Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Volunteering in the United Kingdom During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Who Started and Who Quit?

I examine how volunteering dynamics changed in the United Kingdom during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic relying on data from the “Understanding Society” survey. Descriptive analyses and linear probability models yield three main findings: First, the share of volunteers (for all causes) dropped at least by a third during the first lockdown and did not increase until March 2021. Second, disproportional (absolute) declines occurred among the elderly, women, and those with higher education. Elderly individuals were particularly likely to quit their voluntary engagement, while the propensity of starting declined particularly among higher educated individuals. Third, volunteering in response to COVID-19 was performed by only 3.4% of all respondents and was more common among the higher educated, women, and experienced volunteers. These results suggest that volunteering might well decrease during disasters that affect the opportunities of potential volunteers contrasting the mobilizing role of disasters highlighted by earlier research.
Pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS): A brief overview

Background . Pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) is characterized by dispersion of pigment in the anterior chamber structures and can present with deposits on the central corneal endothelium or Krukenberg spindle, iris trans-illumination spoke-like defects, and increased pigmentation in the iridocorneal angle. It is more common in myopic patients with a predominance in young males in the third to fifth decade of life that affects about 1-2% of the population. PDS is a risk factor and can give lead to a rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) and secondary glaucoma. Pigmentary glaucoma (PG) can develop from PDS in the presence of elevated IOP coupled with glaucomatous optic neuropathy, retinal nerve fiber thinning, and/or visual field defects. PDS and PG have the same clinical features, representing different levels of severity on the same clinical spectrum. Relevance for patients. Early diagnosis, appropriate management and follow-up of patients with PDS is important to prevent vision deterioration or blindness due to glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Comparison of Olfactory Tract Diffusion Measures Between Early Stage Parkinson’s Disease Patients and Healthy Controls Using Ultra-High Field MRI

Background: MRI is a valuable method to assist in the diagnostic work-up of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The olfactory tract (OT) has been proposed as a potential MRI biomarker for distinguishing PD patients from healthy controls. Objective: This study aims to further investigate whether diffusion measures of the OT differ between early stage PD patients and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty hyposmic/anosmic PD patients, 65 normosmic PD patients, and 36 normosmic healthy controls were evaluated and a 7T diffusion weighted image scan was acquired. Manual seed regions of interest were drawn in the OT region. Tractography of the OT was performed using a deterministic streamlines algorithm. Diffusion measures (fractional anisotropy and mean- radial- and axial diffusivity) of the generated streamlines were compared between groups. Results: Diffusion measures did not differ between PD patients compared to healthy controls and between hyposmic/anosmic PD patients, normosmic PD patients, and normosmic healthy controls. A positive correlation was found between age and mean- and axial diffusivity within the hyposmic/anosmic PD subgroup, but not in the normosmic groups. A positive correlation was found between MDS-UPDRSIII scores and fractional anisotropy. Conclusion: This study showed that fiber tracking of the OT was feasible in both early stage PD and healthy controls using 7T diffusion weighted imaging data. However, 7T MRI diffusion measures of the OT are not useful as an early clinical biomarker for PD. Future work is needed to clarify the role of other OT measurements as a biomarker for PD and its different subgroups.
XVI. On a mechanical theorem applicable to heat

The following theorem (virial theorem) is proved: let there be any system of material points in stationary motion. (Stationary motion means that the points are constrained to move in a limited region of space, and the velocities only fluctuate within certain limits, with no preferential direction.) Denote by X, Y, Z the components of the force acting on a particle at position x, y, z in space, and form the quantity
Attenuation of Morphine Dependence by Ganoderma lucidum Extract in Mice

Background: Opioids are the principal drugs of choice for managing acute severe pain; however, physical dependence is still reported as one of the main limiting factors in the clinical application of these drugs. In the present study, the effect of Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) was assessed on morphine dependence in mice. Methods: A 19-day administration schedule was applied to induce morphine dependence in male adult NMRI mice. The mice were given intraperitoneal (i.p.) morphine sulfate once daily in an increasing dose of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. Then, G. lucidum hydroalcoholic extract (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) was given to the mice from days 10 to 18. Another group of mice received single doses of the extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) only on the 19th day. Naloxone (3 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to precipitate withdrawal syndrome. Normal saline and diazepam (0.25 mg/kg) were used as the negative and positive controls, respectively. Results: The administration of single doses of G. lucidum extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly decreased the number of jumps, leanings, and diarrhea in mice subjected to morphine dependence. The repeated administration of G. lucidum extract (25 and 50 mg/kg for nine days) significantly attenuated the number of jumps, leanings, and diarrhea in morphine-dependent mice. Conclusions: Overall, G. lucidum extract attenuates induced morphine dependence and inhibits withdrawal syndrome symptoms in mice.
RCEP’s financial integration before and after the global financial crisis: an empirical analysis

