Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inulin Content in Chipped and Whole Roots of Cardoon after Six Months Storage under Natural Conditions

Industries currently rely on chicory and Jerusalem artichoke for inulin extraction but also cardoon is proved to synthetize and store high quantity of inulin in roots as well. Cardoon is a multipurpose crop, well adapted to marginal lands, whose main residues at the end of cropping cycle consist of roots. However, cardoon roots are a suitable source of inulin, that is of high interest for new generation biodegradable bioplastics production. On the other hand, a sustainable supply chain for inulin production from cardoon roots has not been developed yet. In particular, in the inulin supply chain the most critical part is storage, which can negatively affect both cost and inulin quantity. In the present study the effect on inulin content in cardoon roots stored as dried chipped roots (CRt) and dried whole roots (WRt) was investigated in a 6-month storage trial. Our findings suggest that chipping before storage did not affect the inulin content during the storage. Furthermore, it reduced the time needed for drying by 33.3% and increased the bulk density by 154.9% with the consequent reduction of direct cost for drying, transportation and storage.
Partisan Predictors for Collective Bargaining Agreement Items

The United States is rare among nations in its highly decentralized process for negotiating collective bargaining agreements with local teachers’ unions. To determine whether partisanship can predict these highly localized decisions, I construct an original database of Pennsylvania collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) merged with publicly available voter registration records to predict the presence of high-profile contract items. Using spatial autoregression and probit regression, I reveal that the partisanship of a school district is a significant predictor for fewer seniority protections but not for lower salaries. These partisan relationships can guide both district administrators and union leaders in future negotiations.
Pd-Catalyzed Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of Planar Chiral Ferrocenylpyridine Derivatives

A highly efficient synthesis of planar chiral ferrocenylpyridine derivatives via Pd-catalyzed intramolecular C–H arylation was developed, and quantitative yields and excellent enantioselectivity were obtained for a wide range of substrates. Notably, the catalyst loading could be lowered to 0.2 mol %, which represents the highest catalytic efficiency found for asymmetric C–H bond activation (TON up to 495). These compounds could be easily transformed to pyridine N-oxides, displaying promising catalytic reactivity in the asymmetric opening of meso-epoxide. Moreover, computational investigations were conducted to clarify the origin of the excellent enantioselectivity. The compatibility of large-scale synthesis and low catalyst loading should enhance the practicality of the synthetic application of the current method.
Risk Prediction Model Based on Biomarkers of Remodeling in Patients with Acute Anterior ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background The aim of the present study was to develop a risk prediction model in patients with acute anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Material/Methods Clinical data from 333 patients with acute anterior STEMI were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical echocardiographic and angiographic data from patients with left ventricular remodeling (LVR) and those without LVR were compared. Factors that influenced risk were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the diagnostic performance of the model. Results After 6-month follow-up, 135 of the patients experienced LVR (LVR group), whereas 198 did not (non-LVR group). Results of multivariate analysis showed that the number of stenosed coronary vessels, left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) at admission, and cardiac troponin I 3 days after admission (3-d cTnI) were all factors predictive of LVR in patients with acute anterior STEMI (all P<0.05). The established prediction model was Y=−20.639+0.711×number of stenosed coronary vessels + 0.137×LVEDV-0.129×LVEF+0.026×TGF-β at admission + 0.162×3-d cTnI. The estimated AUC of this model was 0.978 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.955–0.991), significantly superior to the single-factor numbers for stenosed coronary vessel of 0.650 (95% CI 0.597–0.702), LVEDV of 0.876 (95% CI 0.836–0.910), LVEF of 0.684 (95% CI 0.631–0.734), TGF-β at admission of 0.696 (95% CI 0.644–0.745), cTnI at admission of 0.913 (95% CI 0.877–0.941), and 3-d cTnI of 0.945 (95% CI 0.914–0.967). Conclusions The established model had excellent diagnostic accuracy for predicting LVR in patients with acute anterior STEMI.
Some Aspects of Groundwater Resources Management in Transboundary Areas

According to UN experts, by 2030, about half of the world’s population will suffer from a shortage of fresh water, which may cause future hostilities and conflicts. In this regard, extraction of such a valuable mineral as groundwater must be rationally managed. However, practice has shown that managing and protecting the groundwater resources is a very challenging task. As part of the analysis pertaining to the problem of legal regulation of groundwater extraction from transboundary aquifers and complexes, it is proposed to consider this aspect on the example of Russia. The problems of regulation of rational use and protection of fresh water in the bilateral agreements of the Russian Federation were identified; a methodology for managing groundwater extraction in the territory of a transboundary aquifer was developed, dimensions, parameters and factors affecting the formation of a transboundary zone were determined (using the example of research and analysis of water intake activities in the border territories of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Estonia).
Communities of Practice in the Warlpiri Triangle: Four Decades of Crafting Ideological and Implementational Spaces for Teaching in and of Warlpiri Language

