Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Teacher views of experimentation in ecosystem science

ABSTRACT Education reform calls for portraying science as a process of inquiry and argumentation grounded in the epistemic traditions of a domain. While experimentation is a core scientific investigation strategy, diverse approaches are represented across different domains of science. Ecosystem scientists use experiments as a core part of their investigations, yet also acknowledge limits to its applicability. They describe experimentation as one approach among investigative strategies – combining these into a ‘body of evidence’ (BOE) approach that triangulates sources of evidence to support causal claims. A study was conducted to explore how these epistemic assumptions in ecosystems science are understood by K-12 teachers. Ten teachers from across the United States were interviewed. The teachers expressed understandings of experimentation that did not fully align with a BOE approach but displayed knowledge of some approaches used by ecosystem scientists. This knowledge was less apparent in their descriptions of their ecosystems science unit pedagogy and curricula and teachers cited a number of obstacles to incorporating it. The results suggest that if a BOE approach were to be introduced in K-12 ecosystems science, teachers would need a fuller understanding of this perspective and support in overcoming obstacles to employing it in the classroom.
A Bi-Level Model for Detecting and Correcting Parameter Cyber-Attacks in Power System State Estimation

Power system state estimation is an important component of the status and healthiness of the underlying electric power grid real-time monitoring. However, such a component is prone to cyber-physical attacks. The majority of research in cyber-physical power systems security focuses on detecting measurements False-Data Injection attacks. While this is important, measurement model parameters are also a most important part of the state estimation process. Measurement model parameters though, also known as static-data, are not monitored in real-life applications. Measurement model solutions ultimately provide estimated states. A state-of-the-art model presents a two-step process towards simultaneous false-data injection security: detection and correction. Detection steps are χ2 statistical hypothesis test based, while correction steps consider the augmented state vector approach. In addition, the correction step uses an iterative solution of a relaxed non-linear model with no guarantee of optimal solution. This paper presents a linear programming method to detect and correct cyber-attacks in the measurement model parameters. The presented bi-level model integrates the detection and correction steps. Temporal and spatio characteristics of the power grid are used to provide an online detection and correction tool for attacks pertaining the parameters of the measurement model. The presented model is implemented on the IEEE 118 bus system. Comparative test results with the state-of-the-art model highlight improved accuracy. An easy-to-implement model, built on the classical weighted least squares solution, without hard-to-derive parameters, highlights potential aspects towards real-life applications.
Duplication of spiralian-specific TALE genes and evolution of the blastomere specification mechanism in the bivalve lineage

Background Despite the conserved pattern of the cell-fate map among spiralians, bivalves display several modified characteristics during their early development, including early specification of the D blastomere by the cytoplasmic content, as well as the distinctive fate of the 2d blastomere. However, it is unclear what changes in gene regulatory mechanisms led to such changes in cell specification patterns. Spiralian-TALE (SPILE) genes are a group of spiralian-specific transcription factors that play a role in specifying blastomere cell fates during early development in limpets. We hypothesised that the expansion of SPILE gene repertoires influenced the evolution of the specification pattern of blastomere cell fates. Results We performed a transcriptome analysis of early development in the purplish bifurcate mussel and identified 13 SPILE genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the SPILE gene in molluscs suggested that duplications of SPILE genes occurred in the bivalve lineage. We examined the expression patterns of the SPILE gene in mussels and found that some SPILE genes were expressed in quartet-specific patterns, as observed in limpets. Furthermore, we found that several SPILE genes that had undergone gene duplication were specifically expressed in the D quadrant, C and D quadrants or the 2d blastomere. These expression patterns were distinct from the expression patterns of SPILE in their limpet counterparts. Conclusions These results suggest that, in addition to their ancestral role in quartet specification, certain SPILE genes in mussels contribute to the specification of the C and D quadrants. We suggest that the expansion of SPILE genes in the bivalve lineage contributed to the evolution of a unique cell fate specification pattern in bivalves.
Influence of Geographical and Climatic Factors on Quercus variabilis Blume Fruit Phenotypic Diversity

