Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Music Listening for Supporting Adolescents’ Sense of Agency in Daily Life

Sense of agency refers to the ability to influence one’s functioning and environment, relating to self-efficacy, and wellbeing. In youth, agency may be challenged by external demands or redefinition of self-image. Music, having heightened relevance for the young, has been argued to provide feelings of self-agency for them. Yet, there is little empirical research on how music impacts adolescents’ daily sense of agency. The current study investigated whether music listening influences adolescents’ perceived agency in everyday life and which contextual determinants would explain such an influence. Participants were 44 adolescents (48% female, 36% with training in music, mean age 14), recruited through local schools. The mobile Experience Sampling app MuPsych was used to collect brief self-reports of personal music listening experiences during daily life. This method assessed the change in the listener’s perceived control over both their emotional states (internal agency), and their external environment (external agency), over 5 min of music listening. Also measured were changes in mood states, and contextual variables (social situation, concurrent activity, and reason for listening). The impact of music on the sense of agency was analyzed using multilevel structural equation modeling. There was no general increase of agency across all music episodes, but agency fluctuations were determined by specific contextual factors. External agency change was predicted negatively by changing environments, while internal agency change was predicted by initial mood and various reasons for listening, including for enjoyment, coping, and enhancing current mood state. Our findings confirmed the plasticity and situational embeddedness of the sense of agency. Music indeed can support agency, but the impact is dependent on a range of situational factors. Sense of agency can be seen as a health resource and significant part of youth development, and current findings provide new insight into when and by which conditions such affordance is likely to be employed.
Reelin Immunoreactivity in the Adult Spinal Cord: A Comparative Study in Rodents, Carnivores, and Non-human Primates

Reelin is a large extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein secreted by several neuronal populations in a specific manner in both the developing and the adult central nervous system. The extent of Reelin protein distribution and its functional role in the adult neocortex is well documented in different mammal models. However, its role in the adult spinal cord has not been well characterized and its distribution in the rodent spinal cord is fragmentary and has not been investigated in carnivores or primates as of yet. To gain insight into which neuronal populations and specific circuits may be influenced by Reelin in the adult spinal cord, we have conducted light and confocal microscopy study analysis of Reelin-immunoreactive cell types in the adult spinal cord. Here, we describe and compare Reelin immunoreactive cell type and distribution in the spinal cord of adult non-human primate (macaque monkeys, Macaca mulatta), carnivore (ferret, Mustela putorius) and rodent (rat, Rattus norvegicus). Our results show that in all three species studied, Reelin-immunoreactive neurons are present in the intermediate gray matter, ventricular zone and superficial dorsal horn and intermedio-lateral nucleus, while positive cells in the Clarke nucleus are only found in rats and primates. In addition, Reelin intermediolateral neurons colocalize with choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) only in macaque whilst motor neurons also colocalize Reelin and ChAT in macaque, ferret and rat spinal cord. The different expression patterns might reflect a differential role for Reelin in the pathways involved in the coordination of locomotor activity in the fore- and hind limbs.
Reproduction of the Azooxanthellate Coral Caryophyllia inornata Is Not Affected by Temperature Along an 850 km Gradient on the Western Italian Coast

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicted that ocean surface temperature will rise of 0.6–2.0°C by 2100. Ocean warming is expected to produce strong impacts on marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, affecting their physiological events including reproductive processes. To date, relatively few studies have examined the effects of climate change on the reproductive success of temperate corals and even less in the azooxanthellate ones. This study examined the reproductive output of the azooxanthellate Mediterranean coral Caryophyllia inornata along a wide latitudinal gradient of seawater temperature and solar radiation. A total of 260 samples, collected from five populations along the Western Italian coast, have been analyzed through histological techniques. The intriguing aspects characterizing all populations of C. inornata along the latitudinal gradient are a strong male-biased sex ratio and the presence of embryos in all stages of development throughout the year in females, males, and sexually inactive individuals. This peculiarity could suggest a mixed strategy of sexual and asexual reproduction in this species as has been observed for some anemones of the genus Actinia. Fecundity and spermary abundance (i.e., the number of reproductive elements per body volume unit), gonadal index (i.e., the percentage of body volume occupied by the germ cells) and fertility (i.e., the number of embryos per body volume unit) in females, males and sexually inactive individuals were unrelated to solar radiation and temperature along the latitudinal gradient. These results suggest that the reproduction in C. inornata is not affected by increasing solar radiation and temperature. The lack of zooxanthellae could make this species less dependent on these environmental parameters, as previously hypothesized for another azooxanthellate species, Leptopsammia pruvoti, investigated along the same gradient.
A New Concept for Deeper Integration of Converters and Drives in Electrical Machines: Simulation and Experimental Investigations

