Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
"Automatic assumption of your gender, sexuality and sexual practices is also discrimination": Exploring sexual healthcare experiences and recommendations among sexually and gender diverse persons in Arctic Canada.

Sexual and mental health disparities are reported in Arctic Canada as in other Arctic regions that experience shared challenges of insufficient healthcare resources, limited transportation, and a scarcity of healthcare research. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer persons (LGBTQ+) report sexual and mental health disparities in comparison with their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts, and these disparities may be exacerbated in rural versus urban settings. Yet limited research has explored sexual healthcare experiences among LGBTQ+ persons in the Arctic who are at the juncture of Arctic and LGBTQ+ health disparities. We conducted a qualitative study from May 2015 to October 2015 with LGBTQ+ persons in the Northwest Territories, Canada that involved in-depth individual interviews with LGBTQ+ youth (n = 16), LGBTQ+ adults (n = 21), and key informants (e.g. coaches, teachers, nurses, social workers, and healthcare providers) (n = 14). We conducted thematic analysis, a theoretically flexible approach that integrates deductive and inductive approaches, to identify and map themes in the data. Findings reveal geographical, social, and healthcare factors converge to shape healthcare access. Specifically, the interplay between heterosexism and cisnormativity, intersectional forms of stigma, and place limited LGBTQ+ persons' sexual healthcare access and produced negative experiences in sexual healthcare. Limited healthcare facilities in small communities resulted in confidentiality concerns. Heteronormativity and cisnormativity constrained the ability to access appropriate sexual healthcare. LGBTQ+ persons experienced LGBTQ+, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections stigma in healthcare. Participants also discussed healthcare provider recommendations to better serve LGBTQ+ persons: non-judgment, knowledge of LGBTQ+ health issues, and gender inclusivity. Findings can inform multi-level strategies to reduce intersecting stigma in communities and healthcare, transform healthcare education, and build LGBTQ+ persons' healthcare navigation skills.
The validity, reliability and clinical utility of a performance-based executive function assessment in people with mild to moderate dementia

Abstract Objective: Performance-based evaluation of executive function by using real-world daily living activities is an important area of study. This approach has been used extensively in evaluating patients after stroke or traumatic brain injury and patients with schizophrenia. Most important is the fact that until now, there has been no validated performance-based evaluation of executive function in people with dementia. Methods: To address that knowledge gap, this study recruited 80 patients diagnosed with dementia and 80 demographically matched healthy controls. The participants were administered tests for evaluating their performance-based executive function (Chinese Multiple Errands Test), their instrumental activities of daily living (Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, Chinese Version), and their functional disability (Chinese Version of the Disability Assessment for Dementia), along with a cognitive screening test (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Hong Kong Version) and a neuropsychological test of executive function (Trail-making Test). Results: The Chinese Multiple Errands Test demonstrated excellent inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability and high internal consistency. Results revealed that the healthy controls out-performed the dementia patients in the performance-based executive function and cognitive screening, but not in the instrumental activities of daily living tests. Additionally, the performance efficiency scores of the older adults with dementia on the Chinese Multiple Errands Test correlated significantly with their performance results on the neuropsychological test of executive function and on the tests of functional disability and cognitive function. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the Chinese Multiple Errands Test is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing executive function in Chinese older people with dementia.
Analysis of a Supercharged Gas Turbine Engine Concept and Preliminary Investigation of a Version Using Argon as the Working Fluid

The paper presents results from a study into the potential of a complex cycle gas turbine engine, originally investigated by the Ford Motor Company for truck applications in the 1960s, and updated to gauge the possible improvements by raising the efficiencies of its constituent components from the values used in period to more modern levels. To perform this investigation, firstly a spreadsheet model was constructed and the data that Ford made available in the open literature were used to validate it. The methodology used in the model was to balance the power consumed by the compressors (and the auxiliaries where applicable) with that produced by their driving turbines, and to match the thermal power in the heat exchangers with the data provided. Using the quoted lower heating value of the diesel fuel originally used, this approach led to an accuracy in the match of brake specific fuel consumption (in terms of g/kWh) to three places of decimals. Using this validated model, any improvement in the performance of individual devices would then manifest in an increase in expansion ratio available at the power turbine and, for the same system heat input, concomitantly more power and an increase in thermal efficiency. The expected improvement in efficiency with an increase in turbine inlet temperature was also shown by increasing it from the original 1200 K up to 2000 K, with the efficiency relationship becoming asymptotic in line with theory. The second stage of the study was a preliminary investigation of the effects of operating the concept using argon as the working fluid, this imagined to be achieved by closing the cycle and adding a heat exchanger at its bottom. This suggests the potential of the Joule cycle in this regard: the improvement in cycle efficiency at the overall system pressure ratio of 15.5 was predicted as 20.9% versus the 22.6% predicted from simple Joule cycle theory. While there are caveats arising from the fact that the engine studied has anything but a
Lettuce growth promoted by artificial lighting using light-emitting diodes (LED)

