Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
N1-Methyladenosine-Related lncRNAs Are Potential Biomarkers for Predicting Prognosis and Immune Response in Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma

Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is a malignant disease that, at present, has no well-characterised prognostic biomarker. In this study, two clusters were identified based on 28 N1-methyladenosine- (m1A-) related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), of which cluster 1 was related to immune pathways according to the results of an enrichment analysis. We further observed better prognosis in patients with higher levels of immune cell infiltration, tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability, and immune checkpoint gene expression. In addition, through Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis, 10 m1A-related lncRNAs (mRLs) were employed to build a prognosis model. We found that people in higher risk categories had a poorer survival probability than those in lower risk. Low-risk samples were enriched with immune-related pathways, while the high-risk group was similar to the definition of the “immune desert” phenotype, which was associated with decreased immune infiltration, T cell failure, and decreased tumor mutation burden, while also being insensitive to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. This mRL-based model has the ability to accurately predict the prognosis of UCEC patients, and the mRLs could become promising therapeutic targets in enhancing the response of immunotherapy.
The Role of Organizational Communication Patterns in Motivating Employees: A Study of a Small Manufacturing Company in Indonesia

This study examines the organizational communication patterns used by PT. Lezen Indonesia for motivating its employees, and the supporting and inhibiting factors thereof. A descriptive qualitative method was used. The authors used Joseph A. Devito’s theory of five communication patterns (the circle, chain, star, wheel, and Y patterns) and found that the PT. Lezen Indonesia used three of them – the chain, the star, and the circle pattern. They also noted that the communication pattern used by the leader to communicate with subordinates was not much different from the pattern used by the subordinates to communicate with the leader, namely the chain communication pattern and the star communication pattern. However, the communication patterns used by employees to communicate with each other were circular and star patterns, where the employees freely communicated with each other. Factors supporting communication patterns in motivating employee work were routine family gatherings and receiving rewards and remuneration on time. However, the inhibiting factor was a misunderstanding as the company leadership was not yet very fluent in delivering information in Indonesian. Another inhibiting factor for many employees who joined and instantly left the company was the low entry-level salary, lack of benefits, and the restriction on using cell phones while working. Keywords: communication, communication pattern, work motivation
Exploring the Relationship between COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal and Belief in Fake News and Conspiracy Theories: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in Italy

The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by an infodemic, which includes fake news (FNs) and conspiracy theories (CTs), and which may worsen vaccine refusal (VR), thus hindering the control of the transmission. This study primarily aimed to assess COVID-19 VR in Italy and its relationship with belief in FNs/CTs. Secondarily, it explored the conviction in FNs and CTs and associated variables. An online cross-sectional study was conducted in Italy (2021). The primary outcome was VR and secondary outcomes were FN misclassification score (0% to 100%: higher score means higher misclassification) and CT belief score (1 to 5: higher score means higher agreement). There were 1517 participants; 12.3% showed VR. The median FN and CT scores were: 46.7% (IQR = 40–56.7%) and 2.8 (IQR = 2.2–3.4). Age, education, FN, and CT scores had significant associations with VR. Education, economic situation, health and e-health literacy showed significant relationships with secondary outcomes. Study/work background had a significant association only with the FN score. FN and CT scores were associated. This work estimated a VR lower than before the first COVID-19 vaccine approval. The relationship between VR and FN/CT belief represents a new scenario, suggesting the need for planning effective strategies to tackle FNs and CTs to implement successful vaccination campaigns.
Teachers’ Mental Health and Their Involvement in Educational Inclusion

Teaching is one of the most stressful work contexts, psychologically affecting professionals. The objective of this study is to analyse the effect of the frustration of NPB basic psychological needs, resilience, emotional intelligence and inclusion from the perspective of teachers in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is carried out with 542 teachers of therapeutic pedagogy and special educational needs using the Psychological Need Thwarting Scale PNTS questionnaires as a research method, the Resilience Scale (RS-14), the Trait Meta Mood Scale 24 (TMMS-24), the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the Index for Inclusion. The results revealed positive correlations, on the one hand, between the factors of frustration among themselves and with burnout and, on the other hand, the positive correlation between emotional intelligence, resilience and the inclusion index. In conclusion, the resilience of teachers plays a protective role in the inclusion of students with SEN in the face of emotional exhaustion and the frustration of psychological needs.
Modeling and Simulation of Strained Heteroepitaxial Growth

