Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Sustainable Transport Deliver Societal Value? Exploring Concepts, Methods, and Impacts with Case Studies

Transportation is one of the main enablers of development. It connects communities, allows the trade of goods among territories, and provides equitable access to public services. However, it is also one of the main causes of climate change, impacting directly and indirectly on human health. This raises the need for transportation infrastructure to be more sustainable so that it can enable more sustainable development. This paper investigates how sustainability in the transport sector can be conceptualized, assessed, and implemented. Definitions are proposed, indicators identified, existing methods reviewed, and three case studies presented. The Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) method and resulting integrated simulation models are used to assess the multidimensional outcomes of conventional and sustainable transport investments. The cases of roads, public bicycle-sharing and bus rapid transport systems are discussed. These investments are assessed using an integrated cost–benefit analysis that goes beyond traditional assessments, considering the benefits and avoided costs of the externalities of a project in the social, environmental, and economic dimensions. The use of the method led to the conclusion that including externalities in a cost–benefit analysis is meaningful and can be relevant for assessing the economic viability of transport infrastructure projects.
The Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Research Misconduct Among Health Sciences Undergraduates: How Do They Associate?

Research misconduct is an act of falsification, fabrication and plagiarism. This unethical act affects the quality of research publication among private and public sector and is a threat towards the public trust. Studies have shown that there are many factors contributing to the act of committing this behaviour such as environment, pressure and time constrain. Therefore, this study aims to determine the association between knowledge, attitude, and practice of research misconduct among undergraduate students of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. A questionnaire was adapted and modified for this study from the “Reporting of Suspected Research Misconduct in Biomedical and Behavioural Research” by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Research Integrity. Universal sampling method was applied, and the participants were the 4th and 3rd year students. Quantitative cross-sectional study was employed for this study. As a conclusion, there is a weak association between the knowledge and attitude towards practices in research misconduct among undergraduate researchers of FSK, UKM KL which is not statistically significant.
Regeneration with or without seedling management: Serra do Mar slope, São Sebastião/SP

The survival of forest communities is based on the seedling bank, since the greater the diversity, the greater the probability of heterospecific replacements. This work aimed to verify, through the species composition, if there is natural regeneration of the clearing with and without management and if it is possible that the clearing regeneration occurs without the management. The study site covered a clearing and a fragment of the Atlantic Forest Biome, in the municipality of São Sebastião/SP, north coast of the state of São Paulo. Ten subplots of 0.5 m x 1.0 m were installed randomly in 8 transects of 2.0 m x 50.0 m, with and without seedling management, where the set of seedlings with up to 20 cm was sampled. At the end of the study, 266 individuals were found, grouped into 38 families and 5 life forms (arboreal, shrub, herbaceous, epiphyte and liana), later classified into: 45 species (60.81%), 23 genera (31.08%) and 6 families (8.10%). Myrtaceae and Rubiaceae stood out as the most species-rich families, with 8 and 6 species, respectively. In the clearing, 22.2% of the sampled species were found, while 77.8% belonged to the forest. The difference between the number of species in the clearing and in the forest fragment suggests that the invasive species Melinis minutiflora and Scleria plusiophylla can hinder the establishment of seeds, preventing the germination of native species. Therefore, for the clearing regeneration process to occur faster, human intervention is necessary in the management of invasive species. Accordingly, the elaboration of a revegetation project withmonitoring and evaluation of the area of study was emphasized.
Recent Advances in Macrocyclic Drugs and Microwave-Assisted and/or Solid-Supported Synthesis of Macrocycles

