Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Is Social Justice Research for Asian Americans? Critical Reflections on Cross-Racial and Cross-Ethnic Coalition Building in Community-Based Educational Spaces

Abstract As anti-Black ideologies continue to prevail in Asian American communities, this autoethnography explores how two Southeast Asian American (SEAA) scholar-activists and community organizers contended with anti-Blackness, racism, and social justice research in their cross-racial and cross-ethnic solidarity community-organizing and educational curriculum. Utilizing an autoethnographic approach, the authors, both educational anthropologists, engage in critical analysis of their personal experiences as scholar-activists to examine the cultural experiences of being ethnic insiders and researchers. Pheng, a second-generation queer Khmer American scholar, examines the tensions in building cross-racial and cross-ethnic solidarity in Refugee Youth Organizing Training (RYOT), a multi-ethnic community-based SEAA youth leadership program in Philadelphia, PA. She argues that transformative dialogue in support of coalition building requires SEAA youth to first grapple with their historic and contemporary trauma as the descendants of SEAA refugees in the United States. Xiong, a first-generation HMoob American, details the successes and challenges of building cross-racial solidarity as a community-engaged researcher and activist within Solidarity Holds Our Unity Together (SHOUT), a Black and SEAA nonprofit organization in Dane County, WI. She points out that cross-racial and ethnic coalition building requires maintaining long-term relationships between all communities. Pheng and Xiong situate their experiences working with each organization within the context of the Minnesota Uprising and the COVID-19 global pandemic. Noting that both critical and polarizing conversations emerged within Asian American communities post-George Floyd’s death, the authors argue that their position as scholar-activists played a central role in facilitating educational workshops and dialogues to bridge SEAA organizations and the academic community. Specifically, this paper reveals how researchers can produce anti-racist scholarship alongside their community and cultivate reciprocal relationships that benefit minoritized communities. This autoethnography offers insights on the practices of socially-just and community-engaged scholarship in addressing anti-racism and coalition building in community-based educational spaces.
Porcine Small Intestinal Submucosa (SIS) as a Suitable Scaffold for the Creation of a Tissue-Engineered Urinary Conduit: Decellularization, Biomechanical and Biocompatibility Characterization Using New Approaches

Bladder cancer (BC) is among the most common malignancies in the world and a relevant cause of cancer mortality. BC is one of the most frequent causes for bladder removal through radical cystectomy, the gold-standard treatment for localized muscle-invasive and some cases of high-risk, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In order to restore urinary functionality, an autologous intestinal segment has to be used to create a urinary diversion. However, several complications are associated with bowel-tract removal, affecting patients’ quality of life. The present study project aims to develop a bio-engineered material to simplify this surgical procedure, avoiding related surgical complications and improving patients’ quality of life. The main novelty of such a therapeutic approach is the decellularization of a porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) conduit to replace the autologous intestinal segment currently used as urinary diversion after radical cystectomy, while avoiding an immune rejection. Here, we performed a preliminary evaluation of this acellular product by developing a novel decellularization process based on an environmentally friendly, mild detergent, i.e., Tergitol, to replace the recently declared toxic Triton X-100. Treatment efficacy was evaluated through histology, DNA, hydroxyproline and elastin quantification, mechanical and insufflation tests, two-photon microscopy, FTIR analysis, and cytocompatibility tests. The optimized decellularization protocol is effective in removing cells, including DNA content, from the porcine SIS, while preserving the integrity of the extracellular matrix despite an increase in stiffness. An effective sterilization protocol was found, and cytocompatibility of treated SIS was demonstrated from day 1 to day 7, during which human fibroblasts were able to increase in number and strongly organize along tissue fibres. Taken together, this in vitro study suggests that SIS is a suitable candidate for use in urinary diversions in place of autologous intestinal segments, considering the optimal results of decellularization and cell proliferation. Further efforts should be undertaken in order to improve SIS conduit patency and impermeability to realize a future viable substitute.
Influence of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles on Gene Expression of Birch Clones In Vitro under Stress Caused by Phytopathogens

