Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mammal Molar Size Ratios and the Inhibitory Cascade at the Intraspecific Scale

Synopsis Mammalian molar crowns form a module in which measurements of size for individual teeth within a tooth row covary with one another. Molar crown size covariation is proposed to fit the inhibitory cascade model (ICM) or its variant the molar module component (MMC) model, but the inability of the former model to fit across biological scales is a concern in the few cases where it has been tested in Primates. The ICM has thus far failed to explain patterns of intraspecific variation, an intermediate biological scale, even though it explains patterns at both smaller organ-level and larger between-species biological scales. Studies of this topic in a much broader range of taxa are needed, but the properties of a sample appropriate for testing the ICM at the intraspecific level are unclear. Here, we assess intraspecific variation in relative molar sizes of the cotton mouse, Peromyscus gossypinus, to further test the ICM and to develop recommendations for appropriate sampling protocols in future intraspecific studies of molar size variation across Mammalia. To develop these recommendations, we model the sensitivity of estimates of molar ratios to sample size and simulate the use of composite molar rows when complete ones are unavailable. Similar to past studies on primates, our results show that intraspecific variance structure of molar ratios within the rodent P. gossypinus does not meet predictions of the ICM or MMC. When we extend these analyses to include the MMC, one model does not fit observed patterns of variation better than the other. Standing variation in molar size ratios is relatively constant across mammalian samples containing all three molars. In future studies, analyzing average ratio values will require relatively small minimum sample sizes of two or more complete molar rows. Even composite-based estimates from four or more specimens per tooth position can accurately estimate mean molar ratios. Analyzing variance structure will require relatively large sample sizes of at least 40–50 complete specimens, and composite molar rows cannot accurately reconstruct variance structure of ratios in a sample. Based on these results, we propose guidelines for intraspecific studies of molar size covariation. In particular, we note that the suitability of composite specimens for averaging mean molar ratios is promising for the inclusion of isolated molars and incomplete molar rows from the fossil record in future studies of the evolution of molar modules, as long as variance structure is not a key component of such studies.
Efficient Collection of Atmospheric Aerosols with a Particle Concentrator—Electrostatic Precipitator Sampler

A novel particle sampling methodology developed recently by our group (Han et al. 2008) has been extended in this article to collect atmospheric particles in electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) for chemical and biological–toxicological analysis. Particles are grown to super-micron droplets via condensation of ultrapure deionized water, and concentrated by virtual impaction in the versatile aerosol concentration enrichment system (VACES). The grown droplets are charged in a carbon fiber charger with negligible ozone generation, and diffusion-dried to their original particle size, while preserving their acquired charges. The charged particles are subsequently collected on suitable substrates in two different ESP prototypes, which can then be used for further chemical (e.g., Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Ion Chromatography, organic analysis by means of either gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)), as well as toxicological analyses using cellular or non-cellular assays. To minimize possible chemical reactions between sampled particles and ions generated in the corona region, the previously developed carbon fiber charger was modified, by separating the charging zone from the ionization zone. By combining this novel charger with the VACES, we achieved a higher number of elementary charges per particle (i.e., more than 50) and high particle removal efficiency (i.e., more than 90%) in the ESP, while preserving the chemical composition of the sampled atmospheric aerosols. Uniform particle deposition, which is an essential feature for cell exposures to particulate matter (PM), was accomplished on the ESP substrate designed for biological PM analysis.
Optimizing the Accelerated Recursive Doubling Algorithm for Block Tridiagonal Systems of Equations

The need to solve block tridiagonal systems with hundreds or thousands of right-hand sides for the same block tridiagonal matrix is common in a variety of disciplines. To meet this need, the Accelerated Recursive Doubling Algorithm was developed. After a right-hand side independent phase, the algorithm allows for the quick, online calculation of solutions for di ﬀ erent right-hand sides. In this work, we present methods to optimize the Accelerated Recursive Doubling Algorithm in memory usage and computation time in a hybrid parallelization model. The right-hand side independent phase of the naïve implementation takes ≥ 113 the amount of memory required to store the tridiagonal matrix, while our implementation reduces the fraction to ≈ 53 . The right-hand side dependent phase of the naïve implementation takes ≥ 6 times the amount of memory required to store the right-hand side, while our implementation reduces the fraction to ≈ 3. The computation time for the independent phase is reduced to ≈ 23 times that of the naïve implementation, while the computation time for the dependent phase is reduced to ≈ 59 . With increasing numbers of shared-memory threads q on every distributed processing element, we have O ( q ) theoretical speedup.
Agrifood Chains as Complex Systems and the Role of Informality in Their Sustainability in Small Scale Societies

