Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Geotechnical Risk Management: A Statistical Framework to Assess the Effect of Sampling Density on Dredge Performance Forecasting

This thesis proposes a methodology towards quantifying the uncertainty resulting from the density and spatial arrangement of samples and assessing their effect on forecasting key performance indicators, related to dredging and (wet) mining operations. Aside from quantifying this uncertainty, another objective of this research is to develop a framework for optimising the sampling density, as the availability of samples for geotechnical site characterisation is often limited. The development of the framework is based on real data, concerning a heavy mineral sand deposit: this data, however, proved to be insufficiently dense for uncertainty analysis. Therefore a decision was made, based on this observation, to create a virtual reality in high density which allows for performing the desired investigations. The assessment of geotechnical risk consists of multiple steps: data interpretation and preparation, geostatistical simulation, data processing and, lastly, analysing the results. During preparation the geotechnical units were identified, suitable simulation methods based on literature were chosen and the decision was made to generate a virtual dataset. For continuous properties Sequential Gaussian Simulation was used; in case of a categorical or a discrete property, Sequential Indicator Simulation was adopted. The simulations result in 100 realisations, for each simulated property: unit top and bottom boundaries, SPT 𝑁 values and the locations of indurated zones. These realisations then allow for analysing possible distributions and the uncertainty related to these parameters and their propagation through transfer functions. Five different sampling strategies were implemented: three regularly spaced grids (100, 250 and 500 m) and two clustered grids (500 m regularly spaced with preferred zones). After combining the various simulation results, the effect of these grids is assessed by investigating the inferred variograms, RMSE, P90 and P10 values and distributions of production forecasts. It is observed that the geostatistical methods are suitable for geotechnical risk analysis and, generally, an increase in sampling density leads a decrease in prediction uncertainty. However, the absolute number of samples is not directly related to this trend: preferred samples and their locations should also be taken into account here, as their effect proved to be less predictable.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Secoiridoids Modulate the Metabolic Activity of Dacarbazine Pre-Treated and Treatment-Naive Melanoma Cells

Nowadays, many individuals, whether healthy or diagnosed with disease, tend to expose themselves to various easily accessible natural products in hopes of benefiting their health and well-being. Mediterranean populations have traditionally used olive oil not only in nutrition but also in cosmetics, including skincare. In this study, the phenolic profile—composed of twelve compounds altogether, including the secoiridoids oleocanthal (OCAL) and oleacein (OCEIN)—of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from autochthonous cultivars from Croatia was determined using 1H qNMR spectroscopy and HPLC-DAD analysis, and its biological activity was investigated in melanoma cell lines. The EVOO with the highest OCEIN content had the strongest anti-cancer activity in A375 melanoma cells and the least toxic effect on the non-cancerous keratocyte cell line (HaCaT). On the other hand, pure OCAL was shown to be more effective and safer than pure OCEIN. Post-treatment with any of the EVOO phenolic extracts (EVOO-PEs) enhanced the anti-cancer effect of the anti-cancerous drug dacarbazine (DTIC) applied in pre-treatment, while they did not compromise the viability of non-cancerous cells. The metastatic melanoma A375M cell line was almost unresponsive to the EVOO-PEs themselves, as well as to pure OCEIN and OCAL. Our results demonstrate that olive oils and/or their compounds may have a potentially beneficial effect on melanoma treatment. However, their usage can be detrimental or futile, especially in healthy cells, due to inadequately applied concentrations/combinations or the presence of resistant cells.
Selection of Forage Resources by Juvenile Goats in a Cafeteria Trial: Effect of Browsing Experience, Nutrient and Secondary Compound Content

