Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Review of current approaches to spatially explicit urban vulnerability assessments: hazard complexity, data sources, and cartographic representations

Abstract Socio-ecological hazards are processes that − depending on the vulnerability of societal systems − may have profound adverse impacts. For this reason, the current discourse in disaster risk reduction (DRR) has been experiencing a shift toward a vulnerability-led paradigm, raising new questions about how to address (i) the complexity of vulnerabilities to multiple hazards, (ii) their cultural, dynamic, and subjective character, and (iii) the effectiveness and legitimacy of vulnerability assessments as decision-support tools. In this paper, we present a review of 707 vulnerability studies (derived from the Clarivate WoS database; 1988−2018) with a particular focus on urban settings and spatially explicit assessments in order to evaluate current efforts to meet the aforementioned issues. The reviewed studies assessed vulnerabilities to 35 hazard types that were predominantly (n=603, 85%) analysed as single hazards (mostly seismic, flood, and groundwater contamination hazards, as well as climate change), whereas only 15% (n=104) of studies focused on multiple hazards (mostly atmospheric hazards). Within the spatially explicit vulnerability studies, almost 60% used data collected by the study itself (mostly seismic hazards), while statistical and combined data were both employed in 20% of cases (mostly floods, climate change, and social and political hazards). Statistical data were found to have only limited transferability, often being generalised to be applicable in small-scale studies, while reducing the role of cultural and contextual factors. Field research data provided high-resolution information, but their acquisition is time-consuming, and therefore fixed at a local scale and single temporal stage. Underlying hazard types and suitable data sources resulting in other differences found a preference towards the specific coverage and resolution of vulnerability maps that appeared in 44% of all reviewed studies. Altogether, the differences we found indicated a division of spatially explicit vulnerability research in two major directions: (i) geological and geomorphological studies focusing on physical vulnerability, using their own data surveys at a detailed scale and lacking links to other hazards, and (ii) other studies (mostly atmospheric hazards and socialpolitical hazards) focusing on social or combined vulnerabilities, using primarily statistical or combined data at a municipal, regional, and country scale with occasional efforts to integrate multiple hazards. Finally, although cartographic representations have become a frequent component of vulnerability studies, our review found only vague rationalisations for the presentation of maps, and a lack of guidelines for the interpretation of uncertainties and the use of maps as decision-support tools.
Computational thinking in primary education: a systematic literature review

Abstract This study presents a 13-year (2006–2018) systematic literature review related to the way that computational thinking (CT) has grown in elementary level education students (K-6) with the intention to: (a) present an overview of the educational context/setting where CT has been implemented, (b) identify the learning context that CT is used in education, (c) highlight the ways of assessment/measurement of CT and present the learning outcomes for students who engage in CT educational activities. A set of criteria were specified to select appropriate studies for inclusion in the review. A thorough search in ten large electronic databases, meeting the inclusion criteria, revealed 53 studies on CT in primary education. The results of the study revealed a variety of educational and learning contexts that CT has been integrated. The majority of studies use the framework of programming for both plugged and unplugged activities in order to cultivate students’ CT-skills, while the main interest focuses on the subject of Computer Science and STEM field in general. However, teaching and learning issues on CT-concepts and skills, CT-measurement and the adoption of an established definition of CT remain a challenge. Based on the current findings, some recommendations and implications for future research are provided.
The Effect of Economic Conditions on Accounting Conservatism under IFRS in Europe

Abstract We analyse in detail conservative accounting practices in seventeen European countries, taking into account institutional factors. In addition, we examine the impact of IFRS adoption and the influence of changes in economic conditions on conditional conservatism. Specifically, we study the level of accounting conservatism before and after IFRS adoption detailing for the pre and crisis period and post-crisis period surrounding the 2007/2008 financial crisis. Our findings are consistent with a conservative accounting practice in Europe as a whole and in each country individually. Besides, opposite to that expected, the results provide evidence of more conservative accounting practice in Anglo-Saxon countries, but we find no significant differences in conservatism in Nordic countries. Another finding is a significant decrease in the level of conservatism after IFRS adoption. Regarding the joint impact of IFRS adoption and economic conditions, we find a decrease in conservatism in the pre and crisis period, followed by a substantial increase in the post-crisis period. Our results seem to be in line with the positive accounting theory when suggesting that conservatism plays a fundamental role as corporate governance and efficient contracting mechanism between managers and other stakeholders of the firm. Furthermore, the results suggest that the flexibility provided by IFRS allows adjusting the level of conservatism when economic conditions change.
Investigating circulating microRNAs with next generation sequencing

