Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vaccination stance in adolescents and emerging adults: The role of trust and knowledge

The present study investigates the predictive contribution of generalized trust (in a relatively large circle of unfamiliar others, e.g., the authorities, healthcare system, alternative medicine) and particularized trust (in significant others, such as family members and friends) and vaccination knowledge in explaining the youth's vaccination intention, as well as the moderating role of vaccination status in the previously mentioned relationships. A total of 835 adolescents and emerging adults (aged 15 to 25, Mage = 18.35, SD = 2.86) from Serbia completed the measures of vaccination intention and vaccination status, generalized and particularized trust, and vaccination knowledge. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis showed that the prior uptake of the vaccine against the coronavirus (vaccination status) was the best predictor of the youth's intention to receive the coronavirus vaccine in the future (vaccination intention). In addition, trust in the authorities and media, trust in the health-care system and science, and knowledge about vaccines stood out as significant positive predictors, while trust in alternative medicine and God('s will) negatively influenced the behavioural intention to vaccinate. Contrary to expectations, trust in the family and friends did not contribute to the explanation of the AEA's intention to get vaccinated. Besides, no moderating role of vaccination status was detected; regardless of the vaccination status, the same determinants of the AEA's vaccination intention were registered. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed in the light of the importance of the development of evidence-based national vaccination programmes for young people that can have a preventive role in a period of global confidence crisis.
Observing and modelling the impact of arctic and tropical cirrus clouds on far-infrared radiance spectra

The work described in this thesis concerns the effect of cirrus clouds on far-infrared (FIR) radiance spectra. Though the importance of both FIR radiation and cirrus clouds to the Earth’s energy budget is well recognised, few high spectral resolution measurements have been made at FIR wavelengths to date. Observations taken during two diverse field campaigns, along with spectra simulated using a radiative transfer model, are used here to investigate the FIR signature of cirrus. The FIR observations presented are made using the TAFTS spectrometer, which measures spectral radiances from either an aircraft or the ground. The deployment of TAFTS during the RHUBC campaign based in Barrow, Alaska is described. TAFTS was used to make ground-based FIR observations of the arctic atmosphere, both with and without cirrus. Comparing these with modelled spectra, which assume a parameterised particle size distribution (PSD) when describing the cirrus microphysics, suggested that the PSD parameterisation underestimates the fraction of ice water content contributed by small ice crystals. This conclusion is corroborated by AERI-ER observations made simultaneously at the Barrow site during RHUBC. TAFTS observations of convective tropical cirrus made during EMERALDII near Darwin, Australia are also presented here. During EMERALD-II TAFTS was deployed on an aircraft, enabling spectral measurements of cirrus at wavenumbers between 100 and 200cm to be made for the first time. Comparisons with LBLDIS spectra calculated using PSDs measured using cloud probes indicate that the number of small crystals measured may be too high by a factor of three. This result is in agreement with previous studies suggesting that small crystal populations are over-counted by in-situ cloud probes, due to shattering of larger crystals on the probe inlets. The results from both campaigns illustrate the sensitivity of FIR radiances to cirrus properties, with particular emphasis on the effect of small ice crystals.
El proceso de convergencia regional en México: un análisis de la dinámica de transición bajo heterogeneidad estatal y temporal

En este estudio se utiliza la metodologia de Phillips y Sul (2007) a fin de determinar si el PIB por persona de los Estados de Mexico converge al sendero de crecimiento nacional y si es posible encontrar grupos o “Clubes” de regiones que tengan una senda de crecimiento comun. Los resultados no validan la hipotesis de convergencia para las 32 entidades federativas de Mexico aunque es posible encontrar clubes de convergencia. En particular, se encuentra un club de ingresos altos conformado por Aguascalientes, Campeche, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Distrito Federal, Nuevo Leon, Queretaro y Quintana Roo; y un club de ingresos bajos integrado por Chiapas, Guerrero, Estado de Mexico, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Sinaloa, Tabasco, Tlaxcala y Veracruz.
Conservación privada y comunitaria en los países amazónicos

