Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Has COVID-19 Threatened Relational Identity? Risk Representation, Identity Threats, and Perceived Health during Quarantine

ABSTRACT Based on the Identity Process Theory, this study wondered whether COVID-19 risk representation threatened relational identity and health perception. A sample of 976 Italian university students (Mage = 24.2; females: 73.8%) and a sample of 204 university staff members (Mage = 50.86; females: 57.4%) completed an online survey during the 1st phase of COVID-19. The results confirmed that in both samples the COVID-19 risk representation has been related to participants’ identity, both activating identity protection strategies and threatening their relational identity, i.e., the identity they derived from family and friendship relationships. Furthermore, identity protection mediated the relation between risk representation and health perception, suggesting that to feel even more part of their family and friend groups can protect participants from feeling unhealthy.
Microbial stowaways: Waterbirds as dispersal vectors of aquatic pro‐ and microeukaryotic communities

Waterbirds are important dispersal vectors of multicellular organisms; however, no study to date has focused on their potential role in dispersing aquatic microbial communities. We explicitly studied endozoochory of prokaryotes and unicellular microeukaryotes by waterbirds using DNA metabarcoding. By directly comparing the dispersed set of organisms to the source pool of a natural metacommunity, we aimed at a realistic estimate of the importance of waterbird zoochory for natural microbial communities.
Remote Implementation of a Health Promotion Program in an Underserved High School during COVID-19: Lessons Learned

Background: This study examined the impact of remote implementation of a school-based health promotion program on health beliefs and behaviors of adolescent participants from an underserved high school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: As part of the program, Family Medicine residents trained healthy 10th grade high school students from a vulnerable community in California to become health coaches for family members with diabetes. Five of eight onehour weekly sessions were delivered remotely after shelter in place was mandated. Students completed online pre and post-participation surveys including questions on health beliefs and behaviors and experience with remote learning. We explored factors associated with the likelihood of attending the remote classes, and we used paired T-tests to compare pre-and post-scores of health beliefs and behaviors, and qualitative analysis of open-ended questions to assess differences between those who completed in person sessions only and those who attended remote sessions. Results: 45 participants completed pre-surveys and 26 of those completed postsurveys. 14 of those 26 attended remote program sessions. The 14 who attended the additional remote sessions demonstrated significant improvements in health mindsets (belief that body has self-healing properties p=.045; belief that illness is an opportunity p=.028); consumption of fruits and vegetables (p=.054); consumption of sugary drinks (p=.047); understanding of how to improve their health (p=.055); and frequency of talking about health with their families (p=.057). Participants who did not attend remote sessions did not show significant improvements in these areas. Non-attendees were more likely to be Hispanic and male. Conclusions: These findings suggest that remote health promotion programs could support the health and well-being of adolescents in underserved communities. Yet, more research is essential to ensure all adolescents can participate.
A Quantitative Proteomics Approach to Gain Insight into NRF2-KEAP1 Skeletal Muscle System and Its Cysteine Redox Regulation

Mammalian skeletal muscle (SkM) tissue engages the Nrf2-Keap1-dependent antioxidant defense mechanism to respond adaptively to stress. Redox homeostasis mediated by the reversible modification of selective cysteines is the prevalent mode of regulation. The protein targets of SkM redox regulation are largely unknown. We previously reported the proteomic profiles of soleus (Sol) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) with Nrf2 or Keap1 gene deletion, using SkM-specific Nrf2 or Keap1 knockout models; iMS-Nrf2flox/flox; and iMS-Keap1flox/flox. Here, we employed these two animal models to understand the global expression profile of red tibialis anterior (RTA) using a label free approach and its redox proteomics using iodoacetyl tandem mass tag (iodoTMTTM)-labeled cysteine quantitation. We quantified 298 proteins that were significantly altered globally in the RTA with Nrf2 deficiency but only 21 proteins in the Keap1 KO samples. These proteins are involved in four intracellular signaling pathways: sirtuin signaling, Nrf2 mediated oxidative stress response, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrion dysfunction. Moreover, we identified and quantified the cysteine redox peptides of 34 proteins, which are associated with mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, energy metabolism, and extracellular matrix. Our findings suggest that Nrf2-deficient RTA is implicated in metabolic myopathy, mitochondrial disorders, and motor dysfunction, possibly due to an enhanced oxidative modification of the structure and functional proteins in skeletal myocytes.
Synthesis of Benzochromene Derivatives Using Reusable Fe3O4/ZnO Magnetic Nanoparticles: Study of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity

Abstract An efficient procedure for the synthesis of benzochromene derivatives: 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone, isopropenylacetylene, aldehydes, alkyl bromides and triphenylphosphine in the presence of magnetically reusable Fe3O4/ZnO magnetic nanoparticles as a heterogeneous catalyst, in water at room temperature, is investigated. In this research, the Fe3O4/ZnO magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized through a green method using Petasites hybridus rhizome water extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Also, the antioxidant activity of some synthesized compounds was studied. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of some synthesized compounds proved by employing the disk diffusion test on gram-positive and -negative bacteria. The workup of reaction is simple and the products can be separated easily from the reaction mixture. Fe3O4/ZnO magnetic nanoparticles show a good improvement in the yield of the product and the catalyst displayed significant reusable activity. Graphical Abstract
A Malware Distribution Simulator for the Verification of Network Threat Prevention Tools

With the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), security incidents about exploiting vulnerabilities in IoT devices have become prominent. However, due to the characteristics of IoT devices such as low power and low performance, it is difficult to apply existing security solutions to IoT devices. As a result, IoT devices have easily become targets for cyber attackers, and malware attacks on IoT devices are increasing every year. The most representative is the Mirai malware that caused distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks by creating a massive IoT botnet. Moreover, Mirai malware has been released on the Internet, resulting in increasing variants and new malicious codes. One of the ways to mitigate distributed denial of service attacks is to render the creation of massive IoT botnets difficult by preventing the spread of malicious code. For IoT infrastructure security, security solutions are being studied to analyze network packets going in and out of IoT infrastructure to detect threats, and to prevent the spread of threats within IoT infrastructure by dynamically controlling network access to maliciously used IoT devices, network equipment, and IoT services. However, there is a great risk to apply unverified security solutions to real-world environments. In this paper, we propose a malware simulation tool that scans vulnerable IoT devices assigned a private IP address, and spreads malicious code within IoT infrastructure by injecting malicious code download command into vulnerable devices. The malware simulation tool proposed in this paper can be used to verify the functionality of network threat detection and prevention solutions.
Morphology and Phylogeny Reveal Vamsapriyaceae fam. nov. (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes) with Two Novel Vamsapriya Species

Phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, rpb2, tub2 and ITS sequence data of representative Xylariales taxa indicated that Diabolocovidia, Didymobotryum and Vamsapriya cluster together and form a distinct clade in Xylariales. Morphological comparison also shows their distinctiveness from other families of Xylariales. Therefore, we introduce it as a novel family, Vamsapriyaceae. Based on morphological characteristics, Podosporium and Tretophragmia, which were previously classified in Ascomycota genera incertae sedis, are now included in the Vamsapriyaceae. In addition, three Vamsapriya species, V. chiangmaiensis sp. nov, V. uniseptata sp. nov, and V. indica are described and illustrated in this paper.
For everything there was a season: phenological shifts in the Tetons

Around the world, phenology — the timing of ecological events — is shifting as the climate warms. This can lead to a variety of consequences for individual species and entire ecological communities. Grand Teton National Park biologists have identified this topic (“effect of earlier plant flowering on pollinators and wildlife”) as one of their priority research needs. We assembled phenological observations of first flowering dates for 49 species collected by Frank Craighead, Jr. in the 1970s, before significant warming occurred. In 2016 we began standardized phenological observations of these same species, plus an additional 61 for a total of 110 species, in the same locations. First flowering date for 65% of the species with historic records correlated significantly with mean spring temperature; these species are therefore expected to flower earlier now than in the 1970s. Early spring flowers had the largest shifts in phenology, emerging an average of 21 days earlier now relative to the 1970s. Yet not all species are emerging earlier. In particular, phenology of late summer/early fall flowering plants was largely unchanged. In 2017, we initiated pollinator collections at our key phenology sites. Additional years of observations will allow us to better understand plant-pollinator interactions and identify potential phenological mismatches. Featured photo by Shawna Wolf, taken from the AMK Ranch photo collection.
Kleiber ratios and growth curves of African Black and Red Neck ostrich breeds and their crossbreeds

The selection of animals with lower production costs can be achieved by using feed efficiency and growth curve information. Kleiber ratio (KR) is an alternative option for discriminating against the animals that have the greatest weight gain about their final weight. Alternative feed efficiency and growth curves for ostriches of the African Black (AB) and Red Neck (RN) breeds and their crossbreeds (CB) were investigated using KR and Gompertz equation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used. The highest adult weight was identified in the RN and CB. AB was more precocious than the RN and CB individuals. Only AB animals reached 75% of their mature weight at one year of age. At 180 days, AB showed better KR. AB was different from the others, mainly for KR at 90 days and 180 days. Considering multivariate analysis, AB animals were different from the others, regardless of sex, mainly for KR at 90 days and KR at 180 days. Other subgroups separated the animals by sex. In a market preferring animals of minor structure (smaller cuts) and greater precocity, it would be suitable to opt for AB. When animals with greater body structure (larger cuts) are desired, males RN and CR is the best option, however, it will be slaughtered with greater age and lower value for KR (may generate a bigger production cost ). It is possible to obtain animals with precocity and high KR, being well represented by the AB breed.
A digital health intervention to support patients with chronic pain during prescription opioid tapering: a pilot randomised controlled trial