Abstract In recent years focused research aimed at finding new specific and sensitive biomarkers for detection, classification and, monitoring of human cancers has been ongoing. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, 19-24 nucleotides, noncoding RNAs that are stably expressed in body fluids such as blood. These circulating RNAs have shown great promise as biomarkers, because the unique expression patterns strongly correlate with certain human diseases, including various types of cancer. These miRNAs act mainly through down regulation of specific target mRNAs in the cytosol and have been shown to be key regulatory players in several important cellular processes. In this project sequence data of circulating small RNAs, 18-30 nucleotides, from blood serum were analyzed and compared to sequence data from blood cells and two blood cancer cell lines. The results showed that a surprisingly large part of the small RNAs in human serum did not match the human genome. Moreover, the results indicate the existence of several novel miRNAs in the human genome. When comparing the most frequent RNA molecules, differences between the compared samples were striking and several well described miRNAs showed up amongst these differently expressed RNAs. Despite huge progress in recent years, there are still more research needed in this field; most likely several novel miRNAs are still to be found in the human genome and, the involvement of certain miRNAs as key regulators in important cellular processes are to be expected. In some years to come, probably some miRNAs will prove to be reliable biomarkers for some specific trait.
Viabilitas Lactobacillus plantarum 1 Yang Diisolasi Dari Susu Kedelai Terfermentasi Spontan Terhadap Asam Klorida dan Garam Empedu

Most of probiotic isolate is from overseas therefore it needs effort to obtain probiote acid lactid bacteria indigenus.Thepurposeof the research was to obtain viability of Lactobacillus plantarum 1 that isolated from spontaneous fermented soymilk on acid chloride and oxgall. This research used isolate of Lactobacillus plantarum 1 R.11. 1.2 , Lactobacillus plantarum 1 R.1. 3.2, L actobacillus a cidophilus FNCC 0051 and Streptococcus thermophilus FNCC 0040 on medium addition with chloride acid at pH 4, 3, and 2 and addition with oxgall 0.5%. The result showed that L. p lantarum 1 R.11. 1.2and L.plantarum 1 R.1. 3.2 was survive and able to grow on pH 4 during 5 hours incubation. Lactobacillus plantarum 1 R.11. 1.2and L. plantarum 1 R.1. 3.2was survive at pH 3 during 5 hours incubation. Lactobacillus plantarum 1 R.11. 1.2and L. plantarum 1 R.1. 3.2 was unable to survive on pH 2 during neither 2.5 hours nor 5 hours incubation. Lactobacillus plantarum 1 R.11. 1.2and L.plantarum 1 R.1. 3.2 was able to survive on medium with oxgall 0.5%. Keywords: Viability, Lactobacillus plantarum 1, C hlorideA cid, O xgall
A green strategy for obtaining anthraquinones from Rheum tanguticum by subcritical water

Abstract Rheum tanguticum is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which contains abundant anthraquinones. In this study, anthraquinones were efficiently extracted from Rheum tanguticum by subcritical water extraction (SWE). The parameters of extraction time (33–67 min), temperature (100–200°C), and SW flow rate (1.4–4.6 mL/min) were optimized so as to achieve a high yield of the target product. A high yield of the total anthraquinones was achieved under the optimized SWE conditions of extraction time 54 min, extraction temperature 170°C, and the flow rate 2.0 mL/min. The comparison between the SWE and traditional extraction techniques implied that the SWE is an efficient and green alternative method for the extraction of anthraquinones. Four anthraquinone glycosides were purified from the SWE extract by high-speed counter-current chromatography and identified as emodin-1-O-β-D-glucoside, physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, chrysophanol-1-O-β-D-glucoside, and chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucoside.
Distribution of epinemin in colloidal gold-labelled, quick-frozen, deep- etched cytoskeletons

