Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Universal Chain-End Coupling Conditions for Brominated Polystyrenes, Polyacrylates, and Polymethacrylates

Atom transfer radical coupling (ATRC), performed with or without radical traps, has allowed for high extents of coupling (Xc) for a variety of brominated polymers, yet structurally different polymeric chain ends require unique reagents and reaction conditions. Inspired by a similar study that focused on universal conditions for the controlled polymerization of different monomers using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), this work focuses on developing a single set of conditions (or conditions with as little variation as possible) that will achieve extents of coupling greater than 80% or end-brominated chains of polystyrene (PSBr), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMABr), and poly(methyl acrylate) (PMABr). The radical traps α-phenyl-tert-butylnitrone (PBN), 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP), and nitrosobenzene (NBz) were chosen in this study, along with copper catalysts, reducing agents, and nitrogen-based ligands. Ultimately, a single set of effective reaction conditions was identified with the only difference being the radical trap used: MNP was effective for coupling PSBr and PMABr while NBz was necessary to achieve similarly high extents of coupling for PMMABr.
The Side Hustle Safety Net: Precarious Workers and Gig Work during COVID-19

While social distancing measures are essential in limiting the impact of a pandemic, such measures are often less feasible for low-income groups such as precarious workers who continue to travel on public transit and are less able to practice social distancing measures. In this paper, based on in-depth remote interviews conducted from April 2020 through June 2020, with more than 130 gig and precarious workers in New York City, we find that precarious workers experience three main hurdles in regard to accessing unemployment assistance that can be broadly categorized as knowledge, sociological, and temporal/financial barriers. Drawing on worker interview responses, we have named these responses: (1) Didn’t Know, (2) Didn’t Want, and (3) Can’t Wait. These challenges have led workers to turn to gig and precarious work, further highlighting the inequities of the pandemic. As a result, for some workers, so-called “side hustles” have become their primary social safety net.
Lapland Granulite Belt–Neoarchean subduction zone in the North-Eastern Baltic shield

This paper represents a geological review of the Lapland Granulite Belt (LGB). Description of the general geological framework of the LGB complex is coupled with reviews of the geochronological data, metamorphism, mineral endowment and concludes with a discussion of the geotectonic models. It is shown that the belt was formed in the Neoarchean (2703 ± 9 Ma using the U-Pb method) and consists of two compositionally different units. The lower member with dominating amphibolites is interpreted as metamorphosed volcanics, while the upper member is mainly composed of metamorphosed sandstones. It is noted that the composition and structure of the LGB complex are broadly consistent with typical Phanerozoic island-arc complexes. An interpretation of the LGB complex as a Neoarchean island-arc system is proposed. It is consistent with existing geodynamic interpretations of the adjacent terrains and, in general, fits the global geodynamic model of the supracrustal Archean complexes in the Baltic Shield.
Multifaceted Comparison Efficiency and Emission Characteristics of Multi-Fuel Power Generator Fueled by Different Fuels and Biofuels

The negative effect of liquid and gaseous fuel combustion is toxic gases (i.e., carbon and nitrogen oxides NOx) and particulate matter (PM) formation. The content of harmful and toxic components of exhaust gases is strongly dependent on the quality and type of burnt fuel. Experimental research is required to verify the use of current technical and technological solutions for the production of electricity on farms, using various types of conventional fuels and biofuels. The aim of the current research was to comprehensively verify the use of commonly available fuels and biofuels without adapting the internal combustion engine. Gaseous fuels—propane-butane mixture (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and biogas (BG)—were added to liquid fuels—methyl esters of higher fatty acids (RME) and diesel fuel (DF)—in six different power configurations to evaluate the effect on the emission of toxic gases: carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), nitric dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM), and the efficiency of fuel conversion. The use of RME in various configurations with gaseous fuels increased the emission of oxides and reduced the emission of PM. Increasing the share of LPG and CNG significantly increased the level of NO emissions. The use of gaseous fuels reduced the efficiency of the generator, particularly in the case of co-firing with DF. For medium and high loads, the lowest decrease in efficiency was recorded for the RME configuration with BG. Taking into account the compromise between individual emissions and the configuration of RME with BG, the most advantageous approach is to use it in power generators.
Inflammatory and Immune Biomarkers in Predicting the Severity in COVID-19

