Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First Metabolic Insights into Ex Vivo Cryptosporidium parvum-Infected Bovine Small Intestinal Explants Studied under Physioxic Conditions

Simple Summary As the most relevant zoonotic cause of cryptosporidiosis, C. parvum infects cattle worldwide. In vitro studies on C. parvum are absent on the most important animal host under physiological oxygen conditions of the intestine. The aim of this study was to rectify this lack of knowledge, and to deliver a practical model to study C. parvum–host cell–intestinal microbiome interactions in the metabolic context. The present metabolic analyses of C. parvum-infected bovine small intestinal (BSI)-explants revealed a parasite-dependent reduction in important metabolic activities (e.g., glycolysis, glutaminolysis) at 3 hpi (hours post-infection) followed by striking increases in the same metabolic functions at 6 hpi, thus paralleling previously reported metabolic impacts of C. parvum on humans. In addition, PCA analysis confirmed physiological oxygen concentrations as a driving factor of metabolic responses in infected BSI explants. The present model allows the study of C. parvum-triggered metabolic modulation of intestinal cells. Moreover, this realistic platform offers the possibility to address pending questions regarding C. parvum–host cell–intestinal microbiome interactions. Thus, the present approach may deliver important insights into how to promote the innate immune system–intestinal microbiome alliances, which maintain the epithelial integrity of the gut thereby supporting human and animal health. Abstract The apicomplexan Cryptosporidium parvum causes thousands of human deaths yearly. Since bovines represent the most important reservoir of C. parvum, the analysis of infected bovine small intestinal (BSI) explants cultured under physioxia offers a realistic model to study C. parvum–host cell–microbiome interactions. Here, C. parvum-infected BSI explants and primary bovine small intestinal epithelial cells were analysed for parasite development and metabolic reactions. Metabolic conversion rates in supernatants of BSI explants were measured after infection, documenting an immediate parasite-driven metabolic interference. Given that oxygen concentrations affect cellular metabolism, measurements were performed at both 5% O2 (physiological intestinal conditions) and 21% O2 (commonly used, hyperoxic lab conditions). Overall, analyses of C. parvum-infected BSI explants revealed a downregulation of conversion rates of key metabolites—such as glucose, lactate, pyruvate, alanine, and aspartate—at 3 hpi, followed by a rapid increase in the same conversion rates at 6 hpi. Moreover, PCA revealed physioxia as a driving factor of metabolic responses in C. parvum-infected BSI explants. Overall, the ex vivo model described here may allow scientists to address pending questions as to how host cell–microbiome alliances influence intestinal epithelial integrity and support the development of protective intestinal immune reactions against C. parvum infections in a realistic scenario under physioxic conditions.
Polysaccharide Vaccines: A Perspective on Non-Typhoidal Salmonella

Polysaccharides are often the most abundant antigens found on the extracellular surfaces of bacterial cells. These polysaccharides play key roles in interactions with the outside world, and for many bacterial pathogens, they represent what is presented to the human immune system. As a result, many vaccines have been or currently are being developed against carbohydrate antigens. In this review, we explore the diversity of capsular polysaccharides (CPS) in Salmonella and other selected bacterial species and explain the classification and function of CPS as vaccine antigens. Despite many vaccines being developed using carbohydrate antigens, the low immunogenicity and the diversity of infecting strains and serovars present an antigen formulation challenge to manufacturers. Vaccines tend to focus on common serovars or have changing formulations over time, reflecting the trends in human infection, which can be costly and time-consuming. We summarize the approaches to generate carbohydrate-based vaccines for Salmonella, describe vaccines that are in development and emphasize the need for an effective vaccine against non-typhoidal Salmonella strains.
A Fractal-RFID Based Sensing Tattoo for the Early Detection of Cracks in Implanted Metal Prostheses

