Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Beyond Tracking: The Relationship of Opportunity to Learn and Diminished Math Outcomes for U.S. High School Students

Background/Context: In this study, we draw on evolving definitions of opportunity to learn (OTL) to conceptualize mathematics OTL has having two main components: structural OTL, defined by gatekeeping access to specific mathematics courses through the process of tracking, and instructional OTL, defined by the learning experiences of students in their mathematics courses. We also conceptualize both of these aspects of OTL as occurring in the current educational milieu, where sociopolitical factors reward or punish specific school strategies. Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study: This study seeks to examine, using an OTL framework, the relationship between high school math teachers’ instructional practices, students’ course tracks in mathematics, students’ perceptions of mathematics, and students’ distal measures of academic attainment, including completion of advanced math coursework and completion of a high school diploma. Research Design: Using latent class analysis, this secondary data analysis analyzed the 2009 High School Longitudinal Study data from the National Center for Educational Statistics to examine mathematics instructional OTL based on math teachers’ objectives of emphasis and its relationship to structural OTL in the form of course tracking. Findings/Results: We identified “Enriched” and “Rote Knowledge and Skills” latent classes of math OTL. Teachers providing Enriched OTL emphasize the widest variety of objectives, including cognitively demanding problem-solving and logic objectives and practical applications of mathematics, while teachers providing Rote Knowledge OTL emphasize basic computation, algorithms, and computation skills. Black students, Hispanic students, and students living in poverty were more likely to be in math OTL classes focused primarily on basic concepts, algorithms, and computation, with little to no emphasis in more applied and cognitively demanding math course objectives, and they were less likely to be enrolled in advanced ninth-grade math courses. Students in Rote Knowledge OTL courses with little to no emphasis in applied and cognitively demanding math course objectives had lower mathematics identity and self-efficacy, and math achievement. Conclusions/Recommendations: This study adds to the literature suggesting that students in the United States experience an opportunity gap rather than an achievement gap, and that opportunity gaps are both structural and instructional. This study also adds to the literature suggesting student sorting systems are inherently unequal and must be addressed through policy, leadership, and cultural shifts in both schools and districts.
A new transformerless semi‐quadratic buck–boost converter based on combination of Cuk and traditional buck–boost converters

In this paper, a new transformerless buck–boost converter is proposed. This converter is based on combining two basic converters, including Cuk and traditional buck–boost converters, along with a voltage multiplier (VM) at the output side. The proposed semi‐quadratic buck–boost converter operates in continuous conduction mode (CCM) and provides two operation modes by turning the switches on and off. This converter has some merits such as a wide conversion ratio and continuous input current. The proposed converter consists of two switches with simultaneous operation resulting in simplicity in control. A modular configuration and a wide range of duty cycles are available through the proposed converter, which causes higher or lower output voltage and facilitates the converter maintenance. The calculations of the ideal and the real voltage gain, voltage stress of switches and diodes, efficiency, and design consideration of elements are given in this paper. Finally, a prototype is implemented, and experimental waveforms are obtained to prove and validate the simulation results as well as the theoretical analysis of the proposed converter.
The Role of Leadership and Motivation in Mediating the influence of the Work Environment on the Performance of Banking Employees during the Covid-19 pandemic

This study aims to analyze the role of leadership and motivation in mediating the influence of the work environment on the performance of employees of PT. Bank Mandiri Sorong branch during the covid 19 pandemic. The population in this study were all employees of Bank Madiri Sorong branch with saturated sampling technique. The method of analysis in this research is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on Variance Based or known as Partial Least Square (PLS-SEM) using Smart PLS v3.3. 3 software. Findings. The results showed that the work environment did not directly affect the performance of the employees of Bank Mandiri Sorong Branch. Leadership and motivation can mediate the influence of the work environment on the performance of employees of Bank Mandiri Sorong Branch. The results of this study can be information for the manager of the Sorong branch of Bank Mandiri that to improve the performance of their employees during the covid-19 pandemic, they cannot rely on the work environment alone, but must also be supported by respectful leadership and motivation in the form of health insurance.
Barometric Pumping Through Fractured Rock: A Mechanism for Venting Deep Methane to Mars' Atmosphere

