Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trust in the Healthcare System and Physicians in Croatia: A Survey of the General Population

Trust in healthcare systems and physicians is considered important for the delivery of good healthcare. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random three-stage sample of the general population of Croatia (N = 1230), stratified by regions. Of respondents, 58.7% displayed a high or very high level of trust in the healthcare system, 65.6% in physicians, and 78.3% in their family physician. Respondents’ views regarding patients’ roles in the discussion of treatment options, confidence in physicians’ expertise, and underlying motives of physicians were mixed. Respondents with a lower level of education, those with low monthly incomes, and those from smaller settlements had lower levels of trust in physicians and the healthcare system. Trust in other institutions, religiosity and religious beliefs, tolerance of personal choice, and experience of caring for the seriously ill and dying were predictors of trust in healthcare and physicians. Our findings suggest that levels of healthcare-related trust in Croatia are increasing in comparison with previous research, but need improvement. Levels of trust are lowest in populations that are most vulnerable and most in need of care and protection.
Reconstructing seismic data by incorporating deep external and internal learning

Seismic data reconstruction is an inverse problem in the geophysical community. Deep learning-based methods directly learn the projection between undersampled and complete data from large training datasets. However, when the feature difference between the test and training datasets increases, the recovery performance is degraded. Fine-tuning the pretrained network on the undersampled test field data has been introduced to adapt the trained network to new data. However, the pseudo-labels of the fine-tuning process need to be obtained by some traditional method in advance. In this paper, we explore a strategy for interpolating regularly sampled aliased seismic data by incorporating deep external and internal learning, i.e. by combing external pretraining with internal unsupervised fine-tuning. The pretrained network is obtained from an external synthetic dataset. Then, the pretrained network is fine-tuned on the internal dataset to obtain the final trained network adapting the test data. The inputs and labels of the internal dataset are generated solely from the currently regularly undersampled test data. As such, the fine-tuning process is totally unsupervised. Finally, the interpolated result is acquired by feeding the test data into the trained network. The proposed algorithm learns the external priors from large external datasets and it learns the internal features from undersampled test data. Thus, the network has an enhanced capacity to adapt to new data. Poststack and prestack field data are provided to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm.
El Museo Virtual de las Fiestas del Fuego del Pirineo. Un museo en línea a partir del patrimonio inmaterial

Este texto presenta el proyecto que estamos desarrollando sobre el Museo Virtual de las Fiestas del Fuego en los Pirineos, inscrita en la Lista Representativa del Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Humanidad. Se trata de un proyecto interfronterizo, desarrollado por distintas universidades y entidades de la administración de España, Francia y Andorra, así como asociaciones dedicadas a la celebración de la fiesta. El proyecto, financiado por fondos Interreg, nació para dar continuidad a la declaración de Patrimonio mundial, pero se ha revelado como una acción necesaria y substitutoria ante la no celebración de las fiestas a causa de la COVID. A través del ejemplo de este proyecto se pretende ir más allá presentando también los retos de los museos virtuales, especialmente de los dedicados al patrimonio inmaterial.
On Marginal Angle-of-arrival Probability Density Functions Using a Hyperbolic Distribution in Mobile Environments

This paper theoretically derives a marginal angle-of-arrival (AoA) probability density function (pdf) in multi-path mobile environment where the scatterer distribution obeys a hyperbolic sech function. Power azimuth spectra (PAS) of Gaussian and hyperbolic AoA pdfs are computed. Relative merits of each pdf are discussed and further work is outlined.
Anti-α-Glucosidase and Antiglycation Activities of α-Mangostin and New Xanthenone Derivatives: Enzymatic Kinetics and Mechanistic Insights through In Vitro Studies

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia that promotes ROS formation, causing severe oxidative stress. Furthermore, prolonged hyperglycemia leads to glycation reactions with formation of AGEs that contribute to a chronic inflammatory state. This research aims to evaluate the inhibitory activity of α-mangostin and four synthetic xanthenone derivatives against glycation and oxidative processes and on α-glucosidase, an intestinal hydrolase that catalyzes the cleavage of oligosaccharides into glucose molecules, promoting the postprandial glycemic peak. Antiglycation activity was evaluated using the BSA assay, while antioxidant capacity was detected with the ORAC assay. The inhibition of α-glucosidase activity was studied with multispectroscopic methods along with inhibitory kinetic analysis. α-Mangostin and synthetic compounds at 25 µM reduced the production of AGEs, whereas the α-glucosidase activity was inhibited only by the natural compound. α-Mangostin decreased enzymatic activity in a concentration-dependent manner in the micromolar range by a reversible mixed-type antagonism. Circular dichroism revealed a rearrangement of the secondary structure of α-glucosidase with an increase in the contents of α-helix and random coils and a decrease in β-sheet and β-turn components. The data highlighted the anti-α-glucosidase activity of α-mangostin together with its protective effects on protein glycation and oxidation damage.
From Genome Sequencing to CRISPR-Based Genome Editing for Climate-Resilient Forest Trees

