Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Comparative Human Study to Verify the Functionality and Safety of the Lespedeza cuneata G. Don Extract for the Improvement of Aging Male Syndrome

Objective: Aging male syndrome is a clinical biochemical syndrome characterized by typical aging symptoms and serum testosterone deficiency. Although it is accompanied by various health problems, directly affects life satisfaction, and requires proper management, no clear prevention or treatment other than hormone replacement therapy is currently available for this syndrome. Here, we aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of the Lespedeza cuneata extract in the management of the aging male syndrome. Methods: Males aged 43-70 years who provided consent for participation and had a total Aging Males’ Symptom questionnaire score ≥ 37 and testosterone level ≤ 500 ng/dL were enrolled in this study. This study was conducted in a randomized, double-blind manner. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups and orally administered the assigned product twice a day. Efficacy was evaluated by measuring changes in Aging Males’ Symptom score, Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male questionnaire score, International Index of Erectile Function score, International Prostatic Symptom Score, blood test results, and body mass index at 8 weeks. Results: After 8 weeks, the experimental group had significantly improved symptom scores compared to the control group on the Aging Males’ Symptom and Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male questionnaires. However, no significant differences in the International Index of Erectile Function score, International Prostatic Symptom Score score, blood test results, and body mass index were observed between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: Lespedeza cuneata extract safely alleviates andropause symptoms without any significant side effects, suggesting its potential for the treatment of the aging male syndrome.
The Terrestrial Carbon Cycle: Implications for the Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol achieved a significant breakthrough by including terrestrial carbon sources and sinks into a legally binding emissions reduction framework. The effectiveness of the portocol can be improved by adopting a full carbon budget. Terrestrial carbon sinks are part of an active biological cycle and can offset fossil fuel emissions only temporarily, from decades to a century. They can thus buy time to address anthropogenic perturbation emissions.
Behavioural and Social Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Persons with Disabilities in Kenya.

The uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine by persons with disabilities remains largely unknown in low-and middle-income countries. This evidence gap necessitates disability-focused research to inform improvements in access and inclusion in the last mile of COVID-19 vaccination programs and to support future programs for other vaccine-preventable diseases. We aimed to identify behavioural and social predictors of COVID-19 uptake among persons with disabilities in Kenya. This was a convergent parallel mixed method study that involved questionnaires (792), key informants interviews, and focus group discussions among persons with disabilities and key stakeholders (government actors and professional associations). Data were analysed using STATA statistical analysis software (version 14). Chi-square (X2) and Fishers exact tests were used to test for differences in categorical variables; multivariate regression analysis was employed to ascertain the factors that influence uptake of COVID-19 among persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kenya. Approximately 59% of persons with disabilities reported to be fully vaccinated, with significant disparities noted among those with cognition (34.2%) and self-care (36.6%) impairments. Confidence in vaccine benefits (Adjusted odds ration [OR]; 11.3, 95% CI; 5.2-24.2), health worker recommendation (OR; 2.6, 95% CI; 1.8-3.7), employment (OR; 2.1, 95% CI; 1.4-3.1), perceived risk (OR; 2.0, 95% CI; 1.3-3.1), age and area of residence were statistically significant predictors of vaccine uptake among PWDs. The primary reasons for low uptake included perceived negative vaccine effects and lack of adequate information. No association was found between having a primary caregiver and/or assistive device, with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Subsequent vaccination deployments should map and reach PWDs through relevant institutions of PWDs, and localized vaccination campaigns. Related communication strategies should leverage on behaviour change techniques that inspire confidence in vaccines, and on the credibility and trust in health workers to improve vaccine uptake.
Shared genetic basis informs the roles of polyunsaturated fatty acids in brain disorders

The neural tissue is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), components that are indispensable for the proper functioning of neurons, such as neurotransmission. PUFA nutritional deficiency and imbalance have been linked to a variety of chronic brain disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety, and anorexia. However, the effects of PUFAs on brain disorders remain inconclusive, and the extent of their shared genetic determinants is largely unknown. Here, we used genome-wide association summary statistics to systematically examine the shared genetic basis between six phenotypes of circulating PUFAs (N = 114,999) and 20 brain disorders (N = 9,725-762,917), infer their potential causal relationships, identify colocalized regions, and pinpoint shared genetic variants. Genetic correlation and polygenic overlap analyses revealed a widespread shared genetic basis for 77 trait pairs between six PUFA phenotypes and 16 brain disorders. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis indicated potential causal relationships for 16 pairs of PUFAs and brain disorders, including alcohol consumption, bipolar disorder (BIP), and MDD. Colocalization analysis identified 40 shared loci (13 unique) among six PUFAs and ten brain disorders. Twenty-two unique variants were statistically inferred as candidate shared causal variants, including rs1260326 (GCKR), rs174564 (FADS2) and rs4818766 (ADARB1). These findings reveal a widespread shared genetic basis between PUFAs and brain disorders, pinpoint specific shared variants, and provide support for the potential effects of PUFAs on certain brain disorders, especially MDD, BIP, and alcohol consumption.
Green-pesantren and environmental knowledge and awareness: case study at Pondok Pesantren As Salafy Al Asror Semarang

