Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survey on optical camera communications: challenges and opportunities

Wireless technologies based on radio frequencies (RFs) have always dominated other types of wireless technologies up until now. However, the recent proliferation of media-rich smart devices has pushed the RF spectrum usage to its limit. Therefore RF band expansion towards the optical spectrum is imminent in commercial scale. Indeed, the research on wireless communications using the optical spectrum has gained tremendous ground during the past couple of decades and standardised, respectively, by infrared data association for infrared communication and IEEE 802.15. 7 for visible light communication. However, only few shortcomings of the IEEE 802.15. 7 standard have led to the development of a revised version, called IEEE 802.15. 7r1. This article provides an insight on the activity of the proposed revision of IEEE 802.15. 7r1. The proposed revision version targets communication systems that mainly use either image sensors or cameras, known as the optical camera communications (OCC). Leveraging the existing infrastructure, OCC systems will be able to provide ubiquitous coverage in both indoors and outdoors. The authors present their survey focusing on the key technology consideration in IEEE 802.15. 7r1, current research status, impairments, enhancements and futuristic application scenarios of the OCC systems.
Politicization of Science Journalism: How Russian Journalists Covered the Covid-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a stress test for science journalism worldwide. In this paper, we explore the under-researched topic of the perceived role enactment of science journalists in non-democratic settings in the example of COVID-19 coverage in Russia. Drawing on 23 semi-structured interviews with Russian science journalists from pro-state and independent media outlets, we examine their perceived role enactment and politicization of reporting about the pandemic in Russia. We identify three major types of limitations of a political nature reported by journalists: (1) editorial guidelines; (2) accessibility and self-censorship of sources; (3) self-censorship. Manifestation of these three types of limitations differ depending on the political orientation of media outlets as well as on the aspect of the topic. Based on the findings, we discuss the influence of universal trends and contextual factors on science journalism covering the pandemic.
Organic Brick

Clay is one of the earliest known material used in construction, and the most widely used building material on the planet. Our ancestors have performed the tasks of mixing water with dust to make clay, then shaping it into bricks, bricks into buildings, and buildings into cities for more than ten thousand years. In recent years, 3D printing technology has become increasingly popular thanks to its ability to manufacture complex morphologies and to optimize physical and mechanical properties for specific applications. This study investigates customized 3D clay bricks as a new building material (building component) by employing resources that are eco-friendly, locally available, inexpensive, and driven from recycled sources or waste streams. In this experiment, four different fiber types have been investigated with different clay treatment. The specimens were fabricated in the laboratory and tested with unconfined compression loading. The strength and ductility of the clay specimens were then analyzed based on the experiment results. Several experiments have been conducted during the study for understanding the effects of different fibers when mixed with clay in order to identify which type of fibers and which size has the most effective influence on its compression strength. Furthermore, it has been tested also the water absorption of the 3D printed brick. A case study has been developed to show the actual potential of 3D printed clay bricks for a small housing complex. The project is located in a village near to Abuja, Nigeria, at a time of exponential population increase and associated lack of affordable housing. The 3D printed blocks embed a cooling function, thanks to their geometry and the presence of cooling pipes directly in the wall. The result is a highly flexible envelope, designed to be resilient and energy efficient.
Photonic reservoir computer based on frequency multiplexing.

Reservoir computing is a brain-inspired approach for information processing, well suited to analog implementations. We report a photonic implementation of a reservoir computer that exploits frequency domain multiplexing to encode neuron states. The system processes 25 comb lines simultaneously (i.e., 25 neurons), at a rate of 20 MHz. We illustrate performances on two standard benchmark tasks: channel equalization and time series forecasting. We also demonstrate that frequency multiplexing allows output weights to be implemented in the optical domain, through optical attenuation. We discuss the perspectives for high-speed, high-performance, low-footprint implementations.
Catenarian-Trim Medley Routing System for Energy Balancing in Dispensed Computing Networks