Due to the economic and ecological importance of forest trees, modern breeding and genetic manipulation of forest trees have become increasingly prevalent. The CRISPR-based technology provides a versatile, powerful, and widely accepted tool for analyzing gene function and precise genetic modification in virtually any species but remains largely unexplored in forest species. Rapidly accumulating genetic and genomic resources for forest trees enabled the identification of numerous genes and biological processes that are associated with important traits such as wood quality, drought, or pest resistance, facilitating the selection of suitable gene editing targets. Here, we introduce and discuss the latest progress, opportunities, and challenges of genome sequencing and editing for improving forest sustainability.
The feasibility of smartphone-based application on cardiac rehabilitation for Chinese patients with percutaneous coronary intervention in Macau: a qualitative evaluation

ABSTRACT Background To improve cardiovascular risk factors modification and effects of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), electronic applications on CR are suggested in the literature for patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods A sequential qualitative study, embedded in a quantitative experimental trial for mHealth application on CR (mCR) study evaluation, was conducted to understand the usability and satisfaction of mCR study. Purposive sampling were used until achieving data saturation. Individually semi-structured interviews were conducted. The textual narration from interview transcriptions were analysed by content analysis. Results Ten participants were interviewed for qualitative evaluation. Findings presented the perceptive and experience of the mCR app users. Results were captured by four themes: 1. feasibility of mCR app, including practicality, acceptability and convenience, and barriers to use; 2. benefits from mCR app, explaining the effectiveness of mCR study; 3. advocator for better hospital care, disclosing an extension of healthcare and promoting patient-healthcarer relationship; and 4. recommendation for mCR app improvement. Conclusion Findings provided insights for cardiac healthcare providers to understand the feasibility of mHealth application on phase II CR in Macau. The mCR app facilitated CR engagement which contributed to health and well-being by promoting CHD and CR knowledge, and cardiac healthy lifestyle modification.
System Coherence for Learning: Applications of the RISE Education Systems Framework

In recent decades, education systems in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have rapidly expanded access to schooling, but learning has lagged behind. There are many reasons for low learning in LMICs. Proximate determinants (such as insufficient financing or poor school management) receive much attention, but focus on these often ignores underlying system drivers. In this chapter we use a systems approach to describe underlying system dynamics that drive learning outcomes. To do so, we first describe the RISE education systems framework and then apply it to two cases. In the case of Sobral, Brazil, the systems framework illustrates how a coherent package of reforms, improving upon multiple system components, produced positive outcomes. In the case of Indonesia, a reform that increased teacher pay, but did not change underlying system dynamics, had no impact on learning. The chapter shows how a systems approach can help to understand success, diagnose failure, and inform action to bring about improvements to children’s learning.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Solution in Personalized Computer-Aided Arthroscopy of Shoulder Prostheses

Background: Early recognition of prostheses before reoperation can reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality. Because of the intricacy of the shoulder biomechanics, accurate classification of implant models before surgery is fundamental for planning the correct medical procedure and setting apparatus for personalized medicine. Expert surgeons usually use X-ray images of prostheses to set the patient-specific apparatus. However, this subjective method is time-consuming and prone to errors. Method: As an alternative, artificial intelligence has played a vital role in orthopedic surgery and clinical decision-making for accurate prosthesis placement. In this study, three different deep learning-based frameworks are proposed to identify different types of shoulder implants in X-ray scans. We mainly propose an efficient ensemble network called the Inception Mobile Fully-Connected Convolutional Network (IMFC-Net), which is comprised of our two designed convolutional neural networks and a classifier. To evaluate the performance of the IMFC-Net and state-of-the-art models, experiments were performed with a public data set of 597 de-identified patients (597 shoulder implants). Moreover, to demonstrate the generalizability of IMFC-Net, experiments were performed with two augmentation techniques and without augmentation, in which our model ranked first, with a considerable difference from the comparison models. A gradient-weighted class activation map technique was also used to find distinct implant characteristics needed for IMFC-Net classification decisions. Results: The results confirmed that the proposed IMFC-Net model yielded an average accuracy of 89.09%, a precision rate of 89.54%, a recall rate of 86.57%, and an F1.score of 87.94%, which were higher than those of the comparison models. Conclusion: The proposed model is efficient and can minimize the revision complexities of implants.
The Bioavailability and Biological Activities of Phytosterols as Modulators of Cholesterol Metabolism

