Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The cross-cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Spanish version of the Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire

Introduction In chronic low back pain (CLBP), disturbed body image has been highlighted as a contributor to the condition and a potential target for treatment. The Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ) allows its assessment. Following international guidelines for the cross-cultural translation of questionnaires, we aimed to translate the FreBAQ into Spanish (FreBAQ-S) and validate the new questionnaire in a sample of Spanish-speaking people with CLBP. Methods Two hundred and sixty-four adults with CLBP (91 males) and 128 healthy controls (34 males) completed an online form including the FreBAQ-S and questionnaires related to the pain experience. All participants were Spanish and no gender identities differing from biological sex were reported. A week later, 113 CLBP participants and 45 healthy controls (41 and 13 males, respectively), re-answered the FreBAQ-S to evaluate test–retest reliability. Confirmatory factor and multigroup analysis assessed the scale consistency on the patient sample. Discriminant and convergent validity were explored by between-group differences and the relationship with clinical characteristics. Reliability relied on Cronbach’s alpha estimates and test–retest (intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change). Results and discussion Confirmatory factor analysis showed a one-factor structure of the questionnaire, without supporting evidence for item deletion (CFI = 0.97; TLI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.06; SRMR = 0.07; SRMRu = 0.064). Multigroup analyses do not support mean invariance between groups regarding health condition or sex. The FreBAQ-S demonstrated good discriminant and convergent validity, internal consistency (α = 0.82), and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.78; SE = 3.41; MDC = 5.12). The FreBAQ-S is a valid and reliable tool to assess back awareness in clinical and non-clinical samples.
Photoelectrochemical Performance of Strontium Titanium Oxynitride Photo-Activated with Cobalt Phosphate Nanoparticles for Oxidation of Alkaline Water

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar water splitting is favourable for transforming solar energy into sustainable hydrogen fuel using semiconductor electrodes. Perovskite-type oxynitrides are attractive photocatalysts for this application due to their visible light absorption features and stability. Herein, strontium titanium oxynitride (STON) containing anion vacancies of SrTi(O,N)3−δ was prepared via solid phase synthesis and assembled as a photoelectrode by electrophoretic deposition, and their morphological and optical properties and PEC performance for alkaline water oxidation are investigated. Further, cobalt-phosphate (CoPi)-based co-catalyst was photo-deposited over the surface of the STON electrode to boost the PEC efficiency. A photocurrent density of ~138 μA/cm at 1.25 V versus RHE was achieved for CoPi/STON electrodes in presence of a sulfite hole scavenger which is approximately a four-fold enhancement compared to the pristine electrode. The observed PEC enrichment is mainly due to the improved kinetics of oxygen evolution because of the CoPi co-catalyst and the reduced surface recombination of the photogenerated carriers. Moreover, the CoPi modification over perovskite-type oxynitrides provides a new dimension for developing efficient and highly stable photoanodes in solar-assisted water-splitting reactions.
Surface Micro-Profiling for Reduced Energy Dissipation and Exergy Loss in Convective Heat Transfer

This article examines the role of slip conditions within surface-embedded microchannels for reducing entropy production of external flows with convective heat transfer. Viscous dissipation of mechanical energy into internal energy within the boundary layer leads to pressure losses and other irreversible losses of energy availability. These exergy losses entail additional input power needed to deliver a fixed mass flow across the surface, subject to a specified rate of heat transfer to/from the wall. By selectively altering geometrical and surface parameters which minimize the net entropy production, the benefits of drag reduction due to the slip-flow conditions can outweigh the higher irreversibility arising from added microchannel area. Predicted results illustrate the changes of optimal Reynolds number and entropy generation number with varying surface parameters for embedded parallel and diverging microchannels. Based on these results, it is viewed that surface micro-profiling offers a useful new technique of taking advantage of slip-flow microfluidic conditions for reducing drag and simultaneously increasing heat transfer effectiveness in external flows.
Early quasi-steady electro-magnetic fields about conducting surfaces

