Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blended learning engagement in public and private higher education institutions: a differential item functioning analysis of students' background

Purpose – Digital technology has transformed teaching and learning in such a way that it seems imperative lecturers and institutions need to adapt and adopt a blended learning model of instruction across disciplines. However, there is a scarcity of studies to determine the degree of students’ engagement on blended or online university courses. The purpose of the study is to investigate students’ cognitive engagement, emotional engagement, and behavioural engagement in a blended learning model of instruction as well as specifically assesstheir engagement based on demographic factors such as age, gender, field of study, ethnicity, and type of institution in leading Malaysian public and private higher education institutions. Methodology – A non-experimental quantitative research design was employed in this study. 462 undergraduate and postgraduate students were sampled using the Blended Learning Readiness Engagement Questionnaire©. Subsequently, WINSTEPS Rasch model measurement software was used to determine the reliability and validity of the research instrument. Descriptive statistics and differential item functioning (DIF) were conducted to assess students’ engagement in a blended learning model of instruction with the latter analysing specifically on student’s demographic factors such as age,gender, field of study, ethnicity, and type of institution. Findings – Findings show high levels of engagement in blended learning activities among students in both public and private higher education institutions based on their cognitive, emotional, and behavioural engagement processes. Findings also indicates differences in students’ engagement based on demographic factors such as age, gender, field of study, ethnicity, and type of institution. Significance – The findings of this study will help lecturers reflect on their own teaching practices in this era of technology advancement where a blended learning model of instruction are given increased prioritisation and proliferation. Implications and recommendations for future research in blended learning practices are presented.
L’expression du déplacement en italien L2

Cet article vise à analyser la conceptualisation spatiale dans une tâche narrative orale (Frog story) chez des adultes apprenants d’italien langue seconde (L2) qui se distinguent (a) par leur langue maternelle (L1, anglais ou français) et (b) par leur niveau de compétence en L2 (intermédiaire vs avancé). Pour ce faire, nous adoptons une méthodologie impliquant des comparaisons entre les récits de groupes natifs et non natifs ayant accompli la même tâche, afin de comprendre de quelle manière les apprenants se rapprochent de la langue cible (LC) et s’ils sont influencés par leur L1 lors du discours spatial en L2. Les usages natifs des locuteurs des L1 observées confirment les différences inter-typologiques entre les langues à cadrage verbal, le français et l’italien, et à cadrage satellitaire, l’anglais (Talmy, 1985, 2000). Néanmoins, une variation intra-typologique entre l’italien et le français est attestée : seul l’italien exploite des constructions satellitaires. Les données en L2 révèlent que les productions des apprenants intermédiaires sont assez similaires quelle que soit la L1, alors que des phénomènes évidents de transfert conceptuel sont attestés aux stades avancés lorsqu’il y a des similarités structurelles entre la langue source (LS) et la LC et que l’input en fournit une évidence positive.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on the Tip Leakage Vortex Cavitation in an Axial Flow Pump with Different Tip Clearances

The tip gap existing between the blade tip and casing can give rise to tip leakage flow and interfere with the main flow, which causes unstable flow characteristics and intricate vortex in the passage. Investigation on the tip clearance effect is of great important due to its extensive applications in the rotating component of pumps. In this study, a scaling axial flow pump used in a south-north water diversion project with different sizes of tip clearances was employed to study the tip clearance effect on tip leakage vortex (TLV) characteristics. This analysis is based on a modified turbulence model. Validations were carried out using a high-speed photography technique. The tip clearance effect on the generation and evolution of TLV was investigated through the mean velocity, pressure, and vorticity fields. Results show that there are two kinds of TLV structures in the tip region. Accompanied by tip clearance increasing, the viscous loss in the tip area of the axial flow pump increases. Furthermore, the tip clearance effect on pressure distribution in the blade passage is discussed. Beyond that, the tip clearance effect on vortex core pressure and cavitation is studied.
Stabilising large grains in self-forming steep channels