We empirically investigate whether the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) economies are more financially integrated with global economies, particularly the U.S., or with each other. For this purpose, we utilize the gravity framework and the IMF’s Coordinated Portfolio Investment Survey (CPIS) data on cross-border holdings of portfolio investment (equities and debt securities) for 2001-2019. We find that the intra-regional integration of financial markets among RCEP economies is limited and has not deepened even after the GFC of 2008. Instead their overinvestment in the U.S. equity market has increased since the GFC. In addition, we find that an increase in bilateral trade does not lead to an increase in bilateral equity investment. Instead, an increase in bilateral equity investment brings about an increase in bilateral trade.
A Study on Strategies to Revitalize the Popular Music Industry Ecosystem using Online Performances

The purpose of this study is to analyze the online and offline popular music performance ecosystem and explore development plans. To this end, the current status and characteristics of the pop music performance industry were derived, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 experts from the pop music performance industry and academia. By applying the interview results to the service value network model, the offline-based performance industry ecosystem(As-Is) and the online and offline convergence performance ecosystem(To-Be) were schematized, and specific development plans were proposed based on this. As a result of the study, it was found that in the popular music industry, new value actors in the online performance industry will flow into all value chains except for the creative source stage, and the range of consumers, which consisted mainly of offline visitors, will be subdivided online and offline.
Dark and stellar matter in strong lensing galaxies from a joint lensing and stellar dynamics

We present Subaru spectroscopy of the early-type lensing galaxies in the lens systems HST14113+5211 (z=0.464) and B2045+265 (z=0.868), being aimed at measuring the velocity dispersion of the lensing galaxies as an important component to their mass distributions and internal dynamics. For HST14113+5211 we have obtained 174+/-20km/s (1-sigma) inside an aperture of 0.9", and for B2045+265 we have obtained 213+/-23km/s inside an aperture of 1.2". To extract the significance of these information on the mass distributions and stellar dynamics of the lensing galaxies, we construct two alternative models for both the mass and velocity distributions. It is found that the mass-to-light ratios as derived from a joint lensing and stellar dynamics analysis are virtually consistent with those obtained from the use of the Fundamental Plane. Also, for HST14113+5211, we find that the total mass distribution is well reproduced by a power-law density profile with an index of 2, thereby suggesting that a singular isothermal model is a good fit to the lensing galaxy. In contrast, the corresponding slope for B2045+265 is flatter than isothermal, suggesting that additional contributions to lensing mass from surrounding structures (possibly the group of galaxies) provide the observed angular separations of multiple images.
Decoding the trinity of Fintech, digitalization and financial services: An integrated bibliometric analysis and thematic literature review approach

Abstract Technology has reshaped how financial services are designed, delivered, and consumed over the past decade. The increased mobile and internet penetration and availability of cheap data combined with the advent of Fintech, digitalization, blockchain technology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence have fast-tracked the digital transformation of economies worldwide. Covid19-induced lockdowns accelerated the digitalization of financial services. This study identifies the main areas and current dynamics of Fintech, digitalization, and financial services and suggests future research directions. Using a bibliometric analysis followed by a thematic literature review, the study examines a sample of 583 journal articles from the Scopus database from 1984 to 2021. Based on the bibliometric analysis, we identified four dominant themes. These themes are further explored through a thematic literature review to gain further insights. We conclude by suggesting potential directions for future research in the field.
Statistical Analysis of Pi2 Pulsations Observed by Van Allen Probes

The relative importance of propagating and cavity mode waves remains an important question regarding the generation of Pi2 pulsations detected on the ground. To determine the wave mode, we statistically generate spatial maps of magnetospheric oscillations that are coherent with ground Pi2 pulsations. The magnetospheric observations were made by the two Van Allen Probes spacecraft over a 7‐year period. The amount and quality of the spacecraft data allow us to investigate the mode structure of Pi2 pulsation in ways that were not possible in previous studies. We use the H component of low‐latitude ground Pi2 pulsations detected in the 22–02 magnetic local time (MLT) sector as the reference signal to generate L‐MLT and meridional maps of the coherence, amplitude, and phase of the magnetospheric electric and magnetic field components defined in magnetic field aligned coordinates. We identify low‐frequency and high‐frequency components in Pi2 power spectra, and we are able to determine the mode structure of the high‐frequency events for the first time. The maps demonstrate that the poloidal components have higher coherence than the toroidal components. For each frequency component, the maps of the poloidal components agree with those of cavity mode oscillations obtained in a numerical simulation using realistic models for the magnetospheric mass density and magnetic field. This result is conclusive evidence of the cavity mode nature of Pi2 pulsations detected in the inner magnetosphere.
Effect of Techno-Stress on the Work Behavior of University Teachers

