Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rationales for Integrated Reporting Adoption and factors impacting on the extent of adoption - a UK Perspective

Purpose – This study seeks to investigate the likely adoption of integrated reporting (IR), in addition to highlighting the limitations of current reporting practices. In particular, the analysis in this study used the characteristics of diffusion of innovation theory to investigate how perceptions of IR as offering a relative advantage over existing practices; its compatibility to existing organisational values, past experiences and needs; and its perceived complexity impacted on the adoption and diffusion of IR. Design/methodology/approach – Methodology was based on a content analysis of 22 UK FTSE 100 annual and sustainability reports across industries. To build a phenomenological triangulation research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten senior managers to ascertain their perceptions of current SR practices and IR. Findings – The analysis in this study revealed that low/medium levels of linkages exist between the majority of reports in the sample, thus limiting their usefulness. Based on these findings, this study suggests that senior managers perceive IR as having a relative advantage over existing practice. Overall, the senior managers interviewed were supportive of IR and this research revealed that many companies are starting to integrate their reporting along IR guidelines. This study further identifies factors that are likely to impact on more widespread diffusion of IR. the best of first into from a UK perspective.
Variants in mannose-binding lectin and tumour necrosis factor alpha affect survival in cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND Patients with cystic fibrosis with the same mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene differ widely in survival suggesting other factors have a substantial role in mortality. OBJECTIVE To determine if the genotype distribution of variants in three putative cystic fibrosis modifier genes (tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) or mannose-binding lectin (MBL2)) differed among patients with cystic fibrosis grouped according to age and survival status. METHODS Genotypes of four variants (TNFalpha-238, TNFalpha-308, TGFbeta1-509 and MBL2 O) were determined in three groups of Caucasians from a single medical centre: 101 children with cystic fibrosis (aged <17 years; mean age 9.4 years), 115 adults with cystic fibrosis (aged > or =17 years; mean age 30.8 years) and 38 non-surviving adults with cystic fibrosis (21 deceased and 17 lung transplant after 17 years of age). Genotypes of 127 healthy Caucasians in the same geographical region were used as controls. Kaplan-Meier and Cox hazard regression were used to evaluate the genotype effect on cumulative survival. RESULTS Genotype frequencies among adults and children with cystic fibrosis differed for TNFalpha-238 (G/G vs G/A; p = 0.022) and MBL2 (A/A vs O/O; p = 0.016). When adults with cystic fibrosis were compared to non-surviving adults with cystic fibrosis, genotype frequencies of both genes differed (TNFalpha-238G/G vs G/A; p = 0.0015 and MBL2: A/A vs O/O; p = 0.009). The hazard ratio for TNFalpha-238G/G vs G/A was 0.25 (95% CI 0.06 to 1.0, p = 0.04) and for MBL2 O/O vs A/A or A/O was 2.5 (95% CI 1.3 to 4.9, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS TNFalpha-238 G/A and MBL2 O/O genotypes appear to be genetic modifiers of survival of cystic fibrosis.
Fault slip rate and seismic moment deficit on major active faults in mid and south part of the Eastern margin of Tibet plateau

As one of the most important pathways for southeastward extrusion of Tibet plateau, the mid and south part of the eastern margin of Tibet plateau feature widespread active faults, intensive and frequent seismic activity.In this paper,we use the spherical linear block theory constrained by geodetic observations from Global Positioning System(GPS)stations to estimate fault slip rates in the mid and south part of the eastern margin of Tibet plateau.The 3Dgeometric block model is based on the previous researches of active block,considering the latest research works in this field.Using these slip rates and optimal locking depths,the rates of moment accumulation on the major faults are estimated.And then we compared them with the seismic moment released on each fault using the historical earthquake catalog.The result shows that there are six faults or fault segments with large moment deficits in the research area;it may be helpful for the middle-long term strong earthquake hazard study.
Special Review Series - Biogenesis and Physiological Adaptation of Mitochondria Possible role of cytoskeleton in intracellular arrangement and regulation of mitochondria

