Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating Mortality from Mean Length Data in Nonequilibrium Situations, with Application to the Assessment of Goosefish

Abstract The Beverton–Holt length-based mortality estimator has received widespread use primarily due to its applicability in data-limited situations. The mean length of animals that are fully vulnerable to the sampling gear can be used to estimate total mortality from basic growth parameters and a known length at first capture. This method requires equilibrium conditions because the mean length of a population will change only gradually after a change in mortality. In this study, we derive the transitional behavior of the mean length statistic for use in nonequilibrium conditions. We investigate conditions affecting the reliability of the Beverton–Holt results and then develop a new procedure that allows a series of mortality rates to be estimated from mean length data representing nonequilibrium conditions in multiple years. We then examine an assessment of goosefish Lophius americanus that was criticized for its use of the Beverton–Holt estimator under nonequilibrium conditions. Using data from the 196.
Relationship Among Corneal Stiffness, Thickness, and Biomechanical Parameters Measured by Corvis ST, Pentacam and ORA in Keratoconus

Purpose To assess the relationship among corneal stiffness, thickness, and biomechanical parameters in keratoconus. Setting The EENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Design Comparative study. Methods In this cross-sectional prospective study, 75 keratoconic eyes of 44 patients were recruited. Eyes were divided three groups according to the steepest K-readings (Kmax): mild (31 eyes; 42.1–54.5D); moderate (27 eyes, 55.0–61.6D); and severe (17 eyes, 65.2–94.5D). Thirty-one healthy subjects were recruited as the control group. All patients underwent Corvis ST, Pentacam and ORA examinations at the same time. Stiffness parameter A1 (SP-A1) and other dynamic parameters were assessed using the Corvis ST. Kmax and thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) was obtained using the Pentacam. Corneal resistance factor (CRF) and corneal hysteresis (CH) were measured using the ORA. Analysis of correlation was applied to investigate the association between variables. Results There was a decrease in SP-A1 in different stages of keratoconus compared with controls (P ≤ 0.001): with increasing severity, the value of SP-A1 became smaller (P < 0.05). A statistically significant linear relationship was noted between SP-A1 and TCT in each subgroup of keratoconus (P ≤ 0.001). In all three groups, SP-A1 was found to be positively correlated with first applanation time (P < 0.01), while negatively correlated with deformation amplitude (P < 0.05). Analysis of SP-A1 with regard to CRF and CH indicated statistically positive correlation in keratoconus (P < 0.05). Conclusion Significant decreases in corneal stiffness were noted in kerotoconic eyes compared with normal eyes. The stiffness parameter could be a valuable clinical tool enables biomechanically track progression with keratoconus. Synopsis Our study found that corneal thinning and biomechanical decreasing synchronize with one another throughout the progression of the keratoconus, and SP-A1 could be a potential biomarker evaluating disease progression.
Financing of Growth Companies within the Construction Industry: Are Small Players Gaining the Necessary Funds to Expand?

i Acknowledgments ii Table of contents iii List of figures v List of graphs v List of tables v List of abbreviations v 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Purpose 2 1.3 Research question 2 1.4 Delimitations 2 2 Theoretical framework 3 2.1 The financial gap 3 2.2 Capital structure 4 2.2.1 The existence of an optimal capital structure 4 2.2.2 Empirical studies on capital structure 4 2.3 External financiers’ use of accounting information 5 2.4 The Sharpe Ratio 6 3 Method 7 3.1 Choice of method 7 3.2 Part I: The study based on numbers from annual reports 7 3.2.1 Data gathering 7 3.2.2 The analytical model 7 3.2.3 Quality of the database and loss of information from logarithmizing 9 3.3 Part I a: Evaluating the use of debt‐to‐equity ratio for creditors’ 9 3.3.1 The analytical model 9 3.4 Part II: The survey 10 3.4.1 Method of communication 11 3.4.2 Non‐response analysis 12 3.4. 3 Questionnaire design and the analytical model 12 iv 4 Results 15 4.1 Results from Part I: The study based on numbers from annual reports 15 4.1.1 Test of normality of the profitability time‐series 16 4.1.2 Regression and primary results 17 4.1.3 Testing the error normality assumption 19 4.1.4 Concluding remarks on part I 20 4.2 Results from Study/Part II: The study based on a questionnaire/survey 20 4.2.1 Accuracy of respondent statements 20 4.2.2 Hypothesis testing and population proportion confidence intervals 20 4.2.3 Concluding remarks on the survey results 23 5 Analysis 25 5.1 Result analysis 25 5.2 Method analysis 27 5.2.1 Part I: The study based on numbers from annual reports 27 5.2.2 Part I a: Evaluating the use of debt‐to‐equity ratio for creditors 27 5.2.3 Part II: The survey 28 6 Conclusions 29 6.1 Future research 29 7 References 1 Appendix 1a: A list of extracted data points (in Swedish) 4 Appendix 1b: Relationships between the data and the variables 6 Appendix 1c: Truncated companies 7 Appendix 2: Survey (in Swedish) 8 Appendix 2: Results from the survey 10
The role of contraceptive awareness among adolescents in mitigating teenage pregnancies in Finland.

