Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Grassland rehabilitation significantly increases soil carbon stocks by reducing net soil CO2 emissions

Restoration of degraded grasslands through improved management is among the possible sustainable solutions to compensate for anthropogenic soil carbon (C) emissions. While several studies have shown a positive effect of rehabilitation on soil C, the impact on soil CO2 emissions is still uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed at quantifying the impact of grassland rehabilitation on soil CO2 emissions in a degraded grassland, South Africa. Commonly used rehabilitation practices were considered, that is rotational grazing (RG), livestock exclosure with fertilizer application (EF) and annual burning (AB), all being compared with traditional free grazing (FG). A total of 2880 in situ measurements of CO2 emissions were performed over 2.5 years under field conditions simultaneously with aboveground biomass, soil temperature, water content and soil organic C (SOC) to understand the changes in C fluxes. The RG performed the best under degraded grasslands by decreasing net CO2 emissions (per g of C) by 17% compared to FG, while EF increased emissions by 76% and AB had similar emissions to FG. The lower net emission under RG is associated with an increase in SOC stocks by 50% and aboveground biomass by 93%, after three years of implementation. Soil CO2 emissions were correlated positively to aboveground biomass and topsoil temperature (r = 0.91 and 0.60, respectively), implying a high effect of grass cover on soil microclimate and microbial activity. These results suggested RG as a potential cost‐effective nature‐based soil management strategy to increase SOC stocks into degraded grassland. However, long‐term trials replicated in different environments are still required.
Possible impacts of spring subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole on the summer tropical cyclone genesis frequency over the western North Pacific

The linkage between the spring subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole (SIOD) events and tropical cyclone genesis frequency over the western North Pacific (WNP) in the following summer is investigated in this study. It is found that their correlation is positive and statistically significant with a greater number of TCs genesis over the WNP in summer of a positive SIOD year. After removing the ENSO effects, diagnostic analysis reveals that under positive SIOD conditions the summertime WNP monsoon trough becomes intensified. Correspondingly, there are enhanced lower‐level vorticity, reduced vertical zonal wind shear, increased middle‐level relative humidity and vertical velocity over the WNP, conductive to generation of more TCs. Further examination indicates that the Mascarene high and Australian high are strengthened successively from spring to subsequent summer in a positive SIOD year, contributing to the maintenance of SIOD‐related SST dipole anomalies in southern Indian Ocean due to SST–wind–evaporation feedback mechanism. The resulting cyclonic anomaly is formed at lower troposphere over the WNP induced by the prominently enhanced cross‐equator airflows and the related Ekman upwelling. At upper troposphere, there tend to be remarkably WNP divergence anomalies of the interhemispheric vertical circulation forced by the summertime SST patterns closely associated with positive SIOD cases. By contrast, the monsoon trough is weakened and the dynamic and thermodynamic conditions are unfavourable for the WNP TC genesis in summer of a negative SIOD year, in agreement with a lower‐level anticyclonic anomaly and suppressed deep convection over the WNP forced by the SIOD‐related SST anomalies.
Silver Nanoparticles as Chlorhexidine and Metronidazole Drug Delivery Platforms: Their Potential Use in Treating Periodontitis

Purpose Periodontal disease (PD), defined as oral inflammation caused by dental plaque, is an emerging problem. PD may lead to tooth loss, and treatment options are limited. In this study, we designed, synthesized, and characterized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) conjugated with chlorhexidine (AgNPs-CHL) or metronidazole (AgNPs-PEG-MET) to determine whether they can be used to treat PDs. Materials and Methods AgNPs were synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis spectrometry, thermogravimetric analyses, and dynamic light scattering. We determined the safety and the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of synthesized AgNPs in an in vitro model of periodontitis. Antimicrobial properties were determined by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) on reference strains of bacteria and fungi. Human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1), murine macrophage (RAW264.7) and human foetal osteoblast (hFOB1.19) cells were used in the study. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce inflammation. Cytokine levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; metalloproteinase expression was measured using Western blotting. Results The synthesized AgNPs were spherical and narrow-dispersed with an average diameter of 13.4 nm ± 3.0 nm in the case of AgNPs-CHL and 3.72 nm ± 0.72 nm in the case of AgNPs-PEG-MET. Both types of AgNPs were active against bacteria and fungi. AgNPs-CHL proved to be a more potent antimicrobial agent, although they were more cytotoxic than AgNPs-PEG-MET; however, both demonstrated beneficial properties in nontoxic concentrations. AgNPs-CHL and AgNPs-PEG-MET decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα. Both agents also decreased the levels of metalloproteinases MMP3 and MMP8, which may indicate that they will inhibit tissue degradation. Conclusion AgNPs-CHL and AgNPs-PEG-MET may be possible therapeutic options for PD, as they have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, to fully understand the potential of AgNPs, our in vitro findings must be evaluated in an in vivo model.
Mathematical Knowledge in a Generation of Pupils