Understanding how the use of light-emitting diodes (LED) in artificial lighting affects plant growth is of considerable interest to Science because the application of specific light wavelengths to crops can enhance agricultural production. Therefore, the influence of LED lamps in the photosynthetically active spectrum (blue and red light) on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) was evaluated. A factorial design was used to test 4 combinations of LED lighting (5:1; 3:1; 1:1 and 6:3) and 2 lettuce varieties (butterhead and crisphead). The plants were grown in pots in a controlled environment with a 12h-photoperiod, for 21 days. Leaf number (LN), leaf area (LA) and leaf fresh mass (LFM) were determined along with gas exchange variables (A: net photosynthesis; Ci: CO2internal concentration; and WUEi: instantaneous water use efficiency. Growth of lettuce plants was greatest in the source of variation of LED lighting with the combination 5:1, as well as the greatest photosynthetic efficiency. The crisphead lettuce was superior to the butterhead lettuce in all analyzed variables, which suggests a better adaptation to the treatments applied.
CFD-aided approach of modelling and dynamic characteristic optimization for a highly nonlinear auxiliary braking system

It is a considerable challenge to develop a mathematical method for modelling the coupling relationship between the control signal and braking performance in the design and optimization, especially with a highly nonlinear system. The present study thus establishes an integrated CFD-aided method, elaborately proposed based on a 1D/3D co-simulation to accomplish a goal of collaborative calculation between multi-physics fields, and conducting the braking and thermal properties that changes dynamically with the control signal. In particular, the 3D model is actually a multi-domain coupling CFD transient calculation, and the 1D model provides the dynamic boundary conditions. These results manifest some interesting issues, such as modelling the prediction interaction between the isolated control signal and dynamic braking capability. The synergies of the blade agitation and centrifugal force in the multi-phases development affect the oil-filling control and braking generation. The control pressure (Pair ) and throttle area (Aout ) are predominated in enhancing braking torque, shortening response time, and improving heat dissipation efficiency. The operations of Pair ≤ 3.2 bar and Aout ≥ 64π mm2 ensure a safe and reliable design and then optimize braking and control characteristics. The resulting maximum braking torque is 4070Nm, and the outlet oil temperature is reduced to 138°C.
Sweden's feminist foreign policy in national newspapers in EU member states (2014–2020): Media logic or political logic?

As the first country in the world, Sweden introduced its Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) in 2014. The article investigates how Sweden's FFP is communicated in quality newspapers in 11 EU Member States (2014–2020). It focuses on whether the coverage of FFP signals the adoption of media logic or political logic, and whether the newspapers’ images of FFP serve to strengthen or counteract the existing tendencies on gender equality in the different Member States. The findings demonstrate that reports on FFP are heavily influenced by media logic. They give priority to political conflicts and focus on short-term events and persons rather than long-term consequences and content of the policy. FFP is least reported and explained in Member States with lower levels of gender equality, which can serve to strengthen existing views. In more gender-equal Member States, the reports on FFP are more frequent and elaborate, especially in the left-leaning newspapers.
Machine Learning and Pharmacometrics for Prediction of Pharmacokinetic Data: Differences, Similarities and Challenges Illustrated with Rifampicin

Pharmacometrics (PM) and machine learning (ML) are both valuable for drug development to characterize pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD). Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) analysis using PM provides mechanistic insight into biological processes but is time- and labor-intensive. In contrast, ML models are much quicker trained, but offer less mechanistic insights. The opportunity of using ML predictions of drug PK as input for a PKPD model could strongly accelerate analysis efforts. Here exemplified by rifampicin, a widely used antibiotic, we explore the ability of different ML algorithms to predict drug PK. Based on simulated data, we trained linear regressions (LASSO), Gradient Boosting Machines, XGBoost and Random Forest to predict the plasma concentration-time series and rifampicin area under the concentration-versus-time curve from 0–24 h (AUC0–24h) after repeated dosing. XGBoost performed best for prediction of the entire PK series (R2: 0.84, root mean square error (RMSE): 6.9 mg/L, mean absolute error (MAE): 4.0 mg/L) for the scenario with the largest data size. For AUC0–24h prediction, LASSO showed the highest performance (R2: 0.97, RMSE: 29.1 h·mg/L, MAE: 18.8 h·mg/L). Increasing the number of plasma concentrations per patient (0, 2 or 6 concentrations per occasion) improved model performance. For example, for AUC0–24h prediction using LASSO, the R2 was 0.41, 0.69 and 0.97 when using predictors only (no plasma concentrations), 2 or 6 plasma concentrations per occasion as input, respectively. Run times for the ML models ranged from 1.0 s to 8 min, while the run time for the PM model was more than 3 h. Furthermore, building a PM model is more time- and labor-intensive compared with ML. ML predictions of drug PK could thus be used as input into a PKPD model, enabling time-efficient analysis.
Influence of prebiotic yeast cell wall extracts on growth performance, carcase attributes, biochemical metabolites, and intestinal morphology and bacteriology of broiler chickens challenged with Salmonella typhimurium and Clostridium perfringens

