Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of a Teaching Presence Instrument in an Online Computer Applications Course

Academic research has consistently shown effective teacher presence to be a signiﬁcant factor in stu-dent satisfaction, engagement, perceived learning, and sense of community. The need for effective teaching presence remains of signiﬁcant importance, particularly with the vast growth of online courses and online degree programs. It is, therefore, also necessary to evaluate the instruments used to measure effective teaching presence. The purpose of this study was an examination of the construct validity of a survey instrument developed to assess effective online teaching presence. Data included teaching pres-ence survey results from undergraduate students enrolled at a large research university in the United States. No demographic data were collected, other than gender, which did not reveal signiﬁcant data in the study. This study has contributed to the literature of the ﬁeld by concluding the 13-item Arbaugh Teaching Presence instrument did not measure the teaching presence construct as intended. Through examination of academic literature, modiﬁcations to the teaching presence instrument since 2003 may have compromised structure and validity of the original teaching presence survey. Development and testing of a new teaching presence instrument, utilizing empirical research and learning outcomes, is recommended.
HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN TERAPI DIET DENGAN INDEKS GLIKEMIK BAHAN MAKANAN YANG DIKONSUMSI PASIEN DIABETES MELLITUS

Prevalensi nasional Diabetes mellitus pada umur ≥15 tahun adalah 2,1% dan pravalensi Diabetes mellitus pada Provinsi Lampung 0,8% (Riskesdas 2013). Di kota Bandar Lampung, prevalensi penyakit Diabetes mellitus yaitu sebesar 0,9% (Riskesdas 2007 dan Riskesdas 2013). Jumlah pasien Diabetes mellitus Tahun 2015 sebanyak 524 pasien dan menempati urutan ke-2 dari 10 penyakit terbanyak di Poli Penyakit Dalam RSUD Dr. H. Abdul Moeloek Provinsi Lampung pada tahun 2015. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah diketahuinya hubungan pengetahuan tentang terapi diet dengan indeks glikemik bahan makanan yang dikonsumsi pasien Diabetes mellitus tipe II di Poli Penyakit Dalam RSUD Dr. H. Abdul Moeloek Provinsi Lampung. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan Cross Sectional. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, diperoleh hasil analisis univariat distribusi karakteristik responden, diketahui bahwa jenis kelamin terbanyak adalah perempuan (56,7%), umur responden terbanyak 51-60 tahun (43,3%) dan umur awal responden terkena DM tipe 2 terbanyak 41-50 tahun (40%). Pendidikan terakhir responden terbanyak adalah SMA (36,7%), pekerjaan terbanyak adalah ibu rumah tangga (46,7%) dansebagian besar responden pernah melakukan konsultasi gizi oleh ahli gizi (63,3%). Distribusi pengetahuan tentang terapi diet sebagian besar baik (70%). Distribusi indeks glikemik bahan makanan yang dikonsumsi responden sebagian besar tinggi (53,3%). Ada hubungan yang bermakna antara pengetahuan tentang terapi diet dengan indeks glikemik bahan makanan yang dikonsumsi pasien Diabetes mellitus tipe II di Poli Penyakit Dalam RSUD Dr. H. Abdul Moeloek Provinsi Lampung ( p-value 0,001).
Exercise and Physical Activity

Most people have been told, “you need to exercise more” or “If you did some sort of physical activity, you would probably feel better”? Exercise and physical activity of any kind is healthy and can help increase positive mood and energy. It can also decrease weight, stress and blood pressure, increase alertness and motivation to accomplish other goals. This isn’t earth shattering news, as a matter of fact it is hard to find anyone who hasn’t heard these things before. Yet, it still isn’t enough to get people up and moving. So, if most people already know that physical activity and exercise have so many positive attributes, why is it that so many people don’t engage in these activities? (especially when experiencing anxiety, depression or significant life stress)
Algebraic differential independence regarding the Riemann $\boldsymbol{\zeta}$-function and the Euler $\boldsymbol{\Gamma}$-function

