Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Translucency, Surface Roughness, and Cytotoxicity of a PMMA Acrylic Denture Base Reinforced with Bioactive Glasses

The colonisation of the surface of removable acrylic dentures by various types of microorganisms can lead to the development of various diseases. Therefore, the creation of a bioactive material is highly desirable. This study aimed to develop a denture base material designed to release bioactive ions into the oral environment during use. Four types of bioactive glasses (BAG)—S53P4, Biomin F, 45S5, and Biomin C—were incorporated into the PMMA acrylic resin, with each type constituting 20 wt. % (10 wt.% non-silanised and 10% silanised) of the mixture, while PMMA acrylic resin served as the control group. The specimens were subsequently immersed in distilled water, and pH measurements of the aqueous solutions were taken every seven days for a total of 38 days. Additionally, surface roughness and translucency measurements were recorded both after preparation and following seven days of immersion in distilled water. The cytotoxicity of these materials on human fibroblast cells was evaluated after 24 and 48 h using Direct Contact and MTT assays. Ultimately, the elemental composition of the specimens was determined through energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. In general, the pH levels of water solutions containing BAG-containing acrylics gradually increased over the storage period, reaching peak values after 10 days. Notably, S53P4 glass exhibited the most significant increase, with pH levels rising from 5.5 to 7.54. Surface roughness exhibited minimal changes upon immersion in distilled water, while a slight decrease in material translucency was observed, except for Biomin C. However, significant differences in surface roughness and translucency were observed among some of the BAG-embedded specimens under both dry and wet conditions. The composition of elements declared by the glass manufacturer was confirmed by EDX analysis. Importantly, cytotoxicity analysis revealed that specimens containing BAGs, when released into the environment, did not adversely affect the growth of human gingival fibroblast cells after 48 h of exposure. This suggests that PMMA acrylics fabricated with BAGs have the potential to release ions into the environment and can be considered biocompatible materials. Further clinical trials are warranted to explore the practical applications of these materials as denture base materials.
Biosorption studies on arsenic (III) removal from industrial wastewater by using fixed and fluidized bed operation

Previously, activated carbon was used as adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals at batch scale and the reported removal efficiency was up to 25 % (while in our technique the efficiency is up to 75%). The large industries operate with continuous processes and discharge large amount of wastewater containing heavy metals. No research was published for continuous operation using fluidized bed adsorption column till now. The novelty of this study is on the mode of operation (continuous operation at large scale under fixed and fluidized bed conditions), Biosorbent activated carbon (AC), and maximum efficiency of arsenic removal (i.e. 75 %). The Biosorbent activated carbon prepared from waste agriculture material. Industrial wastewater consists of many inorganic and organic pollutants which are discharged into water bodies resulting the serious health problems. Now a days, concentration of arsenic has much increased as compared to the permissive concentration level (25mg/L). Therefore, there is need to reduce this concentration up to threshold value (10μg/L). The use of biosorbents for arsenic removal from wastewater has global significance due to its widespread availability and low cost. Biosorption of Arsenic strongly depends on the initial metal concentration, contact time, speed of stirring, pH and temperature. The maximum arsenic as (III) removed at pH-7.5 is 70%, it was improved to 83% by agitation in batch experiments. While in continuous mode experiments (Fixed bed) the bed height and flow rates were varied. At the Fluidized bed experiments, the maximum As (III) removed was 75%. The effects of several factors such as pH, initial solute concentration, biosorbents dose, has been revaluated in this paper. The low cost, easily available biosorbent AC is recommended for removal of arsenic from contaminated wastewaters to bring them in compliance.
Assessing Trans-Inhibition of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 by Calcineurin and/or PPIase Inhibitors and Global Identification of OATP1B1/3-Associated Proteins

Organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1 and OATP1B3 are key determinants of drug–drug interactions (DDIs). Various drugs including the calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) cyclosporine A (CsA) exert preincubation-induced trans-inhibitory effects upon OATP1B1 and/or OATP1B3 (abbreviated as OATP1B1/3) by unknown mechanism(s). OATP1B1/3 are phosphoproteins; calcineurin, which dephosphorylates and regulates numerous phosphoproteins, has not previously been investigated in the context of preincubation-induced trans-inhibition of OATP1B1/3. Herein, we compare the trans-inhibitory effects exerted on OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 by CsA, the non-analogous CNI tacrolimus, and the non-CNI CsA analogue SCY-635 in transporter-overexpressing human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 stable cell lines. Preincubation (10–60 min) with tacrolimus (1–10 µM) rapidly and significantly reduces OATP1B1- and OATP1B3-mediated transport up to 0.18 ± 0.03- and 0.20 ± 0.02-fold compared to the control, respectively. Both CsA and SCY-635 can trans-inhibit OATP1B1, with the inhibitory effects progressively increasing over a 60 min preincubation time. At each equivalent preincubation time, CsA has greater trans-inhibitory effects toward OATP1B1 than SCY-635. Preincubation with SCY-635 for 60 min yielded IC50 of 2.2 ± 1.4 µM against OATP1B1, which is ~18 fold greater than that of CsA (0.12 ± 0.04 µM). Furthermore, a proteomics-based screening for protein interactors was used to examine possible proteins and processes contributing to OATP1B1/3 regulation and preincubation-induced inhibition by CNIs and other drugs. A total of 861 and 357 proteins were identified as specifically associated with OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, respectively, including various protein kinases, ubiquitin-related enzymes, the tacrolimus (FK506)-binding proteins FKBP5 and FKBP8, and several known regulatory targets of calcineurin. The current study reports several novel findings that expand our understanding of impaired OATP1B1/3 function; these include preincubation-induced trans-inhibition of OATP1B1/3 by the CNI tacrolimus, greater preincubation-induced inhibition by CsA compared to its non-CNI analogue SCY-635, and association of OATP1B1/3 with various proteins relevant to established and candidate OATP1B1/3 regulatory processes.
Psychometric Performance of the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale and SCAR-Q Questionnaire in Dutch Children after Pediatric Surgery

Introduction: The growing population of survivors following pediatric surgery emphasizes the importance of long-term follow-up. The impact of surgical scars on daily life can be evaluated through patient-reported outcome measurements. The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) and SCAR-Q questionnaire are two interesting instruments for this purpose. We evaluated their psychometric performance in Dutch children after pediatric surgery. Methods: After English–Dutch translation, we evaluated—following the COSMIN guidelines—the feasibility, reliability (internal and external), and validity (construct, criterion, and convergent) of the SBSES and SCAR-Q in Dutch patients < 18 years old with surgical scars. Results: Three independent observers completed the SB for 100 children (58% boys, median age 7.3 (IQR 2.5–12.1) years) in whom surgery had been performed a median of 2.8 (0.5–7.9) years ago. Forty-six of these children (61% boys, median age 12.1 (9.3–16.2) years) completed the SCAR-Q. Feasibility and internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.7) was good for both instruments. For the SB, external reliability was poor to moderate (interobserver variability: ICC 0.46–0.56; intraobserver variability: ICC 0.74). For the SCAR-Q, external reliability was good (test–retest agreement: ICC 0.79–0.93). Validity tests (construct, criterion, and convergent) showed poor to moderate results for both instruments. Conclusions: The Dutch-translated SBSES and SCAR-Q showed good feasibility and internal reliability. External reliability and validity were likely affected by differences in conceptual content between the questionnaires. Combining them would provide insight in the impact of scars on patients. Implementation of these instruments in longitudinal follow-up programs could provide new insights into the long-term psychological outcome after pediatric surgery.
Polytypes and higher-order structures of antigorite: A TEM study

Abstract The structure of the members of the antigorite polysomatic series is based on corrugated octahedral layers with tetrahedral layers attached at the convex side. The half-waves in the basic antigorite structure are characterized by constant medium aperture angles of 20.3° that are independent of the wavelength. Higher-order antigorite structures based on half-waves with aperture angles that are a multiple of 20.3° are possible. Antigorite aggregates found in ophicarbonates from different localities in the Alps, replacing chlorite (chl) and tremolite (tr), show a systematic orientation relationship characterized by an angle of 20.3° or multiples thereof between the basal planes of adjacent grains. This angular relationship is explained by the presence of a wave with an aperture angle >20.3° connecting the neighboring grains. The first antigorite crystals with twice the basic aperture angle and with a wavelength of 10.0 nm were found in oceanic serpentinites from Hess Deep (Pacific Ocean). The average experimental amplitude of 0.7 ± 0.05 nm is close to the calculated amplitude of 0.732 nm for a second class antigorite with the observed wavelength. Antigorite that nucleates and/ or replaces type-II chlorites in the studied samples shows a doubling of the c-axis length. The contrast in HRTEM images is compatible with a two-layer structure based on unit-cell twinning, the antigorite thereby inheriting the orientation of the octahedral layers of the primary chlorite.
Depletion of Endothelial-Derived 2-AG Reduces Blood-Endothelial Barrier Integrity via Alteration of VE-Cadherin and the Phospho-Proteome

