Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of casting position and disturbance induced by reinforcement on the structural concrete strength

It is well known that control specimens used to assess the concrete strength of new structures have different casting and curing conditions than those of actual structures. Notably, after pouring of the concrete and before its hardening, a number of phenomena such as concrete bleeding and plastic settlement occur, influencing the in‐situ strength with respect to that of small and homogeneous control specimens (cubes or cylinders). In addition, the development of these phenomena and their structural implications are influenced by the presence of reinforcing bars, disturbing the settlement and bleeding of fresh concrete. In this paper, these aspects, with particular emphasis on the effective structural strength, are investigated by means of a testing program performed with refined measurement techniques such as tomography and Digital Image Correlation. On that basis, consistent design rules are derived to correct the strength of control specimens in order to calculate the resistance of a structural concrete member.
Melatonin Binding Sites in the Goldfish Retina

Abstract Melatonin binding sites in the goldfish retina were characterized by radioreceptor assay using 2-[125|]iodomelatonin as the radioligand. The specific binding to goldfish retinal membranes is rapid, stable, saturable and reversible. Saturation studies demonstrated that 2-[125|]iodomelatonin binds to a single class of sites with an affinity constant (Kd) of 61.9 ± 5.7 pM, a total binding capacity (Bmax) of 6.52 ± 0.79 fmol/mg protein and Hill coefficients (nH) of 1.07 ± 0.03 (mean ± SEM, n = 6). Competition experiments with various indoles and neurotransmitters revealed the following order of affinities: 2-iodomelatonin > melatonin > 6-hydroxymelatonin > 5-methoxytryptamine = N-acetylserotonin > 5-methoxytryptophol. The other indoles and neurotransmitters tested were much less effective. The order resembles with those reported for the goldfish brain and the ML-1 subtype melatonin receptors in vertebrates. Co-incubation of retinal membranes with a non-hydrolyzable GTP analog, guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate), significantly reduced the specific binding. These results suggest that in the goldfish, ocular melatonin plays neuromodulatory roles in the retina via G protein-coupled melatonin receptors with picomolar affinity.
Multilocus molecular systematics and evolution in time and space of Calligrapha (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Chrysomelinae)

Calligrapha (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a genus with species present in most of the American continent, from the Arctic polar circle to the Pampas in Argentina. In its current concept, the genus comprises some 80 species, but the diagnosis of the genus is problematic, based on a combination of potentially symplesiomorphic character states. In this study, we investigate the largest taxonomic sample of Calligrapha diversity to date (43 species) using a phylogenetic perspective based on more than 6000 molecular characters from eight genes (four mitochondrial and four nuclear) for a systematic evaluation of the genus. The analyses also include thirteen species in the closely related Zygospila (currently a subgenus of Zygogramma) to assist the systematic delimitation of Calligrapha. Partitioned and total evidence phylogenetic trees were additionally used for molecular clock analyses and dating based on standard mtDNA evolutionary rates, and for likelihood‐based inference of ancestral areas. Calligrapha and Zygospila are reciprocally paraphyletic, and our interpretation of taxonomic stability merges both taxa into a larger genus Calligrapha which plausibly originated in the dry steppes of southern North America in the Late Miocene. The genus includes a minimum of five strongly supported lineages which initially diversified in the Pliocene, fully congruent with expectations from morphology, but of uncertain mutual relationships. Only two of these lineages dispersed to South America: the group of C. polyspila right at the time of the final closure of the Isthmus of Panama in the Early Pliocene and the group of C. argus only in recent times, well in the Pleistocene. The most species‐rich lineage of Calligrapha, associated to trees and shrubs typical of riverine and lacustrine environments (as opposed to herbaceous steppe plants, generally Malvaceae and Asteraceae, for most other groups) diversified and spread in North America in the Late Pliocene. The ecological shift to a stable habitat spreading in the continent due to climate change is hypothesized as one possible explanation for the evolutionary success of this group.
Capital Structure in Emerging Markets: Evidence from China

