Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
British norms and psychometric properties of the Boxall Profile for primary school-aged children

ABSTRACT The Boxall Profile is one of the most frequently used tools to measure the social, emotional, behavioural and/or mental health difficulties (SEMH) of children and young people in schools across the UK. However, limited evidence exists regarding the norms and psychometric properties of the tool. The current study used data from 487 primary school-aged children to carry out a re-standardisation and explore a range of psychometric properties of the Boxall Profile. Updated norms were established for 4- to 11-year-old children using a Receiver Operating Characteristic approach and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire as gold standard measure for SEMH difficulties. Psychometric analyses indicated good internal consistency, concurrent validity and convergent validity but also highlighted the need for further research into the structural validity of the tool. To our knowledge, this is the first study providing substantial evidence for the reliability and validity of the Boxall Profile since its publication in 1984.
Dealing with Carbon Risk and the Cost of Debt: Evidence from the European Market

The ever-increasing attention towards climate change has led to investigate the economic and financial impact of environmental risk. In this scenario, we aimed at investigating the relationship between a specific component of environmental risk, namely the so-called carbon risk, and the cost of debt. This research is motivated by the fact that few studies have focused on the aforementioned relationship. We fill this gap by using a sample of companies listed on the Eurostoxx 600 Index. Our results evidence a positive relationship between carbon risk and cost of debt, providing a relevant contribution to the scarce existing literature on this topic.
Comparative studies of meat quality traits and the proteome profile between low- and high-pH muscles in longissimus dorsi of Berkshire

Abstract: This study was conducted to assess the molecular mechanism of meat quality between low- and high-pH muscles using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF/MS) on longissimus dorsi muscles from Berkshire species, assigned to high- (5.92 ± 0.02) and low-pH groups (5.55 ± 0.03). The high-pH group had a lower lightness, yellowness, drip loss, shear force, and a higher National Pork Producers Council color than the low-pH group. The meat quality changes were related to the altered protein expression between the two groups. Fourteen protein spots were identified by MALDI–TOF/MS and among them, nine proteins involved in meat quality attributes significantly increased: the alpha-crystallin B chain, dual specificity phosphatase 1, vimentin X1 and X2, ATP synthase subunit d, mitochondrial (ATP5H), peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 14 (UCTH14), and cytochrome c. Moreover, the proteins’ translation efficiency was analyzed by their mRNA expression via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. An increase in the mRNA levels of ATP5H, PRDX6, and UCTH14 is consistent with protein expressions. These results may provide valuable information to decipher the molecular mechanism behind meat quality of low- and high-pH muscles.
Using moving-window cross-validation algorithm to optimize bid-based cost estimating data usage

Abstract Transportation agencies provide guidance on using bid data from previous projects to prepare construction cost estimates that are based on assumptions whose validity is not challenged in the existing literature. Some of these assumptions refer to the optimal number of years of past data that should be used in bid-based estimating. This study aims to develop an approach that assists with the definition of optimal look-back periods for data retrieval to maximize cost estimating effectiveness in transportation construction projects. Identifying the optimal amount of data is irrelevant if it is not properly collected and processed. The proposed look-back period determination process is presented as part of a broader cost estimating system intended to ensure the effective use of the retrieved data. The paper presents an assessment of 20 cost indexing alternatives to identify the one that facilitates the highest estimating accuracy. The methodology consists of an innovative moving-window cross-validation algorithm designed to measure the performance of the estimating system for different look-back periods ranging from one to five years.
Coupling interactive fire with atmospheric composition and climate
in the UK Earth System Model

Abstract. Fire constitutes a key process in the Earth system (ES) being driven by climate as well as affecting the climate by changing atmospheric composition and impacting the terrestrial carbon cycle. However, studies on the effects of fires on atmospheric composition, radiative forcing and climate have been limited to date, as the current generation of ES models (ESMs) do not include fully coupled fires. The aim of this work is the development and evaluation of a fully coupled fire-composition-climate ES model. For this, the INteractive Fires and Emissions algoRithm for Natural envirOnments (INFERNO) fire model is coupled to the atmosphere-only configuration of the UK’s Earth System Model (UKESM1). This fire-atmosphere interaction through atmospheric chemistry and aerosols allows for fire emissions to influence radiation, clouds, and generally weather, which can consequently influence the meteorological drivers of fire. Additionally, INFERNO is updated based on recent developments in the literature to improve the representation of human/economic factors in the anthropogenic ignition and suppression of fire. This work presents an assessment of the effects of interactive fire coupling on atmospheric composition and climate compared to the standard UKESM1 configuration that uses prescribed fire emissions. Results show a similar performance when using the fire-atmosphere coupling (the online version of the model) when compared to the offline UKESM1 that uses prescribed fire. The model can reproduce observed present day global fire emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and aerosols, despite underestimating the global average burnt area. However, at a regional scale there is an overestimation of fire emissions over Africa due to the misrepresentation of the underlying vegetation types and an underestimation over Equatorial Asia due to a lack of representation of peat fires. Despite this, comparing model results with observations of CO column mixing ratio and aerosol optical depth show that the fire-atmosphere coupled configuration has a similar performance when compared to UKESM1. In fact, including the interactive biomass burning emissions improves the interannual CO atmospheric column variability and consequently its seasonality over the main biomass burning regions – Africa and South America. Similarly, for aerosols, the AOD results broadly agree with MODIS and AERONET observations.
COPI mediates recycling of an exocytic SNARE from endosomes by recognition of a ubiquitin sorting signal

