Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Impact of Curriculum Integration on the Intercultural Learning Gains of First-Year Computer Science Students

The ability to work on a diverse team is among the desirable skills for college graduates. Especially in STEM, students are expected to work with people from backgrounds different from their own. Research has shown that STEM students find working with people from diverse backgrounds to be challenging because their education has not prepared them to do so. It is crucial for educators to take the initiative and integrate the concepts of intercultural competence into the curriculum from the first year onwards. In this work-in-progress paper, we discuss the impact of an interactive online module on the development of the intercultural competence of twenty-five first-year computer science students. After completing the online module, students were required to reflect on a scenario where the student's role was to manage a culturally diverse team. The students were asked to identify the cultural differences that could lead to conflicts on the team and to reflect on the ways cultural differences could benefit the team. The study used a qualitative approach to analyze students' final reflections. The data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify the emerging themes and patterns. The results of the study showed that students recognized the following challenges: i) a mix of individualist and collectivist orientations, ii) differences in work orientations (task vs relationship-oriented), iii) age and seniority differences among employees, and iv) differences in communication styles (direct vs indirect). The corresponding benefits identified for each challenge were: i) facilitating team process, ii) promoting team bonding and task completion, iii) developing different approaches to solving problems using multiple lenses, and iv) promoting adaptation and creating learning opportunities. Overall, the results of this study are encouraging as they show that after engaging in an online module which incorporates elements of transformative learning, especially self-reflection, and the ARCS model for developing engaging activities, first-year computer science students are able to identify elements of different worldviews impacting culturally diverse teams and the potential challenges and benefits stemming from them.
Noncognitive and Affective Attributes of Caregivers Enrolled in Engineering and Computing Programs

Historically, student caregivers have been described as parents over the age of 25. However, the role of a caregiver may extend beyond a parental responsibility to include caring for other family members and may include students who are of “traditional college age. ” Failing to acknowledge and provide appropriate support for student caregivers can be particularly problematic for students in engineering and computing. Engineering and Computing programs often require extensive work that must be completed outside of class. Meeting these demands is particularly challenging for students with caregiving responsibilities. However, there are significant gaps in our understanding of college experiences and college outcomes of student caregivers enrolled in engineering and computing programs. To understand the experiences of undergraduate student caregivers in engineering and computing fields, this study explored the differences in non-cognitive and affective factors between students who have caregiving responsibilities and those who do not have responsibilities during college. We particularly focused on student caregivers in the College of Engineering at an R1 Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). The context of HSIs is important given that these institutions enroll a large number of post-traditional college students, students who have significant life responsibilities that are often at odds with the demands of college. Additionally, this study incorporates a Hispanic-servingness approach, a framework centered on institutions acknowledging the realities and needs of the students they serve. Using data from a single institution, we asked the following research question: To what extent are caregiving responsibilities related to undergraduate engineering and computing students' non-cognitive and affective factors? Our findings indicate that the experiences of students with caregiving responsibilities differ on five non-cognitive and affective factors: open-mindedness, engineering/computer science identity, help-seeking, motivation, and time management. Taken together, these findings draw attention to the importance of universities taking a holistic approach to developing student support services for Engineering/Computing student caregivers.
Sustainable Environmental Economics by Air Pollution Prevention and Control Approach

Air pollution as a principle challenge of today international societies is at the centre of attentions. In particular, Direct and indirect effects of air pollution on various aspects of human life, health and welfare being, and its surrounded environment causes to Countries and authorities in worldwide seek for suitable methods of engineering and management to solve it. In this study, we will show the necessity and importance of pollution prevention from sustainable environmental economics aspect. Where, Modern technologies are increasing daily to control pollutants emitted by stationary and mobile sources, the key role of economy as an important element in apply of various solutions, technologies and more important, in decision making process is being highlighted. As, most of the new technologies in spite of high efficiency are facing some problem in application just because of cost issues. Human health and welfare is depended on its surrounding environment. Labour force of a society and so, its productivity, is a key development index of that society. It has been found from studies that worker productivity is affected by air pollution, even at lower concentration of threshold values. By considering pollution prevention 1990 act, and meeting it, not only the pollution will be decreased, but also, it will assist to keep natural resources as a sustainable capital and so, maintaining of health ecosystem (health society is a part of health ecosystem). As some companies by attention to the air pollution considerations in design and material substitution could achieve much benefits.
Northern Ireland: testing the ring-dyke emplacement model The structure, fabrics and AMS of the Slieve Gullion ring-complex, Geological Society, London, Special Publications