Warlpiri communities in Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) have long advocated for the inclusion of Warlpiri language, values and knowledge in their government-run schools. After the first bilingual programs were established in the NT in the 1970s, educators and community members from four Warlpiri communities formed a professional network known as the Warlpiri Triangle, a platform for meetings and professional development focusing on teaching and learning in and of Warlpiri language in schools. On these platforms, educators have consistently articulated the goal of the Warlpiri programs as maintenance of Warlpiri pirrjirdi, ‘strong Warlpiri language’. In this paper we seek to explore the development, refinement and consolidation of a consensual ideology around teaching and learning of and in Warlpiri pirrjirdi, ‘strong Warlpiri language’ that has informed Warlpiri language-in-education management. We analyse interviews with five Warlpiri educators at Yuendumu school in 2018/9 and a body of grey literature from four decades of Warlpiri educator professional development activities that has been less widely acknowledged and visible in local education policy discourse. We draw on the theoretical concept of communities of practice to understand the ways in which Warlpiri educators negotiate ideological and implementational spaces for inclusion of Warlpiri language teaching in the context of an ambivalent language-in-education policy environment. The results of this study exemplify the reiteration and reproduction of language-in-education goals through a community of practice in a sustained arena of action, the Warlpiri Triangle. The findings render more visible the vital efforts of Warlpiri educators and their professional networks in shaping language-in-education policy and practice to realise community aspirations of Warlpiri language maintenance in the school context.
Synthesis of the symmetrical methylene diesters from carboxylic ionic liquids

The reaction between carboxylic ionic liquids and dichloromethane, which provokes the formation of symmetrical methylene diesters, was carried out. The synthesis of these ionic liquid compounds was carried out in a microwave reactor, and the characterization by spectroscopic techniques of methylene diesters (methylene di-2-furoate, methylene di-2-picolinate, methylene dianthranilate, and methylene dioleate) is described and the crystal structures discussed. The crystal packing of methylene dianthranilate is characterized by trimer formation due to hydrogen bonding via interactions between the hydrogen atom of the primary amine group and the oxygen of the carboxylic group.
Servitization and performance: the moderating effect of supply chain integration

Abstract This research aims to explore how supply chain integration moderates the relationship between servitization and performance. Based on the resource-based view and transaction cost economics, we identified both the benefits and disadvantages of supply chain integration in servitization. Consistent with prior research, we differentiated basic services from advanced services. Hypotheses were tested using international survey data from 931 manufacturing business units. The results indicate that basic services are positively related to sales growth, while advanced services are positively related to return on sales (ROS) growth. Regarding the moderating role of supply chain integration, supplier integration enhances the positive relationship between basic services and sales growth. Customer integration strengthens the relationship between advanced services and ROS growth but weakens the relationship between basic services and ROS growth. Our results suggest that the choice of supplier and customer integration should be aligned with the types of services to maximize the benefits of servitization.
Diabetes mellitus accelerates the progression of osteoarthritis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice by deteriorating bone microarchitecture, bone mineral composition, and bone strength of subchondral bone

Background The purpose of this study was to develop an optimal diabetes-osteoarthritis (DM-OA) mouse model to validate that diabetes aggravates osteoarthritis (OA) and to evaluate the microarchitecture, chemical composition, and biomechanical properties of subchondral bone (SB) as a consequence of the DM-OA-induced damage induced. Methods Mice were randomly divided into three groups: DM-OA group, OA group, and sham group. Blood glucose levels, body weight, and food intake of all animals were recorded. Serum calcium (Ca) and osteocalcin (OCN) levels were compared in the three groups. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression of key regulators for bone metabolism were detected. A semi-quantitative grading system [Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI)] was used to evaluate cartilage and SB degeneration. Microspectroscopy, microindentations, micro-computed tomography (CT) imaging, and fracture load of compression testing were also used to evaluate trabecular SB properties. Results Glycemic monitoring and pancreas pathological results indicated stable high blood glucose and massive destruction of pancreas and islet cells in the DM-OA group. Serum levels of bone speciﬁc alkaline phosphatase (ALP-B) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) in the DM-group were higher than those of the other two groups while levels of serum Ca and OCN were lower. Meanwhile, the protein and mRNA expression of osteoblast-specific biomarkers [osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (OPG/RANKL) ratio, collagen type I (COL-I), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2), OCN] were suppressed, and osteoclast-specific biomarkers [sclerostin (SOST)] was elevated in the DM-OA group. The mineral-to-collagen ratio, microindentation elastic modulus, hardness, micro-architectural parameters, bone mineral density, and fracture load of SB trabecular bone of the DM-OA group joint were lower than those of the other two groups. On the other hand, The OARSI score, trabecular spacing, and structural model index of the DM-OA group joint were higher than those of the other two groups. Conclusions The glycemic and pancreatic pathological results indicated that the DM-OA model was a simple and reliable model induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and surgery. The results revealed the mechanisms through which diabetes accelerates OA; that is, by damaging and deteriorating the functions of SB, including its microarchitecture, chemical composition, and biomechanical properties.
Biocompatible surface modification of poly(ethylene terephthalate) focused on pathogenic bacteria: Promising prospects in biomedical applications

