Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The experiences of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease

Being diagnosed with a chronic illness such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) can have a considerable psychological impact on a person’s life. However, this has been little explored and therefore it is unclear what support may be most beneficial at this time. This study therefore explored personal experiences of being diagnosed with PD. Six participants were interviewed and data analysed using thematic analysis. Three over-arching themes emerged: 1) “Understanding it is an important thing” – The value of knowledge; 2) "You’ve got to get used to accepting the fact that you need help" The social implications of being diagnosed with PD; and 3) "I think you need to talk to somebody" The importance of supportive others. The process of diagnosis was complex and often challenging for participants, with respect to their own understanding and that of others. Recommendations for future practice within specialist PD services are made, to improve the support that is offered at this time.
Satellite‐derived cloud top pressure product validation using aircraft‐based cloud physics lidar data from the ATReC field campaign

The primary objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of satellite‐derived estimates of cloud‐top height (CTH). These estimates were derived using hourly data from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES‐12) Imager and Sounder instruments. In addition, CTHs were derived using data from the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS), located on the polar‐orbiting Aqua platform. Cloud physics lidar (CPL) data taken during the Atlantic‐THORPEX Regional Campaign (ATReC) were used as the reference data set. Two cases were examined, one containing clouds at many different levels (5 December 2003) and one consisting entirely of mid‐level clouds (between 4 and 10 km, 28 November 2003). For the first case, 19.4% of the Sounder pixels and 28.0% of the Imager pixels were within ±0.5 km of the CPL measurement, while 51.5% of the Sounder pixels and 64.3% of the Imager pixels were within ±1.5 km. For the second case, 29.7% of the Sounder pixels and 39.9% of the Imager pixels were within ±0.5 km of the CPL measurement, while 85.2% of the Sounder pixels and 85.1% of the Imager pixels were within ±1.5 km. The results indicate that MODIS CTH retrievals may provide an improvement over heights derived using geostationary instruments, especially for cases where cloud heights are not highly variable.
Two-dimensional shallow water flows simulation using TVD-MacCormack Scheme

This paper reports a finite volume TVD-MacCormack scheme for the computation of two-dimensional open channel flows with abrupt changes. The algorithm modified the widely-used MacCormack scheme by implementing a conservative dissipation step to avoid the unphysical oscillation in the vicinity of strong gradients in the numerical solution. Compared with other numerical models, this scheme does not bring in any additional difficulty in dealing with the source terms. Furthermore, this algorithm remains second-order accuracy in both space and time. A series of simulation, such as oblique hydraulic jump, circular dambreak and two-dimensional dambreak are carried out to demonstrate its robustness and stability in capturing strong gradients and discontinuities in open channel flows, The accuracy of numerical scheme is also verified with two laboratory dambreak experiments.
Enlisting Probiotics to Combat Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women—A Military Strategy for Meeting the Challenge

For decades, the potential role of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections has been extensively studied. However, achieving an effective problem-solving strategy has thus far proven elusive. Perhaps adopting a military paradigm might expedite our assault on chronic, recurring bacteriuria in women. What is needed is a targeted strategy with specific attention to (1) the enemy: the case-specific uropathogen; (2) the battlefield: the extraordinarily complex interplay of factors within the bladder, unique to a given patient, which interface with profoundly important influences from the gut biome, as well as the vaginal biota; (3) the weapon: an antimicrobial probiotic with demonstrated activity against that specific uropathogen; (4) a new strategy: taking these complexities into account, we posit a key role for the instillation of case-specific lactobacilli directly into the bladder of the designated patient. This newly proposed, targeted intervention might be termed “Probiotic Intravesical Organic Therapy—PIVOT”; and (5) the long campaign: reaching clinically proven success may entail a long campaign. However, already, on many fronts, the elements necessary for victory recently seem to be falling into place.
Fluid-Structure Interaction Modeling of the Aortic Hemodynamics in Adult Zebrafish: A Pilot Study Based on Synchrotron X-Ray Tomography

Objective: The zebrafish is increasingly used as a small animal model for cardiovascular disease, including vascular disorders. Nevertheless, a comprehensive biomechanical understanding of the zebrafish cardiovascular circulation is still lacking and possibilities for phenotyping the zebrafish heart and vasculature at adult – no longer optically transparent – stages are limited. To improve these aspects, we developed imaging-based 3D models of the cardiovascular system of wild-type adult zebrafish. Methods: In vivo high-frequency echocardiography and ex vivo synchrotron X-ray tomography were combined to build fluid-structure interaction finite element models of the fluid dynamics and biomechanics inside the ventral aorta. Results: We successfully generated a reference model of the circulation in adult zebrafish. The dorsal side of the most proximal branching region was found as the location of highest first principal wall stress and was also a location of low wall shear stress. Reynolds number and oscillatory shear were very low compared to mice and humans. Significance: The presented wild-type results provide a first extensive biomechanical reference for adult zebrafish. This framework can be used for advanced cardiovascular phenotyping of adult genetically engineered zebrafish models of cardiovascular disease, showing disruptions of the normal mechano-biology and homeostasis. By providing reference values for key biomechanical stimuli (including wall shear stress and first principal stress) in wild-type animals, and a pipeline for image-based animal-specific computational biomechanical models, this study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the role of altered biomechanics and hemodynamics in heritable cardiovascular pathologies.
Characterization of image plates for neutron diffraction