The present study aimed to explore the effect of techno stress (TS) on university teachers' work behavior (WB). The study was quantitative in nature. A total of nine universities were included in the sample of the study, such that each university was selected from each of the nine divisions of Punjab,Pakistan. There was a total of 3786 (1319 female and 2467 male) faculty members in the overall population, from which a sample of 494 faculty members was selected. The present study has been based on standardized questionnaires with written approval directly by research authors via email communication. The standardized instruments on techno stress (Ragu-Nathan et al. 2008) and work behavior (Koopmans, 2015), respectively, were used to collect data from the teachers of the universities regarding techno stress and work behavior. The inferential statistical technique regression was applied to reach the findings that techno stress had an inverse effect on the work behavior of university teachers.
Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated miR-150-3p Delivery in Joint Homeostasis: A Potential Treatment for Osteoarthritis?

Background: The disruption of joint homeostasis is a critical event during the process of joint injury in osteoarthritis (OA). As regulatory molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs) can be released from secretory cells and delivered to recipient cells through extracellular vesicles (EVs), thereby playing an important role in regulating joint homeostasis. We hypothesized that the fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in healthy joints could release EVs enriched in miRNAs that can maintain joint homeostasis by regulating the signal transduction pathways in the joints, whereby the articular cartilage (AC) is protected from degeneration, and OA progression is delayed. Methods: Via high-throughput sequencing and qPCR, we found that miR-150-3p was enriched in the circulating EVs in healthy rats. Next, we established an in vitro cell model in which chondrocytes were cultured with (i) FLSs transfected with miR-150-3p mimics or (ii) EVs released by FLSs (FLS–EVs) inside the healthy synovial membrane (SM). The transportation mechanism from FLSs to chondrocytes was studied using the EV inhibitor GW4869, and the FLSs were transfected with a miR-150-3p mimic or inhibitor. To assess the therapeutic effect of miR-150-3p-carrying EVs (EVs-150) in vivo, healthy FLS-derived EVs (H-FLS–EVs) were injected into the tail vein of rats with OA at various stages of the pathogenesis and evaluated for the progression of OA. Results: The chondrocytes could uptake fluorescent-labeled miR-150-3p mimics and FLS–EVs, and GW4869 suppressed this uptake. The overexpression of miR-150-3p could significantly reduce the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the cell culture medium and the expression of the miR-150-3p target T cell receptor-interacting molecule 14 (Trim14), as well as the innate immune-related factors, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and interferon-β (IFN-β). Similarly to the in vitro findings, the miR-150-3p level in the serum EVs was significantly upregulated among the EV-treated rats. In the AC of the OA rat model injected with H-FLS–EVs, the joint degeneration was suppressed, and Type II collagen (COLII) and aggrecan (ACAN) were significantly upregulated, whereas the innate immune-related factors Trim14, NF-κB, and IFN-β were downregulated compared with the levels in the untreated OA rats. Notably, the suppression of joint degeneration was more significant when H-FLS–EVs were administered at the early stages of OA rather than the late stages. Conclusion: H-FLS–EVs protect chondrocyte function and maintain joint homeostasis by modulating the innate immune response by suppressing the Trim14/NF-κB/IFNβ axis. These effects are achieved through the EV-mediated transport of miR-150-3p from the FLSs to the chondrocytes. Our findings show that EV-mediated miR-150-3p can be used to suppress OA, thus providing a novel therapeutic strategy. Additionally, the EV-mediated miR-150-3p transport may also serve as a potential biomarker in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of OA.
Passive resistance to health information technology implementation: the case of electronic medication management system

ABSTRACT Purpose – This study attempts to understand the factors that influence clinician resistance to the implementation of health information technology in a mandatory setting. Design/methodology/approach – A survey study was conducted with 202 clinicians regarding their perceptions of the implementation of electronic medication management systems (eMMS) in an Australian hospital. The data was collected during the initial roll-out of eMMS for model validation and quantitative analysis. Findings – The overall results indicated that performance expectancy, switching costs, and facilitating conditions are direct predictors of clinician resistance, whereas effort expectancy and social influence showed indirect effects on clinician resistance through performance expectancy or switching costs. Theoretical implications – The study is among the first study that investigates passive clinician resistance to the implementation of health information technology in a health organisation. This study also focused on opposition behaviour among under-examined degrees of resistance. Practical implications – This study provides some insights to the hospital management on how to mitigate clinician resistance in the implementation of health information technology. Research limitations/Future directions – Other types of clinician resistance, such as postponement and rejection, are not examined in this study. Future research on postponement behaviour and rejection behaviour is needed to have a more comprehensive view of clinician resistance.
Testing the Rank of a Sub-Matrix of Cointegration with a Deterministic Trend

