Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Impact of Reality Pedagogy: Understanding its Implementation on Urban Immigrant Students

This ethnographic case study follows two urban immigrant students in their yearlong journey in an urban science classroom where the first two pedagogic tools of reality pedagogy (cogenerative dialogue and co-teaching) were implemented. This study examines the role reality pedagogy plays in the science classroom for these two students, while focusing on their social capital and how distributed cognition is used to frame understanding. The three emergent themes that were generated and observed among the two participants indicated that the implementation of the first two tools of reality pedagogy increased the two immigrant students' participation within their science classroom, increased opportunities for voice in the classroom, and increased ability to access the human and physical resources of the classroom for the participants' own benefit. The study revealed that both students' social capital was impacted and the frame of distributed cognition played a role in their science classroom participation. Implications relate to the importance of developing community within science classrooms for immigrant students.
Neuropsychological profile in the overweight population: an exploratory study of set-shifting and central coherence

Biases in information processing styles, as measured by neuropsychological tasks, have been reported in the eating disorder literature. In particular, an inflexible, rigid processing style (poor set-shifting) and a bias toward detail to the exclusion of the bigger picture (weak central coherence) have been observed. This report investigates these traits in the overweight population, by comparing the neuropsychological profile of 50 normal-weight and ten overweight members of the general population. Small-to-negligible effect sizes are seen for the set-shifting tasks; however, a mixed profile with moderate-to-strong effect sizes is seen for tasks measuring detail focus. This exploratory study provides an intriguing introduction to neuropsychological profiles in the overweight population. Further exploration of these traits within the overweight/obese population is recommended.
Perceiving Prospects Properly

When an agent chooses between prospects, noise in information processing generates an effect akin to the winner’s curse. Statistically unbiased perception systematically overvalues the chosen action because it fails to account for the possibility that noise is responsible for making the preferred action appear to be optimal. The optimal perception patterns share key features with prospect theory, namely, overweighting of small probability events (and corresponding underweighting of high probability events), status quo bias, and reference-dependent S-shaped valuations. These biases arise to correct for the winner’s curse effect.
The Effect of Inner Reinforcing Cores on Natural Frequencies of the Lathe Tool Body

Abstract The contribution is mainly focused on research and development of structural modification of machine tools, lathes in particular. The main aim of the modification is to change the modal properties (mode shapes, natural frequencies) of the lathe tool. The main objective of the contribution will be to formulate, mathematical analyse and evaluate the proposed methods and procedures for structural modifications of the tool, represented by beam body. A modification of modal properties by insertion of beam cores into beam body is studied in this paper. In this paper, the effect of material properties and geometrical parameters of reinforcing cores on natural frequencies of beam body is presented. The implementation will bring benefit on machine productivity, decreasing the machine tool wear and in many cases it will lead to better conditions in the cutting process.
School Children as Health Agent: An Explorative Study on Peers’ Perspectives

INTRODUCTION: School based programme known as ‘Doktor Muda’ was established to empower school children using their knowledge and health skills to achieve better health status. ‘‘Doktor Muda’’ (DM) is a group involved a selection of trained school children that met certain criteria as peer educators in order to influence their peers’ attitude and health practices. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study was carried out from March 2014 to January 2015. Qualitative data were collected by Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to identify peers perspective towards DM as a health promotion agent using a semi structured open ended questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed according to the relevant themes that identify the abilty of DM to influence their peers’ attitude and health practices. RESULTS: The findings showed that majority of participants admitted positive response towards information given by DM in their behavioural beliefs towards health. Majority of the participants agreed DM has succeeded in changing their attitudes toward the importance of health involving were participants’ concern on health. However, some of the participants claimed negative response showed by the peers during dissemination of information by DM and participants’ observations. Verification from the feedback groups regarding individual who influence their personal hygiene practice revealed 45.5% by their ownself, 36.4% by their parents/family and 36.4% by DM respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study has succeeded in exploring peers’ perspectives on the efficacy of DM as health promotion agent. Strengthening in positive beliefs among peers towards health, influencing positive attitudes to accentuate health and encouraging health practices at a moderate level were established in this study.
Improved robust stability criterion of networked control systems with transmission delays and packet loss

The problem of stability analysis for a class of networked control systems (NCSs) with network-induced delay and packet dropout is investigated in this paper. Based on the working mechanism of zero-order holder, the closed-loop NCS is modeled as a continuous-time linear system with input delay. By introducing a novel Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional which splits both the lower and upper bounds of the delay into two subintervals, respectively, and utilizes reciprocally convex combination technique, a new stability criterion is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Compared with previous results in the literature, the obtained stability criterion is less conservative. Numerical examples demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the proposed method.
Species distribution and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of coagulase-negative Staphylococci other than Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from various clinical specimens

