Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Using Alice and Scratch in an Introductory Programming Course for Corrective Instruction

Scratch, a visual programming language, was used in many studies in computer science education. Most of them reported positive results by integrating Scratch into K-12 computer courses. However, the object-oriented concept, one of the important computational thinking skills, is not represented well in Scratch. Alice, another visual programming language, seems to have better illustration of the object-oriented concept for programming novices. To demonstrate effects of Alice and Scratch, we compared students' responses to both visual programming languages, especially for students with low performances, in an introductory programming course. The relationships among learning engagement, learning anxiety, and learning playfulness were explored. The results could be referred to by computer science instructors to select proper visual programming language for corrective instruction.
The Sensitivity of Retention to In-Game Advertisements: An Exploratory Analysis

In-game advertisements have become a significant source of revenue for developers of freemium mobile games. Despite this, we are not aware of any published exploratory study looking into the effect of these advertisements on individual, user-level behavior. We consult existing literature on the psychology of advertising and interruption, and propose several metrics that could be used to measure user-level retention. Using a unique dataset representing 21 free-to-play mobile games, we create a simple model which attempts to determine the effect of advertisements on retention. We find only a weak relationship between advertisements and retention. More importantly we find that game-specific effects dominate all advertising effects, yielding important results for game development and design decisions. While the results presented have limitations, they provide a starting point for future research on individual level analysis.
Evaluation of Lung Cell Toxicity of Surfactants for Inhalation Route

Few data are available for excipients administered by inhalation route. This study evaluated the in vitro potential toxicity of three surfactants (Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80 and Poloxamer 188) by using an original air-liquid interface (ALI) method of exposure compared to liquid/liquid (L/L) model. Two cell toxicity tests were conducted on BE-AS-2B cells, a human immortalized bronchial epithelial cell lines; measurement of Lactate Dehydrogenase activity and XTT cell proliferation assay. We found that Polysorbate 20 appeared to be more toxic than Polysorbate 80, Poloxamer 188. An increased toxicity of Polysorbate 20 in L/L system as shown in comparison to ALI exposure. A toxicity was also observed for polysorbate 80 but at higher concentrations and without difference between L/L and ALI exposure. No toxicity was observed for Poloxamer 188 at high concentrations. Poloxamer 188 seems to be the better candidate, out of the three tested, for galenic formulations designed to the inhalation route such as biotherapies. To evaluate the cytotoxicity of excipients for inhalation route the ALI exposure have to be used instead of L/L.
Workplace HIV and AIDS management : the case of Thetsane industrial area in Maseru, Lesotho.

iii Table of contents . iv List of tables . ix List of figures . x CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background . 1 1.2 Context . 1 1.3 Problem statement . 5 1.4 Research questions . 5 1.5 Objectives of the study . 6 1.6 Significance of the study . 6 1.7 Limitations of the study . 7 1.8 Theoretical framework . 7 1.8 Structure of the study . 10 1.9 Summary . 10
Rule extraction based on rough set theory and its application to medical data analysis

Knowledge discovery from databases is an important theme not only in medical data analysis but also in many other practical fields. Recently, rough set theory has been attracting many researchers' attention as an effective method for knowledge discovery. The main idea of rough set theory is to obtain rules which are as simple as possible from the given database by reducing the database while holding the original degree of consistency. To this end, two kinds of approximation sets to the original rough set are introduced: the lower approximation provides an inevitable rule, while the upper approximation provides a possible rule. In addition, a method is suggested for reducing the number of attributes while keeping the degree of consistency of the database. The aim of the paper is to apply such techniques to medical data analysis. Traditional rough set theory can treat only categorical data. Unfortunately, however, many medical data have continuous numerical values. In order to convert continuous numerical data into categorical data, we apply an ID3-like technique on the basis of information quantity. In addition, an idea for utilizing inconsistent data is suggested by defining the quality of boundary. This provides us with more information on which attributes are important, and simpler rules from databases. Finally, those techniques are applied for finding rules which cause MA (macroangiopathy) to NIDDM (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus) patients.
Root Absorption and Translocation of Picloram by Oats and Soybeans

The effects of time, concentration, pH, temperature, and metabolic inhibitors on 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram) uptake from nutrient solution by oats (Avena sativa L. ‘Markton’) and soybeans (Glycine max L. ‘Lee’) were studied. Oats and soybeans had similar absorption patterns of rapid initial uptake. However, total accumulation patterns markedly differed in that accumulation was concentration-dependent for oats but not for soybeans. Initial uptake by oats and soybean roots increased as solution concentration increased. Picloram was redistributed in oats and soybeans and some egress from roots to solution occurred. Picloram uptake by both plant species was markedly diminished with an increase in pH from 3.5 to 4.5, but pH had little effect from 4.5 to 9.5. Less picloram was taken up by oats and soybean roots from solution maintained at 4 C than at 26 C. Translocation to tops followed a similar trend. Increasing concentrations of three metabolic inhibitors, 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), sodium azide, and sodium arsenite, reduced root uptake of picloram in both species. All inhibitors (except DNP for oats) at 10−6 to 10−5 molar concentrations stimulated translocation of picloram to oats and soybean tops while higher concentrations depressed translocation.
Correlation of blood culture results with the sepsis score and sepsis screen in the diagnosis of early-onset neonatal septicemia

