Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The study of fluorescence enhancing and quenching effect of luminescent materials in sol gel for the detection of gases

The control of CO2, SO2 and O2 emission is important thus the determination of its concentration is important in many applications. This study is carried out to investigate and characterize the fluorescent properties of metal-chelate using fluorescent materials such as I±-naphthoflavone (7, 8-benzoflavone), fluorescein and luminol. Initial investigation showed that I±-naphthoflavone exhibit fluorescence at I»em = 426 nm (I»ex = 343 nm), fluorescein exhibit fluorescence at I»em = 510 nm (I»ex = 483 nm) and luminol at I»em = 421 nm (I»ex = 386 nm) at optimum pH 10.06, pH 8.90 and pH 8.62 respectively. The presence of CO2, SO2 and O2 were detected by I±-naphthoflavone, fluorescein and luminol. I±-naphthoflavone, fluorescein and luminol giving a non-linear change in the emission intensity with increase volume of SO2 and O2 gas. Therefore, I±-naphthoflavone, fluorescein and luminol are not suitable for detecting SO2 and O2 gas. When dissolving CO2 gas into the complex, the emission wavelength (I”I»em) for fluorescein was shifted by 6 nm and luminol was 9 nm. The fluorescence properties of I±-naphthoflavone, fluorescein and luminol entrapped in sol gel were also investigated. Results indicated that the emission intensity of the entrapped fluorescent material in sol gel decreased as compared to fluorescence in solvent. For the detection of CO2, the gas was bubbled onto the sol gel surface. It was observed that the emission intensity of I±-naphthoflavone in sol gel increased linearly as the volume of CO2 gases increased. Meanwhile, fluorescein and luminol shows a non linear change with the increased CO2 amount in sol gel. Among the five metals ions that complex with I±-naphthoflavone, fluorescein and luminol, it was found that the emission intensity of fluorescein-ferum complex decreases linearly after exposure to increasing amount of CO2 in sol gel giving a linear relationship with an equation was y = -7.2252 x + 271.01 and a correlation of 0.9234.
Research with Life Stories in the Production of the History of Science Education: The Photobiographical Device as a Resource for the Understanding of Social Experiences

The activation of diversified historical sources and methodological approaches have been requested to the production of a new socio-historical knowledge concerning the historical constitutions of the school subjects of science and biology. This approach allows the understanding of controversies and disputes about these subjects. The present paper aims to present and problematize the use of an investigative resource developed in the field of Social sciences and still unusual in the science education studies with historical perspectives: the photobiography. This device combines references from Sociology, History of Education and Curriculum. In the paper, the photobiography dialogues with a research on the social trajectory of a science teacher whose professional practices were in tune with the assumptions of the “Science Education Innovation Movement” of the 1960s and 1970. The photobiography device is used for triggering memories and the production of other meanings of science teaching at that milieu.
Barrier tunneling and loop polarization in Hopf semimetals

Degrees of freedom like charge, spin, and valley in condensed matter have drawn much attention in the past decades. Recently, several kinds of nodal line semimetals have been discovered for which the conduction and valence bands cross along one-dimensional lines, usually forming loops. These distinct loops, similar to valleys, can be used as a possible carrier of information. Here we investigate the loop polarization during quantum transports, i.e., barrier tunneling as well as disorder scattering, in Hopf semimetals with two disconnected loops. We find that in both cases, the loop polarization is mostly dominated by the performance of normal incidence, due to the mirror symmetry of two loop planes and the finite size effect along one direction. After scattered by nonmagnetic disordered potentials, the opposite polarizations can intrinsically reveal the topological structure of two loops, linked or unlinked. The effects from smooth barriers and disorders are also investigated. We find that a long range smooth barrier leads to an even clearer and purer picture of scattering and loop polarization, due to the suppression of large momentum transfer. These effects can be used as a controllable loop filter and detector.
VGF in cerebrospinal fluid, when combined with conventional biomarkers, enhances prediction of conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s Disease

