Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Relationship between Real Effective Exchange Rate, Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio and Return on Equity: Evidence from Turkey

The analysis of the relationship between exchange rate fluctuations, common equity and return on equity is of high importance to be able to improve adequate policies with the purpose of maintaining stability in foreign exchange rate, when it is taken into consideration that mentioned fluctuations lead to the loss in bank capital and profitability. Hence, the studies in the related literature have been increasing in great amount recently. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between real effective exchange rate, common equity and return on equity in the period of 2014:01 2018:09. The unit root properties of the series are tested by using Carrion-i Silvestre et al.(2009) unit root test and the cointegration relationship between the series is investigated by employing Maki(2012) cointegration test. Both tests take into account multiple structural breaks. The results indicate that there is only a long run relationship between real effective exchange rate and return on equity for Turkish Banking Sector with structural breaks.
The structure of the distant geomagnetic tail during long periods of northward IMF

We have used a newly developed, parallelized, global MHD magnetosphere-ionosphere simulation model with a 400 RE long tail to study the evolution, structure, and dynamics of the distant magnetotail during extended periods of northward IMF. We find that the tail evolves to a nearly time stationary structure about one solar wind transit time after the IMF turns northward. Four regions of different magnetic topology can be distinguished which extend at least to the end of the simulation box at 400 RE. Besides lobe field lines and open solar wind field lines tailward of an X-line, there is a broad boundary layer of closed field lines which we call the tail flank boundary layer (TFBL). Just inside the TFBL there is a region of closed field loops. Besides the X-line we find two O-lines which are enclosed by the closed field loops and are roughly aligned with the tail axis. Together they form a U shaped separator between the northward and the southward plasma sheet fields.
Probiotics for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19: a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Although numerous modalities are currently in use for the treatment and prophylaxis of COVID-19, probiotics are a cost-effective alternative that could be used in diverse clinical settings. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the role of probiotics in preventing and treating COVID-19 infection. Methods We searched several databases from inception to 30 May 2023 for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies that evaluated probiotics (irrespective of the regimen) for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. We conducted our meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 with risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) as the effect measures. Results A total of 18 studies (11 RCTs and 7 observational studies) were included in our review. Probiotics reduced the risk of mortality (RR 0.40; 95% CI: 0.25–0.65, I2 = 0%). Probiotics also decreased the length of hospital stay, rate of no recovery, and time to recovery. However, probiotics had no effect on the rates of ICU admission. When used prophylactically, probiotics did not decrease the incidence of COVID-19 cases (RR 0.65; 95% CI: 0.37–1.12; I2 = 66%). The results for all outcomes were consistent across the subgroups of RCTs and observational studies (P for interaction >0.05). Conclusion The results of this meta-analysis support the use of probiotics as an adjunct treatment for reducing the risk of mortality or improving other clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. However, probiotics are not useful as a prophylactic measure against COVID-19. Large-scale RCTs are still warranted for determining the most efficacious and safe probiotic strains. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO (CRD42023390275: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php? RecordID=390275).
Acoustic in-ice positioning in the Enceladus Explorer project

Abstract The Enceladus Explorer project is a preparatory study for a future space mission to Saturn’s moon, Enceladus. Its ultimate goal is to probe liquid-water pockets below the ice surface of Enceladus for signatures of life. A probe could be based on the IceMole concept, which melts curved trajectories through the ice. In the Enceladus Explorer project, a specialized IceMole probe for a terrestrial test scenario is in development. The goal of this exploratory study is to probe water from a liquid crevasse close to Blood Falls at Taylor Glacier, Antarctica. To navigate such a probe it is essential to be able to determine its position and monitor its trajectory. Part of the navigation system is the in-ice acoustic positioning system. For this, the head of the IceMole is equipped with acoustic sensors, which receive signals from synchronized acoustic emitters situated at the ice surface. Based on the measured propagation times, the speed of sound in ice and the positions of the emitters at the surface, the position of the IceMole can be determined by trilateration techniques. Here we present the developed acoustic positioning system, which is designed to track the in-ice melting probe up to distances of 100 m in glacier ice. Results from full-system tests in water and a first field test on Morteratschgletscher, Switzerland, are discussed.
Inter-decadal trends in the annual cycles of atmospheric CO 2 at Mauna Loa