Recently, metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted attention as promising components for the protection and stimulation of plant microclones in tissue culture in vitro. However, the effect of NPs on the genetic mechanisms underlying plant adaptive responses remains poorly understood. We studied the effect of column-shaped CuO NPs 50 nm in diameter and 70–100 nm in length at a concentration of 0.1–10 mg/L on the development of phytopathogenic fungi Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium avenaceum in culture, as well as on the infection of downy birch micro-clones with phytopathogens and the level of genes expression associated with the formation of plant responses to stress induced by microorganisms. CuO NPs effectively suppressed the development of colonies of phytopathogenic fungi A. alternata and F. avenaceum (up to 68.42% inhibition at 10 mg/L CuO NPs) but not the development of a colony of F. oxysporum. Exposure to the NPs caused multidirectional responses at the level of plant genes transcription: 5 mg/L CuO NPs significantly increased the expression level of the LEA8 and MYB46 genes and decreased the expression of DREB2 and PAL. Infection with A. alternata significantly increased the level of MYB46, LEA8, PAL, PR-1, and PR-10 transcripts in birch micro-clones; however, upon exposure to a medium with NPs and simultaneous exposure to a phytopathogen, the expression of the MYB46, PR-1, and PR-10 genes decreased by 5.4 times, which is associated with a decrease in the pathogenic load caused by the effect of NPs and the simultaneous stimulation of clones in vitro. The results obtained can be used in the development of preparations based on copper oxide NPs for disinfection and stimulation of plant phytoimmunity during clonal micropropagation of tree crops.
Proof-of-Concept of Continuous Transfection for Adeno-Associated Virus Production in Microcarrier-Based Culture

Adeno-associated virus vectors (AAV) are reported to have a great potential for gene therapy, however, a major bottleneck for this kind of therapy is the limitation of production capacity. Higher specific AAV vector yield is often reported for adherent cell systems compared to cells in suspension, and a microcarrier-based culture is well established for the culture of anchored cells on a larger scale. The purpose of the present study was to explore how microcarrier cultures could provide a solution for the production of AAV vectors based on the triple plasmid transfection of HEK293T cells in a stirred tank bioreactor. In the present study, cells were grown and expanded in suspension, offering the ease of this type of operation, and were then anchored on microcarriers in order to proceed with transfection of the plasmids for transient AAV vector production. This process was developed in view of a bioreactor application in a 200 mL stirred-tank vessel where shear stress aspects were studied. Furthermore, amenability to a continuous process was studied. The present investigation provided a proof-of-concept of a continuous process based on microcarriers in a stirred-tank bioreactor.
Versatility of Hydrogels: From Synthetic Strategies, Classification, and Properties to Biomedical Applications

Hydrogels are three-dimensional, cross-linked, and supramolecular networks that can absorb significant volumes of water. Hydrogels are one of the most promising biomaterials in the biological and biomedical fields, thanks to their hydrophilic properties, biocompatibility, and wide therapeutic potential. Owing to their nontoxic nature and safe use, they are widely accepted for various biomedical applications such as wound dressing, controlled drug delivery, bone regeneration, tissue engineering, biosensors, and artificial contact lenses. Herein, this review comprises different synthetic strategies for hydrogels and their chemical/physical characteristics, and various analytical, optical, and spectroscopic tools for their characterization are discussed. A range of synthetic approaches is also covered for the synthesis and design of hydrogels. It will also cover biomedical applications such as bone regeneration, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. This review addressed the fundamental, general, and applied features of hydrogels in order to facilitate undergraduates, graduates, biomedical students, and researchers in a variety of domains.
Data science for service design: An introductory overview of methods and opportunities

Abstract To support effective and successful projects, Service Design practitioners rely on insights that mainly build on qualitative research methodology. The literature on data science promises to help transform how design research is done, adding sophisticated quantitative analyses, complementing existing methods with the power of machines. Due to this potential, data science receives widespread attention from both design practitioners and academics. However, the literature is fragmented and specialized, making it hard for designers to engage with data science. This paper addresses the opportunities and challenges for data science to support Service Design projects, evaluating existing technologies from designers’ perspective and providing an entry-level guide for service designers. These methods can help increase the quality of design research, making hidden information accessible and assisting creative processes. Together, these results are expected to inspire organizations to advance their data science resources for Service Design projects.
The Impact of Fiscal Openness on Public Spending Technical Efficiency in Developing Countries

Abstract This study examines the impact of fiscal openness, defined as fiscal transparency and public participation in budget processes, on public spending technical efficiency in developing countries. Fiscal openness is expected to improve public spending technical efficiency by curbing political and bureaucratic corruption. However, beyond a certain limit, more fiscal openness may undermine public spending technical efficiency because of the excessive administrative costs and politicization of public spending decisions that lead to a throwing money effect. We combine a data envelopment analysis and regression analysis to calculate the efficiency scores in developing countries and test the hypothesis of an inverted U-shaped relationship between fiscal openness and public spending technical efficiency. Our results support the existence of an inverted-U relationship between the fiscal transparency aspect of fiscal openness and the public spending technical efficiency in developing countries, whereas the effect of public participation is found to be statistically insignificant.
The Impact of Field Trips on Students’ Creative Thinking and Practices In Arts Education

