Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Gamified Are Sustainable Food Apps? Applying the Gameful Design Heuristics to Evaluate Sustainable Food Apps

A large number of mobile apps support the sustainable use of food. These apps often use playful elements to enhance the user experience and promote their long-term use. However, we know little about which conceptual aspects of gamification and which gamified elements are actually used in the context of sustainable food apps. Therefore, in this paper, we analyse 76 mobile apps from the Google Play Store found with the term ‘sustainable food’ of which we analyse 27 apps in detail using the Gameful Design Heuristics. Our analysis uncovers a low average heuristics score and an unbalanced usage of subheuristics and heuristic categories. Additionally, gamification is unevenly distributed among food themes and sustainability categories. This study’s results contribute to the research on commercial gamified apps related to sustainability and food. Thus, this paper contributes to gamification design by identifying design opportunities that serve as interesting starting points for future work.
ProMVR-Interactive Protein Educational Tool

Biomolecules, more specifically, proteins are building blocks of the human body and all sorts of creatures all over the world. They constitute structures including hair, skin, nail, bones, cobwebs, etc. They also transport materials and build antibodies to boost the immune system. Due to the importance of proteins, the study on them is beneficial, it contributes to understanding diseases and finding new treatments, as has been pointed out by Dr John Moult of the University of Maryland [1], the structure of proteins plays a significant role. By understanding the three-dimensional (3D) structure of proteins and developing new drugs, infectious or genetic diseases including cancer, dementia, etc. would be preventable. To cultivate the interests and bring more prospective researchers to this protein structure field, teaching protein molecular structure [2] is a good way. Educational tools for learning protein structures can be developed to deliver lectures, laboratory tutorials, demos, workshops, etc. The core part of such a tool is 3D visualization and interaction with protein molecules. Over the years, protein visualization tools such as UnityMol [3] and UCSF Chimera [4] are developed to visualize protein molecules recorded in protein data bank (PDB) files [5]. By studying and researching tools like these, the author of this paper has developed a bio-edutainment game, Pepblock Builder VR [6], which is an educational game for understanding protein structural design that involves drag and drops to combine protein peptides as gameplay. It works on both personal computers (PC) and virtual reality (VR) platforms. Its successor, Schedio-Pro [7], was developed to focus on VR interaction with bend and twist to emulate protein folding as its gameplay. ProMVR developed by the author is one of those tools which builds a virtual protein classroom by integrating virtual reality interaction, remote control and voice chat, protein visualization, etc.
Curcumin promotes apoptosis of human melanoma cells by caspase 3

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a malignant neoplasm with a high metastatic rate that shows poor response to systemic treatments in patients with advanced stages. Recently, studies have highlighted the antineoplastic potential of natural compounds, such as polyphenols, in the adjuvant therapy context to treat CM. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of curcumin (0.1–100 µM) on the metastatic CM cell line SK‐MEL‐28. The cells were treated for 6 and 24 h with different concentrations of curcumin. Cell viability was assessed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and fluorescence microscopy. The apoptotic‐inducing potential was detected by annexin V flow cytometry. The wound healing assay was used to verify cell migration after the curcumin exposition. The redox profile was evaluated by levels of the pro‐oxidant markers reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Nitric oxide (NOx) and antioxidants of total thiols (PSH) and nonprotein thiols. The gene expression and enzymatic activity of caspase 3 were evaluated by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and a sensitive fluorescence assay, respectively. Curcumin significantly decreased the cell viability of SK‐MEL‐28 cells at both exposure times. It also induced apoptosis at the highest concentration tested (p < .0001). SK‐MEL‐28 cell migration was inhibited by curcumin after treatment with 10 µM (p < .0001) and 100 µM (p < .0001) for 6 and 24 h (p = .0006 and p < .0001, respectively). Furthermore, curcumin significantly increased levels of ROS and NOx. Finally, curcumin was capable of increasing the gene expression at 10 µM (p = .0344) and 100 µM (p = .0067) and enzymatic activity at 10 µM (p = .0086) and 100 µM (p < .0001) of caspase 3 after 24 h. For the first time, we elucidated in our study that curcumin increases ROS levels, promoting oxidative stress that activates the caspase pathway and culminates in SK‐MEL‐28 metastatic CM cell death.
The effects of visual distractors on serial dependence

