Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphologic alterations of the fear circuitry: the role of sex hormones and oral contraceptives

Background Endogenous sex hormones and oral contraceptives (OCs) have been shown to influence key regions implicated in fear processing. While OC use has been found to impact brain morphology, methodological challenges remain to be addressed, such as avoiding selection bias between OC users and non-users, as well as examining potential lasting effects of OC intake. Objective We investigated the current and lasting effects of OC use, as well as the interplay between the current hormonal milieu and history of hormonal contraception use on structural correlates of the fear circuitry. We also examined the role of endogenous and exogenous sex hormones within this network. Methods We recruited healthy adults aged 23-35 who identified as women currently using (n = 62) or having used (n = 37) solely combined OCs, women who never used any hormonal contraceptives (n = 40), or men (n = 41). Salivary endogenous sex hormones and current users’ salivary ethinyl estradiol (EE) were assessed using liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry. Using structural magnetic resonance imaging, we extracted surface-based gray matter volumes (GMVs) and cortical thickness (CT) for regions of interest of the fear circuitry. Exploratory whole-brain analyses were conducted with surface-based and voxel-based morphometry methods. Results Compared to men, all three groups of women exhibited a larger GMV of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, while only current users showed a thinner ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Irrespective of the menstrual cycle phase, never users exhibited a thicker right anterior insular cortex than past users. While associations with endogenous sex hormones remain unclear, we showed that EE dosage in current users had a greater influence on brain anatomy compared to salivary EE levels and progestin androgenicity, with lower doses being associated with smaller cortical GMVs. Discussion Our results highlight a sex difference for the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex GMV (a fear-promoting region), as well as a reduced CT of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (a fear-inhibiting region) specific to current OC use. Precisely, this finding was driven by lower EE doses. These findings may represent structural vulnerabilities to anxiety and stress-related disorders. We showed little evidence of durable anatomical effects, suggesting that OC intake can (reversibly) affect fear-related brain morphology.
Bankruptcy Risk in Discounted Cash Flow Equity Valuation

We investigate the importance of bankruptcy risk in discounted cash flow (DCF) equity valuation. Our analyses first show how bankruptcy risk is incorporated in DCF valuation, where investment risk is captured by cash flow certainty equivalents. Within this general setting, we find that bankruptcy risk can be captured by discounting factors incorporating period-specific bankruptcy probabilities, allowing the numerators in a DCF valuation model to follow a binary random walk. Elaborating a model of this kind, we assess the value of the equity holders’ limited liability right (the equity holders’ right to hand over the firm to its creditors if bankruptcy occurs). Two valuation models commonly used in academic research and professional practice—the Dividend Discount Model (DDM) and the Residual Income Valuation (RIV) model—are addressed specifically. Our analyses show that bankruptcy probabilities are important for the estimation of the value drivers in both models. Even if bankruptcy probabilities are as low as 0.02, equity values might be severely exaggerated if bankruptcy risk is ignored in DDM or RIV. In particular, this holds for firms expected to have high future growth (conditioned on firm survival). For the RIV model to properly capture bankruptcy risk, we identify “bankruptcy event accounting principles” and an additional term that must be included in the model. We also show that bankruptcy risk under certain conditions can be handled through a specific calibration of the discounting rate/-s in all DCF models, allowing the value drivers—i.e., future dividends or residual income—to be forecasted conditioned on firm survival.
Drivers for design for deconstruction (DfD) implementation among design professionals

PurposeThe design for deconstruction (DfD) technique, a contemporaneous solution to demolition by optimizing disassembly activities to enable reuse, has recently emerged with several promises to promote the circular economy. However, little attention has been given to its implementation among design professionals, especially in the Global South. Therefore, this study aims to explore the drivers for DfD implementation among design professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI). Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a mixed research approach (explanatory sequential design) with an initial quantitative instrument phase, followed by a qualitative data collection phase. Data from the survey were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, one-sample t-Test, and normalization value (NV) test after a review of pertinent literature. These data were then validated through semistructured interviews with ten design professionals with in-depth knowledge of DfD.FindingsThe findings revealed that although all ten drivers are important, the eight key drivers for the DfD implementation were identified as, in order of importance, “Availability of computer software applications regarding DfD,” “Inclusion of DfD in the formal education of design professionals,” “Increasing public awareness of the concept of DfD,” “Organizing workshops/seminars for design professionals on the concept of DfD,” “Availability of DfD training,” “Regulation regarding DfD,” “Industry guidance regarding DfD” and “Establishing a market for salvaged construction components. ”Originality/valueThis study's findings provide insights into an under-investigated topic in Ghana and offer new and additional information and insights into the current state-of-the-art on the factors that drive DfD implementation.
Reducing In-Hospital and 60-Day Mortality in Critically Ill Patients after Surgery with Strict Nutritional Supplementation: A Prospective, Single-Labeled, Randomized Controlled Trial