Step changes in current through either grounded or ungrounded wires lying on the surface of a uniformly conducting half-space produce image current sources within the surface the conductor. This image current is effectively the only source term for initial changes in ∂ 1 B z , E x and E y . The general steady state electric and magnetic field components resulting from steady currents flowing through either grounded or ungrounded wires of finite length lying on the surface of a uniform half- space are derived. Then the operators mapping these steady fields into the early values of ∂ t B z , E x and E y on or above the conducting half-plane resulting from instantaneously stopping the current flow through the wires are derived.
Magnetoacoustic Waves in Sunspots

Observed variations of the magnetic field strength in sunspot umbrae consist of intrinsic oscillations and "false" oscillations due to time-dependent opacity effects. Here we present an approach intended for the separation of these components. We develop a mathematical formalism based on the analytical solution of the MHD equations including gravity, inclination of the magnetic field, and effects of nonadiabaticity. The theoretical results are compared with observations in the near-infrared at 1.56 μm by Bellot Rubio and coworkers using the Tenerife Infrared Polarimeter. It is shown that part of the detected field strength variations can be intrinsic magnetic field oscillations caused by magnetoacoustic waves.
Multi-layered e-feedback anxiety: An action research study among Chinese learners using peer feedback activities in an academic writing course

There is a gradual increase in the use of e-feedback in higher education, but issues regarding learners’ anxiety remain unresolved. In light of the learners’ anxiety, e-feedback would essentially become a formality if they are not proactive in providing constructive feedback. This action research examines three cycles of e-feedback activities performed by 12 doctoral students in an academic writing course in a public university in Macau, China. Specifically, the e-feedback activity involved a comprehensive use of various new educational technology tools, namely Moodle, WeChat and Rain Classroom. This study reveals that the causes of students’ anxiety when using e-feedback are multi-layered, mainly from the use of smartphones as a communication medium for conducting formal learning activities and the lack of interpersonal and English skills for conveying their thoughts when providing e-feedback. The traditional Chinese culture about the importance of “face” and interpersonal harmony also has impacts on learners’ e-feedback delivery. These findings shed new lights on pedagogical practice in higher education.
On the fast track: hybrids adapt more rapidly than parental populations in a novel environment

Abstract Rates of hybridization are predicted to increase due to climate change and human activity that cause redistribution of species and bring previously isolated populations into contact. At the same time climate change leads to rapid changes in the environment, requiring populations to adapt rapidly in order to survive. A few empirical cases suggest hybridization can facilitate adaptation despite its potential for incompatibilities and deleterious fitness consequences. Here we use simulations and Fisher’s Geometric model to evaluate the conditions and time frame of adaptation via hybridization in both diploids and haplodiploids. We find that hybrids adapt faster to new environments compared to parental populations in nearly all simulated scenarios, generating a fitness advantage that can offset intrinsic incompatibilities and last for tens of generations, regardless of whether the population was diploid or haplodiploid. Our results highlight the creative role of hybridization and suggest that hybridization may help contemporary populations adapt to the changing climate. However, adaptation by hybrids may well happen at the cost of reduced biodiversity, if previously isolated lineages collapse into one.
Impact of CT Photon-Counting Virtual Monoenergetic Imaging on Visualization of Abdominal Arterial Vessels

Purpose: The novel photon-counting detector (PCD) technique acquires spectral data for virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) in every examination. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the impact of VMI of abdominal arterial vessels on quantitative and qualitative subjective image parameters. Methods: A total of 20 patients that underwent an arterial phase computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen with a novel PCD CT (Siemens NAEOTOM alpha) were analyzed regarding attenuation at different energy levels in virtual monoenergetic imaging. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were calculated and compared between the different virtual monoenergetic (VME) levels with correlation to vessel diameter. In addition, subjective image parameters (overall subjective image quality, subjective image noise and vessel contrast) were evaluated. Results: Our research showed decreasing attenuation levels with increasing energy levels in virtual monoenergetic imaging regardless of vessel diameter. CNR showed best overall results at 60 keV, and SNR at 70 keV with no significant difference to 60 keV (p = 0.294). Subjective image quality was rated best at 70 keV for overall image quality, vessel contrast and noise. Conclusions: Our data suggest that VMI at 60–70 keV provides the best objective and subjective image quality concerning vessel contrast irrespective of vessel size.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of TiC nanoparticles reinforced 7075 aluminium alloy fabricated by oscillating laser-arc hybrid additive manufacturing