Sensitive and accurate biomarkers for the prediction of conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) are needed to both support clinical care and enhance clinical trial design. Here, we examined the potential of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of a peptide derived from a neural protein involved in synaptic transmission, VGF (a non-initialism), to enhance accuracy of prediction of conversion from MCI to AD. The performance of conventional biomarkers (CSF Aβ1-42 and phosphorylated tau +/− hippocampal volume) was compared to the same biomarkers with CSF VGF peptide levels. It was observed that VGF peptides are lowered in patients with AD compared to controls and that combinations of CSF Aβ1-42 and phosphorylated tau, hippocampal volume and VGF peptide levels outperformed conventional biomarkers alone (hazard ratio = 2.2 vs. 3.9). VGF peptide levels were correlated most strongly with total tau levels, but not hippocampal volume, suggesting that they serve as a marker for neuronal degradation, but not necessarily in the hippocampus. The latter point suggests that VGF may serve as a more general marker of neurodegeneration. Future work will be needed to determine the specificity of VGF for AD vs. other neurodegenerative diseases.
Measurement of differential $\mathrm{t\bar{t}}$ production cross sections using top quarks at large transverse momenta in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = $ 13 TeV

A measurement is reported of differential top quark pair ($\mathrm{t\bar{t}}$) production cross sections, where top quarks are produced at large transverse momenta. The data collected with the CMS detector at the LHC are from pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb$^{-1}$. The measurement uses events where at least one top quark decays as t$ \to $Wb $ \to $ qq'b and is reconstructed as a large-radius jet with transverse momentum in excess of 400 GeV. The second top quark is required to decay either in a similar way, or leptonically, as inferred from a reconstructed electron or muon, a bottom quark jet, and a missing transverse momentum due to the undetected neutrino. The cross section is extracted as a function of kinematic variables of individual top quarks or of the $\mathrm{t\bar{t}}$ system. The results are presented at the particle level, within a region of phase space close to that of the experimental acceptance, and at the parton level, and are compared to various theoretical models. In both decay channels the observed absolute cross sections are significantly lower than the predictions from theory, while the normalized differential measurements are well described.
Urbanization Impacts on Natural Habitat and Ecosystem Services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao “Megacity”

The population aggregation and built-up area expansion caused by urbanization can have significant impacts on the supply and distribution of crucial ecosystem services. The correlation between urbanization and ecosystem services has been well-studied, but additional research is needed to better understand the spatiotemporal interactions between ecosystem services and urbanization processes in highly urbanized areas as well as surrounding rural areas. In this paper, the relationships of urbanization with natural habitat and three key regulating ecosystem services—water retention, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration, were quantified and mapped for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), a rapidly developing urban agglomeration of over 70 million people, for the period of 2000–2018. Our results showed that urbanization caused a general decline in ecosystem services, and urbanization and ecosystem services exhibited a negative spatial correlation. However, this relationship varied along urban-rural gradients and weak decoupling was the overall trend during the course of the study period, indicating a greater need for the protection and improvement of ecosystem services. Our results provide instructive insights for new urbanization planning to maintain regional ecosystem services and sustainable development in the GBA and other large, rapidly urbanized agglomerations.
Driving Sustainability in Dairy Farming from a TBL Perspective: Insights from a Case Study in the West Region of Santa Catarina, Brazil

All companies in agribusiness supply chains need to be aware of the best use of available resources, which demands an integrated assessment of environmental, economic and social aspects, i.e., the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). Such analysis allows us to get a more balanced and complete understanding of the real performance of companies, supply chains and industries. Companies in the upstream of agribusinesses supply chains present some limitations, but can contribute significantly to the overall sustainability of the entire value chain. The objective of this research was to understand the role of the drivers of sustainability in dairy farming from a TBL perspective, such as assistance to producers and the value chain, and the use of better technology and management practices. A sample of 54 rural farms in the dairy supply chain of the western region of Santa Catarina, Brazil, was used to test four hypotheses about what can drive sustainability. Furthermore, first- and second-order structural equation models using SMART PLS software were used for the analysis of the data. The results obtained show that social sustainability is positively influenced by the use of good management practices, and the latter, as well as public policies, positively influence economic sustainability. Furthermore, it was found that improvements in production techniques positively influence environmental sustainability, and this is mostly influenced by the use of good management practices, and less so by policies directed at the supply chain. Finally, from the analysis of the second-order variable for sustainability, it was highlighted that the economic dimension prevails in the eyes of the farmers, as the main dimension of sustainability, and that environmental aspects are still neglected.
Frustrated magnetism in the layered triangular lattice materials 
K2Co(SeO3)2
 and 
Rb2Co(SeO3)2

