Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Student experiences with instructional videos in online learning environments

STUDENT EXPERIENCES WITH INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS IN ONLINE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS Melanie Cecile Hibbert Drawing upon qualitative methods of semi-structured interviews and observational talk-through interviews, this qualitative dissertation investigates the ways in which graduate students in an online course context experience online instructional videos. A conceptual framework of user experience and multimodality, as well as the framework of sense-making developed by McCarthy and Wright (2004) guided this study and data analysis. The findings of this dissertation have implications for how students are participating in, interacting with, and making sense of online learning environments. Some of the findings of this research include: (a) students do not necessarily experience course videos as discrete elements (or differentiate them with other aspects of the course); (b) the times and contexts in which students view instructional videos shifts (e.g., between home and commuting); (c) student motivations and expectations shape how they approach and orient themselves towards watching online course videos; and (d) multimodal design elements influence students’ meaning-making of online instructional videos. These data findings are all in support of the overarching conclusion of this dissertation, which is that students have significant agency in these online environments, and their meaning-making of online videos may not align with designers’ intentions. This conclusion argues against deterministic views of design. The emerging findings have design implications related to the creation of learning environments in online spaces, such as: (a) fully integrating videos within the broader instructional design of a course; (b) foregrounding the embedded context of instructional videos; and (c) accounting for the shifting times, places, and contexts in which viewers watch instructional videos. This dissertation is situated in the growing field of online education, in particular higher education, where significant money and resources are increasingly dedicated towards the development of online spaces while still much is unknown in relation to the design, experiences, and impact of these online learning environments.
Comparative Toxicological Effects of the Herbicide, Atrazine, on Fingerlings and Juveniles of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

This research was aimed at evaluating the toxic effects of atrazine, a commonly used herbicide on acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) activity, lipid peroxidation and testosterone levels in different growth stages of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). The acute and the chronic evaluations were conducted while activities of acetylcholinesterase, lipid peroxidation and testosterone levels were determined using predetermined sub-lethal concentrations of the herbicide. The mean 96-h lethal concentration (LC50) of atrazine exposed to catfish fingerlings and juveniles were 0.350 mg·L -1 and 0.553 mg.L -1 , respectively. Acetylcholinesterase activity was higher in the brain of juveniles (25.0 µmol.mL -1 ) exposed to the herbicide than that of the fingerlings (17.0 µmol.mL -1 ), and a similar pattern was observed in the liver. Malondialdehyde was higher in the fingerlings (liver and brain) (2.7 and 2.0 µmol.mL -1 ) exposed to the herbicide than the juveniles (1.8 µmol.mL -1 and 1.6 µmol.mL -1 ). Testosterone was not detected in the serum of fingerlings exposed to atrazine herbicide. The results of this study elucidated potential biomarkers for monitoring fish health in rivers receiving runoffs of the herbicide, atrazine, and the risk of loss of fisheries productivity attributable to the anti-androgenic properties of the herbicide.
Visual Posture Observation Error and Training

COVALLA, ELIZABETH. Visual Posture Observation Error and Training. (Under the direction of Dr. Gary A. Mirka) The purpose of this study was to determine people’s ability to visually estimate postural angles of the shoulder, trunk, and wrist. One application of these findings is to determine the effect of estimation error on common risk analysis tools that incorporate posture. Considerations are given to the effect of training, video mode, gender, body region, and subject characteristics on estimation error. Absolute error, algebraic error, and subject confidence are used to characterize visual estimation abilities. Results indicate that visual estimation error ranges between 7 and 10 degrees. Error further increased with wrist postures and female observers. Due to estimation errors, analysis tools that include posture are less accurate in predicting risk of injury. Eight, 12, and 14 percent of shoulder, trunk, and wrist postures, respectively, were misclassified causing Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scores to shift by at least one point. For the Strain Index, forty percent of wrist postures were misclassified by participants causing as much as a two-thirds change in the final score. VISUAL POSTURE OBSERVATION ERROR AND TRAINING by Elizabeth Danielle Covalla A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of North Carolina State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters of Science INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Predictive adaptive parallelism