Abstract This paper introduces a new concept for integrated electrical motor drives (IEMD) with the aim of minimizing the number of inverter’s power switching components. The latter is switched reluctance motor (SRM) based. The control strategy is jointly designed, inspired by Flyback power supplies operating at very high frequencies. A simple case study on an 8/6 SRM has been carried out. The study enables to highlight most challenging problems that have to be overcome in future works: overvoltages during switching due to the flux leakage, and the efficiency of the magnetic material constituting the machine at high switching frequencies. This concept turns out to be an interesting basis for a very advanced integration of the switching structure within electrical machines.
Fournier’s Gangrene and Intravenous Drug Abuse: an Unusual Case Report and Review of The Literature

Abstract Fournier’s gangrene is a potentially fatal emergency condition characterized by necrotizing fasciitis and supported by an infection of the external genital, perineal and perianal region, with a rapid and progressive spread from subcutaneous fat tissue to fascial planes. In this case report, a 52-year-old man, with a history of hepatitis C-virus (HCV)-related chronic liver disease and cocaine use disorder for which he was receiving methadone maintenance therapy, was admitted to the Emergency Department with necrotic tissue involving the external genitalia. Fournier’s gangrene is usually due to compromised host immunity, without a precise cause of bacterial infection; here it is linked to a loco-regional intravenous injection of cocaine. A multimodal approach, including a wide surgical debridement and a postponed skin graft, was needed. Here we report this case, with a narrative review of the literature.
Technical Efficiency of African Indigenous Vegetable Production in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) have long been known in South African rural communities as essential food that is being consumed with starchy staples, and their consumption has increased over the past few decades. There is now a growing interest and awareness of AIVs due to their nutritional benefits and outstanding potential to generate farm incomes. However, several factors are militating against their production along the supply chains of value addition. This study analysed the technical efficiency of AIVs production in Vhembe district of Limpopo province. The data were collected from 114 AIVs farmers through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data analysis was carried out using Stochastic Frontier model via the Cobb-Douglas production function. The results revealed that the average age and years of farming experiences of the farmers were 59.6 and 30.9 years respectively. About 84% of the farmers lacked access to formal credit, while 92% had access to extension services. Elasticity values of land area cultivated, fertiliser, seeds, labour and tractor days in relation to AIV production were 0.4441, 0.1749, 0.1311, 0.2663 and 0.2360 respectively. Furthermore, the results revealed that average technical efficiency in the production of indigenous vegetables was 0.79%. The variables that significantly influenced technical inefficiency were years of schooling, extension services, gender and access to the irrigation system. In conclusion, production of AIV exhibits decreasing returns to scale. However, promotion of AIV production and efficiency requires consideration of gender issues in accessing resources, educational attainments of farmers, access to irrigation services and proper reorientation of the components of agricultural extension services delivery in order to benefit AIV farmers.
Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure on neurophysiology

The human body is a permissible medium, and radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) waves pass through this medium. The effects exerted by RF-EMF devices such as mobile phones on brain tissues are categorised into thermal and non-thermal effects. The aim of this review was to analyse the interactions and interface between RF-EMF exposure and the nervous system, to ascertain any negative impact on the nervous system at both cellular, molecular and systems level. Original studies that reported on the effects of RF-EMF exposure on the brain function and nervous system from inception to 20 August 2019 were searched online. The PubMed database was utilised. The MeSH system was used to excerpt relevant research studies from PubMed using the following keywords: electromagnetic field, radiofrequency, mobile phone, brain, central nervous system, radiation and neurophysiology. All selected articles were published in the English. Full articles were assessed, and relevant information was extracted. RF-EMF exposure significantly altered several neurophysiological mechanisms based on electroencephalogram studies and molecular and biochemical analysis. However, there was no substantial evidence linking RF-EMF exposure to the pathogenesis of brain tumour.
Finite element nonlinear transient modelling of carbon nanotubes reinforced fiber/polymer composite spherical shells with a cutout

Abstract This study dealt with geometrically nonlinear transient behaviors of carbon nanotube/fiber/polymer composite (CNTFPC) spherical shells containing a central cutout. A multiscale analysis using the Hewitt and Malherbe model was performed to determine the carbon nanotube (CNT)weight ratios, thickness-radius ratios, thickness-length ratios of CNTs, and cutout sizes. Based on the first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT),the Newmark method and Newton-Raphson iteration were used for the nonlinear dynamic solution. The proposed approach in this study has been verified by previous studies. Parametric results showed the significance of a proper CNT ratio and curvature for better structural performance on the nonlinear dynamic behaviors of CNTFPC spherical shells with a cutout.
Effects of sweet potato feathery mottle virus, sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus and their co-infection on sweet potato yield in Western Burkina Faso