Background and Objectives: The objective was to study the correlation of blood culture with the sepsis screen (based on six laboratory parameters) and Takkar and Bhakoo sepsis score (based on six perinatal risk factors) in the diagnosis of early-onset neonatal septicemia. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, blood samples from 100 clinically suspected early-onset neonatal septicemia cases were selected randomly during the primary observer's study period, i.e., from January 2013 to August 2013, and subjected to blood culture and sepsis screen tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP), micro erythrocyte sedimentation rate (m-ESR), white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, I/T ratio, and platelet count. The culture results were correlated with the sepsis score and the sepsis screen tests. Results: Of the 100 cases studied, 63 were blood culture-positive. Higher proportions of septic babies were male (63.4%), preterm (65.1%), low birth weight (76.2%), inborn (52.4%), and those delivered spontaneously (80.9%). Gram-negative organisms (84.13%) were predominant such as Klebsiella (54%), followed by Pseudomonas (15.9%) and Escherichia coli (11.1%). Sepsis screen laboratory parameters such as CRP and m-ESR were significantly associated with culture-proven sepsis. CRP followed by thrombocytopenia and I/T ratio had more sensitivity and high negative predictive value. Leukopenia followed by m-ESR and neutropenia had high specificity and positive predictive value. On applying sepsis risk score, 81.3% were found to be culture-positive in the high-risk category; however, 49% of those with low sepsis risk score were also culture-positive. Conclusion: High-risk newborns identified on the basis of perinatal history by Takkar and Bhakoo sepsis score should be started on antibiotic treatment early. However, the present study illustrates less reliability of this score in low- and moderate-risk categories. A negative septic laboratory screen, in addition to low or moderate sepsis risk score, would be more justifiable in withholding antibiotics in such patients. Blood culture remains the definitive deciding factor.
Topic-text clustering algorithm based on word co-occurrence

Text topic is the key of text clustering , the co-occurrence words are very strong to express document theme in document.On the basis of studying the existing text subject mining and the extraction algorithm of word co-occurrence , this paper proposed a topic text clustering algorithm based on association rules and word co-occurrence.Firstly the algorithm extracts co-occurrence words of document by association rule mining algorithm.Secondly , according to the co-occurrence word , the similarity measure of co-occurrence word pairs was implemented.Finally it uses the hierarchical clustering algorithm to finish the document clustering.Experimental results show that the hierarchical clustering algorithm based on word co-occurrence can not only greatly reduce high dimension of text vector and the algorithm complexity , but also significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of text clustering , in comparison to other algorithms , and it can also produce the clustering effect of good quality.
Estimating the Readily-Releasable Vesicle Pool Size at Synaptic Connections in a Neocortical Microcircuit

Previous studies based on the ‘Quantal Model’ for synaptic transmission suggested that neurotransmitter release is mediated by a single release site at individual synaptic contacts in the neocortex. However, recent studies seem to contradict this hypothesis and indicate that multi-vesicular release (MVR) could better explain the synaptic response variability observed in vitro. In this study we present a novel method to estimate the number of release sites per synapse, also known as the size of the readily-releasable pool (NRRP), from paired whole-cell recordings of layer 5 thick tufted pyramidal cell (L5_TTPC) connections in the somatosensory neocortex. Our approach extends the work of Loebel and colleagues to take advantage of a recently reported data-driven biophysical model of neocortical tissue. Using this approach, we estimated NRRP to be between two to three for connections between L5-TTPC. To constrain NRRP values for other connections in the microcircuit, we developed and validated a generalization approach using data on post-synaptic potential (PSP) coefficient of variations (CVs) from literature and matching to in silico experiments. Our study shows that synaptic connections in the neocortex generally are mediated by MVR and provides a data-driven approach to constrain the MVR model parameters of the microcircuit.
The relationship between restless legs syndrome and anxiety, depression and quality of life

Methods: In this study, 55 patients (7 males and 48 females) who met the diagnostic criteria of idiopathic RLS and 35 healthy individuals (8 males, 27 females) were evaluated using validated Turkish versions of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) rating scale for the severity of RLS, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), which measures quality of life.
Overwinter survival of crustacean diapausing cysts: Brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) in Great Salt Lake, Utah