Cyclical rise and fall of monthly mean CO 2 concentration occurred rather regularly at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, USA, during 1958-2008, with peaks occurring in April or May followed by troughs in September or October. However, the frequency of troughs in September increased from 32% in 1958-1974 to 82% in 1992-2008 and the depletion season correspondingly decreased from 4.8 months on average to 4.2 months. Does this seemingly small change in the seasonal rhythm point to changes on an inter-decadal scale in the CO 2 accumulation rates? This question is studied here by examining linear and exponential trends of seasonal and annual CO 2 accumulation rates in three equal phases (1958-1974, 1975-1991 and 1992-2008). We also discuss trends of average accumulation rates in the accretion and depletion seasons, and of the amplitude and standard deviation of the annual CO 2 cycles at Mauna Loa, which can be viewed as representative of the North Central Tropical Pacific.
The Zagros folded belt (Fars, Iran): constraints from topography and critical wedge modelling

SUMMARY The Late Miocene tectonics of the Zagros folded belt (Fars province) has for long been related solely to folding of the cover controlled by a ductile decollement between basement and the sedimentary cover. However, geological constraints, topography analysis and seismotectonic studies reveal that basement thrusting may produce locally significant deformation in the cover. To determine how the deep-seated deformation in the basement may contribute to the overall topography we first examine the filtered large and short wavelengths of the topography. We find that the short-wavelength component of the topography (20-25 km), including the Zagros folds, is superimposed on the differential uplift at the regional scale. In other words, the regional base level of folded marker horizons remains parallel to the regional topography of interest. Modelling reveals that the salt-based wedge model, alone, is not able to reproduce the large- wavelength component of the topography of the Zagros Folded Belt. This reveals that when a thick (relatively to its overburden) layer of salt forms the basal decollement it is generally too weak and cannot support the growth of significant topography. We then test an alternative thick- skinned crustal wedge model involving the crust of the Arabian margin, which is decoupled above a viscous lower crust. This model satisfactorily reproduces the observed topography and is consistent with present-day basement thrusting, topography analyses and geological constraints. We conclude that basement-involved thickening and shortening is mechanically required to produce the shape of the Zagros Folded Belt since at least 10 Ma. Finally, the involvement of the basement provides mechanical and kinematic constraints that should be accounted for cross-sections balancing and further assessing the evolution of Zagros at crustal or lithospheric scales.
A Comparative Assessment of Myocardial Work Performance during Spontaneous Rhythm, His Bundle Pacing, and Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing: Insights from the EMPATHY Study

Background: Physiological pacing has gained significant interest due to its potential to achieve optimal hemodynamic response. This study aimed to assess left ventricular performance in terms of electrical parameters, specifically QRS duration and mechanical performance, evaluated as myocardial work. We compared His Bundle Pacing (HBP) and Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) to evaluate their effects. Methods: Twenty-four patients with class I or IIa indications for pacing were enrolled in this study, with twelve patients undergoing HBP implantation and another twelve undergoing LBBAP implantation. A comprehensive analysis of myocardial work was conducted. Results: Our findings indicate that there were no major differences in terms of spontaneous and HBP activation in myocardial work, except for global wasted work (217 mmHg% vs. 283 mmHg%; p 0.016) and global work efficiency (87 mmHg% vs. 82 mmHg%; p 0.049). No significant differences were observed in myocardial work between spontaneous activation and LBBAP. Similarly, no significant differences in myocardial work were found between HBP and LBBAP. Conclusions: Both pacing modalities provide physiological ventricular activation without significant differences when compared to each other. Moreover, there were no significant differences in QRS duration between HBP and LBBAP. However, LBBAP demonstrated advantages in terms of feasibility, as it achieved better lead electrical parameters compared to HBP (threshold@0.4 ms 0.6 V vs. 1 V; p = 0.045—sensing 9.4 mV vs. 2.4 mV; p < 0.001). Additionally, LBBAP required less fluoroscopy time (6 min vs. 13 min; p = 0.010) and procedural time (81 min vs. 125 min; p = 0.004) compared to HBP.
A Study of Liquid Water Path and Precipitable Water Vapor in Lanzhou Area Using Ground-Based Microwave Radiometer