“En este siglo XXI se puede decir que en gran medida el éxito o fracaso de los esfuerzos de conservación y desarrollo sostenible de los recursos naturales en nuestros países dependerá de las decisiones que los dueños de tierras privadas o comunitarias tomen sobre el uso de los recursos en ellas. Si desarrollamos programas exitosos y atractivos que promuevan la conservación y el desarrollo sostenible voluntario de dichos recursos por parte de sus dueños, tendremos paisajes productivos de bienes y servicios, que beneficiarán a sus propietarios, a la sociedad, y promoverán el desarrollo de nuestros países. Si, por el contrario, no apoyamos este tipo de esfuerzos, será muy difícil lograr las metas de bienestar social, ambiental y económico que buscamos”.
Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior of Dietary Salt Intake among Staff at a Public University in Selangor

This study examines knowledge, attitude and behavior related to dietary salt intake among UiTM Puncak Alam staff. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 UiTM Puncak Alam staff. Respondents were recruited conveniently to complete a self-administered questionnaire that provides information on knowledge, attitude and behavior related to dietary salt. Descriptive statistics were used to report the survey findings. Results showed that most of the respondents (95.7%) had a knowledge that overeating salt could damage their health. However, only 35.7% of the respondents recognized the daily recommendation of salt intake and 40.0% of them were able to identify the difference between salt and sodium. Regarding attitude, only 28.3% of respondents believed their salt intake would exceed dietary guidelines. In practice, 31.4% of respondents controlled their salt intake by avoiding consuming processed food, and 18.0% referred to salt labels on food packages. This study showed that UiTM Puncak Alam staff was knowledgeable on particular aspects of salt. However, their attitudes are less favorable, and they need to improve their practices toward dietary salt intake to achieve target salt intake.
Influence of Cloud-Radiative Processes on Predecessor Rain Events

Predecessor rain events (PREs) are coherent mesoscale rainstorms that occur well in advance of recurving tropical cyclones (TCs) and have a high potential to cause flooding and adverse societal impacts. In 2007, a PRE associated with TC Erin produced record-breaking rainfall (> 350 mm) across southern Minnesota and Wisconsin, contributing to seven fatalities and over $170 million in property damage. A series of idealized numerical simulations is conducted using an aquaplanet version of the Weather Research and Forecasting model Advanced Research core (WRF-ARW) v.3. 6 to examine the influence of cloud-radiative processes on the development of PREs.This study finds that cloud-radiative feedback (CRF), the interaction of hydrometeor cloud species with longwave (LW) and shortwave (SW) radiation, produces a more robust PRE structure with stronger convective activity and, ultimately, more precipitation. It is demonstrated that LW cooling associated with clouds outside of the PRE region induces a stronger horizontal pressure gradient that enhances low level con ergence and drives more vigorous ascent. Therefore, the primary radiation driver of PRE formation occurs outside of the PRE itself and is based on how the model responds radiatively to low clouds. In addition, the warming component of CRF enhances parcel buoyancy and reduces vertical stabilities within the PRE structure. In particular, the distribution of cloud ice produces a greater depth of in-cloud, primarily LW warming conducive to stronger convective processes. In contrast, SW CRF effects weaken PRE development through a combination of in-cloud cooling and low level cloud top warming, countering the LW CRF effects responsible for greater rainfall production. Moreover, PRE formation is found to be sensitive to the diurnal cycle, resulting in faster development at night and slower development during the day. A seasonal sensitivity also brings about weaker PRE intensification during the summer season; shorter nights and longer days minimize favorable LW CRF effects and maximize unfavorable SW CRF effects.PRE development depends on the balance between subtle, competing processes involving radiation and microphysics schemes. The high sensitivity of PRE initiation and intensification to variations in CRF cannot be ignored and necessitates further research and observations to improve operational forecasts. Because the recipe for PRE development requires many individual ingredients to come together correctly, accurately predicting heavy rainfall events associated with tropical cyclones remains a daunting forecast challenge.
Linking Soil Microbial Communities and Ecosystem Functioning