Agrifood chains are complex systems; they encompass biological, economic, social, health and political variables at different scales (e.g., on-farm, local, regional, national and global). Consequently, what enables a food system to achieve ‘sustainability’ is also complex. This is particularly the case in small-scale societies in developing nations which are socially constituted. In this paper we posit that a habitus of informality underpins food systems’ sustainability in these societies. We argue that conventional applications of approaches like the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) and Circles of Sustainability (CoS) frameworks fail to assist understanding of sustainability in informal socio-economic systems because they either place too much emphasis on economic growth (TBL) or underplay the strength of socio–cultural obligations and responsibilities (CoS). This is seen in international aid programs that encourage economic growth in the agrifood sector, which is challenging for villages in such societies. We review data from two Pacific Island countries—Tonga and Solomon Islands—to demonstrate the need for a more holistic way to think about sustainability in informal agrifood systems in small-scale developing nations. We demonstrate the value of employing a Hybrid Value Chain Framework for collecting information necessary to understanding how sustainability is constituted in the food systems of small-scale societies.
Electron Beam Inspection in Physical Mode: Overpolish Monitoring of RMG CMP

For a recent replacement metal gate (RMG) FINFET technology using an SOI substrate, an inhomogeneous polish post Tungsten fill of the RMG was discovered. For particular wide-gate structures, the Tungsten polish within the reticle field and across the wafer varied widely despite being in control using the established kerf metrology structure. This was discovered after the technology had been ramped to production. An in-line monitor was needed but could not be dependent on kerf structures to monitor within-reticle variation, since these monitored only narrow-gate within-wafer and wafer-to-wafer variation. So, a within reticle inspection using Electron Beam Inspection (EBI) was used to characterize the within-reticle and within-wafer variation of the wide-gate structures.
Conversion of Xylose to Furfural over Lignin-Based Activated Carbon-Supported Iron Catalysts

In this study, conversion of xylose to furfural was studied using lignin-based activated carbon-supported iron catalysts. First, three activated carbon supports were prepared from hydrolysis lignin with different activation methods. The supports were modified with different metal precursors and metal concentrations into five iron catalysts. The prepared catalysts were studied in furfural production from xylose using different reaction temperatures and times. The best results were achieved with a 4 wt% iron-containing catalyst, 5Fe-ACs, which produced a 57% furfural yield, 92% xylose conversion and 65% reaction selectivity at 170 °C in 3 h. The amount of Fe in 5Fe-ACs was only 3.6 µmol and using this amount of homogeneous FeCl3 as a catalyst, reduced the furfural yield, xylose conversion and selectivity. Good catalytic activity of 5Fe-ACs could be associated with iron oxide and hydroxyl groups on the catalyst surface. Based on the recycling experiments, the prepared catalyst needs some improvements to increase its stability but it is a feasible alternative to homogeneous FeCl3.
Ostracods from the end‐Permian mass extinction in the Aras Valley section (north‐west Iran)

The Aras Valley section (north‐west Iran) exposes a sedimentary succession that allows the study of ostracod diversity patterns during/across the end‐Permian mass extinction. For the present study, 59 samples were investigated for their ostracod abundances, which ranged from 4 to 31 500 specimens per 500 g. In 45 sample horizons, the ostracods were identified to the species level. In total, 3 425 specimens were determined and 62 species were identified, of which one genus and ten species are described for the first time: Fabalicypris veronicae Gliwa, sp. nov., Orthobairdia capuliformis Gliwa, sp. nov., Araxobairdia formosa Gliwa, gen. et sp. nov., Bairdiacypris kathleenae Gliwa, sp. nov., Eumiraculum mettei Gliwa, sp. nov., Liuzhinia julfensis Gliwa, sp. nov., Carinaknightina hofmanni Gliwa, sp. nov., Cavellina fosteri Gliwa, sp. nov., Cavellina hairapetiani Gliwa, sp. nov. and Hungaroleberis striatus Forel, sp. nov. The assemblages show, at the end‐Permian mass extinction event, a complete turnover from a low‐diversity Fabalicypris‐dominated pre‐extinction community to a more diverse Bairdiacypris‐dominated post‐extinction community. The turnover coincides with the significant temperature increase that was previously recorded from north‐west Iranian sections. The low diversity in the horizon immediately below the extinction horizon indicates that environmental changes, such as thermal stress, may have had an impact on the ostracod assemblages prior to the extinction event. In comparison with other diverse ostracod assemblages from the Palaeotethyan realm, the ostracods of the Aras Valley section are not associated with microbialites.
Threshold concepts and ‘troublesome’ students: the uneasy application of threshold concepts to marginalised students

