Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mandatory environmental disclosures in a legitimacy theory context

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between mandatory environmental performance disclosure and subsequent environmental regulatory performance.Design/methodology/approach – Using legitimacy theory as the interpretive lens, regulatory non‐compliance disclosures threaten organizational legitimacy and non‐compliant firms are expected to respond to these threats. The potential effectiveness of different legitimation strategies for reducing these threats is evaluated.Findings – Regression analysis shows a negative correlation between the mandatory disclosure of environmental legal sanctions and subsequent regulatory violations using firms in the US oil refining industry. These results are interpreted as demonstrating that subsequent regulatory compliance is a tactic employed by managers to minimize the delegitimizing effect of organizational impropriety revealed by mandatory accounting disclosures.Practical implications – Implications for practice include linking financial report.
miRNA Genes of an Invasive Vector Mosquito, Aedes albopictus

Aedes albopictus, a vector of Dengue and Chikungunya viruses, is a robust invasive species in both tropical and temperate environments. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and biological processes including embryonic development, innate immunity and infection. While a number of miRNAs have been discovered in some mosquitoes, no comprehensive effort has been made to characterize them from different developmental stages from a single species. Systematic analysis of miRNAs in Ae. albopictus will improve our understanding of its basic biology and inform novel strategies to prevent virus transmission. Between 10–14 million Illumina sequencing reads per sample were obtained from embryos, larvae, pupae, adult males, sugar-fed and blood-fed adult females. A total of 119 miRNA genes represented by 215 miRNA or miRNA star (miRNA*) sequences were identified, 15 of which are novel. Eleven, two, and two of the newly-discovered miRNA genes appear specific to Aedes, Culicinae, and Culicidae, respectively. A number of miRNAs accumulate predominantly in one or two developmental stages and the large number that showed differences in abundance following a blood meal likely are important in blood-induced mosquito biology. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of the targets of all Ae. albopictus miRNAs provides a useful starting point for the study of their functions in mosquitoes. This study is the first systematic analysis of miRNAs based on deep-sequencing of small RNA samples of all developmental stages of a mosquito species. A number of miRNAs are related to specific physiological states, most notably, pre- and post-blood feeding. The distribution of lineage-specific miRNAs is consistent with mosquito phylogeny and the presence of a number of Aedes-specific miRNAs likely reflects the divergence between the Aedes and Culex genera.
Computer network traffic prediction: a comparison between traditional and deep learning neural networks

This paper compares four different artificial neural network approaches for computer network traffic forecast, such as: 1) multilayer perceptron (MLP) using the backpropagation as training algorithm; 2) MLP with resilient backpropagation (Rprop); (3) recurrent neural network (RNN); 4) deep learning stacked autoencoder (SAE). The computer network traffic is sampled from the traffic of the network devices that are connected to the internet. It is shown herein how a simpler neural network model, such as the RNN and MLP, can work even better than a more complex model, such as the SAE. Internet traffic prediction is an important task for many applications, such as adaptive applications, congestion control, admission control, anomaly detection and bandwidth allocation. In addition, efficient methods of resource management, such as the bandwidth, can be used to gain performance and reduce costs, improving the quality of service (QoS). The popularity of the newest deep learning methods have been increasing in several areas, but there is a lack of studies concerning time series prediction, such as internet traffic.
Weighing up the evidence: A qualitative analysis of how person-centred counsellors evaluate the effectiveness of their practice

Abstract Research into the effectiveness of counselling and psychotherapy has great practical significance, as a means of collecting evidence that may potentially enhance the quality of services delivered to users. In recent years, the evidence base for counselling and psychotherapy has increasingly relied on data derived from self-report questionnaires completed by clients, with relatively little attention being paid to therapists’ evaluations of outcomes. To make full use of therapist estimates of outcome, it is important to develop an understanding of the processes and criteria that therapists employ when making such judgements. However, little is known about the evaluation strategies used by therapists in their everyday practice. The aim of the present study was to explore the implicit and informal construction of outcome evaluation by experienced practitioners. Person-centred therapists were interviewed about their approach to evaluation. The interview data were analysed using a grounded theory appro.
ING2 Regulates the Onset of Replicative Senescence by Induction of p300-Dependent p53 Acetylation

ABSTRACT ING2 is a candidate tumor suppressor gene that can activate p53 by enhancing its acetylation. Here, we demonstrate that ING2 is also involved in p53-mediated replicative senescence. ING2 protein expression increased in late-passage human primary cells, and it colocalizes with serine 15-phosphorylated p53. ING2 and p53 also complexed with the histone acetyltransferase p300. ING2 enhanced the interaction between p53 and p300 and acted as a cofactor for p300-mediated p53 acetylation. The level of ING2 expression directly modulated the onset of replicative senescence. While overexpression of ING2 induced senescence in young fibroblasts in a p53-dependent manner, expression of ING2 small interfering RNA delayed the onset of senescence. Hence, ING2 can act as a cofactor of p300 for p53 acetylation and thereby plays a positive regulatory role during p53-mediated replicative senescence.
Social Comparison Choice During Ability Evaluation

