Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Study Comparing Cooperative Learning Methods: Jigsaw & Group Investigation

This study examined the effectiveness of jigsaw and group investigation cooperative learning methods in a 9th grade living environment (LE) class. This study was carried out in four different LE classes during the 2008-2009 academic school year. Each of the classes sequentially participated in a jigsaw and group investigation (GI) activity. The scores from previous traditional delivered instruction were used as control group. Students in the jigsaw group were divided into five home groups (Groups A, B, C, D and E). Each of these home groups consisted of four students (pending on class size). In the jigsaw activity, students examined various symbiotic relationships among species. Each home group was divided into expert groups. Each expert group had to redefine the symbiotic relationship in their own words and explain their definition to their home groups. The GI activity focused on human impact on the environment. Student investigated different environmental topics in heterogeneous groups and created a poster that illustrated causes and effects of the assigned issue. Quizzes were utilized in both instructional strategies to obtain qualitative data. The data identified group investigation as the most effective method of instruction. The study also concluded that the implementation of both CL methods in a classroom does positively impact student performance, while traditional instruction yields unfavorable results. Document Type Thesis Degree Name MS in Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education First Supervisor Diane Barrett This thesis is available at Fisher Digital Publications: http://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/mathcs_etd_masters/25 A Study Comparing Cooperative Learning Methods: Jigsaw & Group Investigation By Garonia L. Parchment Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree M.S. Mathematics, Science and Technology Education
Algebraic combinatorial geometry: the polynomial method in arithmetic combinatorics, incidence combinatorics, and number theory

Arithmetic combinatorics is often concerned with the problem of bounding the behaviour of arbitrary finite sets in a group or ring with respect to arithmetic operations such as addition or multiplication. Similarly, combinatorial geometry is often concerned with the problem of bounding the behaviour of arbitrary finite collections of geometric objects such as points, lines, or circles with respect to geometric operations such as incidence or distance. Given the presence of arbitrary finite sets in these problems, the methods used to attack these problems have primarily been combinatorial in nature. In recent years, however, many outstanding problems in these questions have been solved by algebraic means (and more specifically, using tools from algebraic geometry and/or algebraic topology), giving rise to an emerging set of techniques which is now known as the polynomial method. While various instances of the polynomial method have been known for decades (e.g. Stepanov's method, the combinatorial nullstellensatz, or Baker's theorem), the general theory of this method is still in the process of maturing; in particular, the limitations of the polynomial method are not well understood, and there is still considerable scope to apply deeper results from algebraic geometry or algebraic topology to strengthen the method further. In this survey we present several of the known applications of these methods, focusing on the simplest cases to illustrate the techniques. We will assume as little prior knowledge of algebraic geometry as possible.
Operational assimilation of ASCAT surface soil wetness at the Met Office

Abstract. Currently, no extensive, near real time, global soil moisture observation network exists. Therefore, the Met Office global soil moisture analysis scheme has instead used observations of screen temperature and humidity. A number of new space-borne remote sensing systems, operating at microwave frequencies, have been developed that provide a more direct retrieval of surface soil moisture. These systems are attractive since they provide global data coverage and the horizontal resolution is similar to weather forecasting models. Several studies show that measurements of normalised backscatter (surface soil wetness) from the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) on the meteorological operational (MetOp) satellite contain good quality information about surface soil moisture. This study describes methods to convert ASCAT surface soil wetness measurements to volumetric surface soil moisture together with bias correction and quality control. A computationally efficient nudging scheme is used to assimilate the ASCAT volumetric surface soil moisture data into the Met Office global soil moisture analysis. This ASCAT nudging scheme works alongside a soil moisture nudging scheme that uses observations of screen temperature and humidity. Trials, using the Met Office global Unified Model, of the ASCAT nudging scheme show a positive impact on forecasts of screen temperature and humidity for the tropics, North America and Australia. A comparison with in-situ soil moisture measurements from the US also indicates that assimilation of ASCAT surface soil wetness improves the soil moisture analysis. Assimilation of ASCAT surface soil wetness measurements became operational during July 2010.
The Electronic Booklet on Teaching-Learning Process : Teacher and parents vision of students in primary and secondary education

This article presents the first phase of a research project whose goal is to introduce a new form of collaboration and communication between the school and the family through a Electronic Booklet (EB). The EB appears to meet the growing collaboration needs between school and family and promote the teaching-learning process and educational success, supported by information and communication technologies. We sought to identify through a questionnaire the perceptions of teachers and guardians regarding the adoption of EB. Both groups stressed the importance of communication between school and family and expressed interest in the EB as a communication tool. Keywords-School: Family; Collaboration school/family; Communication; Electronic Booklet.
Improving Residential Energy Efficiency International Conference , IREE 2017 Simulation of the Melting Process of Ice Slurry for Energy Storage Using a Two-Fluid Lattice Boltzmann Meth d

