Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Blueprint: Do Stock Investors Increase Emissions?

The lack of agreement on climate policies among stock-market investors has raised significant concerns about GHG-emission levels, likely reflected in asset pricing. This study uses annual data sourced from the World Bank from 1980 to 2019 to examine whether stock-market investments increase GHG emissions in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. The study employs the panel-standard fixed effects and the Arellano-Bover and Blundell–Bond dynamic methods and shows that stock-investor confidence is critical for emissions reduction in OECD countries. Additionally, the results highlight the potential mechanism through which the stock market can influence emissions in the OECD countries. We recommend that investors re-evaluate the emissions criteria before selecting long stock portfolios. Additionally, there is a need for policymakers to promote the preservation of environmental quality by carefully redesigning policies for stock-market investments.
Evaluate the Correlation between the TIMI Frame Count, IMR, and CFR in Coronary Microvascular Disease

Objective To evaluate the correlation between the TIMI frame count, IMR, and CFR in coronary microvascular disease (slow flow phenomenon). Methods TFC and IMR were recorded in the nitroglycerin and ATP administration states, and the relationship between TFC, IMR, and CFR in specific states was analyzed. Results A total of 41 patients with baseline TFC >25 frames on coronary angiography were enrolled, and nitroglycerin reduced TFC by 50% from baseline in 24 (58.54%) patients; 16 of the remaining 17 patients were able to achieve a 50% reduction in TFC by further intracoronary ATP injection. 10 patients were further tested for IMR, and the results showed significant correlations between baseline TFC and IMR (r = 0.775, P=0.008), TFC and IMR after nitroglycerin (r = 0.875, P=0.001), and the minimal TFC and IMR that could be obtained with nitroglycerin or ATP administration (r = 0.890, P=0.001). There was also a significant correlation between the proportional improvement in TFC and CFR before and after nitroglycerin injection (r = 0.685, P=0.029). In addition, we observed a lower IMR measured after nitroglycerin than after ATP in three patients, suggesting that CMD may be dominated by NO-sensitive vascular such as prearterioles and that an extensive analysis of the target site of CMD may be achieved by stepwise drug administration. Conclusion Induction of TFC in different states by a stepwise drug approach may serve as a potential primary screening method for coronary microcirculatory dysfunction, thereby reducing the need for further IMR or CFR testing.
Impact of Sensorineural Hearing Loss during the Pandemic of COVID-19 on the Appearance of Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety and Stress

Background. The incidence of hearing loss is constantly increasing and according to the World Health Organization, by 2050, 900 million people will suffer from hearing loss. The main Objective of the study was to determine the differences between the severity of the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression in participants with varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional aim was to examine the extent and manner in which protective face masks impact the communication of people with hearing loss. Matrials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, which included 160 patients (81 men and 79 women) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The patients’ age range was 50 to 80 years. Depending on the degree of hearing loss or pure-tone threshold, the participants were divided into four groups: mild hearing loss, moderate hearing loss, severe hearing loss and profound hearing loss. The research used the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and a questionnaire in which the participants reported whether surgical face masks (medical three-layer masks) worn by speakers makes communication difficult, to what extent and in what way. Results: The average age of the patients was 67.97 ± 8.16. A significant correlation was found between the degree of hearing loss and communication difficulties caused by the use of protective face masks (p < 0.001). For patients with severe and profound hearing loss, communication is significantly more difficult (50.0% and 45.0% respectively) when the interlocutor wears a face mask. There is a significant correlation between the degree of hearing loss and the way in which communication is made more difficult when the interlocutor wears a face mask (p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was determined between the degrees of hearing loss in all measured subscales: stress (p = 0.024), anxiety (p = 0.026) and depression (p = 0.016). Conclusions: We have determined that face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly hamper communication among the study groups (p = 0.007) and there is a significant correlation between the degree of sensorineural hearing loss and the presence of symptoms in all three DASS-21 subscales, meaning that the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression were more intense in severe and profound hearing loss.
The roles of task, segment type, and attention in L2 perceptual training

