Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of critical thinking skills in microbiology learning through mini project assignments during the Covid-19 pandemic

Covid-19 pandemic has colored a new order of learning in Higher Education, from conventional learning towards online and offline learning. Learning in Higher Education is expected to improve students’ critical thinking skills. Learning microbiology that the material is learned about microorganisms so it needs analysis of thinking skills, so with a contextual-based approach. The assignment of a mini research project as an alternative to improve critical thinking skills. The purpose of this study was to analyze the critical thinking skills of students giving mini research project assignments on microbiology learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. The method in this study was descriptive qualitative. The results showed students’ critical thinking skills in the ability to identify and the ability to evaluate very well a number of 11 students (100%) got a score of 4 (the highest score) while the ability to link a number of 9 (81.82%). Conclusions in the research assignment of mini research projects could improve critical thinking in the ability to identify and evaluate problems in the category is very good.
Molecular markers in Carya illinoinensis (Juglandaceae): from genetic characterization to molecular breeding

ABSTRACT Carya illinoinensis (pecan) is a fruit crop native to Mexico and the USA and cultivated across the world. Despite the advances of the molecular markers’ technologies and their use in genetic studies of diversity and breeding, studies with this species only reticently accompanied this progress. Here we review the studies using molecular markers, the gaps, and the perspectives concerning these technologies in pecaniculture. The selection of plants more adapted to the particular conditions where the species is cultivated and the obligatory outcrossing mode of reproduction lead the species to generate several new genetic combinations. Molecular markers were employed to assess this diversity, using PCR-based markers and sequencing-based technologies. Genetic diversity was characterised in natural populations and collections of pecan germplasm. Markers putatively linked to traits of interest were reported and the genome sequencing technology provided insights into the evolution of the species. The outcomes of these studies still have to be integrated and further exploited to reach and impact the orchards and breeding programmes. However, the scientific advances in molecular markers research and the growth of the pecan’s supply chain may drive to a scenario in which these biotechnologies will become tools regularly assisting breeders and farmers.
Taxonomic position of the two sympatric forms of Chondracanthus chamissoi (f. lessonii and f. chauvinii) (Rhodophyta, Gigartinaceae) by using two molecular markers

The red seaweed Chondracanthus chamissoi shows high morphological variability. Initially, three species were identified based on the width of the main axis of their blades. Later, all of them were included in a single species with two morphological groups. Recently, quantitative studies demonstrated the existence of two forms in C. chamissoi : f. lessonii and f. chauvinii . It was also shown that these two forms occur in sympatry, growing side by side. These forms were not associated with either a life cycle phase or the sex of the blades. This study aimed to determine whether the two forms could represent different species. We evaluated the forms' taxonomic position using COI and rbc L markers, including samples from three localities in southern Chile. All specimens shared a single rbc L haplotype, whereas the two COI haplotypes differed by four base pairs and were present in blades of both forms and life cycle phases. The two morphological types correspond to intraspecific forms. This species is of commercial importance, and its main market is aimed at human consumption with a marked preference for f. lessonii .
Biocultural nation making: Biopolitics, cultural-territorial belonging, and national protected areas

While the academic literature on biopolitics has investigated how the life of the population and its biological capacities have increasingly become the target of political concern and intervention largely at the scale of the nation, the literature on nations and nationalism has explored nations as cultural-territorial units including questions of their emergence, ongoing production, and impacts. What these share is a similar if not nearly identical object of analysis: the nation or national population. These, however, are realms of scholarly debate that have largely, and quite surprisingly, bypassed one another. This paper advances the concept of biocultural nation making to bridge these debates and illustrate that nation making is at once biological and cultural-territorial and that these are deeply intertwined. We ground this in the experience of Canadian national parks, highlighting how “natural” environments like national parks are key sites of biocultural, and increasingly neoliberal, national production. Here, state conservation organizations promote park visitation as a means of, first, enabling an active, healthy, and economically productive national population. Second, parks are promoted on the grounds that they enable the experience of distinctively Canadian landscapes and places of national inclusion especially as park visitorship is expanded to include nontraditional visitors including immigrants, urban communities, and the youth. Parks, in short, have become vehicles of biocultural, and increasingly neoliberal, nation making. While there are indeed affirmative aspects to this, we also highlight hidden exclusions tied to the embrace of neoliberal logic, the limits of multiculturalism, and the ongoing erasure of Indigenous communities.
Subsurface seismic imaging with a hammer drilling source at an exploration drilling test center in Örebro, Sweden 

