Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel Antimicrobial Peptides from Saline Environments Active against E. faecalis and S. aureus: Identification, Characterisation and Potential Usage

Microorganisms inhabiting saline environments have been known for decades as producers of many valuable bioproducts. These substances include antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), the most recognizable of which are halocins produced by halophilic Archaea. As agents with a different modes of action from that of most conventionally used antibiotics, usually associated with an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane as a result of a formation of channels and pores, AMPs are a currently promising object of research focused on the investigation of antibiotics with non-standard modes of action. The aim of this study was to investigate antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant human pathogens of three peptides, which were synthetised based on sequences identified in metagenomes from saline environments. The investigations were performed against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Subsequently, the cytotoxicity and haemolytic properties of the tested peptides were verified. An in silico analysis of the interaction of the tested peptides with molecular targets for reference antibiotics was also carried out in order to verify whether or not they can act in a similar way. The P1 peptide manifested the growth inhibition of E. faecalis at a MIC50 of 32 µg/mL and the P3 peptide at a MIC50 of 32 µg/mL was shown to inhibit the growth of both E. faecalis and S. aureus. Furthermore, the P1 and P3 peptides were shown to have no cytotoxic or haemolytic activity against human cells.
Parameter extraction of solar panels using the graphical method

ABSTRACT An effective approach to extract the loss parameters of solar panel is developed and able to accurately represent their electrical behaviour. This method allows extracting the parameters of the single-diode model using only the information provided by the manufacturer's datasheet with a low-cost parameter determination technique and no complexity. The complete equation of the single- diode model of solar cells and panels is used, where the number of parameters to be calculated is reduced only to two parameters by a transcendental equation exclusively connecting the series resistance and the diode current, which is solved using the graphical method. The accuracy of the presented approach is justified by experimental data. In addition, the results of the proposed procedure are compared to the most recent proposed techniques in the literature. Furthermore, the results show a highly accurate; in particular, at the maximum power point, the error is still much less than 0.01%.
Evaluation of Recommended Learning Paths Using Process Mining and Log Skeletons: Conceptualization and Insight into an Online Mathematics Course

Academic institutions dedicate a substantial effort to ensure the academic success of their students. At the course level, teachers recommend learning paths (RLPs) for students to guarantee the achievement of their learning outcomes. In terms of performance, these kinds of approaches are deemed more effective than others based uniquely on performing a collection of independent activities. However, there is neither systematic means to validate if following the learning path (LP) is effective, nor to assess whether and to what extent students adhere to these recommendations. This article introduces a novel technique for modeling recommended LPs, including not only an evaluation of path utility, but also a quantitative measure of student adherence thereto using process mining, and more precisely, log skeletons. Following an event abstraction process regarding real student-recorded activity, a scoping process is employed to retain the trajectories that adhere to the prescribed LP. The method based on process mining is translated into practice by considering an online university mathematics course. Results confirm the applicability of the method and, in this case, reveal that adhering to the suggested path correlates positively with final grades. Few students strictly follow the prescribed LP, although the vast majority support it. The method can be easily applied to overcome several challenges associated with enhancing academic performance from the learning analytics perspective.
Moderation of Firm Size: Financial Performance on Disclosure of Corporate Social Responsibility

This study aims to determine and analyze the impact of financial performance on corporate social responsibility disclosure, with company size serving as a moderator. The population of this survey consisted of all 25 retail trade subsector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange between 2014 and 2016. The total number of entities included in this study was 43. As research samples, 32 quarterly financial reports from two corporations constituted the complete data processed. The secondary data used in the study were the company's financial statements obtained through documentation techniques. Several phases of testing will be performed on the data in this study, including descriptive statistical tests, selecting the best model (chow test, Hausman test, and lm test), and testing all hypotheses via partial tests (t-tests), moderation tests, and coefficient of determination tests. This study's findings indicate that financial performance as measured by ROA has a positive and statistically significant effect on CSR disclosure of retail trade on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. While company size can moderate the impact of financial performance proxy ROA on CSR disclosure of retail business on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, ROA has a positive and significant effect.
Performance evaluation of round type rice straw balers

Field capacity was recorded as 0.11 ha/h at the forward speed of 1.7 to 1.8 km/h for Baler I and 0.27 ha/h at the forward speed of 1.8 to 2 km/h for Baler II. Cost of operation of Baler II (` 4 472/ha) was lesser than that of Baler I (` 6 556/ha). The average fuel consumption was 2.3 l/h, but in the case of Baler II was 2.125 l/h. The highest baling efficiency of 96% was recorded for Baler II and the lowest efficiency of 85% was recorded for Baler I. Overall, the performance of Baler II was better than the Baler I.
Projected trends of extreme rainfall events from CMIP5 models over Central Africa