Abstract Previous studies show that attention plays an important role in second language (L2) phonetic attainment. This study compares the effect of two high variability phonetic training methods (identification (ID) and categorical AX discrimination (DIS)) on specifically targeted sounds and on implicitly exposed but untargeted sounds. Four groups of Spanish/Catalan bilingual learners of English were trained on either a subset of English vowels (/iː ɪ æ ʌ ɜː/) or word-initial and word-final stops. The study also examined if the potential effect of training generalized to new stimuli and persisted two months after training. Results revealed that trainees significantly outperformed the controls in their identification of targeted sounds, and improvement generalized to new stimuli and was maintained after training, showing the efficacy of both training methodologies. However, while all trainees performed similarly with initial stops, ID trainees outperformed DIS trainees in vowel perception. Interestingly, only DIS trainees showed a significant improvement in the perception of untargeted sounds, indicating that this training method (possibly due to the absence of labels and the exposure to two physically present stimuli in each trial) may be more suited to enhance learners’ perception of both targeted and untargeted sounds.
Elevated CO2 Differentially Mitigated Oxidative Stress Induced by Indium Oxide Nanoparticles in Young and Old Leaves of C3 and C4 Crops

Soil contamination with indium (In) oxide nanoparticles (In2O3-NPs) threatens plant growth and development. However, their toxicity in plants under ambient (aCO2) and elevated (eCO2) conditions is scarcely studied. To this end, this study was conducted to investigate In2O3-NPs toxicity in the young and old leaves of C3 (barley) and C4 (maize) plants and to understand the mechanisms underlying the stress mitigating impact of eCO2. Treatment of C3 and C4 plants with In2O3-NPs significantly reduced growth and photosynthesis, induced oxidative damage (H2O2, lipid peroxidation), and impaired P and Fe homeostasis, particularly in the young leaves of C4 plants. On the other hand, this phytotoxic hazard was mitigated by eCO2 which improved both C3 and C4 growth, decreased In accumulation and increased phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) uptake, particularly in the young leaves of C4 plants. Moreover, the improved photosynthesis by eCO2 accordingly enhanced carbon availability under the challenge of In2O3-NPs that were directed to the elevated production of metabolites involved in antioxidant and detoxification systems. Our physiological and biochemical analyses implicated the role of the antioxidant defenses, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) in stress mitigation under eCO2. This was validated by studying the effect of In2O3-stress on a transgenic maize line (TG) constitutively overexpressing the AtFeSOD gene and its wild type (WT). Although it did not alter In accumulation, the TG plants showed improved growth and photosynthesis and reduced oxidative damage. Overall, this work demonstrated that C3 was more sensitive to In2O3-NPs stress; however, C4 plants were more responsive to eCO2. Moreover, it demonstrated the role of SOD in determining the hazardous effect of In2O3-NPs.
Generalized discrete decoupling and control of MIMO systems

This paper proposes an efficient discrete‐time decoupling algorithm for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems having strong coupling between inputs and outputs. A design method for discrete decouplers is proposed to eliminate the cross‐coupling effects present in MIMO systems. The proposed decoupling technique is based on relative gain array (RGA) approach of MIMO system. In order to perform closed‐loop control, individual discrete‐time PID controllers are designed based on Kharitonov theorem for each of the SISO control loops of the resulting decoupled MIMO system. The closed‐loop performance of the MIMO system under consideration is investigated in simulation and in real time which illustrate that the proposed decoupling algorithm satisfactorily nullifies the interaction between the inputs and outputs. The control scheme exhibits perfect tracking of the reference commands even in presence of disturbances. Twin rotor MIMO system (TRMS) is considered as the real‐time example to validate the proposed method. Further, the performance of the compensated TRMS system is analyzed in frequency domain in presence of common actuator nonlinearities dead zone and saturation together. The performances of the controllers are found to be efficient even in presence of actuator nonlinearities.
Study of Variational Inference for Flexible Distributed Probabilistic Robotics

By combining stochastic variational inference with message passing algorithms we show how to solve the highly complex problem of navigation and avoidance in distributed multi-robot systems in a computationally tractable manner, allowing online implementation. Subsequently, the proposed variational method lends itself to more flexible solutions than prior methodologies. Furthermore, the derived method is verified both through simulations with multiple mobile robots and a real world experiment with two mobile robots. In both cases the robots shares the operating space and needs to cross each other’s paths multiple times without colliding.
Behavioural analysis of loss of function zebrafish supports baz1b as master regulator of domestication

