Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leptin in Dental Pulp and Periapical Tissues: A Narrative Review

Leptin is a non-glycosylated 16 kDa protein synthesized mainly in adipose cells. The main function of leptin is to regulate energy homeostasis and weight control in a central manner. There is increasing evidence that leptin also has systemic effects, acting as a link between innate and acquired immune responses. The expression of leptin and its receptor in human dental pulp and periradicular tissues have already been described, as well as several stimulatory effects of leptin protein expression in dental and periodontal tissues. The aim of this paper was to review and to compile the reported scientific literature on the role and effects of leptin in the dental pulp and periapical tissues. Twelve articles accomplished the inclusion criteria, and a comprehensive narrative review was carried out. Review of the available scientific literature concluded that leptin has the following effects on pulpal and periapical physiology: 1) Stimulates odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), 2) Increases the expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1), odontoblastic proteins involved in odontoblastic differentiation and dentin mineralization, 3) Stimulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in human dental pulp tissue and primary cultured cells of human dental pulp (hDPCs), 4) Stimulates angiogenesis in rat dental pulp cells, and 5) Induces the expression of interleucinas 6 and 8 in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). There is evidence which suggests that leptin is implicated in the dentin mineralization process and in pulpal and periapical inflammatory and reparative responses.
Interannual variability in the Australian carbon cycle over 2015–2019, based on assimilation of OCO-2 satellite data

Abstract. In this study, we employ a regional inverse modelling approach to estimate monthly carbon ﬂuxes over the Australian continent for 2015–2019 using the assimilation of the total column-averaged mole fractions of carbon dioxide from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2, version 9). Subsequently, we study the carbon cycle variations and relate their ﬂuctuations to anomalies in vegetation productivity and climate drivers. Our ﬁve-year regional carbon ﬂux inversion suggests that Australia was a carbon sink averaging −0.46 ± 0.08 PgC yr−1 (excluding fossil fuel emissions), largely inﬂuenced by a strong carbon uptake (−1.04 PgC yr−1) recorded in 2016. Australia semi-arid ecosystems, such as sparsely vegetated regions (in central Australia) and savanna (in northern Australia), were the main contributors to the carbon uptake in 2016. These regions showed relatively high vegetation productivity, high rainfall and low temperature in 2016. In contrast to the large carbon sink found in 2016, the large carbon outgassing recorded in 2019 coincides with an unprecedented deﬁcit of rainfall and higher than average temperature across Australia. Comparison of the posterior column average CO2 concentration against the Total Carbon Column Observing Networks (TCCON) and in situ measurements offers limited insight into the ﬂuxes assimilated with OCO-2. However, the lack of these monitoring stations across Australia, mainly over ecosystems such as the savanna and areas with sparse vegetation, impedes us from providing strong conclusions. Comparison of our ﬂux inversion to the ensemble mean carbon ﬂux of the OCO-2 Multi-model Intercomparison Project (MIP) (2015–2018) agrees with our ﬁndings, and their results also suggest that Australia was a strong carbon sink in 2016 (−0.73 ± 0.41 PgC yr−1). The analysis of the variability of the nine models that participate in the OCO-2 MIP also aligns with our ﬁndings, and it gives us the conﬁdence to say that changes in rainfall and temperature drive most of the carbon ﬂux variability across Australia.
Beginning Verb: An Analysis of Omitting Verb “Watching” in Comparison between Bima and English Language

This study is inspired by the use of verb "watching" in English language in which it can be omitted and still preserve its meaning in the sentence. The aim of this research is to find out the differences in meaning of the verb "watching" when omitted in a sentence between Bima and English language. This paper is a descriptive qualitative analysis design. It utilizes empirical data and library sources to complete it. This paper also used qualitative method analysis because the data are in the form of words instead of numbers. To analyze the data, the writer used Dixon’s theory on Beginning verbs. In terms of Bima language, the process of omission verb is proven to be quite complicated. The one that makes it complicated is simply because the speaker is accustomed to say the verb and not familiar with the process of omission. Although it is limited in terms of its data, time, and sources, this paper could be well developed if others want to concern more on the Bima language in terms of its tradition or the culture. The culture of the language seems to be more complex and the native speaker is really having a hard time explaining it.
The impact of Genre-Based Instruction on Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners’ Writing Skills

