Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flipped Classroom as Blended Learning in a Fluid Mechanics Course in Engineering Technology

Flipped classroom has gained attention in recent years as a teaching method in which the time allocated for introducing new concepts and the time used for practicing them are inverted, in order to provide more time for problem based learning and class interaction under direct supervision of the instructor. The implementation of this teaching method is comprised of two main components, the pre-class activities, which consist of individual student work and are largely based on pre-recorded videos, and in-class activities, which are group activities supervised by the instructor. This paper discusses the implementation of the flipped classroom method in a Fluid Mechanics course in an Engineering Technology program at a midsize university. The study presented was conducted over four consecutive semesters, the data representing four different groups of students. In the study presented, an important percentage of the students took the course in an online setting, either synchronous or asynchronous mode, which created an atypical situation compared to other implementations of flipped classroom method presented in the literature. It was found that the length or the format of the pre-recorded videos were not critical factors in determining the students to review them before the class. The unconventional setting of the class, including both in class and online students, required originality in handling the in-class activities. The best approach was to delegate students to lead the group discussions associated with solving the problems, while the instructor acted as an observer when the discussions were constructive and as a guide when the solution was getting out of rail or when the students were struggling. A survey was distributed to the students at the end of the course as a post-class activity, concluding the implementation considered in the study. The results of the survey showed that the students were satisfied with the teaching method and found it important in their learning process.
Effectiveness of Teriparatide in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis and Glucocorticoid Use: 3-Year Results from the EFOS Study

Objective. To describe clinical fracture rates, back pain, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who are receiving glucocorticoids (GC), during a 36-month study of teriparatide treatment for up to 18 months, with an additional 18-month followup period when patients were receiving other osteoporosis medications. Methods. A prospective, multinational, observational study. Data for clinical fractures, back pain (by visual analog scale; VAS) and HRQOL (by EQ-5D) were collected over 36 months. Fracture data were summarized in 6-month segments and analyzed using logistic regression with repeated measures. Changes from baseline in back pain VAS and EQ-VAS were analyzed. Results. Of 1581 enrolled women with followup data, 294 (18.6%) had antecedents of GC use. Of these, 49 (16.7%) patients sustained a total of 69 fractures during the 36-month study period. Adjusted odds of fracture were significantly decreased during the last year of followup compared with the first 6 months of teriparatide treatment: an 81% decrease in the 24 to < 30-month period (p < 0.05), and an 89% decrease in the 30 to < 36-month period (p < 0.05). There were significant reductions in back pain and improvements in HRQOL in both groups of GC users and nonusers. Conclusion. Postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis receiving GC, who were treated with teriparatide for up to 18 months, showed a reduced incidence of clinical fractures during the third year while receiving sequential osteoporosis treatments compared with the first 6 months, together with reduced back pain and improved HRQOL. Our results should be interpreted in the context of an uncontrolled observational study in a routine clinical setting.
Optimal pixel-level self-repairing authentication method for grayscale images under a minimax criterion of distortion reduction

A new blind pixel-level self-repairing grayscale image authen- tication method, which is optimal under a minimax criterion of image- distortion reduction, is proposed. By dividing the grayscale range into bins, a three-bit bin code which provides the double functions of tampering localization and data repairing is generated as the authentication signal for each pixel in the cover image. The optimality in choosing three bits of a pixel as the authentication signal under a minimax criterion of minimizing the total maximum distortion resulting from authentication signal embed- ding and tampered pixel repairing is proved. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2012 Society of Photo-Optical
Pharmacoeconomics of long-acting atypical antipsychotics for acutely relapsed chronic schizophrenia in Finland

Abstract Background: Atypical long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics are increasingly available for treating chronic schizophrenia in patients chronically non-adherent to prescribed regimens. Few economic studies have compared these products. Purpose: To determine the cost-effectiveness of aripiprazole (ARI-LAI), paliperidone (PP-LAI), olanzapine (OLZ-LAI), and risperidone (RIS-LAI) in patients with chronic schizophrenia in Finland. Methods: A 1-year decision tree model was adapted with guidance from an expert panel. Patients started hospitalized in relapse; those who responded continued treatment, others were switched to secondary drugs, then clozapine in the event of 2nd line failure. Rates of adherence, stable disease, relapse, and hospitalization were taken from pivotal trials, and utilities from published research. Included were direct costs paid by the Finnish Ministry of Health, in 2015 euros. Outcomes included quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), hospitalization rates, and rates of relapse not requiring hospitalization. Model robustness was assessed using a series of 1-way and multivariate sensitivity analyses. Results: Expected costs were lowest for PP-LAI at 41,148€, followed by 41,543€ for ARI-LAI, 42,067€ for RIS-LAI and 45,406€ for OLZ-LAI. Respective QALYs were 0.683, 0.671, 0.666, and 0.672. Re-hospitalization rates and non-admitted relapses were 23.6% and 3.9% for PP-LAI, 28.5% and 4.1% for ARI-LAI, 28.8% and 5.0% for RIS-LAI, 28.3% and 5.2% for OLZ-LAI. PP-LAI treatment was associated with the most days with stable disease (132.0), followed by OLZ-LAI (125.5), ARI-LAI (122.6), and RIS-LAI (114.4). Sensitive inputs between PP-LAI and ARI-LAI included rates of adherence, dropouts, and relapses plus drug prices; dropout and relapse rates for RIS-LAI; OLZ-LAI results were insensitive. In probability sensitivity analyses, PP-LAI dominated ARI-LAI in 75.8% of the 10,000 iterations, RIS-LAI in 83.1% and OLZ-LAI in 95.7%. Conclusions: PP-LAI dominated the other atypicals. It appears to be the preferred option for treating chronic relapsing schizophrenia.
CELL INJURY , REPAIR , AGING , AND APOPTOSIS WFDC 1 Is a Key Modulator of In fl ammatory and Wound Repair Responses

