Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mathematics Anxiety, Self-Concept, and Self-Efficacy: A Multidimensional Scaling Consideration of Measures

Abstract Social cognitive theory suggests students with low mathematics self-concept and low mathematics self-efficacy often display high mathematics anxiety. A better understanding of the antecedents of mathematics anxiety could lead to more effective interventions. However, findings from empirical research examining mathematics self-concept and self-efficacy as related to mathematics anxiety are inconsistent, perhaps due to overlapping definitions and operationalization. We investigated the relations of mathematics anxiety, self-concept, and self-efficacy using multidimensional scaling. Attention was given to the relationships across varying levels of specificity of self-efficacy (e.g., course, task, and problem). Participants were undergraduate students in an introductory quantitative reasoning course (N = 457). We found that mathematics self-efficacy occupied a distinct space, but there is considerable overlap in the areas of mathematics anxiety and self-concept. This study contributes to the literature on how these constructs are defined operationally and provides guidance on the use of measures for future studies on the antecedents of mathematics anxiety.
Hydrology and biogeochemistry datasets from Sleepers River Research Watershed, Danville, Vermont, USA

The Sleepers River Research Watershed (SRRW) in Danville, Vermont, USA, was established in 1957 by the U.S Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The 111‐km2 area was selected as a representative mixed‐land‐use upland landscape in the northeastern USA, with the objective to study fundamental hydrological processes. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) currently operates SRRW and is the fourth federal agency to lead it. SRRW has hosted historic research on snowmelt modelling and streamflow generation processes, and USGS has augmented this hydrological foundation with biogeochemical cycling research. This data note describes five freely available data releases in stable repositories, extending to the late 2010s, from the indicated start date: aqueous chemistry and isotopes (1991); precipitation, water temperature, and streamflow (1991); groundwater levels (1991); ground frost depth (1983); and snow depth and water equivalent (1960). USGS research at SRRW is expected to continue, and we plan to update these releases every 1–3 years.
Dark Matter Searches Using NaI(Tl) at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory: Past, Present and Future

Sodium Iodide Thallium doped (NaI(Tl)) scintillation detectors have been applied to the direct searches for dark matter since the 1980s and have produced one of the most challenging results in the field—the observation by the DAMA/LIBRA collaboration of an annual modulation in the detection rate for more than twenty cycles. This result is very difficult to reconcile with negative results derived from other experiments using a large variety of target materials and detection techniques. However, it has been neither confirmed nor refuted in a model independent way up to the present. Such a model independent test of the DAMA/LIBRA result is the goal of the ANAIS-112 experiment, presently in the data taking phase at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory in Spain. ANAIS-112 design and operation leans on the expertise acquired at the University of Zaragoza in direct searches for Dark Matter particles using different targets and techniques and in particular using NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors for about thirty years, which are reviewed in the first section of this manuscript. In addition to presenting the status and more recent results of the ANAIS-112 experiment, open research lines, continuing this effort, will be presented.
Influence of Modified Chemical Compositions on Palm Oil Fuel Ash to the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Porcelain

Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) is produced and disposed of by the palm oil industries as waste after burning palm fiber, husk, kernel, and shell as fuel to general electricity in-house. The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of modified chemical compositions on POFA on the physico-mechanical properties of porcelain. POFA was washed with 1, 2, and 3 Molar of HCl acid and heat treated. The powder was partially replaced with quartz at 15 wt. % and mixed in a ball mill machine for 12 hours. Modified POFA (admixture of CaO, Al2O3, MgO, P2O5, SiO2, and Fe2O3) was added to the porcelain composition at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 15 wt. % to measure its influence on physico-mechanical properties of porcelain. The mixture was homogeneously mixed and dry pressed into a pellet at mould pressure 91 MPa and sintered at 1150 °C for 2 hours soaking time. The result of this research shows that these chemical compounds influenced physico-mechanical properties of porcelain, the optimum bulk density, compressive strength, and Vickers micro hardness values were obtained by the addition of modified POFA (admixture of CaO, Al2O3, MgO, P2O5, SiO2, and Fe2O3).
Enhancing HOTS using Problem-Based Learning and Digital Game in the Context of Malaysian Primary School

