Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acceleration effects of rare earths on salt bath nitriding: diffusion kinetics and first-principles calculations

Nitriding can improve the surface hardness and wear resistance of metals, and rare earths can speed up this process. To study the mechanism of rare earths promoting salt bath nitriding, GX-8 steel was nitrided at different temperatures in two salt baths with and without rare earth Ce. First, structures and depths of the nitrided layers were investigated by microscopic observation, X-ray diffraction, GD-OES and microhardness tests. Then, the diffusion kinetics were calculated, and the atomic mechanisms of rare earth-assisted nitriding were studied by first principles. The kinetics calculations show that after adding Ce to the salt baths, the diffusion activation energy decreases, whereas the decomposition rate of active nitrogen atoms increases. The first-principles results indicate that Ce increases the energy and volume of the supercell of Fe–Cr alloy with N interstitial dissolution and reduces the stability of the supercell. These results demonstrate rare earths can accelerate nitriding at the atomic level.
Horseweed (Conyza canadensis) Suppression from Cover Crop Mixtures and Fall-Applied Residual Herbicides

Abstract Horseweed is a problematic weed to control, especially in no-tillage production. Increasing cases of herbicide resistance have exacerbated the problem, necessitating alternative control options and an integrated weed management approach. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate horseweed suppression from fall-planted cover crop monocultures and mixtures as well as two fall-applied residual herbicide treatments. Prior to cover crop termination, horseweed density was reduced by 88% to 96% from cover crops. At cover crop termination in late spring, cereal rye biomass was 7,671 kg ha-1, which was similar to cereal rye–containing mixtures (7,720 kg ha-1) but greater than legumes in monoculture (3,335 kg ha-1). After cover crops were terminated in late spring using a roller crimper, corn and soybeans were planted and horseweed was evaluated using density counts, visible ratings, and biomass collection until harvest. Forage radish winterkilled, offering no competition in late winter or biomass to contribute to horseweed suppression after termination. Excluding forage radish in monoculture, no difference in horseweed suppression was detected between cereal rye–containing cover crops and legumes (crimson clover and hairy vetch) in monoculture. Likewise, horseweed suppression was similar between monocultures and mixtures, with the exception of one site-year in which mixtures provided better suppression. In this experiment, the cover crop treatments performed as well as or better than the fall-applied residual herbicides, flumioxazin + paraquat and metribuzin + chlorimuron-ethyl. These results indicate that fall-planted cover crops are a viable option to suppress horseweed and can be an effective part of an integrated weed management program. Furthermore, cover crop mixtures can be used to gain the benefits of legume or brassica cover crop species without sacrificing horseweed suppression. Nomenclature: Chlorimuron-ethyl; flumioxazin; metribuzin; paraquat; horseweed, Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. ERICA cereal rye, Secale cereale L. ; corn, Zea mays L. ; crimson clover, Trifolium incarnatum L. ; forage radish, Raphanus sativus L. ; hairy vetch, Vicia villosa Roth; soybean, Glycine max L. Merr.
Leptin and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in obese asthmatic children

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in asthmatic children has been associated with obesity. Leptin, the proinflammatory adipokine, is typically increased in obesity, whereas cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) are the main inflammatory mediators implicated in the pathogenesis of EIB. The aim of this work was to study the possible impact of obesity on the severity of EIB in asthmatic children and the possible association with the adipokine leptin. The study included eighty pre-pubertal asthmatic children divided according to their body mass index (BMI) and response to exercise into four groups; obese exercise-responders (n=20), normal-weight exercise-responders (n=20), obese exercise non-responders (n=20), and normal-weight exercise non-responders (n=20). A baseline spirometry test and a standardized exercise challenge test (ECT) were performed. The severity of EIB was assessed by the maximum percentage fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (MF%FEV1) after exercise. The level of fasting serum leptin and the release of cysLTs during exercise were compared between the 4 groups. The MF%FEV1 during exercise was significantly greater in obese responder compared to normal-weight responder patients (p=0.004) and MF%FEV1 was positively correlated with cysLT release during exercise, BMI z-score, waist circumference and serum leptin. CysLT release during exercise was positively correlated with the level of serum leptin (r =0.514, p=0.001). This study proves that the severity of EIB is significantly greater in obese compared to normal-weight asthmatic children and suggests an association between leptin and airway hyperresponsiveness to exercise in obese asthmatic children through a mechanism related to cysLT release.
Relative Lifetimes of MAPLUB Greases for Space Applications

A Spiral Orbit Tribometer was employed to evaluate the tribological behavior and relative lifetimes of several commercially available greases under ultrahigh vacuum. These greases are either based on a multiply alkylated cyclopentane oil, or a perfluoropolyalkylether oil, and a thickener made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) telomer. The multiply alkylated cyclopentane (MAC) greases yielded long lifetimes, while perfluaropolyalkylether (PFPE) greases yielded short lifetimes.
Knockin’ on heaven’s door: Molecular mechanisms of neuronal tau uptake

