Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kryptochroma: a new genus of bark-dwelling crab spiders (Araneae, Thomisidae)

A recent phylogenetic analysis has shown that the genus Stephanopis comprises several different lineages of bark-dweller crab spiders. The ones with South American distribution that present a close relationship with other Neotropical genera like Epicadus, Onocolus, Rejanellus and Epicadinus were recovered in a single clade, with good support and stability. Here, we present a taxonomic review of Stephanopis species attributed to the ‘pentacantha clade’, proposing the new genus Kryptochroma Machado gen. nov. to accommodate them. New distribution records are provided and the following species are described for the first time: Kryptochroma gigas Machado & Viecelli gen. et sp. nov., Kryptochroma hilaris Machado & Teixeira gen. et sp. nov., Kryptochroma quadrata Machado & Viecelli sp. nov. and Kryptochroma septata Machado & Teixeira sp. nov. The species Stephanopis borgmeyeri is considered a nomen dubium, Stephanopis aheneus is a junior synonym of Epicadus tuberculatus, Stephanopis quimiliensis is transferred to Ulocymus and Stephanopis stelloides is transferred to Epicadus, being Epicadus stelloides the senior synonym of Stephanopis salobrensis, Stephanopis trilobata and Epicadus caudatus.
ParS-independent recruitment of the bacterial chromosome-partitioning protein ParB

The ParABS system plays an essential role in prokaryotic chromosome segregation. After loading at the parS site on the genome, ParB proteins rapidly redistribute to distances of ~15 kb away from the loading site. It has remained puzzling how this large-distance spreading can occur along DNA that is loaded with hundreds of proteins. Using single-molecule in vitro visualization, we here show that, unexpectedly, ParB can load onto DNA independently and distantly of parS, whereby loaded ParB molecules are themselves able to recruit additional ParB proteins from bulk. Strikingly, this recruitment can occur in-cis but also in-trans whereby, at low tensions within the DNA, newly recruited ParB can bypass roadblocks as it gets loaded to spatially proximal but genomically distant DNA regions. The data are supported by Molecular Dynamics simulations which also show that cooperative ParB-ParB recruitment enhances spreading. ParS-independent recruitment explains how ParB can cover substantial genomic distance during chromosome segregation which is vital for the bacterial cell cycle.
Resonance absorption in single and cascaded lossy waveguide‐dielectric resonators

An approximate theory of lossy waveguide‐dielectric resonators (WDRs) is developed. The theory is based on a search for the resonator's natural oscillations providing the required ratio between the radiation and intrinsic Q factors. This allows us to predict and control the level of absorbed power by changing the oscillation coupling or loss coefficient. The theory's limitations and validity are verified by a comparison with the exact numerical results obtained for the resonators, which are formed by rectangular dielectric posts and partially filled H‐plane stubs in a rectangular waveguide. Potential applications of the developed theory for the design of narrowband absorption filters are demonstrated. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 36: 122–126, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10694
Updated norms of the MOS-SF36 in the young French population

Background The SF-36 is a generic quality of life questionnaire, massively translated and widely used to obtain physical and mental health status. However, validation work in the French language was carried out over a generation ago. The objective of this study was to obtain the norms of the SF-36 in the French young population. Method The sample consisted of 1134 non-pre-screened French people aged between 18 and 39 years. Results The internal consistencies of the scales were high and the metrics associated with the factor structure were satisfactory. In general, women presented significantly higher scores than men. Conclusion Our results suggest that the SF-36 remains a reliable tool for studying quality of life in the young French population.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Initial Experience Evaluating Patients Satisfaction and Oncological Safety in a Tertiary Care Centre in Jordan

Introduction Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM), a procedure involving careful dissection of the breast tissue whilst keeping the nipple-areola complex (NAC) intact, is now increasingly practiced amongst surgeons in the treatment of certain situations of breast cancer. Given the importance of breasts to the female body image, this type of conservative breast surgery takes into account patient satisfaction and overall cosmesis, whilst ensuring appropriate oncological safety. Methods and results Four nipple-sparing mastectomy procedures were performed in our tertiary care centre, Princess Basma Teaching Hospital, in Jordan between June and September 2019. Indications for these procedures included invasive ductal carcinoma, malignant phyllodes, and high-grade ductal carcinoma in-situ. Patients were carefully assessed prior to surgical intervention using radiological imaging, ensuring a distance from NAC of >2 cm in all cases. Procedures were performed successfully with minimal intraoperative and no post-operative complications. Follow-up was carried out at 24 months, with no cases of local or distant post-operative recurrence, and patient satisfaction was qualitatively measured with the use of a BREAST-Q questionnaire. The questionnaire demonstrated improved overall physical well-being and satisfaction with an average overall post-operative physical well-being of 97%. Conclusion Following nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate submuscular reconstruction with silicone implants,patients demonstrated high levels of satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) as measured by BREAST-Q survey. Two years of follow-up confirmed high patient satisfaction with increased scores from the preoperative baseline level.
Evaluation of the Surgical Outcomes of Breast Oncoplastic Techniques Carried Out by a General Surgical Oncologist

