Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antioxidants in the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy - A Review

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease resulting from diabetic chronic hyperglycemia characterized by microvascular complications in the retina, where neuronal elements responsible for vision are located. It is the main cause of adult blindness in developed countries. Oxidative stress has been widely regarded as the key factor for the emergence of ocular disease and has been involved in increased vascular permeability, disruption of blood-retinal barrier, apoptotic loss of retinal capillary cells, microvascular abnormalities and retinal neovascularization. Dietary supplementation with antioxidants has been related with inhibition of diabetes-induced abnormalities of retinal metabolism, reduction of apoptosis and partial restoration of pericytes. Moreover, the use of topical antioxidants to treat or delaying oxidative stress-related ocular manifestations is still poorly explored, while current diabetic retinopathy therapy includes invasive methods, like surgery. Ocular antioxidant potential therapy represents a non-invasive, safe and less painful methodology, which slows the natural progress of the disease and improves the effectiveness of treatment without significant systemic toxicity. This review underlines the innovative medicines exploited for ocular conditions, a further insight on ocular delivery, benefiting from the advantages of the eye for drug delivery and, additionally, offering new potential applications of antioxidants for the prevention, treatment and control of diabetic retinopathy.
Semantic Design Patterns Using the OWL Domain Profile

Design patterns in software engineering are templates garnered from generalizing proven solutions that can then be applied to other applications with similar needs; patterns allows developers to quickly structure their software based on a combination of its information and behavioral characteristics. However, the research, design, development, and usage of design patterns in ontologies is at a novice level. Patterns as applied to ontology design and development have the potential to promote reuse across various domain ontologies. Hence, the creation of reusable semantic design patterns and their inclusion into ontologies should enhance both the semantics and the reusability of ontologies. This paper proposes an approach to represent semantic design patterns using the OWL Web Ontology Language Domain Profile feature by integrating patterns into the domain ontology.
Simple Controller Design Based on Internal Model Control for Twisted and Coiled Polymer Actuator

A twisted and coiled polymer actuator (TCPA) is a novel soft actuator. TCPA is fabricated by twisting nylon fibers. The TCPA extends and contracts by heating and cooling. By applying conductive nylon fibers to the actuator, the electroactive TCPA can be driven by the Joule heating of the applied voltage. It has noteworthy properties such as a high power/mass ratio, large deformation, and low hysteresis. By applying conductive nylon fibers to the actuator, it can be driven by the electrical input. From these properties, many soft robots using the electroactive TCPA have been demonstrated, such as robotic hands, locomotion robots, robot skins, biomimetic robots, and so on. In this paper, to realize a simple controller design, an internal model control based on the identified model is applied. The applied controller can be designed easily without experience in parameter-tuning based on controls theory. The validity of the applied method is investigated through experiments.
Screening of autochthonous Lactobacillus species from Algerian raw goats' milk for the production of bacteriocin-like compounds against Staphylococcus aureus

Lactic acid bacteria play a key role in maintaining the balance of normal gastro-intestinal microflora. Food contamination by Staphylococcus aureus is a major problem for consumer’s health in Algeria, especially during the summer period. The use of bacterial interactions is a new way to limit the pathogenic germs growth. Detection of antimicrobial substances produced by lactic acid bacteria against the undesirable germs is the objective of this work. Microbiological and biochemical methods were used to identify lactic acid bacteria having an antimicrobial activity. The 02 isolates of lactic acid bacteria obtained from raw goats’ milk in western Algeria areas were identified as: Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus plantarum. The interactions study revealed that two lactobacilli species: L. plantarum (58) and L. plantarum (68) are able to inhibit S. aureus’ growth. In mixed culture after 24 h, L. plantarum reduces the growth of S. aureus by 1.6 log and this latter bacteria was not found after 72 h. The various tests used revealed the proteinic nature of the substance, which was responsible of the growth inhibition of S. aureus. The ecological adaptation and growth characteristics of cultures of L. plantarum in food products will determine their effectiveness as biocontrol agent in dairy foods.
DISSOLUTION ENHANCEMENT OF POORLY WATER-SOLUBLE DRUG BY CYCLODEXTRINS INCLUSION COMPLEXATION

