Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pushing Past Limits: How Efficacious Is High-Effort Coping for Self-Rated Health among African American and Caribbean Black Women?

Due to systemic oppression, Black women experience distinct risks across the life course, such as exposure to various stressors that shape lower ratings of self-rated health. This is important given that self-rated health is a stronger indicator of current morbidity and subsequent mortality than physician assessments. However, there has been limited consideration of the role of coping in shaping self-rated health among this group. John Henryism, or high-effort coping, is a culturally relevant coping style that reflects the broader societal, cultural, and historical context that shapes lived experiences of Black populations navigating racism and capitalism in the U.S., and has received limited consideration in health research among Black women. Additionally, less is known regarding how ethnicity shapes John Henryism and health processes among Black women specifically. Therefore, the present study examined the association between John Henryism and self-rated health among African American and Caribbean Black women (n = 1580) collectively, and explored this association among Caribbean Black women specifically, utilizing the National Survey of American Life (NSAL 2001–2003). Findings show that while John Henryism was not directly associated with self-rated health among either group, once sociodemographic characteristics and stress exposure were accounted for, John Henryism was associated with lower odds of fair or poor self-rated health among both groups.
A note on a boundary sine-Gordon model at the free-Fermion point

We investigate the free-Fermion point of a boundary sine-Gordon model with nondiagonal boundary interactions for the ground state using auxiliary functions obtained from T − Q equations of a corresponding inhomogeneous open spin-12 XXZ chain with nondiagonal boundary terms. In particular, we obtain the Casimir energy. Our result for the Casimir energy is shown to agree with the result from the TBA approach. The analytical result for the effective central charge in the ultraviolet (UV) limit is also verified from the plots of effective central charge for intermediate values of volume.
Aptamer-Functionalized Nanoparticles Mediate PD-L1 siRNA Delivery for Effective Gene Silencing in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapies require effective delivery vehicles capable of carrying the siRNA cargo into target cells. To achieve tumor-targeting, a drug delivery system would have to incorporate ligands that specifically bind to receptors expressed on cancer cells to function as portals via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Cell-targeting and internalizing aptamers are the most suitable ligands for functionalization of drug-loaded nanocarriers. Here, we designed a novel aptamer-based platform for the active delivery of siRNA targeting programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. The generated nanovectors consist of PLGA-based polymeric nanoparticles, which were loaded with PD-L1 siRNA and conjugated on their surface with a new RNA aptamer, specific for TNBC and resistant to nucleases. In vitro results demonstrated that these aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles promote siRNA uptake specifically into TNBC MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 target cells, along with its endosomal release, without recognizing non-TNBC BT-474 breast cancer cells. Their efficiency resulted in an almost complete suppression of PD-L1 expression as early as 90 min of cell treatment. This research provides a rational strategy for optimizing siRNA delivery systems for TNBC treatments.
Influence of Loads and Loading Position on the Muscle Activity of the Trunk and Lower Extremity during Squat Exercise

