Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Manufacturing of Pure Iron by Cold Rolling and Investigation for Application in Magnetic Flux Shielding

The presented work investigates a novel method to manufacture 98.8% pure iron strips having high permeability and better saturation flux density for application in magnetic flux shielding. The proposed method uses electro-deposition and cold rolling along with intermediate annealing in a controlled environment to manufacture 0.05–0.5 mm thick pure iron strips. The presented approach is inexpensive, has better control over scaling/oxidation and requires low energy than that of the conventional methods of pure iron manufacturing by pyrometallurgical methods. Important magnetic and mechanical properties of the pure iron are investigated in the context of the application of the material in magnetic shielding. Magnetic properties of the material are investigated by following IEC60404-4 standard and toroidal coil test to determine hysteresis curve, magnetic permeability and core losses. The microstructure is investigated with an optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy to study grain size and defects after cold rolling and annealing. The properties derived from the experimental methods are used in finite element analysis to study the application of the material for static, low-frequency and high-frequency magnetic shielding. Theoretical simulation results for magnetic shielding around a current-carrying conductor and micro-electromechanical inductive sensor system are discussed. Further shielding performance of the material is compared with that of the other candidate materials, including that of Mu-metal and electrical steel. It is demonstrated that the pure iron strips manufactured in the present study can be used for magnetic shielding in the case of low-frequency applications. In the case of high-frequency applications, a conducting layer can be combined to ensure the required shielding effectiveness in the case of Class 2 applications.
Do individuals have consistent risk preferences across domains?: evidence from the Japanese insurance market

ABSTRACT The risk attitude plays an important role in analyzing decision making under uncertainty. It is essential to confirm whether the risk aversion parameter in a certain situation, called “domain,” can be applied to other situations. Using a dataset on hospitalization insurance policies in Japan, this study tests whether individuals’ risk preferences remain consistent across domains. Based on the assumption of expected utility maximizer, we derive a plausible distribution of the degree of risk aversion. We find that degree of risk aversion is consistent between hospitalization benefits and additional insurance for specific diseases. Contrarily, the degree of risk aversion from hospitalization benefits has a negative relationship with that based on a survey question on the self-assessment of general preferences. This result indicates that the imputation of risk aversion from the literature would distort research results markedly if characteristics of the domains targeted by both previous research and this study differ.
Rhythm Control Better Prevents Dementia than Rate Control Strategies in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation—A Nationwide Cohort Study

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of dementia. Whether the pharmacological rhythm control of AF can reduce the risk of dementia compared to the rate control strategy remains unclear. We hypothesize that the rhythm control strategy is better than the rate control strategy in preventing dementia. Methods: AF patients aged ≥65 years were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database. Patients receiving anti-arrhythmic drugs at a cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) of >30 within the first year of enrollment constituted the rhythm control group. Patients who used rate control medications for a cDDD of >30 constituted the rate control group. A multivariate Cox hazards regression model was used to determine the hazard ratio (HR) for dementia. Results: A total of 3382 AF patients (698 in the rhythm control group; 2684 in the rate control group) were analyzed. During a 4.86 ± 3.38 year follow-up period, 414 dementia events occurred. The rhythm control group had a lower rate of dementia than the rate control group (adjust HR: 0.75, p = 0.031). The rhythm control strategy reduced the risk of dementia particularly in those receiving aspirin (p = 0.03). Conclusions: In patients with AF, pharmacological rhythm control was associated with a lower risk of dementia than rate control over a long-term follow-up period, particularly in patients receiving aspirin treatment.
Post-Procedural Follow-Up of the Interventional Radiology’s Management of Osteoid Osteomas and Osteoblastomas

The family of painful osteocytic tumors includes osteoblastomas and osteoid osteomas—these lesions are considered benign, but they could produce a significant painful symptomatology. Usually, people affected are between 20 s and 30 s. When symptomatic, an effective treatment is mandatory for the management of these lesions to allow for a ful quality of life. The possibilities of treatment range from chirurgical en-block resection (procedure of surgical oncology aiming to remove a tumoral mass in its entirety, completely surrounded by a continuous layer of healthy tissue) to interventional approaches that, nowadays, are considered the most affordable and sustainable in terms of effectiveness, recovery after procedure, and for bone structure sparing. The main techniques used for osteoid osteomas and osteoblastomas are radio frequency ablation (RFA) and magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS): the most important difference between these approaches is the needleless approach of MRgFUS, which further reduces the minimal invasiveness of RFA (and the related consequences) and the absence of exposure to ionizing radiation. Despite their high efficacy, a recurrence of pathology may occur due to a failure in therapy. In light of this, describing the various possibilities of follow up protocols and the imaging aspects of recurrence or incomplete treatment is mandatory. In the scenario given in the literature, many authors have tried to asses an organized follow up protocol of these patients, but many of them did not undergo periodical magnetic resonance (MR) or computerized tomography (CT) because of the lack of symptomatology. However, even if it seems that clinical evolution is central, different papers describe the protocol useful to detect eventual relapse. The aim of our manuscript is to review the various possibilities of follow-up of these patients and to bring together the most salient aspects found during the management of these osteocytic bone lesions.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Fleet Sensor Data towards a Higher Resolution Road Weather Model

