Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties of the Smartphone Distraction Scale in Chinese College Students: Validity, Reliability and Influencing Factors

Aim The objective of this study was to evaluate the Chinese version of the Smartphone Distraction Scale (C-SDS), which is an easy-to-use tool for screening the risk of smartphone distraction in Chinese college students. Methods The C-SDS, Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV), Fear of Missing Out scale (FoMO) and Metacognition about Smartphone Use Questionnaire (MSUQ) were used in a sample of 1,002 Chinese college students to test smartphone distraction and its influencing factors. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to test measurement properties and factor structures of the C-SDS. Multi-variable linear regressions examined the relationships of sex, age, education level, the purpose of using a smartphone, usage of smartphone (hours per day), fear of missing out, smartphone addiction and positive and negative metacognitions about smartphone use with the C-SDS. Results The EFA showed a 3-factor structure, which consisted of attention impulsiveness, multitasking and emotion regulation. The CFA showed that the 3-factor demonstrated an overall better model fit (RMSEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.05, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.93). The C-SDS showed internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.88, McDonald’s Omega ω = 0.88). Findings included that negative metacognition about smartphone use was most correlated with the C-SDS (b = 0.73; p < 0.001). Smartphone addiction, positive metacognition about smartphone use and fear of missing out also correlated with the C-SDS (b = 0.66, p < 0.001; b = 0.53, p < 0.001; b = 0.40, p < 0.001, respectively). The study shows that males compared to females (b = –1.65; p = 0.003), had a higher C-SDS score. Conclusion The C-SDS was valid and reliable for assessing the distraction of using smartphones in the Chinese context. Being female, the purpose of using a smartphone, smartphone usage (hours per day), fear of missing out, smartphone addiction and positive and negative metacognitions about smartphone use were positively correlated to the C-SDS.
Revealed Comparative Advantage in Services Exports: How Is India Different from China?

In recent years, India has become one of the select few emerging economies to feature in the list of the world’s top services exporters. However, given similarities in demography, resource endowments and comparable shares in world services exports, India faces potential competition from China in this sector. Using a theoretically founded, regression-based measure of revealed comparative advantage, we contrast India’s revealed comparative advantage vis-à-vis China in disaggregated services sectors between 2005 and 2018. India, we find, has a comparative advantage in sectors, such as ‘telecommunications, computer, and information services’ and ‘other business services’. However, China’s advantage lies in ‘manufacturing services’ and ‘transport’. Notably, the sectors of India’s comparative advantage are also the sunrise sectors within services, displaying high growth rates and an increasing share in world services trade. A related measure—the trade elasticity index—reveals that, due to sectoral differences in comparative advantage, China does not pose a major threat to India in most of the latter’s major export destinations. Our finding implies that even if China were to enter free trade agreements with India’s major services export partners, the trade diversion losses for India would be small. JEL Codes: F11, F14
The dark side of meaningful work‐from‐home: A nonlinear approach

Changes in the technological environment of work already in motion over the last few years, but accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, place individuals' search for meaningfulness in their work under a new light. In this context, we draw on enrichment theory and the ego-depletion perspective and challenge the prevailing notion that meaningfulness is always positive and hypothesize that, under certain conditions, there can be such a thing as "too much meaningfulness. " A two-wave study of 243 full-time employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States offers support for a nonlinear effect of meaningfulness of work for workaholics, such that it has a positive effect on individuals up to a certain point, but a negative effect if there are excessive amounts of meaningfulness. We discuss these findings in light of the debate around the moral duty of managers and firms to offer meaningful jobs to employees and offer practical suggestions for firms.
The Effect of Workplace vs School-Based Vocational Education on Youth Unemployment: Evidence from France

This article analyzes the impact of increasing workplace-based versus school-based vocational education to promote the employment of low-skilled young people. We combine a field experiment in France with the estimation of a job search and matching model which takes into account the productivity difference of the young people in these two pathways and the choice of employers. We find a positive impact of increased workplace education on youth employment limited by the fact that it stems almost entirely from retention in the training firm without having a significant impact on youth seeking employment in other firms after graduation.
In-silico Studies Calculated a New Chitin Oligomer Binding Site Inside Vicilin: A Potent Antifungal and Insecticidal Agent