Domestication is associated with both morphological and behavioural phenotypic changes that differentiate domesticated species from their wild counterparts. Some of the traits are those purposely targeted by the selection process, whilst others co-occur as a result of selection. The combination of traits is referred to as the ‘domestication syndrome’ and their shared characteristics has given rise to the neural crest domestication syndrome (NCDS) hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, the phenotypic changes are a consequence of a selection towards animals with mild underdevelopment of the neural crest. A similar mechanism is suggested to affect some species of “self-domesticated” animals, including humans. Recent research supports a role for BAZ1B, one of the haplo-insufficient genes in Williams syndrome (WS), in the evolution of craniofacial features of modern humans. Interestingly, WS recapitulates some of the traits observed in the domestication syndrome, including hypersociability and reduced facial bones. However, the evidence linking BAZ1B to behavioural phenotypes associated with domestication is presumptive. Here, we use zebrafish as a model to test the hypothesis that baz1b loss-of-function leads to both morphological and behavioural phenotypes associated with the domestication syndrome by influencing the development of the neural crest. Our research provides further evidence supporting the NCDS hypothesis and bazlb’s role in this process.
Risk Factors for Female Breast Cancer: A Population Cohort Study

Simple Summary In recent years, it has been emphasized that the development of a healthy lifestyle can prevent the incidence of cancer, and several recent studies on female breast cancer (BC) have also become interested in sedentary behavioral issues. Our prospective cohort study found that, in addition to the currently known risk factors (RFs) such as parity and body mass index (BMI), which affect the probability of developing BC in women, a sedentary lifestyle and drinking sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) can cause BC. Therefore, we propose that the modifiable risk profiles of sedentary behavior and sugary beverage consumption may also be associated with increased incidence of female BC in the Taiwanese population. Abstract Background: The incidence of female BC among the Eastern and Southeastern Asian populations has gradually increased in recent years. However, epidemiological studies on the relationship between a sedentary lifestyle and female BC are insufficient. In order to determine the association between this lifestyle and the incidence of female BC, we conducted a population-based cohort study on women in Taiwan. Methods: We followed a prospective cohort of 5879 women aged 30 years and over enrolled in the 2001 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), who developed female BC over a period of 72,453 person years, and we estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: RFs associated with female BC incidence included parity (adjusted HR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.44–0.91), body mass index (adjusted HR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.04–1.71), and ≥3 h/day spent sitting (adjusted HR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.08–3.32). The incidence of female BC in participants who sat for ≥3 h/day and consumed sugary drinks was 2.5 times greater than that in those who sat for <3 h/day and did not consume sugary drinks (adjusted HR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.01–6.23). Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that sedentary behavior and sugary drink intake may increase the risk of developing female BC. These are modifiable RFs; therefore, a healthy lifestyle and diet can reduce the incidence of female BC.
Nurses Knowledge and Practice in Dealing with High Alert Medications

High-Alert Medications (HAMs) are medications that are most likely to cause significant harm to the patient, even when used as intended. The three most common causes of death are improper dose, wrong drug, and wrong route of administration. Objective: Assess nurse’s knowledge and practice in dealing with high alert medications. Setting: The study was conducted at general medical and surgical units at Alexandria Main University Hospital. Subjects: 167 nurses who were involved in direct patient care and responsible for administering medications. Tools: Two tools were used to elicit the necessary data; nurse’s practice in dealing with HAMs observational check list, and nurse’s knowledge in dealing with HAMs questionnaire. Results: The mean scores and the mean percentage for nurses’ knowledge and practice related to medications as general, insulin, opioids, sedatives and anticoagulants were utilized. It was observed that the mean score for practice related to HAMs in general were (23.02±2.50) and (39.70±4.30) as the mean percentage, and level of the nurses’ practice was satisfactory ≤75% or unsatisfactory ≥70%. Regarding the 5 main items it was observed that practice in general were unsatisfactory (100.0 %). Nurse’s knowledge related to insulin, opioids, sedatives and anticoagulants had a mean score of (10.47±1.57) with a mean percentage of (74.81±11.22). Conclusion: There is a gap between nurses' knowledge and practice as compared to the standard guidelines about high alert medications administration. Knowledge level for all nurses was unsatisfactory in total and a subtotal area with a lot of wrong information’s which might lead to hazardous practice and dangerous complications. The practice total score was unsatisfactory. Recommendations: A list of high-alert medications and medication safety policies and procedures are strongly needed and emphasized.
Implementation and evaluation of the five-level emergency triage (emergency severity index tool): A hospital-based, prospective, observational study

