Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Der Zusammenhang von gesundheitskritischen Arbeitsbelastungen und somatischen Symptomen bei frühpädagogischen Fachkräften in der Kindertagesbetreuung während der COVID-19-Pandemie

Zusammenfassung Die COVID-19-Pandemie veränderte den Arbeitsalltag von Arbeitnehmenden weltweit. Insbesondere frühpädagogische Fachkräfte in der Kindertagesbetreuung erlebten aufgrund von Mehrbelastung am Arbeitsplatz ein potentiell erhöhtes Erkrankungsrisiko für die individuelle Gesundheit. Ziel dieser Querschnittsstudie war es, aktuelle Prävalenzen von psychosozialem Arbeitsstress in Form von Gratifikationskrisen (Effort-Reward Imbalance, ERI), Verausgabungsbereitschaft (Overcommitment) sowie somatischen Symptomen und deren Assoziation während der COVID-19-Pandemie zu erheben. Frühpädagogische Fachkräfte aus Nordrhein-Westfalen (N=1009) nahmen zwischen Juni 2020 und Mai 2021 an der Fragebogenstudie teil. Zur Beurteilung des Arbeitsstresses wurde der Effort-Reward Imbalance Fragebogen eingesetzt (16 Items umfassende Version) und zur Einschätzung somatischer Symptome der Gesundheitsfragebogen für Patienten Modul „Somatische Symptomschwere“ (PHQ-15). Eine multiple logistische Regression überprüfte die Assoziation zwischen Arbeitsstress und Ge-sundheit. Bei 72,3% der Befragten wurde eine Gratifikationskrise festgestellt. Insgesamt zeigten 25,0% eine hoch ausgeprägte Verausgabungsbereitschaft (Overcommitment). Die Gesamtprävalenz von somatischen Beschwerden auf einem mittleren bis hohen Niveau lag bei 45,2%. Eine Gratifikationskrise und eine hohe Verausgabungsbereitschaft vergrößerten das Chancenverhältnis einer starken Symptompräsenz um den Faktor 4,12 bzw. 5,20. Diese Studie verdeutlicht die häufigen Gratifikationskrisen, die hohe Verausgabungsbereitschaft und die überdurchschnittlich hohe Prävalenz somatischer Beschwerden bei frühpädagogischen Fachkräften während der COVID-19-Pandemie. Angesichts dieser hohen Prävalenzen und deren Zusammenhänge besteht weiterhin starker Handlungs- und Forschungsbedarf, den arbeitsbezogenen Stress bei dieser Berufsgruppe zu reduzieren sowie die Persistenz von sowie den Umgang mit somatischen Symptomen zu untersuchen, um langfristig Präventionsmaßnahmen zu entwickeln.
Performance on the African neuropsychology battery using the learning ratio in a sample of healthy Congolese

Abstract Objective: Using the African Neuropsychology Battery (ANB), we seek to develop normative data by examining the demographic effects for two learning process scores: initial learning (Trial One) and learning ratio (LR, the percentage of items learned relative of to-be-learned material following Trial 1). Methods: Healthy participants from the Democratic Republic of Congo completed the four memory tests of the ANB: the African Story Memory Test (ASMT), African List Memory Test (ALMT), African Visuospatial Memory Test (AVMT), and African Contextual Visuospatial Memory Test (ACVMT). We developed indices of learning for each subtest, as well as aggregate learning indices for Trial 1 and LR, and composite indices examining verbal, visual, contextual, and noncontextual learning, and grand indices comprising all four subtests. Results: Trial 1 and LR scores each demonstrated acceptable intercorrelations across memory tests. We present normative data for Trial 1 and LR by age and education. Conclusion: These data provide normative standards for evaluating learning in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Association between selenium intake and cognitive function among older adults in the US: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2011–2014

Abstract Cognitive decline occurs commonly as people age. Despite the complexity of cellular mechanisms, oxidative stress is a critical contributor to age-associated cognitive impairment. Selenium plays an important role in antioxidant defense systems. The purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation between selenium intake and cognitive function among older adults. The participants were individuals ≥65 years old (n=1681) who participated in the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a country-wide cross-sectional survey. Dietary selenium intake and adequacy were evaluated with 2 d of 24-h recalls and the estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-point method, respectively. Cognitive function was assessed with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) score, which was significantly higher when selenium intake was adequate. After adjusting for energy intake, the association was no longer significant. Inadequate intake of selenium is rare in the US and dependent on caloric intake in older adults.
Improving the mechanism for financing activities of small businesses in digital economy: in case of the Republic of Karakalpakstan

