Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deformation Characteristics, Formability and Springback Control of Titanium Alloy Sheet at Room Temperature: A Review

Titanium alloy sheets present inferior formability and severe springback in conventional forming processes at room temperature which greatly restrict their applications in complex-shaped components. In this paper, deformation characteristics and formability and springback behaviors of titanium alloy sheet at room temperature are systematically reviewed. Firstly, deformation characteristics of titanium alloys at room temperature are discussed, and formability improvement under high-rate forming and other methods are summarized, especially the impacting hydroforming developed by us. Then, the main advances in springback prediction and control are outlined, including the advanced constitutive models as well as the optimization of processing paths and parameters. More importantly, notable springback reduction is observed with high strain rate forming methods. Finally, potential investigation prospects for the precise forming of titanium alloy sheet in the future are suggested.
Use of Enzymatic Preparations to Improve the Productivity and Quality of Olive Oil

Improving the quantity and quality of olive oil extraction is considered crucial for producers not only in Jordan but also worldwide. The present study aimed to enhance olive oil yield from olive fruits without compromising its quality by applying an enzymatic treatment technique during the malaxation stage of the oil extraction process. The enzymes that were used in this study were cellulase, pectinase, and a mixture of both enzymes at a ratio of (1:1). Each of the enzymes and there mixture was added at concentrations of 0.02 %, 0.04 % 0.06 %, 0.08 %, 0.10 %, and 0.12 % (w/w). Two Jordanian olive cultivars, Nabali Baladi (NB) and Nabali Muhassan (NM), in their immature state, were selected for the enzymatic treatment. The olive oil yield increased significantly (P < 0.05) after the enzymatic treatment. The increments in yield were 4.38 % (at an enzymatic concentration of 0.08 %), 3.29 % (at 0.1 %), and 5.25% (at 0.12 %) for NB treated with cellulase, pectinase, and 1:1 cellulase/pectinase, respectively. The increments in oil yield were 4.08 % (at 0.1%), 3.09 % (at 0.12%), and 4.5 (at 0.08%) for NM treated with cellulase, pectinase, and 1:1 cellulase/pectinase, respectively. The percent increments were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for NB than for NM. The quality parameters in terms of acidity, peroxide values, and UV-extinction coefficients at 232 and 270 nm were not significantly affected in any of the treatment groups when compared to those of control samples. The content of phenolic compounds, α-tocopherols, chlorophylls, and carotene was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in both oils in all enzymatic treatments than in the control, resulting in increased oxidative stability, as revealed by Rancimat analyses.
The Mechanical Microenvironment Regulates Axon Diameters Visualized by Cryo-Electron Tomography

Axonal varicosities or swellings are enlarged structures along axon shafts and profoundly affect action potential propagation and synaptic transmission. These structures, which are defined by morphology, are highly heterogeneous and often investigated concerning their roles in neuropathology, but why they are present in the normal brain remains unknown. Combining confocal microscopy and cryo-electron tomography (Cryo-ET) with in vivo and in vitro systems, we report that non-uniform mechanical interactions with the microenvironment can lead to 10-fold diameter differences within an axon of the central nervous system (CNS). In the brains of adult Thy1-YFP transgenic mice, individual axons in the cortex displayed significantly higher diameter variation than those in the corpus callosum. When being cultured on lacey carbon film-coated electron microscopy (EM) grids, CNS axons formed varicosities exclusively in holes and without microtubule (MT) breakage, and they contained mitochondria, multivesicular bodies (MVBs), and/or vesicles, similar to the axonal varicosities induced by mild fluid puffing. Moreover, enlarged axon branch points often contain MT free ends leading to the minor branch. When the axons were fasciculated by mimicking in vivo axonal bundles, their varicosity levels reduced. Taken together, our results have revealed the extrinsic regulation of the three-dimensional ultrastructures of central axons by the mechanical microenvironment under physiological conditions.
Exploring Interactions in Online Distance Learning (ODL): The Case for Islamic Studies