Manufacturing faults and aging are the main causes for micro-crack generation in implanted prostheses. An early detection of surface defects by means of local sensors can prevent dangerous complications and prompt for a preventive replacement of the medical device. For this purpose, a tattoo-like sensing mechanism based on pre-fractal Space Fulling Curves is wrapped onto the medical device and coupled with a zero-power RFID transponder. The resulting smart prosthesis is capable to identify the early formation of cracks and to communicate with the exterior of the body by backscattering communication. The crack detection method exploits the anti-tamper port of common Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) ICs and a small antenna, acting as harvester, closely integrated with the metal prosthesis. Simulations and tests with a mockup of metallic hip prosthesis and a leg phantom demonstrate that the device can identify surface cracks as small as 0.6 mm and can be wireless interrogated outside the body from up to 70 cm distance. The required geometrical change to the prosthesis is modest and does not hinder its mechanical robustness. Experiments also confirmed that the health status of the prosthesis could be even monitored on-the-fly when the patient crosses a door equipped with a UHF reader. The sensorized prosthesis could hence become an enabler for the emerging Precision Medicine and for the Internet of Bodies paradigm.
Plasmid Encoded Toluene and Xylene Degradation by Phyllosphere Bacteria

Air pollution by monoaromatic hydrocarbons (MAH) is a highly concerned great threat in modern world due to the high carcinogenicity and genotoxicity to all living beings. Most of these MAH releasing processes are oil refining processes and vehicular emission. These air trapped pollutants deposit on ground level and phyllosphere takes special place as a ground level exposure surface for these pollutants. Continuous deposition lead to make a MAH degrading microbial consortium in the phyllosphere and these microorganisms can be used as an efficient bioremediators in remediating MAH contaminants which is an environmental friendly solution compared to chemical remediations. The phyllosphere of plant species Ixora chinensis, Ervatamia divaricata, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Amaranthus cruentus which are highly abundant along the roadsides of polluted areas in Sri Lanka are rich with several species of bacteria belong to many genera and they were able to degrade toluene and xylene efficiently. The species of Alcaligenes feacalis, Alcaligenes DN25, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus methylotrophicus were able to degrade toluene and xylene efficiently. All these strains harbor plasmids conferring them resistance to ampicillin. Curing of the plasmids of A. feacalis and Alcaligenes sp. DN25 drastically reduced the ability in degrading these toluene and xylene. Upon transformation of plasmids of these two Alcaligenes sp. into E. coli JM109 enabled it to degrade the two hydrocarbons efficiently. But transformation and curing process of two Bacillus sp. into the E. coli JM109 was unsuccessful. Plasmid encoded toluene and xylene degradation of two Alcaligenes sp. suggested the presence of required catabolic genes in these plasmids. PCR amplification with degenerate primers and comparison of their nucleotide sequences with Genbank sequences indicated that plasmids of A. feacalis, Alcaligenes sp. DN25 and B. cereus harbor the genes xylQ involved in toluene and xylene degradation. RFLP and nucleotide sequence comparisons of xylQ amplicons revealed that both of these genes in two bacterial strains (A. feacalis and Alcaligenes sp. DN25) are homologous. But that was heterologous to the xylQ gene of B. cereus. Hence the results clearly showed the potential of A. feacalis, Alcaligenes sp. DN25 and B. cereus in degrading toluene and xylene and also the potential of using them in remediating aromatic hydrocarbonic contaminants.
From Me to You: Time Together and Subjective Well-Being in the UK

Time together as a family is a crucial dimension of family life. However, its impact on personal happiness is not well understood. I use the United Kingdom Time Use Survey 2014–2015 to study how time spent with partners and children affects daily subjective well-being. Overall, I find that family time, couple time, and time alone with children contributes significantly to mothers’ and fathers’ well-being. I show that the activities that families share together mediate an important part of the enjoyment of time together but do not entirely explain this association. This suggests that beyond what families do together, families enjoy being together. I find that fathers enjoy family time more than mothers do. I demonstrate that the unequal division of labour during family time explains this discrepancy. I conclude by discussing the recent transformations of intimate relationships.
Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Iridoid and Anthocyanin Extract Enhances PPAR-α, PPAR-γ Expression and Reduces I/M Ratio in Aorta, Increases LXR-α Expression and Alters Adipokines and Triglycerides Levels in Cholesterol-Rich Diet Rabbit Model

