Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Procedure for the assessment of the integrity of nuclear pressure vessels and piping containing defects. Final report. [PWR; BWR]

This report presents results of a 20-month program to establish the validity of a simple engineering procedure to assess ductile fracture of nuclear pressure vessels and piping. The work was conducted at the Babcock and Wilcox Research and Development Division under the sponsorship of the Electric Power Research Institute. The accomplishments reported are: the extension of the R-6 method to include work-hardening materials; the validation of the engineering failure assessment approach through comparison with experimental test data and incremental plasticity finite element crack solutions; the extension of the engineering failure assessment approach to include secondary (thermal/residual) stresses; and the documentation of the procedures for the assessment of the integrity of nuclear-grade pressure vessels and piping.
Phenotyping Adopters of Mobile Applications Among Patients With COPD: A Cross-Sectional Study

Effectiveness of technology-based interventions to improve physical activity (PA) in people with COPD is controversial. Mixed results may be due to participants' characteristics influencing their use of and engagement with mobile health apps. This study compared demographic, clinical, physical and PA characteristics of patients with COPD using and not using mobile apps in daily life. Patients with COPD who used smartphones were asked about their sociodemographic and clinic characteristics, PA habits and use of mobile apps (general and PA-related). Participants performed a six-minute walk test (6MWT), gait speed test and wore an accelerometer for 7 days. Data were compared between participants using (App Users) and not using (Non-App Users) mobile apps. A sub-analysis was conducted comparing characteristics of PA–App Users and Non-Users. 59 participants were enrolled (73% Male; 66.3 ± 8.3 yrs; FEV1 48.7 ± 18.4% predicted): 59% were App Users and 25% were PA-App Users. Significant differences between App Users and Non-App Users were found for age (64.2 ± 8.9 vs. 69.2 ± 6.3yrs), 6MWT (462.9 ± 91.7 vs. 414.9 ± 82.3 m), Gait Speed (Median 1.5 [Q1–Q3: 1.4–1.8] vs. 2.0 [1.0–1.5]m/s), Time in Vigorous PA (0.6 [0.2–2.8] vs. 0.14 [0.1–0.7]min) and Self-Reported PA (4.0 [1.0–4.0] vs. 1.0 [0.0–4.0] Points). Differences between PA–App Users and Non-Users were found in time in sedentary behavior (764.1 [641.8–819.8] vs. 672.2 [581.2–749.4] min) and self-reported PA (4.0 [2.0–6.0] vs. 2.0 [0.0–4.0] points). People with COPD using mobile apps were younger and had higher physical capacity than their peers not using mobile apps. PA-App Users spent more time in sedentary behaviors than Non-Users although self-reporting more time in PA.
Effect of Post-grazing Sward Height on Ingestive Behavior, Dry Matter Intake, and Milk Production of Holstein Dairy Cows

Sward height is strongly related to the daily dry matter intake of grazing dairy cows, which consequently determines animal performance. Despite that, few studies have explored the potential to increase milk production by managing post-grazing sward height. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of three defoliation intensities on a Lolium arundinaceum-based pasture on frequency and length of grazing meals and ruminating bouts, daily grazing and ruminating time, feeding stations and patches exploration, and dry matter intake and milk production of dairy cows. The treatments imposed were three different post-grazing sward heights: control (TC), medium (TM), and lax (TL), which were managed with 6, 9, and 12 cm of post-grazing sward heights during autumn and winter, and 9, 12, and 15 cm of post-grazing sward heights during spring, respectively. Thirty-six autumn-calving Holstein cows were grouped by parity (2.6 ± 0.8), body weight (618 ± 48) kg, and body condition score (2.8 ± 0.2) and randomized to the treatments. The pasture was accessed from 08:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 03:00 during spring and no supplement was involved during the evaluation period. Daily grazing time averaged 508 ± 15 min and was not affected by treatment. The reduction of post-grazing sward height increased the length of the first grazing session in the morning and the afternoon. The number of grazing sessions was greater on TL than on TM, with no difference in TC. The number of feeding stations (the hypothetical semi-circle in front of an animal from which the bites were taken without moving the front forefeet) visited was less on TC than on TL, and neither of them differed from TM. Dry matter (DM) intake was lesser on TC than on TM and TL (14.7 vs. 17.8 kg DM). Milk production during the evaluation period was 13.1, 16.2, and 18.7 kg/day for TC, TM, and TL, respectively. The milk fat, protein, and lactose content did not differ between treatments. The cows on TC exhibited a lower intake rate, although they were less selective, probably as a consequence of the sward structure of TC treatment. The cows on TM adopted a compensation mechanism which allowed them to achieve the same dry matter intake as cows on TL, but lower milk production. The cows on TL were more selective than TC and TM resulting in higher digestible dry matter intake and consequently higher milk production. The intensity of defoliation impacts on the animal-plant interaction, and constitutes a valuable management tool that can be used to boost forage intake and milk production. The new developments on information technology would allow researchers to link behavioral data with response variables (e.g., milk production, health, welfare, etc.) at different spatio-temporal scales and support short and long-term management decisions.
The Paths to Connectedness: A Review of the Antecedents of Connectedness to Nature