Although corporate capital structure has been intriguing to scientists for a number of years, very little research has been conducted on the topic for companies in emerging markets. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of capital structure using a sample of 195 non-financial firms from emerging markets in 2012-2016. The inclusion of a specific dataset from Chinese companies lends vital focus to this investigation and provides crucial ballast for the investigative function. The final sample contains data on 57 China companies and 90 other companies of emerging markets. Our article focusses on identifying the determinants of capital structure of Chinese companies in comparison with companies of other BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India), and sets out a series of hypotheses concerning capital structure with domestic and international variables. We compare and contrast our data using a series of custom evaluation models based on linear regressions. The results confirm positive impact of tangibility on total debt ratio due to a high share of capital-intensive industries in the sample. It is revealed that growth rates and firm size have positive impacts on financial leverage in Chinese companies as compared to other BRIC countries, and these effects are stronger in capital-intensive industries. We illustrate how a strong negative impact of ROA has increased in recent years, and connect this phenomenon to a considerable decrease in lending rates following a large-scale stimulus program which encouraged Chinese companies to borrow money instead of relying on retained earnings. The presence of the Chinese state in the ownership structure of companies is revealed to be significant for the majority of Chinese companies, especially for the oil and gas and metallurgical sectors. Our conclusions highlight the importance of government policies and special market conditions in explaining the financing behaviour of companies in emerging countries like China. While capital structure choice varies significantly across industries, nevertheless the differences between Chinese and other BRIC companies reflect the differences in the institutional structure of financing mechanisms in countries. This research and evaluation is especially timely considering the increased focus on Chinese commercial exposure on the world stage, a tendency which is bound to increase research interest in the near future across a range of disciplines. As such, our study and our broad range of conclusions will prove invaluable for students, researchers, policymakers, and decision makers in business, commerce, politics and academia at all levels.
Goodness-of-fit tests for the logistic location family

We construct two U-empirical tests for the logistic location family which are based on appropriate characterization of this family using independent exponential shifts. We study the limiting distributions and local Bahadur efficiency of corresponding test statistics under close alternatives. It turns out that the present tests are considerably more efficient than the recently proposed similar tests based on another characterization. The efficiency calculations are accompanied by the simulation of power for new tests together with the previous ones.Both efficiency and power turn out to be very high. Finally we consider the application of our tests to real data example.
Teaching diversity, cultural competency, and globalization to American public affairs students: Integrating comparative approaches to public administration and policy

Diversity, cultural competency, and global awareness are three broad and mutually reinforcing conceptual themes in the literature of American public affairs education that are rarely implicitly interconnected. A primary challenge has concerned how to teach these themes, either separately or in unison, when designing courses and curricula to satisfy professional standards. This article first explores how broad conceptual themes can be practically transformed into course learning objectives on which assignments may be based. Second, this article explores how comparative public administration and policy may be utilized as a venue for drawing analytical connections across the three themes to promote higher levels of critical thinking. Although comparative approaches have historically been grounded in research-focused studies, pedagogical development of the field holds significant promise in training public administrators to better understand the intricacies of different cultures, nations, governments, and policies as a facet of learning and job performance. This article illustrates several assignment examples of how comparative analysis may be integrated as a pedagogical strategy in teaching American public affairs students the complexities of public service in the diverse and multicultural world of the 21st century.
Getting respect: How minority boxers build a hybrid masculinity in a French Banlieue

Abstract Based on an ethnographic study using participant observations and interviews in a Thai boxing gym in a marginalized urban area in France, this article explores the modes of masculine socialization of young, minority boxers from the lower classes. The study’s findings demonstrate that while boxers embrace a “marginalized” masculinity, they also increasingly develop a “respectable” form of masculinity. This study illustrates a case in which minority youths from marginalized urban areas build not only one deviant masculinity but also different types of masculinities that become hybrid. This process of gender construction both reinforces and challenges “traditional” masculinity among marginalized social groups.
Decoding Stimulus–Response Representations and Their Stability Using EEG-Based Multivariate Pattern Analysis

