Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Le dévoilement de soi à l’épreuve du numérique : cas de SOS Amitié

Le projet de ce propos est de rendre compte des conditions et dynamiques du devoilement de soi via le numerique, et de la reconfiguration de la communication interpersonnelle qu’il implique, a partir du cas specifique de l’association SOS Amitie. Comment l’ecrit transforme-t-il les modalites de devoilement de soi ? Dans quelle mesure la relation ecoutant-appelant se redefinit-elle ? Comment saisir la complexite d’une situation par le seul ecrit, sans disposer de la palette d’indices pourvue par l’echange telephonique ? L’implication des ecoutants en est-elle assechee ? Au demeurant, quel est le role de la mediation numerique dans la reception et l’entendement des recits de l’intimite ? Les mecanismes en jeu comprennent aussi bien le canal de communication qui redefinit l’acte de devoilement de soi que les dynamiques relationnelles, et le recepteur qui voit ses pratiques et habitudes bouleversees. Au-dela de degager les implications du medium numerique dans les espaces d’ecoute, la perspective developpee ici consiste, a travers une demarche d’analyse des pratiques decrites dans les recits d’experience, a comprendre les dynamiques de fonctionnement d’un recepteur de recits de vie. Ce qui interesse en priorite ce sont les modalites d’inflechissement des conditions materielles, psychologiques et relationnelles du point de vue du recepteur.
Effect of a co-processed excipient on the disintegration and drug release profile of ibuprofen tablets

Tablets at present, remain the most preferred oral dosage form because of many advantages they offer to formulators as well as physicians and patients. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of co-processing on the disintegration and drug-release profile of ibuprofen tablets prepared from a co-processed excipient. The co-processed excipient (CE) containing lactose, gelatin and mucin in the ratio 90:9:1 was prepared using co-fusion. The excipient was evaluated for its physicochemical properties and then used to formulate tablets with the addition of a disintegrant by direct compression. The tablets were evaluated for their tablet properties and compared with tablets prepared with cellactose- 80® (CEL) and spray dried lactose® (SDL) and a physical mix (PM) of the co-processed ingredient. Results from evaluation of CE showed that flow rate, angle of repose, Carr’s index and Hausner’s ratio were 5.28 g/sec, 20.30o, 23.75 % and 1.31, respectively. Tablets prepared with CE had friability (0%), crushing strength (5.25) KgF, disintegration time (3 mins) and T50% (2 mins). For CEL, friability (0.4 %), crushing strength (7.25) KgF, disintegration time (1 min) and T50% (2 mins); SDL, friability (1.57 %), crushing strength (7.50) KgF, disintegration time (4 mins) and T50% (2 mins) and PM, friability (2.38 %), crushing strength (5.00) KgF, disintegration time (1 min) and T50% (2 mins). In conclusion, the disintegration time and drug release profile for CE was not superior but compared favorably with CEL, SDL and PM.
Deteriorated gene expression of selected calcium transporters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic hearts of Wistar rats

Abstract Aim: The aim is to identify the possible changes in the expression of genes, that regulate calcium homeostasis in cardiomyocytes in diabetes mellitus. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomized into two experimental protocols: short-term 5-days streptozotocin-induced diabetes protocol with 20 weeks old animals at the end of the protocol (total N = 20) and long-term 4-weeks protocol with 18 weeks of age at the end of the protocol (total N = 38). 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) was administered in both protocols by a single intraperitoneal injection in 0,1M citrate buffer (pH = 4.5). Control group (CON) received only vehiculum. Gene expressions in samples of left heart ventricle were measured by RT-qPCR method. Results: The expression of SERCA2a in short-term protocol was decreased. In long-term protocol, decreased SERCA2a, TRPC4 and TRPC6 mRNA levels were observed (*p < 0.05). SERCA2a and TRPC4 mRNA levels exhibited statistical monotonic correlation in STZ-treated group in long-term protocol. Conclusions: In diabetes mellitus, the calcium homeostasis in cardiomyocytes is altered and there could be a relation between alteration of internal sarcoplasmatic stores and store-operated calcium entry.
Organic alternatives to copper in the control of marine biofouling

