Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TEACHERS’ PERCEPTION OF DIGITAL GAME-BASED LEARNING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN RURAL SCHOOLS IN GHANA

Digital game-based learning (DGBL) is increasingly being used as a teaching methodology to engage learners in the learning processes. The limited usage of digital game-based learning (DGBL) in rural education in Ghana has motivated this study. This study investigates the use of DGBL in early childhood education (ECE). Specifically, the study sought to examine rural teachers’ perspectives of DGBL. The study adopted a quantitative data-gathering method. Questionnaires were administered to sixty-five (65) early childhood rural teachers and 62 responses were received. The analysis revealed that most rural teachers who do not employ DGBL in ECE classrooms do not have the prerequisite knowledge, and view DGBL as a distractive technique that hinders students learning. The consequences of these findings from the viewpoints of ECE rural teachers suggest that the government must support rural teachers in using DGBL through professional development programmes.
Epigenome-wide association study reveals CpG sites associated with thyroid function and regulatory effects on KLF9.

BACKGROUND Thyroid hormones play a key role in differentiation and metabolism, and are known regulators of gene expression through both genomic and epigenetic processes including DNA methylation. The aim of this study was to examine associations between thyroid hormones and DNA methylation. METHODS We carried out a fixed-effect meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association study of blood DNA methylation sites from 8 cohorts from the ThyroidOmics Consortium, incorporating up to 7,073 participants of both European and African ancestry, implementing a discovery and replication stage. Statistical analyses were conducted using normalized beta CpG values as dependent and log-transformed thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine levels, respectively, as independent variable in a linear model. The replicated findings were correlated with gene expression levels in whole-blood, and tested for causal influence of TSH and free thyroxine by two-sample Mendelian randomization. RESULTS Epigenome-wide significant associations (p-value < 1.1E-7) of 3 CpGs for free thyroxine, 5 for free triiodothyronine, and 2 for TSH concentrations were discovered and replicated (combined p-values = 1.5E-9 to 4.3E-28). The associations included CpG sites annotated to KLF9 (cg00049440) and DOT1L (cg04173586) that overlap with all three traits, consistent with hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis physiology. Significant associations were also found for CpGs in FKBP5 for free thyroxine, and at CSNK1D/LINCO1970 and LRRC8D for free triiodothyronine. Mendelian randomization analyses supported a causal effect of thyroid status on DNA methylation of KLF9. DNA methylation of cg00049440 in KLF9 was inversely correlated with KLF9 gene expression in blood. The CpG at CSNK1D/LINC01970 overlapped with thyroid hormone receptor alpha binding peaks in liver cells. The total additive heritability of the methylation levels of the six significant CpG sites was between 25% and 57%. Significant methylation QTLs were identified for CpGs at KLF9, FKBP5, LRRC8D and CSNK1D/LINC01970. CONCLUSIONS We report novel associations between TSH, thyroid hormones and blood-based DNA methylation. This study advances our understanding of thyroid hormone action particularly related to KLF9, and serves as a proof-of-concept that integrations of EWAS with other -omics data can provide a valuable tool for unravelling thyroid hormone signaling in humans by complementing and feeding classical in-vitro and animal studies.
Semaphorin 4D promotes inhibitory synapse formation and suppresses seizures in vivo

We previously discovered a role for the extracellular domain of the transmembrane protein semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) as a fast‐acting, selective, and positive regulator of functional γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic synapse formation in hippocampal neuronal culture. We also demonstrated that Sema4D treatment increases inhibitory tone and suppresses hyperexcitability in an organotypic hippocampal slice culture model of epilepsy. Here, we investigate the ability of Sema4D to promote GABAergic synapse formation and suppress seizure activity in vivo in adult mice.
PI Observer-Based Synchronization Control for Singularly Perturbed Complex Dynamical Networks: An Improved Coding-Decoding Protocol Scheme

This article studies the proportional-integral observer-based synchronization control issue for a kind of singularly perturbed complex dynamical networks, where the challenge lies in simultaneously considering the constrained communication network and the data transmission security. To address this issue, an improved coding-decoding protocol (CDP) is introduced by equipping with the weighted try-once discard protocol. Unlike the other conventional CDP methods where the coder is required to equip with a strong computing/memory power, the proposed one removes this strict requirement and further reduces the high consumption of the communication bandwidth. Based on this, a proper synchronization controller is designed associating with the decoding states, and sufficient criteria are derived to reveal the relationships between the exponential ultimate boundedness of the synchronization error system and the upper bound of the singularly perturbed parameter as well as the CDP parameters. Finally, two simulation examples are offered to demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed method.
Biorefinery model for the production of biofuels and bioproducts from lignocellulosic biomass

