Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detrainment and braking of snow avalanches interacting with forests

Abstract. Mountain forests provide natural protection against avalanches. They can both prevent avalanche formation in release zones and reduce avalanche mobility in runout areas. Although the braking effect of forests has been previously explored through global statistical analyses on documented avalanches, little is known about the mechanism of snow detrainment in forests for small and medium avalanches. In this study, we investigate the detrainment and braking of snow avalanches in forested terrain, by performing three-dimensional simulations using the Material Point Method (MPM) and a large strain elastoplastic snow constitutive model based on Critical State Soil Mechanics. First, the snow internal friction is evaluated using existing field measurements based on the detrainment mass, showing the feasibility of the numerical framework and offering a reference case for further exploration of different snow types. Then, we systematically investigate the influence of snow properties and forest parameters on avalanche characteristics. Our results suggest that, for both dry and wet avalanches, the detrainment mass decreases with the square of the avalanche front velocity before it reaches a plateau value. Furthermore, the detrainment mass significantly depends on snow properties. It can be as much as ten times larger for wet snow compared to dry snow. By examining the effect of forest configurations, it is found that forest density and tree diameter have cubic and square relations with the detrainment mass, respectively. The outcomes of this study may contribute to the development of improved formulations of avalanche–forest interaction models in popular operational simulation tools and thus improve hazard assessment for alpine geophysical mass flows in forested terrain.
PARKING AND TRIP GENERATION CHARACTERISTICS FOR DAY-CARE FACILITIES

The Technical Activities Committee of the Tennessee Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers conducted a study to evaluate parking demand and trip generation characteristics for day-care facilities. This article describes study methodology and data analysis. Investigators recommend that required parking be based on the number of students or the size of the facility. Trip generation rates were fairly comparable to published values; however, the authors suggest that additional studies in other regions could eliminate any regional bias. The 29 field sites were day-care facilities located in Nashville and Chattanooga.
Digital microscopy : a second edition of video microscopy

Digital Image Formats and Image Handling Digital cameras for microscopy Ratio imaging instrumentation (from 1e) Comparing cooled CCD and intensified cameras (from 1e) Proper alignment of the microscope (from 1e) Mating cameras to microscopes (from 1e) Practical ratio imaging (from 1e) Digital image processing (from 1e) Fluorescence Resonance Energy transfer in microscopy Digital deconvolution of fluorescence images for biologists (from 1e) Quantitative microscopy and digital deconvolution Imaging with GFP constructs High resolution video-enhanced DIC (from 1e) High resolution multimode microscopy (from 1e) Image processing in microscopy (from 1e) Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (from 1e) Electronic cameras for low light microscopy (from 1e) Microscopy Basics Physical Basis of Microscope Resolution Basics of Video: Use of Camera and Monitor Adjustments in Digital Cameras Basics of Fluorescence Microscopy Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy
A combination of genome reduction and promoter engineering can enhance surfactin production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LL3

Background: Genome reduction and metabolic engineering have emerged as intensive research hotspots for constructing the promising functional chassis and various microbial cell factories. Surfactin, a lipopeptide-type biosurfactant with broad spectrum antibiotic activity, has wide application prospects in anticancer therapy, biocontrol and bioremediation. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LL3, previously isolated by our lab, contains an intact srfA operon in the genome for surfactin biosynthesis.Results: In this study, a genome-reduced strain GR167 lacking ~4.18% of the B. amyloliquefaciens LL3 genome was constructed by deleting some unnecessary genomic regions. Compared with the strain NK-1 (LL3 derivative, ΔuppΔpMC1), GR167 harbored faster growth rate, higher transformation efficiency, increased intracellular reducing power level and higher heterologous protein expression capacity. Furthermore, the promising chassis GR167 was engineered for enhanced surfactin production. Firstly, the iturin and fengycin biosynthetic gene clusters were deleted from GR167 to generate GR167ID. Subsequently, two promoters PRsuc and PRtpxi from LL3 were obtained by RNA-seq and promoter strength characterization, and then they were individually substituted for the native srfA promoter in GR167ID to generate GR167IDS and GR167IDT. The best mutant GR167IDS showed a 678-fold improvement in the transcriptional level of the srfA operon relative to GR167ID, and it produced 311.35 mg/L surfactin, with a 10.4-fold increase relative to GR167.Conclusions: The genome-reduced strain GR167 was advantageous over the parental strain in several industrially relevant physiological traits assessed and it was highlighted as a promising chassis for further genetic modification. In future studies, further reduction of the LL3 genome can be expected to create high-performance chassis for synthetic biology applications.
CAR DRIVER TRAINING AND LICENSING SYSTEMS IN EUROPE. REPORT ON BEHALF OF FORUM OF EUROPEAN ROAD SAFETY RESEARCH INSTITUTES (FERSI) AND SUPPORTED BY EUROPEAN COMMISSION TRANSPORT DIRECTORATE (DG VII)

