Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Experiences, Beliefs, and Career Intentions of Historically Underrepresented Science and Engineering Undergraduates Engaged in an Academic and Internship Program

Women and students of marginalized race/ethnicity continue to be underrepresented in many science and engineering fields, and access to special programs, mentors, and internships may influence awareness, intention, and persistence in STEM fields. This mixed-methods case study investigated the experiences, beliefs, and career intentions of thirteen undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups in the United States as they engaged in a federally funded grant program, “Sustainable Futures”. The program consisted of online courses, workshops, and a summer internship, intended to increase awareness, interest, and diverse participation in bioeconomy-related industries. The expectancy-value theory of achievement motivation theoretical framework guided this investigation of students’ changes in beliefs about bioproducts, bioenergy, the bioeconomy, and their career intentions. Program courses helped students develop skills and knowledge and program internships inspired and reinforced their career directions. Following program activities, students expressed greater intention to pursue bioproduct/bioenergy-related careers and articulated their career intentions with greater specificity. This study provides insight into the viability of focused academic and professional development programs as a practical method to promote students’ awareness, beliefs, and intentions to participate in careers in a sustainable bioeconomy, particularly across diverse populations.
Macular Thickness by Optical Coherence Tomography in Normal Togolese Melanoderma Subjects: A Case Study of 338 Eyes

Objective: Maculopathies are more and more frequent. For the follow-up of its evolution and therapy, it seems important for us to determine the baseline in normal subjects by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The goal here is to determine the acceptable range of macular thickness in normal black subjects in Lomé. Methodology: This is a retrospective study over a 6-month period. It did not include all patients with retinopathy of any cause, maculopathy, and glaucoma. The analyzed variables were the average macular thickness, the central macular thickness, and the total macular volume. Results: Out of the 433 macular OCT performed, 191 patients were selected; a total of 338 eyes. These included 96 men and 95 women. A sex ratio was 1.01. The median age was 44.1 years with extremes ranging from 10 to 70 years. The average macular thickness was 263.4 µm for the right eye and 263.7 µm for the left eye. The central macular thickness was 174.1 µm for the right eye and 173.3 µm for the left eye. The total macular volume was 7.4 in both eyes. Discussion: No significant statistical difference existed between the two sexes. The average macular thickness found in this study was within the range of normality observed in the literature, which is between 216 and 288 µm. Conclusion: The average macular thickness of the normal subject in Lomé was 263.4 µm.
Accumulation of Particles and Formation of a Dissipative Structure in a Nonequilibrium Bath

The standard textbooks contain good explanations of how and why equilibrium thermodynamics emerges in a reservoir with particles that are subjected to Gaussian noise. However, in systems that convert or transport energy, the noise is often not Gaussian. Instead, displacements exhibit an α-stable distribution. Such noise is commonly called Lévy noise. With such noise, we see a thermodynamics that deviates from what traditional equilibrium theory stipulates. In addition, with particles that can propel themselves, so-called active particles, we find that the rules of equilibrium thermodynamics no longer apply. No general nonequilibrium thermodynamic theory is available and understanding is often ad hoc. We study a system with overdamped particles that are subjected to Lévy noise. We pick a system with a geometry that leads to concise formulae to describe the accumulation of particles in a cavity. The nonhomogeneous distribution of particles can be seen as a dissipative structure, i.e., a lower-entropy steady state that allows for throughput of energy and concurrent production of entropy. After the mechanism that maintains nonequilibrium is switched off, the relaxation back to homogeneity represents an increase in entropy and a decrease of free energy. For our setup we can analytically connect the nonequilibrium noise and active particle behavior to entropy decrease and energy buildup with simple and intuitive formulae.
Vibrational Property of α-Borophene Determined by Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

We report a Raman characterization of the α borophene polymorph by scanning tunneling microscopy combined with tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. A series of Raman peaks were discovered, which can be well related with the phonon modes calculated based on an asymmetric buckled α structure. The unusual enhancement of high-frequency Raman peaks in TERS spectra of α borophene is found and associated with its unique buckling when landed on the Ag(111) surface. Our paper demonstrates the advantages of TERS, namely high spatial resolution and selective enhancement rule, in studying the local vibrational properties of materials in nanoscale.
Experimental Investigation on Thermophysical Properties of Ammonium-Based Protic Ionic Liquids and Their Potential Ability towards CO2 Capture