This work studies advanced biofuel and biomaterials production using lignocellulosic biomass from poplar crops. In this sense, lignocellulosic biomass transformation into biojet fuel, bioLPG, green diesel and High-Density Polyethylene (HPDE) was studied through an exhaustive evaluation, including a techno-economic analysis, a life cycle assessment and physico-chemical and thermodynamical analyses. Biorefinery models were simulated using the chemical engineering software AspenPlus® v.12. In all cases, the NRTL thermodynamical method was employed, except for the HDPE production, where the Polymer method was used for the mass and energy balances. All biorefineries were fed with 77 t/h of feedstock. On the one hand, in the biojet fuel set-up, the biorefinery produced 92,400 t/year of biojet fuel and 39,917 t/year of green diesel. On the other hand, in the HDPE configuration, 103,000 t/year of HPDE were obtained. The life cycle analysis (LCA), carried out using the simulation software SimaPro® and the Ecoinvent® database, measured the environmental impact generated, kg of CO2-eq/MJ biofuel and kg of CO2-eq/kg of HDPE, at each process. Techno-economic results evaluated the relation between fixed and variable costs through a cash flow to obtain the products' minimum selling price (MSP). Even though economic competitiveness is barely achieved, when the processes by-products such as lignin are considered, the MSP drops enough to be competitive with their conventional counterparts. Besides, a sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate different scenarios where the simulated biorefineries were competitive, demonstrating the potential of poplar biomass residues as feedstock. In all cases, the CO2-eq footprint was compared with European standards, obtaining encouraging results compared to the Renewable Energy Directive II, which means the produced biofuels are eligible for financial support by public authorities. Finally, biofuels properties were compared to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, where the specifications of road transport fuels and aviation turbine fuels are shown (consisting of a conventional and synthetic mixture). All biofuels met the standards.
Altered Expression of Autophagy Biomarkers in Hippocampal Neurons in a Multiple Sclerosis Animal Model

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation, demyelination, synaptic alteration, and neuronal loss are hallmarks detectable in MS. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model widely used to study pathogenic aspects of MS. Autophagy is a process that maintains cell homeostasis by removing abnormal organelles and damaged proteins and is involved both in protective and detrimental effects that have been seen in a variety of human diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. This study is aimed at investigating the autophagy signaling pathway through the analysis of the main autophagic proteins including Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein light chain (LC3, autophagosome marker), and p62 also called sequestosome1 (SQSTM1, substrate of autophagy-mediated degradation) in the hippocampus of EAE-affected mice. The expression levels of Beclin-1, LC3, and p62 and the Akt/mTOR pathway were examined by Western blot experiments. In EAE mice, compared to control animals, significant reductions of expression levels were detectable for Beclin-1 and LC3 II (indicating the reduction of autophagosomes), and p62 (suggesting that autophagic flux increased). In parallel, molecular analysis detected the deregulation of the Akt/mTOR signaling. Immunofluorescence double-labeling images showed co-localization of NeuN (neuronal nuclear marker) and Beclin-1, LC3, and p62 throughout the CA1 and CA3 hippocampal subfields. Taken together, these data demonstrate that activation of autophagy occurs in the neurons of the hippocampus in this experimental model.
Precision Dosing in Critical Care: Application of Machine Learning in Fluid Therapy

Fluid therapy is a common treatment for hypovolemic scenarios to restore the lost blood volume and stabilize acutely ill patients. Automating fluid therapy can lead to a reduction of delay in care, a decrement in dosing errors, and a reduction of cognitive load on clinicians responsible for patient care resulting in improved patient outcomes. However, this process is highly challenging due to the complexity of patient’s physiology and the variability of hemodynamic responses among patients. This work presents a novel machine learning approach based on reinforcement learning (RL) for automated fluid management, where the RL agent is designed to recommend subject-specific infusion dosages without having the knowledge of dose-response models and only by interacting with the environment (virtual subject generator). Compared to the state-of-the-art focusing on the entire population’s data, the proposed approach uses individual patient’s data to recommend patient-specific fluid dosage adjustment. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) and a rule-based fluid resuscitation controller previously reported for an animal study.
Characterizing The Cellular Response To Nitrogen-doped Carbon Nanocups For Potential Application In Understanding The Abscission Delay Pathway In Mammalian Cells