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the load and bar position on trunk and lower extremity muscle activity during squat exercise. High bar back squats (HBBS) and low bar back squats (LBBS) were performed in random order at 50%, 60%, and 70% loads of one repetition maximum by 28 experienced healthy adult men who had been performing squats for at least one year. Before the experiment, the maximal voluntary contraction of the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, external oblique, and erector spinae muscles was measured by means of surface electromyography. In addition, eccentric and concentric exercises were performed for 3 s each to measure the muscle activity. There was a significant difference in muscle activity according to the load for all muscles in the eccentric and concentric phases (p < 0.05), indicating that muscle activity increased as the load increased. In addition, in the comparison between HBBS and LBBS, significant differences were shown in all lower extremity muscles and all trunk muscles except for the external oblique in the concentric phase according to the bar position (p < 0.05). HBBS showed a higher muscle activity of the lower extremity in the eccentric and concentric phases than in LBBS, while LBBS showed a higher muscle activity of the trunk muscle in the eccentric and concentric phases than in HBBS (p < 0.05). HBBS requires more force in the lower extremity than LBBS and is particularly advantageous in strengthening the muscular strength of the quadriceps. In contrast, LBBS requires more muscle activity in the trunk than HBBS and is more effective in carrying heavier loads because of the advantage of body stability. This study suggests that rehabilitation experts apply the bar position and load as important variables affecting the intensity and method of training for target muscle strengthening of the lower extremities and trunk.
Contribution of coffee plants to carbon sequestration in agroforestry systems of Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract Coffee forests are the most valuable land-use systems that provide multiple benefits such as biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration and source of income. This study aimed to estimate the carbon stock of coffee agroforestry systems and the contribution of coffee plants (Coffea arabica L.) to carbon sequestration in the entire coffee agroforestry systems in southwestern Ethiopia. The carbon stock in trees was estimated by field-based measurements and allometric equations, whereas the carbon stocks in litter and soil were determined using field sampling and laboratory analysis. The carbon stocks of the coffee agroforestry systems in the study site ranged from 254.9 t C/ha in the Syzygium-shaded coffee forest to 321.8 t C/ha in the Albizia-shaded coffee forest. The overall mean carbon sequestration in the present coffee agroforestry systems was 287.1 t C/ha. The net carbon sequestered by coffee plants in the agroforestry systems ranged from 18.8 t C/ha in the Syzygium-shaded coffee stratum to 48.5 t C/ha in the Albizia-shaded coffee stratum. This demonstrates that Albizia is the most compatible shade tree for coffee plants. On average, coffee plants contributed 37.5 t C/ha, accounting for approximately 12.8% of the total carbon sequestered in the coffee agroforestry systems. Hence, we recommend coffee forests for all-in-one benefits such as climate change mitigation, sustainable landscape management and income generation.
Contrasting Exceptions and Continuations

Exceptions and first-class continuations are the most powerful forms of control in programming languages. While both are a form of non-local jumping, there is a fundamental difference between them. We formalize this difference by proving a contextual equivalence that holds in the presence of exceptions, but not continuations; and conversely, we prove an equivalence that holds in the presence of continuations, but not exceptions. By the same technique, we show that exceptions and continuations together do not give rise to state, and that exceptions and state do not give rise to continuations.
Prevalence and determinants of folic acid uptake among women of childbearing age in the Ho municipality of the volta region of Ghana

ABSTRACT Folic acid is an essential vitamin that is found in certain green lush vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and cabbage. An estimated 300,000 children are born with NTDs globally each year resulting in the death of approximately 88,000. Studies shows, preconceptional folic acid supplementation reduces the incidence of NTDs by more than 70%, however, adherence to supplementation remains low. This research explores the prevalence and determinants of Folic acid uptake among women of childbearing age in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region, Ghana. This is a cross-sectional study where a multi-stage probability sampling technique was used in selecting 317 study participants. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression models were use to evaluate the effect of selected indicators on the uptake level of respondents on FA. A prevalence of 27.18% was determined. Ethnicity, occupation and availability of NHIS were associated with FA supplementation. Public health education strategies should be used to encourage FA use, increase awareness and knowledge on FA supplementation and pregnancy counseling to reduce the incidence of NTDs.
Moderated Effects of Partner Interdependence on Relational Turbulence

According to relational turbulence theory, interdependent partners exert influence in their romantic relationships through the interference and facilitation of daily routines. Programmatic scholarship consistently reveals that interference is associated positively, whereas facilitation is associated negatively, with relational turbulence in romantic relationships. However, as behavioral manifestations of interdependence that may co-occur, there is a possibility that enough facilitation from a partner might offset the effect of interference on relational turbulence. This study of romantic partners (N = 475) revealed moderated interdependence insofar as the effect of partner interference on relational turbulence was buffered by partner facilitation. This moderated effect further informed a theoretical model predicting the perceived likelihood of marriage. Thus, in relationships where daily routines are disrupted often, balancing facilitation with interference may mitigate chaotic relational states.
Knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease among the healthcare staff in a medical college hospital of India