The COPI coat forms transport vesicles from the Golgi complex and plays a poorly defined role in endocytic trafficking. Here we show that COPI mediates delivery of a budding yeast SNARE (Snc1) from early endosomes to the Golgi complex through recognition of a polyubiquitin sorting signal. Snc1 is a v-SNARE that drives fusion of exocytic vesicles with the plasma membrane, and then recycles through early endosomes back to the Golgi for reuse. Removal of ubiquitin from Snc1, or deletion of a β’-COP subunit propeller domain that binds K63-linked polyubiquitin, causes aberrant accumulation of Snc1 in early endosomes. Moreover, replacement of the β’-COP propeller domain with unrelated ubiquitin-binding domains restores Snc1 recycling. These results indicate that ubiquitination, a modification well known to target membrane proteins to the lysosome or vacuole for degradation, can also function as recycling signal to sort a SNARE into COPI vesicles at early endosomes for Golgi delivery.
Pollination in Lilium sargentiae (Liliaceae) and the first confirmation of long‐tongued hawkmoths as a pollinator niche in Asia

The geographical distribution of pollinators is an important factor determining the biogeographical pattern of floral evolution and diversification. In Africa, a guild of plant species has converged in a floral syndrome for pollination by long‐tongued hawkmoths (predominantly Agrius convolvuli). It is hypothesized that such floral convergence could track the geographical distribution of long‐tongued hawkmoths, so it may not be confined to Africa. We investigated the pollination biology of Lilium sargentiae E. H. Wilson, which is endemic to China and exhibits traits suggestive of long‐tongued hawkmoth pollination. Lilium sargentiae was visited by A. convolvuli as well as small beetles (Nitidulidae) but pollination was mostly or totally effected by the moth. It was consistent with other hawkmoth‐pollinated plants in terms of floral tube length, nectar traits, tepal reflectance, and scent composition. We present the first experimental evidence for the hypothesis proposed above and for hawkmoth pollination in the widespread and ornamentally and economically important genus Lilium L. in a natural habitat. Our findings imply that long‐tongued hawkmoths (especially the extremely widespread A. convolvuli) as a distinctive pollinator niche may have underlain the evolution of long‐tubed (>8 cm) flowers across different continents.
Detailed Investigation of Downstream TLR Signaling in the Follicular Cells of Women with Endometriosis

Background: Inflammatory responses within the peritoneal cavity may result in endometrial dysfunction in women with endometriosis. The true causes of this disease remain poorly understood. It is hypothesized that downstream toll-like receptors (TLRs) inflammatory cytokines in response to pathogens may be associated with endometriosis. So, this study was aimed at evaluating the expression of TLRs signaling and endometriosis-associated inflammatory responses. Methods: Totally, 20 infertile endometriosis patients and 20 normal women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation were enrolled. The cellular pellet and supernatant were obtained by centrifugation of follicular fluid (FF). Evaluation of TLRs and their signaling pathway gene expression was performed on cellular pellets using quantitative-PCR. The supernatant was used for determination of cytokine protein expression by ELISA. The results are expressed as mean±SEM and a p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Quantitative-PCR analysis suggested that TLR1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, MYD88, NF-ĸB, IL-10 and TGF-β genes expression significantly increased in patients compared to the control group (p<0.05). TLR3, 9, INF-β genes expression was significantly lower in endometriosis than control group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of TLR2, TLR4, TIRAP, TRIF, TRAM, and IRF3 between two groups. Also, significant increase in the levels of IL-6, IL-8 and MIF protein in FF of endometriosis group was detected in comparison with normal women (p<0.05). Conclusion: The expression of TLR downstream signaling in the follicular cells can initiate inflammatory responses and changes in the FF cytokine profile which in turn may induce endometriosis and infertility disorder.
Cultura de segurança do paciente: percepções e atitudes dos trabalhadores de centro cirúrgico

