Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spor Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi

Self-talk, which has attracted more attention lately, is an effective psychological instrument used alongside physical training in sports. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between motivation and performance, focusing primarily on the mediating role of self-talk. In this study, which included 325 athletes from Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Wushu, and Taekwondo branches, three scales were used to collect data. To measure self-talk, The Self-Talk Questionnaire (S-TQ) developed by Zervas, Stavrou, and Psychountaki (2007), to measure motivation, The Sports Motivation Scale-II (SMSII) developed by Pelletier et al. (2013) were used. The performance scale for athletes was specifically developed in this study and labeled as Athlete Performance Scale for Combat Sports (APS-CS) (see Appendix). The results of the study indicated statistically significant relationships among motivation, self-talk, and performance. More specifically, motivation was found to have a significant positive relationship with self-talk and performance. Self-talk, on the other hand, had a significant positive relationship with performance and partially mediated the relationship between motivation and performance.
Gifted and talented youth leadership, perfectionism, and lifelong learning

The aim of this study is to determine to what extent perfectionist traits, lifelong learning skills and demographic characteristics that are believed to affect youth leadership qualities, predict youth leadership qualities. The study group consisted of 115 gifted and talented students who attended the “project production and management” program in the Central Science and Arts Center in Turkey. A personal information form, the Youth Leadership Qualities Scale, the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale and the Lifelong Learning Scale were used as data collection tools. The results of the study are as follows: It was determined that youth leadership qualities and lifelong learning skills of gifted and talented students were high and that their perfectionism traits were at medium level. It was determined that the leadership characteristics of young people differed according to gender, type of school, and chairmanship in a team/club. When the demographic characteristics and self-oriented perfectionism were controlled, the lifelong learning variables explained 42.4% of the variance of the youth leadership qualities variable. As a result, it can be said that leadership is important in the growth of adolescents. Increased lifelong learning skills during adolescence can strengthen leadership qualities and skills and be a catalyst for advancing adulthood. It can be suggested that students who want to gain leadership qualities are supported to access different opportunities in the school environment, are provided with the opportunity to chair a group, and are encouraged to have lifelong learning skills.
Orthopedic-orthodontic treatment of a class II malocclusion. Case report.

: Background :Class II malocclusion is caused by mandibular deficiency, maxillary overgrowth, or a combination of both. Prompt treatment of a class II malocclusion can eliminate the option of orthognathic surgery or, in more severe cases, reduce the complications of surgery. Maxillary extension and expansion are often used in orthopedic treatments and removable appliances, to guide development during the early growth stages of patients. Case Report : This clinical case addresses the treatment of a 9-year-old patient with skeletal class II with maxillary prognathism. The treatment was carried out in two stages. The first stage with functional orthopedics, Hyrax maxillary expansion screw with occlusal tracks and Bimbler Type A; and a second stage with fixed appliances and extractions. Results : Skeletal class I, class I canine relations, lip competence, facial harmony, and patient satisfaction. Conclusion: The early diagnosis and treatment of class II malocclusions are a determining factor to obtain better results and avoid surgery, taking advantage of the growth potential.
CARBON NANOMATERIALS: SYNTHESIS AND CHARGE TRANSPORT MEASUREMENTS Doctoral Thesis by ARTEM K. GREBENKO DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN PHYSICS

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) are important both fundamentally and practically. Their modifications (fullerenes, carbon nanotubes or graphene) and their ensembles boosted the science at a certain period of time due to unusual and promising structural and optoelectronic properties. Despite the history of more than 30 years of experimental investigation (in total), they are still highly demanded and more than that these materials represent a great platform to test and develop novel solutions for the CNMs beyond graphitic ones. Mainly, there are three questions that yet have a prospect for deeper understanding: synthesis of CNMs with tailored characteristics, charge transfer in individual nanostructures and ensembles, and eventually design of novel fabrication approaches taking into account the understanding of electronic, mechanical and optical properties. Herein, all these three topics are covered, being closely connected with each other. The first part of the thesis focuses on the synthesis problems, mainly on chemical vapor deposition of graphene and SWCNT using heterogeneous catalytic disproportionation of carbon monoxide, i.e. Boudouard reaction over a metallic substrate (either nanoparticle or a liquefied metal surface). This part covers studies of previously published aerosol-assisted synthesis of SWCNTs and later adoption of the Boudouard reaction for the graphene synthesis. As a result, an ambient pressure CVD reactor was designed and facilitated single-crystal monolayer graphene grains with up to 5 mm size. Further, synthesized materials are extensively studied by the means of contactless broadband spectroscopy techniques to characterize and find out new phenomena in the charge carrier dynamics. Observed different spectral contributions were associated with specific processes affecting the charge transfer, like the presence of delocalized carriers, tunnel junctions and defects. These measurements are supported by studying individual carbon nanostructures (individual nanotube or graphene grain) and microscopical investigation of potential spreading. As a result we have observed peculiar features like quantum hall effect in mm-size graphene grains and super poissonian noise in SWCNT quantum dots. Finally, in the third part, these materials are used for the development of novel techniques for lithographic patterning. One discussed realization is achieved with the help of an atomic force microscope lithography (AFML), which allows dry patterning of optical properties in SWCNT film. This is the first application of AFML to create an optically active medium in SWCNT film by simply controlling its
Blockchain in Edge-Cloud Computing Continuum