Although many philosophers and environmental psychologists agree that progress toward a more ecologically conscious society depends upon individuals developing a sense of connectedness to nature, such agreement is of limited use if we do not understand how connectedness forms. The purpose of this review is to delineate the state of the psychological literature concerning the antecedents of connectedness to nature. The literature review is organized into three main sections: (1) situational contexts that influence connectedness; (2) individual difference predictors, such as demographic group membership, personality, or beliefs; and (3) internal psychological states that may explain psychological processes that result in connectedness. Major critiques of the extant literature and future directions are presented in a discussion following the body of the review. The primary implications highlighted by the review are a greater need for theories delineating the formation of connectedness, a greater focus on process, and increased differentiation between similar antecedents of connectedness.
A Mixed-Methods Realist Evaluation of the Implementation and Impact of Community Forensic CAMHS to Manage Risk for Young People With Forensic and Mental Health Needs: Study Protocol

Introduction: Young people in contact with forensic child and adolescent mental health services present with more complex needs than young people in the general population. Recent policy has led to the implementation of new workstreams and programmes to improve service provision for this cohort. This paper aims to present the protocol for a national study examining the impact and implementation of Community Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (F:CAMHS). Methods and analysis: The study will use a mixed-methods Realist Evaluation design. Quantitative service activity and feedback data will be collected from all 13 sites, as well as questionnaires from staff. Non-participant observations and qualitative interviews will be conducted with staff, young people and parents/guardians from four focus study sites. An economic evaluation will examine whether Community F:CAMHS provides good value for money. The results will be triangulated to gain an in-depth understanding of young people's, parents/guardians' and staff experiences of the service. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval was granted by the Health Research Association and UCL Ethics. The results will be disseminated via project reports, feedback to sites, peer-reviewed journal publications and conference presentations.
Maize Zmcyp710a8 Mutant as a Tool to Decipher the Function of Stigmasterol in Plant Metabolism

Sterols are integral components of membrane lipid bilayers in eukaryotic organisms and serve as precursors to steroid hormones in vertebrates and brassinosteroids (BR) in plants. In vertebrates, cholesterol is the terminal sterol serving both indirect and direct roles in cell signaling. Plants synthesize a mixture of sterols including cholesterol, sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol but the signaling role for the free forms of individual plant sterols is unclear. Since stigmasterol is the terminal sterol in the sitosterol branch and produced from a single enzymatic step, modifying stigmasterol concentration may shed light on its role in plant metabolism. Although Arabidopsis has been the model of choice to study sterol function, the functional redundancy of AtCYP710A genes and the presence of brassicasterol may hinder our ability to test the biological function of stigmasterol. We report here the identification and characterization of ZmCYP710A8, the sole maize C-22 sterol desaturase involved in stigmasterol biosynthesis and the identification of a stigmasterol-free Zmcyp710a8 mutant. ZmCYP710A8 mRNA expression pattern correlated with transcripts for several sterol biosynthesis genes and loss of stigmasterol impacted sterol composition. Exogenous stigmasterol also had a stimulatory effect on mRNA for ZmHMGR and ZmSMT2. This demonstrates the potential of Zmcyp710a8 in understanding the role of stigmasterol in modulating sterol biosynthesis and global cellular metabolism. Several amino acids accumulate in the Zmcyp710a8 mutant, offering opportunity for genetic enhancement of nutritional quality of maize. Other cellular metabolites in roots and shoots of maize and Arabidopsis were also impacted by genetic modification of stigmasterol content. Yet lack of obvious developmental defects in Zmcyp710a8 suggest that stigmasterol might not be essential for plant growth under normal conditions. Nonetheless, the Zmcyp710a8 mutant reported here is of great utility to advance our understanding of the additional roles of stigmasterol in plant metabolism. A number of biological and agronomic questions can be interrogated using this tool such as gene expression studies, spatio-temporal localization of sterols, cellular metabolism, pathway regulation, physiological studies, and crop improvement.
The Relationship Between Preschool Teachers’ Proactive Personality and Innovative Behavior: The Chain-Mediated Role of Error Management Climate and Self-Efficacy