In this paper, we prove that $\boldsymbol{\zeta}$ cannot be a solution to any nontrivial algebraic differential equation whose coefficients are polynomials in $\boldsymbol{\Gamma},\boldsymbol{\Gamma}^{(n)}$ and $\boldsymbol{\Gamma}^{(\ell n)}$ over the ring of polynomials in $\mathbf{C}$, where $\ell,n\geq1$ are positive integers.
Urban Seismic Site Characterization by Fiber‐Optic Seismology

Accurate ground motion prediction requires detailed site effect assessment, but in urban areas where such assessments are most important, geotechnical surveys are difficult to perform, limiting their availability. Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) offers an appealing alternative by repurposing existing fiber‐optic cables, normally employed for telecommunication, as an array of seismic sensors. We present a proof‐of‐concept demonstration by using DAS to produce high‐resolution maps of the shallow subsurface with the Stanford DAS array, California. We describe new methods and their assumptions to assess H/V spectral ratio—a technique widely used to estimate the natural frequency of the soil—and to extract Rayleigh wave dispersion curves from ambient seismic field. These measurements are jointly inverted to provide models of shallow seismic velocities and sediment thicknesses above bedrock in central campus. The good agreement with an independent survey validates the methodology and demonstrates the power of DAS for microzonation.
Comparative Analysis of LLC resonant converter and Z source resonant DC-DC converter designed for wide input voltage and variations in load

In recent years enhancement of power quality has become essential due to tremendous usage of power electronics devices and converters. Moreover, having a wide range of input voltage along with variations in the load has become a common necessity. Resonant converter holds good for all the above parameters and have proved to be far more beneficial than other converters in many aspects such as Efficiency, Power factor, Losses, Voltage Stability and THD. Due to this, resonant converters have attracted many large scale applications such as in Power Distribution, Renewable Energy, Battery chargers for Electric Vehicles, Power factor correction etc. In this paper, two converters, namely LLC Resonant converter and Z-Source resonant DC-DC converter are suggested. This paper also presents a comparative analysis between LLC resonant converter and Z source resonant converter for reliable performance and suitable applications.
The role of a location-based city exploration game in digital placemaking

ABSTRACT Many digital technologies, such as social media, community systems, and public displays, have been studied to explore how people engage with each other in their community. Yet little is known about how one form of technology, location-based games (LBGs), can support urban residents in community awareness, city exploration, and placemaking as they navigate spaces and places in their cities. To explore this topic, we investigated the challenges urban residents faced in finding information about their community along a transit network. We then designed, developed, and evaluated an LBG called City Explorer that supports city exploration using gamification and the viewing and sharing of community information. We found that residents valued the fun, competition, and rewards afforded through play in public spaces, creating opportunities for placemaking through location services and knowledge sharing. Players also wanted additional knowledge about their transit commutes, including data about the frequency and routines of their transit rides. Collectively, such ridership data offers potential for smart city initiatives and illustrates that careful design considerations are required to balance people’s needs for play, personal data, privacy, and community information acquisition.
Technical debt-aware elasticity management in cloud computing environments