Cytokinesis is the separation of two daughter cells after successful chromosome segregation. Occasionally cells face challenges during the end of cell division. I specifically investigate how cells deal with the challenge of chromatin trapped in the cleavage plane. It is understood that cells have developed a mechanism where they delay cytokinesis until the chromatin is cleared. This mechanism is conserved in yeast, mammalian cells and drosophila[1-4]. In mammalian cells, Aurora B is thought to be a key protein in delaying cytokinesis[4, 5]. What is yet to be understood is how trapped chromatin leads to the reactivation of Aurora B at the end of cytokinesis. I have explored the nature of this pathway, using fluorescence microscopy and live cell imaging. My data suggest that post-translational modifications on Aurora B changes when lagging chromatin is trapped in the cleavage plane. To understand the mechanism in more detail, I propose using carbon nanoparticles, specifically carbon nanotubes, to mimic lagging chromatin and help further characterize the pathway allowing cells to modulate cytokinesis in response to chromatin in the cleavage furrow. In collaboration with Dr. Star in the chemistry department by using their synthesized material, I investigate how cells react to the exposure of nitrogen-doped carbon nanocups (NCNCs). Originally, NCNCs were developed to aid in delivering drug to tumors, and have been studies in mouse systems and in neutrophils[6, 7]. In my study, I have demonstrated that NCNCs are capable of entering cells, they have minimal cytotoxic effects, and protein-conjugated NCNCs can successfully enter cells. This primes NCNCs as a potential tool to be used as a signaling platform to recapitulate the abscission delay pathway in cells undergoing normal cytokinesis.
Fortification of Staple Foods for Household Use with Vitamin D: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health concern with significant implications for bone health and chronic disease prevention. Our aim was to summarize the evidence from Cochrane and other systematic reviews evaluating the benefits or harms of vitamin D fortification of staple foods for household use. In April 2023, we systematically searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Epistemonikos and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for systematic reviews investigating the effects of vitamin D fortification of food in general populations of any age. We used Cochrane methodology and assessed the methodological quality of included studies using AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews). We assessed the degree of overlap among reviews. All outcomes included in systematic reviews were assessed. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023420991). We included 27 systematic reviews out of 5028 records for analysis. Overall, 11 out of 12 systematic reviews calculating pooled estimates reported a significant increase in serum 25(OH)D concentrations. The mean change in serum 25(OH)D concentrations per additional 100 units of vitamin D ranged from 0.7 to 10.8 nmol/L. Fortification of food with vitamin D showed a reduction in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency based on high-certainty evidence. Parathormone (PTH) levels were described to decrease, bone mineral density to increase, while the effects on other bone turnover markers were inconsistent. Fortification did not significantly impact most anthropometric parameters, but it seemed to positively influence lipid profiles. In summary, fortification of food with vitamin D results in a reduction of vitamin D deficiency and might increase serum 25(OH)D concentrations, to varying extents depending on the fortified vehicle and population characteristics. Additionally, fortification may have a positive impact on bone turnover and lipid metabolism but may only have a limited effect on anthropometric parameters.
A Techno-Economic Appraisal of Green Diesel Generation through Hydrothermal Liquefaction, Leveraging Residual Resources from Seaweed and Fishing Sectors

This study examines the economic viability of an emerging technology for potential upscaling and commercialization in a specific location: the village of New Stuyahok, Alaska. The proposed technology is hydrothermal liquefaction, which utilizes kelp macroalgae and fishing waste as feedstock. These materials were chosen due to their easy availability in the village and their alignment with the local economy. The economic evaluation is based on the net present value (NPV) and sensitivity models. Different feedstock ratios (on a dry basis), such as 100:0, 50:50, and 30:70 of kelp and fishing waste, respectively, were evaluated to determine the optimal combination. The results indicated that the process is economically viable only when a high proportion of fishing waste is used. This can be ascribed to the constrained output yield of the kelp biomass and the relatively negligible influence exerted by alginate production on the NPV. However, the ratio 50:50 appears to be economically promising if the costs can be reduced by at least 13.5% or the benefits can be increased by 12.1%. Nevertheless, government support could play a crucial role in expediting the implementation of this technology once it becomes market-ready. This means being practical, scalable, and economically viable, enabling reduced investments or increased benefits that signify its readiness. Utilizing such a tool offers valuable insights into the framework of the proposed technology and the use of local natural resources.
Transient Co-Expression of Bioactive Murine Interferon-Gamma and HBsAg in Tobacco and Lettuce Leaves

