Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Corporate R&D Drive Industry Pay Gap?

In this article, the relation between corporate R&D and industry pay gap is tested. We further test the relation between CEO pay and R&D. We find positive bidirectional influence between corporate R&D and industry pay gap. We further find positive bidirectional influence between CEO pay and corporate R&D, and between corporate R&D and industry pay dispersion. CEO pays rise in an industry as competitive dynamics come into play as other firms respond to the focal firm's investment in R&D, thereby increasing industry pay dispersion, which widens the industry pay gap. Moreover, investment opportunities increase CEO pay that further increases the firm's R&D investment. CEO pay thus drives greater R&D investment. The positive association between R&D and industry pay gap is stronger for more proactive and aggressive firms. A higher uncertainty makes a firm's growth options embedded in R&D investments more valuable, enhancing the firm value that increases the CEO pay. R&D lowers the firm's stock undervaluation that increases the CEO pay. Our results suggest CEO pays increase R&D investments that further increase industry pay dispersion and industry pay gap. The board of directors increases CEO pay in line with the industry pay gap, which drives greater investment in R&D.
Positive early-late life-history trait correlations in elephant seals.

Correlations between early- and late-life performance are a major prediction of life-history theory. Negative early-late correlations can emerge because biological processes are optimized for early but not late life (e.g., rapid development may accelerate the onset of senescence; "developmental theory of ageing") or because allocation to early life performance comes at a cost in terms of late-life performance (as in the disposable soma theory). But, variation in genetic and environmental challenges that each individual has to cope with during early life may also lead to positive early-late life-history trait correlations (the "fixed heterogeneity" or "individual quality" hypothesis). We analyzed individual life-history trajectories of 7,420 known-age female southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) monitored over 36 years to determine how actuarial senescence (a proxy for late-life performance) correlate with age at first reproduction (a proxy for early-life performance). As some breeding events may not be detected in this field study, we used a custom "multievent" hierarchical model to estimate the age at first reproduction and correlate it to other life-history traits. The probability of first reproduction was 0.34 at age 3, with most females breeding for the first time at age 4, and comparatively few at older ages. Females with an early age of first reproduction outperformed delayed breeders in all aspects we considered (survival, rate of senescence, net reproductive output) but one: early breeders appeared to have an onset of actuarial senescence one year earlier compared to late breeders. Genetics and environmental conditions during early-life likely explain the positive correlation between early- and late-life performance. Our results provide the first evidence of actuarial senescence in female southern elephant seals.
Characterising seabird vessel interactions associated with demersal ocean trawling: vessel attendance by birds depends on intrinsic and extrinsic predictors

Seabirds are declining on a global scale, and this trend is concerning as they play an important role in the marine ecosystem. The decline is due to multiple reasons, but harvest fisheries are a major contributor. The impact of fisheries, however, appears to vary; demersal trawlers cause mortality of many birds in some areas and very few in others. Fishery-dependent monitoring is required to understand this impact on seabirds, and particularly to better understand the variable impact of demersal trawling. We employed a targeted observer program to gather data on seabird assemblages, catastrophic interactions with trawl vessels and predictors of vessel attendance by the seabirds. The latter is a useful proxy for catastrophic interactions and provides information on potential mitigation. Throughout the program period, 104 992 seabirds from ~21 species attended New South Wales (NSW) ocean demersal trawlers. These species included 7 species of petrel and albatross listed by the IUCN, including the flesh footed shearwater Ardenna carneipes and wandering albatross Diomedea exulans. Two catastrophic interactions were recorded, and intrinsic and extrinsic predictors of vessel attendance (e.g. offal discharge and wind, respectively) were characterised. The results of the study will provide information to managers, with the goal of ensuring the sustainability of NSW ocean trawling — in particular its coexistence with threatened seabirds. The NSW Ocean Trawl fishery appears to directly harm very few seabirds which is not always the case when considering worldwide trawl fisheries. Predictors of attendance such as space, time and offal discharge can potentially be used to mitigate the attractiveness of trawlers to seabirds.
A Cognitive-Emotional Model to Explain Message Framing Effects: Reducing Meat Consumption