Abstract. It is understood that the interaction between sediment supply and discharge drives first-order behaviour of alluvial deposits. The influence of the grain size distribution over the mobility and resultant evolution is, however, unclear. Four experiments were conducted in a scaled physical model for two grain size distributions, analogous to a one-dimensional self-formed alluvial fan. We demonstrate the unsuitability of the median grain size as a predictor of deposit behaviour at flows when the material is not equally mobile. The results instead suggest, during conditions of unequal mobility, that the largest grains control the transport efficiency of the overall sediment mixture, and thus also the morphodynamics of the deposit and its tendency to store or evacuate material. Deposits appear to show a dependence upon the rate of material supply more strongly when the likelihood of its motion is less equally distributed (i.e. under partial transport conditions). If the coarse fraction (e.g. greater than 84th percentile) is instead mobile due to increased discharge or because of their relative size, transport rates will increase and the behaviour of the mixtures converge to a common state, with morphology influenced by the material's mobility.
Malaria: What are the Needs for Diagnosis, Treatment and Control?

According to the World Health Organization, malaria has been noted for many years in the world causing a life threatening effects. It is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium species. Despite progress in fighting malaria worldwide, the disease kills 236,000-635,000 peoples annually. Children less than five years of age living in Sub-Saharan Africa are mainly the affected groups. By 2015, malaria accounted for just 10% of under-five deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Although rapid diagnostic and molecular tests for malaria are increasing in prevalence and importance, the standard method for malaria diagnosis in much of the world remains the examination of thick and thin blood films. As recommended by the World Health Organization, the management of suspected malaria cases relies on early diagnosis and effective treatment based on artemisinin-combined therapy (ACT). Likewise, including Ethiopia, most countries with Plasmodium falciparum malaria has adopted ACTs as a first-line treatment; with Arthemeter Lumefantrine (AL) now the first line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Ethiopia. In areas where chloroquine is still effective, P. vivax malaria should be treated with this drug. Where resistance to chloroquine has been documented, P. vivax malaria should be treated with an appropriate ACT. Most reviews and findings revealed that the control and elimination of malaria require expanded coverage of and access to effective malaria control interventions such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), intermittent preventive treatment (IPT), diagnostic testing and appropriate treatment. In malaria endemic areas, parasite resistance to most commonly used anti-malarial drugs, insecticide resistance in the vector and changing of biting behavior of the vectors are involving problems to eradicate malaria. As a result, the massive incidence of malaria in the Third World makes vaccine as the major tool for effective disease control and eradication. This paper reviews the available information on the malaria epidemiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, treatment and control strategies and gives insight for the needs of sustained diagnosis, treatment and control.
An Honors Teacher Like Me: Effects of Access to Same-Race Teachers on Black Students’ Advanced-Track Enrollment and Performance

Using rich administrative data from North Carolina and school-course fixed effects models, this study explores whether the availability of same-race instructors in advanced-track sections of courses affects Black high school students’ enrollment in, and performance in, advanced-track courses. The availability of at least one Black instructor at the advanced level is associated with a 2 percentage point increase in the uptake of advanced courses for Black students. However, conditional on enrollment in the advanced track, Black students are no more likely to pass advanced-track courses when taught by Black teachers. Positive effects on enrollment are driven by enrollment shifts for higher achieving students. Additional analyses showing benefits to non-Black students suggest that the main channels are not race-specific role model effects.
Interrelationship of serum TSH with BMI in patients with thyroid disorders

