Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Potential of Polymer-Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) find tremendous applications in drug delivery due to several advantages such as their easy fabrication process, high drug loading, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and so forth. Nevertheless, despite several advantages, the use of this striking drug delivery carrier is restricted due to premature drug release owing to the porous structure. Coating of the pores using polymers has emerged as a great solution to this problem. Polymer coatings, which act as gatekeepers, avoid the premature release of loaded content from MSNs and offers the opportunity for controlled and targeted drug delivery. Therefore, in this review, we have compiled the polymer-based coating approaches used in recent years for improving the drug delivery capability of MSNs. This manuscript provides an insight into the research about the potential of polymer-coated MSNs, allowing the selection of right polymer for coating purposes according to the desired application.
Uniportal versus multiportal video-assisted thoracic surgery for lung cancer.

Background Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is the recommended surgical approach for patients with stage I lung cancer. Whether a multiportal or a uniportal approach is preferable remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of implementing uniportal VATS lobectomy into the treatment program of lung cancer patients. Methods We used the national quality register for general thoracic surgery in Sweden and included all patients who underwent VATS lobectomy for lung cancer at the Karolinska University Hospital between 2016-2018. Early postoperative complications were compared in patients undergoing uniportal (n=122) and multiportal (n=211) VATS lobectomy for lung cancer. Inverse probability of treatment weighting and standardized mean differences were used to limit differences in baseline characteristics and to assess balance after weighting. Results The proportion of uniportal VATS lobectomies increased during the study period and the conversion rates declined significantly. Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups with the exception of a higher percentage of patients without any comorbidity in the uniportal group (59.8% vs. 44.5%, P=0.010). After inverse probability of treatment weighting the groups were well balanced. Postoperative complications were rare regardless of surgical approach, 94% in both groups had no complications. The 30-day mortality and overall survival at 1 year was 0% and 97% in the uniportal group, and 0.5% and 98% in the multiportal group (P=0.71). Patients undergoing uniportal VATS lobectomy were discharged directly to home to a higher extent than multiportal VATS patients (76.2% vs. 62.1%, P=0.008). Conclusions We found that uniportal VATS lobectomy was feasible and safe, and might entail advantages in terms of a faster recovery after surgery as compared to multiportal VATS lobectomy in patients with lung cancer.
Rickets and Its Associated Factors among Under-Five Children in Selected Public Hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Rickets affects the rapid growth of children. It is prevalent in low-income countries, and ranks among the five most common diseases in children. However, its magnitude and associated factors are not well studied and documented in eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and the associated factors of rickets among under-five children in selected public hospitals of eastern Ethiopia.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 23 to March 10, 2017 among 590 under-five children in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, and Haramaya and Dilchora General Hospitals. Consecutive sampling was used to reach the actual respondents. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire and the presence of rickets was assessed based on clinical signs and symptoms. Data were entered into EpiData Ver-sion 3.1 and exported into SPSS Version 22.0 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted. Level of significance was considered at p-value less than 0.05. Results: The magnitude of rickets was 7.8% (95% CI: 5.70, 10.20). Being under the care of caregivers (AOR=4.21; 95% CI: 1.31, 13.52), dressing fully during sun exposure (AOR=10.36; 95% CI: 3.37, 31.80), no oil massage during sun exposure (AOR=4.94; 95% CI: 2.01, 12.12), and being sick one month prior to the study (AOR=3.56; 95% CI: 1.51, 8.40) were positively associated with rickets.Conclusion: One in every thirteen children had rickets in the study area. Being under the care of caregivers, dressing fully and no oil massage during sun exposure, and being sick one month prior to the study were significantly associated with rickets. Therefore, the health sectors should work to prevent rickets through counseling and encouraging of proper sunlight exposure and disease prevention. Keywords: Eastern Ethiopia; Rickets; Under-five Children
Effects of consumers’ construal levels on post-impulse purchase emotions

