Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Project-based learning to improve scientific literacy for primary education postgraduate students in science subject

The research aimed to describe the learning activities and the ability of scientific literacy (attitude, context, knowledge, and competence) Students of Primary Education Postgraduate Program of Bengkulu University in natural science subjects by using the PjBL model. The Classroom Action Research done in three cycles for Primary Education Postgraduate Program students of Bengkulu University in the first semester of 2019/2020 academic year. Instrument and data collection techniques are observations, tests, and rubrics. The observation was on student activities in learning and aspects of caring for the environment and caring for health. The instruments were HOTS test and rubric. The science aspect uses the student report assessment sheet. The indicators of successful actions were the activities of lecturers and students in teaching and learning by using PjBL in good categories, and the percentage of students who show attitudes, context, knowledge, and competencies of science meet good categories at least 80%. The results of this research are the using of Project-Based Learning model can improve the learning activities of Primary Education Postgraduate Program Students of Bengkulu University in a natural science subject and can improve the scientific literacy aspects of an attitude, context, knowledge, and competencies for Primary Education Postgraduate Program in the science subject.
Isolation and characterization of Ralstonia solanacearum strains causing bacterial wilt of potato in Nakuru County of Kenya

In Africa, cultivation of potato (Solanum tuberosum) represents an important food source and income generation. However, its productivity is constrained by biotic and abiotic stresses. Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is an important constraint to the world potato industry. In Kenya, the disease affects 77% of potato farms causing yield losses of up to 100%. Control methods are limited mainly due to the broad diversity and wide spread of its pathogen. Understanding the population structure and geographical distribution of this pathogen is an important starting point in the development of effective control strategies. In this study, R. solanacearum strains affecting potato cultivation in Nakuru county were successfully isolated and characterized. Kelman’s triphenyl tetrazolium chloride media were used to isolate the pathogen and 20 isolates were selected based on their virulence for further characterization and confirmation of their status at the molecular level through polymerase chain reaction using 759/760 primers and sequencing of partial endoglucanase (egl) gene. The phylogenetic assay was done using specific primers and it was found that the phylogenetic diversity was highly heterogeneous, since all the four phylotypes of R. solanacearum were identified. Phylotype I was the most prevalent phylotype and represented 50% of the collection. Based on their ability to utilize sugars and alcohols, all the isolates were grouped as biovar III except 2 (Rs18 and Rs49). The aggressiveness of isolated bacteria was then evaluated using a hypersensitive reaction test on tobacco and their virulence was further confirmed on a susceptible potato variety Shangi under greenhouse conditions. All isolates elicited a reaction in tobacco with different grades. They also showed varying levels of virulence with Rs6 isolate being the most virulent. Taken together, these findings provide baseline information for improvement programs targeting host-based resistance to multiple strains causing bacterial wilt of potato in this region. Keywords: Bacterial wilt, Biovar, hypersensitive reaction, pathogenicity, phylotype, potato, Ralstonia solanacearum.
Analisis Pengelolaan Zakat Di Lazis Muhammadiyah (LAZISMU) Kota Medan Berdasarkan Undang-Undang No. 23 Tahun 2011 Tentang Pengelolaan Zakat

