Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biodistribution and targeting potential assessment of mucoadhesive chitosan nanoparticles designed for ulcerative colitis via scintigraphy

In the present investigation we have prepared and characterized curcumin (CN)-containing chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) coated with Eudragit FS 30D for colon-specific drug delivery for treatment of ulcerative colitis. Methods: CS-NPs were prepared by ionic gelation using tripolyphosphate. To specify pH sensitive delivery, CS–CN-NPs were coated with Eudragit FS 30D by using a solvent evaporation method. Different process parameters were evaluated, and the optimized formulation was characterized by particle size, size distribution, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency before lyophilization. The lyophilized product was further subjected to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and particle morphology and in vitro drug release in different media were studied. Results: the kinetics of in vitro drug release from the CS–CN-NPs revealed sustained release behaviour of the developed carriers. In vivo biodistribution study by gamma-scintigraphy showed good accumulation of the developed nanocarriers in the colonic region. Conclusion: sustained and pH stimulated delivery of CN to the colon was successfully attained via coating of CS-NPs with Eudragit FS 30D to circumvent poor absorption and availability of CN.
The Causal Linkage between Energy Price and Food Price

This paper aims to reveal the causal relationship between energy prices and food prices and whether this relationship is similar in the food sub-groups forming the food price index used. As food prices more than doubled during the 2008 economic crisis, this relationship has received considerable attention from researchers. Many researches have been conducted to determine the causes and consequences of the 2008 food price crisis. Researches are mainly focused on crude oil and bio-energy in terms of “energy”. This research is not only differentiated by the data used but also by the methodology employed. The study attempts to add new findings to the empirical food price literature by utilizing relatively newly developed methods, namely Toda–Yamamoto causality, Fourier Toda–Yamamoto causality, and spectral BC causality tests. The spectral BC causality test clearly reveals that there is bidirectional causality between the energy price index and food price indexes (grains, other food, and oils) at different frequencies.
Ongoing HIV transmission following a large outbreak among people who inject drugs in Athens, Greece (2014-2020).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outbreak among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Athens, Greece in 2011-2013 was the largest recent epidemic in Europe and North America. We aimed to assess trends in HIV prevalence, drug use and access to prevention among PWID in Athens, to estimate HIV incidence and identify risk factors and to explore HIV-1 dispersal using molecular methods during 2014-2020. METHODS Two community-based HIV/hepatitis C programs on PWID were implemented in 2012-2013 (N=3,320) and 2018-2020 (N=1,635) through consecutive Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) rounds. PWID were uniquely identified across rounds/programs. We obtained RDS-weighted HIV prevalence estimates per round for 2018-2020 and compared them to 2012-2013. We assessed changes in HIV status, behaviours, and access to prevention in PWID participating in both periods. We estimated HIV incidence in a cohort of seronegative PWID as the number of HIV seroconversions/100 persons-years during 2014-2020 and used Cox regression to identify associated risk factors. Molecular sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed in HIV seroconverters. RESULTS HIV prevalence per round ranged between 12.0%-16.2% in 2012-2013 and 10.7%-11.3% in 2018-2020 with overlapping 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). Among PWID participating in both programs, HIV prevalence[95% CI] increased from 14.2%[11.7%-17.1%] in 2012-2013 to 22.0%[19.0%-25.3%] in 2018-2020 (p<0.001). There was a deterioration of socioeconomic characteristics such as homelessness (from 16.2%[95% CI: 13.5%-19.2%] to 25.6%[22.3%-29.0%]), a shift in cocaine use (16.6%[13.9%-19.6%] vs. 28.1%[24.7%-31.7%], reduced access to free syringes (51.8%[48.0%-55.7%] vs. 44.5%[40.7%-48.3%]) and a decrease in daily injecting (36.2%[32.6%-39.9%] vs. 28.5%[25.2%-32.1%]). HIV incidence (95% CI) in 2014-2020 was 1.94 (1.50-2.52) new cases/100 person-years and younger age, lower educational level, larger injection network and daily injecting were risk factors. Almost 9% of HIV seroconversions occurred within a newly expanding phylogenetic cluster. CONCLUSIONS In Athens, Greece, compared with the period 2012-13, in the period 2018-20 there was deterioration of socioeconomic conditions among people who inject drugs, an increase in the use of cocaine, reduced access to needle and syringe programs, and stable low levels of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing. Ongoing HIV transmission was documented during 2014-2020 in existing as well as new transmission clusters.
Understanding users’ behavioral intention to use voice assistants on smartphones through the integrated model of user satisfaction and technology acceptance: a survey approach