Background: With increasing numbers of people crossing the age threshold of 65 years, there is a strong likelihood that the cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases will increase manifold in the upcoming decades. It is essential for the healthcare professionals to have a reasonable background knowledge about this neurodegenerative condition. This study was done to assess the level of knowledge of AD among the healthcare staff appointed at a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey study was done in a tertiary care hospital with healthcare workers. The knowledge level of AD was investigated using Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) while a self-assessment scale was used by the participants to rate their own knowledge about the disease. The extent of background knowledge was then statistically evaluated on the basis of multiple subject-oriented factors. The impact of any prior dementia-specific training was also assessed. Data were analyzed by using SPSS-23 where P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of a total of 124 participants recruited during the study period, the average score on the ADKS scale was 19.2 ± 3.1. Self-rated Alzheimer's scale depicted a mean value of 4.89 ± 1.7. The participants having a positive family history and personal/professional caring experience for AD did not obtain any remarkably better score. The doctors were more likely to score better than nurses and other healthcare staff (p < 0.001). Moreover, dementia-related training had a significantly better outcome in terms of promoting the knowledge base of AD (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There is a below-par knowledge of Alzheimer's dementia among the healthcare staff of the hospital. The staff of the hospital realizes this shortcoming, and there is a need for dementia-specific training to overcome this knowledge gap.
Application of FTIR Spectroscopy to Detect Changes in Skeletal Muscle Composition Due to Obesity with Insulin Resistance and STZ-Induced Diabetes

Age, obesity, and diabetes mellitus are pathophysiologically interconnected factors that significantly contribute to the global burden of non-communicable diseases. These metabolic conditions are associated with impaired insulin function, which disrupts the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins and can lead to structural and functional changes in skeletal muscle. Therefore, the alterations in the macromolecular composition of skeletal muscle may provide an indication of the underlying mechanisms of insulin-related disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to reveal the changes in macromolecular composition in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing muscles of old, obese, insulin-resistant, and young streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The efficiency of FTIR spectroscopy was evaluated by comparison with the results of gold-standard histochemical techniques. The differences in biomolecular phenotypes and the alterations in muscle composition in relation to their functional properties observed from FTIR spectra suggest that FTIR spectroscopy can detect most of the changes observed in muscle tissue by histochemical analyses and more. Therefore, it could be used as an effective alternative because it allows for the complete characterization of macromolecular composition in a single, relatively simple experiment, avoiding some obvious drawbacks of histochemical methods.
Aggression As a Predictor of General Well-Being Among Public Health Workers

Social atrocities and discrimination make sanitary workers vulnerable to aggression which in turn disrupts their well-being. The issues concerning the psychological health of sanitary workers have been addressed less by researchers. The present study aimed to assess the level of aggression and general well-being among sanitary workers. An aggression questionnaire, consisting of four dimensions, namely physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility was used. The PGI general well-being measure and personal profile sheet consisting of socio-demographic details was given to 150 sanitary workers who were selected through purposive sampling method. The dimensions of aggression- anger and hostility were negatively correlated with the general well-being of the participants. Amongst the four dimensions of aggression, anger is found to be the predictor of general well-being.
Screen Time of Preschool-Aged Children and Their Mothers, and Children’s Language Development

Although children’s increased screen time has been found to associate with poorer language development, it is open to question which part of language ability screen time specifically associates with. Our aim was to examine the association between children’s screen time (alone and together with a parent), mothers’ screen time, and the different domains of children’s language skills. Mothers reported their children’s (N = 164, aged 2.5 to 4.1 years) screen time and their own on a weekday and a day off. Children’s lexical, phonological, morphological, receptive, and general language abilities were measured using validated tests. The connections between children’s and mothers’ screen time and children’s language skills were analyzed using correlation analyses and linear regression models. The more the children used screen time alone, or the greater the amount of the mothers’ screen time, the weaker the children’s lexical and general language abilities when the children’s age, maternal education level, and birth order were controlled for. We also found cumulative, negative links to the children’s lexical and general language abilities when the amount of their screen time alone and the amount of the mothers’ screen time were simultaneously included in the regression model. The results suggest that it is important to restrict both children’s screen time spent alone and mothers’ screen time.
Host Genetic Risk Factors Associated with COVID-19 Susceptibility and Severity in Vietnamese

