Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of the Use of Student Worksheet Problem-Based to Increase Problem Solving Skills and Learning Outcomes

Article Info Received: December 4, 2021 Revised: January 15, 2022 Accepted: January 23, 2022 Published: January 31, 2022 Abstract: Problem-solving skills are the needs of students in the 21st century so they are deemed necessary to have. One of the 2013 curriculum imposed by the government focuses students on problem-solving skills. The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of using problem-based Student worksheets on improving problem-solving skills and student learning outcomes on business and energy materials. This study uses a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental research design. student worksheet implementation design uses One Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The instruments used in this study were problem-based students’ worksheets, problem-solving skills tests, and learning outcomes tests. The problem-solving skills of students were analyzed using the N-Gain test to see the effect before and after the problem-based student worksheet was implemented. The results of the student worksheet feasibility test obtained a percentage of 98.30% indicating that the student worksheet problem-based to improve problem-solving skills and learning outcomes is very feasible to use. The results of the implementation of problem-based student worksheets can improve students' problem-solving skills which are marked by an increase in the pretest-posttest value based on the results of the experimental class N-gain test of 0.93 in the high category, the control class N-gain value of 0.60 in the medium category. The learning outcomes test showed an increase in the N-gain value for the experimental class by 0.71 in the high category, the N-gain value for the control class by 0.50 in the medium category.
Analysis of the Europeans’ Attitudes towards Vaccination in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic – Implications for Public Health Policy

In the current context of the Covid-19 pandemic, health systems worldwide have been subjected to hitherto unknown challenges. Public health policy makers are urged to find the best solutions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. Vaccination is seen, more than ever, as the main medical solution to save lives, although in recent times many countries have seen an increase in their citizens’ hesitation to get vaccinated. The aim of our research is to analyze Europeans’ attitudes towards vaccination and the factors that influence this attitude, both in terms of individual profile and differences between groups of people and between countries. The results confirmed that a positive attitude towards vaccination increases an individual's chances of getting vaccinated and that the vaccination depends on the socio-demographic characteristics of the individual.
Angle Sensor Based on Golden Spiral–Shaped Tapered Ring Resonator Using Finite Difference Time-Domain Method

In this paper, an angle sensor based on coplanar waveguides (CPWs) loaded with golden spiral–shaped tapered ring resonators (GS-RRs) is proposed. The E-fields and H-fields of the GS-RRs were simulated and analyzed using finite difference time-domain method (FDTD). It is shown that the proposed sensor has a high dynamic range and linearity for rotation sensing. The proposed sensor can be operated at a single fixed resonant frequency (6.32 GHz) which is inexpensive and probably for superior interest in a small scale structure using MEMS technology.
Empirical Evidence Against Phenomenal Theses

Classical anti-physicalist reasoning about phenomenal consciousness involves two related theses: (1) phenomenal consciousness exists, and (2) the existence of phenomenal consciousness generates an epistemic gap. From the epistemic gap between the physical and the phenomenal, the anti-physicalist then concludes that there is a corresponding ontological gap. Defences of the existence of these two phenomenal theses rely heavily on appeals to intuitions. Further, the phenomenal intuitions at issue are typically taken to be widespread in the population, and not only by anti-physicalists but also by a majority of physicalists. I will show, first, that the most common way of defending the phenomenal theses is by appeal to phenomenal intuitions. Second, I will present empirical evidence indicating that these phenomenal intuitions are not in fact widespread. Finally, I argue that the fact that phenomenal intuitions are not widespread undercuts the most common defence of the phenomenal theses offered by anti-physicalists. In total, this dissertation lays out and defends a general argument against the theses that phenomenal consciousness exists and generates an epistemic gap: the main way of defending phenomenal theses fails because the arguments given in favour of each ultimately require phenomenal intuitions to be natural and thus widespread, but the evidence indicates that they are not. This evidence, in turn, has direct implications for a further recent philosophical debate surrounding the supposed meta-problem of consciousness, which is also motivated by the assumption that phenomenal intuitions are widespread or, at least, have a widely shared basis. I conclude by arguing that the evidence concerning phenomenal intuitions suggests that this assumption is false, and that this renders the problem both less interesting and less important than has been assumed. I conclude that even if explaining the phenomenal intuitions of the minority remains a problem, the evidence presented in this dissertation raises a much more significant problem for those who defend qualia realism. The reverse meta-problem raises the question: Why should we believe that phenomenal consciousness exists given the paucity of intuitive support for it?
Transgovernmental networks as a tool to combat terrorism: how ICE attachés operate overseas to combat terrorist travel

