Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MnO2 Nanoflake-Shelled Carbon Nanotube Particles for High-Performance Supercapacitors

We introduce MnO2 nanoflake/carbon nanotube (CNT) core–shell particles for high-performance supercapacitors. The CNT particles prepared by drying the CNT-dispersed aerosol produce a tightly intertwined CNT assembly by internal capillary force, and the subsequent growth of MnO2 on the CNT surface produces a high surface area MnO2 nanoflake shell. We control the amount of MnO2 decoration on the CNT particles and obtain a specific capacitance of 370 F/g at current density of 0.5 A/g upon their supercapacitor electrode application. This capacitance is 14 times higher than that of bare CNT particles and 3 times higher than that of bare MnO2 particles. An asymmetric capacitor based on the MnO2/CNT particle is assembled. The capacitor reveals a remarkably high power density of 225 W/kg. This performance is attributed to the contribution of the high pseudocapacitance of a compact MnO2 nanoflake and the high electrical conductivity of CNT particles with compact packing.
Language attitudes towards English in local and immigrant students in Catalonia: analysis of the joint effect of language competence and region of origin

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the attitudes towards English of autochthonous and immigrant students in Catalonia (Spain) by focusing on their region of origin and their language competence. The research examines the individual and the joint effect of both variables in the development of language attitudes. A questionnaire was administered to 954 students of Secondary Education. Results reveal that region of origin and language competence are influential in the development of language attitudes, and there is no joint effect when both variables are included in the same model. Attitudes towards English are predominantly favourable with significant differences between local and immigrant participants. Our results may contribute to a better understanding of the interplay between language and intercultural communication and its implications for education.
Military Service and Offending Behaviors of Emerging Adults: A Conceptual Review

Focusing on the United States, this paper examines the impact of military service for the cohort of individuals that have experienced the social factors that characterize emerging adulthood as a unique stage in the life course. We argue that military service, as a turning point, may act differently in contemporary times compared to findings from past research. This difference is driven by changes in military service, the draft versus volunteer military service, and the prevalence of emerging adulthood. As a background, we describe emerging adulthood, examine how emerging adulthood relates to crime and deviance, explore the impact of military life on young adults, provide an overview of the demographics of military service, discuss the influence and outcomes of military life on young adults, and explore existing research linking military service and deviant and criminal behavior. We develop a theoretical model of the relationship between military service and emerging adulthood and explore the impact on criminological theory and policy.
BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES OF PIGS FINISHED IN DEEP BEDDING AND CONVENTIONAL BED SYSTEMS

The objective of this study was to characterize the thermal environment and evaluate the behavior of finishing pigs housed in deep bedding and conventional systems. The work was carried out in the Department of Animal Science of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Southeast Minas Gerais, Rio Pomba campus. Three pens were used in an installation for breeding pigs in their finishing phase. Two pens contained deep bedding, with wood shavings and rice husks. The remaining pen was a conventional system. The behavior of the piglets was observed from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. , noting the behaviors with the use of an ethogram, while data relating to the thermal environment in the stalls were automatically collected using data loggers. Thermal environment data for all systems presented thermal stress conditions. Regarding behavioral variables, animals in conventional systems had a higher frequency of visits to feeders, while animals in the deep bedding system were more active and visited the drinking fountains more frequently. Despite the higher level of activity of the animals in the deep bedding system, it is not possible to confirm that the deep bedding provides a better degree of well-being for the animals under thermal stress conditions.
The Cosmological Decrease of Galactic Density and the Induced Retarded Gravity Effect on Rotation Curves

Galaxies are huge physical systems having dimensions of many tens of thousands of light years. Thus any change at the galactic center will be noticed at the rim only tens of thousands of years later. Those retardation effects seems to be neglected in present day galactic modelling used to calculate rotational velocities of matter in the rims of the galaxy and surrounding gas. The significant differences between the predictions of Newtonian instantaneous action at a distance and observed velocities are usually explained by either assuming dark matter or by modifying the laws of gravity (MOND). In this paper we will show that taking general relativity seriously without neglecting retardation effects one can explain the radial velocities of galactic matter without postulating dark matter. However, this will rely on a temporal change of galactic mass. We will compare two different mechanisms of density change, one is local, that is accretion of matter from the intergalactic medium. The other is global, that is the cosmological decrease of density due to the cosmic expansion. It will be shown that local effects are much more important in this respect.
Profiling student mental health and counselling effectiveness: lessons from four UK services using complete data and different outcome measures