In this study I describe the ultrastructural distribution of epinemin (Lawson, D., 1983, J. Cell Biol., 97:1891-1905) in antibody-labelled, helium-cooled, quick-frozen, deep-etched cytoskeletons. This technique reveals that epinemin is expressed asymmetrically at discrete sites on the vimentin core polymer and that usually one (occasionally two or three) antiepinemin molecules are found at each of these discrete foci. Single receptor-bound antiepinemin (IgM) molecules are easily identified in deep-etched cytoskeletons by the use of colloidal gold. Epinemin does not cross-link adjacent intermediate filaments and is not associated with the many 2-3-nm filaments found associated with intermediate filaments in these preparations. The directional changes and interactions undergone by microtubules in taxol-stabilized, antibody-labelled cytoskeletons are also discussed.
Comparison of commercial surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates for the analysis of cocaine.

The use of illicit drugs across the world causes issues for users, healthcare workers and the public. Due to the issues the use of these substances cause, quick and reliable onsite testing methods are required. In this study, seven commercial surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates were compared for the analysis of cocaine. The comparison of these substrates was conducted using scanning electron microscopy to determine surface structure and Raman spectroscopy to determine if there was any enhancement of the cocaine bands. Substrate B provided the best enhancement of known cocaine vibrational bands allowing detection down to concentrations of 1 ng/mL in standards and 10 ng/mL extracted from oral fluid. These results show promise for the use of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for future rapid onsite analysis of illicit drugs in oral fluid.
Thermal gelation of myofibrillar proteins from aquatic organisms

ABSTRACT Gelling ability is attributed to myosin, which is the main myofibrillar protein. Therefore, its integrity is very important. However, a gel with good textural characteristics and stability depends on the inherent characteristics of its proteins, as well as on external factors (primarily temperature, pH, protein concentration and added salt). The best gels from aquatic organism proteins are obtained at a pH value of approximately 7.0. However, the concentration of salt is often variable. In contrast, when proteins are recovered using acid/alkaline dissolution, gels with good textural characteristics are obtained without salt. Hydrophobic interactions, disulfide bonds, hydrogen bonds, and electrostatic interactions are the main interactions that stabilize the protein gel. Thus, this review focuses on the study of the main factors involved in protein gelation, as well as on the extraction method effect on the gelling capacity of proteins from aquatic organisms.
Diamond vs. square mesh codend in a multi-species trawl fishery of the western Mediterranean: effects on catch composition, yield, size selectivity and discards

Des etudes de selectivite decrivent habituellement les effets sur une espece-cible ou les informations sur les captures accessoires et les rejets sont rares. Cependant, de grandes quantites de poissons et d'invertebres de petites tailles sont rejetes dans les pecheries plurispecifiques benthiques. Cette etude analyse les donnees de deux campagnes de peche sur la plateau continental entre 50 et 78 m, et en zone plus profonde entre 147 et 189 m, respectivement, au large des iles Baleares. Durant ces campagnes, le chalut traditionnel, a mailles de 40 mm, montees en losange et un chalut experimental a mailles montees en carre ont ete utilises en conditions commerciales. La composition des captures, les rendements et la selectivite des tailles, a la fois des especes-cibles et de celles des rejets ont ete compares entre ces deux types de mailles. La taille moyenne de selection (L 50 ) augmente clairement pour la plupart des especes en utilisant la maille carree, laissant echapper davantage d'individus de taille inferieure a la taille autorisee pour les debarquements. Les rendements en Spicara smaris sont significativement inferieurs en utilisant la maille carree, changeant la composition des captures retenues. La proportion des captures echappees et la perte economique sont significativement plus elevees avec la maille carree bien que la perte economique soit presque negligeable pour les deux types de mailles en zones profondes du plateau continental. L'usage de maille carree reduit significativement les rejets d'algues en eaux peu profondes, ainsi que les rejets de poissons en zones profondes du plateau continental. Les resultats confirment que les mailles de culs de chalut, montees en carre, reduisent la pression de peche sur les petits individus ainsi que l'impact du chalutage sur l'ecosysteme. Ces avantages ne conduisent pas a une reduction des rendements ni ceux des principales especes-cibles, les poissons Merluccius merluccius, Mullus surmuletus, Zeusfaber, et les cephalopodes Loligo vulgaris and Octopus vulgaris, ni a ceux des autres categories commerciales, a l'exception de Spicara smaris.
Induction of pregnancy in lactating anoestrous ewes