In this paper we consider the test of the rank of the sub-matrix of b, the cointegrating matrix, when the process has a deterministic linear trend. We review the problem of the testing procedure proposed by Kurozumi (2003) and give the alternative test statistic that is symptotically chi-square distributed. We also propose the test of the rank of the sub-matrix of d, the orthogonal matrix to b. Monte Carlo simulations show that our tests proposed in this paper work fairly well in finite samples even when the tests proposed by Kurozumi (2003) perform poorly.
Benefits and concerns of seeking and experiencing lucid dreams: benefits are tied to successful induction and dream control

Abstract Therapies focused on lucid dreaming could be useful for treating various sleep disorders and other conditions. Still, one major roadblock is the paucity of systematic information on the consequences of attempting these sorts of dreams. The current study sought to quantify positive and negative aspects of seeking lucid dreams, describe their phenomenology in detail, and identify features associated with positive or negative experiences. Observational data from a massive lucid-dream discussion forum were analyzed to capture lucid-dreaming themes. Forum posts were independently rated on multiple dimensions hypothesized to contribute to the valence of lucidity-related phenomena. Our results revealed that lucid dreams can end nightmares and prevent their recurrence, but they can also induce harrowing dysphoric dreams. The realization of dreaming (lucidity) and dreams with high-control were both associated with positive experiences. We translated our results into a process model that describes the progression from lucid dream induction to waking benefit, identifying potential areas of concern. Our results and model suggest that negative outcomes primarily result from failed induction attempts or lucid dreams with low dream control, and that successfully inducing high-control lucid dreams poses low risk for negative outcomes. Lucid dreaming has valuable therapeutic and recreational potential, but a better understanding of the risks is required. Our findings provide new insights into possible negative repercussions and how to avoid them in future applications.
Gratitude in Organizations: Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Gratitude Resentment and Appreciation Test–Revised Short (GRAT–RS) in Workers

In a healthy organization’s framework and strength-based prevention perspectives, gratitude represents an important resource. Gratitude is a worthy construct able to promote the well-being of both workers and organizations. Gratitude is also an interesting variable in relation to success, efficiency and productivity in organizations that can be increased through specific training. Gratitude is, therefore, considered a promising resource for both individuals and organizations. This study aims at analyzing the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Gratitude Resentment and Appreciation Test–Revised Short (GRAT–RS). Participants were 359 Italian workers from different public and private organizations. Factor structure, internal consistency, and concurrent validity were analyzed. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a multidimensional bifactor structure. Good internal consistency and concurrent validity were established. Results indicated that the Italian version of the Gratitude Resentment and Appreciation Test–Revised Short (GRAT–RS) is a valid instrument to detect gratitude in the Italian context with workers.
Modelling point-of-consumption residual chlorine in humanitarian response: Can cost-sensitive learning improve probabilistic forecasts?

Ensuring sufficient free residual chlorine (FRC) up to the time and place water is consumed in refugee settlements is essential for preventing the spread of waterborne illnesses. Water system operators need accurate forecasts of FRC during the household storage period. However, factors that drive FRC decay after water leaves the piped distribution system vary substantially, introducing significant uncertainty when modelling point-of-consumption FRC. Artificial neural network (ANN) ensemble forecasting systems (EFS) can account for this uncertainty by generating probabilistic forecasts of point-of-consumption FRC. ANNs are typically trained using symmetrical error metrics like mean squared error (MSE), but this leads to forecast underdispersion forecasts (the spread of the forecast is smaller than the spread of the observations). This study proposes to solve forecast underdispersion by training an ANN-EFS using cost functions that combine alternative metrics (Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency, Kling Gupta Efficiency, Index of Agreement) with cost-sensitive learning (inverse FRC weighting, class-based FRC weighting, inverse frequency weighting). The ANN-EFS trained with each cost function was evaluated using water quality data from refugee settlements in Bangladesh and Tanzania by comparing the percent capture, confidence interval reliability diagrams, rank histograms, and the continuous ranked probability. Training the ANN-EFS using the cost functions developed in this study produced up to a 70% improvement in forecast reliability and dispersion compared to the baseline cost function (MSE), with the best performance typically obtained by training the model using Kling-Gupta Efficiency and inverse frequency weighting. Our findings demonstrate that training the ANN-EFS using alternative metrics and cost-sensitive learning can improve the quality of forecasts of point-of-consumption FRC and better account for uncertainty in post-distribution chlorine decay. These techniques can enable humanitarian responders to ensure sufficient FRC more reliably at the point-of-consumption, thereby preventing the spread of waterborne illnesses.