Purpose This study aims to determine system quality (SQ) and information quality (IQ) characteristics of voice assistants (VA) on smartphones that are affecting users’ satisfaction and technology acceptance, and how these affect behavioral intention (BI) to use. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the integrated model of user satisfaction and technology acceptance to evaluate users’ behavioral intention to use VAs on smartphones. The model represents a causal chain from the key characteristics of SQ and IQ to beliefs and attitudes that ultimately affect use. An online survey was conducted with 75 university students, and the data was analyzed using multivariate analysis: Simple linear regression analysis and multiple regression analysis. Findings While SQ and IQ of VAs had stronger effects on perceived ease of use (PEU), information satisfaction and PEU showed significant influences on perceived usefulness (PU). The results supported the influence of PEU, PU, and attitude on BI to use but with lesser effect than what PU and attitude together had on BI. Research limitations/implications The sample was drawn from a population of students at a single and small university. Although this study received 160 responses, only 75 were appropriate for analysis. Originality/value There is no research, which adopts technology acceptance and user satisfaction approaches to VAs. To measure the causal effects, this study determined system and information characteristics that could explain SQ and IQ of the current VAs on smartphones. This study tested the proposed framework within the scope of the integrated approach.
Comparative Outcomes of Partial and Full Facial Feminization Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Background: The demand for facial feminization surgery (FFS) amongst transgender women is on the rise, and requests for a single-stage full FFS (F-FFS) are becoming more frequent. The specific aim of this article is to present our institutional experience with both partial-FFS (P-FFS) and F-FFS with a specific emphasis on safety of each approach. Methods: We examined the electronic medical record of all patients with the diagnosis of gender dysphoria that were referred to the senior author for FFS consultation at our institution, between June 2017 and October 2020. Patients were sub-grouped into those who underwent F-FFS (upper, middle, and lower facial thirds in a single anesthetic event) and those who underwent P-FFS. Univariate analysis was used to assess for difference in postoperative complications. Results: We identified 77 patients who underwent 382 total procedures. The mean follow-up time was 7.5 months (Sd = 7.3) (interquartile range 1.75–12.0 months). Fifty-one (71.4%) patients underwent F-FFS and 21 (28.6%) patients underwent P-FFS. Compared to P-FFS, F-FFS was not associated with an increase in postoperative complication (1 out of 21 [4.8%] versus 4 out of 51 [7.8%]) ( P < 0.556). When comparing characteristics of patients with postoperative complications to patients with no postoperative complications, the average body mass index was significantly higher (30.9 versus 25.4, respectively). ( P < 0.029). Conclusions: Full-FFS is a set of procedures that has gained increased popularity among male-to-female transgender patients. Our results support the understanding that F-FFS is a safe and reliable approach, which may be preferable to patients and providers alike.
Contribution to the study of structural and elastic properties of wüstite under pressure up to 140 GPa by pseudopotential calculations

ABSTRACT Using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory and the generalized gradient approximations, we have studied the effect of high pressures up to 140 GPa on the structural and elastic properties of wüstite. Our results indicate that FeO undergoes a structural phase transition from NaCl-type (B1) to NiAs-type (B8) almost at the pressure of 77 GPa. The density increases across this transition by about 5%, which is a higher value than that obtained in other researches. We can clearly present the wüstite elastic properties and isotropic wave velocities which are not already studied in this range of pressure, and we could compare these results with the available experiment data, especially with that of PREM model.
The relationship between extracurricular music activity participation and music and Chinese language academic achievements of primary school students in China

In this study, we explored the relationship between extracurricular (formal and informal) music activity participation and music and Chinese language academic achievements of primary school students in China. Fourth graders (N = 10,958) reported their demographic information and extracurricular music activity participation, and completed two standardized academic achievement tests, one on music and another on the Chinese language. Results showed that students’ music activity participation was related to higher music academic achievement after controlling for gender, school location, and family socioeconomic status. The effect of students’ informal music activity participation on their music academic achievements was greater than that of students’ formal music activity participation. Remarkably, students’ informal music activity participation was also positively related to their Chinese language academic achievement, while formal music activity participation showed a negative correlation with academic achievement in Chinese language. Findings contributed to an increased understanding of the influence of different kinds of extracurricular music activities on students’ academic developments.
STEM Identities: A Communication Theory of Identity Approach

Education and psychology research has established STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) identities as an important factor in explaining student persistence in STEM fields. Few studies in social psychology of language or communication have investigated STEM identities, despite the fundamentally communicative nature of identity. Identity talk produced in semi-structured interviews with undergraduate engineering majors (N = 16) at three U.S. universities was analyzed qualitatively using the Communication Theory of Identity (CTI) as a sensitizing framework. The analysis showed that these students’ STEM identities emphasized personal attributes such as work ethic and a desire to make a positive difference in the world as well as relationships with peers in engineering. A number of potential identity gaps which might present barriers to forming a STEM identity were also evident in the data. These results underscore the importance of a communicative (interactive and relational) perspective in understanding students’ development and expression of STEM identities.
Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging-based study on the correlation between brain pH and voltage-gated proton channels in piglets after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.