Microorganisms decompose organic matter and transform mineral nutrients in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Despite the centrality of microbes, scientists often study ecosystem functioning without explicit reference to the microbial populations carrying out soil processes. The potential for rapid microbial growth, and the high degree of diversity and genetic exchange in microbial systems, has led to the often-held assumption that microbial catalysts do not limit the processes involved in ecosystem nutrient transfer and transformation (Meyer 1993). The utility of first-order kinetics in predicting process rates appears to confirm this assumption (Andren, Brussaard, and Clarholme 1999). Recent advances in the techniques available to study microbial communities have, however, led to a growing realization that microbial community composition can play a critical role in ecosystem functioning (Schimel 1995; Schimel and Gulledge 1998; Cavigelli and Robertson 2000). First-order kinetic models may work well at equilibrium, but their utility in capturing process rates may be compromised as systems stray from equilibrium. In order to predict the transient response of changing ecosystems, and ultimately the process rates under new equilibrium conditions, we may need to
Nutritive Value and Bioactivities of a Halophyte Edible Plant: Crithmum maritimum L. (Sea Fennel)

Crithmum maritimum L. (sea fennel), an edible xerophyte of coastal habitats, is considered an emerging cash crop for biosaline agriculture due to its salt-tolerance ability and potential applications in the agri-food sector. Here, the nutritional value and bioactive properties of sea fennel are described. Sea fennel leaves, flowers, and schizocarps are composed of carbohydrates (>65%) followed by ash, proteins, and lipids. Sea fennel’s salty, succulent leaves are a source of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. Extracts obtained from flowers and fruits/schizocarps are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols and show antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Candida albicans, and Candida parapsilosis. Plant material is particularly rich in sodium (Na) but also in other nutritionally relevant minerals, such as calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S), beyond presenting a potential prebiotic effect on Lactobacillus bulgaricus and being nontoxic to human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 model cells, up to 1.0% (w/v). Hence, the rational use of sea fennel can bring nutrients, aroma, and flavor to culinary dishes while balancing microbiomes and contributing to expanding the shelf life of food products.
Seasonal Modulations of El Niño–Related Atmospheric Variability: Indo–Western Pacific Ocean Feedback

AbstractThe spatial structure of atmospheric anomalies associated with El Nino–Southern Oscillation varies with season because of the seasonal variations in sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly pattern and in the climatological basic state. The latter effect is demonstrated using an atmospheric model forced with a time-invariant pattern of El Nino warming over the equatorial Pacific. The seasonal modulation is most pronounced over the north Indian Ocean to northwest Pacific where the monsoonal winds vary from northeasterly in winter to southwesterly in summer. Specifically, the constant El Nino run captures the abrupt transition from a summer cyclonic to winter anticyclonic anomalous circulation over the northwest Pacific, in support of the combination mode idea that emphasizes nonlinear interactions of equatorial Pacific SST forcing and the climatological seasonal cycle. In post–El Nino summers when equatorial Pacific warming has dissipated, SST anomalies over the Indo–northwest Pacific Oceans dominate .
Impact of Extrinsic Job Satisfaction Factors on Organizational Commitment of Banking Sector at Pokhara Metropolis

