Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Population Genetic Structure and Diversity of Metaphire remanens (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) Based on Mitochondrial DNA Analysis, with a Note on a New Species of Metaphire remanens sp. nov.

Metaphire remanens sp. nov. is widely distributed throughout Hunan Province, China. We sequenced the mitochondrial DNA to investigate its population genetic structure and genetic diversity, including cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, cytochrome c oxidase subunit II, 12S ribosomal (r)RNA, 16S rRNA, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 1, derived from 39 individuals from seven geographic locations in Hunan Province. The genetic diversity indices showed that populations of M. remanens have a strong genetic structure and obvious dispersal histories. M. remanens did not experience population expansion, except in Xiangtan City. This may be because of its evolution toward parthenogenesis. The divergence time estimates indicated that M. remanens originated at 19.2055 Ma and then generated two main lineages at 1.7334 Ma (Quaternary glaciation). These results indicate that glaciation, geographic isolation, and dispersal ability are significant factors that influence the differentiation and dispersal of M. remanens. In this study, we describe Metaphire remanens sp. nov. in morphology.
Executive Women and their Bodies: Marks of Aging

Abstract The present article regards executive women and their aged bodies. The population aging phenomenon and old age feminization are global factors. Based on the literature about the socio-hierarchized body, white, thin, male bodies are privileged in organizations. The aim of the present study is to investigate how executive women experience their aged bodies within the organizational context. The discussion emerges as relevant, since there are few studies related to aging women; studies on body-related factors are even scarcer, a fact that shines light on a theoretical gap. In total, twenty semi-structured interviews were carried out with women in the age group 40 years, or older, who act or had acted in several market segments in the country. The research allowed concluding that, in addition to challenges, choices and doubts faced on a daily basis throughout their professional journey, women have to live with a body-under-decay process, a heavy, tired, slow, stiff, limiting and less-attractive-to-the-eye body. The present study has revealed that besides gender, age also matters in organizations, nowadays. The bodies of older women are less valued and seem to have to occupy underprivileged positions in social hierarchy. In order to mitigate losses, women seek aesthetic procedures, change their eating habits and exercise to disguise the aging process.
A Qualitative Exploration of CBT and Psychodynamic Therapists’ Views, Experiences and Perceptions of Integrating Different Therapeutic Modalities into their Private Practice with Adult Clients: Study Protocol.

: Background: CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and psychodynamic psychotherapy are two most frequently used therapeutic modalities in private and public clinical practice. CBT is currently considered to be a ‘gold standard’ therapy, culminating in a wide scale training and dissemination of research. More recently, psychodynamic psychotherapy has also amassed increasing systematic research, yielding significant longitudinal outcomes. However, the co-existence of the two therapeutic modalities is not without controversies. Although few authors in psychotherapy suggested that CBT and psychodynamic psychotherapy should be viewed as complementary rather than dichotomous paradigms, little is known about how concepts and techniques from these two different approaches are integrated (if at all) by therapists in private practice. Objective: This study protocol paper presents a pilot study, which aims to qualitatively explore how CBT therapists experience and make sense of psychodynamic concepts and vice versa in private practice. Our study is particularly interested in how therapists conceptualise psychodynamic and CBT concepts, and whether they might integrate techniques from different therapeutic modalities in their practice formally or informally. We anticipate that the findings will be relevant for further theoretical and clinical recommendations on how CBT and psychodynamic psychotherapies can be integrated in a pragmatic manner to address idiosyncratic patient treatment needs. Study Design: A qualitative survey method will be used to explore how qualified BABCP accredited CBT therapists and BPC accredited psychodynamic practitioners understand, perceive and, potentially, integrate, psychodynamic and CBT principles in private practice. The data collected will be analysed using thematic analysis in order to construct themes and generate implications for therapeutic integration and practice. Ethical considerations and dissemination plans are examined, with sensitivity towards our target sample.
Occupant-Seat Contact Pressure Characteristics of Polyurethane Foam Seats Using Explicit Finite-Element Analyses

