Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developing Learners’ Autonomy-Oriented Physics Teaching Materials to Enhance Students' Science Process Skills

The unavailability of learner autonomy-oriented physics teaching materials which are capable of enhancing students’ science process skills (SPS) of students is becoming a hindrance in one of the public high schools in Banjarmasin, as well as the lack of SPS in students. Thus, this study was carried out with the aim to produce learning materials oriented on learner autonomy orientation to enhance students’ SPS properly. This was based on the validity, practicality, and effectiveness of the developed teaching materials in terms of learning outcomes in the students’ cognitive and psychomotor domains. This research utilized research and development method with the use of the ADDIE development model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate). The trial subjects in this study consisted of 34 students of Grade X in one of the public high schools in Banjarmasin. The data were obtained through validation sheets, lesson plan implementation sheets, SPS observation sheets, and learning outcomes tests (LOT). The results indicated that the teaching materials developed were: 1) valid, based on the results of the validator's assessments with the average score of 3.35, categorized in the “valid” category; 2) practical, based on the implementation of lesson plan with the average score of 3.66 in the very good category; 3) effective, seen from the gain score obtained of 0.67 in the “medium” category; 4) SPS achievement of 72.17 in the “good” category. It is then concluded that the learner autonomy-oriented learning materials are feasible to be implemented in classroom activities.
Deformation properties of arched glass fiber reinforced plastics structure under static load: Considering the soil cover and rise-span ratio

In this study, the load level, soil cover height, rise-span ratio, and arch foot constraint state were utilized to explore the mechanical properties of buried arch glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) structures. Through the indoor scale-down test, the stress and deformation of arched GFRP structures under different load and soil cover height were investigated. Additionally, through the three-dimensional finite element method, the influence of the rise-span ratio and the constraint state of arch foot on the mechanical properties were obtained. The results indicate the new buried composite arch structure has excellent bearing capacity for the possible traffic load. Simultaneously, the semi-elliptical arch structure was believed to outperform the semi-circular arch structure when considering the external load. Specifically, increasing the soil cover height and reducing rise-span ratio were found to achieve the load-reduction effect.
Assessing Forecasting Performance of Daily Mean Temperature at 1st and 2nd Perak Station, Surabaya Using ARIMA and VARIMA Model with Outlier Detection

Air temperature is an important data for several sectors. The demand of fast, exact and accurate forecast on temperature data is getting extremely important since it is useful for planning of several important sectors. In order to forecast mean daily temperature data at 1st and 2nd Perak BMKG Station in Surabaya, this study used the univariate method, ARIMA model and multivariate method, VARIMA model with outlier detection. The best ARIMA model was selected using in-sample criteria, i.e. AIC and BIC. While for VAR model, the minimum information criterion namely AICc value was considered. The RMSE values of several forecasting horizons of out-sample data showed that the overall best model for mean daily temperature at 1st and 2nd Perak Station was the multivariate model, i.e. VARX (10,1) with four outliers incorporated in the model, indicated that it was necessary to consider the temperature from the nearest stations to improve the forecasting performance. This study recommends performing the overall best model only for short term forecasting, i.e. two weeks at maximum. By using the one week-step ahead and one day-step ahead forecasting scheme, the forecasting performance is significantly improved compared to default the k-step ahead forecasting scheme.
Tree migration in the dynamic, global vegetation model LPJ-GM 1.0: Efficient uncertainty assessment and improved dispersal kernels

Abstract. The prediction of species geographic redistribution under climate change (i.e. range shifts) has been addressed by both experimental and modelling approaches and can be used to inform efficient policy measures on the functioning and services of future ecosystems. Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs) are considered state-of-the art tools to understand and quantify the spatio-temporal dynamics of ecosystems at large scales and their response to changing environments. They can explicitly include local vegetation dynamics relevant to migration (establishment, growth, seed production), species-specific dispersal abilities and the competitive interactions with other species in the new environment. However, the inclusion of more detailed mechanistic formulations of range shift processes may also widen the overall uncertainty of the model. Thus, a quantification of these uncertainties is needed to evaluate and improve our confidence in the model predictions. In this study, we present an efficient assessment of parameter and model uncertainties combining low-cost analyses in successive steps: local sensitivity analysis, exploration of the performance landscape at extreme parameter values, and inclusion of relevant ecological processes in the model structure. This approach was tested on the newly-implemented migration module of the state-of-the-art DGVM, LPJ-GM 1.0. Estimates of post-glacial migration rates obtained from pollen and macrofossil records of dominant European tree taxa were used to test the model performance. The results indicate higher sensitivity of migration rates to parameters associated with the dispersal kernel (dispersal distances and kernel shape) compared to plant traits (germination rate and maximum fecundity) and highlight the importance of representing rare long-distance dispersal events via fat-tailed kernels. Overall, the successful parametrization and model selection of LPJ-GM will allow simulating plant migration with a more mechanistic approach at larger spatial and temporal scales, thus improving our efforts to understand past vegetation dynamics and predict future range shifts in a context of global change.
The Antimicrobial Activity of Pechuel-Loeschea leubnitziae Leaf Extract and its Effect on The Expression Level of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Candida albicans Virulence-Associated Genes