Objetivo: Avaliar a cultura de segurança por meio das percepções e atitudes dos profissionais que atuam no centro cirúrgico de um hospital deensino. Método: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, descritivo e transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido com 110 profissionais que atuamno centro cirúrgico, utilizando o Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. Resultados: A média geral dos escores evidenciou uma cultura de segurança incipiente.Ao avaliar a cultura por domínios, satisfação do trabalho e percepção do estresse foram avaliados como positivos, e clima de trabalho em equipe, climade segurança, percepção da gerência da unidade/hospital e condições de trabalho, como negativos. Conclusão: O nível de cultura de segurança encontradoestá abaixo do preconizado na literatura. As ações gerenciais e as condições de trabalho foram consideradas os principais fatores que contribuírampara a fragilidade dessa cultura, entretanto os profissionais demonstraram-se satisfeitos com a unidade de trabalho.
On the failure modes and maximum stretch of circular dielectric elastomer actuators

Dielectric elastomer actuators have been widely studied theoretically and experimentally thanks to its superior attributes such as large deformation. The actuator failure has long been an issue placing barriers to large deformation in practical applications. In this paper, we investigate the various failure modes and the maximum stretch of the circular dielectric elastomer actuator. An analytical model depicting the actuation mechanism of the dielectric elastomer actuator is proposed to help analyze the failure onset. Several types of normally observed failure modes, i.e. electromechanical instability, loss of tension, and electrical breakdown, are analyzed theoretically based on the proposed model. A 3D figure that interprets the relationship of the corresponding factors and the possible failure modes are proposed as well, by which we could know the possible failure onset, as well as the associated maximum stretch under specific conditions. Experiments are carried out and the results are in accordance with the prediction by the proposed 3D figure.
COUNTERING THE COUNTERPUBLIC? THE GERMAN #METOO NETWORK ON TWITTER

Questions of representation and visibility have a long tradition in the field of gender media studies, and digitization and the structural change of the public sphere have given them fresh momentum. While certain varieties of feminism have become more popular, so have anti-feminist reactions to it with both sides competing for visibility (Banet-Weiser, 2018; McRobbie, 2009). Establishing the concept of feminist counterpublics that arise in response to the exclusion from dominant publics, Fraser (1990) noted already in her constitutive writing that counterpublics are not necessarily progressive and democratic. However, newer research on this topic seems to focus on either the potential of digital technologies (and especially social media platforms) for the formation of progressive and desirable feminist publics or on the rising of antifeminist networks exclusively; thus, leaving questions about power inequalities within platforms and the (gendered) interplay between multiple, strongly conflicting counterpublics unanswered.
P-NUT: Predicting NUTrient Content from Short Text Descriptions

Assessing nutritional content is very relevant for patients suffering from various diseases, professional athletes, and for health reasons is becoming part of everyday life for many. However, it is a very challenging task as it requires complete and reliable sources. We introduce a machine learning pipeline for predicting macronutrient values of foods using learned vector representations from short text descriptions of food products. On a dataset used from health specialists, containing short descriptions of foods and macronutrient values: we generate paragraph embeddings, introduce clustering in food groups, using graph-based vector representations, that include food domain knowledge information, and train regression models for each cluster. The predictions are for four macronutrients: carbohydrates, fat, protein and water. The highest accuracy was obtained for carbohydrate predictions – 86%, compared to the baseline – 27% and 36%. The protein predictions yielded the best results across all clusters, 53%–77% of the values fall in the tolerance-level range. These results were obtained using short descriptions, the embeddings can be improved if they are learned on longer descriptions, which would lead to better prediction results. Since the task of calculating macronutrients requires exact quantities of ingredients, these results obtained only from short description are a huge leap forward.
USING THE FROG EPIDERMIS TO UNCOVER DESMOSOME FUNCTION AND REGULATION IN THE DEVELOPING EMBRYO

USING THE FROG EPIDERMIS TO UNCOVER DESMOSOME FUNCTION AND REGULATION IN THE DEVELOPING EMBRYO By Navaneetha Krishnan Bharathan, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2018 Major Director: Dr. Amanda J. Dickinson Assistant Professor, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics The desmosome is one of the major cell adhesion junctions found in the epithelia, heart, and hair follicle. Described as a “rivet” that hold cells together, it provides these tissues with the integrity to withstand the tremendous forces they face in everyday life. Defects in this junction can lead to devastating diseases where patients are susceptible to skin infections and cardiovascular defects. Limited treatments exist for diseases of the desmosome, and strategies do not target all symptoms. Therefore, delineating the function and regulation of desmosomes is of paramount importance for the development of prevention and treatment strategies. The Xenopus laevis has been utilized for the study of embryonic development and tissue movements. This study takes advantage of the frog model to study a key desmosomal protein, desmoplakin (Dsp), in the
Creep Response of Neat and Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced PEEK and Epoxy Determined Using a Micromechanical Model