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat implementasi UU/No. 23/ 2011 dalam pengelolaan zakat, strategi yang dilaksanakan, kelebihan dan kekurangan LAZIS Muhammadiyah Kota Medan dalam pengelolaan zakat.Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan metode lapangan ( field research ),dilakukan pada Lembaga Amil Zakat, Infaq, dan Sedekah Muhammadiyah (LAZISMU) Kota Medan, yang terletak di Jl. Mandala By Pass No. 140A. Dengan beberap informan yaitu Korbid LAZISMU Kota Medan, Dewan Syariah/Badan Pengawas/Badan Pengurus LAZISMU Kota Medan, Pimpinan Eksekutif (Direktur/Manajer), serta Amil Divisi LAZISMU Kota Medan. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah Lazismu telah memiliki legalitas yang sah dalam melakukan pengelolaan ZIS dengan adanya izin dari pemerintah yaitu Menteri Agama RI No 730 Tahun 2016, lazismu telah memenuhi syarat secara Undang-Undang No. 23 Tahun 2011 dalam implementasi pengelolaan zakat. Seperti implementasi pendayagunaan ekonomi produktif, pendistribusian yang diawasi oleh badan pengawas dan dewan syariah, adanya layanan hitung zakat, kuitansi penerimaan ZIS, Lazismu memisahkan pembukuan Zakat, infaq, sedekah dan dana sosial keagamaan lainnya dan lazismu juga membuat laporan bulanan rutin yang terbit di media Majalah Matahati Lazismu.Kelebihan dari Lazismu dapat memanfaatkan jejaring yang sudah dimiliki oleh MuhammadiyahKelemahan strategi penghimpunan Lazismu ini diperparah dengan kegagalan Lazismu dalam memaksimalkan potensi penghimpunan di Muhammadiyah.
Prohibiting pet crayfish does not consistently reduce their availability online

The pet trade is a significant source of introductions of non-indigenous aquatic species, such as crayfish. To test whether legislation that regulates the ownership of ornamental animals for aquariums had the desired effect of reducing the availability of those pets, classified advertising websites were monitored for sales of crayfish in jurisdictions with and without legislation regulating the ownership of crayfish. Advertisements from Canadian provinces with legislation against owning crayfish were compared to provinces without such legislation. The population adjusted number of advertisements for crayfish, and number of distinct sellers of crayfish, was significantly lower in one of two provinces that prohibited crayfish compared to provinces that permitted crayfish. This mixed outcome suggests that legislation alone does not consistently reduce online trade in crayfish.
Anti-C1q Antibodies as Occurring in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Could Be Induced by an Epstein-Barr Virus-Derived Antigenic Site

Previous infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is believed to trigger autoimmunity and to drive autoantibody generation as occurring in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Complement C1q and autoantibodies targeting it (anti-C1q) are also considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, independently of the impact of environmental insults. Still, the circumstances under which these autoantibodies arise remain elusive. By studying a major antigenic site of C1q targeted by anti-C1q (A08), we aimed to determine environmental factors and possible mechanisms leading to the development of anti-C1q. First, we determined antigenic residues of A08 that were critical for the binding of anti-C1q; importantly, we found the binding to depend on amino-acid-identity. Anti-C1q of SLE patients targeting these critical antigenic residues specifically cross-reacted with the EBV-related EBNA-1 (Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1)-derived peptide EBNA348. In a cohort of 180 SLE patients we confirmed that patients that were seropositive for EBV and recognized the EBNA348 peptide had increased levels of anti-A08 and anti-C1q, respectively. The correlation of anti-EBNA348 with anti-A08 levels was stronger in SLE patients than in matched healthy controls. Finally, EBNA348 peptide-immunization of C1q−/− mice induced the generation of cross-reactive antibodies which recognized both the A08 epitope of C1q and intact C1q. These findings suggest that anti-C1q in SLE patients could be induced by an EBV-derived epitope through molecular mimicry, thereby further supporting the pathogenic role of EBV in the development of SLE. Considering the role of C1q and anti-C1q, modifying the anti-EBV response might be a promising strategy to improve the course of the disease.
Quality Properties of Baechu kimchi treated with Black Panax ginseng Extracts during Fermentation at Low Temperature

To develop a new functional kimchi with cognition-enhancing properties, black Panax ginseng extract (0.5-5%, w/w) was added to a baechu kimchi preparation and the mixture stored at for 30 days. Compared with control kimchi, the L values of ginseng-treated material were significantly decreased, but the a and b values were increased. The hardness value of ginseng-treated kimchi was significantly higher than that of control material from the day of storage. The edibility period of baechu kimchi treated with ginseng was prolonged by approximately 15 days compared with control kimchi. This resulted from decreases in the numbers of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts during the final stages of fermentation in ginseng-treated material. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity by ginseng-treated kimchi was 2-fold higher than that of control material. A strong ginseng flavor and a bitter taste were evident in kimchi treated with 5% (w/w) ginseng, and sensory quality was thus decreased compared with control material. It was concluded that an appropriate concentration of black ginseng extract was 3% (w/w) in preparation of kimchi with a cognition-enhancing effect.
Seroprevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in the Hohoe Municipality Hospital, Ghana: 2015-2016: a retrospective hospital-based cross-sectional study