Parallel processing is used to increase the execution rate of programs. Since processing resources are the bottleneck for processing speed, increasing the processing rate is accomplished by adding more processing resources to the system. However, using extra resources adds extra, overhead, and the more resources that are used, the more overhead that is incurred. Optimal performance for parallel programs is achieved by finding the correct balance between computational speedup and overhead of using parallel resources. The current method of optimizing parallel programs is through extensive profiling and manual tuning of programs. This is not ideal since it is both time consuming in terms of programmer and machine tune, and does not, work for all programs, such as irregular programs and sequential programs executed in dynamic parallel systems. A novel method, called predictive adaptive parallelism, is presented for automatically calculating the optimal number of threads for parallel programs at runtime. The method uses a combination of compile-time and run-time information to gauge the program resource requirements and target machine capabilities. Programs are described in platform-independent load vectors, which describe the cost of executing a section of a program, and cost functions, which describe the number of times each section will be executed. When the programs are loaded onto a machine, the load vectors are translated into time costs. As runtime metrics become known, the cost functions can be solved to give a time profile of executing the program as a function of the number of threads assigned to the program. Minimizing the cost function yields the minimal execution time of the program and thus the optimal number of threads. The method is applied to loop-level parallelism and task-level parallelism, and the techniques are shown to be effective and accurate on a cluster system. In addition, the sensitivity of the method to inaccuracy in measuring the machine capabilities is explored.
Distribution of progeny by Microbracon hebetor Say

The distribution of progeny by Microbracon hebetor among larvae of Ephestia kiihniella is investigated by presenting the data in the form of frequency distributions. It is shown that the female parasite tends to distribute her eggs in accordance with the relationship between size of host and development of progeny.
Haemato-biochemical alterations during different stages of lactation in Mehshani buffaloes

The present study was carried out to investigate the haemato-biochemical profile of Mehshani buffalo, a native breed of Gujarat, India with the purpose of analyzing the physiological variations under the influence of different lactation stages in terms of determining possible biomarkers to monitor the energetic balance and the metabolic adequacy during lactation. Eighteen clinically healthy lactating buffaloes were categorized into three groups based on the length of their lactation: group I (early stage), group II (mid stage) and group III (late stage). Non significant variations were observed in case of the hematological parameters amongst the three groups of animals. The packed cell volume (PCV), RBC count and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was lowest in the buffaloes of the early stage of lactation. Other haematological parameters viz. total leucocyte count (TLC), differential leucocyte count (DLC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and platelet count were recorded to be within the normal limits. Similarly, the values of the blood biochemical analytes varied apparently, but the differences were statistically non significant amongst the groups studied. The glucose level was recorded to be the lowest in the early stage of lactation; whereas, the protein and creatinine concentrations were slightly higher in this stage. No significant alteration in the concentration of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was noticed amongst the three groups of buffaloes under the current study. Data generated during the current study may be useful as reference values for the scientific community as this is the first study of its kind in case of Mehshani buffalo.
Measuring the Labile and Recalcitrant Pools of Carbon and Nitrogen in Forested and Agricultural Soils: A Study under Tropical Conditions

Soil organic carbon and nitrogen can be divided into labile and recalcitrant pools according to the time it takes to be cycled. The way in which carbon and nitrogen pools are cycled and distributed between labile and recalcitrant pools can directly relate to soil quality. This paper tested the hypothesis that labile and recalcitrant pools of carbon and nitrogen vary between agricultural soils with different species and fertilization management systems (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium need) under tropical conditions. This study aimed to examine the impact of land-uses on stocks and losses of carbon and nitrogen under tropical conditions. We explored labile (soil microbial biomass and labile carbon) and recalcitrant carbon pools (humin, humic acid, and fulvic acid) in forested and agricultural soils, defined as latosol (forest, fertilized pasture, and unfertilized pasture) and cambisol (forest, coast pasture, sugarcane, and silage corn). Forested soil was used as an appropriate use to soil conservation in tropical that presents levels adequate of carbon and nitrogen stocks and biological condition in soil. Results showed that pools of labile and recalcitrant carbon are different on soil layers and the use of soil. Forest use in cambisol and latosol promoted higher labile and recalcitrant pools of carbon and nitrogen due to the greater environmental stability without human intervention. On the other hand, human intervention occurred in fertilized pasture and coast pasture; however, both uses presented similar recalcitrant carbon and nitrogen pools when compared to forested soil on the soil surface due to fertilizer uses and the high volume of the grass root system. Overall, our findings reveal that under tropical conditions, agriculture and forested soil can present similar recalcitrant pools of carbon and nitrogen if agricultural soils are associated with the appropriate fertilizer management. Pasture with adequate fertilization management systems can be used as an alternative to recover degraded areas with low levels of recalcitrant carbon and nitrogen pools.
Comparative Analysis of Phytochemical Composition of Four Selected Tropical Medicinal Plants Namely: Ocimum gratissimum, Piper guineense, Gongronema latifolium and Vernonia amygdalina

