Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developing a Higher Order Thinking Skill-Oriented and Metacognitive-Based Assessment for Vocational School Students

This study aims to provide an assessment instrument oriented to Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) based on metacognitive skill. The research product was analyzed for feasibility using a validation test of constructs and contents. The assessment instrument was measured with the difficulty and different levels of the questions. A valid product is tested to acknowledge the user's response. The results showed that the construct and content validation is valid, with 94 percent and 91 percent, respectively. The analysis of the different levels of the question showed a good different result. It implies that the instrument points lead to HOTS, which can improve students' metacognitive skills. The revised instrument was tested to the users, with the response was about 86.17 percent. The validation result from the experts and the response of the user can be concluded that the instrument of the HOTS-oriented and metacognitive-based assessment is entirely feasible, so it can be used as a guideline and reference by the teachers in the vocational school to develop similar products.
Genotyping of Albania olive (Olea europaea) germplasm by SSR molecular marker

The increasing interest in olive varieties with high productivity and quality is the basis of modern olive growing. The molecular characterization of olive varieties is essential to maximize the genetic diversity in the in situ and ex situ collections of the olive germplasm. The importance of studies aimed at identification and selection of genotypes that meet the requirements for plant nursery certification, for oils traceability and to preserve genotypes that are not widespread from risks of extinction, is evident. In this context, DNA fingerprinting represents a valid tool because the productivity and quality of olive oil are intrinsic characteristics of the original varieties. To date, the Albanian olive-growing heritage has been little studied and the number of varieties has not yet been well defined. As a consequence, it doesn’t a precise characterization of the Albanian genetic entities. The aim of this work was to contribute in clarifying the identity of the Albanian olive cultivars, using the SSR molecular markers. We have genotyped olive trees at the level of nine nuclear microsatellite loci or SSR, pre-selected among those present in the literature and we have identified 38 unique genotypes. It has not been possible to establish a clear correlation between clustering of plants, depending on molecular profiles, and the geographical distribution of origin or maturation period or the intended use of drupes. However, our results show a high genetic diversity and a high discrimination capacity of the tested SSR markers.
Asparagine endopeptidase cleaves tau at N167 after uptake into microglia

Background Tau cleavage by different proteolytic enzymes generates short, aggregation-prone fragments that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Asparagine endopeptidase (AEP) activity in particular has been associated with tau dysfunction and aggregation, and the activity of the protease is increased in both aging and AD. Methods and Results Using a mass spectrometry approach we identified a novel tau cleavage site at N167 and confirmed its processing by AEP. In combination with the previously known site at N368, we show that AEP cleavage yields a tau fragment that is present in both control and AD brains at similar levels. AEP is a lysosomal enzyme, and our data suggest that it is expressed in microglia rather than in neurons. Accordingly, we observe tau cleavage at N167 and N368 after endocytotic uptake into microglia, but not neurons. However, tau168-368 does not accumulate in microglia and we thus conclude that the fragment is part of a proteolytic cascade leading to tau degradation. Conclusions While we confirm previous studies showing increased overall AEP activity in AD brains, our data suggests that AEP-mediated cleavage of tau is a physiological event occurring during microglial degradation of the secreted neuronal protein. The disease-associated increase in active AEP may thus be related to pro-inflammatory conditions in AD brains, and our findings argue against AEP inhibition as a therapeutic approach in AD.
All on Board? New Evidence on Board Characteristics from a Large Panel of UK FTSE Indices

This study analyses whether the board characteristics (diversity attributes, competitive capital, time commitment) of companies listed on the Financial Times Stock Exchange FTSE100 exhibit a different performance compared to those associated with conventional benchmark indices (FTSE250, FTSE SMALLCAP (small capitalisation), FTSE Fledgling, and FTSE All-Shar). Using multivariate analysis and unbalanced panel data over the period 2000−2014, we provide novel evidence on how the UK stock market indices react to diversity in board characteristics. Our findings reveal that different aspects of board characteristics are significantly correlated with the performance of FTSE indices. This study further confirms that boards with high levels of diversity maintain better and more effective levels of governance, in particular for companies listed on FTSE100 and FTSE250. Interestingly, we report that the competitive capital and busyness associated with boards of companies listed on FTSE100 have professional, well-educated, and socially connected boards, and show a clear pattern whereby boards become significantly less competitive as firm size decreases.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis of Allium sativum L. and Nymphaea lotus L.