A method to measure the overall gain and point-spread function of an image-plate detector system (converter, phosphor, readout electronics) online from single-crystal diffraction patterns is derived. Only with a knowledge of these quantities can one estimate without bias the true standard deviations of the observed integrated intensities of Bragg reflections measured with such a detector. The gain corrected for the point-spread function should ideally be approximately 1.0 to avoid loss of data or precision due to the upper and lower limits of digitization of the diffraction patterns. The gain and the point-spread function are derived for several configurations of the three neutron Laue image-plate diffractometers, LADI, VIVALDI and LADI-III, at the Institut Laue–Langevin. The detective quantum efficiencies (DQE) of these instruments have been measured to be 0.16 (1), 0.57 (2) and 0.46 (3), respectively. It has also been found that the DQE is effectively constant for different times of exposure, despite the fading of the photostimulated luminescent signal during that time. While the results described in this paper concern neutron detection by image plates, the method is equally valid for other integrating detectors and radiations, e.g. CCD detectors and X-rays.
C/EBPβ Regulates TFAM Expression, Mitochondrial Function and Autophagy in Cellular Models of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that results from the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Since there are only symptomatic treatments available, new cellular and molecular targets involved in the onset and progression of this disease are needed to develop effective treatments. CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein β (C/EBPβ) transcription factor levels are altered in patients with a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that it may be a good therapeutic target for the treatment of PD. A list of genes involved in PD that can be regulated by C/EBPβ was generated by the combination of genetic and in silico data, the mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) being among them. In this paper, we observed that C/EBPβ overexpression increased TFAM promoter activity. However, downregulation of C/EBPβ in different PD/neuroinflammation cellular models produced an increase in TFAM levels, together with other mitochondrial markers. This led us to propose an accumulation of non-functional mitochondria possibly due to the alteration of their autophagic degradation in the absence of C/EBPβ. Then, we concluded that C/EBPβ is not only involved in harmful processes occurring in PD, such as inflammation, but is also implicated in mitochondrial function and autophagy in PD-like conditions.
Computational limitations of small-depth circuits

Proving lower bounds on the amount of resources needed to compute specific functions is one of the most active branches of theoretical computer science. Significant progress has been made recently in proving lower bounds in two restricted models of Boolean circuits. One is the model of small depth circuits, and in this book Johan Torkel Hastad has developed very powerful techniques for proving exponential lower bounds on the size of small depth circuits' computing functions.The techniques described in "Computational Limitations for Small Depth Circuits" can be used to demonstrate almost optimal lower bounds on the size of small depth circuits computing several different functions, such as parity and majority. The main tool used in the proof of the lower bounds is a lemma, stating that any AND of small fanout OR gates can be converted into an OR of small fanout AND gates with high probability when random values are substituted for the variables.Hastad also applies this tool to relativized complexity, and discusses in great detail the computation of parity and majority in small depth circuits.Contents: Introduction. Small Depth Circuits. Outline of Lower Bound Proofs. Main Lemma. Lower Bounds for Small Depth Circuits. Functions Requiring Depth k to Have Small Circuits. Applications to Relativized Complexity. How Well Can We Compute Parity in Small Depth? Is Majority Harder than Parity? Conclusions.John Hastad is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Mathematics at MIT C"omputational Limitations of Small Depth Circuits" is a winner of the 1986 ACM Doctoral Dissertation Award.
Analysis of Factors That Influence Village Government Decisions in Allocating Village Funds for Village-Owned Enterprises Activities in Bengkayang District

This research was conducted aiming to find out what factors influence the Village Government decision in allocating Village Funds through Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDesa) activities in Bengkayang Regency. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative research approach with sources selected by purposeful sampling, namely the Village Government, Director, Secretary and Treasurer of BUMDesa, management of BUMDesa business units where researchers participate in research by collecting data using observation, in-depth interviews by meeting in person or through Whatsapp media and cell phones as well as documentation of BUMDesa activities. The research subjects were BUMDesa in Pasti Jaya Village, Cipta Karya Village, and Sebente Village. The results of this study indicate that the main factors that influence decisions on the use of Village Funds in 2020-2022 for BUMDesa are the Central Government Regulations on the use of Village Funds during the Covid-19 pandemic and village government programs.
Planck’s constant determination from black‐body radiation

