Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“I Made Myself Fit In”: Johny’s Story

The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to re-story the experiences of a first-year music teacher with regard to race and class. Johny was a first-year high school guitar teacher in the southwestern United States who identified as Hispanic and was raised in a family with a lower income. He was also a first-generation college student whose path to university study was atypical because of his major instrument, musical background, little high school music class participation, and entrance to postsecondary music study at a community college. Johny’s story is a work of critical storytelling and is interpreted through an intersectional framework. His story compels us to thoughtfully attend to curriculum, musical knowledge, equity, and how music educators can serve an increasingly diverse student population in schools of music. Issues for consideration include (a) increased support of nontraditional students, including those from marginalized populations, such as students with lower incomes, first-generation students, and community college transfer students, and (b) promoting meaningful and collaborative change across multiple areas in schools of music.
Potential CO2 reduction and uptake due to industrialization and efficient cement use in Brazil by 2050

Cement production contributes 8–9% of all anthropogenic CO2 emissions worldwide, and further increases in the future are expected. Traditional solutions for reducing emissions, including energy efficiency, using alternative fuels, and clinker‐to‐cement ratio reduction, are insufficient to ensure the necessary mitigation. Based on the concept of material efficiency, this study identifies new alternatives for reducing CO2 emissions by adopting a set of technological solutions to increase the industrialization of cement‐based products and the use of fillers considering a cradle‐to‐use approach. Besides, increasing the filler content in mortars and plain concrete is a desirable strategy, because it increases the carbonation rate, accelerating the CO2 sequestration from the atmosphere. Based on data from the Brazilian cement industry technology roadmap, this study quantitatively evaluates, up to 2050, the CO2 mitigation potential and the reduction of cement consumption for each adopted technological solution. The marginal abatement costs are also included to quantify each considered solution's cost‐effectiveness and compared with alternatives like carbon capture and storage. The results show that increasing the cement use efficiency enables CO2 emissions reduction by up to 45% by 2050, with a cost of USD –1.36 for each avoided metric ton of CO2, while accelerating the mortar carbonation rate. This article met the requirements for a gold–gold JIE data openness badge described in http://jie.click/badges.
Immuno-antibiotics: targeting microbial metabolic pathways sensed by unconventional T cells

Summary Human Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and other unconventional T cells are specialised in detecting microbial metabolic pathway intermediates that are absent in humans. The recognition by such semi-invariant innate-like T cells of compounds like (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate (HMB-PP), the penultimate metabolite in the MEP isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway, and intermediates of the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway and their metabolites allows the immune system to rapidly sense pathogen-associated molecular patterns that are shared by a wide range of micro-organisms. Given the essential nature of these metabolic pathways for microbial viability, they have emerged as promising targets for the development of novel antibiotics. Here, we review recent findings that link enzymatic inhibition of microbial metabolism with alterations in the levels of unconventional T cell ligands produced by treated micro-organisms that have given rise to the concept of ‘immuno-antibiotics’: combining direct antimicrobial activity with an immunotherapeutic effect via modulation of unconventional T cell responses.
High‐Energy Radiation From Natural Lightning Observed in Coincidence With a VHF Broadband Interferometer

This work presents the first simultaneous X‐ray measurements from natural lightning in coincidence with a very high frequency (VHF) broadband interferometer. During an observational campaign in north‐central Colombia, five intense X‐ray bursts were detected from negative stepped leaders and two X‐ray emissions from a dart leader. Thanks to the high angular and time resolution of the interferometer, it was possible to locate the origin of high‐energy radiation during the lightning leader propagation. We study the correlation with VHF pulses and the two‐dimensional speed of the leader channels. A strong temporal correspondence has been observed between the high‐energy emissions and the most intense VHF pulses, which suggests the runaway electrons as a shared mechanism. The observations show that an X‐ray burst can have multiple high‐energy sources belonging to different leader branches, that can be several hundreds of meters apart. Therefore, from a spatial point of view, not a unique origin has to be searched, but an extensive origin of the X‐ray burst should be considered. We hypothesize similar conclusions in particular for downward TGFs and maybe for TGFs in general.
Comparing World City Networks by Language: A Complex-Network Approach