Phytosterols are natural sterols widely found in plants that have a variety of physiological functions, and their role in reducing cholesterol absorption has garnered much attention. Although the bioavailability of phytosterols is only 0.5–2%, they can still promote cholesterol balance in the body. A mechanism of phytosterols for lowering cholesterol has now been proposed. They not only reduce the uptake of cholesterol in the intestinal lumen and affect its transport, but also regulate the metabolism of cholesterol in the liver. In addition, phytosterols can significantly reduce the plasma concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), with a dose-response relationship. Ingestion of 3 g of phytosterols per day can reach the platform period, and this dose can reduce LDL-C by about 10.7%. On the other hand, phytosterols can also activate the liver X receptor α-CPY7A1 mediated bile acids excretion pathway and accelerate the transformation and metabolism of cholesterol. This article reviews the research progress of phytosterols as a molecular regulator of cholesterol and the mechanism of action for this pharmacological effect.
Measurement of the Anisotropic Dynamic Elastic Constants of Additive Manufactured and Wrought Ti6Al4V Alloys

Additively manufactured (AM) materials and hot rolled materials are typically orthotropic, and exhibit anisotropic elastic properties. This paper elucidates the anisotropic elastic properties (Young’s modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson’s ratio) of Ti6Al4V alloy in four different conditions: three AM (by selective laser melting, SLM, electron beam melting, EBM, and directed energy deposition, DED, processes) and one wrought alloy (for comparison). A specially designed polygon sample allowed measurement of 12 sound wave velocities (SWVs), employing the dynamic pulse-echo ultrasonic technique. In conjunction with the measured density values, these SWVs enabled deriving of the tensor of elastic constants (Cij) and the three-dimensional (3D) Young’s moduli maps. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and micro-computed tomography (μCT) were employed to characterize the grain size and orientation as well as porosity and other defects which could explain the difference in the measured elastic constants of the four materials. All three types of AM materials showed only minor anisotropy. The wrought (hot rolled) alloy exhibited the highest density, virtually pore-free μCT images, and the highest ultrasonic anisotropy and polarity behavior. EBSD analysis revealed that a thin β-phase layer that formed along the elongated grain boundaries caused the ultrasonic polarity behavior. The finding that the elastic properties depend on the manufacturing process and on the angle relative to either the rolling direction or the AM build direction should be taken into account in the design of products. The data reported herein is valuable for materials selection and finite element analyses in mechanical design. The pulse-echo measurement procedure employed in this study may be further adapted and used for quality control of AM materials and parts.
Investigation of the effect of ultrasonography-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block on postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores in patients undergoing hepatectomy: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There is still a debate about what constitutes effective and safe postoperative analgesia in hepatectomy surgery. Erector spinae plane (ESP) block may be an important part of multimodal analgesia application in hepatectomy surgery. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block combined with intravenous (iv) patient-controlled analgesia (iv PCA), in comparison with iv PCA alone, in hepatectomy surgery. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Randomized prospective single-blinded study in a tertiary university hospital. METHODS: Fifty patients scheduled for elective hepatectomy surgery were included in the study. Patients were randomized into the ESP group or the control group. In the ESP group, bilateral ESP block was performed preoperatively and iv PCA was used. In the control group, only iv PCA was used. Numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at rest and coughing, analgesic requirements and occurrences of nausea and vomiting were recorded. RESULTS: Intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption, rescue analgesia requirement and resting and dynamic NRS scores were significantly lower in the ESP group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of the presence of dynamic pain after the first postoperative hour. While all patients in the control group had nausea and vomiting, 24% of the patients in the ESP group did not have nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION: This study showed that ESP block can be used as a part of multimodal analgesia, with the benefit of reducing opioid consumption and postoperative nausea and vomiting in hepatectomy surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12620000466943.
Knowledge and Practice of Childbearing Women in Saudi Arabia towards Folic Acid Supplement—Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study

