Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Big Five Personality Traits and Positive Orientation in Polish Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of Meaning in Life

Scientific achievements concerning the direct relation between personality traits and positive orientation among patients with multiple sclerosis do not explain the role of potential mediators. In fact, some researchers argue that the traits–positivity association is much more complex than it seems to be. For this reason, we made an attempt to analyze the indirect relationship between the above-mentioned variables, including meaning in life as a mediator. In total, 618 patients with MS took part in the study. The NEO Five-Factor Inventory, the Positive Orientation Scale, and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire were used. The results showed that positive orientation/the presence of meaning/searching for meaning correlated positively with extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, and were negatively associated with neuroticism. Moreover, meaning in life in both its dimensions acted as a mediator in 9 of 10 models. It can be assumed that a propensity to establish interpersonal relationships (extraversion), use active imagination (openness), inspire confidence among others (agreeableness), and take responsibility (conscientiousness) can have an impact on someone’s positive attitude toward oneself and the surrounding world (positive orientation) when people have meaning in life and when they are seeking it.
Antimicrobial Activity and Wound-Healing Capacity of Birch, Beech and Larch Bark Extracts

Bark is a major by-product of woodworking industries. The contents of several wood species are known to harbor antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing capacities. The aim of this work was to identify beneficial properties of Austrian larch, birch and beech bark extracts for their potential usage as additives or active ingredients in dermatological applications. Bacterial agar diffusion assay and resazurin-based broth microdilution assay were used to evaluate anti-bacterial activity. To gain more insight into the cellular response to bark extracts, viability-, scratch-assays and ELISAs were performed. Birch and beech extracts showed strong antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria, including Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis and MRSA. Wound closure was enhanced with birch and beech extracts as compared to controls in the scratch-assays. Whereas beneficial properties of birch bark components have previously been described, the similar effects of beech extracts are novel. The combined positive effect on wound-healing and antimicrobial activity has great potential for the treatment of various skin diseases, including acne in future dermal applications.
Temporal Variation of the Non-Volatile Compounds and Key Odorants in Xinyang Maojian Green Teas during the Spring and Autumn Seasons

Xinyang Maojian (XYMJ) green tea is one of the top ten teas in China, and the consumers prefer spring tea due to its umami taste and pleasurable aroma. However, the knowledge about temporal variation of the volatile compounds in XYMJ green teas harvested during different seasons is very limited. In the present work, the main non-volatile compounds that endowed the taste and volatile compounds responsible for the aroma in XYMJ green teas harvested during the spring and autumn seasons were determined. The average contents of free amino acids (FAA) were significantly higher and gradually declined in the spring teas, whereas the caffeine was significantly lower and gradually increased in the spring teas. A total of 39 volatile compounds of six chemical classes were detected in XYMJ green teas, and they displayed various change trends during the spring and autumn seasons, among which 15 volatile compounds were identified as the key odorants based on odor activity value (OAV). The highest OAV of 2195.05 was calculated for the violet-like smelling trans-β-ionone followed by decanal, nonanal, dimethyl sulfide, linalool, geraniol and naphthalene. The OAVs of geraniol, (Z)-3-hexenyl hexanoate, heptanal, benzaldehyde and hexanal in XYMJ spring teas were higher than XYMJ autumn teas. The hierarchical clustering analysis indicated that XYMJ green teas were divided into three clusters and the quality of XYMJ green teas changed greatly within spring season. Harvest season is a crucial factor affecting the flavor quality of XYMJ green teas.
COVID-19 Vaccines: Fear of Side Effects among German Health Care Workers

(1) Background: Health care workers (HCWs) play a key role in increasing anti-COVID vaccination rates. Fear of potential side effects is one of the main reasons for vaccine hesitancy. We investigated which side effects are of concern to HCWs and how these are associated with vaccine hesitancy. (2) Methods: Data were collected in an online survey in February 2021 among HCWs from across Germany with 4500 included participants. Free-text comments on previously experienced vaccination side effects, and fear of short- and long-term side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination were categorized and analyzed. (3) Results: Most feared short-term side effects were vaccination reactions, allergic reactions, and limitations in daily life. Most feared long-term side effects were (auto-) immune reactions, neurological side effects, and currently unknown long-term consequences. Concerns about serious vaccination side effects were associated with vaccination refusal. There was a clear association between refusal of COVID-19 vaccination in one’s personal environment and fear of side effects. (4) Conclusions: Transparent information about vaccine side effects is needed, especially for HCW. Especially when the participants’ acquaintances advised against vaccination, they were significantly more likely to fear side effects. Thus, further education of HCW is necessary to achieve good information transfer in clusters as well.
Controlled passive actuation: concepts for energy efficient actuation using mechanical storage elements and continuously variable transmissions

