Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning Hispanic or Latino Student Success in Online Schools

The purpose of this study is to examine graduation and dropout rates for Hispanic or Latino K–12 students enrolled in fully online and blended public school settings in Arizona. The independent variables of school type (charter vs. non-charter) and delivery method (fully online vs. blended) were examined using multivariate and univariate methods on the dependent variable’s graduation and dropout rates for Hispanic or Latino students. The results of this research study found a statistically significant
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning Increasing Access to Higher Education Through Open and Distance Learning: Empirical Findings From Mzuzu University, Malawi

Slowly but surely, open and distance learning (ODL) programmes are being regarded as one of the most practical ways that universities across the world are increasingly adopting in order to increase access to university education. Likewise, Mzuzu University (MZUNI) set up the Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL) to oversee the running of these programmes in 2011. In this study, we adopted the Transactional Distance Theory (Moore, 1997) to investigate the modes of instructional systems, benefits or opportunities, and the challenges associated with the delivery of ODL programmes at MZUNI. By self-administering a questionnaire to 350 ODL students and 9 Heads of Department in the Faculty of Education whose programmes are offered through ODL, we found that instructions are mostly delivered to students through print-based instructional materials. The major benefits noted include increased access to quality higher education, affordable tuition fees, and flexibility in payment of fees. However, we established some challenges which need to be addressed by the University which include, delayed feedback of assignments and release of end of semester examination results, absence of information for courses of study, poor communication between the Centre and departments, and poor remuneration for lecturers.
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning Learners’ Perceptions of Online Exams: A Comparative Study in Turkey and Kyrgyzstan

As online learning is becoming very popular in formal educational settings and in individual development, online exams are starting to be recognized as one of the more efficient assessment methods. Online exams are effective in either blended or traditional forms of learning, and, when appropriately used, bring benefits to both learners and the learning process. However, learners’ perceptions of online exams in developing countries have not been widely studied despite the potential of such research for contributing to more effective use of online exams in these countries. Thus, this study served two purposes. First, it aimed to investigate students’ perceptions of online exams at a state university in Turkey, and at a state university in Kyrgyzstan. Second, the study compared the results. Structured as a mixed study, the research was conducted during the 2018-2019 fall term. The participants were 370 undergraduate students taking first-year courses online. Quantitative data considered learners’ perception scores gathered via a survey, whereas qualitative data considered learners’ opinions in response to an open-ended question. According to the quantitative analysis, learners’ perceptions differed according to gender, major, and prior online course experience variables. In addition, Turkish and Kyrgyz learners differed in that Turkish learners found online exams less stressful and more reliable and fairer than traditional paper-based exams when compared with their Kyrgyz counterparts. The qualitative analysis provided important results for future planning in both institutions.
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning Bringing Online Learning to Campus: The Hybridization of Teaching and Learning at Brigham Young University

these challenges, BYU sponsors the use of technology to bridge the gap between the increased Church membership and the number of students allowed under the enrollment caps. This institutional case study shows how these challenges have influenced the hybridization of teaching and learning for on campus (resident) and off campus (distance) students. It also describes how BYU has brought distance education to campus, and is beginning to bring campus-based educational practices to distance education.
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning Are Online Learners Frustrated with Collaborative Learning Experiences?

Online education increasingly puts emphasis on collaborative learning methods. Despite the pedagogical advantages of collaborative learning, online learners can perceive collaborative learning activities as frustrating experiences. The purpose of this study was to characterize the feelings of frustration as a negative emotion among online learners engaged in online computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) experiences and, moreover, to
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning Evaluation of Online Video Usage and Learning Satisfaction: An Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model

The aim of the study was to examine the determining factors of students' video usage and their learning satisfaction relating to the supplementary application of educational videos, accessible in a Moodle environment in a Business Mathematics Course. The research model is based on the extension of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), in which the core TAM constructs – perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude
OyunlaĢtırma, Oyun Felsefesi ve Eğitim: Gamification