Background With recent advances in different breast cancer treatment modalities, breast conservation surgery (BCS) has gained popularity and has become the mainstay for the treatment of early breast cancer. The model of dedicated breast surgeons working in breast units is standard in some but not all countries. We have aimed to define surgical outcomes of oncoplastic breast surgery carried out by one general surgical oncologist. Patients and methods We have conducted a prospective non-randomised case series analysis to assess the oncologic and aesthetic outcome of tissue displacement oncoplastic breast techniques in managing unifocal early-stage breast cancer from January 2019 to January 2020. One surgical oncologist with 23 years of surgical oncology experience carried out all operations. Results We have included 50 female patients treated with variant oncoplastic volume displacement techniques. We have used the round block technique in 20%, the batwing technique in 18%, lateral mammoplasty in 20%, and medial mammoplasty in 2%. We have also carried out wise pattern therapeutic mammoplasty with inferior pedicle in 20% (10 patients), and vertical mammoplasty with superior pedicle in 20% (10 patients). While 8% of our patients had Clavien-Dindo system grade I Immediate complications, including the surgical site infection and postoperative seroma and haematoma, 2% of patients had grade II complications in the form of partial areola and nipple complex necrosis leading to delayed wound healing requiring secondary suturing. No delayed complications or mortalities were recorded. Eight per cent of patients required re-excision to clear margins, 74% had excellent results, 24% had good results, and 2% had fair results. In addition, 64% were very satisfied with their results, 32% were satisfied, while 4% were not satisfied with aesthetic results. Conclusion Based on our limited number of patients, we have found that tissue displacement oncoplastic techniques carried out by a general surgical oncologist are safe and reliable in providing satisfactory oncological outcomes with a low risk of delaying adjuvant therapy and acceptable aesthetic outcomes.
Reactive force field-based molecular dynamics simulation of the interaction between plasma reactive oxygen species and the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein in the capsid protein of SARS-CoV-2

Under the pressures of the current global pandemic, researchers have been working hard to find a reliable way to suppress infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Studies have shown that the recognition and binding of human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 by the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 is a crucial step in viral invasion of human receptor cells, and blocking this process could inhibit the virus from invading normal human cells. Plasma treatment can disrupt the structure of the RBD and effectively block the binding process. However, the mechanism by which plasma blocks recognition and binding is not clear. In this study, the reaction between reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plasma and a molecular model of the RBD was simulated using a reactive molecular dynamics method. The results showed that the destruction of the RBD by ROS was triggered by hydrogen abstraction reactions: O and OH abstracted H atoms from the RBD, while the H atoms of H2O2 and HO2 were abstracted by the RBD. This hydrogen abstraction resulted in the breakage of C–H, N–H, O–H and C=O bonds and the formation of C=C and C=N bonds. The addition reaction of OH increased the number of O–H bonds and caused the formation of C–O, N–O and O–H bonds. The dissociation of N–H bonds led to the destruction of the original peptide bond structure and amino acid residues, changed the type of amino acid residues and caused the conversion of N–C and N=C and C=O and C–O. The simulation partially elucidated the microscopic mechanism of the interaction between ROS in plasma and the capsid protein of SARS-CoV-2, providing theoretical support for the control of SARS-CoV-2 infection by plasma, a contribution to overcoming the global pandemic.
Implementation of The Tri Hita Karana Culture In Delone And Mclean Models To Assess The Success of Using Accounting Information Systems

The success of information systems (IS) is illustrated by the satisfaction felt by IS users, or it can be described by the continuous use of information systems by users. Organizational culture is one of the important things in determining the success of information systems (Romi, 2011: 47). The theoretical model of this research is using the DeLone and McLean model. The purpose of this study is to test and obtain empirical evidence of the effect of the implementation of the Tri Hita Karana culture on the DeLone and McLean model in assessing the success of the use of accounting information systems in BPR Denpasar City. The sampling method used is m
Detonation shock dynamics calibration for pBX 9502 with temperature, density, and material lot variations