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits possess potential cardiovascular, lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic bioactivities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of resin-purified cornelian cherry extract rich in iridoids and anthocyanins on several transcription factors, intima/media ratio in aorta and serum parameters, which determine or are valuable indicators of the adverse changes observed in the course of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. For this purpose, male New Zealand rabbits were fed a diet enriched in 1% cholesterol for 60 days. Additionally, one group received 10 mg/kg b.w. of cornelian cherry extract and the second group 50 mg/kg b.w. of cornelian cherry extract. PPAR-α and PPAR-γ expression in the aorta, LXR-α expression in the liver; cholesterol, triglycerides, adipokines, apolipoproteins, glucose and insulin levels in serum; the intima and media diameter in the thoracic and abdominal aorta were determined. Administration of cornelian cherry extract resulted in an enhancement in the expression of all tested transcription factors, a decrease in triglycerides, leptin and resistin, and an increase in adiponectin levels. In addition, a significant reduction in the I/M ratio was observed for both the thoracic and abdominal aorta. The results we have obtained confirm the potential contribution of cornelian cherry extract to mitigation of the risk of developing and the intensity of symptoms of obesity-related cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders such as atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome.
Examining the Antecedents of Environmentally Responsible Behaviour: Relationships among Service Quality, Place Attachment and Environmentally Responsible Behaviour

This study investigates the antecedents of environmentally responsible behaviour by creating a theoretical model of relationships between service quality, place attachment and environmentally responsible behaviour. A questionnaire survey was conducted among tourists who visited six famous tourist attractions in Shaanxi, China. The results of the research demonstrate that service quality exerts influence on environmentally responsible behaviour and place attachment in a positive manner. Additionally, the findings suggest that place attachment affects environmentally responsible behaviour in a direct and positive manner. Moreover, it is also found that service quality strengthens its effect on environmentally responsible behaviour through place attachment, indicating the mediating role of place attachment in the link between service quality and environmentally responsible behaviour. The current research contributes to tourism literature in that it helps to better understand the tourists’ environmentally responsible behaviour and provides management with evidence of the significance for improving the service quality at tourist attractions.
PRETERM PRE LABOUR RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES;

Study Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the maternal and perinatal outcome of conservative managementin PPROM. Design: Descriptive prospective study. Period: One year from August 2006 to August 2007. Setting: Maternal and child health(MCH) Centre PIMS Islamabad. Material and Methods: 50 patients between 28-36 weeks of gestation presenting with PPROM. Results:The mean age was 27+5.1 years, 14(28%) were having gestational age between 28to 32 weeks and 36 (72%) were between 33 to 36weeks of gestation. 34 (68.0%) of the mothers had no history of abortions while 10 (20.0%) had 1-2 abortions and 6 (12.0%) had 3 ormore abortions. Sixteen (32.0%) women had previous PRROM while 10 (20.0%) had previous history of preterm labor. Inversecorrelation was observed between latency period and gestational age. Among 14(28%) women with gestational ages between 28 to 32weeks 10 delivered within 48 hours and 4 after 48 hours. Among 36(72%) women with gestational ages between 33-36 weeks 31(62%)delivered in less than 48 hours and 5 (10 %) women delivered after 48 hours.14(28%) of the 50 babies were admitted in NICU withsepticemia, 7(14.0%) with RDS, hypoglycemia in 2(4.0%) and necrotizing enterocolitis in 3(6.0%). 3 neonates died from septicemia and2 from RDS. On first follow-up 34.0% mothers had infections and 8.0% had post-partum hemorrhage. Conclusions: Expectantmanagement till 36 weeks is a suitable option as gestational age at delivery and birth weight both affect neonatal survival and offer time toadminister corticosteroids to allow foetal lung maturity. Foetal deaths occurred due to septicaemia and RDS with direction co-relationshipwith low birth weight.
Compact Shared-Aperture Dual-Band Dual-Polarized Array Using Filtering Slot Antenna and Dual-Function Metasurface