Background and objectives: Neural tube defects are congenital anomalies which canlead to infant death and serious disability. They are initiated during embryogenesis, between the 23rd and 27th day of fetal life, and can be prevented by the administration of folic acid. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the knowledge and practice of Saudi women at childbearing age regarding NTDs and FA supplementation. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study on Saudi women of reproductive age who were asked to complete an online survey to examine their knowledge and practice regarding folic acid supplementation and neural tube defects. Descriptive and simple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS v.26 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: A total of 613 women have completed the questionnaire, from which the majority (46.7%) were aged between 36 and 40 years. About 94% of women heard about folic acid and 80% indicated that its deficiency has some relation to neural tube defects. Approximately 37%, 25.3%, and 23.2% of women reported the proper time for folic acid intake to be during first trimester of pregnancy, before pregnancy, or throughout pregnancy, respectively. Linear regression analysis revealed that increase age and education were significantly correlated with a decrease in folic acid administration (p = 0.008) and (p = 0.001), respectively. However, there was no association between time of folic acid administration and income or number of parities. Conclusion: Despite the acceptable level of awareness about the relation of folic acid and neural tube defects, our results revealed that more education is required towards the proper time of supplementation among Saudi childbearing women.
Overtourism: An Analysis of Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors with the Evasion Indicators of Residents in Brazilian Coastal Destinations

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyze the correlation between demographic and socioeconomic factors with indicators of overtourism with the residents' evasion in the high season. The results suggest that the economic cost indicator is the primary variable responsible for residents' evasion due to mobility, agglomeration, and temporary inflation. Behavioral aspects related to inappropriate behavior, vandalism, and delinquent behavior mainly affect the groups of higher education and income levels. The number of tourists is not necessarily the main factor in this perception of overtourism and points to the need for a shift in short-term thinking by the public and private sector, focusing not only on increasing profits and on the reduction of costs, but in the restructuring of master plans and dispersion of tourists through the promotion of other spaces in the cities. The study provides evidence that allows the public and private sectors to promote a better residents' quality of life.
Pronounced seasonal and spatial variability in determinants of phytoplankton biomass dynamics along a near–offshore gradient in the southern North Sea

Abstract. Marine phytoplankton biomass dynamics are affected by eutrophication, ocean warming, and ocean acidification. These changing abiotic conditions may impact phytoplankton biomass and its spatiotemporal dynamics. In this study, we used a nutrient–phytoplankton–zooplankton model to quantify the relative importance of bottom-up and top-down determinants on phytoplankton biomass dynamics in the Belgian Part of the North Sea. Using four years (2014–2017) of monthly observations at nine locations of nutrients, solar irradiance, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a and zooplankton biomass, we disentangled the monthly, seasonal and yearly variation in phytoplankton biomass dynamics. To quantify how the relative importance of determinants changed along a near–offshore gradient, the analysis was performed for three spatial regions, i.e. nearshore region (< 10 km to the coastline), midshore region (10–30 km), and offshore region (> 30 km). We found that from year 2014 to 2017, phytoplankton biomass dynamics ranged from 1.4 to 23.1 mg Chla m−3. Phytoplankton biomass dynamics follow a general seasonal cycle as in other temperate regional seas, with a distinct spring bloom (5.3–23.1 mg Chla m−3) and a modest autumn bloom (2.9–5.4 mg Chla m−3). This seasonal pattern was most expressed in the nearshore region. The relative contribution of factors determining phytoplankton biomass dynamics varied spatially and temporally. Throughout a calendar year, solar irradiance and zooplankton grazing were the most influential determinants in all regions, i.e. explained 38 %–65 % of the variation in the offshore region, 45 %–71 % in the midshore region, and 56 %–77 % in the nearshore region. In the near- and midshore regions, nutrients are most limiting the phytoplankton production in the month following the spring bloom (44 %–55 %). Nutrients are a determinant throughout the year in the offshore region (27 %–62 %). During winter, sea surface temperature is a determinant in all regions (15 %–17 %). The findings of this study contribute to a better mechanistic understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of phytoplankton biomass in the southern North Sea. The parameterized causal relationships allow estimating how the base of the southern North Sea food web will change under future climate change and/or blue economy activities that affect one or more determinants of the phytoplankton biomass dynamics.
Boron Nitride Nanotubes for Curcumin Delivery as an Anticancer Drug: A DFT Investigation

The electrical properties and characteristics of the armchair boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) that interacts with the curcumin molecule as an anticancer drug were studied using ab initio calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). In this study, a (5,5) armchair BNNT was employed, and two different interactions were investigated, including the interaction of the curcumin molecule with the outer and inner surfaces of the BNNT. The adsorption of curcumin molecules on the investigated BNNT inside the surface is a more favorable process than adsorption on the outside surface, and the more persistent and stronger connection correlates with curcumin molecule adsorption in this case. Furthermore, analysis of the HOMO–LUMO gap after the adsorption process showed that the HOMO value increased marginally while the LUMO value decreased dramatically in the curcumin-BNNT complexes. As a result, the energy gaps between HOMO and LUMO (Eg) are narrowed, emphasizing the stronger intermolecular bonds. As a result, BNNTs can be employed as a drug carrier in biological systems to transport curcumin, an anticancer medication, and thereby improve its bioavailability.