Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between CEO Psychological Biases, Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility

Despite that the relationship between corporate social responsibility activities and real estate operations seems relevant, only some studies have been conducted to explore the reasons that drive these activities in real estate companies. This work presents the relationship between CEO personality traits and corporate social responsibility (CSR) and shows whether corporate governance (CG) practices mitigate or enhance this relationship. This study uses a sample of 420 firm-year-observations using a sample of European real estate firms indexed on Stoxx Europe 600 Index from 2010 to 2019. To test the developed hypotheses, feasible generalized least square (FGLS) regression is applied. The results show that increased confidence in CEOs is an important factor in determining corporate incentives to undertake social responsibility activities. In addition, it has been shown that effective corporate governance practices lead significantly to moderate CEO behavior with regard to corporate social responsibility sharing. Since corporate governance can have a significant impact on CEOs’ behavior in relation to corporate social responsibility, the author recommends firms to improve corporate governance in listed European real estate companies.
Atomistic simulations of dynamic interaction between grain boundaries and solute clusters

Microstructure evolution during material processing is determined by a number of factors, such as the kinetics of grain boundary migration in the presence of impurities, which can take form of solid solution, second-phase precipitates or clusters. The dynamic interaction between grain boundaries and clusters has not been explored. In this work, a variety of simulation tools are utilized to approach this problem from an atomistic perspective. Atomistic simulations are first implemented to explore the parameter space of the solute drag problem, i.e. grain boundary migration in a binary ideal solid solution system, via a kinetic Monte Carlo framework. Depending on their diffusivity, solute atoms are capable of modifying the structure of a migrating boundary, leading to a diffusion-dependent drag pressure. A phenomenological model adapted from the Cahn model is proposed to explain the simulation results. The interaction between clusters and a migrating grain boundary is studied next using molecular dynamics simulations. The iron helium (Fe-He) system is chosen as the object of the study. A preliminary step towards such a study is to investigate the grain boundary migration in pure bcc Fe. An emphasis is placed upon demonstrating the correlation between the migration of curved and planar boundaries. Evidence that verifies such a correlation is established, based on the analyses on the shapes, the kinetics and the migration mechanism of both types of boundaries. Next, the formation of He clusters in the bulk and grain boundaries of Fe is examined. The cluster formation at the boundary occurs at a lower rate relative to that in the bulk. This is attributed to the boundary being a slow diffusion channel for interstitial He atoms. The overall effect of clusters on the boundary migration is twofold. Clusters reduce the boundary mobility via segregation; the magnitude of their effect can be rationalized using the Cahn model in the zero velocity limit. Clusters also act as pinning sources, delaying or even completely halting the boundary migration. A phenomenological model adapted from the Zener pinning model is used to discuss the role of clusters on grain boundary migration.
Insight into Dimethyl Ether Carbonylation Reaction over Mordenite Zeolite from in-Situ Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy

Carbonylation of dimethyl ether (DME) with CO over H-mordenite (H-MOR) zeolites from 423 to 573 K was studied by in-situ C-13 solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The reaction was monitored separately in the 8-membered ring (MR) and in the 12-MR channels of the zeolite under identical conditions. The experimental results indicated that both 8-MR and 12-MR channels were capable of producing methyl acetate product but with remarkably different selectivities. At low-reaction temperature, surface acetyl species (CH3CO-) as stabilized acylium cation was solely identified in the 8-MR channels, which was confirmed by measurement of its characteristic chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) parameters. Additionally, the intermediate role of the acetyl species was evidenced by the fact that it could react with DME to form methyl acetate. This demonstrated the theoretically proposed specificity of the 8-MR channels for generation and stabilization of the acetyl intermediate which was considered as the rate-limiting step of carbonylation reaction. While in the 12-MR channels, the acetyl intermediate was not found during the reaction, and formation of hydrocarbons was favored. The absence of acetyl intermediate might account for the lower reactivity of the 12-MR channels to generate methyl acetate product.
Two-Dimensional Modeling of Seasonal Freeze and Thaw in an Idealized River Bank

