Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Telomere Shortening and Increased Oxidative Stress in Lumbar Disc Degeneration

Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) contributes to low back pain. This study aimed to determine relative telomere length (RTL), oxidative stress status, and antioxidant levels and examine the relationships between RTL, oxidative stress, and the severity in LDD patients. A total of 100 subjects, 50 LDD patients and 50 healthy controls, were enrolled in the case–control study. Blood leukocyte RTL was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Lipid peroxidation was determined by malondialdehyde (MDA) assay. Plasma 8-hydroxy 2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) values were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in plasma were also measured. The LDD patients had significantly shorter telomeres than the healthy controls (p = 0.04). Blood leukocyte RTL was inversely correlated with the LDD severity (r = −0.41, p = 0.005). Additionally, plasma MDA and 8-OHdG levels were markedly greater in LDD patients than in the controls (p = 0.01 and p = 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, the plasma MDA level showed a positive correlation with the radiographic severity (r = 0.49, p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between plasma 8-OHdG and the severity (r = 0.60, p < 0.001). Moreover, plasma TAC and FRAP levels were significantly lower in LDD patients than in the controls (p = 0.04). No significant differences in plasma TAC and FRAP were observed among the three groups of LDD severity. We found that RTL was negatively correlated with the severity while plasma MDA and 8-OHdG levels were positively correlated with the severity. These findings suggest that blood leukocyte RTL, plasma MDA, and 8-OHdG may have potential as noninvasive biomarkers for the assessment of severity in LDD.
Do Rare Earths and Energy Commodities Drive Volatility Transmission in Sustainable Financial Markets? Evidence from China, Australia, and the US

The high volatility and energy usage of rare earths have raised sustainable and financial concerns for environmentalists and sustainable investors. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate time-varying volatility transmission among rare earths elements, energy commodities, and sustainable financial markets. The sample covers global and major financial markets, i.e., US, China, and Australia. Using daily log returns from 2018 to 2022, the paper considers the dynamic Time Varying Parameter-Vector Autoregression (TVP-VAR) connectedness approach to gauge the time-varying features of volatility spillovers. The findings of total spillovers index reveal weak connectedness among markets during the sampled period. US and China rare earth markets were net volatility transmitters, whereas the Dow Jones Australia Sustainability Index (ASI), China Sustainability Index (CSI), Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (SWI), and MVIS Global Rare Earth Index (MVISGREI) were net recipients. Moreover, energy commodities i.e., WTI Crude Oil, Gasoline, and Natural Gas were net volatility transmitters, while ASI, CSI, and SWI were major volatility recipients. The weak financial contagion effect and connectedness across financial markets uncovers possible diversification opportunities. However, the US sustainable financial market is persistently not affected by these volatility spillovers. Policymakers need to establish strict regulations to protect sustainable financial markets in China and Australia.
“Game (not) Over”: A Systematic Review of Video Game Disorder in Adolescents

