Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial genetic structure of Dinaric cave-dwelling spiders

Caves put strong constraints on organisms living there, which results in acquisition of variety of troglomorphic traits, most obvious ones being depigmentation and degradation of visual system (Christiansen 2012). Cave habitats are considered fragmented, and the animals living there face limited connectivity between potential habitats (Barr 1967, Bregović and Zagmajster 2016, Trontelj 2018). Additionally, once adapted to underground conditions, cave-dwellers are thought to be unable to use the surface for dispersal, thus demonstrating population dynamics similar to those of the species found in islands (Barr and Holsinger 1985). We compared the population genetic structure of several cave spider species with different biology and ecology from different caves in the Dinarides. Namely, depigmented and anophthalmic Dysderidae species which were never collected outside caves, and several species from the genus Troglohyphantes, which exhibit different levels of troglomorphisms and dependency on cave habitat (some, like T. excavatus and T. kordunlikanus, can be occasionally found in surface habitats). Additionally, Dysderidae are wandering active hunters, while all Troglohyphantes species spin webs. In our study, we applied a hybridization-capture approach, i.e., HyRAD (Suchan et al. 2016) to extract and capture DNA from historical samples. We compared the population genetic structures among the species, and studied isolation by distance, and identified contrasted genetic structures related to the biology and ecology of each species. We identified a deeper population structuring and more pronounced patterns of isolation by distance in the highly troglomorphic species compared to the less troglomorphic ones. Species that can occasionally be found in surface habitats showed less structured populations compatible with higher dispersal ability. Additionally, we detected several common breaks in gene flow for most studied species, some of which can be explained by geographic and geologic features.
Constructing safety: investigating senior executive long-term incentive plans and safety objectives in the construction sector

Abstract In the private sector, incentive plans are one of the major means used by Boards of Directors to align the interests of senior management with organizational interests. However, research conducted in the energy and resources sector revealed a poor alignment between incentive plans and the need to have senior management focus on safety. The research discussed here examined long-term incentive plans (LTIPs) for senior executives in the construction sector to investigate whether these direct senior managers attention to long-term safety objectives and if they include any long-term safety indicators. Annual Reports of publicly listed companies in the Australian non-domestic construction sector were used as the major information source and subjected to content analysis. Despite a strong safety commitment expressed by all the companies, LTIPs were exclusively associated with financial indicators. Although safety indicators are included in Annual Reports, these only appear in short-term incentive plans, indicating that senior executives are not incentivized to align their long-term decision-making with long-term safety objectives. Findings from the research demonstrate that valid and meaningful safety indicators should be developed and included in LTIPs in order to better align the focus of senior management to include safety performance in the construction industry.
Online Privacy Policy Disclosure: An Empirical Investigation

ABSTRACT While companies’ privacy policies inform consumers about their privacy practices, their adherence to regulations and Fair Information Practices (FIP) may vary widely. We develop and apply an extended checklist to examine the privacy practices of companies with a higher privacy and data security risk. We find that industry sector has a significant effect on companies’ privacy practice. Specifically, companies in the non-regulated communication services sector complied to FIP better than those in the regulated financial sector, indicating that the FTC’ self-regulation approach works, at least for the examined sector. While 67% of companies fully complied to the Security principle, they were not doing enough in full specification of Enforcement in their privacy policies, indicating that regulators need to strengthen enforcement provision in regulations and develop and enlist various enforcement mechanisms. Overall, this research informs legislation and the public on the effectiveness of self-regulation and government regulation.
Cassava Frogskin Disease: Current Knowledge on a Re-Emerging Disease in the Americas

Cassava frogskin disease (CFSD) is a graft-transmissible disease of cassava reported for the first time in the 1970s, in Colombia. The disease is characterized by the formation of longitudinal lip-like fissures on the peel of the cassava storage roots and a progressive reduction in fresh weight and starch content. Since its first report, different pathogens have been identified in CFSD-affected plants and improved sequencing technologies have unraveled complex mixed infections building up in plants with severe root symptoms. The re-emergence of the disease in Colombia during 2019–2020 is again threatening the food security of low-income farmers and the growing local cassava starch industry. Here, we review some results obtained over several years of CFSD pathology research at CIAT, and provide insights on the biology of the disease coming from works on symptoms’ characterization, associated pathogens, means of transmission, carbohydrate accumulation, and management. We expect this work will contribute to a better understanding of the disease, which will reflect on lowering its impact in the Americas and minimize the risk of its spread elsewhere.
Evaluation of the Structural Modification of Ibuprofen on the Penetration Release of Ibuprofen from a Drug-in-Adhesive Matrix Type Transdermal Patch