Ice slurry can be used as the thermal storage media in latent cool storage systems for both residential and commercial buildings. This paper presents the investigation of the phase change characteristics of the ice slurry using a two-fluid Lattice Boltzmann Method (TFLBM). The melting and migration processes of the ice slurry are simulated by improving the equilibrium distribution function and matching the relevant parameters such as the kinetic viscosity of ice particle cluster and cross-collision coefficient. The sensitivity analysis of the ice slurry viscosity and cross-collision coefficient are achieved through six numerical experiments, and the ice melting in the internal-melt ice-on-coil thermal storage device is then calculated. The results could be potentially used to guide the design of the ice slurry for cooling both residential and commercial buildings.
Automatic Ultrasonic testing for Metal Deposition

Metal Deposition (MD) is a method to build three dimensional metal geometries by welding using filler wire or powdered metal. NDT of a MD feature is required when the feature is located in an area of high stress or could be a potential hazard to the part. Ultrasonic testing (UT) can be used to detect pores, linear indications and lack of fusion in welds. This method has limitations when it comes to large parts with complex geometries with various shapes and sizes. A flexible method for inspecting complex geometries is to mount an ultrasonic water flow probe (squirter) on a robot. The robot can then follow a pre-programmed path to achieve full inspection of the feature. This paper shows results and functionality from a system where a squirter probe was used together with a standard industrial robot. Results from a scanning of a three-dimensional MD-structure are also presented.
STUDY OF BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS OF OXIDATIVE AND NITROSATIVE STRESS PATHWAYS IN MAJOR DEPRESSION

BACKGROUND: Several investigators have implicated that major depression is characterized by decreased antioxidant status, an induction of the oxidative and nitrosative pathways. Abnormal levels of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in major depression further substantiate the role of free radical in major depression. The objective of this study is to evaluate & compare serum levels of oxidative stress markers and peroxidation marker and nitrosative stress pathway markers (SOD, uric acid, MDA and NO levels). METHODOLOGY: The study included 100 subjects consisting of 50 healthy controls and 50 newly diagnosed patients of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Informed consent and institutional ethics committee approval was taken. Serum MDA levels was compared with parameters like SOD, Uric acid, NO. Clinical severity was diagnosed by trained psychiatrist using 21-items Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). RESULTS: Serum MDA, NO levels were significantly (p <0.05) increased and SOD, Uric acid were significantly decreased in MDD patients as compared to healthy controls. There was moderate positive correlation between MDA levels and clinical severity of depression as measured by 21-items Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) score which was found to be statistically significant (r = 0.317, p value = 0.025). There was poor negative correlation between clinical severity and Uric acid levels. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that serum MDA, SOD, Uric acid and NO combined together provided fairly useful index of oxidative stress and nitrosative stress pathways in MDD. Evaluation of such critical biomarkers would certainly be useful and supportive for early diagnosis and treatment response.
Studying the Relation of Reading Time Allocation Strategies and Working Memory Using a RSVP Text Presentation

ii Acknowledgments iii List of Tables vi List of Illustrations viii List of Abbreviations ix Introduction 1 Reading and End of Clause Pauses 2 Working Memory and EOC Pauses 4 Reading and RSVP 7 Experiment 1 Methods 13 Participants 13 Design 14 Stimuli 14 Materials 17 Procedure 18 Analysis and Scoring 20 Results 21 Reading Span Task – Recall Pausing 21 Recall – Phase 1 22 Reading Times 22
Estimating Gravity Equations with Endogeneous Trade Costs

A basic assumption of the gravity equation of international trade is that increasing trade costs lower exports. Butintuition and theory imply that a high export volume lowers bilateral trade costs as well, because a fixed cost intensivetrade sector probably bears lower average costs with more trade. In this case, standard gravity estimation might bebiased due to simultaneity. This paper finds an empirical interdependency between exports and trade costs. Using asimultaneous equation model to face this problem improves the estimates compared to the standard gravity specification.
Seasonal succession in marine bacterioplankton

