Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic-assisted nano Ag-Al alloy sintering to enable high-temperature electronic interconnections

Advanced interconnect materials are demanded with the rapid development of wide band gap (WBG) devices, which operate at higher temperatures (above 250°C) compared to the current Si devices. The most common Sn-based solders are not adequate because of its low melting temperature. With the advantage of sintering at relatively low temperatures and serving at high temperatures, metal powder sintering technology such as nano Ag becomes highly attractive. However, high cost and element emigration properties limit the application of nano Ag. Developing new metal powder sintering technology should be a promising solution for high-temperature integration. This paper investigates the combination of Al with nano Ag binary sintering assisted by ultrasonic vibration, this can offer an attractive solution for high temperature applications, such as WBG device packaging. Nano Ag-Al paste was prepared by adding 10 weight percent (wt%) nano Al powders into commercial nano Ag paste, this can reduce cost and offer good thermal and electrical conductivity. With the help of ultrasonic vibration during the sintering process, the adhesion between nano paste and chip metallization has been improved. The microstructures of thermal aged joints show that there is less void growth in nano Ag-Al systems compare to nano Ag joints. Current results suggest that the developed ultrasonically assisted nano Ag-Al sintering process has potential advantages in maintaining mechanical stability.
Syn-eruptive agglutination of kimberlite volcanic ash

Pyroclastic deposits of the Holocene Igwisi Hills kimberlite volcanoes, Tanzania, preserve unequivocal evidence for rapid, syn-eruptive agglutination. The unusual pyroclasts are composed of ash-sized particles agglutinated to each other by thin necks. The textures suggest the magma was disrupted into droplets during ascent. Collisions between particles occurred within a volcanic plume and on deposition within the conduit to form a weakly agglutinated, porous pyroclastic deposit. Theoretical considerations indicate that agglutination occurred over short timescales. Agglutinated clasts were entrained into weak volcanic plumes and deposited around the craters. Our results support the notion that agglutination can occur during kimberlite eruptions, and that some coherent, dense rocks in ancient kimberlite pipes interpreted as intrusive rocks could instead represent agglutinated pyroclastic rocks. Differentiating between agglutinated pyroclastic rocks and effusive or intrusive rocks in kimberlite pipes is important because of the potential effects that pyroclastic processes might have on diamond concentrations in deposits.
Mathematical Model of Dengue Virus with Predator-Prey Interactions

In this paper, a mathematical model of dengue incorporating two sub-models that: describes the linked dynamics between predator-prey of mosquitoes at the larval stage, and describes the dengue spread between humans and adult mosquitoes, is formulated to simulate the dynamics of dengue spread. The effect of predator-prey dynamics in controlling the dengue disease at the larval stage of mosquito populations is investigated. Stability analysis of the equilibrium points are carried out. Numerical simulations results indicate that the use of predator-prey dynamics of mosquitoes at the larval stage as biological control agents for controlling the larval stage of dengue mosquito assists in combating dengue virus contagion.
Clinical and epidemiological overview of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients infected with the hepatitis C virus

About 2.4 million people die each year worldwide as a result of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is a worldwide problem, more than 170 million people are infected with the virus worldwide, corresponding to about 3% of the population. Some common signs for patients chronically infected with HCV are: increased liver enzyme activity and chronic liver diseases, such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study consists of a literature review, of a qualitative nature which aims to approach the main clinical and epidemiological aspects of the chronic infection caused by the HCV. HCV detection is carried out by screening for antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and screening for HCV-RNA through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The current detection methods are not viable for all medical centers and outpatient clinics, making it necessary to develop new detection methods, since the technological apparatus for screening HCV-RNA, as well as ELISA, is a distant reality for the vast majority of the global health system. The development of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) increased the viral response, reaching up to 92.7% success rate. It is necessary to monitor post-treatment patients, as well as to treat patients who are still affected by the virus worldwide, to ensure that there is no progression of liver fibrosis in cirrhosis, nor the development of HCC. Additionally, vigilance should be maintained for possible mutations and the emergence of viral resistance to DAAs.
Histomorphological and Histochemical Investigation of The Vagina of Adult Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus)