Ionic liquids, which are extensively known as low-melting-point salts, have received significant attention as the promising solvent for CO2 capture. This work presents the synthesis, thermophysical properties and the CO2 absorption of a series of ammonium cations coupled with carboxylate anions producing ammonium-based protic ionic liquids (PILs), namely 2-ethylhexylammonium pentanoate ([EHA][C5]), 2-ethylhexylammonium hexanoate ([EHA][C6]), 2-ethylhexylammonium heptanoate ([EHA][C7]), bis-(2-ethylhexyl)ammonium pentanoate ([BEHA][C5]), bis-(2-ethylhexyl)ammonium hexanoate ([BEHA][C6]) and bis-(2-ethylhexyl)ammonium heptanoate ([BEHA][C7]). The chemical structures of the PILs were confirmed by using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy while the density (ρ) and the dynamic viscosity (η) of the PILs were determined and analyzed in a range from 293.15K up to 363.15K. The refractive index (nD) was also measured at T = (293.15 to 333.15) K. Thermal analyses conducted via a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) indicated that all PILs have the thermal decomposition temperature, Td of greater than 416K and the presence of glass transition, Tg was detected in each PIL. The CO2 absorption of the PILs was studied up to 29 bar at 298.15 K and the experimental results showed that [BEHA][C7] had the highest CO2 absorption with 0.78 mol at 29 bar. The CO2 absorption values increase in the order of [C5] < [C6] < [C7] anion regardless of the nature of the cation.
Bipolar Hemi Arthroplasty for Unstable Osteoporotic Inter-Trochanteric Fractures of Femur

Introduction: As the life expectancy of people is increasing , old age population is also increasing and trochanteric fractures with osteoporosis are getting commoner and producing challenge of regaining people there pre operative activity status for which a cemented bipolar arthroplasty was performed as an alternative to osteosynthesis by Dynamic screws . Harris hip score was assesed at various intervals within a year. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study including 25 cases of unstable intertrochantric fracture (classified according to Evans classification) with osteoporosis treated with cemented bipolar prosthesis assessed Result: The mean Harris hip Score was 78.86 by the end of one year. Discussion: The Harris hip score was at satisfactory level post op and improved over the first six weeks , later it stabilzes till one year Conclusion: The authors believe cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty is a useful in osterporotic ustable intertrochantric fractures. Keywords: intertrochantric fractures, bipoar prosthesis, osteoporosis
A Case Study of a Nursing Home in Nagano, Japan: Field Survey on Thermal Comfort and Building Energy Simulation for Future Climate Change

With an increase in the aging population in many countries worldwide, much attention is being paid to the study of thermal comfort for the elderly. Because the elderly spend most of their time indoors, the demand for air conditioning is expected to increase, and it is important to study the thermal comfort of the elderly and appropriate operation plans for air conditioning. In this study, we conducted a field survey of thermal comfort and building energy simulation for an air-conditioned nursing home in Nagano, Japan. The field survey was conducted between June 2020 and June 2021. Over 80% of the subjects were satisfied with the indoor thermal environment. The thermal neutral temperature of the elderly was 25.9 °C in summer and 23.8 °C in winter. Future weather data was used to predict the future heating and cooling loads of the nursing home. The results showed that the total heat load may not change significantly, as the decrease in heating load compensates for the increase in cooling load. This study will serve as a useful reference for a wide range of stakeholders, including managers and designers of nursing homes.
An assessment of 2 watershed models to meet watershed planning needs

Abstract Hanson R, Hammond Rowan J, Green M. 2022. As assessment of 2 watershed models to meet watershed planning needs. Lake Reserv Manage. 38:16–27. Watershed models provide a quantitative approach for estimating loads, providing source load estimates, and evaluating various management alternatives to determine the best and most efficient actions to reduce pollutant loads. For watershed plans to be approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state agencies and to obtain Clean Water Act Section 319 funding, a modeling component is required. In this study, we tested 2 watershed quality models, STEPL and SWAT, in a New Hampshire watershed to determine, when there are limited data available, whether the investment of resources required for a more complex model produces a more accurate understanding of phosphorus loads for the purpose of watershed planning. We found that while a simple model such as STEPL does not provide understanding of the complexities and unique nature of different watersheds, it easily provides quantitative estimates of long-term mean pollutant loads that, based on available data and state guidance, are adequate for watershed planning purposes. A more sophisticated model, such as SWAT, can provide more insight into watershed dynamics, but to be used to its full potential it requires far more data and expertise than may exist in watershed groups and municipalities involved with applied watershed management planning. We recommend that watershed plans include goals for implementing studies that produce rich datasets and more sophisticated modeling as a long-term watershed management objective to improve understanding about watershed dynamics and predict how management actions will affect pollutant loads to achieve overall water quality improvement goals.
The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology: A Meta-Analysis

