Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Awareness, Attitudes, and Willingness: A Cross-Sectional Study of Organ Donation in Saudi Arabia

Background: Organ transplantation is inherently dependent on the availability of organ donors. There is a noticeable paucity of literature addressing the rates of organ donation registration and the awareness of Islamic regulations (Fatwa) regarding organ donation within Saudi Arabia. Our study aimed to evaluate the level of organ donation registration, awareness of Islamic regulations, and knowledge of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation (SCOT) within the Saudi society. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey from 30 March to 9 April 2023. This survey aimed to assess the awareness of Islamic (Fatwa) guidance on organ donation, the role of SCOT, and the rate of organ donation registration facilitated through the Tawakkalna app, the official health passport application in Saudi Arabia. Results: Out of 2329 respondents, 21% had registered as potential deceased organ donors, despite 87% acknowledging the importance of organ donation. Awareness of the Islamic Fatwa regarding organ donation was reported by 54.7% of respondents, and 37% recognized the Fatwa’s acceptance of brain death criteria. The likelihood of registration as organ donors was higher among Saudi citizens under 45 years of age, females, healthcare workers (HCWs), individuals with higher education, relatives of patients awaiting organ donations, those informed about the Islamic Fatwas, and those willing to donate organs to friends. Conversely, being over the age of 25, Saudi nationality, employment as an HCW, awareness of SCOT, and prior organ donation registration were predictive of a heightened awareness of Islamic Fatwas. However, perceiving the importance of organ donation correlated with a lower awareness of the Fatwas. Significant positive correlations were found between awareness of SCOT, awareness of Fatwas, and registration for organ donation. Conclusions: While the Saudi population exhibits a high regard for the importance of organ donation, this recognition is not adequately translated into registration rates. The discrepancy may be attributable to limited awareness of SCOT and the relevant Islamic Fatwas. It is imperative to initiate organ donation awareness campaigns that focus on religious authorization to boost organ donation rates and rectify prevalent misconceptions.
Association between Neck Circumference and Chronic Kidney Disease in Korean Adults in the 2019–2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem and a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and death. Early recognition and management of CKD risk factors are necessary to prevent its onset and progression. Neck circumference (NC) is a non-invasive and easily accessible anthropometric measure associated with central obesity and subcutaneous fat accumulation in the upper body. Our study aimed to explore the relationship between NC and the prevalence of CKD using data from the nationally representative Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021). We analyzed data from 10,219 subjects (age > 19 years, no missing values). CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Logistic regression analysis was performed, which revealed a significant association between NC and CKD prevalence even after adjusting for confounding factors, both when NC was considered a continuous variable (OR [95% CI], 1.11 [1.03–1.19]) and in quartiles (Q1 as reference; Q2 OR [95% CI], 1.23 [0.91–1.67]; Q3 OR [95% CI], 1.59 [1.16–2.18]; Q4 OR [95% CI], 1.70 [1.16–2.50]). Our findings suggest that NC could be a simple and effective anthropometric measurement for identifying individuals at risk for CKD.
An assessment of new character in hoverfly species delimitation using linear and geometric morphometrics – genus Merodon Meigen, 1803 (Diptera: Syrphidae) as a case study

Detection of morphologically indistinguishable cryptic species implies using an integrative taxonomic approach with a combination of molecular, contemporary morphological, ecological and other relevant analyses. Within a contemporary morphological analysis, two approaches are commonly used in hoverfly taxonomy: a geometric morphometric analysis of the wing and surstyle shape. Here, the importance of the R4+5 vein shape is tested in cryptic species delimitation within four Merodon species groups using linear and semilandmark geometric morphometric analyses. As expected, geometric morphometrics showed a stronger resolution compared to linear morphometrics. Linear morphometrics failed to detect differences related to sexual dimorphism or differences among the species M. pruni and M. obscurus. However, all cryptic species and sexes were separated with high significance based on the R4+5 vein shape. Moreover, obtained results concurred with the landmark-defined wing shape and molecular results published in previous studies. Additionally, combining two characters, the semilandmark R4+5 vein shape and the landmark-defined wing shape, provided more detailed and precise insights into the shape differences. Our results showed that the R4+5 vein shape stands out as an important character in species delimitation of hoverflies where the sinuation of this vein is present. Therefore, it can be beneficial as a single character or in combination with a landmark-based wing shape analysis.
The low level of plastome differentiation observed in some lineages of Poales hinders molecular species identification