In this work, TiC nanoparticles (TiCps) reinforced 7075 aluminium alloy was fabricated via an oscillating laser-arc hybrid additive manufacturing process. To show the beneficial effect of TiCps addition on microstructure and mechanical properties, a conventional 7075 aluminium alloy was also manufactured for comparison. Upon the addition of TiCps, remarkable grain refinement was achieved with a decrease in average grain size from 111.8 to 12.5 µm, and grain boundary segregation was alleviated. It was also found that many secondary phases precipitated at the grain interior in the deposit with TiCps. Owing to the refined microstructure and favourable precipitation, as-deposited 7075 aluminium alloy with TiCps showed enhanced tensile properties of ultimate tensile strengths of 346 and 355 MPa along scanning and build directions.
X-rays from Eta Carinae and the surrounding nebula.

Two X-ray pictures have been obtained of the eta Car nebula using the imaging detectors of the Einstein Observatory. One covers a field 1/sup 0/ square with a resolution of 1''; the second covers a field 25'' in diameter with resolution of a few arcsec. These show a region of diffuse X-ray emission with luminosity approx.10/sup 35/ ergs s/sup -1/. The sources have been positively identified as the peculiar object eta Car, a Wolf-Rayet star, a cluster of O stars, and five individual O stars. The eta Car X-ray source is extended and coincides with the outer shell of the diffuse object eta Car itself. One X-ray bright spot may be emission from a central object within eta Car.
Manipulation of microvillar proteins during Salmonella enterica invasion results in brush border effacement and actin remodeling

Enterocyte invasion by the gastrointestinal pathogen Salmonella enterica is accompanied by loss of brush border and massive remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, leading to microvilli effacement and formation of membrane ruffles. These manipulations are mediated by effector proteins translocated by the Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1-encoded type III secretion system (SPI1-T3SS). To unravel the mechanisms of microvilli effacement and contribution of SPI1-T3SS effector proteins, the dynamics of host-pathogen interactions was analyzed using live cell imaging (LCI) of polarized epithelial cells (PEC) expressing LifeAct-GFP. PEC were infected with S. enterica wild-type and mutant strains with defined defects in SPI1-T3SS effector proteins, and pharmacological inhibition of actin assembly were applied. We identified that microvilli effacement involves two distinct mechanisms: i) F-actin depolymerization mediated by villin and ii), the consumption of cytoplasmic G-actin by formation of membrane ruffles. By analyzing the contribution of individual SPI1-T3SS effector proteins, we demonstrate that SopE dominantly triggers microvilli effacement and formation of membrane ruffles. Furthermore, SopE via Rac1 indirectly manipulates villin, which culminates in F-actin depolymerization. Collectively, these results indicate that SopE has dual functions during F-actin remodeling in PEC. While SopE-Rac1 triggers F-actin polymerization and ruffle formation, activation of PLCγ and villin by SopE depolymerizes F-actin in PEC. These results demonstrate the key role of SopE in destruction of the intestinal barrier during intestinal infection by Salmonella.
Evaluation of the rbcL marker for metabarcoding of marine diatoms and inference of population structure of selected genera

