Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Virtual Objects: Contributions for the Learning Process

The constant technological development in education, and the potentiality of the resources offered by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), are challenges faced by teaching institutions in Brazil, especially by those institutions, which by the very nature of their services intend to provide distance education courses. In such a scene, one sees the use of technology as a tool to give support and to take part in the process of teaching activities, such as the Virtual Learning Objects (VLOs), which offer an opportunity to contribute to the teaching and learning process. Considering this, the present work aims at analyzing the VLOs used in the distance education courses of Economic Sciences and of Accounting at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (Federal University of Santa Catarina), under the quality criteria indicated by the Learning Object Review Instrument (LORI) methodology proposed by Nesbit, Belfer, and Vargo (2002), Nesbit, Belfer, and Leacock (2004), and Leacock & Nesbit (2007), in order to learn how to better take profit of efforts and resources.
Microbial richness and composition independently drive soil multifunctionality

Soil microbes provide multiple ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling, decomposition and climate regulation. However, we lack a quantitative understanding of the relative importance of microbial richness and composition in controlling multifunctionality. This knowledge gap limits our capacity to understand the influence of biotic attributes in the provision of services and functions on which humans depend. We used two independent approaches (i.e. experimental and observational), and applied statistical modeling to identify the role and relative importance of bacterial richness and composition in driving multifunctionality (here defined as seven measures of respiration and enzyme activities). In the observational study we measured soil microbial communities and functions in both tree- and bare soil-dominated microsites at 22 locations across a 1200 km transect in southeastern Australia. In the experimental study we used soils from two of those locations and developed gradients of bacterial diversity and composition through inoculation of sterilized soils. Microbial richness and the relative abundance of γ-Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were positively related to multifunctionality in both the observational and experimental approaches; however, only Bacteroidetes was consistently selected as a key predictor of multifunctionality across all experimental approaches and statistical models used here. Moreover, our results, from two different approaches, provide evidence that microbial richness and composition are both important, yet independent, drivers of multiple ecosystem functions. Overall, our findings advance our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning relationships between microbial diversity and ecosystem functionality in terrestrial ecosystems, and further suggest that information on microbial richness and composition needs to be considered when formulating sustainable management and conservation policies, and when predicting the effects of global change on ecosystem functions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Compact medical fluorosensor for minimally invasive tissue characterization

A compact fiber-optic point-measuring fluorosensor fully adapted to clinical studies is described. The system can use two excitation wavelengths, 337 and 405nm, obtained from a nitrogen laser directly, or after dye laser conversion, respectively. The image intensifier used in the spectrometer can be gated with a variable time delay, allowing also time-resolved spectra to be extracted, with a time resolution of about 4ns. Moreover, diffusely scattered white light can be spectrally recorded. The system is fully computer controlled enabling short recording times in clinical application, which are illustrated.
Stakeholders' issues for action during the warning process and the interpretation of forecasts' uncertainties

This article considers the socio-geographical ap- proach carried out as part of the MedUp program. It presents a study of the ways that the French "actors" manage forecast uncertainties during a flash flood warning process. In order to better understand the role of forecasts' uncertainties in de- cision making, we focused on the actions people took and how what they say explains their actions. The practices of ac- tors involved in warnings for the Vidourle watershed (Gard, France), in particular, are analyzed using a practice-based approach. A set of categories of the "actors" was devel- oped based on their descriptions of the problems they faced during the flash flood warning, independent of their socio- professional status and position in the warning chain. Five actor profiles result from this: Translators, Managers, Com- mitted, Navigators and Vulnerable. For each profile, specific action contexts are defined, determining how each deals with uncertainty.
Pathways to Sustainability: Evolution or Revolution?

The purposes of this chapter is to delve more deeply into the processes and determinants of technological, organisational, and social innovation and to discuss their implications for selecting instruments and policies to stimulate the kinds of innovation necessary for the transformation of industrial societies into sustainable ones. Sustainable development must be seen as a broad concept, incorporating concerns for the economy, the environment, and employment. All three are driven/affected by both technological innovation [Schumpeter, 1939] and globalised trade [Ekins et al., 1994; Diwan et al., 1997]. They are also in a fragile balance, are inter-related, and need to be addressed together in a coherent and mutually reinforcing way [Ashford, 2001]. Here we will argue for the attainment of ‘triple sustainability’ – improvements in competitiveness (or productiveness) and long-term dynamic efficiency, social cohesion (work/employment), and environment (including resource productivity, environmental pollution, and climate disruption). The figure below depicts the salient features and determinates of sustainability. They are, in turn, influenced by both public and private-sector initiatives and policies.
Isostatic Compensation of the Lunar Highlands

