Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Turkish version of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire: Adaptation study

Correspondence: Gamze Sener, Koc University, Department of Psychology, Istanbul, Turkiye E-mail: gsener21@ku.edu. tr Received: December 07, 2021; Revised: February 07, 2022; Accepted: March 25, 2022 ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to adapt the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) to the Turkish language and measure its factor structure and psychometric properties. Method: In total, 418 volunteers (301 women) participated in the study. Participants were undergraduate students at Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey, and were aged between 18 and 26 years (M=21.53). They completed the Turkish version of the RST-PQ, Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) Scales, Big Five Personality Characteristics Scale (BFPCS), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised-Abbreviated Form (EPQR-A), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale. Results: Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a six-factor structure aligned with the original questionnaire: Flight Freeze System (FFS), BIS, and four factors that are related to BAS, which are reward interest, goal-drive persistence, reward reactivity, and impulsivity. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients of six factors were found to be 0.79, 0.93, 0.78, 0.87, 0.79, and 0.69, respectively. The convergent and divergent validity of the scale was supported by correlations with the existing personality/trait scales. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that the Turkish version of RST-PQ has favorable reliability and validity in the Turkish student sample. The strengths and limitations of the questionnaire were further discussed in the study.
The standardization journey and the path ahead

Standardization of clinical laboratory test results has progressed through several stages. External quality assessment (EQA) identified that results were not equivalent in different laboratories in the 1950s. Approaches to use the same methods were promoted in the 1960s and the challenges recognized during the 1970s as in vitro diagnostics manufacturers introduced a variety of technologies to meet the demand for clinical laboratory testing services. Hierarchies of national reference systems were developed in the 1980–1990 period that were hampered by inadequate understanding of the importance of commutable reference materials both for use as calibrators and for EQA. Standards for metrological traceability were developed by the International Organization for Standardization in the 2000s that provided a global approach for establishing robust standardization for approximately 100 measurands. The limitations of non-commutable reference materials became widely appreciated in the 2000s. In 2010 and going forward, laboratory medicine recognized the need for harmonization approaches for the large number of measurands for which higher order certified reference materials and reference measurement procedures are not available. Metrological traceability to certified reference materials and reference measurement procedures remains the first choice when technologically feasible. Metrological traceability to an international harmonization protocol provides an alternative when no other approach is realistically feasible. Achieving equivalent results among different medical laboratory measurement procedures remains an important goal to enable appropriate medical decisions based on laboratory results and decision values included in clinical practice guidelines.
Facilitators of and barriers to continuity with GPs in primary palliative cancer care: A mixed-methods systematic review

Background: General practitioners (GPs) have a key role in palliative care provision for patients with advanced cancer. Continuity is valued by patients with such needs but is limited within current primary care systems. Exploration of the facilitators of and barriers to continuity in this complex context is required. Aim: To identify facilitators of and barriers to continuity with GPs in primary palliative care among people with advanced cancer and/or their close persons. Design: Mixed-methods systematic review with content and thematic analyses. Data sources: Keyword searches were carried out in five databases (Ovid MEDLINE(R), Ovid EMBASE(R), CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane), policy documents and grey literature search engines in December 2020. Evidence was reviewed using relevant quality appraisal tools; data were extracted and tabulated. Findings were reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, and the review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO. Results: Seventeen studies were included. Six studies originated from the UK; six from Europe; three from Canada; and two from Australia. Two studies were mixed-methods, four presented quantitative data, and 11 papers reported on qualitative studies. Four themes were developed: (1) the role of GPs in facilitating continuity; (2) the role of patients and/or close persons in facilitating continuity; (3) changing needs throughout the disease trajectory; and (4) the organisational context in primary care. Conclusions: Facilitators of and barriers to continuity in primary palliative care are outlined. Further research is required to explore how patients and/or their close persons experience continuity in primary palliative care. Specifically, the work required of them to achieve their desired level of continuity, and their capacity for action in this context, needs further attention.
Study of an Oscillating Sliding Mechanism

A mechanism with an oscillating slider is a mechanism quite often used in the technique. It has some advantages over other similar mechanisms being able to work with accelerations and reduced forces under the same conditions with another similar mechanism. For example, an internal combustion engine could be built more efficiently with this mechanism, resulting in a motor that would successfully replace Otto's classic one. In the paper, the kinematics, forces and their distribution will be presented within such a mechanism.
Motor Imagery EEG Classification Based on Transfer Learning and Multi-Scale Convolution Network