Chloroplast genomes are a source of information successfully used in various fields of plant genetics, including molecular species identification. However, recent studies indicate an extremely low level of interspecific variability in the plastomes of some taxonomic groups of plants, including the genus Stipa L. , which is a representative of the grass family. In this study we aimed to analyze the level of chloroplast genome diversity within particular genera as well as the effectiveness of identifying plant species in the Poaceae family and the other representatives of Poales order. Analysis of complete plastid genome alignments created for 96 genera comprising 793 species and 1707 specimens obtained from the GenBank database allowed defining and categorizing molecular diagnostic characters distinguishing the analyzed species from the other representatives of the genus. The results also demonstrate which species do not have any species-specific mutations, thereby they cannot be identified on the basis of differences between the complete chloroplast genomes. Our research showed a huge diversity of the analyzed species in terms of the number of molecular diagnostic characters and indicated which genera pose a particular challenge in terms of molecular species identification. The results show that a very low level of genetic diversity between plastomes is not uncommon in Poales. This is the first extensive research on super-barcoding that tests this method on a large data set and illustrates its effectiveness against the background of phylogenetic relationships.
Validity and Reliability Study for the Turkish Adaptation of the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale ( HSNS )

Validity and reliability study for the Turkish adaptation of the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale (HSNS) Objective: The condition of narcissism is divided into grandiose (overt) and hypersensitive (covert) narcissism. These two states are different in terms of etiological and behavioral dimensions. Correct assessment is important for determining the treatment. The Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) does not predict covert narcissism, whereas the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale (HSNS) does. The aim of this study is to assess the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the HSNS. Method: Participants of the study were 300 university students. The HSNS, the NPI and the Basic Personality Traits Inventory (BPTI) were administered as the primary outcome measure. Results: Factor analysis revealed that the item content of the newly created eight-item Turkish version of the HSNS reflected one factor identified as hypersensitivity. Moreover, the reliability analysis demonstrated that the eight-item Turkish version of the HSNS was a reliable scale. On the other hand, no significant relationships were found between age, gender, and educational levels of the participants and their scores on the Turkish version of the HSNS. A near-zero correlation between the Turkish version of the HSNS and the NPI was demonstrated. Finally, there were significant negative correlations between the HSNS and the BPTI’s subscales of extraversion and agreeableness, and significant positive correlations between the HSNS and the BPTI’s subscales of neuroticism and negative valence. Conclusion: The current study revealed that the reliability and validity of eight-item Turkish version of the HSNS were adequate, and it provided some evidence to demonstrate the existence of selected personality features that may be useful in differentiating hypersensitive narcissism from grandiose narcissism.
Systemic Risk and Tail risk of Fintech firms during COvid-19: A Case of Southeast Asian economy

The primary objective of this study is to contrast the tail risk that is encountered by Thai financial technology companies with the systemic risk that is encountered by financial technology companies in Thailand. During the COVID-19 outbreak, it was also investigated how the effects of tail risk and systemic risk affected Thailand's financial technology businesses. During COVID-19, the number of individuals using financial applications online surged drastically, giving clear proof of the sector's stratospheric ascent. During the same time period, the number of people using cryptocurrency apps increased dramatically. This is the first study of its sort, and it analyzes how tail risk, systemic risk, and fintech interact with one another using data from a sample that is typical of the Thai economy. The financial technology sector is the primary focus of our study. December 2019 and February 2022 will be used as the computation periods for the data of the fintech companies. Fintech businesses in Thailand look through the theoretical lens provided by the extreme value theory when calculating the tail risk of their portfolios. The fall in the value of technology businesses has given rise to the idea of establishing a significant number of financial technology companies located in Thailand. A lengthier and more widespread dispersion is consistent with an exponential growth of fintech businesses in Thailand during the course of the COVID-19 time period. There are a few businesses in our sample that have very short tails, which suggests that they are much too susceptible to unfavorable occurrences during COVID-19. The results indicate that the global technology index during COVID-19 is reliant on the systemic risk posed by Fintech. It's possible that these outcomes might be attributed to the large growth in customer bases seen by FinTech businesses during COVID-19. Fintech companies in Thailand saw significant growth during the epidemic of swine flu. The current research is among the first of its type when it comes to grasping the issues of tail risk and systemic risk in fintech enterprises in Thailand. This is excellent news for policymakers, financial experts, and academics, as it paves the way for a better understanding of these issues
Multiangle photopolarimetric aerosol retrievals in the vicinity of clouds: Synthetic study based on a large eddy simulation