Simple Summary Grazing/browsing goats ingest a diverse diet selected from the forage resources available in the range/paddock intending to meet their nutritional requirements. Intake and selection of any given forage can be modified by several factors, such as its nutrient content, including secondary compounds, as well as its biomass availability in the environment. The animal’s previous browsing experience can also be an important factor driving intake and selection. Therefore, the present study evaluated all these factors as well as their interaction. The results showed that the goats’ browsing experience guided the selection and intake towards those forage resources of better nutritional quality when there was no restriction in forage supply, as is the case for cafeteria trials. Goats with browsing experience showed their ability to limit secondary compounds and optimize their selection and intake for plants with better digestibility. This cafeteria protocol made it possible to identify the selection and consumption pattern of plant species with limited availability in the natural vegetation. This methodology could help identifying the forage resources that may be useful for small ruminant feeding, versus those resources that are not consumed by goats despite having a suitable chemical composition and in vitro digestibility or a high abundance. Abstract We evaluated the effect of browsing experience, nutritional quality and secondary compounds of forage resources, and the interaction between these factors on the selection and intake of goats in a cafeteria trial. Twelve juvenile Criollo goats from 7 to 9 months of age, weighing 22 ± 3 kg, were divided into two groups: (a) browser goats group (n = 6, BG), and (b) naïve goats group (n = 6, NG), formed according to their previous browsing experience (with and without, respectively). Animals were housed in individual pens. The cafeteria experiment lasted 21 days considering pen adaptation, foliage adaptation, and measurements, which included the selection index (SI) of experimental forage resources (Chesson’s alpha) and their dry matter intake (DMI/Kg0.75), using a multiple Latin square design. Furthermore, correlation and regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between the aforementioned factors. The NG did not show any selection pattern, while the BG selected Piscidia piscipula and Senegalia gaumeri (p = 0.0002). The BG consumed smaller amounts of secondary compounds compared to NG (p = 0.0001). In the BG, the flavonoids affected negatively their selection (R2 = 97.51, p = 0.0001), while the DMI was affected by in vitro DM digestibility and flavonoids (R2 = 99.85; p = 0.0001). For the NG, the crude protein and organic matter contents were associated with DMI, but none had a significant relationship with SI. The BG selected and consumed forages with suitable nutritional quality avoiding those with high content of secondary compounds such as flavonoids. Conversely, NG did not show a clear pattern for their selection or intake.
Do birds of a feather flock together? Analyzing environmental performance and tourist behavior using a gravity approach

This study examines whether international tourism flows are affected by differences in the environmental performance of origin and destination countries by conducting an empirical analysis with a gravity panel dataset of 169 origin countries and 157 destination countries from 2000 to 2015. Estimated results show that the difference between environmental performance of a country pair adversely affects international tourism flows. This implies that tourist behavior is particularly influenced by familiarity, behavior conformity, and the need for virtue-signaling. Results also suggest that better environmental performance of the destination relative to the origin, as captured by an overall environmental performance index or its sub-indices, lowers international tourism more than vice-versa. This effect potentially hinges on the tradeoff between functionality and the image of the international tourist destination. Policies that create an enabling milieu for sustainable tourism and environmental practices—such as ecolabeling and targeted advertising—would help attract more environmentally conscious tourists.
Proteomics and Phosphoproteomics of Circulating Extracellular Vesicles Provide New Insights into Diabetes Pathobiology

The purpose of this study was to define the proteomic and phosphoproteomic landscape of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) in people with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), prediabetes (PDM), and diabetes (T2DM). Archived serum samples from 30 human subjects (n = 10 per group, ORIGINS study, NCT02226640) were used. EVs were isolated using EVtrap®. Mass spectrometry-based methods were used to detect the global EV proteome and phosphoproteome. Differentially expressed features, correlation, enriched pathways, and enriched tissue-specific protein sets were identified using custom R scripts. Phosphosite-centric analyses were conducted using directPA and PhosR software packages. A total of 2372 unique EV proteins and 716 unique EV phosphoproteins were identified among all samples. Unsupervised clustering of the differentially expressed (fold change ≥ 2, p < 0.05, FDR < 0.05) proteins and, particularly, phosphoproteins showed excellent discrimination among the three groups. CDK1 and PKCδ appear to drive key upstream phosphorylation events that define the phosphoproteomic signatures of PDM and T2DM. Circulating EVs from people with diabetes carry increased levels of specific phosphorylated kinases (i.e., AKT1, GSK3B, LYN, MAP2K2, MYLK, and PRKCD) and could potentially distribute activated kinases systemically. Among characteristic changes in the PDM and T2DM EVs, “integrin switching” appeared to be a central feature. Proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), known to be reduced in various tissues in diabetes, were significantly increased in EVs from PDM and T2DM, which suggests that an abnormally elevated EV-mediated secretion of OXPHOS components may underlie the development of diabetes. A highly enriched signature of liver-specific markers among the downregulated EV proteins and phosphoproteins in both PDM and T2DM groups was also detected. This suggests that an alteration in liver EV composition and/or secretion may occur early in prediabetes. This study identified EV proteomic and phosphoproteomic signatures in people with prediabetes and T2DM and provides novel insight into the pathobiology of diabetes.
Lipomatous Tumors: A Comparison of MRI-Reported Diagnosis with Histological Diagnosis