We tested the plausibility of a cognitive-emotional model to understand the effects of messages framed in terms of gain, non-loss, non-gain, and loss, and related to the health consequences of red/processed meat consumption. A total of 544 Italian participants reported their attitude toward reduced red/processed meat consumption and intention to eat red/processed meat (time 1 questionnaire). One week later, participants were randomly assigned to four different message conditions: (a) gain messages focused on the positive health outcomes associated with low meat consumption; (b) non-loss messages focused on the avoided negative health outcomes associated with low meat consumption; (c) non-gain messages focused on the missed positive health outcomes associated with high meat consumption; (d) loss messages focused on the negative health outcomes associated with high meat consumption (message sending). After reading the messages, participants answered a series of questions regarding their emotional and cognitive reactions to the messages, their evaluation of the messages, and again their attitude and intention toward red/processed meat consumption (time 2 questionnaire). Comparing different multivariate linear models under the Bayesian approach, we selected the model with the highest plausibility conditioned to observed data. In this model, message-induced fear influenced systematic processing, which in turn positively influenced message evaluation and attitude, leading to reduced intention to consume red/processed meat. Vice versa, message-induced anger reduced systematic processing, which in turn negatively influenced message evaluation, and led to no effect on attitude and intention. The comparison among message conditions showed that gain and non-loss messages activated integrated emotional and cognitive processing of the health recommendation, while loss and non-gain messages mainly activated emotional shortcuts toward attitude and intention. Overall, these results advance our comprehension of the effects of message framing on receivers' attitudes and intentions.
“Bicycle” Model for Interdisciplinary approach in Parkinson’s Disease

— Parkinson's disease is a multifaceted and symptomatically complex neurodegenerative condition, considered the second most prevalent neuroaging disease, compromising quality of life as the disease progresses. To improve the quality of life, some evidence points to a health model based on interdisciplinarity, however its real benefits are still limited in the literature, compared to the traditional monotherapeutic approach. The objective of this study was to develop a review containing a dynamic, comprehensive methodology, with a modern vision to address the main points of interest that are represented in the research model called "bicycle model". Based on this method involving the interdisciplinary approach on the determinants of health status in Parkinson's disease. The results present strategies to collect data from questions about morbidity, quality of life, health determinants (disease) and disease characteristics. The final considerations presented show that different perspectives result in a broad scope for the interdisciplinary approach, by different professionals within their expertise, with improvement in the quality of life of this research population.
A Goal Scoring Probability Model for Shots Based on Synchronized Positional and Event Data in Football (Soccer)

Due to the low scoring nature of football (soccer), shots are often used as a proxy to evaluate team and player performances. However, not all shots are created equally and their quality differs significantly depending on the situation. The aim of this study is to objectively quantify the quality of any given shot by introducing a so-called expected goals (xG) model. This model is validated statistically and with professional match analysts. The best performing model uses an extreme gradient boosting algorithm and is based on hand-crafted features from synchronized positional and event data of 105, 627 shots in the German Bundesliga. With a ranked probability score (RPS) of 0.197, it is more accurate than any previously published expected goals model. This approach allows us to assess team and player performances far more accurately than is possible with traditional metrics by focusing on process rather than results.
More Human BM-MSC With Similar Subpopulation Composition and Functional Characteristics Can Be Produced With a GMP-Compatible Fabric Filter System Compared to Density Gradient Technique

Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), multipotent progenitors that can be isolated from a variety of different tissues, are becoming increasingly important as cell therapeutics targeting immunopathologies and tissue regeneration. Current protocols for MSC isolation from bone marrow (BM) rely on density gradient centrifugation (DGC), and the production of sufficient MSC doses is a critical factor for conducting clinical MSC trials. Previously, a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)–compatible non-woven fabric filter device system to isolate MSCs was developed to increase the MSC yield from the BM. The aim of our study was to compare high-resolution phenotypic and functional characteristics of BM-MSCs isolated with this device and with standard DGC technology. Methods Human BM samples from 5 donors were analyzed. Each sample was divided equally, processing by DGC, and with the filter device. Stem cell content was assessed by quantification of colony-forming units fibroblasts (CFU-F). Immunophenotype was analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry. In vitro trilineage differentiation potential, trophic factors, and IDO-1 production were assessed. Functionally, immunomodulatory potential, wound healing, and angiogenesis were assayed in vitro. Results The CFU-F yield was 15-fold higher in the MSC preparations isolated with the device compared to those isolated by DGC. Consequently, the MSC yield that could be manufactured at passage 3 per mL collected BM was more than 10 times higher in the device group compared to DGC (1.65 × 109 vs. 1.45 × 108). The immunomodulatory potential and IDO-1 production showed donor-to-donor variabilities without differences between fabric filter-isolated and DGC-isolated MSCs. The results from the wound closure assays, the tube formation assays, and the trilineage differentiation assays were similar between the groups with respect to the isolation method. Sixty-four MSC subpopulations could be quantified with CD140a+CD119+CD146+ as most common phenotype group, and CD140a+CD119+CD146+MSCA-1–CD106–CD271– and CD140a+CD119+CD146–MSCA-1–CD106–CD271– as most frequent MSC subpopulations. As trophic factors hepatocyte growth factor, epidermal growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, angiopoietin-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor A could be detected in both groups with considerable variability between donors, but independent of the respective MSC isolation technique. Conclusion The isolation of MSCs using a GMP-compatible fabric filter system device resulted in higher yield of CFU-F, producing substantially more MSCs with similar subpopulation composition and functional characteristics as MSCs isolated by DGC.
Tidstrender för bly, kadmium och kvicksilver : – en uppdatering 2019