We introduce an off-lattice model with continuous particle distances and pair-potential interactions which allows for the efficient simulation of strained heteroepitaxial growth by means of kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations. We discuss in detail the application of our model to the simulation of three important strain relaxation mechanisms: First, the formation of misfit dislocations in strained adsorbate films is investigated. We find a power-law misfit dependence of the critical layer thickness, in agreement with various experimental studies. Second, we study the self-assembled island formation on a thin adsorbate wetting-layer (Stranski-Krastanov growth). We show that an increased diffusion barrier on the substrate is a possible kinetic reason for the formation of a stable wetting-layer. The formation of islands can be ascribed to a partial relaxation of adsorbate material which affects the diffusion barriers for adsorbate particles. The dependence of island size and density on misfit, temperature and particle flux is in good qualitative agreement with metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy experiments. Finally, we consider surface alloying as strain relaxation mechanism in multi-component systems. Equilibrium simulations show that the competition between binding and strain energy yields regular stripe patterns. Under non-equilibrium conditions we find pattern formation as well as the experimentally observed island ramification. The comparison with a lattice gas model shows that the stripe formation can solely be due to kinetic effects but the misfit is essential for the ramification and stabilization of the surface structures.
Changes in Package Sizes of Savoury Snacks through Exploration of Euromonitor and Industry Perspectives

Portion sizes of many energy-dense and nutrient-poor foods and drinks have increased in the past decade, whereas our understanding of the pattern of changes in package sizes remains limited. This study aimed to determine changing trends in sales and package sizes of savoury snacks in Australia, the USA, Japan and Hong Kong, and to investigate industry perspectives for these changes. Sales data (units per capita) between 2006–2020 on savoury snacks were extracted from the Euromonitor International database. Industry perspectives on package size changes were extracted systematically from selected databases, company reports and related websites following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The findings showed that sales per capita of savoury snacks of all package sizes increased across all four countries/regions between 2006–2020. Although changes in the proportion of smaller (<100 g) versus larger (>100 g) package size sales in each country/region over time were modest, Japan and Hong Kong exhibited a consistently higher proportion of smaller package sales compared with Australia and the USA (83.3%, 64.4%, 44.3%, 20.2%, respectively). Industry perspectives showed that increasing consumer health consciousness, demands for convenience and portion control were the main contributors to decreasing package sizes of savoury snacks. Industry reports from 2020 showed an increase in larger package size sales due to consumer purchasing behaviour amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advancing Engineering Students’ Technical Writing Skills by Implementing Team-Based Learning Instructional Modules in an Existing Laboratory Curriculum

Technical writing is a crucial skill for engineering students’ effective written communication, which shapes and affects their professional careers. This study designs team-based learning (TBL) instructional modules that are integrated into an existing engineering laboratory curriculum and evaluates their feasibility and effectiveness in improving engineering students’ technical writing skills. The data were collected from structured survey questions distributed to student participants and from the instructor’s independent evaluation of students’ lab reports. The effect of assigning a team leader on students’ writing performances was also evaluated. Our results indicated that students who have received TBL modules perceive a greater improvement in their technical writing skills than those who did not. A strong correlation was found between students’ perception and the instructor’s evaluation of the students’ technical writing skills. Assigning a team leader in TBL instructional modules has not played a significant role in improving engineering students’ technical writing skills. The same happens with gender. Overall, utilization of TBL instructional modules can advance engineering students’ technical writing skills.
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS OF ALETO STREAM, ELEME, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Aim: The physico-chemical properties and heavy metal concentrations of Aleto stream were investigated to determine its status.Research Design: Samples were collected randomly from four points; upstream, outfall, downstream of Aleto stream with Agbonchia stream serving as control. Methodology: The physico-chemical parameters: temperature, pH, EC, turbidity, TSS, TDS, total hardness, calcium hardness, alkalinity, nitrate, phosphate, chloride, COD, BOD, DO, color, odor and taste were determined using standard methods. Heavy metal levels were determined using AAS.Results: The physico-chemical characteristics revealed range values of EC (5400-5600 µs/cm), turbidity (39-90NTU), TDS (2780-3020 mg/L), Total Hardness (550-600 mg/L), calcium hardness (500-550 mg/L), chloride (1798-2043 mg/L), COD (50-115 mg/L), BOD (12-23 mg/L) and DO (12-15 mg/L) were above WHO permissible limits for upstream, outfall and downstream while alkalinity, nitrate, phosphate, and temperature ranges of 22-23 mg/L, 3.7-4.7 mg/L, 0.6 -1.9 mg/L and 26-26.3OC respectively were within maximum allowable limit of WHO. The pH was slightly alkaline for Aleto Stream. Color and taste for the water samples were above recommended limits. The heavy metal levels were Fe: 0.488, 0.499, 0.499 and 0.142; Zn: 0.094, 0.094, 0.095 and 0.061; Cd: 0.055, 0.053, 0.051 and 0.022; Pd: 0.358, 0.386, 0.419 and 0.110; Cr: 0.131, 0.141, 0.152 and 0.018; As: <0.01, <0.01. <0.01 and <0.01 for downstream, upstream, outfall and control samples respectively. The result suggests that there is significant difference in the mean values of the parameters in the water sources considered. Conclusion: Thus, regular surveillance should be carried out on the stream to detect any alteration in the water quality in order to avert any outbreak of health disorders.
How does non-market economy structure work as a trade barrier?

