Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Retrieval Practice Across Levels of Thinking and Retention Interval on Reading Comprehension

Abstract: The present study examined the effect of different types of retrieval practice on reading comprehension across levels of thinking and retention interval in a classroom setting. One hundred undergraduates divided into two retention interval groups (short- and long-retention interval) were asked to read a passage on a topic in Cognitive Psychology and were then required to engage in a retrieval practice learning strategy using the two types of question format (production test and recognition test) and different levels of thinking (lower-order thinking and higher-order thinking). A three-way mixed ANOVA statistical test was used to analyse the data and found no significant differences in reading comprehension across the different types of retrieval practice, suggesting that the performance when using the recognition test is equivalent to when using the production test. The difference in reading comprehension between the different types of retention interval also was not observed, indicating that students in the short-retention interval group retained just as much information as those in the long-retention interval group. Additionally, the present study observed a significant difference in students’ reading comprehension between different levels of thinking, signifying that the students’ performance for the lower-level thinking questions was better than that for the higher-level thinking questions. The present finding contributed to the existing body of knowledge in which it suggested that the performance in reading comprehension when using a recognition test, particularly a well-constructed one, with competitive alternatives was equivalent to when using a production test. Keywords: Levels of thinking, Question format, Reading comprehension, Retention interval, Retrieval practice
Design Procedure for Flow over Side Weirs

Numerical investigations of flow over side weirs in rectangular and circular channels are reported. Numerical models are obtained from energy principles and solved by a finite difference method. The results are presented in graphic form. Theoretical and experimental equations are presented for the determination of the length of side weirs for rectangular and circular delivery channels. Comparative analyses of side‐weir lengths computed for several example cases show that rectangular‐channel side‐weir procedures generally should not be used for design purposes or for obtaining approximate water‐surface profiles along side weirs in a circular channel (except for the special case of a side‐weir‐height‐to‐channel‐diameter ratio of P/D=0.66). For all other ratios of P/D, the percent error incurred depends on the basic assumptions involved with the rectangular approximation procedure.
Why we went to the woods?: effects of human disturbance on species presence in a disturbed Myanmar forest ecosystem

Human activities are affecting habitats and wildlife populations worldwide. Tropical forests are one of the most affected environments, mainly due to deforestation and poaching. Since high levels of anthropogenic pressure on forest ecosystems, including illegal logging and hunting, occur in southwest Myanmar (Rakhine State), we analyzed the effects of human disturbance on medium to large mammals in this region. We used camera‐trapping data collected over three consecutive years to investigate occurrence probabilities of 10 species: five common species exploited for bushmeat consumption, and five threatened species targeted by the illegal wildlife trade. We used a hierarchical single‐species multi‐season occupancy model implemented in a Bayesian framework to evaluate the effects of human disturbances and persistent habitat characteristics, such as the proportion of remaining pristine evergreen forest and the elevation, on occurrence probabilities. We found that occupancy probabilities of three out of five target species for the illegal wildlife trade were positively linked to forest habitats, whereas among common species hunted for bushmeat consumption the Northern red muntjak and the Malayan porcupine were negatively affected by human presence. The effects of human and habitat covariates were varied for other species of both groups. We confirmed results from previous studies that human disturbance is a driver of occurrence probabilities for some species in tropical areas. Our findings suggest that as protection of rainforest habitat is fundamental to the conservation of tropical ecosystems, law enforcement, patrolling, and local engagement activities are also recommended to mitigate forest and species exploitation. Finally, camera trapping could be a first step to identify areas where human presence affects species occupancy and help local authorities to develop more fine‐tuned conservation plans.
Reverse Abdominoplasty: A Novel Practical Approach Using Oncoplastic Reconstruction in Managing Major Chest Wall Defects for Patients With Loco-Regional Recurrence Following Breast Cancer Surgery

Background Loco-regional recurrence of breast cancer in patients with large chest wall defects following mastectomy poses significant oncoplastic challenges. Reverse abdominoplasty is most commonly used to treat patients with excess upper abdominal soft tissue and laxity following massive weight loss. Widely employed as a technique for aesthetic contouring of the upper anterior trunk, as well as in augmentation mammoplasty, its use to date for reconstructive purposes is mainly limited to burns and large site surgical tumour ablation. Method Here we review our experience of using reverse abdominoplasty as a novel approach to filling major anterior chest wall defects in patients with cutaneous manifestations of loco-regional or distant recurrence of breast cancer. Results Seven patients with metastatic breast cancer underwent reverse abdominoplasty for disease recurrence following mastectomy, with good patient-reported outcomes, and minimal surgical complications. Moreover, follow-up data in the patients surveyed also showed minimal to no limitations on their activities of daily living following the procedure. Conclusion Here we demonstrate the successful employment of reverse abdominoplasty - a technique not usually reserved in breast oncoplastic surgery - to treat fungating breast lesions and/or other manifestations of loco-regional recurrence in metastatic breast cancer. This may herald a paradigm shift in the way surgeons approach breast cancer recurrence in patients with pre-existing major chest wall defects.
Clinical Response to Anti-CD47 Immunotherapy Is Associated with Rapid Reduction of Exhausted Bystander CD4+ BTLA+ T Cells in Tumor Microenvironment of Mycosis Fungoides

