Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compositions of halo clusters and the formation of the galactic halo

A method of abundance determination based on reddening-independent properties of low-resolution spectral scans is described and applied to 177 red giants in 19 globular clusters, most of which are at galactocentric distances in excess of 8 kpc. The general properties of the halo-cluster system inferred from the abundance results are examined. It is found that the distribution over abundance of the halo globular clusters is independent of galactocentric distance for distances exceeding 8 kpc and that the clusters exhibit differences in the morphology of their color-magnitude diagrams that are uncorrelated with metal abundance. The characteristics of the system of halo clusters are compared with implications of some simple conceptual schemes for the formation of the Galaxy. It is suggested that the halo clusters originated within transient protogalactic fragments that gradually lost gas while undergoing chemical evolution and continued to fall into the Galaxy after the collapse of its central regions had been completed.
Collision-Free and Connectivity-Preserving Formation Control of Nonlinear Multi-Agent Systems With External Disturbances

A collision-free and connectivity-preserving formation control issue is addressed for a class of nonlinear multi-agent systems (MASs) with external disturbances. The control objective of this paper is divided into two aspects. One is formation control for collision avoidance and connectivity preservation among a leader and communication-connected followers, and the other is obstacle avoidance between followers and potential obstacles including environmental obstacles and communication-connectionless followers. A tangent-type formation error transformation function is introduced for the first topic. With this transformation, an error transformation equation is developed, and the first topic is transformed into an error stabilization issue. Then, an improved continuous differentiable potential function is constructed for the second topic, and the partial derivative of this improved potential function is smooth and continuous as obstacles enter or exit detection ranges. A predictor-based neural network disturbance observer (PNNDO) is developed for generalized disturbances. Prediction errors are introduced to update NNs' weights, and this replacement avoids phenomenon of high-frequency oscillations with overlarge adaptive gains. With a normalized learning method, the number of NNs' learning parameters is also reduced. With the help of the Lyapunov stability, it is proved that the control objective is achieved. The effectiveness of the control strategy is verified by a group of quadrotors.
Modulation of electronic properties of hexagonal boron nitride bilayers by an electric field: A first principles study

The electronic structures of hexagonal boron nitride (BN) bilayers are studied by first principles calculations. The stabilities of BN bilayers with various stackings are determined. We find that an external electric field could significantly modulate the energy gaps of BN bilayers. By a relatively small adjustment of interlayer distance near the equilibrium position, we show that the direct band gaps can be obtained in a wide energy range when an external electric field is applied. These results suggest potential applications of BN bilayers in light emitting devices.
Utility of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria for Sustainable Production of Bermudagrass Forage

A two-year study was conducted in bermudagrass hay fields in central Alabama to estimate the potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a tool for sustainable agriculture in forage management. This study compared the effects of two treatments of PGPR, applied with and without lowered rates of nitrogen, to a full rate of nitrogen fertilizer in a hay production system. The PGPR treatments included a single-strain treatment of Paenibacillus riograndensis (DH44), and a blend including two Bacillus pumilus strains (AP7 and AP18) and a strain of Bacillus sphaericus (AP282). Data collection included estimates of forage biomass, forage quality, insect populations, soil mesofauna populations, and soil microbial respiration. Applications of PGPR with a half rate of fertilizer yielded similar forage biomass and quality results as that of a full rate of nitrogen. All PGPR treatments increased soil microbial respiration over time. Additionally, treatments containing Paenibacillus riograndensis positively influenced soil mesofauna populations. The results of this study indicated promising potential for PGPR applied with lowered nitrogen rates to reduce chemical inputs while maintaining yield and quality of forage.
Proof and proving in secondary school

