Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
25OHVitamin D Levels in a Canarian Pediatric Population with and without Type 1 Diabetes: The Role of Acidosis

The role of Vitamin D in the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is controversial. The Canary Islands have the highest incidence of childhood-onset T1D in Spain and one of the highest in Europe. We aimed to evaluate 25OHVitamin D concentrations in a Canarian pediatric population, to assess the existence of seasonal variation, to study their association with T1D, and to evaluate the role of acidosis in its levels. In a retrospective, case-control study, we obtained data from 146 T1D patients (<15 years of age) and 346 control children; 25OHVitamin D concentrations were assessed in serum by automatic ChemiLuminescence ImmunoAssay technology. We found significantly higher 25OHVitamin D levels in the summer and autumn months and an inverse correlation between T1D and age; 25OHVitamin D sufficiency was similar in both groups (44.5% vs. 45.1%), with significant differences in the percentage of patients presenting vitamin D deficiency (11.6% (T1D) vs. 16.4% (controls)). When stratified according to the presence of ketoacidosis at sampling, only patients with acidosis showed lower 25OHVitamin D concentrations than controls. Despite its subtropical geographic location, Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in children in Gran Canaria, and 25OHVitamin D concentrations show seasonal variation. After adjusting for acidosis, no differences were found between children with and without T1D.
A new method to select working sets for Decomposition Methods solving Support Vector Machines

In this report, we propose a iteration measure to determine a better working set choice for the decomposition method. The decomposition method generally solves a sequence of sub problems instead of the entire problem at each iterative step. This makes it an ideal optimization method for solving the Support Vector Machine classifier, which is usually trained on a large dataset using machines with limited processing memory. The rate of convergence of the decomposition algorithm depends largely on the order of the sub problems solved and has been shown to be linear in the worst case. Our iteration measure determines the amount of overstep if the update on an iterate causes it to exit the feasible region. We then choose a working set that minimizes this amount of overstep, there by also increasing the step towards the minimum of the objective function. We report some initial results, which show a good improvement to the rates of convergence for our benchmark datasets.
The Development of Reflective Practices for Islamic Religious Education Teachers

Continuous professional development for teachers is crucial in order to enhance their competence and professionalism. It is equally important for student teacher candidates to engage in field practice activities that promote self-reflection. The main objective of this research is to investigate how self-reflection among prospective Islamic Religious Education teachers contributes to the development of their professionalism. The study involved six participants from two universities, namely Unisba (Universitas Islam Bandung) and UPI (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia). Qualitative methods were employed, utilizing case studies based on Stake's approach (1978). The data collection process involved interviews, observations, and documentation techniques. The analysis was conducted through several stages, including data reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results reveal that reflective practice enhances pedagogical competence by implementing high-quality, innovative, and creative teaching methods, particularly within the classroom setting. These findings have practical implications for the field practice of Islamic Religious Education teachers in schools. They serve as a valuable resource for teachers to develop new strategies in addressing challenges within the teaching and learning process, ultimately contributing to their professional growth and establishing cultural references.
Characteristics of EEG power spectra involved in the proficiency of motor learning

Neuromodulation techniques for modulating brain activity can affect performance in a variety of behaviors. Techniques including transcranial alternating current stimulation and random noise stimulation can modulate neural oscillations. However, the intervention effect of neuromodulation approaches on motor learning is poor, partly because the electroencephalography (EEG) power spectra associated with the motor learning process has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of EEG power spectra in the process of motor learning in 15 right-handed healthy participants (5 females; mean age = 22.8 ± 3.0 years). The motor task was a ball-rotation task in which participants rotated two balls in the palm of their left hand. Participants performed a pre-test, the motor learning tasks, and a post-test. In the motor learning tasks, twenty 60 s trials were performed in the clockwise (CW) direction. Before and after the motor learning tasks, CW and counterclockwise (CCW; control condition) tasks were performed for 60 s each as pre- and post-tests. Therefore, CW direction was set as a motor learning task, while CCW was a test-only control task. EEG was recorded during the tests and tasks, and the power spectra in the alpha, beta, and gamma oscillations were calculated and compared between pre- and post-tests. The results showed that in the CW post-test, the power of the gamma band in the left parietal areas and the right frontal area was significantly higher than in the pre-test. In the CCW, there was no significant difference in each band at each area between the pre- and post-tests. Our findings reveal the characteristics of the EEG spectra related to the motor learning process. These results may help to establish more effective neuromodulation approaches to modifying neural oscillations in motor learning, including in rehabilitation fields.
The Effect of Entrepreneurship Orientation and Market Orientation on Msmes in the Culinary Fields Through Personal Excellence

