Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Different approaches to collaborative problem solving between successful versus less successful problem solvers: Tracking changes of knowledge structure

Abstract STEM Problem solving necessitates a substantial amount of specialized domain knowledge. An important element of problem-solving within the domain includes how knowledge is structured and organized in memory to facilitate efficient retrieval of relevant information and future problem solving. In previous studies, however, problem solving and knowledge structure have been studied in relative isolation, resulting in viewing them as a separate two-way process. To address this gap, this study aimed to track how individuals developed their knowledge structures before, during, and after collaborative problem solving in the contexts of STEM (physics, astronomy, and biology), with particular attention to understanding the different mechanism between success versus less successful problem-solvers. For that, we employed a relatively new and promising network approach to representing learners’ knowledge structures as network graphs for analysis and comparison. Results visually demonstrated that successful problem-solvers tend to share a solution-focused knowledge and establish their group knowledge-oriented knowledge structure, whereas the less successful problem-solvers tend to share problem-focused knowledge and then establish their prior knowledge-oriented knowledge structure. Implications and discussion for the findings are provided.
The influence of wall slip in the measurement of solder paste viscosity

The wall slip phenomena is known to have a significant effect on the measurement of the viscosity of dense suspensions. In the measurement of the viscosity of solder pastes the effect of wall slip is such that the measured viscosity (also called the apparent viscosity) is much lower than the true viscosity of the paste. Therefore, correction needs to be applied to the measured viscosity in order to obtain the true viscosity of the solder paste. In this paper, we present work on the modeling of the influence of wall slip on viscosity measurement, and a model for predicting the true viscosity based on measurements using parallel plate viscometer. The apparent viscosity values measured at two different plate gaps, but at the same applied shear rate (also called the apparent shear rate), is used for predicting the true viscosity, the wall slip velocity and the thickness of the boundary slip layer. The model was validated using results from solder paste samples measured at three different plate gaps (H=0.5 mm, 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm). Our results show that the predicted values of the true viscosity using the data measured at any two gaps are in reasonably good agreement. The results also show that the influence of the wall slip is significant and that the ratio of the predicted viscosity to the apparent viscosity decreases with increasing apparent shear rate.
Intraseasonal Variability of Upper Ocean Heat Fluxes in the Central Bay of Bengal

Upper-ocean heat content and heat fluxes of 10-60-day intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs) were examined using high-resolution currents and hydrographic fields measured at five deep-water moorings in the central Bay of Bengal (BoB) and satellite observations as part of an international effort examining the role of the ocean on monsoon intraseasonal oscillations (MISOs) in the BoB. Currents, temperature and salinity were sampled over the upper 600 to 1200 m from July 2018 -June 2019. The 10-60-day velocity ISOs of magnitudes 20-30 cm s−1 were observed in the upper 200 m, and temperature ISOs as large as 3°C were observed in the thermocline near 100 m. The wavelet co-spectral analysis reveals multiple periods of ISOs carrying heat southward. The meridional heat-flux divergence associated with the 10-60-day band was strongest in the central BoB at depths between 40 and 100 m, where the averaged flux divergence over the observational period is as large as 10−7 ° C s−1. The vertically-integrated heat-flux-divergence in the upper 200 m is about 20-30 Wm−2, which is comparable to the annual-average net surface heat flux in the northern BoB. Correlations between the heat content over the 26° C isotherm and the outgoing longwave radiation indicate that the atmospheric forcing typically leads changes of the oceanic-heat content, but in some instances, during fall-winter months, oceanic-heat content leads the atmospheric convection. Our analyses suggest that ISOs play an important role in the upper-ocean heat balance by transporting heat southward, while aiding the air-sea coupling at ISO time scales.
Ultrathin gate oxide CMOS on [111] surface-oriented Si substrate

The properties of ultrathin gate oxides in the direct-tunneling regime and the characteristics of the related CMOS transistors on a [111] surface-oriented Si substrate were investigated and compared with those on a [100] substrate for the first time. It was confirmed that low field mobility of n-MOSFETs on the [111] substrate is smaller than that on the [100] substrate and that of p-MOSFETs on [111] is larger than that on [100] until the direct-tunneling gate oxide regime. It has been found that most of the electrical properties of MOSFETs, with the notable exception of mobility, become almost identical for [100] and [111] substrates when the oxide thickness is reduced to less than 2.0 nm. Some of the properties are quite different between the two substrates for the thicker oxide case. It has been found that the reliability of hot carrier injection and time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) of the oxides and MOSFETs on the [111] substrate is slightly better than that on the [100] substrate. In addition, the characteristics and reliability of oxides and MOSFETs on a wafer tilted 4/spl deg/ from [100] axis were investigated. It was found that there are few differences in the mobility between [100] and [100] 4/spl deg/ off substrates for both n- and p-MOSFET cases. The reliability of oxides or MOSFETs on the wafer was identical to that on normal [100] substrate. These results suggest that ultrathin gate oxide MOSFETs on Si surfaces with various orientations are likely to have practical applications. This is good news for possible future new structures of MOSFETs such as vertical or three-dimensional (3-D) MOSFETs.
Management support for the adoption of manufacturing best practices: key factors

