Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Utility of disc space aspirate cell counts and differentials in the diagnosis of native vertebral osteomyelitis.

Background: Aspiration of intervertebral disc space is often done to confirm the diagnosis of native vertebral osteomyelitis. A study has not been done examining the utility of cell counts and differentials of the aspirated fluid in diagnosing native vertebral osteomyelitis (NVO). Methods: In this feasibility study, we prospectively enrolled patients with a suspected diagnosis of NVO referred to the Division of Neuroradiology for image-guided needle aspiration of the intervertebral disc. In this study, manual cell count was done on the aspirated fluid, followed by a differential cytospin technique and touch prep. We obtained demographic, lab, and microbiologic data and used the receiver operating curve (ROC) for statistical analysis. Results: Over 12 months, we performed 17 aspirates on 14 patients. The median age was 70.5 years (range: 45-77). The median manual cell count on the aspirated fluid was 52 cells µ L - 1 (range: 0-6656), the median neutrophil percentage on the touch prep slide was 73 % (range: 5 %-100 %), and the median neutrophil percentage on the cytospin slide was 82 % (range: 0 %-100 %). Routine bacterial cultures were positive in five cases, and the 16S ribosomal RNA gene polymerase chain reaction was positive in two cases. The optimal cutoff for a cell count of 104 total nucleated cells offered a sensitivity and specificity of 86 %, and a neutrophil cutoff of 83 % was associated with a 71 % sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: An image-guided aspirated specimen leukocyte differential of ≥ 83 % neutrophils or a leukocyte count of ≥ 104 µ L - 1 was a sensitive and specific test for diagnosing patients with suspected NVO. Additionally, more extensive studies are warranted to confirm the findings.
Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with a Meta-Regression and Mapping Report

The aim was to assess the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on patients with musculoskeletal disorders. We conducted a search of Medline, Embase, PEDro, and Google Scholar. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of HIIT on pain intensity, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), disability, and quality of life (QoL). We employed the GRADE and PEDro scales to rate the quality, certainty, and applicability of the evidence. Results showed significant differences in pain intensity, with a moderate clinical-effect (SMD = −0.73; 95% CI: −1.40–−0.06), and in VO2 max, with a moderate clinical-effect (SMD = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.42–0.97). However, the meta-analysis showed no statistically significant results for disability (SMD = −0.34; 95% CI: −0.92–0.24) and QoL (SMD = 0.40; 95% CI: −0.80–1.60). We compared HIIT against other exercise models for reducing pain intensity and increasing VO2 max. The meta-analysis showed no significant differences in favour of HIIT. Meta-regression analysis revealed that pain intensity scores were negatively associated with VO2 max (R2 = 82.99%, p = 0.003). There is low-moderate evidence that the HIIT intervention for patients with musculoskeletal disorders can reduce pain intensity and increase VO2 max but has no effect on disability and QoL. Results also showed that HIIT was not superior to other exercise models in reducing pain intensity and increasing VO2 max.
Improving Fmoc Solid Phase Synthesis of Human Beta Defensin 3

Human β-defensin 3, HBD-3, is a 45-residue antimicrobial and immunomodulatory peptide that plays multiple roles in the host defense system. In addition to interacting with cell membranes, HBD-3 is also a ligand for melanocortin receptors, cytokine receptors and voltage-gated potassium channels. Structural and functional studies of HBD-3 have been hampered by inefficient synthetic and recombinant expression methods. Herein, we report an optimized Fmoc solid-phase synthesis of this peptide using an orthogonal disulfide bonds formation strategy. Our results suggest that utilization of an optimized resin, coupling reagents and pseudoproline dipeptide building blocks decrease chain aggregation and largely improve the amount of the target peptide in the final crude material, making the synthesis more efficient. We also present an alternative synthesis of HBD-3 in which a replacement of a native disulfide bridge with a diselenide bond improved the oxidative folding. Our work enables further biological and pharmacological characterization of HBD-3, hence advancing our understanding of its therapeutic potential.
The ion population between 1300 km and 230 000 km in the coma of comet P/Halley

During the encounter of the spacecraft Giotto with Comet Halley the two sensors of the ion mass spectrometer (IMS), high energy range spectrometer (HERS) and high intensity spectrometer (HIS), measured the mass and the three-dimensional velocity distributions of cometary ions. HIS looked mainly at the cold, slow part of the distribution close to the nucleus, HERS at the more energetic pick-up ions further out. After a thorough recalibration of the HIS flight spare unit and an extensive data analysis we present here continuous ion density-, composition-, velocity-, and temperature profiles for the water group ion (mass range 16-19 amu/e) along Giotto's inbound trajectory from 230,000 to 1300 km from the comet nucleus. The two sensors are in very good agreement in the region where their measurements overlap thus giving an excellent data base for the discussion of theoretical comet models. The most prominent feature where models and observations disagree is the so called pile up region between 8000 and 15,000 km from the nucleus.
Research on differential game guidance law for intercepting hypersonic vehicles