The Paris System (TPS) for Reporting Urinary Cytology is a standardized, evidence-based reporting system, comprising seven diagnostic categories: nondiagnostic, negative for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (NHGUC), atypical urothelial cells (AUC), suspicious for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (SHGUC), HGUC, low-grade urothelial neoplasm (LGUN), and other malignancies. This study aimed to calculate the pooled risk of high-grade malignancy (ROHM) of each category and demonstrate the diagnostic accuracy of urine cytology reported with TPS. Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, while data were extracted and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The pooled ROHM was 17.70% for the nondiagnostic category (95% CI, 0.0650; 0.3997), 13.04% for the NHGUC (95% CI, 0.0932; 0.1796), 38.65% for the AUC (95% CI, 0.3042; 0.4759), 12.45% for the LGUN (95% CI, 0.0431; 0.3101), 76.89 for the SHGUC (95% CI, 0.7063; 0.8216), and 91.79% for the HGUC and other malignancies (95% CI, 0.8722; 0.9482). A summary ROC curve was created and the Area Under the Curve (AUC) was 0.849, while the pooled sensitivity was 0.669 (95% CI, 0.589; 0.741) and false-positive rate was 0.101 (95% CI, 0.063; 0.158). In addition, the pooled DOR of the included studies was 21.258 (95% CI, 14.336; 31.522). TPS assigns each sample into a diagnostic category linked with a specific ROHM, guiding clinical management.
Regulation of the Emissions of the Greenhouse Gas Nitrous Oxide by the Soybean Endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens

The greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) has strong potential to drive climate change. Soils are a major source of N2O, with microbial nitrification and denitrification being the primary processes involved in such emissions. The soybean endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens is a model microorganism to study denitrification, a process that depends on a set of reductases, encoded by the napEDABC, nirK, norCBQD, and nosRZDYFLX genes, which sequentially reduce nitrate (NO3−) to nitrite (NO2−), nitric oxide (NO), N2O, and dinitrogen (N2). In this bacterium, the regulatory network and environmental cues governing the expression of denitrification genes rely on the FixK2 and NnrR transcriptional regulators. To understand the role of FixK2 and NnrR proteins in N2O turnover, we monitored real-time kinetics of NO3−, NO2−, NO, N2O, N2, and oxygen (O2) in a fixK2 and nnrR mutant using a robotized incubation system. We confirmed that FixK2 and NnrR are regulatory determinants essential for NO3− respiration and N2O reduction. Furthermore, we demonstrated that N2O reduction by B. diazoefficiens is independent of canonical inducers of denitrification, such as the nitrogen oxide NO3−, and it is negatively affected by acidic and alkaline conditions. These findings advance the understanding of how specific environmental conditions and two single regulators modulate N2O turnover in B. diazoefficiens.
The Role of Selenium in Pathologies: An Updated Review

Selenium is an essential microelement required for a number of biological functions. Selenium—and more specifically the amino acid selenocysteine—is present in at least 25 human selenoproteins involved in a wide variety of essential biological functions, ranging from the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration to the biosynthesis of hormones. These processes also play a central role in preventing and modulating the clinical outcome of several diseases, including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, mental disorders, cardiovascular disorders, fertility impairments, inflammation, and infections (including SARS-CoV-2). Over the past years, a number of studies focusing on the relationship between selenium and such pathologies have been reported. Generally, an adequate selenium nutritional state—and in some cases selenium supplementation—have been related to improved prognostic outcome and reduced risk of developing several diseases. On the other hand, supra-nutritional levels might have adverse effects. The results of recent studies focusing on these topics are summarized and discussed in this review, with particular emphasis on advances achieved in the last decade.
Effects of the Covid‐19 pandemic on derivatives markets: Evidence from global futures and options exchanges

Abstract We examine key developments in trade‐related activity on global derivatives markets during the Covid‐19 pandemic. We first document significant increases in volumes and open interest. Drawing upon techniques from network theory, we next find greater market interconnectedness and notable changes in market centrality. For US exchanges, we examine their response to the increased market uncertainty and find large and more frequent changes to margin requirements. We also find a considerable drop in trader participation driven mainly by noncommercial traders along with an increase in the percent of open interest held by commercial shorts and noncommercial longs.
A Literature Review of Minimally Invasive Endodontic Access Cavities - Past, Present and Future

Minimally invasive endodontic access cavities have gained popularity in academic discussions for their clinical applications in recent years. Although some studies showed an improved fracture resistance of endodontically-treated teeth accessed with a minimally invasive access cavity design, the resulting effectiveness and efficiency of subsequent root canal treatment procedures may be impaired. Aspects that may be impaired are canal detection and negotiation, chemomechanical debridement of the root canal system, quality of the obturation. These are potentially complicated by the increased incidence of procedural mishaps and compromised aesthetic outcomes. In addition, the inherent flaws presented in the methodology of some in vitro studies and the lack of a universal classification system are also of concern. This literature review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the development of the minimally invasive endodontic access cavity and summarise the currently available from a clinical context.
Adsorption Properties and Composition of Binary Kolliphor Mixtures at the Water–Air Interface at Different Temperatures