The origin of significant differences between the apparent affinities of heart mitochondrial respiration for exogenous ADP in isolated mitochondria in vitro and in permeabilized cardiomyocytes or skinned fibres in situ is critically analysed. All experimental data demonstrate the importance of structural factors of intracellular arrangement of mitochondria into functional complexes with myofibrils and sarcoplasmic reticulum in oxidative muscle cells and the control of outer mitochondrial membrane permeability. It has been shown that the high apparent Km for exogenous ADP (250–350 mM) in permeabilized cells and in ghost cells (without myosin) and fibres (diameter 15–20 mm) is independent of intrinsic MgATPase activity. However, the Km may be decreased significantly by a selective proteolytic treatment, which also destroys the regular arrangement of mitochondria between sarcomeres and increases the accessibility of endogenous ADP to the exogenous pyruvate kinase–phosphoenolpyruvate system. The confocal microscopy was used to study the changes in intracellular distribution of mitochondria and localization of cytoskeletal proteins, such as desmin, tubulin and plectin in permeabilized cardiac cells during short proteolytic treatment. The results show the rapid collapse of microtubular and plectin networks but not of desmin localization under these conditions. These results point to the participation of cytoskeletal proteins in the intracellular organization and control of mitochondrial function in the cells in vivo, where mitochondria are incorporated into functional complexes with sarcomeres and sarcoplasmic reticulum. Experimental Physiology (2003) 88.1, 175–190.
Comprehensive characterization of the complex lola locus reveals a novel role in the octopaminergic pathway via Tyramine beta-hydroxylase activation

longitudinals lacking (lola) is among the most complex genes in Drosophila melanogaster, encoding up to twenty protein isoforms and acting as a key transcription factor in axonal pathfinding and neural reprogramming. Most of previous studies employed loss-of-function alleles disrupting common exons of lola, making it difficult to delineate its functions. To address this issue we have generated specific mutations in each isoform using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Our targeted screen allows us to revisit the previously demonstrated roles for few isoforms and to demonstrate a specific function for one variant in axon guidance via activation of the microtubule-associated factor Futsch. Importantly, we also reveal a critical role for a second variant in preventing neurodegeneration via the control of the octopaminergic pathway. This variant is expressed almost exclusively in the octopaminergic cells and is involved in the transcriptional activation of a key enzyme of the pathway. Thus, our comprehensive study greatly expands the functional repertoire of Lola functions, and adds novel insights into the transcriptional regulatory control of neurotransmitter expression in vivo.
Hydrodynamique des jets de gaz orientés vers le haut et vers le bas dans les lits fluidisés gaz-solide

The injection of gas in a fluidized bed may lead to the formation of so-called jets which are characterized by enhanced momentum, mass and energy transfer. Such jets may prove important to the overall performance of fluidized reactors. Although several investigations dedicated to the study of gas jets in fluidized beds have been performed, the general comprehension is often too limited to trivialize the design of injection systems. In particular, the level of knowledge that exists about the injection of downward pointing nozzles is very limited and it is unclear what the impact of nozzle orientation is on the overall reactor performance. The study described herein focused on the development and implementation of new experimental approaches that can be used to further advance the knowledge of gas jets in fluidized beds. Two important aspects of the jet in fluidized beds were targeted as part of the investigation: the gas– gas mixing resulting from the injection of high momentum jets and the physical boundary of the jet. It was hypothesized that the gas–gas mixing associated with the jet could be evaluated using a radiotracer technique similar to the one used in residence time experiments. An effort was initiated to evaluate the expected performance of such a technique. It was found that the solidangle (view factor) and the medium attenuation introduced significant non-uniformity in the detector efficiency distribution. In combination with an uncertain jet shape and strong velocity profile, the technique was deemed too uncertain to pursue. The findings relative to the detector efficiency distribution were however, preserved and implemented in a model based analysis of radiotracers in residence time distribution. The analysis highlighted the strong dependence between the detector efficiency distributions and the response curves obtained. The investigation provides key recommendations: 1) the detector counting model must be determined before hand and calibrated in order to avoid non linear responses. This allows for the maximum tracer activities to be determined to avoid saturating the detectors; 2) the axial spread of the detector efficiency distribution can introduce artificial axial dispersion in the response curves. The error associated with this axial distribution can be estimated from correlated performance data and corrective measures can be implemented with respect to the detector configuration. 3) the radial range of the detector efficiency distribution can result in the effective measurement of the tracer within a narrow range from the detector, any flow model that considers radial velocity and
Agent-based modeling of land use change and simulation of response on nonpoint source pollution for Erhai Lake watershed