his study aims to determine the direct and indirect effects of entrepreneurial orientation, market orientation, and competitive advantage on the performance of SMEs in the culinary field. The method used in this study is a quantitative method with path analysis techniques. The results of this study are: 1), entrepreneurial orientation has a positive and significant direct effect on the competitive advantage of SMEs. That is, if the entrepreneurial orientation increases, the competitive advantage will increase. 2), market orientation has a positive and significant direct effect on the competitive advantage of SMEs. That is, if market orientation increases, then competitive advantage will increase. 3), entrepreneurial orientation has a direct and positive effect on the performance of SMEs. That is, if the entrepreneurial orientation increases for the better then the performance will increase for the better. 4), market orientation has a direct and positive effect on the performance of SMEs. That is, if the market orientation improves, the performance of MSMEs will increase. 5), competitive advantage has a positive and significant direct effect on the performance of SMEs. That is, if competitive advantage increases, the performance of SMEs will increase. 6), entrepreneurial orientation has no significant effect on the performance of SMEs through competitive advantage. That is, competitive advantage cannot be an intervening variable for the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of SMEs because the direct effect of entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of SMEs is greater than the effect of entrepreneurial orientation. SME performance through competitive advantage. 7), market orientation has no significant effect on the performance of SMEs through competitive advantage. That is, competitive advantage cannot be an intervening variable for the effect of market orientation on the performance of SMEs because the direct influence of market orientation is greater than the performance of SMEs through competitive advantage.
COVID Pandemic and Spousal Violence Against Indian Women: An Exploration of NFHS-4 (2015–2016) and NFHS-5 (2019–2021) Data Sets

We explore the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on spousal violence (SV) against Indian women using NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 datasets on Indian married women. We observe that probabilities of experiencing less severe physical violence and sexual violence actually declined as compared to NFHS-4 level for women from the group of states that were surveyed during pandemic period (Phase-2 states) whereas for the group of states that were surveyed prior to pandemic (Phase-1 states) no such significant decline in SV was noted under NFHS-5 survey vis-à-vis NFHS-4 level (except for the level of emotional and psychological aggression which shows a significant decline). The same counter intuitive result was observed for consolidated SV index, which declined for Phase-2 states during COVID-19 pandemic, whereas no such decline under NFHS-5 was observed for Phase-1 states, while we are controlling for different socio-demographic variables and level of women empowerment.
Inversion-Based Magnetic Polarizability Tensor Measurement From Time-Domain EMI Data

The magnetic polarizability tensor (MPT) provides a means of quantifying the perturbation of a time-varying magnetic field due to the presence of a metallic object and is highly correlated with the object’s geometrical and material properties. As such, MPT is an essential tool for metallic object characterization using electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensing. This article demonstrates inversion-based MPT measurement using a mono-coil pulse induction metal detector (MD) in combination with an electromagnetic (EM) tracking system. Experimental evaluation was conducted under laboratory conditions on a dataset of nonferrous metallic objects of various sizes, shapes, and materials. A methodology for comparison between frequency-domain (FD) and time-domain (TD) MPTs was developed to validate the measurement performance. The results showed a very good agreement with the simulations, as evidenced by a normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) of under 13.5%. Furthermore, the excellent repeatability of measurements with an NRMSE of $ < 5.5$ % indicates that the proposed system has great potential for hidden metallic object detection.
Some concatenated and iterative decoding approaches for continuous phase modulation

Several concatenated and iterative decoding approaches are used to improve the power efficiency of continuous phase modulation (CPM). First a symbol interleaver is used for serially concatenated CPM (SCCPM). Convergence of iterative decoding for this scheme can be earlier (lower SNR: Signal-to-Noise-Ratio) compared to bit interleaved SCCPM. Then a ring convolutional code (CC) is used as the outer code in this symbol interleaved SCCPM. By setting the denominator of the CPM modulation index equal to the alphabet size of the system (CPM, interleaver and ring CC), a natural combination of them is achieved. Further improvements on earlier convergence or error floors are achieved with this scheme. Finally, irregular repeat accumulate (IRA) codes with CPM (IRCPM) are considered. CPM now takes the role of the accumulator. This scheme shows even earlier convergence than SCCPM. To analyze the error floor performance, we derive the union bound for symbol interleaved SCCPM. In this bound analysis, we have to consider the order of nonzero permuted difference symbols that are not identical. We also derive the union bound for IRCPM from its equivalent structure. This structure introduces a virtual interleaver before CPM. Thus, the union bound analysis for SCCPM is now applicable.
Exploring Effective Teaching Approaches for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Instructors: Best Practices and Future Directions

