Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of exercise habits, physical activity level and anxiety level of postmenopausal women during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract In this study, researchers aimed to determine exercise habits, physical activity (PA) levels and anxiety levels of postmenopausal women (PMw) during the self-quarantine period of the COVID-19 pandemic. 104 PMw (59.00 ± 6.61 years old) participated in the study. It was found that PMw who had exercise habits before the pandemic period had higher PA levels, and the women with high anxiety levels during the pandemic had lower PA levels (p < .05). Anxiety levels and PA were negatively associated with each other. Numbers of grandchildren also affected the PA and anxiety levels of the PMw negatively. Women should be encouraged to initiate or maintain PA levels in all circumstances.
The effect of health-promoting lifestyle education program provided to women with gestational diabetes mellitus on maternal and neonatal health: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Gestational diabetes is associated with adverse health outcomes for mother and offspring. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Education Program provided to women with gestational diabetes on maternal lifestyle, quality of life, depression symptoms and neonatal health. A randomized controlled study was conducted in the perinatology clinic. While the intervention group (n = 46) was provided with the education program and usual care, the control group (n = 42) was provided with only usual care. Healthy lifestyle behaviors, quality of life and level of depression of women with gestational diabetes were evaluated. And postpartum characteristics of neonates in both groups were assessed. The education program was found to improve the healthy lifestyle behaviors and quality of life in the intervention group. The rates of macrosomia were low for the neonates in the intervention group. The Health-Promoting Lifestyle Education Program was a health-promoting practice for the women with gestational diabetes.
The socio-economic well-being of internal migrants in Agbogbloshie, Ghana

The recent claims that migration can improve the well-being of migrants and thei dependants back home has mainly focused on international migration to destinations that are considered developed. Few studies have focused on internal migration and its effects on migrants’ wellbeing. Besides, whether migrations to areas that are considered not developed can also contribute to improving the well being of migrants and their dependants back home remains unaccounted for in the literature. This study employed a quantitative design involving descriptive statistics, independent t- test and binomial test to examine the effects of internal migration on the wellbeing of migrants in Agbogbloshie-the most populous slum in Accra. The study found that the determinants of well-being; income, education and employment have improved for migrants after migration. The results implied that migration had a net positive effect on migrants’ wellbeing. However, this benefit comes at a cost as migrant workers are engaged in works that post a lot of risk such as carrying very heavy loads, exposed to toxic substances and living in very poor accommodation. The paper recommends that efforts be made by governments to bridge the development gap between the north and south of the country so as to limit the rate of migration. Keywords: Migration, Development, Well-being, Poverty, Income distribution, Ghana
Highly Efficient Nanocatalysts Supported on Hollow Polymer Nanospheres: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications

Hollow polymer nanospheres were employed in the fabrication of noble metal-supported catalysts via a supercritical route. In this method, the metal precursors were first adsorbed on the polymer support in a supercritical CO2-ethanol solution, followed by H2 reduction, generating metal (Pd, Rh, Pt)/polymer composites. The resultant Pd/polymer nanospheres were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. It was indicated that the Pd nanoparticles with a size of about 5 nm were uniformly attached to the surface of the polymer spheres. The activities of the Pd/polymer composites for the allyl alcohol hydrogenation and Heck reaction were also investigated. The catalyst exhibited a high activity and stability in these two reactions.
Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Aerobic Capacity in Amateur Indoor Football Players

Abstract Inspiratory muscle training represents a recommended clinical practice to improve physical performance of healthy individuals, athletes, and those with chronic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate whether high- and low-intensity inspiratory muscle training interferes with the aerobic capacity of indoor soccer players. Volunteers were equally and randomly divided into CON (control group, no inspiratory muscle training); HIG (high-intensity group, inspiratory muscle training at 80% of maximal inspiratory pressure, 3 sets of 12 repetitions); and LIG (low-intensity group, inspiratory muscle training at 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure, 2 sets of 20 repetitions). Before and after inspiratory muscle training, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, the incremental shuttle run test, and the 3-min step test were evaluated. Both inspiratory muscle training protocols improved maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, and indirect maximal oxygen consumption and distance traveled in the shuttle test compared to CON. However, only HIG achieved significant increases of indirect oxygen consumption and frequency of step rise in the 3-min step test (p<0.05). Inspiratory muscle training is an important tool to enhance maximal inspiratory pressure and exercise tolerance with potential benefits on submaximal aerobic capacity. However, high-intensity inspiratory muscle training improved aerobic capacity in amateur indoor soccer players in both submaximal tests.
Development and validation of a clinical instrument to predict risk of an adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients

Objective Development and internal validation of a clinical tool for assessment of the risk of adverse drug reactions (ADR) in hospitalized patients. Methodology Nested case-control study in an open cohort of all patients admitted to a general hospital. Cases of ADR were matched to two controls. Eighty four patient variables collected at the time of the ADR were analyzed by conditional logistic regression. Multivariate logistic regression with clustering of cases in a random sample of 2/3 of the cases and respective controls, with baseline odds-ratio corrected with an estimate of ADR incidence, was used to obtain regression coefficients for each risk factor and to develop a risk score. The clinical tool was validated in the remaining 1/3 observations. The study was approved by the institution’s research ethics committee. Results In the 8060 hospitalized patients, ADR occurred in 343 (5.31%), who were matched to 686 controls. Fourteen variables were identified as independent risk factors of ADR: female, past history of ADR, heart rate ≥72 bpm, systolic blood pressure≥148 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure <79 mmHg, diabetes mellitus, serum urea ≥ 67 mg/dL, serum sodium ≥141 mmol/L, serum potassium ≥4.9 mmol/L, main diagnosis of neoplasia, prescription of ≥3 ATC class B drugs, prescription of ATC class R drugs, prescription of intravenous drugs and ≥ 6 oral drugs. In the validation sample, the ADR risk tool based on those variables showed sensitivity 61%, specificity 73% and area under the ROC curve 0.73. Conclusion We report a clinical tool for ADR risk stratification in patients hospitalized in general wards based on 14 variables.
Integrating economic measures of adaptation effectiveness into climate change interventions: A case study of irrigation development in Mwea, Kenya

As climate change adaptation is becoming a recognized policy issue, the need is growing for quantitative economic evaluation of adaptation-related public investment, particularly in the context of climate finance. Funds are meant to be allocated not to any types of beneficial investments with or without climate change but to projects regarded as effective for climate change adaptation based on some metrics. But attempts at such project-specific evaluation of adaptation effects are few, in part because such assessments require an integration of various types of simulation analyses. Against this background, we conduct a case study of a Kenyan irrigation development project using a combination of downscaled climate data, runoff simulations, yield forecasting, and local socioeconomic projections to examine the effects of interventions specifically attributable to climate change adaptation, i.e., how much irrigation development can reduce the negative effects of climate change in the future. The results show that despite the uncertainties in precipitation trends, increased temperatures due to climate change have a general tendency to reduce rice yields, and that irrigation development will mitigate income impacts from the yield loss–for example, for the median scenario, the household income loss of 6% in 2050 due to climate change without irrigation development is flipped to become positive with the project. This means that the irrigation development project will likely be effective as a means for climate change adaptation.
Creating an Affordable, User-Friendly Electronic Inventory System for Lab Samples

Sharing physical laboratory space optimizes resource use among research departments, improves collaboration, and reduces costs. Universal inventory management is essential to successful space sharing, item tracking and availability, and data mining; therefore, our lab was interested in a tool for these purposes. Different research groups have differing needs, priorities, and considerations. We investigated prebuilt inventory management programs, and we found a custom Microsoft (MS) Access reference database to be optimal. We designed a custom MS Access abstract inventory data model around previously established needs with information gathered in staff interviews and meetings. We performed a physical inventory of all cryopreserved samples to allow uniform data entry when migrating to the database. We created manuals and protocols, and the staff was trained on entering data. Using a universal inventory system allows for quick report generation of physical inventory, which in turn preserves sample quality by reducing redundancy as well as time locating vials. Users can run queries to report a wide range of sample characteristics. Storage information can be easily analyzed for statistically significant trends, samples have reliable traceability, and data are auditable for accuracy.
High-risk HPV test in anal smears: can it optimize the screening for anal cancer?

OBJECTIVE The current method for screening anal cancer is anal cytology, which has low sensitivity. Since high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is associated with almost 90% of cases of anal cancer, the objective of this study is to evaluate whether testing for HR-HPV can optimize the screening. DESIGN Prospective study with patients enrolled in a screening program for anal dysplasia. Considering high-resolution anoscopy (HRA)-guided biopsy as the gold standard for diagnosis of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), the diagnostic performance of anal cytology, HR-HPV testing, and the combination of both was calculated. SETTINGS A single center for anal dysplasia. SUBJECTS 364 patients (72% males, 82% HIV-positive). INTERVENTION Patients underwent anal cytology, HR-HPV test, and HRA-guided biopsy of the anal canal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Ability of cytology and HR-HPV test (individually and combined) to detect HSIL, and analysis of the cost of each diagnostic algorithm. RESULTS Cytology alone was the cheapest approach, but had the lowest sensitivity (59%, 95% CI 46-71%), despite of highest specificity (73%, 95% CI 68-78%). Cotesting had the highest sensitivity (85%, 95% CI 74-93%) and lowest specificity (43%, 95% CI 38-49%), and did not seem to be cost-effective. However, HR-HPV testing can be used to triage patients with normal and ASCUS cytology for HRA, resulting in an algorithm with high sensitivity (80%, 95% CI 68-89%), and specificity (71%, 95% CI 65-76%), allied to a good cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS HR-HPV testing is helpful to optimize the screening in cases of normal and ASCUS cytology.
Neuropsychological Study on the Effects of Boxing Upon Athletes' Memory