There is a significant chain-driven effect on water environmental pollution for the Erhai LakeWatershed,which is nonpoint source pollution due to land use and cover change(LUCC) caused by hu-man activities. Therefore,it is necessary to analyze this chain-driven,simulate and predict land use chang-es as well as response of nonpoint source pollution of the Erhai Lake watershed. An agent-based modeling(ABM) was used to simulate the interaction mechanism between human and land and to predict the resultsof LUCC; and then,based on the LUCC forecasting and SWAT model,the outputs and spatial-temporaldistribution of major nonpoint source pollution loads were computed,such as nitrogen and phosphorus un-der different land use scenarios. Finally,combined with statistics methods and GIS technologies of spatialanalysis and visualization,the processing of validation and sensibility verification of model are discussed,and comprehensive simulated results are analyzed. The results show that:(1) the major interaction betweenhumans and the land over the next ten years will force a persistent reduction in farmland(-19.28 %) anda continuous increase in urban land(35.27 %);(2) the relative consistency of nitrogen and phosphorus intime and space shows that LUCC has a closer water environmental effect on nitrogen and phosphorus inthe study area;(3) the nonpoint source pollution of watershed in the next 10 years will mainly come fromthe agricultural area,the agricultural planting structure and pattern of production areas should be optimizedto reduce nonpoint source pollution contribution rate of agricultural production while taking measures to pro-tect farmland;(4)in the next 10 years the farmland areas will reduce continually and agricultural nonpointsource pollution will appear to reduction trend year by year;meanwhile,as increasing land of construc-tion,a possible rapid increase in urban nonpoint source pollution caused by impervious surfaces needs toattract enough attention
Biometric data in wild boar (Sus scrofa ferus) populations from Transylvania, between 7 months and 2 years of age.

In this paper we present the statistical interpretation of the mean and dispersion mean indices for the following phenotypic traits in Romanian wild boar: oblique body length, withers height, rump height, thorax perimeter, body weight, head length and forehead width. The data are presented for young animals, aged between 7 months and 2 years, separately by age and gender. A total number of 190 animals were taken into account, from all the experimental devices in 10.11. 2010, representing wild boars of both sexes and different ages: 80 boars aged between 7 and 12 months, 50 males and 30 females; 110 boars aged between 1.5 and 2 years, 50 males and 60 females. At the age of 7 to 12 months the differences between males and females are minimal for all the recorded traits. At the age of 1.5 to 2 years, the average body length of females is 127  1.47 cm, inferior with 11 cm to the one of males of the same age. The same sexual dimorphism is reflected in withers height, males being superior to females by 7 centimetres, having an average of 87 cm. At the age of 2 years, males have an average thoracic perimeter of 113 cm and females of only 94 cm. The body length has an average of 170 cm in males, 14 cm higher than the one of the females. Males show a higher average performance by 7 cm in withers height, where females have an average of 88 cm. Thorax perimeter of males is superior by 15 cm, compared to female wild boars of similar age.
Power weighted L-inequalities for Laguerre–Riesz transforms

In this paper we give a complete description of the power weighted inequalities, of strong, weak and restricted weak type for the pair of Riesz transforms associated with the Laguerre function system {Lk }, for any given α>−1. We achieve these results by a careful estimate of the kernels: near the diagonal we show that they are local Calderón–Zygmund operators while in the complement they are majorized by Hardy type operators and the maximal heat-diffusion operator. We also show that in all the cases our results are sharp.
Increasing Inequality in Experience of Victimization During the Crime Drop: Analysing Patterns of Victimization in Scotland from 1993 to 2014–15