OF THE DISSERTATION TRANSGOVERNMENTAL NETWORKS AS A TOOL TO COMBAT TERRORISM: HOW ICE ATTACHÉS OPERATE OVESEAS TO COMBAT TERRORIST TRAVEL By KEITH COZINE Dissertation Director: Dr. Norman Samuels Ph.D.: Professor and Provost Emeritus Globalization has led to a shift in the perceived threat to security from states to transborder issues such as financial collapse, global warming, pandemics and threats from a variety of non-state actors. As a result of the terrorist attacks on New York, Bali, Madrid, London and Mumbai; international terrorism has become one of the most highly visible of these new threats. One mechanism of global governance employed to combat this threat is the use of transgovernmental networks comprised of government officials from various nations, forming both formal and informal global networks that reach out to their foreign counterparts. These networks are the foundation of a strategy of confronting “networks of terror with networks against terror. ” This research seeks to understand how these networks operate to achieve their mission. The literature relating to transgovernmental networks and transnational advocacy networks (TANs) suggests that these two network types share numerous characteristics. These similarities led to the development of the hypothesis that transgovernmental networks operate to accomplish their missions in much the same way as TANs operate. To test this hypothesis, a single case study design was utilized to examine how one agency, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), utilizes its officers assigned to foreign jurisdictions as part of a transgovernmental network to combat terrorist travel. The research revealed that these officers are not only part of a transgovernmental network that operates to prevent terrorist travel, as well as other transnational crimes, in much the same way as TANs, but also mirrors the structure of the terrorist networks they are charged with combating. Furthermore, a foundation has been laid for continued investigative research of transgovernmental networks; while providing a potential blue print for a strategy of combating threats to global security with networks of government officials that are as fluid and effective as the groups that are posing these threats.
Defining the mutual coupling of capacitive power transfer for wireless power transfer

Capacitive power transfer (CPT) based on electric field coupling has been proposed recently as an alternative technology for wireless power transfer, and a good understanding of the capacitive coupling is of great importance in the design and evaluation of CPT systems. A new term named capacitive coupling coefficient kE is introduced to provide a quantitative measure of the coupling condition between the coupling plates. The term is derived by modelling the capacitive coupling plates based on electric charge balance, and its physical meaning is explained clearly in relation to the equivalent primary/secondary and mutual capacitances, which is also experimentally demonstrated by comparing two CPT systems with different cross-coupling configurations.
Predictors of family planning usage among multiparous women in the Nkwanta-South Municipality of Ghana

Background: Family planning use is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions; averting unplanned pregnancies, reducing maternal deaths, and helps individuals and couples to decide freely and responsibly when to have children. Despite these benefits, several research findings have reported low levels of family planning usage hence the need to determine factors influencing family planning usage among multiparous women in the Nkwanta South Municipality.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 328 selected multiparous women living in the Nkwanta south municipality. Data were analyzed using STATA 16. Descriptive statistics were performed to determine the levels of knowledge, acceptance, and family planning usage, while multivariate analysis was done to determine the factors influencing family planning usage.Results: The findings of this study show that 318 (96.9%) of the multiparous women had already heard of family planning. Most of the respondents, 204 (62.6%) had good knowledge of family planning, however, a little above average 172 (52.4%) accepted family planning. The proportion currently using some form of family planning was 75 (22.9%), of which 31 (41.3%) were using Jadelle. Multiparous women with good knowledge of family planning were 4.5 (95% CI: 2.30-8.89) times more likely to use family planning compared to those with poor knowledge, while multiparous women with poor acceptance of family planning were 0.43 (95% CI: 0.25-0.75) times less likely to use family planning compared to those with good acceptance of family planning.Conclusions: The result of the study shows low levels of knowledge, acceptance, and usage of family planning among multiparous women. Thus, there is a need to improve health promotion activities in the municipality to increase knowledge, acceptance, and usage of family planning among multiparous women.
Dissecting the autism-associated 16p11.2 locus identifies multiple drivers in brain phenotypes and unveils a new role for the major vault protein

