Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Simple Field Tapping Test for Evaluating Frequency Qualities of the Lower Limb Neuromuscular System in Soccer Players: A Validity and Reliability Study

Over the years, the foot tapping test protocol has been proposed by scientists to identify the capabilities of the lower limb neuromuscular system in the medical context; however, to our knowledge, no studies have established its usefulness and relationship to athletic performance. The aim of the present study was to test the reliability, criterion validity and sensitivity of a new foot tapping (TAP) test, and to examine its relationship with proxies of athletic performance in soccer players. Forty voluntary soccer players of two different levels participated in this study (20 players from the national level: age: 22.6 ± 2.5 years and 20 players from regional level: 25.1 ± 3.6 years). They performed the TAP test on two separate occasions to test its relative and absolute reliability. To examine the criterion validity of the TAP test, all participants performed four types of jumps, sprint tests, agility tests, the Wingate test and the finger tapping test considered a gold standard tapping test. The sensitivity was assessed with national and regional player levels. The TAP test presented a high relative and absolute reliability with intra-class correlation coefficient ICC > 0.90, standard errors of measurement SEM < 5% and mean difference ±95% limits of agreement equal to 0.2 ± 0.8 tap·s−1. National level players showed a higher TAP score (p < 0.001; dz = 1.96, large) compared to regional players (9.68 ± 1.41 tap·s−1 vs. 7.28 ± 1.01 tap·s−1, respectively) and the value of area under curve measured by the receiver operating characteristic curve technique was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.827–0.990). The TAP test showed a significant association with the finger tapping test (r = 0.84, p < 0.001), whereas no correlation was seen between the TAP test and all the other physical tests measured. The TAP test could be considered a valid and reliable test to assess lower limb neuromuscular ability in soccer players.
Synthetic Cathinones: Recent Developments, Enantioselectivity Studies and Enantioseparation Methods

New psychoactive substances represent a public health threat since they are not controlled by international conventions, are easily accessible online and are sold as a legal alternative to illicit drugs. Among them, synthetic cathinones are widely abused due to their stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. To circumvent the law, new derivatives are clandestinely synthesized and, therefore, synthetic cathinones keep emerging on the drug market, with their chemical and toxicological properties still unknown. In this review, a literature assessment about synthetic cathinones is presented focusing on the recent developments, which include more than 50 derivatives since 2014. A summary of their toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic properties are also presented. Furthermore, synthetic cathinones are chiral compounds, meaning that they can exist as two enantiomeric forms which may present different biological and toxicological activities. To analyze the enantiomers, the development of enantiomeric resolution methods for synthetic cathinones is crucial. Many methods have been reported over the years that include mostly chromatographic and electromigration techniques, with liquid chromatography using chiral stationary phases being the technique of choice. This review intended to present an overview of enantioselectivity studies and enantioseparation analysis regarding synthetic cathinones, highlighting the relevance of chirality and current trends.
Combination of Texture-Induced Oral Processing and Vegetable Preload Strategy Reduced Glycemic Excursion but Decreased Insulin Sensitivity

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the oral processing of vegetables induced by texture modification on acute postprandial glycemic response (GR) and insulin response (IR) when co-ingested and ingested prior to a rice meal. In a randomized crossover trial, 14 healthy female subjects consumed (1) co-ingestion of soft broccoli and rice (SR); (2) co-ingestion of hard broccoli and rice (HR); (3) soft broccoli prior to rice (S+R); (4) hard broccoli prior to rice (H+R); (5) rice (R). Postprandial GR and IR was compared between test meals over a period of 180-min, and the oral processing behaviors were measured for each test food samples. Hard broccoli was observed to have a higher mastication time and chews than soft broccoli. All the broccoli meals resulted in reduced incremental peak glucose (IPG) and an increased incremental area under the insulin curve in 180 min (iAUC0–180) compared with R. The S+R curbed the IPG by 40% with comparable HOMA-IR AUC0–180 compared with R, while the H+R elevated the HOMA-IR AUC0–180 by 62% more than that of R. In conclusion, the soft broccoli intake prior to a rice meal effectively attenuated postprandial GR, without lowering insulin sensitivity as its hard counterpart did.
Have Bilateral Free Trade Agreements (BFTAs) been beneficial? Lessons learned from 11 U.S. BFTAs between 1992 and 2017

