Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dark Adaptation and Its Role in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Dark adaptation (DA) refers to the slow recovery of visual sensitivity in darkness following exposure to intense or prolonged illumination, which bleaches a significant amount of the rhodopsin. This natural process also offers an opportunity to understand cellular function in the outer retina and evaluate for presence of disease. How our eyes adapt to darkness can be a key indicator of retinal health, which can be altered in the presence of certain diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A specific focus on clinical aspects of DA measurement and its significance to furthering our understanding of AMD has revealed essential findings underlying the pathobiology of the disease. The process of dark adaptation involves phototransduction taking place mainly between the photoreceptor outer segments and the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer. DA occurs over a large range of luminance and is modulated by both cone and rod photoreceptors. In the photopic ranges, rods are saturated and cone cells adapt to the high luminance levels. However, under scotopic ranges, cones are unable to respond to the dim luminance and rods modulate the responses to lower levels of light as they can respond to even a single photon. Since the cone visual cycle is also based on the Muller cells, measuring the impairment in rod-based dark adaptation is thought to be particularly relevant to diseases such as AMD, which involves both photoreceptors and RPE. Dark adaptation parameters are metrics derived from curve-fitting dark adaptation sensitivities over time and can represent specific cellular function. Parameters such as the cone-rod break (CRB) and rod intercept time (RIT) are particularly sensitive to changes in the outer retina. There is some structural and functional continuum between normal aging and the AMD pathology. Many studies have shown an increase of the rod intercept time (RIT), i.e., delays in rod-mediated DA in AMD patients with increasing disease severity determined by increased drusen grade, pigment changes and the presence of subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) and association with certain morphological features in the peripheral retina. Specifications of spatial testing location, repeatability of the testing, ease and availability of the testing device in clinical settings, and test duration in elderly population are also important. We provide a detailed overview in light of all these factors.
Study of Different Deep Learning Methods for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Taxonomy, Survey and Insights

COVID-19 has evolved into one of the most severe and acute illnesses. The number of deaths continues to climb despite the development of vaccines and new strains of the virus have appeared. The early and precise recognition of COVID-19 are key in viably treating patients and containing the pandemic on the whole. Deep learning technology has been shown to be a significant tool in diagnosing COVID-19 and in assisting radiologists to detect anomalies and numerous diseases during this epidemic. This research seeks to provide an overview of novel deep learning-based applications for medical imaging modalities, computer tomography (CT) and chest X-rays (CXR), for the detection and classification COVID-19. First, we give an overview of the taxonomy of medical imaging and present a summary of types of deep learning (DL) methods. Then, utilizing deep learning techniques, we present an overview of systems created for COVID-19 detection and classification. We also give a rundown of the most well-known databases used to train these networks. Finally, we explore the challenges of using deep learning algorithms to detect COVID-19, as well as future research prospects in this field.
The Comparison of Advanced Electrospun Materials Based on Poly(-3-hydroxybutyrate) with Natural and Synthetic Additives

The comparison of the effect of porphyrins of natural and synthetic origin containing the same metal atom on the structure and properties of the semi-crystalline polymer matrix is of current concern. A large number of modifying additives and biodegradable polymers for biomedical purposes, composed of poly(-3-hydroxybutyrate)-porphyrin, are of particular interest because of the combination of their unique properties. The objective of this work are electrospun fibrous material based on poly(-3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), hemin (Hmi), and tetraphenylporphyrin with iron (Fe(TPP)Cl). The structure of these new materials was investigated by methods such as optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Electron paramagnetic resonance method, and Differential scanning calorimetry. The properties of the electrospun materials were analyzed by mechanical and biological tests, and the wetting contact angle was measured. In this work, it was found that even small concentrations of porphyrin can increase the antimicrobial properties by 12 times, improve the physical and mechanical properties by at least 3.5 times, and vary hydrophobicity by at least 5%. At the same time, additives similar in the structure had an oppositely directed effect on the supramolecular structure, the composition of the crystalline, and the amorphous phases. The article considers assumptions about the nature of such differences due to the influence of Hmi and Fe(TPP)Cl) on the macromolecular and fibrous structure of PHB.
ADVERGAME FOR PURCHASE INTENTION VIA GAME AND BRAND ATTITUDES FROM ANTECEDENTS OF SYSTEM DESIGN, PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE, AND GAME CONTENT: INTERACTIVE ROLE OF BRAND FAMILIARITY

