Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Abundance Patterns of the S Stars in ω Centauri

The abundance of heavy elements has been determined for seven stars in the Galactic globular cluster ω Cen (NGC 5139). This sample includes five stars classified as S stars by Lloyd Evans, including V6, V17, and ROA 320, which are all variable stars and among the coolest and most luminous stars in the cluster. This study increases the number of S stars in ω Cen for which high-quality abundance analyses exist to eight. The abundance of post-iron-peak elements supports the hypothesis that the spread in metallicities and heavy-element abundances observed among stars in the cluster is due to chemical self-enrichment of ω Cen by supernovae and low-mass asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. Furthermore, the post-iron-peak elements suggest that the self-enrichment of the cluster was complex and nonhomogeneous with respect to the s-process elements.
A Study on Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Hepatoprotective Efficacy of Elephantopus scaber L.

Elephantopus scaber is an herb widely used in folk remedies in Vietnam, especially in the treatment of liver disease. However, scientific studies evaluating the activity and ability to treat the disease in a scientific way are still very limited. This study evaluated the antibacterial, antioxidant, acute toxicity and hepatoprotective efficacy of E. scaber extracts. The extracts restricted the growth of 6 types of bacteria, being particularly most effective against E. coli. It was found that the E. scaber leaves extract was more efficient than root, stem, flower, and whole plant extracts. DPPH assay showed that the flower extract had the highest antioxidant activity (EC50 = 60.29 µg/mL). The E. scaber extracts (>5000 mg/kg) also did not cause acute toxicity in mice. Additionally, the extracts effectively protected and recovered mice liver cells damaged by CCl4. The reduction of mice liver enzyme levels (AST and ALT) was similar between the extracts and silymarin. This hepatoprotective efficiency was also illustrated by the morphology and histology of the mice liver cells. The extracts healed mice liver cells by recovering the cell diameter, reducing inflammation swelling and increasing Hb concentration.
Magnetic properties of 3d transition metal wires on vicinal Cu(111) surfaces at finite temperature

One-dimensional transition metal (TM) nanowires can be formed on a stepped Cu(111) surface. The basic template is an embedded Fe chain at one-atom distance away from the upper edge of the monoatomic surface step, supplying the deposition of 3d TM chains from V to Co to form on top of the Fe chain. Density functional theory (DFT) is applied to calculate the magnetic properties of these TM-Fe wires. Exchange parameters are extracted from the DFT calculations. A classical Heisenberg model is used in Monte Carlo simulations to study finite temperature effects.
Students’ spontaneous ideas about the speed of light

The answers given by a group of physics graduate students to two problems on the speed of light are analysed. The results seem to confirm the use of spontaneous ideas which are very similar to those which form the ‘spontaneous’ kinematics proposed by Saltiel (1980). Some consequences related to the teaching of physics and special relativity are discussed.
Effects of thermal annealing on deep-level defects and minority-carrier electron diffusion length in Be-doped InGaAsN

We report the effects of ex situ thermal annealing on the deep-level defects and the minority-carrier electron diffusion length in Be-doped, p-type In0.03Ga0. 97As0.99N0. 01 grown by solid source molecular-beam epitaxy. Deep-level transient spectroscopy measurements reveal two majority-carrier hole traps, HT1 (0.18 eV) and HT4 (0.59 eV), and two minority-carrier electron traps, ET1 (0.09 eV) and ET3 (0.41 eV), in the as-grown sample. For the sample with postgrowth thermal annealing, the overall deep-level defect-concentration is decreased. Two hole traps, HT2 (0.39 eV) and HT3 (0.41 eV), and one electron trap, ET2 (0.19 eV), are observed. We found that the minority-carrier electron diffusion length increases by ∼30% and the leakage current of the InGaAsN∕GaAsp-n junction decreases by 2–3 orders after thermal annealing. An increase of the net acceptor concentration after annealing is also observed and can be explained by a recently proposed three-center-complex model.
Thrombospondin-2 as a Predictive Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Hepatitis C Virus Elimination by Direct-Acting Antiviral

Simple Summary Secreted glycoprotein thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) is a predictive biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients after HCV elimination by direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). The AFT score using TSP-2, AFP, and the FIB-4 index may identify those who require HCC surveillance. Abstract We evaluated the value of secreted glycoprotein thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) to predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients after Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). A total of 786 CHC patients without an HCC history who achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) with DAAs were randomly assigned 2:1, with 524 patients as the derivation cohort and 262 patients as the validation cohort. Serum TSP-2 levels at the end of treatment were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the derivation cohort, the cumulative HCC rate was significantly higher in the high TSP-2 group than in the low TSP-2 group. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that TSP-2, α-fetoprotein (AFP), and the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index were independent HCC risk factors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the score calculated from these three factors (AFT score) for predicting HCC was 0.83, which was significantly higher than that of each factor alone (TSP-2: 0.70, AFP: 0.72, FIB-4: 0.69). The AFT score was used to stratify patients according to the risk of HCC occurrence in the validation cohort. Lastly, in patients with a FIB-4 index < 3.25, the serum TSP-2 levels could be used to identify those patients with a high risk of HCC occurrence. Serum TSP-2 levels are a predictive biomarker of HCC occurrence in CHC patients after HCV elimination by DAA treatment. The AFT score using TSP-2, AFP, and the FIB-4 index may identify those who require HCC surveillance.
Effect of Juglone and Other Allelochemicals in Walnut Leaves on Yield, Quality and Metabolites of Snack Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

