Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Green synthesis: Photocatalytic degradation of textile dyes using metal and metal oxide nanoparticles-latest trends and advancements

Abstract The balance between economic development and environmental damage is also evident in the problem of pollution and waste management. Increased economic activity, mainly in industrial countries, has seen a rise in pollution generated from waste including sewage, trash, and litter. Particularly, the textile industry produces a significant amount of liquid effluent pollutants due to the vast amounts of water used in fabric processing. Dyes are a major class of synthetic organic compounds used in many industries (textile, pharmaceutical, rubber, etc.). Nearly 50,000 tons of dyes are discharged into the environment annually. This has resulted in significant water pollution worldwide. The reduction of these dye compounds from industrial wastewater has been achieved using chemical, physical, and biological methods. However, these approaches are time-consuming, costly, and pose disposal problems. Currently, photocatalytic degradation by nanoparticles is attracting significant attention. In photocatalytic degradation, the pollutants are degraded under UV-visible light irradiation in the presence of catalysts. Compared to the conventional methods, this technique is inexpensive and does not form any polycyclic products. In this review, we focus on different green-synthesized NPs such as Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, ZnO, CuO, α-Fe2O3, TiO2, CeO2, SnO2, and NiO together with and their applications in photocatalytic activities. Highlights The review focuses on the green synthesis of metal/ metal oxide nanoparticles Green synthesized metal/metal oxide photocatalysts is comprehensively reviewed Factors affecting the photo-catalytic degradation of dyes also discussed Classification of dyes and photocatalytic mechanism of metal/ metal oxide nanoparticles was highlighted Graphical Abstract
Robust estimation in partially linear regression models with monotonicity constraints

Abstract Partially linear models are important tools in statistical modeling, combining the flexibility of non–parametric models and the simple interpretation of linear models. Monotonicity constraints appear naturally in certain problems when the response is known to increase with one of the covariates. Estimation methods for partially linear models with monotonicity constraints have been proposed in recent years. These methods have a good performance when all the observations follow the assumed model. However, if a small proportion of atypical observations is present in the sample, these estimators become unreliable. A robust estimation method for these models is proposed and applied to two real data sets. A Monte Carlo simulation study is performed, in which the proposed estimators are compared to existing ones in different situations, both with clean and contaminated samples.
Effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiation on the tumor microenvironment in rectal cancer.

e15115Background: Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery is standard treatment for most rectal cancers. This creates an inflammatory reaction which recruits and enhances T-cell mediated killing. Tumors can evade destruction by expressing immune modulating proteins such as PD-L1. Inhibitors of PD-L1 can circumvent immune evasion potentially enhancing neoadjuvant treatment. We assessed CD8+ infiltrates and PD-L1 expression before and after neoadjuvant CRT. We correlated these changes with clinical and pathological endpoints. Methods: We obtained tissue from 22 patients treated with neoadjuvant CRT followed by primary surgery for rectal adenocarcinoma from 2005-2015. Patients received 5FU based chemotherapy with concurrent radiation (mean 51.2 Gy in 27 fractions). Pre- and post-CRT samples were stained with VENTANA PD-L1 (SP263) Rabbit Monoclonal Primary Antibody to quantitate PD-L1 expression. CD8 + lymphocytes were assessed over one high power field (40x objective) in the area of densest expression. A.
Uso e necessidade de prótese dentária em centro de saúde público na cidade de Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Objective: to evaluate the use and need of dental prosthesis of the population that seeks care in a Municipal Health Center of Passo Fundo / RS, relating these data to socioeconomic factors and self-perception of oral health. Method: clinical examinations were carried out to verify the use and the necessity of dental prostheses, through the evaluation of edentulous spaces in both dental arches, and the application of a questionnaire, through an interview, which collected socioeconomic data and Self-perception of oral health, according to the guidelines of SB Brasil Project 2003. Data were evaluated through descriptive statistics and Chi-square test of associations. Results: it was possible to verify that a large part of the studied population would need prosthetic rehabilitation in both dental arches, however, it did not use maxillary or mandibular dental prostheses. The age of the patients, their family income and the pain in the region of teeth and gums were associated with the use of prosthesis, while age, schooling, housing and family income showed an association with the need. Conclusion: edentulism was high in the studied population and strongly related to age and family income. However, the relationship with socioeconomic conditions and self-perception of oral health was not consistent.
Blood Glucose Level and HbA1C in Pediatric Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common disease found all over the world, including Indonesia. The DM often found in pediatric patients is DM Type 1. The DM patients with uncontrolled blood glucose will likely suffer multiple organ damage, most notably to the kidneys, eyes, heart, and nerves. To help monitor blood glucose levels, lab checkups such as fasting blood glucose, 2 hours postprandial, and Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels are done. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of blood glucose and HbA1C in pediatric patients with DM Type 1. Methods: The study was held in August to October 2014, using descriptive method and cross sectional design. Data were obtained from 28 medical records of DM Type 1 patients in the Department of Child Health at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital. The variables of this study were blood glucose level and HbA1 in three consecutive examinations. The collected data was presented in tables. Results: The patients were 19 female and 9 male, most of the patients aged between 11–15 years old. Data reported that on first, second, and third examination, most subjects had both fasting blood glucose and 2 hours postprandial blood glucose levels over 180 mg/dl. On first and second HbA1c checkup, most subjects had values over 10%, and on third checkup had results ranging from 8 to 9.9%. Conclusions: Most patients are girls and aged between 11–15 years old. The most have uncontrolled blood glucoselevel and HbA1c levels. DOI: 10.15850/amj.v4n2. 1074
The impact of aquaculture soundscapes on whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar

