Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing causal effects of extra compulsory learning on college students’ academic performances

In Italian state universities candidate freshmen must take an entrance examination. Candidates who obtain a test score less than or equal to a pre‐fixed threshold may enrol at the university but must comply with an additional compulsory educational obligation, called obblighi formativi aggiuntivi (OFA). The OFA assignment rule appeals to a (sharp) regression discontinuity design with the entrance examination score acting as the forcing variable. We assess causal effects of OFA status by using data from a school of engineering of a specific Italian state university. For subpopulations of units for which our regression discontinuity design can be described as a local randomized experiment, we draw inference on the causal effects of OFA on students’ academic performances measured by using two variables: the number of university credits awarded at the end of the first academic year and the corresponding average grade. These outcome variables suffer from the problem of truncation by ‘death’, because neither is defined for students who decide not to enrol. Moreover, nor is the average grade defined for students who enrol but do not either take or pass any examination in the first academic year. We deal with these issues by using the framework of principal stratification and adopting a Bayesian approach to inference. We find some evidence that the receipt of OFA may negatively affect students’ academic performances, although the posterior distributions of the causal estimands have high variability.
Phrynidae (Amblypygi) from Andros Island, Bahamas, with notes on distribution patterns, recent origin and allometry

Fieldwork on Andros Island produced two species of phrynid amblypygi, Phrynus marginemaculatus and Paraphrynus viridiceps . New localities and biological data are presented . The species were found to be completely sympatric in two of the three localities where they were collected . The presence of amblypygi in the Bahamas is attributed to Recent dispersal from Cuba via Paleoprovidence, a land mass which emerged during the lower sea-levels accompanying Pleistocene glacials . Dispersal from Florida and Hispaniola is rejected . Significant isometric or allometric relationships between median prosomal length and pedipalp tibia length wer e not detected . The work generally points to the lack of much basic information on amblypygid distribution an d bionomics . Two species of phrynid amblypygi are known from the Bahamas . Phrynus marginemaculatus C. L. Koch is widespread in the northern Baham a Islands (Quintero 1981) and Paraphrynus viridiceps (Pocock) is known from southern Andro s and New Providence Islands (Banks 1906 ; Mullinex 1975) . From published records, both appear to be uncommon to rare in the Bahamas. Furthermore, these species have never been recorded as being completely sympatric in the same habitat (see Quintero 1983). The general lack of collecting of all arthropod s in the Bahama Islands, and especially Andro s Island, was noted by the author several years ag o while undertaking literature searches . This wa s surprising because Andros Island is the largest island in the Bahamas (Fig. 1), and has the greatest diversity of vegetation types which would presumably harbor the greatest number of arthropod species in the Bahamas . As a result of a familiarity based on many trips to Andros Island the author decided to undertake an extensive survey of this island, employing modern mass collecting techniques not used by earlier workers. Recent collecting has revealed new localities an d biological data for two Bahamian amblypygi spe cies on Andros Island . This report is offered as a contribution to knowledge of the arthropods of the West Indies .
In-silico Analysis to Determine the Efficient Drug for Malignant Melanoma using Molecular Dynamics

To assess an effective medication against BRAF(V600E), the gene which causes melanoma skin cancer , a literature survey was performed and three drugs were identified that are effective melanoma cell inhibitors that induce skin cancer and help patients cure skin cancer. In this analysis we analyzed these three drugs namely Aknadicin as (Drug1) and 16beta-hydroxyvendolinine-n-oxide as (Drug2) and PID (215) pronounced (1Z)-5-(2-{ 4 [dimethylamino) ethoxy] phenyl }-5pyridin -4-yl-1himidazolylindian-1oneoxime as (Drug3) using various methodologies and simulation techniques to find out how highly successful these drugs are among them. In this research, we developed the 3D structure of BRAF(V600E) through homology modeling and validated it through Ramachandran plot and verify3D and implemented the method of docking through virtual screening of protein with drug and simulation of molecular dynamics to further suggest the powerful potent novel inhibitors for malignant melanoma management. Obtained a wild form BRAF(V600E) 3D structure and docked protein structure with each drug and continued molecular dynamic simulation by measuring the stability and energy interaction between the protein and these drugs. An RMSD graph displays the drug’s efficacy. Analysis of three different drugs using computational techniques by performing different methodologies of docking, molecular simulation and interaction energy and results of each drug in these methodology, reveals the efficiency of drugs. Based on the results we identify that the Drug3 is a highly effective inhibitor of melanoma among other drugs.
Network forms of business-models of integrated economic systems