The purpose of this paper is to examine how abstract vs concrete mindsets impact consumers’ post-purchase affective states. Drawing on construal level theory, the study examines when consumers experience “pleasure” or “guilt” after impulse buying. ,The basic premises of this research was tested using multiple studies. Study 1 was conducted in the field, the second study engaged an online survey, while the third study used a laboratory experiment. ,After impulse buying, consumers with abstract mindsets reported strong feelings of pleasure, whereas those with concrete mindsets experienced profound guilt. ,Research on affective responses (i.e. pleasure and guilt) following impulse purchase is limited. However, the present study helps understand an important research question: when do consumers feel pleasure (or guilt) after impulse buying? ,Marketers can frame messages that align with abstract mindsets to enhance pleasure and reduce guilt after impulse buying. ,Policymakers can persuade consumers to refrain from making impulsive decisions through communication that reminds them of past impulse purchase behaviour, by triggering a concrete mindset. ,This research extends the literature on post-purchase effects by demonstrating that consumers’ mindsets determine the intensity of their affective state after impulse buying.
Through Women’s Eyes: A Study of Vulnerability in 2015 Earthquake

The effects of disasters as being differentiated across the spectrum of sociological categories have received wider acceptance through a number of scholarly articles. In the context of Nepal, a disaster prone country, the social science scholars came to their big awakening of the long established anecdotes only after Gorkha earthquake hit the country in 2015. This qualitative research, conducted through a case study in earthquake hit Gamchha in outskirts of Kirtipur town in Kathmandu, where fifteen female respondents were interviewed in long form, puts itself in a gap, left out by the previous scholars who largely missed the post-disaster experiences of the women corresponding to their different social categories and contexts. It takes a close-up of a nuanced and a step-wise process to flesh out gender, disaster as being sociologically biased towards women, and in due course targets the gap within the category of women through the gendered perspective of disaster. Showing the pointers to the existing gaps in the approach toward the disasters, the differentiated policies are intrinsically prescribed to address the demands of women depending upon their positionality in the social landscape.
Seeded Crystallisation and Enhanced Phase-Change Materials

A crystalline chalcogenide interface is shown to reduce the temperature, duration and energy necessary to crystallise amorphous GeTe. By incorporating ultra-thin layers of crystalline Sb2Te3 into Ge2Sb2Te5 similar improvements are observed thus providing a way to enhance the performance of phase change memory devices.
Surface complexation modeling of Cd ( II ) sorption to 1 montmorillonite

28 Surface complexation modeling (SCM) has emerged as a powerful tool for 29 simulating heavy metal adsorption processes on the surface of soil solid components 30 under different geochemical conditions. The component additivity (CA) approach is 31 one of the strategies that have been widely used in multi-component systems. In this 32 study, potentiometric titration, isothermal adsorption, zeta potential measurement, and 33 extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra analysis were conducted to 34 investigate Cd adsorption on 2:1 clay mineral montmorillonite, on Gram-positive 35 bacteria Bacillus subtilis, and their mineral-organic composite. We developed constant 36 capacitance models (CCM) of Cd adsorption on montmorillonite, bacterial cells, and 37 mineral-organic composite. The adsorption behavior of Cd on the surface of the 38 composite was well explained by CA-SCM. Some deviations were observed from the 39 model simulations at pH < 5, where the values predicted by the model were lower 40 than the experimental results. The Cd complexes of X2Cd, SOCd, R-COOCd, and 41 R-POCd were the predominant species on the composite surface over the pH range 42 of 3 to 8. The distribution ratio of the adsorbed Cd between montmorillonite and 43 bacterial fractions in the composite as predicted by CA-SCM closely coincided with 44 the estimated value of EXAFS at pH 6. The model could be useful for the prediction 45 of heavy metals distribution at the interface of multicomponents and their risk 46 evaluation in soils and associated environments. 47 48 49 2 Biogeosciences Discuss. , doi:10.5194/bg-2016-256, 2016 Manuscript under review for journal Biogeosciences Published: 6 July 2016 c © Author(s) 2016. CC-BY 3.0 License.
PEGylated Bilirubin-coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as a Biosensor for Magnetic Relaxation Switching-based ROS Detection in Whole Blood