Management support for any change initiative's success has been well documented. Adoption of a manufacturing best practice, which has been developed elsewhere and has produced superior results, also brings some changes to the adopting organization. Survey-based studies show that companies involved in the identification of best practices are generally not willing to adopt or are not successful in implementing their findings. This indicates that these organizations’ managers do not offer adequate support for best practices. This study was undertaken to identify the factors that influence management support for the adoption of manufacturing best practices. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between each of the factors and management support. Positive significant associations were found between management support and organizational resource availability, external pressures, perceived operational benefits, and compatibility. Also, satisfaction with the existing practice was f.
Interventional, Quasi-Experimental Study of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Education Care Plan for Hospital Discharge

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life for patients. Proper use of inhaler devices is critical for effective drug delivery and prevention of COPD progression. The primary endpoint of this study was a mean percent increase in correct steps associated with inhaler technique after pharmacist education. The co-primary endpoint was a 25% increase in the proportion of patients correctly identifying the appropriate use of short-acting versus long-acting inhaler types. This was an interventional quasi-experimental study of patients hospitalized at a 491-bed tertiary academic medical center with a COPD exacerbation to assess a pharmacist-led COPD care plan. Eligible patients included general floor, adult patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. The primary investigator recorded initial inhaler technique scores through a paper checklist, and provided education about device types and usage. Patients were reassessed within 48 h to determine if pharmacist education improved inhaler knowledge. A total of 67 patients received the COPD care plan before hospital discharge. At baseline, patients scored a median of 81.8% (67.5–97.0) of steps correct across all inhaler device types. After pharmacist education, patient scores increased to a median of 100% (90.9–100.0) (p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients correctly identifying when to use short-acting versus long-acting inhalers increased from 73.1% to 98.5% (p < 0.0001). Implementation of a pharmacist-led care plan for patients admitted for COPD exacerbation was associated with an increase in correct steps for appropriate inhaler technique and understanding of inhaler device types after pharmacist education.
Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) among Brazilian athletes

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a psychological skill that aids athletes in the control of emotions and optimization of sports performance. The present study investigated the psychometric properties of the Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) in 508 Brazilian youth and adult athletes (mean age 18.55±4.68 years). Data analysis was conducted through Exploratory (EFA) and Confirmatory (CFA) Factor Analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability and Pearson’s Correlation (p <.05). EFA revealed the one-factor model with 26 items with the best adjustment. CFA confirmed the one-factor model with 26 items with best greater fit. No evidence of invariance was found, suggesting that the SSEIT must be used with caution when comparing gender and age groups. The external validity was found in the correlation of EI and cognitive anxiety and self-confidence. It is concluded that the Brazilian version of SSEIT for the sports context presented acceptable psychometric properties, however, showed limitations that should be explored in the future.
Measurements of Doppler and multipath spread on oblique high‐latitude HF paths and their use in characterizing data modem performance

Measurements of Doppler spread, multipath spread, and signal‐to‐noise ratio have been made on four high‐latitude high‐frequency (HF) communications paths. The measurement system and analysis techniques are outlined, and an analysis of the data pertinent to the design of robust HF data modems is presented. A summary of the spreads that are exceeded for 5% of time is presented for each path. Doppler spreads range from 2 to 55 Hz, while multipath spreads range from 1 to 11 ms. Physical interpretations of the data are made, and the data are related to the measured performance characteristics of an HF data modem to estimate the modem availability on the paths considered. When there is mode support, availabilities range from 64% to 100% for a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 0 dB, although the data indicate that the availabilities can generally be increased by optimizing frequency selection.
Extended Theory of Planned Behavior for Predicting the Willingness to Pay for Municipal Solid Waste Management in Beijing

