Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inequity in the Access to eHealth and Its Decomposition Case of Poland

The aim of this research is to analyze the disparities in the distribution of information and communication technologies and skills across geographically determined population groups and to identify the source of the inequity. Literature showed that the nature of e-Health has the potential to resolve health inequalities. However, its successful implementation depends on such factors as the accessibility of required technologies to all people, the existence of technical infrastructure as well as people having the necessary information and communication skills. Employment of the Theil index allowed us to measure and decompose the national inequality into both: between and within macro-regions differences. Data was collected from Statistics Poland. The results showed the existence of inequity and its drivers. The novelty of this research results from application of the Theil index in the field of eHealth and identification of the barrier in access to e-Health, which can be a basis for improvement in government policy.
Energy-Efficient Optimization for Energy-Harvesting-Enabled mmWave-UAV Heterogeneous Networks

Energy Harvesting (EH) is a promising paradigm for 5G heterogeneous communication. EH-enabled Device-to-Device (D2D) communication can assist devices in overcoming the disadvantage of limited battery capacity and improving the Energy Efficiency (EE) by performing EH from ambient wireless signals. Although numerous research works have been conducted on EH-based D2D communication scenarios, the feature of EH-based D2D communication underlying Air-to-Ground (A2G) millimeter-Wave (mmWave) networks has not been fully studied. In this paper, we considered a scenario where multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are deployed to provide energy for D2D Users (DUs) and data transmission for Cellular Users (CUs). We aimed to improve the network EE of EH-enabled D2D communications while reducing the time complexity of beam alignment for mmWave-enabled D2D Users (DUs). We considered a scenario where multiple EH-enabled DUs and CUs coexist, sharing the full mmWave frequency band and adopting high-directive beams for transmitting. To improve the network EE, we propose a joint beamwidth selection, power control, and EH time ratio optimization algorithm for DUs based on alternating optimization. We iteratively optimized one of the three variables, fixing the other two. During each iteration, we first used a game-theoretic approach to adjust the beamwidths of DUs to achieve the sub-optimal EE. Then, the problem with regard to power optimization was solved by the Dinkelbach method and Successive Convex Approximation (SCA). Finally, we performed the optimization of the EH time ratio using linear fractional programming to further increase the EE. By performing extensive simulation experiments, we validated the convergence and effectiveness of our algorithm. The results showed that our proposed algorithm outperformed the fixed beamwidth and fixed power strategy and could closely approach the performance of exhaustive search, particle swarm optimization, and the genetic algorithm, but with a much reduced time complexity.
A Cross-National Analysis of the Effects by Bullying and School Exclusion on Subjective Happiness in 10-Year-Old Children

Literature to date has well supported the detrimental consequences of bullying and school exclusion in different countries, with negative outcomes in school adjustment or child psychological adjustment, among others. However, more research is needed to understand the effects on positive indicators of psychological well-being in children as subjective happiness. Cross-national studies are also recommended to examine the differential effects by country. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine bullying and school exclusion, and their effects on child subjective happiness, from a cross-national perspective. Data from the Second Wave of Children’s Worlds: International Survey of Children’s Well-being (ISCWeB) was used, from a sample of 12,623 children aged 10 years old from 15 countries. Participants completed self-report measures of bullying, school exclusion and subjective happiness. Results showed that 20.8% of children suffered harassment and 17.6% felt excluded, twice or more times, at school. Negative effects of bullying and exclusion on subjective happiness were observed in all the sample. Furthermore, differences by country were found in the frequency of bullying and exclusion, as well as in the size of their effects on happiness. These results underline the need to protect child psychological well-being by preventing bullying and school exclusion.
Characterization of the Ionic Wind Induced by a Sine DBD Actuator used for Laminar-to-Turbulent Transition Delay