The consumption of fresh vegetables has been consistently associated with numerous health benefits. However, several factors (such as allelochemicals) influence yield, quality, and metabolites, which inevitably affect the fruit quality and health benefits. The present study was conducted to investigate the yield, quality, metabolic responses, and potential toxicity of Cucumis sativus grown in juglone-containing soils. For the treatments, pure juglone (100 µM, 1 mM) and walnut leaf extracts (100 µM) in soil concentrations found in walnut orchards were used. A total of 36 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in fruits, leaves, and roots using a mass spectrometer coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography. We concluded that juglone at a concentration of 100 µM or walnut leaf extract at the same juglone concentration does not affect the yield of C. sativus, while juglone at a concentration of 1 mM strongly affects it. In the case of juglone, juglone itself was found only in the roots of C. sativus, but not in the leaves or fruits, so C. sativus fruits are considered safe for cultivation in juglone-containing soils. However, this could prove problematic if the plants grown are tubers or root vegetables. The data suggest that juglone itself inhibits secondary metabolism in the plant, making it more susceptible to stress and pathogen attacks.
Spermine-Salicylic Acid Interplay Restrains Salt Toxicity in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Spermine (SPM) and salicylic acid (SA) are plant growth regulators, eliciting specific responses against salt toxicity. In this study, the potential role of 30 mgL−1 SPM and/or 100 mgL−1 SA in preventing salt damage was investigated. Wheat plants were grown under non-saline or saline conditions (6.0 and 12.0 dS m−1) with and without SA and/or SPM foliar applications. Exogenously applied SA and/or SPM alleviated the inhibition of plant growth and productivity under saline conditions by increasing Calvin cycle enzyme activity. Foliage applications also improved ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase activities, which effectively scavenged hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals in stressed plants. Furthermore, foliar treatments increased antioxidants such as ascorbate and glutathione, which effectively detoxified reactive oxygen species (ROS). Exogenous applications also increased N, P, and K+ acquisition, roots’ ATP content, and H+-pump activity, accompanied by significantly lower Na+ accumulation in stressed plants. Under saline environments, exogenous SA and/or SPM applications raised endogenous SA and SPM levels. Co-application of SA and SPM gave the best response. The newly discovered data suggest that the increased activities of Calvin cycle enzymes, root H+-pump, and antioxidant defense machinery in treated plants are a mechanism for salt tolerance. Therefore, combining the use of SA and SPM can be a superior method for reducing salt toxicity in sustainable agricultural systems.
Comparison of Mid-Term Outcomes between Microhook ab Interno Trabeculotomy and Goniotomy with the Kahook Dual Blade

This study retrospectively examined the mid-term surgical outcomes between microhook ab interno trabeculotomy (μLOT) and goniotomy when one was using the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) in combination with phacoemulsification in primary open-angle glaucoma and exfoliation glaucoma patients. Between December 2016 and December 2020, the current study examined 47 μLOT and 52 KDB eyes that underwent surgery. When there was a < 20% reduction in the preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) or when the IOP was > 18 mmHg (criterion A), the IOP was > 14 mmHg (criterion B) at two consecutive follow-up visits, or when there was a requirement for reoperation, these were all considered to indicate that the surgery failed. A genetic algorithm that used the preoperative IOP was used to determine the score matching. After score matching, a total of 27 eyes were evaluated. In the μLOT and KDB groups, the mean postoperative follow-up periods were 31.2 ± 13.3 and 37.2 ± 16.3 months, respectively. The results for both of the groups show there were significant postoperative reductions in the IOP (p < 0.05) and medication scores (p < 0.05) at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. At 12, 24, and 36 months, the probabilities of success in the μLOT and KDB groups for criterion A were 70.4% and 48.2%, 61.9% and 48.2%, and 55.0% and 48.2% (p = 0.32; log-rank test), respectively. For criterion B, the results for the two groups were 55.6% and 33.3%, 44.4% and 33.3%, and 44.4% and 33.3% (p = 0.15; log-rank test), respectively. Similar postoperative complications were found between the groups. Comparable mid-term surgical outcomes were found for the uses of μLOT and KDB.
Characterizing heterogeneity in early adolescent reward networks and individualized associations with behavioral and clinical outcomes

