Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Teacher Professional Development for STEM Integration in Elementary/Primary Schools: A Systematic Review

There has been a recent increase in studies devoted to integrated science, technology, and engineering mathematics (STEM) education. However, as the field is emerging, there has not been a large amount of scholarship on how to best provide teacher professional development (PD) on integrated STEM education. On the other hand, well-grounded research is available in the field of effective teacher professional development. Therefore, in this study, a systematic review of empirical studies on training elementary/primary school teachers in integrated STEM education was undertaken. Using an adapted version of Lawless and Pellegrino's analytical framework (2007), the emerging commonalities among eleven studies in conjunction with the literature on effective teacher professional development were analyzed and discussed. This study aims at connecting current STEM-integrated PD activities with the literature on effective PD and laying the groundwork for future professional development programs and evaluations in integrating STEM subject areas in elementary or primary schools.
Efficacy of Feed Additive Containing Bentonite and Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Yeast on Intestinal Health and Growth of Newly Weaned Pigs under Chronic Dietary Challenges of Fumonisin and Aflatoxin

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a feed additive containing bentonite and enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast on the intestinal health and growth of newly weaned pigs under chronic dietary exposure to fumonisin and aflatoxin. Newly weaned pigs were randomly allotted to one of four possible treatments: a control diet of conventional corn; a diet of corn contaminated with fumonisin and aflatoxin; a diet of mycotoxin-contaminated corn with 0.2% of feed additive; and a diet of mycotoxin contaminated corn with 0.4% of feed additive. We observed lower average weight gain and average daily feed intake in pigs that were fed only mycotoxin-contaminated corn compared to the control group. Feed additive supplementation linearly increased both average weight gain and feed intake, as well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In the jejunum, there was an observed decrease in immunoglobulin A and an increase in claudin-1. Additionally, feed additive supplementation increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio compared to the control. In conclusion, feed additives containing bentonite and enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast could mitigate the detrimental effects of mycotoxins on the growth performance of newly weaned pigs by improving intestinal integrity and positively modulating immune response.
Effect of two brooding systems and four stocking densities on immune response and stress indicators of broiler chicks during the brooding period

Abstract This experiment investigated the effects of the brooding system (BS) and stocking density (SD) on the immune response of 1-14-day-old broiler chicks. A 3672 one-day-old Cobb 500 chicks were raised in two BSs (conventional floor brooding system (CFBS) and the newly developed multi-tier closed brooding system (NDBS)) at four different SDs (30, 60, 90, and 120 chicks/m2), resulting in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. Immunity data on lymphoid organ weights, maternal antibody titres to IBV, IBDV, and NDV, and stress indicators were collected on days 6 and 12. The results showed that CFBS and NDBS had similar effects on the relative development of chick lymphoid organs (Bursa, spleen, and thymus), the durability of the maternal humoral immune response against IBDV, and the maintenance of normal levels of stress indicators. Birds in CFBS outperformed NDBS in terms of the durability of maternal immunity to IBV and NDV. Birds in NDBS had a higher liver weight percentage than CFBS. Maternal immunity, lymphoid organ weights %, glucose and cholesterol concentrations were not altered by SD. In contrast to relative weights, differences in absolute lymphoid weights (g) were attributed to differences in live weights. An increase in SD per area unit resulted in an increase in heterophils and a decrease in lymphocyte percentage resulted in an increase in the ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes(H:L). In conclusion, birds in the higher SD had lower live weights and higher H:L ratios. Smarter brooding systems are needed to usher in a new era for the poultry industry. Highlights The brooding system and/or stocking density accounted for the stress factors of the birds. Both brooding systems increased the relative development of chick lymphoid organs and the durability of the maternal humoral immune response to IBDV. Smarter brooding systems are needed to apply the critical control point standard and usher in a new era for the poultry industry. As stocking density per unit area increased, live and liver weights decreased, and the lymphocyte ratio increased.
Gradient metasurfaces: fundamentals and applications

In the wake of intense research on metamaterials the two-dimensional analogue, known as metasurfaces, has attracted progressively increasing attention in recent years due to the ease of fabrication and smaller insertion losses, while enabling an unprecedented control over spatial distributions of transmitted and reflected optical fields. Metasurfaces represent optically thin planar arrays of resonant subwavelength elements that can be arranged in a strictly or quasi periodic fashion, or even in an aperiodic manner, depending on targeted optical wavefronts to be molded with their help. This paper reviews a broad subclass of metasurfaces, viz. gradient metasurfaces, which are devised to exhibit spatially varying optical responses resulting in spatially varying amplitudes, phases and polarizations of scattered fields. Starting with introducing the concept of gradient metasurfaces, we present classification of different metasurfaces from the viewpoint of their responses, differentiating electrical-dipole, geometric, reflective and Huygens' metasurfaces. The fundamental building blocks essential for the realization of metasurfaces are then discussed in order to elucidate the underlying physics of various physical realizations of both plasmonic and purely dielectric metasurfaces. We then overview the main applications of gradient metasurfaces, including waveplates, flat lenses, spiral phase plates, broadband absorbers, color printing, holograms, polarimeters and surface wave couplers. The review is terminated with a short section on recently developed nonlinear metasurfaces, followed by the outlook presenting our view on possible future developments and perspectives for future applications.
The Impact of Urban Street Network on Land Value: Correlate Syntactical Premises to the Land Price