The occupant-seat contact properties are investigated through analyses of interface pressure using explicit dynamic finite element (FE) simulations. A finite-element analysis model of a seat is developed in the LS-DYNA platform, where the material model is formulated on the basis of reported stress-strain properties of different polyurethane materials. The seat model is coupled with the finite-element models of the occupant based on the well-established frontal crash anthropomorphic test devices (ATD). The validity of the seat model is initially illustrated through simulation of a compression test model, which suggested that the hyperelastic stress-strain responses of the PUF materials can be reliably estimated using the explicit dynamic finite element platform, LS-DYNA®. The validity of the coupled seat-ATD model is also illustrated through comparisons of the contact pressure and contact area responses with the reported measured data. It is shown that the coupled occupant-seat finite element model can provide reasonable good predictions of the interface pressure and contact area, which have been correlated with occupant’s sensation of comfort. This suggested that FE models of ATD can be effectively used for predicting occupant-seat contact pressure and thus the comfort performance of seats for different body sizes, ranging from 5th percentile female to 50th and 95th percentile male population. The simulation results are obtained to illustrate significance of various factors affecting the contact pressure distribution, namely the material property, material thickness, dimensions of ATD, occupant load distribution, seat geometry and design of side wings. The contact pressure distribution and contact area responses of different design configurations of the seat are subsequently obtained and discussed so as to build guidance towards designs of seats with reduced contact pressure distributions. It is shown that the side wings constitute an additional load path and can contribute significantly in distributing the occupant load over a wider contact area and thereby limit the peak contact pressure.
A low profile circularly polarized SIW end‐fire antenna incorporating orthogonally polarized elements

This article presents a wideband circularly polarized (CP) substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) end‐fire antenna constructed by a single‐layer substrate. Since wave‐rotation in planar SIW structure in end‐fire direction owns its natural difficulty, a novel method by incorporating two orthogonally polarized end‐fire elements is proposed and analyzed. An SIW antipodal tapered slot antenna is employed as the horizontally polarized element while an open‐ended SIW radiator loaded with printed transition is adopted as the vertically polarized one. Therefore, the combined two elements fed by an SIW narrow‐wall 90° directional coupler satisfies the necessary requirement for radiating CP wave in end‐fire direction. Parameter‐study is carried out to evaluate effects of the antenna parameters towards the CP performance. Finally, a prototype is fabricated and experimental results indicate that a 12% 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth is obtained. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1111–1115, 2017
Assessment of the Sustainability Performance of Eco-Engineering Measures in the Mediterranean Region

Eco-engineering has a crucial role in defining and achieving the sustainability credentials of a civil engineering project. Better eco-engineering practices would help better in reducing the adverse impacts on the environment and society, but also on the financial performance of the project. However, the assessment of the sustainability effects of eco-engineering strategies can be challenging, as the treatment of this topic has been neglected in the scientific literature. The challenges lie in balancing the project delivery objectives with the sustainable design that will ensure appropriate and satisfactory environmental and financial performance and deliver social benefits such as ecosystem services. In order to achieve better practice and advance the knowledge in the field, there is a need for broader analysis of completed eco-engineering projects applied at different spatio-temporal scales. The aim of this study was to critically analyse 23 eco-engineering case studies provided by the ECOMED project partners using a life cycle analysis through a single sustainability framework based on a relatively small set of key performance indicators (KPIs), which reflect the principles of sustainability, and which are not contextual for eco-engineering projects. The objectives of this study are twofold: (i) to highlight areas of best practice and potential enhancement in the application of eco-engineering strategies, and (ii) to propose refinement and enhancement of the existing framework with KPIs contextual to eco-engineering projects. The results of the study suggest that the feasibility, mobilisation, and the long-term stages of an eco-engineering project are the most sustainable project stages, while the award, construction, and monitoring stages could generally benefit from a range of enhancements including benefits stemming from double-loop learning and a common basis for the specification and quantification of the financial resources needed to apply eco-engineering strategies. The outcomes of this study will benefit decision makers and eco-engineering practitioners alike in terms of not only raising the sustainability profile of the projects they are involved in, but also in terms of more efficient and cost-effective application of eco-engineering strategies.
Predicting habitat suitability for the endangered species Hedysarum criniferum Boiss. using a fuzzy model in the semi-arid zone in Iran

Abstract The present study explored the habitat suitability for an endangered species, Hedysarum criniferum, in Iran using fuzzy logic. We measured 24 environmental variables including soil, climate, and physiographic variables of eight natural habitats of H. criniferum as the predictive variables and the percent cover of the species as the response variable. The most important environmental factors influencing species distribution and the species response curves were determined by principal component analysis (PCA) and the generalized linear model, respectively. The tolerance range and the optimal growth point of the studied species with respect to the environmental factors were specified, the ranges were divided into 11 classes by fuzzy value, and the fuzzy functions of the environmental factors were calculated. The species habitats were classified by the developed fuzzy model. Three regions with no H. criniferum occurrence were selected to determine their fuzzy suitability. The success in germination and shoot growth length of H. criniferum were used as the metrics of the habitat suitability in these regions. Based on the PCA, H. criniferum occurrence was most strongly affected by soil Mg, K, and Ca content, soil pH, wind speed, annual minimum temperature, slope, and altitude. The results revealed that the seedling length and germination percentage in the site with the fuzzy suitability of 0.6 differed from those in the two other sites with the fuzzy suitability of 0.5 and 0.3 significantly. The method used in this study can be employed in predicting optimal habitats for other endangered species in different ecosystems.
Scientific and Pedagogical Support for Future Primary School Teachers during Teaching Practice