There have been reports of increased use of emergency pills in Finland despite caution and fears concerning their side effect. This necessitated a need for a study that investigated whether cognitive awareness affected the use of contraceptives among the adolescents in Finland. The aim of this research was to identify how contraceptive awareness affects pregnancies among adolescents. The study used secondary research to identify articles that were relevant to the research objectives. The study identified the contraceptive awareness attitude towards emergency pills in reducing adolescents’ pregnancies. The study noted that the effect of contraceptive awareness attitudes had some little effect on the use of contraceptives as well as pregnancy. The study also identified that subjective norms especially parent and peers had much effect on their use of contraceptives. The research indicated that adolescents whose parents approved their sexual relationships and approved their sexual partners were likely to use contraceptives compared to teenagers whose parent were not aware of their relationships and they did not approve of such relationships. The limitations of the studies focused on women who were older than that some of the studies that had important information concerning use of contraceptives among teenagers in the Finland were older than 2007 which meant that they had to be excluded from the study. Future research should overcome the challenges identified in the prior section by including more Scandinavian countries in the review research in order to include as many articles as possible.
An estimate of kinetic energy maxima of cyclotron-resonant electrons interacting with whistler mode waves

Active experiments to probe hot plasma in the magnetosphere were conducted at Siple Station, Antarctica. The multistations measurements of VLF Siple signals on the ground were also conducted in Canada. The results from the Siple active experiments at L=5.1, the relativistic treatments, and the results obtained from the multi-stations measurements at L=4.1 showed almost similar results. The relativistic treatment of separatrix at L=5.1 theoretically indicates the total energy of trapped electron, which was estimated to be 0.315 to 16 keV (at maximum of V) by estimates of parallel resonance velocity and wave magnetic field amplitude of 11 PT, and the effective instability depending on the weak relativistic electrons with kinetic energy 10.9 keV in the perfect resonance condition. The kinetic energy 10.9 keV is almost coincident with some results of Sonwalkar et al. [Properties of the magnetospheric hot plasma distribution deduced from whistler mode wave injection at 2400 Hz: Ground-based detection of azimuthal structure in magnetospheric hot plasmas, J Geophys Res (USA), 102 (1997) 14363].
Astronomical Concepts and Events Awareness for Young Children

In the present study, we test the effectiveness of a teaching intervention aiming at acquainting children aged four to six years with the concept of the sphericity of the earth and the causes of the phenomenon of day and night. The treatment comprised three units of activities that were developed collaboratively by a researcher and early years teachers employing action research processes. In the present study, student knowledge is considered context specific. The selected approach to learning can be characterized as socially constructed. In the activities, children were presented with appropriate information along with conceptual tools, such as a globe and an instructional video. The activities were implemented in a sample of 104 children of the above age group. Children’s learning outcomes were assessed two weeks after the activities. Assessment tasks comprised children’s construction and handling of concrete 3‐D material models, children’s use of pictures and the globe, and children’s verbal explanations. Results revealed awareness of the concepts and events that the activities dealt with in high percentages of children and children’s storage of new knowledge in the long‐term memory and easy retrieval from it. The outcomes suggest that the approach adopted in the present study is fruitful and promising for helping very young children develop their understanding of fundamental astronomical concepts and events considered difficult for their age and for raising their motivation for astronomy. The approach used in the present study could also find application in other areas of science.
Moral Elevation and Economic Games: The Moderating Role of Personality

Moral elevation is the prototypical emotional response when witnessing virtuous deeds of others. Yet, little is known about the role of individual differences that moderate the susceptibility to experiencing this self-transcendent emotion. The present experiment investigated the role of personality traits as moderators of elevation and its behavioral effects using economic games as a measure for prosocial behavior. One aim was to replicate prior findings on trait Engagement with Moral Beauty as moderator for experimentally induced state elevation. A second aim was to explore new potential moderators that were found to be connected to the moral realm: Honesty-Humility, Agreeableness vs. Anger, and Need for Cognition. Third, the present study is among the few investigating the effects of elevation on different prosocial actions and intentions. A sample of US American college students (N = 144) was randomly assigned to either watch a morally uplifting or a humorous video clip. Afterwards, all participants played a dictator game and an ultimatum game, and were asked to volunteer in another time-consuming experiment. In line with our hypotheses, experimentally induced state elevation promoted prosocial behavior, however, only within the dictator game. Also in line with our hypotheses, higher levels of Need for Cognition and higher levels of Engagement with Moral Beauty (but not higher levels of Honesty-Humility and Agreeableness vs. Anger) increased prosocial behavior within the experimental group. In contrast to our hypotheses, none of the investigated personality traits moderated the proneness to experience the state of elevation after seeing an elevating video clip; only the behavioral consequences of elevation were moderated. Our results replicate and extend prior findings on moderators for elevation and exemplify the importance of investigating the role of personality traits in the context of the moral elevation phenomenon.
Brain Molecular Connectivity in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Recent Advances and New Perspectives Using Positron Emission Tomography

