Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of a 6-Week Swimming Intervention on Gross Motor Development in Primary School Children

(1) Background: This study examines the effects of a 6-week swimming intervention on motor competence in children. (2) Methods: A total of 107 children (n = 52 boys, n = 55 girls) aged 7.8 ± 0.63 years that were recruited from five primary schools in central England participated in this study, undertaking either an aquatic intervention once a week for six weeks or acting as a control group completing their usual physical education program. Participants underwent pre- and post-assessments of general motor competence using the Test of Gross Motor Development, Third Edition (TGMD-3) (a process measure) and a composite of 10 m running sprint time and standing long jump distance (product measures). Aquatic motor competence was assessed via the Aquatic Movement Protocol (AMP). Fear of drowning and swimming opportunities were also assessed by implementing a questionnaire. (3) Results: Following a mixed-model ANOVA, an overall main effect was found from pre (40.05 ± 13.6) to post (48.3 ± 18.6) for TGMD-3 scores (p < 0.05) and pre (38.7 ± 31.7) to post (50.6 ± 36.8) for AMP scores (p = 0.001). A negative significant relationship was found between AMP scores with both fear of water (p = 0.01) and fear of drowning (p < 0.05). A positive significant relationship was found between swimming opportunities and AMP score (p = 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The aquatic-based intervention improves not only aquatic motor competence but also transfers improvements in dryland movement competencies. Future research should look to implement control groupings which do not participate in swimming to further investigate the difference between swimmers and non-swimmers; however, due to swimming being a part of the national curriculum in England, this may not be feasible.
Corporate governance and performance: A study of listed subsidiaries

The study addresses a critical gap in the literature by examining the often-neglected influence of holdings (and sub-holdings) within business groups on the financial performance of listed subsidiaries. It highlights the potential bias introduced in empirical studies that overlook the management and coordination activities of parent companies, particularly when listed subsidiaries are directed by their parents. The research focuses on Italian listed companies, leveraging the regulatory requirements for subsidiaries to disclose the exercise of decision-making power by their parent companies. The methodology involves a descriptive statistical analysis of Italian non-financial listed companies, revealing that a significant proportion are consolidated by controlling entities, and a subset declare themselves directed by their parents. The major findings underscore the importance of considering the relationship between parent and subsidiary boards, the potential impact of directed transactions on financial performance, and the need for nuanced analysis when interpreting corporate governance variables. The study concludes by advocating for improved regulatory disclosure requirements to enhance transparency and address potential biases in future research.
Impacts of Land Cover Changes on Ecosystem Services Delivery in the Black Hills Ecoregion from 1950 to 2010

IMPACTS OF LAND COVER CHANGES ON ECOSYSTEM SERVICES DELIVERY IN THE BLACK HILLS ECOREGION FROM 1950 TO 2010 SUZANNE COTILLON 2013 Environmental degradation generated by land use choices and human activities is the first driver of change in the provision of ecosystem goods and services. One of the challenges in ecosystem services research is to evaluate the contribution of each land cover unit to ecosystem services delivery while considering multiple services. In this thesis, I develop a framework to assess the capacity of many land covers to independently produce ecosystem services (i.e., potential production) and the capacity of the whole landscape to deliver multiple services to the population (i.e., potential supply). In the first part, this methodology is used to report on the change in ecosystem services delivery in the Black Hills ecoregion resulting from land cover modifications over a 60-year period. The trajectories of change in the Black Hills land cover are quantified using manual land cover mapping on aerial photographs from circa 1950 and circa 2010. In the second part, the same methodology is applied to the Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, and Wind Cave National park, in order to compare different management systems in the Black Hills and their implications for ecosystems services delivery over time. Although the trends of changes vary among the case studies following management directions and actions, most of the land cover conversions from 1950 and 2010 occurred on public land and affected ecosystem services delivery by the landscape. The three
Revisiting the San Andreas Heat Flow Paradox From the Perspective of Seismic Efficiency and Elastic Power in Southern California

