Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soil Organic Matter in Soils of Suburban Landscapes of Yamal Region: Humification Degree and Mineralizing Risks

Various research issues related to soil organic matter in permafrost soils are still poorly investigated. At the same time, numerous investigations have shown the importance of permafrost soils, as they serve as a huge reservoir of organic matter. This work is aimed at the investigation of permafrost-affected soils in the southern part of the Yamal region, namely at the assessment of composition (fractional, elemental and molecular) of soil organic matter in topsoils formed under different biogeoclimatogenic conditions in tundra and forest tundra. Special attention was given to assessment of potential vulnerability of soil organic matter in the context of Arctic warming. Results showed the predominance of fulvic acids in the humus of the studied soils, which indicates mineralization risks in the humic substances system of Arctic soils under conditions of further warming. The 13C-NMR analysis of humic acids revealed that all the studied soils are characterized by higher portions of aliphatic groups of carbon and decreased portions of aromatic groups and revealed early stages of the humification process in studied soils. These results contribute to scarcely distributed research of soil organic matter in permafrost soils of the Arctic. Moreover, our research provided new data on the vulnerability of soil organic matter and its possible mineralization risks under pronounced climate change in the Arctic using the modern instrumental technique.
Chemical Composition of Essential Oil from Four Sympatric Orchids in NW-Italy

Orchidaceae is a flowering plant family worldwide distributed known for producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can act as olfactory signals for pollinators. Despite the importance of VOCs in the different reproductive strategies, in the literature there are only a few publications on the characterization of orchids’ volatile profiles. In this study, the essential oils from fresh inflorescences of sympatric orchids Anacamptis morio, Himantoglossum robertianum, Ophrys sphegodes and Orchis purpurea, naturally growing in Piedmont (Italy) were isolated by steam distillation and characterized by GC/FID and GC/MS. A number of compounds were identified, with a peculiar distribution in the species: alcohols (range 16.93–50.60%), from which p-cresol (range 12.75–38.10%) was the most representative compound; saturated hydrocarbons (range 5.81–59.29%), represented by pentacosane (range 2.22–40.17%) and tricosane (range 0.78–27.48%); long-chain monounsaturated hydrocarbons (range 0.29–5.20%) represented by 9-pentacosene, 11-tricosene, and 1-heneicosene. The structure of positional isomers in linear alkenes was elucidated by derivatization with dimethyl disulfide and MS fragmentation patterns. Coumarin (68.84%) was the dominant compound in O. purpurea and was detected in lower concentrations (range 0.21–0.26%) in the other taxa. These volatile compounds may represent a particular feature of these plant species and play an essential role in pollinator interaction.
An insulin growth factor-I/II-neutralizing monoclonal antibody in combination with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors potently inhibits tumor cell growth

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), IGF-1 and IGF-II, which bind to the IGF receptor type 1 (IGF-1R) and the insulin receptor (IR), have been implicated in the growth, survival, and metastasis of tumor cells. We have previously identified a novel human monoclonal antibody (mAb), m708.5, which neutralizes both human IGF-I and IGF-II, and potently inhibits phosphorylation of the IGF-1R and the IR in breast cancer cells. In this study, m708.5 exhibited very strong synergy with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor gefitinib, and synergy with chemotherapeutic agents in vitro against either neuroblastoma or breast cancer cells. In xenografted models, the combination of m708.5 and gefitinib significantly inhibited LAN-1 cell growth better than single agent alone. Taken together, these results support the clinical development of m708.5 for solid tumors with potential for synergy with chemotherapy and EGFR inhibitors.
Evaluation of an Electronic Medical Record Module for Nursing Documentation in Paediatric Palliative Care: Involvement of Nurses with a Think-Aloud Approach

Background: Paediatric palliative care (PPC) is a noncurative approach to the care of children and adolescents with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses. Electronic medical records (EMRs) play an important role in documenting such complex processes. Despite their benefits, they can introduce unintended consequences if future users are not involved in their development. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptance of a novel module for nursing documentation by nurses working in the context of PPC. Methods: An observational study employing concurrent think-aloud and semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 nurses working in PPC. Based on the main determinants of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The main determinants of UTAUT were found to potentially influence acceptance of the novel module. Participants perceived the module to be self-explanatory and intuitive. Some adaptations, such as the reduction of fragmentation in the display, the optimization of confusing mouseover fields, and the use of familiar nursing terminology, are reasonable ways of increasing software adoption. Conclusions: After adaptation of the modules based on the results, further evaluation with the participation of future users is required.
Comparing Ionic Profile of Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Saliva as Distinctive Signature of Severe Periodontitis