Background The normal regulation of brain pH is particularly critical for protein structure and enzymatic catalysis in the brain. This study aimed to investigate the regulation mechanism of brain pH after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) through the combination of amide proton transfer (APT) imaging, the analysis of brain pH levels, and the analysis of voltage-gated proton channel (Hv1) expression in piglets with HIBI. Methods A total of 59 healthy piglets (age range, 3-5 days after birth; body weight, 1-1.5 kg) were selected. Six piglets were excluded due to death, modeling failure, or motion artifacts, leaving a total of 10 animals in the control group and 43 animals in the HIBI model group. At different time points (0-2, 2-6, 6-12, 12-24, 24-48, and 48-72 hours) after HIBI, brain pH, Hv1 expression, and APT values were measured and analyzed. The statistical analysis of data was performed using the independent samples t-test, analysis of variance, and Spearman rank correlation analysis. A P value less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results As shown by the immunofluorescent staining results after HIBI, Hv1 protein expression in the basal ganglia reached a peak value at 0-2 hours, with a statistically significant difference between 0-2 hours and other time points (P<0.001). In piglets, the APT value reached a trough at 0-2 hours after HIBI, and subsequently, it gradually increased, and there was a significant difference between the control group and all HIBI model subgroups (P<0.001) except for the 2-6 hours subgroup (P=0.602). Brain pH decreased after HIBI and reached a trough at 0-2 hours, then gradually increased. Hv1 protein expression, pH, and APT values were all correlated (P<0.001). Conclusions After HIBI, values of brain pH, APT, and the expression of Hv1 changed over time and had a linear correlation. This suggests that there was a shift in brain hydrogen ions (H+) in the neural network and a change in brain pH after hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury.
Synergistic Effect of Coconut Water and Garlic Tincture on Lipids and Oxidative Profile of Albino Rats Treated with High Fat Diet and Alcohol

Aim: This study evaluated the combined effect of coconut water and garlic tincture on lipid and antioxidants profile of albino rats fed with high fat diet and alcohol. Study Design: This study is a non-randomized experimental study design. Place and Duration of Study: Rivers State University Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, the study was done between 20th November, 2018-30th June 2019. Methodology: A total number of 45 Wister albino rats were used with the weight ranged from 120-200 grams. The animals were grouped into two major groups, the control Group A and the test Group B. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture into heparinized bottle for standard laboratory investigation of lipid profile, and Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and Malondialdehide (MDA). Plasma SOD and MDA were determined using ELISA methods, TAC was determined using FRAP Colorimetric method while lipid profile were determined using enzymatic method. Results: The results revealed that, alcohol induced oxidative stress group exhibited significant differences in MDA levels amongst the groups, and no significance differences in SOD and TAC levels as compared with negative control groups. There were significant differences in the Total Cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels, amongst the groups. However, these changes appear to improve with coconut water and garlic tincture treatment. Treatment with coconut water alone following 30% alcohol treatment, showed a significant decrease in MDA level, no significant increase in SOD and TAC. Similar observation was recorded for the garlic tincture treatment alone. Treatment with low dose of combined coconut water with garlic tincture following 30% alcohol treatment, shows significant decrease in MDA level, significant increase in SOD, no significant increase in TAC. Treatment with low and higher doses of combined coconut water with garlic tincture following HFD treatment showed similar results, no significant decrease in TG levels, a significant decrease in MDA, TC and LDL levels, a significant increase in TAC and HDL levels and no significant increase in SOD. However, no difference was observed at higher dose. Histological findings revealed changes in hepatocellular architecture, such as inflammatory cell aggregates, dilation of sinosidal space, fatty droplet after treatment with alcohol and high fat diet. However, upon garlic tincture and coconut water treatment, there was amelioration of these abnormalities. Conclusion: The mixture of coconut water and garlic tincture seem to exerted an antioxidant and antiatherogenic effect on alcohol-induced oxidative stress and HFD-induced dyslipidaemia in rats.
Does the COVID-19 pandemic affect the tourism industry in China? Evidence from extreme quantiles approach