Abstract: Since the ban of tributyltin, the use of large amounts of copper in antifouling formulations has been the main reason for a low occurrence of animal fouling on ship hulls and, consequently, important fuel savings (Schultz, 2007). However, doubts about its environmental profile (see Chapter 19 ) have encouraged considerable efforts aimed at identifying antifouling alternatives to copper. This chapter includes information about three of the new antifouling candidates that are being identified worldwide. First, the use of sodium benzoate and ferric benzoate, which have demonstrated antifouling effects both in aqueous solutions and as part of soluble matrix paints, is presented. Secondly, medetomidine, a non-toxic pharmacological substance showing activity at very low amounts and interacting strongly with paint surfaces, is presented. Finally, we discuss the use of quebracho tannin and aluminium tannate, and their potential activity with fouling organisms. The use of unconventional organic chemicals provides an alternative solution in response to the demands for an effective antifouling strategy to replace copper.
Effect of ATP-Binding cassette, Sub-Family B polymorphism on plasma nevirapine and efavirenz levels in human immunodeficiency virus with tuberculosis-infected cases: A molecular structure analysis

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an important infection that is usually seen in the patient with underlying human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. An important concern on the cases with HIV/TB is the management of HIV by antiretroviral drug treatment (antiretroviral therapy). The effect of underlying genetic factor is interesting. The effect of adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette, sub-family B (ABCB-1) polymorphism on plasma nevirapine and efavirenz levels is inconclusive. Methods: The authors perform standard molecular structure analysis to assess the effect of C and T alleles of ABCB-1 C3435T polymorphism. The phenotype expressions, reflected by nevirapine and efavirenz levels, are comparatively studied. Results: With focus on 3435 position, the ratio of derived molecular weight after quantum assessment, comparing CC to CT and TT genotypes, is equal to 1:1.068:1.135. Conclusion: The authors can identify the effect of ABCB-1 on the plasma nevirapine and efavirenz levels in HIV/TB patients.
Hematological Changes During All trimesters in Normal Pregnancy

Aim: The objective of the study is to evaluate the normal physiological changes in values of major hematological parameters occur during the normal pregnancy Method: Blood samples (5ml EDTA) were taken voluntarily after consent obtained from from 50 healthy pregnant women from 20 to 40 year s old who presented themselves at Khartoum teaching during their regularly follow-up. Questionnaires and direct interview were used to collect demographic and clinical data. CBC and part differential (WBC, RBC, Hb, PCV, and platelets), were measured by Sysmex and the plasma clotting time PT and PTT were measured by coagulometer. Results: W'BCs mean value was 7.580 cell/mm3, RBCs mean value was 4.1 x l012/L, Hb mean value was 11.79 g/dL, Platelets mean value was 256 x109/L, PT mean value of the study group was 13.40 seconds and PTT mean value was 36.20 seconds. Conclusion: It can be concluded that no statistical significance in RBCs, HB, platelets. PT and PTT between pregnant women in the three different trimesters while white WBCs count showed different decreased but not statistical significant among the three groups, the highest value was round in the second group followed by the third group and the lowest value found in the first group.
Mental Health Problems in the Wake of Disaster: A Gendered Perspective

The present study attempts to analyze mental health problems in terms of anxiety, depression and probable post-traumatic stress disorder among women in Kosi flood affected areas of Bihar, India. STUDY DESIGN: CrossSectional Survey. METHOD: A crosssectional survey was conducted with total sample size of 250. 125 from high flood affected areas where populations were displaced for longer period of time from their original homeland and the same from the unaffected areas without displacement. Purposive sampling was used with those respondents who were willing to be part of the study. Ever-married women aged 17-49 were eligible for the study that were recruited after informed consent. Mental health was assessed by using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Civilian Checklist. RESULTS: Between the two groups there was significant difference found in terms of anxiety (t=10.64, df=248, p=.000) and depression (t=10.32, df=248, p=.000). Further the affected group scored low in two domains of PTSD i.e. avoidance and arousal, whereas intrusion score was found to be average. Moreover, an inverse association of anxiety (r=-0.189 & p=.03), depression (r=-0.185 & p=.03) and PTSD (r=-0.245& p=.006) with age was found among the affected population. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and depression was found to be at an elevated level among affected groups, although respondents in the affected areas scored low in most of the domain of PTSD. Thus following a major disaster, there is a need to specifically address the mental health problems among women and provide adequate psycho-social support.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Drug Revolution Is Coming

