Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Persistence of walking in Chile: lessons for urban sustainability

ABSTRACT An extensive body of work from the urban planning, health, and other disciplines has documented the importance of walking to urban sustainability from health, safety, security, environmental and other perspectives. These studies come mainly from countries in North America and Europe, where the majority of the population relies on cars for transportation. Notwithstanding, in many countries in the Global South, walking remains a majority transport mode, while cars increasingly dominate the urban streetscape, but are accessible only to a minority of the population. Chile provides fertile terrain for studying this phenomenon. This article reviews current practice and recent research of walking in Chile, in light of international findings regarding walkability, equity and urban sustainability. To elaborate an overview of the depth and breadth of walking in Chile, an interdisciplinary team conducted a literature review, examined relevant case study material from experience from Chile and in particular from Santiago, and triangulated this mainly qualitative data with results from the origin-destination survey applied in Chile’s main cities, Chilean traffic safety data) and results from official transport reports of other Latin American cities [Tirachini, A. (2019). South America: The challenge of transition. In J. Stanley & D. Hensher (Eds.), A research agenda for transport policy. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing]. Findings show that despite priority public investments that have largely prioritised infrastructure for cars, walking in Chile has remained as the majority transport mode up until today, especially for lower-middle income groups, and particularly for care-related tasks performed mainly by women. In this sense, walking in Chile has proven remarkably persistent. The importance of walking as the main transport mode, against the odds, reflects economic, cultural, and urban form determinants, which are explored in this article. Furthermore, a recent upsurge in public interest and community design initiatives to improve walking, particularly the generation of a Chilean approach to “complete streets” has emerged, opening up opportunities to challenge Chile’s version of automobility in favour of more equitable, active and public transportation modes. There is, therefore, in Chile an opportunity to prioritise the walking mode, improve infrastructure for walkers and build from preserving current high pedestrian modal shares, rather than having to reverse widespread car use, as occurs in many countries in Europe and North America. This potential is highly relevant as these conditions are similar to those in other Latin American cities and, potentially, other cities elsewhere in the Global South.
Spring Season in Western Nepal Himalaya is not yet Warming: A 400-Year Temperature Reconstruction Based on Tree-Ring Widths of Himalayan Hemlock (Tsuga dumosa)

The Himalayan region has already witnessed profound climate changes detectable in the cryosphere and the hydrological cycle, already resulting in drastic socio-economic impacts. We developed a 619-yea-long tree-ring-width chronology from the central Nepal Himalaya, spanning the period 1399–2017 CE. However, due to low replication of the early part of the chronology, only the section after 1600 CE was used for climate reconstruction. Proxy climate relationships indicate that temperature conditions during spring (March–May) are the main forcing factor for tree growth of Tsuga dumosa at the study site. We developed a robust climate reconstruction model and reconstructed spring temperatures for the period 1600–2017 CE. Our reconstruction showed cooler conditions during 1658–1681 CE, 1705–1722 CE, 1753–1773 CE, 1796–1874 CE, 1900–1936 CE, and 1973 CE. Periods with comparably warmer conditions occurred in 1600–1625 CE, 1633–1657 CE, 1682–1704 CE, 1740–1752 CE, 1779–1795 CE, 1936–1945 CE, 1956–1972 CE, and at the beginning of the 21st century. Tropical volcanic eruptions showed only a sporadic impact on the reconstructed temperature. Also, no consistent temperature trend was evident since 1600 CE. Our temperature reconstruction showed positive teleconnections with March–May averaged gridded temperature data for far west Nepal and adjacent areas in Northwest India and on the Southwest Tibetan plateau. We found spectral periodicities of 2.75–4 and 40–65 years frequencies in our temperature reconstruction, indicating that past climate variability in central Nepal might have been influenced by large-scale climate modes, like the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation, the North Atlantic Oscillation, and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation.
Association of Short Sleep Duration with Psychological Conditions in Cancer Survivors: From the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background: Cancer survivors experience various psychological complications. This study aims to explore the concurrent association between short sleep duration and poor psychological conditions among adult cancer survivors in Korea. Methods: Cross-sectional study using data from the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007-2012) included 1,042 cancer survivors and 33,867 non-cancer controls. Psychological conditions (i.e., severe distress, depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt) were compared between cancer survivors and non-cancer controls. Based on logistic regression models controlling for age and sex, associations between short sleep duration and psychological status were evaluated among cancer survivors. Results: Cancer survivors exhibited higher estimated proportions of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt than non-cancer controls. Short sleep duration was found to have a significantly increased likelihood for poor psychological outcomes such as severe distress, depression, and suicidal ideation in cancer survivors (OR=2.21, 95% CI 1.28-3.81; OR=3.14, 95% CI 1.47-6.72, and OR=2.32, 95% CI 1.70-3.78, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that short sleep duration can place cancer survivors at a higher risk of adverse psychological conditions. Interventions focused on improving both sleep behavior and psychological stability among cancer survivors are needed.
Physico-chemical properties of clove oil from three forest clove accession groups in Maluku