The use of Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in screening secondary metabolites provides valuable information on qualitative, quantitative and the pattern of the biologically active compounds. The present study was carried out to identify functional groups present in water, methanol and n-hexane extracts of Allium sativum and Nymphaea lotus. It was revealed that Allium sativum and Nymphaea lotus possess numerous secondary metabolites {A. sativum L. (isothiocynate, acid halide, conjugated aldehyde, imine/oxime, halo compound, conjugated amine, alphaticprimary amine, aldehyde, anhydride, α,β-unsaturated ketone, carboxylic acid, nitro compound, aromatic ester) and N. lotus L. (aliphatic primary amine, halo compound, anhydride, vinyl ether, cabocylic acid, cyclic alkene, unsaturated ketone, aldehyde, aliphatic primary amine, aldehyde, alkane, benzene derivative, sulphide, alkene, akyl aryl ether, sulfonyl chloride, δ-lactone, imine/oxime, thiocyanate, amine salt, esters, alkene, nitro compound, sulphate, sulphone, akyl aryl ether, aromatic ester, fluoro compound, amine salt, sulphonyl chloride, tertiary alchohol, α,βunsaturated ketone, alkyne, allene, sulfonic acid, α,β-unsaturated ester, alphatic primary amine, amine, sulfonyl chloride, vinyl ether, aromatic amine, alphatic ketone, isothiocyanate, thiocynate, conjugated alkene and anhydride)} that may be biologically active which could be useful in production of antimicrobials and other medicinal products that can be of high benefits in proffering reliable alternative medicine to human and animal diseases. Original Research Article Jesse; AJACR, 6(2): 7-24, 2020; Article no.AJACR. 57610 8
Farmers' willingness to pay for Sinar donkey conservation in selected districts of Metekel and Assosa zones, northwest Ethiopia: a contingent valuation study

Melak A, Belayhun T, Kefyalew E, Hailu A, Mustefa A, Assefa A. 2020. Farmers' willingness to pay for Sinar donkey conservation in selected districts of Metekel and Assosa zones, northwest Ethiopia: a contingent valuation study. Biodiversitas 21: 3373-3379. A survey was conducted through single field visits and interviews with 160 respondents in selected districts of Assosa and Metekel Zones, Northwestern Ethiopia, to elicit farmers' willingness to pay for Sinar donkey conservation. Two districts namely Guba and Sherkole were purposively selected from the zones based on the availability of Sinar donkey breeds. Eight representative kebeles were selected from the two districts. A total of 160 households (each district 80 households) were selected randomly. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires were prepared to collect data on socio-economic and farming system characteristics. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize data and average means were compared using SPSS version 23.0 software. Logistic regression was applied to see the effect of independent variables on the dependent variable. The contingent valuation method was used to know farmers' willingness to pay for conservation of the Sinar donkey breed. The average willingness to pay for the conservation was 98.25 Ethiopian Birr or 3.265US dollars for the conservation program per household per annum. The cash income of the respondents influenced the willingness to pay for the conservation program. This study supports the view that the economic valuation of donkey genetic resources can assist policymakers in setting conservation priorities.
Stand Dynamics and Structure of Two Primary Champlain Valley Clayplain Forests, Vermont

Abstract Understanding natural forest dynamics is critical for informing forest restoration and conservation efforts. However, such information is often difficult to generate for areas that have a long history of intense land use, such as the Champlain Valley of Vermont. We used dendroecological methods and assessments of forest structural conditions to describe the tree recruitment history and structural dynamics of 2 examples of valley clayplain forest, a rare natural community that has been drastically reduced in extent by agricultural land use in the Champlain Valley. Although historic selective harvesting had occurred in the areas sampled, these sites represent the best remaining examples of semi-natural valley clayplain forests in the region, thus providing an opportunity to document long-term patterns of structural and compositional conditions and tree recruitment in areas with limited land-use. Age structures in these 2 areas were strongly uneven-aged, with older cohorts composed of Quercus alba (White Oak), including an individual dating to the 1640s, and recruitment over the past 2 centuries dominated by Tsuga canadensis (Eastern Hemlock). Size distributions of live trees also reflected these patterns of recruitment, with White Oak occurring exclusively in larger diameter classes (>35 cm) and Eastern Hemlock predominating across all smaller size classes. We observed sparse regeneration of Quercus spp. (oaks) in these areas, suggesting that this historically important component of valley clayplain forests may disappear over time in the absence of large, stand-scale natural disturbances or management activities focused on the perpetuation of this species group.
Are graduates as good as they think? A discussion of overconfidence among graduates and its impact on employability