Freeze and thaw occurs seasonally in river banks in northern countries. Little is known on how the riverbank soil temperature responds to air temperature changes and how freeze and thaw develops in a river bank seasonally. This study presents a twodimensional heat conduction model for numerical investigations of seasonal freeze and thaw processes in an idealized river bank. The model uses the finite difference method and it is convenient for applications. The model is validated with an analytical solution and a field case with soil temperature distributions. It is then applied to the idealized river bank in terms of partially and fully saturated conditions with or without ice cover influence. Simulated results illustrate the response processes of the river bank to seasonal air temperature variations. It promotes the understanding of freeze and thaw processes in river banks and prepares for further investigation of frost and thaw impacts on riverbank stability. Keywords—Freeze and thaw, river banks, 2D model, heat conduction.
MicroRNA-301a-3p promotes triple-negative breast cancer progression through downregulating MEOX2

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies among women. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a significant challenge for breast oncologists, as the availability of effective therapies for this aggressive disease is limited. The molecular mechanisms underlying TNBC development are not fully understood. Previous studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) play important roles in the development of various types of cancer, including breast cancer; however, the role of miRNAs in TNBC remains undetermined. The results of the present study revealed that miR-301a-3p may function as an oncogenic miRNA in TNBC. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas data, miR-301a-3p expression levels were found to be upregulated in breast cancer tissues. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression levels of miR-301a-3p were upregulated in TNBC tissues compared with non-TNBC tissues, and in MDA-MB-231 cells compared with normal MCF-10A breast cells. miR-301a-3p mimics and inhibitors were subsequently used to overexpress and knock down miR-301a-3p expression, respectively, in MDA-MB-231 cells. Biological functional experiments demonstrated that miR-301a-3p overexpression increased the viability, and the migratory and invasive abilities of MDA-MB-231 cells. By contrast, miR-301a-3p knockdown exerted the opposite effects on MDA-MB-231 cells. Cell apoptosis was negatively regulated by miR-301a-3p. Moreover, overexpression of miR-301a-3p was found to downregulate the expression levels of mesenchyme homeobox 2 (MEOX2). The expression levels of miR-301a-3p were negatively correlated with the expression levels of MEOX2 in clinical tissue specimens from patients with TNBC. Subsequently, the knockdown of MEOX2 expression promoted the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that miR-301a-3p may serve as an oncogenic miRNA in TNBC by regulating MEOX2 expression.
Comparison of Different Methods for Spongin-like Collagen Extraction from Marine Sponges (Chondrilla caribensis and Aplysina fulva): Physicochemical Properties and In Vitro Biological Analysis

This study aimed to compare different protocols (Protocol 1: P1; Protocol 2: P2; Protocol 3: P3; Protocol 4: P4) for the extraction of spongin-like collagen (SC) from marine sponges. The SEM micrographs demonstrated a fibrillar structure for the extracts from Chondrilla caribensis and the nodular/particulate aggregates for Aplysina fulva. FTIR showed for all samples peaks similar to collagen for both species. For C. caribensis, the extracts obtained using P2, P3, and P4 protocols presented higher values of extraction yield, TPQ, and GAGs. P2 and P4 showed higher values of SC concentration and for antioxidant analysis. For A. fulva, P2, P3, and P4 provided a higher extraction yield besides an increase in the antioxidant assay. For both species, no difference was observed for Col quantification and TPQ analysis; also, higher values of GAGs were found using P2 and P4. Fibroblast proliferation observed for C. caribensis was lower for P1 on day 1 and for P2 and P3 on day 3 (for 50%) compared to the control group. There was a significant reduction in fibroblast cell proliferation for all A. fulva extracts evaluated. It can be concluded that protocols P2 and P4 were more efficient for extracting SC from C. caribensis.
Gambling and ageing: less illusion but more risk