Forest cloves (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L. M. Perry. ) are classified as wild and endemic clove to Maluku islands. So far, the studies on utilization of clove oil as an essential oil are still limited. This study aims to provide information on the physicochemical properties of clove oil from three clove accession groups in Maluku. Clove oil is obtained through the distillation of parts of the plant such as flowers bud, flower stalks, and leaves. The physicochemical components of clove oil in this study were compared to those of the standard type of cultivated clove oil, for there is no standard for forest clove oil. The results of the characterization of the physicochemical properties of clove oil revealed that the oils of the three clove accession groups met the standard of clove oil in several parameters, namely color (yellow to dark brown), specific gravity (0.9559-1,101 g ml−1), refractive index (1.5075-1.5467), β-caryophyllene (0.74-11.79%). However, they did not meet the standard of clove oil solubility in ethanol 70% (1:10) and total eugenol (20-28%). The clove accession groups had high oil content (in the distillation) from the flower bud section (1.33-3.00%), followed by the flower stalks (0.40-1.0%), and leaves (0.44-0.93%).
Aerosol retrieval study from multiangle polarimetric satellite data based on optimal estimation method

Abstract. Based on the optimal estimation (OE) theory, an inversion framework for aerosol retrieval from multiviewing polarimetric satellite measurements, is presented. The retrieved parameters include the wavelength-independent volume concentration and spectral aerosol optical depth (AOD). An OE-iteration approach is proposed to implement the framework. Polarization data from the polarization and directionality of the Earth’s reflectance sensor over the Chinese Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region are selected to test the proposed algorithm. The validation against aerosol robotic network products produces high correlation coefficients (R) of 0.85, 0.9, and 0.86 for the fine-mode volume concentration, fine-mode AOD, and total AOD at 500 nm, respectively. These results indicate that the OE retrieval framework is practical and useful in the quantitative retrieval of AOD and fine-mode volume concentration from the multiangle polarization data.
Processing of Herbal Tea from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.): Effects of Drying Temperature and Brewing Conditions on Total Soluble Solid, Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity and Sensory Quality

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is an annual shrub popularly grown in tropical and subtropical areas. Although Roselle fruit has been used for a long time as a herbal tea due to its high content of bioactive compounds like phenolic acids and anthocyanins, the studies on the effects of the drying process and brewing conditions on the content of beneficial components and bioactivities of Roselle tea is limited. In this study, the influence of drying temperature on the retention of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC) of the dried Roselle and the effects of brewing conditions including water temperature, liquid-solid ratio and brewing time on total soluble solid (TSS) content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity of Roselle tea were investigated. The drying at 80 °C produced the dried Roselle with the highest retention of TPC (25.196 mg GAE/g) and AC (IC50 of 2.2 mg/mL for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition) and the highest sensory quality compared to the drying at other temperatures. The brewing process using hot water at 90 °C with the solid-liquid ratio of 1:10 (g/mL) for 30 min resulted in the highest TSS content (5.4 oBx), TPC (12.7 mg GAE/g dried Roselle) and AC (73.3% DPPH inhibition) of the Roselle tea. Thus, the drying at 80 °C combined with the brewing of dried Roselle for 30 min using 90 °C hot water with the solid-liquid ratio of 1:10 (g/mL) are recommended to produce Roselle tea with the highest content of beneficial ingredients.
Leisure Time Physical Activity and Hypertension: Evidence from the China Health & Nutrition Survey, 2004-2011