Introduction: The endocrine system is evaluated primarily by measuring hormone concentrations, thereby arming the clinician with valuable diagnostic information. Thyroid Hormones which increase the basal metabolic rate and thermogenesis have been reported to be one of leptins regulating factors because alterations of thyroid status might lead to compensatory changes in circulatory leptin. Aim: The aim of this study was to find the correlation of Serum TSH with BMI in patients with thyroid disorder (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism). Material & Methods: 30 diagnosed cases of thyroid disorders out of which 20 were of hypothyroidism and 10 were of hyperthyroidism and 30 healthy controls were recruited in our study. Serum TSH levels were estimated in both cases and controls using ELISA method. BMI was calculated using QUETLET’S index as body weight (kg) divided by height squared (m2). Results: In our study we found a significant (p=<0.001) positive correlation(r=0.514) of TSH with BMI in hypothyroid patients whereas a non significant (p=.551) positive correlation(r=.215) was found in hyperthyroid patients. Conclusion: Even small changes in the TSH levels can have an effect on BMI profile. In hypothyroid patients there is increase in weight so increase in BMI and also increase in TSH. On the other hand in hyperthyroid individuals there is loss of weight so decrease in BMI and also decrease in TSH. But further large scale data is required to confirm our findings.
Infection dynamics of Cryptosporidium bovis and Cryptosporidium ryanae in cattle

In order to investigate the infection dynamics of the protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium bovis and Cryptosporidium ryanae in cattle, a Swedish dairy farm known to be free of C. parvum was recruited. Two sampling regimes were utilized; a cross-sectional study of pre-weaned calves over one year (study I), and a two-year prospective cohort study (study II). In study I, feces samples were collected from up to twenty calves once a month (13 occasions). In study II samples were collected from 16 heifers from birth to calving. They were sampled once a week for two months, and then monthly until calving. The samples were cleaned using a flotation method and examined with immunofluorescence microscopy to quantify the shedding. The Cryptosporidium positive samples were further processed with molecular species determination. In study I, a total of 238 samples were examined and oocysts were found in 92 samples, of which 72 were successfully species determined: 87.5% were C. bovis, 9.7% were C. ryanae and 2.8% were a mix of both species. In the cohort (study II), a total of 455 samples were collected and for calves up to nine weeks old, C. bovis was found in 58.5% of the samples, C. ryanae in 9.2%, and both C. bovis and C. ryanae in 3.1%. No parvum was found in either study. The prevalence of shedding calves was at its highest at ages four and five weeks in both studies: 54.8% and 56.7% in study I, 81.3% and 87.5% in study II. The cumulative incidence in the cohort reached 100% when the calves were five weeks old, which is earlier than what many international studies have shown for C. bovis. The highest oocysts per gram feces count (OPG) were 1.1 × 106 and 3.6 × 106 in study I and study II, respectively. The youngest calf in which C. bovis was identified was 5 days old, and the youngest calf in which C. ryanae was identified was 15 days old. In four calves in study II, the detected species changed from C. bovis to C. ryanae or the other way around, and two samples were a combination of both species. Several individuals shed oocysts sporadically up to 16 months of age. Calf housing type and seasonality were not associated with differences in the shedding of oocysts (I). There was no association between the presence of diarrhea and oocyst shedding.
Temperature Dependence on Ferroelectric, Energy Storage Density, and Electric Field-Induced Strain Response of Lead-Free Bi0.485(Na0.388K0.097)Ba0.021Sr0.009TiO3 Ceramics

Abstract In this research, Bi0.485(Na0.388K0.097)Ba0.021Sr0. 009TiO3 or BNKBSrT ceramic sintered at various temperatures from 1100 °C to 1150 °C were investigated. The optimum density (5.80 g/cm3), mechanical (HK = 5.3 GPa, HV = 4.1 GPa, E = 62 GPa, and KIC = 1.35 MPa m1/2), dielectric (εr = 1525, tanδ = 0.0566), piezoelectric (d33 = 172 pC/N, g33 = 12 × 10−3 Vm/N), electric field-induced strain (Smax = 0.32%, d*33 = Smax/Emax = 640 pm/V, Q33 = 0.0340 m4/C2), and energy storage (W = 0.55 J/cm3, η = 67.2% @ 150 °C) were obtained for the ceramic sintered at 1125 °C.
EFEKTIVITAS MODEL PEMBELAJARAN INKUIRI MELALUI PRAKTIKUM BERBASIS LESSON STUDY TERHADAP PENGUASAAN KONSEP SISTEM RESPIRASI

