Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Moderates the Association between Sleep Quality and Dorsostriatal-Sensorimotor Resting State Functional Connectivity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Aging is associated with poor sleep quality and greater chronic pain prevalence, with age-related changes in brain function as potential underlying mechanisms. Objective. The following cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether self-reported chronic musculoskeletal pain in community-dwelling older adults moderates the association between sleep quality and resting state functional brain connectivity (rsFC). Methods. Community-dwelling older individuals (mean age = 73.29 years) part of the NEPAL study who completed the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a rsFC scan were included (n = 48) in the present investigation. To that end, we tested the effect of chronic pain-by-PSQI interaction on rsFC among atlas-based brain regions-of-interest, controlling for age and sex. Results and Discussion. A significant network connecting the bilateral putamen and left caudate with bilateral precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and juxtapositional lobule cortex, survived global multiple comparisons (FDR; q < 0.05) and threshold-free network-based-statistics. Greater PSQI scores were significantly associated with greater dorsostriatal-sensorimotor rsFC in the no-pain group, suggesting that a state of somatomotor hyperarousal may be associated with poorer sleep quality in this group. However, in the pain group, greater PSQI scores were associated with less dorsostriatal-sensorimotor rsFC, possibly due to a shift of striatal functions toward regulation sensorimotor aspects of the pain experience, and/or aberrant cortico-striatal loops in the presence of chronic pain. This preliminary investigation advances knowledge about the neurobiology underlying the associations between chronic pain and sleep in community-dwelling older adults that may contribute to the development of effective therapies to decrease disability in geriatric populations.
Insights from behavioral economics to characterize substance use involvement in adolescents: a cluster analysis

Reinforcement pathology (RP), a framework rooted in behavioral economics, has contributed to advances in the etiology and treatment of substance use. Drug demand and delay discounting (DD) have gained considerable interest, as they inform on the risk for escalation to substance use as well as treatment-specific targets. No prior study conducted in Spain has explored the interplay of demand and DD in adolescents. This study was aimed to: 1) identify whether DD and alcohol demand can yield empirically driven subgroups, and 2) examine differences in substance use involvement. The sample comprised 107 (% females = 54.2) adolescents (M=15.46, SD=1.25) from a high school in Asturias (Spain). Participants filled out an ad-hoc survey on substance use over the prior 30 days and one year. A 20-item alcohol purchase task (APT) was used to assess the reinforcing value of alcohol. The 21-item Monetary Choice Questionnaire evaluated impulsive choice. Two subgroups emerged: Cluster 1 (n = 72) and Cluster 2 (n = 35). Participants in C2 consistently showed higher impulsivity and demand for alcohol, signifying lower responsiveness to alcohol pricing. As compared to C1, those in C2 had a higher prevalence of past-month substance use [C1: 26/72 (36.1%) vs. C2: 33/35 (94.3%), p <. 001], and a greater frequency of drunkenness [p <. 001] and binge drinking episodes [p <. 001]. RP differentiate between subgroups of adolescent substance users with patterns of more versus less substance use involvement. The existence of specific drug use subpopulations should be considered when designing environmental preventive policies
An investigation of railway sleeper sections and under sleeper pads using a box test apparatus

The railway sleeper, an indispensable component of most railway tracks, is made in diverse materials and geometric forms. Apart from sparse information on their mechanical behaviour, little has been documented about how different sleepers perform as regards track settlement. Box tests have been undertaken to investigate the performance of sections similar in geometry or material composition to some sleeper types used in the railway industry. In tandem, the effects of ‘soft’ and ‘stiff’ under sleeper pads (USPs) were also investigated. Resulting permanent settlements showed that with no USP, the steel section performs better than other sleeper sections. The USPs have, in general, been shown to reduce settlement and more importantly negate the differences between different sleeper sections, suggesting that the sleeper–ballast interface is an important variable for track performance prediction.
Relationship between directional patterns and the electrode structure of the log‐periodic dipole antenna arrays for sensitive optical electric field sensors

