Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attachment Insecurity and Altruistic Behavior among Chinese Adolescents: Mediating Effect of Different Dimensions of Empathy

Although Western studies showed that attachment insecurity was negatively related to adolescent altruistic behavior, few studies have investigated this issue among Chinese adolescents, and little is known about the mechanisms underlying the impact of attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety on adolescent altruistic behaviors. This study investigated the mediating role of different dimensions of empathy (empathic concern, perspective taking, and personal distress) on the association of attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety with altruistic behavior among Chinese adolescents. A total of 1005 7th and 8th grade Chinese students (Mage = 12.86 years, SD = 0.69) from three middle schools in Chengdu, China completed measures of attachment insecurity, interpersonal reactivity index, and altruistic behavior. Results indicated that attachment avoidance, not attachment anxiety, negatively predicted adolescent altruistic behavior among Chinese adolescents. Moreover, higher attachment avoidance predicted less empathic concern and perspective taking, which in turn predicted less altruistic behavior, while higher attachment anxiety predicted more empathic concern and personal distress, which further predicted more and less altruistic behavior, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of promoting adolescent empathic concern and perspective taking and reducing personal distress to strengthen adolescent altruistic behavior.
Spent Coffee Grounds Characterization and Reuse in Composting and Soil Amendment

As an everyday beverage, coffee is consumed worldwide, generating a high amount of waste after brewing, which needs attention for its disposal. These residues are referred to as spent coffee grounds (SCGs), which have been shown to have applications as polymers/composites precursors, biofuels, and biofertilizers. This review focuses on agricultural applications usually based on organic matter to fertilize the soil and consequently improve plant growth. To date, SCGs have been shown to exhibit outstanding performance when applied as soil amendment and composting because it is a nutrient-rich organic waste without heavy metals. Therefore, this review presents the different options to use SCGs in agriculture. First, SCG composition using different characterization techniques is presented to identify the main components. Then, a review is presented showing how SCG toxicity can be resolved when used alone in the soil, especially at high concentrations. In this case, SCG is shown to be effective not only to enhance plant growth, but also to enhance nutritional values without impacting the environment while substituting conventional fertilizers. Finally, a conclusion is presented with openings for future developments.
A Comparison of Vaping Behavior, Perceptions, and Dependence among Individuals Who Vape Nicotine, Cannabis, or Both

Background: Electronic delivery systems (e.g., vapes, e-cigarettes) are now popular modes of cannabis and nicotine administration that are often used by the same individuals; however, we still know little about dual nicotine and cannabis vaping. Materials & Methods: An online convenience sample of adult nicotine and/or cannabis vape users residing in the United States completed a 60 min survey on sociodemographic characteristics, cannabis and/or nicotine vape use behaviors and dependence, reasons for vape use, and perceptions of benefits and harms. After data cleaning, we compared dual vs. nicotine-only and cannabis-only vape users with univariate statistics and step-wise hierarchical linear regression analyses. Additionally, we assessed the factor structure, internal consistency, and criterion and convergent validity of the Penn State Cannabis Vaping Dependence Index (PSCVDI). Results: The final sample included 357 dual, 40 cannabis, and 106 nicotine vape users. Compared to nicotine- and cannabis-only vapers, dual vapers started using their nicotine and cannabis vapes at a younger age (p < 0.001), used them for more years (p < 0.001), and were less likely to use their nicotine vape to replace combustible cigarettes (p = 0.047). Dual users vs. single-substance users did not have significantly higher nicotine or cannabis vape dependence scores after controlling for sociodemographic and use behaviors. The PSCVDI showed adequate validity for measuring cannabis vape dependence. Conclusions: This survey is the first to highlight important differences in vape use behaviors and reasons for use between dual vs. cannabis- and nicotine-only vape users.
Chronic N-Acetylcysteine Treatment Prevents Amphetamine-Induced Hyperactivity in Heterozygous Disc1 Mutant Mice, a Putative Prodromal Schizophrenia Animal Model

Symptoms of schizophrenia (SZ) typically emerge during adolescence to young adulthood, which gives a window before full-blown psychosis for early intervention. Strategies for preventing the conversion from the prodromal phase to the psychotic phase are warranted. Heterozygous (Het) Disc1 mutant mice are considered a prodromal model of SZ, suitable for studying psychotic conversion. We evaluated the preventive effect of chronic N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration, covering the prenatal era to adulthood, on the reaction following the Amph challenge, which mimics the outbreak or conversion of psychosis, in adult Het Disc1 mice. Biochemical and morphological features were examined in the striatum of NAC-treated mice. Chronic NAC treatment normalized the Amph-induced activity in the Het Disc1 mice. Furthermore, the striatal phenotypes of Het Disc1 mice were rescued by NAC including dopamine receptors, the expression of GSK3s, MSN dendritic impairments, and striatal PV density. The current study demonstrated a potent preventive effect of chronic NAC treatment in Disc1 Het mice on the acute Amph test, which mimics the outbreak of psychosis. Our findings not only support the benefit of NAC as a dietary supplement for SZ prodromes, but also advance our knowledge of striatal dopamine receptors, PV neurons, and GSK3 signaling pathways as therapeutic targets for treating or preventing the pathogenesis of mental disorders.
Comparison of UAV and SAR performance for Crop type classification using machine learning algorithms: a case study of humid forest ecology experimental research site of West Africa