The purpose of the research is development scientific proposals and recommendations for improving the mechanism for financing the activities of small businesses. By author have been identified the features of financing the activities of small businesses, development of methodological bases for assessing the effectiveness of the mechanism for financing small businesses, assessment of the level of efficiency of the mechanism for financing small businesses in the republic. The object of the study is the activity of small businesses in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, and the subject of the study is the economic relations arising from the improvement of mechanisms for financing the activities of small businesses. In preparing the thesis, the methods of analysis and synthesis, scientific abstraction, induction and deduction, statistical grouping and comparison, statistical forecasting, correlation and regression analysis were used. The practical results of the study are having identified the features of financing the activities of small businesses, the directions of their influence on the financing mechanism have been determined, measures were proposed for mutual coordination of the activities of interested and responsible bodies to intensify the processes of financing small businesses and improve the mechanism in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and, scientific and practical proposals have been developed to ensure the participation of small businesses in the financial resources market.
Multi-target pursuit formation of multi-agent systems

The main goal of this paper is to design a team of agents that can accomplish multi-target pursuit formation using a developed leader—follower strategy. It is supposed that every target can accept a certain number of agents. First, each agent can automatically choose its target based on the distance from the agent to the target and the number of agents accepted by the target. In view of the fact that all agents are randomly dispersed in the workplace at the initial time, we present a numbering strategy for them. During the movement of agents, not every agent can always obtain pertinent state information about the targets. So, a developed leader—follower strategy and a pursuit formation algorithm are proposed. Under the proposed method, agents with the same target can maintain a circle formation. Furthermore, it turns out that the pursuit formation algorithm for agents to the desired formation is convergent. Simulation studies are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Methods to increase the Raman spectroscopy efficiency in multimodal diagnostic systems

An intraoperative diagnostic is a vital tool in modern surgery, and it improves the accuracy of tumor removal and reduces the likelihood of damage to healthy tissue. The paper considers increasing the accuracy of intraoperative diagnostics through multimodal methods: a combination of Raman spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography. It is shown that when used in conjunction with machine learning methods, the accuracy of the diagnostic system can be up to 98%. To further increase the accuracy, it is advisable to consider other types of Raman spectroscopy as part of a multimodal system.
DATA ANALYSIS AND FORECASTING IN AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES

In economic-statistical modeling, the use of a linear regression model gives high results in the analysis of the relationship between economic indicators and production factors. The article analyzes the relationship between the volume of agricultural production and agricultural techniques using multiple regression models. As we know, it is important to get a better result for the decline of multiple regression. It is important to normalize the data set using feature-scaling techniques to get a good accuracy of the results. In this experiment, we also worked with scaling the dataset. First, we tried standard scalers algorithm and calculated the loss using the mean square error. In this way we achieved an accuracy of regression of mean square error 2.48, residual (between and ) sum of square is 6.16 and mean square error 1.03 terms. This work proves what can be predicted from multiple regressions and provides a guide to the impact of techniques on agricultural production.
METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES OF ECONOMETRIC ESTIMATING EXPORT GRAVITY MODELS

In this article, the authors critically analyze the existing econometric approaches to estimating gravity models of exports from the point of view of solving such problems as taking into account zero observations, bias, inconsistency and inefficiency of estimates. As a result, the authors come to the conclusion that the random effects panel regression estimation is the most preferable method for estimating the gravity export equation. This result has come from a case of Uzbekistan.
Drivers of FDI in small states

Abstract This paper examines the determinants of FDI in small states, as only a small number of studies have analyzed the determinants of FDI in these countries. Small states have particular features that justify the need for a deeper analysis. Based on a panel data for 42 small states between 2005 and 2019, results clearly indicate the importance of the quality of human capital and the availability of infrastructures as the strongest drivers of FDI in small states. The country's level of openness, the availability of natural resources, the level of corporate tax and control of corruption also seems to play a relevant role therein. Moreover, the results suggest that the determinants differ depending on the region to which the country belongs and differ between island and non-island countries. These results can help small countries in defining policies that help them to attract FDI, which is crucial for their sustainable development.
Perturbation analysis of a nonlinear equation arising in the Schaefer-Schwartz model of interest rates

Abstract We deal with the interest rate model proposed by Schaefer and Schwartz, which models the long rate and the spread, defined as the difference between the short and the long rates. The approximate analytical formula for the bond prices suggested by the authors requires a computation of a certain constant, defined via a nonlinear equation and an integral of a solution to a system of ordinary differential equations. A quantity entering the nonlinear equation is expressed in a closed form, but it contains infinite sums and evaluations of special functions. In this paper we use perturbation methods to compute the constant of interest as an asymptotic serie with coefficients given in closed form and expressed using elementary functions. A quick computation of the bond prices, which our approach allows, is essential for example in calibration of the model by means of fitting the observed yields, where the theoretical bond prices need to be recalculated for every observed date and maturity, as well as every combination of parameters considered. The first step of our derivation is identification of a small parameter in the problem, since it is not immediately clear. We verify our choice by numerical experiments using the values of parameters from the literature.
Mitotic spindle positioning protein (MISP) is an actin bundler that senses ADP-actin and binds near the pointed ends of filaments