The amount of momentum produced by a plasma actuator was experimentally investigated by means of a two component-Laser Doppler Velocimetry system. Firstly, the ionic wind induced by the sine DBD actuator (7–16 kV, 0.5–1 kHz) was studied in a quiescent medium. Velocity measurements were synchronized with high voltage records above the actuator for heights from 0.1 to 5 mm from the surface. Operated steadily, the ionic wind was observed to be similar to a wall jet pulsed by the frequency of the high voltage (typically 1 kHz). Operated unsteadily, the induced wall jet was characterized by a smaller frequency bandwidth centered on the pulse frequency (typically 10 Hz). The induced velocity was found to be different according to the high voltage cycles. Both first half of the negative and positive cycles induced ionic wind, however higher velocities were measured during the negative ones. Moreover, an upstream flow seemed to appear during the second half of the negative cycles suggesting the inefficiency of the DBD actuator operated with a sine waveform. These observations were independent of the slopes of the high voltages applied. Secondly, the actuator was mounted on a relative thick flat plane to act steadily and co-flow on the natural laminar evolving boundary layer for free air stream up to 10 m/s. As the ionic wind was fully contained within the laminar boundary layer (y < 3mm), a momentum addition and a decrease of the boundary layer thickness were observed above and downstream of the actuator. It resulted from the ability of the steadily actuation to modify boundary layer profiles into more stable profiles by damping natural instabilities in a wider range of frequency than the unsteady actuation. A steady actuation of about 10 W allowed a transition delay of approximately 20% at 10 m/s.
Influence of climate variability on wind‐sea and swell wave height extreme over the Indo‐Pacific Ocean

In the Indo‐Pacific Ocean (IPO), extreme significant wave heights (SWHs) can substantially induce coastal erosion, flooding, and devastating impacts on coastal livelihoods. This study examines the seasonal influence of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), Southern Annular Mode (SAM), and Pacific North American (PNA) pattern on extreme wind‐wave parameters. The climatic extremes are calculated utilizing ERA5 reanalysis datasets from 1979 to 2019 and a nonstationary generalized extreme value distribution. Significant increases in extreme wind‐sea (Hmax) and swell SWH (HmaxSw) response to ENSO occur over the northeast North Pacific (NP) during December–February (DJF) and western NP during June–August (JJA). The PNA influence exhibits a similar pattern to ENSO during DJF yet is inactive in JJA. Hmax and HmaxSw responses to the IOD during September–November (SON) include significant increases over the western Pacific, southern Indian Ocean (IO), and southwest tropical IO, yet decreases over the central tropical IO. The HmaxSw response to the SAM is larger than that for Hmax over the southern IPO during DJF, which extends toward the eastern Pacific in March–May (MAM). Overall, extreme wind‐sea and swell parameter responses are found to be associated with sea level pressure (SLP) and SLP gradients.
Factors Associated with Tooth Loss in General Population of Bialystok, Poland

Background: The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for tooth loss in the population of the city of Bialystok, in north-eastern Poland, taking into account the entire population and different age groups. The study included 1138 subjects divided into three subgroups: 20–44 years, 45–64 years, and 65–79 years. Participants were classified according to the number of teeth lost (0–8 vs. 9–28). Socio-economic variables, smoking history, and dental habits were collected through a questionnaire. Medical examinations provided data on the body mass index and the fasting blood glucose level. Data were statistically analysed using Mann-Whitney U, Student’s t, chi2 tests, and binary logistic regression, p < 0.05. Results: For the general population, being female (OR 1.38, 1.07–1.79, p = 0.015), having secondary education (OR 4.18, Cl 2.97–5.87, p < 0.000), higher body mass index (OR 1.13, Cl 1.10–1.17, p < 0.000), higher fasting blood glucose level (OR 1.03 1.03–1.04, p < 0.000), being former smoker (OR 1.72, Cl 1.29–2.31, p < 0.000), ever smoker (OR 1.69, Cl 1.29–2.20, p < 0.000), current smoker (OR 1.62, Cl 1.15–2.29, p < 0.006), longer smoking period (OR 1.11, Cl 1.09–1.14, p < 0.000), last visit to the dentist over a year ago (OR 1.92, Cl 0.44–2.58, p < 0.000) and tooth brushing less than two times a day (OR 1.6, Cl 1.14–2.23, p < 0.006) were associated with losing more than 8 teeth. In the subgroup aged 20–44 years, only smoking duration was a risk factor for tooth loss (p = 0.02). For the middle-aged and oldest groups, education level (respectively p < 0.001, and p = 0.001), body mass index (respectively, p < 0.001, and p = 0.037), smoking status ever/former/current (respectively p < 0.001 and p = 0.002), smoking status never/ever (respectively p < 0.001 and p = 0.009), smoking duration (p < 0.001) were related to tooth loss. Additionally, in the elderly group, fasting blood glucose level (p = 0.044) and frequency of dental visits (p = 0.007) were related to tooth loss. We concluded that in the evaluated population, tooth loss was associated with socio-demographic, medical, and behavioural factors.
Yucatan Minipig Knee Meniscus Regional Biomechanics and Biochemical Structure Support its Suitability as a Large Animal Model for Translational Research