ABSTRACT Food insecurity is one of the major challenges facing African countries; therefore, timely and accurate information on agricultural production is essential to feed the growing population on the continent. A synergistic approach comprising a high-resolution multispectral UAV optical dataset and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) can help understand spectral features of target objects, especially with crop type identification. We conducted this work on the experimental plots using high spatial resolution multispectral UAV data (12 cm, re-sampled to 50 cm) in combination with the Sentinel 1C Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) dataset. We generated 11 agronomically relevent vegetation indices from the UAV multispectral image. Multiple combinations of the UAV datasets were analysed to assess the impact of canopy height model (CHM) on classification accuracy and to determine the optimum dataset (including spatial resolution) for the land cover classification. We also appraise the impact of variable spatial resolution on classification accuracy. A combination of VH and VV polarizations of Sentinel-1 SAR data was also analysed to classify the crop types while comparing its accuracy with the UAV-derived models. Our results show that model accuracy is improved- for all the data combination pairs, when CHM is added to the modelling. We also observed a decreasing trend in classification accuracy with respect to increasing spatial resolution. Generally, the support vector machine (SVM) classifier produced an overall accuracy of 94.78% and 81.72% for UAV and SAR datasets, respectively. In comparison, the random forest (RF) achieved an accuracy of 93.84% and 92.58%, for UAV and SAR datasets, respectively. The outputs from ground-based validation corroborate the results from model-based classification coupled with acceptable simple models’ agreement ratio (SMAR), exceeding 90% in some cases. The combined techniques can be useful in precision agriculture over small and large agricultural fields to support food security assessment and planning.
On de Mundo and pseudo‐Aristotle, a geoarchaeological analysis

“De Mundo” (“On the Cosmos”), an influential ancient anonymous treatise (manuscript) covering natural phenomena and philosophical ideas, is assigned by the majority of investigators to pseudo‐Aristotle, an unknown philosopher of Roman times mimicking Aristotle. This article focuses on differences in the geological content between “Meteorologica” (“Meteorology”), the famous work of Aristotle on Natural Sciences, and “de Mundo. ” Four themes are examined: the evolution of the legend of the 373 BC earthquake and tsunami at Helike and Boura (Gulf of Corinth, Greece) based on new geoarchaeological and archaeological evidence, volcanic eruptions of the Aeolian Islands and Etna, but not of Vesuvius (Italy), neurotoxic effects of gas seepage, mostly in oracles, and the style of referencing to geological information. The new geoarchaeological evidence permits the dating of “de Mundo” in the first century AD, thereby refining previous interpretations, and implies no evidence of change in Aristotle's philosophical and geographical ideas at the end of his life. The overall analysis provides an explanation for the legend of the catastrophe of Helike, and it highlights the potential of geoarchaeological methods to provide new insights even into literary, philosophical, and geographical issues, and the dating of various ancient manuscripts.
The dynamics of emotions: a preliminary study on continuously annotated arousal signals

Human emotions are characterized by a complex interaction between conscious experience, physiological arousal, and social dimension. Although the importance of considering emotion response as a nonlinear dynamical system is widely recognized, mathematical models able to describe the time-varying conscious emotional states are still lacking. In recent literature on Affective Computing, novel annotating tools have been introduced to record continuous self-assessed emotion ratings. These data represent a valuable source to describe the dynamics arising during the conscious experience of emotions. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the trajectories traced in the reconstructed phase space of continuously annotated arousal signals acquired during an experimental protocol of emotion elicitation. We use a subset of the Continuously Anno-tated Signals of Emotions (CASE) dataset, including self-assessed ratings from thirty healthy subjects while watching two video clips: one fear-inducing and one relaxing. We analyse intrinsic irregularity and complexity of arousal time-series, performing Sample Entropy and Distribution Entropy algorithms. Results show a significantly higher complexity of time-varying emotion perception during the scary video compared to the relaxing video. Our findings, although preliminary, highlight a promising field of application of chaos theory methodologies to continuous emotion ratings, which can be exploited for the prediction of pathological moods in ecological settings.
Leverage and Investment Cash Flow Sensitivity: Evidence from Muscat Securities Market in Oman

