Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Flaxseed Enriched Yogurt on the Glycemic Status and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Randomized, Open-labeled, Controlled Study

Flaxseed is one of the rich sources of α-linolenic acid and lignan. Flaxseed and its components have antioxidant, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects. The study aimed to investigate the effect of flaxseed enriched yogurt on glycemic control, lipid profiles and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. A randomized, open-labeled, controlled clinical trial was conducted on 57 patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants were assigned to receive 200 g 2.5% fat yogurt containing 30-g flaxseed or plain yogurt daily for 8 weeks. Anthropometrics and biochemical parameters were evaluated at the beginning and end of the study. After 8 weeks of supplementation, Hemoglobin A1c was significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to control (p = 0.007). Also, at the end of the study, significant differences were seen between the flaxseed enriched yogurt and control groups in triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01), systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.02 and p = 0.002, respectively). However, we did not find any difference between 2 groups in low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, body weight and waist circumference (p > 0.05). Our results showed that the addition of flaxseed to yogurt can be effective in the management of type 2 diabetes. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02436369
Old Age and Nostalgia in Nirmal Verma’s Fictions

This article explores the theme of old age and attempts to understand whether nostalgia can be understood without reducing it to revivalism. Using Nirmal Verma’s novel Antim Aranya and his short story “Pichli Garmiyon Mein”, the article shows that Verma uses several literary techniques in order to suspend time and evoke contemplation albeit without providing any prescriptive conclusions. Furthermore, contemplation along with nostalgia is never presented by Verma as an attempt to recreate the past. On the contrary, nostalgia presented through old age acts as a critique of modernity and its interpretation of progress. Therefore, Verma’s writings can be seen as an ethical stance against a future and goal-oriented framework, which alienates individuals from all generations.
Evaluation of Peri-Implant Bone Reduction Levels from Superimposition Perspective: Pilot Study among Ukrainian Implantology Practice

Objective: To evaluate the possibility and efficiency of using adapted peri-implant bone evaluation method based on the principle of graphical superimposition and compare it to the possibilities of using sagittal sections of CBCT results to register the dynamics of peri-implant bone changes during the first year of implant functioning. Material and Methods: 108 pairs of DICOM data sets were selected and pre-anonymized and coded in Planmeca Romexis ® Viewer software. Each pair of datasets consisted of a CBCT file, obtained immediately after the installation of a dental implant, and one year after its operation. The first method of peri-implant bone changes evaluation was carried out by analyzing the sagittal sections of the CBCT data from the mesial and distal sides of the implant. The second method was followed by original algorithm, which included specific steps of superimposition of graphical images. Results: Superimposition method helped to establish volumetric parameter of circular bone reduction around dental implants after 1 year of their functioning. Such average values for the maxillary distal implants were 3.547 mm3, maxillary frontal implants – 3.118 mm3, mandibular distal implants – 2.614 mm3, mandibular frontal implants – 2.456 mm 3. Correlation values between averages of vertical bone loss parameters and volumetric bone loss parameters riches r=0.954. Among all patients the highest peri-implant bone reduction rates were observed in the distal and frontal areas of the maxilla, even though statistical difference among such parameters of implants installed at the areas of mandible and maxilla was not significant (p > 0.05). Such observation was established during the analysis of results obtained both by digital sagittal cross section from CBCT results and by superimposition method. Conclusion: Using the superimposition principle allows us to evaluate the individual indicator of volumetric bone loss at the peri-implant region. The possibility of taking into account the parameters of bone tissue volume reduction, instead of just geometrical parameter of bone height, allows to individualize the parameters of bone loss among patients of different prosthetic rehabilitation group.
Preventing the Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a progressive condition and is an important cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) causing increased morbidity and mortality. The objective of this review article is to discuss about recognition and treatment of early DKD to prevent its progression. Informations have been gathered from related clinical studies, research works, articles, abstracts, and guidelines of different organizations published in various journals. Microalbuminuria describes the urinary excretion of small amounts of albumin which identifies the early stage of DKD. In addition to an earliest marker of kidney damage, microalbuminuria is an established high risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Patients with microalbuminuria who progress to macroalbuminuria are likely to progress to ESRD. There is general agreement that people with diabetes should be screened regularly to detect early markers of kidney damage. Albumin creatinine ratio in a morning urine sample is the preferred method of detecting microalbuminuria in diabetes. There is strong evidence that a number of interventions if initiated at early stage of DKD reduces the risk and slows the progression of kidney damage. People with diabetes and microalbuminuria should be treated with a multifactorial intervention approach to retard the progression of DKD. Studies have clearly demonstrated that the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin 2 receptor blockers with improved glycemic control, blood pressure control, lipid lowering, aspirin, smoking cessation, exercise programs and dietary intervention reduced the development of overt nephropathy and ESRD.
Surprising absence of association between flower surface microstructure and pollination system