opyright a 2014 American Society for Inve ublished by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved ttp://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.ajpath. 2014.07. 013 WFDC1/ps20 is a whey acidic protein four-disulfide core member that exhibits diverse growth and immune-associated functions in vitro. In vivo functions are unknown, although WFDC1 is lower in reactive stroma. A Wfdc1-null mouse was generated to assess core functions. Wfdc1-null mice exhibited normal developmental and adult phenotypes. However, homeostasis challenges affected inflammatory and repair processes. Wfdc1-null mice infected with influenza A exhibited 2.75elog-fold lower viral titer relative to control mice.Wfdc1-null infected lungs exhibited elevated macrophages and deposition of osteopontin, a potent macrophage chemokine. In wounding studies, Wfdc1-null mice exhibited an elevated rate of skin closure, and this too was associated with elevated deposition of osteopontin and macrophage recruitment. Wfdc1-null fibroblasts exhibited impaired spheroid formation, elevated adhesion to fibronectin, and an increased rate of wound closure in vitro. This was reversed by neutralizing antibody to osteopontin. Osteopontin mRNA and cleaved protein was up-regulated in Wfdc1-null cells treated with lipopolysaccharide or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid coordinate with constitutively active matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), a protease that cleaves osteopontin. These data suggest that WFDC1/ps20 modulates core host response mechanisms, in part, via regulation of osteopontin and MMP-9 activity. Release from WFDC1 regulation is likely a key component of inflammatory and repair response mechanisms, and involves the processing of elevated osteopontin by activated MMP-9, and subsequent macrophage recruitment. (Am J Pathol 2014, 184: 2951e2964; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.07.013)
The Transition to Autonomous – Impact & Challenges in the Race toward Self-Driving Cars

Background and Problem Artificial Intelligence (AI) and specific Machine Learning (ML) are on the verge of gaining traction and significance within every industry. Learning Machines will lead to Automated Vehicles (AV), able to take judgement and decisions and ultimately steer themselves. This development will be the greatest disruption of the car automotive industry in the past hundred years. Organizations are forced to adapt to such a radical change in order to stay competitive and fulfill their customer needs.
Productive performance and blood parameters of bulls fed diets containing babassu mesocarp bran and whole or ground corn

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of corn milling and the inclusion of babassu mesocarp bran (BMB) on productive performance, digestibility of dietary nutrients, and blood parameters of dairy crossbred (Holstein-Gyr) bulls finished in confinement. Twenty-four bulls were fed four different experimental diets, containing two levels of inclusion of BMB (0 and 41.24%) and corn supplied in two different forms (ground and whole), for 98 days (77 days of data collection and 21 days of adaptation). The intakes and digestibility coefficients of the dry matter (DM) and nutrients were determined. There were no significant interaction effects of the BMB inclusion level and the form of corn used on the performance and digestibility variables. The intakes of DM, crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) increased with the inclusion of BMB in the diets. However, the inclusion of BMB in the diets decreased the ether extract intake, the NDF apparent digestibility, and the feed efficiency of DM and CP. Dry matter and NDF intakes also increased with the use of ground corn in the diet, which promoted an increase in the intake of total digestible nutrients (TDN), digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates, and average daily gain. However, the supply of ground corn reduced the feed efficiency of TDN. The remaining measured variables did not vary with the tested diets. The levels of plasma protein and albumin remained normal, but glucose concentrations were always high, irrespective of the tested diet. The form of corn supplied and the level of BMB inclusion had a significant interaction effect on the levels of triglycerides, urea, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Babassu mesocarp bran can be included up to 41.24% in the diet of confined bulls without a negative effect on the animal weight gain. Corn should be supplied ground because this form improves the performance of crossbred bulls
To Sell and to Provide ? The Economic and Environmental Implications of the Auto Manufacturer ’ s Involvement in the Car Sharing Business