In the era of Edge Computing, Internet of Things(IoT) devices connect and communicate to create a network of objects that can collect information from the environment without human intervention. While the IoT offers many benefits, it also poses several cybersecurity risks, including the lack of detection of malicious IoT sensors, weak authorization, and authentication protocols, and insecure management of data received from IoT devices. Developing new solutions to enhance IoT sensors’ security to address these issues is crucial. One crucial challenge that requires attention is the secure management and storage of data collected from IoT devices at the Edge. Many existing solutions rely on centralized systems vulnerable to tampering and must provide reliable data traceability records. To address this challenge, this thesis proposes a blockchain-based architecture for securing and managing data collected from IoT devices. By leveraging blockchain technology, we create a distributed data storage architecture that eliminates the need for centralized network topologies. This approach offers several advantages, including immutability, decentralization, distributivity, enhanced security, transparency, instant traceability, and increased efficiency through automation. Our results demonstrate that this proposed architecture provides a high level of performance and can be used as a scalable, massive data storage solution for IoT devices using blockchain technologies. One significant advantage of this approach is that new IoT sensors can quickly be enrolled and unenrolled in our architecture without retrofitting. Our system does not depend on any specific communication protocol and can be applied to any IoT application. In summary, our proposed architecture provides a robust and secure solution for managing and storing data collected from IoT devices, thus enhancing the overall security of the IoT devices in the Edge.
Towards machines that understand people

The ability to estimate the state of a human partner is an insufficient basis on which to build cooperative agents. Also needed is an ability to predict how people adapt their behavior in response to an agent's actions. We propose a new approach based on computational rationality, which models humans based on the idea that predictions can be derived by calculating policies that are approximately optimal given human‐like bounds. Computational rationality brings together reinforcement learning and cognitive modeling in pursuit of this goal, facilitating machine understanding of humans.
The importance of the built environment in older adults' physical activity: a review of the literature.

The number of older individuals in the United States is increasing. As people age, many physiologic functions naturally decrease. However, physical activity has been shown to slow or even counteract the effects of aging. Older individuals tend to be less active for various reasons, including declines in health, mobility, and income. Personal characteristics and environmental factors influence a person’s physical activity. The impact of the built environment on physical activity is in an exploratory stage. Built or physical environment can be defined as land use patterns, transportation systems, and design features that provide opportunities for transportation, and physical activity. Older adults rely heavily on the built environment for physical activity. This article reviews current research literature (since 2004) on the importance of the built environment on physical activity of older adults. This review article also examines the correlation between characteristics of the physical environment and physical activity in this population. © 2008 Washington State Journal of Public Health Practice. All Rights Reserved.
Predominantly Pro-Inflammatory Phenotype with Mixed M1/M2 Polarization of Peripheral Blood Classical Monocytes and Monocyte-Derived Macrophages among Patients with Excessive Ethanol Intake

Excessive alcohol consumption impairs the immune system, induces oxidative stress, and triggers the activation of peripheral blood (PB) monocytes, thereby contributing to alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We analyzed the M1/M2 phenotypes of circulating classical monocytes and macrophage-derived monocytes (MDMs) in excessive alcohol drinkers (EADs). PB samples from 20 EADs and 22 healthy controls were collected for isolation of CD14+ monocytes and short-term culture with LPS/IFNγ, IL4/IL13, or without stimulation. These conditions were also used to polarize MDMs into M1, M2, or M0 phenotypes. Cytokine production was assessed in the blood and culture supernatants. M1/M2-related markers were analyzed using mRNA expression and surface marker detection. Additionally, the miRNA profile of CD14+ monocytes was analyzed. PB samples from EADs exhibited increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Following short-term culture, unstimulated blood samples from EADs showed higher levels of soluble TNF-α and IL-8, whereas monocytes expressed increased levels of surface TNF-α and elevated mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase. MDMs from EADs showed higher levels of TNF-α and CD206 surface markers and increased IL-10 production. LPS/IFNγ induced higher mRNA expression of Nrf2 only in the controls. miRNA analysis revealed a distinctive miRNA profile that is potentially associated with liver carcinogenesis and ALD through inflammation and oxidative stress. This study confirms the predominantly pro-inflammatory profile of PB monocytes among EADs and suggests immune exhaustion features in MDMs.
How to deal with frenemy NRF2: Targeting NRF2 for chemoprevention and cancer therapy