Background: unsafe blood remains a major threat to the global spread of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs). Blood is usually tested for four TTIs: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Syphilis before transfusion. This study determined the trends of transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in the Hohoe Municipal Hospital, Ghana from 2015 to 2016.
Anisotropic analysis of unconventional reservoirs using rock physics model : Eagle Ford shale case study

Eagle Ford shale has been of importance in the oil and gas industry with the new advent of unconventional technology in recent years. Previous studies have shown that Eagle Ford shale is a world-class source rock. Rock physics models help characterize the elastic properties of conventional and unconventional reservoirs. In this thesis, I present a novel rock physics model for organic-rich shales. The extended Maxwell homogenization scheme is utilized as a rock physics model for transversely isotropic media. Since shales have complex structures, different components of the rock are modeled as multiple inclusions. First, I estimate the anisotropic clay matrix. This is then used as the host matrix, and quartz, calcite, kerogen, and fluid-filled pores are modeled as inclusions with different aspect ratios. Representation of multiple inhomogeneities with different aspect ratios is non-trivial. Yet, I suggest a solution to the representation difficulty using this new model. The Maxwell homogenization scheme honors the aspect ratio of each inclusion embedded in an effective inclusion domain. Combined rock physics models have been used to obtain elastic properties of clays and shales. Notwithstanding, there is no consistent method for modeling both. The developed rock physics model and workflow thoroughly handle the estimation of elastic stiffness coefficients of both clays and shales in anisotropic media. This study shows that this rock physics model can be readily applied to other unconventional reservoirs. Dipole sonic log and core measurements of the Eagle Ford shale field are utilized to constrain the modeling results. I process and interpret dipole sonic logs to obtain elastic stiffness coefficients C33, C55 and C66. Subsequently, I use these coefficients to validate the outcomes of the Maxwell homogenization scheme. To my knowledge, this is one of the first studies that verify the robustness of this rock physics template with field data.
Bioavailability of Cadmium and Zinc to Two Earthworm Species in High-metal Soils

It was generally recognized that the bioavailability, other than total content of heavy metals in soil, is crucial to predict metals' toxic effect on environment. Stable Isotope Dilution technique (SID) equipped with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a good way for measuring the potential bioavailable portion of metals in soils. In Chapter 2, we build method to accurately determined Cd (111Cd/114Cd) and the ratio of Zn (66Zn/68Zn) in soil suspension and then applied this to stable isotope dilution technique to successfully obtain the labile fraction of Cd and Zn in polluted soils. In Chapter 3, it was found when compared to chemical extraction methods, the stable isotope dilution technique is the better way to assess bioavailability of Cd and Zn in soil to the earthworms Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus terrestris. Besides, the result showed on average, the fraction of labile Cd (44.7%) was significantly higher than that of Zn (25.4%), indicating that Cd is more chemically reactive in soil, which may explain the larger BSAFs for Cd in earthworms. In addition, it was found the accumulation of heavy metals was not only element-specific, but also species-specific. In Chapter 4, the uptake and elimination kinetics of Zn and Cd by E. fetida and L. terrestris were investigated then. The kinetic rates were calculated using a first-order, one-compartment, toxico-kinetic model. Pronounced differences were found on the earthworms' uptake and elimination kinetics between Zn and Cd (p<0.01). Lastly in Chapter 5, it was found earthworms' activity increased the pH value and decreased organic carbon content of soils. In addition, the results showed that the Cd, Zn contents in the casts was significantly decreased, while the percentage of 0.01M Ca(NO3)2, 1M CaCl2-extractable Cd and Zn, as well as the fraction of labile Cd and Zn in the casts were significantly increased, suggesting that the earthworms effectively improved heavy metals' lability.
Aromatic polyketide biosynthesis: fidelity, evolution and engineering

