Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Power Conversion Efficiency in PCDTBT/PC70BM Bulk Heterojunction Photovoltaic Devices with Embedded Silver Nanoparticle Clusters

Donor-acceptor polymer-fullerene-based bulk heterojunction (BHJ) photovoltaic cells have many advantages; specifi cally, they can be fabricated in large-areas with simple solution methods involving a low-cost roll-to-roll manufacturing process. [ 1–7 ] The active layer in BHJ solar cells provides charge generation, separation, transport, and collection. During these steps, sweep-out of photo-generated carriers competes with charge recombination within the BHJ due to low carrier mobility. [ 8–10 ] Blocking the recombination is a key method of increasing device effi ciency. [ 11 ] Therefore, we need to decrease the thickness of the active layer of BHJ fi lm and maximize its absorption capability to reduce the likelihood of recombination and thereby improve the effi ciency of the device. Metallic silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) can be effective in thin fi lm solar cells because of their localized surface plasmon resonance, which can increase the light absorption capability of an active layer within a range of wavelengths. Thus, the addition of metal NPs into a BHJ active layer can potentially enhance the absorption and increase the photo-generation of mobile carriers. Several groups have recently reported that,
Pop-up loose parts playgrounds: learning opportunities for early childhood preservice teachers

ABSTRACT Play is a cornerstone of early childhood education. However, recent trends of schoolification and school readiness have meant that academic learning and adult-guided play are often privileged over free play. The aim of this study was to explore how a service-learning experience, in the form of organising and running a pop-up playground for young children and their families, would promote learning about and advocacy for play among early childhood preservice teachers (PSTs). Thirty-six PSTs enrolled in a second-year early childhood education unit in an Australian University were required to advertise, organise and facilitate a loose parts playground at a local park as part of their coursework. PSTs were asked to reflect on their learning from the event. Findings suggest that a service-learning pop-up playground was highly successful in promoting PST learning about children’s play, loose parts and the adulteration of play. Learning about advocacy for play was less evident.
COVID-19 Behavioral Health Mindset Inventory: A Method for Enhancing Employee and Consumer Safety

Abstract The COVID-19 Behavioral Health Mindset inventory (CVBHM) was designed to protect consumers and workers by assessing biosafety risk through acceptance of responsibility for the protection of oneself and others, social distancing, and adhering to prevention measures. The 30-item inventory was evaluated in two surveys of 1,455 (Time 1) and 431 respondents (Time 2). The CVBHM has strong internal consistency (T1 α = .90, T2 α = .88), test-retest reliability (r = .84) and predictive validity with the criterion of wearing a facemask (T1 β = .64, T2 β= .60). The CVBHM was a stronger predictor of safe behavior than other individual differences, although employment status, vocational interest, personality, and demographics were related. There was a drop in CVBHM scores over the study period, with predictable exceptions.
Does perceived chess skills mediate the relationship between fluid intelligence and academic performance?

We analysed the association between chess skills and academic performance in primary school students. Additionally, we tested the potential mediating effect of fluid intelligence on this association. The sample consisted of 255 primary school students (48.2% girls), aged between 10 and 12 years, who had received instruction in chess. The students completed fluid intelligence measures and self-reported their chess play abilities. For the academic achievement measure, we accessed the students’ school records. Following mediation analysis, results indicated fluid intelligence to mediate the relationship between chess skills and academic performance in that students with high self-reported chess skills also had higher academic grades. We conclude that chess skills might be a reliable proxy measure of student academic achievement and fluid intelligence.
Fast and accurate land-cover classification on medium-resolution remote-sensing images using segmentation models

ABSTRACT Land-cover classification especially global mapping has become a new trend in recent years. Traditional convolutional neural network (CNN) methods for land-cover classification are usually patch based and have problems of high computation cost and low efficiency, which hinder their wide applications when timely and accurately mapping land covers. Fortunately, methods based on the fully convolutional network (FCN) have achieved state-of-the-art performance on the semantic segmentation task, which provides a new possibility for efficient land-cover classification. Many works have been done for land-cover classification but are almost focused on very high-resolution remote-sensing images and few research works are implemented on medium-resolution images. In this paper, six representative state-of-the-art segmentation models including ‘U’-shaped network (U-Net), fully convolutional DenseNet (FC-DenseNet), full-resolution residual network (FRRN), bilateral segmentation network (BiSeNet), DeepLab version 3 plus (DeepLabV3+), and pyramid scene parsing network (PSPNet) are selected to compare their performances on the land-cover classification of Land Remote-Sensing Satellite System)-5 satellite remote-sensing images. Based on the analysis of their performances, an improved model named atrous spatial pyramid pooling U-Net (ASPP-U-Net) is proposed for classification. Methods including support vector machine, patch-based CNN, and U-Net are also selected for comparison with the proposed model. Furthermore, to overcome the insufficiency of reference data when training deep models, an integration strategy based on two existing global land-cover products finer resolution observation and monitoring of global land cover of 2010 and global land-cover mapping at 30 m resolution is designed to produce reference data. Experimental results show that the encoder–decoder architecture especially U-Net is the most competitive network and is highly recommended for mapping land covers of medium-resolution images. The proposed ASPP-U-Net outperforms other compared methods not only in the classification accuracy but also in the inference time efficiency. In addition, it is advisable to use existing global land-cover products to produce reference data for segmentation models when the labelled datasets are insufficient.
Using the engineering design process (EDP) to guide block play in the kindergarten classroom: exploring effects on learning outcomes