Efforts have been made to control the oestrous cycle of ewes so that breeding can be induced at most times of the year (Gordon, 1963, 1975; Cognie, Hernandez-Barreto & Saumande, 1975; Smith, Boland & Gordon, 1981). Despite a high oestrous response, conception rates have generally been low in lactating anoestrous ewes (Hunter, 1968; Land & McClelland, 1971; Cognie et al. 1975; Shevah, Black & Land, 1975). The ability to achieve conception in post-partum ewes appears to be related to season, breed and lactational status (Cognie et al. 1975; Evans & Robinson, 1980; Rhind et al. 1980). Early research has shown that conception rates of 90% can be achieved in Finnish Landrace × Dorset Horn ewes using exogenous hormones, early weaning and artificial lighting (Robinson, Fraser & McHattie, 1975). Subsequent studies have shown that similar results can be obtained under natural daylight conditions provided that each ewe received pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) at the time of sponge withdrawal (Fraser el al. 1976). Some breeds of sheep may be induced to lamb at 6-month intervals, when maintained under ideal conditions including artificial lighting (Evans & Robinson, 1980). There seems to be some conflict in the literature as to factors affecting conception rate in ewes. Kann & Martinet (1975) have shown that it is the problem of suckling rather than lactation that is responsible for the delay in return to normal reproductive activity. It has been shown that luteinizing hormone (LH) release is quantitatively less in lactating than in cyclic ewes (Cognie & Pelletier, 1976; Evans, 1980). Also the pattern of LH production has been shown to differ in ewes conceiving and those which fail to conceive (Rhind et al. 1980). Cognie & Pelletier (1976) have suggested that in lactating ewes, a proportion of eggs are shed abnormally late in relation to the LH surge and may not be fertilized. The purpose of the present experiment was to investigate some of the factors which may influence the induction of pregnancy in nursing ewes in the non-breeding season.
Assessment of global forest change between 1986 and 1993 using satellite-derived terrestrial net primary productivity

Summary Although forest removal has been well documented at a global level, knowledge of how major forest processes such as photosynthesis have been affected remains poor. Global forest change between 1986 and 1993 was assessed using the NOAA/AVHRR satellite data converted to terrestrial net primary productivity (NPP). Forest loss was a dominant feature in tropical regions, with the most severe destruction in Latin America followed by southeast Asia and Africa. Loss of high-productivity forests over wide areas was observed for countries such as Brazil and Bolivia. Further analysis showed that approximately 12% (9100999 km2) and 19% (2 600000 km2) of the low-NPP regions (<500 g m−2yr−1, e.g., deserts, tundra) and the high-NPP regions (> 2000 g m−2yr−1, e.g., tropical rain forests), respectively, were transformed to intermediate-NPP regions (500–1500 g m−2yr−1, e.g., savanna, grassland, or cultivated land), between 1986 and 1993. The extent of global forest degradation or fragmentation may be more severe than the deforestation itself. Low-latitude ecosystems were more prone to decline in NPP than mid- and high-latitude ecosystems. The NPP method offers insight into global forest change in a timely, practical and consistent manner.
Evaluating targets and trade-offs among fisheries and conservation objectives using a multispecies size spectrum model

