Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adolescents’ School Burnout: A Comparative Study between Italy and Switzerland

This study aimed to analyze and compare students’ school burnout levels in Switzerland and Italy. Previous research has confirmed that female and older students in particular are highly exposed to burnout risk. Nevertheless, few studies have observed this phenomenon through a cross-national comparison. Data on burnout were collected from a sample of 840 adolescents (Italian students = 497; Swiss students = 343) (Mage = 14.98; SD = 1.06; Female = 50%). Burnout was measured using the School Burnout Inventory, and cross-cultural measurement invariance was tested. The results showed that this burnout measure was equivalent between the Italian and Swiss samples. A multivariate analysis of variance was next conducted to investigate the effects of age, gender, and nationality. Results partially confirmed our hypotheses, showing the effect of age but not of gender in explaining burnout differences among students, and between and within-group variance. In particular, the burnout risk was found to be higher in late adolescence (age 16 to 18, Mexhaution = 2.73; Mcynicism = 2.99; MInadequacy = 3.14) than in mid-adolescence (age 13 to 15 Mexhaution = 2.95; Mcynicism = 3.43; MInadequacy = 3.54). Furthermore, Italian adolescents were more exhausted and cynical (Mexhaution = 2.99; Mcynicism = 3.26) than their Swiss peers (Mexhaution = 2.52; Mcynicism = 2.93) when controlling for age and gender. Findings suggest further investigation of the role played by educational and cultural values may be warranted.
Evidence for a Behaviourally Measurable Perseverance Trait in Humans

The aim was to create and study a possible behavioural measure for trait(s) in humans that reflect the ability and motivation to continue an unpleasant behaviour, i.e., behavioural perseverance or persistence (BP). We utilised six different tasks with 54 subjects to measure the possible BP trait(s): cold pressor task, hand grip endurance task, impossible anagram task, impossible verbal reasoning task, thread and needle task, and boring video task. The task performances formed two BP factors. Together, the two-factor solution is responsible for the common variance constituting 37.3% of the total variance in the performances i.e., performance times. Excluding the impossible anagram task, the performance in any given task was better explained by performances in the other tasks (i.e., “trait”, η2 range = 0.131–0.253) than by the rank order variable (“depletion”, i.e., getting tired from the previous tasks, η2 range = 0–0.096).
Exploring Locus-of-Hope: Relational Tendencies, Self-Esteem, Attachment, and Gender

Background: As little research has been devoted to examining associations between the four locus-of-hope dimensions (internal, external—peer, external—family, and external—spiritual) and individual differences, the current study explores the correlations with individual-level individualist and collectivist relational tendencies, self-esteem, insecure attachment, and gender within a culturally diverse sample of university undergraduate students. Methods: questionnaires were completed by a culturally diverse sample of undergraduate students measuring locus-of-hope, individualist and collectivist relational tendencies, self-esteem, insecure attachment, and gender. Results: State and trait locus-of-hope were significantly correlated. Individualism showed positive correlations with internal and external—family locus-of-hope. Collectivism positively correlated with internal locus-of-hope and the three external locus-of-hope dimensions. Internal locus-of-hope was significantly predicted by self-esteem, relational self-esteem, individualism, and collectivism. External—spiritual locus-of-hope was not significantly predicted by the variables. External—family locus-of-hope was significantly predicted by relational self-esteem and collectivism and external—peer locus-of hope was significantly predicted by relational self-esteem, collectivism, and avoidant attachment style. No significant gender differences in locus-of-hope were found. Conclusions: The results provide further understanding about the construct of locus-of-hope and provide a foundation for future research to continue exploring the role of locus-of-hope in the development and expression of self-esteem and attachment profiles.
The Kinetic and Analytical Aspects of Enzyme Competitive Inhibition: Sensing of Tyrosinase Inhibitors

An amperometric biosensor based on tyrosinase, immobilized onto a carbon black paste electrode using glutaraldehyde and BSA was constructed to detect competitive inhibitors. Three inhibitors were used in this study: benzoic acid, sodium azide, and kojic acid, and the obtained values for fifty percent of inhibition (IC50) were 119 µM, 1480 µM, and 30 µM, respectively. The type of inhibition can also be determined from the curve of the degree of inhibition by considering the shift of the inhibition curves. Amperometric experiments were performed with a biosensor polarized at the potential −0.15 V vs. Ag/AgCl and using 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) as an electrolyte. Under optimized conditions, the proposed biosensor showed a linear amperometric response toward catechol detection from 0.5 µM to 38 µM with a detection limit of 0.35 µM (S/N = 3), and its sensitivity was 66.5 mA M−1 cm−2. Moreover, the biosensor exhibited a good storage stability. Conversely, a novel graphical plot for the determination of reversible competitive inhibition was represented for free tyrosinase. The graph consisted of plotting the half-time reaction (t1/2) as a function of the inhibitor concentration at various substrate concentrations. This innovative method relevance was demonstrated in the case of kojic acid using a colorimetric bioassay relying on tyrosinase inhibition. The results showed that the t1/2 provides an extended linear range of tyrosinase inhibitors.
Highly Sensitive Uric Acid Detection Based on a Graphene Chemoresistor and Magnetic Beads