Research into the effects of soundscapes on aquaculture species in key production systems is sparse, despite potential impacts of sound on animal welfare and commercial yields. In the following study, 2 high-value global aquaculture species, whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, were exposed to aquaculture production system soundscapes. For shrimp, sound recordings of a commercial recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) were played back at a sound pressure level (SPL) of 128 dB re 1 μPa, and for salmon, recordings from a commercial sea pen production system were played back at an SPL of 127 dB re 1 μPa for an 8 wk period. Effects of exposure on growth, survival, and indications of metabolic stress were measured as parameters of interest for aquaculture production. Mean growth performance and survival rates did not differ significantly between sound and control treatments for either species. Blood and haemolymph parameters from both species indicated no measurable change in metabolic status or stress levels. Slight, but non-significant, increases in total haemocyte count and, in particular, hyaline cell count were recorded in shrimp exposed to sound. Slight, but non-significant reductions in overall weight gain were recorded in sound-exposed salmon. Overall, the results indicate that sound exposure in current production systems does not negatively affect the early grow-out stage of these key species, either due to rapid habituation or higher hearing thresholds of hatchery-produced individuals, and that no measurable stress response occurs in sound-exposed animals. In future studies, response of the studied species to acute sound exposure and the response of earlier, and potentially more sensitive, life-stages will need to be determined to ensure optimal welfare and production performance.
Joint modeling of longitudinal cholesterol measurements and time to onset of dementia in an elderly African American Cohort

ABSTRACT This paper presents a statistical method for analyzing the association between longitudinal cholesterol measurements and the timing of onset of dementia. The proposed approach jointly models the longitudinal and survival processes for each individual on the basis of a shared random effect, where a linear mixed effects model is assumed for the longitudinal component and an extended Cox regression model is employed for the survival component. A dynamic prediction model is built based on the joint model, which provides prediction of the conditional survival probabilities at different time points using available longitudinal measurements as well as baseline characteristics. We apply our method to the Indianapolis-Ibadan Dementia project, a 20-year study of dementia in elderly African Americans living in Indianapolis, Indiana. We find that with baseline covariates and comorbidities adjusted, the risk of dementia decreases by 1% per one mg/dl increase in total cholesterol. Therefore we conclude that, in a healthy cohort of African Americans aged 65 years or more, high late-life cholesterol level is associated with lower incidence of dementia.
Mehrebenenannotation multimodaler Daten

