Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design And Development Of Context-Aware Recommendation Strategy For E-Learning

The practice of retrieving and recommending Learning Objects (LOs) to the learners according to their specific needs and requirements has been a very active research area in e-learning. This paper proposes the design and development of a context-aware methodology that comprises a Learning Object Repository (LOR), context-aware recommendation engine and a user-friendly interface. The existing approaches in this regard focus on learners’ ratings, history, behavior and interests, rather ignored the knowledge gain and learning outcomes by the learners. The paper contributes in the research in threefold manner. First, a comparative survey of existing research in this area is presented. Secondly, the design and development of context-aware methodology for recommending LOs to the learners is proposed. Third contribution of the research is a mapping algorithm. Finally, it provides directions for the future research in this area.
Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Calving Ease by Heifers and Cows Using Multi-trait Threshold Animal Models with Bayesian Approach

Genetic parameters for birth weights (BWT), calving ease scores observed from calves born by heifers (CEH), and calving ease scores observed from calves born by cows (CEC) were estimated using Bayesian methodology with Gibbs sampling in different threshold animal models. Data consisted of 77,458 records for calving ease scores and birth weights in Gelbvieh cattle. Gibbs samplers were used to obtain the parameters of interest for the categorical traits in two univariate threshold animal models, a bivariate threshold animal model, and a three-trait linear-threshold animal model. Samples of heritabilities and genetic correlations were calculated from the posterior means of dispersion parameters. In a univariate threshold animal model with CEH (model 1), the posterior means of heritabilities for calving ease was 0.35 for direct genetic effects and 0.18 for maternal genetic effects. In the other univariate threshold model with CEC (model 2), the posterior means of heritabilities of CEC was 0.28 for direct genetic effects and 0.18 for maternal genetic effects. In a bivariate threshold model with CEH and CEC (model 3), heritability estimates were similar to those in unvariate threshold models. In this model, genetic correlation between heifer calving ease and cow calving ease was 0.89 and 0.87 for direct genetic effect and maternal genetic effects, respectively. In a three-trait animal model, which contained two categorical traits (CEH and CEC) and one continuous trait (BWT) (model 4), heritability estimates of CEH and CEC for direct (maternal) genetic effects were 0.40 (0.23) and 0.23 (0.13), respectively. In this model, genetic correlation estimates between CEH and CEC were 0.89 and 0.66 for direct genetic effects and maternal effects, respectively. These estimates were greater than estimates between BWT and CEH (0.82 and 0.34) or BWT and CEC (0.85 and 0.26). This result indicates that CEH and CEC should be high correlated rather than estimates between calving ease and birth weight. Genetic correlation estimates between direct genetic effects and maternal effects were -0.29, -0.31 and 0.15 for BWT, CEH and CEC, respectively. Correlation for permanent environmental effects between BWT and CEC was -0.83 in model 4. This study can provide genetic evaluation for calving ease with other continuous traits jointly with assuming that calving ease from first calving was a same trait to calving ease from later parities calving. Further researches for reliability of dispersion parameters would be needed even if the more correlated traits would be concerned in the model, the higher reliability could be obtained, especially on threshold model with property that categorical traits have little information. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 8 : 1085-1090)
Executive successor attributes in the context of executive succession

The article presents the analysis of the characteristics of the successor, the skills and traits required for the successor and the motives he or she follows to accept the position. These are assumed as the main attributes questioning what an executive successor should be in order to sustain or improve organizational performance. The importance of the research is based on the question: what are the main executive’s skills and traits that have the biggest impact on successful company’s performance? The lack of such type of studies conditioned the relevance to perform the research of current literature in the area of executive successor attributes and their impact of company’s behavior and performance results. The aim of the research is to identify executive’s skills and traits that are the most important for successful company’s performance. For this reason the analysis of successor characteristics was made and successor skills’ and traits’ importance inheriting the title and power was analyzed. The results of the research showed that the main traits that makes an executive successful are: emotional maturity, honesty, ethics, energetics, persistence, versatility, quiet-ness, self-confidence, intuitiveness, inquisitiveness, passion, decisiveness. Skills that are required to manage people are found to be more important for organization’s performance than intellectual abilities.
RESPONSE ADAPTIVE CLINICAL TRIALS WITH CENSORED LIFETIMES

