Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anaphoric Reference in Written Narratives by German-Speaking 10-Year-Olds and Adults: The Influence of Referential Function and Character Type

It has been suggested that acquiring the appropriate use of referring expressions consists of a shift from an initial focus on global accessibility factors, e.g., animacy or character type, towards primarily considering local accessibility factors, such as information status, referential function and topicality. At which age this shift takes place remains an open question. The present study investigates anaphoric reference in picture-based written narratives by German-speaking 10-year-olds and adults. We analyse and compare the extent to which referential function (maintenance vs. reintroduction), a local accessibility factor, and character type (main character vs. secondary character), a global accessibility factor, influence children’s and adults’ choice of referring expression. The results show that referential function affected referential choice in both children and adults, with significantly higher proportions of pronouns in maintenance than in reintroduction. However, character type only influenced the children, who produced a significantly higher proportion of pronouns with main characters than with secondary characters. These results suggest that children’s referring expression use is not yet fully adultlike at age 10, and that adults and children weigh local and global accessibility factors differently: global factors play a role in children’s referential choice in addition to local ones, whereas adults are primarily influenced by local accessibility factors.
Photodeposited Silver versus Gold over g-C3N4 toward Photocatalytic Oxidation of Organic Water Pollutants

Water is a valuable reserve that shall be efficiently treated for sustainable growth and development. Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) and graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) have received immense attention for several applications. In this paper, the facile synthesis of MNPs/gCN hybrid photocatalysts based on sonodispersion, and in-situ reduction and photodeposition is described. Photodeposition of two different metals, namely gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with different loading ratios was studied. The morphological, structural, electronic, optical, and surface properties of the prepared catalysts were investigated. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared catalysts was evaluated for photooxidation of organic water pollutants under visible light irradiation using methyl orange (MO) and rose bengal (RB) as model dyes. The photo-and recycling stability, and the photoelectrochemical properties of a selected photocatalyst were also studied. The results confirmed the evident formation and characteristics of the prepared MNPs/gCN materials. The catalysis measurements revealed the promoting effect of the Au and Ag NPs toward the adsorptive removal and photooxidation of MO and RB. Overall, the Ag NPs demonstrated higher catalytic activity for dye oxidation compared to Au NPs. The Au/gCN resulted in adsorptive removal of 3.87-11.80 % of MO, whereas the Ag/gCN led to adsorptive removal of 66.45-85.33% of MO within 1 h in dark. Also, Ag/gCN catalysts exhibited an extraordinary adsorption ability toward RB that is six-time higher than that of Au/gCN. Interestingly, the Ag/gCN photocatalysts demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity with 100% photooxidation of MO, and RB within 20 min, and 15 min under visible light irradiation, respectively. The high photocatalytic activity could arise from the coupled plasmon absorption, enhanced visible light harvesting, and efficient charge separation. Besides superior photocatalytic activity, the Ag/gCN catalyst expressed promising photostability, reusability, and photoelectrochemical responses. The obtained results indicate that MNPs/gCN materials could serve as efficient visible-light-sensitive catalysts for photocatalytic water treatment.
Kinetic Factors in Affine Quantization and Their Role in Field Theory Monte Carlo

Affine quantization, which is a parallel procedure with canonical quantization, needs to use its principal quantum operators, most simply $D=(PQ+QP)/2$ and $Q\neq0$, to represent appropriate kinetic factors, normally $P^2$, which involve only one canonical quantum operator. The need for this requirement stems from the quantization of selected problems that require affine quantization to achieve valid Monte Carlo results. This task is resolved for introductory examples as well as examples that involve scalar quantum field theories.
The Potential Impact of Inducing a Restriction in Reimbursement Criteria on Vitamin D Supplementation in Osteoporotic Patients with or without Fractures

In October 2019, the Italian Drug Agency (AIFA) restricted reimbursement criteria for vitamin D (VD) use outside the osteoporosis setting (Note 96). However, whether this restriction could also have involved patients at risk for or with osteoporotic fractures has not yet been investigated. We retrospectively analyzed databases from five Italian Local Health Units. Patients aged ≥50 years with either at least one prescription for osteoporosis treatment or with fragility fractures and evidence of osteoporosis from 2011 to 2020 were included. The proportion of subjects with an interruption in VD treatment before and after the introduction of the new reimbursement criteria and predictors of this interruption were analyzed. A total of 94,505 patients (aged 69.4 years) were included. Following the introduction of Note 96, a 2-fold (OR 1.98, 95% CI: 1.92–2.04) increased risk of VD discontinuation was observed. These findings were independent of seasonal variation, osteoporosis treatment patterns, as well as other confounding variables. However, a higher rate of interruption was observed in patients without vertebral/femur fracture (37.8%) vs. those with fracture (32.9%). Rheumatoid arthritis, dyslipidemia and previous fracture were associated with a lower risk of VD interruption, while stroke increased the risk of VD interruption. Our results highlight that a possible misinterpretation of newly introduced criteria for reimbursement restrictions in VD outside of osteoporosis have resulted in an inadequate level of VD supplementation in patients with osteoporosis. This undertreatment could reduce the effect of osteoporosis therapies leading to increased risk of negative outcome.
20 Years of Real-World Data to Estimate the Prevalence of Heart Failure and Its Subtypes in an Unselected Population of Integrated Care Units