Abstract Seniors are a population of concern due to exposure to both increasing gambling venues and powerful age-specific risk factors. There has been only limited research on this population so far, but studies conducted among younger adults suggest that the illusion of control is a key factor, leading players to develop strategies that increase their risk-taking in gambling. Time perspective (TP) is a good indicator of risky behaviours in a number of different areas, including health and the environment. In the present study, we sought to identify the age-specific cognitive mechanisms underlying gambling behaviour in normal ageing. We asked 115 emerging adults (mean age = 20.86 years), 86 young adults (mean age = 30.59), 82 middle-aged adults (mean age = 44.57) and 108 seniors (mean age = 65.19) to play an online game. We rated their illusion of control, risk-taking and TP. Analysis revealed that seniors took more risks and had less illusion of control than younger adults. The fatalistic-present TP positively influenced the illusion of control, such that perceiving the present as being determined by uncontrollable forces increased the perceived level of control. Finally, we found an influence of age on TP. These results suggest that seniors constitute a specific population in terms of gambling-related cognitions and behaviours. Including TP in risky behaviour assessments would allow the development of tailor-made preventive measures.
Molecular diagnostic based on 18S rDNA and supplemental taxonomic data of the cnidarian coelozoic Ceratomyxa (Cnidaria, Myxosporea) and comments on the intraspecific morphological variation

Ceratomyxa amazonensis is a cnidarian myxosporean originally described with strongly arcuate crescent-shaped myxospores, absence of vegetative stages and infecting Symphysodon discus, an important Amazonian ornamental fish in the aquarium industry. As part of a long-term investigation concerning myxosporeans that infect discus fish Symphysodon spp. from different rivers of the Amazon Basin, thirty specimens of S. discus collected from Unini River were examined. Plasmodial vegetative stages therefrom were found freely floating in the bile of gall bladders from eighteen fish. Mature myxospores were slightly crescent-shaped, measuring 4.72 ± 0.1 (4.52–4.81) μm in length, 24.2 ± 0.4 (23.9–25.3) μm in thickness with polar capsules 2.31 ± 0.1 (2.29–2.33) μm in length and 2.15 ± 0.1 (2.13–2.17) μm in width. Strong morphological differences were observed between the newly isolated myxospores obtained and the previously described C. amazonensis; however, molecular assessment, based on 18S rDNA, revealed a high similarity (99.91%), with only a single nucleotide base change. This study provides new data, expanding the original description of the species with a discussion on differences in myxospore-morphology in the context of intraspecific morphological plasticity.
Transparent Aromatic Polyimides Derived from Thiophenyl-Substituted Benzidines with High Refractive Index and Small Birefringence

2,2′-Bis(thiophenyl)benzidine (BTPB) and 2,2′-bis(4-chlorothiophenyl)benzidine (BCTPB) were synthesized via a benzidine rearrangement reaction of the corresponding hydrazobenzene derivatives obtained after the reduction of (3-nitrophenyl)(phenyl)sulfane and (4-chlorophenyl)(3-nitrophenyl)sulfane, respectively. Transparent polyimides (PIs) with high refractive indices and small birefringences as well as good thermomechanical stabilities were synthesized by the conventional two-step thermal polycondensation of BTPB and BCTPB with five different dianhydrides in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. 3,3′,4,4′-Biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA)/BCTPB PI, a fully aromatic and non-fluorinated PI, with a highly distorted noncoplanar conformation of the main chain was transparent and colorless with a transmittance of ∼83% and >88% at 450 nm and in the visible region, respectively. In addition, all six non-fluorinated sulfur-containing aromatic PIs exhibited high average refractive indices (1.7112–1.7339), and small bire.
Molecular interactions and signaling mediated by the cell adhesion molecule CD44