In this study, the projections of daily rainfall from an ensemble mean of 20 global climate models (GCMs) are used to examine projected trends in heavy rainfall distribution over Central Africa (CA), under the representative concentration pathway 8.5. For this purpose, two analyses periods of 40‐years have been selected (2006–2045 and 2056–2095) to compute trends in the 90th and 99th percentiles of the daily rainfall distributions. We found that large increase trend is mostly found in the 99th percentile of rainfall events, over southern Chad, northern Cameroon, northern Zambia, and in the Great Lakes Area. This can be attributed to the increase of moisture convergence intensified by the presence of the Congo Basin rainforest. It is also shown that the largest number of GCMs with a trend of the same sign as the average trend is observed over the above regions. It is thus clear that the projected increase trends in heavy rainfall events may further worse floods which are real problems in the CA countries. Therefore, strong subregional policies are needed to help design effective adaptation and mitigation measures for the region's countries.
Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines in Pregnant and Lactating Mexican Women and Breastfed Infants: A Survey-Based Study

COVID-19 vaccines’ safety has been extensively studied; however, further analysis is required in pregnant women, nursing mothers, and breastfed infants. Our aim was to compare the extension and severity of self-reported COVID-19 vaccine side effects in pregnant and breastfeeding women, and breastfed infants. In this cross-sectional study, COVID-19-vaccinated subjects were enrolled using an online survey in Mexico. Women were classified by pregnancy and breastfeeding status at the time of vaccination (n = 3167). After the first or only dose, there was a trend toward fewer systemic effects in pregnant women (p = 0.06). BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech) had a higher frequency of local symptoms in pregnancy. Lactating women experienced fewer local symptoms after the first or single dose (p = 0.04) and the opposite occurred after the second dose (p = 0.001). ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca) increased the chances of developing both local and systemic symptoms after the first dose but decreased them after the second dose. The severity was similar across groups, although the result of lack of association in pregnancy requires studies with a larger sample size. Irritability was the most reported symptom in breastfed infants. This study contributes to the knowledge about the side effects in pregnant and lactating women, and breastfed babies.
Trauma, Help-Seeking, and the Strong Black Woman

Research suggests when confronted with hardship, Black women in the United States seek help less than other. This finding may be explained by the cultural stereotype of the Strong Black Woman (SBW). SBW consists of three factors: Mask of Strength, Self-Reliance/Strength, and Caretaking. The current study examined the connection between self-endorsement of SBW and help-seeking behavior and intention, following a traumatic event for Black college women. The SBW full scale was not significantly related to actual help-seeking or intention to seek help. However, post-hoc analyses indicated the three SBW subscales had both positive and negative effects. Greater endorsement of the Caretaking and Self-Reliance subscales positively predicted actual help-seeking and formal actual help-seeking, respectively. However, greater endorsement of the Mask of Strength subscale predicted less help-seeking and fewer intentions to seek help. The findings indicated a more nuanced approach may be needed when studying SBW or working in clinical settings. It may be helpful to bolster aspects of the stereotype, such as the desire to be a good caretaker, while redefining other aspects, such as emotional invulnerability.
The Design of Cluster Randomized Trials With Random Cross-Classifications

Data from cluster randomized trials do not always have a pure hierarchical structure. For instance, students are nested within schools that may be crossed by neighborhoods, and soldiers are nested within army units that may be crossed by mental health–care professionals. It is important that the random cross-classification is taken into account while planning a cluster randomized trial. This article presents sample size equations, such that a desired power level is achieved for the test on treatment effect. Furthermore, it also presents optimal sample sizes given a budgetary constraint, with a special focus on conditional optimal designs where one of the sample sizes is fixed beforehand. The optimal design methodology is illustrated using a postdeployment training to reduce ill-health in armed forces personnel.
Oscillatory flow regimes for a circular cylinder near a plane boundary