Attractive serial dependence occurs when perceptual decisions are attracted toward previous stimuli. This effect is mediated by spatial attention and is most likely to occur when similar stimuli are attended at nearby locations. Attention, however, also involves the suppression of distracting information and of spatial locations where distracting stimuli have frequently appeared. Although distractors form an integral part of our visual experience, how they affect the processing of subsequent stimuli is unknown. Here, in two experiments, we tested serial dependence from distractor stimuli during an orientation adjustment task. We interleaved adjustment trials with a discrimination task requiring observers to ignore a peripheral distractor randomly appearing on half of the trials. Distractors were either similar to the adjustment probe (Experiment 1) or differed in spatial frequency and contrast (Experiment 2) and were shown at predictable or random locations in separate blocks. The results showed that the distractor caused considerable attentional capture in the discrimination task, with observers likely using proactive strategies to anticipate distractors at predictable locations. However, there was no evidence that the distractors affected the perceptual stream leading to positive serial dependence. Instead, they left a weak repulsive trace in Experiment 1 and more generally interfered with the effect of the previous adjustment probe in the serial dependence task. We suggest that this repulsive bias may reflect the operation of mechanisms involved in attentional suppression.
Predicting Drug-drug Interactions Using Heterogeneous Graph Attention Networks

Drug-Drug Interactions (DDIs) can alter a drug's efficacy and lead to adverse effects. Predicting potential DDIs during clinical trials is challenging; thus, computational methods are gaining prominence. We present a novel DDI prediction method, constructing a Heterogeneous Information Network (HIN) integrating biomedical entities such as drugs, proteins, and side effects. Our end-to-end model, HAN-DDI, based on a heterogeneous graph attention network, demonstrates superior accuracy in predicting DDIs, surpassing existing methods.
Compartmentalization of androgen receptors at endogenous genes in living cells

Abstract A wide range of nuclear proteins are involved in the spatio-temporal organization of the genome through diverse biological processes such as gene transcription and DNA replication. Upon stimulation by testosterone and translocation to the nucleus, multiple androgen receptors (ARs) accumulate in microscopically discernable foci which are irregularly distributed in the nucleus. Here, we investigated the formation and physical nature of these foci, by combining novel fluorescent labeling techniques to visualize a defined chromatin locus of AR-regulated genes—PTPRN2 or BANP—simultaneously with either AR foci or individual AR molecules. Quantitative colocalization analysis showed evidence of AR foci formation induced by R1881 at both PTPRN2 and BANP loci. Furthermore, single-particle tracking (SPT) revealed three distinct subdiffusive fractional Brownian motion (fBm) states: immobilized ARs were observed near the labeled genes likely as a consequence of DNA-binding, while the intermediate confined state showed a similar spatial behavior but with larger displacements, suggesting compartmentalization by liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), while freely mobile ARs were diffusing in the nuclear environment. All together, we show for the first time in living cells the presence of AR-regulated genes in AR foci.
Diet-Related Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer: Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018

Abstract Diverse dietary constituents, encompassing both macro- and micronutrient intakes, have established connections with various cancers, though their specific roles in cervical cancer remain unclear. This study explores dietary intake correlations among women aged 30 yrs and above diagnosed with cervical cancer (n = 215), contrasted with women without (n = 860). These populations were selected from the 1999–2018 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The research implemented the univariate analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to estimate the association of 29 variables with cervical cancer, subsequently identifying the most pertinent variables linked to cervical cancer. Six covariates emerged as significantly associated with cervical cancer in univariate analyses (age, race, fiber, magnesium, caffeine, vitamin C) (p < 0.05). In LASSO regression, with the escalating penalty factor (λ), it was discerned that specific covariates, including age, race, fiber, and Vitamin C, consistently remained in the model. Univariate analysis and logistic LASSO regression findings suggested that diets deficient in fiber and vitamin C were related to cervical cancer.
Early Marquesan Settlement and Patterns of Interaction: New Insights from Hatiheu Valley, Nuku Hiva Island

Hatiheu, one of Nuku Hiva’s largest and most fertile valleys, is an ideal setting for settlement but the valley’s early human history is poorly known. Its importance in late prehistory is well attested, with six major community ceremonial complexes ( tohua ) and hundreds of domestic structures ( paepae ). Recent excavations and AMS dating at Pahumanoo- te-tai indicate use of the area began around the late 13th to late 14th century AD and continued into the post-contact period. Evidence from the earliest occupation suggests a structure and domestic activities, including preparation and cooking of both wild and domesticated animals, and tool maintenance and adze manufacture involving both local and exotic raw materials, as identified through pXRF analysis. A remarkable number of stone sources are represented in the relatively small sample, including the newly identified East Hatiheu Quarry (described herein), four other Nuku Hiva localities, Eiao Island and a possible southern Marquesan source. A ~600-year stratigraphic sequence of repeated burning, erosion, and colluviation informs on long-term geomorphic dynamics at this locality. Pahumano joins a number of similarly-aged sites from throughout the archipelago which, as a whole, identify the 13th to 14th centuries ad as a period of widespread established settlement.
Effect of mechanical ventilation under intubation on respiratory tract change of bacterial count and alteration of bacterial flora

