Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mulberrin Confers Protection against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity via Regulating AKT Signaling Pathways in Mice

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an antitumor anthracycline, but its clinical use was largely limited by its cardiac toxicity. DOX-induced oxidative damage and cardiomyocyte loss have been recognized as the potential causative mechanisms of this cardiac toxicity. Growing interests are raised on mulberrin (Mul) for its wide spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Mul on DOX-induced heart injury and to clarify the underlying mechanism. Mice were given daily 60 mg/kg of Mul via gavage for 10 days. Mice received an intraperitoneal injection of DOX to mimic the model of DOX-related acute cardiac injury at the seventh day of Mul treatment. Mul-treated mice had an attenuated cardiac injured response and improved cardiac function after DOX injection. DOX-induced oxidative damage, inflammation accumulation, and myocardial apoptosis were largely attenuated by the treatment of Mul. Activated protein kinase B (AKT) activation was essential for the protective effects of Mul against DOX-induced cardiac toxicity, and AKT inactivation abolished Mul-mediated protective effects against DOX cardiotoxicity. In conclusion, Mul treatment attenuated DOX-induced cardiac toxicity via activation of the AKT signaling pathway. Mul might be a promising therapeutic agent against DOX-induced cardiac toxicity.
Shared Voices of Indonesian Teacher-Educators from Virtual Research-Workshop-Series: Reflections on Covid-19 Pandemic Driven Professional Development

This study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of Teacher-Educators (TEs) who participated in virtual research-workshop-series as professional development programs. Six TEs, three from natural science and three from social science, participated in a nine-month virtual research workshop series organized by the faculty. In the frame of a case study, the data were gathered from in-depth interviews and a set of questions. The findings revealed that TEs had sufficient research knowledge as they were able to identify good quality of research, read relevant reading research, and signified the importance of research as part of their professional identity. Completion of other tasks, lack of research motivation and collegiality, shortage of research skills and competencies including how to read academic articles due to vocabulary and sentence construction hindered them from conducting research. The workshop has facilitated the TEs autonomy, research skills and competencies, research collaboration, and goal-orientation. The PD program strengthened their research motivation and engagement that scaffold positive insights into their self-research awareness. Moreover, all TEs were able to complete their papers and submit them to reputable journals.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Rheumatic Potential of Selective Plant Compounds by Targeting TLR-4/AP-1 Signaling: A Comprehensive Molecular Docking and Simulation Approaches

Plants are an important source of drug development and numerous plant derived molecules have been used in clinical practice for the ailment of various diseases. The Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis. The TLR-4 binds with pro-inflammatory ligands such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce the downstream signaling mechanism such as nuclear factor κappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). This signaling activation leads to the onset of various diseases including inflammation. In the present study, 22 natural compounds were studied against TLR-4/AP-1 signaling, which is implicated in the inflammatory process using a computational approach. These compounds belong to various classes such as methylxanthine, sesquiterpene lactone, alkaloid, flavone glycosides, lignan, phenolic acid, etc. The compounds exhibited different binding affinities with the TLR-4, JNK, NF-κB, and AP-1 protein due to the formation of multiple hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions. With TLR-4, rutin had the highest binding energy (−10.4 kcal/mol), poncirin had the highest binding energy (−9.4 kcal/mol) with NF-κB and JNK (−9.5 kcal/mol), respectively, and icariin had the highest binding affinity (−9.1 kcal/mol) with the AP-1 protein. The root means square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fraction (RMSF), and radius of gyration (RoG) for 150 ns were calculated using molecular dynamic simulation (MD simulation) based on rutin’s greatest binding energy with TLR-4. The RMSD, RMSF, and RoG were all within acceptable limits in the MD simulation, and the complex remained stable for 150 ns. Furthermore, these compounds were assessed for the potential toxic effect on various organs such as the liver, heart, genotoxicity, and oral maximum toxic dose. Moreover, the blood–brain barrier permeability and intestinal absorption were also predicted using SwissADME software (Lausanne, Switzerland). These compounds exhibited promising physico-chemical as well as drug-likeness properties. Consequently, these selected compounds portray promising anti-inflammatory and drug-likeness properties.
Characterization of Bacterial Differences Induced by Cleft-Palate-Related Spatial Heterogeneity

