Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mindfulness for mediating the relationship between self-control and alexithymia among Chinese medical students: A structural equation modeling analysis

Backgrounds Medical students are prone to experience alexithymia due to academic work overload, which could increase the prevalence of mental illness such as anxiety and depression. The purpose of our study was to estimate the levels of alexithymia and to explore the relationships between alexithymia, self-control, and mindfulness among medical students. Materials and methods From March 18th, 2021 to April 9th, 2021, a cross-sectional study with stratified sampling was carried out in China Medical University, Liaoning Province, China. A total of 1,013 medical students participated in this study. The questionnaires pertaining to the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-26), the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and the Self-control Scale (SCS) were used to assess the levels of alexithymia, mindfulness and self-control. We used Hierarchical Multiple Regression (HMR) and structural equation modeling to explore the mediating role of mindfulness between self-control and alexithymia. Results The mean score of alexithymia in medical students was 69.39 ± 9.9. After controlling for confounders, males were more likely to experience alexithymia. Self-control, acting with awareness, describing, and observing in mindfulness were negatively associated with alexithymia (P < 0.01). Mindfulness mediated the relationship between self-control and alexithymia (a*b = −0.06, BCa 95% CI: −0.09 to −0.031, Percentile 95% CI: −0.089 to −0.031). Conclusion Chinese medical students experienced high levels of alexithymia. Self-control could directly attenuate alexithymia for medical students and indirectly affect alexithymia through the mediating path of mindfulness. Initiatives for self-control ability enhancement should be provided to medical students to combat alexithymia. And interventions on mindfulness training should be developed to prevent from alexithymia and promote their mental health.
Genetic dissection of quantitative trait loci for flag leaf size in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Flag leaf size is a crucial trait influencing plant architecture and yield potential in wheat. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross of W7268 and Chuanyu 12 was employed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling flag leaf length (FLL), flag leaf width (FLW), and flag leaf area (FLA) in six environments and the best linear unbiased estimator (BLUE) datasets. Using a 55 K SNP-based genetic map, six major and stable QTL were detected with 6.33–53.12% of explained phenotypic variation. Except for QFlw.cib-4B.3, the other five major QTL were co-located within two intervals on chromosomes 2B and 2D, namely QFll/Fla.cib-2B and QFll/Flw/Fla.cib-2D, respectively. Their interactions and effects on the corresponding traits and yield-related traits were also assessed based on flanking markers. QFll/Fla.cib-2B showed pleiotropic effects on spikelet number per spike (SNS). QFlw.cib-4B.3 and QFll/Flw/Fla.cib-2D had effects on grain number per spike (GNS) and thousand-grain weight (TGW). Comparison analysis suggested that QFll/Fla.cib-2B was likely a new locus. Two candidate genes, TraesCS2B03G0222800 and TraesCS2B03G0230000, associated with leaf development within the interval of QFll/Fla.cib-2B were identified based on expression-pattern analysis, gene annotation, ortholog analysis, and sequence variation. The major QTL and markers reported here provide valuable information for understanding the genetic mechanism underlying flag leaf size as well as breeding utilization in wheat.
Living on the edge: How to prepare for it?

Introduction Isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments such as found at Antarctic, Arctic, and other remote research stations are considered space-analogs to study the long duration isolation aspects of operational space mission conditions. Methods We interviewed 24 sojourners that participated in different short/long duration missions in an Antarctic (Concordia, Halley VI, Rothera, Neumayer II) or non-Antarctic (e.g., MDRS, HI-SEAS) station or in polar treks, offering a unique insight based on first-hand information on the nature of demands by ICE-personnel at multiple levels of functioning. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis to explore how sojourners were trained, prepared, how they experienced the ICE-impact in function of varieties in environment, provided trainings, station-culture, and type of mission. Results The ICE-environment shapes the impact of organizational, interpersonal, and individual working- and living systems, thus influencing the ICE-sojourners' functioning. Moreover, more specific training for operating in these settings would be beneficial. The identified pillars such as sensory deprivation, sleep, fatigue, group dynamics, displacement of negative emotions, gender-issues along with coping strategies such as positivity, salutogenic effects, job dedication and collectivistic thinking confirm previous literature. However, in this work, we applied a systemic perspective, assembling the multiple levels of functioning in ICE-environments. Discussion A systemic approach could serve as a guide to develop future preparatory ICE-training programs, including all the involved parties of the crew system (e.g., family, on-ground crew) with attention for the impact of organization- and station-related subcultures and the risk of unawareness about the impact of poor sleep, fatigue, and isolation on operational safety that may occur on location.
Multicenter validation of PIM3 and PIM2 in Brazilian pediatric intensive care units