City networks are multiplex and diverse rather than being regarded as part of a single universal model that is valid worldwide. This study contributes to the debate on multiple globalizations by distinguishing multiscale structures of world city networks (WCNs) reflected in the Internet webpage content in English, German, and French. Using big data sets from web crawling, we adopted a complex-network approach with both macroscale and mesoscale analyses to compare global and grouping properties in varying WCNs, by using novel methods such as the weighted stochastic block model (WSBM). The results suggest that at the macro scale, the rankings of city centralities vary across languages due to the uneven geographic distribution of languages and the variant levels of globalization of cities perceived in different languages. At the meso scale, the WSBMs infer different grouping patterns in the WCNs by language, and the specific roles of many world cities vary with language. The probability-based comparative analyses reveal that the English WCN looks more globalized, while the French and German worlds appear more territorial. Using the mesoscale structure detected in the English WCN to comprehend the city networks in other languages may be biased. These findings demonstrate the importance of scrutinizing multiplex WCNs in different cultures and languages as well as discussing mesoscale structures in comparative WCN studies.
Postharvest calcium chloride application maintains shelf life and quality of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica L.) fruit

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica L.) is an important sub-tropical fruit with very limited postharvest life. Therefore, in the current study, we investigated the effect of calcium chloride (CaCl2) treatments on the shelf life and quality of loquat fruit. After harvest loquat fruit treated with different concentrations of CaCl2 viz. 2%, 4% and 6% for 2 min were kept at room temperature (30±2oC) for 5 and 10 days. Untreated fruit were kept as control. The results showed that fruit treated with 6% CaCl2 exhibited minimum fruit weight loss (9.1%), external browning (8.83%), and internal browning (9.1%) after 10 days shelf period in contrast with control fruit. Lowest total soluble solids contents (9.11%), highest titratable acidity (0.53%) and juice (28%) contents were found in fruit treated with 6% CalCl2 as compared to other treatments. In conclusion, among the tested treatments, application of highest level of CaCl2 (6%) effectively maintained the quality of loquat fruit a room temperature.
A Modeling Study of the Tripole Pattern of East China Precipitation Over the Past 425 ka

The traditional paleoclimatological view suggests that monsoonal China was overall wetter when the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) was strong. However, this view is at odds with the understanding of modern climate, which demonstrates an analogous “tripole precipitation pattern” in monsoonal China. Little is known about the spatial pattern of paleo‐precipitation in monsoonal China, particularly during the past glacial‐interglacial cycles. Here, we provide evidence for a potential tripole precipitation pattern in monsoonal China over the past 425 ka using climate modeling, and compare the results with paleoclimate records available from China. Our simulations illustrate that more (less) precipitation in North China and South China, and less (more) precipitation in the Central‐East China during strong (weak) EASM periods associated with high (low) boreal summer insolation. Our results agree with the present understanding of modern East Asian climate, and furthermore confirm that the boreal summer insolation is the dominant forcing for the intensity of EASM and the response of subtropical high pressures is fundamental in modulating the precipitation pattern in monsoonal China on orbital timescales. This temporal and spatial variability of precipitation, as revealed in our simulations, shows the potential high complexities in hydroclimatic conditions in monsoonal China throughout the past glacial‐interglacial cycles. Nevertheless, whether the tripole precipitation pattern in monsoonal China over the past 425 ka is robust enough still should be tested, preferable by taking advantage of existing and new well‐dated and explicit indicative precipitation archives in Central‐East China.
Detailed characterization of particulate matter emitted by lean-burn gasoline direct injection engine

This study presents detailed characterization of the chemical and physical properties of particulate matter emitted by a 2.0-L BMW lean-burn turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine operated under a number of combustion strategies that include lean homogeneous, lean stratified, stoichiometric, and fuel-rich conditions. We characterized particulate matter number concentrations, size distributions, and the size, mass, compositions, and effective density of fractal and compact individual exhaust particles. For the fractal particles, these measurements yielded fractal dimension, average diameter of primary spherules, and number of spherules, void fraction, and dynamic shape factors as function of particle size. Overall, the particulate matter properties were shown to vary significantly with engine operation condition. Lean stratified operation yielded the most diesel-like size distribution and the largest particulate matter number and mass concentrations, with nearly all particles being fractal agglomerates composed of elemental carbon with small amounts of ash and organics. In contrast, stoichiometric operation yielded a larger fraction of ash particles, especially at low speed and low load. Three distinct forms of ash particles were observed, with their fractions strongly dependent on engine operating conditions: sub-50 nm ash particles, abundant at low speed and low load, ash-containing fractal particles, and large compact ash particles that significantly contribute to particulate matter mass loadings.
The effects of collective bargaining systems on the productivity function of firms: An analysis of bargaining structures and processes and the implications for policy making

