Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photoprotective Strategies in Mediterranean High-Mountain Grasslands

Albeit the remarkably high Ultraviolet B loads, high temperatures, and drought stress substantiate the need for efficient photoprotective strategies in Mediterranean high-mountain plants, these remain understudied. Considering the sensitivity of photosystems to extreme conditions, we evaluated an environmental gradient’s weight on the photoprotection of five high-mountain specialists from Central Spain. Diurnal and seasonal variations in chlorophyll, chlorophyll fluorescence, carotenoids, and xanthophylls in consecutive and climatically contrasting years were taken to evaluate the effect of the impending climate coarsening at the photosystem level. Our results revealed significant differences among species in the xanthophyll cycle functioning, acting either as a continuous photoprotective strategy enhancing photochemistry-steadiness; or prompted only to counteract the cumulative effects of atypically adverse conditions. The lutein cycle’s involvement is inferred from the high lutein content found in all species and elevations, acting as a sustained photoprotective strategy. These findings added to high de-epoxidation state (DEPS) and minor seasonal changes in the chlorophyll a/b ratio, infer the xanthophyll and Lutein cycles are crucial for upkeeping the photosystems’ optimal functioning in these plants heightening their photoprotective capacity during periods of more unfavorable conditions. Nevertheless, an atypically dry growing season’s detrimental effect infers the feasible surpassing of stress-thresholds and the precariousness of the communities’ functional diversity under climate change.
Zooming in on Opportunity: Transitioning to a Virtual Resident Scholarship Day During COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted academic conferences and forced educators to identify creative solutions to highlight medical trainee scholarly projects. Objective: To describe the strategic approach to transforming a single institution’s Residency Scholarship Day into a virtual platform by leveraging existing technologies and resources. Methods: 42 pediatric residents from Baylor College of Medicine electing to participate in Resident Scholarship Day were instructed to create scholarly project presentation videos online. Synchronous, small-group presentations of pediatric resident projects with faculty moderators were organized alongside asynchronous viewings and Grand Rounds presentations on June 5 th , 2020. Results: Based on the program survey (42% response rate), the event was favorably reviewed by participants, both in terms of content and usability. Resident participants (n=7) rated the digital presentation platform using the System Usability Scale with a median score of 87.5 out of 100. Positive program evaluation survey (n=19) aligned with program goals, and constructive feedback noted only minor technical burdens. The total monetary cost of the event, outside of established institutional technology subscriptions, was $0. Conclusions: Our residency program’s pivot to a virtual Resident Scholarship Day in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic was made possible by leveraging existing technologies at our institution. We were able to conduct an event that not only adhered to our guiding educational frameworks but also cut costs and was well received by participants.
Renewable Biomass Utilization: A Way Forward to Establish Sustainable Chemical and Processing Industries

Lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks are promising alternatives to fossil fuels for meeting raw material needs of processing industries and helping transit from a linear to a circular economy and thereby meet the global sustainability criteria. The sugar platform route in the biochemical conversion process is one of the promising and extensively studied methods, which consists of four major conversion steps: pretreatment, hydrolysis, fermentation, and product purification. Each of these conversion steps has multiple challenges. Among them, the challenges associated with the pretreatment are the most significant for the overall process because this is the most expensive step in the sugar platform route and it significantly affects the efficiency of all subsequent steps on the sustainable valorization of each biomass component. However, the development of a universal pretreatment method to cater to all types of feedstock is nearly impossible due to the substantial variations in compositions and structures of biopolymers among these feedstocks. In this review, we have discussed some promising pretreatment methods, their processing and chemicals requirements, and the effect of biomass composition on deconstruction efficiencies. In addition, the global biomass resources availability and process intensification ideas for the lignocellulosic-based chemical industry have been discussed from a circularity and sustainability standpoint.
An updated review of idiopathic osteosclerosis of the jaws

ABSTRACT Objective : The aim of this study was to update the concepts of the diagnosis of idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO) of the jaws by digital panoramic radiographs and cone beam tomography and describe the impact of this disease on oral and general health. Methods: A search of the main databases of dental medical research was carried out using the search terms “osteosclerosis, panoramic radiography, cone beam computed tomography, jaws”. Articles without language restriction until September 30, 2020 were identified. The prevalence and clinical and radiographic characteristics of IO of the jaws were examined in 2D and 3D imaging studies, as well as the interaction during treatments in the various dental specialties. Results: We analyzed the current situation regarding the diagnosis of IO, with an update of the diagnostic criteria used to accurately identify IO in the latest generation imaging studies, as well determine its possible interactions in oral an general health. Conclusions: It is important to have a clear differential diagnosis of IO and be able to distinguish different radiopacities in the maxilla. Accurate reporting and monitoring of the morphometric characteristics are necessary taking into account the impact the presence of IO of the jaws has on future dental treatments.
Optimisation of Magnet Shape for Cogging Torque Reduction in Axial-Flux Permanent-Magnet Motors

