Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrating STEAM with PjBL and PBL on biology education: Improving students’ cognitive learning results, creative thinking, and digital literacy

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) is an innovative interdisciplinary learning approach that can be integrated with PjBL and PBL learning models. This research investigates the effect of STEAM combined with PjBL and PBL learning models on the cognitive learning results, creative thinking skills and digital literacy of Class X senior high school students at SHS 3 Maluku Tengah and SHS 39 Salahutu. This research was conducted in the even semester of the 2020/2021 academic year. The research instruments included an essay test and digital literacy observation sheets. The research data were analyzed using inferential statistics (ANCOVA and ANOVA). The research results indicate that the integration of STEAM with PjBL and PBL learning models significantly affects students’ cognitive learning results and creative thinking (p<0.05). However, the integration of STEAM and PjBL and PBL learning models does not significantly affect students’ digital literacy (p>0.05). The integration of STEAM with PjBL and PBL learning models provides innovation in implementing the two learning models, which improves the learning steps and the learning process. The integration of STEAM with the PjBL learning model can be used to enhance cognitive learning outcomes and creative thinking skills for other biological concepts in senior high school level learning.
Responses of sugarbeet to drip and low-pressure sprinkler irrigation systems: root yield and sucrose accumulation

Insufficient water frequently limits crop production in Mediterranean environments. The water requirements of sugarbeet has been extensively studied, however, there is limited information about the response to drip irrigation. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of irrigation on sucrose accumulation and root yield from sugarbeet and to compare drip and low-pressure sprinkler irrigation performances for sugar quality. Beets were grown in an experimental field site in southern Italy (Molise), for two consecutive growing seasons (1997/98 and 1998/99). The water applied ranged from 50, 75, 100 and 120% of the estimated evapotranspiration; adjacent unirrigated beets were taken as control plants. In 1998 the harvest was completed in two periods. Root yield, in the two years, increased consistently as the amount of water applied increased up to 100% of the estimated evapotranspiration. However, polarimetric assay of sugar showed the opposite trend. Nevertheless, due to the great increase in root yield, sucrose accumulation increased with the amount of irrigation water used. The unirrigated control showed a somewhat worsening of technological characteristics, due to the slight increase of alkali elements and α-aminoacid N. Drip irrigation positively influenced sugarbeet production with respect to low-pressure sprinkler irrigation. There were no significant differences in sucrose yield between treatments, while thick purity juice was significantly higher in drip irrigation treatments. Differences in production and quality between the two harvest periods (1998) were not strong. Results indicate that: (1) increasing the amount of water applied up to 100% of the estimated evapotranspiration, and not beyond, gives benefits in terms of sugarbeet root yield and sucrose accumulation. (2) Drip irrigation appears to be consistently advantageous with respect to low-pressure sprinkler irrigation for sugarbeet production and sugar quality in semi-arid environments. (3) There are indications that suggest sugarbeet growers should harvest in advance (of traditional harvest dates).
An Empirical Evaluation of Supervised Learning Methods for Network Malware Identification Based on Feature Selection

Malware is a sophisticated, malicious, and sometimes unidentifiable application on the network. The classifying network traffic method using machine learning shows to perform well in detecting malware. In the literature, it is reported that this good performance can depend on a reduced set of network features. This study presents an empirical evaluation of two statistical methods of reduction and selection of features in an Android network traffic dataset using six supervised algorithms: Naïve Bayes, support vector machine, multilayer perceptron neural network, decision tree, random forest, and K-nearest neighbors. The principal component analysis (PCA) and logistic regression (LR) methods with p value were applied to select the most representative features related to the time properties of flows and features of bidirectional packets. The selected features were used to train the algorithms using binary and multiclass classification. For performance evaluation and comparison metrics, precision, recall, F-measure, accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC-ROC) were used. The empirical results show that random forest obtains an average accuracy of 96% and an AUC-ROC of 0.98 in binary classification. For the case of multiclass classification, again random forest achieves an average accuracy of 87% and an AUC-ROC over 95%, exhibiting better performance than the other machine learning algorithms. In both experiments, the 13 most representative features of a mixed set of flow time properties and bidirectional network packets selected by LR were used. In the case of the other five classifiers, their results in terms of precision, recall, and accuracy, are competitive with those obtained in related works, which used a greater number of input features. Therefore, it is empirically evidenced that the proposed method for the selection of features, based on statistical techniques of reduction and extraction of attributes, allows improving the identification performance of malware traffic, discriminating it from the benign traffic of Android applications.
Designing Stable Bacillus anthracis Antigens with a View to Recombinant Anthrax Vaccine Development