Survivability of diapausing (cryptobiotic) life stages over time in nature, beyond maximum observed time for viability, is not well understood. Because these life stages are an adaptation to overcome harsh conditions, survivability over time is assumed to be high. Brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) diapausing eggs (cysts) permit overwinter survival to initiate the population each spring. An experiment was designed to examine overwinter survival of brine shrimp cysts for 17 yr in Great Salt Lake (Utah, U.S.A.). Initial hatchability entering the winter (17.8–78.8%) and overwinter survivability (9.9–65.9%) of cysts varied dramatically among years. Better maternal nutrition increased initial hatchability. Overwinter survival of cysts decreased in part because some cysts hatch when it is too cold for the hatchlings to feed (0.8–39.4% among years), so they starve. However, overwinter cyst survival decreases the most with warmer waters in winter, and with better maternal nutrition, as both factors lead to diapause being easier to break. Annual variation in initial hatchability and survival is shown to be important to Great Salt Lake brine shrimp populations. Therefore, cryptobiotic life‐stage ecology needs to be better understood, as these life stages may have highly variable hatchability and survivability with normal environmental stresses.
Accurate Detection of Helicobacter pylori Antigen in Human Stool Specimens by Two Novel Immunoassays

Stool antigen tests are recommended for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Here, we compared two novel assays, i.e., one enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and one immunochromatography assay (ICA), with a chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) that had previously been compared with rapid urease test, histology, and urea breath test. Two hundred sixty-six frozen stool samples with defined CLIA results (42 positives, 219 negatives, and 5 samples with borderline results) collected between January and May 2018 were thawed and immediately tested by EIA, ICA, and CLIA. In 248 samples with repeatedly positive/negative CLIA results, EIA and ICA were positive for 40 and 37 of 41 CLIA-positive samples and yielded negative results for 206 and 201 of 207 CLIA-negative samples, respectively. There was a high positive percent agreement (EIA, 97.6%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 86.3–100%; ICA, 90.2%; 95% CI, 76.9–96.7%), as well as a negative percent agreement between the assays (EIA, 99.5%; 95% CI, 97.0–100%; ICA, 97.1%; 95% CI, 93.7–98.8%). This was further supported by kappa values indicating very good agreement (CLIA vs. EIA, 0.971; CLIA vs. ICA, 0.857). In conclusion, both EIA and ICA comprise valuable assays for the detection of H. pylori antigen in stool samples.
Programming Perl

From the Publisher: Perl is a powerful programming language that has grown in popularity since it first appeared in 1988. The first edition of this book, Programming Perl, hit the shelves in 1990, and was quickly adopted as the undisputed bible of the language. Since then, Perl has grown with the times, and so has this book. Programming Perl is not just a book about Perl. It is also a unique introduction to the language and its culture, as one might expect only from its authors. Larry Wall is the inventor of Perl, and provides a unique perspective on the evolution of Perl and its future direction. Tom Christiansen was one of the first champions of the language, and lives and breathes the complexities of Perl internals as few other mortals do. Jon Orwant is the editor of The Perl Journal, which has brought together the Perl community as a common forum for new developments in Perl. Any Perl book can show the syntax of Perl's functions, but only this one is a comprehensive guide to all the nooks and crannies of the language. Any Perl book can explain typeglobs, pseudohashes, and closures, but only this one shows how they really work. Any Perl book can say that my is faster than local, but only this one explains why. Any Perl book can have a title, but only this book is affectionately known by all Perl programmers as The Camel. This third edition of Programming Perl has been expanded to cover version 5.6 of this maturing language. New topics include threading, the compiler, Unicode, and other new features that have been added since the previous edition.
CARBON NANOSTRUCTURES SYNTHESIS FROM ISOPROPANOL AND ETHYL ACETATE APPLYING GREEN CHEMISTRY PRINCIPLES

Multiwall carbon nanotubes were grown on a stainless steel AISI 304 core catalyst by chemical vapor deposition in a quartz reactor. The highlight of this research is the use of stainless steel catalyst and organic precursors from renewable feedback for high efficient carbon nanostructures synthesis using green chemistry principles. Isopropanol and ethyl acetate were performing as precursors in the chemical vapor deposition. Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy were used to analyze the morphology and crystallinity of the synthesized nanostructures. Transmission electron microscopy performed on samples confirms the presence of multiwall carbon nanotubes and metallic particles found on the tip, base and inside the nanotubes demonstrating a mixed growth mechanism. The secondary products found in the samples were carbon nanobars with different interplanar spaces. XRD confirmed the characteristic planes for hexagonal graphite and weak iron and manganese oxides signals. EDS showed a carbon content above 94% and low metals and oxygen contribution. The carbon nanostructures crystallite sizes were calculated from XRD data and compared with the transmission electron microscopy micrographs; the structures obtained from ethyl acetate had major crystallinity. An easy to scale up carbon nanostructures synthesis method applying green chemistry principles is proposed.
Evaluating the positive drinking consequences questionnaire: Support for a four-factor structure and measurement invariance

