Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
System-thinking progress in engineering programs: A case for broadening the roles of students

Introduction Complex systems are prevalent in many scientific and engineering disciplines, which makes system thinking important for students of these fields. Duchifat 3 is a unique engineering educational extracurricular program, where high school students designed, assembled, and tested a nano-satellite. Methods This study applied qualitative methods to explore how the participants’ systems-thinking developed during the program. Participants were interviewed using the repertory grid interview, and a semi structured interview at the beginning and at the end of the project, while various observations were conducted throughout. Results While the participants were initially assigned narrow roles, each dealing with a single sub-system of the satellite, some chose to be involved with other sub-systems and aspects of the project. Our findings show that the broader the participants’ involvement was, the greater the progress they experienced in their systems-thinking. Participants who stayed focused on a single subsystem did not show progress, while participants who involved themselves with several sub-systems exhibited a more meaningful progress. Discussion Although the program design aimed to assign students to a narrow role to enable them to achieve the educational goals, from the perspective of systems-thinking this was counterproductive. These findings shed light on the design of engineering programs such as the one examined here in terms of systems-thinking development. We discuss the implications of the findings for similar programs and make suggestions for improvement.
Perioperative, oncologic, and functional outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for special types of renal tumors (hilar, endophytic, or cystic): an evidence-based analysis of comparative outcomes

Purpose This study aims to perform a pooled analysis to compare the outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) between complex tumors (hilar, endophytic, or cystic) and non-complex tumors (nonhilar, exophytic, or solid) and evaluate the effects of renal tumor complexity on outcomes in patients undergoing RAPN. Methods Four databases were systematically searched, including Science, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, to identify relevant studies published in English up to December 2022. Review Manager 5.4 was used for statistical analyses and calculations. The study was registered with PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42023394792). Results In total, 14 comparative trials, including 3758 patients were enrolled. Compared to non-complex tumors, complex tumors were associated with a significantly longer warm ischemia time (WMD 3.67 min, 95% CI 1.78, 5.57; p = 0.0001), more blood loss (WMD 22.84 mL, 95% CI 2.31, 43.37; p = 0.03), and a higher rate of major complications (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.50, 3.67; p = 0.0002). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in operative time, length of stay, transfusion rates, conversion to open nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy rates, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, intraoperative complication, overall complication, positive surgical margins (PSM), local recurrence, and trifecta achievement. Conclusions RAPN can be a safe and effective procedure for complex tumors (hilar, endophytic, or cystic) and provides comparable functional and oncologic outcomes to non-complex tumors. Systematic review registration https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/prospero/display_record. php? RecordID=394792, identifier CRD42023394792.
Prevalence and molecular characteristics of polymyxin-resistant Enterobacterales in a Chinese tertiary teaching hospital

Introduction Polymyxin-resistant Enterobacterales poses a significant threat to public health globally, but its prevalence and genomic diversity within a sole hospital is less well known. In this study, the prevalence of polymyxin-resistant Enterobacterales in a Chinese teaching hospital was investigated with deciphering of their genetic determinants of drug resistance. Methods Polymyxin-resistant Enterobacterales isolates identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption were collected in Ruijin Hospital from May to December in 2021. Both the VITEK 2 Compact and broth dilution methods were used to determine polymyxin B (PMB) susceptibility. Polymyxin-resistant isolates were further characterized by molecular typing using PCR, multi-locus sequence typing, and sequencing of the whole genome. Results Of the 1,216 isolates collected, 32 (2.6%) across 12 wards were polymyxin-resistant (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range, PMB 4–256 mg/ml, and colistin 4 ≥ 16 mg/ ml). A total of 28 (87.5%) of the polymyxin-resistant isolates had reduced susceptibility to imipenem and meropenem (MIC ≥ 16 mg/ml). Of the 32 patients, 15 patients received PMB treatment and 20 survived before discharge. The phylogenetic tree of these isolates showed they belonged to different clones and had multiple origins. The polymyxin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates belonged to ST-11 (85.72%), ST-15 (10.71%), and ST-65 (3.57%), and the polymyxin-resistant Escherichia coli belonged to four different sequence types, namely, ST-69 (25.00%), ST-38 (25.00%), ST-648 (25.00%), and ST-1193 (25.00%). In addition, six mgrB specific mutations (snp_ALT c.323T>C and amino acid change p.Val8Ala) were identified in 15.6% (5/32) of the isolates. mcr-1, a plasmid-mediated polymyxin-resistant gene, was found in three isolates, and non-synonymous mutations including T157P, A246T, G53V, and I44L were also observed. Discussion In our study, a low prevalence of polymyxin-resistant Enterobacterales was observed, but these isolates were also identified as multidrug resistant. Therefore, efficient infection control measures should be implemented to prevent the further spread of resistance to last-line polymyxin therapy.
LDL receptor related protein 1 is an adverse prognostic biomarker that correlates with stromal remodeling and macrophages infiltration in bladder cancer