This study aims to characterize video game use disorder in adolescents, identifying the particularities of those who present it, its effects at the brain level, related factors, and existing measurement instruments. A systematic review of the scientific publications available in Scopus was carried out, between the period 2014-2018 on video game use disorder in adolescents. Adolescents with this disorder are characterized by being mostly men, spending more time daily and weekly playing than adolescents without this disorder, showing diverse symptoms in the behavioral, affective, and cognitive areas. At brain level, it is referred that in this disorder there is an increase and decrease in the activation of specific areas of the brain. Likewise, the presence of some psychological disorder and impulsivity are considered factors that increase the risk of suffering from it. However, there are protective factors as school commitment and parental supervision, among others. How to cite: Rojas-Jara, C. , Polanco-Carrasco, R. , Navarro-Castillo, R. , Faúndez-Castillo, F. , & Chamorro-Gallardo, M. (2022). “Game (not) Over”: A Systematic Review of Video Game Disorder in Adolescents. Revista Colombiana de Psicología, 31(2), 45-64. https://doi.org/10.15446/rcp.v31n2. 90741
The role of organic compounds in artificial saliva for corrosion studies: Evidence from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Several formulations of artificial saliva have been used for corrosion studies. The present work focuses on the effect of different saliva formulations on the composition of the surface film formed on CuZn37 brass alloy by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), in order to clarify the corrosion mechanism of historical brass wind instruments when used. Three different saliva solutions, Darvell (D), Carter‐Brugirard (C‐B) and SALMO, were selected. They differ for the content of the organic compounds. The XPS results show the presence of a film made of CuSCN and zinc‐phosphate on the brass exposed to C‐B and SALMO. In the case of samples exposed to D formulation, phosphorus is not revealed, a decrease in the zinc content in the film is detected and the S 2p shows the presence of a second component together with the one ascribed to CuSCN. A comparison with the results obtained on the pure metals in the presence of the organic compounds suggests that the formation of zinc and copper complexes may lead to thin and less protective surface film and thus to the observed high corrosion rates.
What is Sports Journalism? How COVID-19 Accelerated a Redefining of U.S. Sports Reporting

ABSTRACT The coronavirus pandemic placed sports journalism in a vulnerable state, which necessitated a reconsideration of what it means to conduct sports journalism. Through the theoretical framework of metajournalistic discourse, the present study reports on a two-step discourse analysis of metajournalism on U.S. sports journalism (n = 166) published during the coronavirus pandemic. We argue that journalism vigorously defended the sports journalism subfield in the expectation that it would once again become newsrooms’ economic engine. While historically denigrated as the “toy department,” sports journalism here reflected on this designation in a positive light: after all, aren’t toys what bring people together? Even without live sports, sports journalism was still perceived as a specialty emphasizing social cohesion.
The Mediation Role of an Individual’s and Couple’s Psychological Factors, Including Parenting in the Prediction of Relational and Marital Satisfaction

The goal of this study was to widen the scope of the social component of family sustainability. The fundamental goal of this non-experimental, quantitative study was to look at the links between parenting correlates, personality characteristics, marital satisfaction, and well-being in couples, as well as to construct explanatory prediction models for relational and marital satisfaction. The study focused on the effects of personality traits, parental self-efficacy, and attachment to marital and relational satisfaction. The test instruments applied were: the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised, Marital Adjustment Test, Couple Satisfaction Index, Relationship Satisfaction Scale, Family Distress Index, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (adapted to the role of a parent), Mowen’s Personality Scale, and demographic data. A total of 238 Romanians answered the online survey, recruited based on a convenience sampling method. Participants in this research were individuals who were both married and had at least one child. The main findings show that agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, anxious and avoidant attachment, and marital adjustment predict the satisfaction in the relationship, and openness partially mediates the association between marital adjustment and relationship satisfaction. Parental self-efficacy appears to influence the association between relationship satisfaction and marital satisfaction. An increased parental self-efficacy score predicts an increased relationship satisfaction and marital satisfaction. The higher the parental self-efficacy, the higher the satisfaction in the relationship, which leads to an increase in satisfaction in the couple. These results show that marital adjustment and adaptation are related to relational satisfaction, and these relationship are partially mediated by an individual’s openness. Despite some limitations, the current study significantly contributes to couples therapies and interventions in terms of physical and mental health, and the study provides insight into the experiences and perspectives of married individuals with children in Romania.
The Impact of Personal Security Dispositions on Citizen Support for the Pursuit of Gender Equality in US Foreign Policy

Since 1995, presidents from both parties have increased US government initiatives in pursuit of global gender equality, but there has been little scholarly work that explores public support for these initiatives. We analyze the level of citizen support for several types of global gender equality programs. In addition, we explore support for one specific rationale for the policy –the argument that the participation of women in decision-making will make the world a more peaceful place. Our central hypothesis is that personal security dispositions are an important correlate of support for global gender initiatives, and our analysis yields support for the hypothesis. Citizens who place a high value on personal security display stronger support for gender equality in foreign policy. We close with suggestions for further research and discuss the policy implications of our findings, in particular with respect to public opinion on the use of military force.
The continuous melting process in a cloud‐scale model using a bin microphysics scheme