The paper aims at examining the influence of extrinsic JS factors on organizational commitment of employees in banking sector of Pokhara Metropolis. Non-managerial employees of government, joint- and non-joint venture commercial banks comprising 102 males and 107 females were approached for opinion survey. A questionnaire consisting of five-point Likert scales along with demographic questions were disseminated to collect the data. Using descriptive and analytical method, the results were obtained. The results revealed that a high level of extrinsic job satisfaction appeared when employees have friendly relation with supervisors, while they were least satisfied with pay. It implies that banking employees get satisfied if their supervisor treats them as friends. The study also found those employees’ emotional feelings like loyalty, and having an affiliation with their organization was enthusiastic. Similarly, they believe better to stay in the current organization as the organization has providing something for them, because leaving current organization will need extra costs for them. Thus, there was a higher position of affective commitment and moderate level of continuance and normative commitment of employees. Finally, it was found that extrinsic job satisfaction dimensions have constructive significant impact of employees’ commitment at work place, indicating a high level of extrinsic factors play a pivotal role to satisfy the banking employee and thereby their organizational commitment. The study contributes to analyze extrinsic job satisfaction factors in banking sectors and which factor play significant role to create their commitment of employees in workplace.
Journal of Population Therapeutics & Clinical Pharmacology

Background: Lungs are paired organs essential for respiration in the thoracic cavity. Each lung is divided into lobes by fissures. Fissures in the lung enhance uniform lung expansion. Fissures may be complete, incomplete, or absent. The right lung is divided into the upper and middle lobes by the horizontal fissure, and the lower lobe is separated from the middle lobe by an oblique fissure. The left lung is divided only by a single fissure into the upper and lower lobes. Objective: A detailed knowledge of variations of classical and accessory fissures in lungs is necessary for proper radiological interpretation. Method: Thirty-two pairs of lungs procured from formalin-fixed cadavers used for undergraduate teaching at IMS and SUM Hospital Bhubaneswar were studied. Lungs were studied for (a) the Presence of normal fissures and lobes, (b) Variations of fissures, complete or incomplete, and (c) Accessory fissures. Observation: Incomplete horizontal fissures in 37%, incomplete oblique fissures in 18%, and complete absence of horizontal fissures in 7% of the right lung. In the left lung, we found 18% incomplete oblique fissure. No cases of accessory fissures were found. Conclusion : A detailed knowledge of lobes and fissures of the lungs is mandatory before any surgical and diagnostic procedure on the lungs. Variations are prevalent and bound to pose critical post-operative complications.
A gene-based analysis of variants in the Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor gene with psychological distress in a Taiwanese population

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the most abundant and widely expressed neurotrophin in the brain, is believed to play an important role in depression and anxiety. In this study, we hypothesized that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the BDNF gene should be linked with depression and anxiety through complex interactions in the general population. Methods: We analyzed 7,098 Taiwanese participants from the Taiwan Biobank. Measures of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). We used 43 BDNF polymorphisms in the genetic analysis. Results: We found a nominal association between nine BDNF genetic variants and depression state, after having adjusted for the factors of age and gender. Furthermore, three BDNF SNPs showed evidence of nominal association with PHQ-4 scores. In addition, an interaction significantly existed between the BDNF rs73430670 and BDNF rs4923461 in influencing depression state (p < 0.05). Finally, we found that influence of interaction significantly existed between BDNF rs12418745 and physical activity (p < 0.05) in depression state. Conclusion: Those results suggest that the BDNF genetic variants may contribute to psychological distress independently as well as through SNP-SNP and gene-physical activity interactions in the general population.
Small-scale road surface temperature and condition variations across a road profile.

Since their implementation, Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) have mostly relied on point measurements from outstations to initiate and verify daily forecasts. Initially, spatial extrapolation was achieved by thermal mapping, but this is gradually being replaced by route-based forecasting techniques. Both techniques are similar in the sense that they use a point measurement, often taken from an outstation, to provide a spatial forecast of road surface temperatures around the road network at varying resolutions. A substantial research effort has been undertaken to understand and model the complex environmental conditions and mechanisms responsible for the variation in road surface temperatures around the road network. In particular, the interaction of varying geographical parameters around the road network (e.g. altitude, landuse, road construction, topography, etc) have been used to develop local climatological models and next generation RWIS products. This paper begins by taking the approach to the next level and explains how the same techniques can be used to look at variations in road surface condition across the width of a road profile, instead of just lengthways along a road. Temperature and condition both vary significantly across the profile, which immediately raises questions about the validity of current surveying practices. Furthermore, as the highway engineer has a duty of care to protect the motorist, do these smaller scale variations and processes need to be taken into account in road weather models? The implications of this need clarification, but the paper concludes by presenting a case for not including traffic parameterisations in route-based forecasts.
The Influence of the Molecular Structure of Compounds on Their Properties and the Occurrence of Chiral Smectic Phases

