Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Copy Number Alterations as Novel Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary Copy number alterations (CNAs) occur due to changes to DNA structure that lead to the gain/amplification or loss/deletion of copies of DNA sections from a normal genome. These CNAs have been shown to impact gene expression and appear to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer; additionally, certain CNAs appear to influence survival as well as response to certain treatments in colorectal cancer. As our understanding of CNAs in colorectal cancer increases, therapeutic options may be developed and implemented to target these CNAs and hopefully improve patient outcomes. The aim of this review is to describe the current methods to detect CNAs and summarize the current literature regarding CNAs and their roles from pathogenesis to prognosis and prediction in colorectal cancer. Abstract In colorectal cancer, somatic mutations have played an important role as prognostic and predictive biomarkers, with some also functioning as therapeutic targets. Another genetic aberration that has shown significance in colorectal cancer is copy number alterations (CNAs). CNAs occur when a change to the DNA structure propagates gain/amplification or loss/deletion in sections of DNA, which can often lead to changes in protein expression. Multiple techniques have been developed to detect CNAs, including comparative genomic hybridization with microarray, low pass whole genome sequencing, and digital droplet PCR. In this review, we summarize key findings in the literature regarding the role of CNAs in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, from adenoma to carcinoma to distant metastasis, and discuss the roles of CNAs as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in colorectal cancer.
Effects of Curriculum, Socioeconomic Status and Gender on L2 English Reading Acquisition for Students in Grade 1

This longitudinal study was targeted at (a) measuring L2 English reading acquisition across the school year using progress-monitoring tools and; (b) describing the effects of independent variables on the reading growth trajectory for students across first grade. Participants included 368 students in Grade 1 (ages 6-7 years), representing low-cost, middle-cost and high-cost schools in Bangalore, India. We utilized a mixed-effects hierarchical growth model to observe growth in their reading abilities. The results suggested that curriculum had the most significant and positive effect on skills acquisition, irrespective of gender or socio-economic status. These results will shed light on the linguistic context of learning English as a second language; reading assessment and intervention practices in the Indian context; and the implications on students from low-cost schools who do not have access to adequate reading assessment and instruction.
Using Composite Membrane Contactors with Polyamide Functional Layer for Co2 Separation

Over the last decade, the increasing awareness and concern about environmental and health issues among the public have given rise to a range of new technological solutions in environmental engineering. As part of this change, considerable progress in membrane applications for flue gas treatment has been made, and new opportunities were created by developing high-performance membranes and modules designs. In particular, many researchers have widely studied the gas separation process using membrane contactors. The most explored gas separation process nowadays is capture of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture from flue gas 1 , sulphur oxide (SO 2 ) 2 and nitrogen oxides (NO x ) via gas absorption 3 . Membrane contactors are devices that allow a gaseous phase and a liquid phase to come into direct contact with each other, for mass transfer between the phases, with/without dispersing one phase into the other 4 . Some membrane contactors allow passing of the flue gas through the membrane pores and the gas becomes fine-bubbled, significantly increasing the effective contact area. The membrane technique can independently control the gas and liquid flow rate, avoiding solvent loss, bubble, channelling, entrainment and other operational problems 5 . In membrane contactors with functional polymer/ceramic layer, dispersion phenomena do not occur. Instead, diffusion or solution-diffusion or facilitated carries transfer the gas species from one phase to another 6 . Membrane contactors reduce the volume of equipment and offer a large interfacial area in non-dispersive contact across a membrane, leading to a decrease in the height of transfer unit
Evaluating Seagrass Meadow Dynamics by Integrating Field-Based and Remote Sensing Techniques

Marine phanerogams are considered biological sentinels or indicators since any modification in seagrass meadow distribution and coverage signals negative changes in the marine environment. In recent decades, seagrass meadows have undergone global losses at accelerating rates, and almost one-third of their coverage has disappeared globally. This study focused on the dynamics of seagrass meadows in the northern Adriatic Sea, which is one of the most anthropogenically affected areas in the Mediterranean Sea. Seagrass distribution data and remote sensing products were utilized to identify the stable and dynamic parts of the seagrass ecosystem. Different seagrass species could not be distinguished with the Sentinel-2 (BOA) satellite image. However, results revealed a generally stable seagrass meadow (283.5 Ha) but, on the other hand, a stochastic behavior in seagrass meadow retraction (90.8 Ha) linked to local environmental processes associated with anthropogenic activities or climate change. If systemized, this proposed approach to monitoring seagrass meadow dynamics could be developed as a spatial decision support system for the entire Mediterranean basin. Such a tool could serve as a key element for decision makers in marine protected areas and would potentially support more effective conservation and management actions in these highly productive and important environments.
Time-Restricted Eating Regimen Differentially Affects Circulatory miRNA Expression in Older Overweight Adults