The lunar highlands are isostatically compensated at large horizontal scales, but the specific compensation mechanism has been difficult to identify. With topographic data from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter and gravity data from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory, we investigate support of highland topography. Poor correlation between crustal density and elevation shows that Pratt compensation is not important in the highlands. Using spectrally weighted admittance, we compared observed values of geoid‐to‐topography ratio (GTR) with those predicted by isostatic models. Observed GTRs are 25.8+7.5–5.7 m/km for the nearside highlands and 39.3+5.7–6.2 m/km for the farside highlands. These values are not consistent with flexural compensation of long‐wavelength topography or Airy isostasy defined under an assumption of equal mass in crustal columns. Instead, the observed GTR values are consistent with models of Airy compensation in which isostasy is defined under a requirement of equal pressures at equipotential surfaces at depth. The gravity and topography data thus reveal that long‐wavelength topography on the Moon is most likely compensated by variations in crustal thickness, implying that highland topography formed early in lunar history before the development of a thick elastic lithosphere.
Staging of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. In contrast to other cancers, survival of patients with HCC is determined by the extent of the tumor in addition to underlying liver disease and its functional reserve. From risk factors to management, HCC reveals a considerable geographic and institutional variation throughout the world. Although many staging and/or scoring systems have been proposed, each prognostic system has several benefits and limitations on its own. Therefore, there is currently no globally accepted system for HCC due to the extreme heterogeneity of the disease. In this review, currently available staging systems for assessing the prognosis of HCC, their uses, limitations, and future prospects are revisited.
Energy Use and CO2 Emissions of Passenger Vehicles in Bahrain - A Case Study

Although there has been rapid growth in the number of passenger vehicles in Bahrain accompanied by an increase in energy demand, the CO2 emissions per vehicle has remained unexplored. This paper contributes to closing the information gap with regard to CO2 emissions, fuel economy, and distance travelled. A bottom-up approach developed by the Global Fuel Economy Initiative that utilizes the vehicles' specifications is used to calculate the missing indicators. Analysis shows that fuel economy of passenger vehicles has improved by an average annual rate of 0.7 % between 2000 and 2010. This rate is lower than that of many developed and developing countries. We conclude by emphasizing the need for policy intervention through introducing fuel economy standards in Bahrain. Although the focus of this paper is on Bahrain, the methodology is readily applicable in other countries where similar data deficiencies can be found. The transport sector is responsible for 27 % of the world energy consumption (1). This proportion has increased from 32 % in 1973 (2) and contributes to 22 % of the total CO2 emissions (3). Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios suggest that global emissions must peak by 2020 followed by a 5 % annual reduction to avoid dangerous climate changes. Therefore, a reduction in transport emissions is required in all countries. In Bahrain, as in most other countries, the road transport sector is one of the highest energy-consuming sectors. It consumes approximately 22 % of its total energy (1) and is responsible for a significant share of the CO2 emissions (100 % of the CO2 emissions from the transport sector and 11.7 % of the total emissions) (4). Management of the road transport sector is of particular importance in Bahrain; this arrangement is due to the rapid increase in the number of passenger vehicles (7.3 % per year on average) (5), which resulted in an accelerated rise in the fuel consumption (5.7 % per year on average) (6) and consequently an increase in the carbon emissions (5.5 % per year on average) (4). Another significant point is that Bahrain's oil field is approaching the end of its life after almost eighty years of production. In light of this fact, Bahrain is seeking to extend the life of the field and to improve its energy efficiency. Furthermore, Bahrain faces challenges in data availability and quality. It should be noted that reliable and accurate data are crucial to the development of desired transport policies. This matter might be taken for granted in some countries, while other countries are still struggling with data availability, including Bahrain and some other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Therefore, this paper primarily aims to close the information gap with respect to passenger vehicle data in Bahrain. A bottom-up methodology suggested by
Cloth Simulaiton with Discrete Mass-Spring and Partical System

Our Cloth simulation was based on Dr.Mosengaard’s [3] implementation. Our approach of modeling cloth is discretized by a polygonal mesh. In discrete models, the mesh topology defines, how the particles (vertices) interact and exert forces on one another. The forces on each particle of the cloth mesh are computed depending on its position and velocity, and the position and velocities of a set of particles within its topological neighborhood. In a mass-spring system, we uses a two triangler mesh to form a rectangular mesh in which the particles are connected by structural springs to counteract tension, diagonal spring for shearing, and interleaving springs for bending.
Association Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Functioning in Antiretroviral-Naive HIV-Infected Patients