Exponering for laga halter av bly, kadmium och kvicksilver kan ge skador pa nervsystemet, benskorhet, okad risk for frakturer samt hjartkarlsjukdom. Pa uppdrag av Naturvardsverket har vi genomfort .
Pmp Repertoires Influence the Different Infectious Potential of Avian and Mammalian Chlamydia psittaci Strains

Chlamydia psittaci is the etiological agent of chlamydiosis in birds and can be transmitted to humans, causing severe systemic disease. C. psittaci infects a broad range of hosts; strains are isolated not only from birds but also from mammals, where they seem to have a reduced infectious and zoonotic potential. Comparative analysis of chlamydial genomes revealed the coding sequences of polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps) to be highly variable regions. Pmps are characterized as adhesins in C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae and are immunoreactive proteins in several Chlamydia species. Thus, Pmps are considered to be associated with tissue tropism and pathogenicity. C. psittaci harbors 21 Pmps. We hypothesize that the different infectious potential and host tropism of avian and mammalian C. psittaci strains is dependent on differences in their Pmp repertoires. In this study, we experimentally confirmed the different virulence of avian and mammalian strains, by testing the survival rate of infected embryonated eggs and chlamydiae dissemination in the embryos. Further, we investigated the possible involvement of Pmps in host tropism. Analysis of pmp sequences from 10 C. psittaci strains confirmed a high degree of variation, but no correlation with host tropism was identified. However, comparison of Pmp expression profiles from different strains showed that Pmps of the G group are the most variably expressed, also among avian and mammalian strains. To investigate their functions, selected Pmps were recombinantly produced from one avian and one mammalian representative strain and their adhesion abilities and relevance for the infection of C. psittaci strains in avian and mammalian cells were tested. For the first time, we identified Pmp22D, Pmp8G, and OmcB as relevant adhesins, essential during infection of C. psittaci strains in general. Moreover, we propose Pmp17G as a possible key player for host adaptation, as it could only bind to and influence the infection in avian cells, but it had no relevant impact towards infection in mammalian cells. These data support the hypothesis that distinct Pmp repertoires in combination with specific host factors may contribute to host tropism of C. psittaci strains.
Low Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (Vitamin D) Level Is Associated With Susceptibility to COVID-19, Severity, and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess whether low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) level is associated with susceptibility to COVID-19, severity, and mortality related to COVID-19. Methods: Systematic literature searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase database up until 9 December 2020. We include published observational prospective and retrospective studies with information on 25-OHD that reported main/secondary outcome. Low serum 25-OHD refers to participants with serum 25-OHD level below a cut-off point ranging from 20 to 30 ng/mL. Other cut-off values were excluded to reduce heterogeneity. The main outcome was mortality defined as non-survivor/death. The secondary outcome was susceptibility and severe COVID-19. Results: There were 14 studies comprising of 999,179 participants. Low serum 25-OHD was associated with higher rate of COVID-19 infection compared to the control group (OR = 2.71 [1.72, 4.29], p < 0.001; I2: 92.6%). Higher rate of severe COVID-19 was observed in patients with low serum 25-OHD (OR = 1.90 [1.24, 2.93], p = 0.003; I2: 55.3%), with a sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 39%, PLR of 1.4, NLR of 0.43, and DOR of 3. Low serum 25-OHD was associated with higher mortality (OR = 3.08 [1.35, 7.00], p = 0.011; I2: 80.3%), with a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 35%, PLR of 1.3, NLR of 0.44, and DOR of 3. Meta-regression analysis showed that the association between low serum 25-OHD and mortality was affected by male gender (OR = 1.22 [1.08, 1.39], p = 0.002), diabetes (OR = 0.88 [0.79, 0.98], p = 0.019). Conclusion: Low serum 25-OHD level was associated with COVID-19 infection, severe presentation, and mortality.
Ultrathin Film Encapsulation of an OLED by ALD