We investigate the relation between frictional heating on a fault and the resulting conductive surface heat flow anomaly using the fault's long‐term energy budget. Analysis of the surface heat flow surrounding the fault trace leads to a constraint on the frictional power generated on the fault—the mechanism behind the San Andreas fault (SAF) heat flow paradox. We revisit this paradox from a new perspective using an estimate of the long‐term accumulating elastic power in the region surrounding the fault, and analyze the paradox using two parameters: the seismic efficiency and the elastic power. The results show that the constraint on frictional power from the classic interpretation is incompatible with the accumulating elastic power and the radiated power from earthquake catalogs. We then explore four mechanisms that can resolve this extended paradox. First, stochastic fluctuations of surface heat flow could mask the fault‐generated anomaly (we estimate 21% probability). Second, the elastic power accumulating in the region could be overestimated (≥550 MW required). Third, the seismic efficiency—ratio of radiated energy to elastic work—of the SAF could be higher than that of the remaining faults in the region (≥5.8% required). Fourth, the scaled energy—ratio of radiated energy to seismic moment—on the SAF could be lower than on the remaining faults in the region (a factor 5 difference required). In the last three hypotheses, we analyze the interplay of the energy budget on a single fault with the total energy budget of the region.
Effects of fire, ash, and litter on soil nitrate, temperature, moisture and tobosagrass production in the rolling plains.

Removal of litter by burning or clipping in tobosagrass communities increased soil temperature and the rate of nitrogen mineralization. Ash had no effect on either of these soil properties in 1972, but did appear to stimulate production in 1974. With adequate soil moisture, the higher soil temperatures on burned or clipped plots stimulated plant growth and concomitantly reduced soil moisture and nitrates. By contrast, suboptimal soil temperatures on control plots limited plant growth, even though soil nitrate and moisture were ample. During dry years, soil moisture is the limiting plant growth factor and burning has no beneficial effects.
Clinical and Electrophysiological Evaluation of Neonatal Seizures

Neonatal seizures are the most prevalent and distinctive sign of neurologic dysfunction in early-life. In spite the recent advances in medical care and technology in newborn intensive care units (NICU), it remains an important clinical issue of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. This was a retrospective, observational cohort study of neonates with seizures treated in the Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine NICU. Demographics of the babies, risk factors and etiology of seizure, type of clinical seizure, electroencephalographic and radiological findings, and anti-seizure treatments were recorded. The incidence of neonatal seizures was 4.5% in NICU admissions. Seventy-two babies with seizures included, 69,4% were diagnosed with electroclinical seizures. The most common seizure types were clonic (35.8%) and motor automatisms (32.8%). Perinatal asphyxia/hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) (29.2%) was the most common etiological factor, whereas hypoglycemia was the most common metabolic problem (15.3%). Eighty-one percent of seizures due to HIE were observed in the first 48 h. Hyperbilirubinemia (kern icterus), hypocalcemia, and idiopathic neonatal convulsions were observed after the first 48 h. Abnormal findings were detected in 76.4% of electroencephalographies obtained during the neonatal period. Phenobarbital was the first-line therapy in 98.6% of babies, and 83.3% of the infants were seizure-free with phenobarbital. Seizures are common in the neonatal period and may be associated with significant brain damage. Seizures appear as an important symptom of the underlying pathology and not as a disease.
An Update on Protein Kinases as Therapeutic Targets—Part I: Protein Kinase C Activation and Its Role in Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases

Protein kinases are one of the most significant drug targets in the human proteome, historically harnessed for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and a growing number of other conditions, including autoimmune and inflammatory processes. Since the approval of the first kinase inhibitors in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the field has grown exponentially, comprising 98 approved therapeutics to date, 37 of which were approved between 2016 and 2021. While many of these small-molecule protein kinase inhibitors that interact orthosterically with the protein kinase ATP binding pocket have been massively successful for oncological indications, their poor selectively for protein kinase isozymes have limited them due to toxicities in their application to other disease spaces. Thus, recent attention has turned to the use of alternative allosteric binding mechanisms and improved drug platforms such as modified peptides to design protein kinase modulators with enhanced selectivity and other pharmacological properties. Herein we review the role of different protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in cancer and cardiovascular disease, with particular attention to PKC-family inhibitors. We discuss translational examples and carefully consider the advantages and limitations of each compound (Part I). We also discuss the recent advances in the field of protein kinase modulators, leverage molecular docking to model inhibitor–kinase interactions, and propose mechanisms of action that will aid in the design of next-generation protein kinase modulators (Part II).
Suomen metsät 2004–2008 ja niiden kehitys 1921–2008

Tässä julkaisusssa esitetään valtakunnan metsien 10. inventointiin (VMI10) perustuvat tiedot Suomen metsävaroista ja metsien tilasta. Maastotiedot on kerätty vuosina 1996–2004. Tulokset esitetään metsäkeskusalueittain, osa tuloksista myös puuntuotannon rajoitusten ja metsänomistajaryhmän mukaan jaoteltuna. Metsien kehitystä tarkastellaan vertailemalla tuloksia aiempien inventointien tuloksiin 1920-luvun alun VMI1:stä lähtien. Julkaisussa esitetään myös VMI10:ssä käytetyt mittausja laskentamenetelmät. Suomen metsien puumäärä on jatkanut lisäystään. Puuston kokonaistilavuus on 2,2 miljardia kuutiometriä, kun 1920-luvun alussa nykyisen Suomen puuston määrä oli 1,4 miljardia kuutiometriä. Puuston vuotuinen kasvu oli inventointia edeltäneillä 5 vuoden mittausjaksoilla lähes 100 miljoonaa kuutiometriä. Suomen metsissä nuorien metsien osuus on suuri, mikä selittää puumäärän lisäystä ja puuston lisääntyvää kasvua. Soiden ojitus on lisännyt metsämaan alaa noin 1,5 miljoonaa hehtaaria, mikä myös selittää puuston määrän ja kasvun lisäystä. Edelliseen inventointiin verrattuna metsämaan ala on kuitenkin pienentynyt maanrakennustoiminnan vaikutuksesta. Metsien terveydentila on hyvä, vakavia tuhoja havaittiin inventoinnissa vain noin 4 %:lla metsämaan alasta. Metsähoidollinen tila on tyydyttävä – 73 % puuntuotannon metsämaan metsistä on metsänhoidolliselta tilataan hyviä tai tyydyttäviä. Nuorissa metsissä on kuitenkin aiempaa enemmän kiireelliä taimikonhoitoja ensiharvennustarpeita. Metsä-, kituja joutomaan alasta noin 2 %:lla on arvokkaita biotooppeja, jotka VMI:n maastoarvion mukaan todennäköisesti täyttävät metsälain 10 pykälän kriteerit lukuun alueellista yleisyyttä, johon VMI:n arvioinnissa ei ole otettu kantaa. Arvokkaat elinympäristöt on otettu hyvin huomioon metsien käsittelyssä. Lahopuuston määrä on edelliseen inventointiin verrattuna lisääntynyt EteläSuomessa, mutta näyttäisi hieman pienentyneen Pohjois-Suomessa.
Emergent gauge fields and topological effects in dirac matter

In this thesis we deal with systems hosting Dirac quasiparticles. The main focus is put on the physics arising from the interplay of non trivial topology and the emergence of gauge fields, stemming from the interaction of electrons with either magnetic and elastic degrees of freedom. The investigation relies on tools from quantum field theory, in particular the theory of quantum anomalies and topological field theory. The physical systems involved are two dimensional Dirac materials, like graphene and single layer transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductors; three dimensional time reversal invariant topological insulators, from which we focused on the two dimensional physics occurring at the edge; and Weyl semimetals. Under certain conditions, all these materials can be expected to be in a topological phase of matter, denoted quantum Hall state. Most of the results derived in this thesis are consequences of the special properties of this state of matter.
3′dNTP Binding Is Modulated during Primer Synthesis and Translesion by Human PrimPol