The paper considers the problems of systematization, analysis and modeling of various network forms of business organization in the form of transnational integrated economic systems operating in difficult Arctic conditions. The formation of a single organization in the form of network interaction of national economic systems allows to reduce the cost of activities, generate a synergistic effect of joint activities and consider the interests of different countries forming such structures. Network organization of activities is an important area of economic development which allows one to take into account climatic, organizational and structural difficulties. It also forms effective interactions of national participants in such an international business network. It coordinates the interests of those strategic zones (Arctic territories), to which the participants of the network organization apply their strategies. Such a network form of organization requires the formation of a structure with special management factors. The classification of network forms of organization of complexly structured economic systems is carried out, flat (linear) networks and spatial networks are determined. The definition of network structures is given, generalized models of network system forms are given.
Crystallographic Orientation Dependence of Mechanical Responses of FeCrAl Micropillars

Iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) alloys are used in automobile exhaust gas purifying systems and nuclear reactors due to its superior high-temperature oxidation and excellent corrosion resistance. Single-phase FeCrAl alloys with a body centered cubic structure plastically deform through dislocation slips at room temperature. Here, we investigated the orientation dependence of mechanical responses of FeCrAl alloy through testing single-crystal and bi-crystal micropillars in a scanning electron microscopy at room temperature. Single-crystal micropillars were fabricated with specific orientations which favor the activity of single slip system or two slip systems or multiple slip systems. The strain hardening rate and flow strength increase with increasing the number of activated slip system in micropillars. Bi-crystal micropillars with respect to the continuity of slip systems across grain boundary were fabricated to study the effect of grain boundary on slip transmission. The high geometrical compatibility factor corresponds to a high flow strength and strain hardening rate. Experimental results provide insight into understanding mechanical response of FeCrAl alloy and developing the mechanisms-based constitutive laws for FeCrAl polycrystalline aggregates.
Biyolojik Çeşitlilik Bileşenleri (BİÇEB) hesaplama yazılımı

Biyolojik cesitlilik ekosistemlerin sagligi ve dinamizmi icin buyuk oneme sahiptir. Bu sebepten biyolojik cesitlilik doga bilimleri ile ilgili disiplinlerin baslica konularindan birisidir. Biyolojik cesitliligin olcumu icin farkli indisler gelistirilmistir. Bu indisler ile canli toplumlarinin cesitliligi alfa (birim ici), beta (birimler arasi) ve gama (toplam veya ust birim) duzeyinde hesaplanabilmektedir. Biyolojik cesitlilik alaninda her bir cesitlilik bileseninin hesabi icin farkli kabuller ile gelistirilmis olan bu indisler sayesinde, konu ile ilgili calisan arastirmacilar bu hesaplama tekniklerini alternatifleri ile birlikte kullanabilmekte, arastirma sonuclarini daha etkin ve verimli bir bicimde degerlendirebilmektedir. Bu sekilde elde edilen degerlendirme sonuclari biyolojik cesitliligin korunmasi ve surekliliginin saglanmasi yonundeki politikalara ve uygulamalara yon vermektedir. Buradan hareketle gerceklestirilen bu calisma ile Turkiye’de biyolojik cesitlilik konusunda calisan arastirmacilar icin onemli bir ihtiyac oldugu dusunulerek “Biyolojik Cesitlilik Bilesenleri (BICEB) Hesaplama Yazilimi” isimli bir yazilim olusturulmustur. Yazilim alfa duzeyinde tur zenginlik olcumleri, heterojenlik indisleri ve tur bolluk modellerini, beta ve gama duzeyinde ise ikili ve surekli verilerin; iki toplum arasinda ve evrensel olcekte cesitlilik hesaplamalarini kapsamaktadir. Yazilim, biyolojik cesitlilik konusunda dogrudan veya dolayli calisma yapan tum arastirmacilarin kendi konulari ile ilgili hesaplamalari yapmasi icin web tabanli ve masaustu uygulamasi seklinde tasarlanmistir. Bu sayede kolay ulasilabilir ve kullanici dostu olarak hayata gecirilmesi hedeflenmistir. Bu calismada BICEB yaziliminin tanitimi yapilarak, kullanimi hakkinda bilgi verilmesi amaclanmistir.
Test Grids for the Integration of RES—A Contribution for the European Context