Green-pesantren or eco-pesantren have become an important concern in improving environmental knowledge and awareness for all parties, including Pondok Pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) in Indonesia. This research aimed to describe the level of student’s environmental knowledge and awareness and explore the efforts that had been made at Pondok Pesantren As Salafy Al Asror in Semarang to improve environmental knowledge and awareness for Santri (Students), Ustadz (Teachers), and residents of Pondok Pesantren. The research was conducted quantitatively and qualitatively to capture the phenomenon in more depth. The informants included Santri, Ustadz, and caretakers of Pondok Pesantren As Salafy Al Asror in Semarang. Data collection methods used interviews and documentation. The data analysis method used is descriptive quantitative and interpretive qualitative analysis. The research findings indicated that Pondok Pesantren As Salafy Al Asror had paid sufficient attention to the concept of green-pesantren or eco-pesantren. The management had tried to raise environmental knowledge and awareness for Santri, Ustadz and Pondok Pesantren stakeholders. Efforts that had been made include the provision of adequate trash bins, regular cottage community service agendas, sanitation arrangements, and environmental awareness education. However, there were still many things that needed to be addressed, such as waste management and infrastructure management that cared more about the environment. Provision of alternative sources of electricity through solar electricity and utilization of clean and healthy water sources was an important matter that must be addressed by Pondok Pesantren management.
Determinants of Agricultural Income to Promote Economic Sustainability in Indonesia

Indonesia is an agricultural country where most of the population works as farmers. The share of the agricultural sector in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ranks third, with an average informal sector employment of 88.34% in the last five years. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence the contribution of the agriculture sector to economic sustainability growth, proxied by national income, in the short and long run through the Error Correction Model (ECM) regression analysis tool with time series data of Indonesia for the 1991 – 2020 period through four independent variables; arable land, agricultural machinery, GDP growth per capita, and labor productivity of the agricultural sector. The results showed that Arable Land has a positive effect on Agricultural Income, significant in the long run but insignificant in the short run. Agricultural Machinery and Labor Productivity have a significant positive effect both in the short and long run. Then, the GDP per capita growth has a significant negative effect in the short and long run. From the results of the research, several policy recommendations have been compiled for the advancement of the agricultural sector in Indonesia, one of them is the intensification of machinery utilization.
A spatio-temporal model of multi-marker antimalarial resistance

The emergence and spread of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites have hindered efforts to eliminate malaria. Monitoring the spread of drug resistance is vital, as drug resistance can lead to widespread treatment failure. We develop a Bayesian model to produce spatio-temporal maps that depict the spread of drug resistance, and apply our methods for the antimalarial sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. We infer from genetic count data the prevalences over space and time of various malaria parasite haplotypes associated with drug resistance. Previous work has focused on inferring the prevalence of individual molecular markers. In reality, combinations of mutations at multiple markers confer varying degrees of drug resistance to the parasite, indicating that multiple markers should be modelled together. However, the reporting of genetic count data is often inconsistent as some studies report haplotype counts, whereas some studies report mutation counts of individual markers separately. In response, we introduce a latent multinomial Gaussian process model to handle partially reported spatio-temporal count data. As drug-resistant mutations are often used as a proxy for treatment efficacy, point estimates from our spatio-temporal maps can help inform antimalarial drug policies, whereas the uncertainties from our maps can help with optimizing sampling strategies for future monitoring of drug resistance.
A Systematic Review of Studies on Educational Robotics