Die Untersuchung gesprochener Sprache (Spontansprache) war lange ein Forschungsbereich, der primär durch die Gesprächsforschung bedient wurde. Die Analysen erfolgten manuell. In den letzten Jahren wächst das Interesse daran, Methoden und Ansätze der Computerlinguistik und Texttechnologie zu nutzen, um Analysen von Spontansprache computerbasiert zu unterstützen. Die DFG hat dazu eine Handreichung mit Empfehlungen zu Datenstandards und Erhebungstools veröffentlicht (DFG 2015). Der vorliegende Beitrag präsentiert einen komplexen theoretisch-methodischen Ansatz für die semi-automatische Annotation und Analyse von Spontansprache in Transkripten als Teil multimodaler Daten (Videos und Transkripte). Anhand von Videos und Transkripten professioneller Interaktionssituationen, in denen gesprochen, geschrieben und gezeichnet wird, steht die Beschreibung und Analyse von Modalitätsinterdependenzen (MID), dem Zusammenspiel der Modalitäten Sprechen, Schreiben und Visualisieren, im Fokus der Untersuchungen. Der Ausdruck Annotation bezieht sich im hier diskutierten Zusammenhang nicht auf die in der Gesprächsanalyse übliche Lesart (Transkriptionskonventionen zur Verdeutlichung gesprochener Sprache und ihre Handhabung, z.B. Annotation von Intonation oder Gleichzeitigkeit des Sprechens; Schneider 2002). Er bezeichnet vielmehr den Prozess (und das Ergebnis) der systematischen Anreicherung geschriebener oder gesprochener Sprache mit linguistischen Informationen, etwa für Zwecke der Mustererkennung (Ule/Hinrichs 2004:217). Die Informationen werden den Transkripten abstrahiert in Form von Tags (Klassen von Informationen) manuell oder automatisch hinzugefügt (Leech 1993:275). Die Annotation erfolgt mit einer definierten Zielstellung, basierend auf einem Annotationsschema und zugehörigen Annotationsrichtlinien (vgl. Trevisan 2014: 70-71). Analyseleitend sind Fragen zu verschiedenen Typen von MID, MID-Akteuren und MID-Indikatoren sowie das Auftreten von MID in den untersuchten Interaktionstypen, z.B.
MTPA-Based Finite-Set Model Predictive Control Without Weighting Factors for Linear Induction Machine

The efficiency of the linear induction machine (LIM) is considerably low due to the large air-gap length and the additional losses resulting from the end-effects. However, so far, a little concentration has been done to increase the efficiency of this kind of motor. Therefore, the main objectives of this article are to eliminate the weighting factor, reduce the calculation steps, and increase the efficiency of the LIM aiding with a proposed finite-set model predictive direct flux control (FS-MPDFC), depending upon the maximum thrust per ampere (MTPA) strategy. The proposed FS-MPDFC is only based on the primary flux-linkage with the help of a novel cost function that does not require any weighting factors in order to considerably reduce the calculation steps. Moreover, the proposed FS-MPDFC is better than the model predictive current control in reducing the calculation step and decreasing the dependence on the transformation matrix and the machine parameters. In order to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed MTPA-based FS-MPDFC, a comparison between the FS-MPDFC, with and without MTPA, and the previously suggested control techniques is presented and discussed. Moreover, a test bench platform of two 3-kW arc induction machines is constructed to emulate the drive performance of the actual LIM. Comprehensive simulation and experiments have fully demonstrated that the proposed FS-MPDFC with MTPA has lower calculation step, lower thrust ripple by 7%, and lower primary flux-linkage ripple by 0.4% compared to those of the FS-MPDTC. Moreover, the efficiency-based FS-MPDFC with MTPA is increased by 4% compared to that of the FS-MPDFC without MTPA.
Changing the Landscape of Nutrition Programmes in Nigeria Using Precede-Proceed Model (PPM) and Trans-theoretical Model (TTM): A Shift to Change-Theory Approaches