Objective: This study, aims to explore the relationship of error management climate and self-efficacy between preschool teachers’ proactive personality and innovative behavior. Methods: Four hundred thirty-nine preschool teachers were tested by proactive personality scale, error management climate scale, general self-efficacy scale, and employee innovation behavior scale. Results: Preschool teachers’ proactive personality can directly predict their innovative behaviors, has a significant indirect effect on innovative behaviors through error management climate, and has a significant indirect effect on innovative behaviors through self-efficacy. Error management climate and self-efficacy play a chain-mediated role in the relationship between preschool teachers’ proactive personality and innovative behavior. Conclusion: Error management climate and self-efficacy play a chain-mediated role in the relationship between preschool teachers’ proactive personality and innovative behavior.
Development of radio frequency interference detection algorithms for passive microwave remote sensing

m e as u re m e n ts . T h is R FI i s in si d io u s in n at u re , w it h s o m e si gn al s lo w p o w er e n o u gh t o g o u n d e te ct e d b u t la rg e e n o u gh t o i m p ac t sc ie n ce m e as u re m e ts an d re su lt in g co n cl u si o n s. W it h th e la u n ch o f th e Eu ro p ea n S p ac e A ge n cy ( ES A ) So il M o is tu re a n d O ce an Sa lin it y (S M O S) in N o ve m b er 2 0 0 9 an d th e u p co m in g la u n ch es o f th e n e N A SA se asu rf ac e sa lin it y m e as u ri n g
Specificity of Saliva Esterases by Wine Carboxylic Esters and Inhibition by Wine Phenolic Compounds Under Simulated Oral Conditions

The specificity of human esterase activity (EA) from the stimulated (SS) and non-stimulated (NSS) saliva toward different typical wine odorant carboxylic esters and its inhibition by the wine phenolic compounds has been evaluated. For the specificity, six p-nitrophenyl linked esters with different carbon chain lengths (from 2 to 12 carbons) were employed. The five single phenolic compounds (catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, and resveratrol) at typical wine concentrations were assayed in the salivary EA inhibition study. Additionally, the inhibition exerted by the mixtures of wine polyphenols was evaluated using four commercial phenolic extracts [a grape seed extract (GSE), the monomers and oligomer fraction of the GSE, and a red wine extract (RWE)]. Finally, the saliva EA under the wine consumption conditions (pH = 5 and 11.3% ethanol) was evaluated. The results showed a higher EA in SS than NSS. It was also shown that the EA was higher toward the smaller than bigger esters regardless of the saliva types (SS or NSS). However, the inhibition exerted on saliva EA by the individual and mixtures of phenolic compounds was proven. Catechin was the phenolic compound that mostly inhibited saliva EA, while resveratrol showed the lowest EA inhibition. This inhibition was mainly related to the concentration of the phenolic compounds, but also with its structure. Finally, under simulated wine consumption, a decrease in EA was produced, which was mainly provoked by the decrease in the salivary pH. Nonetheless, since salivary pH recovers a few seconds after wine consumption, saliva EA might be relevant for the long-lasting perception of wine esters.
Active Flexible Wing (AFW) Technology

Abstract : This report documents the results of the transonic, active control wind tunnel program. The wind tunnel model along with its physical characteristics (flexibility, vibration modes, and control system transfer functions) and the wind tunnel test procedures are described in this report. In addition, the results validated the flexible control power and verified the analytical tools used for design. Results of active control designs and tests, roll control, maneuver load control, and structural mode control designs and tested are also included. Finally, an assessment of the AFW technology provides recommendations for future research and development. Keywords: Active flexible wing, Controllability, Wing roll control, Wind tunnel testing, Transonic aeroelastic control effectiveness, Active control design and tests.
Turboprop Cargo Aircraft Systems study, phase 1

The effects of advanced propellers (propfan) on aircraft direct operating costs, fuel consumption, and noiseprints were determined. A comparison of three aircraft selected from the results with competitive turbofan aircraft shows that advanced turboprop aircraft offer these potential benefits, relative to advanced turbofan aircraft: 21 percent fuel saving, 26 percent higher fuel efficiency, 15 percent lower DOCs, and 25 percent shorter field lengths. Fuel consumption for the turboprop is nearly 40 percent less than for current commercial turbofan aircraft. Aircraft with both types of propulsion satisfy current federal noise regulations. Advanced turboprop aircraft have smaller noiseprints at 90 EPNdB than advanced turbofan aircraft, but large noiseprints at 70 and 80 EPNdB levels, which are usually suggested as quietness goals. Accelerated development of advanced turboprops is strongly recommended to permit early attainment of the potential fuel saving. Several areas of work are identified which may produce quieter turboprop aircraft.
Developments and Challenges for Aluminum - A Boeing Perspective

