Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model‐based adaptive kinematic transformation method for accurate control of multi‐DOF boundary conditions in conventional tests and hybrid simulations

Several actuators need to be controlled to impose a multi‐degree of freedom displacement boundary conditions on a specimen in multi‐axial hybrid simulations or conventional multi‐axial displacement‐controlled tests. As the displacement boundary conditions are typically defined in the Cartesian coordinate system, kinematic transformation is required to transform the boundary conditions into actuator strokes. In previous studies, the kinematic transformation was carried out assuming no elastic deformation of the reaction system where the actuators and specimens are mounted. Accordingly, the kinematic transformation becomes inaccurate if the elastic deformation are not negligible, thereby impacting the accuracy of the experiments. There are methods to compensate for these errors by instrumenting specimens, but the existing methods often require many iterations or do not monotonically approach the target displacements. This study proposes a new method for kinematic transformation from the Cartesian system to the actuators’ local coordinate systems. The method adopts a model identification technique by which the influence of the elastic deformation can be effectively considered in calculating the actuator strokes. Numerical verification and experimental validation with the proposed transformation method are carried out. The results show that the proposed transformation method can decrease the number of iterations to achieve the target displacement boundary conditions and thus avoiding overshooting the displacement boundary conditions and reducing the interaction between actuators. It is expected that the proposed method can reduce the overall time to run a multi‐axial hybrid simulation or multi‐DOF displacement‐controlled experiments.
Sexual gender roles and stereotypes and the sexual double standard in sexual satisfaction among Portuguese college students: an exploratory study

ABSTRACT Research on sexual satisfaction in Portugal is still limited; what exists, however, highlights barriers preventing optimal realisation of this dimension of sexuality and sexual health. Physical and relational barriers have been consistently evidenced, whereas social and cultural barriers have been less studied. Using focus groups, we aimed to explore perceptions of Portuguese college students (N = 47) about sexual satisfaction – more specifically, about gender differences and about how sexual gender roles and stereotypes and the Sexual Double Standard may influence sexual satisfaction. We found that sexual satisfaction is perceived to be sub-optimal, especially for women in casual sexual relationships, and that the differences are attributed by both male and female to the constraints imposed by sexual gender roles, sexual gender stereotypes, and the sexual double standard. Deconstructing these socio-sexual beliefs is needed in order to achieve a higher, egalitarian level of sexual satisfaction and to promote sexual health.
Prevalence of feline corona virus in cats of an animal shelter in Latvia

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is ubiquitous in the domestic cat (Felis catus) population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and potential predisposing factors of FCoV in cats of an animal shelter in Latvia and to compare the prevalence between cats in the quarantine area and resident cats in the adoption area. Oropharyngeal and faecal swabs and blood samples were collected from 40 domestic shorthair cats from an animal shelter in Jelgava, Latvia. Swabs were analyzed for FCoV RNA by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Blood serum samples were tested for FCoV specific antibodies by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). FCoV RT-PCR positivity in oropharyngeal and rectal swabs was 7.5% (3/40) and 72.5% (29/40), respectively. Additionally, FCoV seroprevalence was 67.5% (27/40). The proportion of cats shedding FCoV within the adoption (72.7%) and quarantine (72.2%) areas was similar (p = 0.55). The prevalence of FCoV faecal shedding in young cats was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in adult cats. Sex had no significant effect on FCoV RT-PCR positivity. Further studies on larger cat population including different population types are needed to determine the overall prevalence and epidemiological patterns of FCoV infection in Latvia.
The Effect of Social Norms on Physicians’ Intentions to Use Liver Cancer Screening: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Extended Theory of Planned Behavior

Background Liver cancer is a globally acknowledged threat to public health, and there is a critical and urgent need to determine factors associated with the use of liver cancer screening and to further promote its use. Purpose To examine whether the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) incorporating social norms predicts physicians’ intentions to use liver cancer screening and to identify the associated factors quantitatively, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as an example. Methods A research framework was established by adding social norms to the TPB, based on which the questionnaire for this study was developed. Through multistage random sampling, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 292 physicians in Fujian and Jiangxi provinces. Due to the multicollinearity problem of the data, ridge regression was applied to determine the influencing factors of physicians’ intentions to use CEUS. Results Most participants (87.30%) reported that they were willing to use liver cancer screening in their clinical practice. The scores of TPB variables were generally higher than those of social norms variables. Ridge regression results indicated that the proposed model was explanatory, which has accounted for 73.5% of the total variance in physicians’ intentions. Analyses also illustrated the significant role of TPB variables (attitude and perceived behavioral control) and social norms variables (personal norms, organizational norms, and industrial norms) on physicians’ intentions to use CEUS. Conclusion The study extended the TPB by including the concepts of social norms, which is not only conducive to expanding the knowledge of factors associated with physicians’ intentions to use liver cancer screening, but also provides implications for developing strategies to promote the use of certain health services or products, such as playing the role of core members, holding panel meetings, and establishing information push systems.
Improved sustainability assessment of the G20’s supply chains of materials, fuels, and food

