Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving learning outcomes of small groups working on an engineering design-assignment during lectures

In the past years, the interest in collaborative learning has increased substantially. However, despite the attention for collaborative learning and the existing body of knowledge on that topic, many lecturers experience problems when implementing collaborative learning. Consequently, the theoretical benefits of collaborative learning are not always achieved in practice. To address this gap, this research studied higher education students collaborating on an engineering design-assignment during lectures, as a form of collaborative learning. The specific research question was: how can lecturers improve learning outcomes of small groups working on an engineering design-assignment during lectures? The research is a design-based research, aimed at systematically investigating problems, and designing and evaluating solutions to improve lecturers’ actions and education. Five groups were videotaped when working on an assignment and the learning outcomes of those groups were assessed. Then, problems were analysed and possible solutions to improve learning outcomes were developed. The solutions had the form of practical interventions that lecturers could apply straight away. The interventions were evaluated by applying them to treatment groups and comparing their learning outcomes with those of control groups, which were not subjected to interventions. The results revealed that for most of the groups to which the interventions were applied, learning outcomes were better. However, there were also exceptions. Further analysis was needed to explain these. This research is relevant for lecturers who apply group work in their lectures because it reveals some mechanisms behind collaborative learning, and provides insight in variables that can be adjusted for further improvement. 1 Corresponding Author R.S. de Graaf r.s. degraaf@utwente.nl
A Local Temporal Difference Code for Distributional Reinforcement Learning

Recent theoretical and experimental results suggest that the dopamine system implements distributional temporal difference backups, allowing learning of the entire distributions of the long-run values of states rather than just their expected values. However, the distributional codes explored so far rely on a complex imputation step which crucially relies on spatial non-locality: in order to compute reward prediction errors, units must know not only their own state but also the states of the other units. It is far from clear how these steps could be implemented in realistic neural circuits. Here, we introduce the Laplace code: a local temporal difference code for distributional reinforcement learning that is representationally powerful and computationally straightforward. The code decomposes value distributions and prediction errors across three separated dimensions: reward magnitude (related to distributional quantiles), temporal discounting (related to the Laplace transform of future rewards) and time horizon (related to eligibility traces). Besides lending itself to a local learning rule, the decomposition recovers the temporal evolution of the immediate reward distribution, indicating all possible rewards at all future times. This increases representational capacity and allows for temporally-ﬂexible computations that immediately adjust to changing horizons or discount factors.
G3XMP2 INVESTIGATION OF AMINE INVERSION IN ANILINE AND ITS PARA ANILINES

Objective: This article addresses the inversion dynamics of aniline and para-anilines by G3XMP2 theory and the effect of substituents on the inversion barrier. Methods: The composite G3XMP2 method is used to evaluate the structural parameter, inversion barrier of aniline and para anilines. Results: The investigation shows that the electron donating substituents increase the inversion barrier by mesomeric and hyper conjugative effects. Thus it favours a non-planar structure. Electron withdrawing substituents, however, promote the planar structure by strong inductive effects. Of all the ten substituents studied, amino group yields high inversion barrier and results in a non-planar configuration, while the nitroso group attains low inversion barrier and accounts for the planar structure of amine group. Conclusion: The study concludes that the structure of amine group in aniline molecule is non-planar and its degree of non-planarity is heavily altered by the substituents. Keywords: Inversion barrier, G3XMP2, Aniline, Amino group, Planarity
Evidence for Canine Rehabil itation and Physical Therapy

Rehabilitation and physical therapy of companion animals are among the fastest growing branches of veterinary medicine. The scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of canine rehabilitation and physical therapy is relatively small, but that body of literature is growing. Twenty years ago, there was scant anecdotal information regarding rehabilitation in animals, and in particular, dogs. Most of the early literature pertaining to canine rehabilitation was based on the dog as a model for physical therapy in people. This information is important, yet it is often found in journals related to human physical therapy, and exercise and sport science. Fortunately, the advent of computer-based databases has increased the accessibility of these sources. Others
Perception of Ophthalmologists of COVID-19 Using the Health Belief Model