CD44 mediates cell adhesion and cell migration in leukocytes. Most of these functions involve the interaction of cell surface CD44 with one of its most characterized ligands, hyaluronan or HA, a component of the extracellular matrix. The ability of CD44 to bind HA is strictly regulated in leukocytes such that not all CD44-expressing cells will bind HA. All three domains of CD44, the extracellular domain, the transmembrane domain, and the cytoplasmic domain, regulate HA binding. The extracellular domain of CD44 has been studied extensively for its regulation on HA binding, however, the mechanisms by which the transmembrane and the cytoplasmic domains of CD44 influence HA binding are poorly understood. In this study, therefore, I have focused on the roles for the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of CD44 in regulating HA binding and signaling in leukocytes. Using chimeric CD44 molecules, the transmembrane domain of CD44 was shown to be responsible for the non-covalent association of CD44 in the plasma membrane of T cells. This self-association of CD44 was found to facilitate HA binding. In addition, CD44 was also observed to associate with the cytoskeletal components, ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM), with Srcfamily kinases, Lck and Fyn, and with an adapter protein, Grb-2. CD44 interacted with ERM proteins in T cells and myeloid cells. In vitro, this interaction required a low ionic strength and the presence of EDTA, as well as the integrity of actin filaments. The interactions of CD44 with Src-family kinases and Grb-2 took place in T cells. CD44 interacted with the Src-family kinase Lck in the membrane lipid microdomains, which are important for receptor signal transduction. In BW5147 T cells, this CD44-Lck interaction, as well as the distribution of Lck in lipid microdomains, is negatively regulated by CD45, a leukocyte specific tyrosine phosphatase. More strikingly, in the absence of CD45, BW5147 T cells underwent cell spreading concomitant with the tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2 and FAK upon stimulation by an anti-CD44 antibody. Inhibition of the activity of Src-family kinases abolished CD44-
Chemical constituents of Hoya wayetii Kloppenb.

Chemical investigation of the dichloromethane extracts of Hoya wayetii Kloppenb. afforded β-amyrin cinnamate (1) and taraxerol (2) from the stems; and 2, triglycerides (3), chlorophyll a (4), and a mixture of β-sitosterol (5a) and stigmasterol (5b) from the leaves. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, while those of 3-5b were identified by comparison of their NMR data with those reported in the literature.
Demanda de insumos agrícolas en México un enfoque dual

Con el fin de analizar la producción agrícola en México se empleó un enfoque dual por medio de una función de costo translog, para derivar un sistema de ocho ecuaciones de demandas de insumos (mano de obra, tractores, trilladoras, crédito de la banca comercial, crédito de la banca de desarrollo, fertilizantes nitrogenados, fertilizantes fosfatados y fertilizantes potásicos). Se usaron datos de series de tiempo del periodo 1970-2006, para precios y cantidades de los insumos y como producto el PIB agropecuario real. Con el objetivo de caracterizar las relaciones de complementariedad o sustitución que guardan los insumos entre sí, se estimaron las elasticidades propias y cruzadas de sustitución parcial Allen-Uzawa entre pares de insumos, encontrando que la demanda de los insumos estudiados es inelástica a su precio. Del conjunto de insumos analizado, los costos de jornales constituyen la mayor proporción del costo (58.62%). Para cubrir la demanda por un crecimiento del producto agrícola para el año 2010, la banca comercial y de desarrollo deben aumentar sus préstamos en 2.28 y 0.72% respectivamente. La demanda de los insumos: trabajo y tractores, crédito de la banca de desarrollo y fertilizantes resulto comportarse como complementarios; mientras que la demanda de los insumos: trabajo y fertilizantes fosfatados, tractores y trilladoras, crédito de la banca de desarrollo y crédito de la banca comercial se comportó como sustitutos.
Vaccine Confidence and Hesitancy at the Start of COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment in the UK: An Embedded Mixed-Methods Study