Road weather conditions such as ice, snow, or heavy rain can have a significant impact on driver safety. In this paper, we present an approach to continuously monitor the road conditions in real time by equipping a fleet of vehicles with sensors. Based on the observed conditions, a physical road weather model is used to forecast the conditions for the following hours. This can be used to deliver timely warnings to drivers about potentially dangerous road conditions. To optimally process the large data volumes, we show how artificial intelligence is used to (1) calibrate the sensor measurements and (2) to retrieve relevant weather information from camera images. The output of the road weather model is compared to forecasts at road weather station locations to validate the approach.
Age and Gender Are Associated with the Component of Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire in Young People: A Cross-Sectional Study

(1) The aim of the study was to investigate the association between age, gender, and the component of psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics (PIDAQ) in Malaysian young people. (2) Cross-sectional data on the PIDAQ (comprised of dental self-confidence, social impact, psychological impact, and aesthetic concern variables) of Malaysian youth (n = 1425) recruited through multi-stage sampling were analyzed for mediation and moderated mediation analyses using the PROCESS macro on SPSS software. (3) Participants (mean age 16.0 ± 2.8) represented 54.8% of girls and 45.2% of boys. In the mediation model, psychological impact and aesthetic concern completely mediated the effects of social impact on dental self-confidence. In the moderated mediation model, social impact directly influenced dental self-confidence amongst participants at one standard deviation below the sample mean age and among boys. However, psychological impact completely mediated the influence of social impact on dental self-confidence amongst participants at the sample mean age and at one standard deviation above the sample mean ages, and among girls. Neither age nor gender moderated the effect of aesthetic concern on dental self-confidence. (4) Age and gender moderated the influence of social impact and psychological impact on dental self-confidence.
E-SERVICESCAPE AND CUSTOMER PATRONAGE OF INTERNET BANKING IN DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS

This study was geared towards assessing the influence of e-servicescape on customer patronage of internet banking in deposit money banks. Its aim was to examine the influences of website aesthetic appeal, website usability, website security and website interactivity on customer patronage of internet banking services. Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The sampling technique adopted was purposive sampling, which facilitated data collection from 228 bank customers with internet banking experience through a structured questionnaire. The study adopted multiple linear regression method to statistically test the hypotheses of the study. Consequently, the study found that website usability, website security and website interactivity had significant positive influences on customer patronage of internet banking in deposit money banks, while the effect of website aesthetic appeal was found to be non-significant and negative. Therefore, the study made relevant practical implications and suggestions for further research. Keywords: E-Servicescape, Customer Patronage, Internet Banking, Deposit Money Banks, Website Aesthetic Appeal, Website Interactivity
Peer tutoring in music education: A literature review

The focus of this study is the review of literature on peer tutoring, a powerful cooperative strategy where interaction within a pair of students is organized between tutor and tutee, working together providing assistance, instruction and feedback. Although the previous literature reviews showed peer tutoring was beneficial among K-12 music students, this review aims at providing data on the benefits, but also limitations present in studies in formal and informal music education at all academic stages. All of this, with the aim of discussing how peer tutoring can contribute to reducing barriers in music education. Overall, 51 studies published from 1980 to 2021 in peer-reviewed journals, dissertations, and books were analysed. The results reveal the potential of peer tutoring in music education, as well as point to specific elements to be considered to make the most of this paedagogical tool for teaching and learning music.
Insomnia Symptoms, Sleep Hygiene, Mental Health, and Academic Performance in Spanish University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Insomnia has been associated with decreased academic performance and unhealthy behaviors in university students. Although many studies have analyzed sleep phenomenology among this population, only few have focused on insomnia and its related variables. In addition, such studies do not always include a clinical interview or a specific and validated instrument for measuring insomnia. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of insomnia symptoms and the relationship between insomnia and health habits, mental health, and academic performance in a large university student sample. Methods: Five hundred and eighty-two students were recruited from the University of Granada, Spain. Data were collected through an online survey with questions on sociodemographic and academic data and health habits as well as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, Sleep Hygiene Index, and Sleepiness, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales. A multiple regression analysis explored the relationship between academic performance, health habits, mood state, and insomnia symptoms. Results: The prevalence of students with symptoms of insomnia was high (39.7%). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that depression, sleep hygiene, stress and anxiety were significant predictors of insomnia symptoms. Multivariate analyses revealed that subjective insomnia symptoms, sleep efficiency, and depression were significantly correlated with academic performance in a dependent way. Conclusions: In university students, anxiety, stress, and poor sleep hygiene are risk factors for insomnia, which plays an important role in academic performance. Promoting sleep and mental health could be a potentially effective way to improve their academic performance.
Empirical Issues in the Homicide-Income Inequality Argument