The complete halt in the synthesis of new effective antimicrobial compounds is a global concern. Pathogenic microorganisms’ virulence mechanisms seem to have a significant impact on their pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to examine the antimicrobial activity of the ethanol and methanol fractions of Pechuel-Loeschea leubnitziae leaf extract, as well as its effect on the expression level of virulence-associated genes. The extract’s fractions were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae (clinical), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans ATCC 90029. The test organism’s antibiogram pattern was determined. The extracts’ attenuation effect on the target genes of the susceptible organisms was investigated employing relative quantification using RT-qPCR. The test organism’s antibiogram pattern revealed that it was drug-resistant, intermediate, and sensitive. The extracts tested positive for antimicrobial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans ATCC 90029, with zones of inhibition varying from 20.33 to 29 mm. The lowest recorded MIC value was 4.688 mg/ml, while the highest was 37.5 mg/ml. In contrast to the methanol extract, the ethanol extract had a cidal action at a lower dose. The ethanol extract’s Sub-MIC (18.25 mg/ml) merely reduced the expression of the hly gene in MRSA. The MRSA virulence genes were not suppressed by the sub-MIC of methanol extract (18.25 mg/ml). Notably, the expression of als1, pbl1, and sap1 in Candida albicans ATCC 90029 was significantly attenuated when exposed to sub-MICs of ethanol extract (2,344 mg/ml) and methanol extract (9.375 mg/ml). Per the findings of this research, the leaves of P. leubnitziae could be a source of an effective antimicrobial agent in the therapy of MRSA/Candida-related disorders.
A general linear systems theory on time scales: Transforms, stability, and control

A General Linear Systems Theory on Time Scales: Transforms, Stability, and Control Billy Joe Jackson, Ph.D. Advisor: John M. Davis, Ph.D. In this work, we examine linear systems theory in the arbitrary time scale setting by considering Laplace transforms, stability, controllability, observability, and realizability. In particular, we revisit the definition of the Laplace transform given by Bohner and Peterson in [10]. We provide sufficient conditions for a given function to be transformable, as well as an inversion formula for the transform. Sufficient conditions for the inverse transform to exist are provided, and uniqueness of this inverse function is discussed. Convolution under the transform is then considered. In particular, we develop an analogue of the Convolution Theorem for arbitrary time scales and discuss the algebraic properties of the convolution. This naturally leads to an algebraic identity for the convolution operator, which is a time scale analogue of the Dirac delta distribution. Next, we investigate applications of the transform to linear time invariant systems and before discussing linear time varying systems. The focus is on fundamental notions of linear system control such as controllability, observability, and realizability. Sufficient conditions for a system to possess each of these properties are given in the time varying case, while these same criteria often become necessary and sufficient in the time invariant case. Finally, several notions of stability are discussed, and linear state feedback is explored. Copyright c © 2007 by Billy Joe Jackson All rights reserved
An E‐shaped microstrip patch antenna for reconfigurable dual‐band operation

A simultaneous dual‐band frequency reconfigurable E‐shaped microstrip patch antenna is proposed in this paper. The antenna is capable of efficiently switching both the frequency bands at the same time without the need of any external matching network. Its structure is simple and consists of a single‐layer inset‐feed patch and three RF switches placed at appropriate locations to reconfigure the frequency bands. The proposed antenna resonates at 3.5 GHz and 8.1 GHz when the PIN diodes are 'OFF' (reverse biased) but reconfigured to 3.1 GHz and 7.2 GHz when the PIN diodes are turned 'ON' (forward biased). A full wave simulation tool HFSS v. 15.0 is used for the analysis of the proposed E‐shaped microstrip patch. Moreover, an edge‐fed technique is introduced to simplify the design and simple biasing circuit has been incorporated in the fabricated design. A gain of 4.6 dBi, 5.2 dBi, 4.0 dBi, and 4.4 dBi is measured at 3.1 GHz, 3.5 GHz, 7.2 GHz, and 8.1 GHz, respectively. Good agreement is achieved between simulated and measured results. Its ability to resonate at multiple frequencies in the S‐, C‐ and X‐bands makes this antenna suitable for WIMAX applications, microwave communications and satellite links. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1485–1490, 2016
Structural health monitoring ultrasonic thickness measurement accuracy and reliability of various time-of-flight calculation methods

