Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Personal Health Literacy and Life Simple 7: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

ABSTRACT Background Personal Health literacy (PHL) is essential in cardiovascular risk management. Hindrances in PHL can lead to poor cardiovascular outcomes. Purpose To investigate whether limited PHL is associated with lower likelihoods of i) overall cardiovascular health and ii) individual cardiovascular health components as defined by the American Heart Association’s Life Simple (LS7). Methods Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants (N = 3719; median age[range]: 59[45–84]) completed a PHL questionnaire in 2016–2018. PHL was classified as limited (score ≥10) or adequate (score <10). LS7 components were measured in 2000–2002. Robust Poisson regression was employed to compute prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (PR[95%CI]) of LS7 measures. Results 14.7% of participants had limited PHL. Limited PHL was associated with lower likelihoods of optimal LS7 (0.69[0.50, 0.95], p = .02) and average LS7 (0.95[0.88, 1.02], p = .15) after adjustment. Limited PHL was significantly associated with a 7% lower likelihood of ideal fasting blood glucose level after adjustment (0.93[0.89, 0.98], p < .01). Discussion Limited PHL was modestly associated with suboptimal cardiovascular health and elevated blood glucose, independent of income and education. Translation to Health Education Practice Health educators and providers should equitably address PHL barriers to improve cardiovascular management and quality of care for patients and communities.
Rate of decrease of the specific surface area of dry snow: Isothermal and temperature gradient conditions

The specific surface area (SSA) of snow is the surface area available to gases per unit mass. It is an important variable for quantifying air-snow exchange of chemical species, and it is closely related to other variables such as albedo. Snow SSA decreases during metamorphism, but few data are available to quantify its rate of decrease. We have performed laboratory experiments under isothermal and temperature gradient conditions during which the SSA of snow samples was monitored for several months. We have also monitored the SSA of snowfalls subjected to large temperature gradients at a field site in the central Alaskan taiga. The same snow layers were also monitored in a manipulated snowpack where the temperature gradient was greatly reduced. In all cases, the SSA decay follows a logarithmic equation with three adjustable variables that are parameterized using the initial snow SSA and the time-averaged temperature of the snow. Two parameterizations of the three adjustable variables are found: One applies to the isothermal experiments and to the quasi-isothermal cases studied in Alaska (equitemperature (ET) metamorphism), and the other is applicable to both the laboratory experiments performed under temperature gradients and to the natural snowpack in Alaska (temperature gradient (TG) metamorphism). Higher temperatures accelerate the decrease in SSA, and this decrease is faster under TG than ET conditions. We discuss the conditions of applicability of these parameterizations and use them to speculate on the effect of climate change on snow SSA. Depending on the climate regime, changes in the rate of decay of snow SSA and hence in snow albedo may produce either negative or positive feedbacks on climate change.
Risk of seizure recurrence in children with new-onset afebrile seizure

BACKGROUND A seizure is a brief change in the normal neuronal electrical activity of the brain that causes changes in consciousness, perception, behavior, or movement. This study aimed to evaluate clinical findings, initial electroencephalography (EEG), and brain imaging findings as predictors of seizure recurrence after the first nonfebrile seizure. METHODS This prospective follow-up study was conducted at Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk from July 2019 to January 2022 and enrolled 150 patients, ranging from 1 month to 15 years of age, who presented with their first afebrile seizure. The seizure types were classified based on the International League Against Epilepsy in 2017. A brain imaging with EEG was performed within 72 hours after admission. RESULTS The median age of the patients was 5 years. A higher risk of seizure recurrence occurred in patients with focal seizure (relative risk [RR] = 6.604) (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.975–10.971), seizure occurrence at sleep (RR = 3.815) (95% CI 2.410–6.039), an abnormal neurological presentation such as Todd’s paralysis (RR = 1.739) (95% CI 1.252–2.415), a positive family history of seizures (RR = 2.333) (95% CI 1.598–3.408), abnormal EEG (RR = 0.171) (95% CI 0.092–0.318), and abnormal brain image findings (RR = 0.681) (95% CI 0.492–0.941) within 72 hours. Seizure recurrence was not correlated with sex. CONCLUSIONS Early and late childhood new-onset afebrile seizures with a positive family history, focal epilepsy, seizure during sleep, prolonged attack duration with frequent attacks within 24 hours, and abnormal initial EEG and brain image had a high risk of seizure recurrence.
Episodic Late Cretaceous to Neogene crustal thickness variation in southern Tibet