This study analyzes aggregate data on trade flows to examine the performance of bilateral free trade agreements (BFTAs) between the United States and 11 BFTA nations in a two-dimensional approach. In line with the literature, this study applies the gravity model and analyzes the effect of the treatment using Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML) panel data from 1992 to 2017. We use the PPML as an alternative methodology to an ordinary least squares model, as it can treat zero trade values and lead to unbiased estimates and different consistencies. We consider the trade in goods but excluded services because of the different nature of trade for services. Moreover, this study highlights the quantitative performance of BFTAs without considering the industry level to compare the overall benefits for the trade flows from the U.S. as an exporter to BFTA countries and vice versa. It thus adds to the debate on the effect of FTAs on trade flows and conducts pre-FTA and post-FTA analyses to compare the volumes of exports and imports during both periods. Findings vary according to the direction of trade; notably, some trading partners increased their trading volume to 388%. In sum, this paper provides a collective current state assessment to demonstrate the most plausible reasons for the effects of the 11 BFTAs, in addition to informing policymakers on the lessons learned from each BFTA.
Modified eQTL and Somatic DNA Segment Alterations in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma for Genes Related to Immunity, DNA Repair, and Inflammation

Simple Summary We applied an integrated approach to analyze expression, genotyping and somatic DNA alterations to find genetic markers (genes and SNPs) related to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We extended the expression-quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis by using tumor vs. normal fold change data. By analyzing both RNA and DNA data from multiple platforms and focusing on the genes in three pathways: inflammation, DNA repair, and immunity, we have found results more relevant to ESCC. Abstract We integrated ESCC expression and GWAS genotyping, to investigate eQTL and somatic DNA segment alterations, including somatic copy number alteration, allelic imbalance (AI), and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in ESCC. First, in eQTL analysis, we used a classical approach based on genotype data from GWAS and expression signals in normal tissue samples, and then used a modified approach based on fold change in the tumor vs. normal samples. We focused on the genes in three pathways: inflammation, DNA repair, and immunity. Among the significant (p < 0.05) SNP-probe pairs from classical and modified eQTL analyses, 24 genes were shared by the two approaches, including 18 genes that showed the same numbers of SNPs and probes and 6 genes that had the different numbers of SNPs and probes. For these 18 genes, we found 28 SNP–probe pairs were correlated in opposite directions in the two approaches, indicating an intriguing difference between the classical and modified eQTL approaches. Second, we analyzed the somatic DNA segment alterations. Across the 24 genes, abnormal gene expression on mRNA arrays was seen in 19–95% of cases and 26–78% showed somatic DNA segment alterations on Affymetrix GeneChip Human Mapping Arrays. The results suggested that this strategy could identify gene expression and somatic DNA segment alterations for biological markers (genes) by combining classical and modified eQTLs and somatic DNA evaluation on SNP arrays. Thus, this study approach may allow us to understand functionality indicative of potentially relevant biomarkers in ESCC.
Study on Chirp-Rate Modulation and Demodulation Based on Fractional Fourier Transform

A noncoherent demodulation method for chirp-rate modulation is proposed based on the fractional Fourier transform,and the peak output of the demodulator is derived.Thereafter,this method is compared with coherent demodulation with matched filter from two aspects of Doppler shift and bit synchronization.And the analytical expressions of influence caused by the two factors are obtained,from which we can see that chirp-rate modulation has strong robustness on Doppler shift but sensitivity of bit synchronization.Finally,the simulations are made to prove the above-mentioned theories,as well as to analyze Bit Error Rate(BER). The performance of this proposed method is worse than coherent demodulation with matched filter for the former's noncoherent mode,but the difference in BER is 3 dB.
A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW OF FOG COMPUTING