The history of teaching writing skills includes different methods and approaches. English language learners should be equipped to dominate particular genres to write for specific settings. However, the idea of using Genre-based instruction of writing in non-native speaking countries has empirically received scant attention. This study aimed to investigate the impact of GBI on writing skills. Genres in focus are Argumentative, Discussion, Explanation, and Exposition. This study used a quasi-experimental design. Fifty-one male students majoring in aviation courses in civil aviation technology of Tehran with an intermediate level of proficiency were assigned to experimental and control groups. The author examined their proficiency by Michigan English language assessment Battery (MELAB test) and tested their writing skills by administering a writing test of TOEFL iBT 2008. The control group enjoyed traditional teaching of writing and the experimental group was taught explicitly through the GBI method based on a lesson plan proposal. Four pre- and posttests were taken to check the writing GBI progress. Independent sample t-tests revealed that the writing GBI could significantly improve the coherence, cohesion, and organization of writing. This study can benefit EFL practitioners by shedding light on how we can implement GBI of writing in an authentic classroom situation.
Antibacterial Activity, Phytochemical and Proximate Analysis of Moringa Oleifera Seeds Against Clinical Isolates

This study was carried out to determine the antibacterial activity, phytochemical and proximate analysis of Moringa oleifera seeds extracts against some clinical isolates. The antibacterial activity for Aqueous and Ethanol extracts was determined using the agar diffusion method. The Phytochemical Screening of the seed was carried out using Qualitative Analysis (QA) and proximate analysis was carried out according to AOAC methods. The aqueous seed extract showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity over that of ethanol extract on the microorganisms tested. Two species (Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi) presented the lowest MIC of 31.25 and 125mg/ml compared to MBC of 250mg/ml respectively. The phytochemical revealed the presence of Flavonoids, Tannins, Alkaloid, and Saponins. The Proximate Analysis revealed high concentration of Crude lipid (35.58 ± 0.42%) and lowest concentration of Moisture content (2.03 ± 0.01%). This study shows that moringa oleifera seeds can be as effective as synthetic medicine to combat pathogenic microorganisms if properly utilized. Keywords: Moringa oleifera seeds; Proximate analysis; Phytochemicals; Staphylococcus aureus
Resource Allocation for Joint Interference Management and Security Enhancement in Cellular-Connected Internet-of-Drones Networks

Internet-of-drones (IoD) systems require enhanced data transmission security and efficient interference management to accommodate the rapidly growing drone-based and rate-intensive applications. This paper develops a novel resource allocation scheme to jointly manage interference and enhance the physical layer security of cellular-connected IoD networks in the presence of a multi-band eavesdropping drone. Our envisioned cellular-connected IoD network has multiple full-duplex cellular base stations (CBSs), where each CBS reserves an orthogonal cellular radio resource block (RRB) for the aerial communication links. To efficiently utilize the cellular RRBs, each CBS is connected to a cluster of data transmitting drones using uplink non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) scheme. In addition, all the CBSs simultaneously transmit artificial noise signals to weaken the eavesdropper links. A joint optimization problem, considering the transmit power allocation and clustering of the legitimate drones, and the jamming power allocation of the CBSs, is formulated to maximize the worst-case average sum-secrecy-rate of the network. The joint optimization problem is decomposed into drone-clustering and power allocation sub-problems to obtain an efficient solution. A multi-agent reinforcement-learning framework is devised to solve the drone-clustering sub-problem. Meanwhile, the transmit and jamming power allocation sub-problem is solved by employing fractional programming, successive convex approximation, and alternating optimization techniques. By iteratively solving these two sub-problems, a convergent resource allocation algorithm, namely, <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\underline{\text{s}}$</tex-math></inline-formula>ecurity and <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\underline{\text{i}}$</tex-math></inline-formula>nterference management with <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\underline{\text{re}}$</tex-math></inline-formula>inforcement-learning and <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\underline{\text{N}}$</tex-math></inline-formula>OMA (SIREN), is proposed. The superiority of SIREN over several benchmark schemes is verified via extensive simulations.
Governing policy expansion in a collective skill formation system: the case of vocational education and training for adults in Switzerland

ABSTRACT This article analyses the governance of VET for adults and its development from a historical-institutionalist perspective. It takes a look at the collective skill formation system of Switzerland, in which the federal government and private companies (or the associations representing them) play integral roles. The article argues that the establishment of VET for adults is a form of policy expansion, in which certain actors – especially from the canton administrations – exert considerable influence in the initial phase, but then get side-lined as the governance structure and institutional framework of formal VET shape the process of expansion, due to numerous feedback mechanisms. These findings are relevant not only for understanding the development of VET for adults, but also for a more general understanding of educational reforms that affect other policy fields.
The Effect of Back Pressure Change on Exhaust Emissions According to the Confluence Geometry of a Dual Exhaust System in Idling