ABSTRACT Advergame is important as a new form of digital marketing and few studies have shown a complete model structure along with understanding the antecedents of online purchase intention. Based on the hierarchy of effective and relevant behavioral theories, we propose a research model with four components: consumer beliefs, advergame attitude, brand attitude, and purchase intention. The elaboration likelihood model (ELM) is used as a complementary lens to define three game beliefs: advergame design, psychological state, and advergame content. A comprehensive literature review is further classified to define their comprised elements. Brand familiarity is shown as a moderator for the link of advergame and brand attitude due to a connection to behavioral theories. Empirical study consists of an online survey of 477 consumers who had recent experience of advergame playing. Most variables for game beliefs, including game-brand fit, perceived interactivity, involvement, entertainment, and receptiveness, show significant, positive effects on advergame attitude. Besides, advergame attitude reports an important, direct link with purchase intention. Brand familiarity indicates importance as the moderator.
Biochemical Profile and Antimicrobial Activity of an Herbal-Based Formula and Its Potential Application in Cosmetic Industry

Microbial infections, and especially microbial resistance, are critical and actual problems that require targeted and efficient therapeutic intervention. Natural-based solutions are a viable alternative, at least for complementary therapy, due to few or no side effects and high safety and efficacy levels. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the potential use of a patented formula based on Achillea millefolium, Origanum vulgare, and Lychnis coronaria species as an antibacterial ingredient, mainly for skin and mucosal infections, in order to support its pharmaco-cosmetic application. The chemical composition of the formula was analyzed by HPLC and spectrophotometric methods. Furthermore, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity were evaluated. To determine the formula’s safety for topical application, it was used on a reconstructed human epidermal model. The formula showed inhibitory activity on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively, moderate inhibition on B. cereus, Kocuria kristinae, P. aeurginosa, S. enterica Typhimurium, methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensible S. aureus, as well as high inhibition on S. epidermidis, Serratia marescens, and Streptococcus pyogenes. The developed product was biochemically characterized for its content in polyphenols, triterpenes, and polyphenol carboxylic acids. The formula was proven to have a nonirritant effect on the human epidermis and important antioxidant activity.
Neural Crest-Derived Stem Cells (NCSCs) Obtained from Dental-Related Stem Cells (DRSCs): A Literature Review on Current Knowledge and Directions toward Translational Applications

Evidence from dental-related stem cells (DRSCs) suggests an enhanced potential for ectodermal lineage differentiation due to their neural crest origin. Growing evidence that DRSC cultures can produce cells with a neural crest-derived stem cell (NCSC)-like phenotype supports their potential for future therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases and nerve injuries. However, most of the evidence is limited to the characterization of DRSCs as NCSCs by detecting the expression of neural crest markers. Only a few studies have provided proof of concept of an improved neuro-glial differentiation or direct applicability in relevant models. In addition, a current problem is that several of the existing protocols do not meet manufacturing standards for transferability to a clinical scenario. This review describes the current protocols to obtain NCSCs from DRSCs and their characterization. Also, it provides important considerations from previous work where DRSCs were established and characterized as mesenchymal stromal cells but studied for their neuro-glial differentiation potential. The therapeutic advancement of DRSCs would depend on establishing protocols that can yield a neural crest-like phenotype efficiently, using appropriate manufacturing standards and testing them in relevant models of disease or injury. Achieving these conditions could then facilitate and validate the therapeutic potential of DRSC-NCSCs in regenerative therapies.
Identification of the Emotional Regulations of Surabaya Junior High School Students on the Tendency of Bullying Behavior