Transparency in global value chains of materials, fuels, and food is critical for the implementation of sustainability policies. Such policies should be led by the G20, who represent more than 80% of global material, fuel, and food consumption. Multi-regional input–output analysis plays an important role for consumption-based assessment, including supply chains and their environmental impacts. However, previous accounting schemes were unable to fully assess the impacts of materials, fuels, and food. To close this gap, we provide an improved method to map key aspects of sustainability along value chains of materials, fuels, and food. The results show that the rise in global coal-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions between 1995 and 2015 was driven by the G20’s metals and construction materials industry. In 2015, the G20 accounted for 96% of global coal-related GHG emissions, of which almost half was from the extraction and processing of metals and construction materials in China and India. Major drivers include China’s rising infrastructure and exports of metals embodied in machinery, transport, and electronics consumed by other G20 members. In 2015, the vast majority (70%–95%) of the GHG emissions of metals consumed by the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and other G20 members were emitted abroad, mostly in China. In contrast, hotspots in the impact displacement of water stress, land-use related biodiversity loss, and low-paid workforce involve the G20’s food imports from non-G20 members. Particularly high-income members have contributed to the G20’s rising environmental footprints by their increasing demand for materials, food, and fuels extracted and processed in lower-income regions with less strict environmental policies, higher water stress, and more biodiversity loss. Our results underline the G20’s importance of switching to renewable energy, substituting high-impact materials, improving supply chains, and using site-specific competitive advantages to reduce impacts on water and ecosystems.
Mesocarnivore distribution along gradients of anthropogenic disturbance in Mediterranean landscapes

Wildfires are important sources of landscape change in Mediterranean environments, creating large patches of natural habitats (i.e., scrublands) inside protected areas, whereas woodland patches remained at the border in the vicinity of human settlements. Landscape patterns resulting from these gradients influence habitat suitability for mesocarnivores regarding food and shelter. In winter and summer 2019, we sampled 16 independent line-transects of four camera traps each (for a total of 64 cameras), covering the main habitats of the study area (woodlands, scrublands, and crops). Cameras were baited to compensate for low detectability of target species, and mesocarnivore contacts were analyzed by means of GLMMs and occupancy models. We hypothesized that Mediterranean mesocarnivores were constrained by two opposing forces, pushing them living in semi-natural but highly fragmented and heterogeneous landscapes created by humans, or living in natural but less suitable and continuous habitats created by fire regimes. In the former case, mesocarnivores will find protection against predators and resting sites in forests, as well as improved food opportunities in crops and urban areas, despite the possible interference with humans and their pets. Potential cascading effects linked to ecological roles of Mediterranean mesocarnivores on the succession of Mediterranean landscapes would imply longer-term effects of human disturbance on landscape trends.
MicroPulse Transscleral Laser Therapy Demonstrates Similar Efficacy with a Superior and More Favorable Safety Profile Compared to Continuous-Wave Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare effectiveness and safety of MicroPulse transscleral laser therapy (MP-TLT) using the original MicroPulse P3® device and continuous-wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CW-TSCPC) using the G-Probe® device in glaucoma. Methods Spherical equivalent, intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and number of topical or oral ophthalmic pressure-reducing medications were registered at every time point, up to the last follow-up at 12 months. A complete slit-lamp examination was conducted to record the following complications: corneal edema, persistent ocular hypotony (IOP ≤5 mmHg) on two consecutive follow-up visits, choroidal detachment, phthisis bulbi, sympathetic ophthalmia, cystoid macular edema, or other abnormal ocular findings. Success was defined as IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg and >20% reduction in IOP with or without antiglaucoma medications. Results 47 eyes underwent MP-TLT and 150 CW-TSCPC. At 12 months, success was achieved in 88.6% in the CW-TSCPC group and 87.5% in the MP-TLT group (p = 0.883). In the CW-TSCPC group, eyes achieved a 42.4% IOP reduction (from 28.3 ± 12.3 mmHg to 15.3 ± 6.0 mmHg) and a 31.1% reduction (from 22.0 ± 7.2 mmHg to 15.7 ± 4.8 mmHg) in the MP-TLT group. Visual acuity remained primarily unaltered in both groups. Conclusion MP-TLT was as effective in lowering IOP as CW-TSCPC and achieved comparable success. Additionally, MP-TLT demonstrated consistent and effective outcomes at every time point. The improved safety profile of MP-TLT allows the therapeutic spectrum to be broadened, granting ophthalmologists' treatment of glaucoma in earlier stages of glaucoma than those typically treated with CW-TSCPC, i.e., early to moderate and to patients with good central-vision.
Plasma Bead Entrapped Liposomes as a Potential Drug Delivery System to Combat Fungal Infections