In this study, a pressure transducer was installed in an exhaust system to analyze the effect of the change in back pressure according to the change of the confluence geometry of an exhaust pipe system on an exhaust emission. In addition, to perform exhaust gas measurement, the system was warmed up for about 40 s on the chassis dynamometer, and exhaust gas and back pressure measurements were performed simultaneously. In the back pressure measurement results, it was possible to confirm the difference in back pressure according to the change in the confluence shape. In addition, it was also confirmed that there was a clear difference in the exhaust emission measurement result. In particular, the H-type exhaust pipe system showed the highest pressure in the exhaust pipe due to the influence of the confluence geometry. Due to this influence, THC showed the highest measured value in the exhaust emission result. However, the X-type exhaust pipe system showed the lowest pressure due to the influence of the confluence geometry. Due to this influence, the THC showed the lowest measured value in the exhaust emission result. Therefore, through the conclusion of this study, an optimal exhaust system to reduce THC was proposed, and the importance of back pressure in exhaust system design was confirmed.
Analysis of suspension with variable stiffness and variable damping force for automotive applications

Passive shock absorbers are designed for standard load condition. These give better vibration isolation performance only for the standard load condition. However, if the sprung mass is lesser than the standard mass, comfort and road holding ability is affected. It is demonstrated that sprung mass acceleration increases by 50%, when the vehicle mass varies by 100 kg. In order to obtain consistent damping performance from the shock absorber, it is essential to vary its stiffness and damping properties. In this article, a variable stiffness system is presented, which comprises of two helical springs and a variable fluid damper. Fluid damper intensity is changed in four discrete levels to achieve variable stiffness of the prototype. Numerical simulations have been performed with MATLAB Simscape and Simulink which have been with experimentation on a prototype. Furthermore, the numerical model of the prototype is used in design of real size shock absorber with variable stiffness and damping. Numerical simulation results on the real size model indicate that the peak acceleration will improve by 15% in comparison to the conventional passive solution, without significant deterioration of road holding ability. Arrangement of sensors and actuators for incorporating the system in a vehicle suspension has also been discussed.
Cytohistological Correlation of Palpable Breast Lesions in a Tertiary Care Centre – A Retrospective Study

Background: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death from cancer among women. WHO reported that around 1lakh new cases of carcinoma breast are diagnosed every year in India and about 70,218 deaths due to breast cancer was estimated in Indian women every year. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment plays an important role in decreasing the mortality due to breast cancer. Presenting complaint in majority of the cases is a palpable lump in the breast. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, fast, inexpensive method and reliable. It is being used as a first line procedure for diagnosing breast lesions Aim: This study is aimed to examine the cytological features of FNAC done on palpable breast lesions and to correlate the results of these breast FNAC with the corresponding tissue biopsy reports. Thereby we are determining the accuracy of reporting FNAC breast lesions in our hospital. Material and Methods: This is a 1-year retrospective study of breast lumps seen in Department of Pathology, Saveetha Medical College, Chennai. All patients who had FNAC of breast lumps with subsequent histological confirmation over this period are included in this study. Cytological diagnosis was categorized as benign, inflammatory, suspicious for malignancy, positive for malignancy and inadequate and compared with histopathological diagnosis for correlation. Statistical analysis was done to test sensitivity specificity, positive predictive value and accuracy. Results: This is a 1-year retrospective study of breast lumps seen in Department of Pathology, Saveetha Medical College, Chennai. All patients who had FNAC of breast lumps with subsequent histological confirmation over this period are included in this study. Cytological diagnosis were categorized as benign, inflammatory, suspicious for malignancy, positive for malignancy and inadequate and compared with histopathological diagnosis for correlation. Statistical analysis was done to test sensitivity specificity, positive predictive value and accuracy Conclusion: FNAC is a quicker, easier, inexpensive, safe and readily acceptable procedure. Though definitive specific diagnosis may not be possible by cytology, but it can be categorized and differential diagnosis can be derived. So, to conclude, Aspiration cytology can be done as a first line procedure but cannot be considered as a substitute for histopathology.
Are Significant Tornadoes Occurring Later in the Year in Southern Ontario?

Using a long‐term data set (1875–2019), we investigate whether the month having peak tornado frequency changes over time in southern Ontario, Canada. Using only F/EF2+ tornadoes and 10‐year rolling periods having modes at 5‐year intervals, we find a statistically significant (99% confidence interval) moderate positive trend. However, we identify no statistically significant trend (positive or negative) using the same methods with tornado data from neighboring US states Michigan and New York. Though we do not investigate causes here, the study is the first to identify a robust long‐term trend in the frequency of significant tornadoes for any region of Canada. Such a shift also has implications for public safety, with the occurrence of such tornadoes later in the year having the potential for greater impacts.
Online Communication versus Face-to-Face Interaction: the Effect of Chatting Communication on Iranian EFL Learners' Oral Performance