Here we examine the seasonal distribution of marine bacterioplankton species in the northern Baltic Sea. The population density of different bacteria was determined by whole-genome DNA hybridization to community DNA. During spring, concomitant with the phytoplankton spring bloom and its decay, the bacterial community was dominated by 5 bacterial species belonging to the Flexibacter-Cytophaga-Bacteroides phylum. Together they accounted for up to 43 % of the intact cells as indicated by the number of nucleoid-containing cells at this time of year (20 % of the total bacterial counts). In late June a number of new bacteria proliferated to form a summer community. The dominant bacteria during summer were largely members of the a-Proteobacteria, with a significant contribution of Sphingomonas and Caulobacter species. The capacity of these species to cope with oligotrophic growth conditions may explain their success at this time of year, when low PO4 concentrations limit bacterial growth. The different communities were reflected in the correlation between bacterial production and temperature. During summer significantly lower levels of production at corresponding temperatures were found compared to spring and autumn. We suggest this to be a result of different physiological predisposition of the dominant bacteria during the respective seasons. A compilation of current research demonstrated the consistent finding of a low or moderate diversity in the marine environment. Thus, an understandmg of how variability in physiological capacities among dominant bacterial groups results in niche differentiation is conceivable.
Burden, quality of life and distress of the main caregiver in head and neck, cervix and rectal cancer patients

Purpose: Based on Portuguese experience, current practice does not focus sufficiently on the caregiver needs through caring of the cancer patient. Understanding the impact of different tumor types on caregiver burden, quality of life, and distress may help with organizing resources more efficiently to provide enhanced support for patients and caregivers. Methods: Ninety main caregivers of patients with cervix, rectal and head and neck cancer were interviewed at Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil. The Portuguese versions of Zarit Burden Interview, Caregiver Quality of Life Index Cancer (CQOLC) Scale and the distress thermometer were used. Results: The majority of caregivers were female (76.7%), median age was 45.5years (20-79), 40% were spouses and 38.7% sons/daughters. Zarit Burden Interview average score was 25.2 ± 11.6, higher on head and neck cancer group. 59.5% of caregivers had moderate burden and no cases of severe burden. Mean quality of life score was 64.8 ± 15.8 which was lower in the head and neck group. Average distress score across the three groups was seven and rectal group presented a lower score than the other two groups. A subgroup analysis (gender, kinship relation, employment status and cohabitation before starting care) of caregivers characteristics showed no statistical differences. Conclusion: There were little differences in the experience of caring within caregivers based on the three different cancer groups, although caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer scored consistently worse in the three scales studied. More efforts should be taken to optimize coping strategies for these caregivers, as well as non-cohabitant and active caregivers, who had a worse caring experience.
Dynamin‐related protein 1: A critical protein in the pathogenesis of neural system dysfunctions and neurodegenerative diseases

Mitochondria play a key role in the maintenance of neuronal function by continuously providing energy. Here, we will give a detailed review about the recent developments in regards to dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) induced unbalanced mitochondrial dynamics, excessive mitochondrial division, and neuronal injury in neural system dysfunctions and neurodegenerative diseases, including the Drp1 knockout induced mice embryonic death, the dysfunction of the Drp1‐dependent mitochondrial division induced neuronal cell apoptosis and impaired neuronal axonal transportation, the abnormal interaction between Drp1 and amyloid β (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the mutant Huntingtin (Htt) in Huntington's disease (HD), and the Drp1‐associated pathogenesis of other neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Drp1 is required for mitochondrial division determining the size, shape, distribution, and remodeling as well as maintaining of mitochondrial integrity in mammalian cells. In addition, increasing reports indicate that the Drp1 is involved in some cellular events of neuronal cells causing some neural system dysfunctions and neurodegenerative diseases, including impaired mitochondrial dynamics, apoptosis, and several posttranslational modification induced increased mitochondrial divisions. Recent studies also revealed that the Drp1 can interact with Aβ, phosphorylated τ, and mutant Htt affecting the mitochondrial shape, size, distribution, axonal transportation, and energy production in the AD and HD neuronal cells. These changes can affect the health of mitochondria and the function of synapses causing neuronal injury and eventually leading to the dysfunction of memory, cognitive impairment, resting tremor, posture instability, involuntary movements, and progressive muscle atrophy and paralysis in patients.
Fronthaul Data Reduction in Massive MIMO Aided C-RAN via Two-timescale Hybrid Compression