In this study, we developed a low-cost, reusable, and highly sensitive analytical platform for the detection of the human metabolite uric acid (UA). This novel analysis platform combines the graphene chemoresistor detection technique with a magnetic bead (MB) system. The heterojunction (single-layer graphene and HfO2 thin-film material) of our graphene-based biosensor worked as a transducer to detect the pH change caused by the specific catalytic reaction between UA and uricase, and hence acquires a UA concentration. Immobilization of uricase on MBs can decouple the functionalization steps from the sensor surface, which allows the sensor to be reusable. Our microsensor platform exhibits a relatively lower detection limit (1 μM), high sensitivity (5.6 mV/decade), a linear range (from 1 μM to 1000 μM), and excellent linearity (R2 = 0.9945). In addition, interference assay and repeatability tests were conducted, and the result suggests that our method is highly stable and not affected by common interfering substances (glucose and urea). The integration of this high-performance and compact biosensor device can create a point-of-care diagnosis system with reduced cost, test time, and reagent volume.
Molecular Simulation and Theoretical Analysis of Slide-Ring Gels under Biaxial Deformation

Slide-ring (SR) gels, a new type of gels that have cross-links moving along the chains, are known to have unique mechanical characteristics. In the case of biaxial deformations, it has been experimentally shown that the stress–strain (S–S) relationships of SR gels can be well described by the neo-Hookean (NH) model. This behavior is quite different from that of conventional chemical gels, where the S–S curves deviate from the NH model. To understand the molecular mechanism of such peculiar elastic properties of SR gels, we studied the effects of movable cross-links by using molecular simulations and theoretical analysis. We calculate the S–S relationships in biaxial deformation for two types of models: slip model, where the cross-links can slide along chains representing SR gels, and non-slip model, which corresponds to conventional chemical gels. In the theoretical analysis, we calculate the S–S relationships by using the models with the Gaussian and the Langevin chains to investigate the nonlinear stretching effect of the chain in the slip and non-slip models. As a result, we found that the peculiar elastic behaviors of SR gels in biaxial deformations are well explained by the effect of movable cross-links suppressing the nonlinear stretching of the chain.
Proteomic Characterization of Colorectal Cancer Tissue from Patients Identifies Novel Putative Protein Biomarkers

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death over the world. There is a great need for biomarkers capable of early detection and as targets for treatment. Differential protein expression was investigated with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) followed by identification with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in CRC patient tissue from (i) the peripheral part of the tumor, (ii) the central part of the tumor as well as from (iii) a non-involved part of the colorectal tissue. The expression patterns of six identified proteins were further evaluated by one-dimensional Western blot (1D-WB) analysis of the CRC tissue. Proteins that were perturbed in expression level in the peripheral or in the central part of the tumor as compared with the non-involved part included S100A11, HNRNPF, HNRNPH1 or HNRNPH2, GSTP1, PKM and FABP1. These identified markers may have future diagnostic potential or may be novel treatment targets after further evaluation in larger patient cohorts.
Detection of Mercury Ion with High Sensitivity and Selectivity Using a DNA/Graphene Oxide Hybrid Immobilized on Glass Slides

Excessive mercury ions (Hg2+) cause great pollution to soil/water and pose a major threat to human health. The high sensitivity and high selectivity in the Hg2+ detection demonstrated herein are significant for the research areas of analytical chemistry, chemical biology, physical chemistry, drug discovery, and clinical diagnosis. In this study, a series of simple, low-cost, and highly sensitive biochips based on a graphene oxide (GO)/DNA hybrid was developed. Hg2+ is detected with high sensitivity and selectivity by GO/DNA hybrid biochips immobilized on glass slides. The performance of the biosensors can be improved by introducing more phosphorothioate sites and complementary bases. The best limit of detection of the biochips is 0.38 nM with selectivity of over 10:1. This sensor was also used for Hg2+ detection in Dendrobium. The results show this biochip is promising for Hg2+ detection.
Disposable Paper-Based Biosensors for the Point-of-Care Detection of Hazardous Contaminations—A Review