Abstract Goal-directed actions require proper associations between stimuli and response. This has been delineated by cognitive theory, for example, in the theory of event coding framework, which proposes that event files represent such bindings. Yet, how such event file representations are coded on a neurophysiological level is unknown. We close this gap combining temporal electroencephalography (EEG) signal decomposition methods and multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA). We show that undecomposed neurophysiological data is unsuitable to decode event file representations because different aspects of information coded in the neurophysiological signal reveal distinct and partly opposed dynamics in the representational content. This is confirmed by applying MVPA to temporal decomposed EEG data. After intermixed aspects of information in the EEG during response selection have been separated, a reliable examination of the event file’s representational content and its temporal stability was possible. We show that representations of stimulus–response bindings are activated and decay in a gradual manner and that event file representations resemble distributed neural activity. Especially representations of stimulus–response bindings, as well as stimulus-related representations, are coded and reveal temporal stability. Purely motor-related representations are not found in neurophysiological signals during event coding.
A comparison of a rising-plate meter and an electronic capacitance meter for estimating the yield of pastures grazed by dairy cows

The performances of a rising-plate meter and a single-probe electronic capacitance meter were compared for estimating the herbage mass of irrigated pastures both before and after grazing by dairy cows. Mean CV for the rising plate meter and the single-probe meter were 12.7% and 13.3% respectively when herbage mass was measured before grazing, and 21.8% and 15.4% respectively immediately after grazing. These coefficients of variation indicate that while the performance of the two meters was similar when herbage mass was measured before grazing, the single-probe meter was a more precise instrument for estimating herbage mass after grazing. Trampling of herbage prior to measurement had a major effect on the regressions of both meters; the regression intercept was increased by 2800 kg dry matter (DM) ha−1 for the rising-plate meter and by 2580 kg DM ha−1 for the single-probe meter. The slopes of the graphs, however, remained unchanged. It was concluded that while the single-probe meter performed better than the rising-plate meter for estimating the mass of post-grazing herbage when trampling was negligible, the large effect that trampling had on the post-grazing calibration regressions precluded both instruments from general use in dairy cattle research. This indicates that another technique is required in circumstances in which pastures are heavily trampled.
ROS1-fusion protein induces PD-L1 expression via MEK-ERK activation in non-small cell lung cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction Despite some of the oncogenic driver mutations that have been associated with increased expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), the correlation between PD-L1 expression and ROS1 fusion in NSCLC cells, especially for those with Crizotinib resistance has not been fully addressed. Materials and Methods The expression of PD-L1 in 30 primary NSCLC tumors with/without ROS1-fusion protein was evaluated by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. To assess the correlation between ROS1 fusion and PD-L1 expression, we down-regulated ROS1 with RNA interference or specific inhibitor (Crizotinib) in ROS1-fusion positive NSCLC cell line HCC78; or up-regulate ROS1-fusion gene in an immortalized human bronchial epithelial cell line (HBE). Mouse xenograft models were also used to determine the effect of ROS1 expression on PD-L1 expression in vivo. Crizotinib-resistant cell line was generated for measuring the association between Crizotinib resistance and PD-L1 expression. Results ROS1-rearrangement in primary NSCLC tumor was significantly associated with up-regulated PD-L1 expression. PD-L1 expression was significantly up-regulated in bronchial epithelial cells after forced expression of ROS1 fusion and was eliminated when HCC78 xenograft mouse models were treated with Crizotinib. We found PD-L1 expression was modulated by MEK-ERK pathway signaling in both parental and Crizotinib-resistant NSCLC cells with ROS1 fusion. Conclusions The correlation between ROS1-fusion and PD-L1 overexpression suggested that PD-L1/PD-1 blockade could be the second-line treatment option for the Crizotinib-resistant NSCLC with ROS1 rearrangement.
Enhancing Unsupervised Natural Language Grounding through Explicit Teaching

