Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chapter 8 Liposomal Drug Delivery to the Central Nervous System

Central nervous system diseases represent a huge world of burden of human suffering with negative economic results. Most therapeutic compounds cannot attain the brain because of the blood-brain barrier and its expression of efflux transporters. Among them, the P-glycoprotein plays a significant role leading to failure of various clinical treatments. A non-invasive strategy to circumvent the blood-brain barrier and P-glycoprotein emphasizes on the encapsulation and therefore masking of therapeutic compounds in drug delivery systems. Up to now, liposomes are the most widely studied drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and less toxicity. The incorporation of polyethylene glycol-lipid derivatives within the bilayer of conventional liposomes significantly prolongs liposomal cargo half-life by steric stabilization. Interestingly, an increased brain accumulation of liposomal cargo is achieved by coupling targeting moieties on liposomes surface. These targeting moieties such as peptides or monoclonal antibodies recognize the biochemical transport systems at the blood-brain barrier and mediate the transport of liposomes and their cargo across this barrier. Moreover, stimuli-sensitive liposomes are programmed for cargo release when exposed to a particular microenvironment. Hence, this chapter highlights the potential liposomal applications for delivery of therapeutic compounds as well as diagnostic tools or both, in major central nervous system diseases.
A Computer Aided Diagnostic Tool for the Detection of Uterine Fibroids

The integration of information technology with biomedicine has provided viable diagnostic tools to the medical community. Such computer aided procedures fastens the clinical decision process without any hurdle. Among different medical imaging modalities, Ultrasonic Imaging plays a vital role in detecting gynecological pathologies. Of importance, Uterine fibroid detection requires significant attention where symptoms such as, infertility and miscarriage can be predicted. This paper suggests an automated computer aided diagnostic tool for the detection of uterine fibroid. Gabor wavelets are applied for texture segmentation and statistical features such as mean, variance, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, Eigen values, GLCM contrast and energy are extracted from the user defined region of interest (ROI). The qualitative procedure is examined using the morphological operations and gray level intensity variations. Two neural network models, multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP) and probabilistic neural network (PNN) are applied to classify the normal and fibroid uterus image. It is found from the experimental computer simulation, a classification accuracy of 97.25% is obtained using combinational statistical features, mean and standard deviation with PNN classifier. It can be concluded that the proposed tool can applied as an efficient Medical Expert System for diagnosing the Ultrasonic Uterus images.
The Folly of Dillydally

Using information from on-line graded assignments in an intermediate microeconomics course, we find that non-procrastinators (both early-starters and front-loaders) obtain higher scores than their dillydallying counterparts. We also find that while busier students tend to start their assignments earlier, they nevertheless back-load the bulk of their effort.
Speciation of organic aerosols in the Saharan Air Layer and in the free troposphere westerlies [Discussion paper]

