Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Think-aloud usability testing of an app to increase physical activity

Background Insufficient physical activity is one of the most important risk factors for non-communicable diseases and should therefore be intensively prevented in all age groups. According to several trials, activity can be effectively increased by smartphone-based interventions. However, the use of digital applications depends on many factors such as user acceptance and intuitive operability. Therefore, usability testing has proven to be important for the successful development of digital interventions. Thus, the German app “VIDEA bewegt” was tested on its usability in order to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the product and to improve of the app. Methods In April 2019 ten interviews were conducted using the think-aloud method and following a standardised protocol. The adult participants were confronted with “VIDEA bewegt” for the first time and had to perform pre-defined tasks covering the main features of the app. Demographics of the participants and their expectations towards an app were collected. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The analysis of the transcripts was performed independently by two team members following the deductive qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Results The app was rated positively in terms of design, basic registration process and the largely self-explanatory navigation. Users found the app lacked an explanation of the included components and the basic structure of the programme. Several problems with the usability were described, including technical errors and problems with understanding individual control elements. Four of the ten participants could imagine using the app in the future. Conclusions All test participants were able to use the app independently to a large extent and most of the a priori defined goals were achieved successfully. With certain minor changes, the usability can therefore be assessed as good.Trial registration The performed usability test is the basis of a study named “Evaluation of an app-based activity intervention for statutory health insured people” which is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS). DRKS-ID: 2019)
USES OF SPATIAL PREDICTIVE MODELS IN FORESTED AREAS TERRITORIAL PLANNING

Territorial planning of areas of forestal vocation try to resolve a number of problems such as current forests conservation and degraded areas restoration. In this work we uphold that for a correct plannification it is necessary to know the forestry potential of the territory expressed cartographically by means of suitability models. Such models can be generated objetively through spatial analysis methods relating the current presence/absence of a forest type to a set of influent environmental variables. This work presents an example of the utility of such models as planning criteria for future actions. We present the suitability model for Quercus pyrenaica forests in the Extremadura Autonomous Community (Spain). The analysis of the generated models allows to establish criteria for conservation and restoration, and also to select areas where actuation should be prioritary.
Commentary on "Circumcision"

Abstract:This commentary draws upon the author's experience in bioethics and as a physician, ordained Rabbi, and certified Mohel (a Jewish professional qualified to perform infant male circumcisions (MC)). People's identity and adherence to a religious belief are frequently cited reasons for deciding whether to circumcise their male children. For Jewish and Muslim males, circumcision is considered essential. In this commentary, the author uses his medical, religious, and bioethical knowledge, expertise, and experience to address common arguments used in opposing nontherapeutic male circumcision of minors. In these narratives, half of the parents agreed with circumcision, and half did not. The parents against circumcision cite human rights violations, security, privacy, and bodily integrity issues and refer to circumcision as genital mutilation, while those who agree argue that circumcision should be done for religious reasons to prevent health issues, promote hygiene and cleanness, avoid cancer, or for later sexual enjoyment. After evaluating the evidence, the author states that parents should be free to either consent or decline MC for a son. Though a reoccurring theme in these narratives was for mothers to leave the circumcision decision up to their male partners, the author concludes that women have considerable power regarding the decision.
Outage Constrained Max–Min Secrecy Rate Optimization for IRS-Aided SWIPT Systems With Artificial Noise

This study focuses on an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) enabled simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) system with the coexistence of legitimate users (LUs) and Eavesdroppers (Eves). The main objective is to jointly optimize the transmit beamforming and artificial noise covariance matrix at the access point, the phase shift matrix at the IRS, and the power splitting ratio at the LUs, to maximize the system’s min-secrecy rate. Due to the imperfect channel state information of Eves, an outage rate constraint is contained. The formulated problem is a challenging nonconvex optimization problem since it involves nonconvex objective function and constraints, and the outage rate constraint does not have simple closed form expression. To address this problem, an algorithm based on the alternating optimization method is proposed, which breaks down the nonconvex problem into three subproblems. The algorithm employs several techniques to solve these subproblems. Specifically, the outage rate constraint is approximated using the Bernstein-type inequality. And the Taylor formula, semi-definite relaxation, and successive convex approximation methods are employed to transform the nonconvex subproblems into convex ones. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm compared to baseline algorithms under different conditions.
Gas bubble transport and emissions for shallow peat from a northern peatland: The role of pressure changes and peat structure