Aims: An early diagnosis of severity can be confidently judged by monitoring the serum biomarkers in patients with COVID-19. The study was thus aimed to explore the relationship of the inflammatory and immune biomarkers in predicting the severity of the disease. Study design: It is a retrospective observational study. Methodology: The study included 79 confirmed cases of COVID-19 who had complete clinical record for the analytical variables. All cases were assigned a total clinical score as per their clinical manifestations, associated co-morbidities and mortality outcome. Laboratory inflammatory and immune biomarkers at the time of admission were noted. Original Research Article Prasad et al.; JAMMR, 33(13): 1-13, 2021; Article no.JAMMR. 68277 2 Results: The mean age of the study population was 55.38 (1.69) years. The percentage of admission for males (67.1%) was twice that of females (32.9%). Serum LDH (p=0.003) and ferritin (0.019) levels were remarkably raised in severe form. Total clinical score denoted a positive correlation with the inflammatory biomarkers (p<0.001). IgM exhibited a significant negative trend with increasing clinical score (p<0.001) and CRP levels (p=0.022) of the patients. The multivariate analysis reflected that the total clinical score was significantly influenced by initial SpO2 values (0.011), serum ferritin (0.027), IgM (0.001) and C3 levels (0.044) in the COVID-19 patients. Lower serum C3 values significantly influenced the hospitalization duration in moderate cases (p=0.034) and total clinical score in severe cases (p=0.01). Conclusion: The findings of the study signified that besides serum ferritin, a serial and close monitoring of serum IgM with complement factor C3 would aid in early prediction of clinical severity and thus guide physicians to start effective management strategy.
Pre-Arrest Perceptions of George Zimmerman’s Guilt in the Fatal Trayvon Martin Shooting: Examining Racial Differences in the Presumption of Guilt

The racial gradient hypothesis of comparative conflict theory predicts Black people perceive the greatest social injustices, followed by Latinx and white people, respectively. This study used nationally representative data collected prior to George Zimmerman’s arrest to examine whether racial groups (Black, Latinx, white) differed in their perceptions that Zimmerman was guilty of a crime against Trayvon Martin. Logistic regression results revealed Black participants were 98% more likely than white participants to perceive Zimmerman as guilty. Latinx perceptions of Zimmerman’s guilt did not significantly differ from those of Black or white participants. Findings suggest some Latinx individuals may not fully appreciate how the same U.S. racial hierarchy that harms Latinx communities also works to produce anti-Black violence.
Computed tomographic features of the proximal petrous facial nerve canal in recurrent Bell's palsy

The primary objective was to determine whether the narrowest dimensions of the labyrinthine facial nerve (LFN) canal on the symptomatic side in patients with unilateral recurrent Bell's palsy (BP) differ from those on the contralateral side or in asymptomatic, age‐ and gender‐matched controls on computed tomography (CT). The secondary objectives were to assess the extent of bony covering at the geniculate ganglion and to record inter‐observer reliability of the CT measurements.
Application of Commercial Surface Pretreatments on the Formation of Cerium Conversion Coating (CeCC) over High-Strength Aluminum Alloys 2024-T3 and 7075-T6

The selection of appropriate surface pretreatments is one of the pending issues for the industrial application of cerium-based chemical conversion coatings (CeCC) as an alternative for toxic chromate conversion coating (CrCC). A two-step surface pretreatment based on commercial products has been successfully used here to obtain CeCC on AA2024-T3 and AA7075-T6. Specimens processed for 1 to 15 min in solutions containing CeCl3 and H2O2 have been studied by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES), potentiodynamic linear polarization (LP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and neutral salt spray (NSS) tests. SEM-EDX showed that CeCC was firstly observed as deposits, followed by a general coverage of the surface with the formation of cracks where the coating was getting thicker. GDOES confirmed an increase of the CeCC thickness as the deposition proceed, the formation of CeCC over 7075 being faster than over 2024. There was a Ce-rich layer in both alloys and an aluminum oxide/hydroxide layer on 7075 between the upper Ce-rich layer and the aluminum matrix. According to LP and EIS, CeCC in all samples offered cathodic protection and comparable degradation in chloride-containing media. Finally, the NSS test corroborated the anti-corrosion properties of the CeCC obtained after the commercial pretreatments employed.
Implication of RAS in Postnatal Cardiac Remodeling, Fibrosis and Dysfunction Induced by Fetal Undernutrition