ABSTRACT The 14-item Positive Drinking Consequences Questionnaire (PDCQ) was developed to assess experienced positive drinking consequences. The present study sought to advance the psychometric evaluation of the PDCQ via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, measurement invariance, criterion-related validity, and internal consistency. Participants were 1,088 traditional-age college students (81% female) who reported drinking in the past month. Exploratory factor analysis supported a four-factor model (i.e. Sociability, Tension Reduction, Liquid Courage, and Sexual Enhancement), and the confirmatory factor analysis indicated the four factors loaded on a higher-order factor (“PDCQ”). Invariance testing supported invariance for the PDCQ across gender. The PDCQ was positively associated with alcohol use and alcohol-related negative consequences, and negatively associated with protective behavioral strategies. Finally, the four factors of the PDCQ were discriminant from positive expectancies. Collectively, positive drinking consequences appear to be more nuanced than originally conceptualized. Evaluation of specific types of positive drinking consequences may assist in more precise prevention and intervention efforts in the future.
Methods based on the Bayesian networks for situation assessment

The main functions of situation assessment were analysed.That the kernel and start point of the situation assessment system is the event detection was brought forward.The situation assessment knowledge representation using the Bayesian networks and the time/spatial knowledge representation in the situation assessment were discussed.The steps to construct a Bayesian networks for situation assessment were presented,and the layers of events in the situation assessment system were analysed. Finally,the process of how to use the Bayesian networks for situation assessment was showed by an example.
Correlations and selection of parents to technological traits of upland cotton

ABSTRACT: Technological traits improvement of cotton fiber is a constant demand by textile industry. This research aimed to identify the potential of improved materials with high lint percentage to contribute with alleles that increase the lint percentage in Extra long staple fiber (ELS) upland cotton. Two contrasting materials for lint percentage (LP) and fiber length (FL) were used, one with long fiber and a low lint percentage (parent A) and another with high lint percentage and medium length (parent B). The following variables were evaluated: lint percentage (LP), upper half mean length (UHML), fiber uniformity (FU), fiber strength (FS), and elongation (EL). Diallel analysis was performed using the Griffing’s Method 4 adapted to partial diallel. Additive effects were predominant over non-additive effects. The mean LP was higher when using parent B. The opposite occurred for UHML. A negative correlation was detected between LP and UHML, showing the difficulty of obtaining genetic gain for both traits at the same time.
Generalization in the XCS Classifier System

10 Generalization in the XCS Classifier System evaluation involved testing the program on all 64 inputs from the 6-multiplexer domain, so that the total number of inputs was 15,680,000. This differs by a factor of 7,840 from the total number required by XCS. Thus, conservatively, the amounts of " experience " required by XCS and GP to learn the 6-multiplexer differ by three orders of magnitude. There is not space to explore the reasons behind the difference. Instead, and in GP's favor, we note that the amount of computation per input is considerably larger for XCS, perhaps by enough to make the two approaches approximately equal in computational effort. For each input, GP has only to run the candidate program. In the case of the evolved 100% correct solution shown in Koza's Figure 7.41, only 3 " points " (if functions) were required. Many candidates were probably ten times larger, but it is clear that evaluation of the average candidate is quick. In contrast, every input to XCS requires a " match step " in which the input is compared against the conditions of as many as several hundred classifiers. For the 6-multiplexer, at least, XCS clearly requires more processing per input than GP. But this will begin to offset XCS's enormous advantage in learning rate per input only if new inputs are available faster than XCS can process them. In some domains this will be the case; in others , such as robotic interactions with real environments, it will generally not be the case. Subsumption deletion and an action set GA bring XCS close to the point of evolving populations consisting of accurate, maximally general, near-minimal covers of task environments, along with a residue of other classifiers of very low fitness. The ability to detect and represent environmental equivalences—to generalize accurately—is indispensable to creatures both natural and artificial. XCS appears to do this with tractable time and space complexity, and without needing, or being constrained by, pre-existing structure—classifiers simply evolve to suit the problem and its regularities. Many topics—for instance real-valued input vectors, incorporation of internal state, and application to robotics and other real-world domains—remain for future research. Bibliography Barto, A. G. (1985). Learning by statistical cooperation of self-interested neuron-like computing elements. 9 Generalization in the XCS Classifier System the three tasks, i.e., jumping each time by a factor of about five. The final average values of M are …