Aim: The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative analysis of the phytochemical composition of the leaves of four selected tropical medicinal plants namely: Ocimum gratissimum, Piper guineense, Gongronema latifolium and Vernonia amygdalina. Methodology: The phytochemicals in the plant leaves were extracted by cold maceration in ethanol and subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the phytochemicals. Results: The qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed the presence of the bioactive compounds alkaloids, Saponins, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, terpenoids, polyphenols, specific cardiac glycosides, tannins, phytates and reducing compound in the leaves of each plant at varying quantities. Resins were only detected in O. gratissimum. From the quantitative analysis, Gongronema latifolium had the highest percentage content of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins and reducing sugars. Ocimum gratissimum had the highest flavonoid content. Conclusion: Taken together, G. latifolium on balance had a higher phytochemical content than the other three plants and thus should be more versatile in the treatment of a whole range of diseases. This was followed by V. amygdalina, O. gratissimum and P. guineense in that order. The fact that most of these phytochemicals have antioxidant activity may be responsible for their antidiabetic activities and use in treatment of other free radical prone diseases.
Minimally invasive discectomy versus open laminectomy and discectomy for the treatment of cauda equina syndrome: A preliminary study and case series

Background Cauda Equina syndrome (CES) is a potentially devastating condition and is treated usually with urgent open surgical decompression of the spinal canal. Currently, the role of minimally invasive discectomy (MID) as an alternative surgical technique for CES is unclear. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes following MID and open laminectomy and discectomy for the treatment of CES. Methods The study cohort included patients that underwent surgery due to CES at our institute. Patients' outcomes included: surgical complications, length of hospitalization, postoperative lower extremity motor score (LEMS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for leg and back pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the EQ-5D health-related quality of life questionnaire. Results Twelve patients underwent MID and 12 underwent open laminectomy and discectomy. Complications and revisions rates were comparable between the groups. Postoperative urine incontinence and saddle dysesthesia improved in 50% of patients in both groups. LEMS improved from 47.08 ± 5.4 to 49.27 ± 0.9 in the MID group and from 44.46 ± 5.9 to 49.0 ± 1.4 in the open group. Although, leg pain improved in both groups from 8.4 ± 2.4 to 3 ± 2.1 in the MID and from 8.44 ± 3.3 to 3.88 ± 3 in the open group, significant improvement in back pain was found only in the MID group. Final functional scores were similar between groups. Conclusions Our preliminary results suggest that minimally invasive discectomy is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of CES when compared to open laminectomy and discectomy. However, MID in these cases should only be considered by surgeons experienced in minimally invasive spine surgery. Further studies with bigger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups are needed.
Oligomer Saccharide Reduction During Dilute Acid Pretreatment Co-Catalyzed with Lewis Acids on Corn Stover Biomass

The dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass is a well understood process that significantly enhances the yield of glucose after enzymatic saccharification. The goal of this research was to perform a systematic study to evaluate the yield of fermentable sugars during dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment that is co-catalyzed with the transition metal Lewis acid salts: AlCl3, FeCl2, FeCl3, and La(OTf)3. All Lewis acids apart from FeCl2 reduced the presence of xylo-oligomers by a large margin when compared to the non-co-catalyzed control sample pretreatments. The presence of these xylo-oligomers acts as inhibitors during enzymatic saccaharification step. The Lewis acids AlCl3, FeCl3, and La(OTf)3 were also able to marginally increase the overall enzymatic digestibility specifically for corn stover pretreated at 160°C with 10 mM of Lewis acids. The hard Lewis acid such as AlCl3 increased the formation inhibitory products such as furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). There was good correlation between reduction of xylo-oligomers and increased concentration furfural with increase in Lewis acid hardness.
Antifungal Activity of Skin Coatings against Post Harvest Rots of Apple Cultivar Starking Delicious

Essential oils and vegetable oils as skin coatings have the potential to replace the synthetic fungicides in the management of post harvest diseases of fruits and vegetables. This study was aimed to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of essential oils of eucalyptus, neem, clove, lemongrass, cinnamon and thyme; vegetable oils of linseed, castor, karanj, mustard and soyabean; anhydrous milk fat; paraffin wax and semperfresh against some important post harvest pathogens of apple fruits (Alternaria alternata, Trichothecium roseum, Monilinia fructigena, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium expansum). Neem oil (1%) provided complete control of all the fungal decays under study. The next best treatments were eucalyptus oil, cinnamon oil and clove oil. Therefore, skin coatings of essential oils and vegetable oils after suitable formulation can be used for the control of post harvest diseases of fruits and vegetables instead of fungicidal treatments.
The unique interaction between the summer annual desert plant Salsola inermis Forssk and weevils residing on its roots: mutualism or parasitism?