Anthrax is a disease caused by Bacillus anthracis that affects mammals, including humans. Recombinant B. anthracis protective antigen (rPA) is the most common basis for modern anthrax vaccine candidates. However, this protein is characterised by low stability due to proteolysis and deamidation. Here, for the first time, two modification variants leading to full-size rPA stabilisation have been implemented simultaneously, through deamidation-prone asparagine residues substitution and by inactivation of proteolysis sites. Obtained modified rPA (rPA83m) has been demonstrated to be stable in various temperature conditions. Additionally, rPA1+2 containing PA domains I and II and rPA3+4 containing domains III and IV, including the same modifications, have been shown to be stable as well. These antigens can serve as the basis for a vaccine, since the protective properties of PA can be attributed to individual PA domains. The stability of each of three modified anthrax antigens has been considerably improved in compositions with tobacco mosaic virus-based spherical particles (SPs). rPA1+2/rPA3+4/rPA83m in compositions with SPs have maintained their antigenic specificity even after 40 days of incubation at +37 °C. Considering previously proven adjuvant properties and safety of SPs, their compositions with rPA83m/rPA1+2/rPA3+4 in any combinations might be suitable as a basis for new-generation anthrax vaccines.
Pharmacovigilance in Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy Using Antiepileptic Drugs

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in pediatric epileptic patients on mono- or polytherapy. Method: We evaluated eighty consecutive patients that met the following inclusion criteria: aged ≤18 years; diagnosed with epilepsy for at least one year; a stable dose of AED for at least three months; verbal consent to participation in the study. Patients were asked if they had experienced any adverse drug reaction (ADR) related to the AED. Afterward, regardless of the answer, they were interviewed based on a detailed semi-structured questionnaire about the presence of ADRs associated with the AED. The data were analyzed regarding the use of monotherapy or polytherapy. Results: Ninety-seven percent of the patients reported having experienced ADRs related to AEDs. The greatest number of seizures affected the group of patients treated with monotherapy (both at baseline and at followup), but the greatest number of ADRs were observed among patients treated with polytherapy. In patients on monotherapy, the most frequent ADRs reported at baseline included fatigue and somnolence, and among patients with polytherapy, it was fatigue and hair loss. Conclusion: Children on polytherapy were significantly more likely to develop ADRs compared to those on monotherapy, but a statistically significant improvement in seizure frequency was also observed in the group of patients on polytherapy. Pharmacovigilance is very important in children with AEDs, so that ADRs can be identified early and managed appropriately.
ERG and Behavioral CFF in Light-Damaged Albino Rats

The full-field ERG is useful for index rod- or cone-mediated retinal function in rodent models of retinal degeneration. However, the relationship between the ERG response amplitudes and visually guided behavior, such as flicker detection, is not well understood. A comparison of ERG to behavioral responses in a light-damage model of retinal degeneration allows us to better understand the functional implications of electrophysiological changes. Flicker-ERG and behavioral responses to flicker were used to determine critical flicker frequency (CFF) under scotopic and photopic conditions before and up to 90 d after a 10-day period of low-intensity light damage. Dark- and light-adapted ERG flash responses were significantly reduced after light damage. The a-wave was permanently reduced, while the b-wave amplitude recovered over three weeks after light damage. There was a small, but significant dip in scotopic ERG CFF. Photopic behavioral CFF was slightly lower following light damage. The recovery of the b-wave amplitude and flicker sensitivity demonstrates the plasticity of retinal circuits following photopic injury.
Drosophila Wing Integration and Modularity: A Multi-Level Approach to Understand the History of Morphological Structures