Balancing energy consumption to prolong the life of a dispensed computing network is a challenging issue for researchers. In multi-hop transmission, most of the sensor node energy is depleted for the data transmission from the sensor node to the sink and receiving data from other sensor nodes. The energy consumption in the wireless sensor networks (WSN) is directly proportional to the square of the distance between source and destination. While receiving the data, energy consumption is fixed but can play a considerable role. By reducing or minimizing the transmission distance and utilizing the optimal distribution of nodes can control the energy consumption rate between one node to another. This approach leads to performance improvement in the dispensed computing networks. Chain-based routing is a novel idea where each sensor node receives data from one sensor node and transmits it to the nearest neighbor node in the same chain. This strategy results in the formation of a single chain of all nodes and balances the energy consumption. In this paper, a hybrid energy-efficient scheme combining the chain and tree-based routings has been proposed. The proposed Catenarian-Trim Medley (CTM) routing scheme has been investigated to optimize the transmission distance and energy consumption balancing for the dispensed computing networks.
Differential Serotonergic Modulation of Principal Neurons and Interneurons in the Anterior Piriform Cortex

Originating from the brainstem raphe nuclei, serotonin is an important neuromodulator involved in a variety of physiological and pathological functions. Specific optogenetic stimulation of serotonergic neurons results in the divisive suppression of spontaneous, but not sensory evoked activity in the majority of neurons in the primary olfactory cortex and an increase in firing in a minority of neurons. To reveal the mechanisms involved in this dual serotonergic control of cortical activity we used a combination of in vitro electrophysiological recordings from identified neurons in the primary olfactory cortex, optogenetics and pharmacology and found that serotonin suppressed the activity of principal neurons, but excited local interneurons. The results have important implications in sensory information processing and other functions of the olfactory cortex and related brain areas.
Comparison of Visual Acuity between Post Small Incision Cataract Surgery and Phacoemulsification in Sanjiwani Hospital

Cataracts are the second most common cause of blindness in the world at 33%. The incidence of cataracts is 0.1% of the total population, so the number of new cataract cases in Indonesia is estimated at 250,000 per year. This study aims to compare the visual acuity of post cataract surgery patients with Small Incision Cataract Surgery and Phacoemulsification techniques at Sanjiwani Hospital, Gianyar. This study was a retrospective cohort at Ophthalmologist’s Outpatient Departement of Sanjiwani Hospital, Gianyar, Bali. The sample of this study was 60 patients with 84 eyes with senile cataract. The surgical techniques performed were Small Incision Cataract Surgery (53.6%) and Phacoemulsification (46.4%). After that, an Uncorrected Visual Acuity (UCVA) examination was carried out on day 1 and day 42. The result were cataract patients at Sanjiwani Hospital, Gianyar aged 60-65 years who were male. Comparison of visual acuity after Small Incision Cataract Surgery and Phacoemulsification had the same results. On day 1 and day 42, there was no different uncorrected visual acuity result between Small Incision Cataract Surgery and Phacoemulsification statistically.
Diffusion Weighted and Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Carcinoma of Cervix: Role of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Value and Time Intensity Curve Pattern in Chemoradiotherapeutic Response Evaluation

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely used imaging modality in the imaging evaluation of carcinoma of cervix. The aim of our study was to evaluate the response in carcinoma cervix patients following chemoradiotherapy by Diffusion weighted (DW-MRI) and Dynamic contrast enhanced-MRI (DCE-MRI). Methods: 21 inoperable biopsy proven patients (mean age 48.43 years) of carcinoma cervix were included in the study. All patients underwent MRI (conventional, DW and DCE) of the pelvis thrice. Baseline MRI, Post chemotherapy MRI after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and Post chemoradiotherapy MRI after completion of concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Post treatment apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) values and Time intensity curve(TIC) pattern were compared with baseline values. Results: Baseline meanADC value of all patients was 0.82 x10-3 mm2/s. After completion of treatment, 18 patients showed complete resolution of tumor and showed 0.50 x10-3 mm2/s increase in meanADC value from baseline MRI which was significantly higher than remaining 3 patients with residual tumor (0.50 x10-3 mm2/s v/s 0.17 x10-3 mm2/s). ADC threshold value of 1.15 x10-3 mm2/s was defined, differentiating the residual tumor from the healthy cervical tissue after chemoradiation. On post treatment MRI, 17 out of 18 patients with complete resolution of tumor showed increasing trend of enhancement on TIC and only one patient showed plateau pattern. 2 of the 3 patients with residual tumor showed washout pattern and one patient showed plateau pattern. Conclusion: ADC values and TIC pattern differ in patients with complete response to chemoradiotherapy from patients with residual tumor, so helps in differentiating residual tumor from cancer free cervix. Keywords: Carcinoma of cervix; Chemoradiotherapy; Diffusion weighted MRI; Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI; Time intensity curve.
Dietary Supplementation with Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum) Modulates the Microbiota of Digestive Tract and Caecal Metabolites in Rabbits