Fabrication of barrier layers on a PES film and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) based on a glass substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD) have been carried out. Deposition of 30 nm of film on both sides of PES film at 90°C gave film MOCON value of The passivation performance of the double layer consisting of deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition and by ALD on the OLED has been investigated using the OLED based on a glass substrate. Preliminary life time of two pairs of double layer coated OLED to 65% of initial luminance was 600 h at the initial luminance of © 2005 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Some Wetland Waters of Kashmir

An investigation was made in five wetland areas in the valley of the river Jhelum north-west of Srinagar. Only two of the regions have regular inlets and outlets, the others are only rain-fed. The water temperature is closely connected with the air temperature, and in the shallow water it determines also the oxygen concentration. The chemical characteristics of the alkaline and hard waters show pronounced annual variations, which are determined by the autotrophic bioactivity especially for nutrients and carbon dioxide. Due to the increased pH-values also biogenic decalcification with correspondingly reduced calcium(II)-ion concentrations results in the water. In each of the wetlands seven to ten stations were investigated, which had been chosen according to the dominance conditions of vegetation. For the differentiations as to time and space of the water chemism the variance analysis shows significant differences, except for water temperature and alkalinity.
The Contribution of Sulfate and Nitrate to Atmospheric Fine Particles During Winter Inversion Fogs in Cache Valley, Utah

Abstract Air pollutants were collected in Logan, Cache County, UT, in February 1993 during two periods of atmospheric inversion accompanied by fog. The following atmospheric species were determined: (1) gaseous SO2, NO2 (semi-quantitatively),HNO3, NH3, and HF; (2) fine particulate SO4 =, NO3 -, NH4 +, F–, H+, C, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Se, Br, and Sr, and; (3) fine particulate mass, which was calculated. The major components of fine particulate matter were carbonaceous material, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate, while the soil component was small. Calculated, fine particulate mass averaged 80 μg/m3 and reached concentrations as high as 120 μg/m3. SO2/Sox and NO2/NOy mole ratios generally varied between 0.2 and 0.1 during inversions. These ratios also showed moderate but consistent diurnal patterns. The emission inventory for Cache County indicates sources of SO2 and NOx but not significant amounts of primary sulfate and nitrate. The observations reported here indicate there is sign.
Survivors’ Beliefs About the Causes of Sexual Offending: An Australian Study

Policies designed to prevent sexual (re)offending are often proposed on behalf of survivors of sexual violence. However, no research has examined survivors’ beliefs about the causes of sexual offending. This is a critical gap, because how individuals understand the causes of sexual offending has long been thought to inform their support for particular policy responses. This article presents findings from the first study to specifically examine survivors’ views about the causes of sexual offending, based on interviews with 33 survivors from Australia. It demonstrates that survivors’ beliefs are highly complex and multifaceted, and destabilizes the uniform survivor of governmental imagination.
Fuzzy Tracking Control for Markov Jump Systems With Mismatched Faults by Iterative Proportional–Integral Observers

This article is devoted to the fuzzy fault-tolerant tracking control of Markov jump systems with unknown mismatched faults. To reconstruct the faults and system states, a sequence of proportional–integral observers are established via the system outputs. With the help of a structure separation technique, the proportional–integral gains and the observer gains are solved by a unified linear matrix inequality framework. Resorting to the rebuilt faults and states from an iterative estimation algorithm, a backstepping-based fuzzy fault-tolerant tracking control scheme against the mismatched faults is established to make the resultant closed-loop system be uniformly ultimately bounded. Simulations are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Anxiety levels according to weight status and diet quality during alarm state in primary school children

Introduction: there is growing evidence that relates to maintaining healthy habits with lower levels of anxiety in the adult population This association has not been sufficiently explored in the early age phases Objective: to analyze the relationship between anxiety, weight status and the quality of diet in primary school students during the state of alarm decreed due to COVID-19 Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study on a sample of 116 Spanish schoolchildren Two questionnaires were used: Spence Children Anxiety Scale (SCAS) and the KIDMED questionnaire On the other hand, the nutritional status was evaluated using the Body Mass Index (kg / m2) adjusted for sex and age Results: the analysis of simple variance showed that weight status was significantly related to the dimensions of panic attacks and agoraphobia (p 05) In the joint relationship between weight status and diet quality with anxiety dimensions, no significant differences were found (p> 05) Conclusions: Despite not obtaining significance, it is observed that those schoolchildren with better weight status and an optimal diet quality obtain, for all dimensions, lower levels of anxiety than their overweight peers and an improved diet quality Future prospective studies should shed light on these relationships