Abstract The epidermal cells of flowers come in different shapes and have different functions, but how they evolved remains largely unknown. Floral micro‐texture can provide tactile cues to insects, and increases in surface roughness by means of conical (papillose) epidermal cells may facilitate flower handling by landing insect pollinators. Whether flower microstructure correlates with pollination system remains unknown. Here, we investigate the floral epidermal microstructure in 29 (congeneric) species pairs with contrasting pollination system. We test whether flowers pollinated by bees and/or flies feature more structured, rougher surfaces than flowers pollinated by non‐landing moths or birds and flowers that self‐pollinate. In contrast with earlier studies, we find no correlation between epidermal microstructure and pollination system. The shape, cell height and roughness of floral epidermal cells varies among species, but is not correlated with pollinators at large. Intriguingly, however, we find that the upper (adaxial) flower surface that surrounds the reproductive organs and often constitutes the floral display is markedly more structured than the lower (abaxial) surface. We thus conclude that conical epidermal cells probably play a role in plant reproduction other than providing grip or tactile cues, such as increasing hydrophobicity or enhancing the visual signal.
A CASE STUDY OF SUPPLIER SELECTION FOR A STEELMAKING COMPANY IN LIBYA BY USING THE COMBINATIVE DISTANCE-BASED ASSESSMENT (CODAS) MODEL

Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problems have received considerable attention from various researchers over the past decades. A great variety of methods and approaches has been developed in this field. The aim of this paper is to use a new COmbinative Distance-based ASsessment (CODAS) method to handle MCDM problems for a steelmaking company in Libya. So far no literature dealing with supplier selection using the (CODAS) method in the steelmaking company in Libya has been found. The concept of this method is based on computing the Euclidean distance and the Taxicab distance in order to determine the desirability of an alternative. The Euclidean distance is used as a primary measure, while the Taxicab distance as a secondary one. The developed method was applied to a real-world case study for ranking the suppliers in the Libyan Iron and Steel Company (LISCO). An attempt in this regard could enhance a decision-making technique for selecting the best suppliers for the selected case company. The results showed that the proposed method was effectively able to select the best supplier among six alternative ones.
Black-white disparities in alcohol consumption trends among women in the United States, 1990–2015

Abstract Alcohol consumption has more adverse consequences among African American women than among white women. Yet little is known about trends in alcohol consumption among African American women. Using the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we examined trends in alcohol consumption among African American (n = 4,079) and white (n = 17,512) women, 1990–2015. We calculated population prevalence and used the Cochrane-Armitage test to examine trends, controlling for sociodemographic factors. In adjusted analyses, binge consumption increased for African American and white women; not consuming alcohol decreased among African Americans (all p < 0.05). Results highlight the need for culturally sensitive prevention and intervention strategies.
Manganese Inhalation as a ParkinsonDisease Model