Abstract The tourism industry carries great significance in the economic development of any country. It has been observed that the COVID-19 crisis has affected global travel and tourism more than any other sector globally as well as in China. The travel restrictions, home isolation, and quarantine orders have given massive damage to China's once thriving tourism industry. Despite this phenomenal impact, the existing literature has a dearth of empirical studies related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry. This study attempts to reflect a thorough picture of the current scenario and the crisis effects under different intensities reflected through quantiles of Covid-19 related deaths. The study has utilized the QARDL model and the Wald test on the daily time series data of COVID-19 intensity, the real effective exchange rate, oil prices, and the tourism development index from January 1, 2020, to March 15, 2021. The outcomes indicate that COVID-19 related deaths have a negative, but significant impact on China's tourism in the long run and short run. The oil prices also show a negative influence on tourism in the long run, but there is no significant impact of the oil prices on tourism in the short run. At the same time, the increase in the real effective exchange rates tends to support tourism in the long run, but does not influence tourism development in the short run.
Global Tree Taper Modelling: A Review of Applications, Methods, Functions, and Their Parameters

Taper functions are important tools for forest description, modelling, assessment, and management. A large number of studies have been conducted to develop and improve taper functions; however, few review studies have been dedicated to addressing their development and parameters. This review summarises the development of taper functions by considering their parameterisation, geographic and species-specific limitations, and applications. This study showed that there has been an increase in the number of studies of taper function and contemporary methods have been developed for the establishment of these functions. The reviewed studies also show that taper functions have been developed from simple equations in the early 1900s to complex functions in modern times. Early taper functions included polynomial, sigmoid, principal component analysis (PCA), and linear mixed functions, while contemporary machine learning (ML) approaches include artificial neural network (ANN) and random forest (RF). Further analysis of the published literature also shows that most of the studies of taper functions have been carried out in Europe and the Americas, meaning most taper equations are not specifically applicable to tropical tree species. Developing well-conditioned taper functions requires reducing the variation due to species, measurement techniques, and climatic conditions, among other factors. The information presented in this study is important for understanding and developing taper functions. Future studies can focus on developing better taper functions by incorporating emerging remote sensing and geospatial datasets, and using contemporary statistical approaches such as ANN and RF.
Estimating the Persistence of Party Cue Influence in a Panel Survey Experiment

Abstract Perhaps hundreds of survey experiments have shown that political party cues influence people’s policy opinions. However, we know little about the persistence of this influence: is it a transient priming effect, dissipating moments after the survey is over, or does influence persist for longer, indicating learning? We report the results of a panel survey experiment in which US adults were randomly exposed to party cues on five contemporary US policy issues in an initial survey and gave their opinions. A follow-up survey 3 days later polled their opinions again. We find that the influence of the party cues persists at ∼50% its original magnitude at follow-up. Notably, our design rules out that people simply remembered how they previously answered. Our findings have implications for understanding the scope and mechanism of party cue influence as it occurs in the real world and provide a benchmark for future research on this topic.
Revisiting Pfizer’s DTCA of Lipitor Using Dr. Jarvik as a Spokesperson: Analyses under the Teleological and Deontological Theories of Ethics

Abstract This study analyzes the ethical dimensions of the Direct-to-Consumer Advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs. It focuses specifically on Pfizer’s DTCA of Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering prescription drug that featured Dr. Robert Jarvik, the inventor of the Jarvik-7 artificial heart, as a spokesperson. Analyzing the ad in a qualitative study using the teleological and deontological theories of ethics, the study found that different conclusions could be reached on the morality of the ad. However, because the public’s perception of morality of an ad is important and determines how people react to the ad, as evidenced in Dr. Jarvik’s case, we recommend that focus group studies be conducted to gauge the public’s perception before a DTCA of prescription drug campaign is launched.
Effects of Packing Media and the Insertion of Vegetation on the Performance of Biological Trickling Filters

The use of the plant Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver), able to develop under adverse conditions while removing a great number of pollutants, in constructed wetlands (CWs) is widely reported. Regarding the biological trickling filters (BTFs), the selection of the media is one of the most important factors in its performance. We investigated whether the addition of vegetation improves the efficiency of the basic parameters of BTFs with gravel. In addition, due to the properties of light expanded clay aggregate (LECA), we evaluated whether the support media composed of vetiver and LECA is able to increase the media’s oxygenation. The efficiencies were 39, 49, 56, and 49% for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and 27, 20, 12, and 31%, for total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) in BTFLV (vetiver with LECA), BTFL (LECA only), BTFGV (vetiver with gravel) and BTFG (gravel only), respectively. LECA when associated with vetiver may have provided higher aeration of the filter, denoted by the higher nitrate effluent concentration (0.35, against 0.03, 0.06, and 0.10 mg L−1 for BTFL, BTFGV, and BTFG). Vetiver had no improvement on BTFs performance concerning BOD. However, associated with LECA, its use could be viable to remove dissolved forms of nitrogen.