Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Perspectives and Experiences of Families from Mexican Immigrant Backgrounds with Collaborative Project-based Learning in their Children’s Bilingual Classroom

ABSTRACT This qualitative study examined the perspectives and experiences of seven focal families from Mexican immigrant backgrounds that participated in collaborative project-based learning in their children’s bilingual classroom. Projects centered on children’s experiential knowledge, and were created bilingually . Findings indicate that parents perceived project-based learning as an uncommon practice at the school. This perspective was also accompanied by parents’ memories of their own schooling experiences in Mexico with project-based learning, often contrasting them with reductionist tasks their children receive. Parents attributed value when projects fostered their children’s agency and interests, which led to their excitement and shared engagement. However, such unfamiliarity also caused anxious feelings of uncertainty regarding how to start, the desire for examples, and time restrictions. Implications discuss opportunities for an organic and inclusive approach toward project-based learning that integrates families' linguistic, cultural, and experiential knowledge.
Photosensitive Materials: Optical properties and applications

Les materiaux photosensibles sont des materiaux (organique ou inorganique) dont l’indice de refraction peut etre localement modifie lorsqu’ils sont soumis a une excitation lumineuse dont une partie de l’energie est absorbee par ce materiau. La majorite des travaux realises dans ce domaine a longtemps concerne des applications d’optique guidee (fibre ou guides planaires). L’apparition recente de nouveaux materiaux a rendu possible l’utilisation de ce phenomene de photosensibilite dans des composants optiques massifs en permettant notamment la realisation d'hologrammes de volume a hautes performances. Dans le cadre de ces travaux, un verre inorganique a fait l’objet d’etudes approfondies : il s’agit d’un verre photo-thermo-refractif (PTR), pour lequel la variation d’indice est obtenue par exposition a un rayonnement ionisant suivie d’un traitement thermique. La nature meme du materiau lui procure des proprietes compatibles avec les contraintes des applications lasers a haute energie. La premiere partie de ce manuscrit presente donc l’ensemble des travaux qui ont ete realises sous ma responsabilite dans le but de mettre en evidence l’inter-relation qui existe entre les proprietes optiques (photosensibilite, absorption, diffusion, interaction laser-matiere, proprietes spectrales) et les proprietes structurales de ces verres. La deuxieme partie de ce manuscrit presente differentes applications de ces verres d’un point de vue composants, que ce soit pour du filtrage a bande tres etroite, la fabrication de masques de phase volumiques, l’etirement ou la compression d’impulsions ultra-courtes ou le developpement de nouveaux designs de sources lasers. Enfin, la troisieme partie de ce manuscrit presente l’ensemble des realisations dans lesquelles j’ai ete implique durant ces 10 dernieres annees, que ce soit en termes de production scientifique, de management de projets ou d’encadrement de recherches.
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP AND TEACHER PROFESSIONAL VALUES: MATTERS ARISING FROM THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

School heads as senior executives are thought to provide the institution ethical tone at the top to impact on subordinates. As a result, the study investigated how heads ethical leadership and teacher professional values influence students’ academic achievement, using a survey of 370 respondents in senior high schools in the Northern Region of Ghana. Questionnaires were used to collect data and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It emerged from the study that ethical leadership practice of school heads and unadulterated professional values are fundamental to teachers, students and the entire school organization. Results from the study showed that mentorship, honesty and trust were core ethical leadership attributes of heads. The current study and other empirical research points to the fact that teacher professional values including reliability, professionalism and trust are keen in teacher’s career success. The study recommends that practicing and prospective heads are made to go for professional development sessions on ethical leadership behaviours. Again, induction and effective orientation on professional standards and values should form part of teacher recruitment and lifelong learning since they are vital for positive teacher identity and excellent learning outcomes. Article visualizations:
Environmental Controls of InSAR‐Based Periglacial Ground Dynamics in a Sub‐Arctic Landscape