This study aims to determine the level of emotional regulation of junior high school students in Surabaya on bullying behavior. This study is a comparative study with a sample of 135 students (80 female students, 55 male students). This study is a quantitative study with a descriptive approach. The instrument used is the scale of emotion regulation developed by Gross, JJ, & John, OP. Analysis of the data used to identify students' level of emotional regulation is the independent samples test. The research findings show that there is a significant difference regulation of students' emotions. This study recommends counseling services to improve students' emotional regulation.
Comparative Analysis of Root Na+ Relation under Salinity between Oryza sativa and Oryza coarctata

Na+ toxicity is one of the major physiological constraints imposed by salinity on plant performance. At the same time, Na+ uptake may be beneficial under some circumstances as an easily accessible inorganic ion that can be used for increasing solute concentrations and maintaining cell turgor. Two rice species, Oryza sativa (cultivated rice, salt-sensitive) and Oryza coarctata (wild rice, salt-tolerant), demonstrated different strategies in controlling Na+ uptake. Glasshouse experiments and gene expression analysis suggested that salt-treated wild rice quickly increased xylem Na+ loading for osmotic adjustment but maintained a non-toxic level of stable shoot Na+ concentration by increased activity of a high affinity K+ transporter HKT1;5 (essential for xylem Na+ unloading) and a Na+/H+ exchanger NHX (for sequestering Na+ and K+ into root vacuoles). Cultivated rice prevented Na+ uptake and transport to the shoot at the beginning of salt treatment but failed to maintain it in the long term. While electrophysiological assays revealed greater net Na+ uptake upon salt application in cultivated rice, O. sativa plants showed much stronger activation of the root plasma membrane Na+/H+ Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1) exchanger. Thus, it appears that wild rice limits passive Na+ entry into root cells while cultivated rice relies heavily on SOS1-mediating Na+ exclusion, with major penalties imposed by the existence of the “futile cycle” at the plasma membrane.
Persistent Cutaneous Leishmania major Infection Promotes Infection-Adapted Myelopoiesis

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) are responsible for the generation of most immune cells throughout the lifespan of the organism. Inflammation can activate bone marrow HSPCs, leading to enhanced myelopoiesis to replace cells, such as neutrophils, which are attracted to inflamed tissues. We have previously shown that HSPC activation promotes parasite persistence and expansion in experimental visceral leishmaniasis through the increased production of permissive monocytes. However, it is not clear if the presence of the parasite in the bone marrow was required for infection-adapted myelopoiesis. We therefore hypothesized that persistent forms of Leishmania major (cutaneous leishmaniasis) could also activate HSPCs and myeloid precursors in the C57Bl/6 mouse model of intradermal infection in the ear. The accrued influx of myeloid cells to the lesion site corresponded to an increase in myeloid-biased HSPCs in the bone marrow and spleen in mice infected with a persistent strain of L. major, together with an increase in monocytes and monocyte-derived myeloid cells in the spleen. Analysis of the bone marrow cytokine and chemokine environment revealed an attenuated type I and type II interferon response in the mice infected with the persistent strain compared to the self-healing strain, while both strains induced a rapid upregulation of myelopoietic cytokines, such as IL-1β and GM-CSF. These results demonstrate that an active infection in the bone marrow is not necessary for the induction of infection-adapted myelopoiesis, and underline the importance of considering alterations to the bone marrow output when analyzing in vivo host-pathogen interactions.
The IL6-174G/C Polymorphism Associated with High Levels of IL-6 Contributes to HCV Infection, but Is Not Related to HBV Infection, in the Amazon Region of Brazil