Quercus variabilis Blume is one of the most ecologically valuable tree species in China and is known to have adaptive mechanisms to climate change. Our objective was to quantify the variation pattern in the fruit morphology of Q. variabilis. Fruit samples were collected from 43 natural populations in autumn of 2019. Our results indicated that the coefficient of variation (CV) of the fruit length (FL) and fruit width (FW) were 10.08% and 11.21%, respectively. There were significant differences in the FL, FW, and fruit length-to-width ratios (FL/FW) among the studied populations. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between the FW and FL. The FL decreased with increasing precipitation in the wettest quarter (PWQ). A concave trend was observed in the variations in FL with the equivalent latitude (ELAT), longitude (LON), annual mean air temperature (MAT), and annual precipitation (AP). A similar concave trend was observed for the FL/FW with LON, MAT, and AP. A positive correlation was observed between the FW, FL and FL/FW, and the ELAT. The cluster analysis revealed five groups of the 43 natural populations. Our study findings suggests that Q. variabilis has high levels of phenotypic plasticity for geographical and climatic factors.
Quality of Primary Health Care models for brazilian children

Aim. To evaluate the quality of Primary Health Care (PHC) models for Brazilian children. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed with 516 parents or guardian of children in the public preschools from a city in São Paulo State, Brazil. The participants completed the questionnaires on the perception of the quality of the PHC (Primary Care Assessment Tool-PCATool), and the socioeconomic conditions in their families. The data were analyzed by statistical tests (95% confidence level). Results. Private services, Family Health Strategies (FHS), and Conventional Health Care (CHC) were the modalities of PHC used by children. Among the three modalities, in all groups were observed statistically significant differences (p<0.001), the best quality of care was provided by FHS (8.22±1.69). The CHC (5.69±1.34) and the private service (6.65±0.99) need improvement in accessibility, continuity of care, integrality, family, and community orientation. The socioeconomic class of the families was associated with modalities of PHC (p<0.001). Conclusions. The quality of primary care for children in the public health system still requires much improvement, primarily in conventional model. However, the Family Health Strategies was the model that presented the best quality of primary health care for children.
Fair value complexity and financial statement comparability

ABSTRACT This study examines whether fair value accounting and its complexity influence financial statement comparability. Using quarterly US bank holding company data from 2008 to 2014, I find that the proportion of assets and liabilities that are fair valued is negatively associated with financial statement comparability and that this negative relation appears to be driven by the less v erifiable (lower-level) fair value estimates. Under the three-level hierarchy of SFAS 157, the financial statements of a bank become less comparable with those of other banks as the complexity of its fair value estimates increases. Overall, these results indicate that fair value complexity has a negative influence on comparability.
AGRIPRENEUR SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN UASIN-GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine agripreneur sustainability strategies and financial performance of SMEs in Uasin Gishu County with a specific interest of small-scale farmers in Uasin Gishu County. Materials and Methods: A descriptive survey research design was adopted in the study. The target population comprised of 1,397 small scale farmers in Uasin-Gishu County. A sample size of 140 respondents was selected using simple random sampling technique. Questionnaire was the key data collection instrument. The collected data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative approaches of analysis. Statistical Package for Social Services version 21 was used to summarize the quantitative data into frequencies and percentages. The summarized information was presented using figures, tables and pie charts. Results: From the analysis, the following key findings were made: there is a strong positive association between financial performance and innovation (r=.219*), pro-activeness (r=.505), risk taking (.256), and networking (r=.410). The coefficient of determination indicates that 32.7% of variation of financial performance is explained by agripreneurship sustainability strategies such as innovation, pro-activeness, risk-taking and networking. It is concluded that innovation, pro-activeness, risk-taking and networking affect the financial performance of Small scale farmers in Uasin Gishu County. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that there is a need for regular training opportunities to be provided to the small scale farmers. Organizations in the agricultural sector and government ministries should focus on training farmers on entrepreneurship as a sustainable course for the business growth. Education policies in the country need to be reviewed to integrate agripreneurship as a course and more resource provided to encourage it among students in learning institutions. There is also a need for agricultural seminars to be organized within the county for the small scale farmers. There is need for further research to be conducted to assess the other factors that may be affecting the financial performance of small scale farmers.
Review of Histology Results of Hand Masses: A South African Audit