We focused this research on the composition of the organic aerosols transported in the two main airflows of the subtropical North Atlantic free troposphere: (i) the Saharan Air Layer – the warm, dry and dusty airstream that expands from North Africa to the Americas at subtropical and tropical latitudes – and (ii) the westerlies, which flow from North America over the North Atlantic at midand subtropical latitudes. We determined the inorganic compounds (secondary inorganic species and elemental composition), elemental carbon and the organic fraction (bulk organic carbon and organic speciation) present in the aerosol collected at Izaña Observatory, ∼ 2400 m a.s. l. on the island of Tenerife. The concentrations of all inorganic and almost all organic compounds were higher in the Saharan Air Layer than in the westerlies, with bulk organic matter concentrations within the range 0.02–4.0 μg m−3. In the Saharan Air Layer, the total aerosol population was by far dominated by dust (93 % of bulk mass), which was mixed with secondary inorganic pollutants (< 5 %) and organic matter (∼ 1.5 %). The chemical speciation of the organic aerosols (levoglucosan, dicarboxylic acids, saccharides, n-alkanes, hopanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and those formed after oxidation of α-pinene and isoprene, determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) accounted for 15 % of the bulk organic matter (determined by the thermooptical transmission technique); the most abundant organic compounds were saccharides (associated with surface soils), secondary organic aerosols linked to oxidation of biogenic isoprene (SOA ISO) and dicarboxylic acids (linked to several primary sources and SOA). When the Saharan Air Layer shifted southward, Izaña was within the westerlies stream and organic matter accounted for ∼ 28 % of the bulk mass of aerosols. In the westerlies, the organic aerosol species determined accounted for 64 % of the bulk organic matter, with SOA ISO and dicarboxylic acids being the most abundant; the highest concentration of organic matter (3.6 μg m−3) and of some organic species (e.g. levoglucosan and some dicarboxylic acids) were associated with biomass burning linked to a fire in North America. In the Saharan Air Layer, the correlation found between SOA ISO and nitrate suggests a large-scale impact of enhancement of the formation rate of secondary organic aerosols due to interaction with anthropogenic NOx emissions.
Inhibitory Effect of Isolated Lactic Acid Bacteria from Scomberomorus commerson Intestines and their Bacteriocin on Listeria innocua

ABSTRACT- Lactic acid bacteria are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of various endothermic animals and humans, in milk, dairy and seafood products and on some plant surfaces. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of isolated lactic acid bacteria from intestines of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) on Listeria innocua growth. Five strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated. Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum and Sterptococcus salivarius strains were presumptively identified by biochemical and physiological tests. Anti-listerial activities of these isolates and their cell free supernatants (CFS) were evaluated using agar spot tests, agar well diffusion assays and BHI broth. The results revealed that all cultures and their cell free supernatants were able to inhibit L. innocua growth. Furthermore, the study showed that wastes of this kind of warm water sea fish, have antagonistic activities against L. innocua and can be potentially used as a free source of LAB.
Relationship between health status and recycling rates: Evidence from Great Britain

This study explores the relationship between self-reported health status and recycling rates in Great Britain. The estimates are based on the data from the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS). The effects of recycling rates on individuals’ health status with a scale from 1- excellent- to 5-very poor- are estimated and their monetary values are calculated. In addition, the non-movers sample is considered in order to reduce endogeneity. Three approaches are followed. The first approach refers to the panel Probit-OLS, while the second approach is the ordered Probit model with random effects. The third approach refers to a dynamic panel regression estimated with the system Generalized Methods of Moments (GMM). The average marginal willingness-to-pay (MWTP) for a one per cent increase in recycling rates ranges between is £470-£800 per year. Moreover, other determinants play significant role on health status such as education, marital status, age, job status, age and weather conditions among others. The originality of this paper is that the relationship between self-reported health status and recycling rates using micro-level panel data is explored. Moreover, the reression analysis controls for various demographic, regional and meteorological factors. Finally, this is the first study presenting three different panel estimates to deal with the potential endogeneity of the pollution measure which is derived from recycling. Using fixed effects the regional time invariant characteristics are controlled, while the dynamic model allows controlling for time varying unobservables.
Light-enhanced oxygen respiration in benthic phototrophic communities