Hypersonic vehicles pose a serious challenge to the existing defense systems due to the fast flight velocity, long flight distance, strong lateral maneuverability. Concerning the problem of accurately intercepting hypersonic vehicles, the present study investigates the hypersonic vehicle interception problem under a small velocity ratio of the missile and the target based on the nonlinear differential game theory. In this case, the interception problem is transformed into the solution of the state-dependent coefficient (SDC) and the algebraic Riccati equation. Moreover, it also provides the analytical form of the differential game guidance law by adopting the State-dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) method, which does not need to calculate the remaining flying time of the missile. Based on the simulation results, the interception performance of the recommended differential game guidance law can be better than that of the proportional navigation guidance (PNG) together with the adaptive sliding mode guidance (ASMG) laws.
Correlations between Problematic Mobile Phone Use and Depressiveness and Daytime Sleepiness, as Well as Perceived Social Support in Adolescents

(1) The aim of this study was to estimate the scale of mobile phone addiction among young adults as well as to establish whether the low level of perceived social support is related to problematic smartphone use, and whether an addictive pattern of mobile phone use is related to the prevalence of depressiveness and excessive daytime sleepiness. (2) The study was carried out using the diagnostic poll method via the questionnaire technique. Both the author’s own questionnaire and the following standardized research tools were used: the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale for Adolescents (MPPUSA), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). (3) Perceived social support was significantly lower in the group of respondents who problematically used their mobile phones in comparison with the ones who used them in a proper way. Severity of depressive symptoms and daytime sleepiness was significantly higher in respondents addicted to their mobiles compared to nonaddicted ones. (4) Conclusions: An important correlation between phone addiction and the prevalence of depressive symptoms and excessive daytime sleepiness exists. Problematic mobile phone use concerns individuals with low levels of perceived social support.
X-RAY AND EUV SPECTROSCOPY OF VARIOUS ASTROPHYSICAL AND LABORATORY PLASMAS: COLLISIONAL, PHOTOIONIZATION AND CHARGE-EXCHANGE PLASMAS

Several laboratory facilities were used to benchmark theoretical spectral models that are extensively used by astronomical communities. However, there are still many differences between astrophysical environments and laboratory miniatures that can be archived. Here we setup a spectral analysis system for astrophysical and laboratory plasmas to make a bridge between them, and we investigate the effects from non-thermal electrons and the contributions from a metastable level population on level populations and charge stage distribution for coronal-like, photoionized, and geocoronal plasmas. Test applications to laboratory measurement (i.e., electron beam ion trap plasma) and astrophysical observation (i.e., Comet, Cygnus X-3) are presented. A time evolution of the charge stage and level population are also explored for collisional and photoionized plasmas.
Integrating Telepsychiatry Based Care in Rural Acute Community Mental Health Services? A systematic literature review

BACKGROUND: There is limited local literature specific to emergency department assessment and subsequent telepsychiatry follow up in the community and most literature on telepsychiatry does not cover the case of urgent assessment and crisis follow up in the community. AIM: This literature review explores the use of videoconferencing technology to overcome the burden of distance and access to tertiary mental health services in regional and remote areas of Australia. METHODS: A systematic search in Medline, CINAHL, Psychiatry Online, Google Scholar, and the NSW Health Clinical Info Access Program (CIAP) was conducted. A combination of key terms: “Telepsychiatry” OR “Mental Health Telemedicine” OR “Telemedicine” OR “Telehealth” OR “Videoconferencing” OR “Mental Health Videoconferencing” OR “Telepsychiatry Ethics” AND “Acute Community” AND “Emergency Assessment” were used. Based on the screening and eligibility criteria, 21 peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2005 and 2020 were included in the review. RESULTS: Key themes were found which support the use of remote telepsychiatry. Common in the literature were themes of equivalence to in-person review, as well as themes of convenience, overcoming remoteness and timely access to specialist assessment. Ethical and technical considerations was also commonly cited. The literature search found no direct examples of an acute psychiatric assessment in the emergency department with a subsequent follow-up in the community using videoconferencing technology. CONCLUSION: Telepsychiatry in both the home and emergency department areas had merit and equivalence to face to face review, with the added benefit of wider access and timeliness to specialist assessment and treatment.
Promotion of Physical Activity through Health Applications among Students of Selected Universities – a Preliminary Study