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management has become a problem in China, mainly since there is no uniform standard for MSW management charges, causing conflict between local residents and the government. An intelligent garbage sorting system (IGSS) is an effective sorting approach for MSW management. To explore the predictors of local residents’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the IGSS, this study applied an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model by adding an antecedent environmental concern (EC) prior to the main predictors of the TPB model (attitudes, subject norms, perceived behavioral control). The WTP of Beijing residents for MSW management and the determinants of WTP were analyzed. The specific amount of WTP was predicted by a contingent valuation method (CVM) in an online questionnaire, and the mean WTP was estimated to be USD 49.93 per household per year. The results showed a positive connection between EC and residents’ WTP, and most of the participants were willing to pay for the IGSS for MSW management.
Salmonella Septic Arthritis and Bacteremia in a Patient With Poorly Controlled Diabetes

Salmonella belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family and is a frequent gastroenteritis pathogen when the food is not well handled. We present a case of indolent septic arthritis of the knee secondary to Salmonella bacteremia and uncontrolled diabetes. The knee effusion analysis showed a total nucleated cell count of 9206 cells/uL and no organism was seen under Gram stain. Both blood culture and synovial fluid culture later grew Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. Meticulous workups revealed his previously undiagnosed and uncontrolled diabetes as the sole risk factor for developing severe salmonellosis. Serious non-typhoidal Salmonella infections often occur in immunocompromising states such as extreme age, HIV, malignancy, corticosteroid use, and rheumatologic disorders. Extraintestinal salmonellosis warrants surveillance for the aforementioned conditions. This case was unique in that septic arthritis and bacteremia due to Salmonella in a healthy man led to a diagnosis of uncontrolled diabetes. Like other bacterial septic arthritis, antimicrobial agents and proper drainage are the keys to treatment success. At least two weeks of antimicrobial therapy is needed for the treatment of Salmonella soft-tissue infection; however, therapy for four-six weeks might be necessary given the known persistence of Salmonella species at compromised sites.
Estimated Temporal Variation of Losses Due to a Recurrence of the 1933 Long Beach Earthquake

The temporal variation of damage and loss estimates are presented in decadal increments since 1950 for an earthquake on the Newport-Inglewood Fault (NIF) equivalent to the Mw 6.4 1933 Long Beach earthquake. Deterministic damage and loss calculations were performed utilizing Hazus-MH software and updated structural inventories. We estimate that building stock loss density (total losses within each census tract divided by tract area) due to the recurrence of this event in 1950 would have been about $84 million, increasing to $300 million in 2006 (2002 replacement costs). With the phenomenal growth in new construction in Long Beach over the past 50 years, the results indicate that the proportion of wood and unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings predicted to suffer at least moderate damage has stabilized. Given the many seismic sources in this region which also pose significant threats, we demonstrate that modeling tools such as Hazus-MH can provide meaningful estimates of future losses from earthquakes.
Training with virtual reality

Look at the utilisation of virtual reality for a diverse range of training programmes from bomb disposal training to pager assembly line training. Describes how VR software allows three‐dimensional computer‐generated information to be created in real time and discusses the five main components of a VR system. Outlines an experiment designed to assess whether operators would learn to operate laboratory equipment more successfully in a VR environment of in the real laboratory environment. Concludes that VR training achieves better results than real environment training, is more cost effective and does not tie‐up expensive factory equipment for training purposes.
Design, Cavitation Performance, and Open-Water Performance of a Series of Research Skewed Propellers

Abstract : Cavitation tunnel and open-water results are presented for a series of skewed propellers that were designed by lifting-surface methods. The four model propellers had maximum projected skew at the blade tip equal to 0, 36, 72, and 108 deg. The results showed that the cavitation-free bucket becomes substantially wider with increasing skew; however, there was some crossover in the inception of back cavitation and tip vortex cavitation among the three skewed designs near design advance coefficient. Near the self-propulsion condition, the propeller with 36 deg of skew had the highest cavitation inception speed. Forward open-water propulsion performance including lift effectiveness and performance breakdown due to cavitation were substantially the same for four propellers. All four propellers developed the design thrust loading coefficient within 1 percent of design rpm in open water. At constant power and thrust loading coefficients, the backing speed decreased slightly with increasing skew (respective reductions of 1.5, 8.0, and 12.5 percent for 36, 72, and 108 deg of skew).
Evaluation of Inexpensive Global Positioning System Units to Improve Crash Location Data