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome caused by structural and functional cardiac abnormalities resulting in the impairment of cardiac function, entailing significant mortality. The prevalence of HF has reached epidemic proportions in the last few decades, mainly in the elderly, but recent evidence suggests that its epidemiology may be changing. Objective: Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of HF and its subtypes, and to characterize HF in a population of integrated care users. Material and Methods: A non-interventional cross-sectional study was performed in a healthcare center that provides primary, secondary and tertiary health cares. Echocardiographic parameters (left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and evidence of structural heart disease) and elevated levels of natriuretic peptides were used to define two HF phenotypes: (i) HF with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, LVEF ≤ 40% and either NT-proBNP ≥ 400 pg/mL (≥600 pg/mL if atrial fibrillation (AF)/flutter) or BNP ≥ 100 pg/mL (≥125 pg/mL if AF/flutter)) and (ii) HF with a non-reduced ejection fraction (HFnrEF), which encompasses both HFpEF (LVEF ≥ 50% and either NT-proBNP ≥ 200 pg/mL (≥600 pg/mL if AF/flutter) or BNP ≥ 100 pg/mL (≥125 pg/mL if AF/flutter) in the presence of at least one structural cardiac abnormality) and HF with a mildly reduced fraction (HFmrEF, LVEF within 40–50% and either NT-proBNP ≥ 200 pg/mL (≥600 pg/mL if AF/flutter) or BNP ≥ 100 pg/mL (≥125 pg/mL if AF/flutter) in the presence of at least one structural cardiac abnormality). The significance threshold was set at p ≤ 0.001. Results: We analyzed 126,636 patients with a mean age of 52.2 (SD = 18.3) years, with 57% (n = 72,290) being female. The prevalence of HF was 2.1% (n = 2700). The HF patients’ mean age was 74.0 (SD = 12.1) years, and 51.6% (n = 1394) were female. Regarding HF subtypes, HFpEF accounted for 65.4% (n = 1765); 16.1% (n = 434) had HFmrEF and 16.3% (n = 439) had HFrEF. The patients with HFrEF were younger (p < 0.001) and had a history of myocardial infarction more frequently (p < 0.001) compared to HFnrEF, with no other significant differences between the HF groups. The HFrEF patients were more frequently prescribed CV medications than HFnrEF patients. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) was present in 44.7% (n = 1207) of the HF patients. CKD was more frequently present in T2D vs. non-T2D HF patients at every stage (p < 0.001), as well as stroke, peripheral artery disease, and microvascular disease (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this cohort, considering a contemporary definition, the prevalence of HF was 2.1%. HFrEF accounted for 16.3% of the cases, with a similar clinical–epidemiological profile having been previously reported in the literature. Our study revealed a high prevalence of patients with HFpEF (65.4%), raising awareness for the increasing prevalence of this entity in cardiology practice. These results may guide local and national health policies and strategies for HF diagnosis and management.
Development of Methods for Specific Capture of Biological Targets on Aluminum Substrates: Application to Bacillus subtilis Spore Detection as a Model for Anthrax

Many (if not most) biosensors rely on functional silane coatings as a first step toward covalent immobilization of specific capture molecules. While methods for silanization of silica (SiO2) surfaces are very well developed, less has been done to develop and characterize silanization methods for alternative substrates, such as alumina (Al2O3). In particular, the behavior of Al2O3 coatings grown on aluminum under ambient conditions has not been studied. To address this issue, we have tested solution-phase deposition of two silanes on Al2O3 (3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane and 3-triethoxysilyl)propylsuccinic anhydride) and their applicability to analyte-specific biosensing. Contact angle measurements and imaging via Scanning Electron Microsopy (SEM) were employed to characterize surfaces. We find that 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane produces well-behaved films and demonstrate that this surface can undergo further reaction with glutaraldehyde followed by an anti-Bacillus subtilis antibody to yield functionalized Al2O3 surfaces capable of specific capture of B. subtilis spores (a model of B. anthracis, the causative organism of Anthrax). In contrast, 3-triethoxysilyl)propylsuccinic anhydride did not behave well with Al/Al2O3 under the reaction conditions tested. In addition to providing specific protocols for Al/Al2O3 functionalization, this work highlights the importance of surface chemistry assessment in the development of new sensors.
Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR)-Based Genetic Diversity in Interspecific Plumcot-Type (Prunus salicina × Prunus armeniaca) Hybrids