Time-restricted eating (TRE), a popular form of intermittent fasting, has been demonstrated to provide multiple health benefits, including an extension of healthy lifespan in preclinical models. While the specific mechanisms remain elusive, emerging research indicates that one plausible mechanism through which TRE may confer health benefits is by influencing the expression of the epigenetic modulator circulatory miRNAs, which serve as intercellular communicators and are dysregulated in metabolic disorders, such as obesity. Therefore, the goal of this pilot study is to examine the effects of a 4-week TRE regimen on global circulatory miRNA from older (≥65 years) overweight participants. Pre- and post-TRE regimen serum samples from nine individuals who participated in the Time to Eat clinical trial (NCT03590847) and had a significant weight loss (2.6 kg, p < 0.01) were analyzed. The expressions of 2083 human miRNAs were quantified using HTG molecular whole transcriptome miRNA assay. In silico analyses were performed to determine the target genes and biological pathways associated with differentially expressed miRNAs to predict the metabolic effects of the TRE regimen. Fourteen miRNAs were differentially expressed pre- and post-TRE regimen. Specifically, downregulated miRNA targets suggested increased expression of transcripts, including PTEN, TSC1, and ULK1, and were related to cell growth and survival. Furthermore, the targets of downregulated miRNAs were associated with Ras signaling (cell growth and proliferation), mTOR signaling (cell growth and protein synthesis), insulin signaling (glucose uptake), and autophagy (cellular homeostasis and survival). In conclusion, the TRE regimen downregulated miRNA, which, in turn, could inhibit the pathways of cell growth and activate the pathways of cell survival and might promote healthy aging. Future mechanistic studies are required to understand the functional role of the miRNAs reported in this study.
E-MINT: A Gamified App for Empowering Parents in Their Role as STEM Gatekeepers

When it comes to initiatives engaging children - especially girls - in STEM education or careers, parents are often a neglected group, despite being regarded as the most important gatekeepers in this field because they can have an impact very early on. They frequently feel under-informed and, as a result, lack the self-confidence to take on this role. The E-MINT project starts here and aims to motivate parents and equip them with the skills to serve as role models and mentors to their children. The Science Capital approach, a proven successful framework for creating awareness, fostering motivation and imparting knowledge in the context of science education, serves as the structural basis of the E-MINT app. This especially applies to the content and functionalities of the app, which is divided into four areas: “What you know”. In this section, parents are encouraged to explore their own knowledge of STEM professions, gender stereotypes, career choices, educational pathways and future technologies. “How you think”. In this part of the app, career aspirations, behaviour in different situations or thoughts about the future are told in short picture stories. “What you do”. The app provides free access to virtual E-MINT Makerspaces. Parents can use the app to complete projects on 3D printing, environmental technology and upcycling at home. “Who you know”. In this section of the app, parents are encouraged to use their own personal social network to improve their skills as STEM gatekeepers for their children. They are guided step by step through a social network analysis with the aim of visualising their personal STEM networks and finding ways to expand it. The pre-survey showed parents to be well informed. Parents were most likely to lack information about new technologies and STEM education. In the post-survey, the usability of the app was rated as very good. The comparative survey on parents' STEM knowledge showed slight changes. Parents in the post-survey knew more about training opportunities for STEM professions, about the disproportion of men and women in technical professions and the importance of gender stereotypes for career decisions. Parents' views also changed slightly in the post-survey. Specifically, their attitudes towards computer games, which they now see as having more potential to increase children's digital curiosity, and they see computer games more as a gateway into technical professions.
The Effect of Increase in Clinical Experience on Morbidity and Mortality After Pancreaticoduodenectomy Surgery

Introduction: Pancreaticoduodenectomy surgery is widely accepted and applied worldwide for periampullary tumors. Despite the decline in mortality rates from 40% to 3% with the advances in surgical technique, morbidity is still high (40–50%). Aim: We aimed to investigate the effect of increased clinical experience on the length of hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Materials and methods: The files of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in our hospital between January 2007 and January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed and divided into four groups by years. Demographics, body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), medical history, preoperative biliary drainage application, surgical technique, histopathological features, postoperative morbidity, mortality, and survival were investigated. Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, comorbid disease, history of biliary drainage, surgical technique, and operation time (P > 0.05). The rate of postoperative complications has decreased over the years (P = 0.01). According to the Clavien-Dindo scale, the complication severity decreased significantly over the years (P = 0.05). The overall survival of the patients increased by years (P = 0.03); the Early postoperative mortality rate decreased in the first month (<30 days) (P = 0.04). Conclusion: With increased clinical experience, morbidity and mortality decrease, overall survival is prolonged after pancreaticoduodenectomy procedure.
REAL-TIME SELECTIVE SPRAYING FOR VIOLA ROPE CONTROL IN SOYBEAN AND COTTON CROPS USING DEEP LEARNING