Purpose To assess ophthalmologists' preparedness in such a critical period in the history of pandemics, a logical socio-psychological framework assessment using the health belief model (HBM) is essential to evaluate their risk perception, their willingness to actively participate in engaging in protective health behavior and acknowledge its benefits, and their capability to perform adequate successful methods for limiting the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and overcome the barriers they might encounter while implementing such precautions. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital using a questionnaire-based (HBM) was distributed to 135 ophthalmologists in the institute to evaluate their risk perception of COVID-19 and determine which components of the HBM contribute to preventive health behavior related to the COVID-19 infection. Results The questionnaire had a reasonable response rate (79.3%, 107 ophthalmologists, including 48 consultants, 51 fellows, and 36 residents). The study demonstrated that this model is useful and mapped how several components were significantly correlated to actions. Most significantly, perceived susceptibility was the most important predictor of action. The second most important determinant of action was the perceived benefit. Conclusion Pandemics such as COVID-19 are likely to happen again in the future. Explicit attention to factors influencing motivation such as threat perception to adopt appropriate health-related behavior to limit the spread of communicable diseases is necessary. This study has successfully represented preparedness and risk behavior perception of ophthalmologists of the novel COVID-19 pandemic in one of the largest tertiary eye hospitals in the Middle East using the Health Belief Model.
Ajeyalemi, O. F., & Olarewaju, A. D. (2020). Low Cost Strategy as a Remedial Prescription for Resuscitating Nigeria’s Ailing Domestic Airline Industry: The customers’ perspective. Consumer Behavior Review, 4(2), 66-83

The number of domestic airlines operating in the Nigerian aviation industry have been on a steady decline for a number of years. This is despite a gradual increase in the average number of domestic travelers. Reasons adduced for this anomaly is related to high operational costs, debt burden and outstanding financial obligations. This study therefore examined low cost strategy as a prescription for struggling airlines in the Nigerian domestic airline industry. Stated preference theory served as the theoretical Resumo O número de companhias aéreas domésticas que operam no setor de aviação nigeriano tem diminuído constantemente há vários anos. Isso ocorre apesar de um aumento gradual no número médio de viajantes domésticos. Os motivos apresentados para essa anomalia estão relacionados a altos custos operacionais, carga de dívida e obrigações financeiras pendentes. Portanto, este estudo examinou a estratégia de baixo custo como receita para as companhias aéreas em dificuldades no setor aéreo doméstico da Nigéria. A teoria da Ajeyalemi & Olarewaju (2020) Consumer Behavior Review, 4(2), 66-83. 67 framework because it allowed the construction of realistic alternatives that respondents could choose from based on their preferences. The study was conducted in two phases using conjoint analysis. The first phase identified competitive tools relevant to Nigeria while the second phase involved respondents choosing from an orthogonal content analysis matrix based on selected factors and their attribute levels. Results indicated a high internal correlation value between observed and estimated preferences while no significant correlations was observed between the competitive tools, suggesting good model fit. Findings revealed that out of the six competitive tools, Refund policy and In-Flight Menu were the most important to passengers while Channel of ticket purchase was the least important. Based on the computer-generated pathworth utility matrix, the authors suggested a workable low-cost model that airlines could adopt to ensure survival and profitability. Implications are discussed.
Technical gap, trade partners and product mix evolution: how trading with China affects global CO2 emissions

Based on a highly disaggregated database (1033 products, 181 partners) that we have built in physical terms, we investigate the drivers of China’s environmental trade cost (measured by CO2 emissions) from 1995 to 2014. To do this, we first used the “material balance” method to estimate China’s environmental trade cost. Then, we applied a new procedure to identify the drivers of China’s environmental trade cost that contributes to a better understanding of the trade’s role in environmental issues. Finally, we employed additive index decomposition analysis to estimate the contribution of each driver and their statistical accuracy. The results show that China faces a significant environmental cost as a result of its trade integration. Over the period, China’s environmental trade cost first was constant and relatively low from 1995 to 2001, then increased sharply from 2001 to 2008 before falling in 2009 and restarting unstable growth between 2010 and 2014. The decomposition results show that the increase in China’s environmental trade cost is explained by the fact that China’s technical catch-up is no longer able to offset the foreign demand effect and the product mix effect of exports. This is mainly due to the sharp increase in foreign demand for Chinese products and the fact that China’s export structure is becoming dirty mainly due to China-North trade patterns. There are some evidences that dirty production has slowly shifted from rich countries (especially North) to China, and clean production has moved in the opposite way. This has become more important after China’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, more specifically since 2004. Therefore, our results are better explained by the pollution haven hypothesis. JEL classification: F18, O13, Q56, Q54.
Stored-Product Flight of Rhyzopertha dominica ( Coleoptera : Bostrichidae ) — a Spatio-Temporal Analysis With Pheromone Trapping and Population Genetics