Objective To validate the PIM3 score in Brazilian PICUs and compare its performance with the PIM2. Methods Observational, retrospective, multicenter study, including patients younger than 16 years old admitted consecutively from October 2013 to September 2019. We assessed the Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR), the discrimination capability (using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve – AUROC), and the calibration. To assess the calibration, we used the calibration belt, which is a curve that represents the correlation of predicted and observed values and their 95% Confidence Interval (CI) through all the risk ranges. We also analyzed the performance of both scores in three periods: 2013–2015, 2015–2017, and 2017–2019. Results 41,541 patients from 22 PICUs were included. Most patients aged less than 24 months (58.4%) and were admitted for medical conditions (88.6%) (respiratory conditions = 53.8%). Invasive mechanical ventilation was used in 5.8%. The median PICU length of stay was three days (IQR, 2–5), and the observed mortality was 1.8% (763 deaths). The predicted mortality by PIM3 was 1.8% (SMR 1.00; 95% CI 0.94–1.08) and by PIM2 was 2.1% (SMR 0.90; 95% CI 0.83–0.96). Both scores had good discrimination (PIM3 AUROC = 0.88 and PIM2 AUROC = 0.89). In calibration analysis, both scores overestimated mortality in the 0%–3% risk range, PIM3 tended to underestimate mortality in medium-risk patients (9%–46% risk range), and PIM2 also overestimated mortality in high-risk patients (70%–100% mortality risk). Conclusions Both scores had a good discrimination ability but poor calibration in different ranges, which deteriorated over time in the population studied.
A Corpus Study of Gender Representation in Chinese Secondary School EFL Textbooks

: This study seeks to examine the representation of gender in a popular series of Chinese secondary school EFL textbooks and investigate whether the Chinese government‟s promotion of the „gender-equal‟ society is reflected through the patterns of gender representation in these textbooks. The present study analyzed one popular series of EFL textbooks published in 2012 for Chinese secondary school students with corpus linguistic techniques (e.g. concordances, collocate-Lancs Box). While some of the findings (e.g
Controllability of Linear Time-Varying Systems with Quantized Controls and Finite Data-Rate

In this paper, we define a notion of controllability that is suitable for digital systems, i.e., with sampling, quantization, and operating with a finite data-rate. In particular, we study that notion for linear time-varying systems by proving a necessary condition and a sufficient condition for such systems to be controllable with quantized controls and finite data-rate.
Switching from Patents to an Intertemporal Bounty in a Non-Scale Growth Model

The prize system for innovation has been criticized as impractical due to the lack of any workable formula or algorithm to determine the size of prizes. In this paper, a decentralized market mechanism via the intertemporal bounty (IB) system can function to duplicate Pareto optimality. Under this system, any bountiable innovation is placed in the public domain, and the prize of innovation is dynamically amortized in an inﬁnite time domain as periodic bounties paid to holders of bounty claims. Periodic bounties are calculated using a government-determined bounty rate times observed market sales. Two formulas are derived to calculate “long-run Pareto optimal bounty rate” and “long-run suboptimal bounty rate. ” The former can correct monopoly distortions and externalities, while the latter can only address monopoly distortions. They are empirically computable and can serve as an upper bound and the lower bound of the bounty rate. This paper provides a dynamic general-equilibrium analysis of replacing ﬁnitely-lived patents with the IB system using either of these two bounty rates. Based on a non-scale growth model calibrated to the US economy, transition paths are worked out to compute welfare gains. [
Antifertility effect of methanolic extract of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. flower in male albino rats