Induction of antioxidant proteins and phase 2 detoxifying enzymes that neutralize reactive electrophiles are important mechanisms for protection against carcinogenesis. Normal cells provide multifaceted pathways to tightly control NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-mediated gene expression in response to an assault by a range of endogenous and exogenous oncogenic molecules. Transient activation of NRF2 by its activators is able to induce ARE-mediated cytoprotective proteins which are essential for protection against various toxic and oxidative damages, and NRF2 activators thereby have efficacy in cancer chemoprevention. Because NRF2 has a cytoprotective function, it can protect normal cells from carcinogens like an angel, but when the protective effect acts on cancer cells, it will give rise to invincible cancer cells and play a devilish role in tumor progression. Indeed, aberrant activation of NRF2 has been found in a variety of cancers that create a favorable environment for the proliferation and survival of cancer cells and leads to drug resistance, ultimately leading to the poor clinical prognosis of patients. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of NRF2 signaling has emerged as a promising approach for cancer therapy. This review aims to compile the regulatory mechanisms of NRF2 and its double-edged role in cancer. In addition, we also summarize the research progress of NRF2 modulators, especially phytochemicals, in chemoprevention and cancer therapy.
Ambiguity resolution of legal requirements: an exploratory study in the literature

[Background] Software requirements are usually specified in Natural Language, bringing challenges for Requirements Engineering (RE) as these specifications are inherently ambiguous. These challenges become bigger when dealing with software requirements that must comply with regulations, the so-called legal requirements. [Goal] This work investigates how ambiguity in legal requirements specification is addressed in works selected from the literature. [Method] We followed a snowballing technique with three backward and forward iterations. [Re-sults] We systematically selected 24 papers and classified their proposals in approaches dealing with ambiguous requirements by identifying, reducing or avoiding ambiguity. Moreover, the protocol used to select the papers and the selected papers can be used as starting point to expand this study’s results. [Conclusions] Our analysis in the selected papers revealed that a considerable amount of works deal with the identification of ambiguous requirements, in opposition to the number of works concerned in avoiding or reducing them.
Computational Neurostimulation: Characterization of electromagnetic fields during Spinal Cord Magnetic Stimulation

Spinal Cord Magnetic Stimulation is able to change excitability and remodulate the spinal neuronal networks after Spinal Cord Injury. Clinical assessments allow the study of the changes in synaptic efficacy and behaviour after intervention. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underneath recovery are not fully understood. Computational modelling of neurostimulation has been revealed as an important tool to predict the interaction of electromagnetic fields with the biological tissues. Thus, this study is a proof of concept for the use of computational methods to understand the mechanisms of Magnetic Stimulation on the Spinal cord level. The main goal is to calculate the distribution and magnitude of the electric field and electric current density inside the human body during stimulation, both of which were calculated through numerical methods. First, the stimulation devices were modulated and compared with the properties of reference given by the manufacturer. Later, Magnetic Stimulation was studied using a simple model based on the lumbar part of a realistic human model and, finally, in a realistic human model. The results show that the low frequency solver used to solve the electromagnetic problem is in agreement with the basic principles of Magnetic Stimulation. The simulations with the simplistic human model showed that the 8-Figure coil might allow a more focused but less deep stimulation than the Circular coil. Additionally, the use of different electric conductivities led to different electric current density’s magnitude. Magnetic Stimulation in a realistic human model allowed us to see the electric field and electric current density inside the body. The results show that the complexity of the human body and the dielectric properties of biological tissues determine the field distribution inside the body. Further studies are required in order to predict the stimulation of the neuronal circuitry in the spinal cord.
Assessing internal and external drivers of land productivity in Eastern Zambia

—This project presents a methodology for modeling crop yield variation in Eastern Zambia (EZ) based upon publicly accessible soil and weather data. For this purpose, we employed survey data from the ”Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit” (GIZ) and ”Community Markets for Conservation” (COMACO) to access socioeconomic data for EZ and land productivity for two value chain crops: groundnuts and soybeans. The ﬁnal data pipeline allows to combine various data sources to learn about the distribution of soil properties (e.g., sand proportion), meteorological variables (e.g., droughts), or location-speciﬁc demographic data (e.g., access to agricultural knowledge). We show that modeling land productivity in EZ with modern machine learning algorithms proves to be diﬃcult due to large uncertainties in the data collection process. Hence, ﬁnally we decided to make the prepared soil and weather data easily accessible to both organizations in form of a dashboard. Using this in combination with local expert knowledge, GIZ and COMACO can further investigate the impact of external factors on agriculture and are further empowered to issue early warnings.
The Impact of Leaders: A Global Study on the Value of CEOs