Positron emission tomography (PET) represents a unique molecular tool to get in vivo access to a wide spectrum of biological and neuropathological processes, of crucial relevance for neurodegenerative conditions. Although most PET findings are based on massive univariate approaches, in the last decade the increasing interest in multivariate methods has paved the way to the assessment of unexplored cerebral features, spanning from resting state brain networks to whole-brain connectome properties. Currently, the combination of molecular neuroimaging techniques with multivariate connectivity methods represents one of the most powerful, yet still emerging, approach to achieve novel insights into the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we will summarize the available evidence in the field of PET molecular connectivity, with the aim to provide an overview of how these studies may increase the understanding of the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, over and above “traditional” structural/functional connectivity studies. Considering the available evidence, a major focus will be represented by molecular connectivity studies using [18F]FDG–PET, today applied in the major neuropathological spectra, from amyloidopathies and tauopathies to synucleinopathies and beyond. Pioneering studies using PET tracers targeting brain neuropathology and neurotransmission systems for connectivity studies will be discussed, their strengths and limitations highlighted with reference to both applied methodology and results interpretation. The most common methods for molecular connectivity assessment will be reviewed, with particular emphasis on the available strategies to investigate molecular connectivity at the single-subject level, of potential relevance for not only research but also diagnostic purposes. Finally, we will highlight possible future perspectives in the field, with reference in particular to newly available PET tracers, which will expand the application of molecular connectivity to new, exciting, unforeseen possibilities.
Ginkgo biloba Extract Modulates the Retroperitoneal Fat Depot Proteome and Reduces Oxidative Stress in Diet-Induced Obese Rats

The rapid increase in the number of individuals with obesity, over the past four decades, is triggered by a number of complex interactions among factors. Despite the plethora of treatments available, side effects are commonly observed and, in this context, herbal medicines have been employed as an alternative form of therapy. Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) has been described as a promising new pharmacological approach to treat obesity. In order to better comprehend the mechanisms involved with this potential effect, the present study evaluated the effects of GbE treatment on diet-induced obese rats, focusing on the proteome and the oxidative stress defense system of visceral adipose tissue. After 14 days treatment, GbE significantly modulated 25 proteins. Retroperitoneal adipose tissue of treated animals exhibited higher amounts of proteins associated with adipogenesis (decorin), carbon metabolism and mitochondrial function (citrate synthase), and a concomitant reduction in adipocyte hypertrophy. In parallel, GbE down-regulated proteins involved in oxidative stress (peroxiredoxin) and the inflammatory response (complement C3, mast cell protease 1, and Ig gamma-2B chain C region). Moreover, also related to oxidative stress defense, GbE stimulated catalase activity, reduced malondialdehyde levels (lipid peroxidation indicator), and increased lactoylglutathione lyase levels. It was concluded that GbE acts as an antioxidant agent, and improved the proteome profile and oxidative stress response in the adipose tissue of diet-induced obese rats.
Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via Vestibular Approach

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy was first described as an experimental sublingual approach. This approach was modified to a vestibular approach to avoid complications. In this report, we describe the results of the first ten cases of a transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via vestibular approach (TOETVA) performed in Iraq. All operations were performed at Al Shifa General Hospital, Basrah, Iraq, in 2017 using three laparoscopic ports inserted at the oral vestibule. One out of ten patients underwent a near total thyroidectomy, the remaining cases underwent thyroid lobectomies. The average operative time was 113.5 minutes and the average duration of hospital stay was 41.9 hours. One case of mild cervical emphysema and one case of temporary mental nerve palsy were reported but both were treated conservatively without permanent sequelae. In conclusion, TOETVA is a safe, feasible procedure with an excellent cosmetic outcome when the patients are selected carefully.
Self-talk and gross motor skill performance: An experimental approach?