We present a methodology for scaling the detonation shock dynamics D{sub n}[{kappa}] calibration function to accommodate variations in the HE starting material. We apply our model to the insensitive TATB-based explosive PBX 9502, for which we have enough front curvature rate stick data to characterize three material attributes: initial temperature T{sub 0}, nominal density {rho}{sub 0}, and manufacturing lot (representing different microstructures). A useful feature of the model is that it returns an absolute estimate for the reaction zone thickness, {delta}. Lacking demonstrated material metrics(s), we express microstructural variation indirectly, in terms of its effect on {delta}. This results in a D{sub n}[{kappa}] function that depends on T{sub 0}, {rho}{sub 0}, and {delta}. After examining the separate effects of each parameter on D{sub n}[{kappa}], we compute an arc geometry as a validation problem. We compare the calculation to a PBX 9502 arc experiment that was pressed from one of the calibrated HE lots. The agreement between the model and experiment is excellent. We compute worst, nominal, and best-performing material parameter combinations to show how much difference accrues throughout the arc.
CEO Turnover and the Engagement Quality Reviewer’s Audit Effort

Previous literature on the engagement quality (EQ) review argues that EQ reviewers should provide more efforts into the review process when fieldwork auditors’ judgments and conclusions on the financial statements are potentially biased. Little empirical study has been done, however, partly due to the confidentiality of the detailed data on EQ reviewers’ audit hours. The purpose of the article is to shed light on the existing literature by conducting an empirical investigation using a unique actual data set available in Korea. The results show that the EQ review hours are positively associated with CEO turnovers, a proxy for the audit risk, which supports the prediction of the theory on the EQ review. Additional analyses show that such results are stronger under (a) the upward earnings management and (b) the forced CEO turnover. The article extends the existing literature on the EQ review process and enhances the understanding of the engagement-level quality control in the volatile audit environment by providing empirical evidence to the analytic discussions on the EQ review.
Cryptography in Hierarchical Coded Caching: System Model and Cost Analysis

The idea behind network caching is to reduce network traffic during peak hours via transmitting frequently-requested content items to end users during off-peak hours. However, due to limited cache sizes and unpredictable access patterns, this might not totally eliminate the need for data transmission during peak hours. Coded caching was introduced to further reduce the peak hour traffic. The idea of coded caching is based on sending coded content which can be decoded in different ways by different users. This allows the server to service multiple requests by transmitting a single content item. Research works regarding coded caching traditionally adopt a simple network topology consisting of a single server, a single hub, a shared link connecting the server to the hub, and private links which connect the users to the hub. Building on the results of Sengupta et al. (IEEE Trans. Inf. Forensics Secur., 2015), we propose and evaluate a yet more complex system model that takes into consideration both throughput and security via combining the mentioned ideas. It is demonstrated that the achievable rates in the proposed model are within a constant multiplicative and additive gap with the minimum secure rates.
Measuring Passenger’s Perceptions of Taxi Service Quality with Weighted SERVPERF

To know passenger’s real needs of taxi service quality, operator and regulator are seeking a proper method that can represent passengers’ opinions accurately. In this paper, a weighted SERVPERF model was expressed to assess taxi service quality of Hangzhou, China. All 22 items were divided into five dimensions including tangibles, assurance, reliability, responsiveness, and empathy. Importance and performance of five dimensions were calculated. Authors found that assurance had the highest point and responsiveness had the lowest point in performance appraisal, reliability had the highest point and empathy had the lowest point in importance appraisal. Passenger’s characteristics are unrelated with service quality appraisal indicate that there are not personalized needs for taxi service.
On the equivalence between Flight Director algorithms and Flight Path predictors in aircraft guidance

A common approach to reduce pilot workload and improve path-following performance is to provide the pilot with display augmentation. This can be in the form of flight directo r bars or by means a flight path predictor symbol. Although both means of display augmentation have in the past been treated as two different types of display augmentation, this paper will show that from control theoretic point of view they are alike. Moreover the paper suggests a new criterion for selection of the optimal pilot gain in conjunction to the prediction time of the flight path predictor. The previous criterion, define d in the time domain, was based on an offset correction task. This showed to be highly correlated to the initial of fset and can therefore not be considered representative for track following. The advantage of the new criterium, defined in the frequency domain, is that it is based on the task of path following.
Effect of Teachers’ Corrective Feedback on Learners’ Oral Accuracy in English Speaking Lessons

Corrective feedback plays a vital role in contributing to the success of English language teaching and learning at all levels owing to its essential functions in developing learners’ English capacity. However, the ongoing debate on how effective corrective feedback is still remains controversial among educational scholars. This empirical study examined the effects of teachers’ corrective feedback on learners’ English oral accuracy at a higher education institution. The study used a before-and-after approach with the involvement of 47 law major sophomores at lower intermediate level who were divided into control and experimental groups. Specifically, the experimental group included two batches, including 16 participants companions receiving the explicit correction and metalinguistic feedback, and 15 learners provided with recast and clarification requests. In addition, there were 16 participants in the control group who were given no form of corrective feedback during English speaking lessons. The results indicate that the efficacy of corrective feedback is clearly acknowledged thanks to the contrastive analysis of the outcome in the learners' performance on the post-tests. In particular, the results of the explicit corrective feedback slightly outweighed the results of the control group receiving implicit feedback in terms of improving learners’ accurate usage of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. The findings emphasise the importance of teachers’ corrective feedback in helping students improve their English competency.
Development of a 3D Semi-Automatic Measurement Protocol for Hand Anthropometric Measurement