Considering the current reality, when the state needs highly qualified and creative specialists, the problem of scientific and pedagogical support for future primary school teachers’ professional growth during teaching practice is becoming increasingly important. The purpose of the research is to substantiate theoretically the scientific and pedagogical support for future primary school teachers’ professional growth during teaching practice. Methodology. A retrospective analysis of the process of future primary school teachers’ professional growth has been used. We have found that the process of professional growth becomes more effective if certain pedagogical conditions of students’ teaching practice are created and implemented. They facilitate the development of future specialists’ desire and readiness for faithful implementation of their professional duties, professional competence and important personal qualities development, the ability to self-educate, etc. The basis for our research was scientific and pedagogical studies relevant to future primary school teachers’ professional growth during teaching practice. Results. The essence of the concepts “scientific and pedagogical support”, “professional potential” has been defined. The main tasks of future teachers’ preparation for future pedagogical activity with orientation on their professional growth as well as professional potential components and the factors having an impact on their formation and realization have been characterized. It has been determined that teaching practice creates ample opportunities for future teachers’ personal abilities purposeful development, the desire for creativity through their systematic involvement in the various activities of a modern primary school teacher. The directions in which scientific and pedagogical support for future primary school teachers is implemented during the experimental teaching practice “A Day at School” have been stated. It has been defined that the system of creative scientific and pedagogical support for future teachers’ practical training deals with an introduction to pedagogical activities, adaptation to the professional skill requirements since the 1st year of study, professional self-realization, and pedagogical credo approval in the final year of study. Conclusions. Future primary school teachers’ scientific and pedagogical support during teaching practice deals with preparation for practical pedagogical activities, providing scientific and methodological assistance (both University and school teachers). Teaching practice ensures future specialists deepen and expand professional knowledge and skills, revealing their professional potential and facilitating professional growth in general.
In Vitro SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Microvascular Endothelial Cells: Effect on Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine and Chemokine Release

In the novel pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019, high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines lead to endothelial activation and dysfunction, promoting a pro-coagulative state, thrombotic events, and microvasculature injuries. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on pro-inflammatory cytokines, tissue factor, and chemokine release, with Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HMEC-1). ACE2 receptor expression was evaluated by western blot analysis. SARS-CoV-2 infection was assessed by one-step RT-PCR until 7 days post-infection (p.i.), and by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, IFN-α, and hTF mRNA expression levels were detected by RT-PCR, while cytokine release was evaluated by ELISA. HMEC-1 expressed ACE2 receptor and SARS-CoV-2 infection showed a constant viral load. TEM analysis showed virions localized in the cytoplasm. Expression of IL-6 at 24 h and IFN-α mRNA at 24 h and 48 h p.i. was higher in infected than uninfected HMEC-1 (p < 0.05). IL-6 levels were significantly higher in supernatants from infected HMEC-1 (p < 0.001) at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h p.i. , while IL-8 levels were significantly lower at 24 h p.i. (p < 0.001). These data indicate that in vitro microvascular endothelial cells are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection but slightly contribute to viral amplification. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection might trigger the increase of pro-inflammatory mediators.
Neighborhood environment, healthy aging, and social participation among ethnic minority adults over 50: the case of the Turkish-Speaking community in London

ABSTRACT Social participation has been recognized as an important component of healthy aging. At the same time, research has identified the central role of the neighborhood environment in determining healthy aging and social participation in old age. However, there is a paucity of research exploring the everyday lives of adults over 50 from ethnic minority backgrounds in relation to social participation and place. This paper focuses on the experiences of social participation among the Turkish-speaking community in north London. We undertook 48 semi-structured individual interviews and five community mapping workshops with 17 participants, all with people over 50, in London between March and November 2017. We supplemented these activities with 13 interviews with professional participants as coordinators of Turkish/Kurdish community associations. We thematically analyzed these interviews and mapping workshops and identified three interconnected themes: “feelings of security in the neighborhood,” “density and diversity,” and “proximity to ethnic amenities” to explain participants’ social participation patterns within the context of their neighborhood. The findings articulate the pathways through which personal characteristics and perceived identities intersect with the physical, social and cultural environment of the neighborhood to shape opportunities for social participation among Turkish-speaking adults over 50.
Food Production Engineering Efficiency: A Critical Analysis of the Conventional Metrics Used in Measuring Agricultural Efficiency

