Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relative Paleoenvironmental Adjustments Following Deglaciation of the Byers Peninsula (Livingston Island, Antarctica)

ABSTRACT In the present context of fast warming in the Antarctic Peninsula (AP), understanding past and recent environmental dynamics is crucial to better assess future environmental responses in this region. Very detailed geomorphological maps can help to interpret the interaction between glacial, periglacial, and paraglacial systems. The Holocene environmental sequence on Byers Peninsula, an ice-free area in the westernmost part of Livingston Island (Maritime Antarctica), is still poorly understood. This paper focuses on the geomorphology of the Cerro Negro, a volcanic plug located on the southeast fringe of this peninsula. The distribution of landforms and deposits generated by different geomorphological processes provides insights into the Holocene environmental dynamics on Byers Peninsula. During the fieldwork campaign in January 2014, an accurate geomorphological map of Cerro Negro and its surroundings was generated. Four geomorphological environments were identified: hill, north slope, southern escarpment, and marine terraces and present-day beach. Periglacial landforms are abundant, especially patterned ground features (blockstreams, sorted stone circles, stone stripes). All these cryoturbation landforms, except blockstreams, are active under present-day climate conditions. In addition to a sequence of Holocene marine terraces and slope deposits, such as talus cones and rockfalls, there is a glacial moraine adjoining the northern slope of the hill. From the morphostratigraphic correlation between the active and inactive landforms, we infer three main phases describing the paleoenvironmental evolution in this area: (1) maximum glacial expansion; (2) Holocene glacial retreat, lake formation, and intense periglacial dynamics; and (3) deglaciation of the Byers Peninsula and widespread periglacial processes. The Cerro Negro has been a nunatak for most of the Holocene; the lake located near the summit of this hill appeared when most of the Byers Peninsula was still covered by glacial ice. This study constitutes an example of how an accurate geomorphological characterization of a small area can complement other approaches to generate a better understanding of the paleoenvironmental evolution in the region.
Principles of Effective Simulation-Based Teaching Sessions in Medical Education: A Narrative Review

A challenge for medical educators is to provide learning opportunities that allow students to develop technical and non-technical skills as set by the clearly defined learning objectives within their relevant institutions. This is particularly relevant in clinical education, which encompasses a vast majority of medical education. Specifically, clinical education is highly variable, with numerous distractions, interruptions and variability in learning experience and quality of clinical educators which often result in underprepared medical students by the time they transition into clinical practice. Simulation-based teaching (SBT) has been a key pedagogical approach that has been implemented into curriculum design to assist with addressing some of these educational challenges. However, their implementation is highly variable, and research into evidence-based best practice considerations in SBT design and implementation is fundamental to their success in medical student development. A narrative review was performed following a computer-assisted search on electronic databases Medline, Embase and Google Scholar. Relevant papers that explored the role of SBT in medical education were considered for this review. SBT is an important pedagogical approach to support the education of medical students. Their use has the benefit of providing a standardised and safe environment that mimics ‘real life’ as a means of allowing students to hone key skills with respect to clearly defined learning outcomes. The role of debriefing and feedback is crucial to the development of efficacious SBT programs, and therefore the upskilling and training of educators is a key aspect of evidence-based SBT design. Despite this, medical educators must be cognisant of the limitations of SBT. These include the cost and resources required to develop and implement SBT sessions, the effort and conceptualisation required to standardise and ensure these programs reflect real-life situations as well as the degree of training for facilitators to ensure they can best deliver and achieve learning outcomes and provide effective debriefing and feedback for students. Understanding the educational frameworks and the evidence-based best practice principles for SBT design and implementation is highly necessary for medical educators given the resource demands of SBT programs.
Time-Optimal Model Predictive Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors in the Whole Speed and Modulation Range Considering Current and Torque Limits

Improving control dynamics and enabling maximum torque and power conversion for a given electrical drive are important target quantities of drive control algorithms. To utilize the electrical drive to its maximum extent during transient and steady-state operation, a time-optimal continuous-control-set model predictive flux control (CCS-MPFC) for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) is proposed. This scheme considers torque and current limits as softened state constraints in the CCS-MPFC's optimization problem to prevent transient overcurrents as well as torque over- and undershoots during time-optimal operating point changes. Furthermore, the overmodulation range including six-step operation can be entered seamlessly to ensure maximum power conversion at high speeds. Fastest transients within the whole modulation range are enabled by a time-optimal harmonic reference generator. Here, the flux reference of the CCS-MPFC is complemented with a harmonic content that enables operation in the overmodulation region. Further, the reference is prerotated during transient operation to attain time-optimal control performance. Extensive simulative as well as experimental investigations for linearly and nonlinearly magnetized PMSMs show that, compared with state-of-the-art methods, time-optimal control performance in the whole modulation range without transient overcurrents as well as torque over- and undershoots can be achieved by the proposed control method.
Biomarkers to predict mortality in patients with Fournier’s gangrene admitted to the intensive care unit after surgery in South Korea

