Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of spatial frequency in visual stimuli for cVEP-based BCIs: evaluation of performance and user experience

Code-modulated visual evoked potentials (c-VEPs) are an innovative control signal utilized in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) with promising performance. Prior studies on steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) have indicated that the spatial frequency of checkerboard-like stimuli influences both performance and user experience. Spatial frequency refers to the dimensions of the individual squares comprising the visual stimulus, quantified in cycles (i.e., number of black-white squares pairs) per degree of visual angle. However, the specific effects of this parameter on c-VEP-based BCIs remain unexplored. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the role of spatial frequency of checkerboard-like visual stimuli in a c-VEP-based BCI. Sixteen participants evaluated selection matrices with eight spatial frequencies: C001 (0 c/°, 1×1 squares), C002 (0.15 c/°, 2×2 squares), C004 (0.3 c/°, 4×4 squares), C008 (0.6 c/°, 8×8 squares), C016 (1.2 c/°, 16×16 squares), C032 (2.4 c/°, 32×32 squares), C064 (4.79 c/°, 64×64 squares), and C128 (9.58 c/°, 128×128 squares). These conditions were tested in an online spelling task, which consisted of 18 trials each conducted on a 3×3 command interface. In addition to accuracy and information transfer rate (ITR), subjective measures regarding comfort, ocular irritation, and satisfaction were collected. Significant differences in performance and comfort were observed based on different stimulus spatial frequencies. Although all conditions achieved mean accuracy over 95% after 2.1 s of trial duration, C016 stood out in terms user experience. The proposed condition not only achieved a mean accuracy of 96.53% and 164.54 bits/min with a trial duration of 1.05s, but also was reported to be significantly more comfortable than the traditional C001 stimulus. Since both features are key for BCI development, higher spatial frequencies than the classical black-to-white stimulus might be more adequate for c-VEP systems. Hence, we assert that the spatial frequency should be carefully considered in the development of future applications for c-VEP-based BCIs.
Where Is the Lead in Rainwater Tanks Coming From

The water from rainwater tanks has often been found to have high lead concentrations, in some cases exceeding potable water guidelines. These high lead concentrations were previously linked to the presence of lead flashing on roofs and proximity of roofs to roads and industry. In this study, water and sediment samples were collected from 52 tanks across the Melbourne metropolitan area along with information about the tanks, roofs and the surrounding environment. The results were analysed to identify significant relationships between lead concentrations in tank water, tank sediments and a range of variables collected. Water quality in 14 of the 52 tanks sampled exceeded Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) for lead concentrations. It was found that lead flashing, prevailing winds, proximity to roads and commercial zones had statistically significant relationships with lead concentrations in rainwater tanks, thus implying that no single source is the sole cause of high lead concentrations.
subjectivities amongstnon-transnational' Bosnian refugees Misplaced masculinities: Status loss and the location of gendered

In order to understand gendered patterns of coping that have been noted amongst a variety of migrants, this article analyses localized trajectories of subjectivity that structure early coping strategies with downward social mobility amongst a section of refugees from the Bosnian 1992–5 war. In particular, it investigates the ‘misplacement’ – as refugee men and as Bosnian men – experienced by middle-aged, professional, educated fathers who had fled Bosnian towns. These men tended to stubbornly cling to their remembered personhood, located there where they recalled having counted as someone. Yet they were disengaged from ‘transnational’ social fields, for the place where they recalled having counted as someone was not present-day Bosnia-Herzegovina, but previous forms of organized sociality in that same geographical location. The article draws attention to the specific interplay of general experiences of migration to western states in the 1990s, ‘ethnic cleansing’ and refugee policies, and specific remembered localized life-trajectories in the Socialist Yugoslav Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina and their sudden end.
Facilitation of hERG Activation by Its Blocker: A Mechanism to Reduce Drug-Induced Proarrhythmic Risk