ABSTRACT There remain barriers to securing robust and complete datasets from counselling embedded in Higher Education (HE). This study aimed to provide the first step towards developing a national dataset of student counselling outcomes drawn from differing outcome measures, platforms and reporting on all clients. Data from four counselling services using two clinical outcome measures and two platforms were pooled and analysed. Students presented to counselling with low levels of wellbeing and functioning, and high levels of depression, anxiety, academic distress and trauma. Counselling was particularly effective for improving depression, anxiety, wellbeing, hostility, social anxiety and academic distress. Results demonstrate value in pooling complete data from HE counselling services and we argue for developing a national dataset of university counselling data.
Fluorescence enhancement of perovskite nanocrystals using photonic crystals

Enhancing the fluorescence of perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) will not only boost the development of perovskite light-emitting devices (LEDs), but also broaden their applications in various photoelectronic areas. However, an effective approach to flexibly enhance different emission colors with high enhancement factors is still desired. In this work, SiO2 photonic crystals (PCs) are designed to couple with the radiative emission of PNCs. Blue, green, and red fluorescent PNCs emitting at 460, 517 and 620 nm are coated onto PCs with SiO2 particle sizes of 200, 230, and 274 nm, respectively. Fluorescence enhancement factors of 22, 12, and 19 are acquired when the excitation power is 0.078 W. Moreover, the enhancement factor noticeably increases with the excitation power. The enhancement factor for blue PNCs is over 250 with an excitation power of 0.09 W. The enhanced fluorescence of PNCs will facilitate the fluorescence signal acquisition with low noise, which is favorable for optical sensing. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate that the luminescence temperature sensing capability of the PNCs on SiO2 PCs is significantly boosted compared to that of the PNCs on glass.
Impression management of South Korean sports stars through image-based social media

Abstract This study used netnography and interviews to explore the sociocultural significance of South Korean sports stars’ impression management using social media. The study investigated Instagram, a widely used image-based social media platform. Through netnography, the study analysed Instagram content, and then it conducted interviews with stars for deeper interpretation. The results showed that the impression management strategies used are multifaceted. Some stars use social media to maintain personal connections, through which they create intimacy by sharing details from their daily lives and engaging in ‘self-expression’ to empathize with and relate to fans, which in turn helps them promote sponsored products or companies. Others intentionally create distance by uploading posts related to their economic and sociocultural capital. Sports stars also engage in ‘role model’ and ‘modesty’ strategies by presenting themselves as good examples on and off the field and uploading posts that promote their humility, appealing to South Korean social values.
Morphological phylogenetics provide new insights into the classification and evolution of fossil soldier beetles from Mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (Coleoptera: Cantharidae)

Cantharidae is a diverse group of soft-bodied beetles and frequently occurs in the Mid-Cretaceous (c. 99 Mya) amber of Myanmar. In the present paper, three new soldier beetles, Cretocantharis veda gen. & sp. nov., Palaeocantharispanna gen. & sp. nov. and Hukawngichthyurus maha sp. nov. are reported. A phylogenetic reconstruction of Cantharidae, including all extant subfamilies and tribes, corroborates a distinct lineage comprising cantharine-like cantharids from Burmese amber as sister to Silini (Silinae), revealing that the current subfamilial placement is probably inadequate. Together with our results and recent molecular phylogenetic frameworks, it reveals that subfamilies of Cantharidae evolved during the Cretaceous period and highlights a probable Gondwanan ancestry of main cantharid groups. Our topology also proposes that the systematically controversial tribe Tytthonyxini of Silinae constitutes an independent clade sister to Malthininae, rather than the component of Silinae. Furthermore, Archaeomalthodes rosetta, previously placed in Malthininae, is recovered as a member of Dysmorphocerinae, representing the oldest fossil record for this subfamily and enhancing the Gondwanan origin hypothesis of Burmese amber biota. The previous interpretation of reticulated elytra as a lycid-mimicry for the Cretaceous cantharid fossils and pleisiomorphy of Cantharidae are challenged and discussed.
‘Fair’ inequality, consumption and climate mitigation

Economic inequality and climate change are pressing issues that have climbed high up the political agenda, yet action to mitigate both remains slow. As income is a key determinant of ecological impacts, the Global North—and wealthier classes elsewhere—are the primary drivers of global carbon emissions, while the least well off have contributed the least yet are set to be hit hardest by climate impacts. These inequalities are clearly unjust, but the interrelations between economic inequality and ecological impacts are complex, leaving open the question of whether reducing the former would mitigate the latter, in the absence of reductions in total economic output. Here, we contribute to these debates by estimating the carbon-footprint implications of reducing income (and hence expenditure) inequalities within 32 countries of the Global North to the levels people consider to be fair; levels that are substantially smaller than currently exist. We find that realising these levels of economic inequality brings comparable reductions in carbon-footprint inequalities. However, in isolation, implementing fair inequalities has a negligible impact upon total emissions. In contrast, recomposing consumption—by reducing inequalities in household expenditure and the overall levels, then reallocating the reductions to public services—reduces carbon footprint by up to 30% in individual countries and 16% overall and, crucially, still allows the consumption of those at the bottom to rise. Such reductions could be significant on a global level, and they would be additional to the full range of conventional technological and demand-side measures to reduce carbon emissions.
A Study of the Causes of Price Fluctuation in Apple Commodity and Consumer Shopping Behavior Based on Taste, Preferences, and Willingness to Pay