Mounting evidence supports the role of the endocannabinoid system in neurophysiology, including blood–brain barrier (BBB) function. Recent work has demonstrated that activation of endocannabinoid receptors can mitigate insults to the BBB during neurological disorders like traumatic brain injury, cortical spreading depression, and stroke. As alterations to the BBB are associated with worsening clinical outcomes in these conditions, studies herein sought to examine the impact of endocannabinoid depletion on BBB integrity. Barrier integrity was investigated in vitro via bEnd.3 cell monolayers to assess endocannabinoid synthesis, barrier function, calcium influx, junctional protein expression, and proteome-wide changes. Inhibition of 2-AG synthesis using DAGLα inhibition and siRNA inhibition of DAGLα led to loss of barrier integrity via altered expression of VE-cadherin, which could be partially rescued by exogenous application of 2-AG. Moreover, the deleterious effects of DAGLα inhibition on BBB integrity showed both calcium and PKC (protein kinase C)-dependency. These data indicate that disruption of 2-AG homeostasis in brain endothelial cells, in the absence of insult, is sufficient to disrupt BBB integrity thus supporting the role of the endocannabinoid system in neurovascular disorders.
La influencia del capital socioeconómico y cultural en el acceso a las instituciones de educación superior en Chile

This research characterises social stratification and social mobility in Chile through the probabilities of accessing Higher Education Institutions (HEIS) from 1990 to 2009 conditional on household’s socio-economic and cultural characteristics. The main results show that those with more cultural and financial capital increased more their chances to be enrolled into HEIS in comparison to disadvantaged pupils, suggesting a lower relative social mobility. Specifically, the access to heis is more related to income in 2009 than it was in 1990; whereas parental education is more related to enrolment in “traditional universities”. This suggests that lower classes may face not only financial but also cultural restrictions to enrol into the most rewarded institutions. Consequently, in spite of the expansion in higher education, educational inequalities seem to be “effectively maintained”.
Revolutionizing Malaria Vector Control: The Importance of Accurate Species Identification through Enhanced Molecular Capacity

Many factors, such as the resistance to pesticides and a lack of knowledge of the morphology and molecular structure of malaria vectors, have made it more challenging to eradicate malaria in numerous malaria-endemic areas of the globe. The primary goal of this review is to discuss malaria vector control methods and the significance of identifying species in vector control initiatives. This was accomplished by reviewing methods of molecular identification of malaria vectors and genetic marker classification in relation to their use for species identification. Due to its specificity and consistency, molecular identification is preferred over morphological identification of malaria vectors. Enhanced molecular capacity for species identification will improve mosquito characterization, leading to accurate control strategies/treatment targeting specific mosquito species, and thus will contribute to malaria eradication. It is crucial for disease epidemiology and surveillance to accurately identify the Plasmodium spp. that are causing malaria in patients. The capacity for disease surveillance will be significantly increased by the development of more accurate, precise, automated, and high-throughput diagnostic techniques. In conclusion, although morphological identification is quick and achievable at a reduced cost, molecular identification is preferred for specificity and sensitivity. To achieve the targeted malaria elimination goal, proper identification of vectors using accurate techniques for effective control measures should be prioritized.
Retrospective Study Comparing Outcomes of Open Antegrade and Open Retrograde Femoral Nailing Using the SIGN Nail in Philippine General Hospital Patients

Objectives: To compare the outcomes of open antegrade and retrograde intramedullary nailing of the femur using the Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) nail in adult PGH patients. Methods: This is a retrospective review of adult patients with closed femoral shaft fractures who were treated using an interlocked intramedullary nail (SIGN nail). Fourty-two patients were treated by open antegrade nailing and 16 patients were treated by open retrograde nailing. The two groups were compared using the following outcomes: duration of surgery, amount of blood loss, length of hospital stay, infection rate, weight bearing time, union rate, malunion, knee and hip pain, neurovascular deficits, peri-implant fracture incidence and length of post-op hospital stay. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the duration of surgery between the antegrade nailing group compared to the retrograde nailing group. All the other outcome parameters were not statistically different between the two groups. Conclusion: Outcomes of femoral shaft fractures in adults treated by open antegrade nailing and open retrograde nailing using the SIGN nail are similar except for a slightly longer operative time for the retrograde nail group. Key words: open intramedullary nailing femur; retrograde nailing femur; SIGN nail
Entrepreneurial Dynamics and Typology in Rural Development

The term “rural entrepreneurs (RE)” has become a social and rural development factor in developing countries, particularly Indonesia. This research aimed to analyze the dynamics of rural entrepreneurship and describe the typology of entrepreneurship. This research was conducted in three typologies of villages, such as (1) agricultural industry, (2) agritourism, and (3) traditional area, in Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Data were collected through village observation, in-depth interviews with 90 informants, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The dynamics of rural entrepreneurship were affected by various factors: (a) politics, (b) social networks, and (c) economics. Furthermore, three typologies of RE were identified: (1) political-based RE, (2) economic asset-based RE, and (3) social network-based RE. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs could accumulate rural resources, comprising local government and social-economic networks. In summary, the primary keys to encouraging social development in rural areas were providing access to economic assets and social networks and boosting entrepreneurial spirit.
ASSESSMENT OF FIRE SEVERITY AND POST-FIRE REGENERATION BASED ON TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES USING MULTITEMPORAL LANDSAT IMAGERY: A CASE STUDY in MERSIN, TURKEY