Vicilins are major seed storage proteins and show differential binding affinities toward sugar moieties of fungal cell wall and insect gut epithelium. Hence, purpose of study is the thorough in-silico characterization of interactions between vicilin and chitin oligomer followed by fungal and insecticidal bioassays. This work covers the molecular simulation studies explaining the interactions between Pisum sativum vicilin (PsV) and chitin oligomer followed by protein bioassay against different pathogens. LC-MS/MS of purified PsV (∼50 kDa) generated residual data along high pea vicilin homology (UniProtKB ID; P13918). Predicted model (PsV) indicated the characteristic homotrimer joined through head-to-tail association and each monomer is containing a bicupin domain. PsV site map analysis showed a new site (Site 4) into which molecular docking confirmed the strong binding of chitin oligomer (GlcNAc)4. Molecular dynamics simulation data (50 ns) indicated that chitin-binding site was comprised of 8 residues (DKEDRNEN). However, aspartate and glutamate significantly contributed in the stability of ligand binding. Computational findings were further verified via significant growth inhibition of Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, and Fusarium oxysporum against PsV. Additionally, the substantial adult population of Brevicoryne brassicae was reduced and different life stages of Tribolium castaneum also showed significant mortality.
Exploring a Structural Model of Teaching Enjoyment, Teacher Self-Efficacy, and Work Engagement

Due to the complexity of teaching, determining the variables influencing teachers’ work engagement is a rewarding research area. In line with this research agenda, the purpose of this study was to test a structural model of work engagement based on teacher self-efficacy and teaching enjoyment among English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers. For this purpose, 315 Iranian English instructors completed an online survey. Initially, the measurement models for the three latent variables were averred via conducting confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Following that, structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to test the hypothesized model. SEM results showed that both self-efficacy and teaching enjoyment were the significant predictors of teachers’ work engagement, although teacher self-efficacy was a stronger predictor than teaching enjoyment. The findings might have notable implications for English teachers.
Exceptional preservation of large fossil vertebrates in a volcanic setting (Camp dels Ninots, Spain)

ABSTRACT The taphonomic study of two complete and anatomically connected individuals of Tapirus arvernensis from the Pliocene site of Camp dels Ninots (Caldes de Malavella, Spain) strengthens the attribution to a konservat-Lagerstätte deposit. The macroscopic analysis showed the absence of weathering, predation marks, and scarce superficial modification. Different surface colourations have been observed, highlighting white alteration. A selection of samples was analysed through ESEM-EDX, XRD and FTIR. Results suggest preservation of histological features and absence of microtunneling associated with biotic digestion of bioapatite. Specific white alteration of bone surfaces are attributed to a slightly different phase of the bone apatite, with higher crystallinity index and heavier loss in biogenic carbonates. Together with the presence of silicon-rich crusts and infillings that cover bone surfaces, it is now suspected that some interference of the volcanic activity that occurred in the past could have been responsible for an optimal preservation of the osteological material. A slow remineralisation could have been caused by hydrothermal activity still active in the area that caused the absence of bacterial activity in a lacustrine context and left the specimens undisturbed. These results could proportionate new data to understand fossil diagenetic mechanisms that could potentially allow exceptional preservation in maar contexts.
Two Millennia of Complexity and Variability in a Perialpine Socioecological System (Savoie, France): The Contribution of Palynology and sedaDNA Analysis

Over the last two millennia, European Alpine ecosystems have experienced major changes in response to the important, yet fluctuating, impact of human activities. This study aims to reconstruct the environmental history of the last 1800 years on the western edge of the Alps by analyzing sediments from Lake Aiguebelette, a large lake located in the perialpine area. We have combined analyses of pollen and other palynomorphs, such as coprophilous fungal spores, together with sedimentary DNA (from plants and mammals) in order to reconstruct both vegetation and land-use histories. A sedimentological and geochemical analysis was also conducted in order to gain an understanding of changes in erosion dynamics in response to landscape modifications that were influenced by climate and human activities. This work highlights alternating phases of anthropization and agricultural abandonment allowing forest recovery. While pollen reflects the major phases of regional deforestation and afforestation related to the dynamic of farming activities, plant DNA provides precise information on the plants cultivated in fields, orchards and vegetable gardens over the past centuries. The combination of mammal DNA and coprophilous fungal spores completes this work by documenting the history of pastoral practices.
The Depletion Mechanism Actuates Bacterial Aggregation by Exopolysaccharides and Determines Species Distribution & Composition in Bacterial Aggregates