A micromechanical model is developed to study the creep phenomena with neat and carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK (Polyetheretherketon) and epoxy. The model considers that the continuous elastic circular fibers form a regular array inside the matrix material. In this study, the fibers are considered to be linear elastic and anisotropic, while the matrix has a nonlinear viscoelastic behavior. The approach describes the time-dependent response of unidirectional viscoelastic composites subjected to various types of loading conditions. A comparison between the finite element analysis and the proposed micromechanical model shows a good agreement. Experimental tests validate the results obtained using the proposed theoretical model.
Life histories of an invasive and native ladybird under field experimental conditions in a temperate climate

Among characteristics that are thought to determine the success of invasive species, life‐history traits feature prominently. However, in most cases, these have been determined under laboratory conditions. Here, we use a field set‐up to determine immature development time and survival of invasive Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) and native Adalia bipunctata L. (both Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). On caged Tilia × europaea L. cv. Pallida trees (Malvaceae) with ample amounts of aphid food, we introduced freshly hatched larvae of a single or of both ladybird species and followed their development until emergence of adults. Under the condition of ample prey availability, both ladybird species apparently hardly interacted and intraguild predation did not cause significant mortality. Development time of both species is in line with data from laboratory tests under controlled conditions. Immature survival can reach high levels, but is considerably higher for H. axyridis (44–100%) than for A. bipunctata (11–77%), resulting in faster increase of H. axyridis populations, which is one of the factors that may explain its invasion success.
Low T790M relative allele frequency indicates concurrent resistance mechanisms and poor responsiveness to osimertinib

Background T790M relative allele frequency (RAF) in plasma, calculated by the ratio of T790M to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-sensitizing mutation allele frequencies (AF), is associated with osimertinib response in patients with progressive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) post 1st generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. However, which subgroup of patients carry concurrent resistance mechanisms and have poor responsiveness to osimertinib remains unknown. Methods Matched re-biopsy tissue and plasma samples obtained from 32 patients who had progression following 1st generation EGFR-TKI treatment were genotyped using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to investigate which subgroup of patients, classified by plasma position 790 (T790M) RAF, were more likely to carry concurrent resistance mechanisms. In another independent cohort, consisting of 21 T790M-positive patients, we validated whether these patients had a poor response to osimertinib treatment. Results In the discovery cohort, patients with T790M RAF less than 20% were more likely to harbor concurrent resistance mechanisms (P=0.018), such as MET or ERBB2 amplification, and small cell lung cancer transformation. In the validation cohort, we found that patients with low T790M RAF (<20%) had significantly lower objective response rates (ORRs) (0 vs. 68.8%, P=0.03) and disease control rates (DCRs) (60% vs. 100%, P=0.048) in response to osimertinib compared to patients with high T790M RAF. Conclusions In patients with progressive NSCLC post 1st generation EGFR-TKI treatment, plasma T790M RAFs of less than 20% can be used to identify patients who carry concurrent resistance mechanisms, and can predict a poorer response to osimertinib. Trial registration This study was registered on http://www.chictr. org.cn (registration number: ChiCTR-DDD-16007900).
Proposal of a Bioregional Strategic Framework for a Sustainable Food System in Sicily

The alignment of food systems with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is generally envisaged to make a positive impact on sustainability. This paper outlines some critical environmental and socio-economic indicators for Sicily in order to compare and explore the outcomes of two juxtaposing key drivers in a scenario planning exercise, where the extremities are Industrial versus Regenerative Agriculture/Agroecology and a Proactive versus Reactive government response. The most rational and less risky scenario becomes the most sensible sustainable development option, around which a 2030 vision is projected for a bioregional sustainable food system for Sicily, which is aligned with the SDGs and related policies. To accomplish the 2030 vision, a holistic education-led developmental approach is outlined with a supporting bioregional strategic framework, whose key milestone deliverables are projected through a backcasting process. This paper therefore highlights the importance of consistency and alignment of a development vision with its strategic framework and ensuing implementation, failing which, the holistic bioregional approach is compromised by activities that are shown to negatively impact environmental and socio-economic indicators. For this reason, all public and private sector development plans and associated resources ought to be aligned with a bioregional strategic plan for a sustainable food system for Sicily.