Walking robots consume more energy for locomotion than their wheeled and tracked counterparts. To achieve energy autonomous operation, a robot needs to run on energy that is harvested from its environment. In this light, it is meaningful to address reduction of energy consumption. The contribution of the research discussed in this thesis is twofold. Firstly, we increase insight in the mechanisms of energy loss by supplementing prior work with an analysis of the energetic losses in electric actuators. Secondly, we made steps towards the reduction of energy losses by including a mechanical storage element (a spring or flywheel) and a Continuously Variabel Transmission. We have named this actuation concept Controlled Passive Actuation and experimented with two setups to prove the concept. As part of this effort, two novel designs of Continuously Variable Transmissions are discussed.
MEDICATION ADHERENCE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY AFTER ST-SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION: THE RESULTS OF THE UKRAINIAN STIMUL REGISTRY.

OBJECTIVE The aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the adherence to medications prior and within a two-year period after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and to estimate its impact on the average lifespan of patients after STEMI. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: 1,103 patients with STEMI were enrolled in the prospective Ukrainian STIMUL registry with 24-month follow-up. The relationship between adherence to medical treatment and average lifespan was evaluated. RESULTS Results: The majority of prior STEMI patients were characterized with high and very high cardiovascular risk. The rate of revascularization was 29.9% (21.5% pPCI, 8.4% fibrinolytic therapy). The main reason for the low level of pPCI was late hospitalization and the inaccessibility of pPCI. This contributed greatly to in-hospital mortality (11.3%). Adherence to all medications progressively decreased (p < 0.001) within 24 months after STEMI. Permanent use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and statins during the two-year follow-up was associated with 7.0% of the mortalities, whereas non-adherence to medications was related to a 15% risk of death (OR 4.2; 95% CI 0.2-0.9; p < 0.05). The average life expectancy with regular use of ASA and statins within 24 months after STEMI was 62.3 ± 1.1 years (95% CI 60.1-64.4; p < 0.05) and 61.2 ± 0.9 years with non-regular use of ASA and statins (95% CI 59.4-62.9; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Conclusions: Adherence to evidence-based medicines was low in the STIMUL population both prior and after STEMI. This worsened cardiovascular prognosis and reduced average lifespan by one year within the following two years after STEMI.
Xenophobia among radical and mainstream right-wing party voters: prevalence, correlates and influence on party support

ABSTRACT Considering the current political relevance of anti-immigration sentiments, we examined preference to avoid interacting with immigrants – conceptualized here as a manifestation of xenophobia – among radical (Sweden Democrats, Sverigedemokraterna, N = 2216) and mainstream (Conservative Party, Moderaterna, N = 634) right-wing voters in Sweden. Correlates of xenophobia did not differ between the voter groups or compared to other populations in previous research, suggesting that increased societal focus on immigration has not altered the correlation patterns. Intended Sweden Democrat (vs. Conservative Party) voting correlated with Right-Wing Authoritarianism, institutional distrust, less right-leaning socioeconomic attitudes (in both low- and high-xenophobia subgroups), sexist attitudes (low-xenophobia subgroup), male gender and younger age (high-xenophobia subgroup). In both voter groups, respondents with higher xenophobia expressed on average more sympathy for the Sweden Democrats, perhaps indicating a larger potential voter base. We discuss the interplay of xenophobia and contemporary voting behaviours, and the concept of xenophobia in relation to anti-immigration attitudes.
Cord Blood Advanced Lipoprotein Testing Reveals an Interaction between Gestational Diabetes and Birth-Weight and Suggests a New Early Biomarker of Infant Obesity