<p>Seismic imaging while drilling technology offers possibilities of imaging ahead of the drill-bit, which could be useful for determining when to go from hammer drilling to core drilling. Moreover, seismic images of the surrounding rock can improve geological models which could be then used to guide drilling programs. </p><p>A seismic imaging while drilling field test was carried out in August 2020 at the I-EDDA Test Center next to the Epiroc factory in &#214;rebro, which is an outcome of the EIT Raw Materials funded project &#8220;Innovative Exploration Drilling and Data Acquisition (I-EDDA)&#8221;. The purpose of the test presented here was to determine if the signals from hammer drilling can be used for seismic imaging around the drill-bit. The I-EDDA test site has been extensively investigated with geophysical investigations, geological mapping and diamond core drilling, and it therefore represents an ideal location to perform the proposed feasibility study. </p><p>The data were recorded along a west-east oriented line consisting of 45 active 1C vertical geophones with a spacing of about 2 m and the rig located approximately in the middle of the profile. A reference signal, which is usually recorded by the pilot sensor fixed to the top of the drill string to be used to convert geophone recordings to impulsive-like seismic data, was not available. The passive recordings on the surface were thus correlated with the trace from the geophone closest to the rig. </p><p>After data pre-processing and cross-correlation, the shot-gathers were vertically stacked over the length of a drill pipe to achieve further signal improvement. A comparison with the results of a modelling study shows certain agreement. However, it has to be noted that the velocity model obtained from earlier studies and used to generate the synthetic data set here is rather a simple one and the noise level in the real data set is still significant, in spite of careful processing. Besides the strong contamination by the rig noise, more typical for data with smaller offsets, the mono-frequency waveform footprints present in the cross-correlograms, which have been observed in similar experiments where a trace from the nearest geophone was used to approximate the bit signal, could also play a role. The recent results from the active seismic studies conducted at the site have not detected any clear reflections within the bedrock, which further hinders the quality assessment of the seismic signal. </p><p>&#160;</p><p>&#160;</p><p>This work was partly supported by VINNOVA with the project 2019-04832 titled Integrated Smart Test environment for the mining industry - SMIG. We gratefully acknowledge this financial support. </p>
Compressive and Flexural Behaviour of Mortar Infiltrated Fiber Concrete Using Different Types of Fibres

This paper examined the comparison between the mechanical properties of mortar infiltrated fibers concrete with two types of fibers (End hooked steel fiber and Synthetic fiber) with varying fibre volume. The difference in properties of the concrete with steel fiber, concrete without fiber and concrete with Synthetic fiber was determined. Compressive strength and flexural strength (Modulus of rupture) of concrete were determined. The concrete mixing containing [0% control, (2,4 and 6%)] fibre volume of (End Hooked) and Synthetic fiber were used for compressive and flexural strengths tests. Steel fiber was (30 mm) in length and (0.5mm) diameter, while Synthetic fiber was (60mm) in length and (0.84mm) diameter. the concrete cube used was (100×100mm) for compressive strength test, also beam used for flexural strength test with dimensions (400×100×100mm). The results showed that with increasing volumetric ratio of fiber, the compressive strength and flexural strength increase. The compressive strength and flexural strength of hooked fiber have a much higher extent increasing than that of synthetic fiber.
Moving Hands-On Mechanical Engineering Experiences Online: Course Redesigns and Student Perspectives

Hands-on lab experiences are essential for enabling students to be successful engineers, especially those who identify as kinesthetic learners. This case study describes how a Mechanical Engineering Practice course sequence was redesigned during the COVID-19 emergency transition to remote learning and examines how students responded to these changes. The remote course included videos of Graduate Teaching Assistants conducting data acquisition phases of the practice session to replace hands-on experiments. To understand student perspectives and performance, researchers reviewed approximately 400 reflective essays from Spring 2020, and compared assignment submissions between Fall 2019 and Spring 2020. Results suggest that some students perceived the loss of hands-on activities as detrimental to their learning and it was not comparable to face-to-face counterparts. Furthermore, students felt forced to develop self-directed learning skills. However, in contrast to student comments in reflective essays, comparisons of assignment submissions suggested that students in Spring 2020 did not receive lower grades or have a reduced demonstration of conceptual knowledge obtained in the course.
High-throughput sequencing method to study the dynamic changes of microbial communities in second-generation fermented lettuce

Pickle has been loved by consumers since ancient times because of its unique taste, strong flavor, simple process and long shelf life. Complex microbial succession activities promote the fermentation process of pickle. In this paper, high-throughput sequencing methods were used to study the bacterial microbial dynamics of the second-round fermentation lettuce artificially inoculated with Lactobacillus. The results showed that as the fermentation progressed, at the bacterial genus level, Lactobacillus are the dominant genus in the fermentation process. In the late fermentation stage, the dynamic changes of microorganisms tend to be stable. These results provide ideas and new strategies for the development of pickle products using lettuce as the main vegetable raw material.
Examining the potential impacts of processes associated with urbanization and land use changes on inundation depths in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey in Houston