Research on the international crime drop has predominantly focused on the nature and extent of overall crime or changes in specific crime types, but less attention has been paid to how equally the crime drop has been distributed across society. Applying a novel quasi-longitudinal approach to Scottish victimization data, this article examines changes in the prevalence, frequency and type of victimization experienced. We argue that the crime drop has resulted in an increase in inequality between those at most and least risk of being a victim of crime, especially violence. The article contributes to theoretical debates on the crime drop, crime inequality and distributive justice, and provides policy recommendations on the importance of crime reduction strategies that target repeat victimization.
Collective Narcissism, In-Group Satisfaction, and Solidarity in the Face of COVID-19

The present study explored the antecedents of solidarity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that solidarity during mass emergencies involves the development of a social identity encompassing those facing a common fate, we examined how national in-group satisfaction (IS, a belief that the national in-group and one’s membership in it are of high value) versus national collective narcissism (CN, a belief that the national in-group is exceptional and entitled to privileged treatment but not sufficiently recognized by others) predicted solidarity with those affected by the pandemic in Poland. The results of cross-sectional and dynamic analyses from a panel study on a representative sample of Polish adults indicate that IS predicted greater COVID-19 solidarity, whereas CN predicted reduced COVID-19 solidarity.
New particle formation and ultrafine charged aerosol climatology at a high altitude site in the Alps (Jungfraujoch, 3580 m a.s.l., Switzerland)

Abstract. We investigate the formation and growth of charged aerosols clusters at Jungfraujoch, in the Swiss Alps (3580 m a.s.l.), the highest altitude site of the European EUCAARI project intensive campaign. Charged particles and clusters (0.5–1.8 nm) were measured from April 2008 to April 2009 and allowed the detection of nucleation events in this very specific environment (presence of free tropospheric air and clouds). We found that the naturally charged aerosol concentrations, which are dominated by the cluster size class, shows a strong diurnal pattern likely linked to valley breezes transporting surface layer ion precursors, presumably radon. Cosmic rays were found not to be the major ion source at the measurement site. However, at night, when air masses are more representative of free tropospheric conditions, we found that the cluster concentrations are still high. The charged aerosol size distribution and concentration are strongly influenced by the presence of clouds at the station. Clouds should be taken into account when deriving high altitude nucleation statistics. New particle formation occurs on average 17.5% of the measurement period and shows a weak seasonality with a minimum of frequency during winter, but this seasonality is enhanced when the data set is screened for periods when the atmospheric station is out of clouds. The role of ions in the nucleation process was investigated and we found that the ion-mediated nucleation explains 22.3% of the particle formation. The NPF events frequency is correlated with UV radiation but not with calculated H2SO4 concentrations, suggesting that other compounds such as organic vapors are involved in the nucleation and subsequently growth process. In fact, NPF events frequency also surprisingly increases with the condensational sink (CS), suggesting that at Jungfraujoch, the presence of condensing vapours probably coupled with high CS are driving the occurrence of NPF events. A strong link to the air mass path was also pointed out and events were observed to be frequently occurring in Eastern European air masses, which present the highest condensational sink. In these air masses, pre-existing cluster concentrations are more than three time larger than in other air masses during event days, and no new clusters formation is observed, contrarily to what is happening in other air mass types.
LAND USE IMPACTS ON HYDROLOGIC RESPONSE IN THE MAE CHAEM CATCHMENT, NORTHERN THAILAND