The present study examines the effects of divalent and trivalent Manganese (Mn2+/Mn3+) mixture inhalation on mice to obtain a novel animal model of Parkinson disease (PD) inducing bilateral and progressive dopaminergic cell death, correlate those alterations with motor disturbances, and determine whether l-DOPA treatment improves the behavior, to ensure that the alterations are of dopaminergic origin. CD-1 male mice inhaled a mixture of Manganese chloride and Manganese acetate, one hour twice a week for five months. Before Mn exposure, animals were trained to perform motor function tests and were evaluated each week after the exposure. By the end of Mn exposure, 10 mice were orally treated with 7.5 mg/kg l-DOPA. After 5 months of Mn mixture inhalation, striatal dopamine content decreased 71%, the SNc showed important reduction in the number of TH-immunopositive neurons, mice developed akinesia, postural instability, and action tremor; these motor alterations were reverted with l-DOPA treatment. Our data provide evidence that Mn2+/Mn3+ mixture inhalation produces similar morphological, neurochemical, and behavioral alterations to those observed in PD providing a useful experimental model for the study of this neurodegenerative disease.
Morphological study of various varieties of aseel chicken breed inhabiting district Hyderabad

Morphological study of various varieties of Aseel chicken breed was conducted from 14 April 2017 to 23 September 2017. This study was designed to explore the morphological variation of various varieties of Aseel breed with morphological characters and their different body parameters. A total number of 67 samples of 8 varieties of Aseel breed (Sindhi=18, Black=11, Mottled=9, Lakha=7, Jawa=7, Bihangam=6, Beard Kulang=5, Wilaete clation Aseel=4) were collected from different localities of district Hyderabad. It was observed that the prevalence of Sindhi Aseel (26.86%) was highest in district Hyderabad followed by Black Aseel (16.41%), Mottled Aseel (13.43%), Lakha Aseel (10.44%), Jawa Aseel ( 10.44%), Bihangam Aseel (8.95%), Beard Kulang Aseel (7.46%) respectively. The minimum prevalence was found for Wilaete clation Aseel (5.97%). In this study, great morphogical diversity were observed with respect to beak color, absence or presence of wattles, eye color, plumage color, shank color and comb type, only earlobe color were similar in all varieties. Great variation was also observed with respect to body parameters in both males and female of studied varieties and this study will provide a baseline information for future research in the area.
Lipschitz stability for the inverse conductivity problem for a conformal class of anisotropic conductivities

We consider the stability issue of the inverse conductivity problem for a conformal class of anisotropic conductivities in terms of the local Dirichlet–Neumann map. We extend here the stability result obtained by Alessandrini and Vessella (Alessandrini G and Vessella S 2005 Lipschitz stability for the inverse conductivity problem Adv. Appl. Math. 35 207–241), where the authors considered the piecewise constant isotropic case.
Modeling and control of die-sinking EDM

This paper explores the mathematical model of the control systems for electrically discharged machining (EDM) machine. Conventionally, it is known that the machining efficiency of EDM is closed related to the so-called ignition delay time. Here, it can be observed that the ignition delay time is the RC time-constant of the circuit model of EDM. Then, it can be shown that ignition delay time is closed related to the gap resistance. According to electromagnetic theory, it can be shown that if the electrode and work-piece is a perfect parallel plate, the resistance is a linear function of the gap distance. Then, the overall control system becomes a simple linear system. For the general case, the gap resistance is a nonlinear function of the gap distance. Then, the overall control system becomes a nonlinear Lur'e problem. For this special Lur'e problem, we applied the SPR (Strict Positive Real) condition for the motor control of EDM to ensure the overall system is globally asymptotically stable. For the requirement of SPR condition, a differential-PID controller is proposed to satisfy SPR condition. Experimental results will be verified. Especially, the machining efficiency can be enhanced up to 33% compared to the conventional optimal PID controller.
Spatial, temporal and source contribution assessments of black carbon over the northern interior of South Africa