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effect of a non-market economy structure on the duopoly competition in which a foreign private firm competes with a state-owned enterprise in a non-market economy. By comparing with Singh and Vives (1984) and Matsumura and Ogawa (2012), we find that the non-market economic structure can function as a trade barrier and cause foreign firms to face discriminatory competition. The transition from a non-market economy to a market economy may sacrifice social welfare, which implies no more Pareto improvement.
Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) targeting in pediatric high-grade glioma and diffuse midline glioma: Pre-clinical models and precision medicine

Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG), including both diffuse midline glioma (DMG) and non-midline tumors, continues to be one of the deadliest oncologic diagnoses (both henceforth referred to as “pHGG”). Targeted therapy options aimed at key oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) drivers using small-molecule RTK inhibitors has been extensively studied, but the absence of proper in vivo modeling that recapitulate pHGG biology has historically been a research challenge. Thankfully, there have been many recent advances in animal modeling, including Cre-inducible transgenic models, as well as intra-uterine electroporation (IUE) models, which closely recapitulate the salient features of human pHGG tumors. Over 20% of pHGG have been found in sequencing studies to have alterations in platelet derived growth factor-alpha (PDGFRA), making growth factor modeling and inhibition via targeted tyrosine kinases a rich vein of interest. With commonly found alterations in other growth factors, including FGFR, EGFR, VEGFR as well as RET, MET, and ALK, it is necessary to model those receptors, as well. Here we review the recent advances in murine modeling and precision targeting of the most important RTKs in their clinical context. We additionally provide a review of current work in the field with several small molecule RTK inhibitors used in pre-clinical or clinical settings for treatment of pHGG.
Phytoplankton Sources and Sinks of Dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) in Temperate Coastal Waters of Australia

The ecologically important organic sulfur compound, dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), is ubiquitous in marine environments. Produced by some species of phytoplankton and bacteria, it plays a key role in cellular responses to environmental change. Recently, uptake of DMSP by non-DMSP-producing phytoplankton species has been demonstrated, highlighting knowledge gaps concerning DMSP distribution through the marine microbial food web. In this study, we traced the uptake and distribution of DMSP through a natural marine microbial community collected from off the eastern coastline Australia. We found a diverse phytoplankton community representing six major taxonomic groups and conducted DMSP-enrichment experiments both on the whole community, and the community separated into large (≥8.0 µm), medium (3.0–8.0 µm), and small (0.2–3.0 µm) size fractions. Our results revealed active uptake of DMSP in all three size fractions of the community, with the largest fraction (>8 µm) forming the major DMSP sink, where enrichment resulted in an increase of DMSPp by 144%. We observed evidence for DMSP catabolism in all size fractions with DMSP enrichment, highlighting loss from the system via MeSH or DMS production. Based on taxonomic diversity, we postulate the sources of DMSP were the dinoflagellates, Phaeocystis sp. , and Trichodesmium sp. , which were present in a relatively high abundance, and the sinks for DMSP were the diatoms and picoeucaryotes in this temperate community. These findings corroborate the role of hitherto disregarded phytoplankton taxa as potentially important players in the cycling of DMSP in coastal waters of Australia and emphasize the need to better understand the fate of accumulated DMSP and its significance in cellular metabolism of non-DMSP producers.
The trilogy of job stress, motivation, and satisfaction of police officers: Empirical findings from Bangladesh

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of the study was to identify the trilogy of job stress and job motivation on job satisfaction. For this purpose, police officers of Khulna city were investigated accordingly. Research Methodology: The questionnaire is quantitative in nature and a standard questionnaire was followed throughout the research study. The survey was done in police stations of Khulna city and information was taken from 100 officers from sub-inspector to police commissioners. Results: The study found that job stress is negatively related to job satisfaction. Along with this, there is a negative correlation between job stress and job motivation. However, a positive correlation exists between job motivation and job satisfaction. Limitations: The study result is based on the police personnel in Khulna city rather than in other cities in Bangladesh. There are not prevailing the same ratio of male and female which could affect the measurement of findings. Contribution: The study will help government practitioners and policymakers to understand job stress, motivation, and satisfaction of police personnel in Khulna city. Keywords: 1. Job motivation 2. Job satisfaction 3. Job stress 4. Police officers 5. Work overload
Correlation of TET-2 Levels with Disease Evaluation in AMI Patients