Elasticity is the characteristic of cloud computing that provides the underlying primitives to dynamically acquire and release shared computational resources on demand. Moreover, it unfolds the advantage of the economies of scale in the cloud, which refers to a drop in the average costs of these computing capacities as a result of the dynamic sharing capability. However, in practice, it is impossible to achieve elasticity adaptations that obtain perfect matches between resource supply and demand, which produces dynamic gaps at runtime. Moreover, elasticity is only a capability, and consequently it calls for a management process with far-sighted economics objectives to maximise the value of elasticity adaptations. Within this context, we advocate the use of an economics-driven approach to guide elasticity managerial decisions. We draw inspiration from the technical debt metaphor in software engineering and we explore it in a dynamic setting to present a debt-aware elasticity management. In particular, we introduce a managerial approach that assesses the value of elasticity decisions to adapt the resource provisioning. Additionally, the approach pursues strategic decisions that value the potential utility produced by the unavoidable gaps between the ideal and actual resource provisioning over time. As part of experimentation, we built a proof of concept and the results indicate that value-oriented adaptations in elasticity management lead to a better economics performance in terms of lower operating costs and higher quality of service over time. This thesis contributes (i) an economics-driven approach towards elasticity management; (ii) a technical debt-aware model to reason about elasticity adaptations; (iii) a debt-aware learning elasticity management approach; and (iv) a multi-agent elasticity management for multi-tenant applications hosted in the cloud.
N-Hydroxyphthalimide Supported on Silica Coated with Ionic Liquids Containing CoCl2 (SCILLs) as New Catalytic System for Solvent-Free Ethylbenzene Oxidation

N-Hydroxyphthalimide was immobilized via ester bond on commercially available silica gel (SiOCONHPI) and then coated with various ionic liquids containing dissolved CoCl2 (SiOCONHPI@CoCl2@IL). New catalysts were characterized by means of FT IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, SEM and TGA analysis and used in ethylbenzene oxidation with oxygen under mild solvent-free conditions (80 ◦C, 0.1 MPa). High catalytic activity of SiOCONHPI was proved. In comparison to a non-catalytic reaction, a two-fold increase in conversion of ethylbenzene was observed (from 4.7% to 8.6%). Coating of SiOCONHPI with [bmim][OcOSO3], [bmim][Cl] and [bmim][CF3SO3] containing CoCl2 enabled to increase the catalytic activity in relation to systems in which IL and CoCl2 were added directly to reaction mixture. The highest conversion of ethylbenzene was obtained while SiOCONHPI@CoCl2@[bmim][OcOSO3] were used (12.1%). Catalysts recovery and reuse was also studied.
Making Bicycling Comfortable: Identifying Minimum Infrastructure Needs by Population Segments Using a Video Survey

Author(s): Fitch, Dillon; Carlen, Jane; Handy, Susan | Abstract: In this study, researchers use survey data to analyze bicycling comfort and its relationship with socio-demographics, bicycling attitudes, and bicycling behavior. An existing survey of students, faculty, and staff at UC Davis (n=3089) who rated video clips of bicycling environments based on their perceived comfort as a part of the UC Davis annual Campus Travel Survey (CTS) is used. The video clips come from a variety of urban and semi-rural roads (designated California state highways) around the San Francisco Bay Area where bicycling rates vary. Results indicate considerable effects of socio-demographics and attitudes on absolute video ratings, but relative agreement about which videos are most comfortable and uncomfortable across population segments. In addition, presence of bike infrastructure and low speed roads are the strongest video factors generating more comfortable ratings. However, the results suggest that even the best designed on-road bike facilities are unlikely to provide a comfortable bicycling environment for those without a predisposition to bicycle. This suggests that protected and separated bike facilities may be required for many people to consider bicycling. Nonetheless, the results provide guidance for improving roads with on-street bike facilities where protected or separated facilities may not be suitable.View the NCST Project Webpage
Theoretical analysis of adsorption of various compounds onto hydrophilic and hydrophobic silicas compared to activated carbons