Actin bundling proteins crosslink filaments into polarized structures that shape and support membrane protrusions including filopodia, microvilli, and stereocilia. In the case of epithelial microvilli, mitotic spindle positioning protein (MISP) is an actin bundler that localizes specifically to the basal rootlets, where the pointed ends of core bundle filaments converge. Previous studies established that MISP is prevented from binding more distal segments of the core bundle by competition with other actin binding proteins. Yet whether MISP holds a preference for binding directly to rootlet actin remains an open question. Using in vitro TIRF microscopy assays, we found that MISP exhibits a clear binding preference for filaments enriched in ADP-actin monomers. Consistent with this, assays with actively growing actin filaments revealed that MISP binds at or near their pointed ends. Moreover, although substrate attached MISP assembles filament bundles in parallel and antiparallel configurations, in solution MISP assembles parallel bundles consisting of multiple filaments exhibiting uniform polarity. These discoveries highlight nucleotide state sensing as a mechanism for sorting actin bundlers along filaments and driving their accumulation near filament ends. Such localized binding might drive parallel bundle formation and/or locally modulate bundle mechanical properties in microvilli and related protrusions.
Apoptotic signaling clears engineered Salmonella in an organ-specific manner

Pyroptosis and apoptosis are two forms of regulated cell death that can defend against intracellular infection. When a cell fails to complete pyroptosis, backup pathways will initiate apoptosis. Here, we investigated the utility of apoptosis compared to pyroptosis in defense against an intracellular bacterial infection. We previously engineered Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium to persistently express flagellin, and thereby activate NLRC4 during systemic infection in mice. The resulting pyroptosis clears this flagellin-engineered strain. We now show that infection of caspase-1 or gasdermin D deficient macrophages by this flagellin-engineered S. Typhimurium induces apoptosis in vitro. Additionally, we engineered S. Typhimurium to translocate the pro-apoptotic BH3 domain of BID, which also triggers apoptosis in macrophages in vitro. During mouse infection, the apoptotic pathway successfully cleared these engineered S. Typhimurium from the intestinal niche but failed to clear the bacteria from the myeloid niche in the spleen or lymph nodes. In contrast, the pyroptotic pathway was beneficial in defense of both niches. To clear an infection, cells may have specific tasks that they must complete before they die; different modes of cell death could initiate these ‘bucket lists’ in either convergent or divergent ways.
A digital twin of bacterial metabolism during cheese production

Cheese organoleptic properties result from complex metabolic processes occurring in microbial communities. A deeper understanding of such mechanisms makes it possible to improve both industrial production processes and end-product quality through the design of microbial consortia. In this work, we caracterise the metabolism of a three-species community consisting of Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium freudenreichii during a seven-week cheese production process. Using genome-scale metabolic models and omics data integration, we modeled and calibrated individual dynamics using monoculture experiments, and coupled these models to capture the metabolism of the community. This digital twin accurately predicted the dynamics of the community, enlightening the contribution of each microbial species to organoleptic compound production. Further metabolic exploration raised additional possible interactions between the bacterial species. This work provides a methodological framework for the prediction of community-wide metabolism and highlights the added-value of dynamic metabolic modeling for the comprehension of fermented food processes.
Two-way green wave optimization control method of artery based on partitioned model

To enlarge the green wave bandwidth between intersections of an artery and to design an effective green wave bandwidth, the conception of partitioned artery was proposed in this article. First, the artery was divided into sections systematically. After the calculation of the average volumes and intervals of the sections, two-way green wave optimization model of arteries based on division of artery was developed. Then, set constraint condition of public cycle by analyzing the relationship between cycle and delay, and the process of searching the bandwidth of partitioned green wave was proposed. Next, the bandwidth of partitioned green wave was optimized by the genetic algorithms with offset and public cycle as variables. Finally, simulation result shows the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed method based on the comparison and analysis of real data in Beijing.
Engineered combinatorial cell device for wound healing and bone regeneration

