided resonance breathing for the secondary prevention of mNCD. Methods A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with an allocation ratio of 2:1 (i.e., intervention:control) was conducted. The control group proceeded with usual care. The intervention group performed a 12-week training according to the “Brain-IT” training concept implemented with the “Senso Flex” (Dividat AG) exergaming system in addition to usual care. Feasibility and usability outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics. User acceptance was analyzed qualitatively and using Friedman analysis of variance (ANOVA), as well as Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results Eighteen participants (77.3 ± 9.8 years; 44.4% females) were included. On average, we recruited 2.2 participants per month, and 35.3% of the individuals contacted were included. The intervention group had an attrition rate of 20% and mean adherence and compliance rates of 85.0 and 84.1%, respectively. The mean system usability score, measured with the system usability scale, was 71.7. High levels of exergame enjoyment, an increase in exergame enjoyment, and internalization of training motivation with large effect sizes (p = 0.03, r = 0.75 and p = 0.03, r = 0.74, respectively), as well as acceptable perceived usefulness, were observed. Preliminary data on the effects of the “Brain-IT” training are promising. Conclusion The feasibility and usability of the “Brain-IT” training are acceptable. However, frequent occurrences of technical problems and difficulties in using the exergame training system were identified as barriers to performing the “Brain-IT” training. To optimize feasibility, either improvements or alternative solutions are required in the hardware and software of the exergame used to implement the “Brain-IT” training. The “Brain-IT” training itself was well-accepted by older adults who have mNCD. Therefore, the effectiveness of the “Brain-IT” training concept should be investigated in future studies. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04996654.
The Relationship Between the Morphology of the Shoulder Joint and Supraspinatus Tendinosis: An MRI Study

Objective: To examine the relationship between the morphological parameters of the shoulder joint and supraspinatus tendinosis. Methods: A patient group (n=44) was formed from patients diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinosis from medical records and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. A control group (n=44) was formed by randomly selecting people of similar age and gender to the patient group, who met the exclusion criteria for the patient group
Microalgal co-cultivation -recent methods, trends in omic-studies, applications, and future challenges

The burgeoning human population has resulted in an augmented demand for raw materials and energy sources, which in turn has led to a deleterious environmental impact marked by elevated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, acidification of water bodies, and escalating global temperatures. Therefore, it is imperative that modern society develop sustainable technologies to avert future environmental degradation and generate alternative bioproduct-producing technologies. A promising approach to tackling this challenge involves utilizing natural microbial consortia or designing synthetic communities of microorganisms as a foundation to develop diverse and sustainable applications for bioproduct production, wastewater treatment, GHG emission reduction, energy crisis alleviation, and soil fertility enhancement. Microalgae, which are photosynthetic microorganisms that inhabit aquatic environments and exhibit a high capacity for CO2 fixation, are particularly appealing in this context. They can convert light energy and atmospheric CO2 or industrial flue gases into valuable biomass and organic chemicals, thereby contributing to GHG emission reduction. To date, most microalgae cultivation studies have focused on monoculture systems. However, maintaining a microalgae monoculture system can be challenging due to contamination by other microorganisms (e.g., yeasts, fungi, bacteria, and other microalgae species), which can lead to low productivity, culture collapse, and low-quality biomass. Co-culture systems, which produce robust microorganism consortia or communities, present a compelling strategy for addressing contamination problems. In recent years, research and development of innovative co-cultivation techniques have substantially increased. Nevertheless, many microalgae co-culturing technologies remain in the developmental phase and have yet to be scaled and commercialized. Accordingly, this review presents a thorough literature review of research conducted in the last few decades, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of microalgae co-cultivation systems that involve microalgae-bacteria, microalgae-fungi, and microalgae-microalgae/algae systems. The manuscript also addresses diverse uses of co-culture systems, and growing methods, and includes one of the most exciting research areas in co-culturing systems, which are omic studies that elucidate different interaction mechanisms among microbial communities. Finally, the manuscript discusses the economic viability, future challenges, and prospects of microalgal co-cultivation methods.
Association of Vitamin D Genetic Risk Score with Noncommunicable Diseases: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background and Aims: The genetic risk score (GRS) is an important tool for estimating the total genetic contribution or susceptibility to a certain outcome of interest in an individual, taking into account their genetic risk alleles. This study aims to systematically review the association between the GRS of low vitamin D with different noncommunicable diseases/markers. Methods: The article was first registered in PROSPERO CRD42023406929. PubMed and Embase were searched from the time of inception until March 2023 to capture all the literature related to the vitamin D genetic risk score (vD-GRS) in association with noncommunicable diseases. This was performed using comprehensive search terms including “Genetic Risk Score” OR “Genetics risk assessment” OR “Genome-wide risk score” AND “Vitamin D” OR 25(HO)D OR “25-hydroxyvitamin D”. Results: Eleven eligible studies were included in this study. Three studies reported a significant association between vD-GRS and metabolic parameters, including body fat percentage, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, and fasting blood glucose. Moreover, colorectal cancer overall mortality and the risk of developing arterial fibrillation were also found to be associated with genetically deprived vitamin D levels. Conclusions: This systematic review highlights the genetic contribution of low-vitamin-D-risk single nucleotides polymorphisms (SNPs) as an accumulative factor associated with different non-communicable diseases/markers, including cancer mortality and the risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases such as arterial fibrillation.
A Case Study of XCO-Trainer Exercise on Shoulder Pain, Dysfunction, Range of Motion, Scapular Position in Women Who Have Undergone Breast Cancer Surgery