This paper presents a new method for reduction of the cogging torque in axial flux permanent-magnet motors based on the shape of the edges of the magnets. First, starting from a previous work, developed for 2D radial flux motors, and extending it to the case of 3D axial flux motors, the new cogging torque cancellation conditions are set. From these conditions, the optimised profile of the magnets is derived, for which an original and precise method based on superposition has been developed. Furthermore, the proposed method does not need Finite Element Method (FEM) iterations to achieve the required precision, which makes it really very fast. The cancellation condition is fully compatible with the optimisation of other characteristics related to magnets, such as the waveform of the induced EMF and the torque ripple. Both the new cogging torque cancellation condition and the magnet profile design method to meet this condition constitute the main contributions of this work. The results obtained are in good agreement with those obtained by FEM simulation. Finally, the proposed method of minimising the cogging torque has been successfully validated experimentally by employing three different configurations of a single-stator single-rotor axial flux motor. The practical reduction of the obtained cogging torque is noticeable even when using non-skewed magnets and when the number of slots is an integer multiple of the number of magnets.
A Review of Microfluidic Detection Strategies for Heavy Metals in Water

Heavy metal pollution of water has become a global issue and is especially problematic in some developing countries. Heavy metals are toxic to living organisms, even at very low concentrations. Therefore, effective and reliable heavy metal detection in environmental water is very important. Current laboratory-based methods used for analysis of heavy metals in water require sophisticated instrumentation and highly trained technicians, making them unsuitable for routine heavy metal monitoring in the environment. Consequently, there is a growing demand for autonomous detection systems that could perform in situ or point-of-use measurements. Microfluidic detection systems, which are defined by their small size, have many characteristics that make them suitable for environmental analysis. Some of these advantages include portability, high sample throughput, reduced reagent consumption and waste generation, and reduced production cost. This review focusses on developments in the application of microfluidic detection systems to heavy metal detection in water. Microfluidic detection strategies based on optical techniques, electrochemical techniques, and quartz crystal microbalance are discussed.
Ag2Se Nanowire Network as an Effective In-Materio Reservoir Computing Device

Modern applications of artificial intelligence (AI) are generally algorithmic in nature and implemented using either general-purpose or application-specific hardware systems that have high power requirements. In the present study, physical (in-materio) reservoir computing (RC) implemented in hardware was explored as an alternative to software-based AI. The device, made up of a random, highly interconnected network of nonlinear Ag2Se nanojunctions, demonstrated the requisite characteristics of an in-materio reservoir, including but not limited to nonlinear switching, memory, and higher harmonic generation. As a hardware reservoir, the devices successfully performed waveform generation tasks, where tasks conducted at elevated network temperatures were found to be more stable than those conducted at room temperature. Finally, a comparison of voice classification, with and without the network device, showed that classification performance increased in the presence of the network device.
Contemporary Social Work Practice: Institutional Context and Graduate Outcomes

ABSTRACT This article presents findings of a Victorian social work graduate survey from social work programs offered in an urban university located in Australia. The survey is part of a broader study exploring how changes in the institutional context of social work shape contemporary practice, as reflected in graduates’ positions and perceptions of their roles. This article presents descriptive information about graduates’ locations in fields of practice. The job titles and duties reported by graduates present a picture of predominantly individualised direct practice and targeted service provision. The findings support the claim that decades of institutional change have limited the scope of social work practice. IMPLICATIONS There is no census of Australian social workers, and existing research offers only limited information about the state of the profession in its fields of practice. Decades of institutional change have complicated both the idea of a “sector” and of “social work” as a distinct occupation. Social work risks becoming invisible in the broader field of human services.
The Triad Hsp60-miRNAs-Extracellular Vesicles in Brain Tumors: Assessing Its Components for Understanding Tumorigenesis and Monitoring Patients