The flight of the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), near grain storages and at distances from them, was investigated to assess the potential of these beetles to infest grain and spread insecticide resistance genes. We caught R. dominica in pheromone-baited flight traps (and blank controls) set at storages, in fields away from storages, and in native vegetation across a 12-mo period. A functional set of highly polymorphic microsatellite markers was developed, enabling population genetic analyses on the trapped beetles. Pheromone-baited traps caught just as many R. dominica adults at least 1 km from grain storages as were caught adjacent to grain storages. Samples of beetles caught were genetically homogeneous across the study area (over 7,000 km) in South Queensland, Australia. However, a change in genetic structure was detected at one bulk storage site. Subsequent analysis detected a heterozygous excess, which indicated a population bottleneck. Only a few beetles were caught during the winter months of June and July. To assess the mating status and potential fecundity of dispersing R. dominica females, we captured beetles as they left grain storages and quantified offspring production and life span in the laboratory. Nearly all (95%) of these dispersing females had mated and these produced an average of 242 offspring. We demonstrated that R. dominica populations in the study area display a high degree of connectivity and this is a result of the active dispersal of mated individuals of high potential fecundity.
Mycorrhizal Association: An Important Tool for the Management of Root Diseases

The word mycorrhiza is derived from classical Greek word for "mushroom" and "root". In a mycorrhizal association, the underground mycellium are in contact with plant roots, but without causing any harm to the plant. Fossil evidence (Remy et al., 1994) and DNA sequence analysis (Simon et al., 1993) suggest that this mutualism appeared 400-460 million years ago. Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi belong to the class Zygomycetes, order Endogonales (Benjamin, 1979) and family Endogonaceae. Mycorrhizal fungi are responsible in improving growth of host plant species due to increased nutrient uptake, production of growth promoting substances, tolerance to International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 9 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
EQULIBRIUM MEASURE OF A PRODUCT SUBSET OF C

In this note we show that an equilibrium measure of a product of two subsets of C n and C m , respectively, is a product of their equilibrium measures. We also obtain a formula for ( dd c max f u;v g ) p , where u;v are locally bounded plurisubharmonic functions and 2 (cid:20) p (cid:20) n .
The trans KCNMA1-M744T and cis ANXA11-I457V and DYDC2-P123R Variants are Associated with Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Results: We identified missense KCNMA1-M744T, ANXA11-I457V, and DYDC2-P123R variants at 10q21-q23. The proband and ten family members carried ANXA11-I457V and DYDC2-P123R identified in cis (digenic heterozygosity). Seven digenic carriers were affected including DCM (n = 3), heart failure (n = 1), left ventricular dysfunction (n = 3), arrhythmia (n = 2), MVP (n=2) and MR (n = 3). A single KCNMA1-M744T variant was identified in 11 individuals, including 4 affected with MVP or MR (n = 4), ventricular arrhythmia (n = 2), and WPW (n = 1). All three variants were identified in three family members and all were affected. Rare variants in cardiomyopathy-related genes such as CORIN-I52V, TTN-S21630P, TRPM7-Y537H, OTX1-H301del and FLNCN47S were identified in affected individuals.
Gaps of powers of consecutive primes and some consequences

Let $p_n$ denote the $n$-th prime number, $\{q_n\}$ be a sequence of positive numbers and $x\in\mathbb{R}$. In this note we prove that the inequality $$q_n p_{n+1}^{x}-q_{n+1}p_{n}^{x}<p_{n}^{x}p_{n+1}^{x-1}, $$ holds for infinitely many values of $n$. As it is shown, the key ingredient to obtain this behaviour is a consequence of an extension of the Kummer's characterization of convergent series of positive terms.
Elevated level of circulating histones in acute-on-chronic liver failure patients and mice with ConA-induced acute liver injury

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by a systematic inflammatory response and immunity disorder. Histones are extracellular damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules that modulate the inflammatory response in a wide range of diseases; however, their clinical significance in HBV-related ACLF remains elusive. Objective: We aimed to elucidate the relationship between the expression of circulating histones and disease severity in ACLF patients. Method: We measured the histone mRNA expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of ACLF patients. We also measured serum histones and other inflammatory cytokines in both ACLF patients and ConA-induced liver injury/failure mice. Results: Circulating histone levels were significantly higher in ACLF patients than chronic hepatitis B patients and healthy volunteers (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively). No significant difference in HIST2H4A mRNA expression was observed between groups. Serum histone levels closely correlated with serological markers and cytokine levels, including total bilirubin (TBIL), international normalized ratio (INR), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). A negative correlation was found between circulating histones and the prognosis of ACLF patients. Conclusion: Excessive circulating histones may play a crucial role in the systemic inflammation associated with ACLF and represent a potential therapeutic target.
Caracterização de isolados de Rhizoctonia spp., associados à mela do feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata), coletados em Roraima