Background: Search for an effective, feasible, and safe male contraceptive has been one of the major public health challenges. The present contraceptive methods are either permanent or impractical. Herbal methods are considered safe, and thus, their acceptability is higher than other prospective methods. Aims: In the present study, oral administration of methanolic extract of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. flower was investigated for its potential role in the modulation of fertility in male albino rats. Materials and methods: Healthy male albino rats were randomly distributed into three groups, i.e., a control and two groups administered with 50 and 500 mg/kg body weight/day of methanolic extract of B. monosperma flower for 30, 90, and 180 days, respectively. Fertility records were maintained throughout the experimental period. At the end of experiment, animals were sacrificed and the weight of reproductive organs, sperm characteristics, and histopathology of testicular and epididymal tissues were evaluated. A 45-day withdrawal period was also investigated for parameters as described above for each group. Results: A 40% decline in fertility rate was evident in rats administered with 500 mg/kg of B. monosperma flower extract for 180 consecutive days. A significant reduction in testicular and epididymal weight was observed in these animals. Sperm count, motility, and viability were also reduced significantly in animals treated for 180 days. Histological evaluation of testicular cells indicated distortions in germ cell arrangements at various stages of spermatogenesis. Following 45 days of withdrawal, the resumption of normal functional and histological characteristics was apparent. Conclusion: Based on the abnormalities present in the sperm characteristics and damages in testicular histology, it was confirmed that methanolic extract of B. monosperma flower contain antifertility potential.
Relationship between Vedic personality traits (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas) with life satisfaction and perceived stress in healthy university students: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Trigunas are three basic mental attributes of a personality according to Indian Vedic literature that explains the relationship between mental attributes and human behavior. The three attributes are Tamas (tendency toward lethargy and rigidity), Rajas (tendency toward ambition and activity) and Sattva (tendency toward selfless service), respectively. Satisfaction with life and perceived stress are the important determinants of one's quality of life. Aim: A cross-sectional study assessed the relationship between Trigunas, life satisfaction and perceived stress. Materials and methods: The study recruited 121 willing healthy university students (75 females) with general health questionnaire scores ≤3. All participants were assessed using standardized psychometric tools. Results: Spearman two-tailed correlation test revealed Sattva to have positive correlation with life satisfaction (r = 0.503) and negative correlation with perceived stress (r = −0.302) and other two Gunas (Tamas: R = −0.77; Rajas: R = −0.75), respectively. On the other hand, both Rajas and Tamas correlated positively with perceived stress (Rajas: R = 0.183; Tamas: R = 0.321) and negatively with life satisfaction (Rajas: R = −0.40; Tamas: R = −0.36). Conclusion: This cross-sectional study on university students in India suggests an association of Vedic personality traits (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas Gunas) with life satisfaction, and perceived stress.
A Survey Into the Use of Priming Techniques Implemented by Athletes and Coaches to Improve Athletic Performance

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Abstract Collins, J, Bishop, C, Hills, F, Spiegelhalter, A, Cohen, R, and Turner, A. A survey into the use of priming techniques implemented by athletes and coaches to improve athletic performance. J Strength Cond Res 37(1): 107–113, 2023—This study aimed to examine the frequency and modes of psychological priming techniques and strategies being implemented by athletes of a variety of performance levels. A 15-question, anonymous questionnaire was developed and shared via social media sites. The survey implemented a quantitative method approach to collect background information (e.g., demographics, competition, and training history), the prevalence of priming, and the methods used. Ninety subjects met the inclusion criteria (71 men, 18 women, and 1 subject did not identify their sex), with a median age of 28 ± 7.47 years (range, 24–33 years) and training experience of 11 ± 7.57 years (range, 8–18 years). Self-selected participation level accounted for 11 professional, 17 semiprofessional, and 54 amateur-level athletes. Priming strategies were implemented by 79% of subjects without the use of a coach, 10% used strategies with their coach, and 11% did not prime. For athletes, music was the preferred choice (27%), followed by instructional self-talk (24%), motivational self-talk (23%), applied physical actions (20%), and watching videos clips (6.3%). Coaches preferred motivational statements with 55% implementing this technique, followed by 27% using inspiring team talks, and only 18% playing music. Of those who implemented a priming strategy, 66% found them to be either “very” or “extremely” effective,” With 38% of subjects feeling that priming accomplished this through increased motivation, 22% felt that it reduced their fear and anxiety, 21% thought that it improved their intensity, 15% felt that it increased strength and power, and 2% felt that it improved endurance. The chi-square test also found a significant (φc = 0.27; p = 0.011) relationship with the use of priming to increase motivation. These results demonstrate that priming strategies are being used irrespective of coach intervention; therefore, educating coaches and athletes on the implementation of priming techniques has its place when aiming to improve athlete performance.
Curb-65 Score And Sofa Score Sensitivity And Specificity (Accuracy) As Mortality Predictors In Covid 19 Patients Admitted To Haji Adam Malik Medan Central General Hospital

: Background: SARS-CoV-2 or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the most recent strain of the coronavirus responsible for the late-2019 pneumonia epidemic. Initial clinical manifestation of COVID-19 disease is pneumonia. About 15 percent of patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms develop severe pneumonia, and 5 percent develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, and multiple organ failures. Therefore, clear and objective risk stratification criteria are required for early diagnosis of patients at high risk of clinical deterioration, so that physicians can predict outcomes and make treatment-related decisions. This study aims to compare the sensitivity and specificity (accuracy) of the CURB-65 and SOFA scores as predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients admitted to the Haji Adam Malik Central General Hospital in Medan. Method : The study used an observational analytic design with a consecutive sampling technique. This study was conducted between March and July 2021 at the Haji Adam Malik Central General Hospital using patient medical records. Results: This study revealed that the optimal cutoff value for predicting mortality using SOFA scores was 3.5, with a sensitivity of 73.5% and a specificity of 87.5%. The SOFA score can predict mortality by 82%. The optimal CURB-65 score threshold for predicting mortality is 1.5, with a sensitivity of 80.9% and a specificity of 81.3%. The CURB-65 score can accurately predict mortality by 82%. Conclusion: CURB-65 scores are more accurate and sensitive at predicting mortality than SOFA scores.
Carbon and oxygen isotope fractionation in dense interstellar clouds