Although increasing evidence is emerging on the contribution of chemical elements in periodontal health, no studies have concomitantly evaluated the ionic profile in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva in relation to the underlying periodontal status. Our hypothesis is that these biofluids have distinctive ionic content. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the elemental composition of GCF and saliva in order to explore which biological matrix and which combination of elements could discriminate between periodontitis and periodontal health. Twelve ions were analyzed in GCF and unstimulated saliva from 54 subjects (18 periodontally healthy, 18 untreated severe periodontitis and 18 treated severe periodontitis) using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). These analytical techniques were able to determine levels of sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), while the other elements were below the detection threshold. Na and K ions were detected at elevated concentration in untreated periodontitis compared with treated periodontitis and healthy periodontium. Ca was increased in untreated periodontitis, but the difference was not significant. In saliva, only Na was significantly associated with periodontitis. The combination of Na and K in GCF enabled the correct assignment of a subject to the periodontitis or healthy group. Based on these preliminary results, GCF demonstrated higher clustering potential than saliva.
Assessment of Volatile Compound Transference through Firefighter Turnout Gear

There is high concern about the exposure of firefighters to toxic products or carcinogens resulting from combustion during fire interventions. Firefighter turnout gear is designed to protect against immediate fire hazards but not against chemical agents. Additionally, the decontamination of firefighter personal protective equipment remains unresolved. This study evaluated the feasibility of a screening method based on headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) in combination with chemometrics (cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and linear discriminant analysis) for the assessment of the transference of volatile compounds through turnout gear. To achieve this, firefighter turnout gears exposed to two different fire scenes (with different combustion materials) were directly analyzed. We obtained a spectral fingerprint for turnout gears that were both exposed and non-exposed to fire scenes. The results showed that (i): the contamination of the turnout gears is different depending on the type of fire loading; and (ii) it is possible to determine if the turnout gear is free of volatile compounds. Based on the latest results, we concluded that HS-GC-IMS can be applied as a screening technique to assess the quality of turnout gear prior to a new fire intervention.
Comparison between Measurement of Central Corneal Thickness by Non-Contact Clinical Specular Microscope and Ocular Coherence Tomography

Comparison between measurement of Central Corneal Thickness by Clinical Specular Microscopy and OCT. Purpose: To study the difference between central corneal thickness measurements, acquired by Clinical Specular Microscopy and OCT and infer whether one instrument gives consistently higher readings as compared to other. Materials and Methods: An observational, crosssectional study was carried out in 2000 eyes of 1000 patients coming to the out-patient department. Patients having corneal pathology, pterygium, those wearing contact lenses, those having undergone corneal surgical procedures and those having a history of previous corneal trauma were excluded from the study. Basic ophthalmological and systemic history was recorded followed by a thorough anterior and posterior segment examination done with the help of Slit lamp and Ophthalmoscope. Central Corneal Thickness was calculated by Non-contact Clinical Specular Microscope and AS-OCT, taking three readings of each eye with each instrument. Results: Non-contact Clinical Specular Microscope (NCSM) and Anterior Segment Ocular Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT) showed strong positive correlation in the measurements of Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) (r= 0.97, p < 0.01). NCSM measured the CCT consistently higher than AS-OCT, the mean difference being 6.51+6.53 μm. A mean CCT of 536 μm was found in males as compared to 531 μm in females when measured by OCT. A mean CCT of 542 μm was found in males as compared to 539 μm in females when measured by Specular Microscope. A mean CCT of 543 μm was found in Diabetics compared to 533 μm in non-diabetics when measured by OCT. NCSM showed a mean CCT of 552 μm in diabetics as compared to 540 μm in non-diabetics. Hypertensive patients showed a mean CCT of 533 μm, compared to non-hypertensive showing 532 μm by NCSM. With OCT, the means were found to be 526 μm in the hypertensive, compared to 527 μm in non-hypertensive. Conclusion: NCSM and OCT show a strong positive correlation in their measurements of CCT. But the difference between their readings is statistically significant. Although they cannot be used interchangeably for research purposes, their readings can be compared for clinical assessment since we know that NCSM measures the CCT 6.51+6.53 μm higher than OCT.
Advancing Self-Evaluative and Self-Regulatory Mechanisms of Scholarly Journals: Editors' Perspectives on What Needs to Be Improved in the Editorial Process