12, No. 8, 2022, Pg. Abstract Since the pandemic outbreak, online has been the new norm for students and lecturers. This teaching and learning method involves adapting virtual delivery and access by optimizing the use of various applications and mediums, including Islamic studies. This study aims to find learners' perceptions in Islamic studies regarding learner-to-instructor, learner-to-learner, and learner-to-content interactions. The methodology used by this study is a quantitative method with a survey and questionnaires are distributed randomly among students enrolling in the Islamic Studies course from public universities, involving 409 respondents. The data were descriptively analysed using percentages and mean scores to identify the perceptions among Islamic learners regarding their online sessions. This study covers three sections regarding significant interactions in online learning: learner-to-instructor, learner-to-learner and learner-to-content. The findings show that the highest mean is learner-to-instructor, followed by learner-to-learner, and the lowest in the learner-to-content section. The most effective interaction among learners of Islamic studies is lecturer-student relation. The perception regarding contents shows that the lessons, specifically in Islamic studies must be provided creatively and interactively to meet the students’ needs. The r esearch findings highlighted the role of instructors in delivering knowledge in their best way and approaches to ensure effectiveness throughout their lessons. Learners in Islamic studies must have an active learning attitude to empower their knowledge. In conclusion, the findings of this study should be used as guidelines for learners and instructors to enhance the quality of pedagogy in Islamic Studies. The study suggests future research about online interactions and face-to-face learning in another field.
Developing Ecological Sensors for Real-Time Interpretation of Honeybee Communication

This paper reports early success in using systems theoretic approaches to develop a real-time interpreter for honeybee communication. Foraging Western honeybees share location information of prime food sources through a particular dance. In this work we develop algorithms that translate time-series data of the dancing bees' locations into parameter estimates of the relevant food sources. The resulting system becomes a component in a future ecological sensor, WaggleChat, for deeper research into bee communication, demonstration of social insect communication to a broad audience, and a first step toward a new, closed-loop approach to pollination control for both agriculture and broader ecological man-agement. Code, models, and more details are available at: https://gitlab.com/idealabs/hb-comm-interpreter.
Survival Comparisons between Breast Conservation Surgery and Mastectomy Followed by Postoperative Radiotherapy in Stage I–III Breast Cancer Patients: Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (Seer) Program Database

Background: This study aims to evaluate the overall and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) plus radiotherapy (RT) compared with mastectomy plus RT in resectable breast cancer. Moreover, the aim is to also identify the subgroups who benefit from BCS plus RT and establish a predictive nomogram for stage II patients. Methods: Stage I–III breast cancer patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 1990 and 2016. Patients with available clinical information were split into two groups: BCS plus RT and mastectomy plus RT. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, univariate and multivariate regression analysis, and propensity score matching were used in the study. Hazard ratio (HR) was calculated based on stratified Cox univariate regression analyses. A prognostic nomogram by multivariable Cox regression model was developed for stage II patients, and consistency index (C-index) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the accuracy of the nomogram in the training and validation set. Results: A total of 24,590 eligible patients were enrolled. The difference in overall survival (OS) and BCSS remained significant in stage II patients both before and after PSM (after PSM: OS: HR = 0.8536, p = 0.0115; BCSS: HR = 0.7803, p = 0.0013). In stage II patients, the survival advantage effect of BCS plus RT on OS and BCSS was observed in the following subgroups: any age, smaller tumor size (<1 cm), stage IIA (T2N0, T0–1N1), ER (+), and any PR status. Secondly, the C-indexes for BCSS prediction was 0.714 (95% CI 0.694–0.734). The calibration curves showed perfect agreement in both the training and validation sets. Conclusions: BCS plus RT significantly improved the survival rates for patients of stage IIA (T2N0, T0–1N1), ER (+). For stage II patients, the nomogram was a good predictor of 5-, 10-, and 15-year BCSS. Our study may help guide treatment decisions and prolong the survival of stage II breast cancer patients.
Impaired Amino Acid Metabolism and Its Correlation with Diabetic Kidney Disease Progression in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Metabolomics is useful in elucidating the progression of diabetes; however, the follow-up changes in metabolomics among health, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) have not been reported. This study was aimed to reveal metabolomic signatures in diabetes development and progression. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we compared healthy (n = 30), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (n = 30), and DKD (n = 30) subjects with the goal of identifying gradual altering metabolites. Then, a prospective study was performed in T2DM patients to evaluate these altered metabolites in the onset of DKD. Logistic regression was conducted to predict rapid eGFR decline in T2DM subjects using altered metabolites. The prospective association of metabolites with the risk of developing DKD was examined using logistic regression and restricted cubic spline regression models. Results: In this cross-sectional study, impaired amino acid metabolism was the main metabolic signature in the onset and development of diabetes, which was characterized by increased N-acetylaspartic acid, L-valine, isoleucine, asparagine, betaine, and L-methionine levels in both the T2DM and DKD groups. These candidate metabolites could distinguish the DKD group from the T2DM group. In the follow-up study, higher baseline levels of L-valine and isoleucine were significantly associated with an increased risk of rapid eGFR decline in T2DM patients. Of these, L-valine and isoleucine were independent risk factors for the development of DKD. Notably, nonlinear associations were also observed for higher baseline levels of L-valine and isoleucine, with an increased risk of DKD among patients with T2DM. Conclusion: Amino acid metabolism was disturbed in diabetes, and N-acetylaspartic acid, L-valine, isoleucine, asparagine, betaine, and L-methionine could be biomarkers for the onset and progression of diabetes. Furthermore, high levels of L-valine and isoleucine may be risk factors for DKD development.
Connection of gamma rays, dark matter, and Higgs boson searches at the LHC