The dysregulation of cytokine production can lead to an inefficient immune response, promoting viral persistence that induces the progression of chronic viral hepatitis. The study investigated the association of the IL6-174G/C polymorphism with changes in cytokine levels and its influence on the persistence and progression of chronic hepatitis caused by HBV and HCV in 72 patients with chronic hepatitis B (HBV), 100 patients with hepatitis C (HCV), and a control group of 300 individuals. The genotyping of the IL6-174G/C polymorphism was performed by real-time PCR, and cytokine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HCV patients with the wild-type genotype (GG) had a higher viral load (p = 0.0230). The plasma levels of IL-6 were higher among patients infected with HBV and HCV than among the control group (p < 0.0001). Patients with HCV were associated with increased inflammatory activity (A2–A3; p < 0.0001). In hepatitis C, carriers of the GG genotype had higher levels of IL-6 (p = 0.0286), which were associated with A2–A3 inflammatory activity (p = 0.0097). Patients with A2–A3 inflammatory activity and GG genotype had higher levels of IL-6 than those with the GC/CC genotype (p = 0.0127). In conclusion, the wild-type genotype for the IL6-174G/C polymorphism was associated with high levels of IL-6 and HCV viral load and inflammatory activity, suggesting that this genotype may be a contributing factor to virus-induced chronic infection.
Miniaturized Band Pass Filter Design Using Half Mode Substrate Integrated Coaxial Resonators

The contribution of this work is to propose a half-mode substrate integrated coaxial resonator (HMSICR) and its application in bandpass filter (BPF) design. The proposed HMSICR is formed by evenly bisecting a square substrate integrated coaxial resonator (SICR), which is a cavity composed of two dielectric substrates and three metal layers. The SICR’s sidewalls are mimicked by periodically spaced thru-via arrays, and a circular patch is embedded in the middle metal layer of the SICR with the patch shorted to the cavity’s bottom wall by a circular array of blind vias. This HMSICR can drastically lower the cavity’s resonance frequency. The achieved frequency reduction rate of the proposed HMSICR, as compared with that of its conventional substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity counterpart, reaches 70%. A sample four-HMSICR BPF is built for the circuit verification measurement. To further reduce the sample filter’s area, the composing HMSICRs are vertically stacked in a back-to-back configuration. We believe that its obtained size-reduction rate reaches the highest record.
Construction and numerical analysis of a fuzzy non-standard computational method for the solution of an SEIQR model of COVID-19 dynamics

This current work presents an SEIQR model with fuzzy parameters. The use of fuzzy theory helps us to solve the problems of quantifying uncertainty in the mathematical modeling of diseases. The fuzzy reproduction number and fuzzy equilibrium points have been derived focusing on a model in a specific group of people having a triangular membership function. Moreover, a fuzzy non-standard finite difference (FNSFD) method for the model is developed. The stability of the proposed method is discussed in a fuzzy sense. A numerical verification for the proposed model is presented. The developed FNSFD scheme is a reliable method and preserves all the essential features of a continuous dynamical system.
Incomplete Atypical Femoral Fracture Treated by Prophylactic Intramedullary Nail Fixation: A Case Series

Long-term bisphosphonate use may be associated with atypical femoral fractures. In this report, we describe three cases of bisphosphonate-associated incomplete atypical femoral fracture, treated by prophylactic intramedullary nail fixation. Patients with long-term intake of bisphosphonates must be carefully monitored; atypical femoral fracture should be suspected in the presence of symptoms such as thigh pain. Its early identification is important to avoid a complete fracture and invasive surgery, and prophylactic fixation is recommended for incomplete atypical femoral fractures.
AI ethics and learning: EdTech companies’ challenges and solutions

