Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Models and Strategies to Support Students’ Initial Socialization in Web-Based Learning Environments

In today’s experience, the growth and the gradual evolution of digital learning environments still presents many critical issues. In the context of online learning communities that are based on the principles of CSCL, for instance, one of the most crucial phases is when students enter the learning system. The reason why this phase is so critical is twofold. First, for most students it is their first online learning experience and they have to face several new problems, including learning to communicate by written discourse in an asynchronous manner, becoming familiar with communication technologies and with the learning system (Piskurich, 2003). Second, team learning and collaboration always involves a deepening AbstrAct
Numerical weather prediction wind correction methods and its impact on computational fluid dynamics based wind

Numerical weather prediction (NWP) of wind speed (WS) is an important input to wind power forecasting (WPF), the accuracy of which will limit the WPF performance. This paper proposes three NWP correcting methods based on multiple linear regression, a radial basis function neural network and an Elman neural network. The proposed correction methods exhibit small sample learning and efficient computational ability. So they are in favour of forecasting the performance of planned large-scale wind farms. To this end, a physical WPF model based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to demonstrate the impact of improving NWP WS data based forecasting. A certain wind farm located in China is selected as the case study, and the measured and NWP WS forecasts before and after correction are taken as inputs to the WPF model. Results show that all three correction methods improve the precision of the NWP WS forecasts, with the nonlinear correction models performing a little better than the linear one. Compared with the original NWP, the three corrected NWP WS have higher annual, single point and short-term prediction accuracy. As expected, the accuracy of wind power forecasting will increase with the accuracy of the input NWP WS forecast. Moreover, WS correction enhances the consistency of error variation trends between input WS and output wind power. The proposed WS correction methods greatly improve the accuracy of both original NWP WS and the WPF derived from them.
A Goal-Driven Risk Management Approach to Support Security and Privacy Analysis of Cloud-Based System

Cloud Computing is a rapidly evolving paradigm that is radically changing the way humans use their computers. Despite the many advantages, such as economic benefit, a rapid elastic resource pool, and on-demand service, the paradigm also creates challenges for both users and providers. There are issues, such as unauthorized access, loss of privacy, data replication, and regulatory violation that require adequate attention. A lack of appropriate solutions to such challenges might cause risks, which may outweigh the expected benefits of using the paradigm. In order to address the challenges and associated risks, a systematic risk management practice is necessary that guides users to analyze both benefits and risks related to cloud based systems. In this chapter the authors propose a goal-driven risk management modeling (GSRM) framework to assess and manage risks that supports analysis from the early stages of the cloud-based systems development. The approach explicitly identifies the goals that the system must fulfill and the potential risk factors that obstruct the goals so that suitable control actions can be identified to control such risks. The authors provide an illustrative example of the application of the proposed approach in an industrial case study where a cloud service is deployed to share data amongst project partners.
Investigation on Oxidation of Cyclic Ketones and Synthesis of ω-Bromoalkanoic Acids

Various chain-lengths of ω-bromoalkyl carboxylic acids were synthesized from cy- clic ketones of different ring size via the oxidation to ω-hydroxyalkyl carboxylic acids followed by bromine substitution of hydroxyl group. The oxidation was conducted in acidic condition or in alkaline condition followed by treatment with hydrobromic acid to achieve the bromine sub- stitution.
Does Unemployment and Precarious Employment Lead to Increasing Entrepreneurial Intentions among Young People? Results from a Survey-Based Study in Spain

The article explores the relationship between unemployment and precarious employment, and young people’s entrepreneurial intentions in Spain. We focus on the effects of employment conditions and experience on young people’s intentions to start their own business or become selfemployed. The role of socio-demographic characteristics and behavioral factors such as perceived self-efficacy and desirability as well as risk taking were also analyzed. The analyses were based on a cross-sectional representative sample, corresponding to the year 2016, of Spanish working young individuals aged 18 to 35 years (n=1.678). All analyses were stratified by gender. The results show that besides behavioral attitudinal factors that seem to particularly influence the entrepreneurial intentions of Spanish young people, having a precarious contract or being unemployed for more than six months cannot be regarded as necessity-driven factors for increasing intentions toward entrepreneurship. Instead, well educated, experienced and economically stable women are more likely to engage in entrepreneurial activity than men.
Animal Reproduction Technologies—Future Perspectives