This study was undertaken to determine the species distribution and antibiotic resistance patterns of coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) other than Staphylococcus epidermidis. A total of 142 CoNS (except S. epidermidis) strains were isolated from a variety of clinical specimens in neutropenic patients at the Bone Marrow Transplant Centre of Tunisia between 2002 and 2004. All CoNS isolates were further identified by Api ID32 STAPH and ITS-PCR and antibiotic sensitivity was performed by disc diffusion method. Staphylococcus haemolyticus was the commonest species (38%) followed by Staphylococcus hominis (36%). All isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and 8 (6%) strains showed a reduced sensitivity to teicoplanin. Resistance to penicillin G and methicillin was 84 and 60%, respectively. Methicillin-resistant CoNS strains were determined to be more resistant to antibiotics than methicillin-susceptible CoNS strains. The mecA gene was detected by PCR in 65% (92/142) CoNS isolates. Out of 92 mecA-positive isolates, 90 were phenotypically methicillin-resistant and two were methicillin-susceptible. Phylogenetic analysis, carried out to study the evolution of mecA genes between different Staphylococcal species, revealed a high homology for such genes among Staphylococci.
Study on haematological parameters of fingerlings of Amur carp (Cyprinus carpio Haematopterus) fed with garlic (Allium sativum) incorporated diets

A 245 days experimental study was carried out to investigate the supplemental effects of dietary garlic (Allium sativum) powder on haematological parameters in fingerlings of amur carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus). Fingerlings with an average weight of 16.11± 0.86g were distributed into four treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 (25 fishes randomly distributed in each of 12 tanks). The experimental feed diets were isoproteinous and contained 28.0% protein and 7.5% lipid on dry matter basis. The dried garlic powder was incorporated at three concentrations (0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%) in feed for conducting the experiment. The experimental diet was fed to fish over the period of 245 days followed by challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. The value of total erythrocyte count did not vary considerably (p>0.05) within T1 and T2, T3 and T4 in pre challenged group and T3 and T4 in post challenged group. The total leucocyte count and haemoglobin resulted in significant (p< 0.05) increment between pre challenge and post challenge in all treatment groups. The water quality parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, free carbon dioxide and total alkalinity were within the tolerance range of the experimental fish, Amur carp. It is inferred from the results of the study that dried garlic powder can be safely incorporated up to 1.5 % in carp feeds for improved haematological profile in Amur carp.
UV-irradiated hydrogenated amorphous carbons (HACs) as carriers of the interstellar UV bump

Hydrogenated amorphous carbons (HACs) are considered as laboratory analogues to cosmic carbonaceous nanoparticles in the interstellar medium (ISM). The optical properties of nano-sized HACs may be influenced by the UV processing. The variation of the internal structure leads to dramatic changes in the spectral properties in the FUV-VIS range. This scenario can explain some astronomical features such as the interstellar UV bump at 4.6 μ m-1 . The spectrum of HACs, irradiated by a dose of UV irradiation that corresponds to 21–33% of the average dose of the UV radiation in diffuse ISM, exhibits a new band centered at 4.6 μ m-1 . This result confirms, for the first time, the suggestion by Mennella et al. (1996) that irradiated HACs might be considered as the carriers of the interstellar UV bump at 4.6 μ m-1 . However, the amount of carbon needed to reproduce this band is higher than that available for interstellar carbon dust grains. So the ideal structure of irradiated HACs that would produce a band of sufficient strength has still to be searched for.
Critical Success Factors of E-Government Services in Developing Countries (A Case Study of NADRA Pak-Identity Service)

The aim of this study is to assess the perceived behavior of customers toward ‘Pak identity service’ by "National Database and Registration Authority" NADRA. Specifically, the citizens’ perception regarding the newly offered e-government service (Pak-identity) will be measured in terms of navigation, personalization, and design as independent constructs in the current study. Methodology: To identify factors influencing customer e-loyalty, quantitative, questionnaire-based survey strategy will be followed as it helps to understand citizens’ perceptions and behavior. On the basis of random sampling, the sample size of 383 was analyzed to align with the purpose of the study. Moreover, the scale was adapted in sustaining credibility and validity. Value: In terms of e-service evaluation in the country. The current study is unique as it is addressing the attributes regarding the quality of web-service for the citizens to improve its adoption and acceptance in the society. Finding: The result of this study revealed that how website design, navigation, and customization have an important role in the evaluation of customer intention to revisit. Specifically, the design is the strongest predictor of the citizen’s behavior and adoption intentions, which is being followed by the navigation and the personalization / customization facilities. Keywords: E-service, Pakistan, Website design, personalization, customization, NADRA, e-loyalty, Pak Identity.
Integration and Operation of a Three-Level NPC Inverter with Advanced Control Strategy for DC-AC Distribution Applications

