Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crude Extract of Blue-Green Pigment Derived from the Marine Bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa P1.S9 has Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities

Corresponding Author: Aris Tri Wahyudi Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia Email: ariswa@apps.ipb. ac.id Abstract: Pigment derived from marine bacteria is one of the alternative sources of natural products characterized with beneficial functions for pharmaceutical purposes. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the marine bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa P1. S9 crude pigment extract and identify its chemical content. Crude pigment extract of this bacterium showed promising antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in a dose-dependent manner, as tested by the disc-diffusion method. This extract also exhibited 2,2-Diphenyl-1Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 164.05 μg/mL. Furthermore, this extract also had toxicity in shrimp larvae Artemia salina, with an LC50 value of 122.11 μg/mL, as evaluated by Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT). These results were supported by a cytotoxicity test against MCF-12A (human mammary epithelial cells) and MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma cells) with an IC50 value of 265.47 and 171.98 μg/mL, respectively. GC-MS analysis identified that trans-2decenoic acid was found as the most dominant compound in this extract.
Teaching and Learning Chinese Characters in the Chinese as a Foreign Language Classroom

TEACHING AND LEARNING CHINESE CHARACTERS IN THE CHINESE AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSROOM by Wanru Xue: Master of Second Language Teaching Utah State University, 2021 Major Professor: Dr. Ko-Yin Sung Department: World Languages & Cultures This portfolio covers the author’s perspectives in the field of Chinese as a foreign language when she was in the Master of Second Language Teaching program at Utah State University. The portfolio has three main sections. The first section includes the author’s teaching philosophy statement, rooted in her second language learning and teaching experience, and a reflection on classroom teaching observations. The second section contains two research perspectives on teaching and learning Chinese as a second language. The final section consists of an annotated bibliography on the topic of collaborative writing in a second-language context.
Assessing COVID-19 Health Information on Google Using the Quality Evaluation Scoring Tool (QUEST): Cross-sectional and Readability Analysis

Background The COVID-19 pandemic spurred an increase in online information regarding disease spread and symptomatology. Objective Our purpose is to systematically assess the quality and readability of articles resulting from frequently Google-searched COVID-19 terms in the United States. Methods We used Google Trends to determine the 25 most commonly searched health-related phrases between February 29 and April 30, 2020. The first 30 search results for each term were collected, and articles were analyzed using the Quality Evaluation Scoring Tool (QUEST). Three raters scored each article in authorship, attribution, conflict of interest, currency, complementarity, and tone. A readability analysis was conducted. Results Exactly 709 articles were screened, and 195 fulfilled inclusion criteria. The mean article score was 18.4 (SD 2.6) of 28, with 7% (14/189) scoring in the top quartile. National news outlets published the largest share (70/189, 36%) of articles. Peer-reviewed journals attained the highest average QUEST score compared to national/regional news outlets, national/state government sites, and global health organizations (all P<.05). The average reading level was 11.7 (SD 1.9, range 5.4-16.9). Only 3 (1.6%) articles were written at the recommended sixth grade level. Conclusions COVID-19–related articles are vastly varied in their attributes and levels of bias, and would benefit from revisions for increased readability.
A Turbine Cascade Facility for Secondary Flow Research

This paper outlines some recent major changes to the so-called Durham Cascade that will be of interest to other experimenters working on low speed linear cascades. The Durham Cascade is a popular CFD test case and has also been used extensively for profiled endwall research (Hartland et al. [1]) and more recently for the study of reverse compound lean (Bagshaw et al. [2]). The cascade has recently undergone a complete rebuild, which enables it to provide experimental results of lasting significance for a number of years to come. The improvements described in this paper include, good quality symmetrical inlet flow, a new three-dimensional traverse system and an improved blade cartridge system allowing arbitrary three-dimensional geometries to be tested.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Feasibility of using ecological momentary assessment and continuous heart rate monitoring to measure stress reactivity in natural settings