We report the formicapyridines which are structurally and biosynthetically related to the pentacyclic fasamycin and formicamycin aromatic polyketides but comprise a rare pyridine moiety. These new compounds are trace level metabolites formed by derailment of the major biosynthetic pathway. Inspired by evolutionary logic we show that rational mutation of a single gene in the biosynthetic gene cluster leads to a significant increase both in total formicapyridine production and their enrichment relative to the fasamycins/formicamycins. Our observations broaden the polyketide biosynthetic landscape and identify a non-catalytic role for ABM superfamily proteins in type II polyketide synthase assemblages for maintaining biosynthetic pathway fidelity.
Proximate analysis, mineral composition, and antioxidant properties of bitter leaf and scent leaf

ABSTRACT Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Del.) and Scent leaf (Occimum gratissimum L.) are vegetables with medicinal properties, commonly grown in West Africa, but only sparsely consumed because of the bitter taste of Bitter leaf and availability of substitutes for Scent leaf. These two vegetables are considered underutilized, but may have utility in over the counter remedies or as food supplements. The study was undertaken to estimate mineral content, bioactive compositions and antioxidant properties of Bitter leaf and Scent leaf to determine medicinal and nutritional values of the vegetables. Dried leaves, obtained from a garden in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, were individually ground to a fine powder for analyses. Vernonia amygdalina and O. gratissimum contained in percent, respectively, protein (42.52 ± 0.25, 14.73 ± 0.38), moisture (2.4 ± 0.05, 6.5 ± 0.57), fat (6.5 ± 0.29, 2.25 ± 0.03), ash (4.26 ± 0.02, 4.23 ± 0.01), crude fiber (3.83 ± 0.02, 5.95 ± 0.32), carbohydrate (40.47 ± 0.07, 66.34 ± 0.27), and dry matter (97.6 ± 0.05, 97.75 ± 0.03). Saponin, flavonoid, tannin, and some macro- and microminerals were present in the vegetables. If consumed in sufficient amount, the plants may contribute to nutritional requirements for good health in humans. The plants may also serve as sources of pharmaceutical formulations and food supplements.
Pattern of distribution of AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma lesions in HIV patients in a referral hospital in Kenya

Background : Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative malignancy caused by infection with human herpes virus -8 (HHV-8). The tumour has four subtypes including Classic KS, African- endemic, Iatrogenic and Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related KS. AIDS- related KS is the most common malignancy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and has variable clinical presentation with diverse distribution of lesions. Objective : To assess the pattern of distribution of KS lesions in patients with AIDS-related KS at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methods : We carried out a descriptive study on patients with HIV infection with histological diagnosis of KS. The study commenced upon approval by KNH-University of Nairobi Ethics and Research Committee. Following consent, clinical and demographic data was obtained from participants through verbal interviews and from medical records using a data capture form. Follow up was until 10 weeks. Management of patients was at the discretion of the attending clinician. Data was analyzed by a statistician using Instat Biostatistics program. Results Seventy-four participants aged between 13 to 55 years were enrolled into the study. Males were 42 (56.7%) and females 32 (43.2%). Mean age was 36.8 years. The distribution of KS lesions was variable. We demonstrate high predilection of lesions for skin and lymph nodes at 62.6%. Other sites were involved were the oral cavity 14.9%. Twenty-eight (38%) of the participants had multifocal lesions with a male predominance in skin and viscera with male to female ratio of skin 1.8:1 and viscera 7:1 respectively. Conclusion: We demonstrate reduced male: female ratio and multifocal distribution of AIDS-related KS lesions with predominance in skin and lymph nodes and male predominance in visceral lesions. Future studies should aim to determine what favours increase in, KS in women and visceral lesions in males among patients with HIV infection. Keywords : Kaposi’s Sarcoma, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Changes in cuticle compositions and crystal structure of ‘Bingtang’ sweet orange fruits (Citrus sinensis) during storage