Knee meniscus injuries are the most frequent causes of orthopedic surgical procedures in the U.S., motivating tissue engineering attempts and the need for suitable animal models. Despite extensive use in cardiovascular research and the existence of characterization data for the menisci of farm pigs, the farm pig may not be a desirable preclinical model for the meniscus due to rapid weight gain. Minipigs are conducive to in vivo experiments due to their slower growth rate than farm pigs and similarity in weight to humans. However, characterization of minipig knee menisci is lacking. The objective of this study was to extensively characterize structural and functional properties within different regions of both medial and lateral Yucatan minipig knee menisci to inform this model’s suitability as a preclinical model for meniscal therapies. Menisci measured 23.2–24.8 mm in anteroposterior length (33–40 mm for human), 7.7–11.4 mm in width (8.3–14.8 mm for human), and 6.4–8.4 mm in peripheral height (5–7 mm for human). Per wet weight, biochemical evaluation revealed 23.9–31.3% collagen (COL; 22% for human) and 1.20–2.57% glycosaminoglycans (GAG; 0.8% for human). Also, per dry weight, pyridinoline crosslinks (PYR) were 0.12–0.16% (0.12% for human) and, when normalized to collagen content, reached as high as 1.45–1.96 ng/µg. Biomechanical testing revealed circumferential Young’s modulus of 78.4–116.2 MPa (100–300 MPa for human), circumferential ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 18.2–25.9 MPa (12–18 MPa for human), radial Young’s modulus of 2.5–10.9 MPa (10–30 MPa for human), radial UTS of 2.5–4.2 MPa (1–4 MPa for human), aggregate modulus of 157–287 kPa (100–150 kPa for human), and shear modulus of 91–147 kPa (120 kPa for human). Anisotropy indices ranged from 11.2–49.4 and 6.3–11.2 for tensile stiffness and strength (approximately 10 for human), respectively. Regional differences in mechanical and biochemical properties within the minipig medial meniscus were observed; specifically, GAG, PYR, PYR/COL, radial stiffness, and Young’s modulus anisotropy varied by region. The posterior region of the medial meniscus exhibited the lowest radial stiffness, which is also seen in humans and corresponds to the most prevalent location for meniscal lesions. Overall, similarities between minipig and human menisci support the use of minipigs for meniscus translational research.
Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Essential and Carrier Oils as Skin Penetration Enhancers in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Oils, including essential oils and their constituents, are widely reported to have penetration enhancement activity and have been incorporated into a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations. This study sought to determine if there is an evidence base for the selection of appropriate oils for particular applications and compare their effectiveness across different formulation types. A systematic review of the data sources, consisting of Google Scholar, EMBASE, PubMed, Medline, and Scopus, was carried out and, following screening and quality assessment, 112 articles were included within the analysis. The research was classified according to the active pharmaceutical ingredient, dosage form, in vitro/in vivo study, carrier material(s), penetration enhancers as essential oils, and other chemical enhancers. The review identified four groups of oils used in the formulation of skin preparations; in order of popularity, these are terpene-type essential oils (63%), fatty acid-containing essential oils (29%) and, finally, 8% of essential oils comprising Vitamin E derivatives and miscellaneous essential oils. It was concluded that terpene essential oils may have benefits over the fatty acid-containing oils, and their incorporation into advanced pharmaceutical formulations such as nanoemulsions, microemulsions, vesicular systems, and transdermal patches makes them an attractive proposition to enhance drug permeation through the skin.
A critical investigation into the barriers and opportunities for environmental management systems ‘EMSs’ implementation for the delivery of environmental benefits to the Industrial City in Jeddah, KSA.