ABSTRACT This mixed-methods case study explores the use of the EDP (Engineering Design Process) in a kindergarten classroom of a lab school in NYC whose curriculum supports inquiry and play-based learning. Using a control and test group, the researchers observe how children, engaged in block play during center time, use the EDP to design and build (engineer) structures under the guidance of the classroom teacher. Over a period of three days, data is collected to discover how the use of the EDP effects the learning of young children. They conclude that the use of the EDP scaffolds building skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving; encourages the use of engineering specific vocabulary and dialogue; develops an understanding of foundational engineering skills; promotes the transfer of these acquired skills to support other areas of learning; and supports collaboration and cooperation.
A soft tactile sensor featuring subcutaneous tissue structure with collagen fibers

The human skin has amplifier functions for tactile sense. Pacinian corpuscles of mechanoreceptors are sensitive to vibrotactile stimulation, despite their distributions in the deep portion in the skin. Collagen fibers within the subcutaneous tissue help in the transmission of stress to the deep portion. The sensing elements embedded in the deep portion can soften the tactile sensors and provide robustness for the sensing function. Inspired by the configuration of collagen fibers in monkey fingertips, this study proposes a soft tactile sensor containing a fiber structure. The sensor consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, represented by natural rubber, elastomer resin, and urethane resin, respectively. The fiber structure made of the elastomer resin is in the form of quadrangular pyramids, with pillars expanding from the dermis layer to the bottom layer inside the urethane resin. Strain gauges are embedded in the shallow and deep portions of the sensor. Finite element analysis and experiments on the spatial responses and basic characteristics of the frequency and force were conducted. The results showed that the tactile sensor with a fiber structure has a higher sensitivity to vibrotactile stimulation in the deep portion than the sensor with a uniform structure. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
A phenomenological study on ferroelectric β-glycine

Abstract The anomalous behavior of the specific heat for -glycine was analyzed in terms of the compressible Ising model approximately 5 K below and above the ferrelectric-paraelectric phase transition temperature of TC = 252 K. The obtained value of the critical exponent = 0.12 in the ferroelectric phase (T < TC) was consistent with that predicted from the 3-d Ising model ( = 0.13), while the obtained value of = 0.32 in the paraelectric phase (T > TC) was consistent with that predicted from the 2-d potts model ( = 0.30). Some thermodynamic quantities such as the internal energy, the entropy and the free energy of -glycine were then predicted in terms of these extracted values of the critical exponents close to the phase transition temperature of TC. Our calculated values of the thermodynamic quantities are in good agreement with the observed data.
Nicotinic Receptors in the Brainstem Ascending Arousal System in SIDS With Analysis of Pre-natal Exposures to Maternal Smoking and Alcohol in High-Risk Populations of the Safe Passage Study

Pre-natal exposures to nicotine and alcohol are known risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of post-neonatal infant mortality. Here, we present data on nicotinic receptor binding, as determined by 125I-epibatidine receptor autoradiography, in the brainstems of infants dying of SIDS and of other known causes of death collected from the Safe Passage Study, a prospective, multicenter study with clinical sites in Cape Town, South Africa and 5 United States sites, including 2 American Indian Reservations. We examined 15 pons and medulla regions related to cardiovascular control and arousal in infants dying of SIDS (n = 12) and infants dying from known causes (n = 20, 10 pre-discharge from time of birth, 10 post-discharge). Overall, there was a developmental decrease in 125I-epibatidine binding with increasing postconceptional age in 5 medullary sites [raphe obscurus, gigantocellularis, paragigantocellularis, centralis, and dorsal accessory olive (p = 0.0002–0.03)], three of which are nuclei containing serotonin cells. Comparing SIDS with post-discharge known cause of death (post-KCOD) controls, we found significant decreased binding in SIDS in the nucleus pontis oralis (p = 0.02), a critical component of the cholinergic ascending arousal system of the rostral pons (post-KCOD, 12.1 ± 0.9 fmol/mg and SIDS, 9.1 ± 0.78 fmol/mg). In addition, we found an effect of maternal smoking in SIDS (n = 11) combined with post-KCOD controls (n = 8) on the raphe obscurus (p = 0.01), gigantocellularis (p = 0.02), and the paragigantocellularis (p = 0.002), three medullary sites found in this study to have decreased binding with age and found in previous studies to have abnormal indices of serotonin neurotransmission in SIDS infants. At these sites, 125I-epibatidine binding increased with increasing cigarettes per week. We found no effect of maternal drinking on 125I-epibatidine binding at any site measured. Taken together, these data support changes in nicotinic receptor binding related to development, cause of death, and exposure to maternal cigarette smoking. These data present new evidence in a prospective study supporting the roles of developmental factors, as well as adverse exposure on nicotinic receptors, in serotonergic nuclei of the rostral medulla—a finding that highlights the interwoven and complex relationship between acetylcholine (via nicotinic receptors) and serotonergic neurotransmission in the medulla.
Modeling of SARS-CoV-2 Treatment Effects for Informed Drug Repurposing