Using mouse genetic studies, we set out to identify which of the 30 genes causes brain size and other NeuroAnatomical Phenotypes (NAPs) at the autism-associated 16p11.2 locus. We show that multiple genes mapping to this region interact to regulate brain size in contrast to previous studies, with female significantly less affected. Major Vault Protein (MVP), the main component of the vault organelle, is a highly conserved protein found in higher and lower eukaryotic cells, yet its function is not understood. Here we find MVP expression highly specific to the limbic system and Mvp as the top driver gene of NAPs, regulating the morphology of neurons, postnatally and specifically in male. Finally, we demonstrate that the double hemideletion Mvp::Mapk3 rescues NAPs, increases phosphorylation of ERK and alters behavioral performances, suggesting that MVP and ERK share the same signalling pathway, in vivo. Our results highlight that sex-specific cellular and neuroanatomical mechanisms must be considered in neurological disorders such as autism. Most importantly, it provides the first evidence for the involvement of the vault organelle in the regulation of the mammalian brain size and limbic structures.
Dispersion of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Portland Cement Concrete Using Ultra-Sonication and Polycarboxylic Based Superplasticizer

The potential properties of carbon nanotube-cement based materials strongly depend on the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within the cement matrix and the bonding between CNTs and the hydrated cement. The homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in the cement matrix yet is one of the main challenges due to strong van der Waals forces between nanotubes. In this study, a polycarboxylic ether based superplasticizer and ultra-sonication technique was used for dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Portland cement concrete specimens with different concentrations of MWCNTs (0.04 and 0.1 % by the weight of cement), with and without the presence of superplasticizer were investigated. Compressive strength test results revealed a significant improvement in mechanical properties of sample containing 0.1 % MWCNTs and 0.2 % superplasticizer. Moreover, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images of fractured surfaces of hardened specimens showed a good dispersion of MWCNTs within the cement matrix. This method was developed to facilitate the uniform dispersion of MWCNTs in the cementitious concrete for better reinforcement in nanoscale and mechanical properties enhancement by transfer of load between the nanotubes and matrix.
Why do mexicans report so little crime? The determinants of crime reporting in Mexico

We analyze the factors that explain a victim’s decision to report burglary, public theft, extortion, and fraud to the public prosecutor’s office in Mexico. Using a probit model and combining survey and census data, we examine how reporting is explained by the sociodemographic characteristics of the victim, variables describing the incident, the victim’s perceptions regarding police and public safety, and regional characteristics regarding public safety and government. Results show that variables describing the incident are the most consistent predictors across all crime types, while some sociodemographic characteristics are relevant for specific types. Our results for victims’ perceptions and community characteristics show that increasing perception of police corruption reduces burglary reporting and that a greater generalized perception of police corruption reduces fraud reporting. These results suggest that there is room for increasing crime reporting by policies oriented to reduce police corruption and improve the population’s perception of the police.
Light Duty Gasoline PM: Characterization of High Emitters and Valuation of Repairs for Emission Reduction