This report describes a survey of car driver training and licensing systems in European countries, undertaken by the Forum of European Road Safety Research Institutes (FERSI) supported by the Transport Directorate of the European Union. A literature review and collation of general information on systems was supplemented by in-depth study of the practice in three countries - France, Britain, and Germany. The study concluded that there was no evidence that the differences in the national systems produced major differences at the level of national casualty totals. There is a general need to improve training techniques to include more emphasis on cognitive skills, to ensure that instructors are equipped to provide this training, and that the testing process ensure its objects are achieved. (A)
STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOUR OF CONCRETE BLOCK PAVING

The article discusses the results of a series of model tests using a specifically designed transparent rig which was able to simulate sub-base behaviour. A series of calibrated spring loaded plates were used to represent the upper sub-base - several of these plates were monitored for deflection to measure any load transferred. Tests were carried out to investigate the effect of changing joint width, jointing and bedding sand grading, bedding sand thickness, jointing sand height and the development of lateral load. It was found that a decrease in joint width increased performance; joints should not be less than 0.5 mm or exceed 5 mm and should be filled with sand for optimum efficiency. Zone 2 sand is a better bedding sand than the firmer zone 4 material. Edge restraints must be efficient and bedding sand thickness kept to the minimum practical limit. It is recommended that all granular sub-base areas should be laid in two 50 mm layers: the first layer rolled once and re-screeded with loose sand. Sharp dry zone 3 sand should be used for herringbone pattern and zone 4 for blocks in stretcher bond. Heavy duty pavements and areas subjected to channelised traffic should be rolled over once or twice with a heavy static road-roller. (TRRL)
HORIZONTALLY CURVED HIGHWAY BRIDGES-STABILITY OF CURVED PLATE GIRDERS-P3

THIS REPORT DESCRIBES THE THIRD PART OF AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON THE STRENGTH AND STABILITY OF HORIZONTALLY CURVED STEEL PLATE GIRDERS WITH I-SHAPED CROSS-SECTIONS. INCLUDED HEREIN ARE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS AND RESULTS FROM EIGHT (8) STATIC LOAD TESTS ON A SIMPLE SPAN FRAME SYSTEM COMPOSED OF TWO CURVED PLATE GIRDERS CONNECTED BY END DIAPHRAGMS AND INTERMEDIATE CROSS-FRAMES. THE WEB OF THE INSIDE GIRDER (LOCATED TOARD THE CENTER OF CURVATURE) AS STIFFENED WITH SINGLE-SIDED TRANSVERSE INTERMEDIATE STIFFENERS HILE THAT OF THE INNER GIRDER WAS UNSTIFFENED BETEEN THE LOAD BEARING STIFFENERS. MEASURED FORCES, STRESSES AND DEFLECTIONS IN THE ELASTIC RANGE PROVIDED INFORMATION ON THE WORKING LOAD BEHAVIOR OF A FRAME SYSTEM WITHOUT THE CONCRETE DECK. FURTHERMORE, COMPARISONS OF MEASURED FAILURE LOADS TO CALCULATED ULTIMATE STRENGTHS BASED ON ANALYTICAL METHODS DEVELOPED ELSEWHERE ARE GIVEN TO ASCERTAIN THE APPLICABILITY BENDING, SHEAR ANDCOMBINED BENDING AND SHEAR. /FHWA/
Trip Generation Rates for Transportation Impact Analyses of Infill Developments

This report provides an easy-to-apply process for use by transportation professionals when estimating vehicular trip generation in built-up urban areas, incorporating the effects of site-specific, local, and area-wide land use and transportation characteristics on estimates of vehicular trip generation for proposed infill development. This process is based on the development and application of mode share and vehicle occupancy adjustment factors applied to conventional trip generation estimates using rates published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. The study details two ways of deriving the adjustment factors: (1) collecting empirical data from proxy sites located in environments that represent the future context of the project being analyzed; and (2) extracting factors from household travel surveys. The product of this research includes two components: (1) a final report that documents the background, research approach, the development and application of methods to estimate infill trip generation, and a recommended verification approach; and (2) a supplemental technical report that details the application of the household travel survey method. The combination of these two components offers a comprehensive analytical approach and a detailed set of application techniques and requirements to estimate infill development trip generation.
TEAM-CBT and Social Work: Skills to Breakdown Client Resistance and Promote Change in Micro Practice