This study was to explore the relationship between the field trips and the potential benefits of these visits to students’ creativity and practices in art tasks. In particular, it considered the following research question: Can field trips positively affect students’ creative thinking and practices in art tasks? The study sample consisted of 60 female students in the third level, for the academic years (2011 – 2012) from Rofaidah basic school level of the African Council schools in Khartoum - Republic of Sudan. Descriptive, analytical and experimental methods are used in this research to explore the benefit of field trips to natural and industrial environments to stimulate students’ creativity and practices on art tasks. Research from the area of environmental psychology suggests that humans will benefit both psychologically and physiologically from spending time in the natural world and outside environment. Additionally, designers also commend the natural world as a source of inspiration for their conceptual designs and art ideas. The results showed there was a significant difference between the performance of students on an art task within the experimental and control groups. It was concluded that field trips to natural and industrial locations were a beneficial learning aid and a means of fostering students’ creativity and practices in art education. The contribution to new knowledge in this study included the development of advice for all participants working within and related to the field of education and in particular art education the benefit of field visit to the natural and industrial places. The researchers recommended that educational trips should be included in the art curriculum wherever possible.
Nanocarrier Systems in Taste Masking

Taste is the most crucial organoleptic parameter affecting patient compliance in the case of drugs with poor palatability. Taste masking is a major challenge for the development of orally ingested active pharmaceutical constituents in the pharmaceutical industry. Numerous conventional taste-masking techniques have been extensively studied. In parallel, affecting the drug solubility or release is a major concern of conventional taste-masking techniques. Recently, many nanocarrier systems have been introduced, claiming the advantage of effective taste masking without affecting either the drug solubility or its release. In this review, we will present new techniques for taste masking, including taste-masking techniques utilizing nanocarrier systems such as liposomes, polymeric and solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, submicron lipid emulsions, and nanogels. We will chiefly highlight the composition of these systems and their applications in designing oral therapeutic delivery systems successful in masking the taste of bitter molecules.
Investigation of Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Chemopreventive Properties of Hawaiian Grown Māmaki tea (Pipturus albidus)

Objective Māmaki tea (Pipturus albidus) is a native Hawaiian plant species that is best known for its medicinal uses. It is endemic and only grows on the Hawaiian Islands. We evaluated different extraction methods and investigated antioxidant, anticancer, and/or chemopreventive potential of Māmaki tea. Materials and Methods Fresh Māmaki tea leaves were purchased from Hilo Farmers Market on Big Island. The Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay was used to evaluate the antioxidant activities of selected Hawaii-grown teas, fruits, and vegetables. In addition, chemopreventive assays against tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and nitric oxide (NO) were performed for these Māmaki tea extracts. Cytotoxicity testing was done using in vitro sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay against lung (LU-1) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. Results Locally grown red vine Māmaki tea exhibited the highest level (40.0 µM/µg) of antioxidants among the tested locally grown fruits, vegetables, and tea. In addition, when tested at 20 µg/mL, the dehydrated Māmaki tea powders (AS-18), brewed from boiling water, showed the highest NF-κB inhibition (75.0%); and the freeze-dried Māmaki leaf powder (AS-1) brewed using room temperature water had the highest inhibitory activity with 55.5% in the nitrite assay. Furthermore, AS-25, the 100% ethanol extract from dehydrated Māmaki tea leaves exhibited the best anticancer activity with the lowest 71.3% survival of breast cancer cells. Conclusions This work stimulates further studies on the biological properties and medicinal uses of Māmaki tea, and raises community and public awareness to promote Māmaki tea.
Assessing Walking Programs in Fibromyalgia: A Concordance Study between Measures

This study analyzes the degree of agreement between three self-report measures (Walking Behavior, WALK questionnaire and logbooks) assessing adherence to walking programs through reporting their components (minutes, rests, times a week, consecutive weeks) and their concordance with a standard self-report of physical activity (IPAQ-S questionnaire) and an objective, namely number of steps (pedometer), in 275 women with fibromyalgia. Regularized partial correlation networks were selected as the analytic framework. Three network models based on two different times of assessment, namely T1 and T2, including 6 weeks between both, were used. WALK and the logbook were connected with Walking Behavior and also with the IPAQ-S. The logbook was associated with the pedometers (Z-score > 1 in absolute value). When the behavior was assessed specifically and in a detailed manner, participants’ results for the different self-report measures were in agreement. Specific self-report methods provide detailed information that is consistent with validated self-report measures (IPAQ-S) and objective measures (pedometers). The self-report measures that assess the behavioral components of physical activity are useful when studying the implementation of walking as physical exercise.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Intranasal Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Nose-to-Brain Delivery