Gas bubbles are an important pathway for methane release from peatlands. The mechanisms controlling gas bubble transport and emissions in peat remain uncertain. The effects of hydrostatic pressure and peat structure on the dynamics of gas bubbles in shallow peat were therefore tested in laboratory experiments. A peat monolith was retrieved from a raised bog and maintained in a saturated state. Three distinct layers were identified from noninvasive permittivity measurements supported by soil physical properties (porosity, bulk density). Phase I of the experiment involved monitoring for the accumulation of gas bubbles under steady pressure and temperature conditions. The data showed evidence for gas bubbles being impeded by a shallow semiconfining layer at depths between 10 and 15 cm. Visible gas bubbles observed on the side of the sample box were recorded over time to estimate changes in the vertical distribution of volumetric gas content. Porosity estimates derived using the Complex Refraction Index Model (CRIM) suggest that gas bubbles enlarge the pore space when the exerted pressure is high enough. Phase II involved triggering release of trapped bubbles by repeatedly increasing and decreasing hydrostatic pressure in an oversaturated condition. Comparison of changes in pressure head and methane density in the head space confirmed that the increasing buoyancy force during drops in pressure is more important for triggering ebullition than increasing mobility during increases in pressure. Our findings demonstrate the importance of changes in hydrostatic pressure on bubble size and variations in resistance of the peat fabric in regulating methane releases from peatlands.
Phloem-Mobile MYB44 Negatively Regulates Expression of PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER 1 in Arabidopsis Roots

Phosphorus (P) is an essential plant macronutrient; however, its availability is often limited in soils. Plants have evolved complex mechanisms for efficient phosphate (Pi) absorption, which are responsive to changes in external and internal Pi concentration, and orchestrated through local and systemic responses. To explore these systemic Pi responses, here we identified AtMYB44 as a phloem-mobile mRNA, an Arabidopsis homolog of Cucumis sativus MYB44, that is responsive to the Pi-starvation stress. qRT-PCR assays revealed that AtMYB44 was up-regulated and expressed in both shoot and root in response to Pi-starvation stress. The atmyb44 mutant displayed higher shoot and root biomass compared to wild-type plants, under Pi-starvation conditions. Interestingly, the expression of PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1;2 (PHT1;2) and PHT1;4 was enhanced in atmyb44 in response to a Pi-starvation treatment. A split-root assay showed that AtMYB44 expression was systemically regulated under Pi-starvation conditions, and in atmyb44, systemic controls on PHT1;2 and PHT1;4 expression were moderately disrupted. Heterografting assays confirmed graft transmission of AtMYB44 transcripts, and PHT1;2 and PHT1;4 expression was decreased in heterografted atmyb44 rootstocks. Taken together, our findings support the hypothesis that mobile AtMYB44 mRNA serves as a long-distance Pi response signal, which negatively regulates Pi transport and utilization in Arabidopsis.
Reconciling the discrepancy in ground‐ and satellite‐observed trends in the spring phenology of winter wheat in China from 1993 to 2008

Monitoring crop phenology has become a growing concern for food security. Crop phenology can be traditionally observed at plot scale in the field or recently at a much larger scale by satellites. In this study, we compared the spring phenology of winter wheat (Triticum sp.), quantified as the timing of start‐of‐spring‐season (SOS), using 8 km resolution satellite data and ground observations at 112 agrometeorological stations across China from 1993 to 2008. We found that ground and satellite observations displayed opposing trends in winter wheat SOS. Ground observation exhibited a delayed onset of SOS at 86% of ground stations, whereas satellite data suggested an earlier arrival of SOS at 78% of stations. The meteorological SOS calculated from daily air temperature supported the earlier occurrence of SOS indicated by satellite data. Moreover, satellite data showed more agreement with meteorological data with respect to interannual SOS variations than did field phenology records. Given the dominant control of air temperature on winter wheat's spring phenology, satellite observation provides a reliable measure of the long‐term trends and dynamics of SOS. Ground‐observed SOS trends were impaired by data heterogeneity and limited spatial coverage. However, compared with ground observations, satellite‐derived phenological timings are often lack of biological meanings. Therefore, integrating ground and satellite observations could enhance the monitoring of winter wheat SOS, which would increase the knowledge of vegetation's response to the changing climate and help to optimize timely crop management.
Functional Performance of a Submerged and Essentially Horizontal Plate for Offshore Wave Control: A Review

The functional performance of a submerged and essentially horizontal plate for offshore wave control is summarized. The historical development of the concept is observed with comments on the extraordinary features of this simple type of structure. Analytical, numerical, and semi-empirical methods for evaluation of the reflectivity and transmissivity of and the hydrodynamic forces on the plate are comparatively examined. Known results on the effects of the length, the submergence, the porosity and the inclination of the plate are surveyed. The three-dimensional effects, the effects of wave irregularity, wave nonlinearity, fluid viscosity and current presence are also discussed.
Management Strategies and Outcomes for Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumours with Involvement of the Superior Mesenteric Vessels: A Systematic Review

Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours (SI-NETs) are the most common small intestinal tumours. A particularly challenging subset of these tumours is those that involve the superior mesenteric artery or vein for which the role and feasibility of surgery are often questioned. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate the management strategies used for these complex SI-NETs. The identified studies showed positive outcomes with surgery and multimodality therapy.
Ecology and invasive properties of musk thistle (Carduus nutans) in the Central Prairies of Nebraska

76 Introduction.78 Materials and Methods.81 Results.84 Discussion.88 Figures and Tables.95 References.102 Seed Germination Ecology of Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans) in the Central Prairie of Nebraska.110 Abstract.110 Introduction.112 Materials and Methods.116 Results and Discussion.123 Figures and Tables.131 References.140 Conclusions.147 Acknowledgements.149
Inhaled Corticosteroid Exposure and Risk of Cataract in Patients with Asthma and COPD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose Both systemic and inhaled corticosteroids may increase the risk of cataract in patients with both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Our aim was to assess the degree of association between cataract and corticosteroid exposure in patients with asthma and COPD. Methods A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The odds ratio estimates were extracted from each article. A random effects model was applied for estimate pooling in separate meta-analyses according to study design. Meta-regression was performed to assess the dose-response relationship between corticosteroid exposure and the risk of cataract development. Results A total of 19 studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review, of which 12 studies provided effect estimates for pooled analyses. All but one of the included observational studies reported a significant association between use of corticosteroids and cataract development in cohorts of asthma and/or COPD patients. Pooled analyses revealed on average a doubled risk of cataract in corticosteroid-exposed asthma and COPD patients. Studies have shown that daily high-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) ≥ 1000 μg is associated with a significant risk of developing cataract and by that predispose to subsequent cataract surgery, although one study showed that systemic corticosteroids increase cataract risk more than ICS. Conclusion ICS treatment in asthma and COPD patients is a risk factor for cataract development. Our results emphasize a previously underestimated potential long-term risk of treatment with ICS and underline the importance of targeting ICS treatment, and not least dosing, to improve the risk-benefit ratio of maintenance treatment in both asthma and COPD.
Outcomes of relationship quality in business-to-business contexts: A South African concrete product market perspective

Abstract Business to business (B2B) relationships in South Africa’s concrete product market are characterised as transactional, asymmetrical and adversarial. This study examines the outcomes of relationship quality satisfaction in South Africa’s construction industry. Quantitative data was collected from 560 concrete product suppliers in South Africa. Expectation, involvement and flexibility emerged as the major factors that favourably influence perceptions of relationship quality. Moreover, the study showed low levels of trust, forgiveness, and communication between concrete product suppliers and civil contractors. Increased collaboration, trust and communication are recommended as strategies for managing incidences of conflict. The findings of this study underscored the need by concrete product suppliers (CPS) and civil engineering managers to improve the quality of communication. To be effective, communication should be planned in a manner that is proactive such that market information is timeously shared in a way that minimises risk exposure. Quality communication may also be enhanced by leveraging the power of internet enabled channels, whilst being attentive to reduce incidence of information leakage. The study findings also suggest the need to invest in trust building, since lack of trust breeds uncertainty which compromises project quality.
Exploitation of Harmonic Generation in Time-Controlled Frequency-Diverse Arrays for WPT

This work presents a novel and detailed harmonic analysis of frequency-diverse arrays (FDAs) when a pulsed regime is adopted to resolve the typical range–angle coupling of their radiation mechanism. This analysis demonstrates the positive exploitation of the harmonic generation of time-controlled FDAs when its use as smart energy sources for wireless power transfer applications is envisaged: in this context, several pulse waveforms are compared and the delicate tradeoff between the minimization of the power dispersed among out-of-band harmonics and the confinement of the illuminated region of space is deeply discussed. The triangular-shaped pulse combined with its repetition frequency identical to the constant frequency spacing among the antennas results to be the most promising choice. The analytical results are supported by measurements carried out in a realistic scenario with a four-monopole planar array operating at 1.8 GHz.
Associated Bacterial Coinfections in COVID-19-Positive Patients