ABSTRAKBelajar merupakan suatu upaya yang dilakukan seseorang untuk memperoleh suatu perubahan tingkah laku sebagai hasil pengalamannya sendiri dalam interaksi dengan lingkungannya. Adapun tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu 1). mengkaji penguasaan konsep mahamahasiswa dengan model pembelajaran inkuiri berbasis praktikum melalui lesson study pada konsep respirasi. 2) Mengkaji aktivitas mahasiswa terhadap penggunaan model pembelajaran inkuiri berbasis praktikum melalui lesson study pada konsep respirasi. Metode kuasi eksperimen dengan disain one shot case study. Sampel penelitian yaitu mahasiswa kelas A dan kelas B semester I Program Studi Pendidikan Biologi FKIP, Universitas Pakuan Bogor sebanyak 45 orang. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada mata kuliah praktikum Biologi Umum dengan materi Respirasi. Instrumen yang digunakan untuk mengukur penguasaan konsep menggunakan soal essai ditambah dengan lembar observasi ketika proses pebelajaran. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pembelajaran inkuiri melalui praktikum berbasis lesson study sangat efektif dalam meningkatkan penguasaan konsep sistem respirasi dan aktivitas mahasiswa pada saat proses pembelajaran. Hal ini dilihat dari banyaknya nilai mahasiswa yang melebihi batas ketuntasan sebanyak 80%. Saran agar dosen dapat menerapkan kegiatan laboratorium berbasis inkuiri pada materi lain.Kata kunci: Inkuiri, Praktikum, Penguasaan Konsep ABSTRACTLearning is an efforts done by someone to achieve a change in behavior as a result of his/her own interaction with the environment. This research is aimed at 1). Studying students’ mastery concept using inquiry learning model through practicum based lesson study on respiration concept. 2). Studying students’ activity through the use of inquiry learning model through practicum based lesson study on respiration concept. Quasi experiment method with one shot case study is used in this research. The sample is 45 students form class A and B of the first semester of Biology Study Program Faculty of Teachers Training and Education Sciences Pakuan University Bogor. The research was conducted on general biology practicum, discussing respiration system material. Instrument used in measuring mastery concept are essay test item and observational sheet to check the finding during teaching learning process. The result shows that inquiry learning through practicum with lesson study based is very effective in improving mastery concept of respiration system and students activity during teaching learning process. It can be seen from students’ score which mostly higher than mastery limit around 80%. It is suggested that lecturer can apply laboratories activity inquiry based on other materials. Keyword: Inquiry, Practicum, Concept Mastery
Is oxidation of atmospheric mercury controlled by different mechanisms in the polluted continental boundary layer vs. remote marine boundary layer?

Deposition of atmospheric mercury is of global concern, primarily due to health effects associated with efficient bioaccumulation of mercury in marine food webs. Although oxidation of gaseous elementary mercury (GEM), the major fraction of atmospheric mercury, is a critical stage in regulating atmospheric mercury deposition efficiency, this oxidation is currently not well-characterized, limiting modeling-based assessments of mercury in the environment. Based on a previous study, we hypothesized that the oxidation of GEM is predominantly controlled by multistep bromine- and chlorine-induced oxidation (MBCO) in the remote marine boundary layer (RMBL), and by photochemical smog oxidants, primarily ozone (O3) and hydroxyl radical (OH), in the polluted continental boundary layer (PCBL). To test this hypothesis, we used the following analyses: (i) application of a newly developed criterion to evaluate the gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM)–O3 association based on previous studies in the RMBL and PCBL; (ii) measurement-based box simulations of GEM oxidation in the RMBL and at a PCBL site; and (iii) measurement-based analysis of photochemical oxidation vs. other processes which potentially influence GOM. Our model simulations indicated that the MBCO mechanism can reproduce GOM levels in the RMBL, but not in the PCBL. Our data analysis suggested the important role of photochemical smog oxidants in GEM oxidation in the PCBL, potentially masked by the effect of relative humidity and entrainment of free tropospheric air.
The Analysis on the Usage of Thematic Teaching Materials Grade IV at Elementary School