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of instructional and motivational self-talk on the performance of a sit-up task. Previous research has found a lack of performance differences between these two self-talk groups and a control group. Motivational interpretations of self-talk and self-efficacy are two mechanisms that may account for this result and so these two mechanisms were assessed in the present study. Forty-four undergraduates completed a modified crunch test on three occasions. Inspection of the manipulation check surveys revealed that a priori treatment groups were not obtained. Thus, the original experimental design was not possible. Subsequent post-hoc correlational analyses indicated that both self-talk dimensions were positively related to self-efficacy, self-efficacy was positively associated with performance, but neither self-talk dimension was related to performance. The implications of these results for experimenters and practitioners were discussed.
Neurocognitive Precursors of Substance Misuse Corresponding to Risk, Resistance, and Resilience Pathways: Implications for Prevention Science

Studies of substance misuse prevention generally focus on characteristics that typify risk, with the assumption that the prevalence of the problem will be optimally reduced by identifying, targeting, and reducing or eliminating risk factors. However, this risk-centered approach neglects variations in individual-level and environmental characteristics that portend differential pathways that are distinguishable by timing of substance use initiation (e.g., early versus delayed), the likelihood of use escalation versus eventual desistance, and enduring abstinence, despite exposure to significant risk factors. Considering the various underpinnings of these distinct substance use trajectories is critical to a more nuanced understanding of the effects, potency, and malleability of factors that are known to increase risk or confer protection. Here, we discuss three pathways relative to substance use patterns and predictors in the context of adversity, a well-known, highly significant influence on propensity for substance misuse. The first pathway is designated as “high risk” based on early onset of substance use, rapid escalation, and proneness to substance use disorders. Individuals who defy all odds and eventually exhibit adaptive developmental outcomes despite an initial maladaptive reaction to adversity, are referred to as “resilient. ” However, another categorization that has not been adequately characterized is “resistant. ” Resistant individuals include those who do not exhibit problematic substance use behaviors (e.g., early onset and escalation) and do not develop substance use disorders or other forms of psychopathology, despite significant exposure to factors that normally increase the propensity for such outcomes (e.g. trauma and/or adversity). In this paper, we apply this conceptualization of risk, resistance, and resilience for substance misuse to a more fine-grained analysis of substance use pathways and their corresponding patterns (e.g., non-use, initiation, escalation, desistance). The significance of the progression of neurocognitive functioning over the course of development is discussed as well as how this knowledge may be translated to make a science-based determination of intervention targets. This more encompassing theoretical model has direct implications for primary prevention and clinical approaches to disrupt risk pathways and to optimize long-term outcomes.
Increase of Ambient PCDD/F Concentrations in Northern Taiwan during Asian Dust Storm and Winter Monsoon Episodes

In the spring, Asian dust storms that originate in the deserts of Mongolia and China eventually reach the populated areas of East Asia. The dust storm particles usually contain diverse organic matter and nutrients that may have an adverse effect on human health. In winter, northeast monsoon episodes that originate in the mainland China not only bring cold air but also transport dust and air pollutants to Taiwan over long distances. Based on the above, the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), in the suspended particles undergoing long-range transport needs to be investigated. In this study, the atmospheric concentrations of PCDD/Fs were monitored and investigated during an Asian dust storm episode and northeast monsoon episode in northern Taiwan. The sampling results indicate that the atmospheric PCDD/Fs observed at two remote sampling sites ranged from 7.46 ± 0.7 to 37.2 ± 2.0 fg I-TEQ/m^3 during the regular sampling period that covered 2006 and 2007. However, the concentrations of atmospheric PCDD/Fs increase to 61.0 and 69.8 fg I-TEQ/m^3 during the Asian dust storm episode of 3rd March 2008 and during a northeast monsoon episode on 3rd December 2008, respectively. Specifically, higher levels of PCDFs (by 70%-76%) were measured in northern Taiwan during these long-range transport periods. As no specific dioxin emission sources exist within 20 km of our sampling sites, the increase in PCDD/F concentrations observed at these two remote sampling sites is likely to be related to the Asian dust storm and northeast monsoon episodes and the pollutants would seem to have come from mainland China.
A Review of African Americans’ Beliefs and Attitudes About Genomic Studies: Opportunities for Message Design

Precision Medicine, the practice of targeting prevention and therapies according to an individual’s lifestyle, environment or genetics, holds promise to improve population health outcomes. Within precision medicine, pharmacogenomics (PGX) uses an individual’s genome to determine drug response and dosing to tailor therapy. Most PGX studies have been conducted in European populations, but African Americans have greater genetic variation when compared with most populations. Failure to include African Americans in PGX studies may lead to increased health disparities. PGX studies focused on patients of African American descent are needed to identify relevant population specific genetic predictors of drug responses. Recruitment is one barrier to African American participation in PGX. Addressing recruitment challenges is a significant, yet potentially low-cost solution to improve patient accrual and retention. Limited literature exists about African American participation in PGX research, but studies have explored barriers and facilitators among African American participation in genomic studies more broadly. This paper synthesizes the existing literature and extrapolates these findings to PGX studies, with a particular focus on opportunities for message design. Findings from this review can provide guidance for future PGX study recruitment.