Both the source of methane on Mars and the mechanism for transmission from the subsurface to the atmosphere are not fully understood. Previous seepage simulations have invoked relatively shallow subsurface sources to explain observed methane signatures on Mars. We propose that barometric‐pressure pumping through fracture networks could be an effective mechanism for methane transport from the deep subsurface on Mars. Using atmospheric pressure data gathered by Curiosity as input, we simulate methane gas transport from depths of 200 m to the surface. Even with such a deep source, our model reproduces the observed seasonality of methane, and the simulated surface methane fluxes fall within the range of previous estimates derived from atmospheric observations. Because 200 m is the likely minimum hospitable depth for living methanogenic microbes, our fracture network model indirectly reinvigorates the possibility of a microbial source of methane on Mars.
Tectonic Evolution of the Nevado‐Filábride Complex (Sierra de Los Filábres, Southeastern Spain): Insights From New Structural and Geochronological Data

The high‐pressure metamorphic Nevado‐Filábride Complex (NFC) in the Betics mountain range of southeastern Spain exhibits continental and ocean‐derived tectonic units, which are key for understanding the geodynamic evolution of the Western Mediterranean. We address the current debate in the definition of tectonic units, the emplacement of (ultra)mafic rocks, and the timing of burial metamorphism by conducting a structural study combined with single grain fusion 40Ar/39Ar dating of white micas in structurally critical outcrops of the eastern Sierra de Los Filábres. One older 40Ar/39Ar age population (38–27 Ma) is found at distance from the main shear zones in the relics of an early foliation, while a younger 40Ar/39Ar population (22–12 Ma) is dominant in the vicinity of these shear zones, where the early foliation is obliterated. Both age groups are interpreted as the record of deformation or fluid‐induced recrystallization during distinct fabric‐forming events, while alternative scenarios are discussed. A key observation is the presence of an ophiolitic mélange, which—together with new and published geochronological data—allows for a new tectonic hypothesis. This considers Paleogene subduction beneath a Jurassic oceanic lithosphere, followed by the continued subduction of NFC and overlying ophiolites below the Alpujárride Complex. Exhumation during westward slab roll‐back led to the formation of an extensional detachment system that obliquely cut nappe contacts. Although the timing constraints for high pressure‐low temperature (HP‐LT) metamorphism in the NFC remain inconclusive, the new tectonic hypothesis provides a solution that can account for both Paleogene and Miocene ages of HP‐LT metamorphism.
The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Patients with Malignant Melanoma at a Romanian Academic Center: A Four-Year Retrospective Analysis

Considering cancer patients may be at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease, their oncologic treatment cannot be delayed without risking their oncologic outcomes. Considering this, a comprehensive evaluation is required for the management of malignant diseases such as melanoma. The current study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of cancer care services for patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma in Romania; to document the difference in patients’ addressability and melanoma staging between the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods; as well as to determine the risk factors responsible for disease progression during the pandemic. We developed a retrospective analysis using a monocentric hospital database to compare the final 24 months of the pre-pandemic era to the first 24 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. All outpatients and inpatients with a diagnosis of malignant melanoma were screened during the study period and included in the analysis if matching the inclusion criteria. A total of 301 patients were included in the study, with 163 cases identified in the 24 months before the COVID-19 pandemic and 138 patients during the first 24 months of the pandemic. It was observed during the first two lockdown periods from March to May 2020, and, respectively, from October to December 2020, that significantly fewer patients with malignant melanoma presented for specialized medical care, while there was a statistically significantly lower proportion of outpatients due to COVID-19 restrictions (18.1% vs. 42.9%). The average Breslow depth was 1.1 mm before the pandemic, compared with 1.8 mm during the pandemic (p-value < 0.001). Third-stage patients were the most prevalent during both study periods, although with a statistically significant difference during the pandemic, with an increase from 90 (55.2%) patients to 94 (68.1%) (p-value < 0.001). The significant risk factors for disease progression were advanced AJCC stage (HR = 3.48), high Breslow index (HR = 3.19), postponed treatment (HR = 2.46), missed appointments (HR = 2.31), anemia at presentation (HR = 1.60), and patient’s age (HR = 1.57). After the pandemic limitations are brought to an end, a broad skin-cancer-screening campaign is warranted to detect the missed cases during COVID-19.
Lifting as You Climb: Social Capital Development Through Aspirational Peer Mentoring

This qualitative study examined the perspectives of Black and Latino high school and undergraduate students involved in an aspirational peer mentoring program for college access. Our findings identified five central themes that contributed to the development of social capital for participants: program expectations and experiences, sustaining relationships, near-peer network support, connecting through symbiotic roles, and keeping the legacy going. Findings contribute to an understanding of the relationship among factors that facilitate social network development.
Pharmacological Screening of Venoms from Five Brazilian Micrurus Species on Different Ion Channels