Abstract Associations between connectivity networks and behavioral outcomes such as depression are typically examined by comparing average networks between known groups. However, neural heterogeneity within groups may limit the ability to make inferences at the individual level as qualitatively distinct processes across individuals may be obscured in group averages. This study characterizes the heterogeneity of effective connectivity reward networks among 103 early adolescents and examines associations between individualized features and multiple behavioral and clinical outcomes. To characterize network heterogeneity, we used extended unified structural equation modeling to identify effective connectivity networks for each individual and an aggregate network. We found that an aggregate reward network was a poor representation of individuals, with most individual-level networks sharing less than 50% of the group-level network paths. We then used Group Iterative Multiple Model Estimation to identify a group-level network, subgroups of individuals with similar networks, and individual-level networks. We identified three subgroups that appear to reflect differences in network maturity, but this solution had modest validity. Finally, we found numerous associations between individual-specific connectivity features and behavioral reward functioning and risk for substance use disorders. We suggest that accounting for heterogeneity is necessary to use connectivity networks for inferences precise to the individual.
Implementing Competence-Based Advanced Level Human Geography Framework at One High School in Zimbabwe During The Covid 19 Era

This paper sought to gain insight into the implementation of the new Competence-Based Advanced Level Human Geography framework during COVID-19 era. The methodological lens comprised of the interpretivist paradigm and qualitative approach guided the data sourcing and analysis. The sample was made up of thirty Advanced Level Geography students and six teachers selected through snowballing. Data sourced through the literature method and personal interview were analyzed according to emerging themes. Findings acknowledged the existence of policies enabled the creation of safe learning environments during the COVID-19 era. The implementation of the new framework during the COVID-19 era was grounded in student-centred approach augmented by e-learning platforms. However, during this era some challenges were encountered in the implementation of the new framework. In conclusion through the implementation of the new framework during the COVID-19 era learning activities shifted from the traditional face-to-face to online student-centered interactions. It’s recommended that through partnerships schools can invest heavily in ICTs for smooth operations amidst disasters
Fixing basis mismatch in compressively sampled photonic link

The theory behind compressive sampling pre-supposes that a given sequence of observations may be exactly represented by a linear combination of a small number of vectors. In practice, however, even small deviations from an exact signal model can result in dramatic increases in estimation error; this is the so-called basis mismatch" problem. This work provides one possible solution to this problem in the form of an iterative, biconvex search algorithm. The approach uses standard ℓ1-minimization to find the signal model coefficients followed by a maximum likelihood estimate of the signal model. The process is repeated until a convergence criteria is met. The algorithm is illustrated on harmonic signals of varying sparsity and outperforms the current state-of-the-art.
Parameterization for Longwave Scattering of Ice Cloud for Use in Atmospheric Model

A parameterization for the scattering of longwave radiation by ice clouds have been developed based on spectral property calculations with shapes and sizes of ice crystal. For this parameterization, the size distribution data by Fu [3] and Michell and Arnott [5] are used. And the considered shapes of ice crystal are plate, solid column, hollow column, bullet-rosette, droxtal, aggregate, and spheroid [7]. The properties of longwave scattering by ice crystal are presented as a function of the extinction coefficient, single-scattering albedo, and asymmetry factor. The heating rate and flux by radiative parameterization model [1] are calculated for wide range of ice crystal size, shape, and optical thickness, the their calculation results are compared with the results by using a six-stream discrete ordinate scattering algorithm [6].
Existence Theorems for Generalized Noncoercive Equilibrium Problems: The Quasi-Convex Case

We provide a characterization of the nonemptiness of the solution set for generalized noncoercive equilibrium problems (an extension of generalized quasi-variational inequalities) defined in reflexive Banach spaces in the quasi-convex case. In addition, several necessary and sufficient conditions for the set of solutions to these problems to be nonempty and bounded are also given. Our approach is based on recession notions which proved to be very useful in the study of noncoercive minimization problems. In fact, we find some particular cones as estimates for the recession cone of the solution set. These cones (for the ones containing the latter set) are proved to be sharp enough to encompass several special situations found in the literature.
An Evaluation of Microphysics Fields from Mesoscale Model Simulations of Tropical Cyclones. Part I: Comparisons with Observations

Abstract This study presents a framework for comparing hydrometeor and vertical velocity fields from mesoscale model simulations of tropical cyclones with observations of these fields from a variety of platforms. The framework is based on the Yuter and Houze constant frequency by altitude diagram (CFAD) technique, along with a new hurricane partitioning technique, to compare the statistics of vertical motion and reflectivity fields and hydrometeor concentrations from two datasets: one consisting of airborne radar retrievals and microphysical probe measurements collected from tropical cyclone aircraft flights over many years, and another consisting of cloud-scale (1.67-km grid length) tropical cyclone simulations using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5). Such comparisons of the microphysics fields can identify biases in the simulations that may lead to an identification of deficiencies in the modeling system, such as the formula.
Functionality and Usability Features of Ubiquitous Mobile Technologies: The Acceptance of Interactive Travel Apps