Motivated by the upcoming Higgs analyzes we investigate the importance of the complementarity of the Higgs boson chase on the low mass WIMP search in direct detection experiments and the gamma-ray emission from the Galactic Center measured by the Fermi-LAT telescope in the context of the $SU(3)_c\otimes SU(3)_L\otimes U(1)_N$. We obtain the relic abundance, thermal cross section, the WIMP-nucleon cross section in the low mass regime and network them with the branching ratios of the Higgs boson in the model. We conclude that the Higgs boson search has a profound connection to the dark matter problem in our model, in particular for the case that ($M_{WIMP} 60 $ GeV, consequently ruling out any attempt to explain the Fermi-LAT observations.
A Pragmatic Primary Practice Approach to Using Specific IgE in Allergy Testing in Asthma Diagnosis, Management, and Referral

Abstract Asthma afflicts an estimated 339 million people globally and is associated with ill health, disability, and early death. Strong risk factors for developing asthma are genetic predisposition and environmental exposure to inhaled substances that may provoke allergic reactions. Asthma guidelines recommend identifying causal or trigger allergens with specific IgE (sIgE) testing after a diagnosis of asthma has been made. Allergy testing with sIgE targets subpopulations of patients considered at high risk, such as those with frequent exacerbations, emergency visits or hospitalizations, or uncontrolled symptoms. Specific recommendations apply to preschool children, school-age children, patients with persistent or difficult-to-control asthma, patients needing oral corticosteroids or high-dose inhaled steroids, patients seeking understanding and guidance about their disease, and candidates for advanced therapies (biologics, allergen immunotherapy). Allergen skin testing is common in specialized settings but less available in primary care. Blood tests for total and sIgE are accessible and yield quantifiable results for tested allergens, useful for detecting sensitization. Results are interpreted in the context of the patient’s clinical presentation, age, and relevant allergen exposures. Incorporating sIgE testing into asthma management adds objective information to identify specific allergies and can guide personalized treatment plans, which reinforce patient-doctor communication. Test results can also be used to predict exacerbations and response to therapies. Additional diagnostic information can be gleaned from (i) eosinophil count ≥300 μL, which significantly increases the odds of having exacerbations, and emerging eosinophil biomarkers (eg, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin), which can be measured in plasma or serum samples, and (ii) fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), with values ≥25 ppb regarded as the cutoff for diagnosis, evaluating inhaled corticosteroid response, and of probable response to anti-IgE, anti-IL4 and anti-IL5 receptor biologics. Referral to asthma/allergy specialists is warranted when the initial diagnosis is uncertain, and when asthma symptoms, impairment, or exacerbations are repeated or severe.
Effect of nystatin and licorice on yeasts isolated from the oral lesions of patients with cancer under chemotherapy (in vitro study)

Background: Oral candidiasis is one of the most common manifestations of patients with cancer under chemotherapy. Due to many side effects of chemical antifungal products and various advantages of herbal extracts like licorice, this study was performed to compare the antifungal effects of nystatin and licorice on yeasts isolated from oral mucosa of patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, a total number of 30 patients with oral candidiasis who received chemotherapy were examined. The samples were prepared by using swabs taken from the lesions, and after 48 h, they were transferred and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The antifungal effect of licorice was compared with nystatin using agar disk diffusion method. These data were entered in SPSS statistical software and were analyzed with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. (α = 5%). Results: Four types of candida were identified among all 30 oral lesions (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida stellatoidea, and Candida SP). The mean inhibition zone diameter around nystatin showed a significant difference (P < 0.001) between C. albicans (9.486), C. glabrata (8.627), C. stellatoidea (7.00), and C. sp (7.06) but the inhibition zone diameter around licorice was almost zero in all groups. Conclusion: Licorice extracts did not show any antifungal effects whereas nystatin showed the most antifungal effect against C. albicans.
Bilingual phonological awareness as a function of language proficiency