Periglacial environments are characterized by highly dynamic landscapes. Freezing and thawing lead to ground movement, associated with cryoturbation and solifluction. These processes are sensitive to climate change and variably distributed depending on multiple environmental factors. In this study, we used multi‐geometry Sentinel‐1 Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) to investigate the spatial distribution of the mean annual ground velocity in a mountainous landscape in Northern Norway. Statistical modeling was employed to examine how periglacial ground velocity is related to environmental variables characterizing the diverse climatic, geomorphic, hydrological and biological conditions within a 148 km2 study area. Two‐dimensional (2D) InSAR results document mean annual ground velocity up to 15 mm/yr. Vertical and horizontal velocity components in the East–West plane show variable spatial distribution, which can be explained by the characteristics of cryoturbation and solifluction operating differently over flat and sloping terrain. Statistical modeling shows that slope angle and mean annual air temperature variables are the most important environmental factors explaining the distribution of the horizontal and vertical components, respectively. Vegetation and snow cover also have a local influence, interpreted as indicators of the ground material and moisture conditions. The results show contrasted model performance depending on the velocity component used as a response variable. In general, our study highlights the potential of integrating radar remote sensing and statistical modeling to investigate mountainous regions and better understand the relations between environmental factors, periglacial processes and ground dynamics.
Ice in Southern Ocean Clouds With Cloud Top Temperatures Exceeding −5°C

This study documents the presence of ice in stratocumulus clouds with cloud top temperatures (CTT) > −5 °C in the cold sector of extratropical cyclones over the Southern Ocean (SO) during ten SO Clouds, Radiation, Aerosol Transport Experimental Study (SOCRATES) research flights. Case studies are presented showing ice signatures within clouds when CTT were between −2 and −5°C, evidenced in Doppler radar radial velocity changes observed during high‐altitude flight legs as ice particles melted across the 0°C isotherm. Ice on these legs was found to contribute to precipitation 3.8% of the time from clouds with −5°C < CTT <0°C. Clouds observed with a distinct melting level on high‐altitude flight legs overall had greater cloud depths, tops with higher reflectivities, and higher linear depolarization ratios, compared to clouds without a melting level. In situ flight legs were also analyzed when Himawari‐8 CTT were between 0 and −5°C and the aircraft was sampling in cloud within that temperature range. It was found that 3% of clouds sampled in situ with −5°C < CTT <0°C were mixed phase with a mean number concentration of 2.35 L−1 for nonspherical particles with maximum diameters >100 μm and 1.13 L−1 for nonspherical particles with maximum diameters >200 μm.
CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for Fruit and Vegetable Crops: Strategies and Prospects

Fruit and vegetable crops are rich in dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals, which are vital to human health. However, many biotic stressors (such as pests and diseases) and abiotic stressors threaten crop growth, quality, and yield. Traditional breeding strategies for improving crop traits include a series of backcrosses and selection to introduce beneficial traits into fine germplasm, this process is slow and resource-intensive. The new breeding technique known as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein-9 (Cas9) has the potential to improve many traits rapidly and accurately, such as yield, quality, disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, and nutritional aspects in crops. Because of its simple operation and high mutation efficiency, this system has been applied to obtain new germplasm resources via gene-directed mutation. With the availability of whole-genome sequencing data, and information about gene function for important traits, CRISPR-Cas9 editing to precisely mutate key genes can rapidly generate new germplasm resources for the improvement of important agronomic traits. In this review, we explore this technology and its application in fruit and vegetable crops. We address the challenges, existing variants and the associated regulatory framework, and consider future applications.
Financial Literacy and Sustainable Consumer Behavior

A more sustainable society and economy also implies more sustainable behavior in terms of the consumption of financial products. A possible change in this behavior can be brought about when there is a change in the demand. In other words, more sustainable consumption of financial products is directly related to financial literacy. However, the latter’s definition, object, and scope are far from being agreed upon internationally. One objective of this work was to explore the different interpretations of financial literacy in academic literature. In this exploration we delved into the evolution of the term, and how, in what context, and with what other concepts the term is used in social networks. Scientometric techniques were used for the analysis and review of the literature. The NLP technique was used to analyze comments on social networks. With this technique, ten feelings that were specially selected were analyzed. Positivity, confidence, and anticipation predominated among them. We conclude that it is important to emphasize that greater attention must be given to financial literacy, from both private and public sectors, so that it can be used to drive more sustainable behavior by individual consumers. Finally, a new definition of financial literacy is proposed.
Changing teachers’ self-efficacy, beliefs and practices through STEAM teacher professional development (Cambios en la autoeficacia, creencias y prácticas docentes en la formación STEAM de profesorado)

ABSTRACT This article presents a STEAM education model based on the use of meaningful contexts for the integrated acquisition of key learning outcomes related to different subjects. The model combines inquiry and the use of socio-scientific issues to promote mathematics and science learning along with the development of critical thinking and the integration of cultural and fundamental values. The evaluation of an international teacher professional development programme using a pre/post-test research design shows the programme’s impact on secondary school teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs, and teaching practices related to the implemented pedagogical model. The qualitative analysis of the teachers’ reflections shows that the most appreciated aspects of the programme are transferability to practice, the pedagogical resources offered, the benefits of the model on students’ learning, the methodological transformation involved, as well as the opportunity to exchange ideas and practices with colleagues in a professional learning community. These results are of great interest since they reveal a powerful way to promote transformational teacher professional development in the STEAM environment.
Say no to shame, waste, inequality—and leaks! Menstrual activism in the market for alternative period products