Abstract. After carbon dioxide (CO2), aerosol black carbon (BC) is considered to be the second most important contributor to global warming. This paper presents equivalent black carbon (eBC) (derived from an optical absorption method) data collected from three sites in the interior of South Africa where continuous measurements were conducted, i.e. Elandsfontein, Welgegund and Marikana, as well elemental carbon (EC) (determined by evolved carbon method) data at five sites where samples were collected once a month on a filter and analysed offline, i.e. Louis Trichardt, Skukuza, Vaal Triangle, Amersfoort and Botsalano. Analyses of eBC and EC spatial mass concentration patterns across the eight sites indicate that the mass concentrations in the South African interior are in general higher than what has been reported for the developed world and that different sources are likely to influence different sites. The mean eBC or EC mass concentrations for the background sites (Welgegund, Louis Trichardt, Skukuza, Botsalano) and sites influenced by industrial activities and/or nearby settlements (Elandsfontein, Marikana, Vaal Triangle and Amersfoort) ranged between 0.7 and 1.1, and 1.3 and 1.4 µg m−3, respectively. Similar seasonal patterns were observed at all three sites where continuous measurement data were collected (Elandsfontein, Marikana and Welgegund), with the highest eBC mass concentrations measured from June to October, indicating contributions from household combustion in the cold winter months (June–August), as well as savannah and grassland fires during the dry season (May to mid-October). Diurnal patterns of eBC at Elandsfontein, Marikana and Welgegund indicated maximum concentrations in the early mornings and late evenings, and minima during daytime. From the patterns it could be deduced that for Marikana and Welgegund, household combustion, as well as savannah and grassland fires, were the most significant sources, respectively. Possible contributing sources were explored in greater detail for Elandsfontein, with five main sources being identified as coal-fired power stations, pyrometallurgical smelters, traffic, household combustion, as well as savannah and grassland fires. Industries on the Mpumalanga Highveld are often blamed for all forms of pollution, due to the NO2 hotspot over this area that is attributed to NOx emissions from industries and vehicle emissions from the Johannesburg–Pretoria megacity. However, a comparison of source strengths indicated that household combustion as well as savannah and grassland fires were the most significant sources of eBC, particularly during winter and spring months, while coal-fired power stations, pyrometallurgical smelters and traffic contribute to eBC mass concentration levels year round.
The Effect of Five-Factor Model of Personality Traits on Turnover Intention among Information Technology (IT) Professionals

This study aims to identify the factors affecting turnover intention among IT professionals. A model was developed with the inclusion of five-factor model of personality traits, job satisfaction, career satisfaction, career self-efficacy and career commitment. A total of 430 responses were gathered from IT professionals working in Turkey. Structural equation modeling technique was used for the analysis. According to the results, job satisfaction and career commitment have direct negative effects on turnover intention. In addition, two of the five personality traitsconscientiousness and openness to experience and career self-efficacy indirectly affect turnover intention.
The Levels of Interferon-gamma Release as a Biomarker for Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Background/Aim: The present study aimed to prospectively examine the usefulness of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) release (IGR) as a biomarker in non-small-cell lung cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment (ICI-Tx). Patients and Methods: IGR was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at four time points: within 14 days before ICI-Tx (T1), and 8±3 (T2), 22±7 (T3), and 43±7 (T4) days after ICI-Tx. Results: Twenty-nine patients were divided into three groups based on IFN-γ levels in the IGR-positive control: Group-1 (n=8) with <10 IU/ml at T1, Group-2 (n=12) with a decrease in IFN-γ levels to <10 IU/ml at T3 and/or T4, and Group-3 (n=9) without changes in IFN-γ levels. Early progression and ICI-induced interstitial pneumonitis were frequently observed in Group-1 and Group-2, respectively. Group-3 exhibited more treatment cycles than the other groups. All three groups showed clear differences in clinical outcomes. Conclusion: IFN-γ levels could be a biomarker for ICI-Tx.
Biomarkers for the targeted therapies of non-small cell lung cancer