v Executive Summary . vi 1.0 Introduction. 1 2.0 Experimental Procedures. 3 2.1 Test Vehicles.3 2.2 General Procedures . 3 2.3 Emission Measurements . 6 2.3.1 Unified Cycle Testing. 6 2.3.2 Idle and ASM (Smog Check) Testing. 7 2.3.3 Remote Sensing . 9 3.0 Extractive Measurement Results. 11 3.1 Unified Cycle Tests. 11 3.1. 1 Gaseous Emissions. 11 3.1. 2 PM Emissions . 12 3.1. 3 Particle Number Emissions. 14 3.2 Idle and ASM (Smog Check) Tests . 17 3.2.1 Gaseous Emissions from Smog Checks. 17 3.2.2 Particulate Measurements from Tailpipe Screen ing Device. 17 3.3 Vehicle Diagnosis, Repair, and Retesting. 20 4.0 Remote Sensing Measurement Results . 22 4.1 Test Track Remote Sensing . 22 4.1. 1 Gaseous Emissions. 22 4.1. 2 Particulate Emissions. 23 4.1. 3 Interference from Leading Vehicles . 26 4.2 On-Road Remote Sensing.28 4.2.1. Vehicle Fleet Distribution. 28 4.2.2 Gaseous Emissions. 28 4.2.3. Particulate Emissions. 31 5.0 Summary and Conclusions . 38 6.0 References. 40 Appendix. 43
Dissecting the heterogeneity of the microenvironment in primary and recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinomas using single-cell RNA sequencing

ABSTRACT Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a 10–15% recurrence rate, while no long term or durable treatment options are currently available. Single-cell profiling in recurrent NPC (rNPC) may aid in designing effective anticancer therapies, including immunotherapies. For the first time, we profiled the transcriptomes of ∼60,000 cells from four primary NPC and two rNPC cases to provide deeper insights into the dynamic changes in rNPC within radiation fields. Heterogeneity of both immune cells (T, natural killer, B, and myeloid cells) and tumor cells was characterized. Recurrent samples showed increased infiltration of regulatory T cells in a highly immunosuppressive state and CD8+ T cells in a highly cytotoxic and dysfunctional state. Enrichment of M2-polarized macrophages and LAMP3+ dendritic cells conferred enhanced immune suppression to rNPC. Furthermore, malignant cells showed enhanced immune-related features, such as antigen presentation. Elevated regulatory T cell levels were associated with a worse prognosis, with certain receptor-ligand communication pairs identified in rNPC. Even with relatively limited samples, our study provides important clues to complement the exploitation of rNPC immune environment and will help advance targeted immunotherapy of rNPC.
Fetal Undernutrition Modifies Vascular RAS Balance Enhancing Oxidative Damage and Contributing to Remodeling

Fetal stress is known to increase susceptibility to cardiometabolic diseases and hypertension in adult age in a process known as fetal programming. This study investigated the relationship between vascular RAS, oxidative damage and remodeling in fetal programming. Six-month old Sprague-Dawley offspring from mothers that were fed ad libitum (CONTROL) or with 50% intake during the second half of gestation (maternal undernutrition, MUN) were used. qPCR or immunohistochemistry were used to obtain the expression of receptors and enzymes. Plasma levels of carbonyls were measured by spectrophotometry. In mesenteric arteries from MUN rats we detected an upregulation of ACE, ACE2, AT1 receptors and NADPH oxidase, and lower expression of AT2, Mas and MrgD receptors compared to CONTROL. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and plasma levels of carbonyls were higher in MUN than in CONTROL. Vascular morphology evidenced an increased media/lumen ratio and adventitia/lumen ratio, and more connective tissue in MUN compared to CONTROL. In conclusion, fetal undernutrition indices RAS alterations and oxidative damage which may contribute to the remodeling of mesenteric arteries, and increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and hypertension.
The Understanding and Experiences of Living with Dementia in Chinese New Zealanders

