Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Offline analysis of the chemical composition and hygroscopicity of sub-micrometer aerosol at an Asian outflow receptor site and comparison with online measurements

Abstract. Filter-based offline analysis of atmospheric aerosol hygroscopicity coupled to composition analysis provides information complementary to that obtained from online analysis. However, its application itself and comparison to online analysis have remained limited to date. In this study, daily submicrometer aerosol particles (PM0.95, 50 % cutoff diameter: 0.95 μm) were collected onto quartz fiber filters in Okinawa Island, a receptor of East Asian outflow, in the autumn of 2015. The chemical composition of water-soluble matter (WSM) in PM0.95 and PM0.95 itself, and their respective hygroscopicities were characterized through the offline use of an aerosol mass spectrometer and a hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer. Thereafter, results were compared with those obtained from online analyses. Sulfate dominated the WSM mass (60 %), followed by water-soluble organic matter (WSOM, 20 %) and ammonium (13 %). WSOM accounted for most (93 %) of the mass of extracted organic matter (EOM) and the atomic O to C ratios (O : C) of WSOM and EOM were high (mean ± standard deviation were, respectively, 0.84 ± 0.08 and 0.79 ± 0.08), both of which indicate highly aged characteristics of the observed aerosol. The hygroscopic growth curves showed clear hysteresis for most samples. At 85 % RH, the calculated hygroscopicity parameter κ of the WSM (κWSM), WSOM, EOM, and PM0.95 (κPM0.95) were, respectively, 0.50 ± 0.03, 0.22 ± 0.12, 0.20 ± 0.11, and 0.47 ± 0.03. An analysis using the thermodynamic E-AIM model shows, on average, that inorganic salts and WSOM respectively contributed 88 % and 12 % of the κWSM (or κPM0.95). High similarities were found between offline and online analysis for chemical compositions that are related to particle hygroscopicity (the mass fractions and O : C of organics, and the degree of neutralization), and also for aerosol hygroscopicity. As possible factors governing the variation of κWSM, the influences of WSOM abundance and the neutralization of inorganic salts were assessed. At high RH (70–90 %), the hygroscopicity of WSM and PM0.95 was affected considerably by the presence of organic components; at low RH (20–50 %), the degree of neutralization could be important. This study not only characterized aerosol hygroscopicity at the receptor site of East Asian outflow, but also shows that the offline hygroscopicity analysis is an appropriate method, at least for aerosols of the studied type. The results encourage further applications to other environments and to more in-depth hygroscopicity analysis, in particular for organic fractions.
Dimensions of compulsive internet use as a function of attachment style

ABSTRACT Despite offering the potential for increased connection, intimacy, and positive outcomes, online social interaction also holds the potential to become problematic and create negative outcomes. The present study sought to address the question of the role of attachment style in affecting online behavior, as well as to better understand the way in which specific dimensions of online interaction may correspond to specific attachment styles. The study explored attachment style, particularly anxious and avoidant attachment, in predicting problematic internet use, online intimate self-disclosure, and positive and negative attitudes toward technology in a sample of young adults aged 18–25. A quantitative approach employing correlations, regressions, and ANOVAs was used. It was found that both anxious and avoidant attachments were positively related to and both predicted problematic internet use. Although neither anxious or avoidant attachment style predicted online intimate disclosure, preoccupied individuals were found to disclose significantly more online than fearful individuals. Both anxiety and avoidance positively related to negative attitudes toward technology, with avoidant attachment style significantly predicting it, while only anxious attachment predicted positive attitudes toward technology.
Diaspora engagement policies and transnational financialisation in Colombia