The worldwide prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is around 25%, and that of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) ranges from 1.5% to 6.45%. Patients with NASH, especially those with fibrosis, are at higher risk for adverse outcomes such as cirrhosis and liver-related mortality. Although vitamin E, pioglitazone, and liraglutide improved liver histology in randomized trials, there are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for NASH. Five pharmacologic agents—obeticholic acid, elafibranor, cenicriviroc, resmetirom, and aramchol—are being evaluated in large, histology-based phase 3 trials. Within 2 to 4 years, new and effective drugs for the treatment of NASH are expected. Additionally, many phase 2 trials are ongoing for various agents. Based on the results of phase 2 and 3 trials, combination treatments are also being investigated. Future treatment strategies will comprise drug combinations and precision medicine based on the different phenotypes of NASH and treatment response of the individual patient.
Effect of spirulina supplementation on selected components of Th1/Th2 balance in rowers

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of spirulina supplementation on blood levels of selected cytokines in athletes exposed to strenuous physical exercise, with emphasis on Th1/Th2 balance. The double-blind study included 19 members of the Polish Rowing Team. The subjects were randomly assigned to the supplemented group, receiving 1500 mg of spirulina extract for 6 weeks, or to the placebo group. After the supplementation, athletes from the placebo group showed a significant post-recovery reduction of IL-2 level, which contributed to a significant decrease in IL-2/IL-4 and IL-2/IL-10 ratios at the end of a 24-h recovery period. Although this study did not demonstrate significant post-supplementation changes in Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels, the lack of a shift in Th1/Th2 balance toward Th2-type response in the supplemented group implies that some constituents of spirulina may exert an indirect beneficial effect on athletes’ immunity.
Serviços do SWIM Registry Brazil : uma nova abordagem com Blockchain

System Wide Information Management (SWIM) consists of definitions, infrastructure and governance, enabling the Air Traffic Management (ATM) information. From this concept, comes the definition of SWIM Registry, which aims to improve the visibility of information related to ATM and services available from SWIM. The Departamento de Controle do Espaço Aéreo (DECEA) and the Laboratório de Modelo Computacional para Transporte Aéreo (TransLab) developed SWIM Registry Brazil, which consists of a repository containing the services available in SWIM for the Brazilian context. Among the services avaible, one is the flight plan, however this service has some limitations regarding the security of the flight plan information and the authenticity of the users. Thus, this work aims to propose a new approach to the creation of flight plan services. Therefore, the proposed methodology consists of creating a blockchain application to perform operations related to flight plan service. This application is based on an adaptation of the basic blockchain structure to receive information regarding a flight plan, and then simulate the implementation of the service in different test scenarios. From the various tests it was possible to observe that the flight plan service can be executed as a blockchain application obtaining greater security of the information of flight plan data and the authenticity of the system users.
AVALIAÇÃO DA EXPERIÊNCIA DOS ESTUDANTES COM METODOLOGIAS ATIVAS

Este artigo apresenta um estudo referente aos sentimentos hedonicos despertados nos estudantes em relacao a um conjunto de metodologias ativas aplicadas nas aulas de Interacao Humano-Computador. Para a coleta dos dados foi aplicada a tecnica de autorrelato Affect Grid utilizada em avaliacoes de User eXperience (UX). O estudo foi realizado com a participacao de alunos de Engenharia da Computacao ao longo de tres meses. Os dados capturados durante a conducao do experimento permitiram identificar os sentimentos hedonicos causados aos alunos, possibilitando ao professor identificar quais metodologias ativas sao mais adequadas para a geracao de sentimentos positivos.
SMARTer single cell total RNA sequencing