We have designed new chiral smectic mesogens with the -CH2O group near the chiral center. We synthesized two unique rod-like compounds. We determined the mesomorphic properties of these mesogens and confirmed the phase identification using dielectric spectroscopy. Depending on the length of the oligomethylene spacer (i.e., the number of methylene groups) in the achiral part of the molecules, the studied materials show different phase sequences. Moreover, the temperature ranges of the observed smectic phases are different. It can be seen that as the length of the alkyl chain increases, the liquid crystalline material shows more mesophases. Additionally, its clearing (isotropization) temperature increases. The studied compounds are compared with the structurally similar smectogens previously synthesized. The helical pitch measurements were performed using the selective reflection method. These materials can be useful and effective as chiral components and dopants in smectic mixtures targeted for optoelectronics and photonics.
Southwestward weakening of Wyoming lithosphere during the Laramide orogeny

The mechanism of Laramide deformation in the central Rocky Mountains remains enigmatic. It is generally agreed that the deformation resulted from low‐angle subduction of the Farallon plate beneath the North American plate during the latest Cretaceous‐early Eocene; however, recent studies have suggested the importance of slab removal or slab rollback in causing this deformation. Here we infer Wyoming lithosphere structure and surface deformation pattern by conducting 2‐D flexural subsidence modeling in order to provide constraints on the mechanism of Laramide deformation. We assume that Wyoming lithosphere behaved as an infinite elastic plate subject to tectonic loading of mountain ranges and conduct 2‐D flexural subsidence modeling to major Laramide basins to document lithospheric stiffness and mountain load height. Our results show that the stiffness of Wyoming lithosphere varied slightly in each basin during the ~30 Myr duration of the Laramide deformation and decreased from northeastern Wyoming (Te = 32–46 km) to southwestern Wyoming (Te = 6–9 km). Our results also imply that the increase of equivalent load height of major Laramide ranges accelerated during the early Eocene. We propose that the bending stresses induced by the topographic load of the Sevier fold‐and‐thrust belt combined with crust‐mantle decoupling initiated by the overthickened Sevier hinterland and the end loads due to the low‐angle subduction at the western edge of the thick Wyoming craton have caused the southwestward decrease of lithospheric stiffness in Wyoming. Moreover, we attribute the accelerated load height gain during the early Eocene to both dynamic and isostatic effects associated with slab rollback.
Correlation between Polymorphisms of Vitamin D Metabolism Genes and Perianal Disease in Crohn’s Disease

Although the role of vitamin D (VD) in the pathogenesis and progression of Crohn’s disease (CD) is known, the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes linked to vitamin D pathway and CD risk is still under study. Furthermore, no significant association has been previously found between these SNPs and perianal CD (pCD), a severe phenotypic manifestation of CD that may present as perianal fistula, abscess, and recto-vaginal fistula. Among the mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis, local inflammation and intestinal microbiota alteration are recognized. VD seems to act on these elements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of an association between SNPs of genes coding for enzymes, transporters, and receptors involved in the VD pathway and the occurrence of pCD. Blood samples of 206 patients with CD, including 34 with pCD, were analyzed for VDR, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, and GC genetic variants. VDR Apal Aa genotype and VDR BsmI Bb genotype resulted in an association with pCD (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Our study demonstrates for the first time the impact of the polymorphisms of genes associated with the VD pathway on the onset of pCD. Future multicenter studies are needed to confirm these data.