The web blight caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani (teleomorph Thanatephorus cucumeris) is an important disease of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ] in Roraima state, Brazil. The aim of this work was to characterize 28 Rhizoctonia spp. isolates from cowpea plants with web blight, collected in two ecosystems (savannah and forest) in Roraima state. The characteristics evaluated were nuclear number, radial growth rate, the presence and morphology of microsclerotia, anastomosis group (AG) and pathogenicity test. One savannah isolate was binucleate and the others, savannah and forest isolates, were multinucleate. The radial growth rate on potato-dextrose-aga, at 25 oC in the dark, was 2.1 to 5.3 cm.day-1 for forest isolates and 2.7 to 5.8 cm.day-1 for savannah isolates. In these conditions, after three to four days, microsclerotia formation was observed. Two types of microsclerotia were differentiated: one type of 10 to 50 microsclerotia.Petri dish-1, formed as flat sclerotia mass, which was white when young and pale brown at maturity, 1 to 2 mm in diameter (most forest isolates) and another type of 100 microsclerotia.Petri dish-1, brown color, 68 to 541 µm in diameter (most savannah isolates). Among 28 Rhizoctonia isolates collected in Roraima state, 24 anastomosed with AG1-1A of Rhizoctonia solani.
Adult Discrimination Performance for Pediatric Acuity Test

METHODS. After their binocular acuity was measured with each test, eight adult observers (mean age, 27 years 6.3 SD; three emmetropes and five corrected myopes) were shown isolated single optotypes from the Allen figures, HOTV, Landolt C, Lea Numbers, Lea Symbols, Lighthouse, Patti Pics, Precision Vision numbers, and Tumbling E tests. A one-interval, two-alternative forced-choice protocol was used at a single distance, and each optotype was paired with all optotypes from the same chart. Confusion matrices were generated for each test and Luce’s (1963) biased-choice model was fit to each matrix to derive measures of pairwise similarity between the optotypes.
Investigation of the Calculus Microbiome in Canines and Felines Using Next-Generation Sequencing

The oral cavity of dogs and cats is colonized by hundreds of bacterial species. Here, we describe the bacterial composition in the dental calculus of dogs and cats. Dental calculus samples from 43 dogs and 4 cats were pooled into four different groups. Dogs were categorized into three groups: non-small breed dogs (NSB), non-brachycephalic small breed dogs (SB) and brachycephalic small breed dogs (SBb). The fourth group included cats. Bacterial communities were identified based on 16S rRNA sequencing (V3 and V4 hypervariable regions) with the Illumina platform. The numbers of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) identified in the three groups of dogs were 180, 190 and 150 and in NSB, SBb and SB, respectively, while in cats there were 111 OTUs. In dental calculus from both dogs and cats, the phylum Firmicutes had the highest proportion of read number, especially the class Clostridia. PCoA and UPGMA analysis revealed differences in the microbiomes of canine and feline calculus. Our findings demonstrated that the bacterial communities in calculus seemed to differ from those in other sites of the oral cavity. Calculus may serve as a potential habitßat for the growth of bacteria linked to canine and feline periodontal disease.
An Investigation on Protective Effect of Viburnum opulus L . Fruit Extract Against Ischemia / Reperfusion-Induced Oxidative Stress After Lung Transplantation in Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Viburnum opulus L. fruit extract against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced oxidative stress during the lung transplantation. For this purpose, 30 female rats were firstly randomized to form of donor and recipients. After then, the rats were divided into three groups named as control, I/R, and V. opulus + I/R. Experimental rats were subjected to lung transplantation with ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Transplantation-related lung injury was evaluated by multiple parameters. A significant decrease was observed in the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), and the levels of glutathione and total antioxidant status (TAS), whereas the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), and protein carbonyl were significantly increased in lung tissue samples of I/R group in comparison to the control group. However, treatment with V. opulus fruit extract resulted in significant reduction of MDA and protein carbonyl levels and increment of the antioxidant system. In conclusion, V. opulus fruit extract showed protective effects against I/R-induced oxidative stress during lung transplantation probably by the radical scavenging and antioxidant activity. Therefore, this fruit extract can be efficient in the prevention of I/R-related lung toxicity.
Acute Stress Decreases Competitiveness Among Men∗

An increased willingness to compete among men relative to women is thought to contribute to the overrepresentation of men in positions of leadership. One possible explanation for this increased competitiveness among men is that it is caused by the stress of high-stakes environments. In this paper we present evidence against this hypothesis. We exposed 434 men to a standard laboratory stress task in which they submerged their hand in cold water, and then measured their preferences for entering a competition relative to a piece-rate payment scheme. We find an 8 percentage point decrease in their willingness to enter the competition under stress relative to a control condition. The effect is a change in pure taste for competition, and cannot be explained by changes in beliefs about the choices of others, social preferences, risk preferences, overconfidence, or productivity. We conduct a meta-analysis in which we compare our findings to existing literature. We show that previous studies found effects of almost identical magnitude, but were not powered to detect them statistically. Together, our results suggest that stress decreases competitiveness among men, and that therefore the stress of high-stakes environments is unlikely to account for men’s high taste for competition.