Since aggregates of the microtubule‐binding protein tau were found to be the main component of neurofibrillary tangles more than 30 years ago, their contribution to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and tauopathies has become well established. Recent work shows that both tau load and its distribution in the brain of AD patients correlate with cognitive decline more closely compared to amyloid plaque deposition. In addition, the amyloid cascade hypothesis has been recently challenged because of disappointing results of clinical trials designed to treat AD by reducing beta‐amyloid levels, thus fuelling a renewed interest in tau. There is now robust evidence to indicate that tau pathology can spread within the central nervous system via a prion‐like mechanism following a stereotypical pattern, which can be explained by the trans‐synaptic inter‐neuronal transfer of pathological tau. In the receiving neuron, tau has been shown to take multiple routes of internalisation, which are partially dependent on its conformation and aggregation status. Here, we review the emerging mechanisms proposed for the uptake of extracellular tau in neurons and the requirements for the propagation of its pathological conformers, addressing how they gain access to physiological tau monomers in the cytosol. Furthermore, we highlight some of the key mechanistic gaps of the field, which urgently need to be addressed to expand our understanding of tau propagation and lead to the identification of new therapeutic strategies for tauopathies.
Boreal Caribou Can Coexist with Natural but Not Industrial Disturbances

For species at risk, it is important that demographic models be consistent with our most recent knowledge because alternate model versions can have di ﬀ ering predictions for wildlife and natural resource management. To establish and maintain this consistency, we can compare predicted model values to current or past observations and demographic knowledge. When novel predictor information becomes available, testing for consistency between modeled and observed values ensures the best models are used for robust, evidence ‐ based, wildlife management. We combine novel in formation on the extent of historical disturbance regimes (industrial and ﬁ re) to an existing demo graphic model and predict historical and projected demographics of woodland caribou ( Rangifer tarandus caribou ). Exploring 6 simulation experiments across 5 populations in Alberta, Canada, we identify the relative importance of industrial disturbance, ﬁ re, and population density to observed population size and growth rate. We con ﬁ rm the onset of signi ﬁ cant declines across all 5 populations began approximately 30 years ago, demonstrate these declines have been consistent, and conclude they are more likely due to industrial disturbance from the oil and gas sector within contemporary pop ulation ranges than historical ﬁ re regimes. These ﬁ ndings reinforce recent research on the cause of woodland caribou declines. Testing for consistency between observations and models prescribed for species recovery is paramount for assessing the cause of declines, projecting population trends, and re ﬁ ning recovery strategies for e ﬀ ective wildlife management. We provide a novel simulation method for conducting these tests. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Quality Assessment of Groundwater in the Vicinity of Coir Retting Areas of Kadinamkulam Estuary, South India

The present study was conducted in the selected groundwater bodies of the coastal gramapanchayath near Kadinamkulam estuary during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and postmonsoon seasons. Kadinamkulam estuary is one of the major coir-retting areas in Kerala. The major objective of the study is to assess the physicochemical characteristics and hydrogen sulfide pollution of groundwater in the residential areas of Azhoor Gramapanchayath in Thiruvananthapuram district. Surface water samples from selected stations were also collected from the Kadinamkulam estuary. The physico-chemical characteristics of water were analyzed following the standard procedures in APHA (2012). The results show that the recorded values for color, pH, phosphate, calcium, magnesium and hydrogen sulfide were above the permissible limits of drinking water quality standards (Bureau of Indian Standards, 1991; WHO, 1993, 1996). This may be due leaching of effluents from the coir retting activity in the Kadinamkulam estuary and due to the disposal of solid wastes. The study also revealed that the hydrogen sulfide content was high in lake water samples which affect the primary productivity of the water body. The correlation and principal component analysis shows that color is an important parameter and from cluster, analysis it was Original Research Article Sasidharan and Jaya; CJAST, 39(21): 118-128, 2020; Article no.CJAST. 59637 119 found that phosphate and hydrogen sulfide content significantly affect the groundwater quality. The study concludes that the groundwater sources in the study area are getting contaminated due to the leaching of pollutants from Kadinamkulam estuary and anthropogenic activities in the nearby residential areas.
The Solar Origin of Particle Events Measured by Parker Solar Probe