—In this paper, a grounding framework is proposed that combines unsupervised and supervised grounding by extending an unsupervised grounding model with a mechanism to learn from explicit human teaching. To investigate whether explicit teaching improves the sample efﬁciency of the original model, both models are evaluated through an interaction experiment between a human tutor and a robot in which synonymous shape, color, and action words are grounded through geometric object characteristics, color histograms
Early Carboniferous Gastropoda from the Tamworth Belt, New South Wales, Australia

Rich faunas of minute, Early Carboniferous gastropods, elegantly preserved as chloritic replacements, are documented from the Rangari Limestone Member of the Tulcumba Sandstone (early to middle Tournaisian), the Namoi Formation (middle to late Tournaisian), the Dangarfield Formation (late Tournaisian) and the uppermost part of the Kyndalyn Mudstone Member of the Merlewood Formation (middle or late Visean) of eastern New South Wales. Seven new genera Campbellospira, Globobulimorpha, Microcochlis, Kyndalynia, Palaeoalvania, Kimina and Pseudoaclisina are proposed. Of the 79 gastropod species (referable to 47 genera and subgenera), 40 are described as new: Euphemites pustula, Cymbularia carinata, Bellerophon (Bellerophon) kyndalynensis, Bellerophon (B.) swainsensis, Knightites (Retispira) multilirata, Knightites (R.) triangularis, Straparollus brevis, Serpulospira scalariformis, Platyschisma lingua, Platyschisma vitrea, Angyomphalus radianodosa, Eotomaria umbilicata, Campbellospira conica, Glabrocingulum pustulum, Hesperiella elongata, Hesperiella planorbis, Agnesia reticulata, Worthenia crenilunula, Gyronema nacre/ormis, Rhabdotocochlis turgida, Naticopsis (Naticopsis) minuta, Palaeozygopleura obesa, Pseudozygopleura gracilis, Leptozyga costata, Ceraunocochlis australis, Ceraunocochlis tenuis, Strobeus ovalis, Girtyspira inflata, Globobulimorpha costata, Microcochlis parva, Eucochlis depressa, Eucochlis umbiliparva, Kyndalynia inflata, Kimina australis, Kimina minor, Kimina globosa, Pseudoaclisina microspirulata, Palaeoalvania talenti, Donaldina minutissima, Streptacis gundyensis. Seventeen additional forms are discriminated but because of bad preservation or dearth of material they are not named. Campbellospira, characterised by a planktotrophic protoconch with a selenizone and long slit is assigned to Pleurotomarioidea. Globobulimorpha, an unusual globular fusiform shell with a columellar fold and deviated protoconch is tentatively assigned to Subulitoidea. Kimina and Palaeoalvania are placed in Order Heterogastropoda. Aclisina turgida Yoo is made the basis of a new genus Pseudoaclisina and transferred from Murchisonioidea to Order Heterogastropoda. Stegocoelia is transferred from Murchisonioidea to Loxonematoidea. It is not possible at present to place three genera, Microcochlis, Kyndalynia and Eucochlis in any existing Order.
Formation of cyclic deoxyguanosine adducts from ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids under oxidative conditions

The discovery of the cyclic 1,N2-propanodeoxyguanosine adducts of acrolein (Acr), crotonaldehyde (Cro), and t-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) as endogenous DNA lesions from lipid peroxidation has raised questions regarding the role of different types of fatty acids as sources for their formation. In this study, we carried out reactions at pH 7 and 37 °C with deoxyguanosine 5‘-monophosphate and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), linolenic acid (LNA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); or ω-6 PUFAs, including linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA), each in the presence of ferrous sulfate. The formation of Acr, Cro, and HNE-derived 1,N2-propanodeoxyguanosine adducts (Acr-, Cro-, and HNE-dG) in the incubation mixture was determined by reversed-phase HPLC analysis. The results showed that Acr and Cro adducts are primarily derived from ω-3 PUFAs, although Acr adducts are also formed, to a lesser extent, from oxidized AA and LA. HNE-dG adducts were detected exclusively i.
Evaluation of different protein sources for aquafeeds by an optimised pH‐stat system