https://doi.org/10.30935/scimath/11662 Abstract: Educational outcomes are mostly studied in the short term (i.e. during the same phase of schooling). This paper focuses on the longitudinal monitoring of the mathematical knowledge of the same generation of pupils. At the school level, this can be performed by teachers, and at the state level by relevant institutions or experts in the field. Monitoring the progress in pupils ’ attainments is one way of determining and assuring the school ’ s quality educational work. At the state level, pupils in Slovenia take National Assessments of Knowledge which can be used to monitor progress within the same generation of pupils. The introduction explains the difference between internal and external assessment and presents studies that focus on comparing the attainments in both types of assessment. This study focuses on the same generation of pupils, monitoring their attainments in mathematics in the 6th and the 9th year of schooling. The aim was to determine whether there was a gap between internal and external assessment. The research into external assessment was based on the attainments on the National Assessment of Knowledge in Mathematics, while the research into internal assessment was based on the pupils ’ final school grades in the same subject. It has been determined that more than half of the pupils would have the same final grade in the internal and external assessment; less than a fifth of the pupils would have received a lower grade in the external assessment, and just over a quarter would have received a higher grade in the
Reappraising the Production and Transfer of Hydrogen Atoms From the Middle to the Upper Atmosphere of Mars at Times of Elevated Water Vapor

Water escape on Mars has recently undergone a paradigm shift with the discovery of unexpected seasonal variations in the population of hydrogen atoms in the exosphere where thermal escape occurs and results in water lost to space. This discovery led to the hypothesis that, contradicting the accepted pathway, atomic hydrogen in the exosphere was not only produced by molecular hydrogen but mostly by high altitude water vapor. Enhanced presence of water at high altitude during southern spring and summer, due to atmospheric warming and intensified transport, favors production of H through photon‐induced ion chemistry of water molecules and thus appears to be the main cause of the observed seasonal variability in escaping hydrogen. This hypothesis is supported by the observation of large concentrations of water vapor between 50 and 150 km during the southern summer solstice and global dust events. Using a simplified yet representative air parcel transport model, we show that in addition to the formation of atomic hydrogen from water photolysis above 80 km, a major fraction of the exospheric hydrogen is formed at altitudes as low as 60 km and is then directly advected to the upper atmosphere. Comparing the injection modes of a variety of events (global dust storm, perihelion periods, and regional storm), we conclude that southern spring/summer controls H production and further ascent into the upper atmosphere on the long term with direct implication for water escape.
Facies modelling for hydrocarbon reservoirs using a combined Markov chain method

Abstract To predict the lithofacies distributions for modelling hydrocarbon reservoir heterogeneities, geostatistical tools like the indicator variogram-based methods provide an efficient solution. However, for the sparse datasets, they potentially encompass drawbacks like the ambiguity of variograms and generating unrealistic patterns. Nevertheless, Transition probabilities (TPs)-based techniques using Markov chains (MCs) have a notable potential to overcome these problems. Hence, the facies distributions were predicted in an Iranian hydrocarbon reservoir using three methods including a novel algorithm proposed here (CGCMC). Using generalized coupled Markov Chain (GCMC), sequential indicator simulation (SIS), and a new combination of GCMC with the transition probability Markov Chain (TP/MC) framework, 50 realizations were generated through each method. Then, the models were evaluated regarding the reproduction of their: facies proportions, variograms/TPs and geological soundness. By ensemble probability distributions (EPDs) the spatial uncertainties were represented. Accordingly, CGMC produced more acceptable results quickly and more conveniently with a higher data integration capacity.
Human Milk Antibodies after BNT162b2 Vaccination Exhibit Reduced Binding against SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern

SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody responses are engendered in human milk after BNT162b2 vaccination. However, the emergence of variants of concern (VOCs) raises concerns about the specificity of and potential cross-protection mediated by milk antibody responses, which are crucial for passive immunity transferred from breastfeeding mothers to their infants. In this study, we collected milk samples at three different time points pre- and post-vaccination, and measured milk IgA antibody binding to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the original Wuhan-Hu-1 strain, and the four VOCs, namely Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. We report a significant level of anti-RBD IgA in milk collected at 4–6 weeks after the second dose of vaccination compared to pre-vaccination. We observed around a 30% reduction in binding to most VOCs, including the major circulating Delta variant, compared to the original Wuhan-Hu-1 strain. As COVID-19 vaccines may take some time to be approved for infants, these individuals remain at risk for severe disease and rely mainly on transferred passive immunity. Our findings support the current recommendations for vaccinating lactating women with the aim of transferring mucosal immunity to breastfeeding infants.
Performance study of μDMFC with foamed metal cathode current collector