Lipomatous tumors are among the most common soft tissue tumors (STTs). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool used to differentiate and characterize STTs. Radiological misjudgment can lead to incorrect treatment. This was a single-center retrospective study. Two hundred and forty lipomatous tumors were included. MRI diagnoses were categorized as benign, intermediate, or malignant and were compared with histological diagnoses. Tumor volumes were measured by MRI and from surgical specimens. The tumor was correctly categorized 73.3% of the time. A total of 21.7% of tumors were categorized as more malignant in MRI reports than they were by histology, and vice versa for 5.0% of tumors. Volume measured by MRI was not different from actual tumor size in pathology. Atypical lipomatous tumors (ALTs) and liposarcomas (LPSs) were larger when compared with lipomata and occurred in older patients. Based on the MRI-suspected tumor entity, surgical treatment can be planned. Large lipomatous tumors in elderly patients are more likely to be ALTs. However, a safe threshold size or volume for ALTs cannot be determined.
Small ORFs as New Regulators of Pri-miRNAs and miRNAs Expression in Human and Drosophila

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory non-coding RNAs, resulting from the cleavage of long primary transcripts (pri-miRNAs) in the nucleus by the Microprocessor complex generating precursors (pre-miRNAs) that are then exported to the cytoplasm and processed into mature miRNAs. Some miRNAs are hosted in pri-miRNAs annotated as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and defined as MIRHGs (for miRNA Host Genes). However, several lnc pri-miRNAs contain translatable small open reading frames (smORFs). If smORFs present within lncRNAs can encode functional small peptides, they can also constitute cis-regulatory elements involved in lncRNA decay. Here, we investigated the possible involvement of smORFs in the regulation of lnc pri-miRNAs in Human and Drosophila, focusing on pri-miRNAs previously shown to contain translatable smORFs. We show that smORFs regulate the expression levels of human pri-miR-155 and pri-miR-497, and Drosophila pri-miR-8 and pri-miR-14, and also affect the expression and activity of their associated miRNAs. This smORF-dependent regulation is independent of the nucleotidic and amino acidic sequences of the smORFs and is sensitive to the ribosome-stalling drug cycloheximide, suggesting the involvement of translational events. This study identifies smORFs as new cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of pri-miRNAs and miRNAs expression, in both Human and Drosophila melanogaster.
Determinants of Competitive Advantage in Textiles and Apparel Industry in Tanzania: Application of Structural Equation Modelling

This study aims at investigating key factors that determine competitive advantage in Tanzania using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) method. The study uses cross-section survey design and non-probability sampling method; and data were collected from Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Tabora using a case study of textile and apparel industry. The sampling unit used were the employees of the industry knowledgeable on industry dynamics and with at least college education. The study proposes two inter-related micro and macro competitive advantage models. In the first place, exploration of the key underlying dimensions of both models was done using Exploratory Factor Analysis. Thereafter, based on the extracted principal components, SEM method using Confirmation Factor Analysis was used to find out whether the parameters of the micro model that involve Porter‘s Five Forces, Value Chain Management practices and Core Competencies; and macro model involving Porter‘s Diamond Model, produces significant CFA fit indices. The major findings are that, both the micro and the macro models are confirmed to be determinants of competitive advantage in Tanzania, as predicted by the theory. Furthermore, the results demonstrate linkage among the determinants. The diamond conditions, value chain management practices and core competency are indeed measures of competitive advantage. The determinants are considered to be key inputs for the strategic fit in the design of sustainable competitive advantage strategies for firms. Furthermore, the textile and apparel industry and government need to collaborate to improve diamond conditions to provide enabling environment necessary for competitive advantage. Lastly, with some adjustment, the model can also be replicated to other industries as well, in improving their competitive advantage.
Acoustic Anomalies and the Critical Slowing-Down Behavior of MAPbCl3 Single Crystals Studied by Brillouin Light Scattering

Inelastic light scattering spectra of organic–inorganic halide perovskite MAPbCl3 single crystals were investigated by using Brillouin spectroscopy. Sound velocities and acoustic absorption coefficients of longitudinal and transverse acoustic modes propagating along the cubic [100] direction were determined in a wide temperature range. The sound velocities exhibited softening upon cooling in the cubic phase, which was accompanied by the increasing acoustic damping. The obtained relaxation time showed a critical slowing-down behavior, revealing the order–disorder nature of the phase transition, which is consistent with the growth of strong central peaks upon cooling toward the phase transition point. The temperature dependences of the two elastic constants C11 and C44 were obtained in the cubic phase for the first time. The comparison of C11 and C44 with those of other halide perovskites showed that C11 of MAPbCl3 is larger and C44 is slightly smaller compared to the values of MAPbBr3 and MAPbI3. It suggests that MAPbCl3 has a more compact structure (smaller lattice constant) along with stronger binding forces, causing larger C11 and bulk modulus in this compound, and that the shear rigidity is exceedingly small similar to other halide perovskites. The reported elastic constants in this study may serve as a testbed for theoretical and calculational approaches for MAPbCl3.
Borrowing Power from Potential Entrants and High-Speed Rail: Entry Pattern of China’s Low-Cost Carrier