Bacteria in natural environments and infections are often found in cell aggregates suspended in polymer-rich solutions, and aggregation can promote bacterial survival and stress resistance. One aggregation mechanism, called depletion aggregation, is driven by physical forces between bacteria and high concentrations of polymers in the environment rather than bacterial activity per se. As such, bacteria aggregated by the depletion mechanism will disperse when polymer concentrations fall unless other adhesion mechanisms supervene. Here we investigated whether the depletion mechanism can actuate the aggregating effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exopolysaccharides for suspended (i.e. not surface attached) bacteria, and how depletion affects bacterial inter-species interactions. We found that cells overexpressing the exopolysaccharides Pel and Psl remained aggregated after short periods of depletion aggregation whereas wild-type and mucoid P. aeruginosa did not. In co-culture, depletion aggregation had contrasting effects on P. aeruginosa’s interactions with coccus- and rod-shaped bacteria. Depletion caused S. aureus (cocci) and P. aeruginosa (rods) to segregate from each other and S. aureus to resist secreted P. aeruginosa antimicrobial factors resulting in species co-existence. In contrast, depletion aggregation caused P. aeruginosa and Burkholderia sp. (both rods) to intermix, enhancing type VI secretion inhibition of Burkholderia by P. aeruginosa, leading to P. aeruginosa dominance. These results show that in addition to being a primary cause of aggregation in polymer-rich suspensions, physical forces inherent to the depletion mechanism can promote aggregation by some self-produced exopolysaccharides and determine species distribution and composition of bacterial communities.
Prospective Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Normal Weight Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with obesity and increased risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the prospective risk of T2D in normal weight women with PCOS is debated, together with the relevant prospective screening programs for T2D in normal weight women with PCOS. Aim: To review and discuss prospective risk of T2D in normal weight women with PCOS, and to give recommendations regarding prospective screening for T2D in normal weight women with PCOS. Methods: Systematic review. Results: A systematic literature search resulted in 15 published prospective studies (10 controlled studies and 5 uncontrolled studies) regarding risk of T2D in study cohorts of PCOS, where data from normal weight women with PCOS were presented separately. In controlled studies, higher risk of T2D in normal weight women with PCOS compared to controls was reported in 4/10 studies, which included one study where T2D diagnosis was based on glucose measurement, two register-based studies, and one study where diagnosis of T2D was self-reported. Six of the 10 controlled studies reported no increased risk of T2D in normal weight women with PCOS. Four of these studies based the diagnosis of T2D on biochemical measurements, which supported the risk of surveillance bias in PCOS. In uncontrolled studies, 2/5 reported a higher risk of T2D in lean women with PCOS compared to the general population. We discuss the evidence for insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction in normal weight women with PCOS, and aggravation in the hyperandrogenic phenotype, ageing women, and women with Asian ethnicity. Impaired glucose tolerance could be an important metabolic and vascular risk marker in PCOS. Conclusions: The risk of T2D may be increased in some normal weight women with PCOS. Individual risk markers such as hyperandrogenism, age >40 years, Asian ethnicity, and weight gain should determine prospective screening programs in normal weight women with PCOS.
Associations and Correlations of Job Stress, Job Satisfaction and Burn out in Public Health Sector

1 Region of Attica, Department of Environmental Hygiene and Public Health Inspection, South Sector of Athens, Athens, GREECE 2 Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, CYPRUS 3 Research Center of Excellence in Risk & Decision Sciences CERIDES, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, CYPRUS 4 Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, GREECE *Corresponding Author: adamopoul@gmail.com
Assessment of the Needs of Rural Older People in Bangladesh

The objective of this study is to examine the needs of older population in rural Bangladesh. Through a purposive sampling, 80 participants were selected from eight villages located in eight administrative districts. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect some quantitative and mostly qualitative data. The study findings indicated that the majority of rural older people were in abject poverty, had limited social security and suffered from ill health, malnutrition, and inadequate medical and general health services. Also, they lacked steady income, had lost family relations, suffered from social isolation and loneliness, and are dependent on others. Due to loss of family relations, they lacked caregivers and had little or no social status and position, thus making them susceptible to depression, frustration and stress. Moreover, they have limited access to recreational and transportation facilities, as well as community-based support programmes. Our findings suggest implementation of social security and protection schemes in the rural area and extension of adequate and quality health care facilities to the rural older. In summary, rural older people in Bangladesh need a more balanced and integrated social and medical care policies to maintain a decent quality of life.
Systematic Investigation and Expression Profiles of the Nitrate Transporter 1/Peptide Transporter Family (NPF) in Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)