Although the debate on the migration–remittances–development nexus in Latin America has advanced considerably in recent years, the literature has yet to analyse the socio-political implications of the process of Financialisation of Remittances (FOR) in the region. This paper sheds light on the relationship between the FOR and diaspora engagement policies in Colombia, thus contributing to a growing body of critical analyses on diasporas as agents of development and processes of financialisation beyond the global north. Since the turn of this century, Colombian governments have invested in consolidating part of the state apparatus to capture and maintain the diaspora and their resources connected to the motherland. The paper uses a case study approach centred on a systematic examination of the political–institutional apparatus developed to engage the diaspora and financialise remittances in Colombia over the past 20 years, incorporating a temporal and historical perspective of the triad migration–development–financialisation trends at the national level. It argues that the FOR is a centrepiece of the state's broader strategy for the symbolic and material redefinition of (transnational) membership, in which both, embracing – by extending social and political rights – and tapping – into migrant households’ connections to global circuits of capital and finance – elements co-exist This case is illustrative of how a growing number of states are adopting models of diaspora engagement that, on the one hand, feed into the dominant financialised model of development; and on the other, serve as an instrumental strategy in the emerging architecture of the global governance of migration.
Evaluation of ILEX SelfCerv for Detection of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection in Gynecology Clinic Attendees at a Tertiary Hospital in South Africa

Background: The SelfCerv Self-Collection Cervical Health Screening Kit (Ilex Medical Ltd., Johannesburg, South Africa) is an applicator tampon designed for self-collection of vaginal samples for the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and E6/E7 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). The study aimed to evaluate the performance of the SelfCerv applicator tampon for the detection of hr-HPV for cervical cancer screening, and further to investigate women’s experiences and preferences regarding self-sampling. Methods: Vaginal samples were collected from 527 gynecology clinic attendees aged ≥18 years at a tertiary hospital in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Self-samples were collected using the SelfCerv kit, followed by endocervical samples collected by a healthcare professional using Cervex-Brush® Combi. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on self-sampling experiences and preferences. Both samples were tested for 14 high-risk (hr) HPV types and E6/E7 mRNA using the Abbott RealTime HR-HPV and Aptima HR-HPV mRNA assays, respectively. Results: The overall agreement for hr-HPV typing between 527 paired samples was good (87.1%; κ =0.74) with high sensitivity (86.2%) and specificity (88.0%). HPV-16 (96.4%; κ = 0.83) had higher agreement rate than HPV-18 (96.8%; κ = 0.72) and the other 12 hr-HPVs (86.5%; κ = 0.72). Two hundred and eighty-five (285) sample pairs tested for E6/E7 mRNA showed fair agreement (70.2%; κ= 0.34). Furthermore, self-sampling was reported as comfortable (90.5%) and painless (86.7%), with 88.4% of women preferring self-collection. Conclusions: Self-collected samples had good agreement with the healthcare professional-collected samples for the detection of hr-HPV DNA and the procedure was highly preferred by women. Self-sampling using SelfCerv can be used as an alternative to healthcare professional sampling in clinic-based routine cervical cancer screening.
Mechanical Properties of Human Concentrated Growth Factor (CGF) Membrane and the CGF Graft with Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2) onto Periosteum of the Skull of Nude Mice

Concentrated growth factor (CGF) is 100% blood-derived, cross-linked fibrin glue with platelets and growth factors. Human CGF clot is transformed into membrane by a compression device, which has been widely used clinically. However, the mechanical properties of the CGF membranes have not been well characterized. The aims of this study were to measure the tensile strength of human CGF membrane and observe its behavior as a scaffold of BMP-2 in ectopic site over the skull. The tensile test of the full length was performed at the speed of 2mm/min. The CGF membrane (5 × 5 × 2 mm3) or the CGF/BMP-2 (1.0 μg) membrane was grafted onto the skull periosteum of nude mice (5-week-old, male), and harvested at 14 days after the graft. The appearance and size of the CGF membranes were almost same for 7 days by soaking at 4 °C in saline. The average values of the tensile strength at 0 day and 7 days were 0.24 MPa and 0.26 MPa, respectively. No significant differences of both the tensile strength and the elastic modulus were found among 0, 1, 3, and 7 days. Supra-periosteal bone induction was found at 14 days in the CGF/BMP-2, while the CGF alone did not induce bone. These results demonstrated that human CGF membrane could become a short-term, sticky fibrin scaffold for BMP-2, and might be preserved as auto-membranes for wound protection after the surgery.
Contribution of cytoplasm viscoelastic properties to mitotic spindle positioning