Background: The prevalence of hypertension has dramatically increased in the past several decades in China. At the same time, the level of physical activity among Chinese has significantly reduced. The association between leisure time physical activity and development of hypertension has not been thoroughly established, especially from an urban-rural perspective. The study thus sought to examine the associations in Chinese adults using longitudinal data, and the association’s difference in urban and rural community. Methods: A total of 2,687 adults were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regressions and proportional hazard regressions were performed to assess the association after adjusting for possible confounding variables. Urban-rural differences were also investigated by stratified analysis. Results: In the sample, 62.3% were from urban, 47.4% were men, and the mean age was 40. Adjusted estimates show that leisure time activity was a significant protector from developing hypertension (HR=0.60, 95% CI=0.41-0.87) in Chinese sample. The correlation was found to be significant among urban residents (HR=0.57, 95% CI=0.38-0.87), but not in rural participants (HR=0.91, 95% CI=0.36-2.33). Conclusions: Leisure time physical activity and development of hypertension were significantly correlated with each other in Chinese. Promoting leisure time physical activity may be helpful in hypertension prevention and control in China. In addition, educating healthy diet and occupational physical activity pattern might be helpful in urban areas.
Food intake and nutritional status of female marriage immigrants residing in Gwangju, Korea

Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of female marriage immigrants attending Korean language class in Gwangju, Korea by analyzing daily food and nutrient intake. Methods: Eighty-three female immigrants completed a survey. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and dietary food intake was assessed using a 1-day 24 hour recall method. Results: The average length of residence in Korea was 5.3 years, and mean age of subjects was 31.0 years old. The home countries of subjects were Vietnam (50.6%), China (24.1%), Philippines (13.3%), and others (12%). Due to the length of residence, there were significant differences in body weight (p < 0.05), BMI (p < 0.05), percent body fat (p < 0.05), and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). The subjects who were 30~49 years old consumed more vegetables and less seaweed than the subjects who were 20~29 years old. The other kinds of consumed foods were similar among groups in different age groups or lengths of residence in Korea. Average energy intake of subjects was 1,641.0 Kcal. The group with less than 5 years of residence showed higher cholesterol intake than the group with 5 or more years of residence in Korea (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in nutrient intake between the groups of different age or length of residence. There was a positive association among dietary cholesterol intake and consumption of eggs, milk. and dairy products, and blood pressure. Conclusion: The study shows that length of residence affects rate of obesity and nutritional status. Further extensive research is needed to understand the effect of dietary changes and nutritional status of female marriage immigrants as well as for their successful adaptation to develop a more active and long-term nutrition education program.
It's OK to pay well, if you write well: The effects of remuneration disclosure readability

Since 2011, listed US companies are required to hold an advisory shareholder vote on the remuneration of named executive officers on information provided in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis report (CD&A). While the SEC requires that the CD&A be written in ‘Plain English’, commentators relay general dissatisfaction among the investment community regarding the readability of the average CD&A (Larcker et al., 2015). Prima facie, this calls for firms to invest in improving disclosure in the CD&A. The probable consequences from this investment however, in terms of affecting the outcome of the say-on-pay vote, are far from clear. Ample evidence exists in the Psychology, Finance, and Accounting literatures which suggests that readability can affect decision making within a financial setting. Lawrence (2013) finds that individual (small) investors are attracted towards investments in firms with clearer and more concise financial disclosures and argues that readability brings informational advantages for individual investors. The readability of financial disclosures may also affect the way that investors make decisions. Research from the Behavioural paradigm document a number of observed heuristics which may guide individuals’ decision making. Rennekamp (2012) argues that readability evokes the processing fluency heuristic, whereby information is perceived to be more credible if it is provided in a more readable manner. There is a danger that if shareholders are too quick to endorse pay decisions on the basis of inflated credibility, then a culture of excessive pay may prevail relatively unchallenged. We demonstrate that CD&A readability, inversely measured using the Gunning-Fog Index, has the effect of weakening the link between an established proxy of CEO excess pay and the probability of receiving a low say-on-pay voting result (firms with more readable CD&A are less likely to receive a no vote, despite similar levels of estimated CEO excess pay). This suggests that increased readability does on average lead to shareholders placing a greater decision weight on arguments presented in the CD&A framed in favour of proposed pay. While Rennekamp (2012) demonstrates that readability of press releases affects valuations using an experimental approach we examine the impact of processing fluency in a real setting where inflated credibility of management may significantly affect the voting outcome.
Time evolution of restless legs syndrome in haemodialysis patients