ABSTRACT For decades, advertisements for mainstream menstrual products have been criticised for upholding harmful menstrual taboos. Meanwhile, the range of alternative products has increased, and menstrual cups, discs, underwear, and cloth pads have become more easily available. This article examines how online promotional materials of alternative products relate to the menstrual taboo and other concerns raised by menstrual activists. Based on thematic analysis of seven websites selling alternative period products, the article shows how the companies function in a double bind typical for contemporary feminisms. While selling products meant to hide menstruation in a cultural environment that expects concealment, the sites discuss menstruation openly and declare periods as nothing shameful. The sites also support calls for fair access to products and education, advocate sustainability, and recognize the diversity of the menstrual experience. Yet, the companies also apply marketing language that stresses leak-prevention and discreetness. By doing so, they profit from the worries over leaks ingrained in menstruators by a culture of concealment. Furthermore, despite calls for openness, blood remains relatively invisible. The article discusses the results of the thematic analysis in relation to menstrual activism, and popular and postfeminism.
Structural Parameters Optimization of Corona Ring of Tethered Balloon-Type VLF Antenna

The antenna end of the tethered balloon-type high-power VLF communication system will be exposed to an extremely strong alternating electric field environment when it is in operation. Due to dielectric loss, an abnormal temperature rise may occur at the antenna end, which may lead to an antenna fracture in serious cases. It is an effective measure to install a corona ring at the end of the antenna to prevent such accidents. In this paper, the structural parameters of the corona ring, including ring radius, tube radius, and ring depth, are optimized based on intelligent optimization algorithm to significantly improve the electric field distribution and restrain the temperature rise to the maximum extent. The effectiveness of the optimization results is verified by simulation.
HL Dra: an active Algol-like binary system with a pulsating component star and a cool third body

HL Draconis (HL Dra) is an oscillating eclipsing binary with an orbital period of 0.944276 d. By analysing the light curves observed with the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), it has been detected that HL Dra is an Algol-like binary system with a mass ratio of 0.361, where the radius filling factor (=r/RL) of the primary and secondary component is $87\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ and $98\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, respectively. The secondary component is almost filling its critical Roche lobe, but not entirely. The absolute parameters of the component are estimated in this paper. Both the variable O’Connell effect and the existence of superflares indicate that the secondary should have strong magnetic activities. It is discovered that the O − C curve shows a sinusoidal variation with a period of 129.88 yr. This cyclic change might be caused by the effects of the light travel time as a result of the presence of a cool red dwarf third body. The correlations between the changes of the O − C diagrams and the variable O’Connell effect during TESS observations might be caused by the magnetic activity of the secondary (i.e. the Applegate mechanism). After removal of the binary model, a total of 252 pulsation frequencies are detected from the high-precision photometric data of TESS, including 28 multiplets of tidally split frequencies. We identify two radial modes, 21 non-radial p-modes and three non-radial f-modes from the possible independent frequencies. All of these features reveal that HL Dra is a very interesting system for further investigations of binary formation and evolution, and for tidal interactions on stellar pulsations and on magnetic activities.
Identification of nonlinear system composed of parallel coupling of Wiener and Hammerstein models

In this paper, a new method for the identification of nonlinear system composed by the Wiener and Hammerstein models connected in parallel is presented. This block‐oriented nonlinear system is a more general nonlinear model than Wiener and Hammerstein ones. The proposed nonlinear structure can easily describe the Wiener and Hammerstein models. Then, most of existing works are focused on the identification of one of the two models or the cascade connection of these two models. In this study, the parameters identification of linear and nonlinear blocks can be performed using one stage. Then, simple sine or multi‐sine waves were applied to the system input. Unlike several other methods, the linear elements can be parametric or not.
Awake craniotomy for glioblastoma in COVID-19–positive patients and delivering the standard of care: illustrative case