According to one saying, " life is a game and all you have to do, is to know how to play it". Within this perspective, games are a part of our routine life. Well designed games and game like implementations are a good resource of motivation. Recently, this motivional power defined as gamification, which has multiple applications in different fields, attracted the attention of both educators and researchers. In this paper, gamification elements, player types, theoritical background, designing process steps and other key concepts were provided within the center of gamification concept. Following that, both commercial and educational practices were provided. This paper is intended to inform readers about gamification and provide a descriptive analysis of this strategy.
Experience of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine among children with egg allergy

Objective: Patients with egg allergy have had hesitations about measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination for a long time due to the egg protein contained in the vaccine. In this study, we aimed to share our clinical experience on this subject. Methods: This descriptive study included all 179 patients with egg allergies who received MMR in our clinic between 2015 and 2022. The patients’ age, sex, clinical findings, allergy tests, total IgE, eosinophil values, and postvaccine reaction status were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The median age of those vaccinated in our clinic was 13.0 months (9.0-84.0). The median value for the calendar delay in the vaccine dose was 1.0 months (minimum: 0, maximum: 72.0). The median absolute eosinophil value of the patients was 360.0 10³/uL (10.0-2220.0), the median eosinophil value (%) was 3.4% (0.1-20.0%), and the median total IgE value was 53.5 IU/mL (1.0-2500.0). The most common clinical findings were atopic dermatitis and urticaria (54.7% and 44.1%, respectively). No patient had developed a previous anaphylaxis. A postvaccine reaction developed in one out of 179 children who received the MMR vaccine. This patient presented with urticaria. No serious reaction was observed in any of the other patients. Conclusion: Children with egg allergy should be evaluated by pediatric allergy clinics; however, this should not cause a delay in the MMR vaccination schedule.
Statistical study of day and night hourly patterns of columnar aerosol properties using sun and star photometry

This work focuses on the statistical analysis of day and night hourly pattern of columnar aerosol properties. To that end, we use the large database of star-photometry measurements at the University of Granada station (37.16°N, 3.60°W, 680 m a.s.l; South-East of Spain) for nighttime characterization, and co-located AERONET measurements for the daytime. The aerosol properties studied are the aerosol optical depth (AOD), Angstrom parameter (α(440-870)), aerosol optical depths of fine (AODfine) and coarse mode (AODcoarse) through the Spectral Deconvolution Algorithm (SDA). Microphysical properties are calculated by inverting AOD spectra and include the effective radius (reff) and volume concentration (V) of the total size distribution, and also the effective radius of the fine mode (rfine). The initial analysis for the different air masses that reach the study area reveals that generally day and night values of AOD and α(440-870) are not different statistically. Nighttime values of AODfine, reff and rfine do however, present larger values. The influence of North African air masses is remarkable both during the day and night, with high particle loads and low values of the Angstrom parameters and also with large contribution of coarse particles as AODcoarse and reff values are almost the double than for other air masses. The analyses of day-to-night hourly values reveal an increase in AOD, AODfine and AODcoarse during the day and a decrease during the night. Such a pattern could be explained by the different emission rates, accumulation, aging and deposition of particles. Changes in particle radius are also observed as part of the day-tonight particle evolution process, being rfine variations important mainly at daytime while for reff variations are more important at nighttime. Results of day-to-night evolution were found to be independent of air mass origin, and seem to be mainly associated with local processes.
Towards a unified terminology for angiosperm reproductive systems