A structural investigation of the Slieve Gullion ring-complex, part of the approximately 56 Ma Slieve Gullion Igneous Centre, County Armagh, Northern Ireland was carried out with a view to testing the ring-dyke emplacement mechanism. This investigation involved the detailed examination and mapping of critical field relationships and the measurement of visible and magnetic fabrics, within the porphyritic rhyolite (felsite) and the porphyritic granite (granophyre) parts of the ring-complex. Set against existing theories for the emplacement of this complex, our investigation failed to find steep outward-dipping fabrics and lineations that would support the emplacement of this ring-complex as a ring-dyke. Instead, we propose that the ring-complex was emplaced as a series of extrusive and intrusive subhorizontal sheets, controlled by a circular zone of deformation, and subsequently domed by the emplacement of the younger central complex. From its gently dipping bulk geometries and a disharmonically folded eutaxitic internal fabric (supported by AMS – anisotropy of magnetic susceptibilty), the earlier rhyolite is reinterpreted as a pyroclastic deposit. The rhyolite was probably deposited against the wall of a subsiding caldera and is now preserved in the SW quadrant of the complex. From primary intrusive contact geometries with pre-Palaeogene country rocks, magnetic fabrics and subtle visible foliations – all of which are gently dipping – the younger and more extensive granitic ring is suggested to have initially been a subhorizontal sheet that is now domed. Only its gently outward-dipping floor is exposed around the ring-complex, and this is for much of its circumference bounded by a circular zone of deformation – a ring-fault. This study highlights the importance of detailed structural investigation in assessing the emplacement of igneous ring-complexes, emphasizing the need to look further than a simple ring-dyke
Hematological Profile in Dairy Cattle with Foot and Mouth Diseases in Lembang, West Bandung

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a widespread infectious disease that significantly affects the dairy farming sector in Indonesia. In reducing the impact caused by FMD, proper treatment performed by veterinarians is necessary. Hematological profile can be used as a data reference to prioritize dairy cattle infected with FMD. This study aimed to describe the hematological profile in dairy cattle with FMD infection. This study was collected data from 15 dairy cattle with FMD infection at Koperasi Peternak Sapi Bandung Utara (KPSBU), Lembang, West Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Parameters observed in the hematology analyzer were the numbers of erythrocytes, leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, and MPV. The results of the examination of hematological profile showed various numbers. It found lymphopenia, neutrophilia, and high MPV values. It was suggested for veterinarians to refer to this study's results to determine an effective and efficient treatment.
Vegetation patterns and structure of an old-growth forest in southeastern Ohio

MCCARTHY, B. C. (Dept. of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, P.O. Box 1059, Piscataway, NJ 08855), C. A. HAMMER, G. L. KAUFFMAN AND P. D. CANTINO (Dept. of Botany, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701). Vegetation patterns and structure of an old-growth forest in southeastern Ohio. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 114:33-45. 1987. -A large, minimally disturbed, and floristically diverse old-growth forest (Hawk Woods) on the Allegheny Plateau in southeastern Ohio was studied to compare woody vegetation structure, composition, and soils both within and among communities. Five vegetation types were initially identified based on visual estimates of dominance and indicator species: mixed mesophytic, mixed oak-tulip poplar, white oak, oak-hickory, and oak-heath. Principal components ordination did not reveal distinct groupings of stands within and among vegetation types. Further quantitative analysis suggested that fewer ecological groupings were sufficient to describe vegetation types. Cluster analysis supported three ecological groupings apparently related to a topographic-moisture continuum. Multivariate analysis of variance of soil variables indicated significant differences among stands. Linear correlation of soil variables with principal components suggested the presence of a soil nutrient gradient associated with the topographic-moisture gradient. Edaphic parameters were not useful for discriminating community types but did however covary with the vegetation continuum. Size-class analysis of vegetation types indicated similarities and differences both among communities within Hawk Woods and among other forests in the Plateau region. Diameter distribution curves for vegetation types were observed to fit the negative power function more closely than the negative exponential function. Size-class distributions of individual species varied, apparently as a function of broad-scale ecological characteristics (e.g., shade tolerance). Quercus spp. exhibited marked underrepresentation in the smaller size-classes, suggesting an inability to self-perpetuate.
The Fate of Simple Organics on Titan's Surface: A Theoretical Perspective