Motivated by the involvement of Daimler and BMW in the car sharing business we consider an OEM who contemplates introducing a car sharing program. The OEM designs its product line by accounting for the trade-off between driving performance and fuel efficiency. Customers have different valuations of driving performance and decide whether to buy, join car sharing, or rely on their outside option. Car sharing can increase the profit from selling. This happens when the OEM prefers to serve the lower-end customers through car sharing and the higher-end through selling. In this case, car sharing increases the efficiency of the vehicles used for the lower-end, and the price charged to the higher-end customers. This is more pronounced for higher-end OEMs, which may help explain Daimler’s and BMW’s involvement in car sharing. Despite the higher efficiency, car sharing may lower the OEM’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) level even when it increases profit and decreases environmental impact. CAFE levels better reflect the environmental benefits of car sharing when they are based on the number of customers served and not the production volume. Finally, if anticipating aggressive CAFE standards, OEMs may include car sharing to better absorb the increase in the production cost.
Dudin GEN Y MEMBERS ’ MOBILE BANKING ADOPTION INTENTION AND ACTUAL USE IN AZERBAIJAN AND TURKEY : THE TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL AND SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY

This study aimed to incorporate Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to identify the determinants of Gen Y members’ mobile banking adoption intention and actual use with smart phones as medium of internet access, by comparing Azerbaijan and Turkey. This quantitative study with data from 1047 active JIBC Jan 2017, Vol. 22, No.S7 2 mobile banking users among Azerbaijan and Turkish young customers through convenient sampling technique found that ease of use, trust, compatibility with lifestyle, and online customer service are significantly related to adoption intention of mobile banking in both countries, which in its turn significantly influences actual use of mobile banking via smartphone in both countries. This study validated the TAM and SCT in mobile banking context, especially comparing two countries. Banks in Azerbaijan and Turkey can use results re-design the mobile banking services to attract more young customers, by considering they have branches in these countries.
Dmanisi hominin fossils and the problem of the multiple species in the early Homo genus

The D4500 (Skull 5), dated 1.8 Mya. , is the most complete fossil within the set of five skulls found in Dmanisi, Georgia, as well as any other fossils associated to contexts of occupation of the early Pleistocene. Its discovery has brought forward the debate of the plurality of species, not just at the beginning of the Homo genus, but for much of its evolution. The Skull 5 fossil presents a mixure of primitive and derivates characters associated to the Homo erectus and Homo habilis sensu lato . Based on the data referring to the five skulls researchers have considered the hypothesis of a single evolving lineage of early Homo as a mode to explain the great variation range of the Dmanisi fossils, similar to the range found in habilines. In other words, it is an explanation that reiterates the existence of only one unique species in the early of the Homo genus: the Homo erectus in a sensu lato. Our work consists of evaluating such supposition through the calculation of the coefficient of variation, which was estimated from the referred set and compared to those from already known species. Results achieved did not support the thinking that one unique species was able to bear all fossils of the early of Homo genus.
Using ANN and EPR models to predict carbon monoxide concentrations in urban area of Tabriz

Background: Forecasting of air pollutants has become a popular topic of environmental research today. For this purpose, the artificial neural network (AAN) technique is widely used as a reliable method for forecasting air pollutants in urban areas. On the other hand, the evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR) model has recently been used as a forecasting tool in some environmental issues. In this research, we compared the ability of these models to forecast carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in the urban area of Tabriz city. Methods: The dataset of CO concentrations measured at the fixed stations operated by the East Azerbaijan Environmental Office along with meteorological data obtained from the East Azerbaijan Meteorological Bureau from March 2007 to March 2013, were used as input for the ANN and EPR models. Results: Based on the results, the performance of ANN is more reliable in comparison with EPR. Using the ANN model, the correlation coefficient values at all monitoring stations were calculated above 0.85. Conversely, the R2 values for these stations were obtained <0.41 using the EPR model. Conclusion: The EPR model could not overcome the nonlinearities of input data. However, the ANN model displayed more accurate results compared to the EPR. Hence, the ANN models are robust tools for predicting air pollutant concentrations.
Effects of Low- and High-Frequency Side Bands of Notched Noise on Masking and Auditory Filter Shape at Very High Frequencies