In recent years, individual and company bargaining have increasingly supplanted sector and country collective bargaining leading to increasingly heterogeneous and perforated, that is, hybrid, national collective bargaining systems. Little is known about the relative effects of these different systems. In this paper, the authors derive and test a comprehensive categorization of collective bargaining systems and argue that different systems are associated with different production functions and therefore have different effects on labour productivity. The hypotheses are tested using representative workplace-level data for all member states of the European Union. It is found that the performance of coordinated sector collective bargaining systems is higher than for all other forms of collective and individual bargaining. Policy implications of the results are discussed as these results challenge attempts to reform collective bargaining in Europe. the worst performance of all bargaining systems (Boeri, 2014) as our results show that the performance of multilevel collective bargaining systems is dependent upon the coordination of bargaining units between the levels. Indeed, our results suggest that coordination is the key ele-ment for the efficacy of collective bargaining systems and thus for the performance and therefore are in line with other recent studies that are based on alternative operationalization's and conceptualizations of coordination such as OECD (2019). On the one hand, the results here show that multilevel bargaining systems under no coordination are associated with a weak and, under certain conditions, even a negative performance. The latter effect might be explained by the fact that they combine all the disadvantages of possible sector cartelizing effects and free-riding incentives of bargaining units if loopholes from higher level agreements exist. On the other hand, the results show that if multilevel systems are coordinated, they have the potential to systematically outperform other bargaining systems. In that way, they incorporate the need to internalize the costs and benefits of their outcomes as well as enable bargaining units at different levels to adapt and adjust bargaining outcomes in a flexible way to unit and domain-specific circumstances. Without being able to provide a full overview of such unit and
Impact of Board of Directors on Performance of Brazilian Banks

The objective of this paper is to verify if the performance of Brazilian banks was impacted by the characteristics of their boards of directors in the period from 2010 to 2016. Performance indicators were defined as the Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) indicators, widely used in bank surveys. To accomplish the objective, a sample of twenty-nine financial institutions registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) was selected. Results showed that the variables representing the influences exerted by the board include the number of directors and percentage of female members is significant to explain Return on Assets (ROA), while the variables average age of the directors, the percentage of independent directors, and segregation of the functions of chairman and chief executive officer, are significant in explaining Return on Equity (ROE).
Blended learning to foster EFL college students’ global literacy

Abstract Few studies on higher education focus on how English as a Foreign Language (EFL) college students may enhance their global literacy through cross-cultural communication. This mixed methods research reports on a blended learning program with cross-cultural communication to foster EFL college students’ global literacy. A sample of 97 EFL college students volunteered to participate in a large-sized onsite English course with one-on-one online discussions between college students and teachers from different countries. Scores of the pre- and post-tests on English listening and reading proficiency were collected and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while the students’ reflective journals and open-ended questionnaires were collected and analyzed by content analysis. The results revealed that the blended learning activities prompted the EFL college students to develop global literacy as they were engaged in cross-cultural communication by establishing online social connections with English teachers who were from different cultural backgrounds. These students might construct new knowledge in aspects of intellectual skills/knowledge, social/cultural competencies, and ethical disposition. Based on these, the students further provided both critical (reasoning and analysis) and creative feedback (giving suggestions) on global issues (global literacy). The pre- and post-test results verified their self-reported statements from the reflective journals that their English listening and reading proficiency improved. This blended learning program opens a door for EFL college students to the world where they may build, use, and share new knowledge with global literacy, leading to learners’ autonomy and English skills improvement.
Analysis of Lithium-Ion Battery Models Based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