1. Herbivores and parasites are likely to impose less damage on their host when their growth rate is slow and their dependency on the host is high. Accordingly, it was hypothesised that evolution would favour neutral or even beneficial interactions between a below‐ground herbivore and a plant during the harsh season in a desert ecosystem.
Characterization of complex photosynthetic pigment profiles in European deciduous tree leaves by sequential extraction and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Leaf pigments, including chlorophylls and carotenoids, are important biochemical indicators of plant photosynthesis and photoprotection. In this study, we developed, optimized, and validated a sequential extraction and liquid chromatography-diode array detection method allowing for the simultaneous quantification of the main photosynthetic pigments, including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, β-carotene, lutein, neoxanthin, and the xanthophyll cycle (VAZ), as well as the characterization of plant pigment derivatives. Chromatographic separation was accomplished with the newest generation of core–shell columns revealing numerous pigment derivatives. The sequential extraction allowed for a better recovery of the main pigments (+25 % chlorophyll a, +30 % chlorophyll b, +42 % β-carotene, and 61% xanthophylls), and the characterization of ca. 5.3 times more pigment derivatives (i.e., up to 62 chlorophyll and carotenoid derivatives including isomers) than with a single-step extraction. A broad working range of concentrations (300–2,000 ng.mL−1) was achieved for most pigments and their derivatives and the limit of detection was as low as a few nanograms per milliliter. The method also showed adequate trueness (RSD < 1%) and intermediate precision (RSD < 5%). The method was developed and validated with spinach leaves and their extracts. The method was successfully performed on leaf pigment extracts of European deciduous tree species. Within a case study using Fagus sylvatica L. leaves, pigment derivatives revealed a high within-individual tree variability throughout the growing season that could not be detected using the main photosynthetic pigments alone, eventually showing that the method allowed for the monitoring of pigment dynamics at unprecedented detail.
Physical activity moderates the association between white matter hyperintensity burden and cognitive change

Objective Greater physical activity (PA) could delay cognitive decline, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. White matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden is one of the key brain pathologies that have been shown to predict faster cognitive decline at a late age. One possible pathway is that PA may help maintain cognition by mitigating the detrimental effects of brain pathologies, like WMH, on cognitive change. This study aims to examine whether PA moderates the association between WMH burden and cognitive change. Materials and methods This population-based longitudinal study included 198 dementia-free adults aged 20–80 years. Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) was assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. Occupational physical activity (OPA) was a factor score measuring the physical demands of each job. Total physical activity (TPA) was operationalized as the average of z-scores of LTPA and OPA. Outcome variables included 5-year changes in global cognition and in four reference abilities (fluid reasoning, processing speed, memory, and vocabulary). Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the moderation effect of PA on the association between white matter hyperintensities and cognitive change, adjusting for age, sex, education, and baseline cognition. Results Over approximately 5 years, global cognition (p < 0.001), reasoning (p < 0.001), speed (p < 0.001), and memory (p < 0.05) scores declined, and vocabulary (p < 0.001) increased. Higher WMH burden was correlated with more decline in global cognition (Spearman’s rho = –0.229, p = 0.001), reasoning (rho = –0.402, p < 0.001), and speed (rho = –0.319, p < 0.001), and less increase in vocabulary (rho = –0.316, p < 0.001). Greater TPA attenuated the association between WMH burden and changes in reasoning (βTPA^*WMH = 0.029, 95% CI = 0.006–0.052, p = 0.013), speed (βTPA^*WMH = 0.035, 95% CI = –0.004–0.065, p = 0.028), and vocabulary (βTPA^*WMH = 0.034, 95% CI = 0.004–0.065, p = 0.029). OPA seemed to be the factor that exerted a stronger moderation on the relationship between WMH burden and cognitive change. Conclusion Physical activity may help maintain reasoning, speed, and vocabulary abilities in face of WMH burden. The cognitive reserve potential of PA warrants further examination.
A dynamic cell recruitment process drives growth of the Drosophila wing by overscaling the Vestigial expression pattern

Organs mainly attain their size by cell growth and proliferation, but sometimes also grow through recruitment of undifferentiated cells. Here we investigate the participation of cell recruitment in establishing the pattern of Vestigial (Vg), the product of the wing selector gene in Drosophila. We find that the Vg pattern overscales along the dorsal-ventral (DV) axis of the wing imaginal disc, i.e., it expands faster than the DV length of the pouch. The overscaling of the Vg pattern cannot be explained by differential proliferation, apoptosis, or oriented-cell divisions, but can be recapitulated by a mathematical model that explicitly considers cell recruitment. By impairing cell recruitment genetically, we find that the Vg pattern almost perfectly scales and adult wings are approximately 20% smaller. Furthermore, using fluorescent reporter tools, we provide direct evidence that cell recruitment takes place in a specific time between early and mid third-instar larval development. Altogether, our work quantitatively shows when, how, and by how much cell recruitment shapes the Vg pattern and drives growth of the Drosophila wing.