Modulation of the human Ether-à-go-go-Related Gene (hERG) channel, a crucial voltage-gated potassium channel in the repolarization of action potentials in ventricular myocytes of the heart, has significant implications on cardiac electrophysiology and can be either antiarrhythmic or proarrhythmic. For example, hERG channel blockade is a leading cause of long QT syndrome and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias, such as torsades de pointes. Conversely, hERG channel blockade is the mechanism of action of Class III antiarrhythmic agents in terminating ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. In recent years, it has been recognized that less proarrhythmic hERG blockers with clinical potential or Class III antiarrhythmic agents exhibit, in addition to their hERG-blocking activity, a second action that facilitates the voltage-dependent activation of the hERG channel. This facilitation is believed to reduce the proarrhythmic potential by supporting the final repolarizing of action potentials. This review covers the pharmacological characteristics of hERG blockers/facilitators, the molecular mechanisms underlying facilitation, and their clinical significance, as well as unresolved issues and requirements for research in the fields of ion channel pharmacology and drug-induced arrhythmias.
Effects of Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid in a Rat Model of Vestibular and Cochlear Toxicity

Objective: To investigate the effects of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (CLHA) in an experimental model of vestibulotoxicity and cochleotoxicity. Methods: Twenty-eight female Wistar albino rats (200–250 g) were divided into four groups. Group A received 0.06 mL of 13.33 mg/mL gentamicin, Group B received 0.06 mL of CLHA, Group C received 0.03 mL of 26.66 mg/mL gentamicin and 0.03 mL CLHA, and Group D received 0.06 mL of 0.09% saline. All groups underwent auditory brainstem response testing at 4–32 kHz, signal-to-noise ratio of distortion product otoacoustic emission measurements at 1.5–8 kHz and vestibular tests on days 0,1,7,10. The rats were sacrificed, and their labyrinths were histologically assessed and scored. Results: The hearing thresholds of Groups A and C were similar and significantly higher than those of the other groups at all frequencies, beginning from day 1. The vestibular and histological scores of Groups A and C were similar and significantly higher than those of the other groups from day 1. The audiological results, vestibular scores, and histological scores of Groups B and D were similar, except for a temporary middle ear effusion and hearing threshold shift in Group B. No significant deterioration was observed in the audiological, vestibular, and histological analyses of Groups B and D. Conclusion: That both Group A and Group C similarly showed worsening audiological, vestibular, and histological tests suggests that CLHA did not alter the pharmacokinetics and histologic results of gentamicin.
Pedagogical Collaboration for Multilingual Support in Swedish Compulsory Schools

The present study analyzes and discusses mother tongue teachers’ perspectives on interdisciplinary collaboration with two specific groups of professionals: mainstream teachers and SEN teachers. A purposeful sampling with a maximum variation was chosen to obtain the highest possible representativeness. Thereafter, 13 individual, thematical, open-structured interviews were conducted. To discuss the themes arising from the abductive analysis of the interviews Bronstein’s (2003) theoretical model for interdisciplinary collaboration was used. The study forms part of a doctoral dissertation, which aims to get a more in-depth view of different measures that support multilingual students’ learning in the Swedish school context. In this paper, however, only results concerning mother tongue teachers’ perspectives on interdisciplinary collaboration with mainstream teachers and SEN teachers are presented. The results show that mother tongue teachers have a firm and consistent perception of their professional role, relying on the subject curriculum when planning, implementing, evaluating, and grading. However, interdisciplinary collaboration with mainstream teachers and special educational needs teachers is limited to solving structural and administrational challenges. The findings suggest that valuable multilingual resources would be made better use of when structural and administrative matters were formalized.
Investigation The Effect of Pfizer , AstraZeneca , and Sinopharm Vaccines Against SARS-CoV-2 in Iraq Using Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4 ) and Vitamin D3