Measurement protocols for hand anthropometry have been studied for ergonomic product design. The present study developed a 3D semi-automatic measurement protocol (3D-SAMP) which semi-automatically measures various hand dimensions using a 3D scanner. The 3D-SAMP was compared with the conventional direct measurement protocol (DMP) to examine its effectiveness. The 3D-SAMP consists of (1) fabricating a plaster cast of the hand, (2) placing landmarks on the plaster hand, (3) scanning the plaster hand with a 3D scanner, (4) automatically identifying the positions of the landmarks on the digital hand, and (5) automatically extracting hand anthropometric measurements (lengths, widths, thicknesses, and circumferences). An evaluation experiment was conducted and found the 3D-SAMP preferred to the DMP in terms of reliability, efficiency, and ease of measurement.
Home broadband and student engagement during COVID-19 emergency remote teaching

ABSTRACT During the academic year 2019–2020, school buildings worldwide closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating a rapid shift to distance education. This study assessed the influence of high-speed broadband availability on student engagement with distance learning during this period in Ireland. Employing data from a representative sample of 206 secondary schools, student engagement as perceived by school principals was estimated to have been more adversely affected among schools located in areas with lower coverage of high-speed broadband. This may be partly explained by a lower probability of poorer student engagement among schools that deployed live online video teaching. While the costs and benefits must be considered, these findings may support the case for government intervention to provide greater equity in access to high-speed broadband. Where distance learning is required in future, secondary teachers should be supported in the use of live online teaching to better foster student engagement.
Changes in Anticipatory VtoV Coarticulation in French during Adulthood

In this study, we test whether anticipatory Vowel-to-Vowel coarticulation varies with age in the speech of 246 adult French speakers aged between 20 and 93. The relationship between coarticulation and the known age-related change in speech rate is also investigated. The results show a gradual decrease in the amount of coarticulation for speakers from 20 to mid-50s, followed by a more abrupt decrease for speakers older than 70. For speakers in between, diverse coarticulation profiles emerge. Speech rate is also found to evolve from early to late adulthood and not only for older speakers; it shows a gradual decrease for speakers up to mid-50s and a more abrupt deceleration afterwards. Yet, the relationship between rate and coarticulation is not linear; it appears stronger for the younger speakers, with faster speakers coarticulating more, than for the adults over 70 y.o. a. Results are discussed in relation to possible changes in the parametrization and coordination of speech units at different ages.
Estrogen Receptor β Participates in Alternariol-Induced Oxidative Stress in Normal Prostate Epithelial Cells

Alternaria toxins are considered as emerging mycotoxins, however their toxicity has not been fully evaluated in humans. Alternariol (AOH), the most prevalent Alternaria mycotoxin, was previously reported to be genotoxic and to affect hormonal balance in cells; however, its direct molecular mechanism is not known. The imbalance in androgen/estrogen ratio as well as chronic inflammation are postulated as factors in prostate diseases. The environmental agents affecting the hormonal balance might participate in prostate carcinogenesis. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of two doses of AOH on prostate epithelial cells. We observed that AOH in a dose of 10 µM induces oxidative stress, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest and that this effect is partially mediated by estrogen receptor β (ERβ) whereas the lower tested dose of AOH (0.1 µM) induces only oxidative stress in cells. The modulation of nuclear erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was observed in response to the higher dose of AOH. The use of selective estrogen receptor β (ERβ) inhibitor PHTPP revealed that AOH-induced oxidative stress in both tested doses is partially dependent on activation of ERβ, but lack of its activation did not protect cells against AOH-induced ROS production or DNA-damaging effect in case of higher dose of AOH (10 µM). Taken together, this is the first study reporting that AOH might affect basic processes in normal prostate epithelial cells associated with benign and malignant changes in prostate tissue.
New dynamic scanning force microscopes using piezoelectric PZT microcantilevers

Piezoelectric cantilevers have made it possible to build new scanning force microscopes (SFMs) which are simple, compact and easy to operate, because they have self-sensing, self-exciting and self-deflection controlling abilities. Specifically, since they can directly be excited by applying ac voltage to the piezoelectric layer, new types of dynamic SFMs are expected to be developed using them. In this paper, we describe a new dynamic SFM in liquid and a new dynamic contact mode SFM using piezoelectric microcantilevers with sol-gel derived PZT thin film.