Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of chronic administration of pelargonidin on neuronal apoptosis and memory process in amyloid-beta-treated rats

Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with impaired cognitive skills and learning and memory dysfunctions. It has been suggested that pelargonidin (PG), as an antioxidant agent, has a neuroprotective effect. PG could prevent damaging effects of amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition. The aim of this study was to determine the chronic effect of PG on hippocampal neurons and memory processes in a rat model of AD. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male adult rats were divided into sham, AD, AD+PG (5 μg, intracerebroventricular), and PG (5 μg, intracerebroventricular) groups. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of Aβ peptides (6 μg) was done using stereotaxic surgery. ICV administration of PG or saline was performed daily for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral analysis was performed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and passive avoidance tests. Neuronal apoptosis was detected using TUNEL assay in the hippocampus. Results: The ICV injection of Aβ reduced step-through latency and discrimination index in behavioral tests (p<0.001). Aβ increased the number of apoptotic neurons (p<0.001). PG treatment decreased the time spent in the dark compartment and neuronal apoptosis in the AD+PG rats (p<0.001). PG increased the discrimination index in the NOR test (p<0.001). Although PG did not change behavioral variables, it decreased cell death in the PG group. Conclusion: PG attenuated neuronal apoptosis and improved cognition and memory deficiency in AD rats. The protective effect of PG against Aβ may be due to its anti-apoptotic property. It is suggested that PG can be useful to treat AD.
AI based steering of Robot with Zero Collision by Using Image Segmentation

The robot in the working environment should be provided with good vision for detection and avoidance of the obstacle present in the path. The proposed method called Pixel Based Image Segmenter (PBAS) is an image segmentation technique that follows a nonparametric background modeling paradigm which segment and extract the details about the obstacles from the static background. In the PBAS, the background update is based on a learning parameter and the foreground decision depends on a decision threshold. The Fire Bird V robot is used here to implement the proposed approach i.e. the PBAS segmentation algorithm. The camera mounted on the robot senses the obstacles present in the vicinity. The video sequence is transmitted to the PC in which the segmentation process is carried out. The segmentation algorithm is applied on the image frames of the video sequence for segmenting the dynamic foreground from the static background. The decision making is performed over time to choose an alternative path for avoiding the obstacle. Thus the proposed method can effectively segment the image frames for detecting the obstacles in the vicinity of robot and the decision making can be carried and finally it makes the direction better for avoiding the obstacles by providing the details about the unknown surface.
The Effects of Caricature-based Applications on the Preschool Children’s Emotional Intelligence

: The main purpose of this study aims to investigate the effects of caricature-based applications on the emotional intelligence of preschool children. The working group of this study, which used dominant-less dominant mixed methods, consisted of two kindergartens in Tatvan district of Bitlis and 5-year-old children studying in these kindergartens. Data were collected using quantitative and qualitative data collection tools. The observation form prepared by the researchers was used for the quantitative data and the semi-structured interview form was used for the qualitative data. In addition, citations were taken from the studies of children by document analysis. Firstly, normality test was performed for the analysis of quantitative data. At the end of the test, the data were subjected to the Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon Signed Sequences Test. To determine the effect size of the experimental application, Cohen’s d values were examined. In the analysis of qualitative data, descriptive and content analysis methods were used. For the reliability of the qualitative data, the data obtained were digitized and frequency and percentage calculations were made. As a result of the study, it was seen that the caricature-based applications contributed to the emotional intelligence of the children in the experimental group.
DYNAMICS MODELLING FOR CONTROL OF AN UNSTEADY HYDRODYNAMIC STINGRAY ROBOT

To investigate the unsteady hydrodynamics of stingray locomotion, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) determined pressure and shear force production for prescribed fin kinematics. A nonlinear equation for thrust production and steady swimming speed of the fin was developed through parametric analysis, which can be used for optimal velocity control in a batoid robot.
Re: Invitation to contribute to a thematic issue (Current Neuropharmacology) with a review paper