The first Industrial City (IC) in Saudi Arabia was established in Jeddah; it is now suffering from serious environmental problems. Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) represent an internationally recognised tool developed to provide a systematic, self-monitoring approach for making continual improvements to all the environmental aspects of a business in line with local environmental regulations and standards. This research critically investigates the scope of the implementation of EMSs in this IC, which necessarily entails assessing the efforts of the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME), which is the government agency responsible for environmental protection. This research also details the barriers and possible environmental benefits to be derived from EMS implementation. These objectives are achieved through a multi-method case study research design, involving questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and document analysis. 183 organizations (32% of all organizations in the IC) participated in the questionnaires, and two sets of interviews were conducted: 14 with environmental managers in the IC, and 12 with officials from various relevant government agencies. The results show that the basic requirements of EMS are inadequately implemented, and that awareness of environmental legislation (and compliance with it) is extremely limited. The most important barriers facing the implementation of EMSs in this IC include lack of enforcement of existing legislation and low levels of environmental awareness. The cost of implementing EMSs is a further important obstacle, particularly for small- and medium-sized organizations (SMEs). Nevertheless, although the main motivations reported were economic, adopting an EMS in full can result in measurably improved environmental performance, through reducing natural resource consumption (chiefly energy and water). Those with an informal or partial EMS also experience environmental benefits relative to those who have no form of EMS. Improvements to operational safety are another benefit to be derived from implementing EMSs. It also argues that the widespread adoption of EMS could greatly assist the government in its drive toward sustainable development and improved management of natural resources. Accordingly, recommendations are provided to enhance the implementation of EMS in the IC as well as to overcome the aforementioned obstacles in order to effect changes towards achieving sustainable development. Keywords: Environmental management systems (EMSs); implementation of EMS; Sustainable development; Environmental awareness; EMSs; KSA.
Understanding the impact of INSET on experienced EFL teacher learning : a case study in a Chinese context

The focus of this study concerns the impact of an in-service teacher training (INSET) course on experienced secondary school English teachers under the wide environment of educational reform in China. Although there has been increased research on the influence of Chinese educational reform on English education, the impact of INSET course on teachers and their implementation of the new curriculum was a previously unexplored area. This qualitative multiple-case study investigated five secondary school EFL teachers throughout the INSET course and in a six-month follow-up period. Classroom observation data and interview data were collected at multiple points of time. This methodological approach introduced a longitudinal dimension to the study which enabled any possible change in teachers’ knowledge, beliefs and practice to be investigated. Theories in teacher learning and development were used to explore the extent to which the INSET course made sense to the teachers’ professional lives. The findings indicated a lack of significant change in the teachers’ knowledge and beliefs and therefore no fundamental change in their subsequent practice to support the new curriculum. The inconsistency between the teachers’ learning outcomes and practices was mainly because their theory-learning, the focus of the INSET course, did not work as major drive for the teachers’ behavioural change. Increase in theoretical knowledge did not necessarily mean any change in concrete classroom practices even though the teachers made some short-term theory-practice application. After the INSET course the teachers mostly returned to their habitual practices which were largely influenced by their deeply-rooted prior beliefs. The relevant factors, from the INSET course and the wider context, were also examined as working elements to contribute to the lack of significant change through a context-sensitive lens. Implications for in-service teacher education and INSET course design and implementation were also drawn based on the findings.
Efficacy of PLANT TONIC9 (EOX-SOV) against certain plant pathogenic fungi