Abstract To determine the effects of sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) and their co-infection on sweet potato yield, twelve sweet potato varieties were assessed in a hotspot area in Western Burkina Faso. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete-block design with the twelve varieties in three replications. Data were collected on plant growth parameters, plant virus symptoms and yield parameters. Additional testing for selected sweet potato viruses was done using a nitrocellulose membrane enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (NCM-ELISA) and RT-PCR. SPFMV and SPCSV were the viruses detected in this study. Varieties Djakani and Ligri were virus-free and had the highest average yields out of twelve sweet potato varieties assessed. Field monitoring indicated that 58% of plants were found to be virus-infected. The results suggest that severe symptoms were associated with sweet potato virus disease (SPVD) and yield reduction. However, the interaction of SPCSV with other viruses, which may result in synergistic negative effects on sweet potato yield and quality, needs further research.
Influence of irrigating solutions and post luting on bond strength of fiber posts after aging

Abstract Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the influence of irrigating solutions on bond strength (BS) of fiber posts using different luting systems after aging. Methods: Bovine teeth (n = 96) were randomly (8 groups, n = 12), sectioned, endodontically treated and root canals were prepared. The 96 bovine teeth were divided into four groups according to luting systems as conventional light-cure (RelyX ARC), self-adhesive (RelyX U200 and Panavia F), dual - cure self - etch, and self - adhesive (SeT PP). Each of the four groups was further divided into two subgroups using 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel or 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as the irrigating solution. After post cementation, the metal-ceramic crowns were positioned. After 48 h, all samples were submitted to 1,000,000 thermal cycles. After water storage, push-out test was performed. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (P = 0.05). Results: CHX gel BS means were statistically higher than NaOCl means when posts were cemented with the conventional or dual-cure self-etch and self-adhesive resin cements; no significant statistical differences were observed between groups CHX gel or NaOCl treatments for the dual-cure self-adhesive resin cements. Conclusion: The irrigation solution used on endodontic treatment before luting procedures with conventional or dual-cure self-etch and self-adhesive resin cements of glass fiber posts improved long-term BS after aging.
Niche Sharing in Intertidal Mollusks and Decapods in Rocky Shore of Easter Island

Abstract The coastal marine ecosystems in Easter Island have been poorly studied, and the main studies were isolated species records based on scientific expeditions. The aim of the present study is to apply a spatial distribution analysis and niche sharing null model in published data on intertidal marine gastropods and decapods in rocky shore in Easter Island based in field works in 2010, and published information from CIMAR cruiser in 2004. The field data revealed the presence of decapods Planes minutus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Leptograpsus variegatus (Fabricius, 1793), whereas it was observed the gastropods Nodilittorina pyramidalis pascua Rosewater, 1970 and Nerita morio (G. B. Sowerby I., 1833). The available information revealed the presence of more species in data collected in 2004 in comparison to data collected in 2010, with one species markedly dominant in comparison to the other species. The spatial distribution of species reported in field works revealed that P. minutus and N. morio have aggregated pattern and negative binomial distribution, L. variegatus had uniform pattern with binomial distribution, and finally N. pyramidalis pascua, in spite of aggregated distribution pattern, had not negative binomial distribution. Finally, the results of null model revealed that the species reported did not share ecological niche due to competition absence. The results would agree with other similar information about littoral and sub-littoral fauna for Easter Island.
Advances on the metabolism of cohesin in age-related chromosomal aneuploidy

Age-related chromosomal aneuploidy is associated with the reduction of cohesin in meiosis. There are many complicated factors affecting the metabolism of cohesion, including the hyperactive separase, abnormal Shugoshin protein degradation, oxidative damage, increased intracellular pH in oocytes, abnormal metabolism of spindle assembly checkpoint, anaphase-promoting complex, and age-related reproductive hormones, which are summarized in the review.
The effect of the presence and severity of bronchiectasis on the respiratory functions, exercise capacity, dyspnea perception, and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is common in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and adversely affects the patients' clinical condition. This study aimed to investigate the effects of bronchiectasis on exercise capacity, dyspnea perception, disease-specific quality of life, and psychological status in patients with COPD and determine the extent of these adverse effects by the severity of bronchiectasis. METHODS: A total of 387 COPD patients (245 patients with only COPD [Group 1] and 142 COPD patients with accompanying bronchiectasis [Group 2]) were included in the study. The patients in Group 2 were divided into three subgroups as mild, moderate, and severe using the Bronchiectasis Severity Index. Six-minute walk distance, dyspnea perception, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and hospital anxiety and depression scores were compared between the groups. RESULTS: In Group 2, dyspnea perception, SGRQ total scores, depression score were higher, and walking distance was lower (P = 0.001, P = 0.007, P = 0.001, and P = 0.011, respectively). Group 2 had significantly worse arterial blood gas values. Dyspnea perception increased with the increasing severity in Group 2 (P < 0.001). Walking distance was lower in patients with severe bronchiectasis (P < 0.001). SGRQ total score, anxiety, and depression scores were significantly higher in the severe subgroup (P < 0.001, P = 0.003, and P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with Stage 3 and 4 COPD, the presence of bronchiectasis adversely affects the clinical status of the patients, decreases their exercise capacity, deteriorates their quality of life, and disrupts their psychological status. Investigating the presence of bronchiectasis in COPD patients is crucial for early diagnosis and proper treatment.
High-voltage impedance rise; mechanism and management in patients with transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: a case series