Fetal undernutrition is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Male offspring from rats exposed to undernutrition during gestation (MUN) exhibit oxidative stress during perinatal life and develop cardiac dysfunction in ageing. Angiotensin-II is implicated in oxidative stress-mediated cardiovascular fibrosis and remodeling, and lactation is a key developmental window. We aimed to assess if alterations in RAS during lactation participate in cardiac dysfunction associated with fetal undernutrition. Control dams received food ad libitum, and MUN had 50% nutrient restriction during the second half of gestation. Both dams were fed ad libitum during lactation, and male offspring were studied at weaning. We assessed: ventricular structure and function (echocardiography); blood pressure (intra-arterially, anesthetized rats); collagen content and intramyocardial artery structure (Sirius red, Masson Trichromic); myocardial and intramyocardial artery RAS receptors (immunohistochemistry); plasma angiotensin-II (ELISA) and TGF-β1 protein expression (Western Blot). Compared to Control, MUN offspring exhibited significantly higher plasma Angiotensin-II and a larger left ventricular mass, as well as larger intramyocardial artery media/lumen, interstitial collagen and perivascular collagen. In MUN hearts, TGF-β1 tended to be higher, and the end-diastolic diameter and E/A ratio were significantly lower with no differences in ejection fraction or blood pressure. In the myocardium, no differences between groups were detected in AT1, AT2 or Mas receptors, with MrgD being significantly lower in the MUN group. In intramyocardial arteries from MUN rats, AT1 and Mas receptors were significantly elevated, while AT2 and MrgD were lower compared to Control. Conclusions. In rats exposed to fetal undernutrition, RAS disbalance and associated cardiac remodeling during lactation may set the basis for later heart dysfunction.
The Prevalence and Factors associated with Burnout among Sudanese Health Care Professionals at Primary Health Care Centers in Wad Madani Al-Kubra (Sudan), and Sharjah (UAE), 20 October – 20 November 2020

Burnout has long been recognized as a major problem among healthcare professionals and has become much more prevalent in the last decades. Beside healthcare professionals, it also negatively impacts the quality of health care services and patients. To identify the prevalence and factors associated with burnout among health care professionals at primary health care center in Wad Madani Al-Kubra (Sudan) and Sharjah (UAE). This is a comparative, analytical, cross-sectional health facility-based study conducted in primary health care (PHC) at Wad Madani Al-Kubra (Sudan) and Sharjah (UAE). The study assessed burnout among (75 participants in Wad Madani) out of 77 health care professionals with response rate of (97.4%), as well as it assessed (75 participants in Sharjah) out of 86 health care professionals with response rate of (87.2%). For assessment of burnout, the study calculated its prevalence and grade using method of evaluation modified from Maslach Burnout Inventory. All participants whose score was >10 out of 30 considered as positive for burnout. Low, moderate and high burnout was reported for cases score (<10, 11-20, 21-30). Chi-Square test was used for calculation of significance at P value < 0.05 and 95% CI. The data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, ver. 25). Females in Wad Madani & Sharjah groups were (82.7% and 77.3% respectively). Prevalence of burnout in Madani and Sharjah groups was reported with a considerable percentage (45.3% and 57.3%), (P value = 0.096). Low burnout was reported in 52(69.3%) for each of Wad Madani and Sharjah group. High burnout was reported in only 3 participants in Wad Madani group. Burnout is significantly higher among females when compared to males (57.5% vs. 26.7% respectively, P = 0.002). Burnout is significantly increase within increasing in number of patients met per day. The prevalence rate of medical personnel burnout in Alsharja primary health centers, UAE was found slightly higher than Wad Madani group, but no a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Recognition of burnout by health authorities and putting measures to rectify it.
Strength and Durability of Cement-Treated Lateritic Soil

The transportation infrastructure, including low-volume roads in some regions, needs to be constructed on weak ground, implying the necessity of soil stabilization. Untreated and cement-treated lateritic soil for low-volume road suitability were studied based on Malaysian standards. A series of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests was performed for four cement doses (3%, 6%, 9%, 12%) for different curing times. According to Malaysian standards, the study suggested 6% cement and 7 days curing time as the optimum cement dosage and curing time, respectively, based on their 0.8 MPa UCS values. The durability test indicated that the specimens treated with 3% cement collapsed directly upon soaking in water. Although the UCS of 6% cement-treated specimens decreased against wetting–drying (WD) cycles, the minimum threshold based on Malaysian standards was still maintained against 15 WD cycles. On the contrary, the durability of specimens treated with 9% and 12% cement represented a UCS increase against WD cycles. FESEM results indicated the formation of calcium aluminate hydrate (CAH), calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), and calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (CASH) as well as shrinking of pore size when untreated soil was mixed with cement. The formation of gels (CAH, CSH, CASH) and decreasing pore size could be clarified by EDX results in which the increase in cement content increased calcium.
Fleeing as an activity of waiting: Visual representations of the world’s refugee situation on Médecins Sans Frontière Sweden’s website

This article explores how the world’s refugee situation is constructed discursively in photographs on the website of Médecins Sans Frontière (MSF) Sweden in order to discern what discourses humanitarian aid communication draws upon to frame the world’s refugee situation as being worthy of support. The main conclusion is that the refugee situation is portrayed as an activity of waiting, where forcibly displaced people are restrained from continuing on with their lives. By highlighting personal experiences, the phenomenon of flight is humanised: Refugees are constructed in need of support, and MSF is constructed as actionable and trustworthy. The website’s visitors, are invited to become a part of and to engage in the life of the refugees and the work performed by the organisation. Due to a combination of different styles of appealing the overall image of the refugee situation draws on discourses of morality, solidarity, ethnical and gender equality.
Annual greenhouse gas emissions from sheepfolds and cattle sheds