This article presents a shared-aperture dual-band dual-polarized antenna array for fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication. Within one radiating aperture, four higher band (HB) patch antenna elements are placed over the lower band (LB) full-wavelength slot antenna. The proposed array is miniaturized by bending the ground plane of the slot antenna. Suppression of cross-band mutual coupling and scattering is achieved by using the filtering performance of the slot antenna and a dual-function metasurface. The filtering performance of the slot antenna is realized using coupled microstrip lines inside the radiating slot and open-ended stubs on the feeding lines. The dual-function metasurface operates as an artificial magnetic conductor reflector in the LB and bandpass frequency-selective surface in the HB. By placing the dual-function metasurface behind the slot antenna, the radiation of the slot antenna is enhanced in the LB but not HB, and the negative effect of its HB scattering on the HB antennas is reduced. The working mechanism is explained in detail. The measured and simulated results demonstrate that the proposed array has stable radiation patterns in the bands of 0.69–0.96 and 3.4–3.7 GHz with a high cross-band isolation of over 32 dB and is more compact than the previous works.
Gas exchanges and chlorophyll content in green pepper plants under bio-fertilization and times of application

This study aimed to determine the gas exchange and the chlorophyll content of green pepper plants under doses and times of application of bio-fertilizers based on manure and enriched organic compost. Two experiments were carried out simultaneously with applications of bio-fertilizers prepared from manure and enriched organic compost, one using cattle manure (CBF) and the other sheep manure (SBF). For these, four doses of biological fertilizers (100, 200, 300 and 400 dm³ ha-1), three application times (0, 30 and 60 days after transplantation - DAT) and absolute control, referring to the absence of fertilization, were used. treatments. were arranged in a randomized block design, totaling 13 treatments. The variables evaluated were: the relative chlorophyll a, b and total content; liquid photosynthesis (A); stomatal conductance (gs); internal CO2 concentration (Ci); instant carboxylation efficiency (iCE - A/Ci); transpiration rate (T); intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE - A/gs); and water use efficiency (WUE - A/E). Gs, A and T, showed significant effect at 60 DAT with the application of SBF and Ci at 30 DAT with CBF. The dose of 400 dm³ ha-1 of SBF provided greater gas results, and the doses of 200 and 300 dm³ ha-1 of CBF promoted a greater Ci, greater stomatal conductance, greater liquid photosynthesis and better water use efficiency, which results in a greater plant fresh weight at the time of flowering induction.
Limiting behavior of the gap between the largest two representative points of statistical distributions

Abstract This paper explores the properties of the gap of representative points (RPs) in the sense of minimum mean square error for various univariate statistical distributions. We illustrate the relationship between RPs and doubly truncated mean residual life (DMRL) as well as mean residual life (MRL), which are widely used in survival analysis. The limiting behavior of the gap between the largest two RPs is discussed. In addition, an upper bound of the optimal MSE is given when the univariate random variable X has a domain on finite interval. In simulation studies, the performance of RPs for various distributions is assessed in terms of moment estimation and resampling technique. A brief discussion about the relationship between the tail of the distribution and the gap of RPs is also given.
Penggunaan Metode System Usability Scale Untuk Mengukur Aspek Usability Pada Media Pembelajaran Daring di Universitas XYZ