Malnutrition in critically ill patients is a global concern, especially those who undergo abdominal surgery, as it is associated to higher infectious complications, prolonged hospital stays, and increased morbidity. Despite the importance of proper nutrition, guidelines remain broad, and practical implementation is often inadequate. We aimed to assess the effects of strict nutritional provision and investigate the appropriate target for nutrition support. A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units following abdominal surgery. The intervention group received targeted protein and calories, with consultation from a nutritional support team upon admission. In total, 181 patients in the intervention and 144 in the control group were analyzed. The intervention group demonstrated improved nutrition provision and subsequently better clinical outcomes, including a reduced 60-day mortality (4.4 versus 15.3, p = 0.001), postoperative complications (24.9 versus 47.2, p < 0.001), and in-hospital mortality (5 versus 17.4, p < 0.001). High modified nutrition risk in the critically ill scores [odds ratio (OR) = 2.658, 95% CI = 1.498–4.716] were associated with increased 60-day mortality, while active nutritional intervention (OR = 0.312, 95% CI = 0.111–0.873) was associated with lower mortality rates. Notably, the provision of targeted energy and protein alone did not exhibit a significant association with mortality outcomes.
Competencias digitales en docentes de educación secundaria. Municipio de un Estado del Noroeste de México. Digital skills in secondary school teachers in Mexico.

The study addressed the perception of teachers about their digital skills and its relationship with sociovariables, academic and technology access. With a non-probability sampling, 194 teachers were selected from 15 secondary public schools from a city in northern Mexico. An instrument answered by a Likert scale was designed for the study. The results indicate that in the ‘Instrumental’ and ‘Cognitive’ factors, teachers perceived themselves as digital competent, while regarding the ‘Teaching-Methodological’ factors do not. The development of digital skills are perceived negatively when correlated with age and positively with a postgraduate study, the number of courses attended and access to technologies. This implies the need to strengthen the teaching-methodological skills of teachers and the development of skills that can be affected positively by training and facilitating access to technology teachers.
Science Literacy Profile of Junior High School Students on Context, Competencies, and Knowledge

Objective: This study's preliminary goal is to describe junior high school students' proficiency in scientific literacy. It is based on exams that use questions that measure a student's proficiency in scientific literacy, adhering to the guidelines established by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Method: The research was a quantitative descriptive analysis. It used a list of 20 questions created to evaluate students' proficiency with scientific literacy using a set of predetermined indicators. Purposive sampling was used to gather the data, and 102 students were chosen as a sample from Junior High School 2 Sukorejo. Results: Based on research findings, 19 of the 102 students meet the criteria for scientific literacy skill level 4, the highest level. Additionally, 38 students meet the criteria for level 3 of scientific literacy, which needs to be improved. Furthermore, 45 students continue to meet the low criteria for level 2 scientific literacy skills. According to the findings of this study, future research efforts and increased attention from relevant teachers are required to concentrate more on improving students' scientific literacy skills. Novelty: The novelty of this research explores students' scientific literacy levels using a science literacy test focusing on context, competencies, and knowledge. It provides a comprehensive understanding of students' scientific literacy skills, moving beyond quantitative percentages. The detailed explanation will be valuable for future research and provide deeper insights into the subject matter.
Immunolocalization of Nestin-Positive Cells in Islets of WNIN-Obese Rats: Implication in Obesity and Acute Pancreatitis

Background: WNIN-obese rats are novel animal model to study metabolic syndrome. The islets of WNIN-obese rats have increased pancreatic inflammation and stress. The role of nestin in obesity and acute pancreatitis is not clear. Methods: Our present study demonstrated presence of nestin in the islets of WNIN-obese rats as well as lean counterpart, when induced with acute pancreatitis. Results: Interestingly, nestin was localized in islets of WNIN-obese rats, but was absent in islets of control rats. Conclusion: The localization of nestin may have functional significance in obesity and acute pancreatitis as the nestin-positive stem cells may lead to islet adaptation in pancreatic stress and inflammation.
Variation in a Darwin Wasp (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) Community along an Elevation Gradient in a Tropical Biodiversity Hotspot: Implications for Ecology and Conservation