Abstract The current experiment was conducted to examine the efficacy of yeast cell wall (YCW) supplementation on growth performance, carcase characteristics, serum biochemistry, ileum histological structure, and caecum bacterial populations of broilers subjected to Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) and Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) challenges from 11 to 35 d of age. A total of 360 mixed-sex Ross 308 broilers were randomly distributed to 5 treatments with 12 replications of 6 birds each as follows: control with no additive or challenge; S. typhimurium challenge; C. perfringens challenge; S. typhimurium + YCW; C. perfringens + YCW. The YCW was supplemented at a level of 0.5 g/kg. Compared to the control group, the unsupplemented challenged groups had deteriorated average daily gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) during all experimental periods (p < .001) and reduced dressing percentage, glucose (GLU) concentration (p < .001), and Lactobacillus population (p < .01). Moreover, the S. typhimurium-challenged group had reduced total protein (TP) level and elevated S. typhimurium count (p < .001), while the C. perfringens-challenged group showed decreased liveability (p < .001) and crypt depth (p < .05) and increased C. perfringens count (p < .01) than the control group. Supplementation of YCW under S. typhimurium challenge improved FCR and EPEF during all experimental periods (p < .001), levels of TP, GLU (p < .001), and globulin (p < .05), villus height (VH) (p < .001), and villus surface area (p < .01) and reduced S. typhimurium count (p < .001). Broilers fed YCW and challenged with C. perfringens exhibited improved FCR during grower and overall periods, EPEF during all experimental periods, liveability, GLU level, and VH (p < .001). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of YCW could ameliorate the harmful impacts of disease challenges on the growth efficiency of broilers. Highlights Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast-derived prebiotics have been experimented and utilised as a potential alternative to antibiotics in poultry diets. Challenge with Salmonella typhimurium or Clostridium perfringens diminished growth efficiency and compromised intestinal health in broiler chickens. The dietary supplementation of yeast cell wall could reduce the negative effects of pathogens on broiler performance.
Analogies May Not be as Cognitively Demanding as Previously Assumed: Evidence from a Dual-Task Paradigm with Gradually Increasing Cognitive Load

Making analogies is considered to depend on executive functions. We examined the role of the central executive in solving pictorial cross-mapping problems while generating random digits ranging 1-3 for one group of subjects, and 1-9 for another. We used three indices assessing different aspects of randomness and a self-report measure to evaluate the effect of the concurrent task. Subjects who had to generate digits between 1 and 9 perceived the task to be harder but still produced more random sequences than those in the smallerrange condition. Although the manipulation of cognitive load was successful, no difference was observed in the proportion of relational responses to the cross-mapping task, suggesting that analogies may not be as cognitively demanding as otherwise assumed. We also provide correlational support for the influence of individual differences in fluid intelligence on relational mapping abilities.
Repositioning of Old Drugs for Novel Cancer Therapies: Continuous Therapeutic Perfusion of Aspirin and Oseltamivir Phosphate with Gemcitabine Treatment Disables Tumor Progression, Chemoresistance, and Metastases

Simple Summary Repositioning old drugs in combination with clinical standard chemotherapeutics opens a promising clinical treatment approach for patients with pancreatic cancer. This report presents a therapeutic repositioning of continuous perfusion of aspirin and oseltamivir phosphate in combination with gemcitabine treatment as an effective treatment option for pancreatic cancer. The data suggest that repositioning these drugs with continuous perfusion with gemcitabine disables chemoresistance, tumor progression, EMT program, cancer stem cells, and metastases in a preclinical mouse model of human pancreatic cancer. These promising results warrant additional investigation to assess the potential of translating into the clinical setting to improve the cancer patient prognosis for an otherwise fatal disease. Abstract Metastatic pancreatic cancer has an invariably fatal outcome, with an estimated median progression-free survival of approximately six months employing our best combination chemotherapeutic regimens. Once drug resistance develops, manifested by increased primary tumor size and new and growing metastases, patients often die rapidly from their disease. Emerging evidence indicates that chemotherapy may contribute to the development of drug resistance through the upregulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways and subsequent cancer stem cell (CSC) enrichment. Neuraminidase-1 (Neu-1) regulates the activation of several receptor tyrosine kinases implicated in EMT induction, angiogenesis, and cellular proliferation. Here, continuous therapeutic targeting of Neu-1 using parenteral perfusion of oseltamivir phosphate (OP) and aspirin (ASA) with gemcitabine (GEM) treatment significantly disrupts tumor progression, critical compensatory signaling mechanisms, EMT program, CSC, and metastases in a preclinical mouse model of human pancreatic cancer. ASA- and OP-treated xenotumors significantly inhibited the metastatic potential when transferred into animals.
Increasing Temperature Facilitates Polyp Spreading and Medusa Appearance of the Invasive Hydrozoan Craspedacusta sowerbii