Simple Summary The microbial community that inhabits specific areas of the body, developing a symbiotic relationship with the host, is termed the microbiota. The intestinal microbiota plays a pivotal role in different physiological processes and is influenced by many factors, including nutrition. Goji berries are a popular nutraceutical product that have been proposed as a dietary supplement in some livestock species, including rabbits, but their effects on the composition of the microbiota have never been investigated. This study evaluated the effects of Goji berry supplementation on the microbiota of different digestive tracts (stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon) of the rabbit, using a modern method of analysis. Our results suggest that Goji berries could modulate the microbiota of the rabbit’s digestive tract increasing the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillaceae, and particularly, the genus Lactobacillus. These findings suggest that Goji berries could be used to produce innovative feeds for rabbits, although further studies are necessary to evaluate their impact on productive performance, gut immune system maturation, as well as resistance to gastrointestinal disorders. Abstract Goji berries show health benefits, although the possible mechanisms of action, including compositional changes in the gut microbiome, are still not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Goji berry supplementation on microbiota composition and metabolites in the digestive tracts of rabbits. Twenty-eight New Zealand White rabbits were fed with a commercial feed (control group, C; n = 14) or the same diet supplemented with 3% of Goji berries (Goji group, G; n = 14), from weaning (35 days old) until slaughter (90 days old). At slaughter, samples from the content of the gastrointestinal tracts were collected and analyzed by Next Generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing to evaluate the microbial composition. Ammonia and lactic acid were also quantified in caecum. Results showed differences in microbiota composition between the groups for two phyla (Cyanobacteria and Euryarchaeota), two classes (Methanobacteria and Bacilli), five orders, fourteen families, and forty-five genera. Ruminococcaceae (p < 0.05) and Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.01) were more abundant in G than in C group. Lactobacillaceae also showed differences between the two groups, with Lactobacillus as the predominant genus (p = 0.002). Finally, Goji berry supplementation stimulated lactic acid fermentation (p < 0.05). Thus, Goji berry supplementation could modulate gastrointestinal microbiota composition and caecal fermentation.
Altered White Matter and microRNA Expression in a Murine Model Related to Williams Syndrome Suggests That miR-34b/c Affects Brain Development via Ptpru and Dcx Modulation

Williams syndrome (WS) is a multisystem neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a de novo hemizygous deletion of ~26 genes from chromosome 7q11.23, among them the general transcription factor II-I (GTF2I). By studying a novel murine model for the hypersociability phenotype associated with WS, we previously revealed surprising aberrations in myelination and cell differentiation properties in the cortices of mutant mice compared to controls. These mutant mice had selective deletion of Gtf2i in the excitatory neurons of the forebrain. Here, we applied diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and fiber tracking, which showed a reduction in the number of streamlines in limbic outputs such as the fimbria/fornix fibers and the stria terminalis, as well as the corpus callosum of these mutant mice compared to controls. Furthermore, we utilized next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of cortical small RNAs’ expression (RNA-Seq) levels to identify altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), including two from the miR-34 cluster, known to be involved in prominent processes in the developing nervous system. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed the direct binding of miR-34c-5p to the 3’UTR of PTPRU—a gene involved in neural development that was elevated in the cortices of mutant mice relative to controls. Moreover, we found an age-dependent variation in the expression levels of doublecortin (Dcx)—a verified miR-34 target. Thus, we demonstrate the substantial effect a single gene deletion can exert on miRNA regulation and brain structure, and advance our understanding and, hopefully, treatment of WS.
Perceived Health and Earnings: Evidence from the European Working Conditions Survey 2015