A study of the layered triangular lattice materials ${\mathrm{K}}_{2}\mathrm{Co}{({\mathrm{SeO}}_{3})}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{Rb}}_{2}\mathrm{Co}{({\mathrm{SeO}}_{3})}_{2}$ is reported. These isostructural compounds crystallize in the trigonal space group $R\ensuremath{-}3m$ (No. 166). The magnetic $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{o}}^{2+}$ ions form a spin-1/2 triangular lattice and display strongly frustrated magnetism. We find no evidence in the susceptibility or heat capacity for in-plane ordering of the spins; rather the in-plane inverse susceptibility is typical of that seen for frustrated magnets. At around 10 K, a ferromagnetic component appears in the magnetic susceptibility perpendicular to the triangular planes. The heat capacity at low applied fields does not show sharp features, but in larger applied fields a sharp ferromagneticlike transition appears. Field- and direction-dependent magnetization measurements at 2 K indicate that both materials have a magnetic easy axis perpendicular to the triangular planes. The magnetic properties are sensitive to the field applied perpendicular to the triangular planes, which induces a metamagnetization transition at 0.75 T. Spin polarization develops along with the increasing out-of-plane field, resulting in a saturated ferromagnetic state at high fields. In contrast, the magnetic properties are resistant to the in-plane field. Our results suggest that these materials are embodiments of Ising spins on triangular lattices with easy-axis anisotropy.
Unsupervised detection of ancestry tracks with the GHap r package

The identification of ancestry tracks is a powerful tool to assist the inference of evolutionary events in the genomes of animals and plants. However, algorithms for ancestry track detection typically require labelled reference population data. This dependency prevents the analysis of genomic data lacking prior information on genetic structure, and may produce classification bias when samples in the reference data are inadvertently admixed. We combined heuristics with K‐means clustering to deploy a method that can detect ancestry tracks without the provision of lineage labels for reference population data. The resulting algorithm uses phased genotypes to infer individual ancestry proportions and local ancestry. By piling up ancestry tracks across individuals, our method also allows for mapping loci with excess or deficit ancestry from specific lineages. Using both simulated and real genomic data, we found that the proposed method was accurate in inferring genetic structure, assigning chromosomal segments to lineages and estimating individual ancestry, especially in cases where ancestry tracks resulted from recent admixture of highly divergent lineages. The method is implemented as part of the v2 release of the GHap r package (available at https://cran.r‐project.org/package=GHap and https://bitbucket.org/marcomilanesi/ghap/src/master/).
Effects of Eight Weeks of 16: 8 Time-restricted Eating in Male Middle- and Long-Distance Runners.

PURPOSE Eight weeks of time-restricted eating (TRE) in concert with habitual exercise training was investigated for effects on body composition, energy and macronutrient intakes, indices of endurance running performance, and markers of metabolic health in endurance athletes. METHODS Male middle and long distance runners (n=23) were randomly assigned to TRE (n=12), or habitual dietary intake (CON; n=11). TRE required participants to consume all of their dietary intake within an 8 h eating window (so-called "16:8" TRE), but dietary patterns, food choices, and energy intake were ad libitum during this window. Participants continued their habitual training during the intervention period. Participants completed an incremental exercise test before (PRE) and after (POST) the 8 week intervention for assessment of blood lactate concentrations, running economy and maximal oxygen uptake. Fasted blood samples were analysed for glucose, insulin and triglyceride concentrations. Dietary intake was assessed at PRE, MID (week 4), and POST using a four-day semi-weighed food diary. RESULTS Seventeen participants (TRE, n=10; CON, n=7) completed the intervention. Training load did not differ between groups for the duration of the intervention period. TRE resulted in a reduction in body mass (mean difference of -1.92 (95% CI, -3.52 to -0.32) kg, P=0.022). Self-reported daily energy intake was lower in TRE at MID and POST (group*time interaction, P=0.049). No effect of TRE was observed for oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, running economy, blood lactate concentrations or heart rate during exercise, nor were any effects on glucose, insulin or triglyceride concentrations observed. CONCLUSION Eight weeks of 16:8 TRE in middle and long distance runners resulted in a decrease in body mass commensurate with a reduction in daily energy intake, but did not alter indices of endurance running performance or metabolic health.
Fast fabrication of silicone-modified polyurethane/SiO2 composite superhydrophobic coating with excellent anti-icing and self-cleaning behaviour

