Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Political Support for Sale: Cabinet Appointments and Public Expenditures in Brazil

In multiparty presidential regimes, the head of the Executive manages a heterogeneous political base through a series of instruments. Among these tools, the use of patronage in appointments for governmental positions and the deployment of pork barrel to please congressional representatives have been highlighted by the literature as the glue that holds together multiparty coalitions. However, current studies neglect the role of politicians as active actors in multiparty presidential regimes in channeling resources to their constituencies and parties when holding a cabinet position. This paper contributes to the literature by merging these two tools of coalition maintenance. We analyze a complimentary strategy that benefits party leaders in the coalition by studying the relation of top-level cabinet appointments and grant transfers to subnational governments. Using data from Brazil, a paradigmatic case of multiparty presidential regime, we intend to answer the following question: Are ministries in Brazil being used to please ministers’ constituency and party allies? Using social networking analysis and econometrics for the period between 2011 and 2014, we provide evidence that ministers use their position to transfer funding to districts governed by fellow party members and not to their own political strongholds following a partisan pattern instead of a personal one.
Serovars, Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Strains from Dairy Systems in Mexico

Salmonella isolated from dairy farms has a significant effect on animal health and productivity. Different serogroups of Salmonella affect both human and bovine cattle causing illness in both reservoirs. Dairy cows and calves can be silent Salmonella shedders, increasing the possibility of dispensing Salmonella within the farm. The aim of this study was to determine the genomic characteristics of Salmonella isolates from dairy farms and to detect the presence of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. A total of 377 samples were collected in a cross-sectional study from calves, periparturient cow feces, and maternity beds in 55 dairy farms from the states of Aguascalientes, Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Mexico, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Tlaxcala, and Zacatecas. Twenty Salmonella isolates were selected as representative strains for whole genome sequencing. The serological classification of the strains was able to assign groups to only 12 isolates, but with only 5 of those being consistent with the genomic serotyping. The most prevalent serovar was Salmonella Montevideo followed by Salmonella Meleagridis. All isolates presented the chromosomal aac(6′)-Iaa gene that confers resistance to aminoglycosides. The antibiotic resistance genes qnrB19, qnrA1, sul2, aph(6)-Id, aph(3)-ld, dfrA1, tetA, tetC, flor2, sul1_15, mph(A), aadA2, blaCARB, and qacE were identified. Ten pathogenicity islands were identified, and the most prevalent plasmid was Col(pHAD28). The main source of Salmonella enterica is the maternity areas, where periparturient shedders are contaminants and perpetuate the pathogen within the dairy in manure, sand, and concrete surfaces. This study demonstrated the necessity of implementing One Health control actions to diminish the prevalence of antimicrobial resistant and virulent pathogens including Salmonella.
Simultaneous Improvement in the Thermostability and Catalytic Activity of Epoxidase Lsd18 for the Synthesis of Lasalocid A

Enzymes used in the synthesis of natural products are potent catalysts, capable of efficient and stereoselective chemical transformations. Lsd18 catalyzes two sequential epoxidations during the biosynthesis of lasalocid A, a polyether polyketide natural product. We performed protein engineering on Lsd18 to improve its thermostability and catalytic activity. Utilizing structure-guided methods of FoldX and Rosetta-ddG, we designed 15 mutants of Lsd18. Screening of these mutants using thermal shift assay identified stabilized variants Lsd18-T189M, Lsd18-S195M, and the double mutant Lsd18-T189M-S195M. Trypsin digestion, molecular dynamic simulation, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography provided insights into the molecular basis for the improved enzyme properties. Notably, enhanced hydrophobic interaction within the enzyme core and interaction of the protein with the FAD cofactor appear to be responsible for its better thermostability.
Investigating the impact of impairment and barriers experienced by students with language and/or attentional difficulties

ABSTRACT Students with language and/or attentional difficulties are present in all classrooms, but evidence indicates they are poorly identified and supported. Reasonable adjustments are a legislative requirement, but these are often generic and fail to address instructional barriers. Students are uniquely placed to report on the pedagogical implications of language and/or attentional difficulties, however, little research has connected standardised assessment data to the classroom impacts of impairment as experienced by students. In this paper, we report on 59 students with language and/or attentional difficulties participating in a study aimed at improving students’ classroom experiences, engagement and academic achievement through accessible assessment and inclusive practice. We draw on standardised assessment and interview data to investigate similarities/differences in students’ language and/or attention profiles, and/or in what students’ wish their teachers knew about them and how they learn. Finally, we present a rationale for whole-class, accessible teaching practices as the foundation for classroom instruction.
Chemical Composition in Juvenile and Mature Wood of Branch and Main Trunk of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit

Secondary growth is the most dynamic developmental aspect during the terrestrialization of plants. The development of secondary xylem tissue composed of thick-walled cells with characteristic changes in its structure and chemistry facilitates the growth and development of woody plants. In the present study, the chemical composition of the secondary xylem of juvenile and mature wood from the branch and main trunk of Leucaena leucocephala, has been investigated and the differences established. The biochemical analysis of different cell wall components in the mature wood of the main trunk revealed high holocellulose and α-cellulose and less lignin content in the juvenile wood while its syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) ratio was less than for the mature wood. As compared to the branch xylem, concentration of cell wall polysaccharides and lignin content was higher in both juvenile and mature wood collected from the main trunk. Thioacidolysis and GC-MS analysis of wood lignin from juvenile and mature wood showed that an increased concentration in lignin content in mature wood is associated with a corresponding increase in S/G ratio. The structural information of the acetylated lignin was investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Our results indicate that the mature wood from the main trunk is superior in pulp yielding and lignin degradability as compared to the juvenile wood of the branch and trunk.
The relation of South China Sea monsoon onset with the subsequent rainfall over the subtropical East Asia

The relationship between the South China Sea summer monsoon (SCSSM) onset and the subsequent subtropical East Asian monsoon rainfall from May to September (SEAMR) is investigated. The SCSSM onset is found to have a significant positive correlation with the SEAMR stretching from the lower reaches of the Yangtze River valley (LYR) to the southern Japan; e.g. the early onset of the SCSSM tends to be succeeded by less SEAMR, whereas the late onset is likely to be followed by more SEAMR. The positive relationship between the SCSSM onset and the SEAMR is directly controlled by the persistent western North Pacific anti‐cyclonic/cyclonic (WNPAC/WNPC) circulation anomaly from boreal spring to summer. The persistence of the large‐scale circulation anomalies are accompanied by the decaying phase of El Niño (La Niña) with the pronounced sea‐surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) over the tropical Indian Ocean (IO), the western North Pacific and the topical central and eastern Pacific Ocean (PO), respectively. Further numerical experiments indicate that the topical IO SSTA governs the positive relationship between the SCSSM onset and the subsequent SEAMR. On one hand, the wavelength of the Kevin‐wave response to tropical IO SSTA forcing is three times that of the Rossby‐wave response to the western North Pacific SSTA forcing. The Kevin‐wave response directly influences the low level circulation anomalies field throughout the South China Sea region, determining the onset date of the SCSSM. On the other hand, the horizontal wind shear that induced by the persistent Kevin‐wave response would also maintain the WNPAC/WNPC and further control the SEAMR from May to September. Thus, it is the topical IO SSTA forcing that consolidates the positive relationship between the SCSSM onset and the SEAMR.
Finite Element Simulation of Single Zinc Oxide Nanorod for Piezoelectric Nanogenerator

The growing demand for sustainable and clean energy sources has motivated the development of wearable energy harvesters for portable and wearable electronic devices. However, the use of bulky and hazardous batteries poses challenges in terms of size, flexibility, and environmental impact. This paper addresses these challenges by presenting a 3D finite element simulation of single Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanorod that has potential application as a wearable energy harvester. The effect of varying the aspect ratio (diameter/length) of ZnO nanorods toward the generated output voltage was investigated. The relationship between the variation of applied force to the output voltage and displacement of the vibration was also presented. The analysis results revealed that increasing the aspect ratio of the single ZnO nanorod led to higher generated output voltages. Similarly, applying higher forces resulted in increased voltage output. The optimum design of the single ZnO nanorod that has the highest output voltage is D=30nm L=9000nm force=500nN. The simulation results also demonstrated that the length and diameter of the nanorods influenced the generated piezoelectric potential.
Composting and Returning of Spartina alterniflora Straw/Goat Feces and Its Amelioration Effect on the Coastal Saline Soil:Laboratory Study

Spartina alterniflora as an alien species,has spread on coastal beach in China in recent years because of lacking resource utilization way,and has been a serious threat to the survival of indigenous living creatures,leading to the decline of biodiversity.In order to explore a possible way of utilizing Spartina alterniflora straw,the feasibility of using Spartina alterniflora as straw resource to ameliorate coastal saline soil was studied in this work.Firstly,the seasonal dynamic of different parts of Spartina alterniflora was studied,and then the Spartina alterniflora with proper seasonal and part was selected to compost for humitying and desalinizing before its returning land.The result showed that Spartina alterniflora straw harvested in autumn was much more suitable for aerobic composting and returning in the view of plant biomass and ratio of C/N.During the composting process,the E4/E6 value of the extract of Spartina alterniflora/goat feces compost increased from initial 3.35 to 9.21 of after 54 days under the interaction by salt-tolerant and VT bacteria,indicating the compost had preliminary humitied.The desalination rate of the straw after composting by washing for 10 minutes was 81.83%;it was much higher than raw straw.The pot test(50 kg scale)showed that after returning composted Spartina alterniflora to saline soil for 8 months,soil bulk density and salinity reduced,while soil organic carbon、TN、TP and invertase significantly increased(P0.05). And plant biomass increased by 274% comparing to the control.These results preliminary indicated that composting and returning Spartina alterniflora straw/goat feces could improve the chemical and physical properties of saline soil,increase soil fertility and plant biomass yield,and was a possible utilization way.Pilot scale experiment has been in process in Chongming Dongtan,China.
Wind Effect and Sand Drift Dynamics in Bati Burnu Dune Field (Bozcaada)