Abstract. Satellite based remote sensing technologies and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) present operable and cost-effective solutions for mapping fires and observing post-fire regeneration. Mersin-Gulnar wildfire, which occurred in August 2008 in Turkey, selected as study site. The fire was devastating and continued 55 days. According to Turkish General Directorate of Forestry reports, it caused two deaths and left hundreds of people homeless. The aim of this study is to determine the fire severity and monitor vegetation recovery with using multitemporal spectral indices together with topographical factors. Pre-fire and post-fire Landsat ETM+ images were obtained to assess the related fire severity with using the widely-used differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) algorithm. Also, the Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) were used to determine vegetation regeneration dynamics for a period of six consecutive years. In addition, aspect image derived from Aster Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM) were used to determine vegetation regeneration regime of the study area. Results showed that 5388 ha of area burned with moderate to high severity damage. As expected, NDVI and SAVI values distinctly declined post-fire and then began to increase in the coming years. Mean NDVI value of burned area changed from 0.48 to 0.17 due to wildfire, whilst mean SAVI value changed from 0.61 to 0.26. Re-growth rates calculated for NDVI and SAVI 57% and 63% respectively, six years after the fire. Moreover, NDVI and SAVI were estimated six consecutive year period by taking into consideration east, south, north and west facing slopes. Analysis showed that north-facing and east-facing slopes have higher regeneration rates in compared to other aspects. This study serves as a window to an understanding of the process of fire severity and vegetation regeneration that is vital in wildfire management systems.
Performance of a deep excavation in soft clay

The observed response of diaphragm wall and the surface settlement of a deep excavation for a metro station in Shanghai soft clay are presented, compared with the similar excavations (retained by a diaphragm wall) in soft clay areas in Asia and five metro station excavations (similar depth) in Shanghai. Results show that the maximum lateral wall deflection (δhm) and ground settlement (δvm) are 0.32% and 0.1% of final excavation depth (He), respectively. Lateral wall deflections are near the average magnitude value in Shanghai, smaller than those in Singapore. The largest lateral wall deflection is near the excavation center and the ratio of δhmcor/δhmcen of the maximum wall deflection is 0.39–0.74. The ground settlement is relatively small and falls in the Zone I limit described by Peck (1969). The adoption of prestressed steel struts, short excavation sections, fast workmanship sequences and compaction grouting may contribute to the deformation characteristics of deep excavations for metro stations in Shanghai. 1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS Excavations for metro stations are in general deep, long and narrow, and located in urban environments. In Shanghai, China, some metro lines have been built and several lines are under construction or planned, to cross the large and congested city. Thick soft-to-medium alluvial and marine deposit strata exist in this area. Under such circumstances, movement control, rather than stability at the deep excavation site becomes the governing factor for design and construction (Liu & Hou 1997). Research shows that field monitoring and performance analysis are essential to deep excavations in soft soils. Monitoring the field performance of the excavation and the magnitude of movements in the surrounding soil (Peck 1969; O’Rourke 1976; Clough et al.1989) along with estimating the effects of such movements and field performance on adjacent structures (Burland & Wroth 1974, Boscardin & Cording 1979) are important to design engineers. The observed performance of deep excavations and case histories are very useful to verify design assumptions and reduce the construction risk in the excavation process (Whittle et al. 1993; Ng 1998, Ou 1998, Long 2001, Finno & Bryson 2005, 2007, Leung & Ng 2007). The observed responses of diaphragm walls and the ground surface of a deep multistrutted metro station excavation in Shanghai soft clay are presented here. Diaphragm wall deformations and ground movements are compared with some case histories in Shanghai and excavations in soft clay in other locations inAsia. From the measured data in this study, some recognition of the characteristics of deep excavations can be obtained and can offer references for back analysis and case studies.
Media Effect to Risk Perception and Protective Behavior During COVID-19 in Indonesia Partial Least Squares Modeling Analysis

Indonesia has implemented a Large-Scale Social Distancing policy, limiting major public activities to control the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the media content information, the perception of its role, and its contribution to forming the general public’s risk perception and protective behavior during this situation. This study was an observational study using a cross-sectional design. Data was collected through an online semi-structured questionnaire using Google Forms. A total of 522 participants were obtained through snowball sampling for two weeks. The data analyzed used the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. The results showed the structural model of media content information and the perception of media’s role in influencing risk perception and protective behavior. Media content information and perception of media’s role directly influence protective behavior significantly. The only perception of the media’s role is that it significantly influences risk perception. Then, risk perception directly influences protective behavior. The structural model of media content information and perception of media’s role in influencing risk perception and protective behavior during COVID-19 when the transition period to the new normal era in Indonesia has been conducted.