Abstract Background: Cleft palate (CP) patients have a higher prevalence of oral and respiratory tract bacterial infections than the general population. Nevertheless, characteristics of bacterial differences induced by CP-related anatomical heterogeneity are unknown. Methods: In this study, we systematically described the characteristics of bacteria in the oral and nasal niches in healthy children, CP children, healthy adolescents, CP adolescents, and postoperative adolescents by 454-pyrosequencing technology (V3–V6) to determine bacterial differences induced by CP. Results: Due to the CP-induced variations in spatial structure, the early establishment of microecology in CP children was different from that in healthy children. Nasal bacterial composition showed greater changes than in the saliva. Moreover, such discrepancy also appeared in CP and postoperative adolescents who had even undergone surgery > 10 years previously. Interestingly, we found by Lefse analysis that part of bacterial biomarkers in the nasal cavity of CP subjects was common oral flora, suggesting bacterial translocation between the oral and nasal niches. Therefore, we defined the oral–nasal translocation bacteria as O-N bac. By comparing multiple groups, we took the intersection sets of O-N bacs selected from CP children, CP adolescents, and postoperative adolescents as TS O-N bacs with time–character, including Streptococcus, Gemella, Alloprevotella, Neisseria, Rothia, Actinomyces, and Veillonella. These bacteria were at the core of the nasal bacterial network in CP subjects, and some were related to infectious diseases. Conclusions: CP would lead to significant and long-term differences in oral and nasal flora. TS O-N bacs migrating from the oral to the nasal might be the key stone causing nasal flora dysbiosis in the CP patients.
MakerMinds: An Exploratory Study of Making and Mindfulness Pedagogies

The purpose of this ethnographically informed research study was to explore the integration of making and mindfulness pedagogies in a single curricular intervention (“MakerMinds”) and, in particular, how making engages students in mindfulness content and encourages their independent use of mindfulness tools. Mindfulness programs have long been used to promote mental health in clinical and non-clinical settings. Related research with school-aged children is limited, however, and the problem of how to fully engage them in mindfulness programming remains unsolved. Here, we report on the experiences of 24 Grade 4 students in MakerMinds over an eight-week period. Qualitative data from multiple sources revealed a program successful in engaging students and encouraging their application of mindfulness tools as needed in their daily lives. It also positively impacted conceptual and experiential knowledge of mindfulness and developed students’ agentic awareness of themselves as problem-solving makers and nascent mindfulness practitioners.
BANKING SECTOR PERFORMANCE DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

This paper analyzes bank stock prices around the world to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the banking sector. Using a global database of policy responses during the crisis, the paper also examines the role of financial sector policy announcements on the performance of bank stocks. Overall, the results suggest that the crisis and the countercyclical lending role thatbanks are expected to play have put banking systems under significant stress, with bank stocks underperforming their domestic markets and other nonbank financial firms. The effectiveness of policy interventions has been mixed. Measures of liquidity support, borrower assistance, and monetary easing mod- erated the adverse impact of the crisis, but this is not true for all banks or in all circumstances. For example, borrower assistance and prudential measures exacerbated the stress for banks that are already undercapitalized and/or operate in countries with little fiscal space. These vulnerabilities will need to be carefully monitored as the pandemic continues to take a toll on the world’s economies. Keywords: Bank stock returns, government announcements, liquidity premium, COVID-19 pandemic period.
Combined ethanol extract of Hypselodelphys poggeana and Spermacoce radiata leaves ameliorate benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats via modulation of serum sex hormonal levels

This study evaluated the effects of a combined ethanol extract of and Hypselodelphys poggeana and Spermacoce radiata leaves (CESHL) on sex hormone levels and prostate weights of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) induced rats. The combined extract was prepared from the plants and was subjected to acute toxicity (LD 50 ) evaluation in rats. The study adopted five groups of rats (n = 6) with group 1 being the normal control without BPH induction, group 2 was the BPH control, group 3 was the finasteride control, and groups 4 and 5 were BPH induced rats treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg CESHL/day for 28 days. Induction of prostate hyperplasia in rats belonging to groups 2-5 was done via daily subcutaneous administration of testosterone propionate (5 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days in accordance with standard protocols. The result obtained in the acute toxicity evaluation indicated an LD 50 value of above 5000 mg/kg body weight. In the main study, a significant increase (P<0.05) in serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, prostate weight, prostate index and reduced serum estradiol was observed in the BPH control when compared with the normal control. Treatment of BPH induced rats (groups 4 and 5) with CESHL significantly reduced serum concentrations of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, and also elevated serum estradiol concentration when compared with the BPH control, comparing favourably with the values of these hormones in the finasteride-treated group. The BPH induced rats treated with CESHL also had significantly reduced prostate weight and prostate index relative to the BPH control and higher percentage inhibition of prostate weight and prostate index when compared with the finasteride control. Our findings show that CESHL may ameliorate benign prostate hyperplasia via mechanisms that lower serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels and increase estradiol levels.
Board diversity and firm performance: impact of ESG activities in China