The field of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is expanding rapidly, with millions of students globally seeking to improve their English language proficiency. To meet the demand for effective EFL instructors, it is essential to possess a diverse range of skills, including knowledge of best practices in language teaching and an understanding of individual learner needs. This paper explores effective teaching approaches for EFL instructors at the university level in France, focusing on key practices and future directions in the field. The paper discusses the significance of effective EFL instruction, outlines the challenges instructors may encounter, and examines approaches such as communicative, task-based, intercultural approach and content-based language teaching. Additionally, the role of technology in EFL instruction is explored as a means of enhancing learning outcomes. Finally, the paper aims to highlight the importance of effective EFL teaching and to propose a roadmap for EFL teachers who wish to improve their teaching practice.
PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT MENGENAI GURU LAKI-LAKI PADA PENDIDIKAN ANAK USIA DINI

In education, especially early childhood education, both sexes, both male and female, play an important role, the proportion of male and female teachers is important because the teacher acts as the child's parent while the child is at school. In this way, this article provides an overview of society's perceptions of male PAUD teachers. This study uses qualitative research, in which objects are described holistically with actual field conditions. This research relies on primary and secondary data sources. Questionnaire responses from informants were used as the primary data source, while various research-related journals served as secondary data sources. Questionnaires and documentation are used as data collection techniques in this study. Data analysis techniques are also used to ensure the pattern of analysis is in accordance with the data retrieved. The results of the research findings, community perceptions of male PAUD teachers vary widely, some people accept the existence of male PAUD teachers and some others reject it.
Stochastic Comparisons of Lifetimes of Used Standby Systems

In this paper, we first establish upper stochastic bounds on the lifetime of a used cold standby system with arbitrary age, using the likelihood ratio order and the usual stochastic order. Then, stochastic comparisons are made between the lifetime of a used cold standby system with age t and the lifetime of a cold standby system consisting of used components with age t using the likelihood ratio order and the usual stochastic order. We use illustrative examples to explore the results presented.
Large Eddy Simulation of plunging breaking waves

The scope of this work is to show the results obtained for simulating three-dimensional plunging breaking waves by solving the Navier-Stokes equations in air and water, coupled with a subgrid scale turbulence model (Large Eddy Simulation, LES). After a bibliographical study of the problem, the first part of the document is dedicated to the presentation and the validation of the numerical models and methods. In the next part, the numerical tool is used to treat two-dimensional configurations of solitary waves propagations. The last part of the document presents the application of the numerical methods for the complete decription of the breaking processes including overturning, splash-up and breaking induced vortex-like motion beneath the surface, by using 3D initial conditions corresponding to unstable periodic sinusoidal waves of large amplitudes in periodic domains.
Observing wave packets generated by solar terminator in TEC during typhoons

In this work, we study ionospheric disturbances excited by the passage of the solar terminator (ST) during tropical cyclone periods, using total electron content (TEC) data. We have considered 16 intense tropical cyclones (typhoons) that acted in the northwest of the Pacific Ocean near the territory of Japan. We analyze two-dimensional distributions of the number of registered wave packets (WPs) depending on various parameters: local time, maximum amplitude of packets, and distance to typhoon. It is shown that in most cases the maximum num-ber of WPs is observed at a distance less than 500–1500 km from the typhoon center and near the time of evening solar terminator passage. For typhoons occurring during autumn periods, the maximum number of WPs is recorded at daytime, and, apparently, is not associated with ST. Distributions of the number of WPs depending on their amplitude have a similar form for all the cases considered, with a maximum of about 0.2 TECU. At the same time, for some typhoons there are a large number of WPs with amplitude up to 0.6–0.8 TECU, which is significantly higher than WP amplitudes under quiet conditions. We briefly discuss the mechanism of possible interaction between ionospheric disturbances caused by two different sources (tropical cyclones and ST passage).
The role of child, maternal and household factors in the reported use of physical punishment practices by Portuguese mothers

hysical punishment is the use of physical force to cause to body pain or discomfort, to correct children’s misbehaviour (Gershoff, 2008) and negatively impacts children’s development (Gershoff, 2002). To overcome limitations in the current state-of-art knowledge in Portugal, this study aimed to describe the maternal reports about the use of different physical punishment practices in the last year and to analyse the predictive role of child, maternal and household characteristics in the use of different physical punishment practices in the last year. A total of 289 Portuguese mothers of children aged 5 to 14 years completed the Escala de Crenças sobre a Punição Física (Machado et al., 2003) and the Inventário de Práticas Educativas Parentais (Machado et al., 2015). According to results, spanking child at the buttocks with the hand and slapping child’s hand, arm, or leg were the most reported punishment practices. Maternal tolerance toward physical punishment was the strongest and most consistent predictor of spanking child at the buttocks with the hand and slapping child’s hand, arm, or leg during the last year. Future cross-cultural studies may continue to explore the most used physical punishment practices and the characteristics that predict their use.
Influence of biologics on the productivity of winter wheat varieties under irrigation conditions