Introduction Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a highly heterogeneous disease influenced by the tumor microenvironment, which may affect patients' response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Therefore, identifying molecular markers and therapeutic targets to improve treatment is essential. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of LRP1 in BLCA. Methods We analyzed TCGA and IMvigor210 cohorts to investigate the relationship of LRP1 with BLCA prognosis. We utilized gene mutation analysis and enrichment to identify LRP1-associated mutated genes and biological processes. Deconvolution algorithms and single-cell analysis were used to understand the tumor-infiltrated cells and biological pathways associated with LRP1 expression. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to validate the bioinformatics analysis. Results Our study revealed that LRP1 was an independent risk factor for overall survival in BLCA patients and was associated with clinicopathological features and FGFR3 mutation frequency. Enrichment analysis demonstrated that LRP1 was involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and tumor metabolic processes. Furthermore, the ssGSEA algorithm revealed that LRP1 was positively correlated with the activities of tumor-associated pathways. Our study also found that high LRP1 expression impaired patients' responsiveness to ICB therapy in BLCA, which was predicted by TIDE prediction and validated by IMvigor210 cohort. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of LRP1 in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) and macrophages in the tumor microenvironment of BLCA. Discussion Our study suggests that LRP1 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in BLCA. Further research on LRP1 may improve BLCA precision medicine and enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
Morphological, physiological, and molecular scion traits are determinant for salt-stress tolerance of grafted citrus plants

Introduction Citrus productivity has been decreasing in the last decade in the Mediterranean basin as a consequence of climate change and the high levels of salinity found in the aquifers. Citrus varieties are cultivated grafted onto a rootstock, which has been reported as responsible for plant tolerance to adverse situations. However, other important factors for stress tolerance relying in the scion have been less studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the grafted scion on citrus tolerance to salt stress. Methods Four different citrus rootstock/scion combinations were subjected to salt stress for 30 days, using Carrizo citrange (CC) or Citrus macrophylla (CM) as rootstocks, and Navelina orange (NA) or Oronules mandarin (OR) as scions. CM-OR was the most tolerant combination, whereas CC-NA was the most sensitive one. Results and discussion Our results support the idea that the rootstock plays an important role in salt stress tolerance, but scion is also crucial. Thus, photosynthesis and transpiration, processes regulated by abscisic acid and jasmonic acid, are determinant of plant performance. These photosynthetic parameters were not affected in plants of the salt-tolerant combination CM-OR, probably due to the lower intoxication with Cl− ions, allowing a better performance of the photosynthetic machinery under stress conditions. The different stomatal density of the two citrus scions used in this work (higher in the sensitive NA in comparison to the tolerant OR) also contributes to the different tolerance of the grafted plants to this adverse condition. Additionally, CsDTX35.1 and CsDTX35.2, genes codifying for Cl− tonoplast transporters, were exclusively overexpressed in plants of the salt-tolerant combination CM-OR, suggesting that these transporters involved in Cl− compartmentalization could be crucial for salt stress tolerance. It is concluded that to improve citrus tolerance to high salinity, it is important that scions have a versatile photosynthetic system, an adequate stomatal density, and a proper modulation of genes coding for Cl− transporters in the tonoplast.
Recruiting foreign-born individuals who have sought an abortion in the United States: Lessons from a feasibility study

Although studies have documented challenges people encounter when attempting to access abortion care in the United States, there is little research on the perspectives and experiences of foreign-born individuals, who may encounter unique barriers to accessing care. Since lack of data may be due to difficulty recruiting this population, we explored the feasibility of using social media to recruit foreign-born individuals who have sought an abortion into interviews to share their abortion experiences. Our target population was limited to English and Spanish-speakers due to budget constraints. As this recruitment method was unsuccessful, we attempted to recruit our target population through the crowdsourcing website, Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk) to take a one-time survey on their abortion experience. Both online recruitment methods yielded a significant number of fraudulent responses. Although we aimed to collaborate with organizations that work closely with immigrant populations, they were unavailable to assist with recruitment efforts at the time of the study. Future abortion research utilizing online methods to recruit foreign-born populations should consider incorporating information on their target populations' use of online platforms as well as cultural views on abortion in order to develop effective recruitment strategies.
Virtual self-conversation using motivational interviewing techniques to promote healthy eating and physical activity: A usability study