Both liquid water path(LWP) and precipitable water vapor(PWV) are two important variables describing water source in the air,which are key elements in the energy budget and the workings of the hydrology.Currently,direct and continuous observations of LWP and PWV are few,especially for the Loess Plateau arid and semi-arid areas.The measurement of microwave radiometer at the Semi-Arid Climate and Environment Observatory of Lanzhou University(SACOL) is used to analyze the diurnal and annual variations of cloud liquid water path(LWP) in the semi-arid area.Firstly,Liljegren et al.retrieval method(Liljegren et al.,2001) is introduced and improved,and then used to calculate the retrieval coefficients suitable for the Loess Plateau,and LWP and PWV are computed using the modified retrieval method in the past two years.Compared with the artificial neural networks retrieval results of TP/WVP-3000,the improved Liljegren et al.retrieval results in this paper have smaller errors from the reality.The results show that 95% of LWP is below 150 g/m2,and 95% of PWV is below 3cm at the SACOL.Because of the influence of Asian monsoon on precipitation,the daily average of LWP is the smallest in winter,the largest in autumn.The diurnal variation shows two peaks,which is due to local climate features,such as temperature inversion and thermal convection.Furthermore,the authors compare the annual variations of LWP derived from Terra and Aqua satellite with that from microwave radiometer,respectively.The results indicate that the satellite-derived results are close to the ground-based retrievals.Therefore,using LWP retrieved by satellites data to analyze the water source in the air over Northwest China is a relatively reliable method.
Scale Effects on Averaging of Cloud Droplet and Aerosol Number Concentrations: Observations and Models

Abstract The purpose of this study, using in situ observations from five field projects, is to analyze cloud boundaries and averaging scales related to droplet number concentration (Nd) and total aerosol number concentration (Na), and to discuss parameterizations of these variables for use in numerical weather prediction and global climate models. Here Nd and Na for stratus and stratocumulus clouds are averaged over various lengths from 1 km up to 35 km. The relationships between these variables for 1-s and 200-s data are compared with current parameterizations. Comparisons between Nd and Na show that Na plays an important role for activating cloud droplets. The variability in Nd from 1-s data is estimated to have a standard deviation of about ±150 cm−3. Median values of Nd representing scales from about 0.1 km up to approximately 35 km are found to be dependent on scale and the presence of clear patches in the clouds. The average values of Nd are also dependent on the lower concentration threshold used t.
A mixed method examination: how stigma experienced by autistic adults relates to metrics of social identity and social functioning

A recent meta-analysis reveals almost half of autistic individuals experience some form of victimization in their lifetime, including bullying and other forms of stigma. Research among caregivers of autistic individuals demonstrates that stigma can have a long-lasting impact on other aspects of a social identity, such as self-esteem, but less research has specifically examined this among autistic adults themselves, in spite of research suggesting these are likely constructs that contribute to the internalization of stigma and subsequent mental health consequences. The current study used a mixed method approach to assess the relation between stigma and several components of social identity and social functioning. More specifically, among 45 autistic young adults, three dimensions of self-reported stigma (discrimination, disclosure, and positive aspects) were examined in relation to self-esteem, self-efficacy, social satisfaction and adaptive social functioning. Quantitative analyses revealed higher reported discriminative and disclosure stigma were significantly associated with lower self-efficacy. Increased experience with all types of stigma were associated with lower social satisfaction. Greater reported disclosure stigma was also associated with lower self-esteem. Qualitative interviewing among eight autistic young adults helped to better understand the nature of stigma and the impact of these experiences. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed that all of the participants experienced stigma in the form of exclusion or isolation and that a majority also experienced verbal bullying. Many of the negative interactions came from educators, peers, and family members. Most participants indicated that these stigmatizing interactions directly contributed to decreased social satisfaction, diminished self-efficacy, and lowered self-esteem. A greater understanding of the negative consequences of stigma can inform efforts to increase awareness and acceptance of autism.
Sleep disorders and depression: brief review of the literature, case report, and nonpharmacologic interventions for depression

: Sleep disorders are so frequently associated with depression that, in the absence of sleep complaints, a diagnosis of depression should be made with caution. Insomnia, in particular, may occur in 60%–80% of depressed patients. Depressive symptoms are important risk factors for insomnia, and depression is considered an important comorbid condition in patients with chronic insomnia of any etiology. In addition, some drugs commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression may worsen insomnia and impair full recovery from the illness. The aim of this paper is to review briefly and discuss the following topics: common sleep disturbances during depression (in particular pavor nocturnus, nightmares, hypersomnia, and insomnia); circadian sleep disturbances; and treatment of depression by manipulation of the sleep-wake rhythm (chronotherapy, light therapy, cycles of sleep, and manipulation of the sleep-wake rhythm itself). Finally, we present a case report of a 65-year-old Caucasian woman suffering from insomnia associated with depression who was successfully treated with sleep deprivation.
Feasibility of an Intelligent Home-Based Neurorehabilitation System for Upper Extremity Mobility Assessment