Single cell RNA sequencing methods have been increasingly used to understand cellular heterogeneity. Nevertheless, most of these methods suffer from one or more limitations, such as focusing only on polyadenylated RNA, sequencing of only the 3’ end of the transcript, an exuberant fraction of reads mapping to ribosomal RNA, and the unstranded nature of the sequencing data. Here, we developed a novel single cell strand-specific total RNA library preparation method addressing all the aforementioned shortcomings. Our method was validated on a microfluidics system using three different cancer cell lines undergoing a chemical or genetic perturbation. We demonstrate that our total RNA-seq method detects an equal or higher number of genes compared to classic polyA[+] RNA-seq, including novel and non-polyadenylated genes. The obtained RNA expression patterns also recapitulate the expected biological signal. Inherent to total RNA-seq, our method is also able to detect circular RNAs. Taken together, SMARTer single cell total RNA sequencing is very well suited for any single cell sequencing experiment in which transcript level information is needed beyond polyadenylated genes.
New Insights in the Skin Protective Activity of a Dexpanthenol Containing Formula (BEPANTHEN®) in a Diaper Rash-Like Model

Background: Dexpanthenol containing formula (BEPANTHEN®), formulated as a water in oil preparation, is currently widely marketed as a diaper care product aiming to protect baby’s buttocks and repair diaper dermatitis. Dexpanthenol is a well-known moisturizer with barrier-improving properties and the oily phase of the water in oil preparation forms a lipophilic film on the skin surface that isolates the skin from irritants (feces and urine). Prolonged contact with irritants triggers a local inflammation cascade responsible for the cutaneous erythema. To further investigate the protective properties of skin barrier preparations, we took advantage of an ex vivo model of healthy human skin discs especially designed to evaluate protective and/or repairing effects of topical preparations recommended for baby’s buttocks through the measurement of interleukin-1 alpha release (a cytokine considered as the Primum movens of the skin inflammatory reaction), following the application of different irritants. Methods: Healthy human skin discs have been incubated in the absence (control) or in the presence of two irritants, i.e. a “urine like + urease” preparation and sodium dodecyl sulfate, and in the presence of three ointments, one containing dexpanthenol, but not the other two. At the end of the incubation period, interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) was quantified in the explants culture media. Results: “Urine like + urease” preparation (ULU) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) both increased IL-1α production of skin explants by 181.1% (p α release by 67.42% (p α release by 45.94% (p α production regardless of the irritant applied. Moreover, the effect of the dexpanthenol containing formula on the ULU-induced IL-1α release was significantly higher than the effect of the other formula; a difference of 19.6 % (p ®) provides good protection of baby’s buttocks against irritants. Its protective effect seems to be superior compared with other products, which did not contain this ingredient. Moreover, the results obtained in the present study suggest that dexpanthenol displays per se a real IL-1α production inhibitory effect. This work, however, consists of preliminary studies and additional investigations involving more formulas and end-points such as the quantification of other pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines and/or resolvins for example, are needed to better understand the cutaneous protective effect of dexpanthenol.
The effect of noni fruits (Morinda citrifolia) with different ripeness stages against the total erythrocytes and leukocytes of comet goldfish (Carassius auratus) infested by Argulus

Morinda citrifolia, commonly called noni fruit, has some effect when used in the treatment of fish parasites, such as Argulus. Noni fruit at different maturity stages have active compounds and therapy effects against parasites. The level of the fish’s health can be seen from a hematology observation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of noni fruit of different ripeness stages against the erythrocytes and leukocytes total in goldfish (Carassius auratus) infested with Argulus. The method used in this study was experimental with a completely randomized design (CRD) involving six treatments and three replications. The treatments used were conducted on healthy cometfish as a control (P1), infected fish with Argulus (P2), infected fish with Argulus soaked in noni fruit in the 1st maturity stage (P3), infected fish with Argulus soaked in noni fruit in the 2nd maturity stage (P4), infected fish with Argulus soaked in noni fruit in the 3rd maturity stage (P5) and infected fish with Argulus soaked in noni fruit in the 4th maturity stage (P5). The results showed that noni fruit in different maturity stages significantly impacts the treatment effectiveness. The total of the erythrocytes and leukocytes reached a normal level in P5 when the color characteristic of the fruit was pale- yellow and the firmness was fairly hard. The total number of erythrocytes and leukocytes in the comet goldfish reached normal values, as follows; 13.86 x 105 cell / mm3 and 18.76 × 103 cell / mm3.
What supports Females in Higher Education Progression? A Pakistani Public University Context