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) belong to a super-family of Cysloop ligand-gated ion channels that respond to endogenous acetylcholine (ACh) or other cholinergic ligands. These receptors are also the targets of drugs such as nicotine (the main addictive agent delivered by cigarette smoke) and are involved in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Numerous studies have shown that the expression and/or function of nAChRs is compromised in many neurological and psychiatric diseases. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that neuronal nAChRs are found in a large number of nonneuronal cell types including endothelial cells, glia, immune cells, lung epithelia and cancer cells where they regulate cell differentiation, proliferation and inflammatory responses. The aim of this review is to describe the most recent findings concerning the structure and function of native nAChRs inside and outside the nervous system.
Predicting early progression in follicular lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma is the most common indolent lymphoma and is associated with slow tumor growth, long responses to frontline therapy and—generally—favorable outcomes. However, a subset of patients has a more aggressive course with early progression after standard therapy. Recent evidence has demonstrated that 10–20% of patients who are treated with immunochemotherapy experience relapse within 24 months of diagnosis and these patients have a significantly worse outcome compared to those who do not. While well-established clinical risk factors allow to predict outcomes, risk-stratification is improved when considering molecular attributes such as gene mutations or gene expression profiles. Similarly, functional imaging allows to estimate the burden of disease prior to initiating therapy and provides useful information at the end of frontline therapy, allowing to distinguish those patients who achieve a complete metabolic response and have superior survival from patients who have residual, metabolically active lymphoma. Ongoing work focuses on predicting early progression with greater accuracy, which would enable the study of risk-adapted management strategies. Increasingly, risk indices are recognized to have differential prognostic impact based on the specific treatment under consideration. It is conceivable that future risk stratification will not only provide an estimate of prognosis, but also inform the most appropriate treatment choice. Herein, we describe the existing and emerging risk-stratification tools, based on clinical, molecular and imaging attributes, and review their ability to predict early progression.
Architectural Assembly: Simulation and Optimization

—Construction is an industry that could beneﬁt signiﬁcantly from automation, yet still relies heavily on manual human labor. Thus, we investigate how a robotic arm can be used to assemble predeﬁned structures from complex building blocks autonomously. We propose to split the task of adding a building block to an existing structure into three subtasks: grasping , transporting , and placing . For the grasping and trans-porting subtasks, we apply the sampling-based motion-planning algorithm RRT-connect to plan collision-free trajectories in a simulated scene. These trajectories are then executed on a real UR10 robot arm. Since placing a block involves complex contact dynamics, we propose to use reinforcement learning for this task. We use the model-free reinforcement learning algorithm TD3 to train such a controller. In our evaluation, we show that the learned controller is able to place a block on another one with an average accuracy of around 8mm.
Factors Affecting Undergraduate Entrepreneurial Intention: The Effect of Entrepreneurial Education, Previous Experience, and Personal Skills

It is generally accepted that entrepreneurship can be taught and that learning leads to new venture creation. However, some argue that entrepreneurship cannot be taught. With this in mind, this study examined the relationship of entrepreneurial education, personal skills, and previous experience to examine which factor plays the most effective role in making an impact on the intention to become an entrepreneur. The study sample consisted of 218 management undergraduates from three leading universities in Sri Lanka and data were collected through the administration of a formal questionnaire. Generally, the overall results of the study indicate that the best way to make an impact on undergraduates is to guide them through practical entrepreneurial experience rather than focusing more on formal theoretical knowledge. Therefore, this study suggests academics, to integrate the more practical experience into the entrepreneurship course curriculums and this will reshape the future development of the entrepreneurial education field.
Using Bioinformatics to predict potential targets of Microrna-144 in osteoarthritis

Bioinformatics, MicroRNA14, osteoarthritis MicroRNAs are short endogenous non-coding RNA molecules, typically 19-25 nucleotides in length, which negatively regulate gene expression through binding to 3’UTR of target mRNAs, leading to repression of protein translation or target mRNA degradation. MicroRNA-144 (miR-144) was found as an abnormal expression in various diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). We have identified increased microRNA-144 expression in the early phase and end-stage of OA. However, the molecular mechanism of this increase has not been yet to be determined yet. Using bioinformatics tools, we found more than 4,000 mRNAs that are predicted to be potential direct targets of miR-144, including mRNAs involved in the critical signaling pathways in OA e.g., TGFβ/Smad2/3 and WNT/β-catenin. Results from this research provide information for future experiments to validate miR-144 potential targets.
Evaluation of fodder crops for hydroponic green fodder potential

AGBIR Vol.37 No.2 March-2021 Department of Agriculture, The University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 94640, Pakistan;Department of Agriculture (Agronomy), The University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 94640, Pakistan;Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan;Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan;Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan;Department of Agronomy, Amir Muhammad Khan Campus, Mardan, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
ENHANCEMENT OF PRODUCTIVITY IN WHITE GOODS APPLIANCE PRODUCTION LINE THROUGH SIMULATION MODEL: A CASE STUDY