Fibrin-based systems offer promises in drug and gene delivery as well as tissue engineering. We established earlier a fibrin-based plasma beads (PB) system as an efficient carrier of drugs and antigens. In the present work, attempts were made to further improve its therapeutic efficacy exploiting innovative ideas, including the use of plasma alginate composite matrices, proteolytic inhibitors, cross linkers, and dual entrapment in various liposomal formulations. In vitro efficacy of the different formulations was examined. Pharmacokinetics of the formulations encapsulating Amphotericin B (AmpB), an antifungal compound, were investigated in Swiss albino mice. While administration of the free AmpB led to its rapid elimination (<72 h), PB/liposome-PB systems were significantly effective in sustaining AmpB release in the circulation (>144 h) and its gradual accumulation in the vital organs, also compared to the liposomal formulations alone. Interestingly, the slow release of AmpB from PB was unusual compared to other small molecules in our earlier findings, suggesting strong interaction with plasma proteins. Molecular interaction studies of bovine serum albumin constituting approximately 60% of plasma with AmpB using isothermal titration calorimetry and in silico docking verify these interactions, explaining the slow release of AmpB entrapped in PB alone. The above findings suggest that PB/liposome-PB could be used as safe and effective delivery systems to combat fungal infections in humans.
External Auditory Stimulation as a Non-Pharmacological Sleep Aid

The increased demand for well-being has fueled interest in sleep. Research in technology for monitoring sleep ranges from sleep efficiency and sleep stage analysis to sleep disorder detection, centering on wearable devices such as fitness bands, and some techniques have been commercialized and are available to consumers. Recently, as interest in digital therapeutics has increased, the field of sleep engineering demands a technology that helps people obtain quality sleep that goes beyond the level of monitoring. In particular, interest in sleep aids for people with or without insomnia but who cannot fall asleep easily at night is increasing. In this review, we discuss experiments that have tested the sleep-inducing effects of various auditory stimuli currently used for sleep-inducing purposes. The auditory stimulations were divided into (1) colored noises such as white noise and pink noise, (2) autonomous sensory meridian response sounds such as natural sounds such as rain and firewood burning, sounds of whispers, or rubbing various objects with a brush, and (3) classical music or a preferred type of music. For now, the current clinical method of receiving drugs or cognitive behavioral therapy to induce sleep is expected to dominate. However, it is anticipated that devices or applications with proven ability to induce sleep clinically will begin to appear outside the hospital environment in everyday life.
Research on germinated wheat grain, broccoli, alfalfa, radish and hemp seeds microbiological safety

For a long time, germinated seeds have been used in food as a healthy product with high nutritional value and as a decor for exquisite dishes today. However, there have been many foodborne outbreaks in Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world associated with pathogens contamination of sprouts. These outbreaks pose a constant challenge to the entire sprouts industry. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Salmonella spp. , and potentially pathogenic bacteria in germinated grains and seeds intended for industrial food production and ready for use without further processing. In this study, grains of wheat (Triticum aestivum), seeds of broccoli (Brassica oleracea), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), radish (Raphanus sativus) and hemp (Cannabis sativa) were germinated for 72 hours and were evaluated compared with ungerminated grains and seeds. The presence of E.coli was assessed by the inoculation of enrichment broth to Tryptone Bile X-glucuronide (TBX) and Eosin methylene blue (EMB) agars, and colony characterization with MALDI-TOF. E.coli was carried out in accordance with LVS ISO 16649-2:2007. The presence of STEC was determined in accordance with ISO/TS 13136:2012. Salmonella spp. detection was in accordance with ISO 6579-1:2017. As a result, E.coli, Salmonella spp. , and STEC were not found in any sample. However, environmental bacteria were detected in TBX dry seeds and 12 h – soaked seeds. The presence of Enterobacteriaceae was found in all samples by colony characterization on EMB by MALDI-TOF. The results show that the sprouts and edible seeds available in Latvia could be included as healthy and relatively safe food.
Medical Representatives’ User Acceptance of Remote e-Detailing Technology: A Moderated Mediation Analysis of Technology Acceptance Model