Meticulous self-evaluative practices in the offices of academic periodicals can be helpful in reducing widespread uncertainty about the quality of scholarly journals. This paper summarizes the results of the second part of a qualitative worldwide study among 258 senior editors of scholarly journals across disciplines. By means of a qualitative questionnaire, the survey investigated respondents’ perceptions of needed changes in their own editorial workflow that could, according to their beliefs, positively affect the quality of their journals. The results show that the most relevant past improvements indicated by respondents were achieved by: (a) raising the required quality criteria for manuscripts, by defining standards for desk rejection and/or shaping the desired qualities of the published material, and (b) guaranteeing a rigorous peer review process. Respondents believed that, currently, three areas have the most pressing need for amendment: ensuring higher overall quality of published articles (26% of respondents qualified this need as very high or high), increasing the overall quality of peer-review reports (23%), and raising reviewers’ awareness of the required quality standards (20%). Bivariate analysis shows that respondents who work with non-commercial publishers reported an overall greater need to improve implemented quality assessment processes. Work overload, inadequate reward systems, and a lack of time for development activities were cited by respondents as the greatest obstacles to implementing necessary amendments.
It Takes Two: Interpersonal Neural Synchrony Is Increased after Musical Interaction

Music’s deeply interpersonal nature suggests that music-derived neuroplasticity relates to interpersonal temporal dynamics, or synchrony. Interpersonal neural synchrony (INS) has been found to correlate with increased behavioral synchrony during social interactions and may represent mechanisms that support them. As social interactions often do not have clearly delineated boundaries, and many start and stop intermittently, we hypothesize that a neural signature of INS may be detectable following an interaction. The present study aimed to investigate this hypothesis using a pre-post paradigm, measuring interbrain phase coherence before and after a cooperative dyadic musical interaction. Ten dyads underwent synchronous electroencephalographic (EEG) recording during silent, non-interactive periods before and after a musical interaction in the form of a cooperative tapping game. Significant post-interaction increases in delta band INS were found in the post-condition and were positively correlated with the duration of the preceding interaction. These findings suggest a mechanism by which social interaction may be efficiently continued after interruption and hold the potential for measuring neuroplastic adaption in longitudinal studies. These findings also support the idea that INS during social interaction represents active mechanisms for maintaining synchrony rather than mere parallel processing of stimuli and motor activity.
From Biology to Treatment of Monoclonal Gammopathies of Neurological Significance

Simple Summary The peripheral nervous systems may be involved by several hematological diseases ranging from preneoplastic diseases to overt malignancies or paraneoplastic syndromes. In most cases, a monoclonal paraprotein plays a pivotal role in the damage of peripheral nervous systems through different mechanisms. For these reasons, the multidisciplinary approach between hematologist and neurologist is fundamental to correctly diagnose and treat monoclonal gammopathies of neurological significance. We reviewed the biologic, clinic and neurophysiological features, as well as tailored treatments of monoclonal gammopathies of neurological significance. Abstract Monoclonal gammopathy and peripheral neuropathy are common diseases of elderly patients, and almost 10% of patients with neuropathy of unknown cause have paraprotein. However, growing evidence suggests that several hematological malignancies synthesize and release monoclonal proteins that damage the peripheral nervous system through different mechanisms. The spectrum of the disease varies from mild to rapidly progressive symptoms, sometimes affecting not only sensory nerve fibers, but also motor and autonomic fibers. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach, mainly between hematologists and neurologists, is recommended in order to establish the correct diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of neurological significance and to tailor therapy based on specific genetic mutations. In this review, we summarize the spectrum of monoclonal gammopathies of neurological significance, their distinctive clinical and neurophysiological phenotypes, the most relevant pathophysiological events and new therapeutic approaches.
On Distributed Adaptive Optimization with Gradient Compression

We study COMP-AMS, a distributed optimization framework based on gradient averaging and adaptive AMSGrad algorithm. Gradient compression with error feedback is applied to reduce the communication cost in the gradient transmission process. Our convergence analysis of COMP-AMS shows that such compressed gradient averaging strategy yields same convergence rate as standard AMSGrad, and also exhibits the linear speedup effect w.r. t. the number of local workers. Compared with recently proposed protocols on distributed adaptive methods, COMP-AMS is simple and convenient. Numerical experiments are conducted to justify the theoretical findings, and demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve same test accuracy as the full-gradient AMSGrad with substantial communication savings. With its simplicity and efficiency, COMP-AMS can serve as a useful distributed training framework for adaptive gradient methods.
Sensory nerve terminal mitochondrial dysfunction activates airway sensory nerves via transient receptor potential (TRP) channels

Mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent oxidative stress has been reported for variety of cell types in inflammatory diseases. Given the abundance of mitochondria at the peripheral terminals of sensory nerves and the sensitivity of transient receptor potential (TRP) ankyrin 1 (A1) and TRP vanilloid 1 (V1) to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their downstream products of lipid peroxidation, we investigated the effect of nerve terminal mitochondrial dysfunction on airway sensory nerve excitability. Here we show that mitochondrial dysfunction evoked by acute treatment with antimycin A (mitochondrial complex III Q i site inhibitor) preferentially activated TRPA1-expressing ‘nociceptor-like’ mouse bronchopulmonary C-fibers.
Debiasing Pretrained Text Encoders by Paying Attention to Paying Attention