A method originally described by Crandall and Delord has been improved to measure the ratio of the Planck to the Boltzmann constant with low cost apparatus. Such a system can be easily implemented in high school or college laboratories. These improvements enable one to attain accuracies of 2% for Planck’s constant.
Analysis of Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) in Healthy Children during the First Two Years of Life: An Observational Prospective Cohort Study

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are important metabolites of the gut microbiota. The aim is to analyze the influence of perinatal factors, which can affect the gut microbiota, on the concentrations of fecal SCFAs over the first two years of life. Gas chromatography was used to analyze SCFA in a total of 456 fecal samples from 86 children. Total SCFA concentrations increased until 12 months and stabilized after that. Antibiotic treatment during pregnancy was associated with an increase in acetic acid, propionic acid and total SCFA in meconium and a decrease in the same SCFAs at 6 months. Butyric acid was increased after Caesarean delivery until 1 month. In formula-fed children, propionic acid (at 1 month) and butyric acid and total SCFA (at 12 months) were increased. Acetic and linear butyric acids and total SCFAs were also increased at 12 months in children born vaginally that were also formula-fed. Higher butyric acid was observed in children of mothers with normal pre-pregnancy weight and adequate weight gain during pregnancy. Butyric acid was also elevated in 6-month-old infants with a higher body weight (≥85th percentile). Acetic acid concentrations were significantly higher in 2-year-old females vs. males. We conclude that perinatal factors are linked to changes in fecal SCFAs and further long-term epidemiological studies are warranted.
The Influence of Participative Leadership on the Voice Behavior of Public Servants

Determining how to stimulate public employees’ voice behaviors has become a critical issue in both theory and practice. This article draws on the theories of participative management, leadership, role theory, and social identity theory and proposes a moderated mediation model to explore the mechanism by which participative leadership shapes public employees’ voice behaviors. To test this study’s hypotheses, we conduct a three-wave investigation of 739 public tax agency employees in the Yangtze River Delta area of China. The results show that participative leadership significantly predicts employees’ voice behaviors by enhancing their organizational identification. Furthermore, power distance moderates the relationship between participative leadership and organizational identification. These findings advance our understanding of how to motivate employees’ voice behaviors from the perspective of participative leadership in public organizations.
A Correlate of Acceptance and Actual Use of Cloud Computing Technology for Teaching among University Lecturers in Southwestern Nigeria

Cloud computing technology had been found effective and efficient in providing online learning at all levels of education. This study investigated the relationship between the lecturers’ acceptance of the technology and its’ actual use for teaching. It also determined the influence of sex, academic qualifications and university ownership on the acceptance and actual use of the technology for teaching. The study is a survey. The population consisted all the lecturers in all the universities in southwestern Nigeria. Three hundred lecturers selected from one Federal, one State and one Private university using multistage sampling technique were the sample. AUCT an adapted questionnaire was used for data gathering. Analysis of data showed a significant relationship between acceptance and actual use of cloud computing technology for teaching among the lecturers (R2 = 0.37; p = 0.00). Also neither sex (F(1,274) = 1.83; p > 0.05), academic qualifications (F(3,274) = 0.30; p > 0.05) nor ownership of university (F(3,274) = 2.57; p > 0.05) significantly influenced lecturers’ acceptance of cloud computing technology for teaching. Sex, academic qualifications and ownership of university combined also had no significant influence on the lecturers’ acceptance of cloud computing technology for teaching (F(3,274) = 0.12; p > 0.05). Sex, academic qualifications and ownership of university combined also had no significant influence on the lecturers’ actual use of cloud computing technology for teaching (F(3,274) = 0.23; p > 0.05). Acceptance of cloud computing technology for teaching has positive correlation with actual use among university lecturers in southwestern Nigeria.
The Prophylactic Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Omega-7 Against Paracetamol-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Paracetamol poisoning, whether intentionally or accidentally, is one of the main public health problems since the prevalence of its toxicity increased significantly in many countries. Currently, paracetamol is one of the primary causes of acute liver failure worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential prophylactic effect of omega-7 fatty acid in protecting male rats' livers from paracetamol-induced liver damage. Thirty albino male rats were divided randomly and equally into five groups and then treated as follows: Group 1 (negative control) rats were orally given liquid paraffin for seven consecutive days. Group 2 (positive control) rats were orally given liquid paraffin for seven consecutive days and a single injection of paracetamol (500 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day eight of the experiment. Group 3 rats were orally given omega-7 (300 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days. Group 4 rats were orally given a single dose of omega-7 (100 mg/kg/day) for 7 days and a single injection of paracetamol (500 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day eight of the experiment. Group 5 rats were orally given a single dose of omega-7 (300 mg/kg/day) for 7 days and a single injection of paracetamol (500 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day eight of the experiment. After 24 h of the endpoint of treatment (on day 9), blood samples were collected, and serum was prepared for the evaluation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). This study found that rats given paracetamol had a significant (P<0.05) increase in serum levels of TNF-α and IL-10, whereas rats previously given oral administration of omega-7 fatty acid before injection of paracetamol resulted in a significant decrease (P<0.05) of these cytokines. Oral omega-7 fatty acid supplementation may help to prevent liver damage caused by paracetamol.
Experimental study of the diode pumped alkali laser (DPAL)