Oscillatory flow around a circular cylinder close to a plane boundary is numerically investigated at low-to-intermediate Keulegan–Carpenter ( $KC$ ) and Stokes numbers ( $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$ ) for different gap-to-diameter ratios ( $e/D$ ). A set of unique flow regimes is observed and classified based on the established nomenclature in the ( $KC,\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$ )-space. It is found that the flow is not only influenced by $e/D$ but also by the ratio of the thickness of the Stokes boundary layer ( $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}$ ) to the gap size (e). At relatively large $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}/e$ values, vortex shedding through the gap is suppressed and vortices are only shed from the top of the cylinder. At intermediate values of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}/e$ , flow through the gap is enhanced, resulting in horizontal gap vortex shedding. As $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}/e$ is further reduced below a critical value, the influence of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}/e$ becomes negligible and the flow is largely dependent on $e/D$ . A hysteresis phenomenon is observed for the transitions in the flow regime. The physical mechanisms responsible for the hysteresis and the variation of marginal stability curves with $e/D$ are explored at $KC=6$ through specifically designed numerical simulations. The Stokes boundary layer over the plane boundary is found to be responsible for the relatively large hysteresis range over $0.25<e/D<1.0$ . Three mechanisms have been identified to the change of the marginal stability curve over $e/D$ , which are the blockage effect due to the geometry setting, the favourable pressure gradient over the gap and the location of the leading eigenmode relative to the cylinder.
A study of laser-induced surface defects in silicon and impact on electrical properties

Laser processing of silicon solar cells has unique advantages that offer the potential for low-cost high-efficiency photovoltaic devices. The understanding, monitoring, and control of laser-induced defects in silicon become important challenges that limit photovoltaic efficiency. In this work, the fundamental investigation of laser-induced defects was achieved by identifying defect types and origins at different laser-fluence regimes, assessing defect concentrations, and evaluating their impact on surface electrical properties and photovoltaic device performance. Studies showed that below laser melting, little degradation of electrical properties is observed, but no defects are identified; between laser melting and ablation, point defects and oxygen incorporation mainly occur; above laser ablation, dislocations and strain are primarily generated. Laser-induced dislocation density and strain are found likely to increase exponentially with laser fluence, and laser-induced strain is identified to be a possible major source of dislocation generation. In order to understand carrier recombination and charge transport in laser-processed silicon surface, we quantified the drift mobility, conductivity, carrier lifetime, and leakage current at various laser fluences and dislocation levels. The laser-defect induced degradation of surface electrical properties is governed by a probable exponential relationship with laser fluence, suggesting that laser-processing fluences near silicon melting should be carefully chosen for minimizing induced defects and electrical property degradation. Finally, the control of laser-induced defects was demonstrated through laser or furnace post annealing of laser-processed solar cell devices. After two laser-annealing steps, the open circuit voltage, fill factor, series resistance, and shunt resistance were significantly improved, resulting in an increased photovoltaic efficiency.Laser processing of silicon solar cells has unique advantages that offer the potential for low-cost high-efficiency photovoltaic devices. The understanding, monitoring, and control of laser-induced defects in silicon become important challenges that limit photovoltaic efficiency. In this work, the fundamental investigation of laser-induced defects was achieved by identifying defect types and origins at different laser-fluence regimes, assessing defect concentrations, and evaluating their impact on surface electrical properties and photovoltaic device performance. Studies showed that below laser melting, little degradation of electrical properties is observed, but no defects are identified; between laser melting and ablation, point defects and oxygen incorporation mainly occur; above laser ablation, dislocations and strain are primarily generated. Laser-induced dislocation density and strain are found likely to increase exponentially with laser fluence, and laser-induced strain is identified to be a possib.
Sala de Aula Invertida: a análise de uma experiência na disciplina de Cálculo I

Abstract This paper aims to present the results of a first-time experiment conducted using the concept of inverted classroom (or flipped classroom) in the discipline of Differential and Integral Calculus I, in Engineering courses at ITA (Instituto Tecnologico de Aeronautica). The flipped classroom is characterized, according to Valente (2014), as a form of e-learning, in which the contents and instructions are studied online way before class time class, where practical activities will be carried out, such as problem solving and projects, group discussion, among others. This study highlights the potential, some of the problems faced, and the opinions of students in the methodology. This also shows that, regardless of the difficulties faced during the experience, there is a need for innovative approaches regarding Calculus teaching in higher education. Keywords: Flipped Classroom. Digital Technologies. Differential and Integral Calculus I. Engineering course. 1 Introducao
How useful are closed captions for learning mathematics via online video?