The cultivation of soy and cotton is of great importance in the Brazilian economic scenario, both of which move billions of reais per year in exports. Weed management is important for obtaining optimal yields. Among the plants that have gained resistance and tolerance are those of the genus Ipomoea spp . These plants affect soybean and cotton crops throughout their cycle, thereby affecting their productivity. In this context, the objective of this work was to develop an embedded system for the selective spraying of rope and viola in cotton and soybean crops using algorithms for the classification and detection of objects in real time (Faster R-CNN and YOLOv3). This project was developed at the Agricultural Machinery Laboratory of the Federal University of Rondonópolis. The algorithms were trained to detect three classes (soybean, viola, and cotton) and were evaluated in terms of precision and sensitivity in the laboratory and field. Control results using faster R-CNN sprays demonstrated that real-time object detection algorithms for the selective control of weeds can be used for soybean and cotton crops.
A conceptual framework for gender and climate mainstreaming to mitigate water inaccessibility in rural sub‐Saharan Africa

Evidence underscores that water inaccessibility in rural sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) disproportionately affects women due to patriarchal gender norms and practices. In the context of Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 6 (Water and Sanitation), globally driven efforts and initiatives are set against a backdrop of empowering women, improving rural water accessibility, and reducing water‐related risks. Furthermore, climate change is altering spatiotemporal patterns of water availability and quality. A thematic analysis of the literature was conducted through Scopus and Web of Science to identify drivers and consequences of as well as coping strategies for water (in)accessibility in rural SSA. A conceptual framework was developed to better understand and assess research gaps and points of intervention for gender and climate mainstreaming in mitigation strategies that reduce the impacts of water inaccessibility in rural SSA. Findings show that complex intersecting factors underlie water inaccessibility—and responses—among rural women in SSA. The complex socio‐ecological interlinkages among climate change, water, and gender are discussed and a case is made for more integrative research (including dimensions of vulnerability, impacts, and effective grassroots strategies and co‐benefits) to inform policy, planning, and practice.
An application analysis method based on Clustering

Depending upon the load intensity and time variation information, we established the indicator system to analyze the of commercial halls, so that the further optimization actions can be taken in practical application scenarios. The representative clustering algorithms including the k-means and AC algorithm are chosen for the comparative analysis, and on this basis, an enhanced k-means algorithm is put forward in this study because the traditional method is sensitive to the initial clustering centroids and lacks the stability. A series of experiments are performed in this work, and the experimental findings reveal the validity of the proposed method. It provides a new idea for the efficiency analysis of commercial halls.
Optimization of Demand Response and Power-Sharing in Microgrids for Cost and Power Losses

The number of microgrids within a smart distribution grid can be raised in the future. Microgrid-based distribution network reconfiguration is analyzed in this research by taking demand response programs and power-sharing into account to optimize costs and reduce power losses. The suggested method determined the ideal distribution network configuration to fulfil the best scheduling goals. The ideal way of interconnecting switches between microgrids and the main grid was also identified. For each hour of operation, the ideal topology of microgrid-based distribution networks was determined using optimal power flow. The results were produced with and without the use of a demand response program and power-sharing in each microgrid. Different load profiles, such as residential, industrial, commercial, and academic, were taken into account and modified using appropriate demand response programs and power-sharing using the Artificial Bee Colony algorithm. Various scenarios were explored independently to suit the diverse aims considered by the distribution network operator for improved observation. The ABC optimization in this research attempted to reduce the system’s total operation costs and power losses through efficient networked microgrid reconfiguration. The results of optimal microgrid topology revealed the effects of power-sharing and demand response (TOU) programs. The results obtained in the proposed idea shows that costs were reduced by 8.3% and power losses were reduced by 4%. The IEEE 33-bus test system was used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Story Telling Problem Based Learning (ST-PBL): A Program for Rural Elderly with Chronic Diseases