The aim of the research was to determine the influence of varietal characteristics, pre-sowing seed treatment and irrigation on the yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Experimental studies were carried out in the conditions of Mykolayiv National Agrarian University (Ukraine) during 2019-2022 yrs. It was found that among the studied variety of winter wheat, the highest grain yield was distinguished by the variety ‘Ozerna’ and ‘Duma Odes’ka’. On average, for pre – sowing seed treatment and irrigation options, these variety formed yields at the level of 6.78 and 6.95 tha–1, which was higher than the grain yield of ‘Anatoliya’ variety by 4.1 up to 6.5%, and then the yield of ‘Ovidii’ variety by 3.9 up to 6.3%. It was proved that preparations for pre-sowing seed treatment contributed to the formation of more productive stems and grain mass from one ear in winter wheat plants. So, on average, over the years of research, variety and irrigation options, for the use of Azotofit-R, the number of productive stems increased by 34-74 PCs. / m2 compared to other seed treatment options. At the same time, the yield of winter wheat grain was also slightly higher with the use of Azotofit-R biologics. It was found that the use of irrigation provided an increase in grain yield by 1.66-2.19 tha–1 or 23.1-27.2%, depending on the studied winter wheat variety. At the same time, the ‘Duma Odes’ka’ variety had a higher grain yield under irrigation (8.06 tha–1), while in conditions without irrigation, a slightly higher grain yield was formed by plants of the ‘Ozerna’ variety (5.87 tha–1). On average, over the years of research, the highest yield of winter wheat grain was provided by the cultivation of the ‘Duma Odes’ka’ variety for pre-sowing seed treatment with Azotofit - R biologics and irrigation–8.38 tha–1.
Teacher Self-regulation: Validation of Scales in Chile Applied with an Online Technological Tool

Teacher self-regulation is of great importance because it allows an organized and structured professional exercise, it also facilitates a successful performance of the teaching and learning process, allowing the teacher to monitor the effectiveness of their pedagogical practices and modeling of self-regulatory skills in students. The objective of this study was to adapt and validate scales to measure teaching self-regulation processes in Spanish and with evidence of its functionality by application of technological tools. The study was quantitative, with an instrumental design. The sample consisted of 204 secondary school teachers in Chile. The scales were adapted from the Teacher Self-regulation Scale and underwent back-translation procedures, cognitive interviews, confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability analyses. The results showed adequate validity and reliability estimators for seven scales corresponding to goal setting, intrinsic interest, performance goal orientation, goal mastery orientation, self-instruction, emotional control, and self-evaluation. In conclusion, the scales allow valid and reliable measurement of teaching self-regulatory processes.
Multiscale Aspects of the Storm Producing the June 2013 Flooding in Uttarakhand, India

AbstractConditions producing disastrous flooding in Uttarakhand, India, in June 2013 differed from conditions that produced other notorious floods in the Himalayan region in recent years. During the week preceding the Uttarakhand flood, deep convection moistened the mountainsides, making them vulnerable to flooding. However, the precipitation producing the flood was not associated with a deep convective event. Rather, an eastward-propagating upper-level trough in the westerlies extended abnormally far southward, with the jet reaching the Himalayas. The south end of the trough merged with a monsoon low moving westward across India. The merged system produced persistent moist low-level flow oriented normal to the Himalayas that advected large amounts of water vapor into the Uttarakhand region. The flow was moist neutral when it passed over the Himalayan barrier, and orographic lifting produced heavy continuous rain over the region for 2–3 days. The precipitation was largely stratiform in nature although emb.
Correct-by-Construction Reinforcement Learning of Cardiac Pacemakers from Duration Calculus Requirements

As the complexity of pacemaker devices continues to grow, the importance of capturing its functional correctness requirement formally cannot be overestimated. The pacemaker system specification document by \emph{Boston Scientific} provides a widely accepted set of specifications for pacemakers. As these specifications are written in a natural language, they are not amenable for automated verification, synthesis, or reinforcement learning of pacemaker systems. This paper presents a formalization of these requirements for a dual-chamber pacemaker in \emph{duration calculus} (DC), a highly expressive real-time specification language. The proposed formalization allows us to automatically translate pacemaker requirements into executable specifications as stopwatch automata, which can be used to enable simulation, monitoring, validation, verification and automatic synthesis of pacemaker systems. The cyclic nature of the pacemaker-heart closed-loop system results in DC requirements that compile to a decidable subclass of stopwatch automata. We present shield reinforcement learning (shield RL), a shield synthesis based reinforcement learning algorithm, by automatically constructing safety envelopes from DC specifications.