Objectives E-detailing methods have steadily evolved toward more contactless and interactive channels, which have received considerable attention during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. Based on the technology acceptance model, this study attempted to identify medical representatives’ perceptions and attitudes towards individual innovativeness that affected users’ intentions to adopt new e-detailing devices utilizing information and communication technology. Methods The subjects of the current study were medical representatives at three major multinational or domestic pharmaceutical companies that operate in South Korea. In total, 300 questionnaires were distributed and 221 were returned. The survey elicited information on respondents’ perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU), personal innovativeness (PI), and user acceptance (UA) of remote e-detailing technology, in addition to demographic information and occupational characteristics. Structural equation models were fitted to the data. Separate analyses were conducted for different platform types, PCs and mobile devices. Results PEOU showed a statistically significant positive association with PU. PEOU, PU, and PI were associated with UA, and PI was a statistically significant moderator. On average, PEOU explained up to approximately 45% of the total variation in UA of remote e-detailing. Conclusions The analysis supports the framework of the technology acceptance model. PEOU was a substantially strong direct predictor of UA, and PI had a statistically significant, positive moderating effect between PU and UA. Medical representatives with pro-innovative attitudes are more likely to play the role of early adopters of remote e-detailing if they find this technology to be more useful.
Metadata Application Profiles in U. S. Academic Libraries: A Document Analysis

Abstract This paper describes a document analysis of 24 metadata application profiles (MAPs) used by academic libraries in the United States. The MAPs under study were collected from (a) the DLF AIG Metadata Application Profile Clearinghouse and (b) a Google search of . edu domains. Data collection and analysis took place between December 2020 and February 2021. While most of the MAPs under review provided metadata guidelines for digital collections, a small number were intended for institutional repositories or research data management. The study’s findings reveal MAP features and content, usage of controlled vocabularies and standards, and other characteristics pertaining to MAP document scope, contents and format in this context. In addition to its discussion of the literature, the paper’s findings should help metadata specialists and others involved in digital collection management gain insights useful in the development or revision of their own metadata documentation. Further, these findings offer a current glimpse of metadata application practices among U.S. academic libraries generally.
Forensic patients’ experiences of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists (SCRAs) within custodial settings

ABSTRACT There has been an enormous growth in New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), sometimes erroneously referred to as ‘legal highs’, over the past 15 years. There are currently at least 800 such compounds, and we lack adequate data on all their effects and harms. Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs), often referred to by the generic name ‘spice’, are particularly notable in this regard. There has been a lack of research on forensic patients’ experiences of SCRAs, their consumption, and any adverse impact they might have. This work qualitatively explored the experience of NPS and SCRA use in 19 male patients recruited from three secure forensic services in the South of England. The majority of participants discussed experiences of using SCRAs whilst in prison as opposed to their current forensic hospital admission. Three key themes emerged which describe participants experiences of SCRA use: (i) perpetuating cycle of drug use, mental ill-health, and crime; (ii) environmental injustices and consequences; and (iii) shame and stigma associated with SCRA use. The findings provide insights into the challenges faced by forensic patients as a result of SCRA use, as well as notable opportunities. A common call was for greater psychoeducation on drug harms and treatment opportunities.
The relationship between level of education and household income in the justification of political violence in the EU. the moderating effect of poverty at the country level

ABSTRACT Several studies show that political violence justification (PVJ) is associated with unfavourable social and economic characteristics such as poor education, low income, and poverty at the national level. However, the mechanisms by which these factors interact remain unclear. This study aims to find out whether poverty at the country level (contextual poverty) moderates the relationship between individuals’ educational level and household income, and PVJ in the European Union (EU). We perform an analysis using a dataset of 15.347 individuals from twelve EU countries who participated in the European Values Survey, 2017. Logistic regressions models with interaction terms were used to analyze factors related to PVJ. Our findings are twofold. First, we find no evidence of educational level and PVJ's relationship in countries with medium levels of contextual poverty. In contrast, in countries with low levels of contextual poverty, individuals with medium educational level were associated with higher PVJ. Second, individuals living in countries with lower levels of contextual poverty and higher household income were associated with higher PVJ. We conclude that more individuals tend to justify political violence in countries with lower contextual poverty levels—individuals with medium educational level and higher household income. To our knowledge, this is the first study to find evidence that education and socioeconomic status may amplify PVJ in the EU.