Purpose The analysis critically examines overconfidence in numeracy among higher education (HE) graduates and its impact on their employability. The paper discusses the extent to which graduates, due to higher qualifications, overstate their numerical abilities. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a review of the academic literature examining the theoretical significance of overconfidence in higher education. The review subsequently draws on practice and policy reports that evidence graduates’ overconfidence in numeracy and basic skills. Findings The article shows a significant interaction between the level of qualification and overstatement of numerical abilities. The analysis found that graduates do not always have an important basic skill such as numeracy whose impact on work performance is significant. Practical /implications The findings are momentous for rethinking higher education curricula, employee development in organisations and government skills strategy. The article advocates more inclusive and interpretive research for a greater understanding of the issues and offer useful data to policymakers and higher education institutions in preparing graduates for work and decision-making. Further research in the field is required to enable the formulation of more authoritative conclusions. Originality/value A critical contribution of this reflection is to have linked the evidence from the academic literature with employer surveys about graduate basic skills to draw the attention to a vital issue affecting national and organisational productivity, thus, substantiating anecdotal evidence about graduate overconfidence. This reinforces the value of systematic literature review in research as it provides an opportunity for more informed policy formulation as well as extending the body of research.
Biotransformation of bovine tannery fleshing into utilizable product with multifunctionalities

Abstract Leather industries aim at the transformation of putrescible animal raw hides and skins into a stable non-putrescible material (leather), ultimately resulting in solid wastes generation. Storage of limed bovine fleshing, a predominant proteinaceous solid waste material from pre-tanning processes is highly discouraged due to their putrescible nature. Diversely, bio-conversion of solid waste into a saleable product could be achieved by bacterial fermentation process. Lactic acid (LA) fermentation with Delimed Bovine Tannery Fleshing (DBTF) by Lactobacillus plantarum was experimented; incubation time, tapioca flour and lactose were the three prime independent variables studied. Maximum LA production in steam cooked DBTF medium was achieved with pH 6; inoculum 12.5% (v/w); lactose 8.81% (w/w) and tapioca flour 8.9% (w/w) at 96 hours of fermentation. Initial yield of about 4.56 g/L of LA (p < .05), upon statistical manipulation of the medium composition marked up to 12.36 g/L, enabling 2.7-fold increase in the LA production with DBTF as a relatively cut-rate substrate. Fermentation resulted in Fermented Fleshing Flour (FFF) with marked protein level of 76.32% and lower fibre content. Formation of protein hydrolysates and new acid groups in FFF were authenticated via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopic (FE-SEM) and Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopic (FTIR) analyses respectively. In situ acid (LA) generation and formation of protein hydrolysates/free amino acids during LA fermentation points to the antibacterial (against Gram-negative bacteria, followed by Gram-positive bacteria) and in vitro antioxidative properties with dose dependency, of FFF, favouring its possible utilization in aqua feed industries as a superior grade proteinaceous feed ingredient with inbuilt bio-functionalities. ”
Baccaurea ramiflora: Isolation of Aldehydes and in Vitro Biological Investigations

The stem bark of Baccaurea ramiflora was studied. Four aldehydes named as 3 methoxy 4 hydroxy-cinnamaldehyde (coniferyl aldehyde); 3, 4, 5 trimethoxy cinnamaldehyde; 3, 4, 5 trimethoxy benzaldehyde and 3,4 dimethoxy benzaldehyde) (veratraldehyde) have been isolated and then identified by NMR spectroscopy. All of them are first time reported for this plant. Here in vitro biological investigations include antioxidant and cytotoxicity study. Among all fractions, the chloroform soluble fraction exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity having IC50 value of 12.87 μg/ml compared to BHT (IC50 value 5.64 μg/ml). On the contrary, aqueous soluble fraction exhibited most toxicity towards brine shrimp compared with vincristine sulphate having LC50 value of 1.44 and 0.9258 μg/ml respectively.
Understanding Fantasy and Adult Doll Play Through Regression in Service of the Self

This study explored doll play activities involving adult doll collectors, and students who participated in an experimental story creation task which incorporated dolls/toy images and urban/landscape settings. It was expected that a secure versus insecure sense of self would perform a mediating role. The study involved two data collections: Online and Laboratory. Both phases used a 10 item questionnaire regarding participant’s sense of self. The online phase measured attitudes about fantasy and play, along with creative aspects of the doll hobby by adult collectors. The laboratory phase sought to determine whether doll play activity involving undergraduate students could be simulated in a laboratory setting. We found that in both samples, a positive correlation was found between insecure sense of self and fantasy proneness. This indicates that adult collectors and to an extent undergraduates may utilize fantasy (e.g., world building) and doll play as an act of defensive regression to resolve internal conflicts. Subsequently, a negative correlation between planning the doll aesthetic and fantasy proneness was found in the adult collectors’ sample, which may indicate regression in service of the self.
Informational demand across the globe: toward a comparative understanding of information exchange