Objective : Solubility of a drug is an important property that mainly influences the extent of oral bioavailability. Enhancement of oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs is the most challenging aspects of drug development. It is very important to find appropriate formulation approaches to improve the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of poorly aqueous soluble drugs. Ezetimibe is a new lipid lowering agent in the management of hypercholesterolemia. The drug is water-insoluble, lipophilic, and highly permeable according to the pharmaceutical classification system. Therefore, the bioavailability of ezetimibe may be improved by increasing its solubility. Methods : In present work solubility of ezetimibe was increased with inclusion complexes by a different technique like physical mixture, co-grinding and modified kneading method. The physical properties of the prepared inclusion complex of ezetimibe were characterised by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and in vitro dissolution studies. Results : From the dissolution studies of ezetimibe with HP-β-cyclodextrin(1:1 and 1:2), we conclude that the prepared complexes of ezetimibe with HP-β-cyclodextrin (1:2) by modified kneading method showed higher release i.e. 88.35% in 60 min. than in (1:1) 76.75% in 60 min. So, ezetimibe with HP-β-cyclodextrin (1:2) inclusion complex was used to formulate tablet by direct compression method. Conclusion: From the dissolution data of formulated tablets was observed that drug release was more in tablet dosage form as compared to plain ezetimibe and especially formulation in a ratio of 1:2 was found the promising result. Also from one-month stability data shows no significant change compared to the initial result. Keywords : Ezetimibe, Cyclodextrin complex, Solubility enhancement, HP-β-cyclodextrin
Decaying and decayless transverse oscillations of a coronal loop

Aims. We investigate kink oscillations of loops observed in an active region with the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) instrument on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) spacecraft before and after a flare. Methods. The oscillations were depicted and analysed with time-distance maps, extracted from the cuts taken parallel or perpendicular to the loop axis. Moving loops were followed in time with steadily moving slits. The period of oscillations and its time variation were determined by best-fitting harmonic functions. Results. We show that before and well after the occurrence of the flare, the loops experience low-amplitude decayless oscillations. The flare and the coronal mass ejection associated to it trigger large-amplitude oscillations that decay exponentially in time. The periods of the kink oscillations in both regimes (about 240 s) are similar. An empirical model of the phenomenon in terms of a damped linear oscillator excited by a continuous low-amplitude harmonic driver and by an impulsive high-amplitude driver is found to be consistent with the observations.
Productivity Growth in the Old and New Europe: The Role of Agglomeration Externalities

type="main"> As Europe is currently characterized by huge disparities in the economic performance of “old” and “new” states, we investigate whether this is the result of local agglomeration—specialization and diversity—externalities. Our spatial econometric analysis focuses on total factor productivity dynamics over the period 1996–2007 for 13 industries located in 276 European regions. Consistently with the “nursery cities” theory, we find that diversity exerts a positive effect in the knowledge-intensive services of the “old” Europe urban areas, while specialization is still effective in the “new” Europe low-tech manufacturing. Human and technological capital has also a positive impact.
Aeromonas veronii Infection in Cultured Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, in Southwest China

Aeromonas spp. are ubiquitous inhabitants of aquatic ecosystems, and are increasingly being reported as important pathogens for aquatic and terrestrial animals, as well as humans. A common bacterial disease caused by A.veronii has appeared in cultured channel catfish producing symptoms of erythema, hemorrhages, skin ulcers and high mortality (˃ 30%) in China, causing great economic loss. From 2007 to 2013, diseased channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, displaying symptoms of septicemia, ulceration, or abdominal dropsy were collected from Southwestern China. The goals of this study were to identify the bacterial strains isolated from diseased fish and to determine the susceptibility of the pathogenic strains to many currently available antimicrobial agents. 18 bacterial isolates were obtained from diseased fish. Based on phenotypic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, all isolates were identified as A. veronii. These results indicate that the microbiological risk posed by A. veronii is considerable for channel catfish cultured in Southwestern China. Susceptibility of the isolates to antibiotics was tested using the agar dilution method. All 18 A. veronii isolates were sensitive to florfenicol, norfloxacin and chloramphenicol, and were resistant to cefradine, clindamycin, midecamycin, penbritin, and amoxicillin. There were sensitivity diversities of the 18 A. veronii isolates to other test antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole, deoxycycline, gentamycin, tobramycin, and more. This in vitro study provides enough data to recommend the use of these antibiotics for treating infectious diseases caused by A. veronii.
Cross-Layer Network Coding in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