Two microelectrode s tud~es demonstrate the effect of light intensity and photosynthesis on areal oxygen respiration in a hypersaline mat at Guerrero Negro, Mexico, and in an intertidal sediment at Texel, The Netherlands. The hypersaline mat was studied in the laboratory at light intensities of 0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500 pE m-2 S ' using the light-dark shift technique to measure gross photosynthesis rates. Areal gross photosynthesis increased from 0 to 31.3 nmol O2 cni-' m i n ' and areal net photosynthesis increased from -3 . 9 to 16.7 nmol O2 cm-' min-' with increasing light intensities. Areal respiration, calculated from the difference between areal gross and areal net photosynthesis, increased from 3 9 to 14.4 nmol O? cin-Z min-l with increasing surface irradiance. This light-enhanced areal respiration was related to an increase in oxygen penetration depth from 0.2 to 2.0 mm, thus expanding the volume of sediment involved in oxygen respiration beneath the mat surface. The mean rate of oxygen respiration per volume of mat remained constant at a rate of -100 nmol O2 min-l. Oxygen profiles for the intertidal sediment were recorded in s ~ t u during the day at prevailing light intensities. A l-dimensional diffusion-reaction model was used to estimate gross photosynthesis and oxygen resplration per volume of sediment, as well as the euphotic depth and the sed iment -~d te r interface concentration of oxygen. Areal gross photosynthesis ranged from 9.7 to 26.3 nmol 0, cm-' min-' and areal net photosynthesis ranged from 1.1 to 8.1 nmol O2 cm-' mln-l, both showing maximum values in the early afternoon. Areal respiration ranged from 8.1 to 18.2 nn~ol 0, cm-l min.' and showed a good positive linear correlation w ~ t h areal gross photosynthes~s ( R = 0.97, n = 9 ) . The enhanced areal respiration In the intertidal sediment was due to an lncrease in mean resp~ratlon per volume of sedlment from 18.5 to 52 nmol OL c m 7 m i n ' . The oxygen penetration depth only varied between 3.5 and 4.3 mm. Both studies thus indicate that areal respiration is enhanced significantly with increasing light intensities due to increased areal gross photosynthesis By assumlng that areal respiration in darkness is equal to areal respiration in the l~gh t , bell jar incubations would have underestimated areal resplration i.n the light 3.7-fold and areal gross photosynthesis 1.5-fold for the hypersaline mat and 10.7and 2.6-fold for the intertidal sediment. K E Y WORDS: Ivlicrob~al mat Mlcroelectrode Photosynthesis . Respiration Bell jar
Geomorphology of the Imhotep region on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko from OSIRIS observations

Since August 2014, the OSIRIS Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) onboard the Rosetta spacecraft has acquired high spatial resolution images of the nucleus of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, down to the decimeter scale. This paper focuses on the Imhotep region, located on the largest lobe of the nucleus, near the equator. Aims. We map, inventory, and describe the geomorphology of the Imhotep region. We propose and discuss some processes to explain the formation and ongoing evolution of this region. Methods. We used OSIRIS NAC images, gravitational heights and slopes, and digital terrain models to map and measure the mor- phologies of Imhotep. Results. The Imhotep region presents a wide variety of terrains and morphologies: smooth and rocky terrains, bright areas, linear features, roundish features, and boulders. Gravity processes such as mass wasting and collapse play a significant role in the geomor- phological evolution of this region. Cometary processes initiate erosion and are responsible for the formation of degassing conduits that are revealed by elevated roundish features on the surface. We also propose a scenario for the formation and evolution of the Imhotep region; this implies the presence of large primordial voids inside the nucleus, resulting from its formation process.
MORTALITY DUE TO FALLS FROM HOSPITAL BEDS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY MORTALIDADE POR QUEDAS DE LEITOS HOSPITALARES: ESTUDO RETROSPECTIVO MORTALIDAD POR CAÍDAS DE LECHOS HOSPITALARIOS: ESTUDIO RETROSPECTIVO

Objective: To identify the prevalence and characterize deaths due to falls from hospital beds in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, and Brazil. Method: It is a retrospective study carried out in 2015 using data from the Unified Health System’s Informatics Department database (DATASUS). The ICD-10 was used: W06 – Fall involving bed. Relative frequency, sex ratio, and lethality rates were calculated. Results: In the distribution by age group, there was a higher number of deaths in people aged 60 years and older. The total number of deaths presented prevalence of females; but under 70 years of age, more men died. Lethality coefficients increased progressively in the three governmental spheres. Conclusion: Falls constitute a problem not only for the patients, but also for caregivers and hospital institutions. Therefore, the promotion of patient safety and, specifically, the prevention of falls from bed represent a challenge for health services and professionals.
Effects of Formative Assessment on Mathematics Test Anxiety and Performance of Senior Secondary School Students in Jos, Nigeria