Purpose: This study examined the effects of XCO-Trainer exercise on shoulder pain, dysfunction, range of motion, scapular position, and quality of life in women who had undergone breast cancer surgery. Method: This study was carried out on 37 breast cancer survivors. The participants were divided randomly into an XCO-Trainer exercise group(XBG=16) and a general breast cancer group(GBG=15). Outcomes, such as the Quadruple Visual Analogue Scale(QVAS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI), range of motion(ROM), Scapular Index(SI), and Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Breast(FACT-B), were measured pre- and post- intervention for both groups. Results: A significant improvement in pain, functional disability level, range of motion, scapular position, and quality of life was observed in both groups(p<.01). Significant differences in pain, functional disability level, range of motion, scapular position, and quality of life post-test were observed between the two groups(p<.01). Conclusion: The XCO-Trainer exercise treatment has a positive effect on breast cancer patients.
Impact of Ethical Leadership on the Nursing Profession in Iran: A Systematic Review

Context: Ethical leadership plays a key role in professional settings. Nurses play an essential role in care provision and health promotion. The present study aimed to determine the impact of ethical leadership on the nursing profession in Iran. The objective of this study was the assessment of the relationship between ethical leadership and the improvement of clinical services by nurses. Evidence Acquisition: Terms defined as MESH keywords were searched in PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, SID, and Magiran up to October 2022. In this study, only observational and qualitative studies were selected and included. Results: A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results showed the association of ethical leadership with moral courage, self-efficacy, turnover, general health, errors, organizational citizenship, moral distress, job satisfaction, stress, risk management, and psychological empowerment. It was shown that ethical leadership is in direct association with nursing performance. Conclusions: The present study confirmed the positive effect of nursing ethical leadership on the nursing profession. Further studies are needed to examine the association between ethical leadership and clinical outcomes in patients.
Cultural variations in perceptions and reactions to social norm transgressions: a comparative study

Introduction Humans are similar but behave differently, and one main reason is the culture in which they are born and raised. The purpose of this research is to examine how the perception and reaction to those who transgress social norms may vary based on the individualism/collectivism of their culture. Methods A study (N = 398) conducted in the United Kingdom, Spain, and China showed differences in the perception and reaction to incivilities based on individualism/collectivism. Results People from highly collective countries (China) perceive uncivil transgressors as immoral and enact more social control over them than people from highly individualistic countries (U.K.). They also experience more discomfort when facing uncivil transgressors, and this discomfort mediates the increasing immorality perceived on the agents of incivilities in contrast with people from less collective countries. Discussion Our findings provide insights into how cultural factors shape individuals’ perceptions of social norm violations and emphasize the importance of considering cultural differences when addressing incivility.
Monitoring tropical rain forest microclimate

Singapore's original tropical rain forest cover has largely been removed, leaving only a total of 2700 hectares, or 5 percent of the island, under primary and secondary forest. This area in the center of the island is protected as water catchment and nature reserves in spite of intense pressure for development. The paper investigates the application of Landsat TM thermal data to surface temperature mapping in the vicinity of Singapore's forested central catchment area as an indication of the relative degree of disturbance to the original rainforest microclimate. This will assist in the designation of priority conservation status to areas which remain structurally and microclimatically viable as primary rain forest. Apparent temperatures were corrected for emissivity differences of different land-cover types. Pixel data were then input into a vector GIS and overlaid with existing coverages representing High Forest, Water, Urban Areas, and Elevation in order to examine the thermal characteristics of each land-cover type. Distinct spatial variations in thermal characteristics are observed to correspond to land-cover differences and to parameters of forest conservation value.
The Administration of Inactivated and Stabilized Whole-Cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Gestating Sows Improves Lactation Efficiency and Post-Weaning Antimicrobial Use

Simple Summary Interest towards postbiotics and their beneficial effects on animal health and production is increasing in the era of modern pig farming considering the growth of the cost of raw materials, the demand for increasingly performing animals and, at the same time, the need to de-crease the consumption of antibiotics. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects on the mother and litter of a postbiotic from inactivated and stabilized whole-cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae administered to the sow during gestation, following piglets up to the post-weaning phase. The results suggest that dietary supplementation of inactivated and stabilized whole-cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae from yeast culture during the gestation of sows can potentially improve lactation efficiency, mortality of the piglets and antibiotic use during the weaning phase. Results related to the lactation efficiency suggest its possible future role in the so-called “cellular agriculture” that should be investigated. Abstract Increasingly hyperprolific sows and the need to reduce antibiotics represent challenges in pig farming. The aim of this work was to determine the effects of a postbiotic obtained from inactivated and stabilized whole-cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, administered during the sow’s gestation, on the performance of the mother and litter. Maternal feed intake, productive parameters, colostrum quality and post-weaning piglets’ health were assessed, including antibiotic consumption. The trial involved 183 sows, divided into two groups: (1) sows fed with a daily supplementation of postbiotic during gestation (n = 90); (2) sows without any supplement (n = 93). Piglets were followed up at two different post-weaning sites. The lactation efficiency of the treated sows improved by +5.9% (41.3 ± 11.4 vs. 35.4 ± 11.6%; p = 0.011). Lactating piglets’ mortality was lower in the treated group (25.1 ± 16.7 vs. 28.8 ± 14.4%; p = 0.048). The same tendency was shown in both the weaning sites, together with a reduced antibiotic consumption in weaning site 1 (0.72 ± 0.25 vs. 1.22 ± 0.30 DDDvet/PCU; p = 0.047). The results suggest the role of this postbiotic administered to the mother in improving the health status of the piglets. Furthermore, lactation efficiency is suggested as an interesting parameter for assessing the efficiency of farming.