Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties of the Polish Version of the Self-care of Hypertension Inventory

Background According to evidence-based guidelines, adherence to blood pressure–lowering medication and lifestyle modifications is a crucial part of hypertension management. Self-care is an effective method for secondary prevention. However, patients continue to exhibit major deficits in terms of adherence, self-control, and self-care. Standardized instruments for the effective monitoring of patients' self-care abilities are still lacking. Objective The objectives of this study were to produce a translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Self-care of Hypertension Inventory (SC-HI) and to evaluate the psychometric properties of its Polish version. Methods The scale underwent translation and psychometric assessment using the standard methodology (forward-backward translation, review, psychometric analysis, criterion validity). The study included 250 patients, with a mean age of 61.23 ± 14.34 years, treated in a hypertension clinic. Results Mean self-care levels were evaluated in 3 domains: self-care maintenance (56.73 ± 18.57), self-care management (64.17 ± 21.18), and self-care confidence (62.47 ± 24.39). The Cronbach α for each domain showed satisfactory parameters: 0.755 for maintenance, 0.746 for management, and 0.892 for confidence. In the Polish version, the 3-factor structure of the SC-HI was not directly confirmed. Therefore, so-called modification indices were applied to obtain a standardized root mean square residual value less than 0.09 and a root mean square error of approximation value less than 0.06. Conclusions The SC-HI has been successfully translated and adapted for Polish settings, and is suitable for application among patients with hypertension.
Mammal species occupy different climates following the expansion of human impacts

Significance Mammals on landscapes within North America are now living in different climates than they did prior to major human expansions. Many smaller animals have expanded into climates now dominated by agricultural and urban regions; whereas large-bodied mammals were forced out of these climates and were relegated to colder, dryer regions. As a result, the distributions of modern mammals do not accurately reflect the range of climatological conditions where species can live. Rather, they reflect the marginalization or facilitation that those species have undergone following the expansion of major human activities. Failing to mitigate the ecological changes that mammals are experiencing can have unprecedented impacts on the future survival of the remaining large-bodied species in North America. Cities and agricultural fields encroach on the most fertile, habitable terrestrial landscapes, fundamentally altering global ecosystems. Today, 75% of terrestrial ecosystems are considerably altered by human activities, and landscape transformation continues to accelerate. Human impacts are one of the major drivers of the current biodiversity crisis, and they have had unprecedented consequences on ecosystem function and rates of species extinctions for thousands of years. Here we use the fossil record to investigate whether changes in geographic range that could result from human impacts have altered the climatic niches of 46 species covering six mammal orders within the contiguous United States. Sixty-seven percent of the studied mammals have significantly different climatic niches today than they did before the onset of the Industrial Revolution. Niches changed the most in the portions of the range that overlap with human-impacted landscapes. Whether by forcible elimination/introduction or more indirect means, large-bodied dietary specialists have been extirpated from climatic envelopes that characterize human-impacted areas, whereas smaller, generalist mammals have been facilitated, colonizing these same areas of the climatic space. Importantly, the climates where we find mammals today do not necessarily represent their past habitats. Without mitigation, as we move further into the Anthropocene, we can anticipate a low standing biodiversity dominated by small, generalist mammals.
Wavelet Variance Ratio Test And Wavestrapping For The Determination Of The Cointegration Rank

In this paper, I propose a wavelet based cointegration test for fractionally integrated time series. This proposed test is non-parametric and asymptotically invariant to different forms of short run dynamics. The use of wavelets allows one to take advantage of the wavelet based bootstrapping method particularly known as wavestrapping. In this regard, I introduce a new wavestrapping algorithm for multivariate time series processes, specifically for cointegration tests. The Monte Carlo simulations indicate that this new wavestrapping procedure can alleviate the severe size distortions which are generally observed in cointegration tests with time series containing innovations that possess highly negative MA parameters. Additionally, I apply the proposed methodology to analyse the long run co-movements in the credit default swap market of European Union countries.
Community and International Nutrition Differential Improvement among Countries in Child Stunting Is Associated with Long-Term Development and Specific Interventions 1

Stunting represents growth failure resulting from poor nutrition and health during the preand postnatal periods. Initiatives since 1980 have steadily reduced malnutrition and consequent retardation of child growth, but 1 of 3 preschool children worldwide remains stunted. Countries have varied substantially in progress achieved in reducing stunting. This study aimed to understand which underlying (i.e., proximal) and basic (i.e., distal) national factors have been most important in explaining this variation among countries, and the relation between the 2 sets of factors. Eighty-five developing countries with at least 2 surveys for stunting 4 y apart were included from the WHO Global Database on Child Growth. The analytic data set with independent variables from several sources was constructed to match closely by year for each country to initial and final stunting data. Full-information maximum likelihood estimated multiple linear regression models while accounting for missing data in independent variables. The final model explained 65.5% of the variance of change in stunting, and included both underlying and basic variables: initial and change in immunization rate, initial and change in safe water rate, initial female literacy rate, initial government consumption, initial income distribution, and the initial proportion of the economy devoted to agriculture. Although factors that were important for reducing stunting in the past may not necessarily be the ones that are important in the future, these results suggest that it possible for substantial progress to be made in reducing the current high prevalence of stunting by investing in both long-term development and in specific interventions. J. Nutr. 135: 1415–1422, 2005.
The financial crisis in the Euro Zone. A balance of payments crisis with a single currency