Fog Computing is an emerging paradigm that is deemed as the next generation of Cloud Computing. In this day and age, the proliferation of data and data nodes in the Internet of Things has posed problems for the cloud architecture. Fog computing can address those issues by providing elastic resources to end users at the edge of the network. The objective of this study is to obtain an overview of reference architectures, related applications and challenges with the fog paradigm. To this end, a systematic literature review (SLR), which offers a structured approach to better comprehend fog computing is conducted. The study reveals that there is a wide range of applications that can benefit from fog computing; nevertheless, they are not fully implemented in reality. The literature only presents conceptual architectures or proposed prototypes. In addition, the study also shows that security and privacy are among the great challenges for fog computing.
Exploring Ghana's experiences with biogas as an alternative energy source

v-vi Table of contents.vii List of figures, Tables and Map . Abbreviations. Map of Ghana. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to study.1 1.2 Some alternative energy sources.1-3 1.3 Problem statement.4 1.4 Hypothesis.4 1.5 Objectives of the study.4 1.6 Justification.5 1.7 Structure of the thesis.5-6 1.9 General country profile.6-7 1.9Area profile of Appolonia.7-8 CHAPTER TWO: RESEARCH METHOD 2.
Combined use of progressive tension suture and negative pressure wound therapy in large torso degloving wounds.

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the associated use of progressive tension sutures (PTS) with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in large torso degloving wounds. METHODS This is a case report of two patients with large torso degloving wounds caused by trauma, both of whom were treated with combined PTS and NPWT. Statistics related to wound treatment responses are presented. RESULTS Initial wound area for Patient 1 was 2400cm2 and 900cm2 for Patient 2. Within 21 and 12 days, respectively, using the combined method, the following data were observed: wound reduction of 94% and 99%, respectively; a closing speed rate of 98cm2/day and 75cm2/day, respectively; and a closing percentage of 4.45% per day and 8.25% per day, respectively. CONCLUSION The use of combined PTS and NPWT techniques may be useful in the treatment of traumatic degloving injuries, reducing the wound area and facilitating reconstruction.
Indigenous men’s pathways to ‘living the right kind of life and walking the right path’ post incarceration in Canada: understanding the impacts of systemic oppression, and guidance for healing and (w)holistic sexual health

Abstract Indigenous men around the world hold expertise over their own lives. Informed by this perspective, this study centres this experience to better understand what is needed to improve sexual health outcomes among a group of men with a history of incarceration. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Indigenous men with such a history. Through thematic analysis the study identified two major themes: 1) the impacts of systemic oppression; 2) the value of guidance in walking the right path. Men identified colonial trauma and the associated mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wounds stemming from systemic oppression as continuing to impact their wellbeing. Men also described the systems of support necessary to help guide them on their journeys through incarceration, rehabilitation and building strong and nurturing relationships. Findings from the study provide important guidance from Indigenous men for future more holistic sexual health intervention programming.
Prevalence of Cannabis Use and Cannabis Route of Administration among Massachusetts Adults in Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract Background Recent prevalence estimates of cannabis use among individuals receiving medication treatment for OUD (MOUD) are lacking, and no study has characterized cannabis route of administration (cROA) in this population. These knowledge gaps are relevant because cannabis’ effects and health outcomes vary by cROA and the availability and perceptions of cROA (e.g., vaping devices) are changing. Methods The Vaping In Buprenorphine-treated patients Evaluation (VIBE) cross-sectional survey assessed the prevalence and correlates of cannabis use and cROA among adults receiving buprenorphine MOUD from 02/20 to 07/20 at five community health centers in Massachusetts, a state with legal recreational and medical cannabis use. Results Among the 92/222 (41%) respondents reporting past 30-day cannabis use, smoking was the most common cROA (75%), followed by vaping (38%), and eating (26%). Smoking was more often used as a single cROA vs. in combination others (p = 0.01), whereas vaping, eating, and dabbing were more often used in combination with another cROA (all p < 0.05). Of the 39% of participants reporting multiple cROA, smoking and vaping (61%), and smoking and eating (50%), were the most prevalent combinations. Nonwhite race (vs. white) and current cigarette smoking (vs. no nicotine use) were associated with past 30-day cannabis use in multiple logistic regression. Conclusions Prevalence of past 30-day cannabis use among individuals receiving buprenorphine MOUD in Massachusetts in 2020 was nearly double the prevalence of cannabis use in Massachusetts’ adult general population in 2019 (21%). Our data are consistent with state and national data showing smoking as the most common cROA.
Foundational Number Sense Training Gains Are Predicted by Hippocampal–Parietal Circuits