This paper argues that mathematics should be a human activity in which the process of guided invention takes the learner through the various stages and steps of the discovery of mathematical ideas and concepts. The central premise is that proof functions as an explanation, where experimental mathematics is used to empirically convince the learner that the conjecture holds true. Inductive reasoning used while working with the computer software Sketchpad assists learners in arriving at and testing their conjectures.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Tuberculosis in Indonesia: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is still a persistent health challenge in Indonesia and ranks high on the list of factors causing morbidity and mortality. Improving knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of the general community about TB can help to control the disease. Purpose This study aimed to examine the KAP about TB in Indonesian society and investigate their sociodemographic determinants. Participants and Methods An online cross-sectional survey in 34 provinces in Indonesia was carried out in June 2022. The scores of KAP were classified as low, moderate, and high. Bivariate and multivariate ordinal logistic regression were applied to identify the potential sociodemographic determinants of KAP. Adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each determinant were provided. Results Among the 3205 participants, 56.4%, 91%, and 38% had high scores on knowledge, attitude, and perception, respectively. Independent determinants of high knowledge were age (26–35 years; adjusted odds ratio: 1.53 [95% CI: 1.19–1.97]), marital status (married; adjusted odds ratio: 1.18 [95% CI: 1.00–1.39]), and salary (middle income; adjusted odds ratio: 0.76 [95% CI: 0.63–0.93]). Independent factors associated with high scores in attitude and perception were the residence location (village; adjusted odds ratio: 0.76 [95% CI: 0.59–0.98]) and the occupation type (civil servant; adjusted odds ratio: 1.53 [95% CI: 1.09–2.13]), respectively. Conclusion Most Indonesians have a high knowledge and good attitude, although they have a moderate perception toward TB. Improving public awareness and health education with the right strategies is critical to reducing the country’s TB burden.
Study of Dynamic Field around a Vertical Circular Cylinder placed in an Open-Chanel Flow

Numerical analysis was performed for the twodimensional open-channel flow around a vertical circular cylinder emerged. Special attention has been paid for the interaction of vortexes structures around a cylinder. The volume of fluid (VOF) model, coupled to the turbulent model has been applied a standard κ-e two equations model and the two-dimensional Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations are discredited with the second order upwind scheme. The SIMPLE algorithm, which is developed using control volumes, is adopted as the numerical procedure. Calculations were performed for a wide variation of the Reynolds numbers (Re), corresponding to different flows. The results reveal that with increasing Reynolds number, the pressure increases and the velocity decreases at the upstream zone from the cylinder. This velocity becomes maximal at the cylinder plane 45°≤α≤90°, and becomes zero at the plane α=0°. These results reveal the importance of a cylinder diameter on the diminution of scour hole around a cylinder and wake forces at the downstream from the cylinder. Comparison of numerical results with the experimental data available in the literature is satisfactory.
Development and Test of Magnets Based on RRP and PIT Strands

As part of the High Field Magnet program at Fer- milab three magnets—two mirror dipole magnets utilizing RRP cable and one dipole magnet utilizing PIT cable—have been designed, fabricated and tested recently. Both mirror magnets with RRP strands only reached 50-60% of their estimated critical current limit. The PIT conductor based dipole however reached its critical current limit producing over 10 T magnetic field in the bore of the magnet. This paper describes the parameters of super- conducting strands and cable, the details of magnet design and fab- rication procedure, and reports the results. Index Terms—High field dipole, strands and cables, powder-in-tube technology, superconducting accelerator magnets.
Realization of a Zero-compliance System by Using Displacement Cancellation Control

A control method for achieving zero compliance to direct disturbance is proposed for a vibration isolation system. The structure of the proposed zero-compliance system is as follows. A middle mass is suspended by a spring from the base. The isolation table is suspended and moved by a linear actuator that is fixed to the middle mass. When direct disturbance acts on the isolation table, the middle mass begins to move in the same direction as the disturbance. The actuator operates to move the isolation table in the opposite direction to cancel the displacement of the middle mass to the base. To verify the effectiveness of this principle, a single-axis apparatus was fabricated. In this apparatus, the isolation table and the middle mass are guided to move horizontally to study characteristics without the influence of gravity. A voice coil motor (VCM) is installed between the isolation table and the middle mass, and integral—proportional—derivative (I-PD) control is implemented to achieve displacement cancellation control. Another VCM is installed between the middle mass and the base, and PD control is implemented for realizing the prescribed stiffness and damping. The efficacy of the designed control system is confirmed experimentally.
Salivary Antibody Responses to Two COVID-19 Vaccines following Different Vaccination Regimens