Brain tumors have a poor prognosis and progress must be made for developing efficacious treatments, but for this to occur their biology and interaction with the host must be elucidated beyond current knowledge. What has been learned from other tumors may be applied to study brain tumors, for example, the role of Hsp60, miRNAs, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the mechanisms of cell proliferation and dissemination, and resistance to immune attack and anticancer drugs. It has been established that Hsp60 increases in cancer cells, in which it occurs not only in the mitochondria but also in the cytosol and plasma-cell membrane and it is released in EVs into the extracellular space and in circulation. There is evidence suggesting that these EVs interact with cells near and far from their original cell and that this interaction has an impact on the functions of the target cell. It is assumed that this crosstalk between cancer and host cells favors carcinogenesis in various ways. We, therefore, propose to study the triad Hsp60-related miRNAs-EVs in brain tumors and have standardized methods for the purpose. These revealed that EVs with Hsp60 and related miRNAs increase in patients’ blood in a manner that reflects disease status. The means are now available to monitor brain tumor patients by measuring the triad and to dissect its effects on target cells in vitro, and in experimental models in vivo.
Healthcare Workers’ Experiences of Working on the Frontline and Views About Support During COVID-19 and Previous Pandemics: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Meta-Synthesis 

Background: Healthcare workers across the world have risen to the demands of treating COVID-19 patients, potentially at significant cost to their own health and wellbeing. There has been increasing recognition of the potential mental health impact of COVID-19 on frontline workers and calls to provide psychosocial support for them. However, little attention has so far been paid to understanding the impact of working on a pandemic from healthcare workers’ own perspectives or what their views are about support. Methods: We searched key healthcare databases (Medline, PsychINFO and PubMed), reviewed relevant grey literature, screened pre-print servers and hand searched reference lists of key texts for all published accounts of healthcare workers’ experiences of working on the frontline and views about support during COVID-19 and previous pandemics/epidemics. Final searches took place on September 28, 2020. We conducted a meta-synthesis of all qualitative results to synthesise findings and develop an overarching set of themes and sub-themes which captured the experiences and views of frontline healthcare workers across the studies. Results: This review identified 46 qualitative studies which explored healthcare workers’ experiences and views from pandemics or epidemics including and prior to COVID-19. Meta-synthesis derived eight key themes which largely transcended temporal and geographical boundaries. Participants across all the studies were deeply concerned about their own and/or others’ physical safety. This was greatest in the early phases of pandemics and exacerbated by inadequate PPE, insufficient resources, and inconsistent information. Workers struggled with high workloads and long shifts and desired adequate rest and recovery. Many experienced stigma. Healthcare workers’ relationships with families, colleagues, organisations, media and the wider public were complicated and nuanced and could be experienced concomitantly as sources of support but also sources of stress. Conclusions: The experiences of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic are not unprecedented; the themes that arose from previous pandemics and epidemics were remarkably resonant with what we are hearing about the impact of COVID-19 globally today. We have an opportunity to learn from the lessons of these previous crises, mitigate the negative mental health impact of COVID-19 and support the longer-term wellbeing of the healthcare workforce worldwide.
The role of culture in student discipline of secondary schools in cross-cultural context: a systematic literature review and future research agenda

PurposeThe present study is a systematic review that identifies future research avenues on culture and discipline in secondary schools in a cross-cultural context.Design/methodology/approachThe literature, as published in top management, education and psychology journals, was reviewed around culture and discipline in secondary schools. This systematic literature review (SLR) used several preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and categorised the studies published during the period 2014–2020.FindingsThe author identified six major themes: (1) punishment, (2) restorative practices (RPs), (3) racial disparities, (4) competitiveness, (5) school climate and (6) secondary school student discipline in a cross-cultural context. Further, the author suggested several future research avenues under these emerging themes.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of this study is limited to culture and discipline in a secondary school context. The findings provide a solid foundation for researchers in the areas of culture and discipline in secondary schools.Originality/valueTo the best of the author's knowledge, this study can be considered as the first SLR conducted using PRISMA guidelines to identify several under-researched areas in the field of culture and discipline in secondary schools in a cross-cultural context. The study provides several future research insights.
Electrolyte Interphase Built from Anionic Covalent Organic Frameworks for Lithium Dendrite Suppression

Lithium (Li) metal batteries hold considerable promise for numerous energy‐dense applications. However, the dendritic Li anode produced during Li+/Li deposition‐stripping endangers battery safety and shortens cycle lifespan. Herein, an electrolyte interphase built from 2D anionic covalent organic frameworks (ACOF) is coated on Li for dendrite suppression. The ACOF with Li+‐affinity facilitates rapid and exclusive passage of Li‐ions from the electrolyte, yielding near‐unity Li+ transference number (0.82) and ionic conductivity beyond 3.7 mS cm‐1 at the interphase. Such high transport efficiency of Li‐ions can fundamentally circumvent the Li+ deficiency that results in dendrite formation. Pairing the ACOF‐coated Li against a high‐voltage LiCoO2 cathode (4.5 V) achieves exceptional cycle stability, mitigated polarization, as well as improved rate capability. Accordingly, this strategy vastly expands the pool of electrolyte interphases that can be used for coating and protecting Li anode.
A Fast, Hybrid, Time-Domain Discontinuous Galerkin-Physical Optics Method for Composite Electromagnetic Scattering Analysis