As part of an international project exploring the impact of changing agroforestry mosaics on catchment water yield and quality in Southeast Asia, a study of the hydrological response in the Mae Chaem catchment in Northern Thailand is being carried out. The main interest is being able to predict the flow under significant changes in land use, as well as at ungauged sites. This paper reviews some of the data analysis techniques available, and the results of applying these to data from gauges in the Mae Chaem catchment.
Endogenous Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in Amphioxus

remains to be learned about the taxonomic distribution and biological function of these proteins in nature. To date, GFPs have been found in only two major groups in the metazoan tree: specifically, in a number of cnidarians, rel atively near the base of the tree, and in a few copepod crustaceans, relatively derived within the protostome branch (2, 3). The cnidarian GFPs are often associated with biolu minescence, but those found so far in copepods are not. We now report that the limited taxonomic distribution of ani mals with endogenous GFPs may be partially due to inad equate sampling efforts, because we have found such mol ecules in the cephalochordate amphioxus. About 10 years
Photosynthetic Rates of Sun versus Shade Leaves of Hyptis

Leaves on a bush of Hyptis emoryi Torr. varied in length from less than 1 cm when development occurred in full sunlight (e.g. 40 Mjoules m-2) to over 7 cm when the total daily solar irradiance was less than 3 Mjoules m-2. The 1-cm sun leaves were 3-fold higher than the 7-cm shade leaves in chlorophyll per unit area, mesophyll thickness, and the internal to external leaf area ratio (Ales/A). The higher Arles/A caused a 1.2-cm leaf to have a 3-fold lower CO2 liquid phase resistance than did a 7.1-cm leaf. Large thin shade leaves captured photosynthetically active radiation effectively (less than 7% passed through), but were not adapted to full sunlight. Specifically, when a 6.9-cm leaf was placed at 910 w m-2 for 30 min, its temperature exceeded that of the air by nearly 8 C. For the common daytime air temperatures above 30 C for this desert shrub, large shade leaves would have temperatures far in excess of that optimum for photosynthesis for H. emoryi, 29 to 32 C.
Whitney’s extension problem for multivariate ^{1,}-functions

We prove that the trace of the space C1,ω(Rn) to an arbitrary closed subset X ⊂ Rn is characterized by the following “finiteness” property. A function f : X → R belongs to the trace space if and only if the restriction f |Y to an arbitrary subset Y ⊂ X consisting of at most 3·2n−1 can be extended to a function fY ∈ C1,ω(Rn) such that sup{‖fY ‖C1,ω : Y ⊂ X, cardY ≤ 3 · 2n−1} <∞. The constant 3 · 2n−1 is sharp. The proof is based on a Lipschitz selection result which is interesting in its own right. 1. Main results The results of the paper are concerned with the following problem having its origin in two classical papers of Hassler Whitney [W1], [W2] which appeared in 1934. Let C(R) be the space of k-times continuously differentiable functions f satisfying
Functional Analysis of luxS in Staphylococcus aureus Reveals a Role in Metabolism but Not Quorum Sensing

ABSTRACT The function of AI-2 in many bacteria and the physiological role of LuxS, the enzyme responsible for its production, remain matters of debate. Here, we show that in Staphylococcus aureus the luxS gene forms a monocistronic transcriptional unit under the control of a σ70-dependent promoter. The gene was transcribed throughout growth under a variety of conditions, including intracellular growth in MAC-T cells. AI-2 was produced in rich media under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, peaking during the transition to stationary phase, but was hardly detectable in a sulfur-limited defined medium. In the presence of glucose or under anaerobic conditions, cultures retained considerable AI-2 activity after entry into stationary phase. Inactivation of luxS in various S. aureus strains did not affect virulence-associated traits, such as production of hemolysins and extracellular proteases, biofilm formation, and the agr signaling system. Conversely, AI-2 production remained unchanged in an agr mutant. However, luxS mutants grown in a sulfur-limited defined medium exhibited a growth defect. When grown together with the wild type in mixed culture, luxS mutants of various S. aureus strains showed reduced ability to compete for growth under these conditions. In contrast, a complemented luxS mutant grew as well as the parent strain, suggesting that the observed growth defect was of an intracellular nature and had not been caused by either second-site mutations or the lack of a diffusible factor. However, the LuxS/AI-2 system does not appear to contribute to the overall fitness of S. aureus RN6390B during intracellular growth in epithelial cells: the wild type and a luxS mutant showed very similar growth patterns after their internalization by MAC-T cells.