Simple Summary The jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii is one of the most widespread freshwater invasive species. The aim of this study is to analyze polyp and medusa responses to different temperatures using experimental studies on polyp colony growth and medusae to develop a model capable of predicting the Thermal Habitat Suitability (THS) for the polyp and medusa stages. Temperature had a significant effect on the total number of polyps and colonies over time and on the structure of polyp colonies. Polyp and colony numbers were greater at high temperature while colonies were composed of more polyps per colony at 19 °C compared to 29 °C. The thermal tolerance of the medusa stage showed that temperature will favor the expansion of the species in the future to higher latitudes. Abstract The freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii is among the most widespread invasive species, observed across a wide temperature range. The aim of this study is to analyze the polyp and medusa stages response to different temperatures by using (i) an experimental study on the polyp colony growth at 19 and 29 °C, and (ii) prediction of the Thermal Habitat Suitability (THS) based on the thermal tolerance of the medusa stage. The total number of polyps and colonies was greater at high temperature. At 19 °C, colonies with 1 to 5 polyps were present, with colonies of 1 to 3 polyps numerically dominating. At 29 °C, colonies were 80% composed of 1- to 2-polyps. Based on the published medusa pulsation rhythm data, a Thermal Performance Curve (TPC) regression was performed and used to monthly predict the THS for current and future (2050 and 2100) scenarios. The southern hemisphere offered optimal conditions (THS > 0.6) year-round. In the northern hemisphere, the optimum period was predicted to be between June and September. The future THS were considerably larger than at present with an increase in optimal THS at higher latitudes (up to 60° N). The combination of experimental and modeling approaches allows to identify the optimal thermal conditions of the polyp and medusa stages and to predict their invasive capacities.
Metaphor Framing in Multiple Communication Modalities

Metaphors can shape how people reason about complex issues, but most studies of metaphor framing rely exclusively on written materials. This is a significant limitation, as people regularly encounter linguistic metaphors in a variety of different communicative settings (e.g., read in the newspaper, heard on the radio, or viewed on television). Because research finds that variations in communication modality can influence message comprehension, retention, and persuasiveness, we explored the relative power of metaphor framing in different communication modalities. Across two experiments, participants read, heard, or watched a person describe four different metaphorically framed issues. They had to answer a target question about each issue by selecting from two response options, one of which was congruent with the metaphor frame. Results revealed a significant, similarly-sized effect of metaphor framing in every communication modality, suggesting that communication modality does not moderate the efficacy of metaphor framing.
Comparative harms assessments for cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco: Risk for psychosis, cognitive impairment, and traffic accident

Researchers have associated cannabis use with risk for psychosis, cognitive impairment, and traffic accident. However, this review shows that the association between moderate cannabis use and psychosis is no stronger, and often considerably weaker, than the corresponding association for moderate tobacco use. The same holds for associations with cognitive impairment. For the risk of traffic accident, the review confirms that the risk from alcohol use is substantially stronger than the risk from cannabis use, while the corresponding risk from tobacco use appears to be almost as strong as that from cannabis use. It thus appears that the risk for psychosis, cognitive impairment, and traffic accident associated with cannabis use is generally comparable to that from tobacco use. The article discusses different interpretations of these comparative harms assessments and presents two points of methodological critique to argue that the risks associated with cannabis and other generally criminalized drugs are probably exaggerated. First, any measurement of harms associated with high escapist activities such as drug abuse will be affected by the general dysfunction associated with the underlying reason why a person settles for frequent escapism. From this perspective, cannabis and tobacco use disorder are probably both associated with underlying problems and life issues that are, in and of themselves, associated with psychopathology, and researchers should be careful not to conflate the selection effect from belonging to the population segment that opts for high escapist lifestyles with any (putative) harmful effect from drug use itself. Second, criminalization probably shifts the composition of the user population in the direction of more dysfunctional users. From this perspective, the association between substance use disorder and underlying problems and life issues is stronger for criminalized substances, since people who live troubled lives are less likely to be deterred by the prospect of legal problems.