In this study, coastal sand dunes characterized by longitudinal dune ridges, swales and parabolic and cup-shaped hollows pits in western part of the Bozcaada Island were discussed based on the grain size parameters, scanning electron microscopy analyses and aerial photo/satellite image interpretations. For the purpose of granulometric analyses, sands collected from uppermost surfaces of dunes at 33 sites along four separate transverse sections were statistically examined, and relationships between sand drift and wind and humidity conditions were evaluated. Based on results of the analysis, it can be concluded that the northerly winds dominate all the year round, particularly during summer period, which corresponds to a maximum deflation stage in dune field when moisture minimizes and desiccant effects of northerly winds dominate. The extension of dune ridges and depressions are in good accordance with wind directions. Furthermore, average grain sizes and uniformity coefficients show a NE-SW distribution, which yields an increasing tendency at this direction. Aerial photo and satellite image interpretations reveal that wind erosion was more efficient to the east-northeast part of the dune field during the period between 1962 and 2008, while deflation was at insignificant level due to growth in vegetation since then.
The Novel Antipsychotic Lumateperone (Iti-007) in the Treatment of Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review

Lumateperone (also known as ITI-007 or ITI-722) represents a novel second-generation medication characterized by a favorable safety and tolerability profile. This is attributed to its notable selectivity for D2 receptors within specific regions of the brain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults in December 2019. Additionally, it gained approval for addressing depressive episodes associated with bipolar I and II disorders in adults, either as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with lithium or valproate, in December 2021. The objective of this investigation is to systematically review the existing literature to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of lumateperone in the treatment of schizophrenia. Lumateperone has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms associated with schizophrenia. The evaluation of safety indicators in the reviewed studies indicates that lumateperone is deemed to be a well-tolerated and safe antipsychotic. Additional research is warranted to explore lumateperone’s efficacy in managing major depressive disorders, behavioral issues in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, sleep maintenance insomnia, bipolar disorders, and personality disorders.
Study of Variable Speed Drive Application on Energy Consumption Savings

Every steam power plant certainly requires power and energy to drive the electrical equipment in it. Where in a steam power plant there are many electrical equipment that consumes large amounts of energy such as fans for combustion in boilers. One of them is the FD Fan (Forced Draft Fan), where the FD Fan itself functions to circulate outside air into the combustion chamber or furnace. This FD Fan is driven by an induction motor that requires high power, which is 500 kW. So that the application of Variable Speed Drive is carried out to reduce power and energy consumption on the FD Fan by conducting tests by releasing or opening the damper up to 100%. Where the damper itself functions to regulate the flow of air entering the combustion chamber. From the test and processing data, the value of energy consumption decreased by 69%. By pulling the damper 100% on the FD Fan, the power consumption value absorbed by the FD Fan induction motor has decreased by 70%. The previous power consumption was 308.18 kW, decreased to 105.70 kW with an airflow condition of 499.83 tph. This is due to the power consumption after using the variable speed drive, so that the energy consumption decreased from 213,693.33 kWh/month to 65,603.49 kWh/month or decreased by 69%.
Field hyperspectral imagery as a tool for plant monitoring: application to wheat nitrogen content

In the study presented here, we used a pushbroom CCD camera fitted on a motorised tractor rail to take hyperspectral images of wheat plots. Reflectance correction was performed using a ceramic plate as a reference. The hyperspectral images have been used to build nitrogen (N) content images for wheat plots using two Partial Least Square regression models. The first chemometrical model was calibrated on nitrogen contents (in percentage of dry matter, % DM) obtained in laboratory and flat leaf normalised spectra (5 latent variables, R² = 0.907, RMSEP = 0.326 N % DM); the second one on greenhouse pot plant leaf spectra (8 latent variables, R² = 0.919, RMSEP = 0.412 N % DM). Subsequently, they were directly applied to field plant spectra, providing images of nitrogen content. The range of nitrogen content values in these images was not satisfactory. Due to important spectral differences between greenhouse pot plant leaf spectra and field leaf spectra, a model calibrated directly on field leaves is necessary.
Modeling EEG Signals for Mental Confusion Using DNN and LSTM With Custom Attention Layer