Angiosperms display an enormous diversity of forms, functions and strategies when it comes to reproduction. This multiplicity has been translated into several terminological concepts and contexts, which have facilitated further research. On the other hand, the use of terms that address the reproduction of flowering plants has been shown to be inconsistent in the literature, complicating communication among specialists. Key terms, such as “reproductive system”, “mating system” and “sexual system”, among others, have been frequently cited as synonyms, and even used in different circumstances. This review proposes to establish a consistent nomenclatural classification in the field of angiosperms reproductive biology in order to facilitate communication among researchers. Specific terms related to angiosperm reproduction are conceptualized and distributed into five general systems: four related to sexual reproduction (sexual, floral, incompatibility and mating systems); and one related to asexual reproduction (apomictic systems). Our proposal is not to establish a natural classification, but rather to provide a general overview of the main concepts that were grouped here in an artificial and functional manner. Our aim is to advance the field of reproductive biology of angiosperms with consistent and well-defined applications of relevant terminologies.
Acta Botanica Brasilica

Grassland and savanna ecosystems are the original vegetation types of more than 30% of the Brazilian territory, but conservation and training of future professionals has largely focused on forests. In fact, no standard protocols exist for sampling grassland vegetation for environmental planning or licensing. Neglecting non-forest ecosystems may have deleterious consequences for the maintenance of biodiversity and the provisioning of ecosystem services. Herein, we provide practical guidelines on how to conceive and develop ecological studies of grassland vegetation for scientific, monitoring or technical purposes. Using examples mostly from southern Brazil, we explain and discuss the various components of the research process, from the question to be investigated to defining and implementing the sampling design, performing data analyses and presenting the results. Our guidelines should prove useful for training technicians and researchers working on grassland ecosystems and other non-forest ecosystems in Brazil and surrounding regions.
The Effects of Coordination Trainings on Different Surfaces on the Slalom Downhill Speed Velocity of Snowboarders

Purpose: Snowboarding is a branch of sport, an individual Alpine sport, which requires superior physical structure. In snowboarding, snowboarders are expected to have high level aerobic and anaerobic strength to become successful. In the present study, the effects of training programs on different surfaces on slalom downhill speed of snowboarding-Alpine snowboarders were examined.Methods: 18 male snowboarders in the Turkish National Snowboarding Alpine team participated in the study. Snowboarders were divided into two groups. Experimental group (G1) was divided into train on non-stable surface and stable surface groups. The experimental group got a coordination and classical snowboarding training program on different surfaces over 8 weeks for 2 days per week (Tuesday-Thursday). Stable surfaces were used on Tuesday and consisted of surfaces with Bosu ball, balance rope, plates ball, balance cushion, balance board, and balance disk. Non-stable surfaces were used on Wednesday and consisted foo skiing exercises that will disturb the balance of the sport player including straight slalom track, degrade surface track, skiing on hard surface, skiing on soft surface, skiing on one foot with eyes open, skiing with eyes closed. The control group (CG) received a classical training program. Trainings were scheduled to leave at least 36 hours between two application days. To determine the speed capacities of the snowboarders the slalom downhill speed test was used; to test agility, the hexagonal test was used, and to measure balance techno body prokin static and dynamic balance tests were used. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics were used. For comparative analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test was used and the significance level was selected as 0.05. Findings: The research results revealed that coordination trainings conducted on different surfaces for 8 weeks had a significant effect on slalom downhill speed of snowboarding-Alpine snowboarders.
Przykłady wykorzystania narzędzi GIS w procesie scalania i wymiany gruntów

Proces scalania i wymiany gruntów jest bardzo skomplikowany, czasochłonny i pracochłonny, między innymi z powodu wielkości terenu jakim jest ono obejmowane. Z reguły jest to kilkuset hektarowy obszar, jednej bądź kilku wsi. Efektywne organizowanie nowej struktury obszarowej na tak dużej powierzchni musi być wspomagane przez specjalistyczne narzędzia informatyczne. Dlatego w artykule przedstawiono przykłady wykorzystania narzędzi GIS (Systemów Informacji Geograficznej) w procesie scalania i wymiany gruntów. Narzędzia te mogą być pomocne przy opracowywaniu ogólnego projektu scalenia, szczególnie przy tworzeniu map tematycznych. Następnie przy przygotowywaniu szacunku porównawczego gruntów, gdzie wykorzystać można analizy GIS w postaci nakładania warstw. Z kolei narzędzie agregacji danych umożliwi takie połączenie działek danej jednostki rejestrowej, aby ułatwić okazywanie projektu uczestnikom scalenia. Oprogramowanie GIS pozwala także na trójwymiarową wizualizację danych, którą można wykorzystać również przy okazywaniu projektu scalenia.
Reviewing stakeholders during the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush, Korea 2022: Qualitative content analysis