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chemical modifications of the structure of active compounds on the skin permeation and accumulation of ibuprofen [IBU] from the acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive used as a drug-in-adhesives matrix type transdermal patch. The active substances tested were ibuprofen salts obtained by pairing the ibuprofen anion with organic cations, such as amino acid isopropyl esters. The structural modification of ibuprofen tested were Ibuprofen sodium salt, [GlyOiPr][IBU], [AlaOiPr][IBU], [ValOiPr][IBU], [SerOiPr][IBU], [ThrOiPr][IBU], [(AspOiPr)2][IBU], [LysOiPr][IBU], [LysOiPr][IBU]2, [PheOiPr][IBU], and [ProOiPr][IBU]. For comparison, the penetration of unmodified ibuprofen and commercially available patches was also investigated. Thus, twelve transdermal patches with new drug modifications have been developed whose adhesive carrier is an acrylate copolymer. The obtained patches were characterized for their adhesive properties and tested for permeability of the active substance. Our results show that the obtained ibuprofen patches demonstrate similar permeability to commercial patches compared to those with structural modifications of ibuprofen. However, these modified patches show an increased drug permeability of 2.3 to even 6.4 times greater than unmodified ibuprofen. Increasing the permeability of the active substance and properties such as adhesion, cohesion, and tack make the obtained patches an excellent alternative to commercial patches containing ibuprofen.
The Effect of Designing a Blended Learning Environment on Achievement and Deep Learning of Graduate Students at the Arabian Gulf University

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of designing a blended learning environment on achievement and deep learning of the Arabian Gulf university students in a design and presentation of instructional materials’ graduate course. A blended learning environment was designed to provide opportunity for integrating the learning management system “moodle” with face-to-face classroom interaction. To investigate research questions, a quasi experimental design was used. The study sample consisted of 19 male and female graduate students pursuing their studies at the “Distance Teaching and Training Program” in the College of Graduate Studies during the first semester of the academic year 2015/2016. To explore the extent to which students learnt the course content, an achievement test was used. A deep learning scale was also used to investigate the depth of learning acquired by students who studied the course content through the blended learning environment. Results of the study showed that students’ scores on the post application of the achievement test were improved. No statistically significant differences were found between students’ mean scores in the pre and post applications of the depth of learning scale. However, mean of students’ scores in the post application of the depth of learning scale (65.3750) was noticed to be slightly higher than that of the pre application (63.1250). Such higher mean might represent slight improvement in the depth of learning among students.
Possibilities of application of incremental sheet-forming technique in aircraft industry

The article includes the characteristics of increme ntal forming of the sheet using the following two methods: Single Point Incremental For ming and Two Point Incremental Forming. The factors influencing the possibi lity of method application and the phenomena that limit the use of incremental for ming of the sheet are presented. Based on the conducted experimental test, the disadv antages and advantages of single point incremental forming are specified. Possib ilities for the use of the presented incremental forming technique for manufacturing ele ments in the aircraft industry are also included.
Procedural and clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in bicuspid aortic valve patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Currently, bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) anatomy remains a relative contraindication for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) due to concerns of suboptimal anatomy. However, recent advancements in the field have provided a wealth of promising data and more clinicians are opting for TAVR as an alternative to surgical repair. We aim to review and analyze the available data for TAVR in BAV patients, targeting procedural outcomes, clinical outcomes and mortality with up to two years of follow-up. Methods A literature search of five databases was performed and all primary studies published between 2002 and 2021 that reported procedural, clinical or mortality outcome data were identified. Following data extraction, a meta-analysis of means or proportions was performed using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Results A total of 22 studies with 1,945 BAV patients were identified. The mean age was 74.1 years and 58.8% of patients were male. Device success rates was 87.5%. Moderate to severe paravalvular leak (PVL) was seen in 3.7% of procedures. Clinical outcomes included new permanent pacemaker insertion (PPI) (11.8%), major bleeding (3.5%), major vascular complications (2.5%), stroke (2.3%), acute kidney injury (2.1%) and coronary obstruction (0.1%). Mortality in hospital, at 30-days, one and two years of follow-up were 1.9%, 2.1%, 9.6% and 12.9%, respectively. Conclusions This assessment of the available data on TAVR for BAV shows promising outcomes and low rates of complications. However, further research is warranted to reduce the heterogeneity of the available data and provide insight into outcomes beyond two years of follow-up.
Dynamic optimisation for highly agile supply chains in e-procurement context