For the successful application of brain-computer interface (BCI) systems, accurate recognition of electroencephalography (EEG) signals is one of the core issues. To solve the differences in individual EEG signals and the problem of less EEG data in classification and recognition, an attention mechanism-based multi-scale convolution network was designed; the transfer learning data alignment algorithm was then introduced to explore the application of transfer learning for analyzing motor imagery EEG signals. The data set 2a of BCI Competition IV was used to verify the designed dual channel attention module migration alignment with convolution neural network (MS-AFM). Experimental results showed that the classification recognition rate improved with the addition of the alignment algorithm and adaptive adjustment in transfer learning; the average classification recognition rate of nine subjects was 86.03%.
Oceansat3 Applications for Ocean State Forecast and Potential Fishing Zones Services

Potential Fishing zone and Ocean state forecasts are two major services generated and disseminated for ensuring livelihood, safe navigations and operations at Sea. The usage of Oceansat data for the generation of these services is discussed. While the thermal gradients derived from SSTM and the chlorophyll data from OCM can be utilized for advance PFZ and species-specific nowcast and forecast services, scatterometer data can be made use to assimilate in WRF and coupled HYCOM-HWRF model for cyclone track, intensity and in turn forcing the wave and storm surge forecast models. The present and future perspectives for utilization of satellite data for operational oceanographic services are discussed. The improvement of services using a combination of numerical models and ML/AI techniques also envisaged, where oceansat 3 data can play a vital role.
Demand response for indirect load control in smart grid using novel price modification algorithm

This study presents a novel algorithm for reshaping the load demand profile of smart grid via modifying the price signal based on demand response principle. This modification in price is performed in a way that encourages customers to change their consumption pattern in order to achieve maximum saving. The proposed algorithm takes into consideration the customer willingness to participate in demand response, demand elasticity, price change limit, and comfort level of customers by determining a price signal, which maximises their saving when shifting their flexible load for certain limited hours and satisfying the daily energy consumption. The proposed method is formulated in a way, which avoids the problem of load synchronisation in which the maximum demand point is shifted to the point of lowest price. The proposed algorithm is applied to a typical benchmark of smart grid with residential, commercial, and industrial loads. The simulation results prove the success of the proposed algorithm for maximising customer saving and achieving the objective of energy management via a new consumption pattern.
Cladistic Analysis of the Evolution of Some Aramaic and Arabic Script Varieties

The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate that the developed exploratory data analysis algorithm can be applied to the processing of pattern systems, data sets, and their cladistic modelling. Pattern systems are specific representations of symbolic communication, consisting of symbols and the syntactic rules that govern their use. Among the pattern systems, the authors focus specifically on those exhibiting temporal evolution, particularly historical scripts. The cladistic method presented has been applied to selected varieties of Arabic and Aramaic scripts. The cladistic models were created by the maximum parsimony and the maximum likelihood methods; three indexes evaluated the obtained cladograms, namely length, consistency index, and retention index. To find the most parsimonious tree and optimize the initial brute-force searching, the branch and bound and heuristic searching optimization methods were applied. The results that have been getting from different methods were plotted on cladograms.
Biosynthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Physico-Chemical Characterization and Their In Vitro Cytotoxicity on Healthy and Tumorigenic Cell Lines

Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized starting from two aqueous extracts based on Artemisia absinthium L. leaf and stems, employing a simplest, eco-friendliness and low toxicity method—green synthesis. The nanoparticles were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), thermal analysis (TG/DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Lack of magnetic properties and the reddish-brown color of all the samples confirms the presence of hematite as majority phase. The FTIR bands located at 435 cm−1 and 590 cm−1, are assigned to Fe-O stretching vibration from hematite, confirming the formation of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs). The in vitro screening of the samples revealed that the healthy cell line (HaCaT) presents a good viability (above 80%) after exposure to iron oxide NPs and lack of apoptotic features, while the tumorigenic cell lines manifested a higher sensitivity, especially the melanoma cells (A375) when exposed to concentration of 500 µg/mL iron oxide NPs for 72 h. Moreover, A375 cells elicited significant apoptotic markers under these parameters (concentration of 500 µg/mL iron oxide NPs for a contact time of 72 h).
Impact of Persistent Poor Sleep Quality on Post-Stroke Anxiety and Depression: A National Prospective Clinical Registry Study