In a pegged exchange rate system, a balance of payments crisis happens when serious doubts arise about whether a debtor country holds sufficient international reserves to keep the country�s fixed exchange rate. In the Euro Zone, doubts that banks and governments of peripheral countries could settle debts when they matured led to a massive capital outflow after the fall of Lehman Brothers. However, the ECB offset massive financial capital withdrawals with a huge inflow of reserves to the Euro Zone periphery. In some contributions, Cesaratto holds that the situation in the Euro Zone resembled a balance of payments crisis, and that the ECB rescued peripheral countries through the TARGET2 system. He sees the Euro Zone as a fixed exchange rate regime. Conversely, other authors reject this view, arguing that the Euro Zone crisis is more the consequence of bad bank behaviour, with a mistaken initial institutional design making things even worse. In this paper we discuss whether the Euro Zone countries experienced a balance of payments crisis and if the ECB stealthily bailed out peripheral countries or whether it just did what it had to do to keep control over the overnight interest rate and to keep the payment system running smoothly. The fact that the Euro Zone is not a fixed exchange regime but a currency union, and the lack of some institutions are pivotal elements in this discussion
Analysis of the uptake of agricultural insurance services by the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe

Agriculture is a risky enterprise due to its cyclical nature, risk of loss from fires and natural disasters. As a result, it becomes imperative for the farmer to purchase insurance in order to prevent total loss of farm property, yield or revenue through a fall in agricultural prices or other disasters. Ironically, levels of insurance in the farming sector in Zimbabwe are low. Farmers do not seem to appreciate the insurance products offered by insurers and the intrinsic value of agricultural insurance policy. The fact that an insurance policy is purchased when the business is performing well and that it only becomes useful when the farmer suffers a loss, which could be years down the line, makes it difficult for farmers to pay the premiums without immediate gratification.
ON THE FRACTIONAL PARTS OF RATIONAL POWERS

Let ξ be a non-zero real number, and let a = p/q > 1 be a rational number. We denote by U(a,ξ) and L(a,ξ) the largest and the smallest limit points of the sequence of fractional parts {ξ an}, n = 0,1,2,…, respectively. A possible way to prove Mahler's conjecture claiming that Z-numbers do not exist is to show that U(3/2,ξ) > 1/2 for every ξ > 0. We prove that U(3/2,ξ) cannot belong to [0,1/3) ∪ S, where S is an explicit infinite union of intervals in (1/3,1/2). This result is a corollary to a more general result claiming that, for any rational a > 1, U(a,ξ) cannot lie in a certain union of intervals. We also obtain new inequalities for the difference U(a,ξ) - L(a,ξ). Using them we show that some analogues of Z-numbers do not exist.
Comparison of the antioxidant activities of nonfumigated and sulphur-fumigated Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. Hang-ju induced by oxidative stress

Abstract Context The traditional drying method, sun drying, for Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. cv. Hang-ju (Compositae) (HJ) is widely replaced by sulphur fumigation (SF), which has an unknown effect on its efficacy. Objective To investigate protective effects of nonfumigated HJ (NHJ) and sulphur-fumigated HJ (SHJ) water extracts against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Materials and methods Sprague-Dawley rats were administered high-fat diet to induce hyperlipidaemia and randomly divided into eight groups (n = 6): control, fenofibrate, NHJ and SHJ extracts (1, 2 or 4 g crude drugs/kg/d; intragastric administration for 8 weeks). Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with NHJ and SHJ extracts (50, 100 or 200 μg/mL) for 24 h, followed by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL, 20 μg/mL) for 2 h in vitro. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), SOD and MDA levels and apoptosis were evaluated. Results NHJ was more effective than SHJ in decreasing serum TG, TC, LDL-C, LDL/HDL and MDA while increasing serum HDL-C and SOD levels at high doses. SHJ (IC50=19.9 mg/mL) suppressed HUVEC growth stronger than NHJ (IC50=186.7 mg/mL). At 200 μg/mL, NHJ was more effective than SHJ in downregulating ROS and MDA levels, reducing HUVECs apoptosis rate and elevating SOD activity in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. Conclusions SF causes oxidative damage and attenuates antioxidative activity in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs, which promotes lipid peroxidation. SF is not recommended for processing HJ.
Association of MTHFR , MTRR and MTR polymorphisms with breast cancer risk : a study in Chinese females