The way people respond to stressful situations (i.e., stress reactivity) varies widely. Researchers typically measure stress reactivity in controlled studies, but this is limited because laboratory stressors cannot capture the variety, severity, or duration of stressors that individuals face in their daily lives. The present study examined the feasibility of using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and a wireless electrocardiography (ECG) patch to develop an understanding of stress reactivity in natural settings. Thirty-five adult women completed EMA surveys about stressors they were exposed to while wearing a wireless ECG monitor for 7 consecutive days. Daily stressors were measured using seven questions adapted from the Daily Inventory of Stressful Events and a stressor interval was defined as the presence of at least one stressor during the EMA survey prompt. Participants wore the Cardea SOLO wireless ECG monitor (Cardiac Insight Inc., Bellevue, WA) to continuously track their heart rate. Participant-specific differences in 5-minute heart rate variability (HRV) between intervals when participants did and did not report stressors were calculated and displayed in a heat map. Survey response rate was satisfactory (72.0%, n = 588) and nearly all participants (33 out of 35) reported both stressor and non-stressor intervals. Each participant reported at least one stressor on approximately 35% of completed surveys while wearing the ECG patch. Mean wear time (6.6 days) and the duration of analyzable data with an ECG monitor were close to the 7-day study period. While many participants had lower HRV during stressor versus non-stressor intervals, the magnitude and direction of these differences varied widely. In summary, we found that a 7-day sampling scheme combining ecological momentary assessment (EMA) with HRV measured using continuous ECG monitoring was feasible and effective in capturing a variety of daily stressors and measuring autonomic stress reactivity.
RSV-induced changes in a 3-dimensional organoid model of human fetal lungs

We have shown that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can spread hematogenously from infected airways of a pregnant woman to the developing fetal lungs in utero. This study sought to measure RSV replication, cytopathic effects, and protein expression in human lung organoids (HLOs) reproducing architecture and transcriptional profiles of human fetal lungs during the 1st trimester of gestation. HLOs derived from human pluripotent stem cells were microinjected after 50 or 100 days in culture with medium or recombinant RSV-A2 expressing the red fluorescent protein gene (rrRSV). Infection was monitored by fluorescent microscopy and PCR. Immunohistochemistry and proteomic analysis were performed. RSV infected HLOs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. RSV-infected HLOs increased expression of CC10 (Club cells), but had sparse FOXJ1 (ciliated cells). Disruption of F-actin cytoskeleton was consistent with proteomic data showing a significant increase in Rho GTPases proteins. RSV upregulated the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel and, while β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) expression was decreased overall, its phosphorylated form increased. Our data suggest that prenatal RSV infection produces profound changes in fetal lungs’ architecture and expression profiles and maybe an essential precursor of chronic airway dysfunction. expression profiles, and possibly be an important precursor of chronic airway dysfunction.
Assessing healthcare provider knowledge of human trafficking

Background and objectives Human trafficking is a significant problem in which healthcare workers are in a unique position to intervene. This study sought to determine the self-reported knowledge levels of healthcare providers most likely to come in direct contact with victims of human trafficking. Methods An anonymous survey assessing self-reported knowledge of human trafficking was developed and distributed online. Demographic information and questions pertaining to training and knowledge of trafficking in a healthcare setting were asked. The primary outcomes were descriptive statistics and secondary outcomes were comparisons among demographic groups. Qualitative methodology via content analysis was implemented on an open-ended question. Results The 6,603 respondents represented all regions of the country. Medical, nursing, and physician assistant students comprised 23% of the sample, while 40% were either physicians, fellows, or residents. Less than half the respondents (42%) have received formal training in human trafficking, while an overwhelming majority (93%) believe they would benefit by such training. Overall, respondents thought their level of knowledge of trafficking was average to below average (mean = 2.64 on a 5-point scale). There were significant differences in knowledge of trafficking by age group (p < .001), region (p < .001), and educational training level (p < .001). 949 respondents (14.4%) provided free-text comments that further described their opinions. Conclusion Most respondents stated they have not received training but felt they would benefit from it. There were significant differences between demographic groups. Further innovation is needed to design a universally appropriate curriculum on human trafficking that is accessible to all healthcare providers as well as mandatory training programs for healthcare institutions.
PlexProbes enhance qPCR multiplexing by discriminating multiple targets in each fluorescent channel