Targeted therapy includes new biologic agents specifically designed to selectively target molecular pathways responsible for, or that substantially drive, the malignant phenotype of cancer cells. A lot of new biologic agents have been introduced in clinical development for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but unfortunately negative results were more frequent than successes. Two pathways have been deeply studied and have led to the development of corresponding biomarkers for defining the most appropriate therapeutic approach in advanced NSCLC patients. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway is targeted by tyrosine kinase inhibitors, gefitinib and erlotinib, and monoclonal antibody, cetuximab. EGFR mutation status, EGFR gene copy number determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization, and EGFR protein expression determined by immunohistochemistry have been evaluated as potential markers for clinical decision making regarding anti-EGFR therapy. Among these, EGFR mutation status resulted in the most important predictive/prognostic factor for EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. EGFR protein expression seems to be important for cetuximab plus chemotherapy treatment, but further data are needed to define its role in this setting. In the last few years, the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusion is becoming an important biomarker in defining the specific NSCLC subtype to target with the corresponding inhibitor, crizotinib. To date, considering the EGFR activating mutations and the ALK gene fusion, generally mutually exclusive, and the availability of the correspondent inhibitors, 20% to 50% of advanced NSCLC could now be treated in Western and Eastern countries, respectively, with a targeted therapy.
Wafa, Sharifah Wajihah and Aziz, Nur Nadzirah and Shahril, Mohd Razif and Halib, Hasmiza and Rahim, Marhasiyah and Janssen, Xanne (2016) Measuring the daily activity of lying down, sitting, standing and stepping of obese children using the activPALTM activity

This study describes the patterns of objectively measured sitting, standing and stepping in obese children using the activPALTM and highlights possible differences in sedentary levels and patterns during weekdays and weekends. Sixty-five obese children, aged 9–11 years, were recruited from primary schools in Terengganu, Malaysia. Sitting, standing and stepping were objectively measured using an activPALTM accelerometer over a period of 4–7 days. Obese children spent an average of 69.6% of their day sitting/lying, 19.1% standing and 11.3% stepping. Weekdays and weekends differed significantly in total time spent sitting/lying, standing, stepping, step count, number of sedentary bouts and length of sedentary bouts (p < 0.05, respectively). Obese children spent a large pro-portion of their time sedentarily, and they spent more time sedentarily during weekends compared with weekdays. This study on sedentary behaviour patterns presents valuable information for designing and implementing strategies to decrease sedentary time among obese children, particularly during weekends.
Pyrraline Formation Modulated by Sodium Chloride and Controlled by Encapsulation with Different Coating Materials in the Maillard Reaction

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are present in heat-processed foods, have been associated with several chronic diseases. Sodium chloride (NaCl) modulates the formation of furfurals and acrylamide in the Maillard reaction; however, the effects of NaCl on AGE formation are inconsistent. In this study, we investigated the effects of NaCl on pyrraline formation using glucose-lysine model systems. NaCl, especially at 0.50%, promoted Maillard browning and pyrraline formation, with a simultaneous increase in the 3-deoxyglucosone concentration. To reduce the rate of pyrraline formation, NaCl coated with different gums and starches were used. The results showed that NaCl encapsulation is an effective approach to mitigate pyrraline and 3-deoxyglucosone formation. The content of NaCl in the microparticles were 284 ± 12, 269 ± 6, 258 ± 8, 247 ± 10, 273 ± 16, and 288 ± 15 mg/g (coated with waxy maize starch, normal maize starch, HYLON VII high amylose maize starch, gelatinized resistant starch, xanthan gum, and gum arabic, respectively). The heat resistance of the coating material was negatively correlated with the pyrraline and 3-deoxyglucosone formation, whereas the solubility of the coating material had the opposite results. Coating the material with gum had little effects on the reduction of pyrraline and 3-deoxyglucosone.