Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SCRATCH to R: Toward an Inclusive Pedagogy in Teaching Coding

Abstract SCRATCH, developed by the Media Lab at MIT, is a kid-friendly visual programming language, designed to introduce programming to children and teens in a “more thinkable, more meaningful, and more social” way. Although it was initially intended for K-12 students, educators have used it for higher education as well, and found it particularly helpful for those who haven’t had the privilege of learning coding before college. In this article, we propose using SCRATCH to create an interactive and fun project for introduction as a gateway to learn R in introductory or intermediate statistics courses. We begin with a literature review on recent K-12 computing education, as well as how visual coding has been used in college classrooms as an aid for teaching syntax-based coding. Then, we explain the design of the proposed project and share the observations from a pilot study in a liberal arts college with 39 students who had diverse coding experiences. We find that the most disadvantaged students are not those with no coding experience, but those with poor prior coding experience or with low coding self-efficacy. This innovative SCRATCH-to-R approach also offers us a pathway toward an inclusive pedagogy in teaching coding.
DEVELOPMENT OF LEARNING DEVICES BASED ON PROBLEM BASED LEARNING MODELS ON THE MATERIAL OF SOCIAL ARITHMETIC TO FACILITATE MATHEMATICS COMMUNICATION SKILL FOR CLASS VII SMP/MTs STUDENTS

This research is motivated by teachers who still have difficulty designing learning tools based on the 2013 curriculum. This study aims to produce mathematical learning tools based on a problem-based learning model to facilitate students' valid and practical mathematical communication skills. Learning tools are developed in the form of a syllabus, lesson plan (RPP), and student worksheets (LAS). The development model used is the 4-D model, in which stages are defined, designed, developed, and disseminate. The test subjects in this study were 6 class VII students. The test instrument used was a validity instrument in the form of a validation sheet to assess the appropriateness of the learning device and a practicality instrument in the form of a student response questionnaire to assess the practicality of using LAS. Based on the validation data analysis results, it is concluded that this mathematics learning tool is very valid, with the average rating for the syllabus being 3,84, for RPP is 3,76, and for LAS being 3,72. Based on the practicality data analysis results, the student response questionnaire showed a very practical category with an average assessment of 3,61.
Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-Atherosclerotic Effects of Natural Supplements on Patients with FMF-Related AA Amyloidosis: A Non-Randomized 24-Week Open-Label Interventional Study

We aimed to evaluate the effect of a combination of natural products on parameters related to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in a cohort of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients with Serum Amyloid A amyloidosis, in a non-randomized, 24-week open-label interventional study. Morinda citrifolia (anti-atherosclerotic-AAL), omega-3 (anti-inflammatory-AIC), and extract with Alaskan blueberry (antioxidant-AOL) were given to patients with FMF-related biopsy-proven AA amyloidosis. Patients were >18 years and had proteinuria (>3500 mg/day) but a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Arterial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), and serum biomarkers asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), pentraxin (PTX3), malondialdehyde (MDA), Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were studied at baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment. A total of 67 FMF-related amyloidosis patients (52 male (77.6%); median age 36 years (range 21–66)) were enrolled. At the end of a 24-week treatment period with AAL, AIC, and AOL combination therapy, ADMA, MDA, PTX3, hsCRP, cholesterol, and proteinuria were significantly decreased compared to baseline, while CuZn-SOD, GSH-Px, and FMD levels were significantly increased. Changes in inflammatory markers PTX3, and hsCRP were negatively correlated with FMD change, and positively correlated with decreases in proteinuria, ADMA, MDA, cholesterol, and CIMT. Treatment with AAL, AIC and AOL combination for 24 weeks were significantly associated with reduction in inflammatory markers, improved endothelial functions, and oxidative state. Efficient control of these three mechanisms can have long term cardiovascular and renal benefits for patients with AA amyloidosis.
Ultrasound Neuromodulation of the Spleen Has Time-Dependent Anti-Inflammatory Effect in a Pneumonia Model