We investigate the effect of cloud contamination and 3‐D radiative transfer effects on aerosol retrievals from multiangle photopolarimetric measurements in the vicinity of clouds. To this end multiangle, multiwavelength photopolarimetric observations are simulated using a 3‐D radiative transfer model for scenes with realistic cloud properties, based on a large eddy simulation. Spatial resolutions of 2 × 2, 4 × 4, and 6 × 6 km2 have been considered. It is found that a goodness‐of‐fit criterion efficiently filters out cloud contamination. However, it does not filter out all scenes that are affected by 3‐D radiative effects, resulting in small biases in the retrieved aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and single‐scattering albedo (SSA). We also found that measurements at higher spatial resolution (2 × 2 km2) do not result in retrievals closer to clouds compared to measurements at coarser spatial resolutions (4 × 4 and 6 × 6 km2). If cloud parameters are fitted simultaneously with aerosol parameters using a 1‐D radiative transfer model and the Independent Pixel Approximation, more successful retrievals are obtained in partially cloudy scenes and in the vicinity of clouds. This effect is most apparent at 6 × 6 km2 and only marginal at 2 × 2 km2 resolution. The retrieved aerosol AOT and SSA from the simultaneous aerosol and cloud retrievals still have a small bias, like the aerosol‐only retrievals. We conclude that in order to substantially improve aerosol retrievals in the vicinity of clouds, a retrieval algorithm is needed that takes into account 3‐D radiative transfer effects.
Thermodynamic and dynamic contributions to the abrupt increased winter Arctic sea ice growth since 2008

The area of Arctic winter sea ice growth (WSIG) has expanded dramatically since winter 2008. Yet the thermodynamic and dynamic contributions to the abrupt increase in WSIG remain unclear. Here using an ice concentration budget, we characterized quantitatively the increasing WSIG and revealed the relative contributions of dynamics during 1985–2021. Ice dynamics related to ice convergence/divergence are compared in two representative regions. The northern Laptev Sea is a freezing-dominated ice growth region and is competitively driven by the ice convergence. While in northwest Beaufort Gyre (BG), the combined effects of freezing and ice divergence have both enhanced since 2008, and the dynamics contribute 84% to the significant WSIG intensification since 2008. Comparison of thermodynamic and dynamic contributions emphasized that the winter sea-ice expansion is influenced not only by winter freeze, but also by convergence/divergence relative to newly formed thinner and mobile ice. Furthermore, the amplified summer Beaufort High in the mid-2000s and its long-lasting memory of the wind-driven strengthened BG are partially attributed to the abrupt increased WSIG since 2008.
Transcranial Ultrasonic Focusing by a Phased Array Based on Micro-CT Images

In this paper, we utilize micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to obtain micro-CT images with a resolution of 60 μm and establish a micro-CT model based on the k-wave toolbox, which can visualize the microstructures in trabecular bone, including pores and bone layers. The transcranial ultrasound phased array focusing field characteristics in the micro-CT model are investigated. The ultrasonic waves are multiply scattered in skull and time delays calculations from the transducer to the focusing point are difficult. For this reason, we adopt the pulse compression method and the linear frequency modulation Barker code to compute the time delay and implement phased array focusing in the micro-CT model. It is shown by the simulation results that ultrasonic loss is mainly caused by scattering from the microstructures of the trabecular bone. The ratio of main and side lobes of the cross-correlation calculation is improved by 5.53 dB using the pulse compression method. The focusing quality and the calculation accuracy of time delay are improved. Meanwhile, the beamwidth at the focal point and the sound pressure amplitude decrease with the increase in the signal frequency. Focusing at different depths indicates that the beamwidth broadens with the increase in the focusing depth, and beam deflection focusing maintains good consistency in the focusing effect at a distance of 9 mm from the focal point. This indicates that the phased-array method has good focusing results and focus tunability in deep cranial brain. In addition, the sound pressure at the focal point can be increased by 8.2% through amplitude regulation, thereby enhancing focusing efficiency. The preliminary experiment verification is conducted with an ex vivo skull. It is shown by the experimental results that the phased array focusing method using pulse compression to calculate the time delay can significantly improve the sound field focusing effect and is a very effective transcranial ultrasound focusing method.
Neutrally buoyant tracers in hydrogeophysics: Field demonstration in fractured rock