ABSTRACT For efficient and effective learning, intensive-mode programs have increasingly focused on threshold concepts – transformative, often-troublesome, moments in learning that represent the development of key knowledge. Threshold concept theory has support in the context of content-based, disciplinary domains, but questions remain about its applicability to curricula that have broader aims. This study investigated the ‘fit’ of threshold concept theory to participants, many of them previously marginalized, in an intensive Widening Participation (WP) program at a regional university in Australia. Thematic analysis of data from focus groups, comprised of students and teachers respectively, revealed that participants perceived not only the development of key conceptual knowledge as integral to learning, but that they also recognized that acculturation, metacognition, and affective attributes were important for success. This finding suggests that a narrow focus on academic knowledge – (both content- and skills-related) – is inadequate in programs that aim to include previously marginalized students in higher education.
Global Effects of COVID-19, government restrictions and implications for sex workers: A focus on Africa

There has been an unusually high media reporting of the impact on sex workers across the globe in relation to Covid -19 and related government lockdown, movement restrictions and reduced employment. This paper utilises a media analysis which examined N=541 media articles identified for the period 1st March to 31st May. N=103 of these focused on different countries in Africa and n=43 articles had a Kenyan focus. The media analysis is important as it is a lens through which sex workers are constructed, discourses are reinforced and knowledge is transferred throughout the globe. In this paper we reflect on: 1) The global effects on sex workers to show generic trends around economic impacts and health care across the global north and south; 2) core themes which affected sex workers daily lives across the African continent such as changes in mobility in cities and across borders, reduced movements, police interactions and violence, homelessness; 3) outline some of the global and localised responses from sex worker rights organisation, support projects and NGO's, in the absence of government safety nets. These media reports have illuminated the crisis experienced by sex workers during the period of initial first wave occurrences of Covid in countries globally and governmental measures to suppress the virus. These reductions in income, access to health care and medicines and challenges for housing will persist for some time with devastating effects on an already vulnerable and marginalised community.
Business Environment: Designing and Explaining the New Environmental Dynamism Model in Pharmacies

: The present study aimed to propose and elaborate on a new model for business environmental dynamism in pharmacies. The concept of business environmental dynamism was considered to determine the influential factors and operational strategies for the improvement of the performance of small enterprises (i.e., pharmacies) in environmental dynamism. The study was conducted using a qualitative and quantitative method; content analysis was used in the qualitative section, and confirmatory factor analysis was employed in the quantitative section. The sample population of the qualitative section included valid scientific databases during 2000-2020 regarding environmental turbulence and environmental dynamism. In the quantitative section, a survey was performed on 80 owners of the pharmacies located in Kermanshah city, Iran. In the qualitative section regarding the environmental dynamism dimension of environmental turbulence, the two components of market turbulence and technological turbulence were identified and validated, as well as six sub-components. As a result, the conceptual model was extracted, and the high validity and reliability of the researcher-made questionnaire of environmental dynamism were confirmed. According to the results of confirmatory factor analysis, the instrument has a good fit. In addition, the insignificance of the paths resulted in determining the appropriateness of the structural research model.
The relationship between career capital and career success among Finnish knowledge workers

This study aims to advance a holistic and integrated view to understand the relationship between career capital and career success among knowledge workers. ,The study examines the associations of three forms of career capital – human, social and psychological capital – on career success. Career success is measured through a subjective evaluation of career satisfaction and an objective evaluation of promotion. The data are drawn from 624 knowledge workers from Finland with an academic degree in business studies. The model is tested through structural equation modeling. ,The results stress the importance of psychological capital as an important career resource among knowledge workers. Therefore, our findings contribute to career research by supporting the argument that context and/or occupational group matters in the relationship between career capital and career success. ,The cross-sectional data partly restrict our ability to delimit an impact. Further research using a longitudinal design would be required to confirm longitudinal effects. The respondents were a relatively homogeneous group of knowledge workers, and thus, the results are not generalized to other samples. The Finnish context (e.g., a high-quality education system, welfare society, dual-earner model) may also include special aspects that may have an effect on results limiting generalization to different contexts rather than Nordic ones. ,Career capital is an important element of taking charge of one's career, which is expected in current working life scenarios. Given psychological capital has an impact on employees' career success, employees' psychological capital could be supported in organizations to help them to adapt to career changes. Employers benefit from individuals who are willing to invest in their work, and therefore, the employers should be aware of the individual factors that affect employees' career success. ,The meaning of career success may be context and culture related, as might its predictors. Hence, perceived career success may benefit and spill over to several stakeholders such as employers, family members and friends through its effects of positive energy and well-being. Career counselors could place more emphasis than currently on developing the psychological capital of their clients. The findings are important for other practitioners as well, such as human resource (HR) professionals who might consider dedicated programs fostering psychological capital qualities, which seem to relate to career success among knowledge workers. ,A research model that considers career capital as an integrated entity is presented rather than focusing on a single form of career capital. Contextual issues were included by focusing on knowledge workers who represent careerists in a welfare society. These findings could advance career theory and provide developmental guidelines to help employers, HR and career-oriented individuals to build successful careers.
Minimum spring temperatures at the provenance origin drive leaf phenology in sugar maple populations.