Mobile health applications provide individuals with a mobile tool that can be tailored to meet various health needs and physical activity goals, which is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated social distancing protocols. The consequence that the pandemic has on the mental health of university students has prompted and increased the demand of physical activity interventions. The aim of this study was to determine the self-perceived effects of mobile health applications on physical activity participation among university students. Participants included students registered in one of the faculties at a university in Johannesburg. Data collection took place by means of an electronic questionnaire using Google Forms as a platform, completed by a sample of 192 students. The findings in the study reflected that majority of university students use health applications to increase physical activity levels or to track current activity levels. Participants also indicated that specific health applications were used to set goals, monitor progress and receive feedback. Aerobic activities proved to be the more popular type of physical activity in comparison to anaerobic activity. This study concluded that health applications can be used as a tool to facilitate and promote physical activity participation in the university student population. © 2022 The authors.
Negative Antecedents of Affective Commitment of Filipino Call Center Employees: The Mediating Role of Leader-Member Exchange

The study aims to provide empirical evidence on the effects of perceived customerunfriendliness, emotional dissonance, and perceived stress on Filipino call center employees’affective commitment. Also, the study intends to show how leader-member exchange(LMX) mediates the relationships between the three posited antecedents and affectivecommitment. The study further proposes a hypothesized model based on insights fromthe literature. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used in testing the hypotheses usinga dataset from a sample of 689 Filipino call center employees. The results revealedthat emotional dissonance and perceived stress are consequences of perceived customerunfriendliness. They, in turn, posited adverse effects on affective commitment. The resultsalso indicated that LMX exercised a fully mediating role on perceived customer unfriendlinessand affective commitment while partially mediating the stress-commitment relationship.The findings highlight the importance of stakeholders’ intervention programs indecreasing employees’ emotional dissonance and perceived stress. It further implies thatquality LMX initiated by leaders may also facilitate in reducing the adverse effects of customer-related stressors and psychological strains on the affective commitment of Filipinocall center employees.
Ground rolling delays apical development and reduces frost injury in early-sown spring wheat

ABSTRACT Frost injury is a concern in early-sown spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) in the Tokai region of Japan. To assess the efficacy of ground rolling as a technique for avoiding frost injury, we investigated its effects on the apical development and yield of ‘Ayahikari’ spring wheat. In both 2018–19 and 2019–20, rolling delayed spikelet initiation by 4–5 days, the start of internode elongation by 5–12 days, and jointing by 3–9 days, but did not affect the apical development rate, which depended on the thermal time. Ground rolling prevented frost injury in 2018–19 but not in 2019–20, probably because the warmer-than-average winter promoted earlier jointing, and so plants were exposed to later low temperatures in February. These results suggest that ground rolling is an effective method for avoiding frost injury in spring wheat during cold winters. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
A Qualitative Inquiry into the Socio-Economic Implications of Land Grabs Among the Nuer People in the Gambella Region of Ethiopia

The paper analyses the socio-economic implications of land grabbing among the Nuer people in the Gambella region of Ethiopia. To achieve its goals, the study is underpinned by two interrelated questions. The first question is: what are the socio-economic implications of land grabs in the Gambella Region of Ethiopia? The second question reads: what are the contestations and perceptions of the Nuer peoples in terms of gains and losses from the land grabs? The study was carried out among a Nilo-Saharan group known as the Nuer which traces its roots from Sudan within the qualitative research methodology. Findings from the study shows that land grabbing, which comes through large scale land takeovers in the Gambella region of Ethiopia, contradicts a state-remaking project under a dispossessive political economy. It was noted that the land grabs destruct the Nuer people’s identity, strip them of their dignity, disturb their ancestral philosophies, and negatively affect their livelihoods.
MEASURING THE ELECTRIC RESISTANCE OF AIR DRYING THICK RED PINE AND LARCH TIMBER

The objective of this study was to evaluate the moisture profile and drying period of air drying the red pine and Japanese larch timbers with the cross section of 14.0 cm × 14.0cm and16.5 cm × 16.5cmby measuring the electricresistanceofthe wood. The drying curvesdetermined by measuring electricresistanceand by oven-dried method were nearly identical at last drying stage, and had almost same moisture profiles and same drying period after the end of air drying. Therefore, the drying curve determined by measuring electricresistancecan be used to predict the drying period and moisture profile of air drying the red pine and Japanese larch timbers with large cross sections.
Exploring the effects of the first-hand experience of deliberative practice: the case of the Shin-Gori Nuclear Reactor Nos. 5 and 6 in South Korea