Significance The regulation of mitotic spindle positioning is a key process for tissue architecture, embryo development, and stem cells. To date, most models have assumed that spindles are positioned by forces exerted by polar cytoskeleton networks, like microtubule asters or actomyosin bundles. Here, using in situ magnetic tweezers to apply calibrated forces and torques to mitotic spindles in live dividing sea urchin cells, we found that the viscoelastic properties of the cytoplasm medium in which spindles are embedded can hold spindles in place and move them back if their original position is perturbed. These viscoelastic forces are large and may significantly participate in the force balance that position and orient mitotic spindles in many cell types. Cells are filled with macromolecules and polymer networks that set scale-dependent viscous and elastic properties to the cytoplasm. Although the role of these parameters in molecular diffusion, reaction kinetics, and cellular biochemistry is being increasingly recognized, their contributions to the motion and positioning of larger organelles, such as mitotic spindles for cell division, remain unknown. Here, using magnetic tweezers to displace and rotate mitotic spindles in living embryos, we uncovered that the cytoplasm can impart viscoelastic reactive forces that move spindles, or passive objects with similar size, back to their original positions. These forces are independent of cytoskeletal force generators yet reach hundreds of piconewtons and scale with cytoplasm crowding. Spindle motion shears and fluidizes the cytoplasm, dissipating elastic energy and limiting spindle recoils with functional implications for asymmetric and oriented divisions. These findings suggest that bulk cytoplasm material properties may constitute important control elements for the regulation of division positioning and cellular organization.
Rac GTPase Signaling in Immune-Mediated Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis

Coronary artery disease caused by atherosclerosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Data from preclinical and clinical studies support the belief that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease that is mediated by innate and adaptive immune signaling mechanisms. This review sought to highlight the role of Rac-mediated inflammatory signaling in the mechanisms driving atherosclerotic calcification. In addition, current clinical treatment strategies that are related to targeting hypercholesterolemia as a critical risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease are addressed in relation to the effects on Rac immune signaling and the implications for the future of targeting immune responses in the treatment of calcific atherosclerosis.
Females Are More Rational! How Consumer Expertise Moderates Attitude toward Advertisements

Abstract This research aims to know the impact of advertisement appeals in the service and product sector and gender. This study fulfilled the gap by comparing these appeals (emotional vs rational) to develop an attitude toward ads that generate Word of mouth and the influence of information quality and visuals and moderation of consumer expertise. This research comprises experimental design by collecting data from five universities in Pakistan by displaying the social media poster advertisements to the participants. The present study postulates that rational appeals are more capable, while females are more rational and create more Word of mouth. Female ads must have rational content, and advertisers should consider it. While researchers must need to consider information quality and consumer expertise as core constructs in the advertising literature.
REPELLENT ACTIVITY OF DEVERRA TRIRADIATA (APIACEAE) EXTRACTS AGAINST ANOPHELES SERGENTII THEOBALD, CULEX PIPIENS LISTON AND CULEX ANTENNATUS BECKER MOSQUITOES

The present study evaluated the repellent activity of hexane, chloroform, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts from Deverra triradiata aerial parts against three mosquito species (Anopheles sergentii, Culex pipiens and Culex antennatus). At 3.33, 1.67, 0.83 & 0.42 mg/cm 2 , all tested extracts showed a variable degree of repellency against tested mosquito species depending on solvent used in extraction. The highest repellent activity attained by hexane extract, with RD50 equal to 0.704, 1.122 & 0.92 mg/cm 2 against An. sergentii, Cx. pipiens and Cx. antennatus starved females, followed by ethyl acetate (0.904, 1.323 & 0.9 mg/cm 2 ), chloroform (1.101, 1.367 & 1.157 mg/cm 2 ) and methanol (1.183, 1.578 & 1.323 mg/cm 2 ) extracts. Also, RD90 of hexane, chloroform, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts recorded 2.567, 2.92, 3.067 and 2.88 mg/cm 2 against An. sergentii, 3.027, 3.317, 3.593 & 3.547mg/cm 2 against Cx. pipiens, 2.703, 3.09, 3.267 & 2.81mg/cm 2 against Cx. antennatus starved females, respectively. In addition, complete repellency time was varied according to solvent used in extraction. D. triradiata tested extracts showed a strong biting deterrency against tested mosquito species, where the highest complete repellency time (187.7min) a achieved by methanol extract against An. sergentii starved females at 3.33 mg/cm 2 and the lowest complete repellency time (57.7min) recorded by hexane extract against Cx. pipiens bites at 0.42 mg/cm 2 , respectively. Keys words: Anopheles sergentii, Culex pipiens, Cx. antennatus, repellency, Deverra triradiata.
Analysis of Remineralization Potential of Three Different Remineralizing Pastes on Demineralized Enamel: A Comparative Study.