Atmospheric photochemistry on Titan continuously transforms methane and nitrogen gases into various organic compounds. This study explores the fate of these molecules when they land on Titan's surface. Our analytical exploration reveals that most simple organics found in Titan's atmosphere, including all nitriles, triple‐bonded hydrocarbons, and benzene, land as solids. Only a few compounds are in the liquid phase, while only ethylene remains gaseous. For the simple organics that land as solids, we further examine their interactions with Titan's lake liquids. Utilizing principles of buoyancy, we found that flotation can be achieved via porosity‐induced (25%–60% porosity) or capillary force‐induced buoyancy for hydrogen cyanide ices on ethane‐rich lakes. Otherwise, these ices would sink and become lakebed sediments. By evaluating the timescale of flotation, our findings suggest that porosity‐induced flotation of millimeter‐sized and larger sediments is the only plausible mechanism for floating solids to explain the transient “magic islands” phenomena on Titan's lakes.
The Paradox of Industrial Involvement in Engineering Higher Education

This paper discusses the importance of reflective and socially conscious education in engineering schools, particularly within the EE/CS sector. While most engineering disciplines have historically aligned themselves with the demands of the technology industry, the lack of critical examination of industry practices and their impact on justice, equality, and sustainability is self-evident. Today, the for-profit engineering/technology companies, some of which are among the largest in the world, also shape the narrative of engineering education and research in universities. As engineering graduates form the largest cohorts within STEM disciplines in Western countries, they become future professionals who will work, lead, or even establish companies in this industry. Unfortunately, the curriculum within engineering education often lacks a deep understanding of social realities, an essential component of a comprehensive university education. Here we establish this unusual connection with the industry that has driven engineering higher education for several decades and its obvious negative impacts to society. We analyse this nexus and highlight the need for engineering schools to hold a more critical viewpoint. Given the wealth and power of modern technology companies, particularly in the ICT domain, questioning their techno-solutionism narrative is essential within the institutes of higher education.
Incoming CS1 Students' Misconceptions on Arrays

This paper investigates CS1 students' misconceptions of Java arrays. Each student entering a CS1 course has an initial mental model with a system of beliefs or intuitions about the course domain. The student's initial mental model largely impacts how they integrate new information into it. Oftentimes, these initial mental models are filled with misconceptions. If these misconceptions could be identified early in the semester, educators can attempt to address them with instruction or other educational interventions. But identifying these misconceptions cannot rely on qualitative methods due to the large sections in computing. Instead, we use a quantitative approach to collect assertions that exist in a student mental model. Then we use this representation of mental models to identify misconceptions. We provide a definition of a programming misconception based on mental model theories and use a questionnaire to identify misconceptions based on mental model consistency. We define a mental model as a collection of assertions, and we define a consistently chosen wrong assertion as a misconception. We have broken down Java arrays into a set of parts and state changes. The parts include array name, index, type, and element access. The state changes include array declaration, array instantiation, assignment of literals, and the more general assignment of arrays. We placed 30 wrong assertions multiple times as distractors in our questionnaire. In this paper, we report on our data collection and discuss the 16 misconceptions of arrays found to be held by novice programmers before classroom instruction on arrays. Nine misconceptions were documented for parts components and seven for state changes. Our results show that over half of our participants (out of 93) held at least one misconception before learning arrays in classrooms. CS1 students mostly held misconceptions related to the arrays' declarations (state change), and name, and element access (parts). From our data, the top most common misconceptions were about array declarations and initialization.
Screening of Streptococcus suis in swine workers of selected states in Peninsular Malaysia

Background and Aim: Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen that is highly associated with contact between live pigs and raw pig material. In view of the recent reports of human infections in Malaysia, epidemiological data on the status of S. suis in the human population, especially among people working closely with pigs and/or raw pork, should be provided. The aim of this study was to detect S. suis among individuals working in the swine industry in several major pig production areas in Peninsular Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Demographic information, exposure determinants, and oral swabs were collected from swine personnel, including farmers, butchers, and veterinarians. Oral swabs were subjected to bacterial isolation and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for S. suis detection. Results: The study included 40 participants working in the swine industry, with a predominant representation of males (62.5%) and Malaysian Chinese individuals (60.0%) who consumed pork (92.5%). Notably, none of the participants reported consuming raw or partially cooked pork. In spite of their occupational exposure risk, none of the oral swabs showed positive results for S. suis infection. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report and detection study of S. suis using oral swabs obtained from swine personnel in Peninsular Malaysia.
Corneal Epithelial Thickness Mapping: A Major Review