The research aimed to study the vaccination efficiency against the emerging virus SARS-CoV-2, which includes Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines that are used exclusively in Iraq, by measuring the level of immune cells CD4+ as well as vitamin D3 using ELISA technology. Taking serums were taken from vaccinated individuals: 20 uninfected before individuals who got a vaccination and 20 people with prior infections who had the vaccine (for each type of the three vaccines). Samples were collected 21 days following the second dose as well as 3 to 6 months thereafter. The results showed that the most effective vaccine was AstraZeneca and the results of T-cells were the highest compared to Pfizer and Sinopharm.
Geomorphological impact and morphodynamic effects on flow conveyance of the 1999 jökulhlaup at sólheimajökull, Iceland

The 1999 jökulhlaup at Sólheimajökull was the first major flood to be routed through the proglacial system in over 600 years. This study reconstructed the flood using hydrodynamic, sediment transport and morphodynamic numerical modelling informed by field surveys, aerial photograph and digital elevation model analysis. Total modelled sediment transport was 469 800 m3 (+/‐ 20%). Maximum erosion of 8.2 m occurred along the ice margin. Modelled net landscape change was –86 400 m3 (+/‐ 40%) resulting from –275 400 m3 (+/‐ 20%) proglacial erosion and 194 400 m3 (+/‐ 20%) proglacial deposition. Peak erosion rate and peak deposition rate were 650 m3 s‐1 (+/‐ 20%) and 595 m3 s‐1 (+/‐ 20%), respectively, and coincided with peak discharge of water at 1.5 h after flood initiation. The pattern of bed elevation change during the rising limb suggested widespread activation of the bed, whereas more organisation, perhaps primitive bedform development, occurred during the falling limb. Contrary to simplistic conceptual models, deposition occurred on the rising stage and erosion occurred on the falling limb. Comparison of the morphodynamic results with a hydrodynamic simulation illustrated effects of sediment transport and bed elevation change on flow conveyance. The morphodynamic model advanced flood arrival and peak discharge timings by 100% and 19%, respectively. However, peak flow depth and peak flow velocity were not significantly affected. We suggest that morphodynamic processes not only increase flow mass and momentum but that they also introduce a feedback process whereby flood conveyance becomes more efficient via erosion of minor bed protrusions and deposition that infills or subdues minor bed hollows. A major implication of this study is that reconstructions of outburst floods that ignore sediment transport, such as those used in interpretation of long‐term hydrological record and flood risk assessments, may need considerable refinement. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Novel Co-Culture Model Reveals Enhanced CFTR Rescue in Primary Cystic Fibrosis Airway Epithelial Cultures with Persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection

People with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) suffer from chronic and recurring bacterial lung infections that begin very early in life and contribute to progressive lung failure. CF is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which encodes an ion channel important for maintaining the proper hydration of pulmonary surfaces. When CFTR function is ablated or impaired, airways develop thickened, adherent mucus that contributes to a vicious cycle of infection and inflammation. Therapeutics for pwCF, called CFTR modulators, target the CFTR defect directly, restoring airway surface hydration and mucociliary clearance. However, even with CFTR modulator therapy, bacterial infections persist. To develop a relevant model of diseased airway epithelium, we established a primary human airway epithelium culture system with persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. We used this model to examine the effects of CFTR modulators on CFTR maturation, CFTR function, and bacterial persistence. We found that the presence of P. aeruginosa increased CFTR mRNA, protein, and function. We also found that CFTR modulators caused a decrease in P. aeruginosa burden. These results demonstrate the importance of including live bacteria to accurately model the CF lung, and that understanding the effects of infection on CFTR rescue by CFTR modulators is critical to evaluating and optimizing drug therapies for all pwCF.
Coping strategies of independent child migrants from northern Ghana to southern cities.