Learning in the 21st century emphasize on development of higher order thinking skills such as problem-solving skills with substantial highlight was given toward student-centred approach. Digital game and problem-solving activities are an ideal combination of student-centred approach which facilitate active participation for students to practice and develop their thinking skills. This study was conducted to investigate the effect and the process of using digital game and problem-based learning skills to enhance higher order thinking skills in primary school student in the context of Malaysia. A preliminary study was conducted to 50 samples to collect data about their current higher order thinking skills level. The result shows samples are good in identify problem and solution, but weak in decision making and reasoning. To study the effect of digital game and problem-based learning combined in enhancing higher order thinking skills, a pre-test and post-test was conducted to 35 samples before and after three sessions of digital game problem-based learning section. After running a paired sample t test upon the pre-test and post-test, the result show that the combination of digital game and problem-based learning have significant effect in enhancing higher order thinking skills. To understand samples’ learning process, reflection journal was used after each learning section and an interview was conducted following the post-test. The data gathered indicate samples do enjoy learning with digital games and problem-based learning, and they agreed the approaches help them to learn better. However, they expected for more exciting games and group activities in the future. This study opens a gateway for developing student-centred and fun learning approach that beneficial toward student’s higher order thinking skills.
Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Anesthesiologist Assistance for Endoscopic Procedures

Background/Aims: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has modified the activities of endoscopy units worldwide. Herein, we investigated the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on anesthesiologist assistance for endoscopic procedures in Lombardy, Italy. Methods: A questionnaire concerning anesthesiologist assistance provided from October 26 to December 6, 2020, in comparison with the same period in 2019, was sent to endoscopic units in Lombardy. Results: Approximately 54% (34/63) of the units responded. A reduction in the number of all endoscopies (-33.5%; 18792 in 2020 vs. 28264 in 2019) and anesthesiologist-assisted endoscopies (-15.3%; 2652 in 2020 vs. 3132 in 2019) was reported. A greater reduction in anesthesiologist assistance was observed in government community units (-29.5%) than in academic (-14%) and private community units (-4.6%). Among all units, 85% reported a reduction in anesthesiologist assistance; 65% observed a delay/cancellation of procedures; 59%, a restricted patient selection; 17%, the need to transfer some patients to other hospitals; and 32%, a related worsening of procedure quality. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic compromised the anesthesiologist assistance for endoscopic procedures in Lombardy, which worsened the procedure quality mainly in government community units. The COVID-19 “stress test” suggests a more balanced allocation of anesthesiologic resources in the future.
The Cutaway to the Toilet: Towards a Visual Grammar of Spatial Stigma in Factual Welfare Television

Editing techniques used in Factual Welfare Television (FWT) in the UK undermine narratives of hardship and structural inequality in representations of the living places of welfare claimants. This research identifies the affects of a televisual syntax – or ‘visual grammar’ – of spatial stigma in FWT. Using original data generated in a study of Channel 5’s documentary series On Benefits (2015–2019), we conduct a visual grammar analysis to argue that cutaway editing, which inserts camera shots of toilets, canine excrement, and fly-tipping into programmes, undermines potentially sympathetic representations of poverty communicated via narrator voiceovers, and/or verbal testimonies of participants. Our findings show that cutaway editing is a significant feature in the production of On Benefits and is oppositional to the articulated narrative. The research concludes that cutaway editing in FWT generates disgust towards the living places of benefits claimants, which is productive of a powerful visual grammar of spatial stigma.
Changes in the permafrost environment under dual impacts of climate change and human activities in the Hola basin, northern Da Xing'anling Mountains, Northeast China

The Hola basin in the northern Da Xing'anling Mountains in Northeast China has been extensively developed for coal mining since the 1980s, resulting in a significantly degrading permafrost environment. However, the changing thermal state of permafrost under the boreal forest remains unclear. Based on ground temperature records from nine monitoring boreholes at three areas (disturbed, backfilled, and undisturbed areas) from 2015 to 2020, the thermal state of permafrost under the dual influences of climate change and human activities were evaluated. It is found that the temperatures at the depth of zero annual amplitude (TZAA) in the disturbed area increased by 0.2–0.5°C during the past 6 years, turning the cold permafrost (TZAA ≤ −1.0°C) into a warm one (−1 ≤ TZAA ≤ 0°C). Additionally, the permafrost table was lowered by 0.8–7.0 m. As a result, subaerial supra‐permafrost talik occurred. However, TZAA in the undisturbed areas lowered by 0.03–0.11°C, possibly due to the lagged response of the local climate cooling during 2001–2010. In the meantime, TZAA rose sharply in the disturbed areas, indicating more significant influences of intense human activities on permafrost in comparison with that of climate change. As the permafrost degrades, the boreal permafrost eco‐environment has changed dramatically, as revealed by the draining and drying up of the Yueya'hu Lake in the southern Hola basin. These results help reveal the physical mechanisms, evaluate the rates and amplitudes of environmental changes, and manage the boreal forest environment and resources in a sustainable manner.
A Comprehensive Study of Pristine and Calcined f-MWCNTs Functionalized by Nitrogen-Containing Functional Groups

