Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low-Calcium, Porous, Alkali-Activated Materials as Novel pH Stabilizers for Water Media

Due to the increase of water consumption, water treatment systems become more actual and innovative materials for water treatment are welcomed. Traditionally, alkalizing agents, such as lime or caustic soda, have been employed to increase the pH levels, which induce chemical clarification of wastewater. Some innovative ideas of using low-calcium, alkali-activated materials (AAM) for this purpose have been considered previously. In this study, the low-calcium, porous, alkali-activated material (pAAM) was characterized to understand the impact of the aluminum silicate source and heat treatment on basic properties for material that might be used in water treatment systems as a softener by stabilizing the pH. The studied porous alkali-activated materials may ensure stable and long-lasting (30 days) pH (pH 10.3–11.6) in water media depending on the composition and amount of activation solution used for AAM preparation. Heat treatment does not have an impact on the mineralogical composition and structural properties of the pAAM, but it does change the leaching ability of alkalis from the material structure.
Two New Cryptic Bat Species within the Myotis nattereri Species Complex (Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera) from the Western Palaearctic

The Myotis nattereri species complex consists of an entangled group of Western Palaearctic bats characterized by fringing hairs along the rear edge of their uropatagium. Some members are relatively common while others are rare but all forms are morphologically very similar and their taxonomy is unresolved. Recent studies based on different molecular markers have shown that several major and unexpected lineages exist within this group of forest-dwelling bats. All the mitochondrial and nuclear markers tested to date have shown that these major lineages evolved as fully independent and coherent units and therefore each qualifies as distinct species. In the absence of proper morphological diagnosis, these lineages are informally referred to in the literature under different names. We explore here the external and craniodental variation of these lineages. Although all morphological measurements were overlapping between these lineages, we show that lineages can be completely discriminated in a multivariate morphometric space. Consistent with previous molecular reconstructions, these four major lineages represent two pairs of related species, each represented by a named species (Myotis nattereri s. str. and M. escalerai, respectively) and by unnamed forms (Myotis sp. A and Myotis sp. B, respectively). Herein we describe formally these two unnamed forms to clarify the taxonomy within this species complex. This new taxonomic view has important implication for the protection of these species, as three of the four taxa must now be considered as range-restricted species in need of conservation actions.
Satisfaction With Informal Volunteering During the COVID-19 Crisis: An Empirical Study Considering a Swiss Online Volunteering Platform

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a huge wave of compassion. In particular, online volunteering platforms established channeling help for high-risk groups. It is unclear under which conditions volunteers were satisfied with their COVID-19 volunteering mediated by these platforms and whether they will continue their engagement after the crisis. Therefore, and considering personal susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, this study analyzes the effects of different platform support for volunteers and the fulfillment of volunteers’ motives. The study is based on an online survey of a sample of 565 volunteers who registered at and were placed by a Swiss online platform. Fulfillment of distinct volunteer motives and platform support drive COVID-19 volunteering satisfaction. Moreover, motive fulfillment and platform-related support indirectly impact willingness to volunteer long-term via volunteering satisfaction. Finally, the empirical results show that motive fulfillment and the effect of platform support are contingent on perceived susceptibility to infection.
Muscular strength and aerobic resistance: are there differences of physical performance during the stages of two menstrual cycles?

Introduction: The menstrual cycle has been pointed as a possible factor of interference in the physical training, but the relation between its different phases and the physical performance has been recent target of investigation. Aim: to verify the physical performance in the motor capacities of aerobic resistance and muscular strength during the menstrual cycle phases. Methods: During two complete menstrual cycles, 12 healthy, active and oral contraceptive women underwent a training protocol. During training were evaluated for physical performance in each phase of each cycle through the tests: Yo Yo Test 1 and one repetition maximum test (1RM) for exercises in the leg extension, bench press, leg curl and rower machine. Results: There was reduction of the resistance performance in the follicular phase for both menstrual cycles evaluated. The behavior of muscle strength was significantly higher in the second cycle for the bench press and leg curl exercises. Conclusion: the performance on resistance capacity in active women, when evaluated in two menstrual cycles, is lower in the follicular phase, while the muscular strength performance was not influenced by the menstrual cycle phases. Key-words: Physical fitness, Exercise, Women. RESUMO Introdução: O ciclo menstrual tem sido apontado como um possível fator de interferência no treinamento físico, porém a relação entre suas diferentes fases e o desempenho físico tem sido alvo recente de investigação. Objetivo: verificar o desempenho físico nas capacidades biomotoras de resistência aeróbia e força muscular durante as fases do ciclo menstrual. Métodos: Durante dois ciclos menstruais, 12 mulheres saudáveis, ativas e usuárias de contraceptivos orais foram submetidas a um protocolo de treinamento e foram avaliadas quanto ao desempenho físico em cada fase de cada ciclo menstrual por meio dos testes: Yo Yo Test 1 e teste de uma repetição máxima (1RM) para os exercícios: cadeira extensora, supino reto, cadeira flexora e remada. Resultados: Houve redução do desempenho no teste de resistência na fase folicular para ambos os ciclos menstruais avaliados. Já o comportamento da força muscular apresentou-se significativamente maior (p<0,05) no segundo ciclo para os exercícios supino reto e cadeira flexora. Conclusão: o desempenho na capacidade de resistência em mulheres ativas, quando avaliado em dois ciclos menstruais, é menor na fase folicular, e que o desempenho de força muscular não foi influenciado pelas fases do ciclo menstrual. Palavras-chave: Aptidão física, Exercício, Mulheres. Original Article Brazilian Journal of Exercise Physiology ISSN Online: 2675-1372 ISSN Printed: 1677-8510 RBFEx 378 Ribeiro IC et al. Muscle strength and aerobic resistance in two menstrual cycles
Functional outcome of patients treated with proximal humeral internal locking osteosynthesis plate in proximal humeral fractures