Macrocycles represent attractive candidates in organic synthesis and drug discovery. Since 2014, nineteen macrocyclic drugs, including three radiopharmaceuticals, have been approved by FDA for the treatment of bacterial and viral infections, cancer, obesity, immunosuppression, etc. As such, new synthetic methodologies and high throughput chemistry (e.g., microwave-assisted and/or solid-phase synthesis) to access various macrocycle entities have attracted great interest in this chemical space. This article serves as an update on our previous review related to macrocyclic drugs and new synthetic strategies toward macrocycles (Molecules, 2013, 18, 6230). In this work, I first reviewed recent FDA-approved macrocyclic drugs since 2014, followed by new advances in macrocycle synthesis using high throughput chemistry, including microwave-assisted and/or solid-supported macrocyclization strategies. Examples and highlights of macrocyclization include macrolactonization and macrolactamization, transition-metal catalyzed olefin ring-closure metathesis, intramolecular C–C and C–heteroatom cross-coupling, copper- or ruthenium-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition, intramolecular SNAr or SN2 nucleophilic substitution, condensation reaction, and multi-component reaction-mediated macrocyclization, and covering the literature since 2010.
Joint Dysfunctionality Alleviation along with Systemic Inflammation Reduction Following Arthrocen Treatment in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background and objectives: Many mediators and cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Some of these cytokines are spontaneously expressed by cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Therefore, using serum samples, the efficacy and the effects of avocado/soy unsaponifiables, ASU, (Arthrocen) on cytokine changes were assessed in patients with knee OA (KOA). Materials and Methods: Experimental procedure: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on patients with a diagnosis of mild to moderate OA who received either Arthrocen 300 mg/day (n = 61) or placebo (n = 58) for 3 months. Data collection was performed using questionnaires including the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), 20-item short form survey (SF-20), Lequesne index of severity for osteoarthritis of the knee (LISOK), and three visual analog scales (VASs) as pain quality indices. The serum levels of interleukins 2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-10, IL-17α, and TNF-α were measured using an ELISA reader. Results: Both quality of life indices, pain sensation and scored by specialists (as VASs), respectively, including WOMAC and SF-20, as well as joint dysfunctionality symptoms assessed by physicians were significantly improved (p < 0.05) in OA patients receiving Arthrocen. The serum levels of anti-inflammatory interleukins 4 and 10 were also augmented, while levels of inflammatory IL-17 and TNF-ɑ cytokines were decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared with the control groups during the 3- and 6-month treatment. Conclusions: Arthrocen consumption may increase the quality of life in OA patients through amelioration of inflammation and improvement of functional activities without any adverse effects in the long term.
Prospective Evaluation of a Commercial Dengue NS1 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test in New Caledonia

Dengue virus infection is endemic in New Caledonia, with outbreaks occurring every year. We evaluated the Biosynex® Dengue NS1 antigen rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for the early diagnosis of dengue in patients attending a local hospital in northern New Caledonia. Samples collected from patients suspected of dengue infection were tested with RDT at the local laboratory, and then sent to the reference laboratory for confirmation with real-time RT-PCR. A total of 472 samples were included during the study period. RT-PCR yielded a positive result in 154 samples (32.6%). The sensitivity and specificity of the NS1 antigen RDT were 79.9% and 96.2%, respectively. The performance of the RDT varied by the time of sampling and dengue virus serotype. In conclusion, Biosynex® Dengue NS1 antigen RDT showed a sensitivity and a specificity in the upper range usually reported for this type of test. Several factors can lead to a suboptimal sensitivity, and negative samples with suggestive clinical features should be retested with reference methods.
INDIGENOUS HUNTING IN INDONESIAN NEW GUINEA: CULTURAL IDENTITY, FOOD SECURITY AND INCOME OPPORTUNITIES

Wildlife hunting is important in satisfying people’s need for meat as a source of dietary protein as well as being of economic value to the studied communities. Many people in Indonesian New Guinea rely on the benefits obtained from the extraction of plants and animals in the tropical forests, including hunting. This review aims to synthesise existing knowledge and identify areas that are fundamental to the body of knowledge on Indigenous hunting that has been integrated into many forest people societies in Indonesian New Guinea. People keep a relationship with nature by harmonising Indigenous hunting and cultural background. Available food source from wildlife and limited access to livestock were the major reason to acquire wild animals for consumption through hunting. Throughout of Indonesian New Guinea, the commercial hunting provide more opportunities for income generation. Indigenous hunting has long been part of cultural life of forest, providing a source of dietary protein to the household, and offer forms of income generation to the studied communities. Key words: Culture, Food consumption, trade, Indigenous hunting, Indonesian New Guinea
Minimization of passive components in multi-level flying capacitor DC-DC converter

In this paper, we propose a minimization design method of the inductance and the capacitance of the flying capacitors for a multi-level flying capacitor DC-DC boost converter (FCBC). The effectiveness of the small capacitances of the flying capacitors in three-level and five-level FCBCs is investigated. We experimentally confirmed that the distortion of the voltage across the input source and the input inductor is drastically reduced by increasing the number of levels. Thus, a small inductance value and a small capacitance value can be used for the input inductor and the flying capacitors, respectively, in an n-level FCBC. Therefore, the minimization of passive components in multi-level FCBCs is achieved. Moreover, the achieved maximum efficiencies of the designed three-level and five-level FCBCs are 98.5% and 97.8%, repectively, at an output power of 1 kW.
SiC- and Ag-SiC-Doped Hydroxyapatite Coatings Grown Using Magnetron Sputtering on Ti Alloy for Biomedical Application