Simulations of an idealized stratiform cloud system are performed with the 3D cloud‐scale model DESCAM‐3D (DEtailed SCAvenging Model) using a bin‐resolved microphysics scheme for ice, water and aerosol particles. This idealized case corresponds to numerical simulations of moist airflow over a narrow isolated mountain and a gentle slope in order to obtain a stratiform situation where radar bright‐band phenomena are often visible. For this dynamical situation the impact of a detailed time‐dependent melting scheme has been studied. This scheme allows the calculation of a water/ice ratio within each mass bin for the melting ice crystals. The results obtained with this detailed melting process are compared with corresponding results from simulations involving instantaneous melting at the 0 °C isotherm level. The new detailed melting scheme allows a penetration of the ice phase into the positive temperature areas. Most of the mass of falling ice particles melts over a distance of a few hundred metres. The non‐instantaneous melting scheme also produces a deeper layer of latent cooling that slightly modifies the dynamical field.
The healing pattern of a 4 mm proximal infrabony defect was not significantly different from a 2 mm defect adjacent to dental implant in a canine mandible

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the healing patterns of 2-mm and 4-mm proximal infrabony defects adjacent to dental implants in canine mandibles. Methods Four male beagles were used. Two groups were created: a 2-mm group (n=4) and a 4-mm group (n=4) depending on the horizontal dimension of proximal infrabony defects adjacent to implants. Bone healing patterns between the 2 groups were evaluated and compared at 8 and 16 weeks using radiographic, histological, histomorphometric, and fluorescent labelling analyses. Results According to microcomputed tomography, the median bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, and the percentage of radiographic distance from the defect bottom to the most coronal bone-to-implant contact (radio-mcBIC) were 32.9%, 0.6 g/cm3, and 73.7% (8 weeks) and 45.7%, 0.7 g/cm3, and 76.0% (16 weeks) in the 2-mm group and 57.7%, 0.8 g/cm3, and 75.7% (8 weeks) and 50.9%, 0.8 g/cm3, and 74.7% (16 weeks) in the 4-mm group, respectively. According to histomorphometry, the median bone area fraction, mcBIC and the percentage of BIC amounted to 36.7%, 3.4 mm, and 58.4% (8 weeks) and 49.2%, 3.4 mm, and 70.2% (16 weeks) in the 2-mm group and 50.0%, 3.0 mm, and 64.8% (8 weeks) and 55.7%, 3.0 mm, and 69.6% (16 weeks) in the 4-mm group, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups for any variables (P>0.05). Conclusions The proximal defects that measured 2 mm and 4 mm showed similar healing patterns at 8 and 16 weeks, and the top of bone formation in the defects was substantially limited to a maximum of 1.6 mm below the implant shoulder in both groups.
A Study on the Head Type of Korean Women's for Headgear Pattern Making

The purpose of this study was to develop and make the head form by setting the region of the head for detailed measurement of the head to make the type of closely fit hat and typifying the head form of Korean women's with each region of the head based on the measurements of each region of the head according characteristics. A total of 285 Korean women's in the age group of 18 to 35 years old. It were measured through the direct measurement method by selecting 67 measurement items. As a result of the findings obtained from cluster analysis could be classified into 3 type. Type 1() is U-shaped form, that is high in head height on sides and circumference is smallest, whose facial region and occiput is flattest of three types. Type 2() is inverted triangle form, that is flat in head ridge, low in head height on sides and wide in the frontal width. Type 3() is oval form, that is largest in size, has the projected occiput and is of three-dimensional form.
Experimental Study on the Gmax Characteristics of the Sand-Silt Mixed Soil Materials Using Bender Element Testing