Background: To date, little is known about the salivary mucosal immune response following different COVID-19 vaccine types or after a booster (3rd) dose of the BNT162b2 (BNT) vaccine. Methods: A total of 301 saliva samples were collected from vaccinated individuals and arranged into two cohorts: cohort 1 (n = 145), samples from individuals who had received two doses against SARS-CoV-2; cohort 2 (n = 156), samples from individuals who had received a booster of BNT vaccine. Cohorts 1 and 2 were sub-stratified into three groups based on the types of first and second doses (homologous BNT/BNT, homologous ChAdOx1/ChAdOx1, or heterologous BNT/ChAdOx1vaccinations). Salivary immunoglobulin G (IgG) response to SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein was measured by ELISA, and clinical demographic data were collected from hospital records or questionnaires. Results: Salivary IgG antibody responses against different vaccines, whether homologous or heterogeneous vaccination regimens, showed similar levels in cohorts 1 and 2. Compiling all groups in cohort 1 and 2 showed significant, albeit weak, negative correlations between salivary IgG levels and time (r = −0.2, p = 0.03; r = −0.27, p = 0.003, respectively). In cohort 2, the durability of salivary IgG after a booster dose of BNT162b2 significantly dropped after 3 months compared to the <1 month and 1–3 months groups. Conclusions: Different COVID-19 vaccine types and regimens elicit similar salivary anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG with modest waning over time. Boosting with BNT162b2 vaccine did not produce an evident increase in mucosal IgG response whereby COVID-19 recovered subjects show higher salivary IgG than naive, post-vaccination subjects. The ChAdOx1/ChAdOx1 regimen showed better correlation between salivary IgG levels and durability. These findings highlight the importance of developing oral or intra-nasal vaccines to induce stronger mucosal immunity.
FACTORS AFFECTING STUDENT DROP OUT FROM THE UNIVERSITY INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS COURSE, INCLUDING THE ANOMALY OF THE ONTARIO DOUBLE COHORT

his article uses data from Ontario and the twosemester, introductory course at Trent University (Physics 100) to discuss a number of possible factors affecting the student drop-out rate including the following: academic preparation from high school, student motivation and work habits, changes in highschool assessment practices, high-school grade inflation, gender balance, living in residence, and working together on assignments. One must remember that these data show correlations, not causal relationships, but they can still be used for guidance in improving student performance. The paper has two major components. The first is a review of the drop-out rate from the 1980's to the present with a discussion of the probable factors affecting it. The second component gives the results of a recent student survey that explores potential reasons for dropping the course at the present time. This article is an abridged, updated version of a recent paper in the Canadian Journal of Physics, which contains most of the original figures and data [1] . There have been many studies on the retention of students at university in general, with the general conclusion being that students who are well integrated both socially and intellectually into college or university life are more likely to remain in university than those who are not well integrated. Reference [2] (p.82) even concludes "For most departures, leaving has little to do with the inability to meet formal academic requirements. " However, no studies were found that focussed on physics. One meta-study on the retention of women and minorities in science courses concluded that retention improves for students placed in cooperative learning environments [3] . SUMMARY The drop-out rate from the introductory physics course at university may be a better indicator of average student success than the final course average, as many students who are performing poorly drop out and so are not counted in that average. This article discusses a number of possible factors affecting the student drop-out rate. T
Aptamer-Based Strategies to Boost Immunotherapy in TNBC

Simple Summary Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with poor outcomes and limited therapeutic options. It is characterized by a more pronounced immunogenicity compared with other breast cancer subtypes, suggesting immunotherapy is a viable strategy. Aptamers are short oligonucleotides that, similar to antibodies, recognize their protein target with high specificity and affinity. However, compared with antibodies, they present several advantages in terms of size, production, modification, and stability, which make them excellent candidates for the development of novel targeted anticancer therapies. Recently, in order to restore an immunoreactive and anticancer tumor microenvironment, effective aptamer-based strategies have been developed. Here, we discuss the most recent approaches aimed at using aptamers to enhance or restore the anticancer immune response in TNBC. Abstract The immune system (IS) may play a crucial role in preventing tumor development and progression, leading, over the last years, to the development of effective cancer immunotherapies. Nevertheless, immune evasion, the capability of tumors to circumvent destructive host immunity, remains one of the main obstacles to overcome for maximizing treatment success. In this context, promising strategies aimed at reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment and promoting antitumor immunity are rapidly emerging. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive breast cancer subtype with poor outcomes, is highly immunogenic, suggesting immunotherapy is a viable strategy. As evidence of this, already, two immunotherapies have recently become the standard of care for patients with PD-L1 expressing tumors, which, however, represent a low percentage of patients, making more active immunotherapeutic approaches necessary. Aptamers are short, highly structured, single-stranded oligonucleotides that bind to their protein targets at high affinity and specificity. They are used for therapeutic purposes in the same way as monoclonal antibodies; thus, various aptamer-based strategies are being actively explored to stimulate the IS’s response against cancer cells. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential of the recently reported aptamer-based approaches to boost the IS to fight TNBC.
Neurological Implications of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Diet: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Vitamin B12 is one of the most important B-Vitamins that the human body needs on a daily basis, the lack of which can precipitate several neurological issues. Objectives: This systematic aimed to investigate the neurological implications of Vitamin B12 deficiency and the effects when B12 levels were corrected in susceptible individuals. Methods: The databases PubMed-MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus were all searched using pertinent keywords, reference searches, and citation searches. The terms used to access the database were “Cognition”, “Dietary patterns”, “Neurology”, “Nutritional profile”, and “Vitamin B12”. Results: Vitamin B12 was shown to noticeably improve cognition and other neurological parameters in the short term in older adults and the short-to-medium term in children; however, there was no perceived increase/improvement when the Vitamin was administered in the longer term, either alone or in conjunction with other similar nutritional interventions. Conclusion: Vitamin B12’s role in the improvement of neurological functions over a long-term period remains somewhat inconclusive to date, as the majority of our selected control trials did not display much correlation between the two factors. However, Vitamin B12 did improve cognition levels in both children and older adults over a short course of administration.
Discussion on "Statistical Issues Arising in the Women's Health Initiative"