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify specific rhino- and oropharyngeal microbiological pathogens as well as associated comorbidities that favor SARS-CoV-2 infection and corelate them. Materials and Methods: This prospective clinical study enrolled 61 patients (28 COVID-19-positive and 33 controls) who were tested for other comorbidities and co-existence of associated oral pathogenic microbiota. Results: A total of 247 bacterial isolates were identified in the bacterial cultures in both groups. Viral hepatitis type A was more prevalent in the COVID-19-positive group (p = 0.026), as was the presence of oral candidiasis (p = 0.006). In the control group, a moderate direct relationship was observed between the Beta hemolytic streptococcus group G and dermatitis, and strong direct relationships were observed between the Beta hemolytic streptococcus group G and external otitis, Streptococcus pyogenes and dental alveolitis, and Streptococcus pyogenes and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In the test group, strong direct relationships were observed between Hemophilus influenzae and pulmonary thromboembolism; Staphylococcus aureus and autoimmune thyroiditis; post-viral immunosuppression, chronic coronary syndrome, and hypernatremia; Beta hemolytic streptococcus group C and rheumatoid polyneuropathy; Beta hemolytic streptococcus group G and hyperkalemia, hypothyroidism, secondary anemia, and splenomegaly; and active oral candidiasis and SARS-CoV-2 viral pneumonia. The following relationships were strong, but inverse: Beta hemolytic streptococcus group G and acute respiratory failure, and active oral candidiasis and SARS-CoV-2 viral bronchopneumonia. Conclusions: Briefly, COVID-19-positive patients have the predisposition to build up associated comorbidities and coinfections, which can be the expression of the immune burden that this virus generates to the host.
Atmospheric CO2 forcing on glacial thermohaline circulation and climate

A coupled climate model study indicates the paleoclimate record of glacial thermohaline circulation (THC) and reversed deep‐sea temperature‐salinity (T‐S) distribution in the Atlantic can be explained largely by lower glacial atmospheric CO2 alone. The reduced CO2 leads to increased Southern Ocean wintertime sea‐ice cover and salinity, increased production of dense Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW), enhanced cold and saline AABW penetration into the deep North Atlantic, increased oceanic vertical stability, and reduced North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) circulation. The dominant role of CO2 forcing during the glacial implies a positive feedback between the Southern Ocean regulated THC and the glacial global carbon cycle.
The Impact of Culture-, Health- and Nature-Based Engagement on Mitigating the Adverse Effects of Public Health Restrictions on Wellbeing, Social Connectedness and Loneliness during COVID-19: Quantitative Evidence from a Smaller- and Larger-Scale UK Survey

Numerous UK surveys conducted during COVID-19 examined the pandemic’s detrimental effects on health, and the consequences of lockdown and other public health restrictions on mental health. Some surveys considered specific populations and social inequities exacerbated during COVID-19. Fewer surveys examined the ways in which the adverse effects of public health restrictions, such as lockdown, shielding and social distancing, might be alleviated. Drawing upon self-determination theory, the purpose of the current study was to assess whether culture-, health- and nature-based engagement would mitigate the effects of these restrictions on psychological wellbeing, social connectedness and loneliness. Quantitative data from a smaller-scale survey (n = 312) and a subset of questions embedded in a larger-scale survey (n = 3647) were analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods. Frequency of engagement, whether participation was online or offline and with or without other people, and the extent to which type of participation was associated with psychological wellbeing, social connectedness and loneliness were examined. Sports and fitness, gardening and reading occurred frequently in both surveys. For the smaller-scale survey, increases in connectedness and frequency of participation and decreases in loneliness were significantly associated with improved wellbeing, whereas the type of participation and age range were not significant predictors. Outcomes from the smaller-scale survey approximated the larger-scale survey for measures of loneliness, type and frequency of participation and proportion of respondents in each age range. As the frequency of participation was a significant predictor of wellbeing, but the type of participation was not significant, the findings implied that any type of participation in a sufficient quantity would be likely to boost wellbeing.
Low-latitude particle precipitation and associated local magnetic disturbances

The time variations of optical emissions during low-latitude auroral events have been shown to correlate well with those of magnetograms in the region where the aurorae are observed. Two events not previously reported are analyzed and are shown to confirm the nature of the correlations found for two earlier events. The maximum optical emissions at mid-latitudes occur in concert with the maximum positive (northward) excursions in the H trace and with rapid fluctuations in the D trace of nearby magnetograms. The fluctuation in ΔD is usually from the east (positive) to the west (negative) in vicinity of the ΔH perturbation. The positive excursions in H at low-latitude observatories at the time of the maximum optical emissions are associated with negative H excursions at higher-latitude observatories in the same longitude sector. The source of the particles has been inferred to be the ring current, with precipitation occurring when the |Dst| index is large at the time of the large short term excursions in the local magnetic field. This result is consistent with the finding of Voss and Smith (1979), derived from a series of rocket measurements of precipitating heavy particles, that the flux correlates better with the product of |Dst| and the exponential of Kp than with either alone. In the present case it is shown that the product of |Dst| and the amplitude of the short term excursions in the horizontal component in local magnetograms has better time resolution and better correlation with the observed emission rates than the index using Kp.