The fast detection of trace amounts of hazardous contaminations can prevent serious damage to the environment. Paper-based sensors offer a new perspective on the world of analytical methods, overcoming previous limitations by fabricating a simple device with valuable benefits such as flexibility, biocompatibility, disposability, biodegradability, easy operation, large surface-to-volume ratio, and cost-effectiveness. Depending on the performance type, the device can be used to analyze the analyte in the liquid or vapor phase. For liquid samples, various structures (including a dipstick, as well as microfluidic and lateral flow) have been constructed. Paper-based 3D sensors are prepared by gluing and folding different layers of a piece of paper, being more user-friendly, due to the combination of several preparation methods, the integration of different sensor elements, and the connection between two methods of detection in a small set. Paper sensors can be used in chromatographic, electrochemical, and colorimetric processes, depending on the type of transducer. Additionally, in recent years, the applicability of these sensors has been investigated in various applications, such as food and water quality, environmental monitoring, disease diagnosis, and medical sciences. Here, we review the development (from 2010 to 2021) of paper methods in the field of the detection and determination of toxic substances.
Rapid Detection of Gut Microbial Metabolite Trimethylamine N-Oxide for Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and trimethylamine (TMA) are gut microbiota-derived metabolites, and both are known uraemic toxins that are implicated in CKD, atherosclerosis, colorectal cancer and cardiovascular risk. Therefore, the detection and quantification of TMAO, which is a metabolite from gut microbes, are important for the diagnosis of diseases such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis and colorectal cancer. In this study, a new “colour-switch” method that is based on the combination of a plasma separation pad/absorption pad and polyallylamine hydrochloride-capped manganese dioxide (PAH@MnO2) nanozyme was developed for the direct quantitative detection of TMAO in whole blood without blood sample pretreatment. As a proof of concept, a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of less than 6.7 μM for TMAO was obtained with a wide linear quantification range from 15.6 to 500 μM through quantitative analysis, thereby suggesting potential clinical applications in blood TMAO monitoring for CKD patients.
Portuguese Version of COVID-19 Perceived Risk Scale and COVID-19 Phobia Scale: Psychometric Properties

The COVID-19 pandemic scenario has a psychological impact on individuals and society. A higher level of perceived risk concerning COVID-19 has been found when compared to other potential health threats. A misperception of risk in contrast with the real risk may lead people to develop disruptive cognitive, affective, or behavioral responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, namely, coronaphobia. Validated instruments are needed to evaluate such responses. This work aims to validate the COVID-19 Perceived Risk Scale (C19PRS) and the COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19PS) in the Portuguese population. The two scales were translated from English to Portuguese using the back-translation technique. The cultural adaptation was framed in the context of establishing the validity and reliability of the instruments. In two studies, C19PRS and C19PS were validated for the adult Portuguese population (N = 1122; women = 725 (64.6%); mean age of 31.91 years old) through exploratory factorial analysis, followed by a confirmatory factorial analysis. Convergent validity was calculated by composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE) values. Discriminant validity was assessed by square roots of the AVE values and their comparison with the C19PRS and C19PS dimensions’ cross-correlations. Both C19PRS and C19PS present a good adjustment model and solid reliability and validity and have significant correlations with fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 anxiety scales.
Origami Paper-Based Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors: State of the Art and Perspective

In the last 10 years, paper-based electrochemical biosensors have gathered attention from the scientific community for their unique advantages and sustainability vision. The use of papers in the design the electrochemical biosensors confers to these analytical tools several interesting features such as the management of the solution flow without external equipment, the fabrication of reagent-free devices exploiting the porosity of the paper to store the reagents, and the unprecedented capability to detect the target analyte in gas phase without any sampling system. Furthermore, cost-effective fabrication using printing technologies, including wax and screen-printing, combined with the use of this eco-friendly substrate and the possibility of reducing waste management after measuring by the incineration of the sensor, designate these type of sensors as eco-designed analytical tools. Additionally, the foldability feature of the paper has been recently exploited to design and fabricate 3D multifarious biosensors, which are able to detect different target analytes by using enzymes, antibodies, DNA, molecularly imprinted polymers, and cells as biocomponents. Interestingly, the 3D structure has recently boosted the self-powered paper-based biosensors, opening new frontiers in origami devices. This review aims to give an overview of the current state origami paper-based biosensors, pointing out how the foldability of the paper allows for the development of sensitive, selective, and easy-to-use smart and sustainable analytical devices.
An Examination of COVID-19-Related Stressors among Parents

The circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic have taken a psychological toll on parents. Thus, understanding the impact of these contextual stressors on parents is important to help inform the development of family-based health promotion interventions. The present study examined parents’ perception of various sources of stress resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants (N = 294) completed an open-ended question about their primary source of stress during the pandemic, which we coded into one or more of the following categories: family, work, health, and finance. We used chi-square tests to determine whether gender, marital status, financial strain, and education level were significantly related to each of the four primary sources of stress. We found that female, married, and financially strained participants were more likely to report family-related stressors. Further, we found that participants who expressed concern over health-related stressors were more likely to have pre-existing health conditions. Finally, we found that single participants were more likely to express concerns over financial stressors. Our findings shed light on parental concerns following the pandemic and inform new research directions, clinical approaches, and policy issues at the individual, community, and societal levels.
Root Fracture and Extrusive Luxation in Primary Teeth and Their Management: A Case Report

Background: Extrusion, lateral luxation, and intrusion are among the most serious types of dental trauma. Only a few studies have specifically focused on extrusion; the present one was aimed at reporting a case of domestic traumatic dental injury to primary tooth and describing the measures taken in managing the trauma in order to avoid future consequences to the underlying permanent tooth germ. Case report: A 3.5-year-old boy reported a dental injury with extrusion and root fracture of deciduous tooth 5.1. After intraoral and radiographic evaluation, the element was repositioned and stabilized by an orthodontic flexible splint attached to the adjacent teeth. Several follow-up checkups were made and showed good healing of the tissues and physiological exfoliation of the tooth, with a healthy and unaffected corresponding central permanent incisor. Conclusion: This case report strengthens the importance of well-timed diagnosis and treatment and of regular follow-up of traumatized teeth as they may affect both dentitions with a negative impact on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life. Conservative treatment should be taken into consideration when possible, being in some cases more appropriate.
Why natural monazite never becomes amorphous: Experimental evidence for alpha self-healing

Abstract Monazite, a common accessory rare-earth orthophosphate mineral in the continental crust widely used in U-Pb geochronology, holds promise for (U-Th)/He thermochronology and for the immobilization of Pu and minor actinides (MA) coming from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing. Previous results obtained on natural and plutonium-doped monazite have demonstrated the ability of this structure to maintain a crystalline state despite high radiation damage levels. However, the low critical temperature (180 °C), above which amorphization cannot be achieved in natural monazite under ion irradiation, does not explain this old and unsolved paradox: why do natural monazites, independent of their geological history, remain crystalline even when they did not experience any thermal event that could heal the defects? This is what the present study aims to address. Synthetic polycrystals of LaPO4-monazite were irradiated sequentially and simultaneously with α particles (He) and gold (Au) ions. Our results demonstrate experimentally for the first time in monazite, the existence of the defect recovery mechanism, called α-healing, acting in this structure due to electronic energy loss of α particles, which explains the absence of amorphization in natural monazite samples. This mechanism is critically important for monazite geo- and thermochronology and to design and predictively model the long-term behavior of ceramic matrices for nuclear waste conditioning.
Delivery of ROS Generating Anthraquinones Using Reduction-Responsive Peptide-Based Nanoparticles

In order to limit the side effects associated with antitumor drugs such as doxorubicin, nanosized drug-delivery systems capable of selectively delivering and releasing the drug in the diseased tissue are required. We describe nanoparticles (NPs), self-assembled from a reduction responsive amphiphilic peptide, capable of entrapping high amounts of a redox active anticancer drug candidate and releasing it in presence of a reducing agent. This system shows a high entrapment efficiency with up to 15mg drug per gram of peptide (5.8mol-%). Treatment of the NPs with reducing agent results in the disassembly of the NPs and release of the drug molecules. A reduction in cell viability is observed at drug concentrations above 250nm in HEK293T and HeLa cell lines. This drug delivery system has potential for targeting tumor sites via the EPR effect while taking advantage of the increased reduction potential in tumor microenvironment.
A Method for Calculating the Association Degrees between Concepts of Concept Networks

Depicting the associating degrees between two concepts and their relationships are major works for constructing a multi-relationship fuzzy concept network. This paper indicates some drawbacks of the existing methods of calculating associating degrees between concepts, and proposes a new method for overcoming these drawbacks. We also use some examples to compare the proposed method with the existing methods for calculating the associating degrees between two concepts in a multi-relationship fuzzy concept networks.
Atmospheric methane removal: a research agenda

Atmospheric methane removal (e.g. in situ methane oxidation to carbon dioxide) may be needed to offset continued methane release and limit the global warming contribution of this potent greenhouse gas. Because mitigating most anthropogenic emissions of methane is uncertain this century, and sudden methane releases from the Arctic or elsewhere cannot be excluded, technologies for methane removal or oxidation may be required. Carbon dioxide removal has an increasingly well-established research agenda and technological foundation. No similar framework exists for methane removal. We believe that a research agenda for negative methane emissions—‘removal' or atmospheric methane oxidation—is needed. We outline some considerations for such an agenda here, including a proposed Methane Removal Model Intercomparison Project (MR-MIP). This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Rising methane: is warming feeding warming? (part 1)'.