We have constructed a response adaptive clinical trial to treat patients sequentially in order to maximize the total survival time of all patients. Typically the response adaptive design is based on the urn models or on sequential estimation procedures, but we used a bandit process in this dissertation. The objective of a bandit process is to optimize a measure of sequential selections from several treatments. Each treatment consist of a sequence of conditionally independent and identically distributed random variables, and some of these treatment have unknown distribution functions. For the purpose of this clinical trial, we are focusing on the bandit process with delayed response. These responses are lifetime variables which may be censored upon their observations. Following the Bayesian approach and dynamic programming technique, we formulated a controlled stochastic dynamic model. In addition, we used an example to illustrate the possible application of the main results as well as R to implement a model simulation.
Effect of heat stress on glutathione biosynthesis in wheat

A relationship was found between the frost sensitivity and glutathione ac- cumulation during cold treatment in wheat. The aim of the present study was to investigate in the same genotypes whether there is also a relationship between the frost sensitivity and the glutathione accumulation during high temperature stress. The glutathione and hyroxy- methylglutathione content as well as the activity of the two enzymes of glutathione synthesis was greater in the frost-sensitive genotypes than in the tolerant ones during heat stress. High temperature stress resulted in a greater ratio of the reduced to oxidised non-protein thiols and the greater glutathione reductase activity in the sensitive genotypes. Thus, it can be established that the GSH accumulation induced by heat stress depends on the frost sensitivity of wheat. Acta Biol Szeged 46(3-4):71-72 (2002)
Transport, Housing and Urban Form: The Life Cycle Transport and Housing Impact of City Centre Apartments Compared with Suburban Dwellings

Transport and housing activities account for a significant proportion of a household's energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, life cycle analysis is used to calculate the total transport and housing energy and emissions from a sample of 41 households resident in seven apartment buildings in Adelaide City Centre. The analysis includes delivered energy and greenhouse gas emissions generated by motorised travel and activities within the dwelling (heating, cooling, water heating, cooking, electrical appliances etc.); and the energy and emissions embodied in household motor vehicles and the apartment buildings. The study builds on previous research which calculated the life cycle energy and emissions from a sample of 212 inner suburban and outer suburban households living in detached, semi-detached, unit and terraced dwellings (Perkins, 2002). In that analysis it was found that certain urban form variables were significant in explaining the variance in energy use and emissions between households. The results for the expanded sample of households are compared with reference to key urban form factors (location, density, dwelling type), and to socio-demographic variables (income, family type, employment, age profile). Inferences are drawn concerning the impact of the urban form factors on the total transport and housing energy and emissions of the expanded sample, and the impact of urban form on the transport and housing specific activities.
Penetration of Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEPs) through Fibrous Filters Produced Using Melt-Blown Technology

It is well known that diesel fumes are carcinogenic to humans and may cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, cardiovascular problems, etc. Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) occurring in diesel fumes are fractal-like aggregates with diameters ranging between 10 and 2000 n m, with various compounds adsorbed on their surface. The fractal-like structure of DEPs and their nanosize leads to the problem of theoretically predicting the DEPs’ filtration efficiency. Thus, experimental studies on effective protection against DEPs as well as theoretical modeling are essential. This study analyzes both experimentally and theoretically the mechanical and electret filters and their potential effectiveness in the filtration of DEPs. The theoretical analysis of the filtration process on fibrous fabrics was performed using classic filtration theory, assuming that the filtration layer can be treated as a system of a single fiber located in the Kuwabara cell. The experimental results show that the fibrous filters, produced using melt-blown technology, provide a high level of protection against DEP aerosols (93 % –99 % ). The obtained filtration efficiencies are (in some cases) even higher than requested for particulate respiratory half-mask type 2 (made from a fibrous filter). However, the theoretical results obtained using classic filtration theory indicate lower filtration efficiencies than the experimental ones.
DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GROUND MIXTURES OF ARIPIPRAZOLE WITH HYDROPHILIC CARRIERS

The aim of the present study was to improve the solubility of poorly water soluble drug Aripiprazole (ARP) by grinding ( ground mixture - GM) dispersion - SD) technique using guar gum (GG) & modified guar gum (MGG) as a carriers. GM containing GG & MGG were further characterize by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM),differential scanning colorimetry ( DSC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ( FTIR) and X ray Diffraction study ( XRD ). Effect of polymer concentration and methods of preparation on solubility enhancement were studied using solubility and dissolution studies, respectively. In vivo study was performed by measuring 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG Co-A) reductase inhibition activity. The MGG was modified by heating and there observed irreversible decrease in viscosity, whereas swelling property remains unaffected. The result of solubility study showed increase in solubility of ARP with increase in concentration of MGG. Solubility of ARP was found to be more in MGG mixture than GG mixture. FTIR & DSC studies revealed that drug & carriers were in compatible state. Dissolution study revealed that the mixture prepared by grinding method with MGG was effective method for solubility enhancement of ARP, than GG. A Significant reduction in 3-hydroxy- 3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG Co-A) reductase activity was observed in MGG than GG. In conclusion, grinding method with MGG could be used as a potential method & carrier in enhancing the dissolution rate and bioavailability of ARP.
The effect of n-fatty acid (omega 3) on serum visfatin concentration in patients with type2 diabetes