Background: Patients with hand masses present for consultation either for pain, loss of function, or cosmetic embarrassment caused by the mass. The majority of hand masses are benign soft tissue tumors. The aim was to review the histology results of hand masses operated on at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Hand Unit in Johannesburg, South Africa, to explore the relationship of the types of masses according to age, sex, side, and compare the findings with what is in the current literature. Methods: Patients operated on in the hand unit, for hand masses between April 2016 and April 2019 with histology results were included in the study for statistical analysis. Results: There were 64 males and 105 females with a mean age of 41.03 ± 18.81 years. The most frequent masses were ganglion cysts. Females appeared to be more affected than males by the different hand masses, but there were no statistically significant differences. Of the 21 giant cell tumors, 15 occurred on the right hand (p-value = 0.021). Conclusion: The profile of hand masses at a high-volume hand unit in Johannesburg, were comparable to the reported literature. There were no significant differences between sex and diagnosis, however, there was a relationship between diagnosis and side for giant cell tumors of tendon sheaths, requiring further exploration.
N Donor substituted acetylacetones – versatile ditopic ligands

Abstract Acetylacetone (2,4-pentanedione) derivatives with N donor substituents represent ditopic ligands with coordination sites of distinctly different Pearson hardness. Deprotonation of the acetylacetone (Hacac) moiety leads to O,O′ chelating monoanionic (acac) ligands suitable for coordination to hard cations. The softer N donor site(s) preferably act as nucleophiles towards softer partners. When the organic molecules are employed as linkers and coordinate via either site, they are often selective and allow to synthesize well-ordered heterometallic solids. This review addresses the derivatives of 17 pentanediones with nitrile, pyridyl and pyrazolyl moieties as N donor substituents, with an emphasis on structurally characterized compounds. Depending on the N donor substituents and the cations, O,O′ or N coordination will dominate. The nitrile-substituted compounds essentially behave as acetylacetones; they may easily O,O′ coordinate to a wide range of cations whereas N coordination is limited to AgI, CuI or, in the case of less soft cations, to longer and presumably weaker contacts, e.g. to the more distant sites in Jahn–Teller distorted CuII. In contrast, pyridyl-substituted pentanediones act as N donor ligands, regardless whether their (H)acac site is chelating a cation or not. The still scarcely explored pyrazolyl derivative shows the most complex coordination pattern: it may be deprotonated both at the acetylacetone and the pyrazol site, the latter affording N,N′ bridging ligands. In addition to N donor nucleophilicity, the distance between the alternative coordination sites and their mutual orientation are relevant for crystal engineering applications.
Macroinvertebrate community structure and diversity in relation to environmental factors in wetlands of the lower Gilgel Abay River catchment, Ethiopia

The influence of environmental factors on the diversity of macroinvertebrates was studied in the wetlands of the Gilgel Abay River (GAR) catchment in Ethiopia. The study was done between September 2017 and March 2018, encompassing both wet and dry seasons. Six study wetlands from the GAR catchment were selected in a targeted manner based on the surrounding land use, exposure to anthropogenic disturbances and accessibility to conduct a quantitative study. The relationships between biological and environmental variables were evaluated by using multivariate analyses. Altogether, 36 families of macroinvertebrates were identified. Macroinvertebrate diversity indices were significantly higher at less impaired sites, compared with more impaired sites. Several families of Ephemeroptera, Odonata and Trichoptera taxa, including Corduliidae, Calopterygidae, Baetidae, Aeshnidae, Polymitarcyidae, Hydropsychidae, Heptageniidae, Polycentrapodidae, Hydroptilidae and Philopotamidae were negatively correlated with organic and inorganic pollutants and human disturbances and might be considered as potential indicators of less impaired sites. Conversely, the families Chironomidae, Hirudinidae and Libellulidae were positively correlated with biological oxygen demand, ammonium and human disturbance score and negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen. Generally, results of macroinvertebrate diversity and composition in this study indicate poor ecological condition of the wetlands, particularly those adjacent to agricultural and urban areas.
New Product Presale Strategies considering Consumers’ Loss Aversion in the E-Commerce Supply Chain

New product presale is a strategic behavior of manufacturers to transfer inventory risks to consumers. The research purpose of this paper is to examine the presale discount, inventory, and service level decisions in an e-commerce supply chain, where the first period is the presale period and the second is the selling period for the new product. First, consumers were divided into two types—those who are risk averse and those who are not. Then, considering different presale discounts applied for new products, three presale strategy models were discussed: no-presale strategy, presale strategy with a moderate discount, and complete presale strategy, and the optimal decisions of e-commerce supply chain members were obtained under different valuations of the new product by consumers. Finally, the effects of the correlation coefficient between the numbers of the two types of consumers, the loss aversion degree of consumers, and the marginal profit in the sales period on the optimal discounted price and the maximum expected profit were analyzed. The conclusions of this article show that the presale strategy is not always optimal but depends on the parameters of the market and the type of consumers. For example, when the correlation coefficient between the two types of consumers is high, it is more profitable for the suppliers if they choose the presale strategy with a moderate discount, while e-commerce platforms tend to adopt the no-presale strategy. The optimal discounted price in the complete presale case is not necessarily lower than that in the moderately discounted presale case. If the marginal profit is high in the normal sales period or consumers are less averse to losses, suppliers are more likely to adopt the complete presale strategy. The research conclusions provide some theoretical reference for companies in the development of new product presale strategies in the e-commerce supply chain.
Prediction of Consumption and Income in National Accounts: Simulation-Based Forecast Model Selection