In massive MIMO aided cloud radio access network (C-RAN), plenty of remote radio heads (RRHs), each equipped with a massive MIMO array, are distributed within a specific geographical area and are connected to a centralized baseband unit (BBU) pool through fronthaul links. One major performance bottleneck in the uplink of massive MIMO aided C-RAN is that, the RRHs need to transport a huge amount of data to the BBU for baseband processings. Existing fronthaul compression methods that rely on fully-digital processing are not suitable for the massive MIMO regime due to their high implementation cost. To overcome this challenge, we propose a two-timescale hybrid analog-and-digital spatial compression scheme at RRHs to reduce the fronthaul data, where the analog filter is updated at a slow timescale according to the channel statistics to achieve massive MIMO array gain, and the digital filter is updated at a fast timescale according to the instantaneous effective channel state information (CSI) to achieve spatial multiplexing gain. Such a design can alleviate the performance bottleneck of limited fronthaul with reduced hardware cost and power consumption, and is more robust to the CSI delay. We propose an online algorithm for the two-timescale non-convex optimization of analog and digital filters. Simulations verify the advantages of the proposed scheme over state-of-the-art baseline schemes.
East African Regional Integration: Challenges in Meeting the Convergence Criteria for Monetary Union

The realization of a successful monetary union among EAC partner states depends upon a sufficient degree of convergence of partners economies to established criteria. Gathering but scattered research has begun assessing the various benchmarks for this characteristic. This work integrates and synthesizes the various findings of literature with the view of providing a general perspective on how far the partner states have reached in meeting the macroeconomic convergence criteria and whether they have met the precondition for ascending the union. The review is done with anticipation of uncovering the challenges countries are encountering in aligning the economies to set criteria and what possible policy strategies exist to overcome these problems. Findings reveal that there has been very limited convergence. Generally countries remain behind the staged indictors. Progress to the monetary union is challenged by the highly demanding criteria, lack of exchange rate mechanism, obstacles to the common market, multiple memberships and many more. While countries might have the option of revising the benchmarks, efforts to strengthen national economic growth, build regional capacities, harmonize policies related to the monetary union, and correct constraints in the common market will enhance deeper integration and contribute greatly to macro-economic convergence.
Modeling Holonic Control Systems with IEC 61499 Subapplications and Applications

Holonic control systems represent a relatively new paradigm, that carries out within manufacturing systems some principles and models, inspired from the manner in which living world systems are organized. The favorite technologies for designing such systems are mainly represented by the IEC standard for function blocks (61499) and by the multi-agent systems. A solution for modeling and implementing holonic control systems is proposed in this paper, based upon the use of ‘application’ and ‘subapplication’ concepts defined on IEC 61499 standard. The proposed solution is consistent with the HMS/FB function block based architecture, developed within “Holonic Manufacturing Systems” project.
On the optical counterpart of SAX J1808.4-3658 during quiescence: evidence for an active radio pulsar?

The optical counterpart of the binary millisecond X-ray pulsar SAX J1808.4-3658 during quiescence was detected at V =21.5 mag, inconsistent with intrinsic emission from the faint companion star. We propose that the optical emission from this system during quiescence is due to the reprocessing by the companion star and a remnant accretion disk of the rotational energy released by the fast spinning neutron star, switched on, as magneto-dipole rotator (radio pulsar), during quiescence. In this scenario the companion behaves as a bolometer, reprocessing in optical the intercepted fraction of the power emitted by the pulsar. This reprocessed fraction depends only on known binary parameters. Thus the blackbody temperature of the companion can be predicted and compared with the observations. Our computations indicate that the observed optical magnitudes are fully consistent with this hypothesis. In this case the observed optical luminosity may be the first evidence that a radio pulsar is active in this system during quiescence.
FDI determinants and oil effects on foreign direct investment: evidence from Islamic countries

This paper investigates studying FDI determinants in Islamic countries. We have chosen a sample with 8 Islamic countries in the period 1985-2009. We have applied a balanced panel data model. Hausman (1978) test shows that we should use random effects model. The results indicate that economic growth has the most effect on FDI attracting. But, inflation rate, oil extraction and openness have a negative effect on attraction of FDI. For attraction of FDI, Islamic countries should control economic risk and should pay attention to economic growth.
The Janus head of a Crisis Message: Two Distinct Faces Altering Perceptions and Behaviour

In times of high-impact organizational crises, an organization in crisis may choose to spread its crisis message on forehand. This reduces negative impacts on the organizational credibility. Social media can be a helpful tool for an organization to spread the crisis message. In addition, peer reactions through social media during a risk situation help to convince citizens whether to engage in self-protective behaviour or not. This research strived to determine the effects of peer feedback and crisis timing strategy on (1) self-protective behaviour, (2) secondary crisis reactions, (3) risk perception and (4) organizational credibility among consumers. In this study, a 2 (crisis timing strategy: stealing thunder vs. thunder) x 2 (peer feedback: supporting vs. opposing) between subjects experimental design was used (N = 184). Results showed that organizational credibility mediates the interplay of crisis timing strategy and peer feedback on both self-protective behaviour and secondary crisis reactions. Finally, implications for organizational crisis communication and future research are discussed.