Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Etiology of Anemia in Older Mexican Adults: The Role of Hepcidin, Vitamin A and Vitamin D

Anemia in older adults is a growing public health issue in Mexico; however, its etiology remains largely unknown. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) have been implicated in the development of anemia, though by different mechanisms. The aim of this study is to analyze the etiology of anemia and anemia-related factors in older Mexican adults. This is a cross-sectional study of 803 older adults from the southern region of Mexico in 2015. The anemia etiologies analyzed were chronic kidney disease (CKD), nutritional deficiencies (ND), anemia of inflammation (AI), anemia of multiple causes (AMC) and unexplained anemia (UEA). VAD was considered to be s-retinol ≤ 20 μg/dL, and VDD if 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L. IL-6 and hepcidin were also measured. Multinomial regression models were generated and adjusted for confounders. Anemia was present in 35.7% of OA, independent of sex. UEA, CKD, AI and ND were confirmed in 45%, 29.3%, 14.6% and 7% of older adults with anemia, respectively. Hepcidin and log IL-6 were associated with AI (p < 0.05) and CKD (p < 0.001). VAD was associated with AI (p < 0.001), and VDD with ND and AMC (p < 0.05). Log-IL6 was associated with UEA (p < 0.001). In conclusion, anemia in older adults has an inflammatory component. VAD was associated to AI and VDD with ND and AMC.
The HERA Methodology: Reconfigurable Logic in General-Purpose Computing

Due to the ongoing slowdown of Dennard scaling, heterogeneous hardware architectures are inevitable to meet the increasing demand for energy efficient systems. However, one of the most important aspects that shape today’s computing landscape is the wide availability of software that can run on any system. Current applications using accelerators in contrast are often especially tailored to a specific hardware setup and therefore not universally deployable. This is particularly true for reconfigurable logic as their internal structure requires the circuits and their integration to be designed as well. This makes them inherently difficult to use and therefore less accessible for a general audience. Nevertheless, their balance of flexibility and efficiency puts reconfigurable accelerators in a unique position between CPUs, GPUs, and ASICs. Therefore, one of the main challenges of future heterogeneous systems is to foster collaborative computing between these vastly different components while still being simple to use. Previous approaches mostly focused on subproblems instead of a holistic view of hardware and software in the context of commonplace usability. This paper analyzes the general demands on a reconfigurable platform and derives their requirements regarding accessibility and security. Hereby, we investigate several key features like hardware virtualization, system shared virtual memory, and the use of wide-spread programming paradigms. Then, we systematically build up such a platform based on the established ROCm GPU framework and its internal HSA standard. This new common HERA methodology is finally also demonstrated as a prototype.
Self-Verifiable Attribute-Based Keyword Search Scheme for Distributed Data Storage in Fog Computing With Fast Decryption

Presently many searchable encryption schemes have been proposed for cloud and fog computing, which use fog nodes (or fog servers) to partly undertake some computational tasks. However, these related schemes still retain cloud servers to undertake most computational tasks, which result in large communication costs between edge devices and cloud servers. Therefore, in this paper we propose a self-verifiable attribute-based keyword search scheme for distributed data storage (SV-KSDS) in full fog computing, where each decryption operation on the data required by a user must meet the negotiated decryption rule between fog servers. Our SV-KSDS scheme first provides attribute-based distributed data storage among fog servers through the $(w, \sigma)$ threshold secret-sharing scheme, where fog servers can provide self-verifiable keyword search and data decryption for terminal users. Compared with the data storage in cloud computing, our scheme extends it to the distributed structure while providing fine-grained access control for distributed data storage through attribute-based encryption. The access control policy of our scheme is constructed on linear secret-sharing scheme, whose security is reduced to the decisional bilinear Diffie-Hellman assumption against chosen-keyword attack and the decisional ${q}$ -parallel bilinear Diffie-Hellman assumption against chosen-plaintext attack in the standard model. Based on theoretical analysis and practical testing, our SV-KSDS scheme generates less computation and communication costs, which further unloads some computational tasks from terminal users to fog servers so as to reduce computing costs of terminal users.
DUSP9, a Dual-Specificity Phosphatase with a Key Role in Cell Biology and Human Diseases