Rationale: Magnetic relaxation switching (MRSw) induced by target-triggered aggregation or dissociation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been utilized for detection of diverse biomarkers. However, an MRSw-based biosensor for reactive oxygen species (ROS) has never been documented. Methods: To this end, we constructed a biosensor for ROS detection based on PEGylated bilirubin (PEG-BR)-coated SPIONs (PEG-BR@SPIONs) that were prepared by simple sonication via ligand exchange. In addition, near infra-red (NIR) fluorescent dye was loaded onto PEG-BR@SPIONs as a secondary option for fluorescence-based ROS detection. Results: PEG-BR@SPIONs showed high colloidal stability under physiological conditions, but upon exposure to the model ROS, NaOCl, in vitro, they aggregated, causing a decrease in signal intensity in T2-weighted MR images. Furthermore, ROS-responsive PEG-BR@SPIONs were taken up by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages to a much greater extent than ROS-unresponsive control nanoparticles (PEG-DSPE@SPIONs). In a sepsis-mimetic clinical setting, PEG-BR@SPIONs were able to directly detect the concentrations of ROS in whole blood samples through a clear change in T2 MR signals and a 'turn-on' signal of fluorescence. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PEG-BR@SPIONs have the potential as a new type of dual mode (MRSw-based and fluorescence-based) biosensors for ROS detection and could be used to diagnose many diseases associated with ROS overproduction.
Application of Jordan controlled form for nonlinear optimal control systems design

The problem of optimal control system design for nonlinear control systems (plants) has been considered in many works. But the majority of the proposed design methods are focused on linear models which are received by the usual linearization. Therefore the real control systems are quasi optimal practically. Known methods of the optimal systems design on the basis of nonlinear models are very difficultly for practical use. Therefore new design methods of the nonlinear optimal control systems are claimed. This paper presents the application of a Jordan controlled form to analytical design of the optimal control system for nonlinear plants, equations of which are transformed to this form. For this reason the definition of Jordan controlled form and some features of the transformation to this form of the nonlinear systems equations are considered. The suggested method of the optimal control systems design includes two steps. At the first step a linearization control is designed on the base of the known stabilizing control and the nonlinear transformation of the plant state variables. In new variables the equations of the close system with the linearization control is linear. It gives possibility to apply the known method LQ to these linear equations on the second step. The resulting nonlinear control system is optimal in the sense of a minimum of nonlinear quadratic criteria. Coefficients values of the criteria can be chosen in accordance with the desired transients of the nonlinear optimal control system. The design problem has a solution if a plant is controllable. The optimal control is a feedback on the state variables of the plant. Efficiency of the stabilizing control and the suggested design method of nonlinear optimal control systems are shown on the examples of designing and simulation of nonlinear control systems. Key-Words: Nonlinear plant, equation, Jordan controlled form, nonlinear transformation, linearization control, quadratic criteria, optimal control
EMI Reduction in Class-D Amplifiers by Actively Reducing PWM Ripple

Class-D amplifiers switch high voltages and currents at high frequencies and hence produce electromagnetic interference (EMI). This work presents a technique to reduce the high frequency ripple, which is still present after the output filter. A Class-A ripple reduction amplifier is put in parallel to the output of the Class-D amplifier, each having their own feedback loop with digital filters. High ripple reduction loop gain is achieved at the PWM frequency by using a resonator as digital loop filter. Dissipation in the Class-A amplifier is reduced by using a low common-mode signaling technique. Common-mode and differential-mode switching components at the PWM frequency are reduced by 27 dB and 18 dB respectively. Total system efficiency is 79% at 40 W output power.
Damping of Interarea Oscillations of Power System using Integrated System of UPFC-SMES