An evaluation of the sensitivity characteristics of our improved optical electric field sensor (OEFS) that incorporates our log‐periodic dipole antenna array (LPDA‐type OEFS) via a detailed simulation model indicated an excellent but less than perfect outcome (Tsujino et al. PIERS Proc (2012), 1610–1614, Hidaka et al. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, Vol. 57, Issue 6, (2015) 1386–1390). However, in‐depth observations of directional patterns and frequency responses with horizontally polarized microwaves indicated that the microgaps of the electrodes of the LPDA‐type OEFS have a high sensitivity in the lateral direction. This behavior is closely related to the problems regarding electromagnetic compatibility. 2016 The Authors. Microwave and Optical Technology Letters. 58:2124–2129, 2016
EFFECT OF MICRO-NUTRIENTS AND KNO 3 ON PLANT GROWTH AND FLOWER YIELD OF MARIGOLD

The present investigation entitled “Effect of micro-nutrients and KNO3 on plant growth and flower yield of marigold” was carried out in the experimental area of Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during year 201314. The seedlings of marigold cv. “ Pusa Narangi” were transplanted in first week of January as per Randomized Block Design. These plants were sprayed with different combinations of micro-nutrients and KNO3 after one month of transplanting. The minimum time to bud initiation and anthesis was recorded under KNO3 + FeSO4 @ 1.25%+ 0.5% i.e. 52.00 days and 70.67 days respectively. The longest flowering duration of 62.50 days was recorded in KNO3+FeSO4 @ 1.25%+0.5%. The maximum plant height of 77.33 cm was recorded in KNO3 (1.25%) followed by 76.33 cm under KNO3+FeSO4 @ 1.25%+ 0.5%. The maximum plant spread (69.04 cm) was observed in ZnSO4+MgSO4 @ 0.5% each followed by 68.87 cm under KNO3 (1.25%). Maximum number of branches 14.08/plant were recorded under KNO3+FeSO4. The maximum number of flowers per plant were recorded under KNO3 @ 1.25% followed by KNO3+FeSO4 (1.25%+0.5%). The maximum flower yield of 357.78 g/plant was recorded under KNO3 @ 1.25% which was at par with KNO3+FeSO4 @ 1.25%+ 0.5% yielding 340.33 g/plant. The maximum flower yield 2.23 kg/m 2 was recorded in KNO3 @ 1.25% followed by 2.12 kg/m 2 KNO3+FeSO4 @ 1.25%+ 0.5%. The treatment KNO3 @ 1.25% produced bigger flowers (6.69 cm) with longer stalk length of 6.93 cm and higher flower weight 7.27 g. The maximum chlorophyll content of 2.040mg/g was recorded in FeSO4+ZnSO4 (0.5%+0.5%). The xanthophyll content was maximum under FeSO4+Na2MoO4 @ 0.5% each which was at par with the treatment of FeSO4 (0.5%).
Exceptional points in an optically pumped magnetometer

The exceptional points (EPs) in a system are the eigenvalue degeneracy that has been demonstrated in a wide range of optical arrangements. In this paper, EP is analyzed schematically in an optically pumped magnetometer, which is governed by the Bloch equation with a 3×3 matrix. We numerically illustrate EP enhanced sensing for magnetic field and EP encircling induced 2π phase shift by employing the sensing field along with transverse modulation field. These findings may contribute to the realization of EP magnetometers and atomic gyroscopes for improved field and rotation sensitivity.
Retrieval of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) from satellite measurements: comparison of SIF between TanSat and OCO-2