Recent advancements in quantitatively estimating the thickness of Earth's crust in the geologic past provide an opportunity to test hypotheses explaining the tectonic evolution of southern Tibet. Outstanding debate on southern Tibet's Cenozoic geological evolution is complicated by poorly understood Mesozoic tectonics. We present new U‐Pb geochronology and trace element chemistry of detrital zircon from modern rivers draining the Gangdese Mountains in southern Tibet. Results are similar to recently published quantitative estimates of crustal thickness derived from intermediate‐composition whole rock records and show ~30 km of crustal thinning from 90 to 70 Ma followed by thickening to near‐modern values from 70 to 40 Ma. These results extend evidence of Late Cretaceous north–south extension along strike to the west by ~200 km, and support a tectonic model in which an east–west striking back‐arc basin formed along Eurasia's southern margin during slab rollback, prior to terminal collision of India with Eurasia.
The Muscarinic Acetylcholine M2 Receptor-Induced Nitration of p190A by eNOS Increases RhoA Activity in Cardiac Myocytes

p190RhoGAP, which exists in two paralogs, p190RhoGAP-A (p190A) and p190RhoGAP-B (p190B), is a GTPase activating protein (GAP) contributing to the regulation of the cellular activity of RhoGTPases. Recent data showed that M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M2R) stimulation in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NRCM) induces the binding of p190RhoGAP to the long isoform of the regulator of G protein signaling 3 (RGS3L). This complex formation alters the substrate preference of p190RhoGAP from RhoA to Rac1. By analyzing carbachol-stimulated GAP activity, we show herein that p190A, but not p190B, alters its substrate preference in NRCM. Based on data that the RhoGAP activity of p190A in endothelial cells is diminished upon nitration by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-derived peroxynitrite, we studied whether carbachol-induced NO/peroxynitrite formation contributes to the carbachol-induced RhoA activation in NRCM. Interestingly, the carbachol-induced RhoA activation in NRCM was suppressed by the eNOS-preferring inhibitor L-NIO as well as the non-selective NOS inhibitor L-NAME. Using L-NIO, we firstly verified the carbachol-induced NO production concurrent with eNOS activation and, secondly, the carbachol-induced nitration of p190A in NRCM. By co-immunoprecipitation, the carbachol-induced complex formation of eNOS, p190A, RGS3L and caveolin-3 was detected. We thus conclude that the NO production by M2R-induced eNOS activation in caveolae in NRCM is required for the nitration of p190A, leading to the binding to RGS3L and the change in substrate preference from RhoA to Rac1. In line with this interpretation, the disruption of caveolae in NRCM by methyl-β-cyclodextrin suppressed carbachol-induced RhoA activation in NRCM to a similar extent as the inhibition of NO production.
Shallow‐marine sequences as the building blocks of stratigraphy: insights from numerical modelling

Two types of depositional sequences can be defined within the sequence stratigraphic framework: the parasequence and the high-frequency sequence. Both sequences consist of stacked regressive and transgressive deposits. However, a parasequence forms under conditions of overall sea-level rise, whereas a high-frequency sequence forms as the sea level oscillates which results in typical forced regressive deposits during sea-level fall. Both depositional sequences may develop over comparable temporal (10–100 kyr) and spatial (1–20 km wide and 1–40 m thick) scales. Numerical modelling is used to compare the architecture, preservation potential, internal volumes, bounding surfaces, condensed and expanded sections and facies assemblages of parasequences and high-frequency sequences. Deposits originating from transgression are less pronounced than their regressive counterparts and consist of either preserved backbarrier deposits or shelf deposits. Shoreface deposits are not preserved during transgression. The second half of the paper evaluates in detail the preservation potential of backbarrier deposits and proposes a mechanism that explains the occurrence of both continuous and discontinuous barrier retreat in terms of varying rates of sea-level rise and sediment supply. The key to this mechanism is the maximum washover capacity, which plays a part in both barrier shoreline retreat and backbarrier-lagoonal shoreline retreat. If these two shorelines are not balanced, then the retreat of the coastal system as a whole is discontinuous and in time barrier overstep may take place.
ConvNeXt-ST-AFF: A Novel Skin Disease Classification Model Based on Fusion of ConvNeXt and Swin Transformer

Automatic classification of dermatological images is an important technology that assists doctors in performing faster and more accurate classification of skin diseases. Recently, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Transformer networks have been employed in learning respectively the local and global features of lesion images. However, existing works mainly focus on utilizing a single neural network for feature extraction, which limits the model classification performance. In order to tackle this problem, a novel fusion model, named ConvNeXt-ST-AFF, is proposed in this paper, by combining the strengths of ConvNeXt and Swin Transformer (ConvNeXt-ST in the model’s name). In the proposed model, the pretrained ConvNeXt and Swin Transformer networks extract local and global features from images, which are then fused using Attentional Feature Fusion (AFF) submodules (AFF in the model’s name). Additionally, in order to enhance the model’s attention on the regions of skin lesions during training, an Efficient Channel Attention (ECA) module is incorporated into the ConvNeXt network. Moreover, the proposed model employs a denoising module to reduce the influence of artifacts and improve the image contrast. The results, obtained by experiments conducted on two datasets, demonstrate that the proposed ConvNeXt-ST-AFF model has higher classification ability, according to multiple evaluation metrics, compared to the original ConvNeXt and Swin Transformer, and other state-of-the-art classification models.
Rapid degradation of propanil in rice crop fields