Based on analysis of data collected by the authors in an independent child migration survey in Accra and Kumasi carried out by the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) and the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) who are partners of the DFID-funded Development Research Centre on Migration Globalisation and Poverty this paper examines the coping strategies adopted by these independent child migrants with reference to their day-to-day living at the destination areas. The paper attempts to answer the following questions: What are the main reasons for the children staying in the destination areas? What risks are these child migrants exposed to? What coping/survival strategies do they adopt? The next section provides a brief overview of migration dynamics with reference to north-south child migration in Ghana. The following sections will then analyse the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the child migrants the risks they are exposed to and their coping strategies. We will conclude with some relevant policy implications and recommendations. (excerpt)
The Brazilian version of the telehealth usability questionnaire (telehealth usability questionnaire Brazil): translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric properties

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to translate and cross-culturally adapt the telehealth usability questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate its psychometric properties. METHODS: This was a methodological validation study carried out in two phases. In phase 1, the telehealth usability questionnaire was cross-culturally adapted with 10 participants comprising the expert committee members, including 5 healthcare professionals with theoretical and practical knowledge of telehealth, 1 methodologist, and 4 translators. This phase was performed at Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora Physiotherapy Clinic School. In phase 2, the psychometric properties of telehealth usability questionnaire Brazil were analyzed. This phase included in-person assessments at Márcio Cunha Hospital, Minas Gerais. The recruitment period for both phases was from April 2020 to February 2021. Content validity, reliability, internal consistency, and criterion validity were analyzed. The criterion validity was evaluated using correlation with a validated instrument: the system usability scale. RESULTS: The telehealth usability questionnaire was adequately translated and cross-culturally adapted. The telehealth usability questionnaire Brazil presented an excellent content validity index of 0.96 with percentages of understanding higher than 90%. The telehealth usability questionnaire Brazil demonstrated great internal consistency (α=0.94 and ω=0.94), excellent intra-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.85, 95%CI 0.75–0.91), no difference between the test and retest [T (0.425), p>0.673], and no proportional bias (p=0.205). There was a moderate correlation between telehealth usability questionnaire Brazil and the system usability scale (r=0.52, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The telehealth usability questionnaire was adequately translated and cross-culturally adapted into Brazilian Portuguese and showed adequate psychometric properties for use in telehealth clinical practice and research in Brazilian-Portuguese-speaking individuals.
Exogenous Easily Extractable Glomalin-Related Soil Protein Induces Differential Response in Plant Growth of Tea Plants via Regulating Water Channel Protein Expression

Glomalin, a glycoprotein secreted by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs), exhibits multiple beneficial functions in regard to plant growth. However, the roles and regulatory mechanisms of exogenous easily extractable glomalin-related soil protein (EE-GRSP) in water and their effects on the quality of tea plants (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Ktze. ) remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a quarter-strength exogenous EE-GRSP solution (1/4 EE-GRSP), half-strength exogenous EE-GRSP solution (1/2 EE-GRSP), three-quarter-strength exogenous EE-GRSP solution (3/4 EE-GRSP), and full-strength exogenous EE-GRSP solution (full EE-GRSP) on plant growth, the root system architecture, leaf water status, and the tea quality of tea seedlings, along with examining the changes in the relative expression of water channel proteins (AQPs) in tea plants. The results indicated that exogenous EE-GRSP of different strengths had different effects on both the growth performance (height, leaf numbers, and biomass) and root architecture parameters of tea seedlings, and the best positive effects on plant growth and the root architecture appeared under the three-quarter-strength exogenous EE-GRSP treatment. Similarly, the exogenous EE-GRSP application also differently affected tea quality indicators, in which only the quarter- and half-strength exogenous EE-GRSP solutions significantly increased most of the indicators, including carbohydrates, tea polyphenols, total amino acids, catechins, and flavonoids. Moreover, the half- and three-quarter-strength exogenous EE-GRSP treatments significantly increased the leaf relative water content (LRWC), but all of the exogenous EE-GRSP treatments significantly decreased the leaf water potential (LWP). Furthermore, the expression of AQP genes in the root system of tea plants was related to the strength of the exogenous EE-GRSP treatments, and different genes were significantly up-regulated or down-regulated under the treatment of exogenous EE-GRSP at different strengths. Moreover, the correlation analysis showed that most of the relative expression of AQPs was significantly and positively correlated with tea plant growth, the root architecture, and the leaf relative water content, but negatively correlated with tea quality indicators; however, the expression of CsNIPs and CsSIPs was markedly and negatively correlated with plant growth performance. Therefore, we speculated that the application of exogenous EE-GRSP could facilitate plant growth and improve the quality indirectly by regulating the expression of root AQPs, thus ameliorating the water uptake and nutrient accumulation in tea plants.
The Impact of Hemispheric Activity Priming on Choking Under Pressure in Badminton Tasks: A Study of Three Fundamental Skills