Reproductive biotechnologies, such as artificial insemination, sperm selection and embryo technologies, offer possibilities for animal producers to increase reproductive efficiency. There have been many significant developments in reproductive biotechnologies over the last few decades, e.g., in sperm handling and preservation, in vitro embryo production and preservation, sexing and cloning. This review discusses some of the key changes that have occurred and explores their potential for increasing the reproductive efficiency of domestic animals in the future. As a consequence, they also offer opportunities to facilitate or accelerate genetic selection. If properly used, they may contribute to increase the sustainability of animal production. The role of epigenetics in influencing phenotype is also considered.
The Assimilation of Amino-acids by Bacteria

shows the actions of sodium azide, dinitrophenol and crystal violet on the accumulation of free glutamate in Staph. aureus and Strep. faecali8 exposed to glutamate and glucose. The three substances produce an inhibition of the passage of the aminoacid into Staph. aureus but an increase in the internal e.oncentration attained in Strep. faecatia although, in high concentrations, they appear to have an inhibitory action on the passage ofthe amino-acid into the cells in this case as well. The latter inhibition can, in the case of crystal violet, be correlated with interference with the energy-supplying fermentation system in Strep.faeeali8 (Gale & Mitchell, 1947), although this is not the explanation for the inhibition of the passage into Staph. aureu8. The increase in the internal concentration of free glutamate in Strep. faecalis can be ascribed to an inhibition of metabolism of the amino-acid within the cell, and it is interesting to note that concentrations ofthe three substances which produce optimal inhibition of internal metabolism in Strep. faecali8 are approximately the same as those producing almost complete inhibition of passage into Staph. aureu8. SUMMARY
From heterotrophy to autotrophy: a freshwater estuarine ecosystem recovering from hypereutrophication

From heterotrophy to autotrophy: a freshwater estuarine ecosystem recovering from hypereutrophication T. J. S. Cox, T. Maris, K. Soetaert, D. J. Conley, S. Van Damme, P. Meire, J. J. Middelburg, M. Vos, and E. Struyf University of Antwerp, Dept. of Biology, Ecosystem Management research group, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Anwerpen, Belgium Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Centre for Estuarine and Marine Ecology, Korringaweg 7, P.O. Box 140, 4400 AC Yerseke, The Netherlands GeoBiosphere Science Centre, Quaternary Sciences, Sölvegatan 12, 223 62 Lund, Sweden University of Potsdam, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Dept. of Ecology & Ecosystem Modeling, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Received: 7 May 2009 – Accepted: 25 May 2009 – Published: 3 June 2009 Correspondence to: T. J. S. Cox (tom.cox@ua.ac.be) Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union.
Produção de animais transgênicos por transferência nuclear como modelo de estudo biológico

Recent progress in animal cloning by nuclear transfer (NT) has made possible the production of transgenic animals using previously genetically modified cell lineages. The possibility of genetic manipulation, gene expression studies and adequate selection of the nuclei donor cell for NT not only can guarantee the presence of the gene construction in the offspring, but also can avoid the production of animals that carries undesirable characteristics, often as a result of the random insertion of transgenes in transcripted areas of the genome. This review aims to discuss the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in animal transgesis.
ENERGY AND EXERGY EVALUATION OF A 220MW THERMAL POWER PLANT

A component based energy and exergy evaluation was performed on a 220MW thermal power plant in Nigeria. The component based exergy analysis examines and compares the energetic and exergetic performances of each component by identifying the deficiencies of each component. Design and operating data were obtained from Egbin power plant in Nigeria. The result of the analysis showed that the total exergy that was destroyed in the power plant was 400.015 MW. The major contributors to the exergy destruction in the power plant were the boiler (87%), the three turbines (a combined total of 9%) and the condenser (2 %). The effect of increasing the High Pressure turbine (HPT) inlet temperature at constant boiler pressure incresses the exergy efficiency of the component as well as the second law efficiency of the power plant, thus reducing the exergy destruction of the component. At the variation of environmental or dead state temperature, there were no appreciable changes in the values of exergy efficiency of the boiler/steam generator. The outcomes of this work provide the exergy consumption and distribution profiles of the thermal power plant, making it possible to adopt effective energy-saving measures. http://dx.doi. org/10.4314/njt.v37i1. 15
Being There: Closing the Gap between Learners and Contextual Knowledge Using Near-World Scenarios

The lise of near-world scenarios by ulliversity teachers to deliver relevant and authentic adult learning opportunities is becoming increasingly popular as the pressure to bridge perceived gaps between subjecttheOlY and projessional practice comes 10 the jore. This paper proffers the idea Iha/near-world scenarios, explored via role-play, mental projection, discussion alld/or debate, can provide an excel/ent experiential vehicle jar tertimy students to align subject/disciplinary knowledge with projessional practice. Such scenarios can also provide a base jar critical thinking, decisionmaking, alld the testing alit of ideas. The author poillts oul a range o/factors that likely determine the success, 01' otherwise ojnear-world scenarios in intellded educational outcomes: In particulm; hefocuses on the social cOllstructioll ojscenarios, the ways thaI tutor-facilitator language adjusts by design or dejalilt the depth of engagemellf; the need for a 'willing suspension oj disbelief by learners and tutors; leal'l1er perceptions oj relevance; and, the (professional) aU/hemicity of assessment and leaming. The allthol' uses several in-depth near-world scellario examples /0 demons/rate how these jactors may work singularly or ill combination to engage or alienate studem involvement.
An efficient multi-resolution variational Retinex scheme for the radiometric correction of airborne remote sensing images