Marine environmental management policies seek to ensure that fishing impacts on fished populations and other components of the ecosystem are sustainable, to simultaneously meet objectives for fisheries and conservation. For example, in Europe, targets for (i) biodiversity, (ii) food web structure as indicated by the proportion of large fish and (iii) fishing mortality rates for exploited species that lead to maximum sustainable yield, F-MSY,F- are being proposed to support implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Efforts to reconcile any trade-offs among objectives need to be informed by knowledge on the consequences of alternate management actions. We develop, calibrate and apply a multispecies size spectrum model of the North Sea fish community to assess the response of populations and the community to fishing. The model predicts species' size distributions, abundance, productivity and interactions and therefore provides a single framework for evaluating trade-offs between population status, community and food web structure, biodiversity and fisheries yield. We show that the model can replicate realistic fish population and community structure and past responses to fishing. We assess whether meeting management targets for exploited North Sea populations (fishing species at F-MSY) will be sufficient to meet proposed targets for biodiversity and food web indicators under two management scenarios (status quo and F-MSY). The recovery in biodiversity indicators is 60% greater when fishing populations at F-MSY than if status quo (2010) fishing rates are maintained. The probability of achieving a food web target was 60% under both scenarios in spite of major community restructuring revealed by other indicators of community size structure. Synthesis and applications. Our model can be applied to evaluate indicator targets and trade-offs among fisheries and conservation objectives. There is a significant probability that reductions in fishing mortality below F-MSY would be needed in Europe if managers make a binding commitment to a proposed large fish indicator target, with concomitant reductions in fisheries yield.
Paracellular bicarbonate flux across human cystic fibrosis airway epithelia tempers changes in airway surface liquid pH

Cl− and HCO3− had similar paracellular permeabilities in human airway epithelia. PCl/PNa of airway epithelia was unaltered by pH 7.4 vs. pH 6.0 solutions. Under basal conditions, calculated paracellular HCO3− flux was secretory. Cytokines that increased airway surface liquid pH decreased or reversed paracellular HCO3− flux. HCO3− flux through the paracellular pathway may counterbalance effects of cellular H+ and HCO3− secretion.
Designing a City Platform for Sustainable Behavior: Approaching a Multi-stakeholder Context and Initial Results

Persuasive technology has proven effective in influencing individual pro-environmental behavior. However, climate change is a systemic, complex problem that involves an increasingly diverse set of stakeholders. Cities, in particular, can be effective demonstrators on designing from both an individual and system change perspective. We report on our approach of a multi-stakeholder context for persuasive design and on initial results for designing a city mobile and web application for sustainable behavior, based on consultations with multiple constituencies. Our early findings suggest ways of integrating persuasive de-sign with other requirements for sustainability at a city scale, such as participation, information provision and engagement.
Long Range Six Degree-of-Freedom Magnetic Levitation Using Low Cost Sensing and Control

We have developed a magnetic levitation system which uses an array of cylindrical actuation coils and a set of three position sensing photodiode assemblies for controlled levitation of a moving platform of permanent magnets. The novelty of this system is that low cost, standard off-the-shelf commodity hardware and software components are used for position sensing and feedback control, rather than costly motion tracking sensing systems and controllers. The design and function of the system are described and controlled motion in all directions is demonstrated through motion ranges of 30 mm horizontal and 20 mm vertical translation, and 26° of roll and 43° of yaw rotation.
MINI REVIEW Fucosyltransferases: structure/function studies

α3-fucosyltransferases (α3-FucTs) catalyze the final step in the synthesis of a range of important glycoconjugates that function in cell adhesion and lymphocyte recirculation. Six members of this family of enzymes have been cloned from the human genome, and their expression pattern has been shown to be highly regulated. Each enzyme has a unique acceptor substrate binding pattern, and each generates a unique range of fucosylated products. Results from a range of studies have provided information on amino acids in the FucT sequence that contribute to the differential acceptor specificity for the FucTs, and to the binding of the nucleotide sugar donor GDP-fucose. These results, in conjunction with results obtained from the analysis of the disulfide bond pattern, have provided useful clues about the spatial distribution of amino acids that influence or directly contribute to substrate binding. This information is reviewed here, and a molecular fold prediction is presented which has been constructed based on the available information and current modeling methodology.