Coral snake venoms from the Micrurus genus are a natural library of components with multiple targets, yet are poorly explored. In Brazil, 34 Micrurus species are currently described, and just a few have been investigated for their venom activities. Micrurus venoms are composed mainly of phospholipases A2 and three-finger toxins, which are responsible for neuromuscular blockade—the main envenomation outcome in humans. Beyond these two major toxin families, minor components are also important for the global venom activity, including Kunitz-peptides, serine proteases, 5′ nucleotidases, among others. In the present study, we used the two-microelectrode voltage clamp technique to explore the crude venom activities of five different Micrurus species from the south and southeast of Brazil: M. altirostris, M. corallinus, M. frontalis, M. carvalhoi and M. decoratus. All five venoms induced full inhibition of the muscle-type α1β1δε nAChR with different levels of reversibility. We found M. altirostris and M. frontalis venoms acting as partial inhibitors of the neuronal-type α7 nAChR with an interesting subsequent potentiation after one washout. We discovered that M. altirostris and M. corallinus venoms modulate the α1β2 GABAAR. Interestingly, the screening on KV1.3 showed that all five Micrurus venoms act as inhibitors, being totally reversible after the washout. Since this activity seems to be conserved among different species, we hypothesized that the Micrurus venoms may rely on potassium channel inhibitory activity as an important feature of their envenomation strategy. Finally, tests on NaV1.2 and NaV1.4 showed that these channels do not seem to be targeted by Micrurus venoms. In summary, the venoms tested are multifunctional, each of them acting on at least two different types of targets.
Multiple Linear Regression Models with Limited Data for the Prediction of Reference Evapotranspiration of the Peloponnese, Greece

The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of multiple linear regression (MLR) for the estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) of the Peloponnese, Greece, for two representative months of winter and summer during 2016–2019. Another objective was to test the number of inputs needed for satisfactorily accurate estimates via MLR. Datasets from sixty-two meteorological stations were exploited. The available independent variables were sunshine hours (N), mean temperature (Tmean), solar radiation (Rs), net radiation (Rn), wind speed (u2), vapour pressure deficit (es − ea), and altitude (Z). Sixteen MLR models were tested and compared to the corresponding ETo estimates computed by FAO-56 Penman–Monteith (FAO PM) in a previous study, via statistical indices of error and agreement. The MLR5 model with five input variables outperformed the other models (RMSE = 0.28 mm d−1, adj. R2 = 98.1%). Half of the tested models (two to six inputs) exhibited very satisfactory predictions. Models of one input (e.g., N, Rn) were also promising. However, the MLR with u2 as the sole input variable presented the worst performance, probably because its relationship with ETo cannot be linearly described. The results indicate that MLR has the potential to produce very good predictive models of ETo for the Peloponnese, based on the literature standards.
The dynamics of t1 adenosine binding on human Argonaute 2: Understanding recognition with conformational selection

The control of expression in genetic regulation is a fundamental process for cell life. In RNA‐mediated silencing, human Argonaute‐2 protein (hAgo2) uses sequence information encoded in small RNAs (guide) to identify complementary sites in messenger RNAs (target) for repression. The specificity of this molecular recognition lies at the basis of the mechanisms that control the expression of thousands of genes, which necessarily requires a fine tuning of complex events. Among these, the binding of the first nucleotide of the target RNA (t1) is emerging as an important modulator of hAgo2‐mediated machinery. Using atomistic molecular dynamics‐derived analyses, we address the mechanism behind t1‐dependent regulation and study the impact of different t1 nucleotides (t1A, t1C, t1G, t1U) on the conformational dynamics of both hAgo2 and guide–target RNAs. Only when an adenine is found at this position, t1 directly interacts with a specific hAgo2 binding pocket, favoring the stabilization of target binding. Our findings show that hAgo2 exploits a dynamic recognition mechanism of the t1‐target thanks to a modulation of RNA conformations. Here, t1‐adenine is the only nucleobase endowed with a dual binding mode: a T‐shape and a co‐planar conformation, respectively, orthogonal and parallel to the following base‐pairs of guide–target duplex. This triggers a composite set of molecular interactions that stabilizes distinctive conformational ensembles. Our comparative analyses show characteristic traits of local and global dynamic interplay between hAgo2 and the RNA molecules and highlight how t1A binding acts as a molecular switch for target recognition and complex stabilization. Implications for future mechanistic studies are discussed.
Effects of Periodontal Splints on Biomechanical Behaviors in Compromised Periodontal Tissues and Cement Layer: 3D Finite Element Analysis