Livestock sheds are local and regional hotspots of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, but only very few studies analyse the intensities of GHG emissions from this source. The objective of this study was to quantify annual CH4, CO2 and N2O emissions from inside and outside of sheepfolds and summer cattle sheds in a typical agro‐pastoral ecotone using static chamber technique. Both sheepfolds and cattle shed functioned as huge net sources of CH4 and N2O at annual scale. Animal presence increased CH4, CO2 and N2O effluxes for up to 1100 times compared to the animal sheds without animals. N2O emissions boosted for 160%–280% during and after rainfall and spring‐thaw events. The CH4 and CO2 fluxes increased exponentially with faeces temperature for the outside sheepfold and summer cattle shed. The annual GHG emissions from both sheepfolds and summer cattle shed were 56 t CO2 equivalents ha−1, of which N2O contributed to 94%. Sheepfold dominated the total GHG emissions from animal sheds and accounted for 83% of the annual GHG flux. Annual emission on a per animal basis was 15, 0.2 and 28 kg CO2 eq year−1 sheep−1 and 26, 10 and 140 kg CO2 eq year−1 cattle−1 for N2O, CH4 and CO2, respectively. The annual N2O emissions from animal sheds were 70–250 times larger than nearby grassland soils, which were also net sink for atmospheric CH4. Concluding, animal sheds are very intensive local hotspots of GHG emissions, which should be considered at the local and regional scales.
The Relationships of Texture and Hydrophysical Properties in Soil Profiles Under Selected Exotic Trees in the Context of Climate Change in Central Europe

Suitable soil and environmental conditions are the main prerequisites for successful growth of plants. Generally, all soil properties are substantially affected by textural composition. Therefore, the objective of the study was to test the interrelationships between particle size distribution and such physical soil properties, which usually predetermine the survival/death of plants, since they significantly affect the content and availability of water and air. Textural composition and physical soil properties were studied in profiles under monocultures of selected exotic trees in Arboretum Mlyňany, Slovakia. The results showed that medium-textured dominated in topsoils, whereas heavy-textured classes were dominant in luvic and stagnic horizons. Evaluation of entire profiles had confirmed standard, expected relationships between the individual grain fractions and soil physical properties. However, differences have occurred when the correlations between texture and physical properties in individual horizons were evaluated. Considering entire soil profiles, increased sand content significantly supported drainage of rainwater and soil aeration; silt contributed to increase the total porosity and aeration as well as available water capacity; clay contributed to the decrease in the available water capacity, total, and particularly coarse porosity and aeration, and to rise water retention, as well as the values of the wilting point. The results showed silt as key fraction providing suitable hydrophysical properties for the survival and growth of trees introduced in Arboretum. In compacted luvic and stagnic horizons, silt was significantly involved in the formation of total, and particularly coarse porosity and thereby increase soil aeration, while conversely, in loose topsoils just silt fraction significantly contributed to the reduction of coarse pores and increase of fine capillary pores and therefore water retention. In loose eluvial horizons, the silt contributed to significant increases in capillary porosity and water availability, which is essential in terms of meeting the plant needs.
Public debt and economic growth: contemporary evidence from a developing economy

Purpose Considering the continuous rise in the public debt stock of developing countries (particularly Ghana) with the unstable economic growth rate for the past decades and the recent borrowing because of the impact of COVID 19, this paper aims to examine the causal relationships between public debt and economic growth over time. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a dynamic multivariate autoregressive-distributed lag (ARDL)-based Granger-causality model to test the causal relationships between public debt and economic growth [gross domestic product (GDP)]. Annual time-series data that spanned 1978–2018 were sourced from the World Bank Development Indicator database and the IMF fiscal Affairs Department Database and WEO. Findings The results reveal that public debt has no causal relationship with GDP in the short-run but there is unidirectional Granger causality running from public debt to GDP in the long run. Again, investment spending has a negative bi-directional causal relationship with GDP in the short-run but they have a positive bi-directional causal relationship in the long run. Conversely, no short-run causal relationship exists between government consumption expenditure and GDP but long-run Granger causality runs from government consumption expenditure to GDP. Finally, public debt has a positive impact on the inflation rate in the short run. Practical implications The findings imply that government(s) must ensure high fiscal discipline to serve as a precursor for the effective and efficient use of recent borrowing, that is, the loans should be used for highly prioritized projects (preferably investment spending) that are well evaluated and self-sustained to add positively to the GDP. Originality/value This paper provides contemporary findings to augment extant literature on public debt and economic growth by using variables and empirical models, which prior studies could not sufficiently cover in a developing country perspective and affirms that public debt contributes to GDP only in the long run.