Abstract Background: The most common ‘second strike’ in mechanically ventilated patients is a pulmonary infection caused by the ease with which bacteria can invade and colonize the lungs due to mechanical ventilation. At the same time, metastasis of lower airway microbiota may have significant implications in developing intubation mechanical ventilation lung inflammation. Thus, we establish a rat model of tracheal intubation with mechanical ventilation and explore the effects of mechanical ventilation on lung injury and microbiological changes in rats. To provide a reference for preventing and treating bacterial flora imbalance and pulmonary infection injury caused by mechanical ventilation of tracheal intubation. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into Control, Mechanical ventilation under intubation (1, 3, 6 h) groups, and Spontaneously breathing under intubation (1, 3, 6 h). Lung histopathological injury scores were evaluated. 16SrDNA sequencing was performed to explore respiratory microbiota changes, especially, changes of bacterial count and alteration of bacterial flora. Results: Compared to groups C and SV, critical pathological changes in pulmonary lesions occurred in the MV group after 6 h (p < 0.05). The Alpha diversity and Beta diversity of lower respiratory tract microbiota in MV6, SV6, and C groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The main dominant bacterial phyla in the respiratory tract of rats were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria. Acinetobacter radioresistens in group C was significant, Megaonas in group MV6 was significantly increased, and Parvibacter in group SV6 was significantly increased. Anaerobic, biofilm formation, and Gram-negative bacteria-related functional genes were altered during mechanical ventilation with endotracheal intubation. Conclusion: Mechanical ventilation under intubation may cause dysregulation of lower respiratory microbiota in rats.
Handbook of Salmon farming

Preface. - Biology of Salmon. - Salmon Production and Technology (FW). - Salmon Production and Technology (SW). - Fish Farming and the Feed Companies. - Post Harvest Handling and Processing. - Marketing Farmed Salmon. - Economic and Business Issues. - Risk Assessment and Management for Fish Farmers. - Environmental Considerations and Legislative Control of Marine Salmon Farming. - Health and Disease in Atlantic Salmon Farming. - Advances in Fish Immunology. - Genetic Management. - Scientific Research: Its Role in Management.
Inference of Sample Complier Average Causal Effects under Experiments with Completely Randomized Design and Computer Assisted Balance-Improving Designs

Non-compliance is common in real world experiments. We focus on inference about the sample complier average causal effect, that is, the average treatment effect for experimental units who are compliers. We present three types of inference strategies for the sample complier average causal effect: the Wald estimator, regression adjustment estimators and model-based Bayesian inference. Because modern computer assisted experimental designs have been used to improve covariate balance over complete randomization, we discuss inference under both complete randomization and a specific computer assisted experimental design - Mahalanobis distance based rerandomization, under which asymptotic properties of the Wald estimator and regression adjustment estimators can be derived. We use Monte Carlo simulation to compare the finite sample performance of the methods under both experimental designs. We find that under either design, the Bayesian method performs the best because it is stable, it yields smallest median absolute error and smallest median interval length. The improvement by the Bayesian method is especially large when the fraction of compliers is small. We present an application to a job training experiment with non-compliance.
Whole-Body MPC for Highly Redundant Legged Manipulators: Experimental Evaluation with a 37 DoF Dual-Arm Quadruped

Recent progress in legged locomotion has rendered quadruped manipulators a promising solution for performing tasks that require both mobility and manipulation (loco-manipulation). In the real world, task specifications and/or environment constraints may require the quadruped manipulator to be equipped with high redundancy as well as whole-body motion coordination capabilities. This work presents an experimental evaluation of a whole-body Model Predictive Control (MPC) framework achieving real-time performance on a dual-arm quadruped platform consisting of 37 actuated joints. To the best of our knowledge this is the legged manipulator with the highest number of joints to be controlled with real-time whole-body MPC so far. The computational efficiency of the MPC while considering the full robot kinematics and the centroidal dynamics model builds upon an open-source DDP-variant solver and a state-of-the-art optimal control problem formulation. Differently from previous works on quadruped manipulators, the MPC is directly interfaced with the low-level joint impedance controllers without the need of designing an instantaneous whole-body controller. The feasibility on the real hardware is showcased using the CENTAURO platform for the challenging task of picking a heavy object from the ground. Dynamic stepping (trotting) is also showcased for first time with this robot. The results highlight the potential of replanning with whole-body information in a predictive control loop.
GENERATION OF FUNCTIONAL NEURONS FROM ADULT HUMAN MUCOSAL OLFACTORY ENSHEATHING GLIA BY DIRECT LINEAGE CONVERSION