The investigation of association between board diversity and the firm performance is the subject of many studies. However, the empirical results presented in the extant literature are inconclusive at best. The inconclusive empirical results could be due to several factors and one of them could be that the relationship is contingent on some key factors. Given the rising trend of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities, in this paper the relationship between board diversity and the firm performance is tested in the context of ESG activities. The subject of examination in this study is the listed Chinese firms. The sample period spans for 6 years and is collected from 2014 to 2019. This work uses a dynamic approach to modelling relationships. The generalised method of moments (GMM) is used in a two-step system. An endogeneity-free estimate may be achieved by using this strategy. We can learn a great deal from these hypotheses. There is a positive and substantial correlation between board diversity and the firm's success, which suggests that diverse boards are beneficial to businesses. Both ESG activities and a positive coefficient on company performance are significant. This shows investors appreciate companies that are involved in ESG activities because they see this as an investment that pays off. Last but not least, the report shows that board diversity has a negative and considerable impact on ESG efforts. According to the results, board diversity and ESG efforts are not necessary for a company's success. According to the data, board diversity is not particularly beneficial in the context of significant ESG initiatives. Board diversity really hurts a company's success when it engages in high ESG activities. The study also discusses the work's policy ramifications. Finally, the work lays out a clear path for further study.
AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN

In Pakistan, mostly, it is thought that entrepreneurship can only be progressed by the males. It is because of the concept that culture and society of Pakistan is male dominant. But, with the increase in the educational level and increase in the awareness, now women have started to recognize their potentials and their hidden talent regarding business. They are exploring their efforts in order to satisfy their personnel and family needs. Now, there are many governmental and non governmental agencies which are also working and providing assistance to those women who are thinking to start up their businesses. But because of societal set up of running family along with working make the life of entrepreneurial women overwhelmed, therefore, they find difficulties in order to bring balance in their work-life. Therefore, the concern of this study was basically to explore those issues which make life of an entrepreneurial woman juggling in various roles. This study is specifically conducted in the area of Lahore. After collection of data, different advance statistical techniques were applied in order to catch relationship among defined dimensions of work-life balance. Reliability, ANOVAs, Kruskal-Wallis test, bivariate analysis and cross tabulation were applied. Five point likert scales was developed which consisted of 41 statements defined on the basis of five dimensions of work-life balance. Reliability of every statement was checked. The results of this studies shows that there is strong association among role overload, dependent care issues, quality of health , time management and support network. All of these factors strongly influence on the work-life balance of an entrepreneurial woman. By checking level of work-life balance, it was realized that plethora entrepreneurial women were suffering from issues of work-life balance. Each category of women entrepreneur was suffering from different level of work-life balance. While this study recommends, the major organizations, management consultants and academics have started to work on this issue, so that before reaching to the extreme of case, these issues should be resolved in order to bring balance in the work-life of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.
Meaning in Stressful Experiences and Coping Across Cultures

We report three studies to examine how culture may influence people’s tendency to see meaning in stressful experiences (MISE), as well as their coping responses. Using a newly developed MISE scale with established measurement invariance across both cultures, we found that Chinese participants were more likely than Euro-Canadians to see meaning in stressful experiences (Studies 1 and 2), to adopt acceptance and positive reframing coping styles (Study 1), and to respond more positively to the COVID-19 pandemic (Study 2). To establish a causal link between MISE and coping, we primed MISE in Study 3 with Chinese participants and found an increase in resilient coping. The research highlights the important roles of culture and meaning making in coping.
Real-Time Determination of Depth of Burial Profiles for Submarine Power Cables

The safe operation of submarine power cables at high load is of highest relevance for an economic and reliable operation of offshore wind farms and submarine interconnection systems. Burial of power cables at a certain minimum depth is often required for mechanical protection of the cable and to avoid too strong heating of the seafloor surface. The depth of burial (DoB) of those cables may vary over time by movements of sand and the cables themselves. Monitoring such changes so far requires, costly yearly surveys using submarine robots. In this study, we present a method to permanently analyze the DoB of submarine power cable formations by using distributed temperature sensing, electric load data, and thermal models of the submarine cable installation. An analysis of field data shows that our method has the capability to detect comparatively fast variations of DoB and also cable exposure events in real installations.
A Survey on Current Practices of Umbilical Cord Clamping in Malaysia