Micro Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (μDMFCs) often have application in moveable power due to their green and portable nature. In a μDMFC's structure, a current collector of the μDMFC needs to have high corrosion resistance such that the μDMFC can work for a long time in a redox reaction and respond to variable environmental conditions. To this end, four cathode current collectors were prepared. The materials selected were foam stainless steel (FSS) and foam titanium (FT), with fields of hole type and grid type. The performance of μDMFC with different cathode collector types was investigated by I–V–P polarization curves, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and discharge test. The experimental results show that the maximum power density of the hole-type FSS cathode current collector μDMFC (HFSS-μDMFC) is 49.53 mW cm−2 at 70 °C in the methanol solution of 1 mol L−1, which is 70.15% higher than that of the hole-type FT cathode current collector μDMFC (HFT-μDMFC). The maximum power density of the grid-type FSS cathode current collector μDMFC (GFSS-μDMFC) is 22.60 mW cm−2, which is 11.99% higher than that of the grid-type FT cathode current collector μDMFC (GFT-μDMFC). The performance of the HFSS-μDMFC is optimal in the methanol solution of 1 mol L−1.
High-Resolution Melting PCR as Rapid Genotyping Tool for Brucella Species

Brucella sp. are the causative agents of brucellosis. One of the main characteristics of the Brucella genus concerns its very high genetic homogeneity. To date, classical bacteriology typing is still considered as the gold standard assay for direct diagnosis of Brucella. Molecular approaches are routinely used for the identification of Brucella at the genus level. However, genotyping is more complex, and to date, no method exists to quickly assign a strain into species and biovar levels, and new approaches are required. Next generation sequencing (NGS) opened a new era into the diagnosis of bacterial diseases. In this study, we designed a high-resolution melting (HRM) method for the rapid screening of DNA and direct assignment into one of the 12 species of the Brucella genus. This method is based on 17 relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), identified and selected from a whole genome SNP (wgSNP) analysis based on 988 genomes (complete and drafts). These markers were tested against the collection of the European Reference Laboratory (EU-RL) for brucellosis (1440 DNAs extracted from Brucella strains). The results confirmed the reliability of the panel of 17 SNP markers, allowing the differentiation of each species of Brucella together with biovars 1, 2, and 3 of B. suis and vaccine strain Rev1 (B. melitensis) within 3 h, which is a considerable gain of time for brucellosis diagnosis. Therefore, this genotyping tool provides a new and quick alternative for Brucella identification based on SNPs with the HRM-PCR assay.
Talent management and performance in the public sector: the role of organisational and line managerial support for development

Abstract While research shows that talent management (TM) practices are linked to individual and organisational outcomes, little is known about the mechanisms through which these processes unfold, especially in the public sector of emerging market economies. This exploratory study investigates TM in the public sector context of Bahrain addressing an important research gap. Drawing on Organisational Support Theory (OST) and strategic human resource management (SHRM) literature, we test the role of line managerial support for development (LMSD) and organisational support for development (OSD) as mechanisms through which TM practices influence individual talent performance. Results from a survey based on a talent pool of a Bahraini governmental administrative institution show that LMSD fully mediates the relationship between TM practices and each of the individual talent performance indicators, apart from task performance. We also find that the indirect relationship between TM and individual talent performance was significant at low levels of OSD. The study contributes to unlocking the TM black box in the public sector of developing countries by highlighting the key role of line managers in the implementation of TM practices revealing a substitution effect between LMSD and OSD, as interchangeable sources of developmental support that can enhance talent performance in this context.
Lack of Association of FLT3 rs2504235 and Absence of SLITRK1 var321 in Patients with Tic Disorders from Guangdong Province, China