ABSTRACT Closed captioning of instructional videos is a topic that has not seen much discussion despite its importance for hearing-impaired students and recent legal ramifications if videos are not appropriately captioned. In particular, it is unclear what best practice in captioning videos should be to benefit all learners in disciplines such as mathematics with a reliance on the development of visual explanation while providing audio narration. In this paper, we report on a study undertaken at an Australian university, to investigate the perceived level of usefulness of captions and their automatic translations in a mathematics course. We discovered that students broadly agreed that captions are a useful learning feature: to allow flexibility of where and when a video is watched, but also to help understand speaker accents, and clarify explanations that are difficult to hear in the recording. Due to the high levels of use and perceived educational benefits of closed captions in online video but limited literature, there is a significant need for new research in this area. An urgent discussion is needed to explore how students engage with closed captions, how they may support learning, and to investigate implications on instructional design of mathematical videos.
The Role of Autonomy-Supportive Teaching Method in EFL Learning Contexts Worldwide

One of the ultimate objectivities of education is to produce proficient, confident, and self-reliant learners possessing life-long learning characters. To comply with this educational aim, it is critically indispensable for worldwide EFL teachers to design a wide variety of student-oriented, encouraging, and meaningful learning activities sustaining the internalization of the autonomy-supportive teaching method. This present small-scale qualitative investigation was conducted through library study approach. Twenty current autonomy-supportive teaching literatures were selected to yield new enlightenment toward globalized ELT stakeholders’ beliefs concerning the critical importance of this student-centered learning mode in modern EFL areas. Based on the in-depth library analysis, the further utilization of the autonomy-supportive teaching method is highly recommended since EFL learners have transformed into more competent and self-reliant target language learners accompanied by the intensive learning supports addressed by language teachers. Some important suggestions are suggested for the future advancement of this current qualitative study.
Approximating Equilibria with Ex-Post Heterogeneity and Aggregate Risk

Dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models with ex-post heterogeneity due to idiosyncratic risk have to be solved numerically. This is a nontrivial task as the cross-sectional distribution of endogenous variables becomes an element of the state space due to aggregate risk. Existing global solution methods have assumed bounded rationality in terms of a parametric law of motion of aggregate variables in order to reduce dimensionality. In this paper, we remove that assumption and compute a fully rational equilibrium dependent on the whole cross-sectional distribution. Dimensionality is tackled by polynomial chaos expansions, a projection technique for square-integrable random variables, resulting in a nonparametric law of motion. We establish conditions under which our method converges and approximation error bounds. Economically, we find that the bounded rationality assumption leads to significantly more inequality than in a fully rational equilibrium. Furthermore, more risk sharing in form of redistribution can lead to higher systemic risk.
Culture of Dependency and Federal Spirit in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Almost thirty years after the General Framework for Peace (DPA) was initialled in Dayton and then signed in Paris, Bosnia and Herzegovina has not taken full ownership over its governance. The Office of the High Representative (OHR), which has been given the responsibility to oversee the civilian implementation of the DPA, has been heavily criticized for being controversial, undemocratic, illegal, and it has been seen as an obstacle to the EU integration of the country. This paper analyses the effects of civilian international presence on the governance of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It argues that such strong and long-lasting international control fosters a culture of dependency in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which in turn jeopardizes the creation of federal spirit in the country.
Theoretical estimation of quench occurrence and propagation based on generalized thermoelasticity for LTS/HTS tapes triggered by a spot heater

The present study deals with the thermal characteristics and mechanical behaviors of low/high temperature superconducting (LTS/HTS) composite tapes during quench processes triggered by a spot heater. Based on the generalized thermoelastic theory, a dynamic thermoelastic model with a relaxation time is developed which takes into account the temperature dependence and finite speed of heat propagation for the superconducting tapes under cryogenic condition. The analyses were performed using the finite element method to solve the coupled differential equations of dynamic heat conduction and elastic equilibrium. The results show that the thermoelastic behaviors exhibit a strong relevance to quench characteristics of the superconductors. As a quench occurs, the thermoelastic strain-rate has an obvious jumping variation with the instant of time of its peak being fortunately coincident with the time at which the critical temperature is reached. Such a jumping change of strain-rate could be a way of estimation and detection of quench occurrence, and the theoretical predictions coincide with the existing experimental observations on thermoelastic strain-rate in LTS magnets. For a HTS tape, the thermoelastic strain-rate or temperature-rate variation and a small jump also are illustrated as the quench occurrence is determined. Additionally, the normal zone propagation velocities for the LTS/HTS tapes are predicted by the critical temperature and thermoelastic strain-rate to show quite good agreements with the results evaluated by Wilson’s formula for a LTS tape or the experimental measurements for a HTS tape. The influences of the relaxation time of heat conduction and thermoelastic coupling on the thermal distribution and strain profile are also discussed in details.