Diatoms are one of the most important phytoplankton groups in the world’s oceans. There are responsible for up to 40% of the photosynthetic activity in the Ocean, and they play an important role in the silicon and carbon cycles by decoupling carbon from atmospheric interactions through sinking and export. These processes are strongly influenced by the taxonomic composition of diatom assemblages. Traditionally, these have been assessed using microscopy, which in some cases is not reliable or reproducible. Next-generation sequencing enabled us to study diversity in a high-throughput manner and uncover new distribution patterns and diversity. However, phylogenetic markers used for this purpose, such as various 18S rDNA regions, are often insufficient because they cannot distinguish between some taxa. In this work, we demonstrate the performance of the chloroplast-encoded rbcL marker for metabarcoding marine diatoms compared to microscopy and 18S-V9 metabarcoding using a series of monthly samples from the Gulf of Trieste (GoT), northern Adriatic Sea. We demonstrate that rbcL is able to detect more taxa compared to 18S-V9 metabarcoding or microscopy, while the overall structure of the diatom assemblage was comparable to the other two methods with some variations, that were taxon dependent. In total, 6 new genera and 22 new diatom species for the study region were identified. We were able to spot misidentification of genera obtained with microscopy such as Pseudo-nitzschia galaxiae, which was mistaken for Cylindrotheca closterium, as well as genera that were completely overlooked, such as Minidiscus and several genera from the Cymatosiraceae family. Furthermore, on the example of two well-studied genera in the region, namely Chaetoceros and particularly Pseudo-nitzschia, we show how the rbcL method can be used to infer even deeper phylogenetic and ecologically significant differences at the species population level. Despite a very thorough community analysis obtained by rbcL the incompleteness of reference databases was still evident, and we shed light on possible improvements. Our work has further implications for studies dealing with taxa distribution and population structure, as well as carbon and silica flux models and networks.
Method for calculating delayed gamma-ray response in the ACRR Central Cavity using MCNP

This document presents the process for a new method developed for the characterization of the delayed gamma-ray radiation fields in pulse reactors like the Annular Core Research Reactor (ACRR). The environments used to test this method in the ACRR Central Cavity were various standard irradiation configurations that used various amounts of moderators and shielding. All environment configurations used the same fission product gamma-ray source energy spectrum. This method required the use of fission sites recorded in the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) KCODE source tape. A FORTRAN script was written to translate and extract the coordinates for the fission sites. The fission sites were then input into an MCNP source mode input file. Using a MATLAB script, a parametric analysis was performed and determined that 10K fission sites are an appropriate number of coordinates to converge to the correct answer. The method gave excellent results as compared to previous methods. This method can be applied to other pulse research reactors as well.
EFFECTS OF CADMIUM AND HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA LINN CALYX EXTRACT ON ORGAN GRAVIMETRY AND LIPID PROFILE OF THE AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS)

The effects of cadmium alone and that of cadmium plus aqueous extract of the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn on organ gravimetry and lipid profile of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) have been examined. The treatments did not alter the brain-, gill- and liver- body weight ratios when compared to the cadmium and extract- free group, the control. Relative to the control group, brain and gill homogenates‘ total- and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the group of fish exposed to cadmium alone. Exposure to cadmium alone also caused significant (P < 0.05) increase in liver triacylglycerol relative to the control. When compared to the group exposed to cadmium only fish exposed to cadmium and 0.25% aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn calyx had significantly (P < 0.05) higher, brain total – and LDL-cholesterol levels. The latter treatment, combination of cadmium and extract did not alter the levels of triacylglycerol in the three organs examined relative to the cadmium only group. The aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx therefore offers protection against cadmium-induced decrease in brain total-and LDL-cholesterol of the catfish, Clarias gariepinus.
Joint Distributions of Some Ruin Related Quantities in the Compound Binomial Risk Model

By using a generating function inverse relationship formula, we derive explicit expressions for the joint distributions of three pairs of ruin related quantities in the compound binomial risk model, including the time and the number of claims when the surplus first hits a certain level; the duration of negative surplus and the number of claims between the time of ruin; and the time of recovery, the time of ruin, and the number of claims by the time of ruin. The moments and covariance between the three pairs of random variables are also investigated.
Whole-transcriptome analyses identify key differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs associated with male sterility in watermelon