The accuracy, precision, and reliability of ultrasonic thickness structural health monitoring systems are discussed in-cluding the influence of systematic and environmental factors. To quantify some of these factors, a compression wave ultrasonic thickness structural health monitoring experiment is conducted on a flat calibration block at ambient temperature with forty four thin-film sol-gel transducers and various time-of-flight thickness calculation methods. As an initial calibration, the voltage response signals from each sensor are used to determine the common material velocity as well as the signal offset unique to each calculation method. Next, the measurement precision of the thickness error of each method is determined with a proposed weighted censored relative maximum likelihood analysis technique incorporating the propagation of asymmetric measurement uncertainty. The results are presented as upper and lower confidence limits analogous to the a90/95 terminology used in industry recognized Probab.
Revisiting Customer Complaint Intention: A Case Study of Mobile Service Users in Vietnam*

In the mobile industry, customer complaints play a significant role in retaining customer loyalty to the services provided. Thanks to user complaints, mobile service providers can effectively identify problems and then propose solutions to adapt or improve their services. Hence, it’s critical to understand the relationship between consumer complaints and satisfaction with mobile services. While several studies have shown that customer satisfaction is an intermediary variable that explains customer complaint intention, there have been few studies on the relationship between pre-determinants of their satisfaction, leaving a gap in our understanding of customer complaint intention. To demonstrate an in-depth approach to this matter, authors revisit justice theory and suggest trust and perceived responsibility variables be combined into a research model. A cross-section survey was conducted to collect data from 265 mobile services users of the three biggest mobile service providers in Kien Giang Province, Vietnam. This study employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method to analyze the samples collected. The result showed that customer complaint intention is affected by distributive justice, interactional justice, trust but not procedural justice. Additionally, the moderating role of the perceived responsibility variable to the relationship between customer satisfaction and complaint intention is also proved.
Successful Treatment with Corticosteroids in an 11-Year-Old Patient with Crohn’s Disease and Myopericarditis—Case Report

Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) are observed in 15–20% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). One of the rare EIMs is myocarditis, the incidence of which is estimated at around 1%. The main cause of myocarditis is a viral infection. Other causes include autoimmune diseases and drug complications (sulfasalazine, mesalazine). We present the case of an 11-year-old girl with Crohn’s disease (CD) with EIMs, manifested as hip joint inflammation and erythema nodosum. At the same time, the symptoms of myopericarditis appeared with changes in electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography and high troponin I concentration. Therapy with corticosteroids resulted in the resolution of skin lesions and cardiological symptoms. Systemic connective tissue diseases, viral and bacterial infections were excluded in the differential diagnosis. The suspicion of mesalazine-induced EIMs was also ruled out as the symptoms resolved despite continued therapy with mesalazine. No further recurrences of myopericarditis were observed.
PERCEPTIONS OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINES FOR SELF-MEDICATION AMONG PEOPLE IN
 DIENG PLATEAU CENTRAL JAVA PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Traditional medicines are commonly used in the community. One type of traditional medicines that is popular among people is "jamu". "Jamu" can be made from plants, animals, minerals, or a mixture of them that has been used for generations based on empiric experience. This study aimed to describe perceptions of the use of traditional medicines for self-medication among people in Dieng Plateau, Kejajar, Wonosobo, Central Java Province. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Respondents were adults more than 18 years old who had experience in using traditional medicines and were selected with non-random accidental sampling. Thirty-one (31) respondents signed informed consent. Data were collected using an interview guideline and analyzed using enumerative approach. Most of the respondents used traditional medicines for self-medication one to five times a month. They expressed that traditional medicine is like "Jamu", primarily liquid, with limited or no side effects. Traditional medicine was mostly obtained from local groceries at affordable prices. Most of the respondents have a positive attitude towards the use of traditional medicines. They have the willingness to use traditional medicines to deal with their symptoms or minor illnesses. Their satisfaction experience in using traditional medicine will motivate them to do so in the future. Based on the results, it can be said that traditional medicines have an important role in the health care system particularly for self-medication.
Colonoscopy Screening and Polyp Detection in the Southeastern United States

Screening colonoscopy is recommended for polyp detection and colorectal cancer prevention for those aged 50–75 years. The aim of this study was to determine colon polyp incidence rates detected through screening colonoscopies in the Southeast United States. A retrospective chart review was conducted to determine polyp rates. Charts with a diagnostic code of “screening” colonoscopy were reviewed for age, gender, number of polyps, and type of polyps. The number of charts reviewed was 534, with a total of 239 found to have polyps. Polyp type was defined as hyperplastic and adenomatous, with all adenomatous types grouped together. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The median age of participants was 62 years with 58% being male. The combined rate of colon polyp detection was 44.6%. Seventy percent of the overall sample was found to have at least one polyp. From 16% to 20% of the study population had mixed (adenomatous and hyperplastic) polyps. This study supports the need for continued screening colonoscopies for polyp detection and removal. Education is key and nurses are often the ones who have the greatest educational opportunity. This study indicates the need for further research that may support colorectal cancer screening beginning at an earlier age.
The importance of intercultural communicative competences in English classes on the context of current migration waves