NRT1/PTR FAMILY (NPF) genes are characterized as nitrate and peptide transporters that played important roles in various substrates transport in plants. However, little is known about the NPF gene in tea plants. Here, a total of 109 CsNPF members were identified from the tea plant genome, and divided into 8 groups according to their sequence characteristics and phylogenetic relationship. Gene structure and conserved motif analysis supported the evolutionary conservation of CsNPFs. Many hormone and stress response cis-acting elements and transcription factor binding sites were found in CsNPF promoters. Syntenic analysis suggested that multiple duplication types contributed to the expansion of NPF gene family in tea plants. Selection pressure analysis showed that CsNPF genes experienced strong purifying selective during the evolution process. The distribution of NPF family genes revealed that 8 NPF subfamilies were formed before the divergence of eudicots and monocots. Transcriptome analysis showed that CsNPFs were expressed differently in different tissues of the tea plant. The expression of 20 CsNPF genes at different nitrate concentrations was analyzed, and most of those genes responded to nitrate resupply. Subcellular localization showed that both CsNPF2.3 and CsNPF6.1 were localized in the plasma membrane, which was consistent with the characteristics of transmembrane proteins involved in NO3- transport. This study provides a theoretical basis for further investigating the evolution and function of NPF genes.
Depression and Cognition Mediate the Effect of Self-Perceptions of Aging Over Frailty Among Older Adults Living in the Community in China

Objectives The aims of the study were first to investigate the association between self-perceptions of aging and frailty and second to determine whether self-perceptions of aging affects frailty via depressive symptoms and cognitive status among older adults living in the community in China. Methods Among 850 older adults who participated in this cross-sectional study, 822 older adults made valid responses to Tilburg Frailty Indicator, Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire, UCLA loneliness scale-8, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 between March to December 2019. The possible pathways of self-perceptions of aging affecting frailty were analyzed based on the structural equation modeling analysis. Results A total of 21.53% of older adults reported frailty. Correlation analyses showed that higher degrees of frailty were related to greater loneliness, more depressive symptoms, more negative self-perceptions of aging, worse locomotive function, and cognitive status (r = 0.267, r = 0.440, r = 0.481, r = 0.451, r = −0.337; p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that loneliness, depressive symptoms, self-perceptions of aging, locomotive function, and cognitive status were the five factors to be entered the regression equation, and the variance of joint explanation was 46.60%. SPA had a direct effect on frailty (β = 0.306 and p < 0.001), and SPA indirectly affects frailty by independently affecting depressive symptoms (β = 0.391, 95% CI [0.027, 0.061], and p < 0.001) or cognitive status (β = 0.148, 95% CI [0.009, 0.024], and p < 0.001) of older adults. Conclusion These findings help explain the potential psychological mechanisms through which SPA impacts frailty and may aid community healthcare providers in China in identifying individuals at high risk of frailty. The results suggest that health staff should help older adults improve their perspectives on aging, alleviate or prevent depressive symptoms, and improve cognitive status to delay the progress of frailty and promote healthy aging.
A Randles Circuit Parameter Estimation of Li-Ion Batteries With Embedded Hardware

Accurate modeling of electrochemical sources is very important to predict how a source will perform in specific applications related to the load or environmental parameters. A Randles circuit is considered as a reliable equivalent electrical circuit in studying and modeling various electrochemical systems and processes. The classical parameter estimation approach based on use of software packages (ZSim, MEISP, LEVMW, and so on) requires high computational performance processing units, decreasing the reliability as proper maintenance actions can be delayed because of offline analysis. Advancing the state of the art, we propose a low-complexity approach for embedded hardware-based parameter estimation of the Randles circuit. Our noniterative method uses only the measured real and imaginary parts of impedance, with numerical approximation of the first derivative of real/imaginary part quotient, to create closed-form expressions with a unique solution. The initial estimated values are available from partial dataset (after measurement at only three frequencies). Moreover, it is not software platform-specific, which enables a high level of portability. The presented method is verified with theoretical, numerical, and experimental analysis, with more than 1000 datasets. We also demonstrated the applicability in parameter estimation of the Randles circuit of a Li-ion battery. Finally, we verified suitability for embedded hardware platforms, with deployment on a microcontroller-based platform with a clock speed of 16 MHz and 8 kB of SRAM. Reliable parameter estimation processing of a 100-point dataset was performed in just 106 ms with 1% relative error, requiring less than 53 mJ of energy.