Background: Approval for the use of COVID-19 vaccines has been granted in a number of countries but there are concerns that vaccine uptake may be low amongst certain groups. Methods: This study used a mixed methods approach based on online survey and an embedded quantitative/qualitative design to explore perceptions and attitudes that were associated with intention to either accept or refuse offers of vaccination in different demographic groups during the early stages of the UK's mass COVID-19 vaccination programme (December 2020). Analysis used multivariate logistic regression, structural text modeling and anthropological assessments. Results: Of 4,535 respondents, 85% (n = 3,859) were willing to have a COVID-19 vaccine. The rapidity of vaccine development and uncertainties about safety were common reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. There was no evidence for the widespread influence of mis-information, although broader vaccine hesitancy was associated with intentions to refuse COVID-19 vaccines (OR 20.60, 95% CI 14.20–30.30, p < 0.001). Low levels of trust in the decision-making (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.08, 2.48, p = 0.021) and truthfulness (OR 8.76, 95% CI 4.15–19.90, p < 0.001) of the UK government were independently associated with higher odds of refusing COVID-19 vaccines. Compared to political centrists, conservatives and liberals were, respectively, more (OR 2.05, 95%CI 1.51–2.80, p < 0.001) and less (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.22–0.41, p < 0.001) likely to refuse offered vaccines. Those who were willing to be vaccinated cited both personal and public protection as reasons, with some alluding to having a sense of collective responsibility. Conclusion: Dominant narratives of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy are misconceived as primarily being driven by misinformation. Key indicators of UK vaccine acceptance include prior behaviors, transparency of the scientific process of vaccine development, mistrust in science and leadership and individual political views. Vaccine programmes should leverage the sense of altruism, citizenship and collective responsibility that motivated many participants to get vaccinated.
Racial Inequalities in Alcohol Use Disorder Diagnosis in a Sample of 700,000 Veterans

Background: Studies show that Black and Hispanic Veterans have a higher prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) than White Veterans. We examined whether the relationship between self-reported race/ethnicity and AUD diagnosis varies by self-reported alcohol consumption. Methods: The sample included 700,013 Black, Hispanic, and White Veterans enrolled in the Million Veteran Program cohort. Alcohol consumption was defined as an individual's maximum score on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) questionnaire, a screen for hazardous or harmful drinking. The primary outcome, AUD, was defined by the presence of ICD-9/10 codes in the electronic health record. We used logistic regression with interactions to assess the association between race/ethnicity and AUD by maximum AUDIT-C score. Results: Black and Hispanic Veterans were more likely to have an AUD diagnosis than White Veterans despite similar levels of alcohol consumption. The difference was greatest between Black and White men. At all but the lowest and highest levels of alcohol consumption, Black men had 24%-111% greater odds of an AUD diagnosis. The association between race/ethnicity and AUD diagnosis remained after adjustment for alcohol consumption, alcohol-related disorders, and other potential confounders. Conclusions: The large discrepancy in AUD diagnosis across groups despite a similar distribution of alcohol consumption measures suggests that Veterans are differentially assigned an AUD diagnosis by race/ethnicity. Efforts are needed to examine the causes of the observed differences and to implement changes, such as structured diagnostic methods, to address a likely contributor to racial differences (i.e., bias) in AUD diagnosis.
The relationship of insight with psychopathological dimensions in patients with schizophrenia

Impaired insight in patients with schizophrenia results in less satisfactory clinical outcomes. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between insight and individual psychopathological dimensions in inpatients with schizophrenia using a self-report questionnaire. In this study, 90 patients with schizophrenia aged 18–75 years admitted in the acute psychiatric ward of a medical center in Taiwan were enrolled. Patient insight was measured using the Self-Appraisal of Illness Questionnaire (SAIQ), and psychopathological dimensions were measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and its five-factor structure model. A higher SAIQ score indicates greater insight. In bivariate correlation analyses, statistically significant correlations were observed between age, single marital status, educational level, and positive, excited, and depressed symptom factor of the PANSS and SAIQ score. In regression analyses, age and excited and depressed symptom factors were significantly associated with SAIQ score. No significant association was observed between insight and neurocognitive functions. Considering demographic characteristics, psychopathology, and neurocognition, in the acute phase of schizophrenia, younger patients with less severe excited symptoms and more severe depressive symptoms had greater insight.