Abstract Background We describe a case series of patients for a gradual rise in daily, low-voltage sub-threshold measurement (LVSM) of shock (high-voltage, HV) impedance in a group of patients with Boston Scientific implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and investigate the cause of the abnormality. Case summary Six patients presented with a gradual rise in HV impedance above normal range (132.5 ± 20.8 Ω). Patients were young with a mean age of 29 ± 11 years, four patients had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, one left ventricular non-compaction, and one long QT. All lead designs were silicon body with GORE polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) coated coils, and a lower true shock impedance (TSI) was seen in all cases with full output synchronized shock. We compared the rate of HV impedance rise with our historical cohort of Boston ICDs using an unpaired t-test. The change in impedance per month was significantly higher amongst our six patients when compared with our cohort of Boston Scientific ICDs (3.2 ± 1.9 Ω/month vs. 0.0008 ± 0.005 Ω/month, P < 0.001). Patients were individually investigated and management discussed in a dedicated device multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT). Discussion There are distinct differences between TSI and LVSM. The TSI is derived from a full output shock, whilst LVSM is calculated from a small current output. These cases highlight the inaccuracies of the LVSM measurement. The gradual rise in LVSM is significantly higher than the value for TSI in these patients we propose the most likely mechanism is encapsulation fibrosis surrounding the right ventricular shock coil. Management for these patients requires vigorous testing to rule out electrical failure, and replacement maybe necessary.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy following Carillon® annuloplasty device for symptomatic heart failure and functional mitral regurgitation: a case report

Abstract Background Symptomatic patients with significant left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) require a tailored treatment approach. Both functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) can develop, contributing to clinical deterioration, and worse prognosis despite optimal medical therapy (OMT). Case summary We report the case of a symptomatic 60-year-old man on OMT with LVSD and significant FMR. His symptoms and FMR initially improved following transvenous mitral annuloplasty using the Carillon® Mitral Contour System® annuloplasty device. However, he subsequently developed LBBB with associated reduction in exercise capacity, for which he underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy, and ensuing symptom improvement and stabilization. Discussion Our case describes how targeted device interventions can be combined synergistically to optimize patient symptoms.
Expression of interleukin-32 in bone marrow of patients with myeloma and its prognostic significance

BACKGROUND The guiding effect of prognostic stratification in multiple myeloma (MM) for treatment has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. The stratification of risk factors based on the International Staging System (ISS), Durie-Salmon (DS) staging and related indicators is affected by the renal function of patients, resulting in poor performance. This study assesses the relationship between interleukin-32 (IL-32) and related risk factors in 67 patients with MM and their clinical outcomes. AIM To investigate the feasibility of IL-32 in evaluating prognosis in patients with MM and the factors influencing prognosis. METHODS This was a pragmatic, prospective observational study of patients with MM at a single center. According to IL-32 level, patients were divided into two groups. The variables under consideration included age, blood β2-microglobulin, albumin, C-reactive protein, serum calcium, serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, M protein type, ISS stage, DS stage, and IL-32 levels and minimal residual disease (MRD) after induction treatment. The main outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS IL-32 was an important factor affecting PFS and OS in patients with MM. Compared with patients with IL-32 levels ≥ 856.4 pg/mL, patients with IL-32 levels < 856.4 pg/mL had longer PFS (P = 0.0387) and OS (P = 0.0379); Univariate analysis showed that IL-32 level and MRD were significantly associated with OS and PFS (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that IL-32 levels ≥ 856.4 pg/mL and MRD positive were still independent risk factors for OS and PFS (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION IL-32 is valuable for assessing the prognosis of MM patients. IL-32 level combined with MRD may be a useful routine evaluation index for MM patients after treatment.