This study is concentrated on integration and operation of a three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter maximum power point trackers (MPPTs) for dc-ac distribution applications. In a dcdistribution system, a neutral-point-clamped inverter is required to control the power flow between dc bus and ac grid, and to regulate the dc bus to a certain range of voltages. A novel regulation mechanism according to the inverter inductor current levels to reduce capacitor size, balance power flow, and adjust load variation is proposed. A novel control algorithm for the proposed system is also implemented in order to control the power delivery between the solar PV, battery, and grid, which also provides maximum power point tracking (MPPT) operation for the solar PV.
PROTECTIVE ROLE OF AERVA MONSONIAE AND SELENIUM ON CADMIUM- INDUCED OXIDATIVE LIVER DAMAGE IN RATS

Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of methanolic extract of the whole plant of Aerva monsoniae (MEAM) and selenium on cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative liver damage in experimental rats.Methods: In the present study, albino Wistar rats were treated with Cd (5 mg/kg), selenium (1 mg/kg), and MEAM (250 and 500 mg/kg) for 21days. After 21 days of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed, and blood was collected for estimation of biochemical parameters and liver was used for histopathological studies.Results: Oral administration of Cd significantly elevated the levels of hepatic markers such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, cholesterol, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and decreased levels of total proteins and albumin. We also observed that elevated oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde reduced the enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as reduced glutathione in the liver. Co-administration of MEAM and selenium in Cd-intoxicated rats, the altered biochemical parameters, and pathological changes were recovered significantly (p>0.01) than the individual effects of MEAM and selenium.Conclusion: From the above findings, it was concluded that combination of MEAM and selenium exhibited remarkable protective effects against Cd-induced oxidative liver damage in rats.
Social Care in Adult Education

This article describes a research study about the experiences of adult educators in which the stories of three of the participants were central in exploring the issue of social care in adult education. It proposes that the adult educators with a social care orientation in this study acknowledge the importance of, and work to provide for, human needs (e.g., food, shelter, and belonging), care (working from an ethical affective orientation as opposed to a rational justice orientation), and social justice (a power analysis focusing on marginalization and oppression in a capitalist society).
Localization of dependence for solutions of hyperbolic differential equations ∗

We survey several results that localize the dependence of solutions to hyperbolic equations. These observations address questions that are central to numerical simulation of solutions on unbounded spatial domains. One result shows that in principle it is possible to numerically compute (the restriction of) a solution to a wave equation on an unbounded domain using only a bounded computational domain. Other results provide implementations of this fact in particular situations. In addition, we introduce a new diagrammatic way to generate explicit solutions to multiple-time initial-value problems for the wave equation in one space dimension.
Development of Standardisation parameters and Isolation of Phytomarker Myricetin from stem bark of Myrica esculenta Buch. Ham. Ex d. Don

The present study was undertaken to develop standardization parameters and to develop method for isolation of phyto marker myricetin from the stem bark of Myrica esculenta Buch. Ham. Ex D. Don, Myricaceae. Different pharmacognostical and phytochemical parameters for quantitative estimation of phytoconstituents and separation of marker myricetin from the methanolic extract by column chromatography were studied. The stem bark of M. esculenta revealed 2.47% of total ash, 0.02% of acid insoluble ash, 24% of water soluble extractive, 13% of alcohol soluble extractive, 9.9% of moisture content and foaming index of 125. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that the stem bark was credited with phytoconstituents like tannins, phenols, flavonoids and saponins in methanolic and aqueous extract. Stem bark contains 0.53%w/w of total flavonoid while the total phenolic content was found to be 9.18%w/w.43 fractions were isolated by column chromatography. Thin layer chromatographic studies of isolated fractions resulted in separation of yellow colored spot at the Rf value 0.65. The U.V. spectroscopic studies of isolated spots produced peaks at 254 and 375 nm which were similar to the peaks of the reference compound myricetin.
Pechmann Reaction in Non-Chloroaluminate Acidic Ionic Liquids under Solvent-Free Conditions

Four non-chloroaluminate acidic ionic liq- uids have been used as catalysts for Pechmann con- densations of phenols under solvent-free conditions. SO3H-functionalized trifluoromethanesulfonate imi- dazolium ionic liquid has proved to be the most ac- tive catalyst. Ionic liquid loads as low as 5 mol % can be used leading to high yields with activated phe- nols at an oil bath temperature of 808C. The acidities of the four ionic liquids have also been tested using the Hammett method in dichloromethane. The re- sults are consistent with their catalytic activities as observed in the Pechmann reaction of resorcinol. This methodology offers significant improvements for the synthesis of coumarins with regard to yield of products, simplicity in operation, and green as- pects by avoiding toxic catalysts and solvents.
Dynamics and shocks from H α emission of nearby galaxy mergers