Background: Displaced or unstable proximal humeral fractures fare poorly with non-operative treatment. These are better treated with surgical intervention in order to prevent minimal displacement of tuberosity or articular surface from compromising the long term articular function. The objective was to assess the functional outcome of patients treated with PHILOS (the proximal humeral internal locking osteosynthesis) plate in proximal humerus fracture. Methods: 42 patients age group range between 20 and 80 years 61.9% are male and 38.1% are female treated with philos plate. Functional outcome measured by using Constant and Murley score. Results: 50% were Neer two part fractures, 35.7%, three part fractures, 14.3%, four part fractures. After 6 month follow up functional outcome assessed by using constant and Murley score. Excellent outcome in 1 (2.4%) good outcome in 13 (31%), fair outcome in 19 (45.2%) and poor outcome in 9 (21.4%) noted. Conclusions: PHILOS plate fixation of proximal humerus fracture is an effective surgical technique in maintaining stability of fractures and there is significant improvement in functional outcome.
“These people have seen this in our cultures back home”: black mothers in the UK and Canada reclaim attachment parenting

ABSTRACT Attachment parenting (AP), coined by American paediatrician William Sears and his wife Martha, claims inspiration from the practices of “traditional” and “primitive” peoples. These peoples’ “instinctive” parenting behaviour forms the basis for AP’s seven tools, including breastfeeding, babywearing and bedsharing. As the AP phenomenon gathers momentum in the US, UK and Canada, this paper examines the raced, gendered and classed dimensions of its rise to popularity. Who is AP for? And to whom does it belong? Drawing from interviews with nineteen black mothers living in Canada and the UK, this paper captures efforts to “reclaim” attachment parenting, both against the Sears and for black communities.
Optimization of Parameters and Methodology for the Synthesis of LTA-Type Zeolite Using Light Coal Ash

The synthesis of zeolites using waste as a source of Si and Al is well known, and light coal ash has been studied to minimize the problems of waste management and mitigate environmental effects. The residue used in this work was supplied by Coal Workers Assistance Society (SATC) Criciúma–SC/Brazil, and had 24.09% Al2O3 and 54.25% SiO2 in its chemical composition. Synthesis studies using this residue with the objective of obtaining LTA zeolites were carried out by hydrothermal means, alkaline fusion, and the combination of the two methods, varying parameters such as crystallization time, Na/T ratio, OH/ratio, ultrasound exposure, gel agitation temperature, and the alkaline melting temperature of the residue. The results were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-FEG). It was possible to obtain 70% crystalline zeolite type LTA for the first time at mild conditions with temperatures below 200 ◦C by alkaline fusion with smaller amounts of NaOH and short times (2 h). Thus, suitable parameters were determined for future scaling.
Assessment of Community Empowerment Activities in Longido and Kiteto Districts, Tanzania

Tanzania, like other developing countries, strives to empower its people. However, the achievement of empowerment goals at individual and community is still a challenge in some areas. The purpose of this study was to assess community empowerment activities in Longido and Kiteto districts, Tanzania. The study involved 282 respondents (184 male and 98 female) aged 23 years and above. The study adopted a qualitative approach, and a case study design was used. Data were collected through focused group discussions, in-depth interviews, documentary review and non-participant observation. Content analysis was used to analyse data. The findings showed that the empowerment activities targeted social and economic aspects were gender-sensitive. The activities were effective, and they brought real changes in people’s lives at individual and community levels. The study concluded that there is a need for more training on the management of empowerment activities to ensure the efficiency and sustainability of the activities. The study, therefore, recommends capacity building through training, gender sensitivity in access to and control over the resources and improvement in health services.
On the fit of skins with a particular focus on the biomechanics of loose skins of hagfishes