Health personnel are often unavailable for supervised robot-aided neurorehabilitation in hospitals, and patients are usually challenged by transportation issues to get to the hospital. Thus, a discontinuity between therapy in the hospital and at home appears slowing down the upper extremity (UE) mobility recovery. The aim of this work was to develop a system, based on wearable devices and EMG armbands, able to assess the quality of the UE joint movements and intelligently guide the patients during home-based rehabilitation. This system fuses a classification model together with a dynamic time-warping (DTW) analysis. The classification model was trained with UE joint movements gathered from clinicians, obtaining more than 80% accuracy using only five joint angles. Then, the system was tested on two poststroke patients and a healthy subject. The results suggest that the proposed system can be: 1) a useful tool for clinicians to evaluate the rehabilitation therapy and 2) an intelligent system able to make decisions based on the quality of the activity executed at home.
Usability and acceptability of a corneal-plane Î±-opic light logger in a 24-hour field trial

Exposure to light fundamentally influences human physiology and behaviour by synchronising our biological clock to the external light-dark cycle and controlling melatonin production. In addition to well-controlled laboratory studies, more naturalistic approaches to examining these "non-visual" effects of light have been developed in recent years. As naturalistic light exposure is quite unlike well-controlled stimulus conditions in the laboratory, it is critical to measure light exposure in a person-referenced way, the "spectral diet". To this end, light loggers have been developed to capture personalised light exposure. As an alternative to light sensors integrated into wrist-worn actimeters, pendants or brooch-based light loggers, a recently developed wearable light logger laterally attached to spectacle frames enables the measurement of biologically relevant quantities in the corneal plane. Here, we examine the usability and acceptability of using the light logger in an undergraduate student sample (n=18, mean+1SD: 20.1+1.7 yrs; 9 female; Oxford, UK) in real-world conditions during a 24-hour measurement period. We probed the acceptability of the light logger using rating questionnaires and open-ended questions. Our quantitative results show a modest acceptability of the light logger. A thematic analysis of the open-ended questions reveals that the form factor of the device, in particular, size, weight and stability, and reactions from other people to the wearer of the light logger, were commonly mentioned aspects. In sum, the results indicate the miniaturisation of light loggers and "invisible" integration into extant everyday objects as key areas for future technological development, facilitating the availability of light exposure data for developing personalised intervention strategies in both research, clinical and consumer contexts.
Pleiotropic effects of Mentha longifolia L. extract on the regulation of genes involved in inflammation and apoptosis induced by Clostridioides difficile ribotype 001

Introduction The dramatic increase in multidrug-resistance of Clostridioides difficile isolates has led to the search for new complementary medicines against C. difficile infection (CDI). In this study, we aimed to examine the inhibitory effects of hydroethanolic extract of Mentha longifolia L. (ETOH-ML) on the growth of C. difficile RT001 and its toxigenic cell-free supernatant (Tox-S)-induced inflammation and apoptosis. Methods The active phytochemical components of ETOH-ML were detected using GC and HPLC. The antimicrobial properties of the extract were examined against C. difficile RT001. Furthermore, cell viability and cytotoxicity of Caco-2 and Vero cells treated with various concentrations of ETOH-ML, Tox-S of C. difficile RT001, and their combination were assessed. Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities of ETOH-ML were explored in Tox-S stimulated Caco-2 cells using RT-qPCR. Results Based on our results, rosmarinic acid was the main phytochemical component of ETOH-ML. The extract showed significant antimicrobial activity against C. difficile RT001 by agar dilution and broth microdilution methods. Moreover, ETOH-ML at concentrations of <25 μg/ml had no significant effect on cell viability compared to untreated cells. Treatment cells with the extract (10 or 25 μg/ml) significantly increased the cell viability and reduced the percentage of cell rounding in Caco-2 and Vero cells treated by Tox-S, respectively (P < 0.0001). Co-treatment of Tox-S stimulated Caco-2 cells with ETOH-ML showed significant anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities by downregulating the gene expression level of IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, TGF-β, NF-κB, Bax, and caspase-3, while upregulating the expression level of Bcl-2. Discussion Our results demonstrated for the first time the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of M. longifolia extract on C. difficile RT001 and its Tox-S. However, further research is needed to evaluate the potential application of M. longifolia extract on CDI treatment in clinical setting.
Identity (Re) construction of International Students When Learning English

This qualitative study aims to investigate how English language acquisition and identity building relate from the viewpoint of English language learners. Data for this study was gathered via interviews with international students majoring in English education using narrative studies. Participant’s use of concepts as varied as personal and social traits, ethnic origin, geographic location, religious affiliation, national customs and rituals, and national values, among others, to define the notion of identity was observed. The respondent also thinks that his experience of displacement has a significant impact on how his identity is rebuilt. From the interview, the subjects interviewed considered the impacts above to have positive and negative impacts on international students.