We present the study of pristine and calcined f-MWCNTs functionalized by nitrogen-containing functional groups. We focus on the structural and microstructural modification tuned by the previous annealing. However, our primary goal was to analyze the electronic structure and magnetic properties in relation to the structural properties using a multi-technique approach. The studies carried out by X-ray diffraction, XPS, and 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry revealed the presence of γ-Fe nanoparticles, Fe3C, and α-FeOOH as catalyst residues. XPS analysis based on the deconvolution of core level lines confirmed the presence of various nitrogen-based functional groups due to the purification and functionalization process of the nanotubes. The annealing procedure leads to a structural modification mainly associated with removing surface impurities as purification residues. Magnetic studies confirmed a significant contribution of Fe3C as evidenced by a Curie temperature estimated at TC = 452 ± 15 K. A slight change in magnetic properties upon annealing was revealed. The detailed studies performed on nanotubes are extremely important for the further synthesis of composite materials based on f-MWCNTs.
Micro-spectroscopic and freezing characterization of ice-nucleating particles collected in the marine boundary layer in the Eastern North Atlantic

Abstract. Formation of atmospheric ice plays a crucial role in the microphysical evolution of mixed-phase and cirrus clouds and thus climate. How aerosol particles impact ice crystal formation by acting as ice-nucleating particles (INPs) is a subject of intense research activities. To improve understanding of atmospheric INPs, we examined daytime and nighttime particles collected during the Aerosol and Cloud Experiments in the Eastern North Atlantic (ACE-ENA) field campaign conducted in summer 2017. Collected particles, representative of a remote marine environment, were investigated for their propensity to serve as INPs in the immersion freezing (IMF) and deposition ice nucleation (DIN) modes. The particle population was characterized by chemical imaging techniques such as computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (CCSEM/EDX) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy with near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (STXM/NEXAFS). Four major particle-type classes were identified where internally mixed inorganic-organic particles make up the majority of the analyzed particles. Following ice nucleation experiments, individual INPs were identified and characterized by SEM/EDX. The identified INP types belong to the major particle-type classes consisting of fresh sea salt with organics or processed sea salt containing dust and sulfur with organics. Ice nucleation experiments show IMF events at temperatures as low as 231 K including the subsaturated regime. DIN events were observed at lower temperatures of 210 to 231 K. IMF and DIN observations were analyzed with regard to activated INP fraction, ice-nucleation active sites (INAS) densities, and water activity-based immersion freezing model (ABIFM) yielding heterogeneous ice nucleation rate coefficients. Observed IMF and DIN events of ice formation and corresponding derived freezing rates demonstrate the marine boundary layer aerosol particles can serve as INPs under typical mixed-phase and cirrus clouds conditions. The derived IMF and DIN parameterizations allow for implementation in cloud and climate models to evaluate predictive effects of atmospheric ice crystal formation.
Modeling for Spatial Overlap Effect of End-Pumped Passively Q-Switched Nd:YVO4/Cr4+:YAG Laser and Its Experimental Verification

In this work, the spatial effects of the pumping and lasing were considered into the coupled rate equations of passively Q-switched lasers for the condition of no saturation in the gain medium. A transcendental equation of energy utilization was derived, and the solution to the equation was approximated by an analytic model developed in previous work. The reflection factor of output coupler with low reflectivity was modified for more accurate output energy evaluations. Experimentally, an end-pumped Nd:YVO4/Cr4+:YAG laser in a concave-plano cavity with output coupling reflectivity ranging from 10% to 92% was demonstrated, and two different pumping spot sizes of laser diode were adopted for validating the developed spatial model. The experimental results showed good agreements with the theoretical calculations.
Metronidazole Based Floating Bioadhesive Drug Delivery System for Potential Eradication of H. pylori: Preparation and In Vitro Characterization

Metronidazole has the potential to produce local stomach specific action in order to treat Helicobacter pylori induced peptic ulcer disease. The current project executes the development of osmotically controlled bioadhesive metronidazole loaded effervescent floating tablets with optimized floating and swelling behavior. Direct compression technique was used to prepare the tablets. The designed formulations exhibited physico-chemical properties within acceptable optimum limits as per pharmacopeial requirements. The results of tablet floating studies revealed that all formulations, except F1 and F5, had good buoyancy characteristics (TFT > 12 h except F2 and F8 with TFT of 6 h). Formulation F2 containing guar gum in higher concentration with carbopol and formulation F8 containing guar gum in 50% decreased concentration in combination with HPMC and carbopol had enhanced FLT appreciably, with least TFT as compared to formulations F3, F4, and F6 (ANOVA; p ≤ 0.05). Formulation batches of F3, F4, and F6 exhibited appreciable FLT as well as TFT and were optimized formulations. Out of the above mentioned optimized batches, F4 and F6 formulations showed low FLT (4 and 5 s respectively). The results of the swelling study indicated a proportionate increase in the swelling index with increase in time. A significantly higher swelling ratio was found with formulation F6 and F4 compared with that of F7 and F8 (ANOVA; p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, the impact of pH change, agitational intensity, as well as increasing concentration of NaCl was investigated on drug release. It was observed that agitational intensity had no effect on drug release rate while increasing concentration of NaCl produced an increased drug release from the dosage form as compared to the drug release exhibited by the formulations in the absence of NaCl. Overall, this project could have valuable contribution in the fabrication of metronidazole loaded effervescent floating tablets. Gastro-retentive systems are expected to enhance local stomach specific action of anti H. pylori agents based on their buoyancy and swelling behavior.
Image Denoising Using a Compressive Sensing Approach Based on Regularization Constraints