Natural Language Processing (NLP) models are found to exhibit discriminatory stereotypes across many social constructs, e.g. gender and race. In comparison to the progress made in reducing bias from static word embeddings, fairness in sentence-level text encoders received little consideration despite their wider applicability in contemporary NLP tasks. In this paper, we propose a debiasing method for pre-trained text encoders that both reduces social stereotypes, and inflicts next to no semantic damage. Unlike previous studies that directly manipulate the embeddings, we suggest to dive deeper into the operation of these encoders, and pay more attention to the way they pay attention to different social groups. We find that stereotypes are also encoded in the attention layer. Then, we work on model debiasing by redistributing the attention scores of a text encoder such that it forgets any preference to historically advantaged groups, and attends to all social classes with the same intensity. Our experiments confirm that reducing bias from attention effectively mitigates it from the model’s text representations.
Measuring Helix Interactions in the Context of Economic Development and Public Policies: From Triple to Quadruple and N-Tuple Helix vs. N-Tuple and Quadruple Helix to Triads

Quadruple collaboration has risen rapidly in place of the traditional triple helix model of institutional collaboration between universities, governments, and companies. Loet Leydesdorff and Helen Lawton Smith (2022) approach this challenge by aiming to resolve the issue of evaluating and analyzing various quadruple and n-tuple helices. This article seeks to recognize the increasing complexity of new and developing issues in quadruple and n-tuple helices as a response to their research. Higher order helices raise a number of important scientific difficulties, including conceptual and practical issues. The goal of this contribution is to highlight some of the major challenges involved with researching multiple helixes in terms of knowledge innovation, as well as to offer some alternative areas for future research on n-tuple helices measurement.
Recommending Good First Issues in GitHub OSS Projects

Attracting and retaining newcomers is vital for the sustainability of an open-source software project. However, it is difficult for new-comers to locate suitable development tasks, while existing “Good First Issues” (GFI) in GitHub are often insufficient and inappropriate. In this paper, we propose RECGFI, an effective practical approach for the recommendation of good first issues to newcomers, which can be used to relieve maintainers' burden and help newcomers onboard. RECGFI models an issue with features from multiple dimensions (content, background, and dynamics) and uses an XGBoost classifier to generate its probability of being a GFI. To evaluate RECGFI, we collect 53,510 resolved issues among 100 GitHub projects and care-fully restore their historical states to build ground truth datasets. Our evaluation shows that RECGFI can achieve up to 0.853 AUC in the ground truth dataset and outperforms alternative models. Our interpretable analysis of the trained model further reveals in-teresting observations about GFI characteristics. Finally, we report latest issues (without GFI-signaling labels but recommended as GFI by our approach) to project maintainers among which 16 are confirmed as real GFIs and five have been resolved by a newcomer.
Stylistic Response Generation by Controlling Personality Traits and Intent

Personality traits influence human actions and thoughts, which is manifested in day to day conversations. Although glimpses of personality traits are observable in existing open domain conversation corpora, leveraging generic language modelling for response generation overlooks the interlocutor idiosyncrasies, resulting in non-customizable personality agnostic responses. With the motivation of enabling stylistically configurable response generators, in this paper we experiment with end-to-end mechanisms to ground neural response generators based on both (i) interlocutor Big-5 personality traits, and (ii) discourse intent as stylistic control codes. Since most of the existing large scale open domain chat corpora do not include Big-5 personality traits and discourse intent, we employ automatic annotation schemes to enrich the corpora with noisy estimates of personality and intent annotations, and further assess the impact of using such features as control codes for response generation using automatic evaluation metrics, ablation studies and human judgement. Our experiments illustrate the effectiveness of this strategy resulting in improvements to existing benchmarks. Additionally, we yield two silver standard annotated corpora with intents and personality traits annotated, which can be of use to the research community.
Student Experiences of ICTs in Online Learning during COVID-19 in Pakistan: Challenges and Prospects

Outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic altered the traditional model of face-to-face teaching and learning into remote learning through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This paper investigates the experiences of students using these ICTs for online learning. Interviews were conducted with them to understand prospects and challenges of using ICTs when it comes to remote learning. The findings illustrated that most students were satisfied with the online mode as living in a technology-oriented era adoption is relatively easy. However, electricity outages and connectivity problems were faced by some of the students belonging to underprivileged and remote areas. The study concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of ICTs on the one hand, but on the other certain prospects are not abundantly realistic and pervasive for all. Policy dialogue is recommended to adopt and practice blended technology-based learning methodologies at all levels of education to meet the current challenges of the education system.