To accelerate the solution of transient electromagnetic scattering from composite scatters, a novel hybrid discontinuous Galerkin time domain (DGTD) and time-domain physical optics (TDPO) method is proposed. The DGTD method is used to solve the accurate scattering field of the multi-scale objects region, and a hybrid explicit-implicit time integration method is also used to improve the efficiency of multi-scale problems in the time domain. Meanwhile, the TDPO method is used to accelerate the speed of surface current integration in an electrically large region. In addition, the DGTDPO method considers the mutual coupling between two regions, and effectively reduces the number of numerical calculations for the other space of the composite target, thereby significantly reducing the computer memory consumption. Numerical results certified the high efficiency and accuracy of the hybrid DGTDPO. According to the results, in comparison with the DGTD algorithm in the entire computational domain, the DGTDPO method can reduce computing time and memory by 90% and 70% respectively. Meanwhile, the normalized root mean square deviation (NRMSD) of the time-domain, high-frequency approximation method is over 0.2, and that of the DGTDPO method is only 0.0971. That is, compared with the approximation methods, the hybrid method improves the accuracy by more than 64%.
Modeling of microstructural effects on the creep of hardened cement paste using an experimentally informed lattice model

This paper presents a method to numerically investigate the microstructural effect on the creep behavior of cement paste at the microscale. The lattice fracture model is extended to consider local time‐dependent deformations of calcium‐silicate‐hydrate phases in the cement paste by imposing local forces. The term “experimentally informed model” is used herein as the heterogeneous microstructures of hardened cement pastes were obtained by using the X‐ray computed microtomography and directly implemented into the model. The mechanical and creep properties of different constituents at the resolution of 5 µm were inversely identified from the fracture and creep bending tests on cementitious microcantilever beams at the microscale. The model is then validated through the comparison with the testing results of cement pastes with different w/c ratios and microstructures. It is found that the developed model can successfully reproduce experimentally observed behaviors and be applied to explain the experimental results in detail. With the method presented in this paper, the relationship between the volume fractions of different components and the global creep behavior of cement paste can be established. The validation of the model performed at the microscale forms a basis for the multiscale analysis of concrete creep.
Increased Marine Productivity in the Southern Humboldt Current System During MIS 2–4 and 10–11

The Humboldt Current System (HCS) is characterized by high marine primary productivity, the dynamics of which are closely linked to climate variability. However, its changes beyond the last glacial cycle are virtually unknown due to a dearth of long sediment records. Here, we present a 500 ka multi‐proxy marine productivity reconstruction from the southernmost part of the HCS (∼43 S). At these latitudes, marine productivity changes have been typically attributed to glacial‐interglacial changes in the South Pacific Subtropical High (SPSH) and Southern Westerly Winds (SWWs). Surprisingly, our productivity reconstruction based on biomarkers and benthic foraminifera does not show recurrent glacial‐interglacial variability. Instead, large increases in organic matter flux occurred during MIS 2–4 and MIS 10–11. Micronutrients in aeolian dust and Southern Ocean‐sourced macronutrients seem to be unlikely drivers, as both would have led to recurrent glacial‐interglacial variability as observed elsewhere. Another source of micronutrients is via continental runoff, the amount of which is controlled by Patagonian Ice Sheet variability and/or precipitation. We interpret our productivity records as reflecting changes in the amount of nutrients supplied by continental runoff, which are driven by precipitation variations linked to the configuration of the SPSH‐SWWs in response to orbital forcing in the eccentricity band. During eccentricity minima, the position of SPSH changes minimally from precession minima to maxima. This SPSH‐SWWs configuration probably results in a prolonged period of high precipitation, which in turn increases the continental runoff and the supply of micronutrients to the sea.
The Costs of Populism for the Bureaucracy and Government Performance:

We study the consequences of populism on bureaucratic expertise and government performance. We use novel data on about 8,000 municipalities in Italy, over a period of 20 years, and we estimate the effect of electing a populist mayor with a close-election regression discontinuity design. We find that the election of a populist mayor leads to (1) higher turnover among top bureaucrats; (2) an increase in the probability of replacing expert with non-expert bureaucrats; (3) a decrease in the percentage of highly educated bureaucrats; (4) and lower performance overall. Moreover, we find evidence that the increased inefficiency of the bureaucracy is accompanied by proliferation of council and executive resolutions, in line with the recent literature on overproduction of laws and bureaucratic inefficiency.