ABSTRACT Changes in composition and structure of orange cuticle during storage at 4°C or 25°C for 40 days were investigated. The total epicuticular wax content of fruits increased during storage at 4°C for 30 days and then decreased as storage time prolonged to 40 days, while it increased continuously at 25°C for 40 days. The total intracuticular wax content of fruits increased to 9.70 μg cm−2 stored at 4°C for 10 days and then decreased to 6.74 μg cm−2 for 40 days. The total intracuticular wax content of fruits was decreased to 5.17 μg cm−2 stored at 25°C for 10 days and then increased to 10.06 μg cm−2 for 30 days. Fatty acids were the most abundant component of the epicuticular wax and terpenoids were restricted to the intracuticular wax. Terpenoids were restricted to the intracuticular wax, and their amounts in the fruit stored at 4°C increased continuously during the first 20 days of storage at 4°C and then decreased as storage time increased up to 40 days. Although significant changes were found in the contents of the cutin monomer, their proportions did not change significantly during storage at 4°C or 25°C. Size of wax platelets crystals wax increased during storage of fruits at 4°C up to 30 days; however, the crystals were degraded and decreased as storage prolonged to 40 days. Furthermore, the shape of the fruit cuticle surface wax crystals changed from flattened platelets to small granulelike after storage at 25°C for 20–40 days. The obtained results provide detailed information about the changes in orange cuticle occur during storage at varying temperatures, which may help in preserving the quality of citrus fruits during storage.
One-dimensional ultrasound propagation at stratified gas: Gross-Jackson model

The system of hydrodynamic-type equations, derived by two-side distribution function for a stratified gas in gravity field is applied to a problem of ultrasound. The theory is based on Gross-Jackson kinetic equation, which solution is built by means of locally equilibrium distribution function with different local parameters for molecules moving "up"and "down". The linearized version of the obtained system is studied and compared with other results and experiments at arbitrary Knudsen numbers. The problem of a generation by a moving plane in a rarefied gas is explored. The WKB solutions for ultrasound in a stratified medium are constructed in explicit form, evaluated and plotted.
Validation of elongated uppermost internode (eui) gene with functional markers in spontaneous mutant rice (Oryza sativa L.)

To overcome the panicle exertion problems in CMS lines, the inclusion of elongated uppermost internode (eui1) gene in wild abortive cytoplasm can become the permanent solution in hybrid rice technology. Elongated uppermost internode gene produces complete panicle exertion in CMS lines. In view of this matter, a spontaneous mutant, Accession 18 shows elongated uppermost internode trait and it is validated with known eui gene donor, IR91-1591-3 to investigate the allelic relationship between them using functional molecular markers. A spontaneous mutant Accession 18 revealed 100 per cent allelic relationship with eui1 gene which is available in the donor, IR91-1591-3.
Insertion sequences drive the emergence of a highly adapted human pathogen

Taxonomic outliers of Pseudomonas aeruginosa of environmental origin have recently emerged as infectious for humans. Here we present the first genome-wide analysis of an isolate that caused fatal hemorrhagic pneumonia. We demonstrate that, in two sequential clones, CLJ1 and CLJ3, recovered from a patient with chronic pulmonary disease, insertion of a mobile genetic element into the P. aeruginosa chromosome affected major virulence-associated phenotypes and led to increased resistance to antibiotics used to treat the patient. Comparative proteome and transcriptome analyses revealed that this insertion sequence, ISL3, disrupted genes encoding flagellar components, type IV pili, O-specific antigens, translesion polymerase and enzymes producing hydrogen cyanide. CLJ3 possessed seven fold more IS insertions than CLJ1, some modifying its susceptibility to antibiotics by disrupting the genes for the outer-membrane porin OprD and the regulator of β-lactamase expression AmpD. In the Galleria mellonella larvae model, the two strains displayed different levels of virulence, with CLJ1 being highly pathogenic. This work reveals ISs as major players in enhancing the pathogenic potential of a P. aeruginosa taxonomic outlier by modulating both, the virulence and the resistance to antimicrobials, and explains the ability of this bacterium to adapt from the environment to a human host.