The paper is focused on exploring the factors that support females’ progression in higher education. The mixed methods approach is taken to conduct the research, consequently the study falls in pragmatic paradigm. The structured questionnaire is used to collect quantitative data from 200 university female students, and semi-structured interview protocol is used to generate qualitative data from 15 female students of the same university. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) has been used to analyse quantitative data, whereas content analysis has been used to analyse qualitative data. The data highlight that literate parents, global trend of females’ acquisition of higher education, media, availability of jobs and scholarships are supportive factors in females’ progression in higher education. An interesting finding revealed from the data is that ‘Islamic Perspective’ of education is also considered as encouraging factor; generally in Pakistani societal context, especially in remote areas, people use ‘Islamic Perspective’ in a distorted way to restrict their girls from getting higher education.
Sistema de estimación de transitabilidad para robots móviles terrestres

Este documento presenta el desarrollo de un sistema de percepcion robotica para estimacion de transitabilidad en ambientes externos y no estructurados, asi como su posterior implementacion en el robot movil terrestre Jackal. De igual manera, este proyecto esta enmarcado en una de las lineas trazadas por el Semillero de Investigacion en Robotica de la Universidad Autonoma de Occidente (UAO), con el fin de soportar tareas de caracterizacion forestal. El sistema aqui presentado permite estimar transitabilidad, mediante diferentes tecnicas, basandose en la deteccion de obstaculos de manera explicita, para posteriormente realizar el replanteamiento de la ruta definida en un principio y, por ultimo, su ejecucion por parte del robot movil Jackal. Es importante mencionar que, para el desarrollo del mismo, se realizo una intensa busqueda del estado del arte en torno a los sistemas de estimacion de transitabilidad, luego un tamizaje de las alternativas, combinacion (o adicion de librerias como PCL o Costmap2d), la re- parametrizacion de los mismo y el empleo de sensores LIDAR, camara estereo, GPS e IMU, llegando a soluciones mas robustas. Por ultimo, se realizaron pruebas fisicas para determinar el correcto funcionamiento de los mismos; se debe aclarar que como middleware se empleo ROS con el soporte del lenguaje de programacion C++. Ademas, estas pruebas se realizaron en dos etapas: dentro del laboratorio de robotica de la UAO y por fuera del mismo (ambientes externos y no estructurados), siendo la ultima la mas importante para el presente proyecto, logrando determinar el correcto funcionamiento de los algoritmos, siempre y cuando se establezcan los parametros correctamente.
Mutagenesis in Plant Breeding for Disease and Pathogen Resistance

Pathogens affect almost all cash crops and cause a significant reduction in overall yield. In addition to the pathogen frequent disease outbreaks in wide array of crop plants remains serious challenge and pose threats to overall food security causing global yield loss of about 16% [1]. Actual losses incurred by pathogens range from 26-29% for sugar beet, barley, soybean, wheat and cotton, to 31-40% for maize, potato and rice [1]. Plant parasitic nematodes also play a critical role in decreasing the global crop productivity with a resultant global cost of >$120 billion p.a. [2]. Agriculture intensification, poor agronomic practices such as implementation of monoculture, use of chemical fertilizer and inconsistent irrigation are the main factors that led to disease outbreak and decrease in crop yield. Management of pathogens and diseases need to be given due consideration and different methods to combat the crop losses have been developed. Intriguing evidence suggest that the induced mutagenesis is a promising and viable approach to develop resistant cultivars. Using induced mutagenesis, traits for disease and pest resistance have been improved in cereals, legumes and other important crops.