Purpose The impact of poor sleep quality after stroke, especially persistent poor sleep quality, on poststroke anxiety and depression is unclear. We seek to investigate the impact of baseline and persistent poor sleep quality on short-term poststroke anxiety and depression. Patients and Methods Data were analyzed for 1619 patients with acute ischemic stroke from the Impairment of Cognition and Sleep after Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack in Chinese Patients study (ICONS). The sleep quality was assessed at 2 weeks and 3 months using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale (PSQI). Poor sleep quality was defined as a PSQI score of >5, and persistent poor sleep quality was defined as a PSQI score of >5 at each time point. Patients were divided into three groups according to the quality of sleep: good sleep quality, baseline poor sleep quality and persistent poor sleep quality. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7), and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months after stroke were taken as the study outcomes. Results Persistent poor sleep quality was present in 70.2% of patients after stroke. Compared to those with good sleep quality, patients with baseline poor sleep quality did not show significant differences in disability, anxiety and depression. However, patients with persistent poor sleep were at increased risk of depression (odds ratio, OR 3.04, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.66–5.57, P < 0.01) and anxiety (OR 3.20, 95% CI 1.42–7.19, P < 0.01) at 3 months after stroke. Persistent poor sleep quality was not identified as a risk factor for functional disability at 3 months. Conclusion Patients with persistent poor sleep quality are at added risks for depression and anxiety after stroke.
Age-Associated Glia Remodeling and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neurodegeneration: Antioxidant Supplementation as a Possible Intervention

Aging induces substantial remodeling of glia, including density, morphology, cytokine expression, and phagocytic capacity. Alterations of glial cells, such as hypertrophy of lysosomes, endosomes and peroxisomes, and the progressive accumulation of lipofuscin, lipid droplets, and other debris have also been reported. These abnormalities have been associated with significant declines of microglial processes and reduced ability to survey the surrounding tissue, maintain synapses, and recover from injury. Similarly, aged astrocytes show reduced capacity to support metabolite transportation to neurons. In the setting of reduced glial activity, stressors and/or injury signals can trigger a coordinated action of microglia and astrocytes that may amplify neuroinflammation and contribute to the release of neurotoxic factors. Oxidative stress and proteotoxic aggregates may burst astrocyte-mediated secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus activating microglia, favoring microgliosis, and ultimately making the brain more susceptible to injury and/or neurodegeneration. Here, we discuss the contribution of microglia and astrocyte oxidative stress to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, highlight the pathways that may help gain insights into their molecular mechanisms, and describe the benefits of antioxidant supplementation-based strategies.
The role of conspicuity: impact of social influencers on purchase decisions of luxury consumers

Abstract Influencer advertising is a rapidly emerging strategy that is revolutionizing the way brands leverage influencers to promote products and engage customers. However, extant research has not fully addressed the impact of influencer advertising on luxury brands. In this research, we examine whether influencer advertising can have an impact on purchase decisions for luxury consumers, based on the different types of influencers (mega vs. micro). Using three experimental studies, we explore the impact of influencer advertising on purchase decisions involving luxury consumers. Our research examines how the congruity between the influencer type and the degree of conspicuity in the advertisement contributes to the purchase decision, and demonstrates evidence that luxury brand consumers are heterogeneous in their needs, wants, and desires. In doing so, we provide actionable long-term strategies to managers and practitioners, along with future research directions to academicians.
Substrate-Modulated Electric and Magnetic Resonances of Lithium Niobite Nanoparticles Illuminated by White Light

The manipulation of light at the nanoscale is important for nanophotonic research. Lithium niobite (LiNbO3), as an ideal building block for metamaterials, has attracted great interest for its unique properties in the field of nonlinear optics. In this paper, we numerically studied the effect of different substrates on the optical resonances of a LiNbO3 nanoparticle. The results show that the electric and magnetic resonances of such a system can be effectively adjusted by changing the substrate. Compared to the impact of dielectric substrate, the interaction between the LiNbO3 nanoparticle and the Au film shows a fascinating phenomenon that a sharp resonance peak appears. The multipole decomposition of the scattering spectrum shows that the size, shape of the LiNbO3 nanoparticle, and the thickness of the SiO2 film between the particle and the Au film have a significant impact on the electromagnetic resonance of the LiNbO3 nanoparticle. This work provides a new insight into LiNbO3 nanoparticles, which may have potential use in the design of dielectric nanomaterials and devices.
The Difference in Learning Activities of Postgraduate Students of Different Qualification Types Under the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Group Latent Class Analysis