Introduction We aim to examine the usability of a Virtual Reality (VR) platform, called ConVRSelf, which has been designed to address the needs of People Living With Obesity (PLWO). Methods Fourteen participants with a desire to eat healthier and exercise more (6 normal weight and 8 PLWO; Mean age = 41.86, SD = 13.89) were assigned to the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG). EG participants, after being trained on motivational interviewing skills, engaged in a virtual self-conversation using embodiment and body swapping techniques, which aimed to normalize and resolve their ambivalence to change lifestyle habits. CG participants, embodied in their virtual bodies, participated in a pre-established discourse with a virtual counselor giving them psychoeducational advice about how to change lifestyle habits. A mixed-methods design was used, involving a semi-structured interview and self-report questionnaires, including readiness to change habits (Readiness Rulers), body ownership (Body Ownership Questionnaire, BOQ), and system usability (System Evaluation Questionnaire, SEQ). Thematic content analysis was carried out for qualitative data while statistical data analysis was carried out using SPSS 20.0. Results Participants from both groups showed high readiness to change lifestyle (Readiness Rulers) before engaging with the virtual experiences, which was maintained at the same level after the interventions and their scores on the SEQ and BOQ were satisfactory. Regarding qualitative information obtained from the interviews, almost all participants found the VR experience to be novel, interesting, and enjoyable. A higher acceptability was observed among PLWO from the EG than normal weight participants from the same group, a promising finding for the ConVRSelf platform, which had been specifically designed to address the needs of PLWO. Conclusion The ConVRSelf system is well-accepted by participants and is ready to be tested with PLWO in a clinical setting.
Aerosolization behavior of antimicrobial resistance in animal farms: a field study from feces to fine particulate matter

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in animal feces can be released into the atmosphere via aerosolization, posing a high health risk to farm workers. So far, little attention has been paid to the characterization of the aerosolization process. In this study, fecal and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) samples were collected from 20 animal farms involving swine, cattle, layers, and broilers, and the ARGs, ARB, and human pathogenic bacteria (HPB) were loaded in these two media. The results showed that approximately 70% of ARGs, 60% of ARBs, and 43% of HPBs were found to be preferential aerosolization. The bioaerosolization index (BI) of target 30 ARGs varied from 0.04 to 460.07, and the highest value was detected from tetW. The highest BI values of erythromycin- and tetracycline-resistant bacteria were for Kocuria (13119) and Staphylococcus (24746), respectively, and the distribution of BI in the two types of dominant ARB was similar. Regarding the bioaerosolization behavior of HPB, Clostridium saccharolyticum WM1 was the most easily aerosolized pathogen in swine and broiler farms, and Brucella abortus strain CNM 20040339 had the highest value in cattle and layer farms. Notably, the highest BI values for ARGs, ARB, and HPB were universally detected on chicken farms. Most ARGs, ARB, and HPB positively correlated with animal age, stocking density, and breeding area. Temperature and relative humidity have significant effects on the aerosolization behavior of targets, and the effects of these two parameters on the same target are usually opposite. The results of this study provide a basis for a better understanding of the contribution of animal feces to airborne ARGs and HPBs in farms, as well as for controlling the transport of the fecal microbiome to the environment through the aerosolization pathway.
Advances in the management and translocation methodology of the endangered mollusk Patella ferruginea in artificial habitats of port infrastructures: implications for its conservation

The limpet (Patella ferruginea), endemic to the western Mediterranean, is the most endangered intertidal mollusk listed in the Habitats Directive (EU). The translocation methodology of this species is a scientific challenge faced by those port infrastructures – where there are established breeding subpopulations - that may be subject to emergency works, restoration, or extension of breakwaters. This study presents the results of an innovative two-phase pilot project (P1A/B and P2), involving the legally authorized translocation of individuals of this species obtained in three relocation experiments in the Marina of Puerto José Banús (Málaga) in July 2021 (phase 1: P1A and B) and May 2022 (phase 2: P2) (study period: July 2021-October 2022). The specimens translocated in both phases were from the same port except for those of P1B, which came from the Marbella Marina as an exceptional case. These translocations were undertaken on concrete breakwater tetrapod units. We show that the somewhat forced, slow and unregulated extraction of specimens to be translocated during the first experiment of the P1A pilot project was the main cause of mortality, as it generated an important exhaustion of the fixation musculature, which resulted in a low survival (66%) after the first month of transfer, whereas during the same period of time. In the subsequent experiments (where the problem was methodologically corrected, a fast extraction technique -less than 5 seconds-, regulated and without injuries), in P1B was 100%, in P2 with cage was 93.3%, and, in P2 without cage it was 83.3%, which reflected an improvement in translocation methodology. The results of this research are compared according to the descriptors of success and failure of each protocol in order to observe the differences and thus enable their replicability.
The HRA2pl fusion peptide exerts in vitro antiviral activity against human respiratory paramyxoviruses and pneumoviruses