Growth factors are the key regulators that promote tissue regeneration and healing processes. While the effects of individual growth factors are well documented, a combination of multiple secreted growth factors underlies stem cell–mediated regeneration. To avoid the potential dangers and labor-intensive individual approach of stem cell therapy while maintaining their regeneration-promoting effects based on multiple secreted growth factors, we engineered a “mix-and-match” combinatorial platform based on a library of cell lines producing growth factors. Treatment with a combination of growth factors secreted by engineered mammalian cells was more efficient than with individual growth factors or even stem cell–conditioned medium in a gap closure assay. Furthermore, we implemented in a mouse model a device for allogenic cell therapy for an in situ production of growth factors, where it improved cutaneous wound healing. Augmented bone regeneration was achieved on calvarial bone defects in rats treated with a cell device secreting IGF, FGF, PDGF, TGF-β, and VEGF. In both in vivo models, the systemic concentration of secreted factors was negligible, demonstrating the local effect of the regeneration device. Finally, we introduced a genetic switch that enables temporal control over combinations of trophic factors released at different stages of regeneration mimicking the maturation of natural wound healing to improve therapy and prevent scar formation.
Coordinated development of regional resources, environment, and economic growth under the background of low-carbon economy

Introduction At present, the rapid growth of social and economic development has also brought great challenges to the development of regional resources and environment. With the deepening of the concept of sustainable development, the coordinated development of regional resources, environment and economic growth has attracted more and more attention. The coordinated development of resources, environment and economic growth is not only the engine of industrial growth, but also the accelerator to promote industrial transfer and optimal allocation of resources, which has injected a strong impetus into social development. However, with the continuous upgrading of the industrial structure, environmental pollution, unbalanced economic development, resource shortage and other problems have gradually emerged in various important development areas. Methods In order to effectively solve this dilemma, this paper takes the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region (BTH) as an example, based on the analysis of the current situation of the economic and environmental development of BTH region and the influencing factors, combined with the background of low-carbon economy (LCE), effectively studies the coordinated development of its resources, environment and economic growth. In order to verify the effectiveness of low-carbon economic development, this paper, based on the actual development data of BTH region, tests the three dimensions of economic benefit index, environmental benefit index and emission reduction efficiency index. Results The results show that the average environmental benefit index of 13 cities in the BTH region after the implementation of the target is about 0.457. The average benefit index before the implementation of the target was about 0.449. Discussion From the final results of the test, it can be seen that the development of low-carbon economy has strong feasibility for promoting the coordinated development of regional resources, environment and economic growth.
Quantitative and qualitative plant-pathogen interactions call upon similar pathogenicity genes with a spectrum of effects

Septoria leaf blotch is a foliar wheat disease controlled by a combination of plant genetic resistances and fungicides use. R-gene-based qualitative resistance durability is limited due to gene-for-gene interactions with fungal avirulence (Avr) genes. Quantitative resistance is considered more durable but the mechanisms involved are not well documented. We hypothesize that genes involved in quantitative and qualitative plant-pathogen interactions are similar. A bi-parental population of Zymoseptoria tritici was inoculated on wheat cultivar ‘Renan’ and a linkage analysis performed to map QTL. Three pathogenicity QTL, Qzt-I05-1, Qzt-I05-6 and Qzt-I07-13, were mapped on chromosomes 1, 6 and 13 in Z. tritici, and a candidate pathogenicity gene on chromosome 6 was selected based on its effector-like characteristics. The candidate gene was cloned by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, and a pathology test assessed the effect of the mutant strains on ‘Renan’. This gene was demonstrated to be involved in quantitative pathogenicity. By cloning a newly annotated quantitative-effect gene in Z. tritici that is effector-like, we demonstrated that genes underlying pathogenicity QTL can be similar to Avr genes. This opens up the previously probed possibility that ‘gene-for-gene’ underlies not only qualitative but also quantitative plant-pathogen interactions in this pathosystem.
Exploring Living Arrangements as a Predictor of Canadians’ Illicit Drug Use: Quantitative Findings From the Canadian Community Health Survey

Objectives: About four percent of Canadians used illegal drugs in 2019, but it remains unknown whether their living arrangements are a relevant factor. Methods: We use the public version of the 2015–2016 Canadian Community Health Survey Annual Component. The binary logit model and complementary log-log model are applied to investigate to what extent living arrangements predict Canadians’ recent illicit drug use. Results: Living alone is significantly associated with Canadians’ illicit drug use. For young and older Canadians, those living with spouses/partners, children, or both are less likely to use illicit drugs than their solo-living counterparts. Middle-aged Canadians who lived with spouses/partners only or with children have significantly lower likelihoods of using illicit drugs compared to those living alone. Additionally, differences between men and women have been found. Spouses/partners and children play more positive roles for young and middle-aged women than for men. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that living with core families is a type of collectivity that may have positive effects on Canadians’ health behaviours compared to those living alone, who, therefore, need more attention from health officials.