There is a considerable diversity in how skins fit. Here, we review the function of both tight and loose skins and note that the latter are poorly understood. Analysis of loose skin examples suggest five functional categories: (I) freedom of movement, (II) surface area enhancement, (III) increased structural extensibility, (IV) lubrication, and (V) maladaptive examples arising through sexual or artificial selection. We investigate the skins of hagfishes as a model for understanding loose skin function by examining its structure using histology, standardized puncture resistance testing using the ASTM F1306 protocol, and the effect of internal pressure using a simple inflated balloon model. Skins of hagfishes are composed of multiple layers of cross-helically wound connective tissue fibers of a 45° angle to the longitudinal axis, resulting in a skin that functions as fabric cut “on the bias”. Hagfish skins are relatively yielding; however, skin looseness adds a “structural extensibility” that may allow hagfishes to compensate for low puncture resistance. Physical balloon models, with stiff cores that limit length changes, show that only low pressures allow short loop radii without local buckling. Hagfishes represent ideal organisms for studying loose skin function because their skins seem to fit in all functionally adaptive categories.
Effects of exogenous proline on the physiological characteristics of Triticum aestivum L. and Lens culinaris Medik. under drought stress

Proline, which is an indicator of stress, is often considered as a good parameter for the testing of plants with good drought tolerance capacity. Thus, exogenous application of proline is a possible technique to avoid the deleterious effects of the drought on plant growth. The objectives of this study are to investigate the impact exogenous proline on the physiological behavior of two plant species, bread wheat, a monocot, and lentil, a dicot, under drought stress conditions. After several preliminary tests, optimal concentrations of exogenous proline were determined (6 mM for bread wheat and 2 mM for lentil) and both species were treated in normal and drought conditions. The results showed that water deficit affected both species leading to a reduction in growth, chlorophyll content and relative water content. Likewise, 15 % PEG-6000, which is equivalent to osmotic potential of -0.31MPa, caused a high accumulation of proline. In almost of cases we also noted a remarkable decrease in catalase (Cat), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and gaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activities which was probably due to the oxidative stress caused by drought stress. The application of proline in stressful conditions reduced the deleterious effects caused by the stress on both species, due, particularly, to the accumulation of free endogenous proline and the increase of Cat, APX and GPX activities.
Role of ferroptosis induced by a high concentration of calcium oxalate in the formation and development of urolithiasis

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent lipid peroxidation process. Although the involvement of ferroptosis in kidney diseases has recently been reported, the association between ferroptosis and urolithiasis remains unclear. The present study examined the effects of ferroptosis on calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury in vivo and in vitro. First, renal tubular epithelial cells were exposed to various concentrations of CaOx. By measuring cell viability, Fe2+ levels, lipid peroxidation levels and the levels of ferroptosis-related proteins, it was identified that the relative expression of the ferroptosis agonist proteins, p53, long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSL4), transferrin (TF) and trans-ferrin receptor (TRC), increased, while the relative expression of the ferroptosis inhibitory proteins, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11, XCT) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), decreased significantly. Furthermore, the levels of Fe2+ and lipid peroxidation gradually increased, while cell viability significantly decreased. From these results, it was noted that the extent of CaOx-induced ferroptosis activation and cell injury was dependent on the CaOx concentration. To further investigate the association between ferroptosis and renal tubular epithelial cell injury, the ferroptosis agonist, erastin, and the ferroptosis inhibitor, ferrostatin-1, were used to regulate the degree of ferroptosis at the same CaOx concen-tration in in vivo and in vitro experiments. CaOx-induced ferroptosis and damage to renal tubular epithelial cells and renal tissue were investigated. Finally, it was identified that through the regulation of ferroptosis levels, renal tubular epithelial cell injury increased significantly when the ferrop-tosis level increased, and vice versa. On the whole, the present results indicated that ferroptosis is essential for renal tubular epithelial cell injury induced by CaOx crystals. This finding is highly significant and promotes the further investigation of the association between ferroptosis and urolithiasis.
Diurnal timing of nonmigratory movement by birds: the importance of foraging spatial scales