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are essential for proper cell functioning as they regulate many molecular effectors. Careful regulation of MAPKs is therefore required to avoid MAPK pathway dysfunctions and pathologies. The mammalian genome encodes about 200 phosphatases, many of which dephosphorylate the MAPKs and bring them back to an inactive state. In this review, we focus on the normal and pathological functions of dual-specificity phosphatase 9 (DUSP9)/MAP kinase phosphatases-4 (MKP-4). This cytoplasmic phosphatase, which belongs to the threonine/tyrosine dual-specific phosphatase family and was first described in 1997, is known to dephosphorylate ERK1/2, p38, JNK and ASK1, and thereby to control various MAPK pathway cascades. As a consequence, DUSP9 plays a major role in human pathologies and more specifically in cardiac dysfunction, liver metabolic syndromes, diabetes, obesity and cancer including drug response and cell stemness. Here, we recapitulate the mechanism of action of DUSP9 in the cell, its levels of regulation and its roles in the most frequent human diseases, and discuss its potential as a therapeutic target.
Core processes: how to use evidence, theories and research in planning behavior change interventions

Psychology is not only a basic behavioral science but also an applied discipline that is used to solve societal problems. In a problem-driven context, the search for existing literature, the correct application of appropriate theories, and the collection of additional research data are basic tools essential for the systematic development of any intervention. These ‘Core Processes’ can be used in different phases/steps of intervention planning and within different planning frameworks. However, in practice intervention planners often do not systematically follow all necessary steps. In this paper, ‘Core Processes’ are presented in order to provide empirical and theoretical guidance to planners from problem definition to problem solution. Specific emphasis is put on finding theories that are potentially useful within the parameters that the theory describes using a combination of approaches (i.e., the topic, concept and general theories approaches).
Chinese in a Pandemic: TikTok as a Window Into Chinese People’s Lives During COVID-19

TikTok, a popular short video app in China, played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Offering a window into people’s daily lives against this traumatic background, TikTok was used as a research site in this study to figure out how Chinese people manifested their experiences and feelings. This study used the hashtag as a methodological tool for data selection and analyzed the videos through a thematic analysis approach. Findings indicate that Chinese people tended to express their emotional needs in TikTok videos and took a positive attitude to handle the negative feelings during the quarantine. Besides, all the videos are prone to manifest a feeling of patriotism. The study stresses the humoristic features of TikTok and the characteristics of the videos crafted according to the ethos and norms
Midwives’ and mothers’ perspectives on skin-to-skin care of premature and low-birthweight infants in Puntland, Somalia

Background: More than 2.5 million children die yearly due to prematurity and low birthweight. Skin-to-skin care provides a thermal-control environment that offers protection from infection and eases breast milk feeding to the advantage of the new-born. Aim: This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitating factors for introducing skin-to-skin care of premature and low-birthweight infants based on input from mothers and midwives in Puntland, Somalia. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews with four mothers and four midwives were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The findings are presented in four categories: enabled by support and hands-on information to the mother and her family; aided by collaboration with the mother’s family to overcome the mother’s resistance; impeded by limited time, lack of resources and unavailable guidelines; and hindered by traditional and social beliefs. Both mothers and midwives emphasised the importance of information and education concerning skin-to-skin care of premature and low-birthweight infants. Family members and midwives facilitated skin-to-skin contact as the care model. The degree to which the midwives provided information to the mothers and their family members depended on how the two latter groups received and acted on such information and education. Lack of motivation by mothers, their families or midwives were barriers to skin-to-skin contact as a care model. Conclusion: Standardised guidelines, preferably culturally tailored for low socioeconomic groups, for midwives’ use when informing mothers and families on skin-to-skin contact as a care model for premature and low-birthweight infants would empower women, families and midwives to facilitate the practice in Puntland, Somalia.
Challenges in the adoption of mobile information communication technology (M-ICT) in the construction phase of infrastructure projects in the UK

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges faced with mobile information communication technology (M-ICT), more specifically tablet software, in the construction phase of UK infrastructure projects. Quality assurance in the context of passive fire protection is scrutinised, where M-ICT use is prevalent, to provide an industry perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe research design is founded on exploratory multiple case study approach. Specific themes are developed, based on a critical review of previous ICT studies. The themes identified are used to inform a qualitative interview protocol for investigating three large UK infrastructure projects. Each project is at different stages in the construction phase, with varying examples of M-ICT implementation in use. Participants are interviewed regarding their experiences of the implementation of M-ICT on each project.FindingsFindings identify diverse experiences across each project. Single and multiple M-ICT platforms are currently being used, with individual stakeholders using ICT in isolation, and in some instances, multiple project stakeholders are using it together. Complete replacement of paper-based processes is evident in one case study, but more commonly, digital technology is being used in parallel to traditional paper-based processes. The challenges, although varied across each case study, can be categorised under the themes of Technology (IT support, ICT infrastructure, IT security, contractual, software), People (social aspects, user competency, safety), Technical Compliance (technical compliance evidence) and Process (conventional processes). Originality/valueIt is recommended that each theme be reviewed at project commencement, with all key stakeholders, to ensure key aspects are considered prior to M-ICT deployment. This will ensure avoidance of challenges reported and maximise the opportunities that are available through M-ICT in a multi-stakeholder infrastructure project.
Problematic sexual desire discrepancy in heterosexuals, gay men and lesbian women: differences in sexual satisfaction and dyadic adjustment