ABSTRACT The brightness non-uniformity caused by vignetting effects, viewing, and illumination angels in remote sensing images reduces the interpretation precision. A multi-resolution variational Retinex scheme is proposed in this paper to efficiently correct the non-uniform brightness in airborne remote sensing images. This variational Retinex model is non-linear, constrained by the grey-world assumption and the total variation regularization. A Gaussian image pyramid is used to construct the multi-resolution scheme. The multi-resolution scheme reduces the calculation burden and raises the calculation efficiency. The fast split Bregman (SB) iteration method is employed to optimize the proposed non-linear model in each level of the multi-resolution scheme. This decomposes the complicated model into several simple sub-problems and greatly improves the calculation efficiency. The multi-resolution scheme embedded with the SB iteration method was applied to both synthetic and real remote sensing images. The experimental results show that the brightness non-uniformity can be corrected, and the spectral information can be effectively restored. Moreover, the calculation efficiency is raised by about 60–110 times, compared to the traditional single-resolution solving method.
Environmental Factors and Lung Function Impairment among Household Industrial Workers of Stone-Carving Crafts at Maritengngae Subdistrict, Sidrap Regency 2016

When inhaled by humans, PM2.5 concentrations in the air deposit in the alveoli which can cause inflammation that decreases lung function. Temperature, humidity, and wind speed can affect workplace air pollutants. This cross-sectional study assessed the relationship between environmental factors (PM2.5 concentration, temperature, humidity, and wind speed) and lung function impairment among 100 workers in the Maritengngae subdistrict, Sidrap Regency. Lung function was assessed via spirometry. Temperature, humidity, and wind speed were assessed via a thermohygroanemometer. PM2.5 concentration in the workplace was assessed via a Haz Dust EPAM 5000. Chi-square analysis showed PM2.5 concentration and wind speed had a significant correlation to lung function impairment. Therefore, it should be considered for implementing health and safety programs among workers, monitoring workplace implementation, and performing occupational health surveillance.
Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency and its Impacts on Student's Academic Performance

This study carried out to determine the impact of vitamin B12 deficiency signs and symptoms , on the academic achievement of student’s in Majmah University. well designed questionnaire by Dr Lisa Watson (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine) vitamin B12 deficiency signs and symptoms was used and filled out for each student, which included information on demographical factors as: sex, age, work. A convenient sample consisted of (298) students (238, 60) male and female respectively, from (11) faculties were participated in the study. The sample was consisted of (134) students with low averages, while (164) students with high averages. The study revealed that there was a significant correlations between low average (students achievement) and vitamin B12 deficiency signs and symptoms with p value =0.001. No correlations between vitamin B12 deficiency signs and symptoms and gender, (p value=0.832,). Also there was no correlation between age and vitamin B12 deficiency signs and symptoms (p value =0.629), while there was a Significant correlation when we studied age and gender factors combined with vitamin B12 deficiency signs and symptoms with p value = 0.020.
GIV as a Regulator of GLUT4 Trafficking: A Novel Target for Modulating Insulin Resistance in Diabetes

Insulin resistance (IR) and Diabetes are well known risk factors for many cardiovascular diseases. IR is a result of dysregulated signaling downstream of the insulin receptor (InsR). Binding of insulin to its receptor triggers the activation of IRS1, which in turn activates the PI3K-Akt pathway and trimeric G protein, Gi, both prerequisites for the translocation of glucose transporters, GLUT4, to the plasma membrane (PM) and glucose uptake. In IR, circulating fatty acids activate PKC[theta], which phosphorylates and antagonizes IRS1- mediated responses. Efforts at reinstating sensitivity in IR simply by targeting the known players within the insulin signaling pathway have failed, and thus, the search for new targets continues. GIV (a.k.a. Girdin) has recently been identified as a multimodular signal transducer and a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Galphai, which enhances the PI3K-Akt pathway downstream of the InsR. Here we show that activation of Gi and PI3K-Akt signals via GIV's GEF function is critical for enhancing IRS1 activation and GLUT4 translocation to the PM. Phosphoinhibition of GIV's GEF function by PKC[theta] antagonized GIV-dependent IRS1 and Akt activation and translocation of GLUT4 to the PM. We conclude that GIV is one of the key mediators of insulin response that activates PI3K-Akt and Gi to maintain insulin sensitivity, and that its phosphoinhibition by the fatty-acid-PKC[theta] pathway contributes significantly to the development of IR. Future work unraveling how GIV-GEF mediates insulin response, and how its inhibition can trigger IR will offer a new target to combat IR and reverse/halt the progression of cardiovascular diseases
Stylized Facts of Prices and Interest Rates over the Business Cycle