The study of mathematics is compulsory in secondary schools in Nigeria because ofthe vital role it plays in the scientific and technological growth and development of the nation. A shortfall in the knowledge of the students in mathematics means that the goal may not be realized, hence the need to improve instructional practices for solving the problem of poor performance in the subject.This study investigated the effects of a formative assessment on mathematics test anxiety and mathematics performance ofsecondary school students in Jos, Nigeria, using a quasi-experimental design. A simple random sample of 110 Senior Secondary two (SS II) students was selected for the study from a population of 2,326 SS II students. Amathematics test anxiety scale and two forms of mathematics achievement test were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findings revealed that formative assessment reduced anxiety level and improved mathematics performance of the students. It was recommended that secondary school teachers should be trained and re-trained to update their knowledge in the use of formative assessment
The Application of Response Surface Methodology for Lead Ion Removal from Aqueous Solution Using Intercalated Tartrate-Mg-Al Layered Double Hydroxides

Layered double hydroxide intercalated with tartrate (tartrate-Mg-Al) was used as an adsorbent to remove lead ions from aqueous solutions. The effects of various optimization parameters such as contact time, solution pH, lead ion concentrations, and adsorbent dosage were investigated by the use of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a four-level four-variable Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) was employed to evaluate the interactive effects of the various optimization parameters. The parameters were contact time (6–10 h), solution pH (1–3), adsorbent dosage (0.06–0.1 g), and lead ion concentrations (10–30 mg/L). The percentage of lead ions removal for each of the parameters studied was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrophotometer. Simultaneously by increasing contact time and amount of dosage of tartrate-Mg-Al used the percentage of lead ions removal from aqueous solution will increase; however, the percentage removal decreases with an increase in pH and concentrations of lead ions. The experimental percentage removal recorded under optimum conditions was compared well with the maximum predicted value from the RSM, which suggest that Central Composite Rotatable Design of RSM can be used to study the removal of lead from aqueous solution by the use of tartrate-Mg-Al as an adsorbent.
Variation of Mineral Concentrations Among Different Potato Varieties Grown at Two Distinct Locations in Ethiopia

The extent of genetic variation in the protein and fi ber contents and the iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) concentrations of 21 different potato varieties was studied at two distinct locations in Ethiopia. The experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design in triplicate. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of each set of experimental data revealed signifi cant (P < 0.01) genetic variation among varieties. The combined ANOVA also showed signifi cant (P < 0.01) variation due to location and genotype × location interactions. Accordingly, the tuber protein and fi ber contents ranged from 3.77 to 7.36% and 1.18 to 2.07%, respectively. Likewise, the Fe, Zn and P concentrations ranged from 17.13 to 164.83, 7.07 to 20.21 and 143.68 to 357.76 mg.kg -1 dry weight, respectively. Consequently, men, women, and children can get 29, 13.3 and 65%, respectively, of their daily recommended nutrient intake (RNI) of Fe from eating 200 g fresh weight of tubers of the high Fe concentration variety Sisay and 12, 14.3 and 17%, respectively, of their daily RNI of Zn from 200 g of tuber of the high Zn variety Menagesha. Correlation analysis indicated a signifi cant (P < 0.01) association among these characters but not with protein and fi ber with Fe. Thus, this study found considerable variation in the mineral concentrations among potato varieties in Ethiopia which can be useful information to help curb mineral malnutrition.
Synchrotron-based investigation of transition-metal getterability in n-type multicrystalline silicon