Literature revealed that folate metabolism imbalance may be involved in predisposition to cancer. MTHFR, MTRR and MTR are essential enzymes for maintenance of folate hemostasis and homocysteine (Hcy) in the blood. We aimed to investigate the association between homocysteine metabolism gene polymorphism (MTHFR rs1801133, MTR 1805087 and MTRR rs1801394) and risk of breast cancer in West China. A total of 466 patients with breast cancer and 470 normal control subjects were enrolled into our study. The MTHFR rs1801133, MTR 1805087 and MTRR rs1801394 polymorphism was analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). By logistic regression analysis, we observed that the CT (adjusted OR=2.67, 95% CI=1.60-4.45) and TT (adjusted OR=2.67, 95% CI=1.60-4.45) genotypes of MTHFR rs1801133 were significantly associated with higher risk of breast cancer, compared with the CC genotype. In addition, the CT+TT of MTHFR rs1801133 was significantly associated with risk of breast cancer in comparison to the CC genotype (adjusted OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.09-1.88). The CC genotype of MTRR rs1801394 showed higher association with an increased risk of breast cancer as compared with the AA genotype (adjusted OR=1.96, 95% CI=1.14-3.37). The results of our study indicate that the MTHFR rs1801133 and MTRR rs1801394 polymorphisms are potential risk factors for the development of breast cancer in the Chinese population.
Piano key and labyrinth weirs at German waterways: recent and future research of the BAW

The paper provides an overview of model investigations on different geometries of piano key and labyrinth weirs for free and submerged flow conditions. Physical model investigations with different geometries have been carried out. The results indicate that the submergence sensitivity of the rectangular and the trapezoidal labyrinth weir is slightly higher compared to the piano key weir and the triangular labyrinth weir but the triangular labyrinth weir has a lower efficiency. Furthermore a numerical 3D model of the PKW Type A based on the OpenFOAM® software has been used to investigate specific hydraulic aspects and for comparisons with physical model results. The effect of nappe suction and ventilation is influencing the discharge coefficient which leads to significant deviations in the results of the numerical and physical tests especially for small heads.
Transient Supersolid Properties in an Array of Dipolar Quantum Droplets

We study theoretically and experimentally the emergence of supersolid properties in a dipolar Bose-Einstein condensate. The theory reveals a ground state phase diagram with three distinct regimes - a regular Bose-Einstein condensate, incoherent and coherent arrays of quantum droplets. In the latter the droplets are connected by a finite superfluid density, which leads - in addition to the periodic density modulation - to a robust phase coherence throughout the whole system. We further theoretically demonstrate that we are able to dynamically approach the ground state in our experiment and that its lifetime is only limited by three-body losses. Experimentally we probe and confirm the signatures of the phase diagram by observing the in-situ density modulation as well as the phase coherence using matter wave interference.
Identifying Reliable and Relatable Force–Time Metrics in Athletes—Considerations for the Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull and Countermovement Jump

The purpose of this study was to evaluate intrasession reliability of countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) force–time characteristics, as well as relationships between CMJ and IMTP metrics. Division I sport and club athletes (n = 112) completed two maximal effort CMJ and IMTP trials, in that order, on force plates. Relative and absolute reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) > 0.80 and coefficients of variation (CVs) < 10%. Intrasession reliability was acceptable for the majority of the CMJ force–time metrics except for concentric rate of force development (RFD), eccentric impulse and RFD, and lower limb stiffness. The IMTP’s time to peak force, instantaneous force at 150 ms, instantaneous net force, and RFD measures were not reliable. Statistically significant weak to moderate relationships (r = 0.20–0.46) existed between allometrically scaled CMJ and IMTP metrics, with the exception of CMJ eccentric mean power not being related with IMTP performances. A majority of CMJ and IMTP metrics met acceptable reliability standards, except RFD measures which should be used with caution. Provided CMJs and IMTPs are indicative of distinct physical fitness capabilities, it is suggested to monitor athlete performance in both tests via changes in those variables that demonstrate the greatest degree of reliability.
Operational validation of HYDRUS (2D/3D) for capillary barriers using data of a 10-m tipping trough