The profit margin on the retailer’s side is thin, so increasing the consumer’s willingness to pay is crucial for the supply side to earn more profit. In this paper, the authors develop a taste test to see if consumers’ preference for organic and local apples can alter their taste perception for the same apple. The result showed consumer’s preference does change his/her taste preference on the same apple. Besides the experiment, the authors also design a survey to know the consumer’s shopping preferences and the exact willingness to pay. The survey results show that consumers are in support of Local Apples as compared to Organic Apples but are willing to pay more for Organic Apples than Local Apples. Another conclusion that can be drawn is that this survey indicates that there is a huge profit margin for retailers as consumers are willing to pay more for organic apples than the average market price for the apples.
Improved carriers injection capacity in perovskite solar cells by introducing A-site interstitial defects

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells have emerged as a promising candidate for next generation solar cells. The most extensively used perovskite absorber is methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3). Defect types and quantities, particularly for the defects involving A-site cation (MA+), appear to have significant influence on material properties and on the solar cell performance. In this report, by introducing a smaller sized potassium cation (K+) into the lattice structure of MAPbI3, the photovoltaic performance of mixed-cation perovskite solar cells was enhanced. X-ray diffraction data indicate that the K+ mainly occupied the interstitial position in the perovskite crystal lattice. Systematic study has demonstrated that there are several benefits of introducing the proper amount of K+ to MAPbI3. The increased crystallinity, red shifted photoluminescence (PL) spectra and decreased surface potential result in eminent carrier separation properties and thus reduce the charge recombination in solar cell devices. The optimized mixing range has been investigated; when 0 ≤ K+ content of x (x is the ratio of K+ : Pb2+) ≤ 0.2, the modified mixed perovskite solar cell exhibited better photoelectric conversion efficiencies than that of pristine MAPbI3. Particularly, the perovskite solar cell presents balanced injection capacity for both holes and electrons when x = 0.2, and a conversion efficiency of 19.3% is obtained.
Cross-resistance to diquat in glyphosate/paraquat-resistant hairy fleabane (Conyza bonariensis) and horseweed (Conyza canadensis) and confirmation of 2,4-D resistance in Conyza bonariensis

Abstract Hairy fleabane and horseweed are pervasive weed species in agriculture. Glyphosate-resistant (GR) and glyphosate/paraquat–resistant (GPR) biotypes challenge current management strategies. These GR and GPR biotypes have non–target site resistance, which can confer resistance to herbicides with different sites of action (SOAs). This study's objective was to characterize the response of GR, GPR, and glyphosate/paraquat–susceptible (GPS) biotypes of both weed species to herbicides with a different SOA. Whole-plant dose–response bioassays indicated a similar response among tested biotypes of both weed species to rimsulfuron, dicamba, hexazinone, glufosinate, flumioxazin, saflufenacil, or mesotrione. The hairy fleabane GR and GPR biotypes were 2.7- and 2.9-fold resistant to 2,4-D relative to the GPS biotype (GR50 766.7 g ai haha–1), confirming 2,4-D resistance in hairy fleabane for the first time in California. The GR and GPR biotypes were not cross-resistant to dicamba. No differences in response to 2,4-D were observed among horseweed biotypes with a GR50 ranging from 150.2 to 277.4 g ai haha–1. The GPR biotypes of both species were cross-resistant to diquat, with a 44.0-fold resistance in hairy fleabane (GR50 863.7 g ai haha–1) and 15.6-fold resistance in horseweed (GR50 563.1 g ai haha–1). The confirmation of multiple resistances to glyphosate, paraquat, and 2,4-D in hairy fleabane curtails herbicide SOA alternatives and jeopardizes resistance management strategies based on herbicide rotation and tank mixtures, underscoring the critical need for nonchemical weed control alternatives. Nomenclature: 2; 4-D; dicamba; diquat; flumioxazin; glufosinate; hexazinone; mesotrione; rimsulfuron; saflufenacil; hairy fleabane; Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronq. ; ERIBO; horseweed; Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. ; ERICA.
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli—A Summary of the Literature