The curriculum which prevails at elementary school nowadays is curriculum 2013 with integrated-thematic learning approach. The demand of education development causes the establishment of new teaching materials which are in line with the needs. Therefore, an analysis on the usage of teaching materials as the basic of development and improvement of that teaching materials is pivotal in order to make it in line with education development. The method of this research was descriptive qualitative. Data collection techniques were observation, interview, and documentation. The results of this research give description on the usage of thematic teaching materials grade IV at Elementary School. The materials which are in accordance with the kids’ condition, implementation, and students’ centered learning, the availability of teaching materials which are difficult to get sometimes, lack of learning time until not achieving the target. Thematic teaching materials teach the students to experience learning and its implementation until they become more active and creative. However, still there are some of the students who are active in the learning. Low learning achievement at theme 4 and 6. The materials at theme 4 and 6, its content is still new for the students until the teacher finds difficulty in conducting learning by doing. Teaching materials theme 4 and 6 suppose to be designed better in order to encourage the students to study more independently and have meaningful learning experience. The teacher has developed teaching materials, however not maximal yet.
Surgery proposals in elderly colorectal cancer patients : a clinical vignette study

Considering geriatric assessments components in elderly patients can assist physicians in making better treatment proposals in heterogeneous elderly patients. The aim of this study is to explore whether and how additional geriatric assessment information changes treatment proposals for older CRC patients by the multidisciplinary treatment team (MDT). A rigorous mixed method approach was used to identify and select relevant proposal-criteria in older CRC patients. Six attributes (age, cancer stage, comorbidities and functional, cognitive and social status) with different attribute-levels were combined in clinical vignettes using a conjoint analysis rating approach. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression analysis and the coefficient range method were used to analyze the results. Physicians (n=26) proposed surgery in most vignettes (71%) and proposals were changed after considering the additional CGA information in 19% of the clinical vignettes. Mean certainty for treatment proposals was lower after considering the additional CGA information and also in intermediate and worst candidates for surgery. Patients were more likely not to receive surgery when they were older (β:-3,368; p:0,006), had more comorbidity (β:-3,459; p:0,003), had cognitive impairment (β:-2,527; p:0,002) and had social support (β:-2,956; p:0,011). In the coefficient range method the level of comorbidity (25%), age (24%) and social support (21%) had the highest part-worth utilities. Overall tendency to propose surgery was high and additional CGA information has little influence on these proposals. The relative importance of general information and CGA information was similar. Mean certainty decreased after considering the additional CGA information and also in intermediate and worst patient vignettes. Especially in these surgery candidates (identified with geriatric screening tools), CGA information should be considered. This enables making treatment proposals with more attention for elderly specific issues.
3DPortCityMeasure: Methodology for the Comparative Study of Good Practices in Port–City Integration

Most port cities have a long history of investment in the waterfront, adapting these spaces to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants and increase the tourist interest of the city, in a 50-year process of waterfront regeneration that started in the late 1960s. Even though one of the drivers of development in today’s port cities continues to be the transfer of knowledge and experiences between different cases, not all these cities have achieved their goals, nor have all done so in a sustainable way. This article exposes a new methodology, motivated by the need to carry out a comparative study of good practices of port–city integration for twelve specific cases. To enable a comparison of intangible realities such as port–city integration, it is mandatory to have a common benchmark to quantify features of cities from different cases. The 3DPortCityMeasure methodology is intended to provide a framework for analysing port-city integration, with results that supply an immediate understanding of each case. This tool enables direct comparative evaluation and provides support for land use planning and urban design approaches. The results show that the proposed approach for measuring intangible factors in the field of the port–city relationship is a very useful tool, novel in this discipline, and fully applicable to other cases and other urban issues.