Background The issue of crowd crushes has been not only very complicated but also uncertain. This article aimed to evaluate how situations such as the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush in South Korea in 2022 can be better managed to reduce human loss. Methods Qualitative analysis was the key methodology used to compare emergency planning for ordinary events with contingency planning for special events, focusing on four stakeholders, namely governments, businesses, voluntary organizations, and other local communities. Results The key finding was that all stakeholders would need to supplement emergency planning for ordinary events with contingency planning for special events for the nation. They must embody cooperation, cutting-edge technologies, routinized updates, situation awareness, political rationality, training and exercise, and others, based on inclusion. Conclusions This is a pioneer study that examined the Itaewon crowd crush more comprehensively than others in particular by including many disaster management principles.
ĐIỂM DANH BẰNG MẶT NGƯỜI VỚI ĐẶC TRƯNG GIST VÀ MÁY HỌC VÉCTƠ HỖ TRỢ

TÓM TẮT—Trong bài viết này, chúng tôi đề xuất hệ thống điểm danh bằng mặt người với máy học véc-tơ hỗ trợ (Support Vector Machines SVM) sử dụng đặc trưng GIST. Hệ thống điểm danh thực hiện hai bước chính là định vị khuôn mặt trong ảnh thu được từ camera và định danh đối tượng từ ảnh khuôn mặt. Bước định vị khuôn mặt được thực hiện dựa trên các đặc trưng Haar-like kết hợp với mô hình phân tầng (Cascade of Boosted Classifiers CBC). Chúng tôi đề xuất huấn luyện mô hình máy học SVM sử dụng đặc trưng GIST để thực hiện định danh đối tượng từ ảnh khuôn mặt. Kết quả thực nghiệm trên tập dữ liệu gồm 6722 ảnh của 132 đối tượng là những sinh viên Khoa CNTT-TT Trường Đại học Cần Thơ cho thấy máy học SVM sử dụng đặc trưng GIST đạt đến 99.29% độ chính xác trên tập kiểm tra, cao hơn khi so với mô hình mạng nơ-ron tích chập (Convolutional Neural Network CNN), máy học SVM sử dụng mô hình túi từ (Bag-of-Words BoW) của đặc trưng SIFT (Scale-Invariant Feature Transform), Bayes thơ ngây với láng giềng gần nhất (Naïve Bayes Nearest Neighbor NBNN) sử dụng đặc trưng SIFT có độ chính xác lần lượt là 96.88%, 97.54% và 98.88%.
Sensitivity analysis and accuracy assessment of the land transformation model using cellular automata

