Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactive Whiteboards and Digital Teaching Book to Secondary School Teachers and Contextual Affordances

The objective of our study is to analyze the utility and the integration of the interactive whiteboard (IWB) and interactive textbook into the teaching skills. This project concerns middle and high school teachers with professional career guidance in France. The research had as objectives the appropriation in the use of IWB features and the analysis of potential affordances and used by teachers in teaching-learning situations. The five hypotheses were tested from the research design type mixed-method. The results related to our initial hypotheses show that the use of functionalities of an IWB and a digital teaching book depend on teaching disciplines. Thus, history–geography teachers and those in languages frequently use simple features of an IWB. Teachers in science and mathematics perceive and use the affordances in a more complex level of an IWB, which means they add items to the device to enrich the list of functions.
Elliptic Billiards and Ellipses Associated to the 3-Periodic Orbits

Abstract The centers of circumscribed and inscribed circles to the triangles that are the 3-periodic orbits of an elliptic billiard are ellipses. In this article, we obtain the canonical equations of these ellipses. Moreover, we complement the previous results about incenters obtained by Romaskevich. Also the geometric locus defined by barycenters of the triangles of an elliptic billiard are ellipses as established by Schwartz and Tabachnikov and explicit equations of these ellipses are also given. In addition, we obtain that the geometric locus defined by the barycenters of the edges of billiard triangles is an ellipse and the canonical equation is obtained.
Discrete Community Assemblages Within Hypersaline Paleolake Sediments of Pilot Valley, Utah

Hypersaline paleolake sediments are understudied ecosystems whose microbial ecology is largely unknown. Here we present mineralogical, geochemical, and small-subunit 16S rRNA gene sequence data on one such environment, the Pilot Valley Basin (PVB), a sub-basin of ancient Lake Bonneville located in northwest Utah. PVB exhibits a variety of aqueous minerals including phyllosilicates, carbonates, and sulfates, as well as microbially-induced sedimentary structures. As perchlorate occurs naturally (up to 6.5 ppb) in Pilot Valley sediments, and because recent evidence suggests that it is subject to biotic reduction, PVB has been proposed as a Mars analog site for astrobiological studies. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to investigate microbial diversity and community structure along horizontal and vertical transects within the upper basin sediments and beta diversity analyses indicate that the microbial communities in Pilot Valley are structured into three discrete groups. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to the main archaeal phylum, Euryarchaeota, make up ~23% of the sequences, while OTUs belonging to three bacterial phyla, Proteobacteria, Bacteroides and Gemmatimonadetes, constitute ~60-70% of the sequences recovered at all sites. Diversity analyses indicate that the specific composition of each community correlates with sediment grain size, and with biogeochemical parameters such as nitrate and sulfate concentrations. Interestingly, OTUs belonging to the phylum Gemmatimonadetes are co-located with extreme halophilic archaeal and bacterial taxa, which suggests a potential new attribute, halophilicity, of this newly-recognized phylum. Altogether, results of this first comprehensive geomicrobial study of Pilot Valley reveal that basin sediments harbor a complex and diverse ecosystem.
Postharvest GABA Application Effects on Some Biochemical Characteristics of Anthurium Cut Flowers under Cold Storage Conditions

Chilling damage under 15oC in anthurium cut flowers reduces the vase-life, quality and marketability of the product. In the present experiment, GABA postharvest treatment (0, 1 and 5 mM) was studied on the vase-life, total soluble solid (TSS), H2O2 content, proline content, spathe browning, catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes activity of Anthurium andraeanum 'Sirion' during 10 days of storage at 10 oC and 5 oC. The results revealed that 1 mM GABA treatment at 10 oC was the treatment of choice considering the vase-life. GABA treatment had no special effect on reducing the browning incidence. GABA at 5 mM increased the SOD activity. Furthermore, GABA reduced H2O2 levels compared to control untreated flowers. Moreover, under chilling stress, proline was the highest with GABA treated flowers. One mM treated GABA treatments hold higher catalase activity. The highest TSS belonged to 5 mM GABA under 5oC.
Electronic structure of GaP/Si(001) heterojunctions and the role of hydrogen passivation