Simulation-based forecast model selection considers two candidate forecast model classes, simulates from both models fitted to data, applies both forecast models to simulated structures, and evaluates the relative benefit of each candidate prediction tool. This approach, for example, determines a sample size beyond which a candidate predicts best. In an application, aggregate household consumption and disposable income provide an example for error correction. With panel data for European countries, we explore whether and to what degree the cointegration properties benefit forecasting. It evolves that statistical evidence on cointegration is not equivalent to better forecasting properties by the implied cointegrating structure.
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Employees’ Proactive Behaviour: Fortifying Self Determination Theory

The prevailing pandemic (COVID-19) has increased socioeconomic problems and caused psychological distress due to work uncertainty, specifically in emerging economies. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies have been severely affected. Particularly, work uncertainty is becoming a hindrance towards proactive work behaviour (PWB) that can be improved by an effective entrepreneurial leadership role and proactive personality attribute. Based on fortifying self-determination theory, this research answered the question to what extent proactive personality moderates the relationship between work uncertainty and PWB and strengthens the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and PWB. To empirically examine the study’s underlying theoretical framework, respondents were selected from SMEs working in Pakistan from the high-tech industry. Multisource data were accumulated from 420 workers and their leaders utilizing a two-wave, time-lagged research design. Conclusions revealed that entrepreneurial leadership first reduced individuals’ work uncertainty, which in turn, led to enhanced proactive work behaviour of employees. Furthermore, the results revealed that work uncertainty mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and proactive work behaviour. Moreover, proactive personality moderates the link concerning work uncertainty and proactive work behaviour, such that this association is significant only when proactive personality is low. Additionally, the moderated mediation analysis indicated that less proactive people, compared with their extraordinarily proactive colleagues, trusted entrepreneurial leadership to be more proactive in the workplace. These findings have important implications to induce PWB among employees.
The role of dispersal limitation and reforestation in shaping the distributional shift of a forest herb under climate change

Forest herbs might be unable to track shifts in habitat suitability due to rapid climate change and habitat fragmentation. In this study, we quantified the role of dispersal limitation and the potential mitigating effect of large‐scale reforestation on the redistribution of the herbaceous forest plant species Primula elatior under climate change.
Video versus Traditional Teaching Strategy for Enhancing Intramuscular Injection Skills among College of Nursing Students in Kuwait: A Comparative Study

Purpose: The study aims to assess the performance and compare the effectiveness of intramuscular injection skills of nursing students utilizing two different teaching strategies –traditional (with the use of performance checklist only) versus video (together with the performance checklist). Methodology: A quasi-experimental research design was used. The sample was divided into two groups - control group, 28 female nursing students and experimental group, 27 male nursing students. Socio-demographic data sheet and an observational checklist were used to collect pertinent data. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and analytical tests, such as the independent t-test between the experimental and control group, regarding the preparation and injection of medication. P value of < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Findings: Most of the experimental and control group subjects are non-Kuwaitis. In medication preparation, the experimental group showed higher scores in the following steps: mixing solution; withdrawing prescribed amount of medication. The control group, on the other hand, scored higher in the following steps: removing needle cap, withdrawing into syringe amount of air equal to volume of medication to be withdrawn; carefully inserting needle into upright vial; and withdrawing prescribed amount of medication. In medication administration, the control group obtained higher scores in putting on clean gloves and applying gentle pressure at the site. The experimental group had higher score only in putting on clean gloves. A highly significant positive correlation was found between medication preparation and injection of medication and socio-demographic parameters of age and nationality (p= 0.008, p= 0.007) respectively. There is no statistically significant correlation detected between control and experimental group in relation to injection of the medication. Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: The results of this study indicated that while traditional and video-assisted teaching are equally effective, there is no substitute for clinical demonstration.