This paper presents strong evidence that existing studies overestimate the impact of CEOs on the performance of the (cid:133)rms they lead. Ours is a comprehensive study of more than 3 ; 692 CEOs in 2 ; 103 (cid:133)rms in 22 countries, and for the period 1991 (cid:0) 2019 . Our objective is to assess the direct impact of CEOs on (cid:133)rm results(cid:151) measured as Total Shareholder Return and ROIC(cid:151) after controlling for global, country, industry, and (cid:133)rm e⁄ects. Like the previous literature, we (cid:133)nd that a CEO dummy explains 2 percent of the variability of stock returns, and 12 percent of the variability in (cid:133)rms(cid:146)return on invested capital. However, we show that such relationship is driven by CEOs having an average impact that is economically unimportant, with some CEOs positively a⁄ecting performance, and some others destroying value. In fact, analyzing results for the best and worst performing (cid:133)rms, we (cid:133)nd that CEOs only improve value in good companies, but destroy value in underperforming (cid:133)rms. Additionally, there is no (cid:133)rm or CEO characteristic (except for CEO tenure) that systematically explains their impact on performance: characteristics such as gender, age, and compensation do not make a di⁄erence. This suggest that (cid:133)rms hire top executives for reasons di⁄erent from their inherent ability to contribute to performance, so CEOs end up doing well only if their (cid:133)rms do well, but not vice versa.
Evaluation of Postoperative Pain after Endodontic Treatment using XP-Endo Shaper and Oneshape (A double-blind Randomized Clinical study)

Background: This study evaluated postoperative pain (incidence, degree and duration) after using Xp endoshaper and Oneshape in root canal treatment. Methods: Thirty patients with irreversible pulpitis in a single canal premolar were chosen randomly according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided equally into two groups; group A (n = 15) were treated with Xp endoshaper whilst those in group B (n = 15) were treated using Oneshape both in a single visit treatment. Rating of postoperative pain after treatment was recorded using NRS which is a horizontal line of 11 marks and 10 intervals each takes numbers from 0 to 10 where 0 = no pain, 1-3 =mild pain, 4-6 = moderate pain, 7-10 = severe pain after 6hrs, 12hrs, 24hrs, 48hrs. Results: Within group A (Xp endoshaper) pain intensity showed significant reduction from the preoperative state at all the time intervals 6, 12, 24 and 48hrs ( p < 0.001). Pain intensity showed no significant difference between the 24hrs and 48hrs interval ( p = 0.063). Within group B (Oneshape) pain intensity showed significant reduction from the preoperative state to all the time intervals 6, 12, 24 and 48hrs. ( p < 0.001). Pain intensity showed no significant difference between the 24hs and 48hrs interval ( p = 0.004). Postoperative pain was lower using Xp endoshaper file than Oneshape (p < 0.
PID Gain Tuning for Robust Control of PMDC Motor for External Disturbance Rejection with Constrained Motor Parameter Variations through H ∞

This chapter describes the controller modeling for PID gain tuning against the external disturbances with constrained internal parameter variation of the PMDC motor based on an optimization technique of H-infinity. To fit the goals in the H infinite framework, auto tuning of the PID controller gains is used. Different performance goals for tracking are preset as design objectives. Researchers in literature have presented many Robust Control techniques for motor control applications. Methods like back-stepping algorithms, fuzzy and neural based control systems, model predictive control and SMC (Sliding Mode Control) are available in literature. In this chapter, SC (speed control) of PMDC-motor is addressed with variations in outer load disturbances and internal variations of the system parameters for a particular application. C-PID (conventional PID controllers) is preferred, and equivalent robustness characteristics are established using the H-infinity development procedures. The optimization effort is to get simultaneous fast-tracking response and better disturbance rejection.
Damage Separation in a Bipolar Junction Transistor Following Irradiation With 250-MeV Protons

Irradiation of 2N5339 n-p-n bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) with either 250-MeV protons or 10-keV X-rays shifts the input characteristics to lower values of $V_{\mathrm {BE}}$ while degrading the current gain and drive current. The degradation is consistent with increased recombination in the neutral base and emitter–base (E–B) depletion region. A decrease in collector current following proton irradiation suggests that recombination in the neutral base is significant. At a given ionizing dose, degradation is worse for proton irradiation than for X-ray irradiation due to the presence of displacement damage and a higher charge yield. A comparison of degradation produced by the two radiation sources suggests that ~40% of the excess base current resulting from 250-MeV proton irradiation is due to ionization damage. When compared with previous results for other devices, these results suggest that ionization-to-displacement damage ratios in bipolar devices may increase with proton energy in a way that is consistent with trends in charge yield and non-ionizing energy loss (NIEL).