Abstract Capillary barriers are an interesting alternative component for cover systems of landfills and contaminated sites. Provided they are sufficiently validated, soil hydrological models could be fast and powerful tools for the dimensioning of capillary barriers. Outflow rates measured in a 10 m long tipping trough for one material combination and two slopes from stationary periods were compared to simulation results of HYDRUS (2D/3D), Version 2.05. The measured outflow rates show a typical pattern with slope-dependent threshold values indicating the efficiency of the capillary barrier. This flow pattern could not be reproduced with HYDRUS (2D/3D) that for different input setups produced smooth patterns without thresholds. The input setup was varied for different soil hydraulic models (van Genuchten-Mualem vs. Brooks-Corey), homogeneous and heterogeneous transport domains (no scaling vs. stochastically distributed scaling factors considering the Miller-Miller similitude), different HYDRUS versions (standard vs. alternative; i.e., with material properties assigned either to finite element nodes or finite elements, respectively), and different lower boundary conditions (seepage face vs. free drainage). Differences between measured and simulated outflow patterns could be caused by the measurements, the application of the model, or by the model itself. The van Genuchten-Mualem model may not be suitable to describe the soil hydrological relationships of these particular materials. The reason for the mismatch, however, could not be identified yet.
Company stakeholder responsibility

Purpose Company stakeholder responsibility considers stakeholder engagement and management as key to long-term firm success. The purpose of this paper is to examine how top managers’ stakeholder responsibility attitudes change and how they balance stakeholder responsibilities and economic interests. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted empirical research using the company stakeholder responsibility framework by conducting a repeated cross-sectional survey in Finland in 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014. Findings The study shows how development in the business context influences managers’ attitudes towards stakeholder responsibility. Simultaneously with the expansion of free competition in 1990s Finland, managerial commitment to company stakeholder responsibility strengthened in Finnish industry. Research limitations/implications The target group consisting of industrial managers both in a single-country context and the social desirability bias present in survey research may limit the generalisability of the results. Originality/value The study contributes to the discussion of the role of situational factors in the development of corporate responsibility by showing that while economic changes have some influence on managerial attitudes, the expansion of free markets, together with increased regulation in certain areas, appears to influence managers’ stakeholder responsibility attitudes to an even greater degree.
Hemoglobin Induces Early and Robust Biofilm Development in Streptococcus pneumoniae by a Pathway That Involves comC but Not the Cognate comDE Two-Component System

Streptococcus pneumoniae grows in biofilms during both asymptomatic colonization and infection. Pneumococcal biofilms on abiotic surfaces exhibit delayed growth and lower biomass and lack the structures seen on epithelial cells or during nasopharyngeal carriage. ABSTRACT Streptococcus pneumoniae grows in biofilms during both asymptomatic colonization and infection. Pneumococcal biofilms on abiotic surfaces exhibit delayed growth and lower biomass and lack the structures seen on epithelial cells or during nasopharyngeal carriage. We show here that adding hemoglobin to the medium activated unusually early and vigorous biofilm growth in multiple S. pneumoniae serotypes grown in batch cultures on abiotic surfaces. Human blood (but not serum, heme, or iron) also stimulated biofilms, and the pore-forming pneumolysin, ply, was required for this induction. S. pneumoniae transitioning from planktonic into sessile growth in the presence of hemoglobin displayed an extensive transcriptome remodeling within 1 and 2 h. Differentially expressed genes included those involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, nucleotides, amino acid, and lipids. The switch into adherent states also influenced the expression of several regulatory systems, including the comCDE genes. Inactivation of comC resulted in 67% reduction in biofilm formation, while the deletion of comD or comE had limited or no effect, respectively. These observations suggest a novel route for CSP-1 signaling independent of the cognate ComDE two-component system. Biofilm induction and the associated transcriptome remodeling suggest hemoglobin serves as a signal for host colonization in pneumococcus.
BodyMass Index and Facial Cues in Sasang Typology for Young and Elderly Persons

1 Department of Medical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), 461-24 Jeonmin-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-811, Republic of Korea 2 Department of Korean Traditional Medicine and Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology, 176 Gajung-dong, 217 Gajung-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-350, Republic of Korea 3 Department of Internal Medicine, National Hospital of Traditional Medicine, 29 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Hanoi 112611, Vietnam 4 Department of Information and Statistic, Chungnam National University, 79 Daehang-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-764, Republic of Korea
Axisymmetric simulations of libration-driven fluid dynamics in a spherical shell geometry

We report on axisymmetric numerical simulations of rapidly rotating spherical shells in which the axial rotation rate of the outer shell is modulated in time. This allows us to model planetary bodies undergoing forced longitudinal libration. In this study we systematically vary the Ekman number, 10−7≤E≲10−4, which characterizes the ratio of viscous to Coriolis forces in the fluid, and the libration amplitude, Δϕ. For libration amplitudes above a certain threshold, Taylor–Gortler vortices form near the outer librating boundary, in agreement with the previous laboratory experiments of Noir et al. [Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 173, 141 (2009)]. At the lowest Ekman numbers investigated, we find that the instabilities remain spatially localized at onset in the equatorial region. In addition, nonzero time-averaged azimuthal (zonal) velocities are observed for all parameters studied. The zonal flow is characterized by predominantly retrograde flow in the interior, with a stronger prograde jet in the outer equatori.