Abstract In this study, PLANT TONIC9 (EOX-SOV) was screened for its in vitro efficacy against some fungal species. PLANT TONIC9 significantly inhibited the mycelial growth and conidial germination of all tested species as compared with untreated control. The highest mycelial growth and conidial germination inhibition percentage was recorded for Monilinia species while the lowest inhibition percentage was recorded for Rosellinia sp. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value was observed against Monilinia fructigena and Monilinia fructicola followed by Monilinia laxa and Botrytis cinerea. Also the in vivo efficacy of PLANT TONIC9 against M. laxa was investigated. Application of PLANT TONIC9 significantly reduced the severity and incidence of brown rot disease on apple as compared with the control. PLANT TONIC9 treatments were also successful to retain the size, specific gravity, and shelf life of tested fruits and to decrease their spoilage percentage over the experimental period as compared with the control.
The Modulatory Effects of DMF on Microglia in Aged Mice Are Sex-Specific

There is a striking sex-related difference in the prevalence of many neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the need to consider whether treatments may exert sex-specific effects. A change in microglial activation state is a common feature of several neurodegenerative diseases and is considered to be a key factor in driving the inflammation that characterizes these conditions. Among the changes that have been described is a switch in microglial metabolism towards glycolysis which is associated with production of inflammatory mediators and reduced function. Marked sex-related differences in microglial number, phenotype and function have been described in late embryonic and early postnatal life in rodents and some reports suggest that sexual dimorphism extends into adulthood and age and, in models of Alzheimer’s disease, the changes are more profound in microglia from female, compared with male, mice. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a fumaric acid ester used in the treatment of psoriasis and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and, while its mechanism of action is unclear, it possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and also impacts on cell metabolism. Here we treated 16–18-month-old female and male mice with DMF for 1 month and assessed its effect on microglia. The evidence indicates that it exerted sex-specific effects on microglial morphology and metabolism, reducing glycolysis only in microglia from female mice. The data suggest that this may result from its ability to inactivate glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH).
Lamb Wave Propagation in Sandwich Composite Structures for the Detection of Impact Damage

Lightweight composite sandwich structures are particularly susceptible to impact damage. Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID) is known to affect the short and long term load bearing capacities of composite structures. Active acoustic Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems have the potential to detect such damages before they lead to structural failure, and could thus be applied in a condition based maintenance approach for the DragonFly fuselage. This study was aimed at increasing the level of understanding on the propagation of ultrasonic (Lamb) waves through sandwich composite media and its response to the DragonFly fuselage structural integrity. These two aspects were combined to arrive at a theoretical prediction on the influence of BVID on the through-transmitted signal in an active acoustic SHM system with a pitch-catch setup. The propagation mode and impact response were verified experimentally. A Finite Element (FE) model was created to verify the predictive power of the FE modelling technique for the specific application of active acoustic SHM. Two Lamb wave propagation modes were identified both theoretically and experimentally: the Global Lamb Wave mode and the Leaky Lamb Wave mode. Occurrence of these modes was dependent on the central frequency of the transmitted acoustic signal and the bulk wave velocities in the sandwich structure’s core compared to the Lamb wave mode propagation velocity in the structure’s skins. Other modes (True modes and Rayleigh modes) were identified theoretically, but could not be experimentally confirmed. It was expected and shown experimentally that the presence of impact damage on the propagation path of a signal with 120kHz central frequency reduced the time travelled by this signal between two points, while increasing the amount of energy lost. The latter effect was shown to be reversed at 160kHz, which was explained by the propagation of the signal at this frequency as Leaky Lamb Wave. The FE model could predict the overall trend at 120kHz, but not the exact magnitude of the influence of impact damage on the through-transmitted signal.