Epitaxially grown single crystal GaP on Si is of considerable interest due to being nearly lattice matched to Si, making it attractive for III‐V/Si solar cells. GaP has been used as a buffer layer for III‐V/Si solar cells and also in selective contact Si solar cells. The performance and functionality of such devices are strongly influenced by the presence of localized states at the GaP/Si interface. Here, we examine the electronic structure of GaP/Si(001) heterojunctions and the effect of hydrogen (H) passivation at the interface, in contrast to interface mixing, through density functional theory calculations. Our calculations show that due to the heterovalent mismatch nature of the GaP/Si interface, there is a high density of localized states at the abrupt GaP/Si interface due to the excess charge associated with heterovalent bonding, as reported elsewhere. We find that the addition of H leads to additional bonding at the interface, which mitigates the charge imbalance, and greatly reduces the density of localized states, leading to a nearly ideal heterojunction. A similar result is found with a completely intermixed interface (alternating cation and anion bonding) in terms of low interface state density. However, when the intermixing occurs through single‐layer or double‐layer terraces, the benefits of intermixing are lost and the interface state density reverts more to the abrupt interface case.
A new tool to assess ecosystem health in large subtropical reservoirs: Development and validation of a Planktonic Index of Biotic Integrity

We developed and validated a Planktonic Index of Biotic Integrity for subtropical reservoirs to assess their ecosystem health. For this purpose, we analyzed the phytoplankton and zooplankton communities and determined reservoir trophic status in the Paranapanema River system (Southeast Brazil). Eleven dams were constructed in the main course of this river to supply hydropower plants. Three of the reservoirs are accumulation systems (i.e. with high water retention times), whereas the others are run-of-the-river systems. For the study the three larger reservoirs (Jurumirim, Chavantes and Capivara) were selected. Physical, chemical, and biological (phytoplankton and zooplankton) data were obtained in two sampling campaigns carried out in March (wet season) and October (dry season) of 2011. For each reservoir we sampled six stations, arranged on a gradient established between the lotic (Paranapanema River entrance) and lentic (dam) areas. According to the Trophic State Index for tropical/subtropical reservoirs, the sampling stations were categorized between ultraoligotrophic and mesotrophic. Four metrics achieved significant discrimination (out of a set of 20 candidate metrics). The individual metric scores were summed to provide a Planktonic Index of Biotic Integrity score, which ranged as Mesotrophic (4-9), Oligotrophic (10-14) and Ultraoligotrophic (15-20), corresponding to the classification of fair, good and excellent, respectively. Following the longitudinal sequence, Jurumirim was classified as Oligotophic (Good) and both Chavantes and Capivara as Ultraoligotrophic (Excellent). This study demonstrated that the Planktonic Index of Biotic Integrity is a potential tool for monitoring large subtropical reservoirs, as planktonic organisms are sensitive to environmental changes and this index integrates distinct temporal and spatial scales.
10. Chemical discrimination of sympatric snakes by the mountain lizard Iberolacerta galani (Squamata: Lacertidae)

We conducted an experiment on chemical discrimination of two saurophagous snakes (the smooth snake, Coronella austriaca and the Seoane's viper, Vipera seoanei) as well as the aquatic Natrix maura, by the mountain lizard Iberolacerta galani. Using terraria, 24 lizards were exposed to scents by the three snakes as well as an odourless control. We quantified fourteen behavioural variables, twelve of which significantly differed among treatments. Lizards are able to recognise the scents of both predatory snakes, and react to them with intense antipredatory responses. The antipredatory behaviour found in I. galani was similar for the scents of the two different predatory snakes, despite differences in their foraging behaviour. The behaviour displayed by lizards confronted with chemical cues suggests an adaptation to minimise the likelihood of being attacked.
Differential effects of zinc and tellurium on epigenetic changes of coping behaviour in maturing rats

Trace element and its probable role in biological systems have attracted the attention of many researchers in recent years. Previous work has shown that ZnTe administered in drinking water to pregnant rats during pregnancy, delivery, lactation and offspring maturation up to prepuberal stage is able to modify several parameters of spontaneous behaviours related to cognition in offspring rats. Since Zn and Te have many biological properties, it’s not possible to conclude if behavioural changes are due to Zn, Te or both trace elements activity. In the present work, K2TeO3 and ZnCl2 were used alone in order to evaluate single actions of trace elements. Four experimental groups were formed: Control (water), Zn-treated group, Te-treated groups, and Zn+Te group. At the end of the experiments at 30 days of age offspring of each group were tested individually in a Double-Hole Board Labyrinth to evaluate lateralized exploration. Open field enriched with a rack and hole-board to evaluate motivated exploration; single cage in an intruder-host test to evaluate social interaction, and forced swimming cylinder to evaluate the survival responses. Results showed selective changes in rearing for Te (first Test); blocking of the natural left-biased exploration (second Test) increased time to confront the intruder with decreased time to interact with the intruder (third Test), and decreased time to active swimming (fourth Test). With the exception of duration of the social interaction, Zn has no effect. Results suggest that most of the behavioural changes found with ZnTe in previous studies are due to Te.
ATTITUDES AND APPROACHES OF CANADIAN PROVIDERS TO PRECONCEPTION COUNSELLING AND THE PREVENTION OF FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Background Health care providers play an important role in the prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Objective To determine the attitudes and approaches of Canadian providers to preconception counselling and the prevention of FASD. Overall response rate was 41.3%. There were significant differences (p<0.05) across provider group in several areas. Ninety-four percent of providers agreed fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) was an identifiable syndrome; 54% felt prepared to care for pregnant women who were alcohol dependent/abusing while 70% were prepared to access resources for these patients. Less than 50% of providers frequently discussed smoking, alcohol use, or addiction history with women of childbearing age. Less than 15% inquired about a history of sexual or emotional abuse. Once women were pregnant, 94% of family physicians, midwives, and obstetricians inquired about alcohol use. Time was the primary barrier to discussing adverse effects of alcohol prior to conception (58%). Approximately 60% of respondents agreed a registry of consultation specialists, clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis of FAS, and referral resources for women with alcohol problems would be helpful supports in their clinical practice. Discussion There are missed opportunities in preconception screening which would identify women at risk for preventable, adverse pregnancy outcomes related to alcohol consumption. Provider training in identification of women at risk would allow for increased access to appropriate resources.
Women's Experiences with Abortion Complications in the Post War Context of South Sudan