To study the small strain shear modulus (Gmax) of saturated sand-silt mixed soil materials, a series of tests were conducted using the bender element apparatus, and the influences of fines content (FC), relative density (Dr), and effective confining pressure (σ′3c) were taken into consideration. The test results indicate that the Gmax of the mixed soil materials decreases first and then increases with the FC up to 100% with Dr = 35% and 50%, while the Gmax decreases with the increasing FC when Dr = 60%. Moreover, for a given Dr, the Gmax increases with the increasing σ′3c, and the increase rate keeps constant under various FCs. The Gmax of specimens under various FCs decreases with the increase of the void ratio (e). The decrease rate between the Gmax and e differs when the σ′3c is given, which is influenced by the FC. The Gmax of the mixed soil materials can be evaluated by the Hardin model when the FC is determined. The best-fitting parameter A of the Hardin model first decreases and then increases as FC increases. The revised Hardin model, considering the influence of FC, σ′3c, and e, can be used to evaluate the Gmax for different types of sand-silt mixed soil materials. The error between the evaluated and tested Gmax is less than 10%.
Simple model for the thermal conductivity estimation on the basis of Raman and ESR spectroscopy measurements

The diamond films were grown at different working gas pressure in the range of 20–80 mbar by using hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HF CVD) technique. It was observed that the film morphology was dependent on deposition pressure and changed from so called “ball-like” via (111) and (100) type to the morphology of mixed character. The diamond film quality was studied by means of Raman and ESR (electron spin resonance) spectroscopy measurements. Within the presented work a simplified model for heat conductivity was proposed which allows to estimate the value of the thermal conductivity on the basis of Raman and ESR measurements. The obtained results are in good agreement with those reported in literature.
A Preliminary Study: The Urgency of STEM-Based Science Practicum Book for Secondary School

Abstract: The research purpose is to analyse the needs of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematic (STEM)-based science practicum books for secondary school. This is descriptive qualitative research with questionnaire and interview methods. The sample of this research were secondary school science teacher and students. The data were analysed descriptively with the results of data processing in percent (%). The results showed that 98% of secondary school science teachers did not know that STEM-based practicum activities could train 21st century students' skills and 90% of secondary school students stated that they never carried out practicum activities other than laboratory activities. The results also shows that 75% of students do not have science practicum book and only have worksheets provided when carrying out practicum activities. Furthermore, the results of the study also showed that 70% of students stated that practicum activities were not discussed deeply when they entered the class. It can be concluded that there is an urgency to develop a STEM-based science practicum book to that can practice students' 21st century skills in facing the era of the industrial revolution 4.0. Abstrak: Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis kebutuhan buku praktikum IPA berbasis Science Technology Engineering and Matematic (STEM) untuk sekolah menengah. Jenis penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatif dengan metode angket dan wawancara. Sampel penelitian ini adalah guru dan siswa IPA SMP. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif dengan hasil pengolahan data dalam persen (%). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa 98% guru IPA sekolah menengah tidak mengetahui bahwa kegiatan praktikum berbasis STEM dapat melatih keterampilan siswa abad 21 dan 90% siswa sekolah menengah menyatakan tidak pernah melakukan kegiatan praktikum selain kegiatan laboratorium. Hasil penelitian juga menunjukkan bahwa 75% mahasiswa tidak memiliki buku praktikum IPA dan hanya memiliki LKS yang disediakan saat melaksanakan kegiatan praktikum. Selanjutnya hasil penelitian juga menunjukkan bahwa 70% mahasiswa menyatakan bahwa kegiatan praktikum tidak dibahas secara mendalam ketika memasuki kelas. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa ada urgensi untuk mengembangkan buku praktikum sains berbasis STEM yang dapat melatih keterampilan abad 21 mahasiswa dalam menghadapi era revolusi industri 4.0.
Circulating Angiogenic Markers in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Systematic Review