The studies on the adsorption properties and composition of the adsorbed monolayer at the water–air interface of the binary Kolliphor® ELP (ELP) and Kolliphor® RH 40 (RH40) mixtures based on the measurements of the surface tension (γLV) of their aqueous solution in the temperature range from 293 to 318 K were carried out. The γLV isotherms were described by the exponential function of the second order and the Szyszkowski equation as well as predicted by Fainerman and Miller equation. The obtained γLV isotherms were analyzed using the exponential function of the second order, the Szyszkowski, Fainerman and Miller as well as independent adsorption equations. The γLV isotherms were also used for determination of the Gibbs surface excess concentration of RH40, ELP and their mixture (Γ) at the water–air interface as well as the mixed monolayer composition. Based on Γ and the constant a in the Szyszkowski equation, the standard thermodynamic functions of adsorption were considered. From the consideration dealing with the γLV isotherms obtained by us, it results, among others, that these isotherms for the non-ideal solution of macromolecular surfactants mixture can be predicted using the Fainerman and Miller equation. From this consideration, it also results that a simple method proposed by us, based on the isotherms of RH40 and ELP, allows us to predict the composition of their mixed monolayer in the whole concentration range of RH40 and ELP in the bulk phase.
Transport Turnover Rates for Human OCT2 and MATE1 Expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells

MATE1 (multidrug and toxin extruder 1) and OCT2 (organic cation transporter 2) play critical roles in organic cation excretion by the human kidney. The transporter turnover rate (TOR) is relevant to understanding both their transport mechanisms and interpreting the in vitro–in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) required for physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. Here, we use a quantitative western blot method to determine TORs for MATE1 and OCT2 proteins expressed in CHO cells. MATE1 and OCT2, each with a C-terminal V-5 epitope tag, were cell surface biotinylated and the amount of cell surface MATE1 and OCT2 protein was quantified by western analysis, using standard curves for the V5 epitope. Cell surface MATE1 and OCT2 protein represented 25% and 24%, respectively, of the total expression of these proteins in CHO cells. The number of cell surface transporters was ~55 fmol cm−2 for MATE1 and ~510 fmol cm−2 for OCT2. Dividing these values into the different Jmax values for transport of MPP, metformin, and atenolol mediated by MATE1 and OCT2 resulted in calculated TOR values (±SE, n = 4) of 84.0 ± 22.0 s−1 and 2.9 ± 0.6 s−1; metformin, 461.0 ± 121.0 s−1 and 12.6 ± 2.4 s−1; atenolol, 118.0 ± 31.0 s−1, respectively. These values are consistent with the TOR values determined for a variety of exchangers (NHEs), cotransporters (SGLTs, Lac permease), and uniporters (GLUTs, ENTs).
Adolescent dating and relationship quality: The role of exposure to intimate partner violence in early childhood

Children who grow up with exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) experience disproportionately greater cognitive, psychological, and emotional impairments when compared to their peers. Increasingly, research has provided evidence of the long-lasting effects of IPV exposure throughout the life course. This study uses data from four waves (baseline and Years 1, 3, and 15) of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) to examine how IPV exposure affects adolescents’ dating behavior and relationship quality at Year 15. Results indicate that those adolescents with exposure to physical violence at Years 1 and 3 were more likely to be in dating relationships at Year 15 than those without (effect size = 0.40), and for adolescents who were in a dating relationship at Year 15, IPV exposure, particularly exposure to physical violence, significantly reduced relationship quality (effect size = −0.24). These findings call for early screening of IPV exposure among mothers, children, and adolescents, as well as interventions to support victimized mothers and promote healthy adolescent relationships.
Effects of Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) composts on biochemical, phytochemical and nutraceutical quality of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) seeds

A study on the potential for agronomic valorisation of Jatropha curcas co-products in rainfed agriculture was conducted in Burkina Faso to determine the impacts of compost-based by-products of Jatropha on the nutritional quality of the sorghum seeds produced. The effect of 13 composts was evaluated and compared to a control. Sorghum seed parameters determined were total phenolics, total flavonoids, starch, total sugars, phorbol esters and antioxidant activities measured with DPPH and FRAP protocols. The results have showed a statistically significant difference between the treatments for all parameters. Correlations between the different parameters mean a simultaneous improving of biochemical parameters of sorghum. The ferric reduction ability power was significantly and positively correlated to total phenolics (r = 0.792) and flavonoids (r = 0.602) content. The analysis of the main components has enabled the various treatments to be divided into 4 groups. Flavonoid content and FRAP activity are closely related to the treatment BM+CP. The treatments for the control group have improved total polyphenol content and DDPH activity. The others groups have improved starch and carbohydrate content. The phorbol ester dosage revealed no contamination of sorghum seeds. These results suggest that Jatropha by-products compost can be used as an alternative or complement to chemical fertilizers for soil fertility improvement.