The probe technology described in this paper facilitates detection and discrimination of multiple targets in a single fluorescent channel during PCR. This provides a strategy for doubling the number of targets that can be analysed simultaneously on existing PCR instruments. These probes are referred to as PlexProbes and produce fluorescence that can be switched ‘on’ or ‘off’ in the presence of target by manipulating the temperature. During PCR, fluorescence can be measured at multiple temperatures allowing discrimination of specific targets at defined temperatures. In a single fluorescent channel, a model duplex assay allowed either real-time or endpoint detection of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) at 52°C and end-point detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) at 74°C. Using this model system, as few as 40 copies of each specific target could be detected as single infection or co-infection, regardless of the presence or absence of the other target. A PlexProbe prototype assay for sexually transmitted infections (PP-STI) which simultaneously enables detection and differentiation of six targets using only three fluorescent channels was then constructed and evaluated. The PP-STI assay detects GC (2 gene targets), CT, Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and an internal control (IC). To evaluate assay performance, a panel of archived clinical samples (n = 337) were analysed using PP-STI and results compared to those obtained with a commercially available diagnostic assay. The overall agreement between results obtained with the PP-STI assay and the reference test was greater than 99.5%. PlexProbes offer a method of detecting more targets from a single diagnostic test, empowering physicians to make evidence-based treatment decisions while conserving time, labour, sample volume and reagent costs.
Middle-term outcomes in renal transplant recipients with COVID-19: a national, multicenter, controlled study

ABSTRACT Background In this study, we evaluated 3-month clinical outcomes of kidney transplant recipients (KTR) recovering from COVID-19 and compared them with a control group. Method The primary endpoint was death in the third month. Secondary endpoints were ongoing respiratory symptoms, need for home oxygen therapy, rehospitalization for any reason, lower respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, biopsy-proven acute rejection, venous/arterial thromboembolic event, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/disease and BK viruria/viremia at 3 months. Results A total of 944 KTR from 29 different centers were included in this study (523 patients in the COVID-19 group; 421 patients in the control group). The mean age was 46 ± 12 years (interquartile range 37–55) and 532 (56.4%) of them were male. Total number of deaths was 8 [7 (1.3%) in COVID-19 group, 1 (0.2%) in control group; P = 0.082]. The proportion of patients with ongoing respiratory symptoms [43 (8.2%) versus 4 (1.0%); P < 0.001] was statistically significantly higher in the COVID-19 group compared with the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of other secondary endpoints. Conclusion The prevalence of ongoing respiratory symptoms increased in the first 3 months post-COVID in KTRs who have recovered from COVID-19, but mortality was not significantly different.
Pedagogical Practices of Accountancy Programs in a Private University

This study analyzed the pedagogical practices of the Accountancy Programs of Far Eastern University. It also determined the differences of the assessment of the students taking up BS Accountancy and BS Commerce Major in Internal Auditing.The researchers used the descriptive and comparative research methods using two hundred ten (210) respondents composed of one hundred (100) BS Accountancy students and one hundred ten (110) BS Commerce Major in Internal Auditing students of the Accountancy Department of Far Eastern University. The researchers used a developed survey questionnaire validated by experts in the field of accounting education and research. The survey questionnaire was validated also through a reliability test using Chronbac Alpha which generated a reliability coefficient of . 952. The data gathered were statistically treated using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) utilizing the frequency count, percentage, mean, standard deviation and t- test.Based on the data gathered, the researchers found out that both the BSA and the BSC- IA respondent- students assessed that they observed the pedagogical practices of the Accountancy Programs of Far Eastern University to a “great extent”. It was also noted that the variable “program of studies” obtained the highest assessment while the variable “support for slow performing students” obtained the lowest assessment.On the other hand, the empirical evidence showed that no significant differences were noted on the assessment of the BSA and the BSC - IA respondent - students with regard to program of studies, extra-curricular activities, instructional process, support for slow performing students, classroom management and academic performance evaluation. However, significant differences were noted on the assessment of the BSA and the BSC - IA respondent - students with regard to instructional strategies and teaching methods.
Low cost human gait on-line detection system

A system is presented for human gait on line detection using CCD cameras, 3 D force plates, and surface EMG detection devices. The system acquires images and force and surface EMG signals on line in one computer. General vision facilities with an edge detection method and template matching were used to recognize markers in the motion images and to reduce the hardware costs and experimental background requirements. Preliminary results indicated that the excellent system synchronization performance had a space resolution rate of less than 0.2%. The system can be used not only for clinical gait analysis, but also as a detection platform for other research related to human motion and posture.
A Handheld Steerable Surgical Drill With a Novel Miniaturized Articulated Joint Module for Dexterous Confined-Space Bone Work