This paper aims to analyse the relationship between perceived health and earnings across Europe. Empirical analysis is based on the last published round from the European Working Conditions Survey (N = 43,850) and offers updated evidence on the effect of earnings on perceived health in 35 countries. The main findings show a positive and significant relationship between earnings and health, which is consistent with the existing literature. Moreover, health seems to be U-shaped relative to earnings. On the other hand, age is negatively related to health, which is consistent with previous research. This paper shows the health differences between countries, where cultural, geographic, and economic differences imply health inequalities across countries. From a practical perspective, understanding the dynamics of perceived health and earnings’ processes can contribute to health policy.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF 25 MICROGRAMS VERSUS 50 MICROGRAMS OF INTRAVAGINAL MISOPROSTOL FOR CERVICAL RIPENING AND INDUCTION OF LABOUR (IOL)

Background- Misoprostol is a safe drug and increasing the dose needed to be tried for decreasing Induction- delivery- interval (IDI). ObjectivesTo compare 25µG versus 50µG of intravaginal Misoprostol for cervical ripening and induction of labor (IOL). Methods- A prospective observational comparative study was done in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology of a tertiary institute of northern India from January 2018 to June 2019. One hundred pregnant women with Bishop's Score <6 for induction of labour were randomized : Group A (50 Odd No.) Tab. 25µG Misoprostol pervaginum and Group B ( 50 Even No.) Tab. 50µG Misoprostol pervaginum. In both groups, a thorough history, physical and obstetrical examination including Bishop's score was done. The same dose was repeated 4 hourly with monitoring the progress of labor and FHS. Number of doses required, induction-delivery- interval, need for oxytocin augmentation, mode of delivery, complications and fetal outcome were recorded. Statistical Analysis: by using chi-square, one sample t-test between percents, and McNemar test on Epi Info 7.2. 31.Results- Both groups were comparable for all the outcome variables. (P>0.05.) However signicantly greater number of women delivered with only one dose of 50µG versus 25µG i.e., 40% versus 20% (P=0.008). Also, more women delivered in <12 hours with 50µG (41.86%) than 25µG (22.73%) Misoprostol pervaginum (P=0.016). Furthermore, more women delivered in <12 hours and with only a single dose of 50µG (41.86%) than 25µG(22.73%) Misoprostol pervaginum (P=0.016). Conclusions- 50µG is more effective than 25µG Misoprostol pervaginum in all women for induction of labor especially signicantly more where delivery needs to be expedited like HDPas signicantly more women delivered in <12 hours (P=0.016)with single dose only(P=0.008).
Effect of Ankle Kinesio Taping on Dynamic Balance in Stroke Patients- A Pilot Study

Background: Stroke causes partial brain loss, which leads to a functional abnormality of the brain, which produces a variety of symptoms the most prevalent of which is balance affection. Kinesio tape is a thin, light and elastic material which does not immobilize the joint and allows for free movement irrespective of the tape. It serves to facilitate or inhibit the muscle as needed and provides joint stability which will help improve balance function. It is also used to reduce pain, which is a typical complaint in stroke patients. Objective: To assess for immediate and post effects of kinesio tape in stroke patients using Berg Balance Scale and 10 Meter walk test. Method: A total of 15 participants were chosen based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Before application of kinesio tape, the Berg balance scale and a 10-meter walk test were performed and recorded. Following the application, the subjects were reassessed, and the outcomes of the 5-day follow-up were recorded. These scores were statistically analyzed. Result: The statistical analysis showed that there is a significant increase in the dynamic balance function post kinesio tape application. An average increase of 5 scores in BBS was noted and average improvement of 5.70 seconds in 10MWT. Conclusion: This study concludes that there is a significant improvement on dynamic balance after application of kinesio tape in stroke patients. Key words: Stroke, kinesio tape, dynamic balance.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil situated around solid waste dumpsite in Awka, Nigeria