Understudy manufacturing organization is the pioneer in the manufacturing of deep freezer in Pakistan established since 1960. The organization is also involved in the manufacturing of other white goods appliances. “Assembly Line” of the deep freezer manufacturing division was focused in present study. Different methods were studied to improve the quality and productivity of the assembly line. There are a lot of stages in deep freezer production from sheet cutting to packaging. This study was focused on some critical stages that include cabinet foaming, electrical parts assembly, vacuuming and testing because these stages consume more resources than other stages. Closely observe all the steps involved in this assembly line and identified those factors which were contributing towards low quality and ultimately less productivity. Visual SLAM simulation model was used to investigate quality and productivity issues in the manufacturing of deep freezers. It also observed that system time, waiting time in queues and idle time of servers decreased and utilization of resources and production rate increased. Simulation study outcome was considered by decision makers plus recommendations were
The determinants of the traditional procurement method

Selecting a suitable procurement strategy is becoming an increasingly important issue due to a dynamic decision-making process that customers must take early in the project lifecycle. The objective of this work is to investigate and strengthen the procurement system to achieve sustainable development in the construction industry by identifying, evaluating and ranking absolutely crucial factors affecting traditional procurement method selection. The data was collected from Deputy General Manager (DGM), Assistant General Manager (AGM), Project Directors (PD), Chief Engineer(CE), Procurement experts and consultants using the structured questionnaire. 90 respondents were response to this study from 11 construction companies/firm in Trincomalee, Battcaloa and Ampara district in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 20). Initially, the reliability and the validity of the data was analyses and the result showed the collected data was fit for further analysis. Consequently, correlation and regression analysis were carried out the result revealed that there is a significant positive correlation between independent variables such as Client, Project Characteristics, External Environment with traditional procurement method whereas Cost, Time and Risk has a negative significant relationship with traditional procurement method. Further found that open tendering method preferred by most of the respondents in Eastern Province in Sri Lanka. Also, found that it is no significant difference for selecting the traditional procurement method among the different level of employees such as Deputy General Manager (DGM), Assistant General Manager (AGM), Project Directors (PD), Chief Engineer(CE), Procurement experts and consultants. Further, Client, Project Characteristics, External Environment Cost, Time and Risk has a significant impact on the traditional procurement method.
Description of Knowledge About Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Adolescents in SMAN 17 Garut

Most cases of HIV in Indonesia occur during adolescents. HIV prevention can be done by changing good behavior. Currently, efforts to prevent the occurrence of HIV are not carried out optimally, one of the causes is a lack of knowledge about HIV. The research objective was to describe knowledge about HIV in adolescents. This research used a quantitative descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach. The variable in this research was knowledge of HIV. The population in this research was all students of SMAN 17 Garut. Sampling using the Stratified Random Sampling technique with a sample size of 277 people. Data analysis used univariate analysis with frequency distribution and presented as a percentage. The research was conducted from March to April 2020. The results showed as many as 5 respondents (1.8%) were in a good category, as many as 105 respondents (37.9%) were in the sufficient category, and 167 respondents (60.3%) were in a good category. in the unfavorable category. The conclusion of this research is that most adolescents have poor knowledge of HIV, almost half of the adolescents are in the sufficient category, and a small proportion of adolescents are in the good category. To overcome this, it is necessary to collaborate between teachers and health workers such as nurses to convey information in the form of counseling either directly or through social media, so that prevention efforts can be carried out optimally. Abstrak: Kasus HIV di Indonesia banyak terjadi pada usia remaja. Pencegahan HIV dapat dilakukan dengan perubahan perilaku yang baik. Saat ini upaya pencegahan terjadinya HIV tidak dilakukan dengan optimal, salah satu penyebabnya karena kurangnya pengetahuan tentang HIV. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui gambaran pengetahuan tentang HIV pada remaja. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan deskriptif kuantitatif dengan pendekatan cross-sectional. Variabel pada penelitian ini adalah pengetahuan tentang HIV. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa-siswi SMAN 17 Garut. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik Stratified Random Sampling dengan jumlah sampel yaitu 277 orang. Analisis data menggunakan analisis univariat dengan distribusi frekuensi dan disajikan dalam bentuk persentase. Penelitian dilakukan pada bulan Maret sampai April 2020. Hasil penelitian menunjukan sebanyak 5 responden (1,8%) berada pada kategori baik, sebanyak 105 responden (37,9%) berada di kategori cukup, dan 167 responden (60,3%) berada pada kategori kurang baik. Simpulan penelitian ini adalah sebagian besar remaja memiliki pengetahuan yang kurang baik tentang HIV, hampir setengahnya remaja berada pada kategori cukup, dan sebagian kecil remaja berada pada kategori baik. Untuk mengatasi hal ini, perlu dilakukan kolaborasi antara guru dan tenaga kesehatan seperti perawat untuk menyampaikan informasi berupa penyuluhan baik secara langsung maupun melalui media sosial, sehingga upaya pencegahan dapat dilakukan dengan optimal.
Pilates method evaluation on the treatment of subjects with non-specific chronic low back pain: randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Chronic nonspecific low-back pain (CNLBP) is a common painful symptom in the lower spine for more than twelve weeks and may be accompanied by neurological symptoms in the lower limbs. CNLBP has a high worldwide prevalence, can lead to function limitations and the treatment emphasizes active therapies, such as Pilates exercises. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Pilates exercises on painful perception, quality of life, functional disability and kinesiophobia of individuals with CNLBP, classified as having low and medium risk of poor prognosis according to the Brazilian version of the Start Back Screening Tool (SBST-Brazil). Methods: Randomized controlled clinical trial with 59 patients clinically diagnosed with CNLBP, divided into two groups: Control (CG) and Pilates (PG). For 12 weeks the CG received drug intervention while the PG was submitted to a Pilates method exercise protocol twice a week. Results: Pilates training reduced pain and kinesiophobia in both subgroups with SBST-Brazil Low and Medium. Contrary to participants with medium risk of poor prognosis in the CG, the PG with medium risk showed a significant improvement (P <0.05) in functional capacity. The pharmacological intervention proved to be efficient (P <0.05) in reducing pain catastrophization and kinesiophobia in the CG classified as having a medium risk of poor prognosis. Conclusion: Stratification in low and medium risks for poor prognosis of disability has positive responses to treatment based on Pilates exercises, considering the reduction of painful intensity and functional limitation.
Internet Use Patterns, Internet Addiction and Its Association With Psychological Self-Esteem Among Bahir Dar University Students, Ethiopia