Background: In this study, we evaluated the effect of periodontal splints made from different materials on the stress distributions in compromised periodontal tissues and cement layers, using a computer simulation of mastication. Methods: Twenty-five 3D models were created for a segment of mandibular teeth with different periodontal splints bilaterally extended to the canines. The models were divided into five groups according to the different materials and thicknesses (mm) of the splints: the non-splinted group, PEEK 0.7 group, PEEK 1.0 group, FRC group, and titanium group. Each group was subdivided based on five bone loss levels. Tooth 41 of each model was subjected to vertical and oblique (θ = 45°) static loads of 100 N, respectively, onto the incisal edge. The von Mises stresses and maximum principal stress were analyzed using Abaqus software. Results: Oblique loading resulted in higher stresses on periodontal tissues, cement layers, and splints than those caused by vertical loading. The lower the supporting bone level, the greater the stress difference between the splinted groups and the non-splinted group. In model 133,331, with severe bone loss, the maximum von Mises stress values on the alveolar bone in tooth 41 under oblique loading dramatically decreased from 406.4 MPa in the non-splinted group to 28.62 MPa in the PEEK group and to 9.59 MPa in the titanium group. The four splinted groups presented similar stress distributions in periodontal tissues. The lowest stress level on the splint was observed in the PEEK 0.7 group, and the highest stress level was transferred to the cement layer in this group. Stress concentrations were primarily exhibited at the connectors near the load-carrying area. Conclusions: The tested splinted groups were all effective in distributing the loads on periodontal tissues around splinted teeth with similar patterns. Using splinting materials with low elastic moduli reduced the stress concentration at the splint connectors, whereas the tensile stress concentration was increased in the cement layer. Thus, the use of adhesive cement with a higher elastic modulus is recommended when applying less rigid PEEK splints.
Gender differences in sexual risk behaviors among population with substance use disorders, Iran

ABSTRACT Objective We examined gender differences in Sexual Risk Behaviors (SRBs) in Iranian individuals with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). Methods A cross-sectional study conducted from late 2018 to the end of 2019 in Tehran province, Iran. Six outpatient drug-free (ODF) and methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) centers were selected. A total of 600 eligible participants (300 men; 300 women) were included in the study. Participants were investigated by trained interviewers using a questionnaire to collect information on SRBs. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24. Results Nearly 75% of participants (64% men and 84.3% women) reported at least one lifetime experience of SRBs. Men were 62% less likely than women to have SRBs. Also, 34.7% women and 3% men had reported sexual violence. Twenty-eight percent of women and 22% of men had a history of group sex. Sixty-nine women (23%) and 20 men (6.7%) reported having had sex with intravenous drug use (IDU) partner. During the past year, the majority of participants never consistently used condoms (83%) in their sexual encounters. Conclusions Iranian women with SUDs are more likely to be involved in SRBs than their men counterparts. The differences highlighted in this study should inform treatment centers to include “safer sex” interventions in their treatment programs.
Narrowing the gap in regional and age-specific excess mortality during the COVID-19 in Hungary

In the first year and a half of the pandemic, the excess mortality in Hungary was 28,400, which was 1,700 lower than the official statistics on COVID-19 deaths. This discrepancy can be partly explained by the protective measures instated during the COVID-19 pandemic which decreased the intensity of the seasonal flu outbreak, which caused on average 3,000 deaths per year. Compared to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the third wave showed a reduction in the differences in excess mortality between age groups and regions. The excess mortality rate for people aged 75+ fell significantly in the third wave, presumably partly due to the vaccination schedule and the absence of a normal flu season. For people aged 40-74, the excess mortality rate rose slightly in the third wave. Between regions, excess mortality was highest in Northern Hungary and Western Transdanubia, and much lower in Central Hungary, where the capital is located. The excess mortality rate for men was almost twice as high as that for women in almost all age groups.
Grit as a Predictor of Foreign Language Proficiency: An Investigation of Grit and EFL Proficiency in Japanese University Students

Japanese learners of English as a foreign language often do not attain levels of English proficiency that allow them to conduct even simple conversations in English. If a predictor of foreign language learning outcomes were available, educators could potentially identify and support students at risk of poor outcomes. This study investigated the non-cognitive trait of grit as a possible predictor of foreign language learning outcomes in Japanese university students. An online anonymous survey was conducted at two universities in eastern Japan. In addition to demographic information such as sex, age, and year in school, respondents were asked to self-report their most recent score on a standardized test of English, such as TOEIC or TOEFL, as well as their current GPA. Additionally, participants were administered a Japanese translation of the Grit-S measure. After confirming the validity of both the data and the measure, regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between grit and the English proficiency test scores both before and after controlling for prior academic achievement as measured by GPA. It was found that higher grit was predictive of higher English proficiency test scores, even after controlling for GPA. After presenting these findings, the implications of these results and ideas for future research are discussed.