Abstract Teng, Y, Yu, Q, Yu, X, Zhan, L, and Wang, K. Neuropsychological study on the effects of boxing upon athletes' memory. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3462–3467, 2022—This study attempts to explore the impairment of athletes' memory caused by 1 year of boxing training according to the n-back test and Chinese auditory learning test (CALT). Accordingly, 58 new athletes were prospectively analyzed from a sports school, where 28 athletes who received boxing training were regarded as the exposed group and 30 athletes who received matched training were taken as unexposed group for a duration of 1 year. All subjects respectively completed an n-back test (to test working memory) and a CALT test (to test short-term memory and long-term memory) before and after the training. During the tests, accuracy and reaction time from the n-back test and the correct number from CALT were recorded. The accuracy of the boxing group was observed to be lower than that of the matched group in the 2-back test (p < 0.05), whereas the reaction time of the boxing group was longer than that of the matched group (p < 0.05) after a year of boxing practice. The results of CALT1 (short-term memory), CALT8 (long-term memory), and CALT9 (recognition memory) were lower in the boxing group than that in the matched group after a year (p < 0.05). The results suggest that exposure to 1 year of boxing training can impair the boxers' working memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Therefore, boxers should strengthen their head protection during training to avoid frequent impacts to the head.
Optimisation of Ethylbenzene Conversion and Selectivity of p-diethylbenzene Using Differential Evolution Technique via OLS Modelling

Abstract This paper delves into the application of a robust optimisation tool, differential evolution (DE), to the disproportionation of ethylbenzene (EB) to produce the commercially important para-diethylbenzene (p-DEB). Through the application of this technique, EB conversion and selectivity of the p-DEB product are maximised against the three input variables of temperature, pressure and liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV), using a model. The catalytic process is represented by a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) orthogonal least-square (OLS) algorithm, using historic data. The optimised solutions are experimentally verified and show significant improvement in the p-DEB conversion and selectivity.
Comparing the diagnostic accuracy of 4D CT and 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT for localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE To compare the diagnostic accuracy of dual-phase Tc-MIBI single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and 4D CT for the localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Whether 4D CT combined to SPECT/CT [contrast-enhanced (CE)-SPECT/CT] had a better diagnostic performance than SPECT/CT alone in this scenario was also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS PubMed and Embase databases were searched for eligible studies. To reduce interstudy heterogeneity, only studies with clear head-to-head comparison were included. Publication bias was assessed by the Deeks funnel plot. The pooled sensitivity, specificity and the area under the curve (AUC) for 4D CT, SPECT/CT and CE-SPECT/CT were determined by random-effect analysis, respectively. RESULTS Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 911 participants. The sensitivity and specificity of 4D CT were 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69-0.94] and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.88-0.96), whereas the sensitivity and specificity for SPECT/CT were 0.68 (95% CI, 0.51-0.82; P = 0.048 compared with 4D CT) and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.95-0.99; P = 0.014 compared with 4D CT), respectively. CE-SPECT/CT is comparable to SPECT/CT in specificity and AUC, but it may improve the sensitivity (although there was a lack of statistical difference, 0.87 vs. 0.78; P = 0.125). CONCLUSION Although 4D CT shows comparable AUC and borderline better sensitivity than SPECT/CT, its clinical application is confined by relatively low specificity and high radiation exposure. CE-SPECT/CT may improve the sensitivity without compromising the specificity and AUC of SPECT/CT.
Kinetic Chain Exercise Intervention Improved Spiking Consistency and Kinematics in Volleyball Players With Scapular Dyskinesis