Interfaces between the nervous and immune systems have been shown essential for the coordination and regulation of immune responses. Non-invasive ultrasound stimulation targeted to the spleen has recently been shown capable of activating one such interface, the splenic cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP). Over the past decade, CAP and other neuroimmune pathways have been activated using implanted nerve stimulators and tested to prevent cytokine release and inflammation. However, CAP studies have typically been performed in models of severe, systemic (e.g., endotoxemia) or chronic inflammation (e.g., collagen-induced arthritis or DSS-induced colitis). Herein, we examined the effects of activation of the splenic CAP with ultrasound in a model of local bacterial infection by lung instillation of 105 CFU of Streptococcus pneumoniae. We demonstrate a time-dependent effect of CAP activation on the cytokine response assay during infection progression. CAP activation-induced cytokine suppression is absent at intermediate times post-infection (16 hours following inoculation), but present during the early (4 hours) and later phases (48 hours). These results indicate that cytokine inhibition associated with splenic CAP activation is not observed at all timepoints following bacterial infection and highlights the importance of further studying neuroimmune interfaces within the context of different immune system and inflammatory states.
Lactobacillus plantarum is a pathobiont for adult Drosophila

Pathobionts are a unique class of symbionts that cause fulminant, and potentially life-threatening disease in animal hosts under specific circumstances. Despite the relevance of pathobiont containment for prolonged health, we know verylittle about the basis for pathobiont-dependent disease in an animal host. We found that mono-association of adult Drosophila with Lactobacillus plantarum, a widely reported fly commensal, and member of theprobiotic Lactobacillus genus, curtails adult longevity and causes extensive intestinal pathology within the host. Intestinal disease includes widespread loss of progenitor cells, disrupted epithelial organization, and impaired barrier function. We show that this phenotype is reverted in flies mutant for the immune deficiency gene, a regulatory component of fly innate defenses against gut bacteria. Our study uncovers a previously unknown pathogenic aspect of Lactobacillus plantarum association with Drosophila and establishes a simple model for the mechanistic exploration of pathobiont biology.
Infrastructure epistemologies: water, wastewater and displaced persons in Germany

Abstract Recent years have seen historically unprecedented global disaster migration; in 2016 Germany received 1.3 million displaced individuals. Regardless of past resources and future potential, disaster migrants are a new, vulnerable population. This new population increases demand for water and wastewater infrastructure services, despite being temporarily unable to pay for services. As such, this kind of sudden population increase is a resiliency challenge for the receiving infrastructure systems. Qualitative analysis of 1,884 open-ended survey responses was blended with a statistical analysis to discover how and why the German public perceives water and sanitation services have been provided to the disaster migrants. Unprompted, 36% (112/314) of respondents referenced at least one of three infrastructure epistemologies, including water and wastewater as a service, as a basic need, and as a human right. These epistemologies share statistically significant relationships with how long respondents feel water and wastewater should be provided to displaced persons. A temporally limited, normative perception of water and sanitation as a humanitarian good functions to enable water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver a high level of service despite the significant disruption of the large and vulnerable population influx, and has practical implications for the structure of cost recovery.
Novel Nickel(II), Palladium(II), and Platinum(II) Complexes with O,S Bidendate Cinnamic Acid Ester Derivatives: An In Vitro Cytotoxic Comparison to Ruthenium(II) and Osmium(II) Analogues