It is pointed out that isotope fractionation as a result of chemical reactions is due to the small zero-point energy differences between reactants and products of isotopically distinct species. Only at temperatures near absolute zero does this energy difference become significant. Favorable conditions for isotope fractionation on the considered basis exist in space within dense interstellar clouds. Temperatures of approximately 10 K may occur in these clouds. Under such conditions, ion-molecule reactions have the potential to distribute isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, oxygen unequally among the interstellar molecules. The present investigation makes use of a detailed model of the time-dependent chemistry of dense interstellar clouds to study cosmological isotope fractionation. Attention is given to fractionation chemistry and the calculation of rate parameters, the isotope fractionation results, and a comparison of theoretical results with observational data.
Comparisons of LES and RANS Computations with PIV Experiments on a Cylindrical Cavity Flow

A comparison study on the numerical computations by large eddy simulation (LES) and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) methods with experiment on a cylindrical cavity flow was conducted in this paper. Numerical simulations and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement were performed for two Reynolds numbers of the flow at a constant aspect ratio of H/R = 2.4 (R is the radius of the cylindrical cavity, and H is liquid level). The three components of velocity were extracted from 100 sequential PIV measured velocity frames with averaging, in order to illustrate the axial jet flow evolution and circulation distribution in the radial direction. The results show that LES can reproduce well the fine structure inside the swirling motions in both the meridional and the horizontal planes, as well as the distributions of velocity components and the circulation, in good agreement with experimental results, while the RANS method only provided a rough trend of inside vortex structure. Based on the analysis of velocity profiles at various locations, it indicates that LES is more suitable for predicting the complex flow characteristics inside complicated three-dimensional geometries.
The Effect of Chelating Agents

The potential for altering the biodistnbution of radiolabelfrom gallium-and indium-labeled mouse monoclonal antibodies was investigated in mice using metal chelating agents. The chelating agents used were desfemoxamine (DFO),diethylenetnaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA),ethylenediamine-di(O-hydroxyphenylaceticacid) (EDHPA),and
Anodic bonding of imperfect surfaces

The intimate surface contact necessary for anodic bonding of a metal to a glass is examined in terms of the electrostatic forces which promote this contact and surface imperfections which prevent this contact. Surface imperfections that are considered include foreign particles, isolated hillocks, and periodic curved and angular surfaces. With curved and angular surfaces, a critical voltage exists that causes spontaneous mating of the surfaces by elastic or plastic deformation. Below this voltage, intimate surface contact is achieved by viscous flow. For isolated hillocks and foreign particles, surface conformation generally occurs by viscous flow because of large stress concentrations at these imperfections. The resulting time required for intimate surface contact is a very sensitive function of the imperfection size.
Kinetic theories for granular flow: inelastic particles in Couette flow and slightly inelastic particles in a general flowfield

The flow of an idealized granular material consisting of uniform smooth, but nelastic, spherical particles is studied using statistical methods analogous to those used in the kinetic theory of gases. Two theories are developed: one for the Couette flow of particles having arbitrary coefficients of restitution (inelastic particles) and a second for the general flow of particles with coefficients of restitution near 1 (slightly inelastic particles). The study of inelastic particles in Couette flow follows the method of Savage & Jeffrey (1981) and uses an ad hoc distribution function to describe the collisions between particles. The results of this first analysis are compared with other theories of granular flow, with the Chapman-Enskog dense-gas theory, and with experiments. The theory agrees moderately well with experimental data and it is found that the asymptotic analysis of Jenkins & Savage (1983), which was developed for slightly inelastic particles, surprisingly gives results similar to the first theory even for highly inelastic particles. Therefore the ‘nearly elastic’ approximation is pursued as a second theory using an approach that is closer to the established methods of Chapman-Enskog gas theory. The new approach which determines the collisional distribution functions by a rational approximation scheme, is applicable to general flowfields, not just simple shear. It incorporates kinetic as well as collisional contributions to the constitutive equations for stress and energy flux and is thus appropriate for dilute as well as dense concentrations of solids. When the collisional contributions are dominant, it predicts stresses similar to the first analysis for the simple shear case.