Abnormal lipid metabolism is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and is observed in neonates with abnormal fetal growth. However, the underlying specific changes in the lipoprotein profile remain poorly understood. Thus, in the present study we used a novel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based approach to profile the umbilical cord serum lipoproteins. Two-dimensional diffusion-ordered 1H-NMR spectroscopy showed that size, lipid content, number and concentration of particles within their subclasses were similar between offspring born to control (n = 74) and GDM (n = 62) mothers. Subsequent data stratification according to newborn birth-weight categories, i.e., small (n = 39), appropriate (n = 50) or large (n = 49) for gestational age (SGA, AGA and LGA, respectively), showed an interaction between GDM and birth-weight categories for intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL)-cholesterol content and IDL- and low-density lipoproteins (LDL)-triglyceride content, and the number of medium very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and LDL particles specifically in AGA neonates. Moreover, in a 2-year follow-up study, we observed that small LDL particles were independently associated with offspring obesity at 2 years (n = 103). Collectively, our data demonstrate that GDM disturbs triglyceride and cholesterol lipoprotein content across birth-weight categories, with AGA neonates born to GDM mothers displaying a profile more similar to that of adults with dyslipidemia. Furthermore, an altered fetal lipoprotein pattern was associated with the development of obesity at 2 years.
Putting NZSL on the page: multilingual/multimodal picturebooks in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Picturebooks are powerful educational tools, both for their content and their contributions to the literacy development of children. In New Zealand bilingual picturebooks featuring Te Reo Māori and New Zealand English have increased in number since the 1980s when Te Reo Māori gained official status and revitalisation efforts burgeoned. More recently, New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) has been recognised as the preferred language of the deaf community and given legal official status. Sign languages around the world have been increasingly utilised in bilingual literacy education for deaf children. Public interest in sign language has also been stimulated by the increased presence of NZSL in the New Zealand linguistic landscape. As a result, a number of multilingual children’s books have been produced which include the use of NZSL in static or dynamic (multimodal) formats. In this article, we analyse two types of multilingual/multimodal picturebooks. Our analysis examines author/creator motivations in relation to the changing status of Te Reo Māori and NZSL alongside a critical analysis of how these three languages are presented within the picturebooks. Findings suggest the potential for these books to support engagement with literacy for children who are first language users of NZSL and to promote NZSLawareness among New Zealand children generally.
Favorable management of symptomatic cerebellar hemangioblastoma presenting with obstructive hydrocephalus during pregnancy: A case report and literature review

Background: Cerebellar hemangioblastoma is a highly vascular benign tumor and the growth rate of hemangioblastomas is believed to often accelerate during pregnancy; however, the reason for this rapid increase in size remains poorly understood. There are several case reports of symptomatic hemangioblastoma during pregnancy; however, the favorable management strategy has not been well established. Case Description: A 35-year-old woman, gravida 2 para 1, with no significant medical history presented with vertigo and difficulty walking at around 11 weeks of pregnancy and was referred to our institute at 30 weeks of gestation because of worsening symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 5.6 cm cystic lesion with a mural nodule in the right cerebellar hemisphere and the lesion blocked cerebrospinal fluid drainage from the fourth ventricle and brainstem, resulting in obstructive hydrocephalus. After obtaining the patient’s consent, a multidisciplinary team consisting of obstetricians and neurosurgeons decided to perform resection of the intracranial lesion following delivery of the fetus by emergency cesarean section in view of the symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. The patient’s general condition was confirmed to be stable postoperatively and she was discharged on the 16th day of her hospitalization without any neurological deficits or fetal complications. Conclusion: Urgent tumor resection combined with cesarean section can be planned once fetal lung maturity is confirmed. Most cases of symptomatic hemangioblastoma during pregnancy have an uneventful gestational course and a favorable outcome for both mother and child.
The Occurred Error in Microdosimetry Calculations while using Water Instead of the Body Organs in Proton Therapy and a New Formula for an Estimate of the Statistical Uncertainty of Microdosimetric Quantities

In many experimental and simulation researches, water phantom is used instead of most body organs. Therefore, in this study, we replaced the water phantom instead of some organs to calculate its effect on the proton stopping-power, and range and the consequence of deposited energy and microdosimetric spectra in small sites. Some organs such as the spleen, thyroid, pancreas, prostate, testis, and ovaries are considered. We calculated the proton stopping-power in these organs using the SRIM code. Then using these results, we wrote a program in the programming language of Fortran and computed the proton range and deposited energy in two sites of 1 and 100 micron. Also, using the Geant4-10-4 code, we simulated these sites and obtained microdosimetric spectra of protons at 1 and 5MeV energies. In order to compare different states, the frequency-mean lineal energy, dose-mean lineal energy, these statistical uncertainties and absorb dose in each case were calculated and reported. Also, we estimated the statistical uncertainty of quantities with a new formula. We observed that using water instead of the organs causes a significant error in the calculations of the range and the maximum relative difference percentage of 18% and 22% in deposited energy in 1 and 100 micron sites, respectively. These differences depend on the energy of the incident proton, organ, and size site. Also, this replacement changes microdosimetric spectra, the location, and intensity of the Bragg's peak. The percent difference of location and intensity of the Bragg's peak for water instead of the spleen is -8.66 and 13.42%, respectively. Therefore, using water instead of the body organs in microdosimetry calculations is not recommended.
Contactless power delivery for mobile device charging applications