In the conditions of an increased worldwide competition, supply chains are struggling to respond to an increasingly volatile and complex environment. With technological advances, current practices to build efficient supply chains have changed. Companies are seeking to use internet in order to cope with the flexible and dynamic nature of logistics networks. The purpose of this article is to address the flexible dynamic e-procurement context under asynchronous and repetitive variations over time. The supply chain considered is composed of two levels (buyer–suppliers) operating in highly agile environment. The questions facing the buyer is how many units of product should be purchased and from which supplier in response to variation in term of price and capacity. Because of this highly changing environment characterised by frequent changes in a short time, most of the classical optimisation approaches seem inadequate to address these problems. Recently, dynamic optimisation has been proposed to deal with such problems. However, we have no knowledge of its application in a supply chain context. We suggest a dynamic genetic approach which is applied to an e-procurement context in aim to optimise the procurement process during time.
Development of Demonstrably Predictive Models for Emissions from Alternative Fuels Based Aircraft Engines

Abstract : Renewable bio-derived alternative fuels provide viable options for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions, while increasing energy security by relying on locally-sourced feedstock. Unlike conventional aircraft fuels, which maintain tight bounds on fuel specs, such as physical and chemical properties, alternative fuels might have widely varying composition and properties. This variability introduces uncertainty in their utility, both for fuel certification purposes and their ultimate use as transportation fuel. Hence, the practical use of alternative fuels is predicated on the availability of reliable tools that can estimate performance given some basic information about the physical and chemical composition. In this program, this issue of predictability of fuel performance is addressed. The overarching objective is to develop physics-based models that are fuel-composition sensitive, such that aircraft combustors can be directly simulated to estimate emissions performance.
The motivational power of mobile gamified exercise apps

This study analyses how gamification motivates users of gamified mobile exercise apps and enhances their health. Data from 276 Fitbit users were analysed using structural equation modelling. The findings showed that feelings of competence and autonomy arise when exercise apps include achievement and progression-oriented affordances, and that feelings of relatedness arise with social, immersion and achievement and progression-oriented affordances. They also revealed that exercise apps should satisfy the needs for competence and relatedness to develop individuals’ intrinsic motivation, which in turn leads to greater physical, mental and social health. These findings offer insights for managers in this industry.
Targeting of EGFR and HER 2 with therapeutic antibodies and siRNA A comparative study in glioblastoma cells

variety of human malignancies and both are functionally involved in the molecular pathogenesis of malignant gliomas. Material and methods We selectively inhibited EGFR and HER2 in glioblastoma cell lines via EGFRand HER2specific siRNAs and through the binding of the therapeutic antibodies cetuximab and trastuzumab. The expression of EGFR and HER2 was verified by real-time PCR and western blot analyses. We examined the growth rate, cell cycle distribution, cell migration, clonogenic survival, and radiosensitivity of U251MG and LN-229 glioblastoma cell lines to determine the physiological and cell biological effects of EGFR and HER2 targeting. Results EGFR and HER2 targeting using the therapeutic antibodies cetuximab and trastuzumab had no effect on cellular growth rate, cell cycle distribution, cell migration, clonogenic survival, and radiosensitivity in the cell lines U251 and LN-229. In contrast, siRNA knock-down of EGFR and HER2, reduced the growth rate by 40–65 %. The knockdown of EGFR did not change the cell migration rate in the cell lines U251 and LN-229. However, knock-down of HER2 reduced the cell migration rate by 50 %. Radiobiological analysis revealed that EGFR knock-down induced no radiosensitization in U251MG and LN-229 cells. However, the knock-down of HER2 induced radiosensitization in U251MG cells. Conclusion The epidermal growth factor receptor HER2 is a promising anti-tumor target for the therapy of glioblastoma. HER2 targeting may represent a promising strategy to induce cell physiological and radiobiological anti-tumor effects in glioblastoma.
A hierarchical Constrained Bayesian (ConBay) approach to jointly estimate water storage and Post-Glacial Rebound from GRACE(-FO) and GNSS data

ABSTRACT Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and its Follow-On mission (GRACE-FO) have become an indispensable tool in monitoring global mass variations. However, separating GRACE(-FO) signals into its individual Terrestrial Water Storage Changes (TWSC) and surface deformation contributors, i.e. Post-Glacial Rebound (PGR), is desirable for many hydro-climatic and geophysical applications. In this study, a hierarchical constrained Bayesian (ConBay) approach is formulated to apply GRACE(-FO) fields and the uplift rate measurements from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations to simultaneously estimate the contribution of TWSC and PGR. The proposed approach is formulated based on a hierarchical Markov Chain Monte Carlo optimisation algorithm within a dynamic multivariate state-space model, while accounting for the uncertainties of a priori information and observations. The numerical implementation is demonstrated over the Great Lakes area, covering 2003–2017, where the W3RA water balance and the ICE-5G(VM2) and ICE-6G-D(VM5a) GIA models are merged with GRACE and GNSS data. Validations are performed against independent measurements, which indicate that the average root-mean-squares-of-differences between the PGR estimates and independent measurements reduced by after merging observations with models through ConBay. The ConBay updates, introduced to the long-term trends, as well as the seasonal and inter-annual components, are found to be realistic.
Mapping the Serum Proteome of COVID-19 Patients; Guidance for Severity Assessment