Abstract There has been a steady increase in the number of studies investigating educational robotics and its impact on academic and social skills of young learners. Educational robots are used both in and out of school environments to enhance K–12 students’ interest, engagement, and academic achievement in various fields of STEM education. Some prior studies show evidence for the general benefits of educational robotics as being effective in providing impactful learning experiences. However, there appears to be a need to determine the specific benefits which have been achieved through robotics implementation in K–12 formal and informal learning settings. In this study, we present a systematic review of the literature on K–12 educational robotics. Based on our review process with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a repeatable method of systematic review, we found 147 studies published from the years 2000 to 2018. We classified these studies under five themes: (1) general effectiveness of educational robotics; (2) students’ learning and transfer skills; (3) creativity and motivation; (4) diversity and broadening participation; and (5) teachers’ professional development. The study outlines the research questions, presents the synthesis of literature, and discusses findings across themes. It also provides guidelines for educators, practitioners, and researchers in areas of educational robotics and STEM education, and presents dimensions of future research. Abstract There has been a steady increase in the number of studies investigating educational robotics and its impact on academic and social skills of young learners. Educational robots are used both in and out of school environments to enhance K–12 students’ interest, engagement, and academic achievement in various fields of STEM education. Some prior studies show evidence for the general benefits of educational robotics as being effective in providing impactful learning experiences. However, there appears to be a need to determine the specific benefits which have been achieved through robotics implementation in K–12 formal and informal learning settings. In this study, we present a systematic review of the literature on K–12 educational robotics. Based on our review process with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a repeatable method of systematic review, we found 147 studies published from the years 2000 to 2018. We classified these studies under five themes: (1) general effectiveness of educational robotics; (2) students’ learning and transfer skills; (3) creativity and motivation; (4) diversity and broadening participation; and (5) teachers’ professional development. The study outlines the research questions, presents the synthesis of literature, and discusses findings across themes. It also provides guidelines for educators, practitioners, and researchers in areas of educational robotics and STEM education, and presents dimensions of future research.
Elementary Teachers’ Mental Images of Engineers at Work

Abstract The purpose of the current study was to determine the impacts of a multiple-day engineering-focused professional development program on elementary teachers’ perceptions of the work of engineers and their use of mathematics and science. Data were collected in the form of drawings of engineers prior to and immediately after the professional development program as well as an open-ended exit survey at the end of the program. Participants’ drawings were scored in the following areas: use of mathematics, use of science, and work of an engineer. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed that the only significant change between measures was in ‘‘work of an engineer,’’ with participants’ drawings representing more expanded conceptions after completing the professional development program. An analysis of exit survey responses indicated that participants still had a limited understanding of the complex relationships among engineering, science, and mathematics. Abstract The purpose of the current study was to determine the impacts of a multiple-day engineering-focused professional development program on elementary teachers’ perceptions of the work of engineers and their use of mathematics and science. Data were collected in the form of drawings of engineers prior to and immediately after the professional development program as well as an open-ended exit survey at the end of the program. Participants’ drawings were scored in the following areas: use of mathematics, use of science, and work of an engineer. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed that the only significant change between measures was in ‘‘work of an engineer,’’ with participants’ drawings representing more expanded conceptions after completing the professional development program. An analysis of exit survey responses indicated that participants still had a limited understanding of the complex relationships among engineering, science, and mathematics.
A Novel 3D+MEA Approach to Authentic Engineering Education for Teacher Professional Development: Design Principles and Outcomes

Abstract This paper describes the design principles and implementation of a novel approach for a K–12 teacher professional development (PD) program. The approach integrates training focused on development of model eliciting activities (MEAs) within authentic engineering design tasks, collaborative 3D model design and fabrication, and inspirational site visits with access to active engineers to enhance understanding of current issues faced by NASA aerospace researchers. Throughout the training, participants collaborated with program staff including engineering, 3D graphics, education, and MEA specialists to develop research-related MEAs with accompanying 3Dprinted manipulatives. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for engineering education teacher PD in authentic contexts and examine teachers’ experience of the program, including comfort with and knowledge of integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instructional strategies. Pre–post survey results show high levels of satisfaction with the workshop and significant gains in integrated STEM understanding and comfort. Potential barriers to curriculum implementation include lack of a 3D printer and time. We provide a list of lessons learned from the PD development and implementation along with recommendations for developing similar PD programs. Abstract This paper describes the design principles and implementation of a novel approach for a K–12 teacher professional development (PD) program. The approach integrates training focused on development of model eliciting activities (MEAs) within authentic engineering design tasks, collaborative 3D model design and fabrication, and inspirational site visits with access to active engineers to enhance understanding of current issues faced by NASA aerospace researchers. Throughout the training, participants collaborated with program staff including engineering, 3D graphics, education, and MEA specialists to develop research-related MEAs with accompanying 3Dprinted manipulatives. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for engineering education teacher PD in authentic contexts and examine teachers’ experience of the program, including comfort with and knowledge of integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instructional strategies. Pre–post survey results show high levels of satisfaction with the workshop and significant gains in integrated STEM understanding and comfort. Potential barriers to curriculum implementation include lack of a 3D printer and time. We provide a list of lessons learned from the PD development and implementation along with recommendations for developing similar PD programs.
Do Goals Matter in Engineering Education? An Exploration of How Goals Influence Outcomes for "FIRST" Robotics Participants.