A recent approach to promote central nervous system (CNS) regeneration after injury or disease is direct conversion of somatic cells to neurons. This is achieved by transduction of viral vectors that express neurogenic transcription factors. In this work we propose adult human mucosal olfactory ensheathing glia (hmOEG) as a candidate for direct reprogramming to neurons due to its accessibility and to its well-characterized neuro-regenerative capacity. After induction of hmOEG with the single neurogenic transcription factor NEUROD1, the cells under study exhibited morphological and immunolabeling neuronal features, fired action potentials and expressed glutamatergic and GABAergic markers. In addition, after engraftment of transduced hmOEG cells in mouse hippocampus, these cells showed specific neuronal labeling. Thereby, if we add to the neuro-regenerative capacity of hmOEG cultures the conversion to neurons of a fraction of their population through reprogramming techniques, the engraftment of hmOEG and hmOEG induced neurons could be a procedure to enhance neural repair after central nervous system injury.
SURVEY OF HISTORY BASED ROUTING PROTOCOLS IN DELAY TOLERANT NETWORK

Frequent changes in topology and the lack of infrastructure compel disrupted networks to avoid the use of traditional routing protocols. Rather than defining paths towards destinations, the routing tables store access chances of known nodes towards a specific destination. History of a node’s encounter is maintained in three different ways to find out its power of access to the rest of network nodes. The survey paper discusses various routing schemes based on the past encounter patterns of network nodes. Keywords : (Delay Tolerant Network) DTN; routing protocols; history-based routing; frequency; encounter; inter-contact duration; recency.
Identifying Physical Structures in Our Galaxy with Gaussian Mixture Models: An Unsupervised Machine Learning Technique

We explore the potential of the Gaussian mixture model (GMM), an unsupervised machine-learning method, to identify coherent physical structures in the interstellar medium. The implementation we present can be used on any kind of spatially and spectrally resolved data set. We provide a step-by-step guide to use these models on different sources and data sets. Following the guide, we run the models on NGC 1977, RCW 120, and RCW 49 using the [C ii] 158 μm mapping observations from the SOFIA telescope. We find that the models identified six, four, and five velocity coherent physical structures in NGC 1977, RCW 120, and RCW 49, respectively, which are validated by analyzing the observed spectra toward these structures and by comparison to earlier findings. In this work we demonstrate that GMM is a powerful tool that can better automate the process of spatial and spectral analysis to interpret mapping observations.
Controllers or Bare Hands? A Controlled Evaluation of Input Techniques on Interaction Performance and Exertion in Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) systems have traditionally required users to operate the user interface with controllers in mid-air. More recent VR systems, however, integrate cameras to track the headset's position inside the environment as well as the user's hands when possible. This allows users to directly interact with virtual content in mid-air just by reaching out, thus discarding the need for hand-held physical controllers. However, it is unclear which of these two modalities—controller-based or free-hand interaction—is more suitable for efficient input, accurate interaction, and long-term use under reliable tracking conditions. While interacting with hand-held controllers introduces weight, it also requires less finger movement to invoke actions (e.g., pressing a button) and allows users to hold on to a physical object during virtual interaction. In this paper, we investigate the effect of VR input modality (controller vs. free-hand interaction) on physical exertion, agency, task performance, and motor behavior across two mid-air interaction techniques (touch, raycast) and tasks (selection, trajectory-tracing). Participants reported less physical exertion, felt more in control, and were faster and more accurate when using VR controllers compared to free-hand interaction in the raycast setting. Regarding personal preference, participants chose VR controllers for raycast but free-hand interaction for mid-air touch. Our correlation analysis revealed that participants' physical exertion increased with selection speed, quantity of arm motion, variation in motion speed, and bad postures, following ergonomics metrics such as consumed endurance and rapid upper limb assessment. We also found a negative correlation between physical exertion and the participant's sense of agency, and between physical exertion and task accuracy.