This paper investigates the stylized facts of prices and interest rates over the business cycles in nine OECD countries using quarterly data from 1960 to 2004. We examine the stylized facts used various detrending methods. Our findings confirm the existence of substantive cyclical regularities across countries. In particular, nominal interest rates are procyclical and lag the cycle in the majority of countries; term spread is countercyclical and lags the cycle; prices are countercyclical; inflation is procyclical and lag the cycle.
Fractal-Based Triangular Slot Antennas with Broadband Circular Polarization for RFID Readers

Equilateral-triangular slot antennas with modifled edges for wideband circular polarization are proposed in this paper. Circular polarization was flrstly obtained by adding two asymmetric perturbations to two edges of triangular slot. Then fractal-like boundaries were adopted in the antenna design for size reduction and broadband operation. Two antenna prototypes for RFID readers were fabricated to cover RFID UHF band and ISM 2.4GHz band, respectively. Measured results show that the presented antennas obtain fairly wide 3-dB axial ratio bandwidths of 15.7% (820{960MHz) and 19.8% (2.18{2.66GHz).
Changes in power output under the influence of sprint training in handball players

The purpose of this paper was to study the power output using the Wingate test applied in an eight-week training programme realized by handball players, aided by repeated maximal-intensity exercise on a cycle ergometer. The study was conducted on 13 handball players divided into two groups. Group GS (n = 5) done the training in a gym and an additional sprint training on a cycle ergometer, wile group GG (n = 8) performed only the training in a gym. Both training programmes lasted 8 weeks, 5 times a week (Monday to Friday). On Saturday preceding the start of the experiment and Saturday at the end of each week during the 8-week training programmes, the participants of the experiment came through the Wingate test on a cycle ergometer. The sprint training on the cycle ergometer caused a significant improvement in alactic anaerobic output (the power increase and maintenance phase – IMP) in the Wingate test (8.3% PaIMP) and in lactic anaerobic output (the power decrease phase – DP) (13.3% PaDP) in group GS. No significant changes in these values were found in these participants of the Wingate test who belonged to the group GG. The changes in the parameters measured in both groups examined varied significantly.
The real effects of monetary shocks in sticky price models. A sufficient statistic approach

We prove that the ratio of kurtosis to the frequency of price changes is a sufficient statistic for the real effects of monetary shocks, measured by the cumulated output response following the shock. The sufficient statistic result holds in a large class of models which includes Taylor (1980), Calvo (1983), Reis (2006), Golosov and Lucas (2007), Nakamura and Steinsson (2010), Midrigan (2011) and Alvarez and Lippi (2014). Several models in this class are able to account for the positive excess kurtosis of the size- distribution of price changes that appears in the data. We review empirical measures of kurtosis and frequency and conclude that a model that successfully matches the micro evidence on kurtosis and frequency produces real effects that are about 4 times larger than in the Golosov-Lucas model, and about 30% below those of the Calvo model. We discuss the robustness of our results to changes in the setup, including small in ation and leptokurtic cost shocks.
Promoting healthy food education for elementary school children at post Merapi eruption area of Cangkringan district, Yogyakarta, Indonesia: A quasi experimental study using ‘learning with fun’ approach

Background : Knowledge and attitudes towards healthy food intake influence the growth and development of school-aged children. Cangkringan district of Yogyakarta, Indonesia was the worst area affected by the Mount Merapi eruption in 2010 and has a long-term consequence of less healthy food available for school-age children. This study aimed to determine the effect of health education to increase knowledge and attitudes towards healthy food intake for elementary school children at Cangkringan. Methods : Respondents of this study were 338 elementary school children (134 boys and 204 girls, ages between 8-10 years old) at Cangkringan. There were 20 elementary schools involved and participants were divided into 36 groups to make small groups of 6 to 8 students. Interventions of this study involved serial health education via ‘learning with fun’ approach using a student-centered learning method. The authors developed all tools and instruments based on the guidelines from The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). We analyzed the knowledge and attitude of the subjects after administering a pre and posttest using paired t-test and Wilcoxon range test. Results : The results showed significant increase of knowledge and attitudes towards healthy food intake ( p < .001 for both knowledge and attitude) of all subjects in this study. Conclusions : Health education using ‘learning with fun’ method may increase knowledge and attitudes of elementary school children. Furthermore, a series of cooking-classes as a student-centered learning approach, which emphasized contextual, collaborative and constructive methods of learning served well to increase motivation and satisfaction of the students to learn about healthy food.