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to identify the ethical challenges, solutions and needs of educational technology (EdTech) companies. Qualitative data was collected in interviews with seven experts from four companies, and the data was analysed using inductive content analysis. The four main areas of challenges were ambiguous regulations, inequalities in human learning, ethical dilemmas in machine learning (ML) and lack of ability to assess consequences in society. According to the studied companies, AI regulations are difficult to understand and implement. There is also much to be done in terms of reliability, transparency, and safety. Consequently, companies suggested that AI-based products should be more preventive, safe, explicable, and equally accessible. Sufficient information, multi-professional support also within company, global collaboration, sharing best practices, and general discussion were emphasised. The results show that EdTech companies are aware of their ethical challenges, and their responsibility as disseminators of information. However, translating information into practice is challenging because it is often very fragmented and difficult to understand. Companies hoped that everyone: themselves, consumers, educational institutions, researchers, funders, and decision-makers would do more together to overcome the ethical challenges of AI.
Development of a piezoelectric nanogenerator based on mesoporous silica/zinc oxide hybrid nanocomposite fibres

The current research paper presents an investigation of the piezoelectric performances of five different polyvinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene (PHP) systems fabricated by electrospinning. Morphological and structural analyses of neat PHP, PHP/zinc oxide 1% (PHP‐Z), PHP/mesoporous silica 1% (PHP‐M), PHP/ZnO‐mesoporous silica at 1 wt. % (PHP‐MZ1), and PHP/ZnO‐mesoporous silica at 3 wt% (PHP‐MZ3) were carried out systematically by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The microscopic analysis results show the formation of uniform ZnO nanoflakes of approximately 5 nm in diameter, whereas mesoporous silica particles form a uniform spherical structure with a typical diameter of 5 μm. Elemental analysis by EDX spectra confirms the presence of Zn, O, and Si in the prepared nanocomposites. The crystalline β‐phase of PHP in the Fourier transformation infrared spectra rises with the addition of ZnO and mesoporous silica particles to the polymer matrix. Neat polyvinylidene fluoride has the most intense XRD peak in comparison to all other polymer nanocomposites. The fabricated flexible nanogenerator obtained from the 1% ZnO‐mesoporous silica nanocomposite shows an output voltage of 2 V, whereas the nanogenerator prepared using the neat PHP sample exhibits an output voltage of ~120 mV. All of the results indicate that the 1% ZnO‐mesoporous silica PHP nanocomposite is suitable for constructing low‐powered wearable self‐driven electrical devices.
COMPARATIVE ANALYTICAL DETERMINATION OF THERMAL PROTECTION BEHAVIOR FOR EXPERIMENTAL MODELS MADE OF STRATIFIED BIOCOMPOSITE BOARDS OF LIGNO-CELLULOSE NATURE

The paper addresses the comparative analytical determination of thermal insulation behavior for various experimental models made of stratified and hybrid biocomposites of ligno-cellulose nature. The analytical determination of the thermal resistance and the overall thermal insulation coefficient for each experimental model is performed using the calculation methodology for energy efficiency. The results obtained after the analysis of the thermal insulation behavior for the biocomposite panels highlighted the fact that they have thermal insulation properties with high values for thermal resistance and global thermal insulation coefficients.
SLRA: Challenges faced by SMEs in the adoption of E-commerce and sustainability in Industry 4.0.

The ultimate goal of this article is to delve into and identify the key elements that influence e-business implementation in both “ERP-enabled and non-ERP-enabled” businesses. To comprehensively examine the factors that drive e-business acceptance and to fully articulate the significant intrinsic abilities and traits required to effortlessly convert the organization from brick-and-mortar to click-and-mortar through e-commerce. As the world moves toward technology 5.0, SMEs are unable to thrive in "I-4.0. " The COVID-19 epidemic has undoubtedly proven to the world the value of sustainable technology in empowering distant employees. And a very few relative handfuls of literature review-based research have tested the ideas of the “Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework, Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory, and Resource-Based View (RBV) theory”, in combination. Furthermore, the comparative study contributes by proposing the profound significance of E-commerce as a mediator variable amongst essential TOE, DOI, and RBV characteristics and company success. The successful adoption and effective use of e-commerce are critical to progressively increasing potential productivity in the digital age. This exploratory research has successful applicability since it employs the “TOE, DOI, and RBV theories” that are appropriate for the implementation of E-commerce and, as a result, contribute to enhancing the efficiency of Indian small and medium companies.