Background: Internet addiction is a common problem in university students and negatively affects cognitive functioning, leads to poor academic performance and engagement in hazardous activities, and may lead to anxiety and stress. Behavioural addictions operate on a modified principle of the classic addiction model. The problem is not well inspected in Africa including Ethiopia. Objectives: The purpose of this is to investigate internet use patterns, internet addiction and its association with psychological self-esteem among Bahir Dar University students from December to May 2018/2019 in Bahir Dar University Peda Campus, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study among 359 Bahir Dar University Peda campus students by using a self-administered questionnaire. The study subjects were selected randomly using a stratified sampling technique. The researcher used both descriptive and inferential statistics to present the study findings. Bi-variate techniques, independent sample T-Test and ANOVA were used for continuous variables; Pearson product moment correlation was used for measuring associations. Results: The results show that 91.3% of university students were using the Internet at the time of data collection from which majority 58.2% of them used Smartphone to access the internet. The majority of student under category of normal 36.7% and moderate (33.7%) level Internet addiction, and there is statistically significant difference between sex at (t=2.0, p = .001) in Internet addiction score. There is a negative relationship between students' level of Internet addiction and psychological self-esteem level. Conclusion: The current study documents a high prevalence of internet addiction among University students. Factors associated with internet addiction were spending more time, having mental distress, playing online games, current that chewing, and current alcohol use. As internet addiction becomes an evident public health problem, carrying out public awareness campaigns may be a fruitful strategy to decrease its prevalence and effect. Besides to this, a collaborative work among stakeholders is important to develop other trendy, adaptive, and sustainable countermeasures
Comparison between Finite Elements simulation of residual stress and Computer Vision measurements in a welding TIG process

In this work, residual stresses arising after an industrial TIG welding process on an aerospace grade part are investigated. The customer demand for high product resistance and high dimensional accuracy calls for the control of the welding process and the minimisation of the residual stresses. Dimensional check of manufactured parts was traditionally performed in a quality room by means of coordinate measuring machines (CMM). For parts larger than 1 meter, this operation shows several issues, as the handling and the need for large and expensive measuring devices. These needs can be fulfilled by an innovative method that, through continuous dimensional check, allows to optimise the welding process parameters. This method is built on a post-process measurement of part shrinkage based on a Computer Vision technique, the outcome being a 3D reconstruction of the actual part. Moreover, the whole procedure is low-cost and time saving, as it can be performed with a conventional camera mounted on a tripod. A Finite Element Model (FEM) of the TIG process on the selected sample was developed. The result of the numerical model was compared with the Computer Vision-based post-process measurement. The simulation scenario predicted by Finite Element Analysis agrees with measurements.