Simple Summary How the diversity of species changes from place to place is well known for some groups, such as vertebrates, considerably aiding conservation planning. However, it is often poorly known for the very diverse groups that make up most species on Earth, such as many invertebrates. This may hinder their effective conservation. We surveyed a group of “Darwin wasps”, a very diverse and important component of invertebrate fauna, up a mountain in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, a global hotspot for biodiversity. The wasps reproduce by parasitizing other insects and spiders. We found a large number of species of these wasps, suggesting that biodiversity may be high for this group in tropical regions, despite some previous studies suggesting the opposite. We found that low- and mid-altitude locations were especially diverse for this group, but not high-altitude locations. Furthermore, different species were found at different altitudes up the mountain. These findings suggest that tropical forests may harbor high concentrations of Darwin wasps; consequently, deforestation risks losing much of that biodiversity. Conserving low- to mid-altitude forests may be the most effective way to conserve the diversity of these wasps, although protecting a wide range of altitudes is necessary to conserve all species. Abstract Understanding how biodiversity varies from place to place is a fundamental goal of ecology and an important tool for halting biodiversity loss. Parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera) are a diverse and functionally important animal group, but spatial variation in their diversity is poorly understood. We survey a community of parasitic wasps (Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) using Malaise traps up a mountain in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, and relate the catch to biotic and abiotic habitat characteristics. We find high species richness compared with previous similar studies, with abundance, richness, and diversity peaking at low to intermediate elevation. There is a marked change in community composition with elevation. Habitat factors strongly correlated with elevation also strongly predict changes in the pimpline community, including temperature as well as the density of bamboo, lianas, epiphytes, small trees, and herbs. These results identify several possible surrogates of pimpline communities in tropical forests, which could be used as a tool in conservation. They also contribute to the growing evidence for a typical latitudinal gradient in ichneumonid species richness, and suggest that low to medium elevations in tropical regions will sometimes conserve the greatest number of species locally, but to conserve maximal biodiversity, a wider range of elevations should also be targeted.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTION IN BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF ADEN PORT, YEMEN

The aim of the present study is investigate the distribution of heavy metals (Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Co, Cr and Ni) and to evaluate the contamination levels of the Aden Port sediments. In this study, the concentrations of heavy metals were measured, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) for 21 sediment samples collected at different stations in Aden Port during 2004. The range and average concentrations measured in μg g -1 were 138.23 658.87 (335.5) for Mn, 21.85 263.49 (128.59) for Zn, 8.06 111.00 (19.89) for Cu, 14.8 138.06 (77.28) for Pb, 13.8 33.64 (23.97) for Co, 17.00 233.93 (82.19) for Cr and 16.17 48.07 (34.54) for Ni. To evaluate the levels of sediment contaminations, the background values of the different elements were defined, depending on the international standards. In case of Pb, Cr, Zn and Co at most of sites, their concentrations in the sediments exceeded the background levels. However, the average values for Cu, Ni and Mn were less than the background values. It is noted that the contamination factors in the investigated sediments were 0.31-3.39 for Zn, 0.4-5.55 for Cu, 0.74-6.9 for Pb, 1.06-2.59 for Co, 0.57-7.80 for Cr, 0.43-1.27 for Ni and < 1 for Mn. In general, the contamination factors of heavy metals in the present study could be arranged as following: Pb > Cr > Zn  &R ! 1L ! &X ! 0Q The relatively high levels of Pb, Cr, Zn and Co in the sediments of the Aden Port are due to Samir M. Nasr et al. 100 the discharges of untreated wastewater of desalination plant, electrical power station, refinery plant, textile industry, oil spills from the oil pipes, as well as domestic wastewater.
Mental Pain Correlates with Mind Wandering, Self-Reflection, and Insight in Individuals with Psychotic Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study

Understanding the cognitive processes that contribute to mental pain in individuals with psychotic disorders is important for refining therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes. This study investigated the potential relationship between mental pain, mind wandering, and self-reflection and insight in individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders. We included individuals diagnosed with a ‘schizophrenia spectrum disorder’ according to DSM-5 criteria. Patients in the study were between 18 and 65 years old, clinically stable, and able to provide informed consent. A total of 34 participants, comprising 25 males and 9 females with an average age of 41.5 years (SD 11.5) were evaluated. The Psychache Scale (PAS), the Mind Wandering Deliberate and Spontaneous Scale (MWDS), and the Self-Reflection and Insight Scale (SRIS) were administered. Statistical analyses involved Spearman’s rho correlations, controlled for potential confounders with partial correlations, and mediation and moderation analyses to understand the indirect effects of MWDS and SRIS on PAS and their potential interplay. Key findings revealed direct correlations between PAS and MWDS and inverse correlations between PAS and SRIS. The mediation effects on the relationship between the predictors and PAS ranged from 9.22% to 49.8%. The largest statistically significant mediation effect was observed with the SRIS-I subscale, suggesting that the self-reflection and insight component may play a role in the impact of mind wandering on mental pain. No evidence was found to suggest that any of the variables could function as relationship moderators for PAS. The results underscore the likely benefits of interventions aimed at reducing mind wandering and enhancing self-reflection in psychotic patients (e.g., metacognitive therapy, mindfulness). Further research will be essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Ischemic Stroke in the Course of COVID-19 in a 16-Year-Old Boy