Background The use of biomarkers to predict patient outcomes may be crucial for patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following surgery because biomarkers guide clinicians in tailoring treatment plans accordingly. Therefore, we aimed to identify potential biomarkers to predict the prognosis of patients with Fournier’s gangrene (FG) admitted to the ICU after surgery. Methods We enrolled patients with FG admitted to our hospital between January 2013 and December 2022. We retrospectively analyzed patient characteristics, factors related to management, scores known to be associated with the prognosis of FG, and laboratory data. Results The study population included 28 survivors and 13 nonsurvivors. The initial serum lactate level taken in the emergency department; white blood cell, neutrophil, and platelet counts; delta neutrophil index and international normalized ratio; albumin, glucose, HCO3, and postoperative lactate levels; and the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis differed between survivors and nonsurvivors. Postoperative lactate and initial albumin levels were independent predictors of mortality in patients with FG. The postoperative lactate level was the best indicator of mortality (area under the curve, 0.877; 95% confidence interval, 0.711–1.000). The optimal cutoff postoperative lactate level for predicting mortality was 3.0 mmol/L (sensitivity, 80.0%; specificity, 95.0%). Conclusions Postoperative lactate and initial albumin levels could be potential predictors of mortality in patients with FG admitted to the ICU after surgery, and the optimal cutoff postoperative lactate and initial albumin levels to predict mortality were 3.0 mmol/L and 3.05 g/dl, respectively.
User-Centered Design and Iterative Refinement: Promoting Student Learning with an Interactive Dashboard

: The study uses a user-centered design methodology to develop a prototype for an interactive student dash-board that focuses on user needs. This includes iterative testing and integration of user feedback to develop a usable interface that presents academic data in a more understandable and intuitive manner. Key features of the dashboard include academic progress tracking and personalized recommendations based on machine learning. The primary target audience is online students who may study in isolation and have less physical contact with their peers. The learner dashboard (LD) will be developed as a plug-in to the university's learning management system. The study presents the results of a workshop with students experienced in human-computer interaction. They evaluated a prototype of the LD using established interaction principles. The research provides critical insights for future advancements in educational technology and drives the creation of more interactive, personalized, and easy-to-use tools in the academic landscape.
A model study of temperature anomaly propagation from the subtropics to tropics within the South Atlantic Thermocline

A water mass flow formed by the Benguela Current and the South Equatorial Current connects the eastern subtropics to the western tropics through the Atlantic upper thermocline. We perform a process study with an Atlantic OGCM to examine whether and how synthetic subtropical mixed layer heat anomalies would employ this corridor to reach low‐latitudes. Our results suggest that it is a realistic scenario and that the time scale and trajectory of the movement can be explained to first approximation by time‐mean flow advection, since salinity compensation is tempering the density perturbation. In addition, wave processes seem to influence strongly the evolution of the intensity and the shape of the anomalies. It is apparent that an approach using both perspectives is necessary to fully understand and predict subsurface oceanic teleconnections.
Incidence and Perinatal Outcomes of Twin Pregnancy in Tertiary Healthcare Facility, Odisha, India

Background: Assisted reproductive technology has resulted in a progressive rise in the incidence of twin pregnancies, which affect both mother and child in terms of antepartum complications. Objective: To assess the perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies and the influence of chorionicity on them in a tertiary healthcare facility. Methods: It is a hospital-based cross-sectional study that was carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of S.C. B. Medical College Hospital, Cuttack, during the period from 2013 to 2015. All mothers having twin pregnancies (with 28 weeks of completed gestation) admitted to the antenatal (ANC) ward and labor room during this period were taken as a study group, and written informed consent was taken after explaining the details of the study. Results: A total of 150 cases are identified; among them, 98 cases (65.33%) are dichorionic diamniotic, 50 cases (33.33%) are monochorionic diamniotic, and 2 cases (1.33%) are monochorionic and monoamniotic pregnancies. The majority (66%) of the twin pregnancies were between 35-38 wks of gestational age at the onset of labor. It is also observed that macerated births, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths are higher in mono-chorionic twins as compared to dichorionic twins. Conclusions: Twin pregnancies carry a greater risk of adverse outcomes, especially perinatal mortality and neonatal morbidity, in monochorionic twins than dichorionic twins. Good antenatal care, early diagnosis of chorionicity, and antepartum assessment of placentation will prevent mortality and morbidity.
Patent Foramen Ovale Management for Secondary Stroke Prevention: State-of-the-Art Appraisal of Current Evidence