cfforts co opcimize foraging eicher by minimizing encrgy loss chrough passive move menc or by maximizing energecic gain chrough foraging. Here, we assess whecher signals of eicher of chese scracegies are dececcable in the timing of activiry of daily, local movements by birds. We compare the similarities of timing of movement activiry among species using six temporal variables: starr of activiry relative co sunrise, end of activiry relative eo sunsec, relacive speed at midday, number of movemenc boucs, bouc duracion and proporcion of accive daytime hours. We cesc for ehe influence of flighc mode and foraging habirat on the timing of movement activity across avian guilds. We used 64 570 days of GPS movement data collected becween 2002 and 2019 for local (non-migracory) movements of99 I birds from 49 species, represencing 14 orders. Oissimilariry among daily activiry paccerns was besc explained by flighc mode. Terrescrial soaring birds began acciviry later and scopped activiry earlier chan pelagic soaring or flapping birds. Broad-scale foraging habicac explained less of ehe clustering paccerns because of divergenc ciming of active periods of pelagic surface and d iving foragers. Among pelagic birds, surface foragers were active chroughouc all 24 hrs of ehe day while diving foragers macched their accive hours more closely co daylighc hours. Pelagic surface foragers also had ehe greacesc daily foraging discances, which was consiscenc wich cheir daytime acciviry paccerns. This scudy demonscraces chac flighc mode and foraging habitac influence temporal paccerns of daily movemenc acciviry of birds.
Nest tree characteristics of the old-growth specialist Three-toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus

The Three-toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus is a mature and old-growth forest specialist but how the species uses trees for nesting in its breeding sites and whether cavity trees are a critical habitat feature is poorly known. We studied the nest tree characteristics of the species in a 170-km2 area in southern Finland during 1987–2016. The data included 538 nest trees of eight different species and 665 nest cavities in 86 territory areas. Norway spruce Picea abies was the predominant nest tree comprising 71% of all nest trees. Proportionally, deciduous nest trees were more common in moist forests on mineral soils and conifer nest trees more common in spruce swamps. The majority of nest trees (85%) were dead or decaying trees; higher numbers of dead deciduous nest trees were recorded than dead conifer trees. The mean diameter of a nest tree at diameter at breast height (DBH) was 29.4 cm and the mean height of a cavity hole was 5.1 m; size and height were significantly positively correlated. The proportion of deciduous nest trees was significantly higher (45%) in natural forests compared with other areas subjected to variable amounts of forest management, where the respective proportion was only 9–17%.
Effect of Trifluralin on Mitosis

The compound α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin) inhibited mitosis in onion (Allium cepa L. ‘Yellow Globe’) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Thorn’) root tips. Photomicrographs showed that trifluralin affected mitosis in the same manner as colchicine. Arrested metaphases, c-pairs, micronuclei, amoeboid nuclei, and polyploidy were observed at various times after treatment. An increase in the percentage of arrested metaphases and a decrease in anaphase and telophase figures after 3 hr showed that mitosis was being blocked at metaphase. Prophase did not appear to be affected. Centrifugation of treated root tips displaced the chromosomes of arrested metaphases indicating that the spindle apparatus was disrupted.
Guided discovery-blended learning (GDBL) for critical thinking skill empowerment: A learning strategy in human excretory system

Article history Received: 9 June 2020 Revised: 17 August 2020 Accepted: 7 October 2020 The research purpose is to learn Guided Discovery-Blended Learning (GDBL) strategy on students’ critical thinking skills in the human excretory system. The research method is quasiexperiment with pretest-posttest experiment and control group design. The research population includes all Grade XI Mathematics and Science in a senior high school in East Jakarta, Indonesia, of 144 students. As regards the sample, 71 students are selected that are divided into two classes, namely: XI MIPA2 as a control class and XI Mathematics and Science -4 as an experimental class with GDBL. Data collection uses an integration test in an essay, student response to learning strategy and observation sheet of syntax implementation—the data analysis result using ANCOVA test proofs that the GDBL affects students’ critical thinking skill. The GDBL could foster thinking habits through independent rearrangement of a concept with guidance from the teacher using sourcebooks and online media. It is necessary to prepare biology teacher creativity to improve student’s critical thinking skills and to modify the GDBL so as it brings a better effect.
Numerical Study on Acoustic Resonance Excitation in Closed Side Branch Pipeline Conveying Natural Gas

Flow-induced acoustic resonance in the closed side branch of a natural gas pipeline can cause intensive vibration which threatens the safe operation of the pipeline. Accurately modeling this excitation process is necessary for a workable understanding of the genetic mechanism to resolve this problem. A realizable k-e Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (DDES) model was conducted in this study to numerically simulate the acoustic resonance problem. The model is shown to accurately capture the acoustic resonance phenomenon and self-excited vibration characteristics with low calculation cost. The pressure pulsation component of the acoustic resonance frequency is gradually amplified and transformed into a narrowband dominant frequency in the process of acoustic resonance excitation, forming a so-called “frequency lock-in phenomenon. ” The gas is pressed into and out of the branch in sinusoidal mode during excitation. The first-order frequency, single vortex moves at the branch inlet following the same pattern. A quarter wavelength steady standing wave forms in the branch. The mechanism and characteristics presented in this paper may provide guidelines for developing new excitation suppression methods.