Background Delayed cord clamping (DCC) has been demonstrated to have significant benefits in reducing the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage, blood transfusion and neonatal mortality in preterm neonates and improving hemodynamic and long-term neurodevelopment among term infants. There is no clear guideline on umbilical cord clamping (UCC) practices in Malaysia. Objective The aim of this survey was to assess the knowledge and practice of DCC among obstetric doctors and midwives in Malaysia, and pediatric colleagues who witness the delivery. Method This is a cross-sectional survey conducted in childbirth facilities in Malaysia from October 2020 to January 2021. A convenient snowball sampling was adopted. A validated questionnaire was disseminated to practicing obstetric and pediatric doctors and midwives electronically via email and WhatsApp using Google Form. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results A total of 327 respondents completed the questionnaires, comprising 206 obstetric doctors, 72 pediatric doctors and 49 midwives. The majority of respondents were specialists or higher in rank (53.2%). Only 29% reported the existence of guidelines on UCC in their place of work. Midwives (P = 0.003) and staff of lower ranks and level of education (P < 0.001) appeared to be more aware of the existence of a UCC guideline. Most respondents had positive knowledge of DCC for both term and preterm neonates. A large proportion (82%) of respondents agreed that DCC helped increase neonatal iron stores, and was good for both preterm (70.7%) and term (76.2%) neonates not requiring positive pressure ventilation. Doctors, specialists, those who are 40 years old and above, and those who have been in service for at least 10 years were found to have better knowledge regarding DCC (P < 0.05). Conclusion The awareness and practice of obstetric, pediatric and midwifery staff of guidelines on UCC were less than satisfactory. Even though most respondents have good knowledge and positive perception regarding benefits of DCC, these were not translated into their routine practice. Hence, a national guideline emphasizing the benefits of DCC should be made available in all childbirth facilities.
Observations and Correlations from a 3-Year Study of Fecal Indicator Bacteria in the Mohawk River in Upstate NY

Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), such as E. coli and Enterococci, are used to indicate the potential of fecal contamination in waterways. One known source of FIB in urbanized areas is the occurrence of combined sewer overflows (CSOs). To explore the impact of CSOs on local water quality and FIB presence, sampling was conducted during the summers of 2017–2019 of two cities, one with CSOs and one without, on the Mohawk River in upstate New York, USA. Sampling included in situ physiochemical parameters of pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen and laboratory tests for E. coli, Enterococci, nitrates, and total organic carbon (TOC). Correlations between parameters were explored using the Wilcoxon rank sum test and Spearman’s Rank correlation with and without considerations of site and city location. Overall, positive correlations between FIB and rainfall were identified in one city but were less significant in the other, suggesting a buffering of FIB concentrations likely due to inflow contributions from a reservoir. Samples collected downstream from an active CSO reached the detection limit of the FIB tests, demonstrating a 2-log or greater increase in FIB concentrations from dry weather conditions. The city with CSOs demonstrated greater FIB concentrations, which are likely a combination of greater urban runoff, CSOs, and the potential resuspension of sediment during high flow events. Due to the widespread presence of FIB in the region, future research includes utilizing microbial source tracking to identify the sources of contamination in the region.
Beyond Structure-Function: Getting at Sustainability within Biomimicry Pedagogy

Biomimicry practice and pedagogy unify biology and design for problem solving inspired by nature. Pedagogy that supports biomimicry practice can facilitate the development of novel solutions to address societal needs and challenges. Even though biomimicry affords the possibility to address sustainability, its current practice does not necessarily lead to doing so, which can result in exploitation of nature and increased unsustainability. Recognition of this risk exists but is not yet widespread in biomimicry pedagogy, and few structured methodologies are available to support learner’s efforts towards sustainability. The difficulties associated with incorporating sustainability within biomimicry are numerous and varied. In this report, we contribute to an understanding of incorporating sustainability in teaching and learning. We describe a pedagogical framing and conceptual scaffolding developed and used to bring sustainability into a biomimicry course for design- and biology-minded engineering students that integrates available biomimicry and design language, tools, and methods. We scaffold consideration of structure-function and conditions conducive to life separately, and then unify these perspectives in a way that is accessible to students. This approach centralizes sustainability in biomimicry practice and asks students to consider the ethics of design practice and responsibility to the natural world. We are encouraged by student outcomes, observing clear signs of creative systemic thinking and higher-level learning from nature. Based on pre- and post-design sprint results, students significantly shifted away from a narrower structure-function practice towards addressing conditions conducive to life. We propose that biomimicry educators and facilitators make a commitment to always include a sustainability approach within their pedagogy or explicitly acknowledge their delivery does not provide for it.