This paper investigates the impact of market structure and high-speed rail on China’s low-cost carrier Spring Airlines’ entry patterns during the pre-pandemic period. Dividing the air transport system into discrete distance segments (i.e., short-, medium- and long-haul) helps better reveal critical factors that affect the route entry of Spring. Given the existence of market power in China’s airline industry and the capacity constraints at major airports, Spring strives to enter routes that can accommodate more potential entrants without a strong response from incumbents and are connected with more concentrated or lower-capacity airports. The complementary and competition effects of high-speed rail are well-distinguished in different distance ranges.
Phosphatidylserine: The Unique Dual-Role Biomarker for Cancer Imaging and Therapy

Simple Summary Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are the primary therapies for cancer. Even with these current treatment modalities, the death rate for many cancers is still high. Thus, there is still an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches which are safer and more effective. Cancer biomarker targeting is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Cancer cells are distinguished from normal cells by their unregulated differentiation and over or under-expression of certain biomarkers or alteration of genetic material. In this review, we discuss phosphatidylserine biomarker-targeted therapy and imaging modalities in pre-clinical and clinical studies. We also appraise chemotherapy, radiotherapy and electric field-enhanced biomarker-driven therapeutic approaches. Abstract Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide. In recent years, many cancer-associated biomarkers have been identified that are used for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, screening, and early detection, as well as for predicting and monitoring carcinogenesis and therapeutic effectiveness. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a negatively charged phospholipid which is predominantly located in the inner leaflet of the cell membrane. In many cancer cells, PS externalizes to the outer cell membrane, a process regulated by calcium-dependent flippases and scramblases. Saposin C coupled with dioleoylphosphatidylserine (SapC-DOPS) nanovesicle (BXQ-350) and bavituximab, (Tarvacin, human–mouse chimeric monoclonal antibodies) are cell surface PS-targeting drugs being tested in clinical trial for treating a variety of cancers. Additionally, a number of other PS-selective agents have been used to trigger cytotoxicity in tumor-associated endothelial cells or cancer cells in pre-clinical studies. Recent studies have demonstrated that upregulation of surface PS exposure by chemodrugs, radiation, and external electric fields can be used as a novel approach to sensitize cancer cells to PS-targeting anticancer drugs. The objectives of this review are to provide an overview of a unique dual-role of PS as a biomarker/target for cancer imaging and therapy, and to discuss PS-based anticancer strategies that are currently under active development.
Antibiotic utilization in emergency dental care in Stockholm 2016: a cross sectional study

Abstract Objectives To investigate systemic antibiotics utilization in emergency dental care and to determine the most common treatment measures performed during emergency visits in public versus private emergency care in Sweden. Material and methods Two questionnaires were answered by dentists at one large public and one large private emergency dental clinic in Stockholm, Sweden. The first questionnaire pertained to the emergency care provided to patients (n = 1023) and the second concerned the dentists’ (n = 13) own knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic treatment and oral infections. The results of the questionnaires were tested using a Chi-square test. Results Sixteen percent of all patients seeking emergency dental treatment received antibiotics. The most common overall reason for visiting an emergency clinic was pain (52%, n = 519). The most common diagnoses made by the participating dentists in the public clinic were tooth/filling fracture (17%, n = 91) and gingivitis (14%, n = 76), while in the private clinic they were tooth fracture (29%, n = 146) and symptomatic apical periodontitis (15%, n = 72). Although the number of patients with infection was higher in the public care clinic, there was no significant difference in total number of antibiotic prescriptions between the two clinics. The rate of patients receiving antibiotic prescription as sole treatment was 41% (n = 34) in private care and 31% (n = 18) in public care. Thirty-one percent (n = 4) of dentists prescribed antibiotics for patients with diagnoses normally not requiring antibiotics, citing reasons such as time limitation, patient request, patient travel, patient safety, and follow-up not possible. Conclusion Although antibiotic prescription frequency among the Swedish emergency care dentists participating in this study was low, areas for improvement could include providing education to improve dentists’ knowledge on both antibiotic prescription in emergency dental care and treatment of acute oral infections.
Last Man Standing: Battle Royale Games Through the Lens of Self-Determination Theory

The highly popular video game genre of Battle Royale (BR) games is characterized by survival and exploration elements that feature a last-man-standing gameplay, thus, motivating players to be the final contestant in the game. Drawing on the Self-Determination Theory the present study investigated the role of personal values, psychological needs and well-being in a self-selected sample of 303 BR gamers recruited online. The association between players’ value orientation and well-being was found contingent on players’ BR gaming experience and their need for relatedness. Whereas frequent interaction with this game genre was associated with the basic psychological need satisfaction of autonomy and relatedness, player preference for BR games was related to their need of competence and autonomy. The present study supports the importance of exploring player motives and provides initial insights into the association between BR gaming and basic psychological needs.