Late frost can cause damage to trees, especially to the developing bud of broadleaf species in spring. Through long-term adaptation, plants adjust leaf phenology to achieve an optimal trade-off between growing season length and frost avoidance. In this study, we aim to assess ecotypic differentiation in leaf development of sugar maple populations planted in a common garden. A total of 272 sugar maple seedlings from 29 Canadian provenances were planted at the northern boundary of the natural range and the phenological phases of bud and leaf development were monitored during spring 2019. The wide geographical area under evaluation showed a complex seasonal pattern of temperature, with spring warming occurring later in the north and close to the sea. Overall, leaf development lasted between 20 and 36 days, from the end of May to end of June. We observed different timings and rates of leaf development among provenances, demonstrating the occurrence of ecotypes in this species. Minimum April temperatures of the original sites were able to explain such differences, while maximum April temperatures were not significant. Seedlings from sites with colder minimum April temperatures completed leaf development earlier and faster. On average, leaf development diverged by up to 6 days among provenances with minimum April temperatures ranging from -3 to 3°C. Our results demonstrated that the avoidance of late spring frost is a driving force of leaf development in sugar maple populations. In the colder sites, the growing season is a limiting factor for tree growth. Thus, when thermal conditions become favorable in spring, an earlier growth reactivation and high metabolic activity ensure a fast leaf emission, which maximizes the period available for photosynthesis and growth. These patterns demonstrate the long-term phenological adaptation of sugar maple populations to local climatic conditions and suggest the importance of frost events for leaf development.
Predicting Human Operator's Decisions Based on Prospect Theory

The aim of this work is to predict human operator’s (HO) decisions in a specific operational context, such as a cooperative human-robot mission, by approximating his/her utility function based on prospect theory (PT). To this aim, a within-subject experiment was designed in which the HO has to decide with limited time and incomplete information. This experiment also involved a framing effect paradigm, a typical cognitive bias causing people to react differently depending on the context. Such an experiment allowed to acquire data concerning the HO’s decisions in two different mission scenarios: search and rescue and Mars rock sampling. The framing was manipulated (e.g. positive vs. negative) and the probability of the outcomes causing people to react differently depending on the context. Statistical results observed for this experiment supported the hypothesis that the way the problem was presented (positively or negatively framed) and the emotional commitment affected the HO’s decisions. Thus, based on the collected data, the present work is willed to propose: (i) a formal approximation of the HO’s utility function founded on the prospect theory and (ii) a model used to predict the HO’s decisions based on the economics approach of multi-dimensional consumption bundle and PT. The obtained results, in terms of utility function fit and prediction accuracy, are promising and show that similar modeling and prediction method should be taken into account when an intelligent cybernetic system drives human–robot interaction. The advantage of predicting the HO’s decision, in this operational context, is to anticipate his/her decision, given the way a question is framed to the HO. Such a predictor lays the foundation for the development of a decision-making system capable of choosing how to present the information to the operator while expecting to align his/her decision with the given operational guideline.
Workers’ technostress: a review of its causes, strains, inhibitors, and impacts

ABSTRACT Workers’ technostress is inevitable with the current omnipresent digital technologies in organisations. While there are numerous empirical studies of work-related technostress, we need a holistic conceptual model that summarises those studies’ findings. Thus, this study aims to build a conceptual model to explain workers' technostress. We gather work-related technostress literature from EBSCO, Web of Science, and Science Direct. Afterwards, we deductively examined those articles using provisional coding and produced a conceptual model. We use Stressors-Strains-Outcomes Model to predefine our codebook. In addition to the model, we also add situational factors that serve as inhibitors that moderating the causal effects of stressors and strains. The proposed model could help organisations to understand technostress phenomenon in their working space. By understanding these, organisations could formulate strategies to manage technostress and limit the impact on their employees. This understanding can be useful to manage unintended risks that technostress introduces to organisations.