The study of intercultural communicative competences (ICC) in the exercise of teaching a foreign language has turned into a vibrant line of research in recent years. It is relevant to promote ICC in English classes to develop awareness, acceptance and respect among members from other cultures and backgrounds, especially on the context of current migration waves around the world, due to the impact of globalization and internationalization in education. Scholars have been talking about intercultural competences and their importance: why it is worth reflecting on their inclusion of ICC in the EFL classroom and the way they are conceived, as well as their contributions to the human being’s development. This paper focuses on a literature review of the definition of intercultural competencies and the conceptions of some scholars who have hardly worked on them and made contributions for teachers of English. Due to the strong relationship between teaching a foreign language and intercultural communicative competences in the EFL classes, it is relevant to clarify the notion of culture, intercultural competence and intercultural communicative competence; all of these concepts are presented in order to clarify their impact in the classroom.
PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF DRIED POWDER OF Passiflora Foetida LEAVES AND FRUITS AND ITS PHYTOCHEMICAL CONTENT OF CRUDE AQUEOUS AND ETHANOL EXTRACT

Passiflora foetida is an edible plant that is underappreciated by most local communities even though it grows widely in many areas. The aim of this study is to measure the proximate composition of P. foetida’s leaves and fruits as well as to determine the most efficient solvent to extract phytochemicals from the plant parts. The proximate values determined in this study include the moisture, ash, protein, lipid, fiber and carbohydrate. Meanwhile for extraction efficiency, aqueous and ethanol were selected to quantitatively evaluate the composition of total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid and tannin. The result shows that the leaves and fruits of P. foetida contain 4.80±0.17% and 3.52±0.17% of ash, 18.41±0.47% and 10.00±0.45% of crude protein, and 15.28±0.49% and 27.49±0.52% of fiber, respectively. In terms of the yield of extraction, it shows that aqueous capable of extracting higher yield than ethanol. However, comparison between aqueous and ethanol for extracting phytochemicals, revealed that ethanol is capable of extracting significantly higher amount of TPC in both leaves and fruits, as well as flavonoid and tannin from the fruit material. Aqueous extract was identified to be the best extract for tannin in the leaves. Ethanol extracts lower yield, but the efficiency to extract most phytochemicals in the plant materials was considered to be better than aqueous.
Baseband analog circuits in deep-submicron cmos technologies targeted for mobile multimedia

Baseband analog circuits in deep-submicron cmos technologies targeted for mobile multimedia (August 2008) Vijayakumar Dhanasekaran Chair of Advisory Committee: Edgar Sanchez-Sinencio / Jose Silva-Martinez Three main analog circuit building blocks that are important for a mixed-signal system are investigated in this work. New building blocks with emphasis on power efficiency and compatibility with deep-submicron technology are proposed and experimental results from prototype integrated circuits are presented. Firstly, a 1.1GHz, 5th order, active-LC, Butterworth wideband equalizer that controls inter-symbol interference and provides anti-alias filtering for the subsequent analog to digital converter is presented. The equalizer design is based on a new series LC resonator biquad whose power efficiency is analytically shown to be better than a conventional Gm-C biquad. A prototype equalizer is fabricated in a standard 0. 18μm CMOS technology. It is experimentally verified to achieve an equalization gain programmable over a 0-23dB range, 47dB SNR and 48dB IM3 while consuming 72mW of power. This corresponds to more than 7 times improvement in power efficiency over conventional Gm-C equalizers. Secondly, a load capacitance aware compensation for 3-stage amplifiers is presented. A class-AB 16W headphone driver designed using this scheme in 130nm technology is experimentally shown to handle 1pF to 22nF capacitive load while consuming as low as 1.2mW of quiescent power. It can deliver a maximum RMS power of 20mW to the load with -84.8dB THD and 92dB peak SNR, and it occupies a small area of 0.1mm2. The power consumption is reduced by about 10 times compared to drivers that can support such a wide range of capacitive loads. Thirdly, a novel approach to design of ADC in deep-submicron technology is described. The presented technique enables the usage of time-to-digital converter (TDC) in a delta-sigma modulator in a manner that takes advantage of its high timing precision while noiseshaping the error due to its limited time resolution. A prototype ADC designed based on this deep-submicron technology friendly architecture was fabricated in a 65nm digital CMOS technology. The ADC is experimentally shown to achieve 68dB dynamic range in 20MHz signal bandwidth while consuming 10.5mW of power. It is projected to reduce power and improve speed with technology scaling.