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), whose outbreak in 2019 led to an ongoing pandemic with devastating consequences for the global economy and human health. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 has affected more than 481 million people worldwide, with 6 million confirmed deaths. The joint efforts of the scientific community have undoubtedly increased the pace of production of COVID-19 vaccines, but there is still so much uncharted ground to cover regarding the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, replication and host response. These issues can be approached by proteomics with unprecedented capacity paving the way for the development of more efficient strategies for patient care. In this study, we present a deep proteome analysis that has been performed on a cohort of 72 COVID-19 patients aiming to identify serum proteins assessing the dynamics of the disease at different age ranges. A panel of 53 proteins that participate in several functions such as acute-phase response and inflammation, blood coagulation, cell adhesion, complement cascade, endocytosis, immune response, oxidative stress and tissue injury, have been correlated with patient severity, suggesting a molecular basis for their clinical stratification. Eighteen protein candidates were further validated by targeted proteomics in an independent cohort of 84 patients including a group of individuals that had satisfactorily resolved SARS-CoV-2 infection. Remarkably, all protein alterations were normalized 100 days after leaving the hospital, which further supports the reliability of the selected proteins as hallmarks of COVID-19 progression and grading. The optimized protein panel may prove its value for optimal severity assessment as well as in the follow up of COVID-19 patients.
Development and Validation of Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument for Chinese Pregnant Women

The study was designed to develop and validate the nutrition literacy assessment instrument for pregnant women in China (NLAI-P). The dimension, components and questions of NLAI-P were identified via literature review and expert consultation. A panel of experts evaluated the content validity. The construct validity was evaluated by using the exploratory factor analyses (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Cronbach’s α coefficient and split-half reliability were applied for examining the reliability. The NLAI-P was divided into 3 dimensions including knowledge, behavior and skill dimension. Findings showed NLAI-P possessed the satisfactory content validity (content validity index = 0.98, content validity ratio = 0.97), acceptable construct validity (χ2/df = 1.82, GFI = 0.86, AGFI = 0.84, RMSEA = 0.046) and good reliability (Cronbach’s α coefficient = 0.82). The average scores of NLAI-P were 46.59 ± 9.27. With the adjustment of confounding factors, education level presented a significantly positive correlation with NLAI-P scores. In conclusion, NLAI-P were valid and reliable to inspect NL level of pregnant women in China. Poor NL was prevalent among Chinese pregnant women. Based on the education level, taking targeted propaganda and education measures would achieve the optimal effect. NLAI-P can be applied as the tool for monitoring and assessing NL of pregnant women, and facilitate the designation of targeted interventions policies.
A qualitative exploration of trust in the contemporary workplace

ABSTRACT Objective The Australian work environment is changing rapidly, as employees and leaders are becoming used to a blend between a virtual and face-to-face workplace. In this context, this research aimed to explore how leaders build and sustain trust in the contemporary workplace. Method Critical incident technique was used in interviews with employees and a constructivist grounded theory approach via reflexive and coding thematic analysis was used to interpret the results. Thirty-eight participants were interviewed based on purposive sampling from virtual and face-to-face work environments and were asked about their experiences with trust in direct managers and senior leaders. Results Employing an inductive approach, this research found an explicit behavioural component and an interpersonal relationship component, thus reinforcing organisational trust multidimensionality. The role of communication, exposure and relationships were highlighted as critical in virtual work environments, regardless of leader type. Conclusion Using a qualitative research design enabled greater clarity of what constitutes organisational trust in the contemporary workplace. Implications for organisational trust theory are also discussed. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: Trust in the workplace has been difficult to define. Trust in the workplace is essential for organisational performance. Trust between employees and leaders is of particular importance and worth examination. What this topic adds: The work environment has changed forever, and this influences how trust is developed and maintained between employees and leaders. Trust in the contemporary work environment of a blended virtual and face-to-face context comprises a behavioural and relational component. Exposure, communication and strong relationships between employees and leaders are essential for trust in a virtual work context, regardless of leader type.