Background: Poor functional status can significantly affect Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of HIV patients. However, there is scarce information on the functional profile of such patients before starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). Objective: To estimate the association between health-related quality of life and physical functioning in Antiretroviral-Naive HIV-infected patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with HIV-infected patients older than 18 years, and naïve to antiretroviral therapy. The patients were evaluated for functional profile by pulmonary function (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at one second, and Tiffeneau index), handgrip strength, and six-minute walk test in a cross-sectional study. HRQoL was evaluated by the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and its Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Summaries. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of predictor variables with PCS and MCS scores. Results: We found lower HRQoL among females patients, with far below average impairment of mental health component. Both male and female patients presented lower 6MWD function test values. Patients with dynapenia were older than patients without it, presented lower PCS mean score, lower family income, poor 6 MWD function test, lower FVC, and lower FEV1 t. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that Grip Strength, age and family income were predictor variables for Physical component of HRQoL. Female gender and smoking habit were predictive for the mental component of HRQoL. Conclusion: HRQoL in HIV, drug-naïve patients is predicted by level of dynapenia, smoking, income and gender. Therefore, lifestyle changes and active exercising can help to improve HRQoL in such patients.
An Analysis of the New Trends in National Curriculum of Physics at the Secondary Level

This research study analyzes innovative trends in the National Curriculum of Physics at the Secondary level and compares the same curriculum with the curricula of three academically advanced countries namely Turkey, Malaysia and UK. The study aims to examine the policy objectives of the National Curriculum in Physics at the Secondary level and explores its strengths and weaknesses, ending in recommendations for the removal of these weaknesses. The study practiced mixed-methods designed. The primary data were collected through interviews held with key informants and opinionnaires fielded to subject teachers. Review of literature and reliable documents along with the curricula of three developed countries furnished Secondary data for the study. Qualitative and quantitative treatments were given for analysis of the data. The outcomes of the research study highlight that objectives of curricula in Malaysia, Turkey and UK are more comprehensive than Pakistan. These curricula contain latest and novel concepts. The present curriculum likewise needs to instill the tendency for analytical and critical examination of facts at any circumstance in students. The existing examination system is, therefore, not appropriate as it measures only the lowest domain of learning i.e. rote learning. In order to discourage rote learning, textbooks of Physics at the Secondary level need revision to promote creativity.
Health Problems of Reproductive System and Treatment Seeking Behaviour among Married Women in Selected Rural Community Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Reproductive health, a crucial aspect of general health is of significant importance for human development especially for women particularly during the reproductive years. Treatment seeking behaviour depends upon the individual perception when individual think it is normal or non-serious they do not take treatment . So this study was conducted (1)To assess the health problems of reproductive system among married women in selected rural community. (2)To identify the treatment seeking behavior towards health problems of reproductive system among married women. (3)To identify factors for not taking treatment towards health problems of reproductive system among married women . (4)To determine association between health problems of reproductive system and selected sociodemographic variables and selected reproductive characterstics of married women. Methodology: A Quantitative research approach was adopted for present study. Total 260 married women were selected through convenient sampling technique from community area (Rajiv Nagar, Doiwala). Data was collected through interview schedule . The data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Out of 260 married women, 175(67.30%) had one or more symptoms of health problems of reproductive system. Excessive vaginal discharge (40%) was most prevalent among married women. Out of 175 (67.30%) married women 118 (67%) had taken treatment. Majority (97.45%) taken allopathic treatment, 57(33%) had not taken any treatment and give reason for not taking treatment. Majority of the women gave reasons that they did not have time or money to take the treatment. There was significant association between age and health problems of reproductive system among married women. There was significant association between history of abortion in the past and health problems of reproductive system among married women. Conclusion: It could be concluded that married women suffered with health problems of reproductive system and excessive vaginal discharge was most prevalent among them.
Topic Modeling of Environmental Data on Social Networks Based on ED-LDA