ABSTRACT This study explored to examine the potential impacts of population change and processes associated with urban development and land use changes on damage levels due to Hurricane Harvey in the greater Houston area. Results from linear mixed effects modeling suggested that certain social and demographic aspects of urbanization such as population growth, increase in the number of housing units, and management and professional occupations can be detrimental to the ecosystem of the greater Houston area. Another important finding was that damage-levels due to the hurricane were more severe in zip codes characterized by declines in median household income and increased unemployment. Emergency response planning and mitigation should focus on these areas.
The Role of College-Bound Friends in College Enrollment Decisions by Race, Ethnicity, and Gender

This study examines the association between college-bound friends and college enrollment using restricted transcript data from the High School Longitudinal Study. Propensity score matching and school fixed effects models suggest that having close college-bound friends is positively associated with enrolling in college. However, Black and Latino male students are much less likely to benefit from having college-bound friends than others, suggesting that structural and cultural factors that are tied to race, ethnicity, and gender may limit the beneficial potential of friends, especially for these male Black and Latino students. Implications for addressing racial and ethnic disparities in college enrollment and for the role of friends in college enrollment decisions are discussed.
Organic carbon dynamics in interrows of Vitis vinifera with different years of soil use and management

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of soil use and management on organic carbon stocks in the interrows of Vitis vinifera with different years of cultivation. A vineyard located in Rio Grande do Sul state, with 4, 9 and 16 years of management, was evaluated. Soil samples from different layers, 0.0-0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.30, 0.30-0.40, 0.40-0.50 and 0.50-0.60 m, were collected on wheel tracks, between wheel tracks and under the planting rows. As a reference, samples were collected in native grassland of the region. Organic matter content, bulk density and soil porosity were evaluated. Carbon stock was determined according to the correction of the sampled thickness. The results were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey test at 0.05 probability level. Soil management caused alterations in its structure and organic matter content, observed mainly in the first 30 cm, regardless of the area studied. Highest values of bulk density were observed on the tractor wheel tracks, followed by under the planting row and between wheel tracks. Alteration in soil cover for vineyard planting led to a reduction in the carbon stock, compared to the native grassland. The area under management for 4 years showed higher carbon stocks between the wheel tracks, whereas the areas under 9 and 16 years of management showed highest values in the wheel tracks.
Association of Antibiotic Use with the Resistance Epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Hospital Setting: A Four-Year Retrospective Time Series Analysis

Background: Even though, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections, treatment is challenging because of decreasing rates of susceptibility to many broad-spectrum antibiotics. Methods: Consumption data of eight broad spectrum antimicrobial agents and resistance rates of P. aeruginosa were collected for 48 consecutive months. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and transfer functions models were used to develop relationships between antibiotic use and resistance. Results: Positive correlations between P. aeruginosa resistance and uses of ciprofloxacin (p < 0.001), meropenem (p < 0.001), and cefepime (p = 0.005) were identified. Transfer function models showed the quantified effect of each of these antibiotics on resistance. Regarding levofloxacin, ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam and imipenem, no significant relationships were found. For ceftazidime and levofloxacin, this was probably due to their low consumption, while for imipenem the reason can possibly be ascribed to the already high established P. aeruginosa resistance in the hospital. Conclusion: In the hospital setting, the effect of antimicrobial agents’ consumption on the susceptibility epidemiology of P. aeruginosa differs significantly for each one of them. In this study, the role of precedent use of meropenem, cefepime and ciprofloxacin was quantified in the development of P. aeruginosa resistance.
Operational Wave Forecast Selection in the Atlantic Ocean Using Random Forests

The existence of multiple wave forecasts leads to the question of which one should be used in practical ocean engineering applications. Ensemble forecasts have emerged as an important complement to deterministic forecasts, with better performances at mid-to-long ranges; however, they add another option to the variety of wave predictions that are available nowadays. This study developed random forest (RF) postprocessing models to identify the best wave forecast between two National Centers for Environmental Protection (NCEP) products (deterministic and ensemble). The supervised learning classifier was trained using National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) buoy data and the RF model accuracies were analyzed as a function of the forecast time. A careful feature selection was performed by evaluating the impact of the wind and wave variables (inputs) on the RF accuracy. The results showed that the RF models were able to select the best forecast only in the very short range using input information regarding the significant wave height, wave direction and period, and ensemble spread. At forecast day 5 and beyond, the RF models could not determine the best wave forecast with high accuracy; the feature space presented no clear pattern to allow for successful classification. The challenges and limitations of such RF predictions for longer forecast ranges are discussed in order to support future studies in this area.
Discours de haine dans les réseaux socionumériques