There are empirical evidences that informed the cause and effect of malnutrition in Northern Nigeria. Addressing malnutrition in Northern Nigeria will require a shift from theories to resolving social-determinants. A desk research review was conducted on several nutrition-focus and/or sensitive programmes to examine its level of contributive change to resolving malnutrition in Nigeria. Findings reveals that nutrition programmes proposed and implemented in Nigeria have been largely focused on promoting health education than addressing socioeconomic and environmental characteristics. This paper focuses on critical analysis of empirical evidence of malnutrition in pregnancy and children, and proposes models towards addressing it. Keywords: Malnutrition, socio-economic determinants, Precede and Proceed Model and Trans-Theoretical Model
An Unusual Case of Entamoeba Histolytica Infection in Miami Fl: Case Report and Review of the Literature

We report a case of E. histolytica, which is a rare parasitic infection in North America. A 66-year-old Ecuadorian female had an intermittent six-month history of bloating, explosive diarrhea and significant abdominal distension. Histopathological specimen obtained via colonoscopy revealed colitis due to E. histolytica.
Evaluation of solar disinfection of water intervention delivered through lady health workers in reduction of diarrheal episodes in under five children

Shabina Ariff1, Ubaidullah Khan2, Ali Turab1, Imtiaz Hussain1, Atif Habib1, Tarab Mansoor1, Dania Mallick1, Zamir Suhag1, Zaid Bhatti1, Imran Ahmed1, Sajid Bashir Soofi1*, Zulfiqar A Bhutta3,4 1Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan 2Department of Pediatrics, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan 3Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan 4Center for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada International Journal of Pediatrics & Child Care Open Access Research Article
Assessment of the concentration of nitric oxide in exhaled air (FeNO) in primary school children in Krakow and Ruzomberk in relation to air pollution in these cities.

The measurement of the exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a recognized biomarker in the detection and monitoring of airway inflammatory infections, this including asthma. Due to its simplicity, and noninvasiveness, it is more and more widely used in diagnostics of children. Few studies indicate the relationship between FeNO and atmospheric air pollution. The goal of the following study was the measuring of FeNO for 8-9 year old children in Krakow and Ruzomberok and relating the results of these measurements to the level of air pollution in the PM10 and PM2,5 range. 250 children aged 8-9 (125 in Krakow and 125 in Ruzomberok) attending third grades of primary schools, have constituted the research group. The measurement has been taken in accordance with the applicable standards with the application of a MediSOFT Belgium analyzer with a disposable head with an antibacterial filter. The results of the measurements have been referred to the PM10 and PM2,5 concentration of particulate matter in the air. Within the group of 125 children participating in the study in Krakow, the FeNO levels were normal for 104 (83.2%) children and increased for 21 (16.8%) children. During the period of the study, the average PM10 concentration was 55,7 µg/m 3 and PM2,5 was 37.0 µg/m 3 . As far as the group of 125 children examined in Ruzomberok, the FeNO levels were correct (5-20 ppb) for 114 (91,2%) children and increased (21-55) for 11 child­ren (8.8%). During the period of the study, the average PM10 concentration was 24.1 µg/m 3 and PM2,5 was 15.4 µg/m 3 . As one can see from the comparison, 1.9 times more increased FeNO levels have been recorded in Krakow than in Ruzomberok (18.6 vs 8.8%), and, within the range of the heavily increased values (>50 ppb), this difference was as much as 4 times greater (3.2% vs 0.8%). These results correlate with the PM10 and PM2,5 levels in Krakow, which are respectively 2.3 and 2.4 times higher than those in Ruzomberok.
A Pathologic Etiology for the Rising World Challenge of Obesity and Dyslipidemia during Latest Three Decades