Introduction There are two types of master’s qualifications in China. One is the academic qualification that pays more attention to academic research, aiming to cultivate research-oriented talents; while the other is the application-oriented qualification that focuses more on practical ability, aiming to cultivate applied-oriented talents. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of the COVID-19 on the learning activities of postgraduate students, as well as the differences in the extent to which the learning activities of postgraduate students of different qualification types are affected and their mental health status. Methods A self-constructed scale for the pandemic’s impact on master’s students, the self-rating anxiety scale and the self-rating depression scale were applied in the study. The single- and multi-group latent class analyses were used to investigate the impact of the pandemic on postgraduate students of different qualification types. Results A total of 2818 responses were collected. The single-group latent class analysis identified four classes. The multi-group latent class analysis showed that no absolute homogeneity existed between different groups. In general, the number of academic master’s students affected was greater than application-oriented master’s students. Application-oriented master’s students were more affected by course activities, while academic master’s students were more affected by academic and social activities. Results show that individuals more affected had higher levels of anxiety and depression. Compared to course activities, impacts on social activities were more likely to cause anxiety and depression. Discussion Universities can provide a more flexible way of assistance to different qualification types of postgraduate students. Furthermore, social activities play an important role in the mental health of postgraduate students. Therefore, under the background of normalization of pandemic prevention and control, schools should pay more attention to students’ interpersonal communication activities to help relieve students’ anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions.
Active collision algorithm for autonomous electric vehicles at intersections

Various studies have been conducted on resisting network attacks on autonomous vehicles and vehicular networks. Invaded vehicles may cause severe damage and casualties; thus, it is essential to stop these vehicles to prevent traffic accidents and terrorist attacks. To improve traffic safety, an active collision algorithm based on trajectory planning is therefore proposed. The algorithm can be used to cause autonomous vehicles to collide with invaded vehicles at intersections. Several types of trajectory planning algorithms have been proposed for autonomous vehicles in recent years. However, a few of these algorithms consider active collisions with other vehicles. The main advantage and novelty of the proposed method are that it can be utilised to plan a suitable trajectory for active collision with invaded vehicles at intersections. This capability has rarely been discussed in the literature to date. The main contributions of this study are that the problem of active collision of autonomous vehicles at intersections is discussed and an effective active collision algorithm based on trajectory planning is proposed. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated using simulation. The results show that the proposed algorithm is effective in enabling autonomous electric vehicles to collide with invaded vehicles at intersections.
A 3-3.7GHz Time-Difference Controlled Digital Fractional-N PLL with a High-Gain Time Amplifier for IoT Applications

This paper presents analyses of jitter and reference spur of a digital PLL using a phase-frequency detector (PFD) and a time amplifier (TA). In the PFD-TA PLL, the TA amplifies a phase error between a reference clock and a divided feedback clock. The amplified pulse signals modulate the digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) frequency. The TA input-referred jitter limits the minimum PFD-TA PLL output jitter in case of the low DCO and reference clock jitter. However, the PFD-TA PLL achieves a lower output jitter than the BBPLL especially when the input noise is worsened by the poor DCO, which, indeed, is common in low-power and IoT applications for lower cost and power. The reference spur caused by the path mismatches of the proposed DCO modulation is analyzed by Fourier Series, and implementing the high-gain (>100) TA reduces the reference spur with the smaller DCO modulating signal distortion. To assist the narrow input dynamic range (<30ps) of the TA, a 7-bit phase interpolator (PI) is implemented to fractional frequency divider with a PI nonlinearity calibration. The theoretical predictions are compared with the behavioral simulations and verified in measurements where the chip is fabricated in a 40 nm CMOS process, and the PFD-TA PLL consumes 5 mW from a 1.1 V supply.
Performance Analysis of Resonant-Fin Transistors and Their Application in RF-Circuit Design

Emerging new communication standards like 5G or 6G aggravate the circuit design of radio-frequency generation systems as they constantly increase demand on high bandwidths, low latency, and high spectral purity. The utilization of high-Q oscillators, however, provides a possibility of optimisation of radio-frequency oscillators regarding their phase-noise performance in the overall system. This paper analyses one of the most promising electromechanical resonator devices, the resonant fin transistor with respect to its performance and application in oscillator circuit design. Several investigations regarding its working principle, design trade-offs and limits are carried out in this work. An oscillator circuit design is given for two variants of the resonant fin transistor device together with an outlook on its performance compared to other state-of-the-art radio-frequency oscillator designs. Following the performance analyses conducted throughout this work, the fundamental limit for the Q-factor of this resonator is investigated, challenging the validity of functionality of the resonant fin transistor and its potential for circuit applications.