ABSTRACT Despite increasing research on deliberative practices, most studies have focused almost exclusively on Western cases, overlooking practices taking place in other parts of the world. Therefore, this study examines a recent South Korean case of deliberative practice in an Asian cultural context that focused on the decision to reconstruct the Shin-Gori Nuclear Reactors. In particular, this study sought to understand the effects on participants of their first-hand experience in this deliberative practice. Overall, this study showed that both the individual’s open-mindedness as well as perceived fairness of the deliberative practice were critical in encouraging people to actively participate in the discussions. Consequently, participants who were active in discussions were more acceptable of the final decision and were encouraged to join future deliberative practices. In the meantime, the null finding of the opinion change and, specifically, its insignificant relationship with knowledge challenged the emphasis of previous studies on the importance of knowledge and opinion. Together, this study implies the necessity to examine further the mechanisms and conditions needed for well-functioning deliberative forums in non-Western countries as well as their effects. Finally, the implications of the findings as well as suggestions for deliberative practice are discussed.
Conformal transformations of Riemannian manifolds

Let (M, g), or simply M, be a Riemannian n-manifold with Riemannian metric g throughout this paper manifolds are always assumed to be connected and C°°. For any C°°-function p the Riemannian metric g* = eg is said to be conformal or conformally related to g, and for constant p it is said to be homothetic to g. Let /ι be a C°°-mapping of (M,g) into another Riemannian manifold (M*,g*). If the Riemannian metric h*g* induced on M by h is conformal (homothetic) to the original metric g, then h is called a conformal {homothetic) mapping of (M, g) into (M*, g*). (Under a conformal mapping the angle between two vectors is preserved.) h remains to be conformal under any conformal changes of metrics on M and M*. If h is a diίϊeomorphism, then h is called a conformal diffeomorphism or briefly a conformorphism, and (M, g) is said to be conformally diffeomorphic or briefly conformorphic to (Λf, g*) through h. If /ι is a conformorphism of (M, g) onto itself, then /z is called a conformal transformation of (M, g). For a group G of conformal transformations of (M, g), if there exists a conformally related metric g* = eg with respect to which G is a group of isometries, then G is said to be inessential, otherwise essential. Let C(M, g), or simply C(M), be the group of the conformal transformations of (M, g), and I(M, g), or simply I(M), the group of the isometries of (M, g) they both are known to be Lie groups with respect to the compact-open topology. It is known [4] that any compact subgroup of C(M) is inessential. Therefore a maximal compact subgroup of C(M) may be considered as a subgroup of I(M) by a suitable conformal change of metric. In particular, if M is compact, so is I(M). Hence there is a conformally related Riemannian metric g* such that the group I(M, g*) is a maximal compact subgroup of C(M, g) = C(M, g*). It follows that on a compact Riemannian manifold M, C(M) is essential if and only if it is not compact. In this paper, we are mainly concerned with a 1-parameter group of conformal transformations of a Riemannian manifold M, and so we may
Comparison of clinical and radiological outcomes using crestal approach sinus kit and piezoelectric surgery for sinus membrane elevation: A prospective clinical trial

Background: To overcome the drawbacks of sinus floor augmentation procedures newer surgical techniques to reduce sinus perforation such as crestal approach sinus kit (CAS) and piezosurgery, which are minimally invasive procedures enabling uncomplicated sinus elevation have evolved. The aim of the present study was to investigate the performance of CAS kit compared to piezosurgery during maxillary sinus membrane elevation. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 subjects requiring maxillary sinus membrane augmentation for rehabilitation with implant prosthesis in posterior maxilla were included in the study. The current study was a prospective clinical trial where osteotomy and sinus elevation was done using CAS kit in Group 1 and piezosurgery in Group 2. Platelet-rich fibrin was placed in osteotomy site and dental implants were inserted. Implant stability was evaluated at baseline and 3 months. Crestal bone loss was measured at 3, 6, and 12 months. Apical bone gain was measured at 6 and 12 months. Intragroup comparison of the study groups was done by Paired t-test, ANOVA test, and Friedman test. Intergroup comparison was done by unpaired t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Implant stability improved in both the groups, i.e., 79.2 ± 5.02 and 79 ± 5.31 in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively, at 3 months. Intergroup comparison showed no difference in all parameters; however, crestal bone loss was greater in piezosurgery group with a mean difference of 0.74 mm. Conclusion: Both CAS and piezosurgery groups showed definitive improvement in all parameters. CAS group resulted in added benefits in terms of less crestal bone loss and intraoperative surgical time compared to piezosurgery group.
Research on prosocial screen and immersive media effects: a systematic literature review

ABSTRACT The goal of this study is to offer an overview of the trends that characterize the current research on prosocial media effects. To this end, we conducted a systematic literature review. The period reviewed was from 2017 to 2021. It found four general trends: The first one is related to research on prosocial children´s media. The second deals with the examination of the effects of mixing prosocial and violent content and practices in the same media text. The third reflects the importance of exploring what happens during media use in relation to user behaviors above all in multiplayer video games social dynamics. Finally, the fourth trend found is related to the exploration of the possibilities opened up by immersive media.