Abstract This study examines the information demands of decision-makers from across the globe in their exchanges with interest organizations. It proposes two explanatory factors that drive these information demands: democracy and development. We argue that decision-makers’ information demands vary depending on whether they hail from developed countries or developing countries, as well as the extent to which their political systems are democratically accountable. We test our expectations based on interviews with 297 decision-makers from 107 different countries who were active during transnational trade and climate change negotiations. Our findings demonstrate that decision-makers from less developed countries exhibit a higher preference for interactions with organizations that provide them with technical information. Decision-makers from democratically accountable countries, by contrast, tend to place relatively greater value on political information provided by interest groups.
Correlation of glycemic control in newborn at birth in relation to maternal glycemic control: A prospective clinical study

Aim: Correlation of glycemic control in newborn at birth in relation to maternal glycemic control. Materials and Methods: The present prospective clinical study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology, SVS Medical College and Hospital, MBNR. 35 cases were found to be eligible for inclusion in the study. Results: Mean maternal age was 27.14 years. 40.0% patients were primigravida and 60.0% were multigravida. Significant correlation of neonatal hypoglycemia at maternal HbA1c >6.5 was observed. Conclusion: The transmission of mothers glycemic control to newborn, which acts as a screening test and thereby helps in preventing asymptomatic hypoglycemia and long-term neurologic dysfunction.
To determine if digital pulse oximetry is an acceptable screening tool for asymptomatic peripheral vascular disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus: An observational study

Methods: The present analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among 80 patients of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with asymptomatic PVD were included. The diagnostic accuracy of Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) and pulse oximetry as a screening tool was compared against Color Doppler ultrasonography as the reference standard.
Temporal Upscaling of Rice Evapotranspiration Based on Canopy Resistance in a Water-Saving Irrigated Rice Field

An important element of the hydrologic cycle, the hydrometeorological parameter of evapotranspiration (ET), is critical in the development of effective water resources planning and irrigation scheduling. The ET varies in response to changes in resistance at the canopy surface rc and soil moisture content θ, especially under water-saving irrigation (WSI) practices. Drawing on data collected by eddy covariance in WSI rice paddies in eastern China in 2015 and 2016, variations in ET were studied by calculating and analyzing hourly canopy resistance and daily canopy resistance . Discrepancies were noted between true daily ET with respect to the estimated daily ET at different periods [0700–1600 local time (UTC + 8)]. To estimate in the WSI rice fields, the mean value between 0900 and 1000 LT, and between 1000 and 1100 LT performed considerably better than for a single time. Seasonal estimated ET can be accurately calculated by interpolating at different time intervals, thereby achieving a greater correlation and consistency at 2-day intervals. Then a generalized two-segment line of variation was used to calculate , achieving good results and showing that in the absence of observational data, could be easily calculated through a simplified pattern of variability. In conclusion, an ET temporal upscaling method for a WSI paddy, based on variation in and values, was optimized and is recommended for local application. Future work will focus on temporal upscaling of ET by extrapolating remote sensing instantaneous estimates to daily values.
Valuation Responses to Random Changes in Perceived Risk: The Impact of Terrorism on the Defence Sector

ABSTRACT This study explores the impact of random changes in risk perceptions that occur as a result of terrorist attacks by examining abnormal variations in defence sector valuations. Using a market model event study methodology, the market impacts of three different sets of terror events are measured: Mass casualty events, events that occur in OECD countries, and events that occur in BRICS countries. The findings are tested against a series of explanatory variables that capture characteristics of the domestic defence sector for 21 country-level sector indices and characteristics of the event itself. Results demonstrate that the response of the defence sector to terror events depends more on event characteristics than economic characteristics, contrary to much of the prevalent literature. We also find that speculation in the defence sector persists for several days following an attack indicating that investors broadly expect a military response, particularly in the case of mass casualty events.
Fatigue life estimation of continuous girder bridges based on the sequence of loading

Abstract A need exists to determine the fatigue life of multi-span continuous bridges in the design stage. It is difficult to conduct a full-scale fatigue test of a bridge, hence the simulation of bridge-vehicle interaction dynamics is important to estimate the fatigue life of bridges. The vehicles entering the bridge are random in nature. In the present study, the arrival time of the vehicles is considered a random variable following Poisson process to simulate the actual traffic. The bridge-vehicle coupled system equations have been derived wherein the vehicle arrival rate appears as random variable casting difficulty in obtaining a direct solution. The solution approach has been devised using Orthogonal Polynomial Expansion method. Response statistics so obtained for a multi-span continuous bridge has been used in fatigue life estimation involving crack initiation phase and crack propagation phase modifying conventional linear damage rule. The sequence of loading is also considered in the modified fatigue formulation. The effect of the vehicle speed, road surface irregularity and the arrival rate of the vehicle on fatigue life estimation of the bridge have been studied.