For 21 years (1983-2004), the civil war in Sudan concentrated in the South resulting in massive population displacements and human suffering. Following the comprehensive peace agreement in 2005, the government of South Sudan is rebuilding the country’s infrastructure. However, the post war South Sudan has some of the worst health indicators, lack of basic services, poor health infrastructure and severe shortage of skilled labor. The maternal mortality ratio for example is 2,054/100,000 live births, currently the highest in the world. Abortion complication leads among causes of admission at the gynecology units. This research contributes nursing knowledge on reproductive health among populations affected by war. The purpose was to explore the experiences of women with abortion complications in the post war South Sudan. Using qualitative descriptive methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with 26 women following treatment for abortion complications at the gynecology unit of a county hospital. Data was collected from March 2 to April 26, 2008. Spontaneous abortion was the most common among study participants. Post abortion care was nonexistent at the community level health facilities, but present at the hospital. The women interviewed were reluctant to reflect in-depth about their experiences with abortion complications. They described the process, signs, symptoms and the events that led to the pregnancy loss, and were more concerned about regaining their reproductive function, a societal expectation of a married woman in South Sudan. A female child in South Sudan is assigned a
Effects of Soil Salinity on Citrus Rootstock ‘US-942’ Physiology and Anatomy

The accumulation of salt deposits in the soil is becoming a major problem in agriculture. The problem can affect citrus production, which is already seriously hindered in Florida by the disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB, or citrus greening). With the citrus industry declining, it is imperative to study all potential environmental stresses affecting the citrus cultivation and to conduct screening tests to evaluate which rootstocks perform best under these challenging new conditions. This study aims to determine how the ‘US-942’ rootstock reacts to salinity. Thirty-six 3-month-old ‘US-942’ citrus rootstock seedlings were grown in a greenhouse. After 15 d of acclimation, plants were assigned to one of six groups and treated for 30 d with solutions of 25% Hoagland solution amended with 0 (control), 30, 60, 90, 120, or 150 mm NaCl. Higher NaCl concentrations significantly hindered plant growth and negatively affected some physiological processes [i.e., stomatal conductance (gS)] and chlorophyll contents. Conversely, plants treated with mild concentrations (30 mm NaCl) had higher plant biomass and exhibited higher photosynthetic efficiency. Free hand sections of fresh roots were taken at the end of the experiment, and the suberin lamellae development was examined under a fluorescence microscope. In conclusion, results reported that ‘US-942’ rootstock is tolerant to mild salt stress and confirmed the hypothesis that the formation of root apoplastic barriers and the increase in the root biomass could be two possible mechanisms that give the ‘US-942’ a mild NaCl stress tolerance.
Cryopreservation and quality assessment of boar semen collected from bulk samples

The purpose of this study was to examine sperm quality after cryopreservation of ejaculates collected as a bulk sample, which is routinely part of semen collection, and to compare this quality with the sperm-rich fraction in boars. Ejaculates were collected as sperm-rich fractions (SRF) and bulk samples (BE) using a gloved-hand technique. Fresh semen quality in terms of semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm motility and pH were conventionally evaluated. Then, semen was cryopreserved using the liquid nitrogen vapour method. The post-thaw sperm quality was evaluated by assessing sperm motility, live sperm with normal apical ridge and high mitochondrial energy status, lipid peroxidation was evaluated using CASA and fluorescent multiple staining and MDA levels were determined using a spectrophotometer, respectively. In terms of fresh semen quality, sperm motility in fresh semen did not differ significantly between the two groups. The treatment with the greater mean volume (BE; P < 0.05) had a lower mean sperm concentration (P < 0.05); meanwhile, the mean ejaculate pH collected as BE was more basic compared with SRF (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant post-thaw quality changes between sperm-rich fractions and bulk samples of semen. In conclusion, ejaculates can be collected as bulk samples without the need to classify fractions for boar semen cryopreservation.
Mechanisms of Magneto- and Electro-Rheology: Recent Progress and Unresolved Issues