and Promote Abstracts Social workers often struggle with how to cope with client resistance. This paper provides social workers with additional resources for reducing client resistance, increasing motivation to change, and developing an empathetic alliance with clients by introducing key concepts used in TEAM-CBT. TEAM-CBT was created by David Burn, MD to assist clinicians to identify the source of client resistance, to develop critical empathy skills to foster a healthy therapeutic relationship, and to help the client find their motivation. TEAM stands for testing, empathy, assessment of resistance, and methods. This client-centered approach aligns well with the National Association of Social Work (NASW) values and Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) practice competencies by encouraging evidence-based assessment of treatment, focusing on empathy and client validation to encourage the growth of a strong therapeutic relationship, identifying the client’s strengths that are evident in their resistance, and using client self-determination to assist in the discovery of motivation. The authors critically examine the elements of TEAM-CBT as a mental health intervention approach that is compatible with social work values and the standards for competent social work practice. This critical analysis provides social workers with guidance for empowering clients to change problematic behaviors.
Parent–adolescent interaction quality and adolescent affect—An experience sampling study on effect heterogeneity

Abstract Person–environment interactions might ultimately drive longer term development. This experience sampling study (Data collection: 2019/20 the Netherlands) assessed short‐term linkages between parent–adolescent interaction quality and affect during 2281 interactions of 124 adolescents (M age = 15.80, SD age = 1.69, 59% girls, 92% Dutch, Education: 25% low, 31% middle, 35% high, 9% other). Adolescents reported on parent–adolescent interaction quality (i.e., warmth and conflict) and momentary positive and negative affect five to six times a day, for 14 days. Preregistered dynamic structural equation models (DSEM) revealed within‐family associations between parent–adolescent interaction quality and adolescent affect (concurrently: r = −.22 to .39; lagged effects: ß = −.17 to .15). These effects varied significantly between families. These findings stress the need for more person‐specific research on parenting processes.
Immunophenotypic expression and immunomodulation in minimal residual disease analysis of pediatric B acute lymphoblastic leukemia by high sensitive flow cytometry

Abstract The major challenge in minimal residual disease (MRD) detection is the antigen modulation in post treated samples restraining the use of diagnostic immunophenotypic (IP) signature of leukemic blasts for MRD detection. The IP expression of 10 antigens in 167 children diagnosed as B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in comparison to hematogones and the extent of immunomodulation in 60 post treated MRD positive cases were studied. Upregulation was the predictable shift noted in antigens like CD73, CD86, CD19, CD20 and CD45 which was statistically significant for all except CD45. Downregulation was the predictable shift noted in antigens like CD10, CD38, CD58 and CD34 and was statistically significant in all. CD123 showed no significant trend. This immunomodulation in B-ALL results in aberrant expression of antigens during follow-up compared to the diagnostic phenotypic pattern. Hence it is necessary to be aware of the immunomodulations of antigens used in primary diagnosis to avoid being misled during MRD analysis.
Racial and Ethnic Biases in Computational Approaches to Psychopathology.

1Department of Linguistics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; 2Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; 3Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston/Chicago, IL, USA; 4Department of Psychiatry, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; 5Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; 6Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
What factors interfere with the performance of preschool children in the language subtest of Bayley-III?

ABSTRACT Purpose to verify if the performance of pre-school children born prematurely and at term in the Bayley-III language subtest differs and to identify whether variables gestational age, birth weight, socioeconomic level, and maternal education are determinant in the outcome of language development. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional case-control study in which 36 pre-school children born prematurely and 27 born at term were evaluated concerning language development by the Bayley III subtest. Preschoolers between 18 and 36 months of chronological age were considered; with no syndromes or genetic, sensory, neurological, auditory, or visual impairments; and had not previously undergone speech therapy. Mann-Whitney, Fisher's Exact, and binary logistic regression tests were used for statistical analysis. Results the groups' performance did not differ either by the composite score (p = .701) or by the classification based on the percentile (p = .225). Gestational age, birth weight, and socioeconomic status did not influence the outcome of language development. However, maternal education was significant (p = .014) in the binary logistic regression model, suggesting that the mother having studied until basic education increases the chance of having a child underperforming in the Bayley III language subtest 6.31 times. Conclusion there was no difference between the groups in the Bayley-III language subtest and only maternal education influenced the outcome of language development.
Learning to take risks: the influence of age and experience on risky driving behaviour in the ACT