The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 disease is still evolving and, despite the end of the acute phase of the pandemic, still poses a risk to public health. One of the very rare complications, occurring in less than 1% of children, is multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC). Due to the risk of thromboembolic complications as well as cardiac problems, MISC carries a number of life-threatening complications. We report a case of a 16-year-old boy who was hospitalized due to general weakness, fever, conjunctivitis, vomiting and diarrhoea. In view of the mother’s positive result of the SARS-CoV-2 test, the teenager underwent numerous laboratory tests. Taking into account the critical condition of the patient, anticoagulant and antipyretic treatment, steroids and IVIG were added. During hospitalisation, alarming symptoms occurred, including dysarthria, drooping corner of the mouth and muscle weakness on the right side. The magnetic resonance imaging showed changes characteristic of ischemic stroke. Further studies are needed to assess possible thrombotic complications in children after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and specialists should be more vigilant in paediatric patients presenting with such symptoms.
Natural Radiation Level in Japan Islands

Extensive field survey on natural radiation was conducted from 1967 to 1991 over Japan Islands. The average level of the islands was found to be 79.7 nGy/h. In general, Southwest Japan has higher level compared with the Northeast one. From the data obtained at 1304 sites of the survey, a contour map of natural radiation level in the islands was made by simple interpolations, and a geological interpretation on the distribution of the level was done by comparing the contour map with geological information. The islands were divided into four areas according to whether the level is higher or lower than the average level. The boundaries between these areas were found almost exactly coincide with major geo-tectonic lines. This feature suggests that natural radiation level is controlled mainly by distribution of granitic and volcanic rocks.
Covariance Representations and Coherent Measures for Some Entropies

We obtain covariance and Choquet integral representations for some entropies and give upper bounds of those entropies. The coherent properties of those entropies are discussed. Furthermore, we propose tail-based cumulative residual Tsallis entropy of order α (TCRTE) and tail-based right-tail deviation (TRTD); then, we define a shortfall of cumulative residual Tsallis (CRTES) and shortfall of right-tail deviation entropy (RTDS) and provide some equivalent results. As illustrated examples, the CRTESs of elliptical, inverse Gaussian, gamma and beta distributions are simulated.
WALGA ROCK AND BILLIBILONG SPRING: Two archaeological sequences from the Murchison Basin, Western Australia

Between 1978 and 1981 researchers from the Institut du Quaternaire, Universite de Bordeaux, and the Western Australian Museum carried out four seasons of archaeological and geological investigations in the semi-arid Murchison Basin, some 600 km north-northeast of Perth, Western Australia. This project follows the initial studies of earlier researchers, mostly from the Western Australian Museum.
Prompt Impact of Muscle Energy Technique on Pectoralis Muscle Tightness in Computer Users: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Tightness of the pectoralis minor muscle has been a common characteristic of abnormal posture. Prolonged inappropriate posture while using computers/laptops results in musculoskeletal problems, mainly in the upper limb. This study aims to see how the muscular energy technique affected pectoralis minor tightness in computer users right away. This study included 65 individuals aged 20-40 years following the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Participants received muscle energy technique for the pectoralis minor muscle. Pre- and post-assessment included the evaluation of pectoralis minor length, round shoulder posture (RSP), and forward head posture (FHP). We used the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test to assess the normality of data, as this study included > 50 participants. Data analysis was conducted using a paired t-test for within-group analysis. The outcome measures demonstrated significant improvement (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the muscle energy technique is effective in reducing muscle tightness, improving RSP and reducing FHP.
Anxiety and Depression in Family Members of Critically Ill Covid-19 Inpatients: Brief Psychological Interventions via Telephone, an Exploratory Study

Purpose This study aimed to assess the level of anxiety and depression in relatives of critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and to perform an exploratory pilot study on the implementation of telephone psychological interventions to reduce the initial levels of anxiety and depression in this population. Patients and Methods Family members of COVID-19 inpatients at ICU answered GAD-7, PHQ-9 and questions on socio-demographic data. A brief psychological intervention was applied via telephone based on the needs of the participants (with adequate adaptation, with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or both). After intervention, participants completed the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale. Results A total of 1307 relatives were included (66.5% female), 34% and 29% had anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. These symptoms were associated with female gender, unemployment, and being the parent or partner of the patient. After intervention, 57.9% reported felt better, 31.3% a little better and 6.6% much better; and with emotional regulation techniques and psychoeducation, higher percentages of feeling better or much better were reported. Conclusion Brief interventions to reduce the psychological impact of inpatient family members could be effective but will need to be explored further in future studies.