Simple Summary The diverse components of any morphological structure are integrated with respect to each other since they have developed, functioned, and evolved together, a phenomenon known as integration. However, this integration is not absolute but organized in units (i.e., modules) that are relatively independent while participating to generate a structure that acts as a functional whole. Even though most of the studies on modularity and integration have focused on variation among individuals within populations, there are more levels of variation that exhibit modularity and integration, deriving from distinct sources such as genetic variation, phenotypic plasticity, fluctuating asymmetry, evolutionary change, among others. Consequently, the present study focused on analysing the integration and modularity of the wing shape of some of the best-known model organisms, i.e., the genus Drosophila, at the static, developmental, and evolutionary levels to acquire a better insight about how modularity and integration act at different analytical levels. The strong integration and overall similarities observed in the variation pattern at multiple levels suggest a shared mechanism underlying the observed variation in Drosophila’s wing shape and added a new piece of evidence of stasis in the evolutionary history of Drosophila wing. Abstract Static, developmental, and evolutionary variation are different sources of morphological variation which can be quantified using morphometrics tools. In the present study we have carried out a comparative multiple level study of integration (i.e., static, developmental, and evolutionary) to acquire insight about the relationships that exist between different integration levels, as well as to better understand their involvement in the evolutionary processes related to the diversification of Drosophila’s wing shape. This approach was applied to analyse wing evolution in 59 species across the whole genus in a large dataset (~10,000 wings were studied). Static integration was analysed using principal component analysis, thus providing an integration measurement for overall wing shape. Developmental integration was studied between wing parts by using a partial least squares method between the anterior and posterior compartments of the wing. Evolutionary integration was analysed using independent contrasts. The present results show that all Drosophila species exhibit strong morphological integration at different levels. The strong integration and overall similarities observed at multiple integration levels suggest a shared mechanism underlying this variation, which could result as consequence of genetic drift acting on the wing shape of Drosophila.
Patterns of Plumericin Concentration in Leaves of Himatanthus tarapotensis (Apocynaceae) and Its Interactions with Herbivory in the Peruvian Amazon

We explored the concentration patterns of the bioactive metabolite plumericin produced by Himatanthus tarapotensis (Apocynaceae) under different edaphic conditions and variations in rainfall intensity, as well as its potential role in the chemical defense against insect herbivores. Values of plumericin concentration from leaves were obtained by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, and evaluated as a function of differences in soil types, variation of precipitation, and variation of the abundance of insect herbivores, using first a Repeated Measures Correlation (rmcorr) and then a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) analysis. Plumericin concentration is highly variable among plants, but with a significantly higher concentration in plants growing on clay soil compared to that of the white-sand soil habitat (p < 0.001). Plumericin concentration is not affected by precipitation. The caterpillar of Isognathus leachii (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) is the most conspicuous herbivore of H. tarapotensis, and its presence is continuous but not related to plumericin concentration, probably because of its capacity to elude the chemical defense of this plant. Nevertheless, our multivariate model revealed that plumericin concentration is related to the abundance of Hymenoptera (Formicidae), and this relationship is significantly influenced by the soil parameters of carbon percentage, clay percentage, and phosphorous percentage (p < 0.001). Plumericin is a mediating agent in the interaction between H. tarapotensis and its natural environment. Variation in plumericin concentration would be induced by the abundance of Hymenoptera (Formicidae), probably as a chemical response against these insects, and by differences in soil nutrient availability.
Are many too much? Examining the effects of multiple influencer endorsements from a persuasion knowledge model perspective

Abstract Advertisers report avoiding collaborations with influencers who endorse a large number of brands because they fear the negative outcomes of such over-endorsements. Yet many popular influencers endorse far more than one brand. Earlier research on multiple endorsements by celebrity testimonials and their effects on both brand and endorser evaluations produced mixed results. This article investigates the consequences of multiple endorsements in an influencer context. We conducted a between-subjects online experiment in which we varied the number of brand endorsements (one, three, seven endorsements) presented by an influencer. Results show that multiple influencer endorsements affect the performance of evaluative persuasion knowledge and subsequent coping behaviors, which in turn negatively affect brand attitude and perceived influencer authenticity. Coping with influencer endorsements is generally moderated by participants’ parasocial relationships with the influencer. However, parasocial relationships appear not to be relevant in specifically processing multiple endorsements. Based on these findings, we discuss theoretical implications for researching influencer marketing from a persuasion knowledge model (PKM) perspective.
Comparison of Radiofrequency and Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Ablation for the Early and Late Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation

Objective Early recurrence (ER) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is expected to resolve within the recommended 3-month blanking period, irrespective of the ablation device used. To compare the occurrence and relationship of AF within the blanking period and subsequent late recurrence (LR) with radiofrequency (RF) and cryoballoon (CB) ablation. Methods A retrospective analysis of 294 patients (mean age=62±9, 70.0% male) undergoing PVI for drug-refractory paroxysmal AF was done. After categorizing the patients into the RF group (n=152) and the CB group (n=142), a group-wise comparison was done to investigate the impact of ER on LR throughout a 2-year follow-up. Results The groups were similar regarding the occurrence of ER (RF=22.4%, CB=24.6%, p=0.62), while LR was significantly higher in the RF group (p=0.003). ER was associated with LR in the RF group (p<0.01) but not in the CB group (p=0.08), while a significant independent association with an increased LR risk was observed [hazard ratio (HR) 6.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.56-10.51, p<0.01]. RF ablation also significantly increased the risk of LR (HR=2.93; 95% CI=1.64-5.23, p<0.01). Conclusion A recurrence of atrial arrhythmia is more frequent with RF-PVI than with CB-PVI for patients with paroxysmal AF. ER and RF-ablation are strong predictors for LR after the 3-month blanking period.
Electron inelastic mean free path (IMFP) values of Kapton, polyethylene (PE), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) measured with elastic peak electron spectroscopy (EPES)

Elastic peak electron spectroscopy (EPES) was employed to measure the inelastic mean free path (IMFP) for energies between 500 and 1600 eV for five insulating organic compounds: Kapton, polyethylene (PE), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). A Ni and a Si sample were used as reference materials to avoid measurement of the elastic reflection coefficient in absolute units. Correction of experimental elastic peak intensities for surface excitations was performed which turned out to be essential. The results are compared with recent evaluations of optical constants to yield the IMFP in the literature giving satisfactory agreement, with deviations generally below 20%. Investigation of the kinematics in an electron reflection experiment shows that the dispersion coefficient used in REELS data analysis cannot be identified with the true plasmon dispersion.
Assessment of Knowledge Gain of Farmers on Attending Training Programmes on Scientific Dairy Farming

The present study was conducted with an aim to assess the knowledge gained by trainees about various aspects of scientific dairy farming organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lakhimpur. A total of 172 numbers of trainees participated in trainings on scientific dairy farming over a period during 2019 and 2020. The data were collected pre and post completion of the training with the help of questionnaire which were distributed to the trainees before training. The questionnaire consisted of 15 different aspects of breed, management, breeding, feeding, marketing and diseases of cattle. A score of one and zero score was assigned for each correct and incorrect response and percentage calculation was carried out for analysis of knowledge level and knowledge gain. It was found that majority of the trainees were middle aged (47.67%), followed by young (29.65%) and Old age (22.67%). Majority of the trainees were from general category (34.30%) followed by OBC (31.39%), scheduled caste (22.09%) and scheduled tribe (12.20%). Among those who attended training 23.83% had education till middle school level followed by primary 22.67%, 21.51% were found completed secondary education, whereas ,15.69% completed higher secondary. 9.88% were illiterate lastly followed by graduates with 6.39%. The overall knowledge of trainees on pre training evaluation was found to be 25.54% which came up to 91.35% on post training evaluation. Evaluation of knowledge gain on various aspects of scientific dairy farming showed that maximum knowledge was gained on vaccination in cattle (85.46%, Rank I) and minimum gain was in knowledge on oestrus period of cow (47.67%, Rank XV).
An Empirical Study to Examine Drivers of Personal Cloud Computing Usage

Cloud computing is recognized as an important area for information technology (IT) innovation and investment. Many companies are rapidly reorienting their overall IT strategies to include cloud computing. Cloud computing reduces the cost of IT since there is no installing, maintaining, or updating software as well as the elimination of IT emergencies or working after hours. Despite the potential for positive change, there are still other factors to consider before cloud computing can be accepted entirely by the individual, large business, or academic group. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to examine how individuals perceive cloud computing. The study findings reveal several factors which play an important role in their decision whether to adopt cloud computing technology. This study will contribute to the literature by proposing and empirically testing factors that impact the intention to adopt cloud computing.
The EC-Earth3 Earth system model for the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6

Abstract. The Earth system model EC-Earth3 for contributions to CMIP6 is documented here, with its flexible coupling framework, major model configurations, a methodology for ensuring the simulations are comparable across different high-performance computing (HPC) systems, and with the physical performance of base configurations over the historical period. The variety of possible configurations and sub-models reflects the broad interests in the EC-Earth community. EC-Earth3 key performance metrics demonstrate physical behavior and biases well within the frame known from recent CMIP models. With improved physical and dynamic features, new Earth system model (ESM) components, community tools, and largely improved physical performance compared to the CMIP5 version, EC-Earth3 represents a clear step forward for the only European community ESM. We demonstrate here that EC-Earth3 is suited for a range of tasks in CMIP6 and beyond.