Abstract. Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) is emitted during photosynthesis in plant leaves. It constitutes a small additional offset to reflected radiance and can be observed by sensitive instruments with high signal-to-noise ratio and spectral resolution. The Chinese global carbon dioxide monitoring satellite (TanSat) acquires measurements of greenhouse gas column densities. The advanced technical characteristics of the Atmospheric Carbon-dioxide Grating Spectrometer (ACGS) onboard TanSat enable SIF retrievals from observations in the O2-A band. In this study, 1-year of SIF data was retrieved from Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) and TanSat measurements using the Institute of Atmospheric Physics Carbon Dioxide Retrieval Algorithm for Satellite Remote Sensing (IAPCAS)/SIF algorithm. A comparison between the IAPCAS/SIF results retrieved from OCO-2 spectra and the official OCO-2 SIF product (OCO2_Level 2_Lite_SIF.8r) shows a strong linear relationship (R2 > 0.85) and suggests good reliability of the IAPCAS/SIF retrieval algorithm. Comparing global distributions of SIF retrieved by the IAPCAS/SIF from TanSat and OCO-2 shows the same spatial pattern for all seasons with a gridded SIF difference of less than 0.3 W m−2 µm−1 sr−1. The global distributions also agree well with the official OCO-2 SIF product with a difference of less than 0.2 W m−2 µm−1 sr−1. The retrieval uncertainty of seasonally gridded TanSat IAPCAS/SIF is less than 0.03 W m−2 µm−1 sr−1, whereas the uncertainty of each sounding ranges from 0.1 to 0.6 W m−2 µm−1 sr−1. The relationship between annually averaged SIF products and FLUXCOM gross primary productivity (GPP) was also estimated for six vegetation types in a 1∘ × 1∘ grid over the globe, indicating that the SIF data from the two satellites have the same potential in quantitatively characterizing ecosystem productivity. The spatiotemporal consistency between TanSat and OCO-2 and their comparable data quality enable joint usage of the two mission products. Data supplemented by TanSat observations are expected to contribute to the development of global SIF maps with more spatiotemporal detail, which will advance global research on vegetation photosynthesis.
Impacts of Communicating Secondary Risks on Risk Reduction Responses: The Case of Nanoparticle-Formulated Sunscreen.

CUMMINGS, CHRISTOPHER LOUIS. Impacts of Communicating Secondary Risks on Risk Reduction Responses: The Case of Nanoparticle-Formulated Sunscreens. (Under direction of Dr. David M. Berube). As with many public health issues, the use of emerging technology such as the incorporation of engineered nanomaterials into consumer products, can become politicized and complicated by a large set of social and scientific factors. Inconclusive risk profiles of some nanomaterials have led to strongly argued claims made by some stakeholders to alter sentiments toward the use of engineered nanomaterials in a variety of applications. Motivated communication campaigners do not necessarily halt their efforts to deliver their message even though toxicologists and material scientists gain ground toward more robust characterization of nanomaterial risks. Such communication campaigns are likely to have demonstrative impacts on individual risk perceptions and risk response intentions, and in turn, on human health. This experimental study informs current debates regarding risk communication campaigns surrounding nanoparticle-formulated sunscreen by experimentally testing the impacts of secondary risk qualifications—communication that a product designed to protect oneself from harm may be introducing a new health risk. This dissertation employs established concepts from Protection Motivation Theory including threat-, and efficacyperceptions, and behavioral intentions in order to granularly assess the impacts of secondary risk qualifications on mediating perceptual states and persuasive outcomes of risk communication campaigns. Three levels of secondary risk qualifications are assessed using human subject experimentation and results demonstrate that qualifying statements that nanoparticle-formulated sunscreens pose new health risks differ significantly causing audiences to not only shy away from intending to use the product, but also caused them to view the product as less efficacious in its ability to protect users from risks like skin cancer that affect more than 2 million people in the United States and Australia annually.
Stop the Pop: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Children’s Physical and Emotional Responses during Three Days of Sugary Drink Cessation