Abstract An electrorheological fluid (ERF) (magnetorheological fluid - MRF) is a particulate suspension which shows a dramatic increase in flow resistance upon application of an external electric (magnetic) field. In both systems, the fundamental physical process is believed to be that the field induces polarization of each particle with respect to the carrier material, and the resulting interparticle forces cause elongated aggregates of particles to form in the field direction. While recent years have witnessed the appearance of several applications using these tunable flow properties, optimal use of this technology is still hindered by our incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms. This paper surveys our current understanding of several of the key issues governing the rheological behavior of MRF and ERF, with particular focus on recent progress made in important areas such as the behavior under high fields, sedimentation, temperature dependence, effect of wall surface conditions, and advances made in developing practical modelling strategies.
Vehicle routing problems with profits, exact and heuristic approaches

Nous nous interessons dans cette these a la resolution du probleme de tournees selectives (Team Orienteering Problem - TOP) et ses variantes. Ce probleme est une extension du probleme de tournees de vehicules en imposan tcertaines limitations de ressources. Nous proposons un algorithme de resolution exacte base sur la programmation lineaire en nombres entiers (PLNE) en ajoutant plusieurs inegalites valides capables d’accelerer la resolution. D’autre part, en considerant des periodes de travail strictes pour chaque vehicule durant sa tournee, nous traitons une des variantes du TOP qui est le probleme de tournees selectives multiperiodique (multiperiod TOP - mTOP) pour lequel nous developpons une metaheuristique basee sur l’optimisation par essaim pour le resoudre. Un decoupage optimal est propose pour extraire la solution optimale de chaque particule en considerant les tournees saturees et pseudo saturees . Finalement, afin de prendre en consideration la disponibilite des clients, une fenetre de temps est associee a chacun d’entre eux, durant laquelle ils doivent etre servis. La variante qui en resulte est le probleme de tournees selectives avec fenetres de temps (TOP with Time Windows - TOPTW). Deux algorithmes exacts sont proposes pour resoudre ce probleme. Le premier est base sur la generation de colonnes et le deuxieme sur la PLNE a laquelle nous ajoutons plusieurs coupes specifiques a ce probleme.
On some dynamic properties of electrical power systems : sobre algunas propiedades dinámicas de los sistemas eléctricos de potencia

This thesis treats some dynamic properties of power system models. An extension of the classical concept of dissipativity is formulated to deal with these systems described by differential-algebraic equations on phasor variables. A class of models of these systems–the same that is known to admit an energy function–is shown to be dissipative in the sense mentioned above, to later be extended to include realistic models of synchronous machines and other devices. The small signal models are shown to satisfy a convex constraint in the frequency domain that is later articulated with Integral Quadratic Constraints, a well-known stability analysis tool. Specific features of realistic power system models, as the effect of voltage regulation and damping injection, are precisely captured and incorporated into the analysis. It is shown that a trade-off between the mentioned control actions and the voltage sensitivity is a sufficient condition to establish the robustness of the electromechanical modes. This result and others mentioned above are validated through several examples.
Thermal Management for the Cabin of a Battery Electric Vehicle Considering Passengers’ Comfort

Due to the absence of an internal combustion engine and the corresponding waste heat, battery electric vehicles have a significantly reduced range in cold environments. Moreover, also at high ambient temperatures, the energy consumption of the air-conditioning system has a negative effect on the range. In this paper, a thermal management strategy for the passenger compartment of a battery electric vehicle is developed with the aim to reduce the power consumption of the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. Simultaneously, the thermal comfort of the passengers has to be ensured. To address both objectives, a predictive, optimization-based approach for the thermal management system is developed. Models for the vehicle cabin and the HVAC system are derived and identified using measurement data. These models are used to formulate an optimal control problem, where also system limitations are considered explicitly. To avoid the computationally expensive solution of a nonlinear optimal control problem, it is approximated by a linear-quadratic model predictive control problem. This can be solved very efficiently and is suitable for real-time implementation on an automotive control unit. The proposed linear-quadratic strategy is compared with a baseline strategy and the nonlinear strategy to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.