To enhance power transfer capability and reliability power systems are interconnected. Damping of oscillations between synchronous generators and subsystems is the major problem associated with interconnected power systems. This paper proposes a new method which uses uses an Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage System (SMES) based Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) using Fuzzy logic controller for damping of interarea oscillations. Thereby transient voltage profile of the power system has been improved. It is effective to damp interarea oscillations as it provides control of real and reactive power through the line. The effectiveness of this method is compared with existing method which uses PI controller in MATLAB/Simulink.
Who has got what?, Why? And How?: The Political Economy of Reintegration Policy in Aceh

This article focuses on the power relations between former GAM (Gerakan Aceh Merdeka) elite and non elite in the post conflict reintegration policy in Aceh. A number of scholars have linked the post conflict reintegration to the GAM ex-commanders conflicts over predatory processes of resource appropriation. However, what is missing in their account is that the attentions to the rank and file ex-fighters, including female ex-combatants. The finding of the study suggests that the post conflict reintegration has provided opportunities for the former GAM commanders to build and consolidate their political and economic power. Since the former GAM commanders occupied the reconstruction space, they have captured the peace building processes through their predatory behaviour and patrimonial networks. In this context, the ex- commanders GAM elite has become a new dominant post conflict group while the non-elite group of the rank and file ex-combatants, particularly women ex- combatants, lost opportunities to enhance their welfare. As local elites are powerful, they have the capacity to select who are excluded from and included in their alliances. In these circumstances, the welfare outcomes from post conflict reintegration will be framed in terms of 'who has got what? ', 'why? ',and 'how? '.
Promoting critical digital literacy in the leisure-time center: views and practices among Swedish leisure-time teachers

This article focuses on the leisure-time center (LTC) as an arena for developing critical digital literacy. The main research question concerns how Swedish leisure-time teachers (LT teachers) work to promote critical digital literacy. In addition to this, the article directs attention to one specific aspect of critical digital literacy, namely, critical understanding of Internet advertising. The second research question thus concerns how LT teachers approach Internet advertising in the LTC, and whether their approaches to advertising encourage a critical understanding. The study is based on 20 in-depth interviews with Swedish LT teachers, and Buckingham’s (2015) conceptual framework for critical digital literacy is used to analyze and discuss the data. The results reveal a broad range of approaches and practices, from not promoting critical digital literacy at all, to planned learning activities and spontaneous discussions that encouraged critical reflections about digital media. The participants concentrated on source criticism, photo manipulation, and discussions with children about their digital media usage. There were also different approaches to Internet advertising, from not addressing this issue to critical reflections regarding the role of advertising. The participants also described uncritical ways of relating to Internet advertising, such as approaching advertising as a form of entertainment. The article discusses the implications of these results for policy, teacher education, and future research.
Enhanced wettability and electrolyte uptake of coated commercial polypropylene separators with inorganic nanopowders for application in lithium-ion battery

In this research, inorganic material type and content influence on coating of commercially available polypropylene (PP) separator were studied for improving its performance and safety as lithium ion battery separator. Heat-resistant nanopowders of Al2O3, SiO2 and ZrO2 were coated using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder. Coating effects on the separators morphology, wettability, high temperatures dimensional stability and electrochemical properties were investigated via their scanning electron microscopy images, electrolyte contact angles, electrolyte uptakes, thermal shrinkages analysis and ion conductivities. Furthermore, their performances were studied as the lithium ion batteries separator. All the coated separators have lower thermal shrinkages compared to the commercial neat PP separator. In addition, almost all of the coated separators have shown higher porosities and electrolyte uptakes than those of the commercial neat PP separators. The coated separator with Al2O3 / binder ratio of 8 (MOA8) revealed highest improvement in electrolyte contact angle of 0 °, electrolyte uptake of 218 % (2.04 times increment), ion conductivity of 1.685 mS/cm (1.89 times increment), 52 % porosity compared with the neat PP separator due to proper coating surface morphology, interstitial cavities and a higher Al2O3 dielectric constant than SiO2. In terms of assembled battery discharge capacity reduction after 100 cycles, MOA8 separator showed better cyclic performance as 8.89 % compared with that of the neat PP separator as 16.6 %.
ACTIVITY OF SELECTED MIXED STARTER CULTURES FOR SPECIFIC PRODUCTION OF THREE MAIN TYPES OF ATTIEKE IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE

In this study, mixed potential starter cultures have been set up to control the fermentation of cassava dough for the production of each type of attieke in Cote d'Ivoire. The results showed that potential starter culture from Ebrie was the most acid with pH and total titratable acidity values respectively of 4.68 and 3.22±0.2 % after 24 hours fermentation. Also several organic acids were detected in the potential starter cultures, lactic and acetic acids being predominant. Lactic acid content reached 670±19.4 mg/100g in inoculum from Adjoukrou group, 580±9 mg/100g in and 778±13 mg/100g in those from Ebrie group. For acetic acid, its highest rate (347±14 mg/100g) was obtained in Alladjan inoculum and the lowest (195.2 ±14 mg/100g) in Ebrie’s one after 24 hour fermentation. Fumaric, citric, tartaric and propionic acids have not been detected. Volatile substances (acetaldehyde, ethanol) were produced throughout the fermentation by the potential starter cultures formed. The microbial analysis showed that highest loads were represented by lactic acid bacteria with values of 7.2 ± 0.8. 10 7 CFU / g; 2.9 ± 0.7. 10 7 CFU / g and 7.6 ± 1.10 6 CFU / g respectively in the doughs inoculated with the selected starters Adjoukrou, Alladjan and Ebrie. The production of attieke specific to each ethnic group with potential starter cultures showed that these attieke were of acceptable quality. The importance of mixed potential starter cultures formed could be necessary to standardize at small and industrial scale the process of production each type of attieke in Cote d’Ivoire.
Ultrasmall CuS@BSA nanoparticles with mild photothermal conversion synergistically induce MSCs-differentiated fibroblast and improve skin regeneration

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies have been used in skin regeneration due to their ability to differentiate into many cells, promote cytokine secretion and participate in collagen deposition. In this study, we concluded that a CuS@BSA nanoparticles exhibited similar potential in inducing MSCs differentiation to fibroblasts as Cu ions for wound healing. Methods: First, we verified the photothermal efficiency of CuS@BSA in vivo and vitro and had no cytotoxicity for MSCs when the temperature was controlled at 42 °C by adjusting the power of irradiation at 980 nm. And then we detected the expression of vimentin in MSCs, which further directed the MSCs to fibroblasts through Western blotting and Immunofluorescence when treated with CuS@BSA or pre-heat at 42 °C. In addition, we implanted MSCs into the Matrigel or electrospun PLA nanofiber membrane in vitro to evaluating the effect of heating or CuS@BSA on the morphological change of MSCs by SEM. Finally, we evaluated improving skin regeneration by the combination of preheated-MSCs and CuS@BSA nanoparticles that were encapsulated in Matrigel. Results: The CuS@BSA nanoparticles have good photothermal conversion efficiency. Not only CuS nanoparticles itself or after irradiation at 980 nm stimulated the expressioin of vimentin in MSCs. Besides, the CuS@BSA can promote cell proliferation as Cu ion through the expression of ERK. The combination of the CuS@BSA nanoparticles and thermal treatment synergistically improved the closure of an injured wound in an injured wound model. Conclusions: MSCs combined with CuS@BSA are a promising wound dressing for the reconstruction of full-thickness skin injuries.
Stabilization of Unstable Limit Cycles in a Push-off Based Dynamic Walker by Reversible Switching Surfaces

By employing the concept of “Reversible Switching Surfaces” (RSS), we demonstrate that it is possible to stabilize unstable periodic orbits of a push-off based dynamic walker. The concept is implemented by a simple event-based control which kinematically controls the foot during the swing phase to adjust the heel-strike. The feedback controller is designed based on the theory of Virtual Holonomic Constraints (VHC). Simulation results demonstrate, there exists a broad range of VHC which satisfies stable dynamic walking.