Objective To investigate the expression levels of Ten-Eleven Translocation-2 (TET-2) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and correlations of TET-2 levels with disease severity. Methods A total of 150 patients with confirmed AMI were included in this study. According to the number of coronary artery lesions, the patients were divided into a single lesion group, two lesion group, and three lesion group. According to the Gensini scores, these patients were also assigned into three groups: the low-risk group, middle-risk group, and high-risk group. 150 patients without AMI confirmed by coronary angiography were included in the control group in the same period. TET-2 and cardiac troponin T (cTNT) levels were detected by ELISA analysis and compared among different groups. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlations of TET-2 levels and cTNT levels/Gensini scores. The levels of TET-2 in AMI patients increased remarkably with the increase of disease severity. Patients in the single lesion group or low-risk group had the lowest levels of TET-2. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that TET-2 levels were positively associated with cTNT levels and Gensini scores, respectively (all P < 0.001). Conclusion The levels of TET-2 were upregulated in AMI patients and positively correlated with cTNT levels or Gensini scores, suggesting that the examination of TET-2 expression levels could be exploited for predicting the disease severity.
Cross-Cultural Validation of Quebec User Satisfaction with Assistive Technology 2.0 for Spanish Population (QUEST-2.0 ES)

Background: Assistive technologies (ATs) are resources to promote the independence and participation of people with a disability. The use of standardized tools, based on outcome measures, is essential for guaranteeing high-quality rates. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with AT–2.0 (QUEST) is a scale to assess the satisfaction of people using any AT. Objectives: To translate and culturally validate the QUEST–2.0 for the Spanish population (QUEST 2.0-ES). Methods: A validation cross-design and descriptive study. The test–retest reliability, validity, and internal consistency of QUEST 2.0-ES were studied. It was divided into two phases: Sample 1 was formed by 26 persons; in sample 2, 30 persons participated. The conditions included neurological conditions, amputations, rare diseases, and deafness. Results: Thirty-five men and 21 women participated in total. The majority of AT used were those for mobility. QUEST 2.0-ES analysis showed internal consistency values between the test (α = 0.87) and retest versions (α = 0.89). The internal consistency was high for AT (test, α = 0.83; retest, α = 0.87) and Service (test, α = 0.80; retest, α = 0.80). The temporal reliability (1–2 weeks) for test–retest was 0.88. Conclusion: QUEST 2.0-ES showed good psychometric properties in terms of validity and test–retest reliability, and it is a good tool to assess the user’s satisfaction with ATs and services.
Comparative TV holography for vibration analysis

A comparative time-averaged TV holographic technique that allows fringe compensation is presented. The technique employs two identical objects, the test and the master, that are subjected to sinusoidal vibration to detect the difference in either out-of-plane vibration amplitude or phase distributions. In addition, the present optical configuration offers simultaneous visualization of vibration amplitudes of the test object. Detailed theoretical and experimental results are presented.
Factors Modulating COVID-19: A Mechanistic Understanding Based on the Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework

Addressing factors modulating COVID-19 is crucial since abundant clinical evidence shows that outcomes are markedly heterogeneous between patients. This requires identifying the factors and understanding how they mechanistically influence COVID-19. Here, we describe how eleven selected factors (age, sex, genetic factors, lipid disorders, heart failure, gut dysbiosis, diet, vitamin D deficiency, air pollution and exposure to chemicals) influence COVID-19 by applying the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP), which is well-established in regulatory toxicology. This framework aims to model the sequence of events leading to an adverse health outcome. Several linear AOPs depicting pathways from the binding of the virus to ACE2 up to clinical outcomes observed in COVID-19 have been developed and integrated into a network offering a unique overview of the mechanisms underlying the disease. As SARS-CoV-2 infectibility and ACE2 activity are the major starting points and inflammatory response is central in the development of COVID-19, we evaluated how those eleven intrinsic and extrinsic factors modulate those processes impacting clinical outcomes. Applying this AOP-aligned approach enables the identification of current knowledge gaps orientating for further research and allows to propose biomarkers to identify of high-risk patients. This approach also facilitates expertise synergy from different disciplines to address public health issues.
Switched nonlinear singular systems with time‐delay: Stability analysis

This paper presents an approach to the stability analysis of a class of nonlinear interconnected continuous‐time singular systems with arbitrary switching signals. This class of interconnected subsystems consists of unknown but bounded state delay and nonlinear terms, and each subsystem can be globally stable, unstable, or locally stable. By constructing a new Lyapunov‐like Krasovskii functional, sufficient conditions are derived and formulated to check the asymptotic (exponential) stability of such systems with arbitrary switching signals. Then, some new general criteria for asymptotic (exponential) stability with average dwell‐time switching signals are also established. The theoretical developments are demonstrated by two numerical simulations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.