This study aimed to investigate the impact of chatting communication on Iranian EFL learners' oral performance. To this end, the author randomly selected fifty 17-to-18-year-old male Iranian EFL learners attending Top Notch communicative classes in language institutes in Shiraz. First, they applied the Oxford Placement Test as a proficiency test to homogenize learners, and then the learners were divided into experimental and control groups (n = 25 in each group). Both groups had a pretest to estimate their oral performance before applying treatment. The experimental group received instruction and materials via online context as treatment. However, the participants in the control group just received instruction via traditional teaching methods in the class. Finally, both groups had a post-test to measure the effect of treatment on their oral performance. The mean and standard deviation were calculated for two groups In the data collection and analysis, a paired samples t-test was conducted. Based on the results, between the two groups, there was a substantial disparity in terms of oral presentation skills. , and the experimental group learners outperformed the control group's learners. The findings can be helpful for teachers to find practical ways to develop students' skills and their incentives.
Effect of Distribution Channel Strategies on the Performance of Banks

Effective distribution channel strategy selection, application, and management does not only help to meet the shopping needs and habits of the target customers efficiently under the cost restraints of the seller; they must also lessen the drawbacks caused by distribution channel conflicts such as double downgrading. This study evaluated the effect of distribution channel strategies on the performance of commercial banks in Nigeria. The objective of the study specifically was to identify the distribution channel strategies adopted by commercial banks in Nigeria and to determine the effect of the distribution channel strategies adopted on the performance of the bank. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 43 management staff of five commercial banks operating in Nigeria. Questionnaire was used as the tool for data collection. The data was analyzed and presented using percentages, mean and standard deviation. The study found that the branch network, electronic banking and multiple distributions were used by the banks. Marketing strategies being employed by the banks were aggressive marketing, mass marketing and value marketing, the study further found that the adopted distribution channel strategies have a significant effect on the performance of the banks. It was recommended among other things that; commercial banks should adopt those marketing distribution strategies that ensure the performance of the bank is improved and do away with those which adds costs so that the banks can compete effectively with the others and that they should embrace the concept whole heartedly by adopting electronic banking as already the battle for the banks is technology usage which should be one which offers customers more features.
Green synthesis of tin oxide based nanoparticles using Terminalia bellirica seed extract: impact of operating temperature and antimony dopant on sensitivity for carbon dioxide gas sensing application

ABSTRACT Green synthesis of undoped tin oxide (SnO2) and 2 wt% antimony doped tin oxide (Sb:SnO2) for carbon dioxide (CO2) gas sensing application is reported. The structural, morphological and optical properties of nanoparticles were investigated using XRD, SEM, EDX, HRTEM, FTIR and UV-Vis characterisation techniques. CO2 gas sensing studies were carried out by using calibration setup on pellets of nanoparticles. From XRD, SEM and HRTEM analysis, the average size of Sb:SnO2 nanoparticles were found decreased than the SnO2 nanoparticles. EDX analysis indicated the presence of tin, antimony and oxygen elements in the structure of nanoparticles. The presence of functional groups responsible for the formation of nanoparticles was identified by FTIR spectra. Bandgap of SnO2 and Sb:SnO2 nanoparticles was found to be 3.67 eV and 3.47 eV respectively. The sensitivity of SnO2 and Sb:SnO2 nanoparticles at the optimized operating temperature was found as 18.32% and 35% at 1000 ppm CO2 gas concentration.
Methylated Septin9 (mSEPT9): A Promising Blood-Based Biomarker for the Detection and Screening of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), defined as a diagnosis under age 50, is an emerging public health burden. As many of these individuals fall outside of screening guidelines, the development of a minimally invasive, accurate screening modality for this population is warranted. We evaluated the FDA-approved blood-based biomarker methylated Septin9 (mSEPT9) test as screening tool for EOCRC. EOCRC plasma, healthy plasma, and serum-free conditioned media from cancer cell lines were collected. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was isolated and bisulfite converted for use in the assay. mSEPT9 and ACTB measured using Epi proColon V2.0. EOCRC plasma was collected at Massachusetts General Hospital (2005–2019) and controls were collected at the NIH and by ZenBio Inc. (prior to 2019). Twenty-seven EOCRC cases, 48 healthy controls <50 years old, and 39 healthy controls ≥50 years old were included in this study. mSEPT9 was detected more frequently in EOCRC cases (88.9%) compared with healthy controls age <50 (4.2%) and ≥50 (15.4%), respectively (P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of the mSEPT9 assay to detect EOCRC was 90.8% (95% CI, 84.7%–96.9%), 88.9% (95% CI, 77.0%–100.0%), 96.3% (95% CI, 92.3%–100.0%), and 75.0% (95% CI, 60.0%–90.0%), respectively, compared with all healthy controls. mSEPT9 cfDNA level was an independent predictor of survival (P = 0.02). mSEPT9 is a sensitive and specific biomarker for EOCRC detection. These results suggest that mSEPT9 may be useful in the detection of EOCRC, providing a minimally invasive method for screening in this growing population of patients with colorectal cancer. Significance: mSEPT9 may be a novel biomarker for the detection of early-onset colorectal cancer, as it demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in our study.