Abstract Background Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by an urge to move the extremities, accompanied by paraesthesiae, in the evening and at night. Uraemic RLS, a type of secondary RLS, occurs commonly in chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Progression of uraemic RLS over time is unclear. Therefore we investigated the prevalence, progression over time, risk factors and impact on survival of uraemic RLS in a cohort of dialysis patients. Methods We reviewed at the 7-year follow-up a cohort of haemodialysis (HD) patients we had previously investigated for RLS, through interviews, validated questionnaires and analysis of demographic and clinical data. Results At the 7-year follow-up, RLS was present in 16% of patients, with a persistence rate of 33%. A correlation was obtained between RLS and older age, diabetes, low albumin and low body mass index. RLS was associated with reduced overall survival (median survival of 3.3 versus 3.7 years), particularly with the continuous form of RLS (1.61 years). There was a higher incidence of myocardial infarction and peripheral vascular disease, although not reaching statistical significance. RLS patients had absolute higher scores in all quality of life domains. A large majority of study patients (96%) reported being symptom-free within a few days or weeks following kidney transplantation. Conclusions The development of RLS, especially the continuous form, in patients undergoing HD has important consequences associated with decreased survival. Our results indicated an association between uraemic RLS and ageing, diabetes and malnutrition. Considerable efforts should be focused on the treatment of RLS, since it significantly and persistently impacts the quality of life of HD patients. Kidney transplantation could represent an effective treatment option for that RLS impacts on dialysis patients' quality of life, thus confirming the secondary nature of RLS in most HD patients.
Pitch-controlled variable-speed wind turbine generation

Wind energy is a viable option to complement other types of pollution-free generation. In the early development of wind energy, the majority of wind turbines were operated at constant speed. Recently, the number of variable-speed wind turbines installed in wind farms has increased and more wind turbine manufacturers are making variable-speed wind turbines. This paper covers the operation of variable-speed wind turbines with pitch control. The system the authors considered is controlled to generate maximum energy while minimizing loads. The maximization of energy was only carried out on a static basis and only drive train loads were considered as a constraint. In medium wind speeds, the generator and power converter control the wind turbine to capture maximum energy from the wind. In the high wind speed region, the wind turbine is controlled to maintain the aerodynamic power produced by the wind turbine. Two methods to adjust the aerodynamic power were investigated: pitch control and generator load control, both of which are employed to control the operation of the wind turbine. The authors analysis and simulation shows that the wind turbine can be operated at its optimum energy capture while minimizing the load on the wind turbine for a wide range of wind speeds.
Schisandra A ameliorates cigarette smoke extract and lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress in lung epithelial cells

Background The previous studies reported the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Schisandrin A (Sch A). This study aimed to investigate the ability of Sch A to protect against lung oxidative stress induced by the combination of cigarette smoke extract and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in an in vitro model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods The cell viability was determined by using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Colorimetry was used to detect the changes in antioxidant markers. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine the mRNA levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). The levels of IL-8 and HO-1 in the supernatant were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blot analysis was performed to measure the phosphorylation and protein expression levels of nuclear factor-κB. Results Sch A inhibited the excessive proliferation of pulmonary epithelial cells, decreased malondialdehyde content, and increased the expression levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione after the combined treatment of cigarette smoke extract and LPS. Also, Sch A downregulated the expression of IL-8 and upregulated the expression of HO-1 mRNA in lung epithelial cells and cell supernatants, and resulted in the downregulation of the protein expression level of phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB. Conclusions Sch A inhibited the oxidative stress of lung epithelial cells induced by the combination of cigarette smoke extract and LPS. Sch A may be a potential therapeutic medication for COPD.
Epidemiology in diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease

As one of the leading causes of death in the USA, diabetes mellitus (DM) has become an epidemic over the past few decades. Despite the high prevalence of diagnosed DM, close to half of all people with DM are unaware of their disease. The risk of type 2 DM is determined by interplay of genetic and metabolic factors. Patients with type 2 DM have a higher risk of death from cardiovascular causes compared with their nondiabetic counterparts, and the mortality rate of DM associated cardiovascular disease is different among ethnicity groups and sex groups. Because of its adverse effect on people’s health, DM also imposes an economic burden on individuals and households affected, as well as on the healthcare system. Current guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention have focused on lifestyle management, blood pressure control, lipid control, blood glucose control, antiplatelet agent use, and tobacco use cessation.