This study was carried out to identify the morphological, histological and histochemical features of the vagina of the adult guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). To perform such project, 14 adult guinea pigs at their diestrous period were bought from the local breeders directly. Animals were euthanized, dissected and subsequently specimens from the cranial, middle and caudal portions of the vagina were collected and fixed. Fixation was implemented by using 10% neutral buffered formalin and Bouin’s solution. Post routine processing such as dehydration, clearing, embedding and blocks preparation, tissue sections of 6 μm were prepared and stained by using hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s Trichrome, Alcian blue and Periodic acid shiff stains. Gross findings revealed that the vagina in the adult guinea pigs was characteristically very long tube-like structure with wide diameter. The vagina entirely was running ventral to the colon and then under the rectum in the pelvic cavity. It was terminated caudally by the vaginal orifice independent to the urethral orifice of the urinary system. Microscopic findings revealed mucous columnar lining epithelium which was folded at the vaginal fornix decreased caudally toward the external vaginal orifice where the epithelium changed into stratified squamous epithelium not keratinized. Thin dense lamina propria was continuous with loose connective tissue of the submucosa. Thickness of tunica muscularis was decreased which was surrounded with thick adventitia. Histochemically, the non-ciliated mucous columnar cells present in the lining epithelium of the cranial and middle regions of the vagina were positively stained with AB (pH 2.5) and PAS stains. The reaction with AB (pH 2.5) was more intense compared to the staining with PAS so that it indicated that mucin was more acidic than neutral in nature. Characteristic conclusions include that the vagina opening was U-shaped not circular and closed by transparent closure during the diestrous period. Histologically, the vagina also lined with mucoid lining and only the orifice and adjacent area lined with stratified squamous epithelium. Moreover, current study recorded differences in both macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the vagina in the guinea pigs compared to other animal considered laboratory species.
IRF4 as an Oncogenic Biomarker for Hematological Malignancies

The lymphocyte-specific transcription factor Interferon (IFN) Regulatory Factor 4 (IRF4) is crucial for lymphocyte development. Importantly, IRF4 has potent oncogenic and transforming properties, and its intimate interaction with lymphoid and myeloid malignancies has been increasingly recognized. In general, IRF4 exerts its function by transcriptionally regulating a pool of genes pivotal for cell development, oncogenesis and immune response. In clinical practice, IRF4 serves as an important prognosis and diagnosis marker for certain types of these malignancies. However, the oncogenic roles of IRF4 in most types of these malignancies and the molecular mechanisms underlying its interaction with them are largely not characterized. Accumulating evidence from cell culture shows that IRF4 regulates differential targets in distinct cancer contexts, depending on the“context-specific”co-regulator(s) associated with it in each setting. These complementary studies with in vitro cell culture systems are a necessary strategy which will provide molecular and mechanistic insights into the specific regulation and function of IRF4 in distinct cancer contexts, and may identify novel interventions specifically targeting IRF4 regulatory network for treatment. This review summarizes the evidence obtained from bench to bed showing the association of IRF4 with various types of hematological malignancies, with emphasis on molecular mechanisms underlying its regulation and its roles in these contexts.
Fish assemblage and structure as well as hydrological parameters at Karatoya Fish Sanctuary, Panchagarh, Bangladesh

Abstract Spatiotemporal variation in fish assemblage structure was conducted from January to December 2015 in order to know the impacts of sanctuary on ichthyo-faunal diversity with its indices and major hydrological factors from six sampling stations of Karatoya fish sanctuary sectioned in the river Karatoya. A total of 69 fish species was obtained from this sanctuary including 21 threatened species where Aspidoparia jaya, Pethia ticto, Puntius sophore, Canthophrys gongota and Barilius barna was the major contributory species (> 4.17%) both in space and time. The uppermost species richness and abundance were viewed in January and lowest in May. Based on analysis of similarities (ANOSIM), fish assemblages were significantly different equally in station (P < 0.001, R = 0.15) and month (P < 0.001, R = 0.62). Through two-dimensional nonmetric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) and cluster analysis based on Bray-Curtis similarity index, assemblages were alienated into two groups at a value of 42% and 28% partition for station and month, respectively. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) recognized considerable relations between a number of fishes and hydrological parameters where dissolved oxygen (mg/l) and water temperature (oC) were the main leading factors in shaping fish assemblage structure.
Does hip preservation surgery prevent arthroplasty? Quantifying the rate of conversion to arthroplasty following hip preservation surgery