Nose-to-brain drug delivery has been of great interest for the treatment of many central nervous system (CNS) diseases and psychiatric disorders over past decades. Several nasally administered formulations have been developed to circumvent the blood-brain barrier and directly deliver drugs to the CNS through the olfactory and trigeminal pathways. However, the nasal mucosa’s drug absorption is insufficient and the volume of the nasal cavity is small, which, in combination, make nose-to-brain drug delivery challenging. These problems could be minimized using formulations based on solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) or nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), which are effective nose-to-brain drug delivery systems that improve drug bioavailability by increasing drug solubility and permeation, extending drug action, and reducing enzymatic degradation. Various research groups have reported in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of SLNs and NLCs nose-to-brain delivery systems. This review was undertaken to provide an overview of these studies and highlight research performed on SLN and NLC-based formulations aimed at improving the treatment of CNS diseases such neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. We discuss the efficacies and brain targeting efficiencies of these formulations based on considerations of their pharmacokinetic parameters and toxicities, point out some gaps in current knowledge, and propose future developmental targets.
Design and Implementation of a UAV-Based Airborne Computing Platform for Computer Vision and Machine Learning Applications

Visual sensing of the environment is crucial for flying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and is a centerpiece of many related applications. The ability to run computer vision and machine learning algorithms onboard an unmanned aerial system (UAS) is becoming more of a necessity in an effort to alleviate the communication burden of high-resolution video streaming, to provide flying aids, such as obstacle avoidance and automated landing, and to create autonomous machines. Thus, there is a growing interest on the part of many researchers in developing and validating solutions that are suitable for deployment on a UAV system by following the general trend of edge processing and airborne computing, which transforms UAVs from moving sensors into intelligent nodes that are capable of local processing. In this paper, we present, in a rigorous way, the design and implementation of a 12.85 kg UAV system equipped with the necessary computational power and sensors to serve as a testbed for image processing and machine learning applications, explain the rationale behind our decisions, highlight selected implementation details, and showcase the usefulness of our system by providing an example of how a sample computer vision application can be deployed on our platform.
Sensory and motor profiles of the contralateral upper limb and neuroplastic changes in individuals with unilateral rotator cuff related shoulder pain – a systematic review protocol

Abstract Background Numerous studies have established bilateral changes that underpin a reorganization of the central nervous system in individuals with unilateral tendinopathy. The evidence for sensory and motor profiles of the contralateral limb and neuroplastic (cortical) changes have not been specifically reviewed for rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP). Objectives To systematically review, summarize and appraise the evidence for sensory and motor profiles of the contralateral (non-injured) upper limb and neuroplastic changes in individuals with unilateral RCRSP. Methods This review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement and the guidelines for performing a Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE). Two reviewers will screen, appraise, and extract the data using a customized data extraction tool, and synthesize findings from all studies irrespective of their methodological quality. The methodologically quality of the included studies will be assessed using a modified Downs and Black index. Statistical and clinical heterogeneity associated with the outcomes of interest will be assessed, and a meta-analysis will be done if appropriate. The certainty of evidence will be synthesized using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Discussion Previous studies indicate a reorganization of the nervous system with chronic musculoskeletal pain. If bilateral sensory/motor impairments or neuroplastic changes are evident in individuals with unilateral RCRSP, interventions may need to be tailored to include bilateral impairments as well as interventions that consider neuroplasticity. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020202756
From Model to Algorithms: Distributed Magnetic Sensor System for Vehicle Tracking

A novel vehicle localization and tracking methods are presented based on magnetic anomaly detection by distributed magnetic sensors. First, taking advantage of total magnetic field, in this article, we propose a total field matching (TFM) method that is immune of rotational vibrations to perform target localization. Instead of directly inverting the nonlinear magnetic dipole equations, we use the TFM approach to find the suboptimal target position, and then apply the linear Kalman filter to tail after the target. Because the relationship is linear between the target dynamics and the localization equations. A case study is performed by simulation to result in an estimated trajectory of (d, ϕ) = (70.8 m, 44.9°) that agrees well with the real one of (d, ϕ) = (70.5 m, 45°). For a vehicle tracking, the outdoors experiment results show good estimation accuracy based on four different sensor networking configurations.