Propanil and its major degradation product, 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA), were monitored in surface water and soil samples from two rice fields of the Ebre Delta area (Tarragona, Spain) following agricultural application. On-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) (water) and Soxhlet extraction (soil) followed by liquid chromatography/diode array detection (LC/DAD) were used for the trace determination of both compounds. Unequivocal confirmation/identification was conducted by using liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry, LC/APCI-MS (using negative and positive ionization modes). Concentrations of the herbicide propanil in water samples varied from 1.9 to 55.9 μg/L. Propanil degraded very rapidly to DCA, and high concentrations of this product were found, varying from 16.5 to 470 μg/L in water and 119 ± 22 μg/kg in soil samples. No detectable DCA (<0.001%) was found in the applied pesticide formulation, indicating that DCA formation took place after propanil application. T.
Financial Literacy and Investment Decisions in Nepalese Share Market

This study examines the role of financial literacy on the investment decisions of investors in the Nepalese share market. Financial literacy is expressed in personal saving, risk tolerance, investment options, and financial knowledge. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire using the convenience sampling method from 384 respondents of Kathmandu Valley. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis have been used to analyze data. The study results revealed a positive and significant relationship between the dimensions of financial literacy and investment decisions in the Nepalese share market. Low financial literacy and lack of financial information affect the ability to save and make sound financial decisions. Ignorance of basic financial concepts results in negative behavior in saving and investment decisions. The study suggests conducting financial education programs to help improve investors’ savings and financial decisions.
Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China

Objective The workers in emerging manufacturing are at decreased risk of traditional occupational diseases, while probably at increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing. Methods A total of 3,359 valid questionnaires were collected from 10 enterprises in the electronics, pharmaceutical, and motor manufacturing industries. The prevalence of WMSDs was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The work posture load was evaluated through a questionnaire. Results The results showed that the highest prevalence of WMSDs was observed in part of the neck (15.0%), followed by the lower back (12.5%), shoulders (11.2%), and upper back (7.1%). Female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, workers with a BMI of ≥28 kg/m2, longer working experience, never exercised had a higher prevalence of WMSDs. Logistic regression analysis showed that female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, with a middle school education and college degree, and workers who never exercised had a higher risk of WMSDs. In addition, workers who sat for long during work, worked hard with upper limbs or hands, worked in uncomfortable postures, and performed repetitive operations were positively related with the increased risk of WMSDs. Conclusion These findings suggested that WMSDs were prevalent among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China, while efforts should be made to reshape the risk factors associated with WMSDs, such as prolonged sitting, uncomfortable positions, and repetitive operations. Encouraging exercise and promoting ergonomic interventions probably be also benefit to induce the risk of WMSDs.
Littorina Transgressions in Blekinge, South Sweden a Preliminary Survey

Abstract Lagoon sediments from the Littorina time have been investigated in Blekinge by biostratigraphic methods. The absolute chronology is based on 50 radiocarbon datings. The results from nine sites have been synthesised into a diagram to show the shore line displacement. The complex Littorina transgression has been subdivided into six Atlantic and Sub-Boreal transgressions, no. I dated to 5000–4700, II to 4500–4300, III to 3900–3600, IV to 3500–3300 but faintly separated from the preceding one, V to 2700–2500 and VI to 2100–1900 B. C. It is supposed that the sea in this area reached its maximum level during no. IV.
Microseismicity in Krýsuvík Geothermal Field, SW Iceland, from May to October 2009

Krýsuvík is a geothermal area located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. The Reykjanes Peninsula is an oblique plate spreading boundary under heavy in uence of a mantle plume located beneath southeast Iceland. Intense seismic swarms occured in the area during alternating periods of uplift and subsidence in 2009 and 2011. A dense seismic network located in the area from May till October 2009 together with the regional seismic network of the Icelandic Meteorological O ce recorded over ten thousand earthquakes. The activity was characterized by short, intense swarms in between longer, quieter periods. A detailed analysis was performed on the focal mechanisms of 1,063 events, including a stress tensor inversion for several swarms in the Krýsuvík and Fagradalsfjall areas. Interestingly, earthquakes of di erent faulting types characterize individual swarms, with normal, reverse, and strike-slip events taking place in the same swarms. Stress tensor inversion reveals a NW-SE trending minimum horizontal stress, in good agreement with previous studies in the area. No direct indication of magmatic involvement during the deformation sequence is observed.
Using Initialized Hindcasts to Assess Simulations of 1970-2009 Equatorial Pacific SST, Zonal Wind Stress, and Surface Flux Trends