A small-scale cesium diode-pumped alkali laser (DPAL) apparatus has been developed for fundamental researches. A commercial laser diode with volume Bragg grating outcoupler is used to pump the gain cell longitudinally. Both windows of the gain cell are set at Brewster’s angle for minimum loss and maximum durability. Output coupling coefficient is continuously variable from 13% to 85% by the slanted quartz plate outcoupler inserted in the optical resonator. Small signal gain is measured with a laser diode probe at various gain cell temperatures. A 6.5 W continuouswave output with 56% optical-to-optical conversion efficiency (based on the absorbed power) has been achieved. A numerical simulation code is developed and its calculation results are in good agreement with the experiments.
Exploring the hidden dimensions of an optical extreme learning machine

Extreme learning machines (ELMs) are a versatile machine learning (ML) algorithm that features as the main advantage the possibility of a seamless implementation with physical systems. Yet, despite the success of the physical implementations of ELMs, there is still a lack of fundamental understanding in regard to their optical implementations. In this context, this work makes use of an optical complex media and wavefront shaping techniques to implement a versatile optical ELM playground to gain a deeper insight into these machines. In particular, we present experimental evidences on the correlation between the effective dimensionality of the hidden space and its generalization capability, thus bringing the inner workings of optical ELMs under a new light and opening paths toward future technological implementations of similar principles.
Analysis and prediction of the compressive and splitting tensile performances for the novel multiple hooked‐end steel fiber reinforced concrete

In recent years, the application of the novel multiple hooked‐end steel fiber has gradually become a hot spot in the engineering due to its several excellent properties. In this study, the splitting tensile and compressive properties of the SFRC with 3D single hooked‐end and 4D/5D multiple hooked‐end steel fibers were studied. The variables of the experimental investigation included the concrete matrix strength, steel fiber content, and aspect ratio. The results showed that the compressive strength of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) increased first and then decreased with the increasing steel fiber content. The concrete matrix, aspect ratio, and end hook number of steel fiber had the significant effect on the optimal steel fiber content. In addition, increasing the content of steel fiber was the most effective way to improve the splitting tensile strength of SFRC, and the splitting tensile strength increased with the increase of the aspect ratio and end hook number of steel fiber. Finally, the splitting tensile strength prediction model of SFRC with novel multiple hooked‐end steel fiber was proposed by introducing the steel fiber number in the SFRC section, and the accuracy of the model was verified by comparison with experimental data.
The Role of Parental Socio-Economic Status and Perceived Career-Related Behaviors in Developmental Trajectories of Educational Identity in Adolescence: A Four-Wave Study

Personal identity formation is a key developmental task of adolescence, with the educational domain being a core life domain. Parents are gatekeepers of adolescent career development but their role in facilitating educational identity formation still needs to be uncovered. The present study investigated developmental trajectories of educational identity processes (commitment, in-depth exploration, and reconsideration of commitment) across two academic years. Educational identity processes, parental socio-economic status, and parental career-related behaviors (support, interference, lack of engagement) were appraised through a four-wave longitudinal study with 5- to 6-month intervals (N = 744; Mage = 15.2 years, 55% girls). Results of the latent class growth analysis revealed five educational identity trajectories (i.e., Undifferentiated, Searching moratorium, Foreclosed, Diffusion, and Achievement). Commitment and in-depth exploration processes were stable for all five trajectories. The undifferentiated trajectory (medium stable levels for all identity processes) was the most prevalent. Parental socio-economic status and perceived parental support correlated positively with achievement and searching moratorium trajectories and negatively with diffused and undifferentiated trajectories. Foreclosed adolescents perceived their parents as the most engaged. Trajectories characterized by high reconsideration of commitment also correlated the most with perceived parental interference. The results bring forward valuable insights into the role parents play in their adolescents’ educational identity development.