This article investigates the investment cash flow sensitivity (ICFS) and the effect of leverage on the firms’ ICFS by using data from 66 non-financial companies from Muscat Securities Market, Oman for a 7-year period from 2013 to 2019. We used a dynamic panel investment model based on the Euler equation approach and ran dynamic panel regressions using the dynamic panel system generalized method of moments (GMM). We run two regressions: first, testing the sensitivity of investment to the availability of the internal funds; second, testing the effect of firms’ leverage levels on the sensitivity of investment to cash flows. The results showed a significant sensitivity of investment to cash flows for the sample companies. The positive coefficient for the cash flow variable indicates the presence of financing constraints. The results showed that leverage has a significant effect on the ICFS of the companies, indicating that the companies with higher leverage have ICFS.
A Novel Step-T-Junction Microchannel for the Cell Encapsulation in Monodisperse Alginate-Gelatin Microspheres of Varying Mechanical Properties at High Throughput

Cell encapsulation has been widely employed in cell therapy, characterization, and analysis, as well as many other biomedical applications. While droplet-based microfluidic technology is advantageous in cell microencapsulation because of its modularity, controllability, mild conditions, and easy operation when compared to other state-of-art methods, it faces the dilemma between high throughput and monodispersity of generated cell-laden microdroplets. In addition, the lack of a biocompatible method of de-emulsification transferring cell-laden hydrogel from cytotoxic oil phase into cell culture medium also hurtles the practical application of microfluidic technology. Here, a novel step-T-junction microchannel was employed to encapsulate cells into monodisperse microspheres at the high-throughput jetting regime. An alginate–gelatin co-polymer system was employed to enable the microfluidic-based fabrication of cell-laden microgels with mild cross-linking conditions and great biocompatibility, notably for the process of de-emulsification. The mechanical properties of alginate-gelatin hydrogel, e.g., stiffness, stress–relaxation, and viscoelasticity, are fully adjustable in offering a 3D biomechanical microenvironment that is optimal for the specific encapsulated cell type. Finally, the encapsulation of HepG2 cells into monodisperse alginate–gelatin microgels with the novel microfluidic system and the subsequent cultivation proved the maintenance of the long-term viability, proliferation, and functionalities of encapsulated cells, indicating the promising potential of the as-designed system in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Reduced-Complexity LMI Conditions for Admissibility Analysis and Control Design of Singular Nonlinear Systems

We present a reduced-complexity control approach for a class of descriptor nonlinear systems with a nonlinear derivative matrix, possibly singular. To this end, a systematic approach is proposed to obtain an equivalent polytopic representation of a given nonlinear system within a compact set of the state-space. This modeling approach has two particular features compared to the related Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy model-based framework. First, the model complexity only grows proportionally, rather than exponentially, with the number of premise variables. Second, the vertices of the proposed polytopic models can admit an infinite number of representations for the same predefined set of premise variables. This nonuniqueness feature allows introducing some specific slack variables at the modeling step to reduce the control design conservatism. Based on the proposed polytopic representation and Lyapunov stability theory, we derive reduced-complexity admissibility analysis and design conditions, expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities, for the considered class of descriptor systems. In particular, a new nonlinear control law is proposed for regular descriptor systems to avoid using the extended redundancy form, which may yield numerically complex and conservative results due to the imposed special control structure. Both numerical and physically motivated examples are given to demonstrate the interests of the new control approach with respect to existing T–S fuzzy model-based control results.
Anti-Fibrotic Potential of Tomentosenol A, a Constituent of Cerumen from the Australian Native Stingless Bee, Tetragonula carbonaria

Bioactivity-guided fractionation was used to isolate two compounds, tomentosenol A (1) and torellianone A (2), from a cerumen extract from Tetragonula carbonaria. The anti-fibrotic activity of these compounds was examined using human cultured neonatal foreskin fibroblasts (NFF) and immortalised keratinocytes (HaCaTs). Tomentosenol A (1), inhibited NFF and HaCaT cell proliferation and prevented NFF and HaCaT scratch wound repopulation at 12.5–25 µM concentrations. These inhibitory effects were associated with reduced cell viability, determined by tetrazolium dye (MTT) and sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays. Compound 1 further inhibited transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated, NFF-myofibroblast differentiation and soluble collagen production; and was an effective scavenger of the model oxidant, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·), with an EC50 value of 44.7 ± 3.1 µM. These findings reveal significant anti-fibrotic potential for cerumen-derived tomentosenol A (1).
The Effects of 10-Week Strength Training in the Winter on Brown-like Adipose Tissue Vascular Density