During the second solar encounter phase of Parker Solar Probe (PSP), two small solar energetic particle (SEP) events were observed by the Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun, on 2019 April 2 and 4. At the time, PSP was approaching its second perihelion at a distance of ∼24.8 million kilometers from the solar center, it was in near-radial alignment with STEREO-A and in quadrature with Earth. During the two SEP events multiple narrow ejections and a streamer-blowout coronal mass ejection (SBO-CME) originated from a solar region situated eastward of PSP. We analyze remote-sensing observations of the solar corona, and model the different eruptions and how PSP was connected magnetically to the solar atmosphere to determine the possible origin of the two SEP events. We find that the SEP event on April 2 was associated with the two homologous ejections from active region 12738 that included two surges and EUV waves occurring in quick succession. The EUV waves appear to merge and were fast enough to form a shock in the low corona. We show that the April 4 SEP event originates in the SBO-CME. Our modeling work suggests that formation of a weak shock is likely for this CME.
Phylogeny of Falconidae and phylogeography of Peregrine Falcons

Abstract We first examine how falcons can be integrated into avian tree of life. Then we go one step further and investigate the position of Peregrine Falcons in a comprehensive phylogeny of the falcons (genus Falco), which was reconstructed on the basis of DNA sequences. Whether the 19 subspecies of the Peregrine Falcon can be identified genetically is examined in the next step. Recently, the question of Peregrine Falcon’s genetics in Central Europe has become of wider interest. Which subspecies was present before the collapse of populations and which currently after various reintroduction projects? Evidence is provided, that Central Europe constitutes a (natural) hybrid zone between F. p. brookei from the Mediterranean and F. p. peregrinus of northern Europe.
Structural performance assessment of a 60‐year‐old reinforced concrete bent cap

As the world's reinforced concrete (RC) civil infrastructure continues to age and exhibit visual signs of distress (e.g., cracking), the challenge of how to process this visual information is becoming increasingly important. While research is ongoing in this field, limited work has been done involving structures that are truly representative of real‐world, aged civil infrastructure requiring assessment. Thus, this paper presents the results of an experimental program and subsequent numerical investigation into the performance of a diagonally cracked, RC bent cap that was removed from a 60‐year‐old bridge in Texas. Extensive work was done to document the cracking behavior and characterize the mechanical properties of the bent cap prior to ultimate load testing. The numerical investigation included both “conventional” methods and nonlinear finite element analysis (with and without consideration of existing damage). Ultimately, the results of the experimental and numerical investigations suggest that, while the bent cap was exhibiting large‐width shear cracks in service, the damage was not indicative of an impending shear failure.
Improving Middle School Teachers’ Self-reported Use of Social Dynamics Management Practices

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of a professional development program on sixth grade teachers’ use of social dynamics management (SDM) practices. SDM practices represent teachers’ active attempts to incorporate classroom social dynamics into everyday instructional and behavior management strategies. Sixth grade teachers (n = 17) from two middle schools were randomly assigned to receive the Supporting Early Adolescent Learning and Social Success (SEALS) or to a business-as-usual control condition. Teachers who received the training and consultation provided by SEALS reported more frequent use of SDM practices aimed at managing the general social dynamics of their students and supporting youth who are socially isolated. The latter effect was maintained at a post-intervention follow-up. These results build on a growing body of research on the role of teachers in shaping their students’ peer relationships.
Karakteristik Reverse Transcriptase Gen Polymerase Virus Hepatitis B Pada Penderita Hepatitis B Kronis Asimptomatik Pra-Pengobatan

Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) remain the main treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Long-term use of NUCs significantly reduces disease progression; however, it might lead to resistance-associated mutations. We studied characteristics of polymerase gene related to NUCs resistance in naive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive individuals. The research was done at Laboratory of Hepatitis, Eijkman Institute, Jakarta Thirty eight samples were obtained and submitted for HBV DNA detection. Identification of mutations was performed by PCR-sequencing, and analyzed to obtain NUCs resistance motifs. Genotype and subtype were determined based on HBsAg sequence. Mutation of rtQ238H/N was found in 37 (97.4%) samples. Of those, 23 (62.2%) showed rtQ238H mutation, 10 (27.0%) had rtQ238N mutation, and four (10.8%) with double mutations of rtA194T and rtQ238H. Genotype B was found in 26 (68.4%), C in 11 (28.9%), and D in one (2.6%) samples. Statistically, the mutation variant of rtQ238H was associated with genotype B (p<0.001), while rtQ238N with C (p<0.001). The ayw subtype was found in 25 (65.8%), adr in 11 (28.9%), and adw in two (5.3%) samples. No mutation associated with NUCs resistance was found in most samples. This emphasizes that NUCs are still a prospective treatment in naive CHB patients. Mutation of rtQ238H was a variant found to be significantly associated with HBV genotype B and rtQ238N with genotype C.
Primary malignant melanoma of vagina: a case report