Little is known about the lived experience of dementia in the New Zealand Chinese community. This study aims to explore the understanding and experiences of living with dementia in Chinese New Zealanders. Participants were recruited from a memory service and a community dementia day programme. In-depth interviews were conducted by bilingual and bicultural researchers. The recorded interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed. Sixteen people living with dementia and family carers participated in this study. The first theme revealed the lack of understanding of dementia prior to diagnosis, the commonly used term of “brain shrinkage” and that dementia is associated with getting older. The second theme covered the symptoms experienced by people with dementia and how family carers found anhedonia and apathy particularly concerning. The third theme highlighted the tension between cultural obligation and carer stress. The fourth theme is about the stigma attached to dementia. Our results provide some insight into ways to improve dementia care for Chinese New Zealanders, including targeted psychoeducation in the Chinese community to improve awareness and to reduce stigma, access to person-centred interventions, and learning about strategies for healthy ageing to live well with dementia, and emotional support and psychoeducation for family carers to reduce carer stress.
Evaluation of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.) Cv. African Tall and its Response to Different Rates of FYM and Biofertilizers under Cold arid Conditions of Kargil

Fodder availability in cold arid regions is from 40 to 50 percent of real need, but in some areas it exceeds 50 percent [1]. Alfalfa, which is the sole fodder accessible to farmers and is dried and given to animals throughout the winter, is insufficient to meet the winter fodder shortfall. The region has a 73 percent fodder deficiency, according to reports [1]. The region's large fodder shortfall explains why the fodder development initiative is so important. Ladakh's freezing desert terrain has a lengthy, harsh winter that lasts 7-8 months and is devoid of any vegetation. During the winter, the entire animal rearing depends on the stored feed. Keeping these facts in view a field experiment entitled “Evaluation of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) Cv. African tall and its response to different rates of farmyard manure (FYM) and Biofertilizers under cold arid conditions of Kargil” was carried out at the research farm of Mountain Agriculture Research and Extension Station Kargil for the years 2015-16 and 2016-17 on silty clay loam soil low in available nitrogen and medium in available phosphorus and potassium with neutral pH. The experiment comprised of two factors viz., Bio fertilizers (B1: Azotobactor, B2: Phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB), B3: Azospirillium, B4: Azotobactor + PSB, B5: Azospirillium + PSB) and three FYM rates (R₁= 10 t ha⁻¹, R₂ =20 t ha⁻¹ and R₃ = 30 t ha⁻¹) was laid out in a Randomized block design replicated thrice, given nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as per recommended package. The results revealed that highest plant height, number of leaves, stem girth and fodder yield were realized from the treatment comprising of FYM @30 t ha⁻¹ + Azotobactor + PSB treatment among all the treatments. Also crude protein and crude fibre were recorded to be higher with the treatment of FYM @30 t ha⁻¹ + Azotobactor + PSB.
Local hunting practices and perceptions regarding the distribution and ecological role of the Large Flying Fox (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae: Pteropus vampyrus) in western Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Pteropodids such as flying foxes are declining rapidly across their range due to human activities, despite their benefit to humans through ecosystem services. The Large Flying Fox Pteropus vampyrus had a wide distribution across Borneo, but is now severely reduced in numbers, and rarely sighted. In order to develop effective conservation and management prescriptions for this species, updated information on its distribution, movement patterns, and the impact of anthropogenic pressure on its survival is crucial. As such, a questionnaire survey was conducted in western Sarawak to determine the occurrence of this species, and the conservation awareness for the species amongst local communities. The survey was conducted at nine sites during November 2018 – March 2019, involving a total of 123 respondents, including hunters (20%) and consumers (35%) of P. vampyrus. Respondents reported that P. vampyrus appears sporadically around the western tip of Borneo, and around the interior parts of western Sarawak, with more than half (51%) of the reported sightings in the interior occurring at fruit orchards during the fruiting and flowering seasons. Despite hunting and consuming this species, over 60% of the respondents felt that P. vampyrus could become an eco-tourism product in their area. Although many respondents viewed flying foxes as pests (47%) or food (52%), there was remarkably high awareness of the ecological roles and conservation needs of this species (76%), suggesting potentially strong support for flying fox conservation at the local level. Challenges associated with the enforcement of wildlife law in the remote parts of Sarawak need to be addressed, alongside strategic education and awareness efforts, which are all vital to achieve successful conservation and protection of this ecologically important species.