Several repurposed drugs are currently under investigation in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Candidates are often selected solely by their effective concentrations in vitro, an approach that has largely not lived up to expectations in COVID-19. Cell lines used in in vitro experiments are not necessarily representative of lung tissue. Yet, even if the proposed mode of action is indeed true, viral dynamics in vivo, host response, and concentration-time profiles must also be considered. Here we address the latter issue and describe a model of human SARS-CoV-2 viral kinetics with acquired immune response to investigate the dynamic impact of timing and dosing regimens of hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, ivermectin, artemisinin, and nitazoxanide. We observed greatest benefits when treatments were given immediately at the time of diagnosis. Even interventions with minor antiviral effect may reduce host exposure if timed correctly. Ivermectin seems to be at least partially effective: given on positivity, peak viral load dropped by 0.3–0.6 log units and exposure by 8.8–22.3%. The other drugs had little to no appreciable effect. Given how well previous clinical trial results for hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir are explained by the models presented here, similar strategies should be considered in future drug candidate prioritization efforts.
Intranasal Transplantation of Human Neural Stem Cells Ameliorates Alzheimer's Disease-Like Pathology in a Mouse Model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory impairments, which has no effective therapy. Stem cell transplantation shows great potential in the therapy of various disease. However, the application of stem cell therapy in neurological disorders, especially the ones with a long-term disease course such as AD, is limited by the delivery approach due to the presence of the brain blood barrier. So far, the most commonly used delivery approach in the therapy of neurological disorders with stem cells in preclinical and clinical studies are intracranial injection and intrathecal injection, both of which are invasive. In the present study, we use repetitive intranasal delivery of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) to the brains of APP/PS1 transgenic mice to investigate the effect of hNSCs on the pathology of AD. The results indicate that the intranasally transplanted hNSCs survive and exhibit extensive migration and higher neuronal differentiation, with a relatively limited glial differentiation. A proportion of intranasally transplanted hNSCs differentiate to cholinergic neurons, which rescue cholinergic dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice. In addition, intranasal transplantation of hNSCs attenuates β-amyloid accumulation by upregulating the expression of β-amyloid degrading enzymes, insulin-degrading enzymes, and neprilysin. Moreover, intranasal transplantation of hNSCs ameliorates other AD-like pathology including neuroinflammation, cholinergic dysfunction, and pericytic and synaptic loss, while enhancing adult hippocampal neurogenesis, eventually rescuing the cognitive deficits of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Thus, our findings highlight that intranasal transplantation of hNSCs benefits cognition through multiple mechanisms, and exhibit the great potential of intranasal administration of stem cells as a non-invasive therapeutic strategy for AD.
Remote Sensing Energy Balance Model for the Assessment of Crop Evapotranspiration and Water Status in an Almond Rootstock Collection

One of the objectives of many studies conducted by breeding programs is to characterize and select rootstocks well-adapted to drought conditions. In recent years, field high-throughput phenotyping methods have been developed to characterize plant traits and to identify the most water use efficient varieties and rootstocks. However, none of these studies have been able to quantify the behavior of crop evapotranspiration in almond rootstocks under different water regimes. In this study, remote sensing phenotyping methods were used to assess the evapotranspiration of almond cv. “Marinada” grafted onto a rootstock collection. In particular, the two-source energy balance and Shuttleworth and Wallace models were used to, respectively, estimate the actual and potential evapotranspiration of almonds grafted onto 10 rootstock under three different irrigation treatments. For this purpose, three flights were conducted during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons with an aircraft equipped with a thermal and multispectral camera. Stem water potential (Ψstem) was also measured concomitant to image acquisition. Biophysical traits of the vegetation were firstly assessed through photogrammetry techniques, spectral vegetation indices and the radiative transfer model PROSAIL. The estimates of canopy height, leaf area index and daily fraction of intercepted radiation had root mean square errors of 0.57 m, 0.24 m m–1 and 0.07%, respectively. Findings of this study showed significant differences between rootstocks in all of the evaluated parameters. Cadaman® and Garnem® had the highest canopy vigor traits, evapotranspiration, Ψstem and kernel yield. In contrast, Rootpac® 20 and Rootpac® R had the lowest values of the same parameters, suggesting that this was due to an incompatibility between plum-almond species or to a lower water absorption capability of the rooting system. Among the rootstocks with medium canopy vigor, Adesoto and IRTA 1 had a lower evapotranspiration than Rootpac® 40 and Ishtara®. Water productivity (WP) (kg kernel/mm water evapotranspired) tended to decrease with Ψstem, mainly in 2018. Cadaman® and Garnem® had the highest WP, followed by INRA GF-677, IRTA 1, IRTA 2, and Rootpac® 40. Despite the low Ψstem of Rootpac® R, the WP of this rootstock was also high.
Impacts of Indian Ocean Dipole–Like SST on Rice Yield Anomalies in Jiangsu Province