Visfatin is an adipocytokine secreted from adipose tissue and can lead to the occurrence of diabetes. Omega-3 can decrease lipid profile and prevent insulin resistance. In the present study, the effect of Omega-3 on the serum visfatin concentration was compared with placebo. Material and Methods: A total of 71 women with type II diabetes were randomly assigned to a group that administered Omega-3 capsules or control group. First, the study subjects filled in a questionnaire including age, height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference. In addition, blood samples were taken to do the blood tests. In the second step, the intervention was done for 8 weeks and then data on the aforementioned variables were collected. In the blood samples visfatin and lipid profiles (LDL: low density lipoprotein, HDL: high density lipoprotein, TG: triglyceride and cholesterol), glucose, and HbA1c were measured. Results: There was no significant difference in serum visfatin level between groups before the intervention (p=0.14). However, after the intervention, the mean serum visfatin level in the Omega-3 group was significantly (P<0.001) higher. In addition, the mean differences before and after the serum visfatin level showed a significant difference in both groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: The use of omega-3 can increase visfatin level and also improve the effect of insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes. According to the similar effects of insulin and visfatin, the use of Omega-3 by diabetic patients is recommended. Also, further studies are recommended to be conducted on his subject to confirm the results of this study.
Conhecimento Tradicional e Utilização da Fauna Silvestre em São José da Lagoa Tapada, Paraíba, Brasil

A pesquisa foi realizada no municipio de Sao Jose da Lagoa Tapada (Paraiba, Brasil), na comunidade rural denominada de Caatinga, localizada no entorno da Serra de Santa Catarina. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas, contendo perguntas a respeito dos usos atribuidos as especies, questoes sobre a biologia e ecologia das mesmas. Os Indices do Valor de Uso (VU) e Valores de Uso Medio (VU med.) foram testados para identificar as especies mais importantes segundo a visao das pessoas da regiao. Foram identificadas 73 especies silvestres de importância cinegetica (50 aves, 17 mamiferos e seis pertencentes a herpetofauna), utilizadas para fins alimentares, criacao como animais de estimacao, medicina popular, producao de utensilios artesanais e outros. Sendo notavel a importâncias dos recursos faunisticos para a vida do sertanejo, se discutiu possiveis solucoes conservacionistas alertando para a conservacao da biodiversidade, levando em consideracao o conhecimento tradicional.
Developing a Learner-Centered Curriculum for a Rural Public Health Program.

Rural communities, compared with their urban counterparts, have higher rates of disease and adverse health conditions, fueling disparities in health outcomes. This encourages the need for effective curricula to engage students and enable them to address such disparate health outcomes as imminent health professionals. Incorporating learner-centered teaching strategies, such as collaboration and power-sharing, into public health (PH) courses can enhance student learning and help faculty enable future health professionals to address needs of rural, underserved populations. Successfully engaging students to explore issues related to rural health disparities in their education, research, and training can thereby advance PH practice. This paper describes the collaborative efforts of five PH faculty, an instructional designer, and administrators to develop a learner-centered curriculum for a newly launched PH program in a rural Midwestern United States (US) university.
The greenhouse gas climate change initiative (GHG-CCI): Comparative validation of GHG-CCI SCIAMACHY/ENVISAT and TANSO-FTS/GOSAT CO2 and CH4 retrieval algorithm products with measurements from the TCCON

Abstract. Column-averaged dry-air mole fractions of carbon dioxide and methane have been retrieved from spectra acquired by the TANSO-FTS (Thermal And Near-infrared Sensor for carbon Observations-Fourier Transform Spectrometer) and SCIAMACHY (Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Cartography) instruments on board GOSAT (Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite) and ENVISAT (ENVIronmental SATellite), respectively, using a range of European retrieval algorithms. These retrievals have been compared with data from ground-based high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometers (FTSs) from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON). The participating algorithms are the weighting function modified differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) algorithm (WFMD, University of Bremen), the Bremen optimal estimation DOAS algorithm (BESD, University of Bremen), the iterative maximum a posteriori DOAS (IMAP, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Netherlands Institute for Space Research algorithm (SRON)), the proxy and full-physics versions of SRON's RemoTeC algorithm (SRPR and SRFP, respectively) and the proxy and full-physics versions of the University of Leicester's adaptation of the OCO (Orbiting Carbon Observatory) algorithm (OCPR and OCFP, respectively). The goal of this algorithm inter-comparison was to identify strengths and weaknesses of the various so-called round- robin data sets generated with the various algorithms so as to determine which of the competing algorithms would proceed to the next round of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Greenhouse Gas Climate Change Initiative (GHG-CCI) project, which is the generation of the so-called Climate Research Data Package (CRDP), which is the first version of the Essential Climate Variable (ECV) "greenhouse gases" (GHGs). For XCO2, all algorithms reach the precision requirements for inverse modelling ( For XCH4, the precision for both SCIAMACHY products (50.2 ppb for IMAP and 76.4 ppb for WFMD) fails to meet the
A Real Time Superresolution Image Enhancement Processor