Using the rank-order paradigm, the effects of comparison publicity, performance feedback, and self-esteem on ability-related social comparison choices were examined. Subjects chose the highest ranked score less frequently when comparison was expected to be public rather than private, when performance feedback suggested failure rather than success, and when subjects were low rather than high in self-esteem. In contrast to previous reports of a stable tendency for subjects to select first the highest ranked score when the range of scores is unknown, the combination of anticipated public social comparison, low score, and low self-esteem created a preference for this score that was descriptively less frequent than chance. It was argued that these results provide converging evidence for social comparison choices motivated by defensive concerns.
Extreme Sequence Divergence but Conserved Ligand-Binding Specificity in Streptococcus pyogenes M Protein

Many pathogenic microorganisms evade host immunity through extensive sequence variability in a protein region targeted by protective antibodies. In spite of the sequence variability, a variable region commonly retains an important ligand-binding function, reflected in the presence of a highly conserved sequence motif. Here, we analyze the limits of sequence divergence in a ligand-binding region by characterizing the hypervariable region (HVR) of Streptococcus pyogenes M protein. Our studies were focused on HVRs that bind the human complement regulator C4b-binding protein (C4BP), a ligand that confers phagocytosis resistance. A previous comparison of C4BP-binding HVRs identified residue identities that could be part of a binding motif, but the extended analysis reported here shows that no residue identities remain when additional C4BP-binding HVRs are included. Characterization of the HVR in the M22 protein indicated that two relatively conserved Leu residues are essential for C4BP binding, but these residues are probably core residues in a coiled-coil, implying that they do not directly contribute to binding. In contrast, substitution of either of two relatively conserved Glu residues, predicted to be solvent-exposed, had no effect on C4BP binding, although each of these changes had a major effect on the antigenic properties of the HVR. Together, these findings show that HVRs of M proteins have an extraordinary capacity for sequence divergence and antigenic variability while retaining a specific ligand-binding function.
An Exploratory Examination of the Consequences of Burnout in Terms of Life Satisfaction, Turnover Intent, and Absenteeism Among Private Correctional Staff

Burnout, a syndrome caused by excessive strain and psychological exhaustion, comprises the dimensions of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and feelings of being ineffective. Survey results from 160 correctional staff at a maximum security private prison in the Midwest were used to compute ordinary least squares regression equations in order to reveal the effects of burnout on the outcomes of life satisfaction, turnover intent, and absenteeism. Ineffectiveness was linked with none of the three outcomes. Depersonalization was linked with increased turnover intent and more frequent absenteeism, and emotional exhaustion was linked with all three outcomes. The results differed somewhat between female and male staff and between correctional and noncorrectional officers.
FKHR-L1 can act as a critical effector of cell death induced by cytokine withdrawal

Survival signals elicited by cytokines include the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which in turn promotes the activation of protein kinase B (PKB). Recently, PKB has been demonstrated to phosphorylate and inactivate forkhead transcription factor FKHR-L1, a potent inducer of apoptosis. To explore the mechanisms underlying the induction of apoptosis after cytokine withdrawal or FKHR-L1 activation, we used a cell line in which FKHR-L1 activity could be specifically induced. Both cytokine withdrawal and FKHR-L1 activation induced apoptosis, which was preceded by an upregulation in p27KIP1 and a concomitant decrease in cells entering the cell cycle. Induction of apoptosis by both cytokine withdrawal and activation of FKHR-L1 correlated with the disruption of mitochondrial membrane integrity and cytochrome c release. This was preceded by upregulation of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bim. Ectopic expression of an inhibitory mutant of FKHR-L1 substantially reduced the levels of apoptosis observed after cytokine withdrawal. Activation of PKB alone was sufficient to promote cell survival, as measured by maintenance of mitochondrial integrity and the resultant inhibition of effector caspases. Furthermore, hematopoietic stem cells isolated from Bim−/− mice exhibited reduced levels of apoptosis upon inhibition of PI3K/PKB signaling. These data demonstrate that activation of FKHR-L1 alone can recapitulate all known elements of the apoptotic program normally induced by cytokine withdrawal. Thus PI3K/PKB–mediated inhibition of this transcription factor likely provides an important mechanism by which survival factors act to prevent programmed cell death.
Noise, Information, and the Favorite-Longshot Bias in Parimutuel Predictions