The aim of this study was to analyze various theoretical models (clusters, systems with periodic boundary conditions) and methods, which could be applied to investigate the adsorption phenomena and for better interpretation of the experimental data. The density functional theory (DFT) and semiempirical (PM7) methods were used to model the adsorption phenomena at a surface of fumed nanooxides, silica gels, activated carbons, etc. The main idea is that appropriate theoretical analysis allows a deeper insight into interfacial phenomena related to the structure & properties of the adsorption layers vs. the textural and other characteristics of adsorbents. Comparison of the theoretically calculated characteristics with experimental ones can allow more accurate interpretation of the effects observed in various experiments on the adsorption phenomena. It was established that polarization of nonpolar and polar molecules adsorbed onto a polar surface and charge (& proton) transfer play an important role, as well as confined space effects. It enhances the interaction energy of adsorbed molecules bound to a solid surface and affects the surface orientation of adsorbed molecules, as well the behavior of the adsorption layer vs. temperature, pressure or concentration, as well other conditions. Surface hydrophobization reduces the interaction energy for both polar and nonpolar adsorbates. Adsorbates clusterization reduces the average energy of interaction of the adsorption layer with a surface per a molecule. The charge transfer is observed for both polar and nonpolar molecules interacting with polar surface functionalities. The mostly strong interfacial effects changing the behavior of the adsorption layer are observed upon proton transfer to the adsorbed molecules or vice versa. Variation in orientation of adsorbed molecules results in overestimation of the specific surface area estimated using a fixed value of surface area occupied by a probe molecule (e.g. 0.162 nm 2 for N 2 ).
Improving planning by integrating spatial data into decision support systems

ABSTRACT For many decision problems, the spatial availability of inputs or the spatial distribution of customers are important decision parameters that should be considered as precisely as possible. One example of such a decision problem is the strategic planning of so-called biorefineries. Biorefineries generate a variety of products from biomass, and their overall economic performance strongly depends on the regional availability of the scattered biomass inputs. However, spatial data is often omitted from performance analyses. In this paper, we show how spatial data can indeed be integrated into a decision support system using pre-editing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and GIS-Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Towards this end, we describe the integration of spatial data into the planning process for two different biorefinery concepts in two different regions.
Custos no cultivo do tabaco: um estudo em uma pequena propriedade rural do sul catarinense

The objective of this study was to analyze the costs of tobacco production in a rural property in the Southern region of Santa Catarina. It is qualitative and descriptive research, carried out through a case study, documentary research and semi-structured interview. For this, the data of the sales and purchase invoices, as well as notes of the producer related to the harvest of 2017/2018, were collected. The results showed that the production process has three macro stages: a) Pre-planting; b) Planting, Cultivation, and Harvest; c) Post-Planting. The largest expense was represented by labor, equivalent to 46.78% of total costs; the obtained profit corresponded to 17,03% of the revenue; the Accounting Balance Point found was R $ 37,880.57; the Economic Equilibrium Point was not reached, as it required the minimum sale value of R $ 101,843.36; the Safety Margin found accounted for 36.31% of total revenue. It was found that, at the moment, the producer is not in a position to reduce its fixed costs because these are mainly composed of own labor and depreciation. It can be concluded that cost management in farms is extremely important to obtain better results, considering that this activity has specificities that cannot be controlled by the rural producer.
Esophageal collateral veins in predicting esophageal variceal recurrence and rebleeding after endoscopic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Endoscopic treatment is recommended for the management of esophageal varices. However, variceal recurrence or rebleeding is common after endoscopic variceal eradication. Our study aimed to systematically evaluate the prevalence of esophageal collateral veins (ECVs) and the association of ECVs with recurrence of esophageal varices or rebleeding from esophageal varices after endoscopic treatment. Methods We searched the relevant literature through the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Prevalence of paraesophageal veins (para-EVs), periesophageal veins (peri-EVs), and perforating veins (PVs) were pooled. Risk ratio (RR) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for cohort studies and case–control studies, respectively. A random-effects model was employed. Heterogeneity among studies was calculated. Results Among the 532 retrieved papers, 28 were included. The pooled prevalence of para-EVs, peri-EVs, and PVs in patients with esophageal varices was 73%, 88%, and 54%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of para-EVs and PVs in patients with recurrence of esophageal varices was 87% and 62%, respectively. The risk for recurrence of esophageal varices was significantly increased in patients with PVs (OR = 9.79, 95% CI: 1.95–49.22, P = 0.006 for eight case–control studies), but not in those with para-EVs (OR = 4.26, 95% CI: 0.38–38.35, P = 0.24 for four case–control studies; RR = 1.81, 95% CI: 0.83–3.97, P = 0.14 for three cohort studies). Patients with para-EVs had a significantly higher incidence of rebleeding from esophageal varices (RR = 13.00, 95% CI: 2.43–69.56, P = 0.003 for two cohort studies). Statistically significant heterogeneity was notable across the meta-analyses. Conclusions ECVs are common in patients with esophageal varices. Identification of ECVs could be helpful for predicting the recurrence of esophageal varices or rebleeding from esophageal varices after endoscopic treatment.
Application of the “PRK Plus” approach to evaluate the sensitivity of the Coastal Aquifer of Ghiss-Nekkour against pollution (North East of Morocco)