Primary malignant melanoma of the vagina is a rare and aggressive disease with worse prognosis as compared with non-genital melanomas or other vaginal malignant neoplasms. Presented here is a case of 42 years female with 3 months history of amenorrhea and vaginal discharge. On vaginal examination, a firm growth of size approximately 7-8 cm was found attached to the left postero-lateral wall of vagina and extending up to the introitus. On biopsy and histopathological examination, it was diagnosed as a case of high-grade malignant melanoma of amelanotic type. Radiotherapy was started as a part of treatment after consultation with an oncologist, considering non-resectable nature of the mass. The patient received first 5 cycles of radiotherapy but succumbed to the disease during treatment.
Digital Field Mapping and Drone-Aided Survey for Structural Geological Data Collection and Seismic Hazard Assessment: Case of the 2016 Central Italy Earthquakes

In this work, a high-resolution survey of the coseismic ground ruptures due to the 2016 Central Italy seismic sequence, performed through a dedicated software installed on a digital device, is strengthened by the analysis of a set of drone-acquired images. We applied this integrated approach to two active sections of the Mt Vettore active fault segment which, in the Castelluccio di Norcia plain (central Italy), were affected by surface faulting after the most energetic events of the sequence: the 24 August, Mw 6.0, Amatrice and 30 October, Mw 6.5, Norcia earthquakes. The main aim is to establish the range in which the results obtained measuring the same structures using different tools vary. An operating procedure, which can be helpful to map extensive sets of coseismic ground ruptures especially where the latter affects wide, poorly accessible, or dangerous areas, is also proposed. We compared datasets collected through different technologies, including faults attitude, dip-angles, coseismic displacements, and slip vectors. After assessing the accuracy of the results, even at centimetric resolutions, we conclude that the structural dataset obtained through remote sensing techniques shows a high degree of reliability.
Teaching the role of forests in mitigating the effects of climate change using outdoor educational workshop

ABSTRACT Background It is now essential for students to learn in the science classroom about climate change and the part they can play in ameliorating its consequences. This requires science teachers to have a secure understanding of climate change. Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a two-day outdoor educational workshop on preservice teachers’ awareness of climate change and the role of forests in mitigating the effects of climate change. Participants 20 pre-service teachers voluntarily participated in the workshop. Design and method A one-group pre-and post-test design was used to investigate the changes in preservice teachers’ cognitive structures after attending the workshop. Data were collected using a word association test (pre and post) and participants’ reflection forms (post). The cut-off technique was used in analysing the word association test and thematic analysis was used in analysing participants’ reflection forms. Results The results indicated that the workshop stimulated preservice teachers’ cognitive structures and conceptual understandings of climate change. Moreover, they generally had positive opinions about the workshop activities, emphasizing that these increased their awareness and empathy skills. However, they also indicated a small range of negative factors including a lack of time, materials, and opportunity to debate, and being tired. Conclusions Non-formal outdoor learning programmes can promote learning and increase preservice teachers’ awareness with respect to climate change.
Middle and high school science teacher identity considered through the lens of the social identity approach: a systematic review of the literature

ABSTRACT Studies which consider science teacher identity continue to be a focus for education researchers, particularly given the persistent challenges to retain specialist science teachers. The proliferation of research in this area, without a unifying theoretical framework, has meant the literature is diverse, methodologies are varied, and coverage is patchy. This review article considers to what extent and in which ways the social identity approach (SIA) might provide a useful lens through which to consider middle and/or high school science teacher identity. In doing so, we synthesise the findings from 79 empirical and theoretical publications on science teacher identity in middle and/or high school settings, published since 2000. This review highlights the important role that shared identity and group membership play in developing and sustaining positive identities. We argue that the SIA provides education researchers with a greater understanding of how and why some middle and/or high school science teachers are able to form positive professional identities, whilst others are not. This understanding of both the importance of group membership in the social construction of identities and the processes through which memberships form could helpfully inform teacher education and professional development programmes.
Detection of antibiotic residues among raw beef in Erbil City (Iraq) and impact of temperature on antibiotic remains

The presence of antibiotic residues in beef is considered a serious threat to public health. This study aimed to detect antibiotic residues in raw beef and the impact of low and high temperature treatments on residues persistence. A total of 250 sampleswere collected from retail markets in Erbil city (Iraq) and analyzed microbiologically in plates pre-inoculated with Bacillus subtilis. The overall occurrence of antibiotics residues was (10.8%). The highest rate was detected in January (16.7%). Cooking for thirty minutes completely deactivate antibiotic residues against the challenged bacterium. In conclusion, the presence of antibiotic residues in beef samples in Erbil city was high and their persistence is markedly reduced by cooking.
Learning in Finnish Social Work Practice and Research

Accepting Bartlett’s vision of social work’s evolution resulting from action research, the article argues that in Finland, extensive action research is occurring, and this is resulting in service innovations. However, little of this research is published in academic journals and has only limited dissemination. Drawing on data from new interviews with experienced social workers in the City of Tampere, Finland, the article details the nature and extent of action research by social workers. A new framework with which to analyse action research from the logic-of-practice is used to show not only how extensive the action research is, but also how readily situated action research can be analysed from a broader perspective, making dissemination easier.