AbstractInitialized decadal hindcasts are used to assess simulations of 1970–2009 equatorial Pacific SST, zonal wind stress, and surface flux trends. Initialized hindcasts are useful to assess how well the models simulate observed trends, as well as how simulations of observed trends (due primarily to natural variability) differ from ensemble-mean forecasted trends (due to the response to an increase in external forcing). All models forecast a statistically significant warming trend in both the warm-pool and cold-tongue regions. However, while the warm-pool warming trend is within the observed estimates, the cold-tongue warming trend is an order of magnitude larger than an ENSO residual estimated using SST instrumental reconstructions. Multimodel ensemble means formed using forecasts 6–10 years from initialization with 40 ensemble members do not produce an unambiguous zonal SST gradient response to an increase in external forcing. Systematic biases are identified in forecasts of surface fluxes. For exampl.
The Spectrum of Intracranial Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis at an Eastern Indian Tertiary Care Center

Introduction: Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a treatable, rare inflammatory disease, either primary or secondary to systemic causes. Aims: To characterize the etiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment outcomes of HP patients and determine the factors influencing the radiological resolution of the pachymeningeal enhancement and recurrence of symptoms within the follow-up period. Materials and Methods: We collected data for this prospective observational study between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2022, at the Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, and the patients were followed for a 6-month period. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment-related data were collected. A univariate logistic regression model was used for comparison between patients with and without radiological resolution of pachymeningitis and between patients with and without symptom recurrence. Results: Among 44 patients, the male: female ratio was 1.2:1. The median age at disease onset was 35.5 (28.5–49.5) years. The etiologies were idiopathic (56.8%), tuberculosis (22.8%), immunoglobulin G subtype 4 (IgG4) disease (9.2%), other infections (6.8%), and neoplastic (4.4%). Headache was the most common presentation (95.4%), followed by cranial neuropathies (68.2%). Optic and oculomotor neuropathies were the most common. In terms of radiological features, 27.27, 29.54, and 43.18% of patients had diffuse, focal regular, and focal irregular enhancement, respectively. Temporal (50%), followed by cavernous sinus (38.63%) enhancement, was the most common. Recurrence occurred in 36 and 50% of idiopathic and IgG4-related HP cases, respectively. Mycophenolate mofetil was added to their steroid regimen with no further recurrences. Conclusion: The cohort had a marked absence of (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) ANCA-associated HP. The severity of clinical manifestations or distribution of pachymeningitis did not differ significantly among the etiological groups. The presence of idiopathic etiology and focal regular enhancement had a significantly higher chance of radiological resolution. The response to therapy was satisfactory. Recurrence was significantly related to shorter steroid courses (
Mobility management for general distributed location areas

Location of mobile users is a common implemented issue in modern personal communication networks (PCN). Location may have several purposes in a wireless network, for example authentication of users to deliver incoming calls to destination users, and to make a more efficient use of network resources. In a practical wireless network the location algorithms need to keep track of mobile users in a dynamic manner. In this paper, we present an analytic model for the dynamic movement-based location algorithm for PCN's. Our model is based on renewal theory arguments and it is general enough to include a variety of probability distributions for modelling residence times in location areas and intercall times.
Infrared Thermal Image Instance Segmentation Method for Power Substation Equipment Based on Visual Feature Reasoning

The accurate infrared thermal image instance segmentation of substation equipment is a prerequisite for intelligent analysis of its temperature status. To address the issues of low accuracy and false detection in the existing substation instance segmentation methods, we propose a visual feature reasoning-based substation infrared thermal image instance segmentation method to compensate for the limitations of deep learning methods and improve the instance segmentation accuracy. We propose utilizing distinctive visual features as a priori knowledge for three types of substation equipment and construct a two-branch instance segmentation model (FR-SOLOv2) based on power domain expertise and visual feature reasoning. FR-SOLOv2 comprises distinctive visual feature extraction and reasoning network (FR) as well as a substation equipment image segmentation network (SOLOv2). FR combines power domain knowledge and visual feature reasoning to provide accurate localization and classification information for each substation device. SOLOv2 accomplishes segmenting substation devices in infrared images based on residual networks and feature fusion pyramids. The test results well demonstrate the superiority of our model for instance segmentation of the infrared image of substation equipment. Additionally, FR-SOLOv2 demonstrates an average accuracy of 83.18% on the substation equipment infrared image dataset, a significant improvement of 13.5% compared to the baseline model. The method relying on prior knowledge for visual feature reasoning on deep learning methods also presents a new approach to substation equipment image segmentation.