Introduction: Recent changes in opioid prescribing guidelines have led to an increasing number of patients with chronic pain being recommended to taper. However, opioid tapering can be challenging, and many patients require support. Objectives: We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a co-designed psycho-educational video and SMS text messaging intervention to support patients with chronic pain during prescription opioid tapering. Methods: A pilot randomised controlled trial was conducted. In addition to their usual care, participants in the intervention group received a psycho-educational video and 28 days of text messages (two SMS/day). The control group received usual care. The feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of the intervention were evaluated. The primary outcome was opioid tapering self-efficacy. Secondary outcomes were pain intensity and interference, anxiety and depression symptom severity, pain catastrophising, and pain self-efficacy. Results: Of 28 randomised participants, 26 completed the study (13 in each group). Text message delivery was 99.2% successful. Most participants rated the messages as useful, supportive, encouraging, and engaging, 78.5% would recommend the intervention to others, and 64% desired a longer intervention period. Tapering self-efficacy (Cohens d = 0.74) and pain self-efficacy (d = 0.41) were higher and pain intensity (d = 0.65) and affective interference (d = 0.45) lower in the intervention group at week 4. Conclusions: It is feasible, acceptable, and potentially efficacious to support patients with chronic pain during prescription opioid tapering with a psycho-educational video and SMS text messaging intervention. A definitive trial has been initiated to test a 12-week intervention.
Insights into the ecotoxicological perturbations induced by the biocide Abamectin in the white snail, Theba pisana

Abstract Abamectin (avermectin B1, ABM) has been widely used as a biocide in agriculture, veterinary and medicine around the world. Yet, there is still a lack of knowledge about the ecotoxicological effects of ABM. In this study, we investigated the acute toxicity and sub-lethal (20% and 60% LD50) biochemical responses of ABM on the non-target land snail, Theba pisana. Mortality of snails increased with the dose increase, resulting 48 h- LD50 value of 1.048 µg/snail. The biochemical results showed a decrease in glycogen content and lipids for two sub-lethal doses after all time intervals, whereas increased the level of total proteins after exposure to 60% LD50 ABM. Overall, the tested sub-lethal doses significantly decreased the total energy reserves. ABM-exposure to snails elevated γ-Glutamyl transferase and Lactate dehydrogenase activities at all-time intervals. A significant increase of Glutathione-S-transferase activity was also recorded in snails exposed to 20% and 60% LD50 after 7 days and all time intervals, respectively. However, ABM inhibited the activity of Aspartate aminotransferase and Alanine aminotransferase after 7 days of exposure. Our investigation provides new insights into the disturbances of energy reserves and enzyme activities in T. pisana that are sensitive and may be used as biomarkers for assessing ABM toxicity. Graphical Abstract
The relationship of reading and mathematics in third-grade elementary school student in Canton Sarajevo

The attainment of reading and basic mathematical skills is one of the most important academic goals in early grades of elementary school. A plethora of studies has shown the importance of these skills to future academic achievements and professional career. The goal of this study was to determine the correlation of reading and mathematics in third-grade elementary school students in Canton Sarajevo. An additional goal was to determine if there are differences in the proportion of academic underachievement in relation to the student’s gender. The sample for this study consisted of 70 third-grade students (33 girls, 37 boys, mean age- 103,1 months, SD- 5,6 months) attending two elementary schools in Canton Sarajevo. Results of this study indicated that reading and mathematics share 25% of the variance in the scores. The cor[1]relation between reading and mathematics was r = 0,50, p<0,01. There were more boys in the category of academic underachievement in both, reading and mathematics. However, statistically significant differences in the distribution of students were present only for reading and not for mathematics. Identification of cognitive factors that contribute to reading attainment and mathematical skills will help teachers create better intervention programs. The article ends with some recommendations for teachers on how to improve these academic skills in their students><0,01. There were more boys in the category of academic underachievement in both, reading and mathematics. However, statistically significant differences in the distribution of students were present only for reading and not for mathematics. Identification of cognitive factors that contribute to reading attainment and mathematical skills will help teachers create better intervention programs. The article ends with some recommendations for teachers on how to improve these academic skills in their students
A new method for geomorphological studies and land cover classification using Machine Learning techniques