We examine the dynamical properties of interacting galaxies and the properties of shocked gas produced as a result of the interaction. We observed 22 galaxy mergers using the SparsePak IFU at Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO). The goal of the observations was to obtain the \ha\ velocity maps over the entire luminous parts of the galaxies including the faint tidal tails and to find extended shocks and outflows. Our sample consists of major and minor galaxy mergers with mass ratios $1<\mu<8$. We fit multiple kinematic components to the \ha\ and \nii\ emission lines, develop an MCMC code to robustly estimate the error of fit parameters, and use the F-test to determine the best number of kinematic components for each fiber. We use \nii/\ha\ and velocity dispersion of components to separate star-forming (HII) regions from shocks. We use the kinematics of the \ha\ emission from HII regions and an automated modeling method to put the first-ever constraints on the encounter parameters of one of the observed systems. Besides, we roughly estimate the fraction of shocked \ha\ emission , $\text{f}_\text{shocked}$, without taking extinction into account and examine the spatial distribution of shocks. We find that close galaxy pairs have, on average, a higher shock fraction than wide pairs, and coalesced mergers have the highest average $\text{f}_\text{shocked}$. In addition, galaxy pairs with more equal mass ratio tend to have a higher $\text{f}_\text{shocked}$. Combining the dynamical models from the literature and this work, we inspect trends between $\text{f}_\text{shocked}$ and dynamical encounter parameters. Our findings are generally consistent with shocks being produced either by the direct collision of the ISM or by the chain of events provoked by the tidal impulse during the first passage.
Cr Vaporization and Oxide Scale Growth on Interconnects in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

The vaporization of Cr(VI) species and the greater electrical resistance caused by a growing oxide scale are probably the two most detrimental degradation mechanisms associated with the use of Cr2O3-forming alloys as the interconnect material in a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). High electrical efficiency, clean emissions and the possibility to utilize several types of fuels, such as hydrogen, alcohols and hydrocarbons are some of the great advantages of SOFC technology. However, the limited lifetime and high production costs of a SOFC have limited the commercialization of this technology. Therefore, improving the component materials and reducing production costs is of great importance. This thesis has examined both mechanisms; Cr vaporization and oxide scale growth. The possibility to pre-coat large amounts of steel and deform the material to allow for gas distribution as an alternative method for reducing production costs was also investigated. To achieve these objectives, nano coatings of Co and Ce were applied to Cr2O3-forming ferritic stainless steels to decrease Cr vaporization and improve the oxidation resistance of the interconnect material. All exposures were carried out in a simulated cathode-side environment consisting of air-3% H2O. Cr vaporization was measured using a denuder technique and oxide-scale growth was studied mainly gravimetrically. For chemical, structural and microstructural analysis, SEM/EDX, FIB and XRD techniques were used. The results presented in this thesis show that high quality coatings that mitigate Cr vaporization are necessary, even if the SOFC operating temperature is decreased to temperatures as low as 650 oC. By coating a ferritic stainless steel with 600 nm Co, the Cr vaporization rate can be decreased by almost 90 %, and by adding an extra 10 nm layer of Ce, the high temperature corrosion resistance of the interconnect material can be significantly improved, and electrical oxide-scale resistance can be reduced. When the pre-coated steel was mechanically deformed to allow for gas distribution, large cracks formed in the coating. However, upon exposure, the cracks healed and formed a continuous surface oxide rich in Co and Mn. As an effect of this rapid healing, no increase in Cr vaporization was detected for the pre-coated material.
AN AZIMUTHAL DYNAMO WAVE IN SPHERICAL SHELL CONVECTION

We report the discovery of an azimuthal dynamo wave of a low-order (m = 1) mode in direct numerical simulations (DNS) of turbulent convection in spherical shells. Such waves are predicted by mean-field dynamo theory and have been obtained previously in mean-field models. An azimuthal dynamo wave has been proposed as a possible explanation for the persistent drifts of spots observed on several rapidly rotating stars, as revealed through photometry and Doppler imaging. However, this has been judged unlikely because evidence for such waves from DNS has been lacking. Here we present DNS of large-scale magnetic fields showing a retrograde m = 1 mode. Its pattern speed is nearly independent of latitude and does not reflect the speed of the differential rotation at any depth. The extrema of magnetic m = 1 structures coincide reasonably well with the maxima of m = 2 structures of the temperature. These results provide direct support for the observed drifts being due to an azimuthal dynamo wave.