Purpose: To measure changes in health knowledge, health attitudes, and health promotion behaviors of the elderly in rural communities after using the Story Telling Problem Based Learning program facilitated by students in a nursing course.Methods: A quasi-experimental study using a non-equivalent control group: 72 students sampled from the nursing discipline were divided into experimental (n=36) and control groups (n=36). The ST-PBL program was provided to the older rural people in the experimental group for six weeks. Results: Data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 21.0. After the application of the ST-PBL program, the participants in the experimental group showed a significant increase in health knowledge and health promotion behavior. Conclusion: The participants in the experimental group demonstrated positive changes in health knowledge, health attitudes, and health promotion behaviours. The use of an approach such as the ST-PBL program can promote uptake of self-care behaviors within the elderly with chronic diseases living in rural areas.
Generalised regression estimators for average treatment effect with multicollinearity in high-dimensional covariates

In this paper, a two-stage estimation procedure is proposed to obtain an efficient propensity score (PS) based estimator for the average treatment effect (ATE) with multicollinearity in high-dimensional covariates. In the first stage, we adjust the usual Horvitz–Thompson estimator of the ATE by incorporating instrumental variables in parametric PS models to avoid model misspecification and then propose the generalised regression estimator by utilising the auxiliary information from covariates related to the potential outcomes. In the second stage, we adapt the Elastic-net method to solve the multicollinearity issue and further improve the estimation efficiency based on the selected important covariates. The finite-sample performance of the proposed estimator is studied through simulation, and two applications to HER2 breast cancer and employees' weekly wages are also presented.
Antineuroinflammatory Effect of Amburana cearensis and Its Molecules Coumarin and Amburoside A by Inhibiting the MAPK Signaling Pathway in LPS-Activated BV-2 Microglial Cells

Microglia plays an important role in the neuroinflammatory response, identified as one of the major factors in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Amburana cearensis and its bioactive compounds, including coumarin (CM), vanillic acid (VA), and amburoside A (AMB), exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities, on 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in rat mesencephalic cells determined by our group. The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of the dry extract from A. cearensis (DEAC), CM, AMB, and VA on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated microglial cells and elucidated the possible molecular mechanism of action. The DEAC was characterized by HPLC-PDA (chemical markers: CM, AMB, and VA). The BV-2 microglial cell line was pretreated with increasing concentrations of DEAC, CM, AMB, or VA in the presence or absence of LPS to evaluate the toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity. The cytotoxicity of DEAC, CM, AMB, or VA on BV-2 cells was evaluated by the MTT test, the free radical scavenging activity of test drugs was investigated, and the nitric oxide (NO) production was determined using the Griess reagent, while cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. The expressions of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), MAPK members (JNK and ERK1/2), and iNOS were determined through Western blot analysis. DEAC, CM, AMB, or VA (5-100 μg/mL) did not induce any detectable cytotoxicity in BV-2 cells. All test drugs (100 μg/mL) showed free radical scavenging activity (hydroxyl and superoxide radicals); however, only DEAC, CM, and AMB (5-100 μg/mL) significantly reduced NO production. DEAC (100 μg/mL), as well as CM (50 and 100 μg/mL) and AMB (25 μg/mL), reduced at least 50% of NO produced and markedly decrease the production of TNF-α and IL-6 but they did not significantly affect IL-10 levels. Only DEAC (100 μg/mL) and AMB (25 μg/mL) reduced the expression of iNOS, and they did not affect arginase activity. DEAC (100 μg/mL) suppressed the activation of the MAPKs JNK and ERK1/2 in LPS-activated BV-2 cells but it did not suppress the expression of TLR-4 nor the phosphorylation of NF-κB. In conclusion, DEAC, CM, and AMB exerted anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-activated microglial cells as observed by the reduction in the production of inflammatory mediators and the expression of iNOS. We identified the MAPK signaling pathway as a probable mechanism of action to the anti-inflammatory effects observed.
Software Application toward Accessible Hearing Care Assessment: Gap in Noise Test

Currently, several methods are being applied to assess auditory temporal resolution in a controlled clinical environment via the measurements of gap detection thresholds (GDTs). However, these methods face two issues: the relatively long time required to perform the gap detection test in such settings and the potential of inaccessibility to such facilities. This article proposes a fast, affordable, and reliable application-based method for the determination of GDT either inside or outside the soundproof booth. The proposed test and the acoustic stimuli were both developed using the MATLAB® programming platform. GDT is determined when the subject is able to distinguish the shortest silent gap inserted randomly in one of two segments of white noise. GDTs were obtained from 42 normal-hearing subjects inside and outside the soundproof booth. The results of this study indicated that average GDTs measured inside the booth (5.12 ± 1.02 ms) and outside (4.78 ± 1.16 ms) were not significantly different. The measured GDTs were also comparable to that reported in the literature. In addition, the GDT screening time of the proposed method was approximately 5 minutes, a screening time that is much less than that reported by the literature. Data show that the proposed application was fast and reliable to screen GDT compared to the standard method currently used in clinical settings.