In the North East of the Moroccan Mediterranean coast, 15 km south east of the Al Hoceima city, the coastal aquifer of Ghiss-Nekkour occupies an area of 100 km2. Its exploitation constitutes a priority economic imperative for the city of Al Hoceima and its hinterland, due to the tourist character of the city and the agricultural orientation of the region. In the surface of this study area, alternate rural-type habitats with autonomous sanitation systems, agricultural plots, uncultivated land, a few small industrial units, a local road network, in addition to the International Airport Charif El Idrissi. These are various potential sources of local anthropogenic groundwater contamination. Their intensity may grow with the socio-economic development that knows the region as a whole. In this work, the authors apply a new multicriteria approach of acronym “PRK Plus” to assess the sensitivity of the coastal aquifer Ghiss-Nekkour to anthropogenic pollution. The results obtained from this application show that despite the aggressiveness of the Ghiss-Nekkour groundwater pollution sources, 98% of the total surface area of the water table is “very little sensitive” to anthropogenic contamination.
‘Having a thick skin is essential’: mental health challenges for young apprentices in Australia

ABSTRACT Apprenticeships are a common pathway for young people transitioning from education to employment, and adolescence to adulthood. Apprenticeships have undergone considerable reform, and since the 1990s labour market priorities in Australia have resulted in weakening of protections offered to workers through the award system and trade unions. At the same time, mental health issues have increased, with young people carrying a disproportionate burden. The aim of this study was to explore challenges that young apprentices in urban Australian settings face in relation to their mental health. Focus groups were conducted with 54 apprentices, who described a pervasive sense of disposability and poor working conditions as the main challenges to their mental health. These conditions included long work hours, low wages, job insecurity, poor quality education, unrealistic expectations, workplace hierarchies and bullying. Amidst social and economic precarity, apprentices resigned themselves to silently endure poor treatment in their work placements. Findings from this study are especially troubling because, as young people, apprentices simultaneously face a series of life transitions that require support and guidance. This paper brings attention to the workplace conditions that may contribute to young apprentices’ vulnerability to mental health problems, highlighting possibilities for structural changes led by policy reform.
Identification of Prognostic Genes and Pathways in Lung Adenocarcinoma Using a Bayesian Approach

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in the United States and the world. Adenocarcinoma, the most common subtype of lung cancer, is generally diagnosed at the late stage with poor prognosis. In the past, extensive effort has been devoted to elucidating lung cancer pathogenesis and pinpointing genes associated with survival outcomes. As the progression of lung cancer is a complex process that involves coordinated actions of functionally associated genes from cancer-related pathways, there is a growing interest in simultaneous identification of both prognostic pathways and important genes within those pathways. In this study, we analyse The Cancer Genome Atlas lung adenocarcinoma data using a Bayesian approach incorporating the pathway information as well as the interconnections among genes. The top 11 pathways have been found to play significant roles in lung adenocarcinoma prognosis, including pathways in mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. We have also located key gene signatures such as RELB, MAP4K1, and UBE2C. These results indicate that the Bayesian approach may facilitate discovery of important genes and pathways that are tightly associated with the survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.