The main objective of many fruit-breeding programs around the world is the release of new cultivars from interspecific hybridizations between species of the Prunus genus. Plum × apricot (Prunus salicina Lindl. × Prunus armeniaca L.) are the most widespread interspecific hybrids, which include plumcots, pluots, and apriums. In this work, 115 accessions of interspecific hybrids from different origins and 27 reference genotypes of apricot and other diploid plum species were analyzed using eight simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to assess the population structure and current genetic diversity. A total of 149 alleles were obtained, with an average of 19 alleles per locus. The overall polymorphic information content (PIC) mean value of SSR markers was 0.81, indicating a high degree of polymorphism of the SSR. The genetic analysis revealed 141 unique genotypes and two synonyms. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) dendrogram and the population structure with five groups inferred through the discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) revealed a clear genetic differentiation between apricot genotypes and the rest of the accessions since the interspecific hybrids clustered with the Japanese plum genotypes. Repeated backcrosses between interspecific hybrids with plum genotypes could be the cause of the higher genetic proximity of the hybrids with respect to plum than with apricot genotypes. This corresponds to the fruit morphology and agronomic behavior observed in most interspecific hybrids, which also resemble plums more than apricots.
Sinonasal Side Effects of Chemotherapy and/or Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Literature Review

Simple Summary Rhinosinusitis and smell alterations are common side effects during and after radiotherapy and chemotherapy for head and neck cancer. The assessment of sinonasal complaints is important to increase patients’ quality of life. The aim of this review is to summarize and analyze our current knowledge of the sinonasal side effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, with a specific focus on mucosal and olfactory disorders. Abstract Radiotherapy and chemotherapy represent important treatment modalities for head and neck cancer. Rhinosinusitis and smell alterations are common side effects in the sinonasal region. This review will summarize and analyze our current knowledge of the sinonasal side effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC), with a specific focus on mucosal and olfactory disorders. A review of the English literature was performed using several databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus). Fifty-six articles were included in qualitative synthesis: 28 assessed mucosal disorders (rhinitis or rhinosinusitis), 26 evaluated olfactory alterations, and 2 articles addressed both topics. The incidence and severity of olfactory dysfunction and chronic rhinosinusitis were highest at the end of radiotherapy and at three months after treatment and decreased gradually over time. Smell acuity deterioration and chronic rhinosinusitis seemed to be related to radiation dose on olfactory area and nasal cavities, but different degrees of recovery were observed. In conclusion, it is important to establish the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis and olfactory dysfunction in order to find strategies to support patients and improve their quality of life.
Overuse of the progressive in ESL and learner Englishes – fact or fiction?

New Englishes and learner varieties of English are both reported to overuse the progressive. Furthermore, previous research suggests that speakers of English as a Second Language (ESL) and learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) use the progressive construction differently, at times, from the way it is used by native speakers. Previous research, for the most part, has looked at New Englishes and Learner English separately. This study combines the data on the use of the progressive in academic writing by ESL and EFL speakers. As research on the progressive in varieties such as British and New Zealand English has shown, there are also differences in the ongoing spread of the progressive in English as a native language (ENL), so it is not enough to compare ESL and EFL varieties with just one ENL variety. This paper therefore brings together evidence from corpora of inner, outer and expanding-circle varieties of English to test the hypothesis of ‘overuse’ and ‘deviation’ in ESL and EFL use of the progressive. The results show that we might have to reconsider some of the models of World English that suggest neat divides between ENL, ESL and EFL usage.
Population, Distribution, Sub-species, Feeding and Breeding Biology of Black Kite: A Review

The black kite is a medium-sized raptor and widely distributed on all continents except Nearctic and Neo-tropic zone. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem and maintains prey populations, especially for rodents. They preferred a wide variety of habitats, including open areas, grasslands, scattered vegetation, agricultural land and also adapted towards cities and towns. Black kite diets are extremely diverse; they typically consume grasshoppers, birds, rodents, bats and dead animal carcasses. A diet of black kite varies geographically and depends on the availability and abundance of prey population. The breeding season for black kites begins in March and lasts until April and also vary and depending on the subspecies. Black kites usually construct nest upon large trees, mobile tower and electric pylons. They generally utilise plant matter as nesting material, but sometime they also utilise clothes, paper and plastic. Population of black kite is declining due to poisoning by pesticides, lack of roosting and nesting sites, lack of prey availability and electrocutions. Environmental conditions such as extreme temperature, wind velocity and rainfall influence the daily activity and breeding biology of black kites. Habitat fragmentation, anthropogenic interference, deforestation, pesticide pollution and electrocutions cause negative impacts on raptor survival, including the black kite.
A certain gamble: Institutional change, leader turnover, and their effect on rivalry termination