ABSTRACT Discrepancies in sexual desire are associated with sexual and dyadic dissatisfaction. However, to date, systematic research has been conducted with heterosexuals. Differences in sexual and dyadic satisfaction among individuals with heterosexual, gay, and lesbian sexual orientations, according to the degree of desire discrepancy, were analysed in a sample of 1383 volunteers. The main results showed that sexual desire discrepancies perceived as problematic were associated with lower sexual and dyadic satisfaction, compared to non-problematic sexual desire discrepancies and no sexual desire discrepancies. Specifically, women with no discrepancy or unproblematic discrepancy are more sexually satisfied compared to men. Moreover, lesbian women reported greater dyadic adjustment compared to heterosexual women. The current findings highlight problematic perceptions of discrepancies in sexual desire and their role in sexual and dyadic satisfaction among individuals with heterosexual, gay, and lesbian sexual orientations.
Antileishmanial Activity of Cassia fistula L., Morus nigra L. and Ziziphus jujuba Mill., Plant Extracts

Aim: To investigate the different antileishmanial activities of extracts of Cassia Fistula L. , Morus Nigra L. and Ziziphus Jujuba Mill. Methodology: In this method, three (03) plants having concentrations between 500 – 2000 µg/mL were subjected to KWH23 strains of L. tropica in which Standard drug was Amphotericin B and have negative control for 24 – 48 hours. To check the in-vivo studies, plant extract was tested on BALB/c mice (Iqbal et al., 2016). Results: It showed that inhibition (mean) of KWH23 strains at 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 µg/mL after 48 hours were 92.1 ± 0.02, 95.00 ± 0.05, 97.09 ± 0.07 and 98.05 ± 0.05 % respectively. It decreased the lesion size (mean) from 0.8 ± 0.1 mm to 0.40 ± 0.2 mm having significance value p < 0.01 after 8th week, and cure at 200 mg/Kg against intracellular amastigotes in BALB/c mice was 90.00% (95% Cl = 80.05 – 97.00). Conclusion: The result shows that Ziziphus jujuba Mill. leaves possess significant antileishmanial activity.
Yield and Economic Response of Modern Cotton Cultivars to Nitrogen Fertilizer

Non-optimal application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production systems often results from a producer’s uncertainty in predicting the N rate that ensures maximum economic return. Residual soil nitrate-N (NO3-N) is also often unaccounted for in fertilizer management decisions. In this study, the lint yield and profitability of two cotton cultivars (FiberMax FM 958 and Deltapine DP 1646 B2XF) were compared across five N fertilizer treatments [0 kg ha−1 (control), 45 kg ha−1 (N-45), 90 kg ha−1 (N-90), 135 kg ha−1 (N-135), 180 kg ha−1 (N-180)] from 2018 to 2020. For both cultivars, additional N fertilizer on top of the control treatment did not increase the lint yield of cotton. For each year, both control and N-45 treatments resulted in the greatest revenue above variable costs (RAVC) values for all cultivars. The improved N partitioning efficiency in newer cultivars and the high levels of residual soil NO3-N allowed sustained plant growth and yield even with reduced N application. Overall, the results show the advantage of reducing N inputs in residual N-rich soils to maintain yield and increase profits. These findings are important in promoting more sustainable agricultural systems through reduced chemical inputs and maintained soil health.
Development and Validation of Two Diagnostic Real-Time PCR (TaqMan) Assays for the Detection of Bordetella avium from Clinical Samples and Comparison to the Currently Available Real-Time TaqMan PCR Assay

Bordetella avium (BA) is one of many pathogens that cause respiratory diseases in turkeys. However, other bacterial species can easily overgrow it during isolation attempts. This makes confirming the diagnosis of BA as the causative agent of turkey coryza more difficult. Currently, there are two PCR assays for the molecular detection of BA. One is conventional gel-based PCR and the other is TaqMan real-time PCR (qPCR) assay. However, multiple pitfalls were detected in both assays regarding their specificity, sensitivity, and efficiency, which limits their utility as diagnostic tools. In this study, we developed and validated two TaqMan qPCR assays and compared their performance to the currently available TaqMan qPCR. The two assays were able to correctly identify all BA isolates and showed negative results against a wide range of different microorganisms. The two assays were found to have high efficiency with a detection limit of approximately 1 × 103 plasmid DNA Copies/mL with high repeatability and reproducibility. In comparison to the currently available TaqMan qPCR assay, the newly developed assays showed significantly higher PCR efficiencies due to superior primers and probes design. The new assays can serve as a reliable tool for the sensitive, specific, and efficient diagnosis of BA.
New Theoretical Model of Electric Arc in Circuit Breaker and the Role of Parallel Resistance – The Shunt