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is frequently identified in young patients with ischemic stroke. Randomized controlled trials provide robust evidence supporting PFO closure in selected patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke; however, several questions remain unanswered. This report summarizes current knowledge on the epidemiology of PFO-associated stroke, the role of PFO as a cause of stroke, and anatomic high-risk features. We also comment on breakthrough developments in patient selection algorithms for PFO closure in relation to the PFO-associated stroke causal likelihood risk stratification system. We further highlight areas for future research in PFO-associated stroke including the efficacy and safety of PFO closure in the elderly population, incidence, and long-term consequences of atrial fibrillation post-PFO closure, generalizability of the results of clinical trials in the real world, and the need for assessing the effect of neurocardiology teams on adherence to international recommendations. Other important knowledge gaps such as sex, race/ethnicity, and regional disparities in access to diagnostic technologies, PFO closure devices, and clinical outcomes in the real world are also discussed as priority research topics.
Exploring the Application Potential of Aquaculture Sewage Treatment of Pseudomonas chengduensis Strain WD211 Based on Its Complete Genome

Pseudomonas chengduensis is a new species of Pseudomonas discovered in 2014, and currently, there is a scarcity of research on this bacterium. The P. chengduensis strain WD211 was isolated from a fish pond. This study investigated the purification capability and environmental adaptability of strain WD211 in wastewater and described the basic features and functional genes of its complete genome. According to the results, the sewage treated with strain WD211 showed a decrease in concentration of 18.12% in total nitrogen, 89.39% in NH4+, 62.16% in NO3−, 79.97% in total phosphorus, and 71.41% in COD after 24 h. Strain WD211 is able to survive in a pH range of 6–11. It shows resistance to 7% sodium chloride and different types of antibiotics. Genomic analysis showed that strain WD211 may remove nitrogen and phosphorus through the metabolic pathway of nitrogen assimilation and phosphorus accumulation, and that it can promote organic decomposition through oxygenase. Strain WD211 possesses genes for producing betaine, trehalose, and sodium ion transport, which provide it with salt tolerance. It also has genes for antibiotic efflux and multiple oxidases, which give it antibiotic resistance. This study contributes to the understanding of the sewage treatment ability and potential applications of P. chengduensis.
The Impacts of a Constructionist Scratch Programming Pedagogy on Student Achievement with a Focus on Gender

Learning to program is a challenge for many novice computing students. This may be partially due to the inadequacy of many conventional pedagogical approaches resulting in dropouts and failure, especially among females and minoritized students. Consequently, more effective methods to increase success rates and effectively broaden participation are needed. We investigated the effectiveness of a constructionist programming pedagogy with college-level CS1 students, and how that effectiveness varies by gender. Our quasi-experimental design includes participants from CS1 classes at several polytechnics in Nigeria who were assigned to either experimental or control groups receiving six weeks of constructionist instruction using Scratch and a more conventional approach. Findings indicated that the constructionist cohorts had significantly higher mean post-test scores than the conventional classes. We observed no significant difference in post-test scores between genders. However, a significant gender difference was found in gain scores within one study where we also observed a significant relationship between gender and academic background. Overall, our approach demonstrated positive effects on the programming achievements of novice programming students, emphasizing the need to consider the role of contextual factors such as academic background and regional disparities across gender differences.
Evaluation Heavy Metals Pollution in the Soil from some Regions of Al-Diwaniyah City / Iraq

Soil is the surface layer of the earth’s crust in which plant roots grow and some animals and other microorganisms live in it and it is considered the basis of the ecosystem, so its contamination negatively impact the health of all living organisms, especially humans who are at the top of the food chain. Heavy metals are considered among the most prominent inorganic pollutants in the soil, so this study came to evaluate the concentrations of some toxic heavy metals in areas with different activities in the city of Diwaniyah. The results of the study showed that the concentrations of heavy metals in the surface soil ranged between (0.958-2.292 mg/kg) and (19.132-73.907 mg/kg), (14.882 - 50.012 mg/kg) and (29.689-62.109mg/kg) for cadmium, lead, copper and chromium, respectively, and their concentrations in the soil at depth of 30 cm ranged between (1.529-1.971 mg/kg), (22.160 - 99.885 mg/kg), (12.790-55.630 mg/kg) and (41.278-75.467 mg/kg) for cadmium, lead, copper and chromium, respectively. Soil pollution was evaluated by using some pollution indices such as the geological accumulation index, pollution load index, contamination factor and degree of pollution. The results of pollution indices showed that the surface soil of the surface study sites and depth of 30 cm is contaminated with a very high degree of cadmium. Medium pollution with lead and little pollution with copper and chromium, and this requires great attention in order to reduce soil pollution with heavy metals, especially cadmium and lead.
Modified of Intellectual Capital and Financial Performance: Empirical Evident From Indonesia