SiC- and Ag-SiC-doped hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings were deposited via magnetron sputtering aiming at increased corrosion protection of Ti-10Nb-10Zr-5Ta alloy in simulated body fluid environment and superior mechanical properties compared to plain hydroxyapatite. The coatings had a total thickness of about 350 nm. The X ray diffraction patterns indicate that HA coatings are polycrystalline with a hexagonal structure and the addition of SiC determined the coating amorphization. All coatings presented a lower roughness compared to the Ti alloy and were hydrophilic. Ag-SiC-HA coating presented the best corrosion resistance and tribological parameters. All coatings were biocompatible, as ascertained via indirect cytocompatibility studies conducted on Vero cells.
Enhancement of Antioxidant Activity and Bioactive Compounds in Eggplants Using Postharvest LEDs Irradiation

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), one of the major vegetable crops, is recognized for its availability of numerous bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. The accumulation of these compounds in plant tissues can be increased by exogenous stimuli, including light exposure. This study aimed at enhancing the antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds of eggplant using light-emitting diode (LEDs) irradiation after harvest. For this purpose, eggplant fruits were irradiated under LEDs at different wavelengths, including red (650–660 nm), blue (450–460 nm), or the combination of red and blue (red + blue) LEDs, for 48 h. The results indicated that red + blue LED exposure during postharvest significantly (p < 0.05) elevated the accumulation of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. The accumulation of major phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid (58.59 mg/100 g FW), and gallic acid (14.25 mg/100 g FW) in the eggplant fruits was increased significantly under red + blue irradiation when compared with the control (under dark condition). The total phenolic (821.86 mg GAE/100 g FW) and the total flavonoid (595.98 mg CE/100 g FW) contents were shown to have a considerably high accumulation in the peels of eggplant after irradiation under red + blue LEDs, whereas the total carotenoid content was relatively high in the flesh of eggplant fruits. Consequently, red + blue LED irradiation can be considered as a convenient tool used for the postharvest of eggplant, with a positive effect in the increasing of important secondary metabolites. The obtained eggplant fruits proved to be a promising source of bioactive and antioxidant compounds for functional food production.
Ethnoacarology: the cultural importance of Acari around the world

Ethnobiology is the science that identifies, describes, and classifies organisms with a cultural importance that are utilized by a particular human group. The term ‘cultural importance’ refers to the way people perceive an organism either as food or ornament, the role they play in the myths and legends in a region or even their usage in religious and civic ceremonies. Despite the high biological diversity of Acari, their cultural importance has been poorly studied, with information scarce and scattered. In this paper, I define ethnoacarology as the branch of acarology that compiles, documents, and analyzes the cultural values given to mites and ticks by a particular human group. I conducted a bibliographic search in databases with a combination of words: articles were classified according to the cultural values given to Acari. Thirty articles were recovered: most of them focused on the traditional knowledge and management of Acari and tick-borne diseases and other acariasis. I recognized five categories for the cultural value of Acari: 1) vernacular and autochthonous names; 2) management of pests and diseases; 3) Acari in oral and written tradition; 4) Acari and toponymy, and 5) entomophagy and traditional medicine. Citizen science represents an opportunity for acarology to obtain this type of data faster. Making people part of an acarological community could derive in faster data obtention, alternative techniques for the management of pests and diseases, the revalidation of traditional knowledge, and the participation of society in decision-making that can open the door to obtaining financing, among other benefits.
Blood Eosinophils in Chinese COPD Participants and Response to Treatment with Combination Low-Dose Theophylline and Prednisone: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the TASCS Trial

Background and Objectives The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) disproportionately affects patients in low to middle-income countries. Although the Theophylline and Steroids in COPD Study (TASCS) showed no clinical benefit from administering low-dose theophylline and prednisone in COPD patients compared to placebo, it was hypothesized that those with elevated blood eosinophil counts would receive clinical benefit from the intervention. Methods This was a post-hoc analysis of the TASCS dataset – a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial conducted in patients with moderate–severe COPD in China. Participants were allocated 1:1:1 to low-dose oral theophylline (100mg bd) and prednisone (5mg qd; PrT), theophylline (100mg bd) and prednisone-matched placebo (TP), or double-matched placebo (DP) groups and followed-up for 48 weeks. A baseline count of ≥300 eosinophils/µL blood was categorized as elevated/eosinophilic, and the primary outcome was the annualized moderate-severe exacerbation rate. Results Of 1487 participants eligible for analysis, 325 (22%) were eosinophilic. These participants were predominantly male (82%), had a mean (SD) age of 64 (±8) years and a predicted forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) of 43% (±16). The annualized moderate–severe exacerbation rate was significantly higher in the PrT group compared to the pooled results of the TP and DP groups (incidence rate ratio = 1.6; ([95% CI 1.06–1.76]) p = 0.016). Changes in spirometry values and reported disease impact scores (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire and COPD Assessment Test) at week 48 were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion Combination low-dose theophylline and prednisone was associated with a significant increase in the annual moderate-severe exacerbation rate in participants with a blood eosinophil count ≥300 cells/µL compared to placebo.
The Emerging Role of Intelectin-1 in Cancer