Aims and objectives: The present study examined whether phonological awareness reflects a stable construct or whether it varies by the different languages of bilingual speakers. In particular, the study tests to what extent language proficiency determines phonological awareness above and beyond language structural characteristics. Methodology: Bilingual adult speakers were tested as they afford within-participant comparisons to address this issue. Specifically, 29 Hebrew (L1)-English (L2) bilinguals were compared to 33 English (L1)-Hebrew (L2) bilinguals on a timed auditory rhyme judgment task including 270 word-pairs (90 English pairs, 90 Hebrew pairs, and 90 pseudo-Hebrew pairs). Data and analysis: Reaction times and dʹ on the rhyme judgment task were compared between the two bilingual groups to examine the role of language proficiency in predicting phonological awareness performance. Furthermore, rhyme judgments on Hebrew pairs were correlated with those on English pairs to provide within-participant index of phonological awareness stability. Findings: Rhyme judgment performance on the same set of words was affected by the strength of linguistic representations, as determined by language proficiency profile. English-Hebrew bilinguals performed better on English pairs, whereas Hebrew-English bilinguals performed better on Hebrew pairs. Moreover, within-group comparisons revealed that performance in the more proficient language was not correlated with performance in the less proficient language. Originality: By testing two groups of bilinguals who differ in their language dominance profile using the same set of materials (including both L1 and L2 pairs), the results reveal differences in phonological awareness abilities as a function of language proficiency that cannot be reduced to structural differences between the examined languages. Significance: The findings underscore the dynamic nature of phonological awareness abilities and carry implications for clinical diagnosis of bilingual populations, in that rhyme judgment performance in one language should not be taken to index expected abilities in the other language of bilingual speakers.
Allelic Variations in the Human Genes TMPRSS2 and CCR5, and the Resistance to Viral Infection by SARS-CoV-2

During the first wave of COVID-19 infection in Italy, the number of cases and the mortality rates were among the highest compared to the rest of Europe and the world. Several studies demonstrated a severe clinical course of COVID-19 associated with old age, comorbidities, and male gender. However, there are cases of virus infection resistance in subjects living in close contact with infected subjects. Thus, to explain the predisposition to virus infection and to COVID-19 disease progression, we must consider, in addition to the genetic variability of the virus and other environmental or comorbidity conditions, the allelic variants of specific human genes, directly or indirectly related to the life cycle of the virus. Here, we analyzed three human genetic polymorphisms belonging to the TMPRSS2 and CCR5 genes in a sample population from Sicily (Italy) to investigate possible correlations with the resistance to viral infection and/or to COVID-19 disease progression as recently described in other human populations. Our results did not show any correlations of the rs35074065, rs12329760, and rs333 polymorphisms with SARS-CoV-2 infection or with COVID-19 disease severity. Further studies on other human genetic polymorphisms should be performed to identify the major human determinants of SARS-CoV-2 viral resistance.
A meta-analysis on the predictive validity of English language proficiency assessments for college admissions

For institutions where English is the primary language of instruction, English assessments for admissions such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) give admissions decision-makers a sense of a student’s skills in academic English. Despite this explicit purpose, these exams have also been used for the practice of predicting academic success. In this study, we meta-analytically synthesized 132 effect sizes from 32 studies containing validity evidence of academic English assessments to determine whether different assessments (a) predicted academic success (as measured by grade point average [GPA]) and (b) did so comparably. Overall, assessments had a weak positive correlation with academic achievement (r = .231, p < .001). Additionally, no significant differences were found in the predictive power of the IELTS and TOEFL exams. No moderators were significant, indicating that these findings held true across school type, school level, and publication type. Although significant, the overall correlation was low; thus, practitioners are cautioned from using standardized English-language proficiency test scores in isolation in lieu of a holistic application review during the admissions process.
Commentary—fat but fit…and cold? Potential evolutionary and environmental drivers of metabolically healthy obesity

Abstract As global obesity rates continue to rise, it is important to understand the origin, role and range of human variation of body mass index (BMI) in assessing health and healthcare. A growing body of evidence suggests that BMI is a poor indicator of health across populations, and that there may be a metabolically healthy obese phenotype. Here, we review the reasons why BMI is an inadequate tool for assessing cardiometabolic health. We then suggest that cold climate adaptations may also render BMI an uninformative metric. Underlying evolutionary and environmental drivers may allow for heat conserving larger body sizes without necessarily increasing metabolic health risks. However, there may also be a potential mismatch between modern obesogenic environments and adaptations to cold climates, highlighting the need to further investigate the potential for metabolically healthy obese phenotypes among circumpolar and other populations as well as the broader meaning for metabolic health.