Electrical and electromagnetic methods are extensively used to map electrically conductive tracers within hydrogeologic systems. Often, the tracers used consist of dissolved salt in water, leading to a denser mixture than the ambient formation water. Density effects are often ignored and rarely modeled but can dramatically affect transport behavior and introduce dynamics that are unrepresentative of the response obtained with classical tracers (e.g., uranine). We introduce a neutrally buoyant tracer consisting of a mixture of salt, water, and ethanol and monitor its movement during push‐pull experiments in a fractured rock aquifer using ground‐penetrating radar. Our results indicate a largely reversible transport process and agree with uranine‐based push‐pull experiments at the site, which is in contrast to results obtained using dense saline tracers. We argue that a shift toward neutrally buoyant tracers in both porous and fractured media would advance hydrogeophysical research and enhance its utility in hydrogeology.
Knowledge and Attitude Regarding the Use of Sun Protection to Prevent Adverse Laser Events Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Prolonged sun exposure has been linked with the development of numerous medical and dermatological complications, such as skin cancer. Photoprotection can help reduce ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced skin damage and skin cancer. This study aims to assess the knowledge about and attitude toward the use of sun protection to prevent laser adverse events among the general population in Saudi Arabia. Methodology This is a cross-sectional, analytical, community-based study carried out among the general population (sunscreen users) in Saudi Arabia. A total of 600 participants were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using a validated online self-administered questionnaire using Google Forms. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results A total of 600 sunscreen users were enrolled in this study, with an overall poor knowledge rate of 471 (78.5%) regarding the use of sun protection methods. Their ages ranged from 18 years to >55 years. The majority of them were females (537, 89.5%), had Saudi Nationality (533, 88.8%), and had skin type III (313, 52.2%). Almost all the participants (491, 81.9%) had undergone laser treatment before; the most reported reason was hair removal (522, 87%). In addition, 267 (44.5%) participants used sunscreens five to six times a week, with 440 (73.3%) also using sunglasses. Notably, only 91 (15.2%) of the study participants were aware that sunscreen covers UVA and UVB, and 34 (5.7%) knew that PA+++ is used in sunscreen. A total of 149 (24.8%) reported that sunscreen should be applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, while 153 (25.5%) stated that it should be reapplied every two hours. Moreover, 484 (80.7%) participants reported using topical steroid application after laser treatment. The results also showed that young participants (P = 0.001), single participants (P = 0.001), post-graduate participants (P = 0.010), students rather than the unemployed group (P = 0.002), and those who used sunscreens five to six times per week compared to those who never used sunscreens (P = 0.001) demonstrated an overall good knowledge about sunscreens and laser treatment. Conclusions The study showed poor knowledge among the participants regarding the use of sun protection to prevent adverse laser events. Therefore, an increase in awareness among the general public about the protection through campaigns is highly recommended.
Aerosol typing over Europe and its benefits for the CALIPSO and EarthCARE missions

Aerosols show type-specific characteristics, which depend on intensive aerosol optical and microphysical properties that influence the radiation processes in the atmosphere in several ways. There are still large uncertainties in the calculation of the aerosol direct radiative effect. The classification of aerosols and the characterization of the vertical aerosol distribution is needed in order to provide more accurate information for radiative-transfer simulations. In the framework of the present thesis, the vertical and spatial distribution as well as optical properties of atmospheric aerosols over the European continent were investigated based on lidar measurements. Possibilities for an aerosol classification or so-called aerosol typing were presented and major aerosol types were specified. Former studies about the classification of aerosols were summarized and representative values for aerosol-type-dependent parameters were given. Case studies were used to demonstrate how observations of the European lidar network EARLINET from 2008 until 2010 were analyzed for aerosol layers and how model simulations and auxiliary data including the assessment of meteorological conditions were applied to determine the origin of each single aerosol layer. Thus, aerosol-type dependent parameters were evaluated and a novel method for the typing of aerosols was developed, which can be used, e.g., within algorithms of satellite data retrievals. Additionally, conversion factors were determined, which are needed for the harmonization of satellite data of present and upcoming
Paleoparasitological investigations on the Neolithic lakeside settlement of La Draga (Lake Banyoles, Spain)

Paleoparasitological analyses were conducted on samples from the Neolithic lakeside settlement of La Draga in Spain (5320–4980 BC). Conventional microscopic analysis revealed the presence of tapeworms (genus Taenia/Echinoccocus and Diphyllobothrium), roundworms (genus Trichuris, Capillaria, and Ascaris), rumen fluke (genus Paramphistomum), and Acanthocephalan (genus Macracanthorhynchus). In addition, genetic analysis demonstrated the presence of the lancet liver fluke (Dicrocoelium dendriticum) and the human pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) at the site. These results represent the first parasitological data from a Neolithic lakeside settlement related to the Cardial Pottery Culture. Some parasites are comparable with those retrieved from Neolithic lakeside sites studied in France, Germany, and Switzerland, which stem from and are posterior to the Linear Band Keramic Culture. However, some taxa were identified here for the first time during the Neolithic period, or represent the oldest mention of these parasites. This new paleoparasitological contribution reinforces our knowledge of intestinal parasites in Neolithic populations and provides new data on their history.