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi media pembelajaran daring di Universitas XYZ pada aspek usability menggunakan metode System Usability Scale (SUS) dengan 10 pertanyaan sebagai tolak ukur kualitas dari aspek usability layanan LMS tersebut. Sebanyak 50 responden dari kalangan mahasiswa dilibatkan dalam penelitian ini. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan penilaian System Usability Scale (SUS) berada pada skor rata-rata 69,9. Dari hasil tersebut, maka layanan media pembelajaran daring Universitas XYZ mendapat grade C, peringkat persentilnya berada pada kisaran 52%, masuk dalam kategori OK untuk sifatnya (Adjective) dan masuk dalam kategori marginal untuk tingkat penerimaannya (Acceptable) dan untuk nilai NPS-nya sediri tergolong passive. Hasil yang diperoleh menempatkan media pembelajaran daring Universitas XYZ sebagai layanan yang masih bisa diterima oleh para mahasiswa, tetapi perbaikan masih tetap diperlukan untuk meningkatkan kepuasan mahasiswa sebagai pengguna layanan yang dapat berdampak pada peningkatan hasil belajar mahasiswa.
Infield Apple Detection and Grading Based on Multi-Feature Fusion

A field-based apple detection and grading device was developed and used to detect and grade apples in the field using a deep learning framework. Four features were selected for apple grading, namely, size, color, shape, and surface defects, and detection algorithms were designed to discriminate between the four features using machine vision and other methods. Then, the four apple features were fused, and a support vector machine (SVM) was used for infield apple grading into three grades: first-grade fruit, second-grade fruit, and other-grade fruit. The results showed that for a single index, the accuracy of detecting the apple size, the fruit shape, the color, and the surface defects, were 99.04%, 97.71%, 98%, and 95.85%. The grading accuracies for the first-grade fruit, second-grade fruit, other-grade fruit, and the average grading accuracy based on multiple features were 94.55%, 95.71%, 100%, and 95.49%, respectively. The field experiment showed that the average grading accuracy was 94.12% when the feeding interval of the apples was less than 1.5 s and the walking speed did not exceed 0.5 m/s, meeting the accuracy requirements of field-based apple grading.
National Health Insurance Policy: Benefit-cost Analysis of Primary Care Physician Education Program

Indonesia's National Health Insurance holds several programs for society welfare improvement, especially in health matters. One of the programs assumed to be still controversial is the education program for the Primary Care Physician. Indonesian Physicians Association handling and managing professional doctor licensing strongly refuses that program. This study applies a qualitative approach designed to make a benefit-cost analysis of the education program for Primary Care Physician by employing mental accounting theory. The result of the study shows that the doctors are enthusiastic about joining the program if it is free. Unfortunately, the unfixed state of policy by the government brings about a doubtful consideration to deal with the program. The benefit analysis indicates that the material benefit the doctor hopes is not sufficiently covered. However, they still have the humane based benefits by implementing their knowledge and skill to help society. One extraordinary struggle they must go on when taking the Primary Care Physician program is their inmost welfare (satisfaction inside).
The Effect of Alcohol on Palladium Nanoparticles in i-Pd(OAc)2(TPPTS)2 for Aerobic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol

In the heterogeneous catalyst i-Pd(OAc)2(TPPTS)2, Pd(II) was reduced to Pd(0) by using different alcohol solvents, and the catalyst’s activity was studied in the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol. We studied the effects of the impregnation time in ethanol as a solvent and the use of various alcoholic solvents on the size of palladium nanoparticles. We found that the reduction of palladium by the various alcohols yielded palladium nanoparticles that were active in the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol. As determined by DLS, TEM, and zeta potential analyses, both the impregnation time in ethanol and the type of alcohol used were observed to affect nanoparticle formation, particle size distribution, and agglomeration, as well as the conversion rate. The palladium nanoparticles’ hydrodynamic diameter sizes obtained during the 24 h of impregnation time were in the range of 10–200 nm. However, following 24 h of impregnation in ethanol the nanoparticles tended to form aggregates. The conversion rates of all the primary alcohols were similar, while for secondary alcohol, in which the hydrogen of the hydroxyl is less acidic and there is steric hindrance, the conversion was the lowest. Performing the oxidation using the solvent 1-propanol yielded smaller nanoparticles with narrower distributions in comparison to the reaction that was observed when using the ethanol solvent. On the other hand, the relatively high particle size distribution in 1-hexanol yielded agglomerates.