Objective: To implement the 5-level Emergency Severity Index (ESI) triage tool into nursing practice in the emergency department (ED) and validate it with a population-based cohort using hospitalization and length of stay (LOS) as outcome measures. Methods: The study included 850 patients, irrespective of age and gender, reporting to the ED of a tertiary care hospital. Each patient was assessed by the triage nurse as per the 5-level ESI triage tool and categorized. The number and type of resources used by the patient, LOS in the ED and the outcome were noted. Data were statistically analyzed by using RStudio Team software, 2015. A P value of<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The majority of patients belonged to ESI-4 (46.82%), followed by ESI-1 (19.41%), ESI-2 (17.06%), ESI-3 (10.35%), and ESI-5 (6.35%). In most patients, the LOS in the ED was<120 minutes (55.65%). ESI showed a statistically significant association with all the clinical characteristics, as well as resources used, interventions needed, maximum time allowed before initiating physician assessment, duration of stay in ED, and patient outcomes (P=0.000). ESI was found to have a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 78%. Conclusion: ESI is a useful and valid tool for the emergency triage and has the potential to become the standard triage acuity assessment in EDs in India.
Analisis Pengaruh Brand Image, Trust, Security, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease Of Use Terhadap Adoption Intention Fintech Di Kota Batam

Penelitian ini bertujuan guna mendapati pengaruh brand image, trust, security, perceived usefulness, dan perceived ease of use terhadap adoption intention fintech. Penelitian dijalankan dengan metode survei penyebaran kuesioner kepada 150 responden yang merupakan pengguna layanan fintech di mall Kota Batam dan diuji dengan SPSS versi 25. Penelitian didapati hasil yang menunjukkan brand image dan trust tidak berpengaruh terhadap adoption intention fintech, sedangkan security, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use berpengaruh positif terhadap intention fintech.
Enhanced Expression of TRAP1 Protects Mitochondrial Function in Motor Neurons under Conditions of Oxidative Stress

TNF-receptor associated protein (TRAP1) is a cytoprotective mitochondrial-specific member of the Hsp90 heat shock protein family of protein chaperones that has been shown to antagonise mitochondrial apoptosis and oxidative stress, regulate the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and control protein folding in mitochondria. Here we show that overexpression of TRAP1 protects motor neurons from mitochondrial dysfunction and death induced by exposure to oxidative stress conditions modelling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in which motor neurons degenerate, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy and death, typically within 3 years of diagnosis. In primary murine motor neurons, shRNA-mediated knockdown of TRAP1 expression results in mitochondrial dysfunction but does not further exacerbate damage induced by oxidative stress alone. Together, these results show that TRAP1 may be a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, where mitochondrial dysfunction has been shown to be an early marker of pathogenesis.
The Anterior Temporal Cortex in Action

Intelligent manipulation of handheld tools marks a major discontinuity between humans and our closest ancestors. Here we identified neural representations about how tools are typically manipulated within left anterior temporal cortex, by shifting a searchlight classifier through whole-brain real action fMRI data when participants grasped 3D-printed tools in ways considered typical for use (i.e., by their handle). These neural representations were automatically evocated as task performance did not require semantic processing. In fact, findings from a behavioural motion-capture experiment confirmed that actions with tools (relative to non-tool) incurred additional processing costs, as would be suspected if semantic areas are being automatically engaged. These results substantiate theories of semantic cognition that claim the anterior temporal cortex combines sensorimotor and semantic content for advanced behaviours like tool manipulation.
Bajacanthon, a New Subgenus for the Mexican Deltochilini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) Fauna

In this study, data are presented for the designation of the new subgenus (Bajacanthon) for Canthon obliquus Horn, 1894 (Deltochilini). The new subgenus Bajacanthon is described based on a multiple evidence approach using morphological and molecular characters. This new subgenus has some unique characters, and is the remnant of an old South American migratory movement into the Mexican Transition Zone. This beetle species has survived in isolation in the south half of the peninsula of Baja California (Mexico). Results based on molecular clock inference showed that the split between the lineages leading to the subgenus Bajacanthon and Boreocanthon took place nearly 16 Mya, whereas the radiation within Bajacanthon was dated to 3.7 Mya.
The employment destination of PhD‐holders in Italy: Non‐academic funded projects as drivers of successful segmentation

In all developed countries in recent years, the non-academic labour market destination of PhDholders (segmentation) has emerged as an issue. Universities and other research-intensive institutions can no longer absorb the major share of PhD-holders. Their employment has become a matter of segmentation both in horizontal (economic sector) and in vertical (income) dimensions. The paper tests what factors segment labour market outcomes in both dimensions – economic sector and income. Findings suggest that whilst scientific mobility and type of funding during PhD period do not play a notable role, some types of experiences such as post-doc, instead, predict exit from academic employment and also a higher income overall. The most significant experiences that contribute to segmentation are in fact projects funded by private companies or international organizations in postdoctoral periods. Policy-making implications are relevant for both PhD-holders, universities and external organizations. For instance, non-academic employers may maximise their collaborations with universities with beneficial outcomes for PhD-holders themselves as well