Simple Summary The identification of the events that accompany cancer progression is essential for developing new therapies. We have used mycosis fungoides, the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma, as a model for our study. We have shown that cancer progression is accompanied by the expansion of exhausted immune cells around malignant cells. Those exhausted cells prevent immune activation, blocking cancer clearance by the immune system. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that novel anti-CD47 immunotherapy with mycosis fungoides leads to the reduction of exhausted T cells accompanied by the expansion of NK and CD8+ T cells. These therapeutic benefits of CD47 blockade were further facilitated by interferon-α, which stimulates cytotoxic cells. Thus, we showed that CD47 might serve as an effective therapeutic target in treating mycosis fungoides. Abstract Cancer progression in mycosis fungoides, the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, occurs in a predictable, sequential pattern that starts from patches and that evolves to plaques and later to tumors. Therefore, unlocking the relationship between the microarchitecture of mycosis fungoides and the clinical counterparts of that microstructure represents important steps for the design of targeted therapies. Using multispectral fluorescent imaging, we show that the progression of mycosis fungoides from plaque to tumor parallels the cutaneous expansion of the malignant CD4+ T cells that express TOX. The density of exhausted BTLA+ CD4+ T cells around malignant CD4+TOX+ cells was higher in tumors than it was in plaques, suggesting that undesired safeguards are in place within the tumor microenvironment that prevent immune activation and subsequent cancer eradication. Overriding the CD47 checkpoint with an intralesional SIRPαFc fusion decoy receptor induced the resolution of mycosis fungoides in patients that paralleled an amplified expansion of NK and CD8+ T cells in addition to a reduction of the exhausted BTLA+ CD4+ T cells that were engaged in promiscuous intercellular interactions. These therapeutic benefits of the CD47 blockade were further unleashed by adjuvant interferon-α, which stimulates cytotoxic cells, underscoring the importance of an inflamed microenvironment in facilitating the response to immunotherapy. Collectively, these findings support CD47 as a therapeutic target in treating mycosis fungoides and demonstrate a synergistic role of interferon-α in exploiting these clinical benefits.
Lightning-induced voltages at both ends of a 448-m power-distribution line

Lightning-induced voltages due to return strokes in ground flashes beyond about 5 km were measured simultaneously at both ends of an unenergized 448-m power-distribution line. The measurements represent an extension of an earlier experiment on the same line in which voltages are obtained at only one end of the line. In addition to the induced voltage measurements, the causative lightning electric and magnetic fields are recorded. The voltage and field measurements are made as a function of the lightning direction and of the power-line termination. For both measured and idealized electric fields as inputs to a time-domain transmission-line coupling model, the authors calculate line voltages as a function of the incident angle of the lightning electromagnetic radiation and of the line termination. Measured and predicted voltages calculated from the coupling model with measured fields as inputs show, overall, good agreement in waveshape, but the predicted voltages are about a factor of three larger in amplitude. To the extent that the results can be compared, there is reasonable agreement with the earlier experiments on the same line. >
Development of Static Voltage Stability Index for Weak Bus Identification

To meet an ever-increasing electrical load demand, modern power systems are undergoing numerous changes and becoming more complex from operation, control and stability maintenance standpoints. The major problem that is associated with such a stressed system is voltage instability or collapse. A system is said to enter a state of voltage instability when a disturbance causes a progressive and uncontrollable decline in voltage, which can occur because of the inability of the network to meet the increased demand for reactive power. Therefore, the voltage stability analysis is essential in order to identify the critical buses in a power system i.e., buses which are close to their voltage stability limits and thus enable certain measures to be taken by the operators in order to avoid any incidence of voltage collapse. Based on the basic understanding of voltage collapse and voltage stability analysis, a new index of analyzing static stability is proposed utilizing the power flow solution based on the transmission line impedance and the apparent power at the receiving end. The proposed line stability index has the capability to identify the weakest bus and the weakest line in the interconnected power. Simulations were carried out to validate the proposed index using Western System Coordinate Council (WSCC) 9-bus test system. The results are presented and compared with indices found in literature.
Examination of dietary intake of UK preschool children by varying carers: evidence from the 2008–2016 UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey

Abstract Early years caregivers can play a key role in young children’s eating and the prevention of childhood obesity. The UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) is a large representative survey collecting detailed food and nutrition consumption data. Using these data, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary intake of preschool children in the UK aged 2 to 4 years and accompanying adult/s. Nutrition consumption data from 1218 preschool children from years 1 to 8 of the 2008–2016 NDNS were accessed. Dietary data were captured using 3 or 4 day estimated food diaries. Regression analyses revealed significant differences in consumption when children were not accompanied by their parents. Compared with when children were with parents, children consumed significantly more energy dense meals (0·32 kJ/g, 95% CI 0·1–0·6 kJ/g), energy (62 kJ/g, (95% CI 27–97 kJ)) Na (19 mg, (95 % CI 6, 32)), added sugars (0·6 g, (95 % CI 0·1, 1·1)), vegetables (3 g, (95 % CI 1, 4)), total grams (12 g, (95 % CI 3, 21)) and saturated fat (0·2 g, (95 % CI 0·1, 0·4)) per eating occasion when accompanied by wider family. When children were accompanied by a formal childcare provider, they consumed significantly lower energy dense meals (−0·9 kJ/g, (95% CI −1·4 – −0·3 kJ/g)), less added sugars (−1·6 g, (95 % CI −2·4, −0·8)) and more fruit (12 g, (95 % CI 3, 21)) per eating occasion than when they were with their parents. The results demonstrate that non-parental caregivers might be an important target to promote healthy eating in young children. Further research is needed to establish which caregivers would benefit most.
Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis Effects in Zebrafish Larvae after Rapid Exposure to a Commercial Glyphosate Formulation

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are the most used herbicides in the world, carrying potentially adverse consequences to the environment and non-target species due to their massive and inadequate use. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acute exposure to a commercial formulation of glyphosate, Roundup® Flex (RF), at environmentally relevant and higher concentrations in zebrafish larvae through the assessment of the inflammatory, oxidative stress and cell death response. Transgenic Tg(mpxGFP)i114 and wild-type (WT) zebrafish larvae (72 h post-fertilisation) were exposed to 1, 5, and 10 µg mL−1 of RF (based on the active ingredient concentration) for 4 h 30 min. A concentration of 2.5 µg mL−1 CuSO4 was used as a positive control. Copper sulphate exposure showed effectiveness in enhancing the inflammatory profile by increasing the number of neutrophils, nitric oxide (NO) levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cell death. None of the RF concentrations tested showed changes in the number of neutrophils and NO. However, the concentration of 10 µg a.i. mL−1 was able to induce an increase in ROS levels and cell death. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), the biotransformation activity, the levels of reduced (GSH) and oxidised (GSSG) glutathione, lipid peroxidation (LPO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were similar among groups. Overall, the evidence may suggest toxicological effects are dependent on the concentration of RF, although at concentrations that are not routinely detected in the environment. Additional studies are needed to better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of this formulation.
On the energy harvesting potential of piezoaeroelastic systems

This paper investigates the concept of piezoaeroelasticity for energy harvesting. The focus is placed on mathematical modeling and experimental validations of the problem of generating electricity at the flutter boundary of a piezoaeroelastic airfoil. An electrical power output of 10.7 mW is delivered to a 100 kΩ load at the linear flutter speed of 9.30 m/s (which is 5.1% larger than the short-circuit flutter speed). The effect of piezoelectric power generation on the linear flutter speed is also discussed and a useful consequence of having nonlinearities in the system is addressed.
Financial inclusion, corporate social responsibility and firm performance – analysis of interactive relationship

Purpose Prior studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and performance have frequently used unidirectional, single-equation regression although the literature recommends the reciprocal association of CSR with firm performance. This paper aims to elucidate the interactive relationship of CSR spending with financial inclusion (FI) and firm performance. The study also explores the moderating impact of the level of FI on the CSR-firm performance relationship. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a simultaneous equations model to capture the FI, CSR and firm performance relationships and apply a three-stage regression approach and generalised method of moments approach to address possible endogeneity. Findings The results confirm a positive association of CSR spending with performance but a negative relationship of FI with performance. This paper also finds that FI negatively moderates the CSR spending-performance relationship. Practical implications The positive impact of CSR spending and the negative impact of FI on performance in mandatory CSR regimes provides valuable input in policy formulation. The results of the study will also be useful to national and international organisations, such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Originality/value This study uses a simultaneous equations model to capture the reciprocal association of CSR spending with firm performance, whereas prior studies on CSR and performance have frequently used unidirectional, single-equation regression. This paper also finds that FI negatively moderates the CSR spending- performance relationship. Including FI and exploring the moderating impact of the level of FI on the CSR-firm performance relationship is novel.
A pseudonymous communications infrastructure for the internet