The state of Alabama stores and manages detailed information about vehicle crashes including their approximate locations. Currently, crash locations are estimated and hand recorded by highway patrol officers at the scene of a crash. These locations are typically placed at identifiable points along the roadway, such as mileposts and intersections. The resulting resolution can place vehicle crashes caused by the same roadway variable as far apart as 2 km, making accurate identification of roadway safety hazards difficult. The research project was initiated through the University Transportation Center for Alabama to improve vehicle crash analysis through accurate and inexpensive collection and display of crash locations. The research employed Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. GPS units ranging in price from $130 to $3,400 were evaluated on the basis of cost, accuracy, usability, additional equipment needed, and time required to collect a location. From this analysis two GPS units were selected: (a) a handheld unit, the Garmin GPS 12 Map, and (b) a computer-based unit, the Rand McNally StreetFinder Deluxe. With the recent removal of selective availability, the research has shown that inexpensive GPS units tested are capable of locating a vehicle crash within an 8-m radius. In addition, both an off-the-shelf GIS and accurate basemaps were employed to display the new GPS crash data. By analyzing GPS locations in a GIS, “hot spots” where multiple crashes occurred were identified through buffering operations. An analysis of actual crash location data showed that GPS data provided more information about a crash than conventional methods, specifically at interchanges and along roadway segments.
Attitudes toward vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from HBCU students

Purpose To investigate the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among black college students and to explain students' reasoning behind their vaccine hesitancy. Design online survey completed in spring and summer of 2021. Students were recruited via email. Setting HBCU campus, North Carolina, USA. Subjects 397 currently enrolled students. Measures An original survey instrument was developed which included questions on vaccination status and plans to get vaccinated, perceived threat from the coronavirus (adopted from PEW research) exercise behaviors and demographics. Respondents were also given the chance to respond to an open-ended question about their feelings about the vaccine. Analysis Binary Logistic Regression predicting likelihood that respondent is vaccine hesitant. Results Confidence in the safety of the vaccine was the strongest predictor of vaccine hesitancy. At the time of the survey only 25% of students had received at least one dose of the vaccine. 37% of the students did not plan on ever getting vaccinated. Other considerations (living with a vulnerable person or concerns about their own vulnerability to COVID) were not associated with getting vaccinated. Students were particularly concerned about side effects from the vaccine. Conclusion Racial disparities in COVID-19 infections, deaths, and vaccinations serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to better understand the factors that could lead to mitigation of the virus. Fear about the safety of the vaccine among minority populations in particular must be unpacked in order to address valid concerns and overcome hesitancy. This study provides key insights into the contours of those fears.
Are clustering and R&D institutions in post-socialist states functional tools for sustainable development?

ABSTRACT This paper explores the process of achieving sustainable development at a regional level in post-socialist states in the context of the clusters concept. In spite of the research on how it is achieved in particular countries, it remains under-researched or the results are in conflict. We consider if qualitative parameters of regions, the complex process of dependence between R&D financing in regions, whether the policies implemented in the development processes of post-socialist countries are important for the greater development of clustering and the higher concentration of clusters. The empirical analysis is based on Spearman’s ρ rank correlation and the stepwise regression analysis. We find that dependencies between the functioning of clusters and selected factors of the sustainable and qualitative development of regions were confirmed. The research shows that the expected effects are not clear, albeit that such policies resulted in a change in the direction of the activities, and that better performance can be expected by taking directional measures. Overall, our findings confirm the expected dependencies of involving public financing on R&D and clusters in regions. We find that the policies implemented in the post-socialist states do not necessarily involve large-scale permanent environmental improvement.
Questionnaire survey on vehicle horn use and its effects on drivers and pedestrians

The Japanese Road Traffic Law states that a vehicle horn should be used only in an emergency or in dangerous locations where a horn sign has been installed. However, drivers frequently use their vehicle horn as a signal when passing each other. Furthermore, pedestrians and cyclists are also honked at by drivers. There may be a negative effect of vehicle horn use on people outside the vehicle. Therefore, a questionnaire survey was carried out to ascertain the current circumstances of vehicle horn use. Respondents were asked about the latest or last-remembered instance of horn use in various situations, both when they were driving and when they were pedestrians. With regard to experiences of being honked at by another driver, the questionnaire included questions concerning place, traffic volume, the aim of horn use, the timing pattern of horn use, and the respondent’s psychological reaction when honked at by another driver. It was found that drivers briefly honked their horn to express gratitude, or to gain another’s attention, in various places. Long honks such as one long honk or two long honks mostly evoked negative psychological reactions in drivers, such as a feeling that the sound of the horn was startling, noisy, or irritating. Furthermore, pedestrians frequently had negative psychological reactions to horns used to gain their attention or to alert them to danger. More than 40% of nondrivers were displeased with the volume and sound quality of horns.