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Abstract Chang, C-C, Chang, C-M, and Shih, Y-F. Kinetic chain exercise intervention improved spiking consistency and kinematics in volleyball players with Scapular Dyskinesis. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2844–2852, 2022—Scapular dyskinesis (SD) is a common problem among volleyball players with chronic shoulder pain. This randomized controlled study examined the effectiveness of kinetic chain (KC) training on neuromuscular performance of the scapula and trunk during volleyball spikes. Forty volleyball players with SD and chronic shoulder pain received 4 weeks of KC training or the conventional shoulder exercise training (CT). Shoulder pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) every week. The kinematics and muscle activation of the shoulder and upper trunk, and proprioceptive feedback magnitude (PFM) for scapular movement consistency, were recorded at the maximum shoulder flexion (T1) and ball contact (T2) during spiking tasks. The two-way repeated measures analysis of variances was used to assess the between-group differences before and after the intervention. The results showed a significant time by group interaction for the upper trunk rotation (p < 0.001) and PFM (p = 0.03) at T2. The post-hoc test indicated that the KC group significantly increased contralateral rotation of the upper trunk (9.63 ± 4.19° vs. −4.25 ± 10.05°), and improved movement consistency (error: 8.88 ± 11.52° vs. 19.73 ± 12.79°) at T2 compared with the CT group. Significant time effects were also identified for VAS, scapular upward rotation (T1 and T2), upper trunk contralateral side-bending and PFM at T1, and upper trunk contralateral rotation at T2. In conclusion, both KC and CT training would relieve shoulder pain and improve scapular and trunk movement, whereas the KC program was more effective for increasing scapular movement consistency and upper trunk rotation during volleyball spikes.
The Impact of Sharing Economy: Evidence from Airbnb and Taiwanese Hotel Industry

This paper investigates the impact of sharing economy focusing on the entry of Airbnb in Taiwan. Combining listing information scraped from Airbnb and a data set with detailed hotel performance metrics, we first quantify the impact of Airbnb’s entry hotel revenues using difference-in-difference approach, and find approximate 3% decrease in revenue per available room. We also find that hotels delay major investments in response to Airbnb’s entry. We further estimate a discrete choice logit demand model following Berry (1994) to analyze the impact of Airbnb on consumer demand. The empirical results show that the effect of Airbnb is equivalent to 3% of the average daily rate, or 50.5 NT$. ∗Department of Economics, National Chung Cheng University. Email: fckuo@ccu.edu. tw †Master Student at National Chung Cheng University. Email: c1109123@gmail.com
Antibiotic use in pig farms at different levels of intensification—Farmers’ practices in northeastern Thailand

Understanding the patterns and drivers of antibiotic use in livestock is crucial for tailoring efficient incentives for responsible use of antibiotics. Here we compared routines for antibiotic use between pig farms of two different levels of intensification in Khon Kaen province in Thailand. Among the 113 family-owned small-scale farms (up to 50 sows) interviewed did 76% get advice from the pharmacy about how to use the antibiotics and 84% used it primarily for treating disease. Among the 51 medium-scale-farms (100–500 sows) belonging to two companies did 100% get advice about antibiotic use from the company’s veterinarian (P<0.0001) and 94% used antibiotics mostly as disease preventive measure (P<0.0001). In 2 small scale farms 3rd generation cephalosporins, tylosin or colistin were used; antibiotics belonging to the group of highest priority critically important antimicrobials for human medicine. Enrofloxacin, belonging to the same group of antimicrobials, was used in 33% of the small-scale and 41% of the medium-scale farms. In the latter farms, the companies supplied 3–4 antibiotics belonging to different classes and those were the only antibiotics used in the farms. The median and mean estimated expenditure on antibiotics per sow was 4.8 USD (IQR = 5.8) for small-scale farms and 7 USD and 3.4 USD for the medium-scale farms belonging to the two respective companies. Our observations suggest to target the following areas when pig farming transitions from small-scale to medium-scale: (i) strengthening access to professional animal health services for all farmers, (ii) review of the competence and role of veterinary pharmacies in selling antibiotics and (iii) adjustment of farming company animal health protocols towards more medically rational use of antibiotics.
BCG vaccination in healthcare providers and the protection against COVID-19.

A number of COVID-19 vaccine candidates have shown promising results, but substantial uncertainty remains regarding their effectiveness and global roll-out. Boosting innate immunity with Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) or other live attenuated vaccines may also play a role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. BCG has long been known for its non-specific beneficial effects, most likely explained by epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming of innate immune cells, termed trained immunity. In this issue of the JCI, Rivas et al. add to these arguments by showing that BCG-vaccinated healthcare providers from a Los Angeles healthcare organization had less COVID-19 diagnosis and serology, compared to unvaccinated individuals. Prospective clinical trials are thus warranted to explore BCG effects in COVID-19. We posit that beyond COVID-19, vaccines that elicit trained immunity, such as the BCG, may mitigate the impact of emerging pathogens in future pandemics.