The rapid development in information technology and web technology has facilitated an extreme increase in the collection and storage of digital data. With the development of environmental online monitoring science and internet technology development, more and more environmental data are stored on the Internet and shared by people on social networks. Therefore, there is a growing interest in automatically identifying environmental factors and environmental big data mining that contribute to public environmental risks, such as mining water quality problem, air pollution problem, soil problem on internet. Better understanding of these factors and analysis data will enable more precise prediction of the location and time of high risk events for environmental management. These environmental data from social networks by using WebCrawler in Twitter, Early work research on environmental data analysis focused more on specific filed analysis for traditional data without consider data relationships and data structure on social networks. The traditional environmental data analysis methods have been studied well, but no algorithms are designed for analysis environmental data on social networks. In this paper, this research propose a novel probabilistic generative model based on LDA, it called ED-LDA algorithm model that algorithm model not only consider the traditional environmental data analysis method, but also include the environmental data relationship and structure to help us find out the useful information and analysis to mine the relationship between users and their posted environmental data on social network to better understand data meaning for environmental management. This research present a Gibbs sampling implementation for inference of our model, and find out the environmental data topic on twitters. Besides our model can be used to many other environmental context files. The experimental result shows that Comparing with the traditional LDA clustering algorithm ED-LDA method can effectively mine and classify environmental data. This method can be a powerful computational approach for clustering environmental data on internet.
Sequential Patient Recruitment and Allocation for Adaptive Clinical Trials

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for comparing the effectiveness of a new treatment to the current one (the control). Most RCTs allocate the patients to the treatment group and the control group by uniform randomization. We show that this procedure can be highly sub-optimal (in terms of learning) if -- as is often the case -- patients can be recruited in cohorts (rather than all at once), the effects on each cohort can be observed before recruiting the next cohort, and the effects are heterogeneous across identifiable subgroups of patients. We formulate the patient allocation problem as a finite stage Markov Decision Process in which the objective is to minimize a given weighted combination of type-I and type-II errors. Because finding the exact solution to this Markov Decision Process is computationally intractable, we propose an algorithm Knowledge Gradient for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT-KG) -- that yields an approximate solution. Our experiment on a synthetic dataset with Bernoulli outcomes shows that for a given size of trial our method achieves significant reduction in error, and to achieve a prescribed level of confidence (in identifying whether the treatment is superior to the control), our method requires many fewer patients.
Cassava root silage for crossbred pigs under villag e conditions in Central Vietnam

An on-farm trial in Binh dien and Xuan Loc villages in Central Vietnam compared ensiling of cassava roots (ECR) (chipped by hand or ground by machine) with sun-dried cassava root meal (CRM) with supplements of “A” molasses at levels from zero to 20%. The HCN content of the ground whole cassava root after ensiling for 60 days was reduced from 109 ppm to 64 ppm, while ensiling the chipped root reduced HCN from 111 to 71 ppm. The optimum levels of “A” molasses replacing cassava root (ensiled or dried) in pig diets with protein supply kept constant at 200 g/day was in the range of 15 to 20% for live weight gain and economic purposes. Mean live weight gains were 465 g/pig/day for the cassava root meal diet and 453 g/pig/day for the ensiled cassava root diet each with 20% of “A” molasses. Feed costs/kg gain for the 20% molasses diet with dried and ensiled cassava root were 11% and 27% less than for corresponding diets without molasses. A digestibility trial was carried out using 6 pigs of 72 kg average initial live weight. Three pigs were fed the CRM diet and 3 pigs received the ECR diet. The mean values for apparent digestibilities of dietary nutrients were not significantly different (P>0.05) except that crude fibre appeared to be digested to a greater extent (P = 0.03) in the diet with ensiled cassava root compared with the dried meal (63 vs 34 %).
Analysis of Multicast Routing Protocols Using Quality of Service

Multicasting is kind of subset of broadcasting in which we have to send data to the selected number of receivers present in the group. The group is called as multicasting group. The routing protocols are being for the sending of packets and managing of nodes. The objective of this paper is to research the current state of the art of existing multicast routing protocols for MANETs, and compare different approaches. There are three main classes of routing protocols for MANETs: reactive, proactive and hybrid. By studying advantages and disadvantages of each one, a new hybrid routing protocol is proposed. The new scheme of protocol, considers utilizing merits of both ODMRP and MAODV protocols, and implements them as a hybrid approach. It allows that a mobile node flexibly runs either a mesh or a tree routing protocol with its velocity and its traffic. The study is done by performance analysis of two well-known multicast routing protocols which are MAODV and ODMRP. Some of the perspective is being studied and an outer diagram is being proposed of new routing protocol. The two routing protocols are being compared on the basis of different parameters. 