AIM Aim of this research was to evaluate the remineralizing potential of three different remineralizing pastes on enamel that has been demineralized. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty healthy mandibular single-rooted human premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons from subjects between 18 and 25 years of age were included in this research. An area of 4 mm × 4 mm (window) was marked on the buccal surfaces of teeth samples, coated with nail varnish except for the window, which was scrutinized for changes in the values subsequent to demineralization as well as remineralization. Samples were kept in demineralizing solution for 96 hours to produce the artificial lesion in the enamel. Consequent to this process of demineralization, the 60 premolar teeth were randomly allocated to the following three groups (20 in each group) depending on the remineralizing paste used for application as group I: bioactive glass constituting remineralizing paste; group II: tricalcium phosphate (TCP) comprising remineralizing paste; and group III: calcium sucrose phosphate (CaSP) remineralizing paste. Following the pH-cycling process, the confocal laser scanning microscope was used to assess the area of demineralization and remineralization. RESULTS The mean areas of demineralization were slightly more (133.24 ± 0.09) in the remineralization paste comprising bioactive glass seconded by the remineralization paste having CaSP (131.39 ± 0.18), and lastly the remineralizing paste constituting TCP (129.59 ± 0.14). Maximum areas of remineralization were found in the pastes that had CaSP group (96.14 ± 0.04), next by the paste having bioactive glass group (102.18 ± 0.17), and then the remineralization paste constituting TCP (118.37 ± 0.21). The difference was statistically significant among the three remineralization pastes used. CONCLUSION Amid the confines of this in vitro research, a conclusion that the remineralization pastes comprising CaSP exhibited enhanced remineralization capacity in comparison to the group having bioactive glass and TCP was established. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Caries is a highly prevalent multifactorial disease, but its progression can be prevented in the initial stage of demineralization through remineralization. Significantly increasing attention to the treatment of carious lesions that are not cavitated by employing noninvasive remineralization methods to achieve restoration of enamel has been rendered in the field of research.
Improved GNSS-R Altimetry Methods: Theory and Experimental Demonstration Using Airborne Dual Frequency Data from the Microwave Interferometric Reflectometer (MIR)

Altimetric performance of Global Navigation Satellite System - Reflectometry (GNSS-R) instruments depends on receiver’s bandwidth and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The altimetric delay is usually computed from the time difference between the peak of the direct signal waveform and the maximum of the derivative of the reflected signal waveform. Dual-frequency data gathered by the airborne Microwave Interferometric Reflectometer (MIR) in the Bass Strait, between Australia and Tasmania, suggest that this approach is only valid for flat surfaces and large bandwidth receivers. This work analyses different methods to compute the altimetric observables using GNSS-R. A proposed novel method, the Peak-to-Minimum of the 3rd Derivative (P-Min3D) for narrow-band codes (e.g., L1 C/A), and the Peak-to-Half Power (P-HP) for large bandwidth codes (e.g., L5 or E5a codes) show improved performance when using real data. Both methods are also compared to the Peak-to-Peak (P-P) and Peak-to-Maximum of the 1st Derivative (P-Max1D) methods. The key difference between these methods is the determination of the delay position in the reflected signal waveform in order to compute the altimetric observable. Airborne experimental results comparing the different methods, bands and GNSS-R processing techniques show that centimeter level accuracy can be achieved.
Cardiothoracic CTA in Infants Referred for Aortic Arch Evaluation—Retrospective Comparison of Iomeprol 350, Ioversol 350, Iopromide 370 and Iodixanol 320