This study evaluates the effects of cellular automata (CA) with different neighborhood sizes on the predictive performance of the Land Transformation Model (LTM). Landsat images were used to extract urban footprints and the driving forces behind urban growth seen for the metropolitan areas of Tehran and Isfahan in Iran. LTM, which uses a back-propagation neural network, was applied to investigate the relationships between urban growth and the associated drivers, and to create the transition probability map. To simulate urban growth, the following two approaches were implemented: (a) the LTM using a top-down approach for cell allocation grounding on the highest values in the transition probability map and (b) a CA with varying spatial neighborhood sizes. The results show that using the LTM-CA approach increases the accuracy of the simulated land use maps when compared with the use of the LTM top-down approach. In particular, the LTM-CA with a 7 × 7 neighborhood size performed well and improved the accuracy. The level of agreement between simulated and actual urban growth increased from 58% to 61% for Tehran and from 39% to 43% for Isfahan. In conclusion, even though the LTM-CA outperforms the LTM with a top-down approach, more studies have to be carried out within other geographical settings to better evaluate the effect of CA on the allocation phase of the urban growth simulation.
Mental health status and the quality of life of infertile women receiving fertility treatment in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Infertility poses significant physical and psychological challenges for women of reproductive age. In low- and middle-income countries, the prevalence of depression among infertile women is alarmingly high, reaching 44.32%. Additionally, over 50% of infertile women worldwide experience varying degrees of decline in their quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of infertility on the mental health status and quality of life of infertile women in Bangladesh. Between December 2022 and March 2023, 375 infertile women in Dhaka, Bangladesh were selected using simple random sampling for this cross-sectional study. The participants’ mental health status was assessed using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), while their quality of life was evaluated by the Short Form-12 (SF-12) scale. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress were 59.7%, 55.0%, and 48.7%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression showed that infertile homemakers had 2.98 (95% CI: 1.30 to 6.80) times the odds of depression than government service holders. Aborted infertile women had 1.8 (95% CI: 1.10 to 3.26) times the odds of depression. Infertile women who married between 20 and 24 years old were 49% (95% CI: 0.27 to 0.98) less anxious than those who married earlier. Low-income infertile women (<30,000 BDT) were 2.29 (95% CI: 1.02 to 5.14) times more likely to be stressed than those with higher incomes (>60,000 BDT). Multiple linear regression analysis suggests that education and infertility diagnosis status significantly affect the Mental Component Summary (MCS-12) scores of the Short Form-12 (SF-12). In contrast, age, occupation, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were the significant predictors for the Physical Component Summary (PCS-12). Policymakers may use lessons learned from this study to incorporate appropriate counseling techniques, social awareness campaigns, and media involvement to control the added burden of infertility on women’s psychological health and quality of life.
Pulmonary expansion manoeuvres compared to usual care on ventilatory mechanics, oxygenation, length of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay, extubation, atelectasis, and mortality of patients in mechanical ventilation: A randomized clinical trial

Pulmonary expansion manoeuvres are therapeutic techniques used to prevent and reverse atelectasis; however, no randomized controlled trials have provided evidence supporting the use of this intervention among individuals on mechanical ventilation. Objective: To evaluate the effects of chest compression-decompression and chest block manoeuvres compared to usual care among patients on mechanical ventilation. Methods: The current study was a randomized clinical trial of adult subjects on mechanical ventilation for 12 to 48 hours. The control group received usual care (passive or active mobilization, manoeuvres for airway clearance and tracheal aspiration). The intervention group received usual care plus two lung expansion manoeuvres, i.e., chest decompression and chest block, while remaining on mechanical ventilation. Assessments were performed before and after usual care, immediately after the intervention and 30 minutes after the intervention. The primary outcome was static compliance. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of atelectasis, dynamic compliance, airway resistance, driving pressure, oxygenation, duration of mechanical ventilation, extubation success, length of hospital and ICU stay, and mortality. Results: Fifty-one participants (67±15 years old, 53% men, 26 in the control group and 25 in the intervention group) were evaluated. No differences in static compliance were observed between groups (intervention minus control) before and after expansion manoeuvres [3.64 ml/cmH2O (95% CI: -0.36–7.65, p = 0.074)]. Peripheral oxygen saturation differed between groups before and after expansion manoeuvres, with more favourable outcome observed in the control group [-1.04% (95% CI: -1.94 –-0.14), p = 0.027]. No differences were found in other outcomes. Conclusion: Chest compression-decompression and chest block manoeuvres did not improve ventilatory mechanics, the incidence of atelectasis, oxygenation, the duration of mechanical ventilation, the length of stay in the ICU and hospital, or mortality in individuals on mechanical ventilation. The findings of this study can be valuable for guiding evidence-based clinical practice and developing a therapeutic approach that provides real benefits for this population.