Acute respiratory infections are a group of diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites that mainly affect children until the age of 5 and immunocompromised senior adults. In Mexico, these infections are the main cause of morbidity in children, with more than 26 million cases of respiratory infections reported by the Secretariat of Health, in 2019. The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), the human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and the human parainfluenza-2 (hPIV-2) are responsible for many respiratory infections. Currently, palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody against the fusion protein F, is the treatment of choice against hRSV infections. This protein is being studied for the design of antiviral peptides that act by inhibiting the fusion of the virus and the host cell. Therefore, we examined the antiviral activity of the HRA2pl peptide, which competes the heptad repeat A domain of the F protein of hMPV. The recombinant peptide was obtained using a viral transient expression system. The effect of the fusion peptide was evaluated with an in vitro entry assay. Moreover, the effectiveness of HRA2pl was examined in viral isolates from clinical samples obtained from patients with infections caused by hRSV, hMPV, or hPIV-2, by evaluating the viral titer and the syncytium size. The HRA2pl peptide affected the viruses’ capacity of entry, resulting in a 4-log decrease in the viral titer compared to the untreated viral strains. Additionally, a 50% reduction in the size of the syncytium was found. These results demonstrate the antiviral potential of HRA2pl in clinical samples, paving the way toward clinical trials.
Deep-agriNet: a lightweight attention-based encoder-decoder framework for crop identification using multispectral images

The field of computer vision has shown great potential for the identification of crops at large scales based on multispectral images. However, the challenge in designing crop identification networks lies in striking a balance between accuracy and a lightweight framework. Furthermore, there is a lack of accurate recognition methods for non-large-scale crops. In this paper, we propose an improved encoder-decoder framework based on DeepLab v3+ to accurately identify crops with different planting patterns. The network employs ShuffleNet v2 as the backbone to extract features at multiple levels. The decoder module integrates a convolutional block attention mechanism that combines both channel and spatial attention mechanisms to fuse attention features across the channel and spatial dimensions. We establish two datasets, DS1 and DS2, where DS1 is obtained from areas with large-scale crop planting, and DS2 is obtained from areas with scattered crop planting. On DS1, the improved network achieves a mean intersection over union (mIoU) of 0.972, overall accuracy (OA) of 0.981, and recall of 0.980, indicating a significant improvement of 7.0%, 5.0%, and 5.7%, respectively, compared to the original DeepLab v3+. On DS2, the improved network improves the mIoU, OA, and recall by 5.4%, 3.9%, and 4.4%, respectively. Notably, the number of parameters and giga floating-point operations (GFLOPs) required by the proposed Deep-agriNet is significantly smaller than that of DeepLab v3+ and other classic networks. Our findings demonstrate that Deep-agriNet performs better in identifying crops with different planting scales, and can serve as an effective tool for crop identification in various regions and countries.
Impact of inter-basin water diversion project operation on water quality variations of Hanjiang River, China

The impact of the operation of inter-basin water diversion projects on the integrity and stability of regional ecosystems cannot be ignored. In this study, water quality samplings were conducted monthly at 16 national monitoring sites in the mid-downstream of the Hanjiang River (HJR, the downstream of the water source of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project of China) over 3 years, covering seven physiochemical water quality indicators and six heavy metal elements. The water quality index (WQI) and multivariate statistical techniques were introduced to comprehensively evaluate water quality status and understand the corresponding driving factors of water quality variations. The heavy metal risks were evaluated using the Nemerow Pollution Index (Pn), the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), and the human health risk assessment model. The results showed that after the operation of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project of China (MRSNWDPC), water quality in the mid-downstream of the HJR was generally at a “good” status, with the average WQI of 86.37, showing no water quality deterioration trends. The operation of the MRSNWDPC did significantly decrease the monthly flow in the HJR by about 4.05–74.27%, and the flow variation processes also became more stable than before. Most water quality indicators and WQIs have no correlations with the flow and water level changes. The human health risks of all heavy metal elements caused by dermal exposure and ingestion pathways increased over time. The average individual health risk caused by carcinogenic heavy metal Cr was the highest. Chromium is the major carcinogenic factor and should be a critical indicator to pay special attention to for water risk management in the HJR. This study provides a scientific reference for the water quality safety management of HJR under the influence of a water diversion project.