Aims: The paper presents a new theoretical model of an electric arc in a circuit breaker with reference to the role of shunt resistance parallel to the electric arc in a circuit breaker switch. One of the goals of the paper is to show the efficiency of using the software package MATLAB Simulink in which the previously derived system of equations is easily implemented in the blocks of the mentioned software package. Methodology: The discharges in the electric arc determine the potential between the metal contacts of the switch and the structure and shape of the electric arc make it difficult to solve the transient process. The main step in solving the problem is the formation of a theoretical model of the electric circuit from which the current and voltage can be determined, which depend on the parameters of the electric field in the arc. The use of shunts in oil and air switches, due to a number of shortcomings, was not possible, but the disadvantages are overcome if thyristors are used to interrupt the current. The equations and the algorithm for solving the problem are obtained from the parameters of the electric field potential that shape the electric arc and its path. The accuracy of the theoretical model is confirmed by voltage and current diagrams in the adapted MATLAB Simulink software package. Conclusion: The presented theoretical model and algorithm are universal and can be used for different states in which an electric line can be found. Problems that occur in the analysis of transient processes in an electric circuit where an electric arc occurs can be minimized using different types of simulations. Changing any parameter in the electrical circuit requires a new calculation of the state of the circuit from the very beginning due to the new initial conditions. Analytical methods combined with the simulation method were used in the research of overvoltages, asymmetries and harmonics during the appearance of an electric arc. The MATLAB simulation program had a threefold purpose: to serve the calculation and simulation of quantities that can be obtained by testing or measurement, to establish the original algorithm and to verify the proposed method. Also, this type of simulation can replace the type tests of the electric arc on the switch.
Kobe University Repository : Kernel Tit le Temporal dynamics of neural act ivity underlyingunconscious processing of manipulable objects

Brief running title: Unconscious processing of tool images Number of figures: 5 (with 2 tables) Number of pages: 35 (including figure legends) Abstract The primate visual system is assumed to comprise two main pathways: a ventral pathway for shape and color perception and a dorsal pathway for spatial processing and visuomotor control. Previous studies consistently reported strong activation in the dorsal pathway (especially in the inferior parietal region) induced by manipulable object images such as tools. However, it is controversial whether the dorsal pathway retains this preferential activity to tool images under unconscious perception. In the present study, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) and investigated spatio-temporal dynamics of neural responses to visible and invisible tool images. A presentation of visible tool images elicited a strong neural response over the parietal regions in the left hemisphere peaking at 400 ms. This response unique to the processing of tool information in the left parietal regions was still observed when conscious perception of tool images was inhibited by interocular suppression. Furthermore, analyses of neural oscillation signals revealed a suppression of μ rhythm (8 – 13 Hz), a neural index of movement execution or imagery, induced by both visible and invisible tools. Those results indicated that the neural circuit to process the tool information was preserved under unconscious perception, highlighting an implicit aspect of the dorsal pathway.
The Usefulness of FEF25–75 in Predicting Airway Hyperresponsiveness to Mannitol

Background and Objective Despite the usefulness of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) testing in diagnosing and monitoring asthma, it is challenging to perform in a real-world setting. Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25–75), a pulmonary measurement that can be obtained easily during routine spirometry, represents the status of medium-sized and small airways. However, the performance of FEF25–75 in predicting AHR has not been well elucidated. Therefore, we investigated whether FEF25–75 can predict AHR to mannitol. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of 428 patients who visited a single clinic due to cough, wheezing, or dyspnea. All patients underwent spirometry with a mannitol provocation test. We compared the area under the curve (AUC) of the percentage of the predicted values of FEF25–75 (FEF25–75 %pred) with that of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%pred), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEF25–75/ FVC for predicting AHR. Results The rate of AHR to mannitol was 20.3%. In the overall study population, the AUC of FEF25–75 %pred for predicting AHR (0.772; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.729–0.811) was significantly higher than that of FEV1%pred (0.666; 95% CI, 0.619–0.710; p < 0.001), FEV1/FVC (0.741; 95% CI, 0.697–0.782; p = 0.047), and FEF25–75/FVC (0.741, 95% CI = 0.696–0.782, p = 0.046). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FEF25–75 %pred <81% for predicting AHR in the overall study population were 77.0% (95% CI = 66.8–85.4%), 63.9% (95% CI = 58.6–69.0), 35.3%, and 91.6%, respectively. When we restricted the study group to subjects with normal lung function, the results were similar. Conclusion Our results indicate that FEF25–75 %pred can be used as a surrogate for predicting AHR in patients with respiratory symptoms.