Male sterility is a valuable trait for watermelon breeding, as watermelon hybrids exhibit obvious heterosis. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism is still largely unknown, especially regarding the related non-coding genes. In the present study, approximately 1035 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), as well as 80 DE-lncRNAs and 10 DE-miRNAs, were identified, with the overwhelming majority down-regulated in male-sterile floral buds. Enrichment analyses revealed that the general phenylpropanoid pathway as well as its related metabolisms was predicted to be altered in a mutant compared to its fertile progenitor. Meanwhile, the conserved genetic pathway DYT1-TDF1-AMS-MS188-MS1, as well as the causal gene ClAMT1 for the male-sterile mutant Se18, was substantially disrupted during male reproductive development. In addition, some targets of the key regulators AMS and MS188 in tapetum development were also down-regulated at a transcriptional level, such as ABCG26 (Cla004479), ACOS5 (Cla022956), CYP703A2 (Cla021151), PKSA (Cla021099), and TKPR1 (Cla002563). Considering lncRNAs may act as functional endogenous target mimics of miRNAs, competitive endogenous RNA networks were subsequently constructed, with the most complex one containing three DE-miRNAs, two DE-lncRNAs, and 21 DEGs. Collectively, these findings not only contribute to a better understanding of genetic regulatory networks underlying male sterility in watermelon, but also provide valuable candidates for future research.
The Hubble Space Telescope Extragalactic Distance Scale Key Project. 1: The discovery of Cepheids and a new distance to M81

We report on the discovery of 30 new Cepheids in the nearby galaxy M81 based on observations using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The periods of these Cepheids lie in the range of 10-55 days, based on 18 independent epochs using the HST wide-band F555W filter. The HST F555W and F785LP data have been transformed to the Cousins standard V and I magnitude system using a ground-based calibration. Apparent period-luminosity relations at V and I were constructed, from which apparent distance moduli were measured with respect to assumed values of mu(sub 0) = 18.50 mag and E(B - V) = 0.10 mag for the Large Magellanic Cloud. The difference in the apparent V and I moduli yields a measure of the difference in the total mean extinction between the M81 and the LMC Cepheid samples. A low total mean extinction to the M81 sample of E(B - V) = 0.03 +/- 0.05 mag is obtained. The true distance modulus to M81 is determined to be 27.80 +/- 0.20 mag, corresponding to a distance of 3.63 +/- 0.34 Mpc. These data illustrate that with an optimal (power-law) sampling strategy, the HST provides a powerful tool for the discovery of extragalactic Cepheids and their application to the distance scale. M81 is the first calibrating galaxy in the target sample of the HST Key Project on the Extragalactic Distance Scale, the ultimate aim of which is to provide a value of the Hubble constant to 10% accuracy.
Teacher’s perceptions of separate language learning models for students with immigrant background in Austrian schools

ABSTRACT The majority of European educational systems regard the provision of high-quality language and learning support for students with immigrant background as the greatest challenge and consider separate language support classes as ‘the solution’ to the educational disadvantages these students face. Austria recently implemented separate language support programmes (‘German language support classes and courses = GLSCC’) for students with beginner-level German language skills. There is a growing body of literature which indicates that separate language learning programmes result in lower academic achievement of students with immigrant background compared to inclusive programmes. This study presents teachers’ perceptions (n = 1.267) of positive or negative effects of the GLSCC in Austrian schools. With regard to positive effects, teachers view the GLSCC as an opportunity for individualised and differentiated instruction. However, many teachers reported negative effects in the social dimension which refer to social exclusion and processes of othering. Furthermore, the findings indicate a variety of deficiencies on a didactic (e.g. students miss content in other subjects) and organisational level (e.g. lack of adequate rooms) and indicate a strong need for improved teacher education and training to teach heterogeneous classes.