According to the favorite-longshot bias, the expected return on an outcome tends to increase in the fraction of bets laid on that outcome. We derive testable implications for the direction and extent of the bias depending on the ratio of private information to noise present in the market. We link this ratio to observables such as the number of bettors, the number of outcomes, the amount of private information, the level of participation generated by recreational interest in the event, the divisibility of bets, the presence of ex post noise, as well as ex ante asymmetries across outcomes. (JEL D81, D83)
Heavy metal driven co-selection of antibiotic resistance in soil and water bodies impacted by agriculture and aquaculture

The use of antibiotic agents as growth promoters was banned in animal husbandry to prevent the selection and spread of antibiotic resistance. However, in addition to antibiotic agents, heavy metals used in animal farming and aquaculture might promote the spread of antibiotic resistance via co-selection. To investigate which heavy metals are likely to co-select for antibiotic resistance in soil and water, the available data on heavy metal pollution, heavy metal toxicity, heavy metal tolerance, and co-selection mechanisms was reviewed. Additionally, the risk of metal driven co-selection of antibiotic resistance in the environment was assessed based on heavy metal concentrations that potentially induce this co-selection process. Analyses of the data indicate that agricultural and aquacultural practices represent major sources of soil and water contamination with moderately to highly toxic metals such as mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). If those metals reach the environment and accumulate to critical concentrations they can trigger co-selection of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, co-selection mechanisms for these heavy metals and clinically as well as veterinary relevant antibiotics have been described. Therefore, studies investigating co-selection in environments impacted by agriculture and aquaculture should focus on Hg, Cd, Cu, and Zn as selecting heavy metals. Nevertheless, the respective environmental background has to be taken into account.
Assessment of the relationship between the maxillary molars and adjacent structures using cone beam computed tomography

Purpose This study investigated the relationship between the roots of the maxillary molars and the maxillary sinus using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and measured the distances between the roots of the maxillary molars and the sinus floor as well as the thickness of the bone between the root and the alveolar cortical plate. Materials and Methods The study sample consisted of 83 patients with normally erupted bilateral maxillary first and second molars. A total of 332 maxillary molars were examined using CBCT images. The vertical relationship of each root with the maxillary sinus was classified into four types on CBCT cross-sectional images. The distance between the sinus floor and root and the bone thickness between the root and alveolar cortical plate were measured. Results In the buccal roots of the maxillary molars, a root protruding into the sinus occurred most frequently. A root projecting laterally along the sinus cavity was most common in the palatal roots of the maxillary first molars. The mesiobuccal roots of the maxillary second molar were closest to the sinus. The mesiobuccal roots of the first molars were closest to the cortical plate. Conclusion The relationship between the roots of the maxillary molars and the sinus differed between the buccal and palatal roots. A root protruding into the sinus occurred more frequent in the buccal roots of the maxillary molars. The mesiobuccal root of the maxillary second molar was closest to the maxillary sinus floor and farthest from the alveolar cortical plate.
Fusing force and vision feedback for micromanipulation

We present experimental results that investigate the integration of two disparate sensing modalities, force and vision, for sensor-based microassembly. By integrating these sensing modes, we are able to provide feedback in a task-oriented frame of reference over a broad range of motion with an extremely high precision. An optical microscope is used to provide visual feedback down to micron resolutions. We have developed an optical beam deflection sensor to provide nanonewton level force feedback or nanometric level position feedback. The value of integrating these two disparate sensing modalities is demonstrated during controlled micropart impact experiments. Using force feedback alone to control micropart contact transitions, impact forces of over 140 nN were generated before the desired contact force of 2 nN was achieved. When visual servoing is integrated with the force control framework, micropart impact forces of only 9 nN and final contact forces of 2 nN were easily achieved.
The political economy of the cycles of violence and non-violence in the Sikh struggle for identity and political power: implications for Indian federalism

Abstract This paper presents a critique of the essentialist notions of any community as a pacifist or militant community by examining the long history of the cycles of violence and non-violence in the evolution of the Sikh community in the Indian subcontinent. The theoretical premise of the paper is that communities' resort to violence and non-violence is determined by their strategic perspectives to achieve their politico-economic goals and not from any doctrinal adherence to violence or non-violence. The paper attempts a panoramic view of over 500 years of Sikh history (1469 – 2006) and offers a reinterpretation of that history by locating cycles of violence and non-violence in their historical context. It then provides a politico-economic perspective on violence and non-violence in their struggle for identity and political power. It focuses more on an analysis of the recent political conflict between Sikh militants and the Indian state, and concludes by drawing out the policy implications of that analysis for the politics of the modern Indian state regarding the Sikhs of Punjab. It identifies federal arrangements and human rights as issues of key importance in the political economy of this relationship.
Partial-discharge-inception testing on low-voltage motors