Background Intelectin (ITLN) is an adipokine with two homologs—ITLN1 and ITLN2—that has various physiological functions. Studies analyzing the relationship between ITLN and cancer are focused on ITLN1; the available literature on ITLN2 and cancer is limited. This review aims to evaluate the role of ITLN1 in cancer without imposing any inclusion criteria, to examine pro- and anticancer roles for ITLN1 and to discuss whether the relationship between ITLN and cancer is mediated by obesity. Findings Overall, ITLN1 level was highly variable in cancer patients but different from healthy individuals. Compared with control groups, patients with gastrointestinal and prostate cancer showed increased concentrations of circulating ITLN1, while patients with gynecological, breast, bladder, and renal cancer had lower ITLN1 levels. Several studies also evaluated tissue and tumor expression of ITLN1. In gastrointestinal cancer, ITLN1 was increased in tumor tissue compared with adjacent healthy tissue and elevated in the visceral adipose tissue of patients compared with controls. Consequently, the high levels of circulating ITLN1 might be determined by the tumor and by the cancer-associated weight loss in gastrointestinal cancer. ITLN1 can activate the phosphoinositide-3-kinase-protein kinase B/Akt (PI3K/Akt) pathway. The improper regulation of this pathway may contribute to a series of cellular events that favor tumor development and progression. Obesity has been linked with an increased risk of developing some cancers. Indeed, low circulating ITLN1 levels may be a marker of the metabolic effects of obesity, rather than obesity per se, and might contribute to a deregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Conclusions ITLN1 could be associated with cancer formation and progression. Since circulating ITLN1 levels are highly variable and differ between cancer types, the local tumor production of ITLN1 could be more relevant in determining malignant behavior. Future research should aim to identify the source of ITLN1 variability, to understand the differences in ITLN1 between distinct tumor types, and to further explore the signaling pathways through which this adipokine influences cancer biology.
The positive impact of sports participation on life skills’ development: a qualitative study with medical students

Abstract We aimed to explore life skills development among medical student-athletes who participated in a university basketball team. We conducted qualitative constructivist research based on the life skills approach. Medical students from the college basketball team were interviewed in-depth. Using inductive thematic analysis, two independent researchers generated codes and themes. Methodological integrity and self-reflection process were carefully followed. Our analyses revealed that the medical students involved as athletes in college basketball were likely to perceive life skills development to contribute to their future medical careers. Several life skills were mentioned, such as time management, leadership, teamwork, learning improvement and mental performance. The coach was the one mentioned as the essential agent in developing life skills. This study highlighted how a rational and responsible commitment to sports could contribute to developing life skills that might be transferable to a future medical career.
Microbial Ecology of Sheep Milk, Artisanal Feta, and Kefalograviera Cheeses. Part II: Technological, Safety, and Probiotic Attributes of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolates

The aim of the present study was to examine 189 LAB strains belonging to the species Enterococcus faecium, E. faecalis, Lactococcus lactis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Latilactobacillus curvatus, Lp. plantarum, Levilactobacillus brevis, and Weissella paramesenteroides isolated form sheep milk, Feta and Kefalograviera cheeses at different ripening stages, for their technological compatibility with dairy products manufacturing, their activities that may compromise safety of the dairy products as well as their capacity to survive in the human gastrointestinal tract. For that purpose, milk acidification and coagulation capacity, caseinolytic, lipolytic, hemolytic, gelatinolytic, and bile salt hydrolase activity, production of exopolysaccharides, antimicrobial compounds, and biogenic amines, as well as acid and bile salt tolerance and antibiotic susceptibility were examined. The faster acidifying strains were Lc. lactis DRD 2658 and P. pentosaceus DRD 2657 that reduced the pH value of skim milk, within 6 h to 5.97 and 5.92, respectively. Strains able to perform weak caseinolysis were detected in all species assessed. On the contrary, lipolytic activity, production of exopolysaccharides, amino acid decarboxylation, hemolytic, gelatinase, and bile salt hydrolase activity were not detected. Variable susceptibility to the antibiotics examined was detected among LAB strains. However, in the majority of the cases, resistance was evident. None of the strains assessed, managed to survive to exposure at pH value 1. On the contrary, 25.9 and 88.9% of the strains survived after exposure at pH values 2 and 3, respectively; the reduction of the population was larger in the first case. The strains survived well after exposure to bile salts. The strain-dependent character of the properties examined was verified. Many strains, belonging to different species, have presented very interesting properties; however, further examination is needed before their potential use as starter or adjunct cultures.