In this paper, we present a cross-layer framework for online optimization of opportunistic network coding in wireless multi-hop networks. Initially we focus on modeling the expected network-coded throughput individually for each wireless station as a function of lower layer parameters like the maximum number of link-layer retransmissions and the transmission mode at the physical layer (PHY). Based on this analysis, we develop a network coding algorithm that optimizes opportunistically and dynamically the expected information content of individual packet transmissions only within a single hop. Subsequently, we devise a distributed cooperation algorithm that allows nodes to select the optimal PHY transmission mode by considering the PHY selection of their neighbors. Our approach can yield significant gains in terms of throughput without employing complex link scheduling algorithms.
An Empirical Study of Insecure Communication in Android Apps

Android apps rely on secure communication protocol to prove the confidentiality of sensitive data transmission. However, inexperienced developers tend to adopt insecure communication and introduce security risks. To study how prevalent the insecure communication protocols are used by real world Android apps, we conducted an in-depth analysis to examine popular apps from Google Play and MyApp Android app market. We collect 435 apps from major categories, such as gaming, shopping and social networks, and we monitored the communication of those apps and classified their used protocols into three categories: secure, insecure, and proprietary. Then we investigated those proprietary ones to find potential insecure implementation. We designed and implemented RawDroid, a protocol audit system combining network monitoring and program analysis technique to systematically inspect the security of proprietary protocol. We found that a large number of developers frequently use non-standard proprietary protocols. Among all analyzed apps, our security audit revealed that 36.7% apps adopted a proprietary protocol, and all those proprietary protocols fail to achieve confidentiality: some of them send sensitive data in the form of plaintext to servers; some misuse cryptographic algorithms and lead to the exposure of transferred privacy even if the content is encrypted. We believe this kind of protocols pose great security threats to Android ecosystem.
The American Journal of Human Genetics Vol . 2 No . 2 June 1950 Our Load of Mutations 1

While a few students of heredity have maintained that hereditary diseases and certain congenital anomalies and malformations in man not infrequently may arise from mutation, although unable to present any indisputable evidence in proof of their hypothesis, until recently the prevailing view has been that mutation as a direct cause of disease is extremely rare and of little practical significance. Since observational data are limited to relatively few generations and since human cross breeding experiments may not be performed, we shall never be able to demonstrate with certainty that a hereditary human disease arises from mutation.
Synthesis of nickel ferrite nanoparticles as an efficient magnetic sorbent for removal of an azo-dye: Response surface methodology and neural network modeling

In this research, nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles (NFNs) are prepared through coprecipitation method, and applied for adsorption removal of a model organic pollutant, methyl orange (MO). The characterization of the prepared NFNs was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Optimization and modeling of the removal of MO applying NFNs were performed via central composite design (CCD) and the influential parameters including nano-sorbent amount, dye initial concentration, contact time and pH were considered as input variables for CCD. A dye removal percentage of 99 % was achieved under the optimum condition established for MO removal that was in agreeing with the predicted value. Additionally, multi-layer artificial neural network (ML-ANN) was applied to acquire a predictive model of MO removal. The isothermal investigation of MO adsorption was performed by developing Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models, and results showed that experimental data were best fit in Freundlich model. Based on the adsorption kinetics studies, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was the best model to describe the adsorption mechanism of MO onto NFNs.
Achieving high efficiency laminated polymer solar cell with interfacial modified metallic electrode and pressure induced crystallization

We report efficient laminated organic photovoltaic device with efficiency approach the optimized device by regular method based on Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). The high efficiency is mainly attributed to the formation of a concrete polymer/metal interface mechanically and electrically by the use of electronic-glue, and using the highly conductive and flexible silver film as anode to reduce photovoltage loss and modifying its work function for efficiency hole extraction by ultraviolet/ozone treatment, and the pressure induced crystallization of PCBM.
Cloning and sequence analysis of a Lactococcus lactis subsp . plasmid replicon from cremoris FG 2

A replication region from one of the Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris FG2 plasmids was isolated by cloning of a 4.8-kb Xbal fragment into a replication probe vector and transformation into L. lactis LM0230. A 1.8-kb region within this fragment was sequenced and confirmed by PCR subcloning to encode a functional replicon in LM0230. The replicon consists of an open reading frame encoding a putative replication protein (Rep) of 386 amino acids and a non-coding region (on) which features several structural motifs typical of other known replication origins, including a 22-bp iteron sequence tandemly repeated three and a half times, a 10-bp direct repeat and two sets of inverted repeats. The oni region could drive replication of its plasmid when supplied with the replication region in-trans. The lack of detectable single-stranded DNA during replication and the existence of extensive homology with other known lactococcal theta replicons strongly suggest that this region encodes a theta-replicating mechanism.
Novel Omics Strategies To Combat Dengue Infection and Disease Progression