Recent literature has highlighted the critical issue of urban land value and cost; properly assessing land use costs, particularly for residential and commercial purposes, is crucial in influencing urban development and investments. Therefore, the objective of this research is to create a model for land pricing that considers the urban street networks and hierarchy; by analyzing the spatial plan of the city using space syntax and evaluating the economic impact on land value, the study aims to identify the factors that influence land prices. Furthermore, the study intends to investigate the correlation between urban spatial networks, street hierarchy, and land price to create a predictive model for urban spatial land pricing. Ultimately, the study has successfully built a model for predicting the price of urban land. The case selected is evaluated and compared in three aspects of the analysis, including the urban axial assessments and urban street width, to find out their impacts on the real estate’s land price in the context of the land use distributions, which are predominantly residential and commercial types of uses. Depth map X8, SPSS, and QGIS 3.16 were used for the study evaluations and assessments. The study found that land prices are influenced by factors such as integration, connectivity, and street width. Commercial zones with good integration and wider roads tend to command higher prices, while narrow local roads generally have lower prices. This result can enhance future urban design regarding urban economy improvements and land costs.
Bioinformatics Screen Reveals Gli-Mediated Hedgehog Signaling as an Associated Pathway to Poor Immune Infiltration of Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma

Simple Summary Liposarcomas (LPSs) are a rare soft tissue malignancy with a variable clinical prognosis dependent on tumor differentiation. Well-differentiated (WDLPS) and dedifferentiated (DDLPS) liposarcomas most commonly occur both in extremities and the retroperitoneal cavity. Surgical resection and post-operative monitoring are effective forms of treatment; however, many tumors do recur and require chemotherapeutic intervention. Liposarcomas have high intratumoral variability, which can influence drug response and microenvironment interactions. Using a broad bioinformatics approach, we show that Hedgehog signaling, a developmental pathway, is upregulated in DDLPS and correlates with a tumor gene expression signature that suggests reduced immune cell infiltration and increased extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression. Abstract Liposarcomas are the most diagnosed soft tissue sarcoma, with most cases consisting of well-differentiated (WDLPS) or dedifferentiated (DDLPS) histological subtypes. While both tumor subtypes can have clinical recurrence due to incomplete resections, DDLPS often has worse prognosis due to a higher likelihood of metastasis compared to its well-differentiated counterpart. Unfortunately, targeted therapeutic interventions have lagged in sarcoma oncology, making the need for molecular targeted therapies a promising future area of research for this family of malignancies. In this work, previously published data were analyzed to identify differential pathways that may contribute to the dedifferentiation process in liposarcoma. Interestingly, Gli-mediated Hedgehog signaling appeared to be enriched in dedifferentiated adipose progenitor cells and DDLPS tumors, and coincidentally Gli1 is often co-amplified with MDM2 and CDK4, given its genomic proximity along chromosome 12q13-12q15. However, we find that Gli2, but not Gli1, is differentially expressed between WDLPS and DDLPS, with a noticeable co-expression signature between Gli2 and genes involved in ECM remodeling. Additionally, Gli2 co-expression had a noticeable transcriptional signature that could suggest Gli-mediated Hedgehog signaling as an associated pathway contributing to poor immune infiltration in these tumors.
Determinasi Financial Distress pada Perusahaan Properti dan Real Estate di Indonesia Sebelum dan Selama Bencana Covid-19