The argument that income inequality increases homicide rates has provoked scholarly debate, with some studies not supporting this position and providing evidence to the contrary. We identify several empirical issues with the current body of evidence, as well as their underlying problems. We challenge these issues by using more robust techniques than those typical of this literature. Based on the case of Mexican municipalities, we provide evidence that in fact, homicide rates correlated negatively with income inequality between 1990 and 2015, and that this relationship was moderated by levels of socioeconomic marginality. Likewise, we show evidence of spatial dependence in the relationship, thus challenging the assumption that geospatial units of analysis are probabilistically independent of each other.
Evaluation of FAO-56 Penman-Monteith Model with Limited Data and the Valiantzas Models for Estimating Grass-Reference Evapotranspiration in Sahelian Conditions

AbstractAccurate determination of grass-reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is very important for agricultural, hydrological, and environmental studies, especially under increasing water scarcity and climate mitigation conditions. The FAO-56 Penman-Monteith (FAO-PM) model is renowned for being the most accurate model; however, it requires a full climate data set that is not always available at all weather stations, especially in most of the developing countries. Thus, using ETo models that require a reduced set of climate data continues to be an important alternative in such cases. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith equation to estimate ETo with limited climate data, and (2) evaluate two of the latest ETo equations developed by Valiantzas. Climatic variables, including maximum and minimum air temperature, maximum and minimum relative humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed were collected from eight weather stations across Burkina Faso. The results showed that whe.
Wafer-Scale Fabrication and Transfer of Porous Silicon Films as Flexible Nanomaterials for Sensing Application

Flexible sensors are highly advantageous for integration in portable and wearable devices. In this work, we propose and validate a simple strategy to achieve whole wafer-size flexible SERS substrate via a one-step metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE). A pre-patterning Si wafer allows for PSi structures to form in tens of microns areas, and thus enables easy detachment of PSi film pieces from bulk Si substrates. The morphology, porosity, and pore size of PS films can be precisely controlled by varying the etchant concentration, which shows obvious effects on film integrity and wettability. The cracks and self-peeling of Psi films can be achieved by the drying conditions after MACE, enabling transfer of Psi films from Si wafer to any substrates, while maintaining their original properties and vertical alignment. After coating with a thin layer of silver (Ag), the rigid and flexible PSi films before and after transfer both show obvious surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect. Moreover, flexible PSi films SERS substrates have been demonstrated with high sensitivity (down to 2.6 × 10−9 g/cm2) for detection of methyl parathion (MPT) residues on a curved apple surface. Such a method provides us with quick and high throughput fabrication of nanostructured materials for sensing, catalysis, and electro-optical applications.
Awareness and Behaviour on Foot Care among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Endocrine Clinic, HTAR, Selangor

Diabetic foot complications result in morbidity and lower extremity amputation. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the self-awareness of foot care behavior among patients with Diabetes Mellitus. More than half of the participants (56.2%) reported a low level of foot care behavior. Gender and educational level were significantly associated with foot care behavior with p-values of 0.044 and 0.001, respectively. This study provided an insight into the current situation of foot care among patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Further research is needed to explore the new method in giving health education for behavioral change thus reducing foot complications among diabetes patients. Keywords: Self-awareness, Diabetes Mellitus, Footcare, Behavior eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i19. 3274
Dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG), a Hypoxia Mimetic Agent, Does Not Replicate a Rat Pheochromocytoma (PC12) Cell Biological Response to Reduced Oxygen Culture