Objective: Steerable surgical drills have the potential to minimize intraoperative tissue damage to patients. However, due to their large shaft diameters, large bend radii, and small bend angles, existing steerable drills are unsuitable for dexterous operations in confined spaces. This article presents a handheld steerable drill with a 4.5-mm miniaturized tip, capable of abruptly bending up to 65. Methods: To achieve a small tip diameter and a large bend angle, we propose a novel articulated joint module composed of a tendon-driven geared rolling joint and a double universal joint for steering the drill shaft and transmitting drilling torques, respectively. We integrate this joint module with a customized compact actuation unit into a handheld device. The integrated handheld steerable drill is slim and lightweight, supporting burdenless, single-handed grips and easy integration into existing surgical procedures. Results: Experiments and analysis showed the proposed steerable drill has high distal dexterity and is capable to remove target tissues dexterously through a small passage/incision with minimized collateral damage. Conclusion: The results suggest the potential of the proposed miniaturized articulated drill for dexterous bone work in confined spaces. Significance: By enhancing distal dexterity and reach for surgeons when dealing with hard bony tissues, the proposed device can potentially minimize surgical invasiveness and thus collateral tissue damage to patients for a better clinical outcome.
Application of Kalman Filter Method Based on AR(p)Model in GPS Deformation Prediction

In GPS deformation prediction,we usually use AR(p) model to establish predict model for that the structure of AR(p) is simple and convenient in calculation.However,traditional AR(p) model put the model parameters as fixed values.Thus,the fitting errors of deformation data and the errors of deformation predict data can be comparatively large.This paper has mainly introduced the Kalman filter method based on AR(p) model.It can establish AR model by surveying data and construct the surveying equations.Then,it will build status equations using the parameters of AR model and finally form the dynamic system of Kalman filter.The parameters of AR model can be calculated in a movement in this method.The algorithm is fast and dynamic,it takes less calculation space and uses the advantages of AR model and Kalman Filter.
Distinct Roles of Honeybee Gut Bacteria on Host Metabolism and Neurological Processes

The honeybee possesses a simple and host-restricted gut community that contributes to the metabolic health of its host, while the effects of bacterial symbionts on host neural functions remain elusive. We found that the colonization of specific bee gut bacteria regulates distinct circulating metabolites enriched in carbohydrate, amino acid, and glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways. ABSTRACT The honeybee possesses a limited number of bacterial phylotypes that play essential roles in host metabolism, hormonal signaling, and feeding behavior. However, the contribution of individual gut members in shaping honeybee brain profiles remains unclear. By generating gnotobiotic bees which were mono-colonized by a single gut bacterium, we revealed that different species regulated specific modules of metabolites in the hemolymph. Circulating metabolites involved in carbohydrate and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways were mostly regulated by Gilliamella, while Lactobacillus Firm4 and Firm5 mainly altered amino acid metabolism pathways. We then analyzed the brain transcriptomes of bees mono-colonized with these three bacteria. These showed distinctive gene expression profiles, and genes related to olfactory functions and labor division were upregulated by Lactobacillus. Interestingly, differentially spliced genes in the brains of gnotobiotic bees largely overlapped with those of bees unresponsive to social stimuli. The differentially spliced genes were enriched in pathways involved in neural development and synaptic transmission. We showed that gut bacteria altered neurotransmitter levels in the brain. In particular, dopamine and serotonin, which show inhibitory effects on the sensory sensitivity of bees, were downregulated in bacteria-colonized bees. The proboscis extension response showed that a normal gut microbiota is essential for the taste-related behavior of honeybees, suggesting the contribution of potential interactions among different gut species to the host’s physiology. Our findings provide fundamental insights into the diverse functions of gut bacteria which likely contribute to honeybee neurological processes. IMPORTANCE The honeybee possesses a simple and host-restricted gut community that contributes to the metabolic health of its host, while the effects of bacterial symbionts on host neural functions remain elusive. We found that the colonization of specific bee gut bacteria regulates distinct circulating metabolites enriched in carbohydrate, amino acid, and glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways. The brains of bees colonized with different gut members display distinct transcriptomic profiles of genes crucial for bee behaviors and division of labor. Alternative splicing of genes related to disordered bee behaviors is also mediated. The presence of gut bacteria promotes sucrose sensitivity with major neurotransmitters being regulated in the brain. Our findings demonstrate how individual bee gut species affect host behaviors, highlighting the gut-brain connections important for honeybee neurobiological and physiological states.