Objective Tic disorders (TDs) are highly polygenic and heritable neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by the presence of movements (motor tics) and/or vocalizations (phonic tics). SLITRK1 is a pathogenic variation of TD, and in a recent genome-wide association study in those of European ancestry, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs2504235) in the FLT3 gene was significantly associated with TDs/Tourette’s syndrome. However, these results need to be proved in different populations. This study aimed to determine whether these two genetic variants were also associated with TD patients in south China. Methods A total of 116 child TD patients and 114 healthy controls were included. All children underwent peripheral blood sampling for genomic DNA extraction. Gene fragments with two single-nucleotide polymorphisms were amplified by PCR and sequenced by Sanger chain termination before genotype analysis. Results SLITRK1 var321 was not observed in any of the TD patients or controls. No significant difference was observed in allelic frequencies or genotypic distributions of rs2504235 between TD patients and controls. Conclusion Our results provide no evidence to support the previous conclusion that SLITRK1 var321 plays a major role in TDs, and FLT3 rs2504235 was not significantly associated with TDs in our cohort.
Synthesis, Characterization and Electrochemical Performance of a Redox-Responsive Polybenzopyrrole@Nickel Oxide Nanocomposite for Robust and Efficient Faraday Energy Storage

A polybenzopyrrole@nickel oxide (Pbp@NiO) nanocomposite was synthesized by an oxidative chemical one-pot method and tested as an active material for hybrid electrodes in an electrochemical supercapattery device. The as-prepared composite material exhibits a desirable 3D cross-linked nanostructured morphology and a synergistic effect between the polymer and metal oxide, which improved both physical properties and electrochemical performance. The unprocessed material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy disperse X-ray analysis, and thermogravimetry. The nanocomposite material was deposited without a binder on gold current collectors and investigated for electrochemical behavior and performance in a symmetrical two- and three-electrode cell setup. A high specific capacity of up to 105 C g−1 was obtained for the Pbp@NiO-based electrodes with a gravimetric energy density of 17.5 Wh kg−1, a power density of 1925 W kg−1, and excellent stability over 10,000 cycles.
Evidence of a Possible Viral Host Switch Event in an Avipoxvirus Isolated from an Endangered Northern Royal Albatross (Diomedea sanfordi)

Avipoxviruses have been characterized from many avian species. Two recent studies have reported avipoxvirus-like viruses with varying pathogenicity in reptiles. Avipoxviruses are considered to be restricted to avian hosts. However, reports of avipoxvirus-like viruses from reptiles such as the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and crocodile tegu (Crocodilurus amazonicus) suggest that cross-species transmission, within avian species and beyond, may be possible. Here we report evidence for a possible host switching event with a fowlpox-like virus recovered from an endangered northern royal albatross (Diomodea sanfordi)—a species of Procellariiformes, unrelated to Galliformes, not previously known to have been infected with fowlpox-like viruses. Complete genome sequencing of this virus, tentatively designated albatrosspox virus 2 (ALPV2), contained many fowlpox virus-like genes, but also 63 unique genes that are not reported in any other poxvirus. The ALPV2 genome contained 296 predicted genes homologous to different avipoxviruses, 260 of which were homologous to an American strain of fowlpox virus (FWPV). Subsequent phylogenetic analyses indicate that ALPV2 likely originated from a fowlpox virus-like progenitor. These findings highlight the importance of host-switching events where viruses cross species barriers with the risk of disease in close and distantly related host populations.
Fully coupled high‐resolution medium‐range forecasts: Evaluation of the hydrometeorological impact in an ensemble framework

Fully coupled atmospheric‐hydrological models allow a more realistic representation of the land surface–boundary layer continuum, representing both high‐resolution land‐surface/subsurface water lateral redistribution and the related feedback towards the atmosphere. This study evaluates the potential contribution of the fully coupled approach in medium‐range mesoscale hydrometeorological ensemble forecasts. Previous studies have shown, for deterministic simulations that the effect of fully coupling for short‐range forecasts is minor compared to other sources of uncertainty. However, it becomes not negligible when increasing the forecast period. The paper presents a proof‐of‐concept consisting of a 7‐day ensemble (50 members from the ECMWF Ensemble Prediction System) forecast of a high impact event affecting the Calabrian peninsula (southern Italy, Mediterranean basin) on November 2019. The scope is to investigate how the impact of improved representation of the terrestrial water lateral transport in the weather research and forecasting (WRF)—hydro modelling system affects the water balance, focusing on the precipitation and the hydrological response, in terms of both soil moisture dynamics and streamflow in 14 catchments spanning over 42% of the region. The fully coupled approach led to an increase of surface soil moisture and latent heat flux from land in the days preceding the event, affecting the lower Planetary Boundary Layer. However, in cases when shoreward moisture transport from surrounding sea is the dominant process, only a weak signature of soil moisture contribution could be detected, resulting in only slightly higher precipitation forecast and not clear variation trend of peak flow, even though the latter variable increased up to 10% in some catchments. Overall, this study highlighted a remarkable performance of the medium‐range ensemble forecasts, suggesting a profitable use of the fully coupled approach for forecasting purposes in circumstances in which soil moisture dynamics is more relevant and needs to be better addressed.