This paper presents the results of some experiments oriented to optimise and standardise the measurement of protein hydrolysis by fish proteases using the pH-stat technique. Various factors affecting the degree of hydrolysis (DH) were considered (autohydrolysis of the protein sources, type of enzymes utilised, substrate/enzyme ratio and effect of inhibitors). The crude extracts obtained from fish digestive tissues showed their suitability for the determination of protein hydrolysis, rendering better results than those obtained using mixtures of commercial enzymes. DH values for a given protein were greatly affected by the substrate/enzyme ratio, since small modifications in protein concentration resulted in significant variations in DH. Protease inhibitors present in various plant protein sources produced a reduction in DH values. Cet article presente les resultats de quelques experimentations menees pour optimiser et normaliser la mesure de l'hydrolyse des proteines par les proteases de poissons en utilisant une technique de pH stat. Differents facteurs affectant la degre d'hydrolyse sont consideres: autohydrolyse des sources de proteines, type d'enzyme utilise, ratio substrat/enzyme et effet des inhibiteurs.
Determining Factors of Cloud Computing Adoption: A Study of Indonesian Local Government Employees

Research aims: This study aims to identify the factors that influence the Indonesian local government employees to adopt cloud computing. Design/Methodology/Approach: A Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) theory were employed to identify these factors. Research data were obtained using an online survey of employees, working in local governments in Indonesia. This study obtained 123 responses, which were then processed utilizing the structural equation modeling approach. Research findings: The results showed that Performance Expectations, Business Expectations, and Perception of Availability had a positive effect on the intention of local government employees to use cloud computing. Theoretical contribution/ Originality: This study expanded the UTAUT model by including security factors. Thus, creating a new cloud computing adoption model contributed to a theoretical finding in the context of government cloud computing adoption. Practitioner/Policy implication: The results of this study make practical contributions to cloud computing service providers in order to understand what factors drive the adoption of cloud computing by local government employees. In addition, the study also helps the top management in local government organizations to develop adoption strategies by understanding the influential determinants of cloud computing adoption on their employees. Research limitation/Implication: The context of this study is restricted to Indonesian local government employees. The local government employees have their characteristics, and it is different from other government employees in the central government.
Dry matter partitioning in groundnut exposed to high temperature stress

The yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown in West African environments is often limited by high temperatures. We tested whether or not differences in the tolerance of groundnut genotypes to high temperature episodes are due to genotypic differences in the rates of dry matter partitioning to yield. A high temperature tolerant (HIT) and a high temperature sensitive (HTS) genotype were grown in a polyethylene-covered greenhouse (polytunnel) at 30/25°C (day/ night) until after the start of pegging (49 d after planting, DAP). Then, cohorts of each genotype were exposed for 6 d to four different constant day temperatures between 30 and 50°C before returning to the common environment until harvest maturity (98 DAP). Total plant biomass and seed yield at 98 DAP were reduced by the hottest temperature episodes and were less in the HTS compared with the HIT genotype. Proportional reduction in biomass and seed yield due to high temperature stress was greater in the HTS than the HTT genotype. The root/total biomass ratio declined more rapidly after flowering in the HTS compared with the HTT genotype. The start of seed-filling was delayed by progressively hotter temperature episodes and was 11.7 d later in the HTS than the HTT genotype. However, the rate of increase in seed harvest index during seed filling was 0.0068 d -1 for both genotypes and was not affected by high temperature stress. We conclude that genotypic differences in the response of groundnut yield to episodes of high temperature stress were due to differences in the timing of seed filling rather than to genotypic differences in the rate of dry matter partitioning to fruits.