This paper is concerned with the determination of the auditory filter shape using the notched noise method with noise bands symmetrically located above and below a probe frequency of 10 kHz. Unlike in the classical experiments conducted with the use of Patterson method the levels as well as power spectrum densities of the lower and upper component bands of the notched noise masker were not the same and were set such as to produce the same amount of masking at the 10-kHz frequency. The experiment consisted of three conditions in which the following values were determined: (I) the detection threshold for a 10-kHz probe tone in the presence of a noise masker presented below the tone’s frequency; (II) the level of a noise masker presented above the 10-kHz probe tone frequency, at which the masker just masked the probe tone, (III) the detection threshold for a probe tone in the presence of a notched-noise masker. The data show a considerable amount of variability across the subjects, however, the resulting frequency characteristics of the auditory filters are consistent with those presented in the literature so that the Equivalent Rectangular Bandwidth is less than 11% of their centre frequency.
The Use of Value Clarification Technique-based- Picture Story Media as an Alternative Media to Value Education in Primary School

Developing learning media by adjusting it to the subject materials’ characteristics and students’ development needs to be done. Based on this concern, this research is aiming at developing picture story media that is based on value clarification technique (VCT) as an alternative value education in primary school. This research employed Research and Development (R & D) study approach and specifically adapted the study model from Dick and Carey (2001). Data collection was done through documentation note, observation, questionnaire, and try out. Data that had been collected then was analysed by using qualitative and quantitative methods (mix methods). Based on the try out result, it shows that the picture story media that is being developed has fulfilled the criteria of validity, effectivity, and practicality. Besides, based on the observation results of the tests’ try out process, it shows that the media has given positive impact towards the expected learning process and results.
An Exploration of Effective Factors in New Product Development (NPD) Project Success

New products are undeniably vital for the viability and success of a firm. Firms need to create and sustain competitive advantages in order to survive in today’s highly competitive business environment. This paper’s purpose is analyzing the effects of effective factors on new product development (NPD) project success. In this research we have used a questionnaire with 29 questions to study a 134 sample of home appliance managers in Isfahan (Iran). A conceptual model has been designed to show all relationships among all variables which is tested by LISREL software. Empirical results generally support the predictions from the theory. Specifically, the findings of this study show that joint reward system, knowledge sharing, people resource and market research are key factors for NPD project success. Amount of goodness indexes (AGFI= 0.92, GFI= 0.91) shows suitability of the model.
Anatomical Variations and Biological Effects of Mental Foramen Position in Population of Saudi Arabia

Background: Understanding the anatomical variations in the position of the mental foramen is significant for different dental procedures. This study identified the position of the mental foramen among a Saudi population in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A total of 950 panoramic radiographs (PAN) were selected from a total of 1195 radiographs. The mental foramen location was determined by drawing imaginary lines parallel with the long access of the lower premolars and mesial root of the first molar on the same side. The mental foramen location was then classified into six classes (Class I-VI). Results: In the Saudi population, more than half of the mental foramina were located between the lower premolars (Class III, 57.89%), followed by class IV (41.70%) of the mental foramen was located under the second premolar apex. None of the radiographs showed that the mental foramen was located in front of the first premolar (Class I). Conclusion: For successful and secure mental nerve blocking, the anesthetic solution should be injected between the first and second premolars or under the lower 2nd premolar in the Saudi population. Additionally, caution should be taken when operating close to these areas to avoid mental nerve injury.
Temporal susceptibility of grapevine pruning wounds to trunk pathogen infection in South African grapevines.

Grapevine trunk diseases, caused by a range of phytopathogenic fungi, represent a serious impediment to wine and table grape production wherever these crops are cultivated. Previous studies have shown that the distribution of these pathogens is influenced by climate and that they are associated with a variety of internal wood decay symptoms. Little was known, however, about the influence of climate on the disease symptomatology of the different pathogens in a specific area. To address this, a survey was conducted in 30 wine and table grape vineyards in summer, marginal and winter rainfall regions of South Africa. Apart from Eutypa lata , which occurred only in the winter rainfall region, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora , species of Phaeoacremonium , Botryosphaeriaceae and Phomopsis occurred in all regions surveyed. The incidence of the fungal genera and species associated with trunk disease varied between regions, with overlapping symptom profiles that differed based on the climatic region. These findings suggest that symptom-based disease diagnosis alone is unreliable and that distribution and symptomatology of grapevine trunk pathogens are strongly influenced by climatic conditions in a specific production region.
Corporate Leadership in Sustainability: A Green Ranking Performance-Based Approach to Understanding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Positive Marketing Impact.

This paper analyzes several foundational concepts and questions regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR). Its primary contribution is a statistical examination of fundamental correlations between CSR and Newsweek's 2012 Green Rankings using forensic-based financial and accounting measures. It slightly replicates a previous study and further introduces new variables in looking at CSR from an economic perspective. The paper is interdisciplinary in that it synthesizes preceding studies' conceptions of CSR through finance, consumer behavior, branding, and ethics — a mix which has so far been regularly neglected — in an attempt to better characterize and measure corporate social responsibility.