One of the main water vapor sources of eastern China is the Bay of Bengal, over which the circulation is influenced by the Tropical Indian Ocean Dipole (TIOD). The TIOD has a long-lasting effect on weather patterns, which in turn influence the rice yield and quality in eastern China, such as in Jiangsu Province. To identify the main mechanism involved, we perform a detailed investigation of the connections between the TIOD-like sea surface temperature (SST) and the climatic suitability for growing rice, and the subsequent rice yield anomalies, in Jiangsu Province. In particular, we compare the relationships, and identify the underlying mechanisms, of TIOD SST with suitable sunshine duration, temperature and precipitation during the period of rice culture in the province. Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) results show that the TIOD-like SST has a close correlation with the rice yield anomalies, with a temporal correlation coefficient of 0.43 for 53 years, passing the 99% significance level. Furthermore, in the negative TIOD-like SST years, the background circulation weakens the transport effect of the atmospheric river through which water vapor is transported from the Bay of Bengal to eastern China. This decreased amount of transported water vapor decreases the precipitation and total cloud cover in the province. In turn, this significantly increases the sunshine duration, which plays a key role in rice yield anomalies. The increased sunshine duration and higher temperatures lead to positive rice yield anomalies, and vice versa. Our findings highlight that climatic factors, such as TIOD-like SST, have a far-reaching influence on agricultural production (in this case, rice yield), and thus special attention should be paid to interdisciplinary research in the fields of climate and agriculture.
Self-Regulation in Informal Workplace Learning: Influence of Organizational Learning Culture and Job Characteristics

The digital shift leads to increasing changes. Employees can deal with changes through informal learning that enables needs-based development. For successful informal learning, self-regulated learning (SRL) is crucial, i.e., to set goals, plan, apply strategies, monitor, and regulate learning for example by applying resource strategies. However, existing SRL models all refer to formal learning settings. Because informal learning differs from formal learning, this study investigates whether SRL models can be transferred from formal learning environments into informal work settings. More precisely, are all facets relevant, and what are the relational patterns? Because informal workplace learning occurs through interaction with the context, this study investigates the influence of context, i.e., organizational learning culture and job characteristics (autonomy, task identity, and feedback) on SRL. Structural equation modeling of N = 170 employees in various industries showed the relevance of the self-reported metacognitive strategies planning, monitoring, and regulation; the resource strategies help-seeking and effort regulation; and deep processing strategy elaboration. However, there was no evidence for organization strategies. The learning strategies were associated with self-efficacy and mastery-approach goal orientation. Regarding context, results supported indirect effects over self-motivational beliefs of learning strategies. Organizational learning culture was connected with mastery-approach goal orientation, whereas job characteristics autonomy and feedback were related to self-efficacy, which were again related to SRL strategies. Therefore, context can empower employees not only to accomplish their tasks but to develop themselves by applying SRL strategies. The results are discussed, and practical implications are outlined.
Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Ligand–Receptor Pairs Associated With BCP-ALL Prognosis

B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) is a blood cancer that originates from the abnormal proliferation of B-lymphoid progenitors. Cell population components and cell–cell interaction in the bone marrow microenvironment are significant factors for progression, relapse, and therapy resistance of BCP-ALL. In this study, we identified specifically expressed genes in B cells and myeloid cells by analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data for seven BCP-ALL samples and four healthy samples obtained from a public database. Integrating 1356 bulk RNA sequencing samples from a public database and our previous study, we found a total of 57 significant ligand–receptor pairs (24 upregulated and 33 downregulated) in the autocrine crosstalk network of B cells. Via assessment of the communication between B cells and myeloid cells, another 29 ligand–receptor pairs were discovered, some of which notably affected survival outcomes. A score-based model was constructed with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) using these ligand–receptor pairs. Patients with higher scores had poorer prognoses. This model can be applied to create predictions for both pediatric and adult BCP-ALL patients.