Poly(ethylene terephthalate)—PET, is one of the most common polyesters, widely used in biomedical applications ranging from catheters to stents, vascular grafts, heart valves, sutures, and scaffolds. PET surface modification is necessary to impart desired properties for biomedical applications, making the polymer biocompatible, noncytotoxic and antibacterial that can preferably resist biofilm formation caused by pathogenic bacteria. A novel approach to anticorrosive wet chemical surface modification of PET by insertion of alkyl and hydroxyl groups was achieved by using Grignard reagents and confirmed by several different characterization methods including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle (WCA) measurement, free surface energy (FSE) measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). High antibacterial efficiency against four different types of biofilm active, pathogenic bacterial strains namely: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was established on the modified PET surface. Biocompatibility higher than 84% of the modified samples has been proved. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44990.
Experimental investigation on friction stir welding of dissimilar aluminium alloys

In current research work, dissimilar aluminium alloys such as AA5083, AA6081, AA6082, and AA7039 are butt joined by employing friction stir welding (FSW). The present study explores the effect of material positions of aluminium alloys (i.e., advancing side (AS) and retreating side (RS)) on the mechanical and metallurgical properties of FS welded dissimilar aluminium joints. The performance characteristics of the present study are analyzed in terms of mechanical and metallurgical properties. It is concluded that maximum strength is obtained for all the joints in which higher strength aluminium alloy is placed on the AS ((i.e., 386 MPa for AA7039-AA5083, 343 MPa for AA7039-AA6082, 320 MPa for AA5083-AA6082, and 225 MPa for AA6082-Aa6061). Furthermore, two types of macrostructures (i.e., banded and an onion ring) are observed at the nugget zone (NZ) of all the welded joints during metallurgical analysis. Besides this, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis at NZ of FSW joints is also carried out to find out the chemical composition at NZ. It is observed that the key element of AS material is high er in weight percent as compared to RS at NZ. Moreover, tensile fractured surface locations are also analyzed to understand the process better. It is witnessed that most joints are fractured at heat affected zone (HAZ) on the lower strength material side.
Production of Multiple triterpenes Including Taraxasterol in Transgenic Tobacco Overexpressing Multifunctional Oxidosqualene Cyclase (TcOSC1) of Taraxacum Coreanum

Taraxasterol and ψ-taraxasterol are pentacyclic triterpenoids, they are commonly found in the family Asteraceae. These two compounds are useful candidates for pharmacologically active triterpenes in dandelion. A multifunctional oxidosqualene cyclase (TcOSC1) of Taraxacum coreanum catalyzes the cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene into various triterpenes (taraxasterol, ψ-taraxasterol, δ-amyrin, β-amyrin, α-amyrin, and dammarendiol-II). Here, we established the production of taraxasterol, ψ-taraxasterol, δ-amyrin, β-amyrin, and α-amyrin in transgenic tobacco overexpressing TcOSC1 gene of T. coreanum. Transgenic tobacco overexpressing TcOSC1 gene was induced via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and four transgenic lines were selected. Introduction and expression of transgenic genes in tobacco was confirmed by genomic PCR, and qRT-PCR, respectively. All the four transgenic lines of tobacco produced obviously the five triterpenes, namely taraxasterol, ψ-taraxasterol, δ-amyrin, β-amyrin, and α-amyrin. Organ-specific triterpene accumulation occurred in transgenic tobacco plants (leaf > stem > root). The amount of taraxasterol was found the highest among the five triterpenes produced in tobacco. The total amount of triterpenes in transgenic line 3 (Tr3) exhibiting the highest amount of triterpenes that was 598 µg g− 1 dry weight. Production of phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol) was reduced in transgenic tobacco compared to those of wild-type control. Conclusively, we successfully established the production of taraxasterol and ψ-taraxasterol triterpenes in transgenic tobacco, which can be applied to the cost-effective production for the utilization and as a source of pharmacologically active materials.
City Size, Urban-Rural Income Gap
and Environmental Pollution: Empirical Evidence
from 283 Cities in China