(1) Background: Since the discovery of cisplatin’s cytotoxic properties, platinum(II) compounds have attracted much interest in the field of anticancer drug development. Over the last few years, classical structure–activity relationships (SAR) have been broken by some promising new compounds based on platinum or other metals. We focus on the synthesis and characterization of 17 different complexes with β-hydroxydithiocinnamic acid esters as O,S bidendate ligands for nickel(II), palladium(II), and platinum(II) complexes. (2) Methods: The bidendate compounds were synthesized and characterized using classical methods including NMR spectroscopy, MS spectrometry, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography, and their cytotoxic potential was assessed using in vitro cell culture assays. Data were compared with other recently reported platinum(II), ruthenium(II), and osmium(II) complexes based on the same main ligand system. (3) Results: SAR analyses regarding the metal ion (M), and the alkyl-chain position (P) and length (L), revealed the following order of the effect strength for in vitro activity: M > P > L. The highest activities have Pd complexes and ortho-substituted compounds. Specific palladium(II) complexes show lower IC50 values compared to cisplatin, are able to elude cisplatin resistance mechanisms, and show a higher cancer cell specificity. (4) Conclusion: A promising new palladium(II) candidate (Pd3) should be evaluated in further studies using in vivo model systems, and the identified SARs may help to target platinum-resistant tumors.
Development of a Series Elastic Tendon Actuator (SETA) Based on Gait Analysis for a Knee Assistive Exosuit

An exosuit is a wearable robot that assists the muscular strength of a human that wears it by using multiple wires with similar functions to human muscles. This study focuses on the development of a series elastic tendon actuator (SETA) for the actuation of an exosuit. A gait analysis was performed for walking on stairs to deduce the design requirements of SETA, and the necessary performances were then determined based on these requirements. The SETA is designed to assign compliance to rigid wires using linear springs. The deformation in linear springs generated during tension was measured through an encoder to calculate the human robot interaction (HRI) force. By utilizing the HRI force as feedback of an admittance controller, the SETA was capable of providing wire tensions required by an exosuit. The performance of the SETA was verified through series elastic component (SEC) deformation and force control experiments. The SEC deformation increased from 0 to 3.86 mm when the wire tension increased from 0 to 100 N. This force controller demonstrated a slight vibration owing to the mechanical properties of the springs constituting the SEC during the step input; however, the value gradually converged to 100 N. The developed SETA was applied to an exosuit system for supporting knee strength of the elderly when walking on stairs.
From Residential Neighborhood to Activity Space: The Effects of Educational Segregation on Crime and Their Moderation by Social Context

The segregation–crime relationship is a classic topic in sociology and crime geography, yet existing literature mainly focuses on the impact of racial segregation at the global scale. Little is known about the impact of local segregation of other socioeconomic characteristics such as education level, an important segregation factor for racially homogenous countries like China. Also unknown is their impact beyond the residential domain. Using the Baidu Map Location-Based Service population data set and court records in 863 local geographic units of the central urban area of Beijing during 2018 and 2019, this study uncovers the spatial pattern of segregation between people with and without a bachelor’s degree measured in the residential space and activity space and further investigates the influence of these two types of educational segregation and their interaction effects with social context on theft and violent crime. Results show less segregation in the activity space than in the residential space. Both types of segregation, however, significantly increase the risk of theft and violence, with activity space–based segregation more consequential. Moreover, the positive segregation–crime link is moderated by the local social context measured by the educational composition among residents and the ambient population. Compared with residential segregation, activity space–based segregation is more detrimental for places dominated by the less educated. Our results highlight the elevated influence of segregation on safety beyond the residential space, especially for areas clustered with the less educated ambient population.
Financial Burden and Mental Health Among LGBTQIA+ Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background In the United States, the cost of cancer treatment can lead to severe financial burden for cancer survivors. The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic compound cancer survivors’ financial challenges. Financial burden may be particularly challenging for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQIA+) survivors. LGBTQIA+ survivors who are adolescent and young adults (AYA) may face elevated financial burden due to multiple, intersecting identities. Methods An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was applied, beginning with a survey of AYA cancer survivors in the Mountain West region of the United States. Survey measures included demographics, COVID-19 impacts, the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST), Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4), and PROMIS anxiety and depression scales. Two-way t-tests were used to analyze differences in outcomes between LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ AYAs. All LGBTQIA+ survey participants were invited to complete an interview, and those who agreed participated in descriptive interviews about financial burden due to cancer, COVID-19, and LGBTQIA+ identity. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Dedoose. Results Survey participants (N=325) were LGBTQIA+ (n=29, 8.9%), primarily female (n= 197, 60.6%), non-Hispanic White (n= 267, 82.2%), and received treatment during COVID-19 (n= 174, 54.0%). LGBTQIA+ interview participants (n=9, 100%) identified as a sexual minority and (n=2, 22.2%) identified as a gender minority. Most were non-Hispanic White (n=6, 66.7%) and had received treatment during COVID-19 (n=7, 77.8%). Statistical analyses revealed that LGBTQIA+ AYAs reported significantly worse COST scores than non-LGBTQIA+ AYAs (p=0.002). LGBTQIA+ AYAs also reported significantly higher PSS-4 (p=0.001), PROMIS anxiety (p=0.002) and depression scores (p<0.001) than non-LGBTQIA+ AYAs, reflecting worse mental health outcomes. High costs of cancer treatment and employment disruptions due to COVID-19 contributed to substantial financial stress, which exacerbated existing mental health challenges and introduced new ones. Conclusions LGBTQIA+ AYA survivors reported substantial financial burden and psychological distress exacerbated by cancer, the COVID-19 pandemic, and LGBTQIA+ stigma. Given their multiple intersecting identities and potential for marginalization, LGBTQIA+ AYA survivors deserve prioritization in research to reduce financial burden and poor mental health.
Study on the Hydrodynamic Performance of Typical Underwater Bionic Foils with Spanwise Flexibility