This study aims to analyze the effect of Liquidity, Profitability, Interest Coverage Ratio, and Free Cash Flow on Financial Distress. The research sample consisted of 48 companies listed on the IDX during the 2017-2020 period (4 years). In this study using logistic regression analysis methods and quantitative type data processed using the SPSS version 25 program. The overall test results for the 2017-2020 period show that Liquidity has a significant positive effect on Financial Distress, Profitability has a significant negative effect on Financial Distress. Meanwhile, Interest Coverage Ratio and Free Cash Flow have no significant effect on Financial Distress. In the period before COVID-19 occurred in 2017-2019 the results of the study showed significant results which were the same as the overall results. Meanwhile, during the initial period of COVID-19, namely in 2020, the results showed that Liquidity, Profitability, Interest Coverage Ratio, and Free Cash Flow had no significant effect on Financial Distress
Prognostic Values of Systemic Inflammatory Immunological Markers in Glioblastoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary The authors report the most up-to-date review and a thorough meta-analysis of inflammatory, immunological markers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) as prognostic factors in patients with glioblastoma. A number of studies showed the important prognostic value of inflammatory immune markers. Similarly, some studies reported on the potential benefits of the measurements of small cell-free DNA fragments (cfDNA) released into the bloodstream as the biomarker of early diagnosis or/and prognosis. Twenty-one studies met our meta-analysis criteria assessing the prognostic significance of NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, and cfDNA. According to our findings, NLR, PLR, and cfDNA fare significantly better than SII and SIRI in the evaluation of prognosis in glioblastoma patients. NLR and PLR calculated from routine blood tests, potentially in combination with measurements of cfDNA, can help assess disease progression and optimize treatment and follow-up. Abstract Background. Neutrophils are an important part of the tumor microenvironment, which stimulates inflammatory processes through phagocytosis, degranulation, release of small DNA fragments (cell-free DNA), and presentation of antigens. Since neutrophils accumulate in peripheral blood in patients with advanced-stage cancer, a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio can be a biomarker of a poor prognosis in patients with glioblastoma. The present study aimed to explore the prognostic value of the preoperative levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) to better predict prognostic implications in the survival rate of glioblastoma patients. Methods. The meta-analysis was carried out according to the recommendations and standards established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Databases of PubMed, EBSCO, and Medline were systematically searched to select all the relevant studies published up to December 2022. Results. Poorer prognoses were recorded in patients with a high NLR or PLR when compared with the patients with a low NLR or PLR (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.24–1.83, p < 0.0001 and HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.10–1.63, p < 0.01, respectively). Similarly, a worse prognosis was reported for patients with a higher cfDNA (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.27–4.36, p < 0.01). The SII and SIRI values were not related to glioblastoma survival (p = 0.0533 and p = 0.482, respectively). Conclusions. Thus, NLR, PLR, and cfDNA, unlike SII and SIRI, appeared to be useful and convenient peripheral inflammatory markers to assess the prognosis in glioblastoma.
Engineering a plasmonic sensing platform for Candida albicans antigen identification

Abstract. We established a procedure to develop a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) optical sensor platform for immunoassay. Computational simulations, focused on the assessment of the LSPR spectrum and spatial distribution of the electromagnetic field enhancement near the metallic nanoparticle, were used to engineer a nanostructured-sensing platform. Crucial parameters that rule the LSPR sensor performance, as bulk and molecular sensitivity, were evaluated, guiding the development of the optical platform. An LSPR surface-based platform composed of silver nanospheres adhered on a glass slide and functionalized with monoclonal anti-Candida antibodies of the IgG class was fabricated. Molecular biosensing was demonstrated by the identification of Candida albicans antigen. In particular, C. albicans is the most common species involved in a variety of hospital yeast infections. The developed sensing platform was able to identify C. albicans antigen concentration as low as 50 ng / mL, indicating the viability of exploring LSPR effect on C. albicans antigen biosensor. Moreover, this work provides insight on the LSPR behavior due to the adsorption of molecules layer on a nanoparticle surface, establishing a paradigm on engineering LSPR biosensor.
New Coagulant Proteases for Cheesemaking from Leaves and Latex of the Spontaneous Plant Pergularia tomentosa: Biochemical Characterization of Coagulants and Sensorial Evaluation of Cheese

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the caseinolytic and milk-clotting activities of aqueous crude extracts from leaves and latex of the Pergularia tomentosa, to determine their suitability as a rennet substitute. These extracts were subjected to a series of biochemical tests before being used in the production of cheese. The results showed that the enzymatic latex extract had a higher coagulant activity than the leaf extract. However, under different clotting conditions (pH, temperature, and CaCl2 concentration), both coagulants behaved similarly in the coagulation of Berridge substrate. The SDS-PAGE and zymographic analysis revealed identical protein bands with a single active zone in both extracts, corresponding to a molecular weight of 26.98 kDa and 26.03 kDa in the extract of leaf and latex, respectively. Both extracts were stable to different effectors but strongly inhibited by iodoacetamide and Hg, suggesting it to be a cysteine protease. Both extracts were able to hydrolyze casein and generate peptides of 14 kDa, with excessive hydrolysis of the other casein fractions. The physicochemical parameters of cheese made from latex and leaf extract evolved similarly to control cheese. According to the sensory evaluation, cheese made with latex had a mildly bitter flavor but showed a high acceptance rate (>80%).
A Study on Intestinal Parasites that Cause Diarrhea and Some of Physiological Effects on Children in Baghdad