Purpose Customers are increasingly using mobile applications (apps) to compare prices of travel and hospitality services and to purchase their itineraries, tours and stays. This study aims to explore key factors affecting the individuals’ perceptions on the usefulness of travel apps and sheds light on the causal paths predicting the individuals’ dispositions to use them. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative data was gathered from 1,320 research participants, who were members of popular social media groups. They were analyzed through a composite-based partial least squares approach. Findings The results confirm that information quality, source credibility and the functionality of travel apps are significantly affecting the individuals’ perceptions about their usefulness as well as their intentions to continue using them in future. They also indicate that there are highly significant indirect effects within the information technology adoption model. Research limitations/implications This study integrates the information quality and source credibility factors from the information adoption model (IAM) with a functionality construct that was drawn from electronic service quality. This study examines their effects on the technology acceptance model (TAM)’s perceived usefulness and behavioral intentions. Practical implications This research implies that there is scope for the travel service providers to enhance the quality and functionality of their mobile apps to improve their consumers’ perceptions about the utilitarian value of these ubiquitous technologies. Originality/value This contribution raises awareness on the importance of incorporating a functionality construct in addition to IAM and/or TAM “usability” factors to better understand the individuals’ dispositions to avail themselves of online content and/or to adopt interactive innovations. In this case, it implies that certain functionality features of travel apps, including their responsiveness and technical capabilities, can trigger users to increase their engagement with these mobile technologies on a habitual basis.
Gamma-Ray Burst Arrival Time Localizations: Simultaneous Observations by Mars Observer, Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, and Ulysses

Between 1992 October 4 and 1993 August 1, concurrent coverage by the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO), Mars Observer (MO), and Ulysses spacecraft was obtained for 78 gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Although most of these were below the MO and Ulysses thresholds, nine were positively detected by all three spacecraft, with data quality adequate for quantitative localization analysis. All were localized independently to ~2° accuracy by the CGRO Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE). We computed arrival-time error boxes with larger dimensions ranging from a few arcminutes to the diameters of the BATSE-only boxes and with smaller dimensions in the arcminute range. Three events are of particular interest: GB 930704 (BATSE 2428) has been described as a possible repeater. The arrival-time information is consistent with that hypothesis, but only just so. The GB 930706 (2431) box, at ~1' × 4', is the only one this small obtained since Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO) entered the Venusian atmosphere in 1992 October. Sensitive radio and optical observations of this location were made within 8 and 9 days of the burst, but no counterpart candidates were identified. GB 930801 (2477) is the first GRB that had its localization improved by taking into account BATSE Earth occultation.
Expression of Her-2/NEU in Patients With Primary Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (Nsclc)

Introduction: Now a days immunohistochemistry and genomic testing for patient with Non- Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is becoming new standard of care in clinical decision making. A renewed interest has been emerging on the human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER2) pathway. Aim of this present study was clinicopathological correlation of HER-2/neu expression by IHC in NSCLC. Method: This was a Cross sectional and observational study done at Sir Salimullah Medical College and National Institute of Disease of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH) and other private hospitals in Dhaka city during July / 2014 to June / 2016. Adult of both gender with histologically diagnosed as a case of NSCLC was include in the study. Immunohistochemistry was done to see the positivity for HER/neu and clinical characteristics were observed. Result: A total 45 patients with NSCLC were enrolled in the study. Male was 77.8% (n=35) and female was 22.2% (n=10). The mean age was 55.67 (SD± 12) years and mean age of male was higher compared to female (57.54±11.64 years verses 49.1±11.38 years). Most of the male were smokers (71.1%) and female were nonsmokers (90%). 57.78% (n=26) of patients and 42.22% (n=19) of patients had adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma respectively. Most squamous cell carcinoma patients were elderly, had wasting and having higher TNM staging. Serum LDH level was higher with advance staging and grading. Only 8.89% (n=4) had HER-2/neu positive expression affected by male. Patients with HER 2/neu positive expression were relatively older (mean age 62.5±17.08). However, there were equal in histopathological categorization (50% SCC and 50% Adenocarcinoma). Mean LDH was slightly higher in HER-2 positive patients was compared to HER-2 negative patients (569.5±232.6 versus 469.7±181.8). Conclusion: About nine percent of patients having HER-2/neu positive was relatively older and had more high level of LDH. A large-scale study should be conducted in Bangladeshi population to characterize epidemiological, clinicopathological feature in patients with NSCLC with HER-2 expression. J Dhaka Med Coll. 2021; 29(1): 99-110