Bionic foils are usually similar in shape to the locomotive organs of animals living in fluid media, which is helpful in the analysis of the motion mode and hydrodynamic mechanisms of biological prototypes. With the design of underwater vehicles as the research background, bionic foils are adopted as research objects in this paper. A geometric model and a motion model are established depending on the biological prototype. In the model, two typical bionic foils―a NACA foil and a crescent-shaped foil―are chosen as research objects. Simulations of the bionic foils are performed using a numerical method based on computational fluid dynamics software. The hydrodynamic forces acting on the foils and flow field characteristics behind the foils are used to analyze the propulsion performance and hydrodynamic mechanism. Furthermore, a spanwise flexibility model is introduced into the motion model. Next, the hydrodynamic mechanism is further analyzed on the basis of hydrodynamic forces and flow field characteristics with different spanwise flexibility parameters. Finally, an experimental verification platform is designed and built to verify the reliability of the numerical results. Agreement between the experimental and numerical results indicates that the numerical results are reliable and that the analysis of the paper is reasonable.
Evaluating Wrong-Way Driving Characteristics, Countermeasures, and Alert Dissemination Methods through Driver and Law Enforcement Surveys

Wrong-way driving (WWD) on limited-access highways is a serious driver error that could be fatal for both the wrong-way driver and right-way drivers. Agencies and law enforcement officers (LEOs) can spend valuable time and resources responding to WWD events. A survey of 247 LEOs found that despite being dispatched multiple times per year in response to WWD, most issue fewer than one WWD citation per year. In the survey, LEOs also gave their perspectives on the characteristics of WWD events and the influences behind WWD. Agencies typically use dynamic message signs (DMS) for notifying right-way drivers of WWD events, but little research has considered solutions that are less costly and potentially farther-reaching. A survey of 900 Florida toll-road drivers found that drivers rely on navigation devices, apps, or both, significantly more than DMS for traveler information. Drivers were receptive to receiving WWD alerts through navigation services and indicated that they would react to WWD events in a way that is beneficial to highway safety. Crowdsourcing technologies were considered to generate WWD information and quickly disseminate alerts to drivers and officers. Additional survey questions answered by a combined group of 2,052 drivers, LEOs, and agency officials determined that among advanced WWD countermeasures, most preferred two sets of “Wrong Way” signs equipped with rectangular flashing beacons over one set of signs with light emitting diodes. Combining advanced countermeasures with innovative right-way driver notification methods could enhance law enforcement efficiency, reduce WWD crashes, and provide safer conditions for both drivers and officers.
Modelling photovoltaic power