The processing of aerial high-resolution images is key for territorial mapping and change detection analysis in hydro-geomorphological high-risk areas. A new method has been developed in the context of CLOSE (Close to the Earth) project, resulting in a workﬂow based on open source MicMac photogrammetric suite and on High-Performance Computing. The workﬂow allowed to process a sequence of more than 1000 drone images captured along a reach belonging to the Basento River in Basilicata (Italy) during one single run.The workﬂow optimisation aims to extract the orthophotomosaic, the point cloud and the Digital Surface Model (DSM) of selected areas. The high quality of the image details can be used for land cover classiﬁcation and extrapolating features useful to mitigate the hydro-geomorphological hazard, through Machine Learning models trained with satellite public data. Several Convolutional Neural Networks have been tested using progressively more complex layer sequences, data augmentation and callback techniques for training procedures. The results are given in terms of model accuracy and loss.
A rod‐like piezoelectric controller for the improvement of the visco‐elastic Beck's beam linear stability

The linear stability of a cantilever beam subject to a follower force is investigated. A system of distributed piezoelectric devices is attached to the beam with the purpose of improving the dynamic stability of the structure. They are connected to a second‐order network and second‐order analog electrical circuit. The assembly of the mechanical and piezoelectric subsystems constitutes a coupled Piezo‐Electro‐Mechanical (PEM) system, whose equations of motion, derived within a variational approach, are discretized via the Galerkin weighted residual method and the stability of the trivial equilibrium is addressed by numerically solving the associated eigenvalue problem. A sensitivity analysis, carried out on a numerical ground, is thus conducted on a wide range of the electrical parameters to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
A high step‐up DC–DC converter with active switched LC‐network and voltage‐lift circuit: Topology, operating principle, and implementation

To meet the higher DC link voltage requirement in distributed energy resources (DERs) such as fuel cells (FCs), wind turbines (WTs), and photovoltaic (PV) systems, DC–DC converters are applied. A voltage‐lift (VL) circuit‐based transformer‐less active switched LC‐network (ASLC) converter with a high‐voltage gain is proposed in this paper. Compared to a similar reference converter, the voltage gain of the proposed converter increases efficiently by adding one extra capacitor and diode. The operation of the converter in continuous current mode (CCM) and discontinuous current mode (DCM), the analysis of the steady‐state condition, and comparative analysis with some similar converters are discussed. Moreover, the parasitic elements are assumed to calculate the DC‐voltage gain and the efficiency of the converter accurately. The performance of the proposed step‐up converter is simulated in the PSIM software. A prototype circuit rating of about 20/280 V, 200 W of converter model is designed, and its performance is validated. The experimental outcomes clarify the feasibility of the proposed converter.
Static visual predator recognition in jumping spiders

1. Visually detecting, recognizing and responding appropriately to predators increases survival. Failure to detect a predator or long decision time carries high and potentially fatal costs. Consequently, many animals show general anti- predatory responses towards threatening stimuli, for example, looming objects. However, in the context of lurking or stalking predators, visual recognition is based on static visual cues, making this task computationally demanding. 2. Jumping spiders (Salticidae) have superb vision and are excellent predators but they can equally fall prey to other jumping spiders. In a hierarchical decision-making setup, we tested whether the common zebra jumping spider Salticus scenicus can visually recognize stationary predators. We measured the spiders’ behavioural responses towards predator (naturally co- occurring, non- co- occurring and artificial) and non- predator objects as well as towards objects with modified features. Our experiments show that salticids demonstrate a robust, fast and repeatable ‘freeze and retreat’
The birth hour of mammals: insights from intra-specific variation in wild blue monkeys

Abstract While most mammals show birth hour peaks at times of the 24-h cycle when they are less active, there are exceptions to this general pattern. Such exceptions have been little explored, but may clarify evolutionary reasons for the diel timing of births. We investigated intraspecific variation in birth hour in wild blue monkeys Cercopithecus mitis stuhlmanni, a diurnal primate, to identify factors that differentiated daytime versus nighttime births. Behavioral and life history data from 14 groups over 14 years revealed that 4% of 484 births occurred during the day. Probability of daytime birth varied with mother’s age, peaking at 15.7 years. Births whose annual timing deviated most from the population’s peak birth months were 5 times more likely to occur during daytime than those that deviated less. There was no evidence that mother’s rank or infant sex influenced birth hour, and mixed evidence that daytime births were more probable in larger groups. Survivorship did not differ significantly for infants born during the day versus night. Prime-aged mothers may be able to handle the consequences of an unusual birth hour more successfully than mothers with less experience or those weakened by age. Daytime birth may be more advantageous in the off-season because nights are colder at that time of year. These findings are consistent with hypotheses relating birth hour to the risk of losing social protection in group-living animals, but are not consistent with those emphasizing risk of conspecific harassment. Patterns of within-species variation can help in evaluating evolutionary hypotheses for non-random birth hour.