There is no evidence of the effect of exercise training on human brown-like adipose tissue vascular density (BAT-d). Here, we report whether whole-body strength training (ST) in a cold environment increased BAT-d. The participants were 18 men aged 20–31 years. They were randomly assigned to two groups: one that performed ST twice a week at 75% intensity of one-repetition maximum for 10 weeks during winter (EX; n = 9) and a control group that did not perform ST (CT; n = 9). The total hemoglobin concentration in the supraclavicular region determined by time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy was used as a parameter of BAT-d. ST volume (Tvol) was defined as the mean of the weight × repetition × sets of seven training movements. The number of occasions where the room temperature was lower than the median (NRcold) was counted as an index of potential cold exposure during ST. There was no significant between-group difference in BAT-d. Multiple regression analysis using body mass index, body fat percentage, NRcold, and Tvol as independent variables revealed that NRcold and Tvol were determined as predictive of changes in BAT-d. An appropriate combination of ST with cold environments could be an effective strategy for modulating BAT.
Phylogenomic assessment prompts recognition of the Serianthes clade and confirms the monophyly of Serianthes and its relationship with Falcataria and Wallaceodendron in the wider ingoid clade (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae)

﻿Abstract The Indo-Pacific legume genus Serianthes was recently placed in the Archidendron clade (sensu Koenen et al. 2020), a subclade of the mimosoid clade in subfamily Caesalpinioideae, which also includes Acacia, Archidendron, Archidendropsis, Falcataria, Pararchidendron, Paraserianthes and Wallaceodendron. Serianthes comprises ca. 18 species, five subspecies and two varieties that are characterised by bipinnately compound leaves with alternate sessile leaflets, branched axillary corymbiform panicles and woody indehiscent pods. Generic relationships, as well as species relationships within genera in the Archidendron clade, remain uncertain. While the sister relationship between Serianthes and the genus Falcataria is strongly supported by molecular data, the distinction between Serianthes and the monotypic genus Wallaceodendron has been questioned, based on their similar flower and fruit morphologies. We combined three gene-enriched hybrid capture DNA sequence datasets (generated from the 964 mimobaits v1 probe set, the expanded 997 mimobaits v2 probe set and the GoFlag angiosperm 408 probe set) and used their overlapping markers (77 loci of the target exonic and flanking regions) to test the monophyly of Serianthes and to investigate generic relationships within the Archidendron clade using 55 ingoid plus two outgroup taxa. We show that Serianthes is monophyletic, confirm the Serianthes + Falcataria sister relationship to Wallaceodendron and recognise this combined clade as the Serianthes clade within the Archidendron clade. We also evaluated the use of overlapping loci across datasets in combination with concordance analyses to test generic relationships and further investigate previously unresolved relationships across the wider ingoid clade. Concordance analysis revealed limited gene tree conflicts near the tips of the Archidendron clade, but increased discordance at the base of the clade, which could be attributed to rapid lineage divergence (radiation) and/or incomplete lineage sorting.
Botryosphaeria Dieback (Lasiodiplodia viticola): An Imminent Emerging Threat to the Moroccan Vineyards

A decline of various grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) in the province of Doukkala in Morocco was observed in 2021. The causal pathogen was identified as Lasiodiplodia viticola based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed region (ITS), the β-tubulin gene (TUB) and calmodulin (cmdA). Koch’s postulates were confirmed by successful re-isolation of L. viticola from plants inoculated with the pathogen under controlled conditions. The disease was shown to be prevalent in Bni Hilal (71.43%), Laamria (60%), and Boulaouane (40%) districts, but was quasi-absent in Lmechrek. To understand the dominance of L. viticola as one of the grapevine trunk pathogens, effects of temperature (10–40 °C) and pH (pH 3–pH 12) on growth and sporulation were investigated. The species were able to grow in a range of temperatures ranging from 15 to 40°C and showed a higher growth rate at 35 °C. The fungus were also characterized by a broad optimum pH ranging between 3–12. This study is the first report dealing with L. viticola associated with grapevine trunk diseases in Morocco. Additional studies are therefore required to understand the high occurrence of this disease in vineyards, which is likely due to climate changes. A good understanding of this complex disease might help to develop a reliable and sustainable preventive control strategy.
Algorithm to Impact Children’s Online Behaviour and Raise their Cyber Security Awareness

The online activities of children with little knowledge and understanding can potentially expose them to cybercriminals as they innocently exchange information and befriend strangers. To grasp the online behaviour of children in-depth and to be conscious of the extent of the phenomenon, a mixed-method research approach was used to design an algorithm that can impact the behaviour of children online and raise their cyber security awareness. The Child Online Secure Behaviour Influencing Algorithm (COSBIA) was designed following the steps of the Design Science Research process. COSBIA focuses on impacting the behaviour of children on social networking sites by promoting secure online behaviour through incentives and penalties. Additionally, COSBIA increases awareness of Internet security threats and educates children on secure online behaviour in order to achieve a safe online experience.