An analysis is reported of conventional vs. alternative metrics used in measuring food production efficiency. Economic efficiency is driven by marketplace economics, while engineering efficiency is driven by useful energy conservation. As farming systems are optimized for maximum efficiency, how “efficiency” is defined will dictate the methods used in food production. Farming methods that are optimized in terms of economic efficiency have environmental consequences that are not inherent of engineering efficiency; however, farming methods optimized in terms of engineering efficiency have labor requirements not inherent of economic efficiency. A shift from optimizing food production in terms of economic efficiency to engineering efficiency may be necessary in order to feed a growing human population.
Broadband Speed and Firm Entry in Digitally Intensive Sectors: The Case of Croatia

We explore how improvements in digital infrastructure contribute to digital transformation of the Croatian economy. More specifically, we investigate under what conditions improvements in broadband speed are conductive for firm entry in digitally intensive sectors at the local level (cities and municipalities; LGUs) during the period 2014–2017. The results of the benchmark random effects panel data model suggest that a 10 percent increase in broadband speed increases the number of new digitally intensive firms by 0.68. Two-way interactions between explanatory variables indicate that improvements in broadband infrastructure yield the greatest number of new firm entries in densely populated LGUs, and in LGUs with a higher quality of human capital and greater public investment in physical infrastructure. Using the spatial Durbin panel method, we find improvements in broadband infrastructure exhibit positive firm entry effects both within and between cities and municipalities.
Rapid and Accurate Detection of SARS Coronavirus 2 by Nanopore Amplicon Sequencing

Objective We aimed to evaluate the performance of nanopore amplicon sequencing detection for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in clinical samples. Method We carried out a single-center, prospective cohort study in a Wuhan hospital and collected a total of 86 clinical samples, including 54 pharyngeal swabs, 31 sputum samples, and 1 fecal sample, from 86 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from Feb 20 to May 15, 2020. We performed parallel detection with nanopore-based genome amplification and sequencing (NAS) on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) minION platform and routine reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, 27 negative control samples were detected using the two methods. The sensitivity and specificity of NAS were evaluated and compared with those of RT-qPCR. Results The viral read number and reference genome coverage were both significantly different between the two groups of samples, and the latter was a better indicator for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Based on the reference genome coverage, NAS revealed both high sensitivity (96.5%) and specificity (100%) compared with RT-qPCR (80.2 and 96.3%, respectively), although the samples had been stored for half a year before the detection. The total time cost was less than 15 h, which was acceptable compared with that of RT-qPCR (∼2.5 h). In addition, the reference genome coverage of the viral reads was in line with the cycle threshold value of RT-qPCR, indicating that this number could also be used as an indicator of the viral load in a sample. The viral load in sputum might be related to the severity of the infection, particularly in patients within 4 weeks after onset of clinical manifestations, which could be used to evaluate the infection. Conclusion Our results showed the high sensitivity and specificity of the NAS method for SARS-CoV-2 detection compared with RT-qPCR. The sequencing results were also used as an indicator of the viral load to display the viral dynamics during infection. This study proved the wide application prospect of nanopore sequencing detection for SARS-CoV-2 and may more knowledge about the clinical characteristics of COVID-19.
Millimeter-Wave Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Radar-Based Soft Fall Detection Using Pattern Contour-Confined Doppler-Time Maps

Fall accidents are one of the leading causes of non-natural death of older people. It is necessary to design and implement fall detection systems in older people’s homes. Among all indoor fall detection approaches, radar-based methods are considered one of the optimum solutions. In this paper, a millimetre-wave frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar-based fall detection method using pattern contour-confined Doppler-time (PCC-DT) maps is proposed. The soft fall motions, which can lead to missed detections, are studied and analyzed. When Doppler-time (DT) maps are used to interpret different motions, the redundant information and outliers can cause detection errors. The proposed PCC-DT map can diminish the superfluous information and remove outlier points to improve detection accuracy. The experimental results show that the proposed method can detect sudden and soft fall motions with high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.