As more and more of people's everyday activities are being conducted online, there is an ever-increasing threat to personal privacy. Every communicative or commercial transaction you perform online reveals bits of information about you that can be compiled into large dossiers, often without your permission, or even your knowledge. This work presents the design and analysis of a Pseudonymous Communications Infrastructure for the Internet, which we call a Pseudonymous IP Network, or PIP Network. This system allows parties to communicate in real time over the Internet without being forced to reveal their identities, thus forming the basis for communications and electronic commerce systems that respect the privacy of the individual. This work also presents the Nymity Slider, an abstraction that can be useful when talking about how much personally identifying information a given transaction reveals, and when designing privacy-friendly technologies. We discuss why pseudonymity, rather than anonymity, is the goal of this project. Finally, we introduce the primitive of the rendezvous server, which allows a system such as the PIP Network, which protects the privacy of the users of Internet services, to be turned around to protect the privacy of the providers of those services as well.
Preparation and Characterization of Silymarin-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles with Enhanced Anti-Fibrotic Therapeutic Effects against Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats: Role of MicroRNAs as Molecular Targets

Background: The main obstacles of silymarin (SIL) application in liver diseases are its low bioavailability, elevated metabolism, rapid excretion in bile and urine, and inefficient intestinal resorption. The study aimed to synthesize and characterize silymarin-conjugated gold nanoparticles (SGNPs) formulation to improve SIL bioavailability and release for potentiating its antifibrotic action. Methods: Both SGNPs and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were prepared and characterized using standard characterization techniques. The improved formulation was assessed for in vitro drug release study and in vivo study on rats using CCl4 induced hepatic fibrosis model. SIL, SGNPs, and GNPs were administered by oral gavage daily for 30 days. At the end of the study, rats underwent anesthesia and were sacrificed, serum samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Liver tissues were collected to measure the genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) expressions. Also, histopathological and immunohistochemistry (IHC) examinations of hepatic tissues supported these results. Results: The successful formation and conjugation of SGNPs were confirmed by measurements methods. The synthesized nanohybrid SGNPs showed significant antifibrotic therapeutic action against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats, and preserved normal body weight, liver weight, liver index values, retained normal hepatic functions, lowered inflammatory markers, declined lipid peroxidation, and activated the antioxidant pathway nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2). The antifibrotic activities of SGNPs mediated through enhancing the hepatic expression of the protective miRNAs; miR-22, miR-29c, and miR-219a which results in suppressed expression of the main fibrosis mediators; TGFβR1, COL3A1, and TGFβR2, respectively. The histopathology and IHC analysis confirmed the anti-fibrotic effects of SGNPs. Conclusions: The successful synthesis of SGNPs with sizes ranging from 16 up to 20 nm and entrapment efficiency and loading capacity 96% and 38.69%, respectively. In vivo studies revealed that the obtained nano-formulation of SIL boosted its anti-fibrotic effects.
Accelerated Aging: Photochemical and Thermal Aspects

Written by a renowned expert in the field, this book presents an overview of the results of research using accelerated aging tests. The emphasis is on the chemical aspects of photochemical stability, but thermally initiated deterioration is also discussed. Although not a "how-to" book, it does introduce the reasoning, limitations, and principles underlying the concept of accelerated aging. An extensive bibliography provides conservators and conservation scientists with an invaluable source for further research and exploration.
Predicted long‐term impact of COVID‐19 pandemic‐related care delays on cancer mortality in Canada

The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected cancer care worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the long‐term impacts of cancer care disruptions on cancer mortality in Canada using a microsimulation model. The model simulates cancer incidence and survival using cancer incidence, stage at diagnosis and survival data from the Canadian Cancer Registry. We modeled reported declines in cancer diagnoses and treatments recorded in provincial administrative datasets in March 2020 to June 2021. Based on the literature, we assumed that diagnostic and treatment delays lead to a 6% higher rate of cancer death per 4‐week delay. After June 2021, we assessed scenarios where cancer treatment capacity returned to prepandemic levels, or to 10% higher or lower than prepandemic levels. Results are the median predictions of 10 stochastic simulations. The model predicts that cancer care disruptions during the COVID‐19 pandemic could lead to 21 247 (2.0%) more cancer deaths in Canada in 2020 to 2030, assuming treatment capacity is recovered to 2019 prepandemic levels in 2021. This represents 355 172 life years lost expected due to pandemic‐related diagnostic and treatment delays. The largest number of expected excess cancer deaths was predicted for breast, lung and colorectal cancers, and in the provinces of Ontario, Québec and British Columbia. Diagnostic and treatment capacity in 2021 onward highly influenced the number of cancer deaths over the next decade. Cancer care disruptions during the COVID‐19 pandemic could lead to significant life loss; however, most of these could be mitigated by increasing diagnostic and treatment capacity in the short‐term to address the service backlog.