Background: The synchronous expression of antigen and adjuvant proteins in plant hosts presents an intriguing potential for vaccine production and the enhancement of appropriate immune responses. In this study, we examined the expression of bioactive murine interferon-gamma (mIFN-γ) along with HBsAg in tobacco and lettuce leaves aimed to further perform the analysis of immune responses in the mouse model. Methods: Monocistronic and bicistronic cassettes, carrying genes encoding mIFN-γ and HBsAg in various orders, were constructed. These cassettes were placed under the control of the 35S CaMV promoter and included the 5′ leader sequence of Tobacco Ech Virus (TEV). Through Agrobacterium infiltration, the cassettes were transferred into plant leaves. The concentration of mIFN-γ in different constructs and HBsAg was tested by ELISA. Murine IFN-γ was characterized through Western blotting, and its bioactivity was evaluated by assessing the up-regulation of MHC class II in macrophages derived from mouse bone marrow. Results: Extracts of agroinfiltrated leaves contained recombinant mIFN-γ and HBsAg proteins at about 14 unit/mg and 50 ng/mg of soluble protein, respectively. Subsequently, mIFN-γ was purified from the plant extract and its ability to up-regulate MHC class II in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages was confirmed by immunofluorescence. Conclusion: The co-expression of recombinant HBsAg and mIFN-γ using TEV 5′ leader-based cassettes in tobacco and lettuce leaves produced both proteins with active mIFN-γ in different concentrations. The attractive utility and feasibility of using plant transient co-expression systems aimed to co-delivery of vaccine antigen and appropriate cytokine to elicit immune response for different applications.
Observed equatorial Rossby waves and ENSO-related warm water volume changes in the equatorial Pacific Ocean - art. no. C06003

[1] Modifications of the volume of warm water above the thermocline in the equatorial Pacific are thought to be critical for ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) preconditioning, development and prediction. In this paper, changes in this Warm Water Volume (WWV) are first reviewed from the literature, and then analyzed within 5°N–5°S in using 1992–2006 altimeter-derived sea level anomalies (SLA) and in situ observations. We conclude that the 1992–2006 WWV changes in the equatorial band are a residual from the opposite effects of zonally integrated meridional Ekman and geostrophic transports of warm water, the latter being estimated from SLA and validated against in situ observations. For the first time with observations, we evidence first baroclinic first meridional mode equatorial Rossby waves to be responsible for the anomalous meridional geostrophic transports of warm water, in changing the basin-scale zonal pressure gradient. These transports appear in phase opposition and proportional to the anomalous Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the region NINO3.4 (170°W–120°W, 5°N–5°S). The links between our observational results and the recharge/discharge oscillator theory, the differences in WWV between ENSO events, and the hint for possible recent changes in the relation between WWV and NINO3.4 SST are discussed.
Changes in organic fractions, cations, and stabilization from feces to fecal sludge: implications for dewatering performance and management solutions

Reliable dewatering performance remains a key challenge in fecal sludge management, and the controlling factors or mechanisms are not well understood. There remain limited studies on constituents in feces and fecal sludge and how they affect the dewaterability of fecal sludge. This study aimed at evaluating a range of constituents in feces, and to gain empirical knowledge toward a mechanistic understanding of how they influence dewaterability. In this study, cellulose reduced capillary suction time, decreased supernatant turbidity, and increased cake solids. While hemicellulose decreased supernatant turbidity, lignin increased supernatant turbidity, capillary suction time, and cake solids. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) increased both capillary suction time and supernatant turbidity and decreased cake solids, whereas lipids increased turbidity. Cations had no significant effect on dewatering properties. Overall, fecal sludge stored in containments had better dewatering performance than ‘fresh’ fecal sludge, which was attributed to stabilization. Field fecal sludge had a higher relative abundance of Pseudomonas, which is associated with better aggregation, and fewer small particles (<10 μm) that clog filters to reduce dewatering performance. Further understanding of stabilization and developing an agreed-upon metrics of stabilization are essential for predicting fecal sludge dewatering performance, and developing smaller footprint dewatering treatment technologies.
Diagnostic accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography with modified grayscale range for detection of buccal cortical plate defects adjacent to dental implants

ABSTRACT Background: This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with a modified grayscale range for the detection of buccal cortical plate defects adjacent to dental implants. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, titanium implants were inserted in 168 fresh bovine bone blocks with 1–1.5 mm of buccal cortical plate thickness. The blocks were randomly divided into four groups (n = 42). No defect was created in the control blocks. In the three experimental groups, cortical plate defects were randomly created in the cervical, middle, or apical third by a round bur with a 2-mm diameter (n = 42). All blocks underwent CBCT with and without change in the grayscale range. Two observers evaluated all images regarding the presence/absence of defects. Kappa test is used for the agreement of the observers. The diagnostic accuracy of the two modalities was compared by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) (P ≤ 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity values were also compared. Results: The AUC was not significantly different between the two modalities with and without altered grayscale range (0.754 vs. 0.762, respectively, P = 0.716). The diagnostic sensitivity of CBCT with and without change in the grayscale range was 51% and 52%, respectively, with a specificity of 100% for both. The diagnostic accuracy of CBCT with and without altered grayscale range had no significant difference for apical and middle third defects (P > 0.05) and was significantly higher than that for the cervical third defects (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Changing the grayscale range does not improve the diagnostic accuracy of CBCT for the detection of buccal cortical plate defects adjacent to dental implants.