In remote sensing applications and medical imaging, one of the key points is the acquisition, real-time preprocessing and storage of information. Due to the large amount of information present in the form of images or videos, compression of these data is necessary. Compressed sensing is an efficient technique to meet this challenge. It consists in acquiring a signal, assuming that it can have a sparse representation, by using a minimum number of nonadaptive linear measurements. After this compressed sensing process, a reconstruction of the original signal must be performed at the receiver. Reconstruction techniques are often unable to preserve the texture of the image and tend to smooth out its details. To overcome this problem, we propose, in this work, a compressed sensing reconstruction method that combines the total variation regularization and the non-local self-similarity constraint. The optimization of this method is performed by using an augmented Lagrangian that avoids the difficult problem of nonlinearity and nondifferentiability of the regularization terms. The proposed algorithm, called denoising-compressed sensing by regularization (DCSR) terms, will not only perform image reconstruction but also denoising. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, we compare its performance with state-of-the-art methods, such as Nesterov’s algorithm, group-based sparse representation and wavelet-based methods, in terms of denoising and preservation of edges, texture and image details, as well as from the point of view of computational complexity. Our approach permits a gain up to 25% in terms of denoising efficiency and visual quality using two metrics: peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM).
Designing for Green and Grey: Insights from Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles

Recognizing modern society’s multiple risks, this study examines single-use plastic water bottles at the intersection of environmental degradation and societal carelessness for the elderly. While prioritising economic profits and plastic waste, we have neglected bottles’ typical poor openability for older people. Thus, we evaluated the openability of bottles with environmentally friendly and socially inclusive designs in South Korea by comparing older and younger adults’ experiences. Integrating different attributes than existing studies that analyse opening torque or one-handed opening, the test results show that older adults experience the poorest two-handed openability when bottles have both a weight thickness lower than 14.42 g and an easily squeezable bottle structure. In South Korea, companies advocate eco-friendliness by valuing lighter weight with less plastic and support user-friendliness by adopting easily squeezed sidewall patterns, while the industry maintains broad opening torque regulations; however, we show this combination exceeds older users’ capabilities. That is, for openability, bottles need to keep a weight thickness greater than 12 g, abandon easily squeezed sidewall patterns or reduce the opening torque regulation range to 100 N-cm. These socially favourable but ecologically adverse measures will be sustainable when the efficient linear economy transitions to an effective circular economy.
Overcoming the Wall: Educational Achievement and Growth in School Districts on the U.S.-Mexico Border

ABSTRACT This paper compares the educational achievement and growth of Latinx third through eighth-grade students attending school along the U.S.-Mexico Border and in the interior of the four Border states. The theories of structural and legal violence predict that powerful Anglos have created systems of social reproduction, concentrated disadvantage, and immigration law that reduce Latinx education close to the U.S.-Mexico Border. We test these theories with data from the Stanford Education Data Archive (SEDA), which contains information on Latinx achievement and growth in all public school districts in the four Border states. We find that Latinx achievement and growth are similar along the Border and in the interior except in Texas, where concentrated disadvantage dramatically lowers Latinx achievement and growth. We also find that social reproduction is more beneficial for Latinx youth along the Border because, surprisingly, Latinx adults tend to be more educated near the border than in the interior. We find no evidence that immigration laws reduce education more near the Border than in the interior. We discuss the implications of our findings for theory and policy.
The Effect of Mergers and Acquisitions on the Financial Performance of Micro Finance Banks

The basic purpose of this study to examine effect of mergers & acquisitions on the financial performance of Pakistan's micro finance banks. Financial institutions must change their business strategies as a result of rapid technological advancements because they play such an important part in any country's economy. Several national and international studies on mergers and acquisition banking have been conducted to investigate the various elements. In this study, 13 financial ratios were calculated, which shows that there is no significant effect of mergers & acquisitions on the financial performance of microfinance banks in Pakistan. There are indicators that measured through financial ratios and the comparison is made using a paired T-test. Three years of data, two years before and one year after mergers & acquisitions, are taken as a sample. Out of 13 ratios, 11 ratios are examined: Investment to Total Assets (ITA), Deposit to Total Assets (DTA), Return on Assets (ROA), Earnings per Share (EPS), and Net Profit Margin (NPM).