Abstract Hip arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for dysplasia is the most commonly used contemporary treatment for these conditions and has been shown to provide pain relief and restore function. What is less understood and perhaps of more interest to health economists, is the role of these procedures in preserving the hip joint and avoiding hip arthroplasty. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether hip joint preservation surgery, indeed, preserves the hip joint by looking at conversion rates to total hip arthroplasty (THA). Two separate searches were undertaken, using PRISMA guidelines and utilizing PubMed and Open Athens search engines, identifying manuscripts that looked at conversion to THA following either hip arthroscopy (HA) or PAO. When considering HA, we found 64 eligible papers. Out of these studies, there were 59 430 hips with 5627 undergoing conversion to THA (9.47% [95% CI 9.23–9.71%]) with a mean conversion time of 24.42 months. Regarding PAO, there were 46 eligible papers including 4862 patients who underwent PAO with subsequent conversion to THA in 404 patients (8.31% [95% CI 7.54–9.12%]). with a mean conversion time of 70.11 months. Certain features were associated with increased conversion rates, including increasing age, worsening arthritis and joint space <2 mm. This study demonstrates that the mean conversion rates to be <10% for HA and PAO, during the mean follow-up periods of included manuscripts. Joint preserving surgery appears to defer or at least delay the need for THA.
CXCL12 Promotes the Stabilization of Atherosclerotic Lesions Mediated by Smooth Muscle Progenitor Cells in Apoe-Deficient Mice

Objective—Unstable atherosclerotic lesions are prone to rupture, which leads to atherothrombosis. Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) promotes the mobilization and neointimal recruitment of smooth muscle progenitor cells (SPCs), and thereby mediates vascular repair. Moreover, treatment with SPCs stabilizes atherosclerotic lesions in mice. We investigated the role of CXCL12 in the treatment of unstable atherosclerotic lesions. Approach and Results—Intravenous injection of CXCL12 selectively increased the level of Sca1+Lin platelet derived growth factor receptor-β+ SPCs in the circulation as determined by flow cytometry. Macrophage-rich lesions were induced by partial ligation of the carotid artery in Apoe−/− mice. Repeated injection of CXCL12 reduced the macrophage content, increased the number of smooth muscle cells, increased the fibrous cap thickness, and increased the collagen content in these lesions. However, CXCL12 did not alter the lesion size or the luminal diameter of the carotid artery as.
Hepatitis B virus resistance to tenofovir: fact or fiction? A systematic literature review and structural analysis of drug resistance mechanisms

Background: Tenofovir (TFV) is a widely used treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. There is a high genetic barrier to the selection of TFV resistance-associated mutations (RAMs), but the distribution and clinical significance of TFV RAMs are not well understood. We here present assimilated evidence for putative TFV RAMs with the aims of cataloguing and characterising mutations that have been reported, and starting to develop insights into mechanisms of resistance. Methods: We carried out a systematic literature search in PubMed and Scopus to identify clinical, in vitro and in silico evidence of TFV resistance. We included peer-reviewed studies presenting original data regarding virological TFV breakthrough, using published methods to assess the quality of each study. We generated a list of RAMs that have been reported in association with TFV resistance, developing a ‘long-list’ (all reported RAMs) and a ‘short-list’ (a refined list supported by the most robust evidence). We assessed the potential functional and structural consequences by mapping onto the crystal structure for HIV reverse transcriptase (RT), as the structure of HBV RT has not been solved. Results: We identified a ‘long-list’ of 37 putative TFV RAMs in HBV RT, occurring within and outside sites of enzyme activity, some of which can be mapped onto a homologous HIV RT structure. A ‘short-list’ of nine sites are supported by the most robust evidence. If clinically significant resistance arises, it is most likely to be in the context of suites of multiple RAMs. Other factors including adherence, viral load, HBeAg status, HIV coinfection and NA dosage may also influence viraemic suppression. Conclusion: There is emerging evidence for polymorphisms that may reduce susceptibility to TVF. However, good correlation between viral sequence and treatment outcomes is currently lacking; further studies are essential to optimise individual treatment and public health approaches.
Bifocal Dual-Reflectarray Antenna to Generate a Complete Multiple Spot Beam Coverage for Satellite Communications in Ka-Band

This paper presents a novel multibeam transmitting dual-reflectarray antenna able to generate a complete multiple spot coverage from a geostationary satellite in Ka-band (20 GHz). The bifocal design technique has been exploited for the first time to reduce by 50% the beam deviation factor with respect to the equivalent monofocal antenna, allowing to produce adjacent beams separated by only 0.56° in the antenna offset plane. In order to guarantee an acceptable spillover, the main reflectarray has been oversized in the same plane where the beams are compressed, resulting in an elliptical reflectarray of 3.5 m × 1.8 m. The interleaved beams required to provide the complete multi-spot coverage are produced in the orthogonal polarization, using the same aperture and feeds. The proposed antenna requires a smaller main aperture (about half of the area) and a lower number of feeds than other configurations that use a single oversized reflector to generate a complete multi-spot coverage, showing promising results for communication satellite applications in the Ka-band.
Investigation of wear resistance of selected materials after slide burnishing process