Abstract In developing nations, such as Iraq, diarrhea is the main cause of sickness and mortalities in children under the age of five, Diarrhea is the augmentation of water content in stools because of an imbalance in the normal functioning of physiologic processes of the small and large intestine responsible for the absorption of various ions, other substrates, and consequently water. The most common cause of diarrhea is eating foods that upset the digestive system ,allergies and intolerances to certain foods (Celiac disease), malabsorption of food (poor absorption). Numerous infections, such as viruses, bacterium, and parasites, are responsible for its development. The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency of intestinal parasite (IP) infections, kinds and it physiological effects on children under the age of five who had diarrheal diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional research study was carried out in Baghdad, Iraq (al mahmoudia and other Hospitals), between September 2021 and January 2023. The analysis comprised youngsters under the age of nine who attended healthcare facilities during the observation period and had diarrhea. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and risk factors for intestinal parasite infections (IPIs). As per usual practices, single, fresh stool samples were used to check for IPs utilizing the direct wet mount investigation and Ziehl-Neelsen staining of formyl-ether concentrated specimens. SPSS software for Statistics version 20 was used to analyze the data. Results: 150 kids in all—32.67% boys and 67.3 girls participated in the investigation. In total, there were 41/150 IPs, or 27.3% of the population. In six youngsters (4%) there were two species of IPs found. Giardia lamblia was the parasite that was discovered the most frequently (8%), followed by Enterobius vermicularis (6.7%). After adjusting for other factors, the multivariable findings suggest that ≥age 24 months was a factor in IPIs (AOR=0.332, 95%CI: 0.094-0.465). Conclusion: This research discovered that children with diarrheal illnesses frequently had intestinal parasites. The Giardia lamblia genotype was the one that was found most commonly. Parents of young children ought to get health advice on how to avoid diarrheal infections generally and IPIs particularly.
Bioactive Compounds of Ganoderma lucidum and their Therapeutic Applications

Ganoderma lucidum(GL), a renowned medicinal mushroom has been traditionally used in Korea, China and Japan to promote longevity, enhance vitality, and treat various ailments. It is referred to as "God's herb" in ancient China, and has been cultivated extensively on sawdust and wood logs in response to demand in global market. Extensive in vivo and in vitro investigations have elucidated the manifold metabolic activities of GL. It has been found to contain a wide array of biochemical compounds such as fatty acids, triterpenoids, nucleosides, polysaccharides, amino acids, proteins, and enzymes, all of which possess significant pharmacological properties. Triterpenoids and polysaccharides from G. lucidum have exhibited antiangiogenic, cytotoxic, anti-allergic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immuno-modulatory, and antihistamine effects. G.lucidum alongwith array of medicinal properties also possess certain limitations to be addressed. Clinical trials frequently encounter obstacles concerning the absence of pure constituents and the precise identification of obtained compounds, which can pose challenges in the research process. Furthermore, most of the included studies were of small scale, raising concerns about their methodological quality. Although Ganoderma has shown promising potential in cancer prevention and treatment, it should not be considered as a first-line therapy for cancer. G. lucidum extracts and active compounds formulation have undergone patenting, development, and application as cosmeceuticals, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. This review highlights the potential of G. lucidum as an untapped natural medicine in the management of emerging infectious diseases. However, this study does not delve into the specific chemical compounds or mode of action of each bioactive component against different emerging diseases.
Comparison of the welfare of beef cattle in housed and grazing systems: hormones, health, and behaviour

Animal welfare encompasses all aspects of an animal’s life and the interactions between animals. Consequently, welfare must be measured across a variety of factors that consider aspects such as health, behaviour, and mental state. Decisions regarding housing and grazing are central to farm management. In this study, two beef cattle systems and their herds were compared from weaning to slaughter across numerous indicators. One herd (“HH”) were continuously housed, the other (“HG”) were housed only during winter. Inspections of animals were conducted to assess body condition, cleanliness, diarrhoea, hairlessness, nasal discharge, and ocular discharge. Hair and nasal mucus samples were taken for quantification of cortisol and serotonin. Qualitative behaviour assessments (QBA) were also conducted and performance monitored. Physical health indicators were similar between herds with the exception of nasal discharge which was more prevalent in HH (P < 0.001). During winter, QBA yielded differences between herds over PC1 (arousal) (P = 0.032), but not PC2 (mood) (P = 0.139). Through summer, there was a strong difference across both PC1 (P < 0.001) and PC2 (P = 0.002), with HG exhibiting more positive behaviour. A difference was found in hair cortisol levels, with the greatest concentrations observed in HG (P = 0.011), however such a pattern was not seen for nasal mucus cortisol, or for serotonin. Overall, providing summer grazing (HG) appeared to afford welfare benefits to the cattle as shown with more positive QBA assessments, but also slightly better health indicators, notwithstanding the higher levels of cortisol in that group.