The study aimed to demonstrate the frequency of existence of the colonic Helicobacter pylori strains among a sample of overweight/obese and dyslipidemic individuals and illustration of the pathologic role of these colonic H. pylori strains in leading to obesity and dyslipidemia. Prevalence of obesity and dyslipidemia constitutes a world health challenge. The latest decades demonstrated flare up of abnormal-existence/behavior colonic H. pylori strains and rising figures of disease spread related to these colonic H. pylori strains. The association of overweight/obesity with H. pylori is controversial in different studies while it has been confirmed that colonic H. pylori strains could interfere with fat turnover and lipid-lipoprotein metabolism. H. pylori was found significantly associated with dyslipidemia; H. pylori can induce dyslipidemia by means of increasing triglyceride and decreasing HDL-cholesterol, hence; increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Existence of colonic H. pylori strains was investigated among 100 overweight/obese male and female individuals employing a specific test, the lipid profile was also assessed among those individuals. Natural measures for eradication of H. pylori were employed for selected 30 volunteers with dyslipidemia and positive colonic H. pylori strains in order to assess effect of H. pylori eradication on obesity and dyslipidemia. Marked reduction of body weight with improvement of body mass index and correction of dyslipidemia were demonstrated in 27 patients (90%) within three-five months of employing the natural measures. The bacterium H. pylori colonic strains seem to have a significant role in the spread of obesity and dyslipidemia during latest decades. Therefore; eradication of these abnormal-behavior colonic H. pylori strains could be definitively effective in the control of the rising figures of overweight/obesity and dyslipidmia.
Experience of courtesy stigma among relatives of individuals with schizophrenia - a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to describe the experience of stigma as experienced by individuals accompanying their relatives with schizophrenia in Poland. METHODS Four qualitative techniques were triangulated in the study: participant observation, content analysis, expert-interviews, and in-depth interviews. Collected data were analyzed in accordance with M.B. Miles and A.M. Huberman's model. RESULTS Development of schizophrenia in a family member poses a risk for his/hers family caregivers to enter ‛the zone of stigma'. They encounter a discursive invisibility of the mental health problems as well as missing comprehension and empathy. The stereotype-based social grid of convictions about schizophrenia, psychiatry and the lack of social clues of how to proceed, lead to the development of caregivers' sense of constant uncertainty and feeling lost. The common misconceptions about mental disorders create a greater distance and reluctance between caregivers and their distant relatives, neighbours and friends.The prevalence of the disadvantageous discourse on mental illness stimulates the relatives' anticipation of exclusion, evokes shame. Relatives often experience reluctance in their contact with psychiatric staff, ignorance of their needs and as well as professionals' therapeutic pessimism. Such components of ‛the zone of stigma' pose a threat to the realization of what is at stake for family caregivers, and give way to their powerlessness. CONCLUSIONS This article presents the results of the first qualitative study on the phenomenon conducted in Poland and characterizes the impact of stigmatizing character of schizophrenia on lives of afflicted individual's family caregivers. In-depth comprehension of the social context of accompanying a relative is crucial for addressing family caregivers' needs in a better way and developing models of cooperation between psychiatric staff and patient's family.
Evaluation of acute oral toxicity, embryotoxicity and cytotoxicity of the polar fraction of Parkinsonia aculeata aerial parts extract.

Ethnopharmacobotanical information reports that Parkinsonia aculeata infusion is used to control diabetes-related complications and dyslipidemia. However, few studies are reported on the safe use of this species. The aim of this study is to evaluate the acute toxicity, embryotoxicity and cytotoxicity of a polar fraction obtained from hydroethanolic extract of P. aculeata (PfrHEPA). For the acute toxicity test, we considered the Up and Down method which the guidelines are described by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD N°425). The animals were treated with PfrHEPA (2000 mg/kg) or with distilled water (10 ml/kg) by gavage and observed from Day 1 to14. For embryotoxicity assay, zebrafish embryos were exposed to PfrHEPA (100 mg/L) and toxicity parameters were observed during four consecutive days. The cytotoxicity of PfrHEPA (5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μg/ml, respectively) was performed on normal cell lines (mesenchymal stem cells, African green monkey renal cells and mouse pre-adipocytes 3 T3-L1 using the MTT salt reduction assay. In the acute toxicity test, no mortality was observed in mice treated with PfrHEPA (2000 mg/kg), as well as behavioral changes, histopathological abnormalities and hematological and biochemical variables. In the embryotoxicity test, no abnormal changes related to the toxicological parameters were observed in the period of 96 h. Regarding the cytotoxicity assay, PfrHEPA showed no cytotoxic effect on the normal cell lines tested, with an IC50 value > 100 μg/ml. These results suggest the safe use of P. aculeata, however, more trials are needed for PfrHEPA to be presented as new safe therapeutic proposal for the control of metabolic disorders.