The article presents the research on the impact of slide burnishing process carried out with use of various ceramics on friction and wear of steel elements. In addition, surfaces after grinding, lapping and polishing processes were tested. The tribological couple was made of steel discs, toughened to a hardness of 40 ± 2 HRC, and balls made of 100Cr6 steel with a hardness of 62 HRC. The tests were carried out at three sliding speeds: 0.16 m/s, 0.32 m / s and 0.48 m/s. The research proved the possibility of improving selected tribological properties of friction pairs thanks to the use of slide burnishing process and also allowed to establish a number of relationships between the parameters characterizing the surface topography and the tribological parameters.
“Dimmi di che morte dobbiamo morire”: dinamiche di persuasione strutturale nel post-terremoto del Centro Italia (2016-2017)

In questo articolo vengono ricostruite le rappresentazioni locali dei terremotati rispetto all’intervento delle istituzioni nel post-terremoto del Centro Italia. La “strategia dell’abbandono” rappresenta l’orizzonte comune delle interpretazioni fornite da alcune delle vittime in merito ai tragici eventi del 2016-2017. Attraverso il contributo dell’etnografia condotta sui luoghi del sisma, a circa un anno degli eventi, si cerca di spiegare la logica che guida l’azione delle istituzioni e l’attivazione del dispositivo d’emergenza – una logica caratterizzata dall’ambiguita. Le criticita emerse nel contesto del disastro sono infine ricondotte al concetto di “persuasione strutturale”, la cui analisi qualitativa permette di esplicitare le interazioni locali e globali che, nel dispiegarsi della storia, sono in grado di plasmare, ridefinire e risignificare la memoria culturale degli eventi.
Thermal Monitoring of Electrical Machines by Linear Differential Equations and Numerical Calibration Procedure

Thermal management becomes increasingly relevant for electric drive systems with high power density. As a core motivation rotating and highly integrated motor components shall be monitored. The enhanced information can be used for thermal protection without additional sensors. In contrast to loss estimation and lumped parameter thermal networks (LPTN) a mathematical approach (MATH) based on smart differential equations is explained in this paper. The algorithms can be implemented into existing control architectures and calculate the thermal behaviour of different hot spots such as permanent magnets and bearings during operation. Beside the concept of this abstract thermal model, the numerical calibration procedure is described. By considering a detailed FEM reference model of the motor a learning drive cycle is defined and simulated. Afterwards the parameters are automatically determined and optimised during calibration. An exemplary IPM synchronous motor and validation drive cycle is taken for evaluating the concept. In comparison to a LPTN as well as the FEM reference model and measurements, the mathematical approach leads to attractive results and effectiveness.
Cybersecurity, value sensing robots for LGBTIQ+ elderly, and the need for revised codes of conduct

Until now, each profession has developed their professional codes of conduct independently. However, the use of robots and artificial intelligence is blurring professional delineations: aged care nurses work with lifting robots, tablet computers, and intelligent diagnostic systems, and health information system designers work with clinical teams. While robots assist the medical staff in extending the professional service they provide, it is not clear how professions adhere and adapt to the new reality. In this article, we reflect on how the insertion of robots may shape codes of conduct, in particular with regards to cybersecurity. We do so by focusing on the use of social robots for helping LGBTIQ+ elderly cope with loneliness and depression. Using robots in such a delicate domain of application changes how care is delivered, as now alongside the caregiver, there is a cyber-physical health information system that can learn from experience and act autonomously. Our contribution stresses the importance of including cybersecurity considerations in codes of conduct for both robot developers and caregivers as it is the human and not the machine which is responsible for ensuring the system’s security and the user’s safety.
The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Physical Activity Increment and Obesity Decrement in the Patients Suffering from Heart Disease

Original Article This research is aimed at determining the role of acceptance and mindfulness therapy on physical activity increment and obesity decrement in the patients suffering from heart disease in Bandar Abbas. In terms of type, the research is applied one and in terms of research method, it is a quasi-experimental study along with a pretest-posttest with a control group. The statistical population of the research involves all the patients suffering from heart disease being overweight who had visited Bandar Abbas’ hospitals during (2016-2017) and according to angiographic reports, the eclipse was more than 50% and BMI ≥30. An available sampling method was used in the study. The population size was 20 that 10 were assigned to the experimental group and 10 to control group. The data were collected through making use of physical activity level, body mass index (BMI) questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed using covariance analysis and SPSS software. The results showed that acceptance therapy had been effective in physical activity increment and body mass decrement of the patients suffering from heart disease. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that mindfulness-based therapy can be considered as a non-invasive treatment. This clinical trial will result in more effective mindfulness-based interventions as a complementary treatment in primary care for people with overweight and obesity. © 2018 Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University. All rights reserved. Article history: Received 09 August 2019 Revised 25 October 2019 Accepted 27 November 2019 Available online 20 December 2019