Despite public health efforts to reduce sugary drink consumption, children’s intake continues to exceed recommendations. While numerous barriers to lowering sugary drink consumption have been identified, aversive feelings during sugary drink cessation may further challenge sustained reduction in children’s sugary drink consumption. Herein, we describe “Stop the Pop”, an intervention to examine children’s physical and emotional responses during three days of sugary drink cessation. Children (n = 150) ages 8–14, who reported habitual consumption of ≥12 ounces of sugary drinks daily, were instructed to avoid sweetened beverages for three days. At baseline and on each day of cessation, children completed a daily feelings questionnaire, and a subset of children (n = 30) also completed a qualitative interview following cessation. During sugary drink cessation, children reported physical and emotional improvements, including being less tired, angry, and annoyed; having less trouble sleeping; and less frequently arguing with others, getting in trouble, and getting mad. However, unfavorable responses, such as mood disturbances and having less energy, were reported by some participants. Our results suggest that children who habitually consume sugary drinks may experience physical and emotional improvements during short-term sugary drink cessation, although longer-term examination is needed and inter-individual variability in responses to cessation warrants further study.
Using Peerwise to Improve Engagement and Learning

This paper assesses the experiences of Bournemouth University in using the online multiple choice question (MCQ) tool, Peerwise, in student learning and engagement. MCQs are excellent for developing and testing knowledge, providing reassurance and identifying development needs. The creation of MCQs reinforces learning by tasking students to generate challenging questions. Peerwise supports self-direction and flexibility, which is embraced by students. Bournemouth University started embedding Peerwise within teaching units in 2014. The intention was to transform the approach of students towards the non-assessed elements of the unit. Peerwise was used in an undergraduate business unit consisting of 50 students over at 15 week period. 804 questions were created and 3,345 answers were recorded. 10% of the unit marks were allocated to Peerwise use. Qualitative feedback from students was very positive. Correlation analysis showed a very weak relationship, 0.120, between the number of questions answered and the overall unit mark. Self-assessment of the change in learning was statistically significantly better for students who used Peerwise compared to those who did not. Overall, the evaluation of the Peerwise was positive with many lessons learnt. Six recommendations for the further use of Peerwise were developed, including improving the scaffolding to students, refining the way quality is assessed and developing evaluation criteria.
Assessment of stress, anxiety and depression during COVID-19 among dental students of Bhubaneswar City, Odisha

Introduction: Covid-19 began in Wuhan, China in the month of December 2019 and over a period of time, the infection outspread across the world in a rapid pace.It has put the entire world's population at risk of infection, which is a huge source of worry, particularly for vulnerable populations like dental students.This study is aimed for the assessment of stress, anxiety and depression during Covid 19 on dental college students of Bhubaneswar city. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, questionnaire survey conducted over the internet. It administered 222 students. The students were assessed by a proforma containing demographic details and DASS 21. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS version 26.0 using Chi square test. Results: In our study females were 57.7% (n=128) and 42.3% (n=94) were males In the study maximum number of participants were found to be in the age range of 19-22 with 48.6% (n=108) followed by age range of 23-26 with 46.8% (n=104). The mean Age of the study population is 22.75±1.937 and the mean score of depression, stress and anxiety was 19.66±10.923, 20.43±10.330 and 15.14±9.263 respectively.
Influence of Sales Promotion on Impulse Buying: A Dual Process Approach

Abstract This study investigates how sales promotions influence the psychological processing that precedes impulse buying. Applying a dual process theory, we distinguish between Reflective and Impulsive processing pathways. Through a survey study on 470 consumers, we tested four sales promotions characterized by different rewards (monetary versus nonmonetary) and gratification typologies (immediate-reward versus delayed-reward). The study further analyses the effects of promotion-induced affect, in terms of arousal and valence, as well as the influence of individual impulse buying tendency and sales proneness. Results show that impulsive responses are influenced by promotion-induced affect and individual differences, while reflective responses differ depending on the reward typology. The results contribute to the extant literature by discriminating the effects of sales promotions on the Reflective and Impulsive systems. Implications for retailers and promotion managers concerning the formulation of effective promotion strategies are discussed.
Weed management in a direct-seeded rice-ratoon rice cropping system