Risk-taking among young male drivers was investigated from the perspective offered by theories of learning. Group interviews with young drivers living in the ACT were held to determine whether their risky driving behaviours became more frequent during the first year after acquiring a provisional licence, and to investigate the influences that contribute to early occurrences of risk-taking behaviours and the factors that contribute to increases in risk-taking. As predicted, there was evidence to suggest that pragmatic pressures, sensation seeking and modelling of other drivers’ behaviours all contribute to the initiation of some risky behaviours. There was also evidence to suggest that increases in risky driving behaviours were associated with increasing confidence and the extinction of safe behaviours in favour of risky alternatives that are reinforced in a variety of ways. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E211985.
Effectiveness of a Walking Football Program for Middle-Aged and Older Men With Type 2 Diabetes: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Studies on walking football have found positive effects on health; however, there are still several research gaps when applying walking football programs for patients with type 2 diabetes. Objective This study aims to test the effectiveness of a walking football exercise program on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged and older men with type 2 diabetes. Methods The study will be run as a randomized controlled trial with a 6-month duration in Portugal. Eligible participants will be randomized using a 1:1 ratio for intervention or control groups and compared using an intention-to-treat analysis. The intervention will consist of a walking football exercise program. The control group will continue with usual care in primary health care units. The primary outcome will be the mean difference in glycated hemoglobin between intervention and control groups after 6 months. Secondary outcomes include the mean differences in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, fat-free mass, and fat mass. Additionally, secondary outcomes include the incidence of exercise-related injuries and adverse events and the walking football exercise program’s cost-utility. Results The study protocol is being prepared to be submitted to the Health Ethics Committee of the Northern Regional Health Administration, Portugal. After approval, participant recruitment will start in primary health care units in Porto's metropolitan area by family medicine doctors. Conclusions Walking football might have the potential to be effective in improving glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors, with a low rate of exercise-related injuries and adverse events and a good cost-utility ratio. Therefore, walking football may be a sustainable intervention strategy for type 2 diabetes management. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/28554
Assessing food and nutrition literacy in children and adolescents: a systematic review of existing tools

Abstract Objective: Food literacy (FL) and nutrition literacy (NL) are concepts that can help individuals to navigate the current food environment. Building these skills and knowledge at a young age is important for skill retention, confidence in food practices and supporting lifelong healthy eating habits. The objectives of this systematic review were to: (i) identify existing tools that measure FL and NL among children and/or adolescents and (ii) describe the psychometric properties. Design: A 4-phase protocol was used to systematically retrieve articles. The search was performed in May 2021. Study characteristics and psychometric properties were extracted, and a narrative synthesis was used to summarise findings. Risk of bias was assessed using the COSMIN checklist. Setting: Six databases were searched to identify current tools. Participants: Children (2–12 years) and adolescents (13–18 years) participated in this study. Results: Twelve tools were identified. Three tools measured FL, 1 tool measured NL, 4 tools measured both FL and NL, and 4 tools measured subareas of NL—more specifically, critical NL, food label and menu board literacy. Most tools were self-reported, developed based on a theoretical framework and assessed some components of validity and/or reliability for a specific age and ethnic group. The majority of tools targeted older children and adolescents (9–18 years of age), and one tool targeted preschoolers (3–6 years of age). Conclusions: Most widely used definitions of FL and NL do not acknowledge life-stage specific criterion. Continued efforts are needed to develop a comprehensive definition and framework of FL and NL appropriate for children, which will help inform future assessment tools.
Age Differences of the Hierarchical Cognitive Control and the Frontal Rostro–Caudal Functional Brain Activation

Abstract Age-related differences in the functional hierarchical organization of the frontal lobe remain unclear. We adopted task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate age differences in the functional hierarchical organization of the frontal lobe. Behavioral results report both reaction time and efficiency declined as the levels of abstraction increased in the selection of a set of stimulus–response mappings in older adults compared with young adults. fMRI findings suggest trends of the hierarchical organization along the rostro–caudal axis in both groups, and brain–behavior correlation further suggests neural dedifferentiation in older adults when performing at the highest level of control demands experiment. Behavioral performances and age difference overactivations at the highest level of control demands were both associated with working memory capacity, suggesting the working memory capacity is important for processing the highest task demands. Region-of-interest analysis revealed age differences in brain overactivation and common activation across experiments in the primary motor cortex, parietal lobule, and the fusiform gyrus may serve as shared mechanisms underlying tasks that are required for the selection of stimulus–response mapping sets. Overall, older adults reflect maladaptive overactivation in task-irrelevant regions that are detrimental to performance with the highest control demands.