It has long been recognized that engineers need a variety of skills, including technical and social, to succeed professionally. Attempts to include social skills (i.e., communication, teamwork, and leadership) in engineering education are relatively recent (i.e., within the last decade). Thus, the current study investigates whether social goals influence academic and social outcomes. Four hundred and three highschool aged FIRST robotics participants (262 male; 146 female; 22 not specified) completed a survey about their experiences in FIRST. Prior to completing the survey, participants learned that an important goal of FIRST was a) social networking, b) academic learning, or c) no goal. Academic and social outcomes were assessed at the beginning and end of the season, but the goal instructions were administered only at the beginning of the season. The findings show that the goals promoted can dramatically influence social and academic outcomes. The implications this has for engineering programs are discussed.
Quantitative hemodynamic imaging: a method to correct the effects of optical properties on laser speckle imaging

Abstract. Significance Studying cerebral hemodynamics may provide diagnostic information on neurological conditions. Wide-field imaging techniques, such as laser speckle imaging (LSI) and optical intrinsic signal imaging, are commonly used to study cerebral hemodynamics. However, they often do not account appropriately for the optical properties of the brain that can vary among subjects and even during a single measurement. Here, we describe the combination of LSI and spatial-frequency domain imaging (SFDI) into a wide-field quantitative hemodynamic imaging (QHI) system that can correct the effects of optical properties on LSI measurements to achieve a quantitative measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Aim We describe the design, fabrication, and testing of QHI. Approach The QHI hardware combines LSI and SFDI with spatial and temporal synchronization. We characterized system sensitivity, accuracy, and precision with tissue-mimicking phantoms. With SFDI optical property measurements, we describe a method derived from dynamic light scattering to obtain absolute CBF values from LSI and SFDI measurements. We illustrate the potential benefits of absolute CBF measurements in resting-state and dynamic experiments. Results QHI achieved a 50-Hz raw acquisition frame rate with a 10 × 10 mm field of view and flow sensitivity up to ∼4 mm / s. The extracted SFDI optical properties agreed well with a commercial system (R2 ≥ 0.98). The system showed high stability with low coefficients of variations over multiple sessions within the same day (<1 % ) and over multiple days (<4 % ). When optical properties were considered, the in-vivo hypercapnia gas challenge showed a slight difference in CBF (−1.5 % to 0.5% difference). The in-vivo resting-state experiment showed a change in CBF ranking for nine out of 13 animals when the correction method was applied to LSI CBF measurements. Conclusions We developed a wide-field QHI system to account for the confounding effects of optical properties on CBF LSI measurements using the information obtained from SFDI.
Systems level identification of a matrisome-associated macrophage polarisation state in multi-organ fibrosis

Tissue fibrosis affects multiple organs and involves a master-regulatory role of macrophages which respond to an initial inflammatory insult common in all forms of fibrosis. The recently unraveled multi-organ heterogeneity of macrophages in healthy and fibrotic human disease suggest that tissue resident macrophages, expressing osteopontin (SPP1), associate with lung and liver fibrosis. However, the conservation of this SPP1+ macrophage population across different tissues, and its specificity to fibrotic diseases with different etiologies remain unclear. Integrating 13 single cell RNA-sequencing datasets to profile 225,985 tissue macrophages from healthy and fibrotic heart, lung, liver, kidney, skin and endometrium, we extended the association of SPP1+ macrophages with fibrosis to all these tissues. We also identified a subpopulation expressing matrisome-associated genes (e.g., matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors), functionally enriched for ECM remodeling and cell metabolism, representative of a matrisome-associated macrophage (MAM) polarization state within SPP1+ macrophages. Importantly, the MAM polarization state follows a differentiation trajectory from SPP1+ macrophages, which was conserved across all fibrotic tissues and driven by NFATC1 and HIVEP3 regulons. Unlike SPP1+ macrophages, the MAM polarization state shows a positive association with ageing in mice and humans, and across multiple tissues during homeostasis. These results suggest an advanced, age-dependent polarization state of SPP1+ macrophages in fibrotic tissues as a result of prolonged inflammatory cues within each tissue microenvironment.