Le discours de haine dans les reseaux socionumeriques revele la frontiere poreuse entre univers en ligne et univers hors ligne : c’est ce que le present dossier vise a mettre en evidence. Cette porosite se comprend a travers cinq problematiques que les cinq textes de ce dossier cherchent a etayer : (1) la question des representations prealables qui nourrissent le discours de haine ; (2) son orientation actionnelle et les actes de langage operes ; (3) les rapports de force qu’il cristallise ; .
Pharmacological treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and fibrosing interstitial lung diseases: current trends and future directions

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was considered untreatable until the development of therapeutic drugs and diagnostic technology that made it possible to slow the progression of IPF. In 2014, pirfenidone and nintedanib were approved simultaneously as therapeutic drugs for patients with IPF. These drugs have proven effective in reducing further progression of pulmonary fibrosis, acute exacerbation, and mortality and have consistent effects regardless of the severity of IPF. The indications of nintedanib and pirfenidone are gradually expanding for various other diseases that cause pulmonary fibrosis. Currently, IPF pathogenesis is associated with the type 2 alveolar epithelium and repeated or persistent damage to its cells. Such damage may induce an abnormal wound healing response, causing fibrosis rather than repair. Several promising drugs have been developed for reducing or reversing fibrosis, each with a different molecular target implicated in pulmonary fibrosis. Due to the heterogeneous mechanisms underlying pulmonary fibrosis, future disease management is likely to comprise combinations of therapies targeting a range of disease mechanisms.
Into Thinner Air: The Pliocene Demise of the Giant Volant Birds

Three genera of very large volant birds existed for most of the Pliocene: the Pelagornithidae seabirds; the large North American Teratornithidae and the stork Leptoptilos falconeri in Africa and Asia. All became extinct around 3 Ma. The reasons for their demise are puzzling, as the Pelagornithidae had a world-wide evolutionary history of more than 50 Ma, smaller teratorns were still extant in the Holocene and smaller stork species are still globally extant. Extant large birds have a common critical takeoff airspeed suggesting a biomechanical limit in terms of power, risk and launch speed, and simulations of the flight of these extinct species suggest that at 1 bar they would have exceeded this value. Estimates for the Late Pliocene atmospheric density are derived from marine and terrestrial isotopes as well as resin chemistry, both approaches suggesting a value of about 1.2 bar, which drops to present levels during the period 3.3 to 2.6 Ma, thus a loss in atmospheric density may have caused biomechanical and ecological stress contributing to their extinction and/or development of smaller forms. This hypothesis is examined in terms of a possible mechanism of atmospheric mass loss and how this would be seen in the geological record. At 1.2 bar all the extinct species present takeoff airspeeds similar to large extant volant birds and which match the expected power and kinetic energy levels.
Bats and hawkmoths form mixed modules with flowering plants in a nocturnal interaction network

Based on the conceptual framework of pollination syndromes, pollination networks should be composed of well‐delimited subgroups formed by plants that diverge in floral phenotypes and are visited by taxonomically different pollinators. Nevertheless, floral traits are not always accurate in predicting floral visitors. For instance, flowers adapted to bat‐pollination are larger and wider, enabling the exploitation by other nocturnal animals, such as hawkmoths. Thus, should an interaction network comprising bats and hawkmoths, the most important nocturnal pollinators in the tropics, be formed of mixed‐taxon modules due to cross‐syndrome interactions? Here, we analyzed such a network to test whether resource plants are shared between the two taxa, and how modules differ in terms of species morphologies. We sampled interactions through pollen grains collected from floral visitors in a Caatinga dry forest in northeastern Brazil. The network was modular yet interwoven by cross‐syndrome interactions. Hawkmoths showed no restriction to visit the wider chiropterophilous flowers. Furthermore, bats represented a subset of a hawkmoth‐dominated network, as they were restricted to chiropterophilous flowers due to constraints in accessing narrower sphingophilous flowers. As such, the bat‐dominated module encompassed relatively wider flowers, but hawkmoths, especially long‐tongued ones, were unrestricted by floral width or length. Thus, pollination of flowers with open architectures must be investigated with caution, as they are accessible to a wide array of floral visitors, which may result in mixed‐pollination systems. Future research should continue to integrate different syndromes and pollinator groups in order to reach a better understanding of how pollination‐related functions emerge from community‐level interactions.