A long-term sustainable energy transition can only be achieved by technological advancements and new approaches for efficiently integrating renewable energies into the overall energy system. Significantly increasing the share of renewable energy sources (RES) within the overall energy system requires appropriate network models of current transmission and distribution grids, which, as limiting factors of energy infrastructures, confine this share due to capacity constraints. However, especially regarding electrical network models, data (e.g., geographical data, load and generation profiles, etc.) is rarely available since it usually includes user-specific information and is, therefore, subject to data protection. Synthetically obtained electrical networks, on the other hand, may not be representative and may fail to replicate real grid structures due to the heterogeneous properties of currently operated networks. To account for this heterogeneity, this paper offers a contribution for the European electrical energy system and presents the development of four synthetic test networks at different voltage levels which are representative and include non-confidential time-series data. The test network development is based on an extensive literature research on a multitude of different network parameters for grids within the ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity) interconnected system in Europe. These parameters are then used to design the networks in NEPLAN®. Then, these networks are provided with load and generation profiles for enabling time-series calculations. To validate the representativeness of the test networks, a short-circuit analysis is conducted and the obtained results are compared to short-circuit parameters common for Austrian and German literature values as well as for value ranges for European ENTSO-E grids. The analysis shows that the presented test networks replicate European electrical network behavior accurately and can, therefore, be utilized for various application purposes to assess technological impacts on European ENTSO-E grids.
An Attempt to Classify the Production and Regulation of Cyclooxygenase-2 During Ovulation and Luteolysis.

A series of experiments were designed to determine the cyclooxygenase (COX) isoform responsible for prostaglandin release during ovulation and luteolysis. Initially, a reliable, serum-free culture system was developed to produce large numbers of bovine granulosa cells originally harvested from the small antral follicles of abattoir ovaries. This method allowed adequate numbers of cells to be obtained for the subsequent study involving cyclooxygenase regulation. In a second experiment, bovine granulosa cells from small antral follicles were isolated and cultured, as in the first experiment for 6 days. Granulosa cells were then exposed to medium alone or medium containing arachidonic acid (10 nM arachidonic acid) or forskolin (10 uM). Bovine granulosa cells were capable of being induced into secreting elevated concentrations of prostaglandins following exposure to forskolin, in a manner similar to preovulatory granulosa cells stimulated in vivo. Prostaglandin formation was inhibited by the addition of hydrocorticosterone to the medium, implicating the COX-2 isoform as being responsible for this prostaglandin formation. Also, data from a third experiment revealed the presence of COX-2 in the granulosa cells of women previously stimulated with FSH. A fourth experiment was performed to determine if dexamethasone regulates COX formation in the bovine uterus during luteolysis. Plasma estradiol concentrations indicated that daily administration of dexamethasone (days 13-22) during the estrous cycle resulted in an inhibition of follicle development. Although luteal regression occurred at
SELF-ESTEEM DEVELOPMENT OF VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN INDONESIA: DOES GROUP COUNSELING WITH ASSERTIVE TRAINING TECHNIQUE HELP?