An image processor is discussed that combines many types of image enhancement onto a single compact electronics card. The current enhancements include bad pixel compensation, focal plane array non-uniformity correction, several stages of contrast enhancement, feature sharpening, superresolution, and image motion stabilization. Though there are certainly better algorithms for particular applications, this mixture of algorithms reliably enables the system to substantially improve image quality for a large variety of sensors, platforms, and imaging geometries. The card design hosted an FPGA and microprocessor facilitated rapid development by allowing many complicated algorithm elements to be quickly coded in C, with the FPGA providing horsepower for simpler but more computationally intensive elements. Examples show the quality improvement gained by compensating for image degradations including camera motion, atmospheric turbulence induced blur, focal plane imperfections, camera pixel density, and noise.
Using a tracer technique to identify the extent of non-ideal flows in the continuous mixing of non-Newtonian fluids

The identification of non-ideal flows in a continuous-flow mixing of non-Newtonian fluids is a challenging task for various chemical industries: plastic manufacturing, water and wastewater treatment, and pulp and paper manufacturing. Non-ideal flows such as channelling, recirculation, and dead zones significantly affect the performance of continuous-flow mixing systems. Therefore, the main objective of this paper was to develop an identification protocol to measure non-ideal flows in the continuous-flow mixing system. The extent of non-ideal flows was quantified using a dynamic model that incorporated channelling, recirculation, and dead volume in the mixing vessel. To estimate the dynamic model parameters, the system was excited using a frequency-modulated random binary input by injecting the saline solution (as a tracer) into the fresh feed stream prior to being pumped into the mixing vessel. The injection of the tracer was controlled by a computer-controlled on-off solenoid valve. Using the trace technique, the extent of channelling and the effective mixed volume were successfully determined and used as mixing quality criteria. Such identification procedures can be applied at various areas of chemical engineering in order to improve the mixing quality.
Write management mechanisms for systems with non-volatile memory technologies

Since the beginning of computer systems, the memory subsystem has always been one of their essential components. However, the different pace of change between microprocessor and memory has become one of the greatest challenges that current designers have to address in order to develop more powerful computer systems. This problem, called memory gap, is further compounded by the limited scalability and the high energy consumption of conventional memory technologies (DRAM and SRAM), which has leaded to consider new nonvolatile memory (NVM) technologies as potential candidates to replace them. Among NVMs, PCM and STTRAM [1] are currently postulated as the best alternatives. Although PCM and STT-RAM have significant advantages over DRAM and SRAM, they also suffer from some drawbacks that need to be mitigated before they can both be employed as memory technologies for the next computers generation. Notably, the slow and energy-hungry write operations on both technologies, and the limited endurance of PCM cells, which become unchangeable after performing a relatively reduced amount of writes on them, are the main constraints of PCM and STT-RAM technologies. This thesis presents two proposals aimed to efficiently manage the write operations on this kind of memories. The first proposal, conceived for a system with a PCM-based main memory, is intended to reduce the number of writes to the main memory by operating at the cache controller level through the replacement policy used in the immediate-lower memory hierarchy level (the last-level cache, LLC). For this purpose, and as the starting point, the conventional LLC replacement policies (oriented to improve the system performance) have been evaluated in terms of the amount of writes generated to main memory. In the second proposal, conceived for a system with an STT-RAM last-level cache, a mechanism aimed to predict unnecessary writes to this last-level cache is presented, so that those writes identified as useless are filtered in the LLC and performed directly in the main memory. For this purpose, it was first explored the reuse locality [8] that the stream of references arriving at the LLC exhibits, unlike the temporal locality that exhibits the stream of references arriving to the cache levels closer to the processor. Once verified and evaluated this feature, it was exploited by using an element which is able to detect those blocks exhibiting reuse.