Aluminum has long been the material of choice for commercial aircraft primary structure. Aluminum suppliers have steadfastly improved products to support performance needs. Selection of composites for Boeing’s 7E7 challenges aluminum’s predominant position. Composites must prove their abilities; but improvements in manufacturability, performance, and affordability supported their selection for the 7E7 program to enable operating efficiency improvements. To win future airframe applications, aluminum must compete with and/or be compatible with composites. Recently demonstrated improvements in aluminum product properties suggest further advances are feasible. Research supporting improved performance and cost reductions is needed to meet the composite challenge and keep aluminum flying.
After the Pandemic: The Future of Italian Medicine. The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Medical and Other Healthcare-Related Degrees Students

Objective: The study aimed to explore the psychological symptoms and the readiness to fight the pandemic of the new generation of healthcare professionals: medical and other healthcare degree students. Methods: We enrolled 509 medical and healthcare-related degree students during the second outbreak of COVID-19 in Italy. We have examined their psychological symptoms using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and their readiness to fight the pandemic together with their academic career status, their relationship with the university, and their emotional reactions to the pandemic with Visual Analog Scales. Results: We retrieved a GHQ mean of 21.65 (SD = 40.63) and readiness to fight the pandemic mean of 53.58 (SD = 31.49). Perceived control affects variables: a negative effect on psychological symptoms and a positive effect on the willingness to fight the pandemic. The other variables with an impact were stress, loneliness, and anger that had a significant and positive impact on psychological symptoms. Age and concern for patients had a significant positive impact on readiness to fight for the pandemic, while years of attendance had a significant but negative impact. Conclusion: Universities and Institutions should consider the impact of the pandemic on students, in particular, for its effect on their mental health.
Sonar-Based Localization of Mobile Robots using the Hough Transform

Abstract : For an autonomous mobile robot to navigate in an unknown environment, it is essential to know the location of the robot on a real-time basis. Finding position and orientation of a mobile robot in a world coordinate system is a problem in localization. Dead-reckoning is commonly used for localization, but position and orientation errors from dead-reckoning tend to accumulate over time. The objective of this thesis is to develop a feature-based localization method that allows a mobile robot to re-calibrate its position and orientation by automatically selecting wall-like features in the environment. In this thesis, the selection of features is accomplished by applying the Hough transform to sonar data. The Hough transform makes it possible to select the optimal feature (the longest wall, in this case) without finding all possible line segments from the sonar data. A least-square line fitting method is then employed to construct a model of the line segment that represents the feature selected by the Hough transform. The algorithm developed was tested using synthetic and real sonar data. Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed localization methods.
Smart Polymeric Delivery System for Antitumor and Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted tremendous attention in the antitumor and antimicrobial areas. To enhance the water solubility of photosensitizers and facilitate their accumulation in the tumor/infection site, polymeric materials are frequently explored as delivery systems, which are expected to show target and controllable activation of photosensitizers. This review introduces the smart polymeric delivery systems for the PDT of tumor and bacterial infections. In particular, strategies that are tumor/bacteria targeted or activatable by the tumor/bacteria microenvironment such as enzyme/pH/reactive oxygen species (ROS) are summarized. The similarities and differences of polymeric delivery systems in antitumor and antimicrobial PDT are compared. Finally, the potential challenges and perspectives of those polymeric delivery systems are discussed.
Phylogenetic Analysis and Genome-Wide Association Study Applied to an Italian Listeria monocytogenes Outbreak

From May 2015 to March 2016, a severe outbreak due to Listeria monocytogenes ST7 strain occurred in Central Italy and caused 24 confirmed clinical cases. The epidemic strain was deeply investigated using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis. In the interested area, the foodborne outbreak investigation identified a meat food-producing plant contaminated by the outbreak strain, carried by pork-ready-to-eat products. In the same region, in March 2018, the epidemic strain reemerged causing one listeriosis case in a 10-month-old child. The aim of this study was to investigate the phylogeny of the epidemic and reemergent strains over time and to compare them with a closer ST7 clone, detected during the outbreak and with different pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles, in order to identify genomic features linked to the persistence and the reemergence of the outbreak. An approach combining phylogenetic analysis and genome-wide association study (GWAS) revealed that the epidemic and reemergent clones were genetically closer to the ST7 clone with different PFGE profiles and strictly associated with the pork production chain. The repeated detection of both clones was probably correlated with (i) the presence of truly persistent clones and the repeated introduction of new ones and (ii) the contribution of prophage genes in promoting the persistence of the epidemic clones. Despite that no significant genomic differences were detected between the outbreak and the reemergent strain, the two related clones detected during the outbreak can be differentiated by transcriptional factor and phage genes associated with the phage LP-114.