Background: Neuroendocrine neoplasms are a heterogeneous group of tumors that raise challenges in terms of diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. Despite continuous efforts, no biomarker has showed satisfying accuracy in predicting outcome or response to treatment. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to determine relevant circulating biomarkers for angiogenesis in neuroendocrine tumors. We searched three databases (Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science) using the keywords “neuroendocrine” and “biomarkers”, plus specific biomarkers were searched by full and abbreviated name. From a total of 2448 publications, 11 articles met the eligibility criteria. Results: VEGF is the most potent and the most studied angiogenic molecule, but results were highly controversial. Placental growth factor, Angiopoietin 2 and IL-8 were the most consistent markers in predicting poor outcome and aggressive disease behavior. Conclusions: There is no robust evidence so far to sustain the use of angiogenic biomarkers in routine practice, although the results show promising leads.
Can X-ray Diffraction Distinguish Natural from Anthropogenic Hematite? Replication of the Conversion of Natural Goethite in Both Furnace and Campfire

Hematite, the mineral that gives color to bright red iron ochres, occurs naturally, but there is much evidence that early humans sometimes artificially produced hematite by heating a related mineral, goethite, in wood fires. This represents an important cognitive and technological advance in early human prehistory. Thus, there is a need to distinguish natural hematite from hematite generated by heating goethite in a wood fire. Measuring the line widths of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) in hematite has been explored, and synthetic goethite heated in a modern furnace has been used as a model system for studying this process. We now show that to be an inappropriate model. Although chemically identical, natural goethite is physically different from and much more variable than goethite produced in a laboratory. Furthermore, by replicating the process using Stone Age technology, we show that heating goethite in a wood fire complicates the interpretation of XRD line widths of the resulting hematite. We conclude that strategies other than powder XRD are necessary to draw conclusions about the ancient processing of iron ochres.
Nearby early-type galaxies with ionized gas VI. The Spitzer-IRS view. Basic data set analysis and empirical spectral classification ,

Context. A large fraction of early-type galaxies (ETGs) shows emission lines in their optical spectra, mostly with LINER characteristics. Despite the number of studies, the nature of the ioni zation mechanisms is still debated. Many ETGs also show several signs of rejuvenation episodes. Aims. We aim to investigate the ionization mechanisms and the physical processes of a sample of ETGs using mid-infrared spectra. Methods. We present here low resolution Spitzer-IRS spectra of 40 ETGs, 18 of which from our proposed Cycle 3 observations, selected from a sample of 65 ETGs showing emission lines in their optical spectra. We homogeneously extract the mid-infrared (MIR) spectra, and after the proper subtraction of a “passive” ETG template, we derive the intensity of the ionic and molecular lines and of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission features. We use MIR diagnostic diagrams to investigate the powering mechanisms of the ionized gas. Results. The mid-infrared spectra of early-type galaxies show a variety of spectral characteristics. We empirically sub-divid e the sample into five classes of spectra with common characterist ics. Class-0, accounting for 20% of the sample, are purely passive ETGs with neither emission lines nor PAH features. Class-1 show emission lines but no PAH features, and account for 17.5% of the sample. Class-2, in which 50% of the ETGs are found, as well as having emission lines, show PAH features with unusual ratios, e.g. 7: 7� m= 11: 3� m�2: 3. Class-3 objects have emission lines and PAH features with ratios typical of star-forming galaxies. 7.5% of objects fall in this class, likely to be objects in a starburs t/post-starburst regime. Class-4, containing only 5% of the ETGs, is dominated by a hot dust continuum. The diagnostic diagram [Ne III]15.55� m/[Ne II]12.8� m vs. [S III]33.48� m/[Si II]34.82� m, is used to investigate the different mechanisms ionizing the gas. According to the above diagram, if we exclude NGC 3258 where a starburst seems present, most of our ETGs contain gas ionized via either AGN-like or shock phenomena, or both. Conclusions. Most of the spectra in the present sample are classified as LIN ERs in the optical window. The proposed MIR spectral classes show unambiguously the manifold of the physical processes and ionization mechanisms, from star formation, low level AGN activity, to shocks (H2), present in LINER nuclei.