Summary. A brief overview of the design of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trial and observational study is provided along with a summary of results from the postmenopausal hormone therapy clinical trial components. Since its inception in 1992, the WHI has encountered a number of statistical issues where further methodology developments are needed. These include measurement error modeling and analysis procedures for dietary and physical activity assessment; clinical trial monitoring methods when treatments may aﬀect multiple clinical outcomes, either beneﬁcially or adversely; study design and analysis procedures for high-dimensional genomic and proteomic data; and failure time data analysis procedures when treatment group hazard ratios are time dependent. This ﬁnal topic seems important in resolving the discrepancy between WHI clinical trial and observational study results on postmenopausal hormone therapy and cardiovascular disease. Consistent evidence from over 40 epidemiologic studies demonstrates that postmenopausal women who use estrogen therapy after the menopause have signiﬁcantly lower rates of heart disease than women who do not take estrogen . the evidence clearly supports a clinically important protection against heart disease for postmenopausal women who use estrogen.
Comparing sampling patterns for kriging the spatial mean temporal trend

In monitoring the environment one often wishes to detect the temporal trend in a variable that varies across a region. A useful executive summary is then the temporal trend in the spatial mean. In this article, the best linear unbiased predictor of the spatial mean temporal trend and its variance are derived under a universal kriging model. Five different, spatially explicit sampling patterns are compared in terms of this variance. For small spatial ranges, the time-separation pattern is optimal, regardless of the temporal range. For larger spatial ranges, the best pattern depends on the temporal range. If the temporal range is small (less than ca. 1/20 of the spatial range), then the always-revisit pattern is best. For larger temporal ranges (between ca. 1/20 and ca. 1/4 of the spatial range) the serially alternating pattern is best, whereas the time-separation pattern is best for larger temporal ranges. The gain in using the serially alternating pattern or time-separation pattern instead of the always-revisit pattern can be substantial. The potential loss with respect to the always-revisit pattern is only minor for the serially alternating pattern, but can be substantial for the time-separation pattern. Unless one has good knowledge of the spatial and temporal range, the serially alternating pattern is thus a good choice. This work extends that by Urquhart and Kincaid and gives further support to their plea for the serially alternating pattern.
Radiation induces turbulence in particle-laden fluids

When a transparent fluid laden with solid particles is subject to radiative heating, non-uniformities in particle distribution result in local fluid temperature fluctuations. Under the influence of gravity, buoyancy induces vortical fluid motion which can lead to strong preferential concentration, enhancing the local heating and more non-uniformities in particle distribution. By employing direct numerical simulations this study shows that the described feedback loop can create and sustain turbulence. The velocity and length scale of the resulting turbulence is not known a priori, and is set by balance between viscous forces and buoyancy effects. When the particle response time is comparable to a viscous time scale, introduced in our analysis, the system exhibits intense fluctuations of turbulent kinetic energy and strong preferential concentration of particles.
Analytical and numerical investigation of uniqueness and localization in saturated porous media

This paper presents first the applications of uniqueness and strain localization analysis of saturated porous media, where localization of deformation into well defined narrow zones in a saturated porous medium is studied in terms of discontinuous bifurcation theory. A generalized plasticity constitutive model and a Mohr–Coulomb model are used in both the theoretical and numerical analyses of shear band formations. The critical hardening moduli and shear band angle for localization are computed, and quantitative results are given for both constitutive models. Numerical results previously obtained and new ones are confirmed by this analytical and numerical investigation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.