The superhydrophobic coating has many excellent properties, but due to the limitation of poor surface mechanical stability and sophisticated preparation engineering, it is challenging to realize large-area application. In this study, a robust superhydrophobic coating with excellent performance was prepared by a simple and fast method. The modified silica nanoparticles was sprayed on the hydrophobic polyurethane coating, and the superhydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 160° and sliding angle of 2° was successfully prepared after curing under UV lamp for 3 min. The coating can be applied to the surface of all kinds of substrates, and it still has a static water contact angle of 150° after 400 cycles of friction on 500 mesh sandpaper. Furthermore, the coating with verified self-cleaning and anti-icing properties exhibits superhydrophobicity to strong acid and alkali solutions. This simple, fast and environmentally friendly preparation method is expected to realize the wide application of superhydrophobic coatings.
Habitat amount, not patch size and isolation, drives species richness of macro‐moth communities in countryside landscapes

Our aim was to test whether species richness patterns are best explained by the effect of the total amount of habitat within the landscape, or instead by a combination of patch size and patch isolation effects. To this end, we jointly contrast the habitat amount hypothesis and countryside biogeography with patch size and isolation concepts from island biogeography.
A framework for clinical and translational research in the era of rigor and reproducibility

Abstract Introduction: Rigor and reproducibility are two important cornerstones of medical and scientific advancement. Clinical and translational research (CTR) contains four phases (T1–T4), involving the translation of basic research to humans, then to clinical settings, practice, and the population, with the ultimate goal of improving public health. Here we provide a framework for rigorous and reproducible CTR. Methods: In this paper we define CTR, provide general and phase-specific recommendations for improving quality and reproducibility of CTR with emphases on study design, data collection and management, analyses and reporting. We present and discuss aspects of rigor and reproducibility following published examples of CTR from the literature, including one example that shows the development path of different treatments that address anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Results: It is particularly important to consider robust and unbiased experimental design and methodology for analysis and interpretation for clinical translation studies to ensure reproducibility before taking the next translational step. There are both commonality and differences along the clinical translation research phases in terms of research focuses and considerations regarding study design, implementation, and data analysis approaches. Conclusions: Sound scientific practices, starting with rigorous study design, transparency, and team efforts can greatly enhance CTR. Investigators from multidisciplinary teams should work along the spectrum of CTR phases, and identify optimal practices for study design, data collection, data analysis, and results reporting to allow timely advances in the relevant field of research.
Exploring the impact of video making on students’ writing skills

Abstract Video-making projects have often been used to facilitate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ active application of target language acquired in classroom settings to authentic learning environments. However, few empirical studies have focused on how the activity can foster and enhance EFL students’ writing skills. Fifty-seven EFL students participated in an 18-week study to investigate how employing different modes have enhanced their English writing skills. Data comprised (a) pre-and post-English writing tests and (b) reflective essays. Findings from the study demonstrated that students learned to be more inventive and skillful at utilizing different modes in meaning-making, as well as to be more self-regulated and conscious of diverse contexts and perspectives. Implications of the study are discussed.
Investigation on tip clearance control for the high-pressure rotor of an uncooled vaneless counter-rotating turbine

In order to develop a tip clearance control system for an uncooled vaneless counter-rotating turbine, tip clearance variation of its high pressure rotor blade at off-design conditions is analyzed. Aero-thermal interaction simulation is performed to predict the temperature and deformation of the solid blade. At operating conditions with rotating speeds greater than 60% design value and expansion ratios greater than 85% design value, the blade tip clearance height at leading edge remains unchanged when the expansion ratio decreases, meanwhile that at trailing edge decreased obviously. However, the tip clearance height variations at the leading edge and trailing edge are almost the same in a conventional subsonic turbine at such conditions. The cause is that the flow in the high-pressure rotor is choked at these conditions. The choked flow results in that the fluid and solid blade temperatures upstream of the throat are not affected by the back pressure and only those downstream of the throat increases with the back pressure. Consequently, the blade height at leading edge keeps constant, and that at trailing edge varies because of thermal expansion. To avoid the rubbing of the blade and case, the blade height at trailing edge is diminished by 30%. As a result, the blade tip clearance height at low speed operating conditions increases in axial direction. Such a design leads to a stronger tip leakage flow. More flow losses might be generated. Therefore, a casing cooling method is proposed to control the blade tip clearance height at leading edge and trailing edge respectively. The deformations of the casing with different mass flow rate of cooling air at design and off-design conditions are calculated. It shows that the blade tip clearance heights at leading edge and at trailing edge of the rotor can be well controlled with appropriate amount of cooling air.