The corneal epithelium (CE) is the outermost layer of the cornea with constant turnover, relative stability, remarkable plasticity, and compensatory properties to mask alterations in the underlying stroma. The advent of quantitative imaging modalities capable of producing epithelial thickness mapping (ETM) has made it possible to characterize better the different patterns of epithelial remodeling. In this comprehensive synthesis, we reviewed all available data on ETM with different methods, including very high-frequency ultrasound (VHF-US) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in normal individuals, corneal or systemic diseases, and corneal surgical scenarios. We excluded OCT studies that manually measured the corneal epithelial thickness (CET) (e.g., by digital calipers) or the CE (e.g., by confocal scanning or handheld pachymeters). A comparison of different CET measuring technologies and devices capable of producing thickness maps is provided. Normative data on CET and the possible effects of gender, aging, diurnal changes, refraction, and intraocular pressure are discussed. We also reviewed ETM data in several corneal disorders, including keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, recurrent epithelial erosion, herpes keratitis, keratoplasty, bullous keratopathy, carcinoma in situ, pterygium, and limbal stem cell deficiency. The available data on the potential role of ETM in indicating refractive surgeries, planning the procedure, and assessing postoperative changes are reviewed. Alterations in ETM in systemic and ocular conditions such as eyelid abnormalities and dry eye disease and the effects of contact lenses, topical medications, and cataract surgery on the ETM profile are discussed.
Theft and Vandalism Control Measures on Construction Sites

Purpose: The goal of this study is to determine and improve the best security practices within Ghanaian construction sites to control theft and vandalism incidents. Design/Methodology/Approach: A purposive sampling technique was adopted for the population which were indigenous small and medium-sized construction firms of D1KI and D2K2 categories to complete the semi-structured questionnaire. Out of the total of 80 questionnaires distributed, only 65 responses were retrieved for analysis. Descriptive statistics comprising, frequencies and mean scores were used. Findings: The findings showed that the most effective and often utilized security measure on construction sites is the hiring of watchmen, with security cameras, alarm systems, and warning signs being the least frequently employed. Sites would most likely be protected from theft by effective implementation of the most important security measures while also guaranteeing that the value for money invested in site security is also realized. Research Limitation/Implications: The effectiveness of theft and vandalism control measures may vary based on specific site characteristics, such as location, size, and type of construction. Generalising findings from one site to all construction contexts may not be applicable. Social Implication: Incidents of theft and vandalism can lead to social tensions within the community, especially if residents perceive construction activities as a source of risk. Effective control measures mitigate these tensions, fostering a more harmonious relationship between construction companies and the local population. Practical Implication: Minimizing the impact of theft and vandalism contributes to the timely completion of construction projects. Unanticipated delays due to security incidents can be avoided, ensuring that projects adhere to planned schedules and deadlines. Originality/ Value: The originality of this paper lies in its targeted investigation into theft and vandalism control measures on small and medium-sized construction sites, offering innovative and contextually relevant solutions that address the unique challenges faced by SMEs in the construction industry.
The Effects of Particle LET and Fluence on the Complexity and Frequency of Clustered DNA Damage

Motivation: Clustered DNA-lesions are predominantly induced by ionizing radiation, particularly by high-LET particles, and considered as lethal damage. Quantification of this specific type of damage as a function of radiation parameters such as LET, dose rate, dose, and particle type can be informative for the prediction of biological outcome in radiobiological studies. This study investigated the induction and complexity of clustered DNA damage for three different types of particles at an LET range of 0.5–250 keV/μm. Methods: Nanometric volumes (36.0 nm3) of 15 base-pair DNA with its hydration shell was modeled. Electron, proton, and alpha particles at various energies were simulated to irradiate the nanometric volumes. The number of ionization events, low-energy electron spectra, and chemical yields for the formation of °OH, H°, eaq−, and H2O2 were calculated for each particle as a function of LET. Single- and double-strand breaks (SSB and DSB), base release, and clustered DNA-lesions were computed from the Monte-Carlo based quantification of the reactive species and measured yields of the species responsible for the DNA lesion formation. Results: The total amount of DNA damage depends on particle type and LET. The number of ionization events underestimates the quantity of DNA damage at LETs higher than 10 keV/μm. Minimum LETs of 9.4 and 11.5 keV/μm are required to induce clustered damage by a single track of proton and alpha particles, respectively. For a given radiation dose, an increase in LET reduces the number of particle tracks, leading to more complex clustered DNA damage, but a smaller number of separated clustered damage sites. Conclusions: The dependency of the number and the complexity of clustered DNA damage on LET and fluence suggests that the quantification of this damage can be a useful method for the estimation of the biological effectiveness of radiation. These results also suggest that medium-LET particles are more appropriate for the treatment of bulk targets, whereas high-LET particles can be more effective for small targets.