PrimPol is a DNA primase/polymerase from the Archaeo-Eukaryotic Primase (AEP) superfamily that enables the progression of stalled replication forks by synthesizing DNA primers ahead of blocking lesions or abnormal structures in the ssDNA template. PrimPol’s active site is formed by three AEP-conserved motifs: A, B and C. Motifs A and C of human PrimPol (HsPrimPol) harbor the catalytic residues (Asp114, Glu116, Asp280) acting as metal ligands, whereas motif B includes highly conserved residues (Lys165, Ser167 and His169), which are postulated to stabilize 3′ incoming deoxynucleotides (dNTPs). Additionally, other putative nucleotide ligands are situated close to motif C: Lys297, almost invariant in the whole AEP superfamily, and Lys300, specifically conserved in eukaryotic PrimPols. Here, we demonstrate that His169 is absolutely essential for 3′dNTP binding and, hence, for both primase and polymerase activities of HsPrimPol, whereas Ser167 and Lys297 are crucial for the dimer synthesis initiation step during priming, but dispensable for subsequent dNTP incorporation on growing primers. Conversely, the elimination of Lys165 does not affect the overall primase function; however, it is required for damage avoidance via primer–template realignments. Finally, Lys300 is identified as an extra anchor residue to stabilize the 3′ incoming dNTP. Collectively, these results demonstrate that individual ligands modulate the stabilization of 3′ incoming dNTPs to optimize DNA primer synthesis efficiency during initiation and primer maturation.
Subliminal mortality salience does not increase physical strength output in double-blind randomized controlled trial

Introduction Using the morality salience paradigm, this research tested whether subliminal death stimuli lead to increased physical strength. Moreover, it was investigated if mindfulness and self-esteem instability influence terror management. Methods In total, data from 160 undergraduate sports students were analyzed. Participants completed a word decision task in which they were presented with either the word death or pain for 28.5 ms. Before and after the task, their grip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer. Results Linear mixed models could neither confirm the effect of the mortality salience hypothesis on strength nor an influence of mindfulness and self-esteem. Discussion The results raise the question of a potential influence of subliminal mortality salience on athletic performance and how mindfulness and self-esteem instability affect terror management.
Role of suction/injection on electromagnetohydrodynamics natural convection flow in a porous microchannel with electroosmotic effect

This paper examined the role of suction/injection on time-dependent electromagnetohydrodynamics (EMHD) natural (free) convection flow in a vertical microchannel with electroosmotic effect. With the aid of Laplace transformation method, the governing energy and momentum equations are converted from partial differential equation (PDE) into ordinary differential equation (ODE) to obtain fluid temperature and velocity in Laplace domain. The semi-analytical solutions of the velocity profile and temperature distribution have been derived using the Riemann sum approximation. After which a MATLAB program was written to study the effects of Prandlt number Pr, Hartmann number Ha, electric field strength on x and z directions (Ex and Sz) and Grashof number Gr in fluid velocity, temperature, skin-friction and mass flow rate in terms of line graphs. Result shows the role of suction/injection parameter alters the temperature distribution and velocity profile, so also how effective the governing parameters contribute to the flow formation.
Identification of a Novel Interferon-Stimulated (ISG15) Gene Variant Associated With Inflammatory Cutaneous Lesions and Zinc Deficiency in a Unique Family: A Case Series and Literature Review

Interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) is a pivotal protein involved in antiviral defense and immune regulation. This study presents a remarkable case series of a consanguineous family with a homozygous variant in the ISG15 gene, leading to a complex interplay of intriguing dermatological manifestations and concurrent zinc deficiency. The range of cutaneous phenotypes observed in the family members, from severe ulcerative lesions to atopic dermatitis, highlights the intricate relationship between the identified genetic variant and dermatological conditions. Furthermore, zinc deficiency adds another layer of complexity to the understanding of these conditions. Comprehensive assessments of zinc levels were conducted for three siblings, while the fourth sibling's evaluation was impeded. This extraordinary case series offers a unique opportunity for scientific exploration, shedding light on complex genetic disorders and potentially paving the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in medical science. The convergence of familial genetics, the homozygous ISG15 variant, and the captivating spectrum of cutaneous manifestations hold promise for advancing our understanding of these conditions and their underlying mechanisms.
SORPTION OF THREE PESTICIDES IN SOILS AS INFLUENCED BY CLAY AND SOIL ORGANIC

A multiresidue method for the analysis of three pesticides (chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos and pendimethalin) in soil and water by GC has been standardized. The instrument detection limit was found to be 0.001μg/mL for the selected pesticides. Most efficient solvent for extraction of these pesticides in water was DCM (dichloromethane) with an efficiency of 87.590. 9%. No clean up was required for water samples as they were free from interfering coextractives. Dipping and shaking method using acetone was found to be the best for soil extraction with efficiency of 83.7-89.6%. Amongst various adsorbents and solvent systems for elution, alumina as an adsorbent and 50% acetonehexane as eluent gave maximum efficiency of 89.6-91.6%. Overall method recovery from soils ranged between 80.8-82%. The limit of quantification for chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos and pendimethalin was found to be 0.001 μg/mL in water and 0.005 μg/g in soil.
Mobile technology and women’s empowerment in post-revolution Egypt

This study examines how young Egyptian women are accessing and utilizing mobile technology to contribute to their socio-economic empowerment. Toward that end, this project employed qualitative interviews to discover the women’s lived experience with mobile phones and report their narratives around its impact on their individual development, regarding equity, autonomy and socio-economic transformation. Principal findings indicate mobile phones as normalized within their life-worlds characterized by a consistent connection via mobile technology (telecopresence), and a critical cultural analysis reveals its potential to both facilitate and frustrate empowerment for young women of the Arab Spring in an emerging nation.
Amphetamine Induces Sex-Dependent Loss of the Striatal Dopamine Transporter in Sensitized Mice

Dopamine transporter (DAT) controls dopamine signaling in the brain through the reuptake of synaptically released dopamine. DAT is a target of abused psychostimulants such as amphetamine (Amph). Acute Amph administration induces transient DAT endocytosis, which, among other Amph effects on dopaminergic neurons, elevates extracellular dopamine. However, the effects of repeated Amph abuse, leading to behavioral sensitization and drug addiction, on DAT are unknown. Hence, we developed a 14 d Amph-sensitization protocol in knock-in mice expressing HA-epitope-tagged DAT (HA-DAT) and investigated the effects of Amph challenge on sensitized HA-DAT animals. The Amph challenge resulted in the highest locomotor activity on Day 14 in both sexes, which was sustained for 1 h in male but not female mice. Strikingly, significant (by 30–60%) loss of the HA-DAT protein in the striatum was caused by the Amph challenge of sensitized males but not females. Amph also reduced Vmax of dopamine transport in the striatal synaptosomes of males without changing Km values. Consistently, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed a significant increase of HA-DAT colocalization with the endosomal protein VPS35 only in Amph-challenged males. Amph-induced loss of striatal HA-DAT in sensitized mice was blocked by chloroquine, vacuolin-1, and inhibitor of Rho-associated kinases ROCK1/2, indicative of the involvement of endocytic trafficking in the DAT protein loss. Interestingly, an apparent degradation of HA-DAT protein was observed in the nucleus accumbens and not in the dorsal striatum. We propose that Amph challenge in sensitized mice triggers Rho-mediated endocytosis and post-endocytic trafficking of DAT in a brain-region-specific and sex-dependent manner.