This study explored the impact of confusion on concentration and cognition, emphasizing the importance of detecting and preventing confusion from enhancing learning outcomes. By leveraging electroencephalogram (EEG) data, we proposed a novel deep learning model that uses long short-term memory (LSTM) networks to predict confusion levels in online massive open courses (MOOCs). LSTM’s ability to model sequential data such as EEG signals has been harnessed to capture long-term dependencies and temporal dynamics effectively. To enhance pattern detection, we incorporated probabilistic features from machine learning (ML) models. By training them on the same dataset, we utilized their predictions as additional features for the deep learning model. Thereby, the neural network could make more informed decisions and improve its ability to detect and analyze EEG data patterns. Using LSTM and probabilistic features, our model effectively captured temporal dependencies, enabling an accurate online assessment of student perplexity to identify moments of confusion. The integration of attention mechanisms further enhanced the focus on critical EEG features, providing valuable insights into students’ cognitive states during online learning. We evaluated our approach by comparing the deep-learning model trained on the original dataset with that trained on feature-engineered data using K-fold cross-validation. Preliminary testing showed that the proposed DNN + LSTM model, which incorporates probabilistic features and a custom attention layer, achieves high accuracy in identifying moments of confusion among MOOC students. This study advances the EEG data analysis, leading to a better understanding of confusion patterns and supports personalized interventions for online education platforms.
Mutant-Huntingtin Molecular Pathways Elucidate New Targets for Drug Repurposing

The spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases known today is quite extensive. The complexities of their research and treatment lie not only in their diversity. Even many years of struggle and narrowly focused research on common pathologies such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other brain diseases have not brought cures for these illnesses. What can be said about orphan diseases? In particular, Huntington’s disease (HD), despite affecting a smaller part of the human population, still attracts many researchers. This disorder is known to result from a mutation in the HTT gene, but having this information still does not simplify the task of drug development and studying the mechanisms of disease progression. Nonetheless, the data accumulated over the years and their analysis provide a good basis for further research. Here, we review studies devoted to understanding the mechanisms of HD. We analyze genes and molecular pathways involved in HD pathogenesis to describe the action of repurposed drugs and try to find new therapeutic targets.
The Holocene paleosecular variation record from Elk Lake, Minnesota

The paleosecular variation record of the geomagnetic field from Elk Lake, Minnesota, is presented and its implications are discussed. The Elk Lake record is compiled from measurements of four parallel cores with a 2 cm sampling interval (≈15 years). Time control is provided by radiocarbon dates and by annual laminations (varves) in the sediment. Stratigraphic control is provided by the annual laminations and by fine scale (2–5 cm) variations in magnetic susceptibility. The varve chronology provides improved time control for the central North American paleosecular variation record back to about 4000 years. The results of this study largely confirm the results of Lund and Banerjee from Lake St. Croix and Kylen Lake and demonstrate the general utility of Holocene sediment paleomagnetic records. Differences between the records appear to be due to experimental procedure so minimal procedures are recommended for future work. Comparison of North American and European records suggests that two drifting, non-dipole sources, one having its advent during the last 5000 years, can account for much of the secular variation.
Accelerating Flush Operation of LSM Tree by Leveraging the Zone Append Command

We propose AccelFlush, which uses the zone append command of zoned namespace (ZNS) SSD to improve the write bandwidth and scalability of the log-structured merge (LSM) tree. We configured flush_zone_group, a pre-allocated group of zones for flush operation, and leveraged the zone append command to process the flush operation without synchronization from the host side. Since the flush operation has been changed to access multiple zones simultaneously, higher bandwidth can be utilized, improving overall query-per-second. Also, even if multiple flush operations occur concurrently, append is performed only within the pre-allocated flush_zone_group, so unlike previous studies, the maximum number of flush threads does not affect the open zone limit. Through experiments, AccelFlush achieved an improvement of up to 40.3% compared to the baseline system.
Synthesis of Novel Arginine Building Blocks with Increased Lipophilicity Compatible with Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis

Arginine, due to the guanidine moiety, increases peptides’ hydrophilicity and enables interactions with charged molecules, but at the same time, its presence in a peptide chain might reduce its permeability through biological membranes. This might be resolved by temporary coverage of the peptide charge by lipophilic, enzyme-sensitive alkoxycarbonyl groups. Unfortunately, such a modification of a guanidine moiety has not been reported to date and turned out to be challenging. Here, we present a new, optimized strategy to obtain arginine building blocks with increased lipophilicity that were successfully utilized in the solid-phase peptide synthesis of novel arginine vasopressin prodrugs.