Self-esteem contributes to an individual’s mental health and quality of life because it determines who they are, activities they do, as well as their personality. This study aimed to describe the development of students’ self-esteem through group counselling intervention with an assertive training technique. Employing a true experimental method with the pretest–posttest control group design, this study involved 191 students as the samples following Isaac and Michael at an error level of 5% of the total population of 420 students. From the self-esteem questionnaires, it was found that 28 students belonged to the low self-esteem group. Then, interventions were carried out in six sessions outside of class hours, with a duration of 90 minutes for each session. The data were obtained through the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI) instrument with a reliability value of . 92, and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney two mean discrimination test. The results showed that students who were given group-counselling interventions with assertive training technique were better than those in the control group. Therefore, assertive training technique helps restore students' awareness of their rights to have a happy and esteemed life. Besides, assertive training technique helps renew students' confidence in the functioning of their minds and belief in their abilities in facing life challenges.
An Analysis of Alu Elements in Baboons

iv Chapter One: Background.1 Chapter Two: Alu Insertion Polymorphisms as Evidence for Population Structure in Baboons.11 Chapter Three: Analysis of Lineage-specific Alu Subfamilies in the Genome of the Olive Baboon, Papio Anubis.35 Chapter Four: Conclusions.56 Appendix A: Supplemental Information.58 Appendix B: Letters of Request and Permission.94 Vita.100
Endozoochory of aquatic ferns and angiosperms by mallards in Central Europe

Modern literature on plant dispersal by birds focuses mainly on the importance of frugivory and scatter‐hoarding, yet recent studies show that endozoochory by migratory waterbirds is an important mechanism of long‐distance dispersal for a broad range of plants. Nevertheless, there is a lack of empirical field studies that identify the plants dispersed by waterbirds in a comprehensive manner. In particular, so far there are no detailed studies of the level of spatial variation in the plant taxa dispersed by a waterbird vector, and no clear demonstration that aquatic ferns can be dispersed by endozoochory. Consequently, we remain ignorant of the networks of dispersal interactions between granivorous waterbirds and plants. Five sets of faecal samples (total n = 215) were collected from mallards Anas platyrhynchos on autumn migration in the Hevesi‐holm and Balaton regions in Hungary, central Europe. Intact diaspores were extracted, identified and their germinability assessed under standard conditions. The plant communities recorded at different sites were compared with PERMANOVA and other multivariate methods. Macrospores of the floating watermoss Salvinia natans were recorded in 32 samples, and a total of 16 macrospores germinated, providing the first field demonstration of endozoochory of ferns by birds. Of 21 angiosperm taxa recorded (of which eight germinated), 13 were terrestrial species, although the most abundant taxa were aquatic species such as the alkali bulrush Bolboschoenus maritimus and the sago pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus. Two naturalized alien species, the common fig Ficus carica and the hackberry Celtis occidentalis were also recorded. Only four of the taxa had an endozoochory syndrome. The plant taxa dispersed varied at two different spatial scales, with minor but significant differences between samples from sites separated by less than 1 km, and major differences between the two regions separated by c. 220 km. Synthesis. This is a unique study of the spatial variation in plants dispersed by endozoochory by a migratory waterfowl species, with a high taxonomic resolution and the first demonstration of avian endozoochory of ferns. We recorded eight taxa not previously reported as dispersed by mallards, showing how more empirical studies are essential, so we can understand which plants are dispersed by migratory birds. We found evidence that networks of interactions between granivorous waterbird vectors and dispersed plants vary spatially.
High Seroprevalence of Dengue Virus Infection in Sudan: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The goal of this study was to systematically review the published data on dengue virus (DENV) seroprevalence in Sudan and to estimate disease burden through meta-analysis. We searched, reviewed, and extracted online available reports on DENV in Sudan. Among 168 identified records, 19 were selected. Dengue infections were documented in 11/18 states. The overall seroprevalence of DENV in Sudan was estimated to be 27%, while the prevalence of dengue IgM was 22% and IgG was 38%. The prevalence of dengue estimated from community and hospital-based cross-sectional studies were 26% and 30% respectively. Additionally, one cohort study and a single PCR-based study reported a prevalence of 1% and 4%, respectively. Regional analysis revealed that the variation in seroprevalence in East, North, West, and Central Sudan was 23%, 24%, 36% and 43%, respectively. Interestingly, we found that DENV is circulating countrywide with a significant spatiotemporal variation in the disease seroprevalence. Furthermore, publications on dengue prevalence are temporally and geographically fragmented, perhaps due to limited resources. However, this gap in data and knowledge highlights the urgent need for a country-wide surveillance system and continued study of dengue burden in Sudan to accurately estimate the disease prevalence and determine the associated risk factors.
The Terminology of Survival Modeling: An Insight and Alternative Modeling of Student Retention