Diarrheal disease is still a major public health concern, as it is still considered an important cause of death in children under five years of age. A few decades ago, the detection of enteropathogenic E. coli was made by detecting the O, H, and K antigens, mostly by agglutination. The recent protocols recommend the molecular methods for diagnosing EPEC, as they can distinguish between typical and atypical EPEC by identifying the presence/absence of specific virulence factors. EPEC are defined as diarrheagenic strains of E. coli that can produce attaching and effacing lesions on the intestinal epithelium while being incapable of producing Shiga toxins and heat-labile or heat-stable enterotoxins. The ability of these strains to produce attaching and effacing lesions enable them to cause localized lesions by attaching tightly to the surface of the intestinal epithelial cells, disrupting the surfaces of the cells, thus leading to the effacement of the microvilli. EPEC are classified on typical and atypical isolates, based on the presence or absence of E. coli adherence factor plasmids. All the EPEC strains are eae positive; typical EPEC strains are eae+, bfpA+, while atypical strains are eae+, bfpA−. No vaccines are currently available to prevent EPEC infections.
A comprehensive review on antimicrobial face masks: an emerging weapon in fighting pandemics

The world has witnessed several incidents of epidemics and pandemics since the beginning of human existence. The gruesome effects of microbial threats create considerable repercussions on the healthcare systems. The continually evolving nature of causative viruses due to mutation or re-assortment sometimes makes existing medicines and vaccines inactive. As a rapid response to such outbreaks, much emphasis has been placed on personal protective equipment (PPE), especially face mask, to prevent infectious diseases from airborne pathogens. Wearing face masks in public reduce disease transmission and creates a sense of community solidarity in collectively fighting the pandemic. However, excessive use of single-use polymer-based face masks can pose a significant challenge to the environment and is increasingly evident in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On the contrary, face masks with inherent antimicrobial properties can help in real-time deactivation of microorganisms enabling multiple-use and reduces secondary infections. Given the advantages, several efforts are made incorporating natural and synthetic antimicrobial agents (AMA) to produce face mask with enhanced safety, and the literature about such efforts are summarised. The review also discusses the literature concerning the current and future market potential and environmental impacts of face masks. Among the AMA tested, metal and metal-oxide based materials are more popular and relatively matured technology. However, the repeated use of such a face mask may pose a danger to the user and environment due to leaching/detachment of nanoparticles. So careful consideration is required to select AMA and their incorporation methods to reduce their leaching and environmental impacts. Also, systematic studies are required to establish short-term and long-term benefits.
A key indicator of transboundary particulate matter pollution derived from Indonesian peatland fires in Malaysia

ABSTRACTWe characterized ambient total suspended particulates (TSP) based on ground-based samplings in Malaysia during non-haze days and haze ones affected by Indonesian peatland fires. Furthermore, a key indicator of Indonesian peatland fire was determined based on chemical characterization of TSP in Malaysia. TSP samples were chemically analyzed to determine organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), inorganic ions, and biomarkers (solvent-extractable organic compounds derived from biomass burning). Regarding OC and EC, concentrations of OC1 and OP (pyrolyzed OC) defined by IMPROVE_A protocol increased remarkably during the haze episodes. On the contrary, there were no significant differences in concentrations of OC4, EC, and EC fractions between the haze and non-haze samples. Regarding inorganic ions, sulfate and ammonium concentrations increased in strong haze days, however, it is difficult to use these compounds as indicators for Indonesian peatland fires in light haze days due to the partial overlapping of the variation ranges of sulfate and ammonium concentrations in non-haze days. Concentrations of many biomarkers derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin pyrolysis products were significantly increased during strong haze days but not during light haze days except p-hydroxybenzoic acid. We proposed the OP to OC4 ratio as a potential indicator of transboundary haze pollution from Indonesian peatland fires at the receptor sites even in light haze.
Comparative study on the effect of cure parameters on residual deformation for thermoset composite laminates

Process-induced deformation in composite laminates usually occurs during the curing process and is strongly dependent on the cure parameters. To study the influence of the cure parameters on the warpage deformation, an experimental study was carried out with different heating rates and first dwell times. The full-field process-induced deformation was captured by contactless 3 D scanning system to validate the numerical method. Second, a multi-scale thermo-viscoelastic modeling technique was employed to predict the process-induced deformation. The results showed a good agreement between the simulation and experimental deformation, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the numerical model. The influence of six different cure parameters of the vacuum bagging process on the warping deformation and residual stress were considered in the numerical study. Knee points were found on the curves depicting the influence of cure parameters on the maximum residual deformation. Within the manufacturer’s specified range, a slower heating rate of 1.5°C/min reduced the process-induced deformation by 7%, while the other parameters affected the process-induced deformation by less than 1.4%. Meanwhile, the residual stress was also reduced with a slower heating rate. Consequently, a lower heating rate is suggested to reduce both the process-induced deformation and the residual stress for thin parts or the zero-bleeding process.