Choking under pressure occurs when an individual experiences a decrease in performance despite their efforts to perform well. The self-focus approach suggests that pressure increases conscious attention on the performance process, disrupting the automatic or overlearned nature of execution. Hemispheric asymmetries in the brain and skilled performance indicate that left-hemispheric activity decreases, while right-hemispheric activity enhances. Previous studies have attempted to prevent choking by inhibiting the left hemisphere or enhancing the right hemisphere's activity. This study examined whether increased hemispheric activity priming can extenuate motor skill failure under pressure in badminton tasks. The study involved 32 right-handed college students who completed five conditions in pressure-free blocks versus choking under-pressure blocks with priming intervention. Results showed a significant improvement in motor learning from pre- to post-tests, but participants still choked under pressure during skill execution. Furthermore, the priming strategy (hand squeezing) did not alleviate the pressure to benefit performance. The study provides evidence of performance decrements under pressure conditions, and the priming strategy did not alleviate choking.
Aspects of knowledge, attitude, and practices about COVID-19 in basic education students: A meta-analysis

Updated scientific material is needed to incorporate research-based COVID-19 interventions and strategies into basic education. This meta-analysis examined basic education students' COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) across the globe. This study identified KAPs needed to integrate COVID-19 into Basic Education after the meta-analysis. Thirteen published studies on basic education students' KAPs toward COVID-19 were analyzed using meta-analysis. PRISMA was utilized in this study. JBI and STROBE checklists assessed these studies' quality. Three low-quality and ten high-quality published studies were identified. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were used due to the studies' heterogeneity. Low-quality studies had higher KAP pooled levels. Although the pooled KAPs on COVID-19 between the study groups of elementary students only, elementary and high school students, and high school students only were only slightly different, more high school students had good and better KAPs toward COVID-19. Globally, basic education students had high COVID-19 KAPs. There were items in KAPs identified as essential topics for science lesson integration. These six items were identified as essential topics for lesson integration in knowledge, five in attitude, and four items in practice.
CONTROL OF PEPPER POWDERY MILDEW DISEASE

: Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops in Egypt and many countries. The total cultivated area of pepper in Egypt reached more than 62 870 Feddan yielded 438915 tons in both nili and summer seasons during 2012. Powdery mildew disease is considered a serious disease of pepper plants in Egypt, caused by Leveillula taurica. Cabrio Top was the most effective fungicide in controlling the disease and perecentage of infection, where the lowest powdery mildew infection was noticed, followed by Bellis fungicide on pepper plants cv. Pasodoble during 2012 and 2013 seasons under natural infection. Yield of 10 plants in kg were raised by fungicide application and compatable with decreasing the disease incidence. Cabrio Top fungicide at (recommended dose) resulted the last disease severity, perecentage of infection and highest yield kg of 10 plants. Calcium carbonate with both used concentrations was the most effective salt in decreasing disease parameters,and wereasing the yield to reach ito maximum followd by calcium chloride, followed by Oxalic acid.werw effective in decreasing powdery mildew disease parameters and increasing fruit yield comparing to the control treatment.