Solar cells based on n-type multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) wafers are a promising path to reduce the cost per kWh of photovoltaics; however, the full potential of the material and how to optimally process it are still unknown. Process optimization requires knowledge of the response of the metal-silicide precipitate distribution to processing, which has yet to be directly measured and quantified. To supply this missing piece, we use synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) to quantitatively map >250 metal-rich particles in n-type mc-Si wafers before and after phosphorus diffusion gettering (PDG). We find that 820 °C PDG is sufficient to remove precipitates of fast-diffusing impurities and that 920 °C PDG can eliminate precipitated Fe to below the detection limit of μ-XRF. Thus, the evolution of precipitated metal impurities during PDG is observed to be similar for n- and p-type mc-Si, an observation consistent with calculations of the driving forces for precipitate dissolution and segregation g.
MEASURING EFFECTS OF MUSIC AND HEALING ENERGY USING A SEED GERMINATION BIOASSAY [PENGUKURAN MUSIK DAN PENYEMBUHAN ENERGI MENGGUNAKAN BIOASAY PERKECAMBAHAN BENIH]

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengukur efek biologis dari music, suara noise, dan energy healing (tanpa efek placebo) dengan menggunakan perkecambahan benih sebagai objek indicator (biomarker). Metode yang dilakukan pada penelitian ini sebagai berikut: Lima rangkaian penelitian dilaksanakan menggunakan kecambah benih Okra dan Zuchini yang diberi perlakuan bunyi akustik, panas insulasi, perlakuan kamar gelap, dan kelembaban. Perlakuan terdiri dari control (tanpa perlakuan), suara music, pink noise, dan energy healing. Energi healing dicatat selama (15- 20) menit selama 12 jam secara intensif, terhadap perlakuan benih yang tumbuhnya lebih cepat dari control. Objek indikatornya adalah jumlah benih yang berkecambah dari kelompok 25 benih yang telah dihitung dengan waktu selang periode tumbuh 12 jam – 72 jam. Suhu dan kelembaban relative dipantau setiap 15 menit di dalam wadah kecambah. Jumlah total benih dari 14 percobaan yang diuji adalah 4600 benih. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa suara music berpengaruh sangat nyata terhadap jumlah benih yang berkecambah dibandingkan dengan control (tanpa perlakuan) pada semua perlakuan (5 percobaan) dengan tingkat kepercayaan (p,0.002) dan pada semua waktu (p, 0,03), namun berbeda tidak nyata antara suara noise dan control. Energi healing juga berbeda nyata dengan control (tanpa perlakuan) (error perlakuan, p,0.002) dan terhadap waktu (p, 0.0001) yang hamper sama pengaruhnya dengan perlakuan suara music. Kesimpulan yang dapat ditarik dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa vibrasi suara (music dan noise) sebagaimana biofields (bioelektromagnetik dan healing) keduanya secara langsung dapat mempengaruhi system mahluk hidup, dan bioassay perkecambahan benih telah mebuktikan kemampuan tersebut pada beragam aplikasi perlakuan energetic. Kata kunci : Musik, Noise dan energy healing, perkecambahan benih, Bioassay, Okra, Zuchini
Dryland Winter Wheat Yield, Grain Protein, and Soil Nitrogen Responses to Fertilizer and Biosolids Applications

Applications of biosolids were compared to inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizer for two years at three locations in eastern Washington State, USA, with diverse rainfall and soft white, hard red, and hard white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. High rates of inorganic N tended to reduce yields, while grain protein responses to N rate were positive and linear for all wheat market classes. Biosolids produced 0 to 1400 kg ha−1 (0 to 47%) higher grain yields than inorganic N. Wheat may have responded positively to nutrients other than N in the biosolids or to a metered N supply that limited vegetative growth and the potential for moisture stress-induced reductions in grain yield in these dryland production systems. Grain protein content with biosolids was either equal to or below grain protein with inorganic N, likely due to dilution of grain N from the higher yields achieved with biosolids. Results indicate the potential to improve dryland winter wheat yields with biosolids compared to inorganic N alone, but perhaps not to increase grain protein concentration of hard wheat when biosolids are applied immediately before planting.