This is a review of one manufacturer's efforts toward testing National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) low-voltage motor insulation for compatibility with adjustable-speed drives (ASDs). Partial-discharge-inception-voltage (PDIV) measurements were selected as a tool to evaluate the future performance of the stator insulation system to resist deterioration by the drives. PDIV measurement is explained in terms of procedure and accuracy. Data are presented from tests made on motors from several prominent manufacturers.
Spiral Detection of Periodicity and the Spiral Form of Musical Scales

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that the neural part of the auditory system employs a temporal mechanism, referred to as a spiral processor, to determine whether sounds are periodic, and that this type of mechanism would explain the form of consonance observed in Western music. Pitch is our perception of periodicity in a sound wave, and harmony is the set of rules that explain which pitches go well together. The octave, the diatonic scale and its modes are the basic ingredients of harmony in Western music. For over a hundred years we have known that the logarithmic spiral (base 2) provides a good description of the cyclic aspect of musical scales, that is, the octave. But the implications for the internal structure of the octave, that is the diatonic scale and its two main modes, have largely been ignored. A periodic sound like a musical note generates regular streams of pulses in primary auditory neurones. As these pulse streams flow through the spiral processor they form a pattern of spokes radiating from the centre of the spiral. The shape of the pattern is fixed; the orientation of the pattern determines the pitch. The primary intervals of the diatonic scale are produced by pairs of notes whose main spokes coincide, and the intervals fall naturally into two groups, major and minor.
Depressive Symptoms in Four Racial and Ethnic Groups

Responding to the need for research on the mental health of minority elders, the present study explored determinants of depressive symptoms using a statewide sample of African Americans, Cubans, non-Cuban Hispanics, and Whites from the Survey of Older Floridians. The investigators focused on direct and interactive effects of demographic variables and stressful life conditions (chronic health conditions, functional disability, and negative life events) on depressive symptoms. A hierarchical regression model showed that lower income, more chronic health conditions, greater disability, and more life events were common risk factors for depressive symptoms across all groups. The impacts of age and education were found to be group specific. Significant interactions were also obtained among predictor variables in each group, identifying risk-reducing and risk-enhancing factors within each group. The findings on race-specific risk factors and within-group variability should be taken into consideration when developing and implementing services for diverse older populations.
Student Self-Evaluation in Grade 5-6 Mathematics Effects on Problem- Solving Achievement

We examined the effects of self-evaluation training on mathematics achievement. When Grade 5-6 students self-evaluated for 12 weeks (N = 259 treatment, 257 control) treatment students outperformed control students (ES = .40). The findings contribute to the consequential validity argument for self-evaluation. Considered in the context of previous research, these results indicate that subject moderates the effects of self-evaluation on achievement.
Masticatory strains on osseous and ligamentous components of the temporomandibular joint in miniature pigs.

AIMS An animal study of functional biomechanics was undertaken to understand normal loading of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and to provide insight into the pathogenesis of TMJ disorders. METHODS Bone strain and ligamentous deformation were measured during mastication in 26 10-month-old minipigs. Half the subjects had undergone a surgical disruption of the left lateral capsular and disc attachments to the condyle 5 to 6 weeks previously. Rosette strain gauges were bonded to the left lateral surfaces of the squamosal bone near the TMJ, the condylar neck, and the mandibular corpus below the molar region. Differential variable reluctance transducers (DVRTs) were placed bilaterally in the lateral capsular tissue of the joints. Bone strains, ligamentous deformations, and the electromyographic activities of the masseters and lateral pterygoids were recorded during natural mastication. RESULTS In all animals on both working and balancing sides, mastication caused bone strains that were dominated by tension in the squamosal bone site and by compression in the other sites. Measurements from the DVRT revealed elongation of the lateral capsular tissue in the last phase of the power stroke and shortening in the initial phase of opening, which was almost simultaneous with the development of bone strain. Strain in the capsule ranged from 3 to 25%, with the strain of the balancing side exceeding that of the working side. The surgical disruption did not alter chewing side preference or bone strain, but a tendency toward more extensive ligamentous deformation on the intact side was observed. Furthermore, the ratio of masseter to lateral pterygoid activity was smaller on the disrupted side and larger on the intact side, in comparison to control pigs. CONCLUSION Both osseous and ligamentous components of the TMJ are strained during mastication, and the latter are more deformed on the balancing side. Disruption of the lateral attachment had little effect on strain in the osseous components but appeared to increase strain in the capsule and to modify the balance of masticatory muscle activity.