The development of mathematical skills in early childhood relies on number sense, the foundational ability to discriminate among quantities. Number sense in early childhood is predictive of academic and professional success, and deficits in number sense are thought to underlie lifelong impairments in mathematical abilities. Despite its importance, the brain circuit mechanisms that support number sense learning remain poorly understood. Here, we designed a theoretically motivated training program to determine brain circuit mechanisms underlying foundational number sense learning in female and male elementary school-age children (7–10 years). Our 4 week integrative number sense training program gradually strengthened the understanding of the relations between symbolic (Arabic numerals) and nonsymbolic (sets of items) representations of quantity. We found that our number sense training program improved symbolic quantity discrimination ability in children across a wide range of math abilities including children with learning difficulties. Crucially, the strength of pretraining functional connectivity between the hippocampus and intraparietal sulcus, brain regions implicated in associative learning and quantity discrimination, respectively, predicted individual differences in number sense learning across typically developing children and children with learning difficulties. Reverse meta-analysis of interregional coactivations across 14,371 fMRI studies and 89 cognitive functions confirmed a reliable role for hippocampal–intraparietal sulcus circuits in learning. Our study identifies a canonical hippocampal–parietal circuit for learning that plays a foundational role in children's cognitive skill acquisition. Findings provide important insights into neurobiological circuit markers of individual differences in children's learning and delineate a robust target for effective cognitive interventions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Mathematical skill development relies on number sense, the ability to discriminate among quantities. Here, we develop a theoretically motivated training program and investigate brain circuits that predict number sense learning in children during a period important for acquisition of foundational cognitive skills. Our integrated number sense training program was effective in children across a wide a range of math abilities, including children with learning difficulties. We identify hippocampal–parietal circuits that predict individual differences in learning gains. Our study identifies a brain circuit critical for the acquisition of foundational cognitive skills, which will be useful for developing effective interventions to remediate learning disabilities.
Factors associated with naloxone availability and dispensing through Michigan’s pharmacy standing order

ABSTRACT Background: Pharmacy standing order policies allow pharmacists to dispense naloxone, thereby increasing access to naloxone. Objectives: To describe pharmacy standing order participation and associations of pharmacy and community characteristics that predict naloxone availability and dispensing across eight counties in Michigan. Methods: We conducted a telephone survey of 662 standing order pharmacies with a response rate of 81% (n = 539). Pharmacies were linked with census tract-level demographics, overdose fatality rates, and dispensing data. County maps were created to visualize pharmacy locations relative to fatality rates. Regression models analyzed associations between pharmacy type, neighborhood characteristics, fatality rates, and these outcomes: naloxone availability, having ever dispensed naloxone, and counts of naloxone dispensed. Results: The prevalence of standing order pharmacies was 54% (n = 662/1231). Maps revealed areas with higher fatality rates had fewer pharmacies participating in the standing order or lacked any pharmacy access. Among standing order pharmacies surveyed, 85% (n = 458/539) had naloxone available and 82% had ever dispensed (n = 333/406). The mean out-of-pocket cost of Narcan® was $127.77 (SD: 23.93). National chains were more likely than regional chains to stock naloxone (AOR = 3.75, 95%CI = 1.77, 7.93) and to have ever dispensed naloxone (AOR 3.02, 95%CI = 1.21,7.57). Higher volume of naloxone dispensed was associated in neighborhoods with greater proportions of public health insurance (IRR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.21, 1.58) and populations under 44 years old (IRR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.04, 1.48). There was no association with neighborhood overdose fatality rates or race in regression models. Conclusion: As deaths from the opioid epidemic continue to escalate, efforts to expand naloxone access through greater standing order pharmacy participation are warranted.
Validation of a Korean version of mobile app rating scale (MARS) for apps targeting disease management