Student retention is one indicator of accountability in the implementation of educational programs. Achievement of student retention rates indicates the performance of the quality objectives of an institution or college. To get an accurate picture of the factors related to retention, we need to do modeling. The retention variable is the time response variable measured in semester units. One of the statistical analyzes that can be used to analyze response data in time is survival analysis. The selection of an accurate analytical method in modeling will produce valid conclusions and impact making policies that are right and on target. This paper presents alternative modeling of student retention in distance education using survival analysis. The method used is a literature review. This paper also briefly describes distance education, open and distance education, distance education students' characteristics, distance education student retention, and survival models for modeling student retention in distance education.
Data Warehouse Hybrid Modeling Methodology

The classic conceptual modeling around business processes followed by the ‘bus matrix’ methodology of designing the data cubes of data warehouses (Kimball & Ross 2013). For a serious system, such a quantity of management questions and dimensions, the bus matrix results a difficult-to-understand conceptual data model. The subject of automation and conceptual design – to which many individual methods already have been developed – are relevant topics in today’s literature also. In the 2010s data warehouse projects were realized in Hungarian higher education to inform the decision makers of the universities about their own institutions. As we participated in this project in 2009–2010, we faced that our bus matrix at the end contained about 80–120 indicators with nearly 200 dimensions (dimensional attributes), therefore we worked on the early stenography to formalize the management question. We provide a kind of ‘business intelligence problem solving thinking’ and a kind of descriptive language that can serve it and present a method which has two novelties compared to formers: It is based on the management questions and its visualization. As a kind of stenography, it is always based on the terminology corresponding to the current problem, so it forms an intermediate language for the data model. We introduce our method through an example in a popular research area which is activity tracking.
Open-Surface Water Bodies Dynamics Analysis in the Tarim River Basin (North-Western China), Based on Google Earth Engine Cloud Platform

The Tarim River Basin (TRB), located in an arid region, is facing the challenge of increasing water pressure and uncertain impacts of climate change. Many water body identification methods have achieved good results in different application scenarios, but only a few for arid areas. An arid region water detection rule (ARWDR) was proposed by combining vegetation index and water index. Taking computing advantages of the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform, 56,284 Landsat 5/7/8 optical images in the TRB were used to detect open-surface water bodies and generated a 30-m annual water frequency map from 1992 to 2019. The interannual changes and trends of the water body area were analyzed and the impacts of climatic and anthropogenic drivers on open-surface water body area dynamics were examined. The results show that: (1) ARWDR is suitable for long-term and large-scale water body identification, especially suitable for arid areas lacking vegetation. (2) The permanent water area was 2093.63 km2 and the seasonal water area was 44,242.80 km2, accounting for 4.52% and 95.48% of the total open-surface water area of he TRB, respectively. (3) From 1992 to 2019, the permanent and seasonal water bodies of the TRB all showed an increasing trend, with obvious spatial heterogeneity. (4) Among the effects of human activities and climate change, precipitation has the largest impact on the water area, which can explain 65.3% of the change of water body area. Our findings provide valuable information for the entire TRB’s open-surface water resources planning and management.