Dengue fever is a debilitating disease caused by systemic infection with one of the four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes. DENV is transmitted between humans through the Aedes mosquito and is problematic in tropical and subtropical regions, where roughly 390 million DENV infections occur annually [1]. Unfortunately, due to global warming and increasing globalization, the virus is rapidly spreading to new areas around the world. It is currently predicted that half of the world's population, or roughly 3.9 billion people, are at risk of becoming infected with DENV [2]. Though the initial fever caused by DENV only rarely results in death, it has the potential to progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), both of which are severe and lifethreatening diseases [3]. These diseases are characterized by severe hemorrhaging, plasma leakage that may lead to shock, and ultimately, organ impairment [4]. With prompt diagnosis and intervention, however, fatality rates of DHF and DSS may be reduced from over 20% to below 1% [5]. Unfortunately, rapid diagnosis and treatment of infection with DENV is currently limited by our knowledge of how the virus manifests the disease. Furthermore, there is no scientific consensus over the classification of DENV-associated diseases [6]. This lack of knowledge makes it difficult to predict which individuals have the highest risk of developing severe disease. At this time, there is also an absence of antivirals and specific treatments for treating dengue fever [3]. More research needs to be done focusing on the factors that mediate progression from dengue fever to more severe forms before we can rapidly diagnose patients and design novel treatments. In recent years, advances in '-Omics' approaches have paved the way for the discovery of new diagnostic and prognostic markers which may be applied to viral infections. These '-Omics' approaches involve platforms that detect and quantify molecules such as DNA (genomics), RNA (transcriptomics), proteins (proteomics), or metabolites (metabolomics) in biological fluids [7]. In the context of DENV infection, studies have already found differences that may assist the diagnosis and prognosis of dengue fever to its more JEMI-PEARLS Vol 2:32-39
Relationship between Psychological Well-Being and Smartphone Addiction of University Students

This study was carried out to examine the relationship between university students’ levels of psychological well-being and smartphone addiction. The study group consists of a total of 408 students (303 female and 105 male) selected by random sampling method and studying at the departments of Primary Education, Science Teaching, Art and Crafts Teaching, French Teaching, and Guidance and Psychological Counseling at the Faculty of Education, Ondokuz Mayis University in the 2015-2016 academic year. In this research, the Psychological Well-Being Scale, Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, and Personal Information Form were used to collect data.The independent-samples t-test, arithmetic mean, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe's post hoc test were employed for the analysis and interpretation of data. The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was used for the relationship between the level of psychological well-being and the use of smartphones, and accordingly the results were evaluated.The relationship between university students’ levels of psychological well-being and smartphone addiction seems to be significant based on this research. Factors affecting university students’ levels of psychological well-being and smartphone addiction include gender, grade, parental attitudes, economic status of the family, and level of perception.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and the Risk of Incident Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multisystem disease that affects many extrahepatic-organ systems. In this respect, several studies have suggested the possible association between NAFLD and the risk of incident chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the extent of this association remains unclear. Thus the present meta-analysis was conducted to better characterize this association. In the meta-analysis, a comprehensive search of the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochran Library was carried out from inception through September 2017. All large observational studies that investigated the association between NAFLD and the risk of incident CKD were included. The incident CKD was defined as occurrence of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60ml/min/1.73m2 and/or overt proteinuria. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated using the random-effects model. Data were extracted from 5 large observational studies involving 57,341 adult individuals (41.3% with NAFLD) with 1,886 cases of incident CKD. NAFLD is significantly associated with increased risk of incident CKD (HR 1.40, 95%CI 1.22-1.61). The statistical heterogeneity of included studies was low, with an I2=25.4%. In conclusion, the present meta-analysis confirms the association between NAFLD and the risk of incident CKD.
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus, and Migratory Birds

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) and Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) are tick-borne diseases belonging to the family Bunyaviridae. Since SFTS was first reported in China in 2009, the virus was isolated and confirmed in 2011, with additional reports of SFTSV expanding its geographic range from China to South Korea and Japan. CCHFV has the widest geographic distribution of any tick-borne virus, encompassing around 30 countries from eastern China through Asia, the Middle East, and southeastern Europe to Africa. During the past decade, CCHFV has emerged in new areas of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia and has increased in endemic areas. Migratory birds are considered to play a role in dispersing CCHFV vectors, and the virus. This review summarises SFTSV and CCHFV, highlighting the role of migratory birds in the transmission of tick-borne disease.