The mobile app rating scale (MARS) is a widely used instrument for evaluating smartphone app quality. We aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Korean version of MARS (MARS-K). Two independent raters performed the assessment using the translated 23-item questionnaire. We applied intraclass correlation coefficient analysis (ICC) to examine inter-rater reliability, Omega, and item-total correlation for internal consistency, and Pearson’s r for test–retest reliability and correlation between subscales and the total score of MARS-K. Most items showed moderate to good ICC (0.447–1.000). The MARS-K showed excellent internal consistency and all subscales exceeded the acceptable level of omega. Results indicated MARS-K to be a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating disease management apps offered in the Korean app store. However, upgrades are recommended to further improve MARS-K’s rating accuracy and reliability.
Spruce Bark Biorefinery

Spruce bark ( Picea abies ) contains several fundamental main substances; lignin, non-cellulose polysaccharides, cellulose and extractives. This undergraduate study focuses on developing a process to extract each of these components from spruce bark using a biorefinery concept, with a main focus on extracting lignin without degradation. The purpose of the bark biorefinery concept is to contribute to a circular bioeconomy, by increased use of natural renewable resources. With extended research on the area, it will be possible to produce polymers, green chemicals and biofuel from the components in bark. This report covers the extraction of the bark components with soxhlet extraction, hot-water extraction, organosolv extraction and peracetic acid delignification. The extraction was made on two samples from Norway spruce, matchstick-sized bark (MS) and 20 mesh-sized bark with a diameter of 0.8 mm (20M). The purpose was to be able to compare the efficiency of the extraction between the two samples. Afterwards, the characterization of extracts and residue was executed with carbohydrate analysis, 2D HSQC-NMR and FTIR-analysis. The results showed that a smaller particle size led to more efficient extractions of all components as well as purer extract solutions. Lignin concentration determinations of samples at each step showed that a significant amount of lignin was lost prior to the organosolv extraction. Future research should look into ways to reduce this loss in order to increase the lignin yield. The findings in the FTIR and NMR analyses correlates with what could be seen in other reports, discussing similar subjects. For upscaling of this process, future research should go toward optimization of all extraction methods in order to make an upscaling of the process economically viable.
The Effect of Target Velocity on the Fast Corrective Response during Reaching Movement

Abstract Online motor control is often required to correct errors in rapid adjustments during reaching movements. It has been established that the initial arm trajectory during reaching is corrected by a target displacement. Since this corrective response occurs without perception of target perturbation, this is regarded as an automatic response. However, an object rarely “jumps” in daily life, rather it often “moves” as a chronological change of the position that causes visual motion. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the implicit visuomotor response is induced by target motion stimuli and to clarify the effects of target motion velocity on initial arm trajectory. Participants were asked to move a cursor from a start circle to a visual target. The target moved either leftward or rightward when the cursor passed 20 mm from the start circle. Four target velocities (10, 20, 30, 40 deg/s) were randomly presented. Our results showed that the initial velocity (first 50 ms) of the fast corrective response increased with the target velocity. Therefore, it is indicated that the fast corrective response is induced by the target motion stimulus with a short latency and its amplitude is dependent on the target velocity.