Background: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) in infants is considered one of the most challenging radiological examinations due to difficulties in balancing start delay, contrast agent (CA) volume and flow in order to achieve optimal opacification of the large vessels. This study aimed to compare the contrast enhancement achieved by four CAs when taking into consideration CA injection parameters and patient characteristics. Methods: We performed a retrospective assessment of forty-eight consecutive cardiothoracic CTAs performed for aortic arch evaluation on children aged 0–1 year. All examinations were performed using the same 64-slice scanner and power injector using the bolus tracking technique. Axial 0.6 mm slices were used to measure large vessel enhancement using regions of interest at the level of the main pulmonary artery, ascending and descending aorta. The recorded variables included anthropometric measurements, CA type, flow rate, volume, and the average Hounsfield unit (HU) values of the blood pool. Descriptive statistics are presented as averages and standard deviations (SD) for normal distributed data or otherwise as medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs). Results: We found no statistically significant differences between age and anthropometric parameters when looking at different CAs. The median CA volume was 7 (IQR, 7–9) mL with the average flow rate of 0.94 (SD, 0.23) mL/s. Ascending aorta average HU values were 605.9 (SD, 177.23) for Iomeprol 350, 626 (SD, 183.83) for Ioversol 350, 530.83 (SD, 175.56) for Iopromide 370 and 354.91 (SD, 115.81) for Iodixanol 320. The difference in HU value for Iodixanol 320 compared to the other CAs was statistically significant. Similar differences were found for the other vascular structures. Conclusion: In CTA of infants suspected of aortic arch hypoplasia/coarctation, Iodixanol 320 provided up to 40% less enhancement of the great vessels when compared to Iomeprol 350, Ioversol 350 and Iopromide 370.
Zn2+-Doped TiO2:WO3 Films Prepared by Electrospinning and Sintering: Microstructural Characterization and Electrical Signature to Moisture Sensing

In this work, Zn2+-doped TiO2:WO3 nanostructured films, with different doping levels, were produced by electrospinning followed by sintering, and tested as potential materials for relative humidity (RH) detection. The materials microstructure was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrical characterization was performed by electrical impedance spectroscopy in the range of 400 HZ–40 MHZ, at 20 °C. The sensors’ sensitivity to moisture was evaluated from the impedance variations in response to changes in RH (10–100%). The analyses confirmed the interaction of water molecules with the oxides surface, and showed that zinc atoms were incorporated into the titanium vacancies in the crystal lattice. All the studied sensors showed a p- to n-type conduction transition taking place at around 40% RH. The nanocomposite with 2 wt% of dopant presented the best sensitivity to moisture, with an impedance variation of about 1 order of magnitude. The results are discussed in relation to the microstructure and fabrication route.
A Pilot Study Evaluating the Effects of Early Intervention for Italian Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a high-cost/high-burden problem. Early intervention may prevent development of the disorder, improving child outcomes and reducing long-term consequences. However, few studies have investigated the role of early intervention in children younger than two years. This study aims to examine the effect of early intervention in 18-month-old high-risk siblings of children with ASD (HR-ASD) with clinical signs of autism. The intervention is based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and focuses on the development of early precursors to social and communicative competence (joint attention and imitation behaviors). After controlling for baseline differences, two comparison HR-ASD groups were included: 15 HR-ASD toddlers receiving behavioral intervention for 3 h per week for 5 months (INT+) and 15 HR-ASD toddlers who were only clinically monitored from age 18 months (INT−). Changes in social communication, restricted/repetitive behaviors, and language were assessed using standardized measures at pre- (T0) and post-intervention (T1). From T0 to T1, the INT+ group showed significant improvements in communication, social interaction, and language compared to INT− group. There was no effect on restricted/repetitive behaviors. Our findings highlighted the importance of early detection/intervention in autism and supported a positive impact of targeted interventions to improve outcomes in at-risk children.