BACKGROUND Providing the standard of care to patients with glioblastoma (GBM) during the novel coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a challenge, particularly if a patient tests positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Further difficulties occur in eloquent cortex tumors because awake speech mapping can theoretically aerosolize viral particles and expose staff. Moreover, microscopic neurosurgery has become difficult because the use of airborne-level personal protective equipment (PPE) crowds the space between the surgeon and the eyepiece. However, delivering substandard care will inevitably lead to disease progression and poor outcomes. OBSERVATIONS A 60-year-old man with a left insular and frontal operculum GBM was found to be COVID-19 positive. Treatment was postponed pending a negative SARS-CoV-2 result, but in the interim, he developed intratumoral hemorrhage with progressive expressive aphasia. Because the tumor was causing dominant hemisphere language symptomatology, an awake craniotomy was the recommended surgical approach. With the use of airborne-level PPE and a surgical drape to protect the surgeon from the direction of potential aerosolization, near-total gross resection was achieved. LESSONS Delaying the treatment of patients with GBM who test positive for COVID-19 will lead to further neurological deterioration. Optimal and timely treatment such as awake speech mapping for COVID-19–positive patients with GBM can be provided safely.
Automatic Rail Surface Defects Inspection Based on Mask R-CNN

Rail surface defects have negative impacts on riding comfort and track safety, and could even lead to accidents. Based on the safety database (2020) of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), rail surface defects have been among the main factors causing derailments. During the past decades, there have been many efforts to detect such rail surface defects. However, the applications of earlier methods are limited by the high requirements of specialized equipment and personnel training. To date, rail surface defect inspection is still a very labor-intensive and time-consuming process, which hardly satisfies the field maintenance expectations. Therefore, a cost-effective and user-friendly automatic system that can inspect the rail surface defects with high accuracy is urgently needed. To address this issue, this study proposes a computer vision-based instance segmentation framework for rail surface defect inspection. A rail surface database including 1,040 images (260 source images and 780 augmented images) has been built. The classic instance segmentation model, Mask R-CNN, has been re-trained and fine-tuned for inspecting rail surface defects with the customized dataset. The influences of different backbones and learning rates are investigated and discussed. Experimental results indicate the ResNet101 backbone reaches better inspection capability. With a learning rate of 0.005, the re-trained Mask R-CNN model can achieve the best performance on the bounding box and mask predictions. Sixteen images are used to test the inspection performance of the fine-tuned model. The results are promising and indicate potential field applications in the future.
Hidden Potential in Predicting Wintertime Temperature Anomalies in the Northern Hemisphere

Variability of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) drives wintertime temperature anomalies in the Northern Hemisphere. Dynamical seasonal prediction systems can skilfully predict the winter NAO. However, prediction of the NAO‐dependent air temperature anomalies remains elusive, partially due to the low variability of predicted NAO. Here, we demonstrate a hidden potential of a multi‐model ensemble of operational seasonal prediction systems for predicting wintertime temperature by increasing the variability of predicted NAO. We identify and subsample those ensemble members which are close to NAO index statistically estimated from initial autumn conditions. In our novel multi‐model approach, the correlation prediction skill for wintertime Central Europe temperature is improved from 0.25 to 0.66, accompanied by an increased winter NAO prediction skill of 0.9. Thereby, temperature anomalies can be skilfully predicted for the upcoming winter over a large part of the Northern Hemisphere through increased variability and skill of predicted NAO.
A comparison between solvent casting and electrospinning methods for the fabrication of neem extract-containing buccal films

In the present study a double layer mucoadhesive buccal film containing nanocarriers encapsulated with neem extract was fabricated through electrospinning and solvent casting techniques for dental therapeutic applications. The morphological, physical and mucoadhesive properties of the resulting electrospun and solvent cast oral films were mutually compared, and their drug release behavior and antibacterial activity were further investigated. Chitosan/poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) as a mucoadhesive component and phenylalanine amino acid nanotubes (PhNTs)-containing neem extract as a drug nanocarrier were used to fabricate oral films. A poly(caprolactone) (PCL) layer was used as an impermeable backing layer to protect the mucoadhesive component from tongue movement and drug loss. The results indicated an interconnected porous and fully filled solid structures for electrospun and solvent cast films, respectively. The physicomechanical parameters of the samples such as pH, weight, thickness, folding endurance and tensile strength were also evaluated. The crosslinked electrospun buccal film indicated better swelling and mucoadhesive properties compared to the solvent cast film. In addition, the drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of the solvent cast film showed lower experimental values than those of electrospun oral film. On the other hand, the electrospun oral film had a well-controlled release of neem extract up to 82% at oral pH, which is best fitted to the Weibull model, and demonstrated the highest antibacterial properties against S. mutans bacteria with high biocompatibility on L929 fibroblast cells. Generally, the synthesized electrospun mucoadhesive film has a better potential for oral therapeutic applications than the solvent cast film.