 Abstract There are several reasons why a robust and reliable model describing the instantaneous power produced by a photovoltaic system is useful. Module failures, inverter malfunction and shadowing are some of the problems leading to energy loss that can be detected with the aid of a sufficiently good model. Furthermore, a reliable model enables an investor to accurately estimate the system energy production, payback times etc. The model that has been developed adopts the known dependence upon solar irradiance and temperature but it also takes into account the airmass, the angle of incidence and the efficiency drop due to low values of solar irradiance. In addition, ohmic losses, soiling can be taken into account either as a fixed term or variable term if sufficient data are available. Generic functions describing the airmass and angle of incidence effects can be used based upon the module technology but these functions can also be determined for the specific modules under study. The model is validated against high quality data available from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (USA). The data consist of current-voltage traces of specific modules of different technologies along with solar irradiance at the plane of the module and module temperature. Initial results of the model validation are presented in this work. The dependence of the residuals upon solar irradiance temperature, airmass and angle of incidence is also explored.
Influence of military-type workload and footwear on muscle exertion during static standing

Abstract Lower extremity muscular exertion and footwear design characteristics during a physiological workload have been shown to influence muscle activity. However, a dearth in the literature remains on muscular activation and exertion influenced by different military footwear when exposed to a military-type workload during static standing. The purpose of the study was to assess lower extremity muscular activity during erect standing, before (PRE) and after (POST) a military workload, in two military footwear [standard tactical (STD), minimalist (MIN)]. Twenty-two recreationally trained males (age: 22.1 § 2.1 years; height: 176.6 § 6.8 cm; mass: 79.8 § 9.7 kg) were tested, following a repeated measures counterbalanced footwear assignment. Participants performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) and bilateral static balance assessments before and after a 16-kg load-carrying treadmill workload. Electromyography (EMG) muscle activity was collected during the postural control tasks on ankle dorsiflexors, plantar flexors, inverters and everters in pre-workload and post-workload conditions. Dependent EMG variables of mean, peak, root-mean square, percent MVIC and co-contraction index were calculated and analyzed with a 2 £ 2 within-subjects repeated measures analysis of variance with the alpha level set p < 0.05. Pre-workload muscle activity did not differ between footwear. However, MIN demonstrated lower muscle activity during post-workload static standing. Additionally, a shorter workload time was recorded while donning STD compared to MIN. In acute conditions, lower extremity muscle activity does not differ between the military footwear. However, after undergoing an occupation-related workload, standard tactical footwear increases muscle exertion, thus suggesting a diminished effect on lower extremity muscle activity.
Charge Redistribution and Restoring voltage of Supercapacitors

2 Gdansk University of Technology 11/12 Gabriela Narutowicza Street, 80-233 Gda ńsk-Wrzeszcz, Poland Email: xkupar01@stud.feec. vutbr.cz Abstract: Electric charge in supercapacitor is stored on elec trodes as well as inside its electrolyte. Charges o n electrodes create Helmholtz double layer which is formed immed iately with time constant in the order of seconds, while the storage of charge in electrolyte takes time in the order of hundreds of seconds. When the charged supe rcapacitor is briefly short-circuited, the charge on electrode s is discharged, however the charge in electrolyte remains mostly unchanged. The charge stored in electrolyte is r distributed by diffusion to the electrodes, un til the charge on electrodes form electric field which acts agains t the charge concentration gradient and equilibrium state occursfor charge-carrier exchange at electrode/elec tro yte interface. Supercapacitor capacitance value depends on the voltage of its terminals; with increasing vo ltage total capacitance increases.