The study aims to investigate the effect of Intellectual Capital on the Financial Performance of Banking Industries in Indonesia. Based on the data of 47 Banks listed on the Indonesia Capital Market in 2021, by using multiple regression to examine the impact of modified intellectual capital on financial performance. This study uses the purposive sampling method. Intellectual capital is measured by VAIC, RCE, and InnovationCE, and Financial Performance using Return on Assets (ROA). The findings show that CEE and HCE have a positive influence on ROA, but unfortunately, SCE, RCE, and InCE do not affect the ROA. This finding shows that the bank needs to improve its skills in managing intellectual capital, especially related to SCE, RCE, and InCE. The more they manage their intellectual capital efficiency, in order to increase their financial performance.
Experiences with TA-Bot in CS1

Automated Assessment Tools (AATs) have been used in undergraduate CS education for decades. TA-Bot, a modular AAT, has existed in some form for 25 years serving thousands of students across multiple universities. Class sizes throughout the last decade have continued to grow, while the number of instructors remains stagnant. AATs help instructors mitigate issues without additional resources, while simultaneously providing students with helpful feedback. The research team implemented novel features into the new, web-based TA-Bot such as dynamic rate limiting between submissions, custom code style feedback, and a gamified points system. The experiment discussed in this paper used TA-Bot over the course of three semesters involving 145 students in CS1. During the first semester, student and instructor feedback was collected on how to improve the tool. The second semester was used to rate limit submissions using a new dynamic rate limiting system. Finally, the third semester of TA-Bot was used as a control group with simple submission input/output checking. Instructors found that TA-Bot helped mitigate issues with continual increases in class sizes. When using TA-Bot with a dynamic rate limit, students were more inclined to start their assignment earlier. In addition to this, TA-Bot provides students with the ability to compare their solution against test cases, while simultaneously providing code-style advice using curated novice-friendly examples.
Adaptive Optimization of Subjective Design Attributes: Characterizing Individual and Aggregate Perceptions

Subjective attributes play a significant part in the assessment of user-facing products. Unlike performance requirements, these quantities are best evaluated through human feedback. While people share commonalities in their evaluations, allowing personalization when quantifying these subjective attributes may improve the alignment between computational and human representations of design information. We investigate this topic through a study in which participants (N = 56) make a series of pairwise decisions between parameterized mugs, and indicate their perceptions of how comfortable each is to hold. Interactive Bayesian optimization is used to adaptively arrive at a design that optimizes this subjective quantity. Participants guide the model through only their own decisions or make decisions using a model that has already been trained with simulated data (N = 25) or data from the real decisions of other participants (N = 31). The resulting designs are evaluated across the different cases, showing the impact of capturing individual and aggregate perceptions of subjective quantities. The findings imply that balancing aggregate and individual-level decisions within models simultaneously results in the best alignment with human perceptions of subjective attributes. Further implications for design include the potential for personalized control over subjective attributes for designers, users, or users-as-designers.
Developing Effective Models in Computer Science Undergraduates for Solving Real-world Graph Problems

Our research goal is to understand the essential use of mental and conceptual models of Computer Science(CS) students in solving real-world graph problems. Most Computer Science(CS) students understand and assimilate graph-related algorithms, however sometimes fail to apply them in real-life scenarios. We investigated how CS students exhibit their conceptual understanding during problem-solving. An exploratory study revealed a significant use of conceptual models in successful students than in unsuccessful students in solving real-world graph problems. Hence this project aims to develop an effective intervention to progressively build correct conceptual models in CS engineering students to solve real-world graph problems.
Intense and widespread seismicity during the end-Triassic mass extinction due to emplacement of a large igneous province

Multiple levels of earthquake-induced soft-sediment deformations (seismites) are concentrated in the end-Triassic mass extinction interval across Europe. The repetitive nature of the seismites rules out an origin by an extraterrestrial impact. Instead, this intense seismic activity is linked to the formation of the Central Atlantic magmatic province (CAMP). By the earliest Jurassic the seismic activity had ceased, while extrusive volcanism still continued and biotic recovery was on its way. This suggests that magmatic intrusions into sedimentary strata during early stages of CAMP formation caused emission of gases (SO 2 , halocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) that may have played a major part in the biotic crisis.