Cells respond to reduced oxygen availability predominately by activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. HIF activation upregulates hundreds of genes that help cells survive in the reduced oxygen environment. The aim of this study is to determine whether chemical-induced HIF accumulation mimics all aspects of the hypoxic response of cells. We compared the effects of dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) (a HIF stabiliser) on PC12 cells cultured in air oxygen (20.9% O2, AO) with those cultured in either intermittent 20.9% O2 to 2% O2 (IH) or constant 2% O2 (CN). Cell viability, cell cycle, HIF accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, mitochondrial function and differentiation were used to characterise the PC12 cells and evaluate the impact of DMOG. IH and CN culture reduced the increase in cell numbers after 72 and 96 h and MTT activity after 48 h compared to AO culture. Further, DMOG supplementation in AO induced a dose-dependent reduction in the increase in PC12 cell numbers and MTT activity. IH-cultured PC12 cells displayed increased and sustained HIF-1 expression over 96 h. This was accompanied by increased ROS and mitochondrial burden. PC12 cells in CN displayed little changes in HIF-1 expression or ROS levels. DMOG (0.1 mM) supplementation resulted in an IH-like HIF-1 profile. The mitochondrial burden and action potential of DMOG-supplemented PC12 cells did not mirror those seen in other conditions. DMOG significantly increased S phase cell populations after 72 and 96 h. No significant effect on PC12 cell differentiation was noted with IH and CN culture without induction by nerve growth factor (NGF), while DMOG significantly increased PC12 cell differentiation with and without NGF. In conclusion, DMOG and reduced oxygen levels stabilise HIF and affect mitochondrial activity and cell behaviour. However, DMOG does not provide an accurate replication of the reduced oxygen environments.
Pathogenic and Endosymbiotic Bacteria and Their Associated Antibiotic Resistance Biomarkers in Amblyomma and Hyalomma Ticks Infesting Nguni Cattle (Bos spp.)

Deciphering the interactions between ticks and their microbiome is key to revealing new insights on tick biology and pathogen transmission. However, knowledge on tick-borne microbiome diversity and their contribution to drug resistance is scarce in sub–Saharan Africa (SSA), despite endemism of ticks. In this study, high-throughput 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and PICRUSt predictive function profiling were used to characterize the bacterial community structure and associated antibiotic resistance markers in Amblyomma variegatum, A. hebraeum, and Hyalomma truncatum ticks infesting Nguni cattle (Bos spp.). Twenty-one (seven families and fourteen genera) potentially pathogenic and endosymbiotic bacterial taxa were differentially enriched in two tick genera. In H. truncatum ticks, a higher abundance of Corynebacterium (35.6%), Porphyromonas (14.4%), Anaerococcus (11.1%), Trueperella (3.7%), and Helcococcus (4.7%) was detected. However, Rickettsia (38.6%), Escherichia (7%), and Coxiellaceae (2%) were the major differentially abundant taxa in A. variegatum and A. hebraeum. Further, an abundance of 50 distinct antibiotic resistance biomarkers relating to multidrug resistance (MDR) efflux pumps, drug detoxification enzymes, ribosomal protection proteins, and secretion systems, were inferred in the microbiome. This study provides theoretical insights on the microbiome and associated antibiotic resistance markers, important for the design of effective therapeutic and control decisions for tick-borne diseases in the SSA region.
Effects of Dicationic Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid Coatings on Oral Osseointegration of Titanium Implants: A Biocompatibility Study in Multiple Rat Demographics

Dicationic imidazolium-based ionic liquids with amino acid anions, such as IonL-phenylalanine (IonL-Phe), have been proposed as a multifunctional coating for titanium (Ti) dental implants. However, there has been no evaluation of the biocompatibility of these Ti coatings in the oral environment. This study aims to evaluate the effects of IonL-Phe on early healing and osseointegration of Ti in multiple rat demographics. IonL-Phe-coated and uncoated Ti screws were implanted into four demographic groups of rats to represent biological variations that could affect healing: young males (YMs) and females (YFs), ovariectomized (OVXFs) females, and old males (OMs). Samples underwent histopathological and histomorphometric analysis to evaluate healing at 7 and 30 days around IonL-coated and uncoated Ti. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was also conducted at the 2- and 7-day YM groups to evaluate molecular dynamics of healing while the IonL-Phe was present on the surface. IonL-coated and uncoated implants demonstrated similar histological signs of healing, while coated samples’ differential gene expression of immunological and bone markers was compared with uncoated implants at 2 and 7 days in YMs. While YMs presented suitable osseointegration for both uncoated and IonL-Phe-coated groups, decreased success rate in other demographics resulted from lack of supporting bone in YFs and poor bone quality in OVXFs and OMs. Overall, it was found that IonL-coated samples had increased bone-to-implant contact across all demographic groups. IonL-Phe coating led to successful osseointegration across all animal demographics and presented the potential to prevent failures in scenarios known to be challenged by bacteria.