Since the emergence and rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2, numerous scientific reports have searched for the association of host genetic variants with COVID-19, but the data are mostly acquired from Europe. In the current work, we explored the link between host genes (SARS-CoV-2 entry and immune system related to COVID-19 sensitivity/severity) and ABO blood types with COVID-19 from whole-exome data of 200 COVID-19 patients and 100 controls in Vietnam. The O blood type was found to be a protective factor that weakens the worst outcomes of infected individuals. For SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility, rs2229207 (TC genotype, allele C) and rs17860118 (allele T) of IFNAR2 increased the risk of infection, but rs139940581 (CT genotype, allele T) of SLC6A20 reduced virus sensitivity. For COVID-19 progress, the frequencies of rs4622692 (TG genotype) and rs1048610 (TC genotype) of ADAM17 were significantly higher in the moderate group than in the severe/fatal group. The variant rs12329760 (AA genotype) of TMPRSS2 was significantly associated with asymptomatic/mild symptoms. Additionally, rs2304255 (CT genotype, allele T) of TYK2 and rs2277735 (AG genotype) of DPP9 were associated with severe/fatal outcomes. Studies on different populations will give better insights into the pathogenesis, which is ethnic-dependent, and thus decipher the genetic factor’s contribution to mechanisms that predispose people to being more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Hydrogen plasma dynamics in the spherical theta pinch plasma target for heavy ion stripping

Due to the superior ability of dense and highly ionised plasmas to ionise penetrating heavy ion beams to degrees beyond those reachable by common gas strippers, many experiments have been performed to find suitable plasma generators for this application. In the field of gas discharges, mainly z-pinch devices have been investigated so far, which are known to be limited by the nonlinear focusing effects of the plasma columns sustaining current and by electrode erosion. The spherical theta pinch has therefore been proposed as a substitution for the z-pinch, promising progress by inductive rather than capacitive coupling and displacement of the outer magnetic field by the dense, diamagnetic discharge plasma. As yet mainly experiments with argon/hydrogen mixture gas have been performed, which is not suitable for the application as a plasma stripper, this paper describes the first detailed analysis of the plasma parameters and dynamics of a hydrogen plasma created by the spherical theta pinch. These include the.
RED RUNAWAYS: HYPERVELOCITY STARS, HILLS EJECTA, AND OTHER OUTLIERS IN THE F-TO-M STAR REGIME

In this paper we analyze a sample of metal-rich (>−0.8 dex) main sequence stars in the extended solar neighborhood, investigating kinematic outliers from the background population. The data, which are taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, are kinematically profiled as a function of distance from the Galactic plane using full six-dimensional phase space information. Each star is examined in the context of these kinematic profiles and likelihoods are assigned to quantify whether a star matches the underlying profile. Since some of these stars are likely to have been ejected from the disk, we trace back their orbits in order to determine potential ejection radii. We find that objects with low probability (i.e., “outliers”) are typically more metal-poor, faster and, most importantly, have a tendency to originate from the inner Galaxy compared to the underlying population. We also compose a sample of stars with velocities exceeding the local escape velocity. Although we do not discount that our sample could be contaminated by objects with spurious proper motions, a number of stars appear to have been ejected from the disk with exceptionally high velocities. Some of these are consistent with being ejected from the spiral arms and hence are a rich resource for further study. Finally we look at objects whose orbits are consistent with them being ejected at high speeds from the Galactic center. Of these objects we find that one, J135855.65+552538.19, is inconsistent with halo, bulge and disk kinematics and could plausibly have been ejected from the Galactic nucleus via a Hills mechanism.
Evolution of Co-existing Long and Short Period Stellar Activity Cycles

The magnetic activity of the Sun becomes stronger and weaker over roughly an 11 year cycle, modulating the radiation and charged particle environment experienced by the Earth as “space weather. ” Decades of observations from the Mount Wilson Observatory have revealed that other stars also show regular activity cycles in their Ca ii H+K line emission, and identified two different relationships between the length of the cycle and the rotation rate of the star. Recent observations at higher cadence have allowed the discovery of shorter cycles with periods between . Some of these shorter cycles coexist with longer cycle periods, suggesting that two underlying dynamos can operate simultaneously. We combine these new observations with previous data, and show that the longer and shorter cycle periods agree remarkably well with those expected from an earlier analysis based on the mean activity level and the rotation period. The relative turbulent length scales associated with the two branches of cyclic behavior suggest that a near-surface dynamo may be the dominant mechanism that drives cycles in more active stars, whereas a dynamo operating in deeper layers may dominate in less active stars. However, several examples of equally prominent long and short cycles have been found at all levels of activity of stars younger than 2.3 Gyr. Deviations from the expected cycle periods show no dependence on the depth of the convection zone or on the metallicity. For some stars that exhibit longer cycles, we compute the periods of shorter cycles that might be detected with future high-cadence observations.