This paper investigates contactless power delivery for mobile charging application. The system uses electromagnetic induction principle to deliver power from primary coil to secondary coil which are separated by an air gap. In this work, a good methodology on coil design is used which achieves a high quality factor (Q) with value of over 1300 to be used in the resonant tank of the primary circuit. This significantly high Q value allows power to be transmitted over a larger distance with a highest system efficiency to reach above 73%. The maximum distance in which power can be transmitted is over 10cm at a coupling resonant frequency of 106kHz.
WIC Participation and Dietary Quality among US Children: Impact of the 2009 Food Package Revision

ABSTRACT This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the WIC program at improving children’s dietary quality and to evaluate whether the 2009 food benefit revision further improved the WIC program. A sample of 1,753 children aged between 2 to 4 years from the 2005–2008 and 2011–2016 NHANES was analyzed using a propensity score weighted difference-in-difference approach. Results show that WIC-participating children scored 2.98 points higher (SD: 0.89; P < .01) in HEI-2015 total scores compared with income-eligible non-participants during 2011–2016. No significant change was observed in the differences of HEI-2015 scores between WIC participants and eligible non-participants from 2005–2008 to 2011–2016.
Trends, intensification, attribution and uncertainty of projected heatwaves in India

This study investigates the projected heatwaves for India using 0.25° × 0.25° summer mean temperature data from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) 5 and 6 simulations for 2016–2100. The heatwaves were delineated using count and density‐based indices. A new approach of using medians of past as threshold for computing projected variables was introduced to amplify the footprint of the warming signal on the heatwaves. Further, spatio‐climatic heterogeneity of India was accounted through optimizing climatic zones using the fuzzy c‐mean clustering technique. Temporal homogeneity, trend, intensification and attribution of the heatwave variables were computed and analysed. Additionally, the scenario uncertainty was partitioned from the internal climatic variability, and consequently the variables were modelled within a probabilistic framework. Within this probabilistic framework, a novel concept of intensification ratio was introduced to capture the cost of climate action/inaction on heatwaves in India. All the heatwave variables except heatwave count have breaks in homogeneity between 2045 and 2055 and show predominantly increasing trends. While heatwave count shows an intensification of 4–6 times over the past, with 70% of the intensification being attributable to climate change, for other variables, the figures are 35–30 times and 95%. The scenario uncertainty surpasses the internal climatic variability around 2050. The probabilistic framework yields normalized values of uncertainty mostly below 0.5, enhancing the applicability of the results. Finally, the intensification ratio shows that climate inaction will intensify the heatwaves for ~75% of India by ~50–100%. The intensification of heatwave density over its count and relative accentuation of heatwaves resulting from climate inaction are the major takeaways from this study.
Applying Accruals-Based Accounting and Budgeting to UK Central Government

A current UK initiative will mean major changes to government planning, control and reporting through the application of resource accounting and budgeting - a term which covers the introduction of accruals-based concepts. The changes and the reasons for their introduction are first set out. A number of issues arising from the application to government of GAAP designed primarily for trading organisations are then illustrated. The changes are set in the context of similar Irish and international changes being implemented or discussed.
Multi-scale Feature Adaptive Integration for Crowd Counting in Highly Congested Scenes

Due to extreme scale variations in highly congested scenes, the accuracy of CNN-based crowd counting approaches still has considerable room for further improvements. In this paper, we propose a new multi-scale feature adaptive integrated network (MSFAINet) for crowd counting that adopts the multi-scale feature, hybrid attention, and dilated convolution. First, the proposed MSFAINet extracts feature maps from different levels by the improved VGG16 and focuses on more important information that represents features at different scales. Second, it adopts a hybrid attention mechanism to enhance the receptive field of an image while reducing the loss of feature information caused by channel competition and then passes these features into the dilated convolution combined with the traditional convolution. Finally, it generates the density estimation map by accelerating the convergence of the network. The proposed MSFAINet is used to conduct extensive studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach on several mainstream datasets. From the experimental results, MSFAINet can extract and retain more detailed information and greatly reduce the influence of scale variations in crowd counting.