This work is an overview of various equivalent circuits (ECs) containing various degrees of detail. The ECs are evaluated in terms of model accuracy and parameterization time for the systematic assignment of an equivalent circuit to application fields. For this purpose, impedance spectra were measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy at different states of charge, health and temperatures. Then the parameters of the EC were extracted using the least-squares method and the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. After comparing the simulated to the measured impedance spectrum, a review and assignment of equivalent circuits for potential applications is given. Simple equivalent circuits with a series resistor and a maximum of two resistance–capacitance (RC) elements are ideal for simulations with lower dynamics. Equivalent circuits with up to five RC elements or even a constant-phase element (CPE) are promising for simulating highly dynamic processes. By using RCPE elements the impedance spectrum can be modeled with the highest accuracy, which is why this type of model should be used for diagnostic purposes.
Innovative Carbon Dioxide‐Capturing Organic Solvent: Reaction Mechanism and Kinetics

The reaction rates of CO2 with an innovative CO2-capturing organic solvent (CO2COS), consisting of blends of 2-tert-butyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (BTMG) and 1-propanol, were obtained as function of BTMG concentration and temperature. A stopped-flow apparatus with conductivity detection was used. The reaction was modeled by means of a modified termolecular reaction mechanism which resulted in a second-order rate constant, and activation energies were calculated for a defined temperature range. Quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level also produced the activation energy of this reaction system which strongly supports the experimental findings.
The Mediating Role of Initiative Climate on the Relationship between Distributed Leadership and Organizational Resilience in Schools

This study investigated the mediating role of initiative climate on the relationship between distributed leadership and organizational resilience in schools. The study employed a cross-sectional design following quantitative methods. The sample consisted of 310 teachers recruited from different cities located in seven geographical regions of Turkey in 2020-2021 academic year using convenience sampling. Data were collected online (Google Forms) using the Distributed Leadership Inventory, Personal Initiative Scale, and Organizational Resilience Scale, all of which had acceptable validity and reliability. Participants “agreed” with initiative climate and organizational resilience in schools and school principals’ distributed leadership behaviors. There were positive correlations between the variables. The results showed that distributed leadership (leadership coherence and leadership functions) fosters initiative climate and organizational resilience in schools. Initiative climate also contributes to organizational resilience in schools. Lastly, it can be said that distributed leadership has a significant effect on schools’ resilience through initiative climate.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as an Aqueous Plant-Based Extract Fertilizer in Green Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Sustainable Agriculture

Plant-based fertilizers, such as liquid plant extracts, contribute to the cultivation of vegetables, particularly in organic production. The objective of this study was to determine if aqueous nettle extract could be successfully used as a fertilizer, applied on the soil and foliarly, in green bean production under field conditions. The hypothesis was that it could successfully replace mineral fertilizers and be integrated into sustainable and organic agriculture. The experiment was conducted at two climatically and pedologically different locations (Zadar and Poreč) throughout two growing seasons (spring and autumn). Two types of aqueous nettle extracts were used: a short-term extract (SE) was prepared by the extraction of wild stinging nettle (183 g 10 L−1 of water) in water for 24 h, while a long-term extract (LE) was prepared at the same ratio with water extraction for 14 days. Both extracts were diluted with water at a ratio of 1:3 (extract:water) before use. The SE was applied foliarly, and LE, by pouring it onto the soil. The abovementioned treatments were compared with mineral fertilization with urea (U) and control (no fertilization (C)). Foliar fertilization with SE proved to be almost as efficient as fertilization with LE, poured onto soil, showing a positive effect on green bean vegetative parameters. Furthermore, aqueous nettle extracts showed a positive effect on the iron accumulation in the leaves.
The effect of ultraviolet light on structural properties of exfoliated and CVD graphene

We investigate the effect of UV processing of graphene with different structural properties prepared by mechanical exfoliation and CVD growth. Depending on UV exposure time, we observe different effects like oxidation, doping, and etching. For bi-layered and few-layered graphene flakes, we do not observe significant etching even after 3 h exposure which indicates the high resistance of graphene to reactive oxygen species intercalation between graphene layers. Single-layer CVD-grown graphene is fully etched after 2 h of UV treatment. The crystalline size of exfoliated single layer graphene after UV exposure drops from 45 to 5 nm while for CVD graphene from just 10 to 2 nm. We investigate the effect of UV irradiation on field effect transistors, demonstrating sequential cleaning from polymer residuals, oxidation (doping), and final etching of graphene. After 30 minutes of UV irradiation, we observe the hole mobility of a CVD single layer graphene transistor increasing up to 400 cm2/V·s.