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common contaminants in the environment that can threaten the populace living close to contaminated soil. Soil samples were collected from the study and control areas which were analyzed for PAHs using Gas chromatography. The detected PAHs concentrations varied from ND to 6.83 ± 10.58 µg/kg for the study sample and ND − 3.23 ± 4.72 µg/kg for the control sample for the wet season. The study sample dry season concentration values of PAHs ranged from ND to 4.73 ± 5.69 µg/kg and varied from ND to 3.67 ± 5.49 µg/kg for the control sample in the dry season. The study sample ( PAHs) values were significantly higher than the control location in both seasons. The detected 2–3 ringed PAHs values were higher than the 4–6 ringed PAHs for both locations and seasons. The ratios of the molecular groups indicated that the PAHs were delivered to the soil from pyrolytic and petrogenic sources. The values of the cancer risks for adults and children ranged from 1.02 − 5.68 to 2.27 − 4.3 for dermal and ingestion pathways respectively which makes cancer risks unlikely for both age categories in both locations.
The Skeletal Muscle Relaxer Cyclobenzaprine Is a Potent Non-Competitive Antagonist of Histamine H1 Receptors

Cyclobenzaprine is a tricyclic dimethylpropanamine skeletal muscle relaxant, which is used clinically to decrease muscle spasm and hypercontractility, as well as acute musculoskeletal pain. Although the absolute mechanism of action of cyclobenzaprine remains elusive, it is known to mediate its effects centrally via inhibition of tonic somatic motor function, likely through modulation of noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. While cyclobenzaprine is effective as a muscle relaxant, greater than 30% of patients experience drowsiness and sedative-hypnotic effects, yet the mechanisms that cause this adverse effect are also undescribed. Based on this common adverse effect profile and the structural similarity of cyclobenzaprine to tricyclic antidepressants, as well as ethanolamine first-generation antihistamines, we hypothesized that cyclobenzaprine facilitates sedative effects via off-target antagonism of central histamine H1 receptors (H1Rs). Here, for the first time, we present data that demonstrate that cyclobenzaprine exhibits low nanomolar affinity for the cloned human H1R, as well as that expressed in both rat and mouse brain. Using saturation radioligand binding, we also demonstrate that cyclobenzaprine binds to the H1R in a noncompetitive manner. Similarly, functional assays measuring both Ca+2 influx and novel TRUPATH G-protein subunit bioluminescence resonance energy transfer biosensors reveal that cyclobenzaprine also blocks histamine-mediated H1R functional activity in a noncompetitive manner, whereas the classical H1R antagonist diphenhydramine does so competitively. Given that cyclobenzaprine readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and its muscle relaxant effects occur centrally, our data suggest that off-target central antagonism of H1R by cyclobenzaprine facilitates the significant sedative effect of this agent seen in patients. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Cyclobenzaprine, a clinically used muscle relaxant that is strongly linked to sedation, demonstrates high-affinity noncompetitive antagonism at the histamine H1 receptor. This effect likely modulates the high degree of sedation that patients experience.
Cyclical stagnation: the continental contribution to Alvin Hansen’s stagnation thesis

Abstract This paper concerns the original formulation of Hansen’s stagnation thesis and its chief influences. It begins by devoting attention to Hansen’s understanding of stagnation as a cyclical process; a marked contrast to the term’s current usage. As discussed, the stagnation thesis is an outgrowth of what will be called Hansen’s ‘weakened-cycle hypothesis’, which he put forth in the final pages of his 1927 monograph Business-Cycle Theory. The key ideas informing Hansen’s early view on weakening fluctuations were drawn from continental business-cycle theory, and most notably from the works of Arthur Spiethoff and Gustav Cassel.