Previous research shows that leader turnover and change in a leader's winning coalition are associated with rivalry termination. However, this research often conflates change in leadership or winning coalition with more fundamental reform of the institutions governing the state. This article argues that only changes in a rival's governing institutions should lead to rivalry termination. Changes in leader preferences may lead to conciliatory policies, but provide no certainty regarding the sincerity or longevity of these policies. Fundamental changes to the institutions of a state alter the menu of policy options available to the leadership and are difficult to undo. Institutional reform in Rival A makes the leadership of Rival B more willing to undertake potentially risky cooperative action, leading to rivalry termination. I test this argument in a dataset of rivalry terminations spanning 1919–2010, finding that institutional reform in one rival leads to an increase in the likelihood of rivalry termination regardless of the issues of contention. Irregular leader turnover and change in a state's winning coalition have no effect. Further, in a break with previous research, I find that any institutional reform—toward autocracy, toward democracy or laterally—is associated with an increased likelihood of rivalry termination.
A Framework for Coordination Process into Construction Projects

Construction industry is recognized as high fragmentation, low efficiency, cost and time overruns in contrast with other industries. These peculiarities are the main roots of poor performance facing by the industry. Effective coordination is vital in construction projects success and mitigate the fragmentation dilemma, however it is often difficult to achieve and need iterative process. Coordination is core issue to improve performance in construction project. Relevant studies have addressed the coordination process importance and implementation, but not in a framework. This paper propose a framework for coordination process in construction projects, as well as its relationship with performance. The objective of the framework is to provide a roadmap for the construction parties to realize operational excellence so that collectively stakeholders can recognize the effect of coordination process application on the project performance. The data were obtained from literature review and structured interviews with five experts. The analysis produced the framework of coordination based on the extensively used procedures for information and data flow between stakeholders.
The Application of Mixed Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers Drives Soil Nutrient and Bacterial Community Changes in Teak Plantations

Appropriate fertilization can enhance forest productivity by maintaining soil fertility and improving the structure of the bacterial community. However, there is still uncertainty surrounding the effects of combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil nutrient status and bacterial community structure. A fertilization experiment was set up in an eight-year-old teak plantation with five treatments involved: mixed organic and NPK compound fertilizers (OCF), mixed organic and phosphorus fertilizers (OPF), mixed organic, NPK and phosphorus fertilizers (OCPF), mixed NPK and phosphorus fertilizers (CPF) and no fertilization (CK). Soil chemical properties and bacterial communities were investigated, and the co-occurrence pattern of the bacterial community under different fertilization treatments was compared. The results showed that the contents of soil organic matter and nitrate nitrogen, and the soil pH values were the highest after OCPF treatment, which were 20.39%, 90.91% and 8.16% higher than CK, respectively. The richness and diversity of bacteria underwent no obvious changes, but the structure of the soil’s bacterial community was significantly altered by fertilization. Of the dominant bacteria taxa, the relative abundance increased for Gemmatimonadetes, Myxococcota, ADurb.Bin063-13 and Candidatus_Koribacter, and decreased for Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria, JG30-KF-AS9 and Acidothermus under OCPF treatment in comparison to CK. The number of nodes and edges, the average degree and the network density of bacterial community co-occurrence networks were the greatest in OCPF treatment, indicating that application of OCPF could make the network structure of soil bacteria more stable and complex. Moreover, soil pH and organic matter were significantly correlated with bacterial community structure and were considered the main influencing factors. These findings highlight that the combined application of organic, NPK and phosphorus fertilizers is highly beneficial for improving soil quality and optimizing bacterial community structure in teak plantations.
CONSUMERS’ PERCEPTION OF SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

Consumers evaluate products and make purchasing decisions based on packaging and its sustainable aspects. This research investigated how different packages and their quality, eco-friendliness, expensiveness, and convenience affected consumers’ intentions to purchase. Our sample comprised 299 French consumers of muesli cereals. We conducted an online choice experiment to analyze and measure consumers’ perception of sustainable packaging, comparing three distinct experimental groups. Findings revealed that quality and environmental friendliness impact purchase intentions. Price sensitivity and environmental behavior showed to have moderation effects in the proposed research model. The reusable container is perceived as more expensive and less convenient when compared to other packaging types. We contribute to the existing literature in the food industry by providing additional insights into consumers’ recognition processes in identifying sustainable packaging.