Using the balanced panel data of 283 cities at the level of municipality or above in China from 2014 to 2017, this study adopts the system generalized method of moments (SGMM) and panel threshold model to study the relationship among city size, urban-rural income gap and environmental pollution. The conclusions are as follows: (1) There is an inverted U-shaped relationship between city size and environmental pollution; (2) Urban-rural income gap can significantly aggravate environmental pollution; (3) Urban-rural income gap has a regulatory effect on the relationship between city size and environmental pollution. When the urban-rural income gap crosses the threshold, the intensity of environmental pollution caused by city size changes. Therefore, optimizing the city size and narrowing the urban-rural income gap will reduce urban environmental pollution.
Industrial Heritage Tourism as a Driver of Sustainable Development? A Case Study of Steirische Eisenstrasse (Austria)

The valorization of cultural heritage for regional development (“Conservation 3.0”) has been a widely used concept in the last decade. Heritage institutions and the European Union have advocated and fostered the view of cultural heritage as a place-based development potential. Therefore, this article investigates the impacts of such approaches in the context of sustainable development. It does so with a specific focus on more peripheral, (old) industrial regions in Central Europe, where industrial heritage and industrial tourism play an important role. Based on this background, this article highlights the difficulties of establishing a tourism product based on industry-related features. The product mainly serves a niche market, thereby not helping to overcome structural disadvantages of peripheral regions. The economic impacts of industrial heritage tourism on the transition towards a more sustainable regional development are rather low. Nevertheless, the case study highlights the social benefits that industry-related tourism yields in regions in transformation, forming an important pre-condition for any future development. However, ecological aspects are not widely addressed in heritage tourism in this region. Policy-wise, stakeholders in peripheral regions should be more aware of the different limits and opportunities cultural heritage utilizations can bring in terms of achieving a more sustainable regional development.
Photoemission Studies on the Environmental Stability of Thermal Evaporated MAPbI3 Thin Films and MAPbBr3 Single Crystals

Hybrid organic inorganic perovskites have been considered as a potential candidate for the next generational solar cell due to their outstanding optoelectronic properties and rapid development in recent years. However, the biggest challenge to prevent them from massive commercial use is their long-term stability. Photoemission spectroscopy has been widely used to investigate properties of the perovskites, which provide critical insights to better understand the degradation mechanisms. In this article, we review mainly our photoemission studies on the degradation processes of perovskite thin films and single crystals with different environmental factors, such as gases, water, and light by monitoring changes of chemical composition and electronic structure. These studies on the effects by different environmental parameters are discussed for the understanding of the stability issues and the possible solutions.
Enabling and Constraining Conditions for Co-production with Vulnerable Users: A Case Study of Refugee Services

ABSTRACT This article explores co-production as processes occurring at three levels: at the level of service interactions, at the organizational level, and at the system level. We propose next that two forms of co-production may take place at these three levels: co-production through direct participation and co-production through representation. We use these conceptualizations to outline a framework for analyzing conditions for co-production with vulnerable users, and we explore the applicability of the framework in the context of public services for refugees. Insights from the case are finally used as a basis for evoking more general discussions on co-production with vulnerable users.
Power system stability in the transition to a low carbon grid: A techno‐economic perspective on challenges and opportunities

Increasing power system stability challenges are being witnessed worldwide, while transitioning toward low‐carbon grids with a high‐share of power electronic converter (PEC)‐interfaced renewable energy sources (RESs) and distributed energy resources (DERs). Concurrently, new technologies and operational strategies are being implemented or proposed to tackle these challenges. Since electricity grids are deregulated in many jurisdictions, such technologies need to be integrated within a market framework, which is often a challenge in itself due to inevitable regulatory delays in updating grid codes and market rules. It is also highly desirable to ensure that an economically feasible optimal technology mix is integrated in the power system, without imposing additional burdens on electricity consumers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of emerging power system stability challenges posed by PEC‐interfaced RES and DER, particularly related to low inertia and low system strength conditions, while also introducing new technologies that can help tackle these challenges and discussing the need for suitable techno‐economic considerations to integrate them into system and market operation. As a key point, the importance of recognizing the complexity of system services to guarantee stability in low‐carbon grids is emphasized, along with the need to carefully integrate new grid codes and market mechanisms in order to exploit the full benefits of emerging technologies in the transition toward ultra‐low carbon futures.