Abstract A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of weed management practices in the main crop on growth, yield and economics of rice- ratoon rice cropping system in two consecutive years i.e., 2014–15 and 2015–16. The result showed that Cyperus difformis was the most dominant weed in the main rice crop, whereas Ludwigia adscendes was the dominant weed in ratoon rice. In weed-free plots, the main crop recorded the highest productivity of 47.52 kg/ha/day, whereas the ratoon crop registered productivity of 37.70 kg/ha/day which was the 79.3% of the main crop productivity. In the weedy plot, crop-weed competition caused 28.8 and 37.5% reduction in energy use efficiency and energy productivity of the rice-ratoon rice cropping system respectively. Yield reduction of 37.3 and 43.6% in the main crop and ratoon crop respectively recorded due to weed infestation in weedy check. All the weed control practices registered an increase in system productivity, nutrient uptake and energy use efficiency. Among the herbicidal treatments, application of bensulfuron-methyl + pretilachlor (60 + 600 g/ha) at 10 DAS to the main crop registered a higher net return of USD$ 639.2 and 260.1 of main crop and ratoon crop, respectively. Hence it can be recommended for weed management in rice-ratoon rice cropping system.
Efficiency and Equity Performance of a Coordinated Ramp Metering Algorithm

Ramp metering (RM) has been widely applied due to its effectiveness in improving motorway traffic conditions by limiting inflow from on-ramps. A great deal of experimental and simulation-based studies have proven system-wide benefits of motorways from RM. Benefits attributed to RM in the literature include reducing travel times, increasing motorway throughputs and decreasing fuel consumption and emissions. However, RM benefits might be costing more some motorway users, e.g. some on-ramp users might be experiencing longer delay than others, which leads to an unfair allocation of RM benefits. This paper presents a coordinated ramp metering strategy, which is aimed at reducing the inequity among motorway users using different on-ramps and investigates trade-offs between efficiency and equity for the proposed strategy. Total travel time is used to measure the efficiency while Gini coefficient is used to measure equity. A combined index is proposed incorporating the two measures to serve as an objective function to solve the bi-objective control design problem. The performance of the proposed strategy is verified by comparing it to a well-established coordinated ramp metering strategy HERO using micro-simulation software AIMSUN. Simulation results revealed that the equity of the motorway system can be improved significantly by using the proposed strategy without compromising much on the efficiency of the system.
Early growth, behavio~ and otolith development of the winter flounder Pleuronectes americanus

- Studies were per formed to determine effects of envi ronment and physiology on the for mation ofdaily increments in winter flounder otoliths. Otoliths from embryonic to l-yr-old laboratory raised winter flounder Plellronectes americanus and young-of-year wild caught specimens were examined. and growth patterns were deter mined from photographs taken on light and scanning electron micro scopes. Behavioral observations were made from hatching through meta
Morphological correlation and quality of Agonandra brasiliensis seedlings in substrates and controlled release fertilizer

The objective was to investigate the effect of substrate compositions with and without the addition of controlled release fertilizer (CRF) and to determine the correlations between the morphological characteristics of Agonandra brasiliensis. The variables studied were: shoot height, collet diameter, increase of height of shoot and collet diameter, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, total dry weight, the relation between the dry matter weight of the shoot and the dry matter weight of the roots, the relation between shoot height and collet diameter, the relation between shoot and root dry weight, and Dickson quality index. The results of the total dry weight of the ivory-wood plants allowed to infer a positive influence of the addition of CRF in the Sub 1 (8.3 g plant-1), Sub 2 (8.2 g plant-1), and Sub 4 (7.3 g plant-1) showing an increase of 72.2 %, 52.4 %, and 68.5 % respectively, when compared to Sub 1 (2.3 g plant-1), Sub 2 (3.9 g plant-1), and Sub 3 (2.3 g plant-1) without CRF addition. The substrates (sub 5) and (sub 1) with addition of CRF are indicated for the production of seedlings of Agonandra brasiliensis.